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Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2019-03-31
Bulletin Contents
Parish Calendar
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Parish News & Events
Exaltation_cross
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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 31 to April 7, 2019

    Sunday, March 31

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy: Sunday of the Holy Cross

    Friday, April 5

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

    6:00PM Salutations to the Theotokos

    Saturday, April 6

    Church Landscape Cleaning

    8:15AM Soup Kitchen @ First Congregational Church

    Sunday, April 7

    Philoptochos Meeting

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy: Sunday of St. John Climacus

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Saints and Feasts

Exaltation_cross
March 31

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

Hy
March 31

Hieromartyr Hypatius

This Saint, who was from Cilicia of Asia Minor, became Bishop of Gangra, the capital of Paphlagonia. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council. Because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he was put to death by the Novatians, a sect which denied that sins committed after Baptism could be forgiven.

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April 01

Mary of Egypt

When Mary was only twelve years old, she left her parents and departed to Alexandria, where she lived a depraved life for seventeen years. Then, moved by curiosity, she went with many pilgrims to Jerusalem, that she might see the Exaltation of the venerable Cross. Even in the Holy City she gave herself over to every kind of licentiousness and drew many into the depth of perdition. Desiring to go into the church on the day of the Exaltation of the Cross, time and again she perceived a certain invisible power preventing her entrance, whereas the multitude of people about her entered unhindered. Therefore, wounded in heart by this, she decided to change her way of life and reconcile herself to God by means of repentance. Invoking our Lady the Theotokos as her protectress, she asked her to open the way for her to worship the Cross, and vowed that she would renounce the world. And thus, returning once again to the church, she entered easily. When she had worshipped the precious Wood, she departed that same day from Jerusalem and passed over the Jordan. She went into the inner wilderness and for forty-seven years lived a most harsh manner of life, surpassing human strength; alone, she prayed to God alone. Toward the end of her life, she met a certain hermit named Zosimas, and she related to him her life from the beginning. She requested of him to bring her the immaculate Mysteries that she might partake of them. According to her request, he did this the following year on Holy and Great Thursday. One year after this, Zosimas again went thither and found her dead, laid upon the ground, and letters written in the sand near her which said: "Abba Zosimas, bury here the body of wretched Mary. I died on the very day I partook of the immaculate Mysteries. Pray for me." Her death is reckoned by some to have taken place in 378, by some, in 437, and by others, in 522. She is commemorated also on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. Her life was recorded by Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem.

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April 02

Titus the Wonderworker

Little is known of this Saint except that he took up the monastic life from his youth, became the abbot of a monastery, and reposed in peace.

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April 03

Joseph the Hymnographer

Saint Joseph was from Sicily, the son of Plotinus and Agatha. Because Sicily had been subjugated by the Moslems, he departed thence and, passing from place to place, came with Saint Gregory of Decapolis (see NOV. 20) to Constantinople, where he endured bitter afflictions because of his pious zeal. Travelling to Rome, he was captured by Arab pirates and taken to Crete, whence he later returned to Constantinople. He became an excellent hymnographer and reposed in holiness shortly after 886 (according to some, it was in 883). The melismatic canons of the Menaion are primarily the work of this Joseph; they bear his name in the acrostic of the Ninth Ode. He also composed most of the sacred book known as the Paracletike, which complements the Octoechos For this reason, Joseph is called par excellence the Hymnographer.

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April 04

George the Righteous of Maleon

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth, and went to Mount Maleon, where a community of monks gathered about him. He foretold his death from three years before, and reposed in an odour of sanctity.

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April 05

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, and those with them

Of these Martyrs, Saint Claudius died when his arms and legs were severed; Saint Diodore was burned alive; Saints Victor, Victorinus, and Nicephorus were crushed to death by a large boulder; Saint Serapion was burned alive; Saint Pappias was cast into the sea. According to some accounts, they contested in Corinth under Decius in 251; according to others, in Diospolis in Egypt under Numerian in 284.

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April 06

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Born in Theia Kome of Phrygia, Eutychius was the son of illustrious parents, from whom he received a pious upbringing. He studied in Constantinople, and became a monk in a certain monastery of Amasia. In 552 he was chosen Patriarch of New Rome, but was exiled in 565 as a result of the machinations of the Origenists. In 577 he was restored to his throne and reposed on April 6, 582.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. * For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. * He trampled death under foot by means of death; * and He became the firstborn from the dead. * From the maw of Hades He delivered us; * and He granted the world His great mercy.

Apolytikion of Sun. of the Elevation of the Cross in the First Tone

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

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

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead, and he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me."

Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" So, the word went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die; but Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epistle Reading

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

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

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Parish News & Events

Petition UNESCO to protect Hagia Sophia

Turkey's authoritarian President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again stated his desire to turn Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a mosque.

This is just the latest in a series of attempts to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The Turkish government has already supported recent prayers at Hagia Sophia, and other government officials are on record as saying that the museum should be converted. The more attention we bring to this "creeping conversion" of Hagia Sophia, the more likely it will be that we will succeed in protecting and preserving this historic site.

Sign our petition now demanding that UNESCO issue a statement in support of Hagia Sophia.

www.hellenicleaders.com/ProtectHagiaSophia

Thank you for taking action,


Thanos Davelis
Director of Public Affairs
HALC


Sunday School

Sunday School children and teachers are asked to stay in the Church following Holy Communion. Today’s Sunday School lesson will be presented by Fr. John in Church before the procession with the Holy Cross.


Lenten Service Schedule

The next and final Pre-Sanctified Liturgy for Lent will take place on Wednesday, April 10th @ 6:00 PM with a Lenten potluck dinner to follow.

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


Soup Kitchen @ First Congregational Church: Saturday, April 6th @ 8:15 AM

We will be volunteering to serve breakfast to the needy at the First Congregational Church in Muskegon on April 6th @ 8:15 AM. Please contact Pat Ladas (ladaspy@comcast.net) if you would like to volunteer.  


Save the Date - Parish Spring Cleaning: Saturday, April 13th

Please join us on Saturday, April 13th for the cleaning of the Church grounds. 


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 

Monetary donations can also be given to Kristi Karis. 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) until Sunday, April 7th which will be the last day to bring items for Ithe health kits.  We will assemble the kits on Palm Sunday during and after Sunday School on April  14th.


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. Deadline to apply is April 1st.


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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