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Annunciation/Evangelismos Church, Elkins Park, PA
Publish Date: 2020-04-12
Bulletin Contents
COVID-19 Pandemic Update
Weekend Update
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Stewardship Update
Community News and Events
Focus on Our Church Family
Palmsunday
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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

Presiding Priest: Rev. Fr. John L. Johns


frjohn@anngoc.org | (215) 635-0316

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 invited!

Please see Community Calendar for a complete listing of all weekday feast-days and worship services.

Past Bulletins


COVID-19 Pandemic Update

April 9, 2020 Update

Dear Annunciation Community,

I hope and pray this finds everyone healthy. 

I ask all of you to continue to exercise all your patience and persistence in abiding by the recommendations to stay home, minimize any trips and practice all the recommended practices to help minimize the spread of the Corona Virus.  It is especially tempting to “bend the rules” now that the weather is improving, but our vigilance and discipline will help save lives.  I have been communicating the past few weeks about our three priorities and here is a brief update, with a special focus on outreach activities by Ministry groups and a request that we support all these efforts to the best of our means:

First Priority:  Provide access to worship services and spiritual resources while protecting everyone’s safety and minimizing opportunities for transmission of the coronavirus:

  • We will continue to live stream services on Facebook throughout Holy Week at their scheduled times. Please join the broadcast and encourage others to do so.
  • We have had a significant number of requests for votive candles to be lit and placed on the solea; this program will continue.

Second Priority:  Support our Outreach Ministries and their good works, as the needs they address will only become more significant.  Ensure these efforts are conducted in a safe way.

  • The Ladies Philoptochos Society is supporting a wide range of national and regional needs
    • Made financial contributions to the National Philoptochos COVID-19 fund, the Ronald McDonald House and other charitable service institutions.
    • Donated meals to hospitals and supported local restaurants by purchasing meals that the restaurants cook and deliver to hospitals.
    • Donated a significant number of N-95 respirator masks to local hospitals.
    • You can support Philoptochos’ efforts by making a financial contribution, either by check, on the Church’s website, or through the Philoptochos option on the Give+ app.  Please note on your donation “coronavirus.”
  • Matthew 25 continues to support efforts to address food insecurity in the local community through the Seeds of Hope Food Pantry in Dresher
    • Last week they were able to procure and deliver 60 dozens eggs to Seeds of Hope.
    • Seeds of Hope’s needs have increased significantly as the number of people requiring assistance has increased, and food donations have dropped.
    • Also last week Matthew 25 provided a donation to a senior citizens community close to St. George Cathedral in Philadelphia
    • You can support Matthew 25 best through a financial contribution, either by check, on the Church’s website, or through the Matthew 25 option on the Give+ app.  Matthew 25 will purchase food items and deliver them safely to Seeds of Hope.
  • Homeless Outreach in Center City Philadelphia, in conjunction with several other area churches in a ministry known as Twelve Baskets
    • A small group of dedicated parishioners has been supporting Twelve Baskets for quite some time led by Angela and Craig Godshall, Talia and Demetrios Hatzopoulos, Bonnie and Leonidas Koletas.
    • While Twelve Baskets has in the past focused on providing meals as well as personal care items, the focus now during the Corona Virus crisis is on clothing and personal care items.
    • You can support the Twelve Baskets Homeless Outreach by donating the items listed below.  Please contact Angela Godshall, Talia Hatzopoulos, or Bonnie Koletas to make arrangements to have your donated items picked up safely.
      • New or gently used blankets, sweatpants, jeans, shoes, boots.
      • New t-shirts, underwear, washcloths, socks.
      • Personal care items including hand sanitizer, surgical masks, soap, body wipes, disinfectant wipes, bottled water, lotion, shampoo, deodorant, travel size tissues, travel size Band-Aids, snack bars.

Third Priority:  Address the urgent financial and administrative realities we face.

  • We have applied for a loan under the Federal CARES Act, as recommended by the Archdiocese, to help address the financial pressures we will face.  We anticipate that the loan will be forgiven in its entirety under the provisions of the CARES Act.
  • We are starting to plan activities for later in the year so that we are prepared to get back to a more normal community life once it is safe to do so

In this time of crisis, please support these outreach efforts to the best of your abilities, so we, as a community, are helping those in need.

Praying for everyone’s continued health,

Dean Dalson 

President, Parish Council

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Weekend Update

Beloved Parishioners:

As all of you are well aware by now, our church building has been closed to the public as directed by the Civil Authorities and our Church's Hierarchs.

We continue to offer a full liturgical schedule with only the priest, cantor, and sexton.

Please click on the corresponding Holy Week worship service below to see the text and pray together with us from your home through our live-stream on our Facebook page.

Let us know if you want us to light a votive candle HERE.

 

Holy Week 2020 Schedule

Lazarus Saturday, April 11, 2020

Palm Sunday, April 12, 2020

Holy Monday, April 13, 2020

Holy Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Holy Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Holy Thursday, April 16, 2020

Holy Friday, Fri April 17, 2020

Holy Saturday, April 18, 2020

Great and Holy Pascha Sunday, April 19, 2020

Renewal Thursday, April 23, 2020 - George the Great Martyr and Triumphant

Renewal Friday, April 24, 2020 - Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring

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Saints and Feasts

Palmsunday
April 12

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.26,1.
Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου.
Στίχ. Στίχ. Ἐξομολογεῖσθε τῷ Κυρίῳ ὅτι ἀγαθὸς, ὅτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Φιλιππησίους 4:4-9.

Ἀδελφοί, χαίρετε ἐν κυρίῳ πάντοτε· πάλιν ἐρῶ, χαίρετε. Τὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις. Ὁ κύριος ἐγγύς. Μηδὲν μεριμνᾶτε, ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ δεήσει μετὰ εὐχαριστίας τὰ αἰτήματα ὑμῶν γνωριζέσθω πρὸς τὸν θεόν. Καὶ ἡ εἰρήνη τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ ὑπερέχουσα πάντα νοῦν, φρουρήσει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ τὰ νοήματα ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Τὸ λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί, ὅσα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ, ὅσα σεμνά, ὅσα δίκαια, ὅσα ἁγνά, ὅσα προσφιλῆ, ὅσα εὔφημα, εἴ τις ἀρετὴ καὶ εἴ τις ἔπαινος, ταῦτα λογίζεσθε. Ἃ καὶ ἐμάθετε καὶ παρελάβετε καὶ ἠκούσατε καὶ εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοί, ταῦτα πράσσετε· καὶ ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἔσται μεθʼ ὑμῶν.

Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Palm Sunday
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 12:1-18

Πρὸ ἓξ ἡμερῶν τοῦ πάσχα ἦλθεν Ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς Βηθανίαν, ὅπου ἦν Λάζαρος ὁ τεθνηκώς, ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐποίησαν οὖν αὐτῷ δεῖπνον ἐκεῖ, καὶ ἡ Μάρθα διηκόνει· ὁ δὲ Λάζαρος εἷς ἦν τῶν ἀνακειμένων σὺν αὐτῷ. ἡ οὖν Μαρία, λαβοῦσα λίτραν μύρου νάρδου πιστικῆς πολυτίμου, ἤλειψε τοὺς πόδας τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ καὶ ἐξέμαξε ταῖς θριξὶν αὐτῆς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ· ἡ δὲ οἰκία ἐπληρώθη ἐκ τῆς ὀσμῆς τοῦ μύρου. λέγει οὖν εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ᾿Ιούδας Σίμωνος ᾿Ισκαριώτης, ὁ μέλλων αὐτὸν παραδιδόναι· διατί τοῦτο τὸ μύρον οὐκ ἐπράθη τριακοσίων δηναρίων καὶ ἐδόθη πτωχοῖς; εἶπε δὲ τοῦτο οὐχ ὅτι περὶ τῶν πτωχῶν ἔμελεν αὐτῷ, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι κλέπτης ἦν, καὶ τὸ γλωσσόκομον εἶχε καὶ τὰ βαλλόμενα ἐβάσταζεν. εἶπεν οὖν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἄφες αὐτήν, εἰς τὴν ἡμέραν τοῦ ἐνταφιασμοῦ μου τετήρηκεν αὐτό. τοὺς πτωχοὺς γὰρ πάντοτε ἔχετε μεθ᾽ ἑαυτῶν, ἐμὲ δὲ οὐ πάντοτε ἔχετε.

῎Εγνω οὖν ὄχλος πολὺς ἐκ τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων ὅτι ἐκεῖ ἐστι, καὶ ἦλθον οὐ διὰ τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν μόνον, ἀλλ᾽ ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἴδωσιν ὃν ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν. ἐβουλεύσαντο δὲ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς ἵνα καὶ τὸν Λάζαρον ἀποκτείνωσιν, ὅτι πολλοὶ δι᾽ αὐτὸν ὑπῆγον τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων καὶ ἐπίστευον εἰς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν.

Τῇ ἐπαύριον ὄχλος πολὺς ὁ ἐλθὼν εἰς τὴν ἑορτήν, ἀκούσαντες ὅτι ἔρχεται ᾿Ιησοῦς εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμα, ἔλαβον τὰ βαΐα τῶν φοινίκων καὶ ἐξῆλθον εἰς ὑπάντησιν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἔκραζον· ὡσαννά, εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου, ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ. εὑρὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὀνάριον ἐκάθισεν ἐπ᾽ αὐτό, καθώς ἐστι γεγραμμένον· μὴ φοβοῦ, θύγατερ Σιών· ἰδοὺ ὁ βασιλεύς σου ἔρχεται καθήμενος ἐπὶ πῶλον ὄνου.

Ταῦτα δὲ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ τὸ πρῶτον, ἀλλ᾽ ὅτε ἐδοξάσθη ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, τότε ἐμνήσθησαν ὅτι ταῦτα ἦν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ γεγραμμένα, καὶ ταῦτα ἐποίησαν αὐτῷ. ᾿Εμαρτύρει οὖν ὁ ὄχλος ὁ ὢν μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ ὅτε τὸν Λάζαρον ἐφώνησεν ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου καὶ ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν. διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ ὁ ὄχλος, ὅτι ἤκουσαν τοῦτο αὐτὸν πεποιηκέναι τὸ σημεῖον.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

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Stewardship Update

Stewardship_2019

Beloved Parishioners,

We are excited to share with you that we have implemented a new online giving system called GivePlus Church! With GivePlus Church, you can contribute to all church funds anytime right from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. It only takes a moment to set up an account:

  1. Download the free “GivePlus Church” app from the App Store or Google Play, or set it up from your desktop computer HERE.
  2. Find our church by ZIP code (19027) or by searching for Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
  3. Donate!

Click HERE  for a short informative video on how to set it up.

You can choose to donate as a guest or set up an account that allows you to securely and conveniently schedule recurring donations and manage and review your giving history.

We encourage all parishioners who are currently contributing through Parish Giving to switch over to GivePlus. Simply set up your account with GivePlus and then close your account with Parish Giving. Please contact the parish office with any questions or if you need help with switching.

We hope you enjoy this new way to contribute to your church, and thank you for your support.

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Community News and Events

Matthew 25 Outreach

Dear Annunciation/Evangelismos Family,

            We hope this note finds you in good health. Each Lenten season provides us all a unique opportunity to grow spiritually, but with the coronavirus upon us this year, we have also been given a unique challenge. It is important to remember, in times like these, that struggles teach us how to think out of the box and overcome obstacles, trigger us to assess our character and potential, and ultimately help us grow stronger and more capable.  This difficult situation provides an occasion to demonstrate our strength, growth, love, and compassion towards the church and to one other. Together we will weather this storm and accomplish great things as a result.

            We would like to let you know that thanks to your previous donations Matthew 25 Ministry was able to help a low-income elderly community in Philadelphia acquire much-needed supplies during this period of social distancing and that we delivered the goods that you donated before March 16th as part of the 40 Day Lenten Project to the Seeds of Hope food pantry. M25 also donated 60 dozen eggs to the food pantry on April 8th. All of these efforts have been immensely appreciated.

There is always a tremendous need for donated food, but the need has been heightened with loss of income and children at home from school because of this virus. Because of the overwhelming needs across the country, certain sources that usually help stock the shelves of the pantry are unable to do so, leaving them with even less food during a time of higher than average demand.  We understand that that you may want to continue to donate foods during this Lenten season and pandemic but may not be able to do so, given the guidelines to stay at home. M25 can help you meet your goals through the online giving system, GivePlus Church, that our church has set up for us. M25 will continue to use our limited funds to buy eggs for the pantry. Still, families cannot live on eggs alone, so any additional funding you provide will help us provide a greater variety of foods and nourish families more completely. Thank you in advance for all you have contributed and the love and support you continue to show, especially during this time of trouble and unrest. Stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy.

Love always,

Matthew 25


Light a Votive Candle at Annunciation Church in Elkins Park

Beloved Parishioners,
 
As all of you are well aware by now, our church building has been closed to the public as directed by the Civil Authorities and our Church's Hierarchs. We continue to offer a full liturgical schedule with only the priest, cantor, and sexton. We invite you, our beloved parishioners, to pray together with us from your home through our live-stream on our Facebook page.
 
We know how much you miss coming to church, especially during this time of Great Lent and Holy Week-Pascha. As a small symbol of staying connected and being present here in spirit, we would be glad to light an 8-day red votive candle on your behalf here at Annunciation Church and place it on the solea in front of the iconostasis as a visible message of hope and symbol of the light of God’s love. Please let us know by filling out the information HERE. You can make a free-will Holy Week-Pascha Donation HERE, or through the new GIVE PLUS+ app on your phone.
 
In making your donation, we would ask that you please consider the total donations you would normally make as a family during the Lenten season and Holy Week-Pascha in prior years and make a similar donation this year if possible.
 
“Beloved children in the Lord, may the blessing of the Lord, through the intercessions of the All-Holy Mother of God, accompany us in our journey, transform our voluntary isolation into genuine communion, and become our prayer and destination to appreciate the meaning of this, so that we may return to that which is true, to that which is pleasing to God!
 
Have courage! And may God be with us!”                      – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. 
 

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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 health and salvation: Suffering and persecuted Christians in the Middle East and the non-Christian world, Antonios, Anthony, Debora, Despina, Nikolaos, George, Yiannis, Eugene, Mary, Maria, Noel, Pavlos, Vincent, Alexandros, Constantino, Janet, Dionysios, Elizabeth, Peter, Athanasia, Earnest, Virginia, Sandra, Tom, Stephen, Betty, Chryssie, Stacey, Athena, Konstantinos, Matina, Stella, Donna.

Names will be kept on this list for approximately three months. Please resubmit Names if needed. Fr. John will include the submitted names at the Psokomide “Offering of Gifts” during the first part of the liturgy when he prepares the mystical gifts of bread & wine. Please lift these names to the Lord in your personal prayer life also.

Prayer for healing: Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, who have sent our Lord to heal every sickness. Visit and heal us. Grant patience in this sickness, the strength of body and spirit, and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us to pray for each other that we may be healed. We pray that You heal, guide, and protect your servant (s) (pray by name for those who are sick) and grant them the gift of complete health. You are the source of healing, and to You, we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen

Χρόνια πολλα!  Happy birthday!   God grant you many years!  To those celebrating this week:  Many Metsikas, Eleni Papanikoloaou, Rachel Ann Pappas, Loukas Stylianou, Michael Trivelis, Georgia White, Jacqueline Angelis, Charlotte Barr, Nicholas Fkiaras, Angelo Louridas, Eleana Papazis, Valerie Ristvey, Andrew Skoutelas, Antonia Trotter, Jennifer Calliagas, Alexandros Lawrence, Nikos Maris, Stephanie George, Pantelis Patounas, Efpraxia Pollatou, Catherine Driscoll, Elias Ghiz, Nina Elizabeth Kosoglou, Nicholas Mazer, Georgia Mitsas, Emma Ramey, Stephanie Ristvey, Maria Sheehan, John Armenakis, Salvatore Ganas, John Gilliland, Nicholas Papacostas, Evangelea Vlahos.

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Mary Stamos, 86, who fell asleep on the Lord on 4/9/20. The funeral will take place at Annunciation Church on Saturday, 4/11/20. In accordance with the directives from the Civil Authorities and our Metropolis regarding gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the funeral is strictly private with only the immediate family attending. May her memory be eternal.

 

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