Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

The angelic powers appeared at Your tomb, and those guarding it became as dead. Mary stood at Your grave seeking Your pure body. You stripped the power of Hades, yet remained untouched by its corruption. You met the Virgin and bestowed life. O Lord, Who rose from the dead, glory to You.

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Angelike Dynamis epi to mnima Su, ke ee fylassontes apenekrothisan; ke istato Maria en toh tafoh, zitusa toh ahkranton Su soma. Eskilevsas ton Adin, mi pirasthis eep’aftu; eepinisas ti Partheno, dorumenos tin zoin. O anastas ek ton nekron, Kyrie doxa Si.

Apolytikion for Eudocimus of Cappadocia in the Fourth Mode

Holy Evdokimos, God Who called you out of this world and led you to the eternal mansions will keep your body incorrupt. You lived a life of wisdom and honor, keeping your body clean. Intercede trustingly with Christ that He may save us all.

Εκ γής ο καλέσας σε, πρός αιωνίους μονάς, τηρεί καί μετά θάνατον αδιαλώβητον, τό σώμά σου, Άγιε, σύ γάρ εν σωφροσύνη, καί σεμνή πολιτεία, μάκαρ επολιτεύσω, μή μολύνας τήν σάρκα, διό εν παρρησία Χριστώ, πρέσβευε σωθήναι ημάς.

Ek ghis o kalesas se, pros uranius skeenas, teeri keh meta thanaton adialoviton, to soma su Aghie; si gar en sofrosyni, keh semni politia, maker epolitevso, mi molynas tin sarka; dio en parrisia Christoh, presveve sothineh eemas.

Apolytikion of the Annunciation in the Fourth Mode

Today is the crown of our salvation, and the revelation of the mystery planned from eternity; the Son of God, becomes the Virgin’s Son, and Gabriel announces the grace. Wherefore, we along with him, to the Theotokos let us cry out: Rejoice, O full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Σήμερον τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν τὸ Κεφάλαιον, καὶ τοῦ ἀπ' αἰῶνος Μυστηρίου ἡ φανέρωσις, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, Υἱὸς τῆς Παρθένου γίνεται, καὶ Γαβριὴλ τὴν χάριν εὐαγγελίζεται. Διὸ καὶ ἡμεῖς σὺν αὐτῷ τὴ Θεοτόκω βοήσωμεν· Χαῖρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ.

Simeron tis sotirias eemon to Kefalaion, ke tu ap’eonos Mystiriu ee fanerosis; o Ios tu Theu, Ios tis Parthenu ghinete, ke Gavri-il tin harin evangelizete. Dio ke eemis syn afto ti Theotoke voisomen; Haire Keharitomeni, o Kyrios meta su.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Mode

You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father.

Επί τού όρους μετεμορφώθης, καί ως εχώρουν οι Μαθηταί σου τήν δόξαν σου, Χριστέ ο Θεός εθεάσαντο, ίνα όταν σε ίδωσι σταυρούμενον, τό μέν πάθος νοήσωσιν εκούσιον, τώ δέ κόσμω κηρύξωσιν, ότι σύ υπάρχεις αληθώς, τού Πατρός τό απαύγασμα.

Epi tu Orus metemorfothis, ke os ehorun ee Mathiteh Su tin doxan Su, Christe o Theos, etheasanto; eena otan Se eedosi stavrumenon, to men pathos no-eesosin ekusion, toh de kosmo kyrixosin, oti Si eeparhis alithos, tu Patros to apavgasma.

Saints and Feasts

July 31

Joseph the Righteous of Arimathea

Saint Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent Jewish leader during the time of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the Gospels as being a rich man from Armiathea who was a secret disciple of Christ due to his status in the Sanhedrin. After the crucifixion and death of our Lord, Joseph approached Pontius Pilate out of piety and asked for the body of Jesus so that he might bury it honorably. He, together with Saint Nicodemus, removed the body of Christ from the cross in the presence of the Theotokos and the Myrrh-Bearing Women, wrapped it in a linen shroud, anointed it with spices, and laid it in a new tomb that he owned. This disciple later traveled the world proclaiming the Gospel until he reposed in peace in England. The Church commemorates him individually on July 31^st and along with the Myrrh-Bearing Women and Nicodemus on the 3^rd Sunday of Pascha (the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers).

August 01

Procession of the Precious Cross

Because of the many diseases that occur in the month of August, the custom prevailed of old in Constantinople to carry the precious Wood of the Cross in procession throughout the city for its sanctification and its deliverance from illnesses. It was brought forth from the imperial treasury on the last day of July and placed upon the Holy Table of the Great Church of the Holy Wisdom; and beginning today, until the Dormition of the Theotokos, it was carried in procession throughout the city and was set forth for veneration before the people.

August 02

Translation of the Relics of Stephen the Protomartyr

After the First Martyr had been stoned to death (see Dec. 27), Gamaliel, his teacher, encouraged certain of the Christians to go by night and take up the Saint's body and bury it in his field, which was at a distance of some twenty miles from Jerusalem and was called by his name, "Kaphar-gamala," that is, "the field of Gamala," where Gamaliel himself was later buried. About the year 427, a certain pious man called Lucian, who was the parish priest of a church near to that field, received from God a revelation in a dream concerning the place where the First Martyr was buried. He immediately made this known to John, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Thus, coming to the place indicated, and digging there, they found a box with the word "Stephen" in Aramaic letters. On opening it, they took these most sacred relics and transferred them to Jerusalem with great honor and in the company of a very great multitude of the faithful.

August 03

Isaacius, Dalmatus, & Faustus, Ascetics of the Dalmation Monastery

Of these, Saint Isaacius is celebrated also on May 30. He became a monk at an early age and was a worker of every virtue; a zealot for the Orthodox Faith, he was also deemed worthy of the gift of prophecy. The Saint dwelt in a small hut near Constantinople. When Valens the Arian marched against the Goths, who were at the Danube River, this righteous one went out himself to meet the Emperor and, taking in hand the reins of the Emperor's horse, said to him with boldness that God had incited the barbarians to come against him, since he himself had incited many to speak against God in blasphemy, and had driven God's true worshippers out of the divine houses of prayer. Furthermore, he told him, if he ceased fighting against God by means of heresy and returned the good shepherds (that is, the Orthodox bishops) to the flock of Christ, he would easily gain the victory over his enemies. However, if he did not desist from these things, nor have God as his ally, at the very outset of the battle both he and his army would certainly be destroyed. "Learn from experience," he said, "that it is hard to kick against the pricks. Thou shalt not return, and this expedition will be destroyed." But the Emperor became angry and had the righteous one locked in prison that he might punish him and put him to death on his return after he conquered the barbarians. But he was utterly defeated and was burned alive in a certain village in the year 378 (Theodoret of Cyrrhus, Eccl. Hist., ch. 4: 31-32). When his surviving soldiers returned from the war, wishing to tempt the Saint, they came to him and said, "Prepare to make thy defense before the Emperor, who is coming to fulfil what he spoke against thee." But the Saint answered, "It has already been seven days that I smelled the stink of his bones, which were burned in the fire." Thus the righteous one was released from prison. All marveled because of his prophecy, and he became even more wondrous by means of the zeal he displayed in behalf of Orthodoxy in 381, when the Second Ecumenical Council was convoked. After this, a monastery was built in Constantinople for him, and he piously shepherded those struggling with him in asceticism. Having served as an example of the monastic life for them, he reposed in peace about the end of the fourth century, leaving Dalmatus as his successor.

As for Saint Dalmatus, he was at first a soldier in the second division of the soldiers known as the Scholarii. Later, however, he forsook all things and taking his son Faustus, went to the above-mentioned monastery of Saint Isaacius, where he donned the monastic habit. Through his virtue he became venerable in the sight of all. He was present at the Third Ecumenical Council that was convoked in Ephesus in 431, and there displayed his zeal for Orthodoxy against Nestorius. The Council elected him Archimandrite of the monasteries in Constantinopie. Having lived for more than eighty years, he reposed in the Lord.

August 04

Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus

The Seven Youths hid themselves in a certain cave near Ephesus in the year 250, to escape the persecution of Decius. By divine grace, a sleep came upon them and they slept for 184 years, until the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger, when the doctrine of the resurrection was being assailed by heretics. They then awoke, that is, were resurrected, confirming in the sight of all the bodily resurrection; and again after a short time, by divine command, they reposed in the Lord in the year 434.

August 05

Eusignius the Martyr of Antioch

This Martyr was from Antioch, and had been a soldier from the time of the reign of Constantius Chlorus (the father of Saint Constantine the Great) to that of Julian the Apostate. He censured Julian's ungodliness and reminded him that he was the nephew of Saint Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor. He reminded him further, that from his tender youth he had been nourished on the milk of piety and instructed in the Faith of Christ, had been a fellow student of Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian, had been a reader of the Church of Nicomedia, and that he had set all these things at nought and become a transgressor of the promises made in his divine Baptism, and had offered to the idols the adoration that is due to God alone. Reminding the Apostate of all these things and reproving him, he was beheaded in the year 361, having lived altogether 110 years, and been a soldier for more than sixty.

August 06

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5).

Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross.

August 07

The Holy Righteous Martyr Dometius

This Martyr, who lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, was a Persian by race and an idolater by religion. He was catechized by a certain Christian named Abarus. He went to Nisibis, a city of Mesopotamia, where he was baptized and donned the monastic habit in a certain monastery. He afterwards ascended a mountain and there endured in extreme ascetical struggles, working miracles for those that came to him, and converting many unbelievers. Julian the Apostate learned of these things as he was marching against the Persians in 363, and at his command the Saint and his two disciples were stoned to death, as they were chanting the Sixth Hour.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin, which had been on His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Seventh Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:1-10

Τῇ μιᾷ τῶν Σαββάτων Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἔρχεται πρωῒ σκοτίας ἔτι οὔσης, εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον· καὶ βλέπει τὸν λίθον ἠρμένον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου. Τρέχει οὖν, καὶ ἔρχεται πρὸς Σίμωνα Πέτρον, καὶ πρὸς τὸν ἄλλον μαθητήν, ὃν ἐφίλει ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· ᾞραν τὸν Κύριον ἐκ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. Ἐξῆλθεν οὖν ὁ Πέτρος καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητής, καὶ ἤρχοντο εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον. Ἔτρεχον δὲ οἱ δύο ὁμοῦ· καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς προέδραμε τάχιον τοῦ Πέτρου, καὶ ἦλθε πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας, βλέπει κείμενα τὰ ὀθόνια· οὐ μέντοι εἰσῆλθεν. Ἔρχεται οὖν Σίμων Πέτρος ἀκολουθῶν αὐτῷ, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα· καὶ τὸ σουδάριον, ὃ ἦν ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς αὐτοῦ, οὐ μετὰ τῶν ὀθονίων κείμενον, ἀλλὰ χωρὶς ἐντετυλιγμένον εἰς ἕνα τόπον. Τότε οὖν εἰσῆλθε καὶ ὁ ἄλλος μαθητὴς ὁ ἐλθὼν πρῶτος εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εἶδε, καὶ ἐπίστευσεν. Οὐδέπω γὰρ ᾔδεισαν τὴν Γραφήν, ὅτι δεῖ αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῆναι. Ἀπῆλθον οὖν πάλιν πρὸς ἑαυτοὺς οἱ μαθηταί.

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 Romans 15:1-7.

Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 15:1-7.

Ἀδελφοί, ὀφείλομεν δὲ ἡμεῖς οἱ δυνατοὶ τὰ ἀσθενήματα τῶν ἀδυνάτων βαστάζειν, καὶ μὴ ἑαυτοῖς ἀρέσκειν. Ἕκαστος ἡμῶν τῷ πλησίον ἀρεσκέτω εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς οἰκοδομήν. Καὶ γὰρ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτῷ ἤρεσεν, ἀλλά, καθὼς γέγραπται, Οἱ ὀνειδισμοὶ τῶν ὀνειδιζόντων σε ἐπέπεσον ἐπʼ ἐμέ. Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν προεγράφη, ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ διὰ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. Ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως δῴη ὑμῖν τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις κατὰ Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν· ἵνα ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἐν ἑνὶ στόματι δοξάζητε τὸν θεὸν καὶ πατέρα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Διὸ προσλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλους, καθὼς καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς προσελάβετο ὑμᾶς, εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

7th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 9:27-35

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, παράγοντι ἐκεῖθεν τῷ ᾿Ιησοῦ ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ δύο τυφλοὶ κράζοντες καὶ λέγοντες· ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς, υἱὲ Δαυΐδ. ἐλθόντι δὲ εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ τυφλοί, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· πιστεύετε ὅτι δύναμαι τοῦτο ποιῆσαι; λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· ναί, Κύριε. τότε ἥψατο τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν λέγων· κατὰ τὴν πίστιν ὑμῶν γενηθήτω ὑμῖν. καὶ ἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί· καὶ ἐνεβριμήσατο αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς λέγων· ὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω. οἱ δὲ ἐξελθόντες διεφήμισαν αὐτὸν ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ γῇ ἐκείνῃ.

Αὐτῶν δὲ ἐξερχομένων ἰδοὺ προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ ἄνθρωπον κωφὸν δαιμονιζόμενον· καὶ ἐκβληθέντος τοῦ δαιμονίου ἐλάλησεν ὁ κωφός, καὶ ἐθαύμασαν οἱ ὄχλοι λέγοντες ὅτι οὐδέποτε ἐφάνη οὕτως ἐν τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ. οἱ δὲ Φαρισαῖοι ἔλεγον· ἐν τῷ ἄρχοντι τῶν δαιμονίων ἐκβάλλει τὰ δαιμόνια.

Καὶ περιῆγεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὰς πόλεις πάσας καὶ τὰς κώμας διδάσκων ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν καὶ κηρύσσων τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς βασιλείας καὶ θεραπεύων πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν μαλακίαν ἐν τῷ λαῷ.

Wisdom of the Fathers

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

And then at last He for His part lays His hand upon them, saying, "According to your faith be it unto you." And this He does to confirm their faith, and to show that they are participators in the good work ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

PARISH NEWS

PARISH NEWS

PARISH LEADERSHIP

Rev. Fr. Jon Magoulias, Protopresbyter
PARISH PRIEST

Rev. Fr. Michael Sergakis
ASSISTANT PRIEST

Tony Gavrilis
PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT

LITURGICAL CALENDAR

Saturday, July 30th
Great Vespers 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 31st
7th Sunday of Matthew
Epistle Rom. 15:1-7
Gospel Matt. 9:27-35
Sunday Divine Services 8:30 a.m.

Monday, August 1st
Small Supplication Canon 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 2nd
Great Supplication Canon 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 3rd
Small Supplication Canon 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 4th
Great Supplication Canon 7:00 p.m.

Friday, August 5th
Eve of the Transfiguration of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ
Great Vespers 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 6th
Holy Transfiguration of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ
Epistle 2 Peter 1:10-19
Gospel Matt. 17:1-9
Divine Services 8:30 a.m.
Great Vespers 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 7th
8th Sunday of Matthew
Epistle 1 Cor. 1:10-17
Gospel Matt. 14:14-22
Sunday Divine Services 8:30 a.m.
Great Supplication Canon 7:00 p.m.

WELCOME

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.

This Sunday, as we celebrate Fr. Jon's final Sunday as our Parish Priest, we want to welcome the Rev. Fr. Constantine Aliferakis, the Rev. Fr. Christopher Flesoras, PhD, the Rev. Fr. John Kocolas, the Rev. Fr. Matthew Swehla, the Rev. Fr. Daniel Triant, and the Rev. Fr. Efstratios Magoulias to our Parish. It is a wonderful blessing to welcome each of these priests that have been connected to our Parish Family. We pray that God will bless them and their families with every good thing.

We invite you to join us for Christian Orthodox fellowship which begins in the Divine Liturgy. Following the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, the Philoptochos will host Fellowship Hour as we bid farewell to Fr. Jon and Presvytera Georgia.

As we continue to have concerns regarding Covid-19, we are providing sanitizer and masks in the Narthex. We strongly advise you to be responsible in making decisions in regards to your health and for the safety of others. We ask that you be patient and follow the directions given by the Parish Council.

Please remember, ALL Divine Services may be viewed on our Internet Broadcast shown on our Parish Website (www.goannunciation.org/LiveServices). We are disappointed to inform you that the Archdiocese "Goarch" app no longer works. We have set up a YouTube site for livestreaming the Divine Services. You can find and subscribe to our new YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXNeGXxtcAVWZXtH-GlR1oQ

When our services are Live, you will be able to find the services on this new YouTube Channel, on our Church Website, or by following this link directly to the service: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXNeGXxtcAVWZXtH-GlR1oQ/live

We will continue to do our live broadcast of Divine Services on from our Facebook site (Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Modesto). On Facebook, Divine Services are also archived and may be viewed at a later time.

May you have a blessed week!

BLESSING OF THE LOAVES

The Blessing of the Loaves (Artoklasia) will be prayed this Sunday during the Divine Liturgy. The Blessing of the Loaves commemorates our Lord feeding the multitudes as recorded in the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew 14:18-20. We offer this service for the health and well-being of the faithful and for peace in our world.

The Blessing of the Loaves will be our offering to for Fr. Jon and Presvytera Georgia as they begin to enter this new chapter in their lives. We offer our thanks to God for the ministry Fr. Jon has offered our Parish over the last 36 years.

We also offered the Blessing of the Loaves today in celebration of the feast of St. Irene Chyrsovalantou (July 28). We wish to thank Jim and Chrissy Kocolas for offering this prayer for our Parish Family. We pray that our Lord may protect and keep the Kocolas Family in good health, faith, and love.

PARISH COUNCIL

Sunday, July 31st - Team 1: Jaylen French, Tony Gavrilis, & Stamatis Tsatsaronis

Sunday, August 7th - Team 2: Jeff Brown, Nick Faklis, John Mangelos, & Mitcheal Word

ALTAR BOYS

Acolyte Coordinator: Manoli Rodarakis

Senior Altar Boys: Andreas Alexander ~ Panos Constantinou ~ John Hillas

John Capous, Jeffrey Capous, Reid Fortin, Niko Fortin, Keir Fortin, Athan French, Luke Hartley, Matthew McCoy, Zane Moraitis & Peter Zanotto

We are inviting our younger acolytes to return to the blessing of serving in the Holy Altar. Should parents desire that their sons wear a mask while serving, that is acceptable.

Young men who are turning 9 years old before December 1st may join the Altar Boys. Please contact Fr. Jon or Fr. Michael if your son would like to have the blessing and honor to serve in the Holy Altar.

STEWARDSHIP 2022

We want to express our appreciation to ALL the Stewards of our Parish that are generously supporting and actively participating in our Stewardship Ministry. The Stewardship we offer supports our Parish Ministries, along with support to the ministries of our Metropolis and Archdiocese.

Active Christian Orthodox Stewardship is the means by which we live our precious Christian Orthodox Faith. The pandemic has shown how important the Stewardship Ministry is in regards to how our Parish functions. During this time, we have continued many of our ministries and we encourage you to reach out to one another.

Please read 2022 Stewardship Directory that has been mailed to your homes. In it you will find information to strengthen your call to be an active and faithful Steward of the Church entrusted to us by God.

This year, we celebrate the centennnial of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. For this reason, the 2022 Stewardship Theme is: "Our Church - Our Spiritual Home." When speaking about the Church, St. John Chrysostom wrote: “Your hope the Church. Your salvation the Church. Your refuge the Church.”

In these very unusual times, it is important to remember that the constant in our lives is the Church! Even though times and values change, the Church is changeless and continues to proclaim and preserve the teaching that our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ established in His Church.

As we continue to serve you, the people of God, our Parish Church, we are managing the Covid-19 Pandemic the best way possible. 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.

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% (So far this year, a few have increased their Stewardship contribution 35% above last year)! 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.

The response that many of our Stewards have shone is a beautiful expression of their faith in God and His Church. While our obligations continue to be met, it is only possible through the generosity being expressed by our Stewards. The restrictions of the pandemic have had an impact on the contributions we receive. Candle offerings are down, trays are not being passed, and we hope you will consider those offerings in your Stewardship commitment of the "Treasure" you give to Christ and His Church.

It is, therefore, imperative that we make our Stewardship offering in support of the sacred mission of our Church in Modesto… While we have been able to reduce our operating expenses substantially we will still need an average Stewardship Offering of $1600.00 per family to fund the ministries of our Church. When considering your financial commitment to our Parish, please realize that the first $275.00 from your Stewardship offering in 2022 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. To reach 325 Stewardship families/individuals IS an attainable goal…As of July 26th, 2022, we have 253 Stewardship families/individuals supporting our sacred ministry in 2022, as compared to 257 in 2021. Please support our Stewardship Ministry! 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.

If you have any questions regarding your offering please contact the Parish Office.

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

Throughout the year, 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 “2022 Stewardship Drive” to become a Philoptochos member has begun. The Stewardship offering to join Philoptochos may be sent to the Parish Office. Please make your offering check out to "Philoptochos" and in the memo, please write "Stewardship".

The Philoptochos 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.!

As we continue to be attentive to the spread of Covid-19, we ask that you take every precaution to be safe. Masks continue to be optional and we have extra masks in the Narthex, along with hand sanitizer.

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.

VISTATIONS: HOSPITALS, SHUT-INs & EMERGENCIES

"Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;...for I was sick and you visited me..." (Matthew 25:31-46). When a member of the parish is ill and has been admitted to the hospital, the immediate family of the ill person should contact the Parish Office as soon as possible so that one of the priests may visit the one who is ill.

When health circumstances hinder a parishioner from coming to church, the Parish Office should be contacted by a member of the immediate family when the family wishes for one of the priests to visit.

The priests cannot rely on the hospitals or members of the parish to inform him and it is the responsibility and duty of the immediate family to communicate with the Parish Office. Our priests are attentive to the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the faithful and they are ready to minister to you at any time.

In the case of an emergency, if it is during Parish Office hours, the immediate family should call: 209-522-7694. If the emergency is after Parish Office hours, you may contact either Fr. Jon or Fr. Michael.

To contact Fr. Jon in the case of an emergency, he may be reached in one of two ways: 1.) You may call his home (telephone number is listed in the Parish Stewardship Directory); or 2.) If you call the Parish Office and connect to Fr. Jon's office to leave a message, he will receive an email within minutes so he may respond to your emergency.

To contact Fr. Michael in the case of an emergency, he may be reached by calling: 1.) 209-602-7979; or 2.) If you call the Parish Office and connect to Fr. Michael's office to leave a message, he will receive an email within minutes so he may respond to your emergency.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

We invite you to visit our newly formatted Parish Website. We believe the new design will be easier to use and more appealing to people who may visit our site. As we continue to evaluate our Parish Ministry, we will make upgrades and improvements as necessary. You may visit our Parish Website at: www.goannunciation.org

The broadcasting of our Divine Services may now be seen from both our Parish Website and Parish Facebook page. 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.

The purpose of this live-streaming ministry is to provide shut-ins that have Internet access, college students that may not be able to get to an Orthodox Church, or people interested in our precious Christian Orthodox Faith, the opportunity to view our church services. It should never be seen as a substitute for actual attendance in Church. We do realize however, that during this time of the pandemic, that the live-streaming of Divine Services is necessary. Please be advised as you watch the online services to do so with the same respect that you would have if you were in Church.

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.

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 begin promptly at 9:00 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

It is important to offer religious instruction all year round. Our Summer Sunday Church School is presently in session. We urge families to be in Church by 9:30 a.m. The young people will worship with their families during the Divine Liturgy and following Holy Communion, will go into the Classroom Building.

When attending Sunday Church School, the following is the list of requirements necessary to attend:

1. Students will sit with their parents in church;
2. They should come up prayerfully for Holy Communion following the acolytes and the choir, no matter where they are sitting;
3. Teachers and students have the option of wearing a mask while in class;
4. They will be socially distanced in class;
5. Sanitizer will be provided;
6. Classes should be about 30 minutes;
7. There will be no snacks offered; and
8. Students will be dismissed and escorted out of class maintaining social distancing.

We are grateful to the new leadership of our Sunday Church School Ministry. The SS Leadership includes: Kari Fortin, Maria French, Eleni Kordazakis, and Niki McCoy. Please see the Sunday Church School Facebook page (Sunday School of Annunciation Modesto) for special announcements and updates...

Parents are encouraged to use this time to be an example and 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 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 FOLK DANCE MINISTRY

Registration for our Greek Folk Dance ministry has begun! We encourage parents to register their children for this beautiful program. It has been two years since we have been able to offer dance practice and we are excited to return to a regular schedule that brings our young people together.

We are excited about bringing our young people together again for this enjoyable and educational ministry. Dance practice will be held following the Divine Liturgy. Young people MUST attend the Divine Liturgy and Summer Sunday Church School to attend dance practice.

We will continue to responsibly consider everyone's safety as we evaluate how the pandemic is being handled. Please understand our concerns and support the decisions that will be necessary during this time. This means that once we see our younger families and their children attending Divine Services regularly, we will make a decision regarding dance practice.

GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL

Preparations for the 2022 Greek Food Festi-GO are underway. The GFF2022 Committee has been meeting to plan another succesful Festi-GO. While we look forward to returning to the original format of the Greek Food Festival, the Parish Council and the GFF Committee felt it prudent to have the Festi-GO one more year.

We have begun baking and we are grateful to EVERYONE that has come to help. In addition, the GFF 2022 flyer is now available for distribution. You make pick up flyers from the Parish Office or the entry of the Fellowship Hall. We ask that you distribute them to businesses that may be willing to display them or to friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

The biggest success of our GFF is the pre-sell of tickets. Tickets are now available and may be obtained from Stavros Stathoudakis, Stephanie Giahos, or the Parish Office.

The GFF Committee will meet in the Classroom Building on Wednesday, August 17th, at 7:00 p.m. All chairpeople are expected to be in attendance.

Mark your calendars for the GFF2022 Kickoff Luncheon on August 21st, 2022, immediately following the Divine Liturgy.

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).
38. The updating of the water lines and meters that feed our buildings and landscaping. Work has begun and will take a few weeks to complete. (Completed).
39. Replacement of fence between church and park. (Completed).

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).
21. A new woodcarved chair for the Holy Altar (Donated and installed).
22. A new set of purple Altar Covers (Donated and received).
23. A woodcarved children's icon stand (Donated and installed).
24. An icon of our Lord for the children's icon stand (Donated and installed).
25. The purchasing of 4 new bakery convection ovens (Donated and installed).
26. A new sterling silver blessing cross for the Holy Altar Table (Donated and received).
27. A new gold-plated censer for the Holy Altar (Donated and received).
28. New icons to be placed in the "Cry Room" (Donated and completed).
29. A beautiful new set of red and gold covers for the Holy Altar Table including Chalice covers (Donated and received).
30. 3 new woodcarved Sacrament Tables. (Donated and received.)
31. 2 new woodcarved Icon Stands/Proskynitaria. (Donated and received)
32. 1 sterling silver Chalice set (Donated and received)
33. 1 sterling silver blessing cross for the Holy Altar Table. (Donated and received)
33. 1 blessing gold-plated blessing cross for the Holy Altar Table. (Donated and received)

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.

If you would like to contribute toward ecclesiastical items needed, please contact 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.

PARISH BULLETINS

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins