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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA
Publish Date: 2014-10-12
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Allsaint
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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (215) 635-0316
  • Fax:
  • (215) 635-8301
  • Street Address:

  • 7921 Old York Road

  • Elkins Park, PA 19027


Contact Information




Services Schedule

We meet for divine worship every Sunday morning starting with Orthros (Matins) 8:30, Divine Liturgy 9:30-11AM, followed by a fellowship hour in our community center. All are ivited!

Please see Community Calendar for a complete listing of all weekday feastdays and worship services.


Past Bulletins


Welcome to Our Church

“Proclaim the Gospel, sanctify the faithful, grow the church, live the faith, and serve humanity”

OUR MISSION is to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, sanctify the faithful through worship and the Holy Sacraments, live the Orthodox Christian Faith, grow the church by inviting and receiving new members, and serve humanity through Christ-centered ministries.

OUR VISION is to be a loving, caring, and welcoming community, the light of Jesus Christ to the whole world,  “a city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14), where all belong and grow in the Orthodox Christian Faith through worship, witness, fellowship  and service to others.

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This Week at Annunciation / H Εβδομάδα στον Ευαγγελισμό

II SUNDAY of LUKE, 29. Kyriakos the Hermit of Palestine; Martyr Petronius; Theophanes the Merciful of Gaza; Dionysios I, Patriarch of Constantinople.

  • 9-11:30am     Matins & Divine Liturgy.
  • Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls of our brethren: Anthoula Frangos (3-years), Chrysanthos Georgiou (15-years), and Maria Georgiou (21-years). The congregation is invited to join in prayer with the families of the departed.
  • 40-day mother & child blessing: Georgiou family.
  • Kalosorisma/Fellowship hour hosted by Philoptochos.
  • 2:30pm Wedding: Marianthi Nikolopoulos to Nikolaos Papanikolaou.

MONDAY 30.

  • 7pm Cantors & Readers class.

TUESDAY 1.

  • 4:30pm Greek School classes.
  • 7pm Start of adult Greek language classes.
  • 7:30pm Philoptochos Board meeting.

THURSDAY 3.

  • 6:30 Philoptochos Annual Tea and general meeting.
  • 8pm Homeless ministry, 18th & Vine.

FRIDAY 4.

  • 4:30pm Greek School classes.
  • 6:30pm JOY dance practice.

SATURDAY 5.

  • 7pm Great Vespers at the celebrating  St. Thomas Church, Cherry Hill.

III SUNDAY of LUKE, OCTOBER 6. The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas; Eroteis the Martyr of Cappadocia; Makarios the Righteous of Chios.

  • 9-11:30am Matins & Divine Liturgy.
  • ŸChrismation of Christine Thompson.
  • ŸMemorial, Richard Neumeister (1-year).
  • Kalosorisma/Fellowship hour hosted by GOYA.
  • First GOYA meeting for the 2013-2014 year.
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Weekend Update at Annuncation

4th Sunday of Luke,  October 12, 2014

On October 12 we commemorate the holy Martyrs Provos, Tarachos, and Andronikos; the holy victorious Martyr Domnina; the holy Martyr Anastasia the Virgin; the holy seventy Martyrs who died by the sword; Saint Theodotos, who died in peace; the holy Martyrs Malphetha, Anthia; and the Martyrs Juventinus, Maximus, Andromachos, and Diodoros, who died by the sword and by fire; saint Jason, who died in peace. On this day we observe the memory the holy and blessed Fathers who convened in Nicea for a second time, under the Orthodox and Christ-loving emperors Constantine and Irene, against those who in an impious, uneducated, and thoughtless manner said that the Church of God practiced idolatry and who had taken down the august and holy icons. By the intercessions of the holy Fathers, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

  • 8:30-11a…ORTHROS & D. LITURGY. 
  • Sunday Catechism school classes follow holy communion.
  • MEMORIAL prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls of our brethren: Panagiota Henderson (1-year), Konstantinos Verros (5-years), Irene Avgiris (3-years) and Konstantinos Avgiris (10-years).

The congregation is invited to join in prayer with the families of the departed.

  • Kalosorisma/Fellowship Hour is hosted by the Parish Council.

Tuesday 14

  • 5pm…Greek school classes.
  • 7:30pm…Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley meeting (here). Open to all. Please see Niko Spiliotis if you would like to participate.

     

Wednesday 15

  • 7pm…Bible study on the books of Thessalonians I & II at the church. All are invited.
  • 7:30pm…Delaware Valley Youth Commission meeting at St. Anthony, Vineland, NJ.

Thursday 16

  • 6:30pm…Stewardship Committee meeting.
  • 8pm…Feeding of the homeless, 18th & Vine St.

Friday 17

  • 5pm…Greek school classes.
  • 6:45pm…JOY dance practice.

Saturday 18. Luke the Evangelist

  •  8:30am…ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY.
  • 1pm…HOPE & JOY Styers Orchard trip (see insert).

Next Sunday October 19, 2014 

3rd Sunday of Luke.

  • 8:30-11a…ORTHROS & D. LITURGY.
  • ARTOKLASIA offered for health and salvation by the Toulatos family (St. Gerasimos, Oct 20).
  • Sunday Catechism school classes.
  • GOYA hotdog sale.
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
October 12

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.


Allsaint
October 12

Probus, Andronicus, & Tarachus, Martyrs of Tarsus

The holy Martyrs contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 296 or 304. Tarachus was advanced in years, of Roman birth, and had been a soldier; Probus was from Side in Pamphylia, and Andronicus from Ephesus. They were taken together in Cilicia and subjected to manifold exceedingly cruel tenures. Tarachus was beaten on his cheeks and neck with stones, his hands were burned, he was hanged on a post and smoke was put underneath him to choke him; vinegar was forced down his nostrils; after enduring further tortures, he was carved to pieces. Probus was thrashed with whips, his feet were burned with red hot irons, his back and sides were pierced with heated spits; finally he also was cut up with knives, and received the crown of martyrdom. Andronicus suffered similar tortures, and also finished his course being cut to pieces, commending his soul into the hands of God.


Allsaint
October 12

Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours


Symeonnewspious
October 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.


Cosmashymnographer
October 14

Cosmas the Hagiopolite

Saint Cosmas was from the Holy City, Jerusalem, and was a contemporary and peer of Saint John of Damascus (Dec. 4), with whom also he was reared when, because of his orphanhood he was adopted by Sergius, Saint John's father, and with whom he had the same instructor. About the year 743, he was elected Bishop of Maiuma, a coastal city of Palestine, aforetime under the jurisdiction of Gaza, with the name Port Gaza. During the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, it became a separate township and at that time was renamed Constantia, after Constantine, the son of the Emperor (see Sozomen, Eccl. Hist., V:3). Cosmas became an excellent hymnographer, from whence he is called "the Composer and Melodist," Among his many compositions are the Canon of the Cross (Sept. 14) and the Canon for the Nativity of Christ, "Christ is born, give ye glory."


Allsaint
October 15

Lucian the Martyr of Antioch

This Saint was from Samosata, the son of pious parents. He established a catechetical school in Antioch, and taught the correct doctrines of the Faith and made clear the parts of the divine Scriptures that were difficult to understand. He edited the Old Testament translation from the Hebrew tongue, and published it in an excellent edition, free from every heretical corruption and interpolation. He travelled to Nicomedia to strengthen the faithful there in their contests for Christ, and was accused before Maximinus, with whom he conversed openly. When he had made a defence of the Christian Faith, he was condemned to imprisonment where, in 311, he died of hunger and thirst.


04_crucifixion
October 16

Longinus the Centurion

This Martyr was in the service of Pontius Pilate at the time of Christ our Saviour's Passion. While standing guard at the Cross and beholding the earthquake and all that came to pass, he cried out with fear, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection, he forsook the military and departed for Cappadocia, his homeland, where he preached Christ. By the agency of Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar had him arrested and beheaded.


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Divine Liturgies, Prayer Services, and Faith Education

Save the Date I

“Invite a Friend” Welcome Lunch. Sunday September 21 at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.


Save the Date II

Annunciation Church First Annual Golf Tournament
 
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2014
Location: Lulu Country Club, 
1600 Limekiln Pike, Glenside, PA
Time: Noon to 9:30 p.m. 
(Golfing & Awards Dinner)
More details to follow
Chairpersons: Alex Karras and Stephanie Ristvey
 

 

 

Looking Forward to September...

A Paraklesis/ Supplicatory Prayer Service to the Mother of God will be prayed on Wednesday September 10, 11am. Please attend and bring the names of your loved ones to be lifted up in prayer. Fr. John will be available to hear confessions that morning from 9-11am. Please call the parish office to make an appointment.

Fellowship Orthodox Study will be hosted by the Fisfis family at their residence on Wednesday September 10, 7-9pm. And are invited.

GOYA “Friday with Father” will be hosted by the Pithis family at their residence on Friday September 12, 7-9pm. All GOYAns are invited.

Greek language classes for children will start with Agiasmos/Blessing on Tuesday September 16, 5-7pm. Greek School Registration Forms were mailed/emailed to all parents in May. You may also find a Greek School Registration Form on our website. If you haven’t register yet, please do so now so we can make up the classes accordingly

Sunday School classes are scheduled to start on Sunday September 21 following Holy Communion. Youth Registration Forms were mailed/emailed to all parents in May. You may also find a Youth Registration Form on our website. Please register now so we can make up the classes accordingly.

“Invite a Friend” welcome lunch will be hosted by the parish Council on Sunday September 21, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. We are all asked to invite at least one unchurched family/friend and enjoy the meal and fellowship.

Our fall Council of Ministries gathering will take place on Tuesday September 23, 6:30pm. Al ministry leaders are invited and expected to attend.

Bible Study will be held on Wednesday September 24, 7-9pm at church. Fr. John will be available to hear confessions that afternoon from 4:30-6:30pm. Please call the parish office to make an appointment.

Our first annual Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014, from noon to 9:30pm, at the Lulu Country Club, 1600 Limekiln Pike, Glenside, PA. Chairpersons: Alex Karras and Stephanie Ristvey. Please check your post mail for participation information.

 


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, * and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. * You rose on the third day, O Lord * and Savior, granting life unto the world. * For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You, O Life-giver: * Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; * glory to Your eternal rule; * glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind.
Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them didst guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory be to Thee.
Ὑπερδεδοξασμένος εἶ, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ φωστῆρας ἐπὶ γῆς τοὺς Πατέρας ἡμῶν θεμελιώσας, καὶ δι' αὐτῶν πρὸς τὴν ἀληθινὴν πίστιν, πάντας ἡμᾶς ὁδηγήσας· πολυεύσπλαγχνε, δόξα σοι.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

At that time, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Seventh Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20.1-10

Τῇ δὲ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἔρχεται πρωῒ σκοτίας ἔτι οὔσης εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου. τρέχει οὖν καὶ ἔρχεται πρὸς Σίμωνα Πέτρον καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον μαθητὴν ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· ἦραν τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς καὶ ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον. ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ· καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμε τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου καὶ ἦλθε πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια, οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν. ἔρχεται οὖν Σίμων Πέτρος ἀκολουθῶν αὐτῷ, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον καὶ θεωρεῖ τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα, καὶ τὸ σουδάριον, ὃ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ, οὐ μετὰ τῶν ὀθονίων κείμενον, ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον. τότε οὖν εἰσῆλθε καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς ὁ ἐλθὼν πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εἶδε καὶ ἐπίστευσεν· οὐδέπω γὰρ ᾔδεισαν τὴν γραφὴν ὅτι δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι. ἀπῆλθον οὖν πάλιν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς οἱ μαθηταί.


Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15

TITUS, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Πρὸς Τίτον 3:8-15

Πιστὸς ὁ λόγος, καὶ περὶ τούτων βούλομαί σε διαβεβαιοῦσθαι, ἵνα φροντίζωσιν καλῶν ἔργων προΐστασθαι οἱ πεπιστευκότες θεῷ. ταῦτά ἐστιν καλὰ καὶ ὠφέλιμα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις · μωρὰς δὲ ζητήσεις καὶ γενεαλογίας καὶ ἔριν καὶ μάχας νομικὰς περιΐστασο, εἰσὶν γὰρ ἀνωφελεῖς καὶ μάταιοι. αιῥετικὸν ἄνθρωπον μετὰ μίαν καὶ δευτέραν νουθεσίαν παραιτοῦ, εἰδὼς ὅτι ἐξέστραπται ὁ τοιοῦτος καὶ ἁμαρτάνει, ὢν αὐτοκατάκριτος. Ὅταν πέμψω Ἀρτεμᾶν πρὸς σὲ ἢ Τυχικόν, σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν πρός με εἰς Νικόπολιν, ἐκεῖ γὰρ κέκρικα παραχειμάσαι. Ζηνᾶν τὸν νομικὸν καὶ Ἀπολλῶν σπουδαίως πρόπεμψον, ἵνα μηδὲν αὐτοῖς λείπῃ. μανθανέτωσαν δὲ καὶ οἱ ἡμέτεροι καλῶν ἔργων προΐστασθαι εἰς τὰς ἀναγκαίας χρείας, ἵνα μὴ ὦσιν ἄκαρποι. Ἀσπάζονταί σε οἱ μετ ᾽ἐμοῦ πάντες. Ἄσπασαι τοὺς φιλοῦντας ἡμᾶς ἐν πίστει. ἡ χάρις μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 8.5-15

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρων τοῦ σπεῖραι τὸν σπόρον αὐτοῦ. καὶ ἐν τῷ σπείρειν αὐτὸν ὃ μὲν ἔπεσε παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν, καὶ κατεπατήθη, καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατέφαγεν αὐτό· καὶ ἕτερον ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν, καὶ φυὲν ἐξηράνθη διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν ἰκμάδα· καὶ ἕτερον ἔπεσεν ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἀκανθῶν, καὶ συμφυεῖσαι αἱ ἄκανθαι ἀπέπνιξαν αὐτό. καὶ ἕτερον ἔπεσεν εἰς τὴν γῆν τὴν ἀγαθήν, καὶ φυὲν ἐποίησε καρπὸν κατονταπλασίονα. ταῦτα λέγων ἐφώνει· ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν ἀκουέτω. ᾿Επηρώτων δὲ αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ λέγοντες· τίς εἴη ἡ παραβολὴ αὕτη; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· ὑμῖν δέδοται γνῶναι τὰ μυστήρια τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ, τοῖς δὲ λοιποῖς ἐν παραβολαῖς, ἵνα βλέποντες μὴ βλέπωσι καὶ ἀκούοντες μὴ συνιῶσιν. ἔστι δὲ αὕτη ἡ παραβολή· ὁ σπόρος ἐστὶν ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ· οἱ δὲ παρὰ τὴν ὁδόν εἰσιν οἱ ἀκούσαντες, εἶτα ἔρχεται ὁ διάβολος καὶ αἴρει τὸν λόγον ἀπὸ τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν, ἵνα μὴ πιστεύσαντες σωθῶσιν. οἱ δὲ ἐπὶ τῆς πέτρας οἳ ὅταν ἀκούσωσι, μετὰ χαρᾶς δέχονται τὸν λόγον, καὶ οὗτοι ῥίζαν οὐκ ἔχουσιν, οἳ πρὸς καιρὸν πιστεύουσι καὶ ἐν καιρῷ πειρασμοῦ ἀφίστανται. τὸ δὲ εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας πεσόν, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ἀκούσαντες, καὶ ὑπὸ μεριμνῶν καὶ πλούτου καὶ ἡδονῶν τοῦ βίου πορευόμενοι συμπνίγονται καὶ οὐ τελεσφοροῦσι. τὸ δὲ ἐν τῇ καλῇ γῇ, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἵτινες ἐν καρδίᾳ καλῇ καὶ ἀγαθῇ ἀκούσαντες τὸν λόγον κατέχουσι καὶ καρποφοροῦσιν ἐν ὑπομονῇ. ταῦτα λέγων ἐφώνει· ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκούειν ἀκουέτω.


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A Christmas Message from Fr. Christos

The Joy of Christmas 2013

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Newborn Child,

In the joy of Christmas, the church calls mystically from the cave of Bethlehem, from the root of our life in the cave of our heart. She is proclaiming to each one of us the birth of God the Word who is one with us in the joy of the feast. Open your eyes inward. Open your ears inward. Listen attentively to what the church is saying: “Come away from the noisome, blinding darkness of tinsel-town Christmas". Raise your minds on high and come in spirit to the church as to the cave of Bethlehem, and with the eyes of your soul look on the Virgin as she hastens to the cave to give birth to our God, the Lord of all!

Let this saving Word of the church sink into your soul; let it penetrate like a sharp two-edged sword into your heart. Dwell in it; live in it; clothe yourself with it. With open eyes and ears and with attentive mind, come to the feast as to the cave of Bethlehem that opens onto heaven. Enter into the joy of the feast as into the cave of Bethlehem and step into the living presence of the Savior. In your heart, live in His presence; live in His Word. Put Him on. Clothe yourself in Him by giving your mind over to prayer, your body and soul over to the ascetic discipline of fasting, not just with the belly but with all our senses, and give your heart over to love our Christ, our God, the greatly Compassionate One, the only Lover of Mankind.

May this feast of Christmas be that moment when we Passover to a new, spiritual manner of living, to make our way in the true joy of Christmas from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, from the cave to the tomb of Pascha, so that our whole life becomes an approach in the fear of God, with faith and love towards the One who offers Himself in every Divine Liturgy, so we can be partakers of divine grace and communicants of life eternal, in that very joy and eternal life of the Savior. Amen!

The joy of the feast be with you always,

Father Christos

 

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A Thanksgiving Message from Fr. Christos

 

A very old tradition of blessing, breaking and sharing bread and giving thanks to the Holy Trinity.
My most dear Sunday Morning Gospel reading is the Fifth Resurrection Gospel, read in sequence on Sundays, taken from the Gospel according to Saint Luke chapter 24. The title reads, “Jesus appears to the disciples on the road to Emmaus". It is a passage that can bring tears to the eyes of the reader and the hearer. It reminds me of the other beautiful account from the book of Genesis where we read, "And God walked with Adam and Eve in Paradise in the evening". It is a rather long piece. After the death and burial of Jesus, the women early in the morning go to the tomb to anoint His body and find the empty tomb and tell that to the Apostles. In their disbelieve, Simon Peter and John run to the tomb and they are astonished for they find it as the women had told them.
The two disciples who were traveling to the village called Emmaus were very sad that their Lord had died. One of them was Cleopas, whom tradition identifies as the brother of Joseph, and thus Jesus' uncle, and the unnamed follower who according to tradition is the Evangelist, Luke himself. The Lord appears to them in a veiled way. He shows tender concern for the feelings of the two men. These disciples are surprised that anyone could have been in Jerusalem for the Passover and not be aware of the tragic events of the passion of Christ. In their conversation with the Lord, they show their weak faith and He censures them for that. He explains the Law of Moses, the Prophets of the Old Testament, and the Psalms which were fulfilled through His passion, crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus is trying to tell them, “Why are you so sad and confused; I am the risen Lord". They do not understand even then, but they liked His teachings and admonitions. So as they draw near to the village they were going, He indicated that He would have gone further. They constrained Him saying, “Stay with us for it is toward evening and the day is far spent". And He went in to stay with them. In the next verse, the core of our existence, our purpose of life, for coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving Day is unfolded. Listen carefully. Now it came to pass as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed it and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they knew Him and He vanished from their sight. (It is finished. The Divine Liturgy was completed. Let us depart in peace). And they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together saying; “The Lord is risen indeed and has appeared to Simon". And they told about the things that had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread. And here my friends is where the other Christian traditions differ from our Orthodox Tradition. Many explain the words of the disciples, “He was known to us", and support them by their exclamation, “did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road and while He opened the Scriptures to us". We, the Orthodox, without diminishing the importance of the Word of God, explain and support their statement, "He was known to us by the breaking of the bread". The Holy Eucharist identifies, unites us, with the risen Lord. We know the risen Lord when we sit at His table, commune with Him, and receive from His own holy and blameless hands, His Body and Blood. It is no accident then but divine providence that the Pilgrims and the native Indians thanked God with joy in their lips, hearts, and minds while sharing bread and other gifts of God. It is no accident. They could have gone and set fires and dance and become drunk but they did not. Their insides, their hearts, Christian and non-Christian, were burning with the God given desire that in order to thank God properly they ought to come together (Ecclesia) and break and share bread. Now perhaps it can be understood why we Orthodox use the term Holy Eucharist and Holy Communion interchangeably. And also now it should be understood why a holiday like Thanksgiving Day celebration can be incorporated into our Orthodox calendar without destroying our Holy Tradition being careful what we eat and what we drink. And at the same token it should be easily understood why other 'celebrations' which we Orthodox have found in America and unfortunately, some celebrate with vigor, cannot be incorporated into our Christian life. Ex: Halloween. The Pilgrims and the Indians, brought together by the grace of the Holy Spirit, set for the next generations a feast worth of its name and character. "Giving  thanks to God always for everything”.  Let us honor the Holy Trinity, the giver of all blessings by celebrating Thanksgiving Day with moderate drinking and eating, without waste, with prayer and hymns and never forget the poor and the disadvantaged; for truly to thank God is to give to the least of His brethren.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day with your families in love and unity.

Father Christos

 

 

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For by seed here He means His doctrine, and by land, the souls of men, and by the sower, Himself .... For as the sower makes no distinction in the land submitted to him, but simply and indifferently casts his seed; so He Himself too makes no distinction of rich and poor, of wise and unwise, of slothful or diligent, of brave or cowardly; but He discourses unto all, fulfilling His part, although foreknowing the results.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 44 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

Since there are certain people who find great fault with us for adoring and honoring both the image of the Savior and that of our Lady, as well as those of the rest of the saints and servants of Christ, let them hear how from the beginning God made man to His own image. For what reason, then, do we adore one another, except because we have been made to the image of God? As the inspired Basil, who is deeply learned in theology, says: "the honor paid to the image conveys to the original.," and the original is the thing imaged from which the copy is made.
St. John of Damascus
The Orthodox Faith, 4.16. Catholic University of America Press in Washington D.C. Translated by Frederic H. Chase, Jr. volume 37, page 370., 8th Century

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Parish News and Events

Divine Liturgies Schedule

Sunday & weekday divine liturgies schedule will remain consistent  year-round. That is Orthros (Matins) will start at 8:30am, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30am. Catechetical Sunday school classes will start right after holy communion, and continue into the Fellowship Hour for 45’.

Come to Bible Study!

Weekly Bible class started on Wednesday September 17, 7-9pm. This will be an eight-week class and we will be studying the two Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians. All are invited!


Fellowship & Orthodox Spirituality

Our October Fellowship & Orthodox Spirituality gathering will take place Wednesday October 8.


A Paraklesis/ Supplicatory Prayer to the Mother of God

A Paraklesis/ Supplicatory prayer service to the Mother of God will be prayed on the second Friday of the month at 11am, and on the fourth Friday of the month at 6:30pm. Please attend and bring the names of your loved ones to be lifted up in prayer for health and salvation.


Holy Confession Offered

Fr. John is available to hear confession prior to each Paraklesis, on the second Friday from 9-11am, and on the fourth Friday from 4:30-6:30pm. Please call ahead for an appointment.


General Assembly

The Fall General Assembly of our parishioners will take place on Sunday November 9 at the conclusion of the D. Liturgy. Please check your post mail for the official invitation.


Fifth Annual Metropolitan Evangelos Ambassador Awards Banquet

We are  delighted to announce to you that the Fifth Annual Metropolitan Evangelos Ambassador Awards Program, sponsored by the Delaware Valley region Youth Commission of the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey, will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2014, 3:30pm, at Merion Caterers, Cinnaminson, NJ.

The Holy Metropolis of New Jersey sponsors youth ministry for teens under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA). GOYA programming is defined by the four basic components of Orthodox life: Worship, Service, Witness and Fellowship. The Metropolitan Evangelos Ambassador Awards Program is established as a means for the church to recognize young men and women residing in the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey who significantly personify the attributes of these components.

All parishes, including Annunciation, will be offering four young parishioners, who will be honored and recognized at the October 26 banquet. In addition to the youth, a Philoptochos member, a Parish at large member, a Sunday School teacher, and a Greek School teacher will be honored by Metropolitan Evangelos.

This year's honorees are:

YOUTH

Catherine McNally, Ambassador of Love.

Jacqueline Gouris, Ambassador of Peace.

Lazaros Mackrides, Ambassador of Faith.

Costa Spiliotis,  Ambassador of Hope.

ADULTS

Gus Konugres, Parish At Large Honoree.

Agnes Louridas, Philoptochos Honoree.

Jane Papacostas, Catechism School Honoree.

Maria Sandilos, Greek School Honoree.

In appreciation for the tremendous support priests wives give to their husbands, this year His Eminence will be recognizing the Presvyteres also. From Annunciation, he will be recognizing Presvytera Evangelia Johns, and Presvytera Elizabeth Limberakis.

Invitations to the banquet have been mailed to all. Please contact the parish office if you need additional invitations.

Congratulations to all of our recipients!


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A Message from Fr. John

The Blessing of Homes, Theophany 2014

The tradition of blessing homes during the Theophany/Epiphany season is of special beauty and significance. It is not simply a sentimental tradition without meaning, nor is it a custom whose meaning we have forgotten like an old friend whose face we remember, but whose impact on our life has been forgotten. When an Orthodox Christian believer moves into a new home or starts a new business, he dedicates his new home as the abode of a follower of Christ and his business also as a place of earning his living with God's help as to support his family and those who are in need. He asks that God, the source of all goodness and the giver of every perfect gift, to bless his house and all that is in it; he recalls that Jesus Christ, His Son, came to bring salvation to all and everything, as He brought salvation to the house of Zaccheus; he prays that the Holy Spirit may abide in it, guiding those who dwell in it in the paths of righteousness.

On the Feast of Theophany we rededicate our home for its original purpose, just as we must periodically rededicate our life to Christ. We do it especially on this Feast because this is the day on which we remember in the church year the coming of Christ who began His earthly ministry when He descended into the Jordan river to be baptized by Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist. He enters again into our lives reminding us that we must  "repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand".

An Orthodox Christian must dedicate not only himself and his house to the Lord, but his daily work and all his efforts as well. All things are to be done for the glory of God. That is why in the Orthodox Church not only religious items, such as icons, crosses, temples, and vestments are blessed, but also homes, fields, livestock, places of work, and all objects which are used in our daily life for the good of mankind. In this the church expresses her faith that the Holy Spirit's sanctifying action extends over the whole creation.

During this Theophany season of 2014, I ask of you, my good parishioners, to re-kindle the spirit of this Holy Orthodox Tradition by inviting the Holy Trinity in your home in the person of the priest, to bless your dwelling or place of work.  Please note that this new year 2014 there will not be specific dates of visitations for certain towns as it was done in the past. House blessings will be done by appointment. Therefore, please let us know as soon as you can if you would like your home to be blessed with the waters of Theophany. Call the church office with your request, leave your name and the best telephone number to call you back in order to arrange a convenient appointment for the visit.

Thank you and may the blessing of the Holy Trinity be with all of you,

Father Christos

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Graduation Sunday

Graduation Sunday Today

Another productive school year has joyfully come to an end, and we are pleased today to award promotion certificates, graduation diplomas and awards to students who have attended the Annunciation Catechism School and Greek Language School programs. Students may sit with their families for the Divine Liturgy.

Following the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy:

Greek School Students will be called to receive their promotion certificates and awards form Fr. John, assisted by their teachers: Maria Sandilos (Level I), George Dalagelis (Levels II, III & IV), and Dimitra Afthinou-Spilioti (levels V, VI).  The following awards will be given this year: 1) Calligraphy Award, 2) Outstanding Effort Award, 3) Philomatheia (love of learning) Award, 4) Honorable Distinction Award, 5) Scholastic Leadership Award, 6) Superior Achievement Award, and 7) Three Hierarchs Award of Excellence. 

Catechism School Students will be called to receive their promotion certificates and diplomas from Fr. John and Catechism School Director Mary O’Hara, assisted by their teachers: Athena Douris, Maria McNally (pre-K), Anna Dalson (1st Grade), Susan Gouris (2nd-4th), Zaffie Zoubroulis (5th Grade), Jane Papacostas (6th Grade), Gregory Mariani (7th-8th Grades), and Anthony Mariani (9th-12th Grades).

To conclude, we will honor the Annunciation Parish Class of 2014 High School, College and Graduate School graduates.

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH CLASS OF ‘14 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

1. George Spiro Armentani, son of Denise and Richard Armentani, graduated Summa Cum Laude form Holy Ghost Preparatory School. He will be attending Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, Pennoni Honors Program. George has been recognized with many awards from Holy Ghost Prep for his dedication to scholastic achievements, athletics, and service to others.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri M Music Honor Society, and the Foreign Language Honor Society.  George has also been recognized as a Distinguished Scholar to represent his school at the Academic Honors Convocation at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul.  He has also been awarded several scholarships from Drexel University, and named an A.J. Drexel Scholar.

2. Katherine Bennett, daughter of Anna and Greg Bennett, graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School. Katherine will be attending Penn State University, majoring in Accounting.

3. Dennis George Koulouris, son of Christina and Spero Koulouris, graduated from Council Rock High School. George has an interest in studying behavioral science. He played basketball for Council Rock for 6 years, baseball for 2 years and track for 1 year.

4. Veron Koukaras, son of Kostadina and Dionysios Koukaras, graduated from Upper Moreland High School. He will be attending Montgomery County Community College, majoring in Business and Criminology.

5. Lazaros Mackrides, son of Faye and Bill Mackrides, graduated from Abington Senior High School. Lazaros will be attending Cabrini College. He will also play basketball for Cabrini.

6. Alexandra (Lexi) Elizabeth Trivelis, daughter of Lisa and Jim Trivelis, graduated from Council Rock High School South . Lexi will be attending Penn State University, majoring in Elementary Education. Lexi played the violin in the Council Rock Symphonic Orchestra, and she is a member of the National English and Music Honor Societies.

7. Michael Matthew Trivelis, son of Renee and Michael Trivelis, graduated from Council Rock High School South. Michael will be attending West Chester University.

8. Kristen Vaganos, daughter of Tina and Steve Vaganos, graduated from Germantown Academy. Kristen will be attending New York University.

9. George William Wrigley, son of Alexandra and Richard Wrigley, graduated from William Tenant High School. George will be attending Penn State University, majoring on Business and Engineering. George participated in 4 years of varsity tennis, was a member of student government, a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and represented WTHS at the state competitions in Hershey, and was chosen as the business student of the month for June.

10. Chris Zoubroulis, son of Zaffie and Theodore Zoubroulis, graduated from Council Rock High School South. Chris will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology.

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH CLASS OF ’14 COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

1. Dawn Artemis Armentani, daughter of Denise and Richard Armentani, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the LeBrow College of Business of Drexel University with a BS/BA in Finance and Marketing, Greek Studies and Communications minors. Dawn is currently contemplating career opportunities with the Federal Reserve Board as an analyst and with Aramark where she completed her co-op as a Program Management Specialist. Dawn was recognized with the highest distinction of honors from the Pennoni Honors Program. She has received numerous awards including Outstanding Student Award, and Dean’s Student Advisory Board Senior Award.  She is also a member of the international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. 

2. George Fisfis, son of Stella and Apostolos Fisfis, graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a double major in Finance and Food Marketing. George was awarded a scholarship for Most Outstanding Orientation Leader for 2011-2013, and went on two humanitarian service trips.

3. Maria Karidas, daughter of Patra and Nikos Karidas, graduated with honors from Gwynedd Mercy University with a BA in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Maria was named Conference Player of the year, Senior Scholar Athlete of the year and was an Academic All-American for 4 years. Maria will be teaching at Council Rock High School South, and also coach field hockey.

4. Gregory Mariani, son of Ana Benavides and Evangelos Mariani, graduated from Rider University with a BA in Management and Entrepreneurship.

5. Panayiotis (Peter) James O’Hara, son of Mary and Dennis O’Hara, graduated from Delaware Valley College with an MBA.

6. Elena Nicole Economopoulos, daughter of Beverly and Nicholas Economopoulos, graduated from Parsons School of Design with a MA in Fashion Studies.

To all the graduates, we express our heartfelt best wishes and we congratulate each one of you for your noble achievements. May God bless each one of you with the gifts of His love and may He guide you to every good work in serving and helping your fellowmen that His Holy Name be glorified.

To celebrate this day and the accomplishments of our students, please join us in the Cultural Center immediately following dismissal for ice cream, offered by the Parents & Teachers Organization.

All are invited!

 

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Holy Protection - OXI Day, October 28, 1940 Commemoration

Γιορτή της Αγίας Σκέπης και Ημέρας του ΟΧΙ, 28η Οκτωβρίου, 1940
A Celebration of the Feast of Holy Protection & OXI Day, October 28, 1940
· Ευχαριστήρια Δοξολογία. A Doxology of Thanksgiving.
· Προσευχή από τους μαθητές και μαθήτριες των Επιπέδων  3 & 4.
A prayer from the students of Levels 3 & 4. Λευτέρης Νικολαΐδης, Ανδρέας Νικολαΐδης, Λευτέρης Ντάλσον, Αλλυ ΜακΝάλλυ, Μαρία Σιδέρη, Ορφέας Τριαντάφυλλος, Αχιλλέας Τριαντάφυλλος, Νίκος Τσιν.
· Απόσπασμα από το ποίημα «Ἁξιον Εστί» του Οδυσσέα Ελύτη, «Πορεία προς το Μέτωπο». An excerpt from the poem “Axion Esti” of Odysseas Elytis, “March to the Front”.Απαγγέλει ο Κωνσταντίνος Σπιλιώτης.
· «Ζήτω η Ελλάδα μας», “Long Live Greece”, από τους μαθητές και μαθήτριες του 1ου Επιπέδου. Νίκος Καρράς, Αλέξανδρος Ντάλσον, Νικόλαος Μπλάκτον, Αννα Μπλάκτον, Κυριακή Καρδένας.
· «Σημαία Γαλανή», The Blue Flag”, από την Κωνσταντίνα Νικολαΐδη.
· «28η Οκτωβρίου», October 28”, από την Χρυσάνθη Νικολαΐδη.
· «Η Ελληνοπούλα», The Young Greek Girl”,  από την Τίνα Στάθη.
· «Οι Ηπειρώτισσες του 1940», The Women of Epirus”, από την Γεωργία Στάθη.
· «Το ΟΧΙ το Αθάνατο», The Immortal OXIαπό την Αγγελική Μιλλς.
· «Μολών Λαβέ», Come and get them!”, από τον Μικέ Τσίν.
· Τραγούδι «Στη Σημαία»,  To the Flag”, από τους μαθητές και μαθήτριες των Επιπέδων  5 & 6. Κωνσταντίνα Στάθη, Χρυσάνθη Νικολαΐδη, Αγγελική Μιλλς, Μικές Τσίν, Κωνσταντίνα Νικολαΐδη, Αντώνης Καρδένας, Γεωργία Στάθη.
· «Ύμνος στην Ελευθερία», “Ode to Liberty”,  από όλους τους μαθητές και μαθήτριες.

 

 

 

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GOYA Activities

On Friday September 19th, our GOYAns met at the Pithis home for the first Friday with Father gathering. The members enjoyed an evening of fun, fellowship, and conversation with Father John. Thank you to the Pithis family for graciously hosting the first GOYA event of the year. The next Friday with Father will take place at the Karidas home on November 7, 2014. All GOYAns are invited!

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OXI Day Foundation

Philotimo Scholarship Competition

Attention all Greek-American students

The Washington Oxi Day Foundation is offering the following five scholarships to the Greek-American students (grades 6-12) who best describe “philotimo”

First Place: $2,000 scholarship and invitation to the Foundation’s October 23 black tie gala in Washington, DC, where the winner will be introduced

Second Place: $1,000 scholarships (two)

Third Place: $500 scholarships (two)

How to Apply:

1. Watch our Foundation’s video on the subject of philotimo titled The Greek Secret either through the DVD sent to your parish or online at www.oxidayfoundation.org/video-the-greek-secret/

2. In 500 words or less, answer one of the following questions:

  • What does philotimo mean to you?
  • What are some extraordinary examples of philotimo that you have seen?
  • What are the things you can do in your daily life to exhibit philotimo?
  • How can philotimo improve your life?

3. Submit your answer to the Foundation by the deadline of Monday, October 6 via email at info@oxidayfoundation.org

The Washington Oxi Day Foundation would like to thank the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for its generous support that helped make possible the distribution of this video to all Greek Orthodox churches across the country.

- See more at: http://www.oxidayfoundation.org/scholarship-competition/#sthash.mse56a1f.dpuf


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Το Κήρυγμα της Κυριακής

Το Κήρυγμα της Κυριακής

Τὸ Μεγάλο Δεῖπνο

Μὲ τὴ χάρι τοῦ Θεοῦ διανύουμε τὴν περίοδο τῆς Τεσσαρακοστῆς τῶν Χριστουγέννων καὶ σὲ δέκα ἡμέρες θὰ ἑορτάσουμε τὴ μεγάλη ἑορτὴ τῆς ἐνανθρωπήσεως τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ Λόγου τοῦ Θεοῦ.

Ἡ Ἐκκλησία μας καθόρισε νὰ ἀναγινώσκεται δύο Κυριακὲς πρὶν τὰ Χριστούγεννα ἀπὸ τὸ κατὰ Λουκᾶν Εὐαγγέλιο ἡ παραβολὴ τοῦ Μεγάλου Δείπνου.

Ὁ Κύριος ἔλαβε τὴν ἀφορμὴ νὰ πεῖ αὐτὴ τὴν παραβολή, ὅταν ἦταν καλεσμένος γιὰ δεῖπνο στὸ σπίτι ἑνὸς Φαρισαίου κάποιο Σάββατο. Ἔλεγε δὲ στὸν οἰκοδεσπότη ποὺ τὸν εἶχε προσκαλέσει τὰ ἑξῆς: «Ὅταν παραθέτεις κάποιο γεῦμα ἢ δεῖπνο μὴ προσκαλεῖς σ’ αὐτὸ τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου ἢ τοὺς συγγενεῖς σου ἢ τοὺς φίλους σου ἢ τοὺς πλουσίους γείτονές σου, ποὺ μποροῦν ὁμοίως νὰ σοῦ ἀνταποδώσουν καὶ νὰ σὲ προσκαλέσουν σὲ γεῦμα, ἀλλὰ νὰ καλεῖς φτωχούς, ἀναπήρους, τυφλούς, καὶ τότε θὰ εἶσαι μακάριος, διότι αὐτοὶ δὲν θὰ μποροῦν νὰ σοῦ ἀνταποδώσουν τὸ καλὸ ποὺ ἔκανες, πρᾶγμα τὸ ὁποῖο θὰ ἀνταποδώσει ὁ Θεὸς στὴν ἀνάσταση τῶν νεκρῶν» κατὰ τὴν Δευτέρα Παρουσία του. Ὅταν ἄκουσε τὰ λόγια τοῦ Κυρίου κάποιος ἀπὸ τοὺς καλεσμένους Φαρισαίους, εἶπε: «μακάριος ἐκεῖνος ποὺ θὰ καθίσει στὸ γεῦμα τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ»(δ΄ 12 -15).

Οἱ Φαρισαῖοι πίστευαν στὴν ἀνάσταση τῶν νεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ νόμιζαν ὅτι μετὰ τὴν ἀνάσταση οἱ ἄνθρωποι θὰ ζοῦν μὲ τὸ ὑλικό τους σῶμα καὶ ὅτι θὰ τρῶνε καὶ θὰ πίνουν. Ὁ Κύριος, λοιπόν, μὲ ἀφορμὴ τὰ ἀνωτέρω, τοὺς λέει τὴν παραβολὴ ποὺ ἀκούσαμε σήμερα, τοῦ Μεγάλου Δείπνου.

Γιατὶ εἶναι μεγάλο τὸ Δεῖπνο; Διότι αὐτὸς ποὺ καλεῖ εἶναι ὁ ἴδιος ὁ μεγάλος Θεός, εἶναι ὁ Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. Ὅπως λέμε στὴ Θεία Λειτουργία ὁ Κύριος εἶναι «ὁ προσφέρων καὶ προσφερόμενος, ὁ προσδεχόμενος καὶ διαδιδόμενος». Ὁ Χριστὸς εἶναι ἐκεῖνος ποὺ προσφέρει καὶ ταὐτόχρονα προσφέρεται στοὺς πιστούς. Εἶναι ἐκεῖνος ποὺ προσδέχεται καὶ διαδίδεται. Ἀκόμη εἶναι μεγάλο τὸ Δεῖπνο, διότι τὰ παρατιθέμενα στὸ τραπέζι εἶναι μεγίστης πνευματικῆς ἀξίας. Δηλαδὴ δὲν πρόκειται ἐδῶ περὶ ὑλικῆς τροφῆς ἀλλὰ οὐράνιας τροφῆς ποὺ εἶναι ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ. Λέει ὁ ἀπ. Παῦλος στὴν ἐπιστολή του πρὸς τοὺς Ρωμαίους: «Οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ βρῶσις καὶ πόσις, ἀλλὰ δικαιοσύνη καὶ χαρὰ ἐν πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ» (Ρωμ. ιδ΄17). Δηλαδή, ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ δὲν εἶναι θέμα φαγητοῦ καὶ ποτοῦ, ἀλλὰ εἶναι δικαιοσύνη καὶ εἰρήνη καὶ χαρά, ποὺ χαρίζει τὸ Ἅγιο Πνεῦμα.

Ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀγαπητοί μου, δὲν εἶναι μόνο ἕνα γεγονὸς τοῦ μέλλοντος, εἶναι ταὐτόχρονα καὶ μιὰ ἐπίγεια πραγματικότητα. Εἶναι ἡ Ἐκκλησία ποὺ ἵδρυσε ὁ Κύριος μὲ τὴν παρουσία του ὡς Θεάνθρωπος ἐπάνω στὴ γῆ, εἶναι ἡ ἐν Χριστῷ ζωὴ τῶν πιστῶν. Ὁ Ἴδιος εἶπε: «ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστι», εἶναι μέσα μας. Ὅποιος ζεῖ ἐν Χριστῷ γεύεται τὴ Βασιλεία Του ἀπὸ τὴ ζωὴ αὐτὴ ἐν μέρει, γιὰ νὰ τὴν ἀπολαύσει ὁλόκληρη στὸν οὐρανό, ὅπου θὰ βλέπει τὸν Κύριο «πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον». Γράφει ὁ ἅγιος Συμεὼν ὁ νέος Θεολόγος: «ὅποιος δὲν δεῖ τὸν Χριστὸ ἐδῶ στὴ γῆ, δὲν θὰ τὸν δεῖ οὔτε στὸν οὐρανό».

Λέει ἀκόμη ὁ Κύριος στὴν παραβολὴ ὅτι ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης ἔστειλε τὸν δοῦλο του νὰ εἰδοποιήσει τοὺς καλεσμένους. Ὑπῆρχε, λοιπόν, κάποια συγκεκριμένη ὥρα γιὰ τὴ συμμετοχὴ στὸ δεῖπνο. Ποιὰ εἶναι αὐτὴ ἡ ὥρα; Αὐτὴ ἡ ὥρα ἀρχίζει μὲ τὴν ἐνανθρώπηση τοῦ Θεοῦ Λόγου. Ἡ ἀνθρωπότητα ὁλόκληρη περίμενε μέσα στοὺς αἰῶνες νὰ ἔρθει ὁ Μεσσίας, ὁ Λυτρωτὴς τοῦ κόσμου, περίμενε αὐτὸ τὸ μεγάλο Δεῖπνο τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ὅταν μᾶς καλέσει κάποιο σπουδαῖο καὶ μεγάλο πρόσωπο στὸ σπίτι του, γιὰ νὰ μᾶς προσφέρει ἕνα δεῖπνο μαζί του, περιμένουμε μὲ ἀνυπομονησία πότε θὰ ἔρθει ἐκείνη ἡ ἡμέρα καὶ ἡ ὥρα νὰ πᾶμε στὸ σπίτι του, διότι αὐτὴ ἡ πρόσκληση μᾶς περιποιεῖ μεγάλη τιμή. Κάλεσε ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους σὲ ἕνα παγκόσμιο Δεῖπνο ἁπλωμένο σ’ὅλη τὴ γῆ καὶ σὲ ὅλους τοὺς αἰῶνες μέχρι τὴ συντέλεια τοῦ κόσμου. Γιὰ τοὺς Ἑβραίους ἡ Γέννηση τοῦ Μεσσία ἦταν ἡ ὥρα ποὺ προσκλήθηκαν στὸ Δεῖπνο. Ἀλλὰ αὐτοὶ ἀρνήθηκαν τὴν πρόσκληση καὶ ἄφησαν τὴν ὥρα αὐτὴ νὰ χαθεῖ. Αὐτὸ ἦταν τὸ πιὸ τραγικὸ λάθος τοῦ Ἰσραηλιτικοῦ λαοῦ. Καὶ ὄχι μόνο τὴν ἄφησαν νὰ πάει χαμένη, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἔγιναν ἐχθροὶ καὶ πολέμιοι τοῦ ἰδίου τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἦρθε ὅμως μετὰ ἡ ὥρα τῶν ἐθνῶν. Ἐμεῖς οἱ Ἕλληνες ἀνήκαμε στὸν ἐθνικὸ κόσμο, στοὺς εἰδωλολάτρες, καὶ δεχθήκαμε ἀπὸ τὸν ἀπόστολο Παῦλο τὴν πρόσκληση στὸ Μεγάλο Δεῖπνο.

Καὶ ποιὰ εἶναι, ἀγαπητοί μου, ἐκεῖνα ποὺ ἑτοίμασε ὁ Χριστός; Εἶναι ὅσα ἔφερε πάνω στὴ γῆ μὲ τὴ Γέννηση, τὴ Σταύρωση, τὴν Ἀνάσταση καὶ Ἀνάληψή του. α) Εἶναι ἡ ἄφεση τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ὅλων τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπὸ τὸ προπατορικὸ ἁμάρτημα καὶ ἐν συνεχείᾳ ἡ συγχώρηση ὅλων τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν μας, ὅσο βαριὲς καὶ ὅσο πολλὲς κι’ ἂν εἶναι αὐτές, μὲ τὴν μετάνοια καὶ τὴν ἐξομολόγησή μας. Ἐλευθερώνεται ὁριστικὰ ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἀπὸ τὰ δεσμὰ τῆς ἁμαρτίας. β) Ἕνα ἀκόμη ἀγαθὸ ἀπὸ τὰ προσφερόμενα στὸ Τραπέζι τοῦ Θεοῦ εἶναι τὸ μεγάλο δῶρο τῆς υἱοθεσίας. Οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἀποποιήθηκαν τὸν Θεὸ σὰν Πατέρα τους, ἔπαψαν νὰ θεωροῦν τοὺς ἑαυτούς τους παιδιὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ θέλησαν νὰ υἱοθετηθοῦν ἀπὸ τὸν Διάβολο. Μὲ τὴν ἐνσάρκωση τοῦ Θεοῦ Λόγου ἔρχεται ἡ ἀπελευθέρωσή μας καὶ γινόμαστε πάλι παιδιὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ, μελλοντικοὶ πολῖτες τῆς Βασιλείας ποὺ μᾶς προσφέρει ὁ Θεός. γ) Κατὰ τὴν ἡμέρα τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς ὁ Κύριος ἔστειλε τὸ Ἅγιο Πνεῦμα στοὺς μαθητές Του, τὸ ὁποῖο ἔκτοτε μένει στὸν κόσμο καὶ ἔτσι μπορεῖ ὁ κάθε ἄνθρωπος μὲ τὸ Βάπτισμα καὶ τὸ Χρῖσμα νὰ γίνεται μέτοχος τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος. Δηλαδὴ ὁ ἄνθρωπος γίνεται πνευματοφόρος. Εἶναι ἀκόμη ἕνα δῶρο ποὺ προσφέρει στὸ Δεῖπνο Του ὁ Κύριος. Αὐτὸ τὸ Ἅγιο Πνεῦμα, ποὺ δόθηκε πλουσιοπάροχα στοὺς μαθητές, συνεχίζει νὰ προσφέρεται καὶ σήμερα στοὺς πιστούς. Ἔτσι ὁ πνευματοφόρος ἄνθρωπος μπορεῖ νὰ ἀπολαμβάνει ἤδη ἀπὸ τὴ ζωὴ αὐτὴ τὰ ἀγαθὰ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ.

Ἀγαπητοί μου, τὸ τραπέζι τοῦ Δείπνου εἶναι πάντοτε στρωμένο μὲ τὰ δῶρα τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ὅσο ζοῦμε ἡ πρόσκληση ἰσχύει. Ἂς τὴν δεχθοῦμε, γιατὶ ἀφορᾷ στὴ σωτηρία μας. Ἀμήν.

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Greek School Report

Photographer/Videographer Needed! - The Greek School is looking for a photographer and videographer to capture the special moments of our October 28 "OXI" Day celebration on Sunday, October 26.  If you enjoy taking photos or recording video and are willing to donate your time for a worthy cause, please contact John Avgiris at jcavgiris@comcast.net.

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Summer Holy Days

In addition to every Sunday, the day of Resurrection, our Holy Orthodox Church offers us opportunities to be blessed during these summer holy days:

 

The Dormition Fast, August 1-15

August 15 is traditionally identified as the day of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos. This date for the Feast was established during the reign of Emperor Maurice (582-602 AD), although we do not know the actual date. On this feast, we remember the death of the Virgin Mary and her translation into heaven.

  • PARAKLESIS/SUPPLICATION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD prayers will be offered at 6:30pm on Fri. Aug 1; Mon. Aug 4; Wed. Aug 6; Thu. Aug 7; Fri. Aug 8; Mon. Aug 11; Tue. Aug 12; Wed. Aug 13.
  • GREAT VESPERS will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 6:30-7:30pm. Please let the church office know if you plan to bring Arto (loaf of bread to be blessed) for this service.
  • ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY will be celebrated on Friday August 15, 8:30-10:30am. A community luncheon by Philoptochos will follow.

Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Friday August 29.

A strict fast day (the best reason  given for the strictness of this fast day is that St. John the Baptist was killed in the context of a banquet, see Matthew 14:1-12).

  • ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY will be celebrated on Friday August 29, 8:30-10:30am.
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Stewardship: Maximizing God's Blessings for His Glory!

Stewardship contributions now accepted online
Pleased  click on the SUPPORT OUR MINISTRIES button on the home page. You have the option of using your credit card, bank debit card, or your PayPall account if you have one.
  • You can make a one-time stewardship dotation, or you can make it a regularly occurring monthly payment. 
  • Please indicate in the memo the purpose of your donation (stewardship, memorial donation, Greek school tuition, OPA donation etc).
  • Another option is to use your bank’s Bill Payer service. You can set up a weekly, monthly, or on demand payments, and your bank will send the designated amount directly to your church.
Please contact us with any questions, or if you need assistance setting up your contributions.
 
“ The truly rich are not those who keep their riches to themselves but those who give to others. Happiness comes not from possessing wealth but from giving it away. Whatever is generously given away becomes a fruit of the soul.”  +St. Clement of Alexandria.
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Focus on Our Church Family

Celebrations, Milestones, Gratitude, Comfort & Support

Pastoral care: If you or someone you know is sick, homebound elderly, or scheduled for surgery, please call the church office to let us know so Fr. John can make a pastoral visit, or to add someone to the prayer list.

Let us pray to the Lord for the health and salvation of: All Orthodox Christians, Aphrodite, Virginia, Leo, Penelope, Panagiotis, Cleopatra, Gus, Elisavet, John, Maria, Margaret, Stephanie, Helen, Katherine, Karen, Matushka Suzanna, Fr. Panagiotis, Yiannis, Konstantina.

Χρόνια πολλα!  Happy birthday!   God grant you many years!  To those celebrating this coming week: Eleni Apostolidis, Evangelia Avrich, Elaine Dietz, Marisa Downie, Marina Stolarczyk, Achilles Triantafyllos, Alexander Henderson, George Johns, Theodora Kastanos, Arianna Olga Kosoglou, Constantine Kreatsoulas, Kristina Trivelis, Katina Chokas, Thomsen Cummings, Jordan Demetris, John Kanakis, Nicole Kosmatos, Andreas McKendry, Nikolas Vargas, Nina Borras, John Telegadis, Stephen Kolokithias, Glykeria Kontogeorgos, Dennis O'Hara, Ken Chin, Christos Peltekis, Pavlos Psihogios, Athena Valais, Louise Zervos.

Happy wedding anniversary to those celebrating this coming week: Andrea Merrick & Alan Gnessin, Sofia &  Leontios Bougioukas, Stella Benakis & Vasilis Bekos, Dawn & Dimitrios Loizos, Patra & Nikos Karidas, Aspasia & Stephen McGrath, Daphne & Demetrios Melekos, Rosalie Elenitsas-Gilliland &  John Gilliland.

Congratulations abd best wishes! To Nancy Buzikas and Eric Angelucci on the baptism of their first child, Eleni, on 10/05/14. Konstantina  Pavlou is the godmother.

Our sincere gratitude: The Annunciation Greek School and Catechism School teachers and students would like to thank our Parent Teacher Organization for enhancing our shared classrooms by the generous gift of five new dry erase boards. A happy, productive school year to all! Καλή Χρονιά!

Please contact the parish office with any information you wish to share with our community.

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Philoptochos Luncheon Today

The Ladies Philoptochos Society Nausica is hosting a fundraiser luncheon on National Philoptochos Fellowship Sunday, September 28, 2014 in support of the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign. A $10.00 minimum luncheon donation will be requested, which will include Kiki’s delicious homemade Piroskis, salad, and dessert. Enormous thanks for your continual and generous support of our philanthropic endeavors.

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Sunday Catechetical School Update

School is in session as of last Sunday Sept. 21! If you haven’t already registered your child(ren) for youth  ministries, including Catechism class, please do so ASAP so that we can ensure that we prepare accordingly.  Copies of the handbook RUDDER are published and available at the narthex. This handbook contains information about the Catechism program, as well as a calendar for upcoming activities through the ecclesiastical year.

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Worship and Faith Education

Sunday & weekday divine liturgies schedule will remain consistent  year-round. That is Orthros (Matins) will start at 8:30am, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30am. Catechetical Sunday school classes will start right after holy communion, and continue into the Fellowship Hour for 45’.

A Paraklesis/ Supplicatory prayer service to the Mother of God will be prayed on the second Friday of the month at 11am, and on the fourth Friday of the month at 6:30pm. Please attend and bring the names of your loved ones to be lifted up in prayer for health and salvation.

Fr. John is available to hear confession prior to each Paraklesis, on the second Friday from 9-11am, and on the fourth Friday from 4:30-6:30pm. Please call the parish office to make an appointment.

Weekly Bible class started on Wednesday September 17, 7-9pm. This will be an eight-week class and we will be studying the two Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians. All are invited!

Our October Fellowship & Orthodox Spirituality gathering will take place Wednesday October 8. Our host family and location will be announced soon.

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America News

The 42nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress Convenes in Philadelphia July 6-10

06/20/2014

The 42nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will convene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 6- 10, 2014, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel and it will focus on the theme of this Congress “The Orthodox Christian Family: A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness of His Gospel.”

New Survey to Assess Resources of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

06/12/2014

The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM), of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, designed an online survey to assess its existing resources and channels of communication with young people with the goal of creating more effective means of ministering to youth and young adults.

Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek Scheduled for June 23

06/12/2014

The 2014 Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek will be administered on Monday, June 23, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., according to an announcement from the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Joins Pope Francis at a Vatican Invocation for Peace

06/09/2014

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Joins Pope Francis at a Vatican Invocation for Peace

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Join Pope Francis for Vatican Prayer Summit

06/06/2014

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of over 300 million Orthodox Christian faithful worldwide, will join Pope Francis at the Vatican for a prayer summit on the evening of June 8, 2014 in an intensive spiritually-focused initiative for Middle East peace process. Together with the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will participate in an interfaith prayer service of Muslims, Jews and Christians for peace in the region.

Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Urges Church To Lift Ban on Ordination of Married Priests in Eastern Catholic Churches in North America

06/06/2014

The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation voted in early June to encourage the "lifting of the restrictions regarding the ordination of married men to the priesthood in the Eastern Catholic Churches of North America."

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for June 3-15, 2014

06/03/2014

Saint Basil Academy to Celebrate 70th Anniversary

06/03/2014

Saint Basil Academy will celebrate its 70th Anniversary, June 21, 2014, in its magnificent campus by the Hudson River, in Garrison, NY.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for May 20-June 6, 2014

05/21/2014

EWTN Network to Broadcast Live Ecumenical Celebration of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis in Jerusalem

05/20/2014

On Sunday, May 25, 2014, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis will meet at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to commemorate a meeting in the Holy Land fifty years ago by their revered predecessors, Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI.

Ecumenical Patriarchate Announces Official Delegation for Meeting with Pope Francis in Jerusalem May 25, 2014

05/16/2014

The Ecumenical Patriarchate today released a list of persons accompanying Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of over 300 million Orthodox faithful worldwide, on his pilgrimage to meet Pope Francis in Jerusalem. The trip commemorates the 1964 meeting of their predecessors; Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I.

Archbishop Demetrios, Catholic Archbishop Kurtz Celebrate Growing Closeness Between Orthodox and Catholics Ahead of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis Meeting in Jerusalem

05/15/2014

Fifty years ago, in January 1964, two great Christian leaders met in Jerusalem. Pope Paul VI of Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople swept aside centuries of hostility and embraced one another in the city where Christ was crucified and rose from the dead.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for AHEPA Sunday - May 18, 2014

05/15/2014

In this blessed Paschal season filled with the light and joy of our Lord’s Holy Resurrection, we observe a special day among our parishes and our Greek American community, AHEPA Sunday. On this day we recognize the history, accomplishments, and ongoing service of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and the members of the AHEPA family.

The Meeting of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis in the City of Jerusalem

05/10/2014

On Sunday, May 25, 2014, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis will meet at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to commemorate a meeting in the Holy Land fifty years ago by their revered predecessors, Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI.

Archimandrite Cleopas Strongylis Elected Metropolitan of Sweden

05/05/2014

The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople elected unanimously today the Very Reverend Archimandrite Cleopas Strongylis Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia. His Grace Metropolitan elect Cleopas Strongylis has been serving as the Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston, Massachusetts.
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