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Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2020-10-04
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Hierotheos
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Annunciation Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (209) 522-7694
  • Fax:
  • (209) 522-3926
  • Street Address:

  • 313 Tokay Avenue

  • Modesto, CA 95350
  • Mailing Address:

  • P.O. Box 578128

  • Modesto, CA 95357


Contact Information




Services Schedule

DIVINE SERVICE SCHEDULE

 

Sunday    

Divine Services    9:00 am

Saturday

Great Vespers     5:00 pm

Weekday

Special Feastday 8:30 am 


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

O Merciful One, You came from on high, and condescended to Your three day burial to save us from suffering. You are our Life and our Resurrection. Glory to You.
Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.
Ex eepsus katilthes o efsplaknos, tafin katadexo tri-eemeron, eena eemas eleftherosis tohn pathon. Ee zoi ke ee Anastasis eemon, Kyrie, doxa Si.

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 suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto you: Hasten to intercession, and speed to make supplication, you who does ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor you.
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
Prostasia ton Christianon akateskhinte, mesitia pros ton Pi-ee-tin ametathete, mi paridis amartolon deh-ee-seon fonas; alla profthason, os agathi, ees tin voithian eemon, ton pistos kravgazonton si: Tahinon ees presvian, ke spevson ees ikesian, ee prostatevusa a-ee, Theotoke, ton timonton se.
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Saints and Feasts

Hierotheos
October 04

Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus' concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.


Charitine
October 05

Charitina the Martyr

Saint Charitina contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 290. The handmaid of a certain Claudius, she was betrayed as a Christian to Dometian, the Count, before whom she fearlessly confessed Christ. After suffering the most terrible tortures, including the uprooting of her teeth and nails, she gave up her soul into the hands of the Lord.


Thomas
October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.


Sergiusbaccos
October 07

Sergius & Bacchus the Great Martyrs of Syria

These holy Martyrs were Romans of high rank in the service of the Emperor Maximian, to whom it was reported that they did not take part in the festivals of the idols. When he called them into his presence, they confessed their Faith in the one God. He had them arrayed in women's clothes and paraded through the streets in mockery. They were afterwards scourged, from which Saint Bacchus died. This was about the year 296. Saint Sergius was then taken to Resapha in Syria, where he was tortured and beheaded. His tomb in Resapha became a very famous shrine, to which pilgrims came from as far away as Western Europe; Resapha was later renamed Sergiopolis in his honour.


Allsaint
October 08

Pelagia the Righteous

This Saint was a prominent actress of the city of Antioch, and a pagan, who lived a life of unrestrained prodigality and led many to perdition. Instructed and baptized by a certain bishop named Nonnus (Saint Nonnus is commemorated Nov. 10), she departed for the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem, where she lived as a recluse, feigning to be a eunuch called Pelagia. She lived in such holiness and repentance that within three or four years she was deemed worthy to repose in an odour of sanctity, in the middle of the fifth century. Her tomb on the Mount of Olives has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.


Jamesalphaeus
October 09

James the Apostle, son of Alphaeus

The holy Apostle James was one of the Twelve, and preached Christ to many nations, and finally suffered death by crucifixion.


Allsaint
October 10

Eulampius & Eulampia the Martyrs

The Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia were from Nicomedia, and contested for Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 296.


Philipap
October 11

Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.


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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.

Sixth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:36-53

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἔστη ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. πτοηθέντες δὲ καὶ ἔμφοβοι γενόμενοι ἐδόκουν πνεῦμα θεωρεῖν. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί τεταραγμένοι ἐστέ, καὶ διατί διαλογισμοὶ ἀναβαίνουσιν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; ἴδετε τὰς χεῖράς μου καὶ τοὺς πόδας μου, ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγώ εἰμι· ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι πνεῦμα σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα οὐκ ἔχει καθὼς ἐμὲ θεωρεῖτε ἔχοντα. καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐπέδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας. ἔτι δὲ ἀπιστούντων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς καὶ θαυμαζόντων εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ἔχετέ τι βρώσιμον ἐνθάδε; οἱ δὲ ἐπέδωκαν αὐτῷ ἰχθύος ὀπτοῦ μέρος καὶ ἀπὸ μελισσίου κηρίου, καὶ λαβὼν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ἔφαγεν. εἶπε δὲ αὐτοῖς· οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι οὓς ἐλάλησα πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔτι ὢν σὺν ὑμῖν, ὅτι δεῖ πληρωθῆναι πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Μωϋσέως καὶ προφήταις καὶ ψαλμοῖς περὶ ἐμοῦ. τότε διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν τοῦ συνιέναι τὰς γραφάς, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι οὕτω γέγραπται καὶ οὕτως ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ ἀναστῆναι ἐκ νεκρῶν τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, καὶ κηρυχθῆναι ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ μετάνοιαν καὶ ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἀρξάμενον ἀπὸ ῾Ιερουσαλήμ. ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε μάρτυρες τούτων. καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ πατρός μου ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς· ὑμεῖς δὲ καθίσατε ἐν τῇ πόλει ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ ἕως οὗ ἐνδύσησθε δύναμιν ἐξ ὕψους.

᾿Εξήγαγε δὲ αὐτοὺς ἔξω ἕως εἰς Βηθανίαν, καὶ ἐπάρας τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ εὐλόγησεν αὐτούς. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εὐλογεῖν αὐτὸν αὐτοὺς διέστη ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν καὶ ἀνεφέρετο εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν. καὶ αὐτοὶ προσκυνήσαντες αὐτὸν ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ μετὰ χαρᾶς μεγάλης, καὶ ἦσαν διὰ παντὸς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ αἰνοῦντες καὶ εὐλογοῦντες τὸν Θεόν. ἀμήν.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1.

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1.
Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 6:16-18, 7:1.

Ἀδελφοί, ὑμεῖς ἐστε ναὸς Θεοῦ ζῶντος, καθὼς εἶπεν ὁ θεός ὅτι Ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐμπεριπατήσω· καὶ ἔσομαι αὐτῶν θεός, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔσονταί μοι λαός. Διὸ, Ἐξέλθετε ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν καὶ ἀφορίσθητε, λέγει κύριος, καὶ ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε· κἀγὼ εἰσδέξομαι ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἔσομαι ὑμῖν εἰς πατέρα, καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔσεσθέ μοι εἰς υἱοὺς καὶ θυγατέρας, λέγει κύριος παντοκράτωρ. Ταύτας οὖν ἔχοντες τὰς ἐπαγγελίας, ἀγαπητοί, καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ παντὸς μολυσμοῦ σαρκὸς καὶ πνεύματος, ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην ἐν φόβῳ θεοῦ.


Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

2nd Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 6:31-36

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καθὼς θέλετε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς ὁμοίως. καὶ εἰ ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας αὐτοὺς ἀγαπῶσι. καὶ ἐὰν ἀγαθοποιῆτε τοὺς ἀγαθοποιοῦντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσι. καὶ ἐὰν δανείζητε παρ᾿ ὧν ἐλπίζετε ἀπολαβεῖν, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς δανείζουσιν ἵνα ἀπολάβωσι τὰ ἴσα. πλὴν ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑμῶν καὶ ἀγαθοποιεῖτε καὶ δανείζετε μηδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες, καὶ ἔσται ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολύς, καὶ ἔσεσθε υἱοὶ ὑψίστου, ὅτι αὐτὸς χρηστός ἐστιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀχαρίστους καὶ πονηρούς. Γίνεσθε οὖν οἰκτίρμονες, καθὼς καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν οἰκτίρμων ἐστί.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

The sign that thou lovest God, is this, that thou lovest thy fellow; and if thou hatest thy fellow, thy hatred is towards God. For it is blasphemy if thou prayest before God while thou art wroth. For thy heart also convicts thee, that in vain thou multipliest words: thy conscience rightly judges that in thy prayers thou profitest nought.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
ON ADMONITION AND REPENTANCE.

Let us then, bearing in mind all the things which have been said, show forth great love even towards our enemies; and let us ease away that ridiculous custom, to which many of the more thoughtless give way, waiting for those that meet them to address them first.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 18 on Matthew 5, 4th Century

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PARISH NEWS

PARISH LEADERSHIP

Rev. Fr. Jon Magoulias, Protopresbyter
PARISH PRIEST

Rev. Fr. Michael Sergakis
ASSISTANT PRIEST

Manoli Rodarakis
PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT


LITURGICAL CALENDAR

WEEKLY DIVINE SERVICES

Wednesday,         September 30th
Small Supplication Canon          12:00 p.m.

Saturday,            October 3rd
Great Vespers                            5:00 p.m.

Sunday,              October 4th
2nd Sunday of Luke
Epistle        2 Cor. 6:16-7:1
Gospel        Luke   6:31-36
Sunday Divine Services               9:00 a.m.

Wednesday,        October 7th
Small Supplication Canon          12:00 p.m.

Saturday,            October 10th
Great Vespers                            5:00 p.m.

Sunday,              October 11th
4th Sunday of Luke
Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Synod
Epistle        Titus   3:8-15
Gospel        Luke   8:5-15
Sunday Divine Services               9:00 a.m.


MEMORIAL SERVICES
Memorial prayers will be offered this Sunday for the repose of the soul of the servant of God:

Angelo Cougiamtzakis       40 Days

On behalf of the entire Parish we extend our prayers to his family and friends.  May our Heavenly Father grant him eternal rest where there is no pain or sorrow, but everlasting life.

Eternal be his memory!  


WELCOME

The recent order of the State of California is once again restricting the attendance of people in church.  We will continue to live-stream services on both our website and Facebook site.  We strongly advise you to be responsible in making decisions in regards to your health.

During Divine Services, we will continue to follow the procedures that include social distancing, encouragement to wear a mask, and other practices that promote good hygiene. We ask that you be patient and follow the directions given by the Parish Council. 

The Guidelines for Attending Church during a Pandemic have been sent to you in our Monthly Bulletin (the hardcopy and the digital), along with through emails.  Please read it carefully and follow the instructions.

Holy Communion will be offered following the Dismissal Prayer of the Divine Liturgy.  This is being done to limit the amount of movement in the church. 

It is always a blessing to welcome visitors to our Parish.  We continue to pray that our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ bless you through the intercessions of the All-Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. 

Please remember, ALL Divine Services may be viewed on our Internet Broadcast shown on our Parish Website (www.goannunciation.org/LiveServices), from the Archdiocese "Goarch" app, or from our Facebook site (Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Modesto).

Fellowship Hour continues to be suspended until further notice. We will continue praying the Divine Services and advise our parishioners to follow the directives given by the County and State Health Departments and to use their discretion regarding attendance. 

May you have a blessed week!


PARISH COUNCIL
Sunday, October 4th – Team 1: Nick Faklis, Jaylen French, & John Mangelos

Sunday, October 11th – Team 2: Andrea Mayer, Jeff Brown, & Nick Pallios


ALTAR BOYS
Acolyte Coordinator: Manoli Rodarakis

Senior Altar Boys:  Andreas Alexander ~ John Hillas ~ Pantelis Zanotto ~ Frankie Zanotto 

Captains - Demitri Stamos & Walter Lemons

John Capous, Reid Fortin, Athan French, Ryan Hatton, Carson Maroudas, Aristedes Mason, & Peter Zanotto

Altar boys, ages 9-14 are to attend Sunday Church each Sunday following Holy Communion.  Altar Boys, ages 15-18, are to attend Sunday Church School every other Sunday following Holy Communion.


STEWARDSHIP 2020

The present Covid-19 Pandemic has turned our world upside down!  It has caused us to examine how we do things and how we will adjust to life once the Coronavirus has passed. 

From this experience, it has become obvious that the Parish Church MUST be supported through the Stewardship of the Parish Stewards.  Reliance on outside sources to financially support our Parish cannot be the means by which our Parish will continue to function in the future.

This year, we celebrate the 90th year of our Parish in Modesto.  As we remember and pray for the eternal repose of all the Stewards that established and supported our Parish through the years, we also give thanks to ALL the Stewards of our Parish today that actively participate in our Stewardship Ministry.  It is through active Christian Orthodox Stewardship that we live our precious Christian Orthodox Faith.

Our Holy Church is established upon Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition.  We are taught to give cheerfully and without reluctance to the mission of God’s Holy Church.  Your support is necessary to continue the growth and development of our Parish Ministries.    We pray that we seriously consider what it means to become a more active participant in our Stewardship Ministry.  We ask that you consider:      

      1.)  increasing the Time you spend in Church;      
      2.)  giving of the Talent you offer through various ministries of our Parish and; 
      3.) considering increasing the financial offering from your Treasure that will enable us to fully fund the operating costs of our Parish through YOUR Stewardship commitment!

Christian Stewardship is the very essence of living our precious Faith that teaches each us to return to the Lord a portion of our earnings so that the Church may continue to grow.  Offering one’s support to the Church in weekly, monthly or quarterly contributions is a much easier way to manage the finances of one’s household.  Each year we are blessed that a number of our Stewards increase their commitment to the Church.  We continue to see many stewards increase their offering above the previous year’s contribution by as much as 25%!  We would hope that each Steward would increase their offering by at least 10%. 

Every person baptized and/or chrismated into the Orthodox Christian Faith is a parishioner but a Steward is one who is a baptized and/or chrismated person who understands his responsibility to God and His Church.  This understanding directs him to live his life according to the teachings of our Faith and at the same time, offers Time, Talents and Treasure to the sacred work of the Church.  It is important to understand that our Stewardship obligations determine a family (husband, wife, & children) or an individual as stewards of our Parish.  Young adults (18 years and older) that have completed their schooling and/or find themselves in the workplace are expected to become stewards of the Parish.  These individuals are not included in one’s “Family Stewardship” obligation.

Recently, our parishioners received their 2nd quarter Stewardship Report for 2020.  Please review it carefully and if you have any questions, please contact the Parish Office.

It is imperative that we make our Stewardship offering in support of the sacred mission of our Church in Modesto…  In 2020, our Parish will require an average Stewardship Offering of $1600.00 per family to fund the ministries of our Church.  Do you realize that the first $250.00 from your Stewardship offering in 2020 is contributed to the Archdiocese of America for National Ministries?  Your Stewardship offering supports the mission of our Church in Modesto and beyond!  Please remember that our website enables you to securely make Stewardship contributions (and other donations) online.        

We have a goal of 325 Stewardship families/individuals for our Parish this year.  It IS an attainable goal…As of September 25th we have 279 Stewardship families/individuals supporting our sacred ministry, as compared to 275 in 2019.  Please support our efforts! In supporting these efforts we ask that you reach out to family and fellow parishioners to become more active in the ministries of our Parish.  This year's Stewardship Theme is taken from the Old Testament: “To all things there is a time, and a purpose for every matter under heaven…”  (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

The instruction given from Holy Scripture teaches us to recognize the "Time" we experience in our lives and that there is a "purpose...under heaven" for how we pass the time of our lives.  If you have any questions regarding your offering please contact Fr. Jon.


PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
Having begun the New Ecclesiastical Year, many of our Parish ministries will convene through internet technology.  Please be sure to give your email to the Denna Tsatsaronis, President of the Philoptochos so that members are apprised of meetings and activities being planned.  As we provide a virtual concept to our Philoptochos Ministry, we ask that you please support this sacred work of our Church.

Donations are accepted by Philoptochos for its philanthropic ministry.  It is important that ALL ladies in our Parish join the Philoptochos so that we can strengthen our sacred mission. The “Stewardship Drive” to become a Philoptochos member is currently underway.  This is a beautiful ministry that assists so many people and organizations in our Church and in our county.  For further information please contact one of the officers of Philoptochos. 

The Philoptochos Board of Trustees is comprised of:  Denna Tsatsaronis, President; Dena Brown, Vice-President; Diane Hillas Treasurer; Markella Tsatsaronis, Secretary; Maria Berris, Mary Gavrilis, Janelle Hatton, Helen Katotakis, Diana Demetrulias - Mayer, Kiki Shaw, Gloria Tronis-Bolakis, Ella Velthoen, and Eleni Venierakis.


CHURCH ETIQUETTE

When attending services, please be prompt! In order to partake of the Holy Eucharist please remember proper preparation is required to receive Holy Communion.  Proper preparation in receiving Holy Communion requires that the person be in the Divine Liturgy on time, that means BEFORE 9:30 a.m.!

When receiving the Holy Eucharist come forward reverently, give your baptismal name, hold the red cloth under your chin and after receiving, wipe your lips.

Please remember that the "Cry Room" is intended only when an infant child may seem to be disrupting a divine service. It is wonderful to see so many families with young children and for this reason, we ask that only one parent and child be in the "Cry Room" at any given time. Parents should not be giving their children games to play while in the "Cry Room".  Once the child has settled down they should return to the pews for the service.


VISIT OUR WEBSITE
In an effort to continue improving our Parish Ministry, we continue to upgrade and improve our Parish Website: www.goannunciation.org

The broadcasting of our Divine Services may now be seen from both our Parish Website and Parish Facebook page.  The newly installed high definition cameras have added to the viewing clarity of our services.  We do suggest that when viewing Divine Services from our Parish Website, that it may be better to use Chrome as the browser.

The use of today's technology to improve our ability to serve you, the faithful stewards of the Annunciation Church, is of paramount importance. Whether it is through our website or the broadcasting of Divine Services, it is the responsibility of good stewardship that we strengthen our ability to communicate Christ's message of love, peace and salvation to all.

A feature on the website now enables donations and Stewardship offerings to be made online. After researching a number of programs to provide a means by which online contributions may be made we have chosen to use "Paypal" which is a well tested and secure method.

Please accept this improvement to our Parish Ministry as an offering from your Parish Council. We are grateful to the stewards and friends of our Parish that support our ministry and we pledge to continue to provide the highest quality of service to you, the people of God.


PLEASE TAKE NOTE WHEN COMMUNICATING WITHIN THE PARISH
Texting and social media platforms have become prevalent as the means by which we communicate with one another.  Although these methods of communication may be more convenient and seemingly instantaneous, they remain informal and impersonal.  Moreover, our words can be misconstrued on account of improperly placed (or lacking) punctuation, misspelled words, and/or incomplete thoughts; simply done with the click of a button.

We, therefore, ask you to please refrain from texting or reaching out to Fr. Jon, Michael, or the Office Staff through social media platforms.  Rather, you are asked to contact them through the Church Office to schedule appointments or sacraments, confirm service times, meetings, request visitations and/or to ask for pastoral or theological questions.  In the event of an emergency, please contact Fr. Jon via the numbers provided in our Parish Directory.

In addition, we would like to remind you that calls to the Church Office should ONLY pertain to activities of the Parish.  Any personal calls to Office Staff, unless it is a family emergency, should be made AFTER or BEFORE their work hours.

Some internet sites of our Parish include:

Parish Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/goannunciation/

Philoptochos - https://www.facebook.com/Philoptochos4011/

Tots N Toddlers (TNT) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1752911011651397/

GOYA - https://www.facebook.com/groups/906681666103047/

YAL - https://www.facebook.com/groups/690691877659137/?ref=group_browse_new

Dance Groups - Shutterfly - https://greekdanceclub.shutterfly.com/

iPhone App for Shutterfly Share Sites can be found at - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shutterfly-share-sites/id567273381?mt=8


CHURCH MUSIC MINISTRY
The ministry of our choir members is to represent YOU and to serve as volunteers by using the gift of music to sing praises to our Lord is a true act of Christian Orthodox Stewardship.

Parishioners, who may be interested in of our Church, and especially our young people, are invited to join the choir. St. Augustine wrote: "What better thing can the people do than sing. I know of no better thing than this!" Please contact Markella Tsatsaronis or the Church Office, to find out more about our Church Choir.



CHURCH BEHAVIOR
Divine Services on Sunday morning during the summer begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. (Weekdays at 8:30 a.m.). There is no set time as to when the Divine Liturgy actually begins since the hymns of the Matins vary from week to week. According to actual Church Service procedures, each and every member of the congregation is required to be seated in the pews by the beginning of the Divine Liturgy. 

It is only through leniency that anyone is allowed to enter the Church once the Service has begun. Thus it behooves us not to take undue advantage of this leniency. Also, unnecessary noise is extremely distracting during worship, especially when it comes from the adults talking; in addition, our nursery is equipped with all the conveniences for young children and a parent to participate in the Liturgy. Please remember to prepare yourself properly to attend the Divine Liturgy; dress accordingly; do not chew gum; turn off your cell phone; and please do not create a disturbance. Please remember that the Parish Council members are re quired to see to the order during Church Services and everyone should follow their directions at all times.

"The Lord has given us many counsels and commandments to help us toward salvation. He has even given us a pattern of prayer, instructing us on how we are to pray. He has given us life, and with His accustomed generosity, He has also taught us how to pray. He has made it easy for us to be heard, as we pray to the Father in words taught us by the Son.Let us pray as God our Master has taught us. To ask the Father in words His Son has given us, to let Him hear the words of Christ ringing in our ears, is to make our prayer one of friendship, a family prayer." St. Cyprian, martyred Bishop of Carthage (+258)


PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION  
Our regular Sunday Church School program has begun.  We are grateful to the staff and teachers that are organizing their classes on Zoom.  We are also thankful for the parents who support this important ministry by having their children participate.  The support of the parents is necessary for us to have a successful ministry.

It is important to register our young people from ages 3 - high school as we begin our regular session of our Sunday Church School Ministry.  As we continue to hold our Sunday Church School on Zoom, we ask that you register your children for the new Ecclesiastical Year.  Recently, an email was sent out to all on our Parish Email List asking that parents register their children through Google.  If you have a problem registering, please email Kari Fortin at: 410kari@gmail.com

We are grateful to our Sunday Church Directors Helen Katotakis and Kari Fortin, along with our teaching staff, for planning activities and lessons.  Please see the Sunday Church School Facebook page (Sunday School of Annunciation Modesto) for details and times classes will be held...

Parents are encouraged to use this time to teach their children our precious Christian Orthodox Faith so that our young people may “Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”


PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY

Our Parish Youth Ministry is designed to teach our Faith through fellowship and service. The success of this ministry rests with the parents and we urge them to support this ministry with enthusiasm and love.  Our Youth Ministry is comprised of young people in:

H.O.P.E. – Grade 3-5; J.O.Y. – Grades 6-8; G.O.Y.A. - High School; Y.A.L. – College - 35.

Fr. Michael is having Zoom meetings with our youth groups.  We encourage our young people to participate in those gatherings.  It is wonderful to have this technology to interact.  We look forward to getting together and to see one another face to face!

It is important for our young people to participate in this ministry so that they may develop the skills necessary to live our Christian Orthodox teachings in today’s world.


PARISH BOOKSTORE
It has been said: “The more you read…the more you know!”  Our Bookstore Manager, Ella Velthoen, is willing to assist you through a great selection of books, icons, music and other items for every Orthodox Christian.  Included in our selection are Children’s Orthodox books and games.  New titles in our bookstore include: Parent Points, Illness and the Believer, Do not Judge, Love your Enemies, Be Ready, and Repentance and Confession.  In addition, our bookstore has many excellent gifts for every occasion.  Please visit our Bookstore during Fellowship Hour!

During the pandemic of the Coronavirus, people are reading a lot more.  If you are interested in visiting the bookstore to obtain books on our Faith, please schedule a time to visit with the Church Office.


GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL 2020
The 2020 Greek Food Festival is now history!  Last weekend, we had an outstanding Greek Food Festi-GO and extend our appreciation to our Parish Family for the support we received. 

We are grateful to Diane Hillas, GFF 2020 Chairperson and her committee for an outstanding job in organizing the Festi-GO!  This year, we relied heavily on the leadership of the committees led by: Mitchael Word and Nick Pallios, purchasing; Kelly Lemons, Flyer; Dimitra Wilson, Parish Office; Anna Petrulakis and Marlene Katsufrakis, pastries; Stavros Stathoudakis and Stephanie Giahos, tickets; Paul Forakis, Kitchen; Kathi Satriles, Take-Out; and Steve Giahos, parking & traffic.  Each of these Stewards were able to gather the needed support to make our Greek Food Festi-GO a success and with that in mind, we appreciate ALL of you that have been so supportive of our ministry. 

We are grateful to the Stewards and friends of our Parish that contributed ro our Festi-GO to offset the cost.  To date, we have received $18,416.86 and donations are still being accepted.  During the Festi-GO, we also received donations from patrons who were grateful for the effort we put forth to offer the Festival this year.  We continue to accept contributions which will benefit the net proceeds of our 2020 GFF. 

The members of the 2020 Greek Food Festival Committee will have a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, October 14th, at 7:00 p.m.  The 2020 GFF Committee members are reminded to check their email for the link to the meeting.


PLEASE TAKE NOTE 
  

It is the practice of our Faith that upon entering the House of God, an offering and prayer is made as we light candles to symbolize that Christ is the Light of the world.  Please remember that if a check is being written for this purpose or for a donation, in accordance with the non-profit status of our Parish, any check made out to the Annunciation Church must be for the exact amount.  Thank you!


OBLATION OFFERING
The Divine Liturgy begins with the offering of the faithful people of God. The gifts we bring forth are an expression of our faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Holy Communion makes us one with the Holy Trinity and is given for "remission of sins and life everlasting".  The people are invited to bring forth their offering, i.e. "Prosforon", for the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated.  We use 4 prosfora on a regular Sunday and they may be given through our Philoptochos for a donation. The Eucharist Bread may be offered in memory of a loved one or for someone's health and well-being. Anyone wishing to donate the Eucharist Bread ("Prosphoron") on a particular Sunday may contact Anna Petrulakis, 522-0298.  In addition to contributing the Eucharist Bread it is customary to bring a bottle of olive oil for the vigil lights and a bottle of wine for Holy Communion. The ONLY wine being used for Holy Communion is Coumantaria and will now be available for purchase from the Church Office.


ATTENTION PARISHIONERS
We would also like to obtain the e-mail addresses of ALL the families in our Parish. We have begun to communicate much more frequently via the internet. Parents and students are asked to send their email addresses so that we may have them for our Parish records. We also ask that you please submit the names, addresses and e-mails for college students attending school away from home.

It is also important to inform the Church Office when you have an address change.  In this way we are able to keep our files current and avoid unnecessary charges from the Post Office.

In addition, we ask that you please notify the Church Office when you plan a trip and put your mail on "Hold."  Each time there is an address change or a temporary hold one's mailing address, the Parish is charged by the Post Office.


PARISH COMPLEX SECURITY
For the safety of our Parish complex we have installed security cameras on the exterior and interior of our church complex.  Please be aware that the cameras will be recording daily 24/7 – 365 days a year.  Don’t forget to smile!


PARISH PROJECTS
The ongoing responsibility to maintain the beauty and safety of our church complex is of utmost importance.  We have accomplished many projects and express our appreciation to the Stewards and Friends of our Parish that have been so generous to our ministry.

In the last three years we have completed: 

1. The replacement of the doors throughout our facility which was approximately $25,000.00. 
2. The installation of new lighting around the complex perimeter that was completed at a cost of $3500.00. 
3. The new lighting in front of the church (replacing the old MID poles) has finished. The cost of this project was $23,000.00. 
4. Sealing and repairing the parking lot - cost $17,000.00 
5. The addition of new curbing on back parking lot planters - cost $4,000.00.
6. New lighting in the Classroom Building - cost $10,000.00...DONATED.
7. New Heating/Air Conditioning for the back of the Church Hall - cost $12,000.00; 
8. Upgrading of the main electrical panel of our Church complex - cost $3,000.00.
9. Painting of the outdoor pavilion. (Donated.)
10. Landscaping in the upgraded planters behind our complex.
11. Trimming of the cypress trees. (Donated)
12. Upgrade to the Internet Broadcast equipment.
13. Painting of the Vestry and Sacristy. (Donated).
14. Sound System for the Pavilion. (Donated).
15. 2 Flagpoles (Donated).
16. New handicap ramp on side of the church (Donated).
17. Remodeling of the Classroom Building (Donated).
18. New and repair of gutters on the entire church complex (Donated and completed).
19. Security cameras inside and outside our facilities (Donated).
20. A new sound system for the church (Donated and completed).
21. A railed platform area and ramp behing the kitchen. (Donated and completed)
22. Roofing repairs over the kitchen, Lodge Room and entry way to the Hall. (Completed at a cost of $12,580.00)
23. Resealing and restriping of the front Church parking lot and area behind the kitchen. (Completed at a cost of $10,500.00)
24. The purchase of 3 AED units (Donated)
25. The paneling of the kitchen walls (Donated and being completed).
26. Installation of a ceiling fan and lights in the Choir Room. (Donated and completed)
27. Installation of automatic hand towel and soap dispensers throughout our facility. (Completed)
28. Replacing of the church carpet (Donated and installed).
29. Refurbishing the cushions in the church pews (Donated and completed).
30. Chairs and Tables for the Hall (Donated).
31. Fans for the outdoor pavilion (Donated and Installed).
32. New silverware for the GFF (Donated and received).
33. New LED lights in the pavilion (Donated and installed).
34. New LED lights to be installed in the existing parking lot light poles (Donated and Installed).
35. Seal coating and striping of the church parking lot (Donated and Completed.).
36. New metal doors for the Utility Room of the Classroom Building (Donated and installed).
37. New Heating and Air Conditioning systems for the Classroom Building installed ($26,000).


We, again,  are grateful to the parishioners that have already made contributions towards these projects.  

Recently, we have received donations for new items that will be used during Divine Services.  They are:

1.  New Acolyte Robes (Donated and received);
2.  A new Resurrection Candleholder (Donated and received);
3.  2 new sets of covers for the Holy Altar Table and Chalice Set (Donated and received);
4.  A set of new Bishop Candlesticks (Donated and received);
5.  A new Gospel in Greek and English (Donated and received);
6.  A new set of covers for the Holy Altar Table and Chalice Set (Donated)
7.  One Rantistirion (Sprinkler) for Holy Week (Donated)
8.  Two silver vigil lights that are placed on each side of the Cross (Donated);
9.  An icon of the Virgin Mary Directress (Donated)
10. A new set of covers for the Holy Altar Table and Chalice Set (Donated and received)
11. Updating of our electronic Carillon (bell) system (Donated and installed)
12. The installation of 7 new chandeliers for the Church (Donated and completed).
13. The installation of a new High Definition Broadcast System (cameras, control panel, monitors, and computer) for the church (Donated and completed).
14. Two brass candlestands for the 7 Day Vigil Lights (Donated and completed).
15. New altar and chalice covers (Donated).
16. New altar curtain (Donated and being made).
17. New microphones for the church (Donated and installed).
18. New sterling silver candle holders for the Holy Altar Table (Donated and being used).
19. New cabinets and closet doors for the Vestry (Donated and installed).
20. A new computer to manage the broadcast of our Divine Services (Donated and installed).

UPCOMING PROJECTS

The Parish Council continues to review each area of our Parish Complex so that we can meet the ongoing needs that include upgrading certain areas.  Once the study is completed, a presentation will be given at the Parish Assembly.

If you would like to contribute toward ecclesiastical items needed, please contact Fr. Jon or a member of the Parish Council.

 

PARISH HERITAGE 
We encourage you to visit our Parish Website: www.goannunciation.org. It is frequently updated and contains the Monthly and Weekly Bulletins, along with photographs and other information about our Parish.


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

We are very blessed to have a wonderful church complex. This has only been accomplished by the generosity of the stewards of our Parish that understand the importance of gathering for Christian Orthodox Fellowship. We are grateful to everyone that has contributed over the years and we commit ourselves to be responsible to maintain our facilities to the best of our abilities.

For this to happen, we need YOUR support too! This is why we must remind parishioners that church property is not to be removed from our complex. Please do not remove plates, pans or other utensils from our facilities for any reason unless approved by the Parish Priest and Parish Council. If you have any items from the Cultural Center please return them this week. In addition, we would like to remind parishioners that we rely on volunteers to serve the meals at our luncheons. During meals that are served in our Church Hall please do not enter the kitchen unless you are volunteerin g to help! We thank you for your understanding and support!


PLEASE REMEMBER

The demands on each individual and family are great. In an effort to understand this we would like to remind our parishioners that before anyone plans on selling items in our church complex or during Parish activities, they must have the approval of the Parish Priest. We also understand that organizations within our Community, as well as, organizations we may support, have a need to raise funds for their activities. We do not want times of fellowship to become a time when parishioners may be bombarded to purchase items.

We would also like to remind everyone that the placement of flyers on our cars is prohibited! Flyers that you wish to have distributed may be brought by the Church Office for approval and then included in either our Monthly and/or Weekly bulletins.

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PARISH BULLETINS

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