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Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2019-10-13
Bulletin Contents
Parish Calendar
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Parish News & Events
Middle Eastern Dinner
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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

    October 13 to October 20, 2019

    Sunday, October 13

    Deadline for Monastery Pilgrimage

    Daughters of Penelope Meeting

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Wednesday, October 16

    10:00AM Choir Meeting

    6:00PM Bible Study & Discussion

    Sunday, October 20

    Parish Council Meeting

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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Saints and Feasts

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October 13

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.

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October 14

Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius, & Celsus of Milan

The holy Martyrs all contested for piety's sake in Milan; after the passage of much time their holy relics were discovered and given honorable burial by Saint Ambrose.

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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.

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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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October 17

Hosea the Prophet

According to some, Hosea, whose name means "God is help," was from the tribe of Issachar, or more likely, from that of Reuben; he was the son of Beeri. He is the first in order of the twelve minor Prophets and the most ancient of all. He prophesied in the days of the divided Kingdom; the Lord told him to take a harlot to wife (Hosea 1:2), and then an adulteress (ibid., 3:1). The harlot, a known sinner, was a figure of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria, which openly worshipped idols; the adulteress, lawfully married yet sinning secretly with her lovers, was a figure of the Kingdom of Judah in Jerusalem, which, while having the Temple, and the priesthood, and the divine worship according to the Law, stealthily served the idols also. The Prophet Hosea prophesied for sixty years, and lived for some ninety years, from 810 to 720 B.C. His book is divided into fourteen chapters.

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October 18

Luke the Evangelist

This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul. He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.

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October 19

John of Rilas

Saint John of Rilas founded the renowned monastery of that name in Bulgaria in the tenth century. Over the centuries, great and wondrous healings have flowed from his holy relics.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

Apolytikion for Sun. 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.

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.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, Jesus, having risen from the dead, stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

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 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.

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."

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Parish News & Events

Upcoming Parish Meetings

  • There will be a Daughters of Penelope meeting this Sunday, October 13th after Divine Liturgy.
  • There will be a Parish Council meeting next Sunday, October 20th after Divine Liturgy.

Philoptochos

Below is an excerpt from Philoptochos' National Newsletter "Philanthropy Witness" with an article about our Parish's work in the local community:

The women of the Muskegon, MI Philoptochos Chapter have identified Moon Elementary, a Title 1 school, as their Operation Classroom project for the 2019/2020 school season. They plan to work with the school throughout the year. Their first project was to collect monetary donations as well as useful items for "Welcome Back" gift bags for teachers at the school. The women were back at it after the first week of school when they brought a trunk full of healthy snacks to the school. The chapter first reached out through the community liaison office of the public school system. They were given the contact information for the Principal of Moon Elementary. Their first donations were initiated by the chapter but the chapter plans to meet with the principal again in the coming weeks to discuss future projects.

Our Parish's Philoptochos Chapter was also honored with three certificates for their dedication and contribution towards philanthropic projects in the local community (see community bulletin board).


Greek Pastry Sale

Discounted Greek pastries will be available for purchases during the coffee hour:

  • Koularakia $6 a dozen or 3 dozen for $15
  • Melomakarna and Kourembiedes  $1.50 each

Host a Fellowship Hour

The Fellowship Hour is a continuation of the Christian Fellowship experienced in the Eucharist during the Divine Liturgy. It is also a wonderful way to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, family milestone, or memorial.  If you would like to host a Fellowship Hour, please use the Coffee Hour signup sheet in the community hall. 


Bible Study & Discussion

Thank you to all the parishioners who attended last week's Bible Study. We will meet again this Wednesday, October 16th @ 6:00 PM and will cover the following chapters from the Gospel of John: 5-7.


Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Hockey Games

Through a generous donation, our parish has been gifted a number of tickets. Please contact Fr. John if you would like to attend any of the following games:

  • November 27
  • December 31
  • January 31
  • February 22
  • March 27
  • April 11

Upcoming Feastday Services

  • Divine Liturgy for Saint Demetrius the Great Martyr – Saturday, October 26th:  9:00 AM Orthros | Divine Liturgy 10 AM.
  • Saint Nektarios, the Wonder-worker - Saturday, November 9th: 9:00 AM Orthros | Divine Liturgy 10 AM.
  • The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple – Thursday, November 21st: 9:00 AM Orthros | Divine Liturgy 10 AM.
  • Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria - Monday, November 25th:  9:00 AM Orthros | Divine Liturgy 10 AM.

Holy Dormition Monastery Visit

We are planning to visit the Holy Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction, MI for the start of the Nativity Fast on Friday, November 15th and returning back on Saturday. Families and children are welcome to attend the pilgrimage. Anyone wishing to go is welcome to stay the night at the monastery or to visit for the day. If you are planning to stay, the deadline to reserve a room will be Sunday, October 13th. Please contact Fr John if you have any questions or would like to attend.

Friday,  November 15th

  • 5:00 PM: Arrive for Vespers
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner followed by room assignments
  • 7:00 PM: Audience with Mother Gariblea
  • 8:00 PM: Settle in for the evening

Saturday, November 16th

  • 8:00 AM: Orthros & Divine Liturgy for Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist
  • 11-11:30 AM: Memorial at the grave of Fr. Steve & Pres. Anna Yankopoulos
  • Noon: Lunch
  • 1:00 - 3:00 PM: Explore Monastery grounds - cemetery chapel, gift shop, & gardens
  • Optional 5:00 PM:  Dinner followed by Vespers and Vigil

Congratulations!

Please join the Ken/Nick and Maria Ladas Hoopes, the Georgiana and Chris Grant families on SUNDAY, November 10th from 12:00-2:00 at the Muskegon Country Club 2801 Lakeshore Drive. Muskegon, MI 49441 for a brunch buffet celebrating Pat and Paul Ladas’s 80th and 85th birthdays! EVERYONE in the church is invited!! NO GIFTS ALLOWED! If you are unable to attend, please text or call 231-670-1041. If you don’t receive a hard copy invite, you are still invited! Thank you so much!! The Hoopes and Grants.


Iconography Update

The Iconography Committee would like to thank all parishioners who donated to the beautification of our Church! As the project comes close to completion, there are still a few locations inside the Church available if anyone wishes to donate an icon to honor a family or loved one. Please contact Nick Davros (231-343-7361) for more information. The iconographer has agreed with the Committee to discounted pricing for all final icons.


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Middle Eastern Dinner

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