Publish-header
Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2019-04-14
Bulletin Contents
Parish Calendar
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Parish News & Events
Zosimas_and_mary_of_egypt
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

    April 14 to April 21, 2019

    Sunday, April 14

    Philoptochos Collection for Holy Cross Seminary

    Coffee Hour Sponsored by Philoptochos

    Assemble IOCC Hygiene Kits

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy: Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

    11:30AM Parish Council Meeting

    Monday, April 15

    6:00PM Chant Meeting for Holy Week

    Wednesday, April 17

    6:00PM Chant Meeting for Holy Week

    Thursday, April 18

    10:00AM Comcast Repair

    Friday, April 19

    9:00AM Missions Meeting for St Irene Orthodox Orphanage - Kenya - Africa

    11:00AM Pastoral Visitation

    12:00PM Agape Luncheon Shopping

    Saturday, April 20

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy: Lazarus Saturday

    11:30AM Palm Cross Making & Lenten Luncheon

    Sunday, April 21

    Collection of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center Coin Boxes

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy: Palm Sunday

    11:30AM Philoptochos Palm Sunday Luncheon

    6:00PM Service of the Bridegroom (Nymphios)

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Zosimas_and_mary_of_egypt
April 14

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

Crescens
April 15

Crescens the Martyr

This Martyr was from Myra of Lycia, born of an illustrious family. Of his own accord he went amidst the idolaters and admonished them to leave off their futile religion and worship the only true God, Who is worshipped by the Christians; for this he was arrested. When asked by the ruler what his name and lineage were, the Saint would answer only that he was a Christian; counseled to offer sacrifice to the idols, he refused. For this, he was hung up and beaten, was scraped, and then was cast into fire, in which he gave up his holy soul into the hands of God, though not even the hair of his head was harmed by the flames.

Holy-virgin-martyrs-agape-chionia-and-irene-300x203
April 16

Agape, Chionia, and Irene, the Holy Martyrs

When the Emperor Diocletian was at Aquileia, he learned that these Saints were Christians, and had them brought before him. Because they would not deny Christ, he had them imprisoned, and when he went into Macedonia, he committed them to Dulcitius the Prefect, who, however, lost his understanding and became incapable of doing them any harm. Diocletian then gave Count Sisinius charge over them. He had Saints Agape and Chionia burned; he ordered that Saint Irene be put in a brothel, but by the providence of God this was not accomplished, and she was shot with an arrow. These holy sisters suffered martyrdom in Thessalonica in the year 295.

262961.p
April 17

Symeon the Holy Martyr and Bishop of Persia

This Martyr was Bishop of the royal cities Seleucia and Ctesiphon in Persia. As the number of Christians increased in Persia, building churches and appointing clergy, the Magi, guardians of the Persian religion, and the Jews, who also envied them, accused Symeon to Sapor II, King of Persia, saying that Symeon was a friend of the Roman Emperor and his spy. Then began Sapor's persecution of the Christians of Persia, about the year 343. The Magi together with the Jews destroyed the churches. Saint Symeon was brought before Sapor, and, refusing to worship the sun, was imprisoned. On Holy and Great Friday of that year, Saint Symeon was brought out of prison with a hundred others, bishops, priests, and deacons. As each was taken to be slain, Saint Symeon exhorted him to be of good courage; he was slain last of all. It is said that 1,150 Martyrs were slain; an innumerable multitude of Christians were slain throughout Persia during this persecution, among them Saints Acepsimas, Joseph, and Aethalas (see Nov. 3).

John-the-righteous-disciple-of-st.-gregory-of-decapolis
April 18

Holy Father John the Righteous, disciple of St. Gregory of Decapolis

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth and became a disciple of Saint Gregory of Decapolis (see Nov. 20). After his elder, Saint Gregory, reposed (in the first half of the ninth century), he came to Jerusalem and finally reposed in peace in the Monastery of Saint Chariton.

0419paphnutios
April 19

The Holy Hieromartyr Paphnutius

All that is known concerning this Saint is that he was a bishop and that he suffered many torments by fire, the sword, and wild beasts.

Lazarus
April 20

Lazarus Saturday

Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, the friends of the Lord Jesus, had given Him hospitality and served Him many times (Luke 10:38-4z; John 12:2-3). They were from Bethany, a village of Judea. This village is situated in the eastern parts by the foothills of the Mount of Olives, about two Roman miles from Jerusalem. When Lazarus - whose name is a Hellenized form of "Eleazar," which means "God has helped," became ill some days before the saving Passion, his sisters had this report taken to our Saviour, Who was then in Galilee. Nonetheless, He tarried yet two more days until Lazarus died; then He said to His disciples, "Let us go into Judea that I might awake My friend who sleepeth." By this, of course, He meant the deep sleep of death. On arriving at Bethany, He consoled the sisters of Lazarus, who was already four days dead. Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled at the death of His beloved friend. He asked, "Where have ye laid his body?" and He wept over him. When He drew nigh to the tomb, He commanded that they remove the stone, and He lifted up His eyes, and giving thanks to God the Father, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." And he that had been dead four days came forth immediately, bound hand and foot with the grave clothes, and Jesus said to those standing there, "Loose him, and let him go." This is the supernatural wonder wrought by the Saviour that we celebrate on this day.

According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him; then he lived another thirty years on Cyprus and there reposed in the Lord. It is furthermore related that after he was raised from the dead, he never laughed till the end of his life, but that once only, when he saw someone stealing a clay vessel, he smiled and said, "Clay stealing clay." His grave is situated in the city of Kition, having the inscription: "Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ." In 890 his sacred relics were transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo the Wise, at which time undoubtedly the Emperor composed his stichera for Vespers, "Wishing to behold the tomb of Lazarus . . ."

BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal Fourth Mode

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Mary, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.

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 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.
BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back, for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

BACK TO TOP

Parish News & Events

Philoptochos

  • Philoptochos will pass a second tray in support of Holy Cross Seminary.
  • Today’s Coffee Hour is sponsored by Philoptochos.

Parish Council

There will be a Parish Council meeting today after Divine Liturgy.


IOCC Hygiene Kits

The IOCC Hygiene Kits will be assembled today during Sunday School and during Coffee Hour if needed. Thank you to all parishioners who donated towards the kits!


Tsoureki/Easter Bread Sale

Freshly baked Tsoureki/Easter Bread will be available after the Holy Week/Pashca services on April 25th, 26th, 27th, & 28th. The cost per loaf is $10. Please contact Kristi Karis or Pres. Pavlina to place an order. 


Philoptochos Palm Sunday Luncheon

Philoptochos will host a Palm Sunday Luncheon on April 21st after Divine Liturgy. The donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children.


Orthodox Christian Mission Center Coin Boxes

The OCMC Coin Boxes will be collected on Palm Sunday (April 21st). Please return them to any Sunday School teacher - thank you for all your support for Orthodox Missions! 


Epitaphos/Holy Week Flower Donations

As we continue our journey through Great Lent to Holy Week and Pascha, we prepare to celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (April 28th). An important part of Great Lent is the need for flowers and other items at the many services conducted in Church. Offerings can be dropped off in the donation basket near the candle stand. Donations can also be made online:

  1. Visit the church website at www.orthodoxmuskegon.church.
  2. Click on the “Support our Ministries” button which is located on the right side of the homepage.
  3. If you already have a PayPal account, simply log in and follow the steps to make a donation. If you do not have a PayPal account, follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile. A donation can also be given without a PayPal account by clicking on "Donate with a Debit or Credit Card".
  4. Once you are ready to make a donation, simply enter the amount and please specify that your donation is for Easter Flowers by clicking on "Add special instructions to the seller".

Daughters of Penelope Annual Plant Sale

A variety of beautiful blooming hanging baskets will be ready for Mother's Day. Order forms will be available on Sundays in the fellowship room,  or you may call Nika Danigelis at 231-780-4290. The donation per basket is $11.00 and baskets will be available for pickup on Sunday, May 12th.


Do You Know a Foreign Language? – Agape Vespers

Agape Vespers (also called Vespers of Love) is a Vespers service that continues the celebration of Pascha, held on April 28th @ 11 AM on the day of Pascha. At this service, the Gospel reading (John 20:19-25) depicts the first appearance of the risen Lord to his disciples and is recited in many languages symbolizing that the glorious resurrection of Christ is proclaimed to all the nations of the world. If you are interested in reading the Gospel in a specific language, please contact Fr.  John.


Holy Week Service Book Update

The Holy Week Services will be conducted using the services that are available from www.agesinitiatives.com. If you would like to follow along, a mobile application is also available for free. 


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 followed by a Philoptochos Luncheon.
  • 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.

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.


Iconography Committee

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

  1. Saint Elpiniki: Phyllis (Photine) Afendulis
  2. Angel Raphael: The Anton Family
  3. Saint Nectarios of Aegina: Georgia Baker 
  4. Great Martyr Irene: Ted & Fran Anton
  5. Saint Catherine of Alexandria: Karen & Barry Eifert
  6. Saint Photini: Micheil Family & James Afendulis
  7. Saint Demetrios: John Bati
  8. Saint George: Gust (Deno) & Mary Danigelis
  9. Saint Procopius of Scythopolis: Gust (Deno) & Mary Danigelis
  10. Theotokos: George Maniates
  11. Prophet Zachariah: Fr. John, Pres. Pavlina, George Sakellariou & Alan Spivak
  12. Saint Helen: Laura & John Wright
  13. Myrrh-bearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene: Clark Family
  14. Saint Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love: Maria Soeder
  15. Dormition Scene: Fr. Basil & Pres. Sandra
  16. 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:


BACK TO TOP