Publish-header
Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2019-03-17
Bulletin Contents
Parish Calendar
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Parish News & Events
Byzantine Iconography: A Presentation on the Art and History of Early Christianity
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Organization Icon
Annunciation Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (231) 799-0185
  • Street Address:

  • 185 East Pontaluna Road

  • Muskegon, MI 49444

Contact Information

Fr. John Sakellariou


frjohn@orthodoxmuskegon.church | 716-730-1982

Fr. Basil Aden



Services Schedule

Orthros/Matins: Sunday, 9:00 AM
Divine Liturgy: Sunday, 10:00 AM

 

 

Past Bulletins


Parish Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    March 17 to March 24, 2019

    Sunday, March 17

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy: Sunday of Orthodoxy

    11:30AM Parish Council Meeting

    Tuesday, March 19

    Clergy Syndesmos Meeting

    Wednesday, March 20

    Icon Installation

    6:00PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

    7:00PM Potluck Lenten Dinner

    Thursday, March 21

    6:30PM Byzantine Iconography: A Presentation on the Art and History of Early Christianity

    Friday, March 22

    3:00PM Missions Meeting for St Irene Orthodox Orphanage - Kenya - Africa

    6:00PM Salutations to the Theotokos

    Saturday, March 23

    Canceled: Youth Event @ Muskegon Winter Sport Complex

    Sunday, March 24

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy: Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

    5:00PM Annunciation Vesper

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Saints and Feasts

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March 17

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.

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March 17

Alexis the Man of God

Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.

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March 17

Patrick, Enlightener of Ireland

Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.

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March 18

Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem

This Saint was born in 315, and succeeded Maximus as Archbishop of Jerusalem in 350. He was zealous for the Orthodox Faith, and was a defender of the poor. He was exiled three times by the Arian Emperors Constantius and Valens. But after their death, he was recalled to his throne; he reposed in peace in 386. Of his writings, the most prominent are his catechetical lectures, which are considered the most ancient systematic summary of Christian teaching. Before Saint Cyril, there had been two dioceses, one of Jerusalem, and one of Holy Sion; under Saint Cyril, they were united into one bishopric. See also May 7.

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March 19

The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.

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March 20

Photini the Samaritan Woman

Saint Photini lived in 1st century Palestine and was the woman that Christ met at the well in Samaria as recorded in the Gospel according to John (4:4-26). After her encounter with Christ, she and her whole family were baptized by the Apostles and became evangelists of the early Church. Photini and her children eventually were summoned before the emperor Nero and instructed to renounce their faith in Christ. They reused to do so, accepting rather to suffer various tortures. After many efforts to force her to surrender to idolatry, the emperor ordered that she be thrown down a well. Photini gave up her life in the year 66.

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March 21

James the Confessor

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth in the Monastery of Studium, where he became a disciple of Saint Theodore the Studite. Later he became bishop and suffered many afflictions and torments at the hands of the Iconoclasts. Saint Theodore composed a homily in honour of this Saint James (PG 99, 1353-1356).

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March 22

Basil the Holy Martyr of Ancyra

Saint Basil strove in martyrdom during the short reign of Julian the Apostate, from 361-363. The Saint was denounced as a Christian to Saturninus, Governor of Ancyra, who, when Basil would not deny Christ, had him hanged from a post and scraped on his sides, then beaten, and cast into prison. A few days later, when Julian himself came through Ancyra, the Saint was brought before him and was asked to deny Christ, Whom he rather confessed the more. Julian then had strips cut in his flesh, so that they were left hanging from his body in front and in back. The valiant Martyr tore one of these strips off of his body and cast it into Julian's face. At this Julian commanded that iron spits be heated fiery hot; Saint Basil's belly, his back, and all his joints were pierced with them, and he received the crown of martyrdom.

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March 23

The Holy Righteous Martyr Nicon and His 199 Disciples

Saint Nicon was from Neapolis (Naples) in Italy. His father was an idolater and his mother a Christian. At first he was a soldier, but later he went to the East, where he was baptized and in time became a bishop. After some years, he returned to the West and came to Sicily, where he and many of his disciples were put to death by beheading because they would not worship the idols.

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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.

Apolytikion in the Second Mode

We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.

Apolytikion for the Church/Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode

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 Fourth Mode

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!"
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40.

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

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Parish News & Events

Sunday of Orthodoxy: Icon Procession

To commemorate the restoration of the Holy Icons back to Christ’s Church, we will hold a procession with the Icons towards the end of the Divine Liturgy. All Children and parents are welcomed to bring their favorite icons from home for the procession.

Today’s Sunday School lesson will take place in the Church after Holy Communion. Students,  parents and teachers are asked to remain in the Church for the lesson by Fr. John and the procession with the icons.


Upcoming Parish Meetings

  • Parish Council Meeting: Sunday, March 17th 
    after Divine Liturgy.

Byzantine Iconography: A Presentation on the Art and History of Early Christianity

Join us on Thursday, March 21st @ 6:30 PM for a Muskegon Community College sponsored presentation on how Byzantine iconography served as a historical record and to spread the early Christian faith. Professor George Maniates, of Muskegon Community College, will be joined by Rev. John Sakellariou of Annunciation Orthodox Church in Norton Shores, and Kendall Trejo, a MCC student, as they delve into the events, style, and symbolism of this 2,000-year-old art form. Using the most massive tableau of Byzantine icons in western Michigan as a teaching tool, this lecture is the first in a series of programs exploring the impact of religion on the history of Western Civilization.  We will trace the rise of Christianity in the early Roman Empire to its development into the Eastern Orthodox faith by using icons and their symbolism.  


Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Potluck Lenten Dinner & Newly Installed Icons

Please join us on Wednesday, March 20th for the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy @ 6:00 PM with a Lenten potluck dinner to follow and to view the newly installed icons in the Church.


Services for the Feast of the Annunciation

  • Great Vespers for the Annunciation will take place on Sunday, March 24th @ 5:00 PM along with the Artoklasia (blessing of the five loaves) and a light reception to follow the service. 
  • Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Annunciation will take place on Monday, March 25th with Orthros @ 9:00 AM and Divine Liturgy @ 10:00 AM. 

Lenten Service Schedule

With the start of Great Lenten, the Orthodox Church offers for our spiritual wellbeing the Pre-Sanctified Services which will be held on the following Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM: 

Wednesday, March 20th
Wednesday, March 27th
Wednesday, April 10th

The Salutations to the Theotokos Services will be held every Friday during lent @ 6:00 PM


Bible Study & Discussion

Our next Bible Study & Discussion meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 3rd @ 6:00. 


Prosforo Needed

Of the many ways of supporting our Church, there are few which stand out as uniquely personal offerings of faith. The offering of Prosforo bread for the Divine Liturgy is one of them. Please contact Fr. John if you would like to donate Prosforo for a Divine Liturgy. 


Holy Week and Pascha

Saturday, April 20, Lazarus Saturday & making of Palm Crosses 

  • 9:00 AM - Orthros  & 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Sunday, April 21, Palm Sunday Morning & Evening - On this day, Palm Sunday, we celebrate the bright and glorious Feast of the Entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

  • 9:00 AM - Orthros  & 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy and Blessing of the Palms.
  • 6:00 PM - The Bridegroom Service.

Monday, April 22, Holy and Great Monday - On this day we commemorate the blessed Joseph the All-comely and the withering of the fig tree by the Lord.

  • 6:00 PM - The Bridegroom Service.

Tuesday, April 23, Holy and Great Tuesday - On this day we commemorate the parable of the tenvirgins , because the Lord related this parable to His disciples as He was going toward Jerusalem to His holy Passion.

  • 6:00 PM - The Bridegroom Service.

Wednesday, April 24, Holy and Great Wednesday - On this day the divine Fathers ordained a commemoration to be kept of the woman who was a harlot and anointed the Lord with precious ointment, inasmuch as this took place a short time before the saving Passion.

  • 6:00 PM - Holy Unction.  

Thursday, April 25, Holy and Great Thursday - On this day, according to the order which our holy Fathers inherited from the Holy Apostles and the Holy Gospels, we celebrate four events: the washing of the feet of the Disciples; the Last Supper which is the institution of the Holy Mystery of the Eucharist; the Lord’s Agony in the Garden; and His Betrayal.

  • 6:00 PM - The Holy Passion (The Reading of the Twelve Gospels).

Friday, April 26, Holy and Great Friday - On this day we celebrate the dread, holy and saving Passion of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ: the spitting, the blows with the hand, the buffetings, the mockery, the reviling, the wearing of the purple robe, the reed, the sponge, the vinegar, the nailing, the lance, and above all, the Crucifixion and Death which He condescended to endure willingly for our sake—and also the confession unto salvation of the good Thief.

  • 10:00 AM - The Royal Hours.
  • 12:00 PM - Decoration of the Epitapho.
  • 3:00 PM   - The Descent from the Cross.
  • 6:00 PM  -  The Lamentations.

 Saturday, April 27, Holy and Great Saturday - On this day we celebrate the burial of the divine Body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His descent into Hades, through which mankind was recalled from corruption to be lifted up again to eternal life.

  • 10:00 AM -  Vesperal Divine Liturgy (The First Proclamation of the Resurrection).
  • 11:00 PM -  Resurrection/Paschal Service & Meal following the service

Sunday, April 28, Great and Holy Pascha -  On this day we celebrate the Life-giving Resurrection of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, which is called Pascha, which translated from the Hebrew means Passover.

  • 11:00 AM - Agape Vespers followed by Pascha luncheon & Egg Hunt. All kids are invited to participate in the Easter egg hunt following the Agape Service. Kids who want to participate should bring a basket.

Items Needed for the IOCC Hygiene Kits

We are in need of the following items for the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) Hygiene Kits:
• hand towels
• washcloths
• combs
• nail clippers
• bars of soap (bath size)
• toothbrushes -individually wrapped
• Band-Aids 

The Church is now accepting these items and they can be dropped off in the grey basket located in Narthex of the Church (pew near the candle stand). Monetary donations can also be given to Kristi Karis. We will assemble the kits on Palm Sunday (April 21st).


Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp

 Register before May 1st and save $25.00!

Program for Young Adults (Entering Senior Year or College):
Week Zero: June 23 – June 29, 2019
Click here to learn more about the Week Zero Camp Program. 

Programs for Youth Entering Grades 3-11:
Week 1: June 30 – July 6, 2019
Week 2: July 7 – July 13, 2019
Week 3: July 14 – July 20, 2019
Week 4: July 21 – July 27, 2019
Week 5: July 28 – August 3, 2019


Florence G. Stefanou Philoptochos Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the Stefanou family. Florence Stefanou was a devoted Philoptochos member serving at all levels, her local chapter, the Metropolis Board and the National Board. Together with the family, we offer this scholarship to an outstanding male or female wishing to further their education. The scholarship to be awarded will be for $1,000. Applications can be obtained on the Philoptochos Page of the Metropolis of Detroit website. The deadline for submission is April 30th. The winner will be announced in June 2019 and will be awarded at the Metropolis Conference in September 2019.


AHEPA District#10 - High School Graduates and College Scholarship

The Order of AHEPA District #10 Educational Foundation will be awarding educational scholarships to high school students who are graduating in June 2019.  In addition, the Foundation will also be awarding scholarships, to current college students. Scholarship applications can be downloaded at www.AHEPAdistrict10.org/educational-foundation.


Iconography Committee

We would like to thank the following parishioners who have pledged/donated towards the continued beautification of our Church!

  1. Angel Raphael: The Anton Family
  2. Saint Nectarios of Aegina: Georgia Baker 
  3. Great Martyr Irene: Ted & Fran Anton
  4. Saint Catherine of Alexandria: Karen & Barry Eifert
  5. Saint Photini: Micheil Family & James Afendulis
  6. Saint Demetrios: John Bati
  7. Saint George: Gust (Deno) & Mary Danigelis
  8. Saint Procopius of Scythopolis: Gust (Deno) & Mary Danigelis
  9. Theotokos: George Maniates
  10. Prophet Zachariah: Fr. John, Pres. Pavlina, George Sakellariou & Alan Spivak
  11. Saint Helen: Laura & John Wright
  12. Myrrh-bearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene: Clark Family
  13. Saint Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love: Maria Soeder
  14. Dormition Scene: Fr. Basil & Pres. Sandra
  15. Holy Transfiguration Scene: Christine Encelewski

Inclement Weather Notifications

In the event of inclement weather, an email notification will be sent out for any cancellations or time changes. You can also check for weather notifications on:


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Byzantine Iconography: A Presentation on the Art and History of Early Christianity

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