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Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2020-03-15
Bulletin Contents
The Week's Upcoming Events
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News
Parish News & Events
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Annunciation Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (716) 882-9485
  • Fax:
  • (716) 886-9151
  • Street Address:

  • 146 W. Utica St.

  • Buffalo, NY 14222

Contact Information

Presiding Priest Rev. Dr. Christos B. Christakis

frchristos@yahoo.com | cell: 716-319-0099

Church Office


office.hoca@gmail.com | 716-882-9485

Services Schedule

Sundays: Orthros (Matins): 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy: 10:00 am
Sunday School: Begins following Holy Communion
Weekdays: Orthros (Matins): 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy: 10:00 am

For information on our services please contact the Church office at (716) 882-9485 between the hours of 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Past Bulletins


The Week's Upcoming Events

  • Upcoming Events and Services

    March 15 to March 29, 2020

    Sunday, March 15

    40 Day Memorial for Ethelea M. Wardner

    9:00AM Matins

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    5:00PM Lenten Vespers - St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church, 177 Weber Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218

    Wednesday, March 18

    6:00PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy - at the Chapel at FLC followed by Lenten Pot-Luck Meal, Lenten Reflection & Book Discussion

    Friday, March 20

    7:00PM 3rd Salutation to the Theotokos

    Saturday, March 21

    4:00PM Baptism for the daughter of Foti & Andrea Koutsandreas

    Sunday, March 22

    9:00AM Matins

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    5:00PM Lenten Vespers - St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1073 Saunders Settlement Road, Lewiston, NY 14305

    Tuesday, March 24

    6:00PM Annunciation Vespers - followed by Lenten Reception - Rochester

    Wednesday, March 25

    Greek Independence Day

    9:00AM Matins

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy: Feast of the Annunciation

    6:00PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy - at the Chapel at FLC followed by Lenten Pot-Luck Meal, Lenten Reflection & Book Discussion

    Friday, March 27

    7:00PM 4th Salutation to the Theotokos

    Saturday, March 28

    GOYA BeeTreat at Syracuse

    10:00AM Orthodox Action Soup Kitchen

    Sunday, March 29

    Greek Independence Day

    1 Year Memorial Pangiota Kouimanis

    40 Day Memorial for Mary Lurier

    9:00AM Matins

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    5:00PM Lenten Vespers - St. George OCA Orthodox Church, 2 Nottingham Terrace, Buffalo, NY 14216

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Saints and Feasts

02_palamas2
March 15

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

Allsaint
March 15

Agapius the Martyr & His Companions

The holy Martyrs contested for piety's sake during the reign of Diocletian (284-305), when Urban was Governor of Caesarea of Palestine. When Urban had commanded that together with a heathen festival, certain condemned Christians be publicly cast to wild beasts, Timolaus, a native of Pontus, Dionysius of Tripolis in Phoenicia, Romulus of Diospolis, Plesius (or Paisius) and Alexander from Egypt, and another Alexander from Gaza, tied their own hands and presented themselves to Urban when the exhibition was about to begin, professing their faith in Christ; they were immediately cast into prison. A few days later Agapios and Dionysius also presented themselves. All were beheaded together at Caesarea. Their martyrdom is recorded by Eusebius (Eccl. Hist.,Book VIII, ch.3, called The Martyrs of Palestine).

Allsaint
March 15

Holy Apostle Aristobulos of the Seventy, Bishop of Britain

Saint Aristobulos, the brother of Saint Barnabas, was ordained to be bishop in Britain by the Apostle Paul, who mentions him in his epistle to the Romans (16:10). He suffered many afflictions at the hands of the pagans, but also brought many to Christ. Having established the Church there, he finally reposed in peace.

Allsaint
March 16

Sabine the Martyr of Egypt

The holy Martyr Sabine was from Hermopolis in Egypt, and was known for his zeal and piety. During the persecution of Diocletian, he concealed himself with other Christians in a small dwelling outside the city. But when he was discovered, and professed his faith in Christ, he was taken before Arian the Governor, and after he had been tortured he was drowned in the river. Concerning Arian the Governor, See also December 14.

Allsaint
March 16

3rd Monday of Lent

Christodulos
March 16

Christodulus the Wonderworker of Patmos

Saint Christodulus, who was from the region of Nicaea of Bithynia, was the son of Theodore and Anna, and was given the name John. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth and was renamed Christodulus ("slave of Christ" in Greek). At first, he lived the ascetical life in various places, then he received permission and monetary aid from the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus (reigned 1081-1118), and built on the island of Patmos a church and monastery named in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. These buildings stand to this day. However, when the Arabs attacked that place, he fled with his disciples and went to Euboia (Euripus), where also he completed the course of his life about the end of the eleventh century on the 16th of March. The disciples of this righteous man took his sacred incorrupt remains and transferred them to his own monastery, where they repose to this day for the sanctification of those who have recourse to them with faith.

Allsaint
March 16

Romanos the Hieromartyr of Parium

Allsaint
March 16

Julian the Martyr

Allsaint
March 16

Aristovoulos, Apostle of the 70

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 2nd Tone

When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You.
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal 4th Tone

Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.
Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ, Ἐκκλησίας τὸ στήριγμα καὶ διδάσκαλε, τῶν μοναστῶν ἡ καλλονὴ, τῶν θεολόγων ὑπέρμαχος ἀπροσμάχητος· Γρηγόριε θαυματουργὲ Θεσσαλονίκης τὸ καύχημα κήρυξ τῆς χάριτος· ἱκέτευε διὰ παντός, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Church Apolytikion in the 1st Tone

Today is the summary of our salvation, and the revelation of the age-old mystery. For the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces the good news of grace. Therefore, let us join him, and cry aloud to the Theotokos: "Rejoice, Maiden full of grace! The Lord is with you."

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Προκείμενον. Plagal 2nd Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 1:10-14, 2:1-3.

Κατʼ ἀρχάς, Κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί· αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις· καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται· σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν. Πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε, Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου; Οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα, εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόμενα διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν; Διὰ τοῦτο δεῖ περισσοτέρως ἡμᾶς προσέχειν τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσιν, μήποτε παραρρυῶμεν. Εἰ γὰρ ὁ διʼ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος ἐγένετο βέβαιος, καὶ πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν, πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας; Ἥτις, ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 2:1-12

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς εἰς Καπερναοὺμ δι᾿ ἡμερῶν καὶ ἠκούσθη ὅτι εἰς οἶκόν ἐστι. καὶ εὐθέως συνήχθησαν πολλοί, ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν· καὶ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον. καὶ ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτὸν παραλυτικὸν φέροντες, αἰρόμενον ὑπὸ τεσσάρων· καὶ μὴ δυνάμενοι προσεγγίσαι αὐτῷ διὰ τὸν ὄχλον, ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην ὅπου ἦν, καὶ ἐξορύξαντες χαλῶσι τὸν κράβαττον, ἐφ᾿ ᾧ ὁ παραλυτικὸς κατέκειτο. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· τέκνον, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου. ἦσαν δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων ἐκεῖ καθήμενοι καὶ διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν· τί οὗτος οὕτω λαλεῖ βλασφημίας; τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός; καὶ εὐθέως ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὕτως αὐτοὶ διαλογίζονται ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ, ἀφέωνταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει; ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀφιέναι ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἁμαρτίας - λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· σοὶ λέγω, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. καὶ ἠγέρθη εὐθέως, καὶ ἄρας τὸν κράβαττον ἐξῆλθεν ἐναντίον πάντων, ὥστε ἐξίστασθαι πάντας καὶ δοξάζειν τὸν Θεὸν λέγοντας ὅτι οὐδέποτε οὕτως εἴδομεν.

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to Host First-Ever Spanish Outreach Conference in the United States

03/10/2020

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will host its first-ever conference for the organization of outreach ministry to Spanish-speaking persons with a conference at Saint Photios National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida, this April 28-30.
https://www.goarch.org/-/spanish-outreach-conference-april-2020

Sunday of Orthodoxy Celebrating Orthodox Unity and Diversity

03/10/2020

On March 8, 2020, eleven Orthodox hierarchs from various canonical jurisdictions concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on the first Sunday of Lent, also known as the “Sunday of Orthodoxy,” at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, in New York City.
https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-of-orthodoxy-celebrating-orthodox-unity-and-diversity

Archbishop Elpidophoros Announces the Creation of a New Vicariate in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

03/09/2020

On Monday, March 9, 2020, following approval of the Mother Church of Constantinople last November after the request of the Holy Eparchial Synod, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, announced the creation of the Vicariate for the Orthodox Christian Communities of Slavic Tradition
https://www.goarch.org/-/2020-03-09-vicariate-of-slavic-churches
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Parish News & Events

Adult Choir

Join us in singing the famous Lenten Hymn today (O Champion Leader – Ti Ipermacho). It can be found in the Green Hymnal on pages 112-113.

For your reference: at the Small Entrance, the Resurrectional Apolytikion sung first today by the chanters and then by the choir is Angelike Dhinamis/Angelic Powers. The hymn can be found in the Green Hymnal on pages 100/Greek and 101/English.

Last, don’t forget that we would love to add you as a new member of Annunciation’s music ministry! Teens and elementary school students from third grade on are especially welcome to come over to the choir area to sing with the Adult Choir. If you or your kids are interested, please feel free to talk with Vicki Pappas (pappas@indiana.edu) or any other choir member duriong Coffee Hour.

 

 


Youth Choir

Youth Sundays 2019-2020

04/12/20

05/10/20


AHEPA

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) with global headquarters in Washington, DC was founded on July 26, 1922 in Atlanta, GA for the purpose of assisting immigrants of Greek descent to achieve American citizen­ship, fluency in the English language, and to facilitate their assimilation into the American community. From humble roots, the Order of AHEPA has grown to become a respected, world-wide organization whose mission is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence. AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

 

Join the longest standing Hellenic-American organization!

We are an organization that focuses on promoting awareness of Hellenic issues, supporting our fellow members, and sponsoring charitable causes at every opportunity and pleased to announce the reactivation of William McKinley AHEPA Chapter 91 on Saturday, April 25 at 4 pm. Our historic chapter was established on January 15, 1926. We will be joined by District 6 Governor Lou Katsos, Supreme Governor Tom Dushas, Director of Membership Argyris Argitakos, and Syracuse 37 President and Director of Veterans Mike Labatos.  

 

All those interested in joining and becoming a member please contact Steve Eoannou at (716) 432-3071 or seoannou@hotmail.com. Please complete the application and mail it with a dues check of $65 payable to AHEPA District 6 to Steve Eoannou, 676 Lafayette Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222.

To purchase tickets for 3/21 please follow the link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ahepa-25-commemorating-75th-anniversary-of-the-presentation-of-fdr-statue-tickets-93683504885


BECOME AN ACTIVE STEWARD IN 2020

We encourage you to share your time, talents, and treasure as an active steward of our Church. Please take the time to think about the gifts that God has given you and your family -- the most precious being time, and life itself. Remember that returning your Stewardship pledge card is a great help to the Church in planning for the coming year. Your monetary donation can be spread out over the year on a schedule that you decide. And you do not need to include an initial donation with the pledge card -- the card itself is a welcome sign of your commitment.


Book Discussion

The book selection for Lent this year is The Arena, a spiritual classic that is sure to enrich the Lenten journey. Join us each Wednesday during Lent after the 6:00 P.M. Liturgy of Presantified gifts for a Lenten pot-luck dinner at the Family Life Center (7:00 P.M.). Following dinner, Father Christos will lead a discussion of a few chapters of The Arena. We will be meeting March 18, March 25, and April 1. The book is available in the church bookstore and library. Copies of The Arena are available in the the church bookstore and library.  For more  information, visit: www.hocalibrary.blogspot.com. 


FOUNDERS OF THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER-50 for 5000

We thank the 48 parishioners who have donated $5000 and become the founders of the Family Life Center. The Capital Campaign Committee would like to conclude this opportunity as soon as possible. There are 2 spots left!!


Greek School

Greek School is held every Saturday at the 10:30AM at the FLC

5992 Genesee Street 

Lancaster , NY 14086


Greeters

We welcome any visitors present today. We encourage all visitors to stay after the Divine Liturgy for Coffee Hour in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to ask today’s Greeter at the entrance of the church or our Parish Priest, Fr. Christos. 


Library

Stop in the library to peruse our table of books for Lent: cookbooks, devotionals, commentaries, and St. John the Ladders adaptation by Father John Mack, Ascending the Heights (we have many copies). Reading is a great way to prepare and observe Great Lent.

 


MEMORIAL

Today’s Coffee Hour & Bulletin is sponsored in loving memory of Ethelea M. Wardner from her beloved family. May her memory be eternal.


Philoptochos

03/15/2020

RESCHEDULED BOARD MEETING TUESDAY MARCH 17; 6:30 PM @ F.L.C.

TSOUREKI ORDERS  Anyone who would like to order Tsoureki for Easter should place their order now! We will be getting in 60 loaves, and these will go fast, so please order ASAP. These will be 1.25 lb. braided loaves, and the price is $15 each. These are coming from Holy Protection Monastery, so you know they will be excellent. Please help support the Monastery, and Philoptochos as well.

ANNUNCIATION VESPERS IN ROCHESTER   This year, our sister Annunciation parish in Rochester is hosting the Annunciation Vespers on March 24. As usual, there will be bus transportation provided, from the Home Depot on Transit Road to the Church and back. Depart time is 4:15, and the return time is between 10:00 and 10:30, depending on weather conditions. Cost is $15 per person, and reservations are required. Please sign up and make payment at the Philoptochos table in the Demakos Center after Liturgy, or mail your reservation to Church, marked "March 24 Vespers".

Pot-Luck Dinner  Every Wednesday we have a Pot-Luck dinner after the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and before the book discussion. If you plan to attend, please bring a dish to share. Remember that anything you bring MUST follow strict fasting guidelines (No meat, fish, or dairy). Any questions, speak to Michele Hiczewski or Marge Manos.

 

 


PROSFORO

We thank Maria Papafagos & Chris Liolios on Sunday for their offering of Prosforo for Divine Liturgy.


Sweepstakes 2020

Tickets are available for purchase. Please contact the Chairwoman Nina Krestos at (716) 839-5540 or Co-Chairman Tracy Krestos (716) 923-3726. 


Stewardship as a response to God's gifts to you

In November, our Church office mailed out information for our Stewardship 2020 campaign, which included a pledge card for the coming year. Now that we are in the gift-giving season, perhaps you could take a moment to think about the gifts that God has given you and your family -- the most precious being time, and life itself. Remember that returning your pledge card is a great help to the Church in planning for the coming year. And you do not need to include an initial monetary donation with the pledge card -- the card itself is welcome!

Volunteers Needed

The Stewardship and Outreach Committee will be instituting our Greeters Program starting the first Sunday in February. We’ve been pleased with the number of parishioners who have volunteered, but there’s still room for you to be a Greeter, too! Greeters will be assigned about one Sunday every two months to welcome those entering the Narthex, provide them with a Bulletin, invite newcomers and visitors to sign the Guest Book, and provide whatever guidance is necessary. In addition, Greeters will “shepherd” newcomers and visitors during the Coffee Hour, speaking with them, introducing them to others, and/or otherwise making them feel welcome. If you’re interested, please see Program Coordinator Pat Papafagos (134pap@gmail.com or call 716-634-0908), or contact Father Christos, Teddy Annas (T787@verizon.net), or Vicki Pappas (pappas@indiana.edu).


UPDATING OUR CHURCH’S PHOTO DIRECTORY

Parish family, the Stewardship and Outreach Committee would like to update our Church’s photo directory. We want to get new pictures of as many of our Church family as possible. But instead of scheduling appointments with a professional photographer, we would like to take the pictures ourselves, during Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy, or at other Church events. And you can submit your own pictures as well, at your convenience. We hope to have a finished photo directory in the late fall of this year. At Coffee Hour after each Sunday’s Liturgy, simply ask one of our three photographers to take your picture — Nick Malamas, Angeline Pappas, or John Melithoniotes. It can be an individual portrait, a couple, or a family portrait, however you wish. Be sure we get your names correctly. If you would like to submit your own individual or family photos, send them by email to John Melithoniotes at jmelithoniotes@gmail.com. You can also give printed current photos to John as well, or mail them in an envelope to the Church office.


Electronic Option for Stewardship & Capital Campaign is here!

We are pleased to announce the introduction of an electronic option for making regular offerings. Contributions can now be debited automatically from your checking or savings account or processed using your credit or debit card. Our new electronic giving program offers convenience for you and provides much-needed donation consistency for our parish.

Your online gift is completely secure through the external monitoring and protection of Vanco Payment Solutions. Also, as with all offerings given through traditional means, your online gift is kept completely confidential.

Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Simply follow these easy steps:

1) Visit the church website at www.greekorthodoxchurchbuffalo.org
2) Click on the “Support our Ministries” button which is located on the right side of the homepage
3) Click on the Create Profile button, then
4) Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and to schedule your recurring contributions for items such as stewardship and the Capital Campaign.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate in contacting the Church Office.


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