The

Annunciation

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From our Pastor

God Became a Man

With Love in our Lord,

Rev. Father Simon Thomas,

Parish Priest

There is no good trying to

be more spiritual than

God. God never meant

man to be a purely spiritu-

al creature. That is why

He uses material things

like bread and wine to put

the new life into us. We

may think this rather

crude and unspiritual.

God does not. He invented

eating. He likes matter. He

invented it.

C. S. Lewis

What does the daily invo-

cation of the saints signi-

fy? It signifies that God’s

saints, as our brethren—

but perfect—live, and are

near us, ever ready to help

us, by the grace of God.

We live together with

them, in the house of our

Heavenly Father, only in

different parts of it. We

live in the earthly, they in

the heavenly half; but we

can converse with them,

and they with us.

St. John of Kronstadt

Greetings in Christ!

It can sometimes be difficult to explain Christianity: “Why would I follow a God

who became a man? God is supposed to be perfect and all-powerful; humans are

neither of those things.”

It is true that we humans are flawed and have many weaknesses. To make up for

this we create superheroes and give them extraordinary powers. We embellish

stories about people to create the impression that they are larger than life. Even

some of the lives of the saints are difficult to read because what they

accomplished seems so unbelievable to us.

Yet one of the great paradoxes of our Orthodox Christian Faith is that God

became a man. It is, what we would call in Orthodoxy, a mystery. And we

celebrate this mystery every Christmas with the Feast of the Nativity. The

pre-eternal Logos, through Whom everything was created, becomes one of His

creation.

As if this were not fantastic enough, God became like us, so that we may become

like Him. As Saint Athanasius famously said, “For He was made man that we

may be made God.”

As we approach the season of Advent and prepare to receive God in the flesh, let

us unite ourselves to Him so that we may also be raised with Him in His glorious

Resurrection.

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About the Epistle

The Epistle is the monthly publication

of the Annunciation Greek

Orthodox Church of Memphis,

Tennessee, which is solely

responsible for its content.

The Epistle is circulated to stewards

and friends of the Community by:

Editor

Father Simon Thomas,

Parish Priest

Church: (901) 327-8177

Production

William A. Kallas,

Pastoral Assistant

vasilioskallas@gmail.com

About the Parish

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

573 N. Highland Street

Memphis, TN 38122

Phone: (901) 327-8177

Fax: (901) 327-4440

www.goann.net

The Annunciation Church is a parish of

the Holy Metropolis of Detroit and the

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of

America, under the spiritual

jurisdiction of the Ecumenical

Patriarchate of Constantinople.

2019 Parish Council

Executive Board

John Kay, Sr.—President

Diane Kavelaras—Vice President

Endy Carter—Secretary

Naji Nassif—Treasurer

From our President

The Parish Council has been working diligently

over the past two months making general

improvements to our facilities. We are grateful to

the crew that came out to replace the front sidewalk of our property,

which was previously damaged and uneven. We are also working to

resolve a few water leaks that have appeared and have a plan to address

them.

Our parish is beginning to layout the stages for a long-term renovation

and parish beautification project which will potentially include painting

the Church walls, A/C duct work, and adding new iconography to our

parish. The Parish Council will be presenting more details in the near fu-

ture. Any constructive feedback is always appreciated.

Nominations to be on the 2020 Parish Council will open on Sunday,

November 3rd. Pledged stewards in good standing are eligible to be

nominated to be on the Parish Council. The Parish Council is comprised of

servant leaders who put aside their personal ambitions and work for the

glory of God. We welcome people who have never served before,

especially our young adults, to use their talents and skills to enhance the

ministries of this sacred parish. Contact a current Parish Council member

for additional information.

We ask for your prayers as we continue to work for the Glory of God.

In the Service of our Lord,

John Kay

Parish Council President

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Sunday Church School

News from our Sunday School Director

Schedule: December 1—No Class (Thanksgiving Break) December 15—Christmas Practice

December 21—Dress Rehearsal at 10am December 22—Christmas Program

Class Spotlights: Our Pre-KK and KK classes were excited to learn about the 40-day blessing as

they watched baby Kostas Osborn presented to the Church.

Our 5th & 6th grades were studying the different parts of the Holy Church.

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JOY/HOPE

As we begin a new 2019-2020 school year we want to welcome all JOY/HOPE Members

(Junior Orthodox Youth) to participate. All children Toddlers up to 5th grade and siblings

welcome too!

1. Please mark your calendars for these future activities and watch for updates!

2. Do you want to do something different? We are always looking to change things up.

Please email me the activity and date/time you would like to lead/coordinate and I will add it

to the calendar!

3. Any questions contact Presvytera Stephanie Thomas at s_c_thomas@yahoo.com.

JOY 2019-2020 Calendar

December 22nd - Christmas Caroling with GOYA 3pm

January 11th - Children's Museum 10am

February 2nd- Service Activity Make Valentines for Shut Ins

(while we wait for Athenian Dancers)

March - Service Activity supporting Elpis non-perishable food drive collection

April 10th- Lenten Youth Retreat (school holiday for western Easter)

April 11th- Saturday of Lazarus (Divine Liturgy, folding palm crosses, church cleaning)

May 30th- Horvath Family host End of the Year Party Potluck Picnic in the Park at

Germantown Gazebo

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My Dearest Spiritual Family,

I thank God for the honor of representing your Parish Council at this year’s Metropolis Clergy

-Laity Conference in Detroit, Michigan. I would also like to thank you, my fellow

parishioners, for allowing me the opportunity and making it possible to attend again this year.

I am truly grateful.

Prior to leaving for Detroit, my prayer was that I would hear something which would enable

me to bring back home a bit of knowledge or understanding to perhaps help us move our

Church, the Body of Christ, in a positive direction toward the Kingdom we are all seeking. I

feel as though I may have gathered information which I hope will be of some value.

A few points of interest catching my attention pertain to Youth and Adult Education,

Evangelism, and a topic near and dear to my heart, Stewardship. In the next couple of years, I

look forward to seeing new and exciting programs and material coming from our Metropolis

to assist us in our efforts to enrich and grow our Annunciation community all to the Glory of

God.

The theme for this year’s Conference was “I have seen and testify” 1 John 4:14 and I can tell you

all that I personally have seen and testify in my opinion to the fact of my experience of the

most “Divine” Divine Liturgy of my lifetime so far.

In closing, I found His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas and our Metropolis to be in a very

good position and on steady ground and moving forward endeavoring to find ways to help us

do the same.

Again, with much gratitude,

Sincerely,

Demie Bitinis

Metropolis Clergy—Laity Report

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It is with extreme gratitude that I write to you today. I am deeply humbled that once again the parish has allowed me to represent you at the 2019 Clergy-Laity conference. It was a soul refreshing experience.

The Divine Liturgy celebrated on the first day of the conference was moving, with over 20 priests serving it was truly a spectacle of brotherhood. His Eminence opened the conference with a poignant speech and we broke out into discussion groups to flesh out his directives. The theme of the conference was 1 John 4:14, “We have Seen and Testify”.

There were lively discussions in the Religious Education, Outreach and Evangelism, Engaging an Ever Changing Culture, Greek Language and Culture, and Living and Learning the Sacraments sessions and plans were made to move forward with practical steps to implement solutions.

Friday night there was a lovely gala to honor the 20th anniversary of the Enthronement of His Eminence. A man clearly chosen by God to lead our Metropolis and to bless many lives through his leadership, a good shepherd indeed. Again, I thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Handmaid of Christ,

Endy Carter

Parish Council Secretary

Metropolis Clergy—Laity Report

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GOYA

Youth Ministry Updates

Our GOYA Families are invited to attend a

Memphis Grizzlies basketball game on

Friday, January 17th. Ticket price will be

$15. We need to get an actual head count

before we purchase the complete set of

tickets.

Please sign up with our Pastoral Assistant

via email (vasilioskallas@gmail.com) by

November 3rd. Thank you!

Upcoming Activities

November 3rd: Senior GOYA Meeting

November 17th: Junior GOYA Meeting

December 15th: More than a Meal

December 20th: GOYA Bowling at Main

Event

December 22nd: Christmas Caroling

SAVE THE NEW DATE: July 5—11, 2020

Camper Registration opens March 1st, 2020.

Early Bird (till May 1st) will be $375

Regular Registration will be $425

Staff registration begins in January 2020.

Inquire with our Pastoral Assistant for more details.

2020 Metropolis Activities

January 18: GOYA Winter Retreat (Louisville, Kentucky)

February 14-16: Basketball Tournament (Dayton, Ohio)

April 4th: GOYA Lenten Retreat (Cincinnati, Ohio)

July 5-11: Saint Nicholas Summer Camp (Kentucky)

October 10-12: 2nd Annual Hellenic Dance Festival

2020 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

February 22nd: Parish Level (begins at 11:00am)

April 25th: District Level (Nashville, Tennessee)

May 16th: Metropolis Level TOPICS ARE AVAILABLE!

Workshop Dates: 11/10, 12/8

Check Parish Calendar for any updates!

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Young Adults

The Young Adults at St. John’s Orthodox Church has

invited us to attend a Harvest Festival at the home of

Mr. and Mrs. Drew Garrison. Please contact Alexis or

William for additional details.

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Young at Heart

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Young at Heart

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...All that the Annunciation Church Has to Offer! 13

Saint John was born in 555 on the island of Cyprus

in the city of Amathus; his father, Epiphanius, was

a ruler of Cyprus. The Saint was consecrated

Archbishop of Alexandria in 608. A man of

exemplary uprightness, in his zeal for Orthodoxy

he strove mightily to fight the many heresies

among the Christians in Egypt; but above all, he

was famous for his singular generosity, humility,

and sympathy towards all, especially the poor. His

mercy was so great that the report of it reached the

Persian invaders of Jerusalem, who desired to see

him because of it. Saint John reposed in 619, at the

age of sixty-four.

Apolytikion (Fourth Mode)

In your patience you have won your reward, O righteous Father. You did persevere

unceasingly in prayer; you did love the poor, and provided for them in all things.

Wherefore, intercede with Christ our God, O blessed John the Almsgiver, that our

souls be saved.

Kontakion (Second Mode)

Your riches and wealth you did disperse unto the poor; you now have received the

Heavens' riches in return. For this cause, O all-wise John, we all honor you with our

songs of praise as we keep your memorial, O namesake of almsgiving and of mercy.

St. John the Merciful

Patriarch of Alexandria

November 12th

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Book Review

The Winter Pascha Written by:

Father Thomas Hopko St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press

Have you ever wondered about the importance of the Nativity Fast and it’s place in the life of the church? Orthodox Christians are familiar with the basic understanding Christmas i.e. the story of the birth of Christ, but why do we as American Orthodox set aside such a time for a fast, and at a time when those around us are already caught up in celebrating the coming holiday? Father Thomas Hopko, Dean of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary until 2002, offers us a wonderful book aptly titled “The Winter Pascha”. The term was first coined by the late Alexander Schmemann to describe the importance of the Nativity fast and how he viewed it, Fr. Thomas lovingly chose to use this title in helping us to see how we should view the season. The Winter Pascha is an easy to read collection of Fr. Thomas’s forty meditations on the Nativity, giving us the understanding of the feasts as they take place, with some personal accounts to help enliven our understanding. One of my favorite chapters which helped me to understand both the incarnation and importance of the Theotokos in salvation history is chapter 22. It is here in a brief four page summary that Fr. Thomas brings to life a concise understanding of the cooperation between heaven and earth in the incarnation, and how Mary was not just a conduit for the birth, but chosen by God, and yet having the free will to participate, and become truly the Theotokos. Every chapter in this book is well written and succinct, allowing one to read it as a daily meditation during the fast if desired. I highly recommend this book as an addition to one’s personal library, to be read yearly to help us along in our journey through the Nativity fast. May we all rejoice together and sing:

“Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One,

Angels with shepherds glorify Him; The wise men journey with a star;

Since for our sake the Eternal God was born a little child” From the Kontakion of the feast of the Navitiy

Our library here at Annunciation have several copies available for convenience of the parishioners, I encourage you to come take a look.

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Books for the Christmas Season

As we prepare for the season of Advent, here are some books that are great reads, and also will make excellent gifts. You can find most of these in the Library, or you can order them through the Elpis Bookstore. The Orthodox Church

Author: Bishop Kallistos (Timothy) Ware

Notes: Published over thirty years ago, The Orthodox Church has become established as the standard

introduction to the Orthodox Church. Orthodoxy continues to be a subject of enormous interest in America.

This book explains the Orthodox views on widely ranging matters as Ecumenical Councils, Sacraments, Free

Will, Purgatory, the Papacy and the relationship between the different Orthodox churches. Part One describes

the history of the Eastern Church over the last two thousand years; and Part Two explains the beliefs and

worship of the Orthodox Church. This can be a long read, but worth it.

The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection

Author: Benedicta Ward (Translator)

Notes: ‘Give me a word, Father,’ visitors to early desert monks asked. The responses of these pioneer ascetics

were remembered and in the fourth century written down in Coptic, Syriac, Greek, and later Latin. Their

Sayings were collected, in this case in the alphabetical order of the monks and nuns who uttered them, and

read by generations of Christians as life-giving words that would help readers along the path to salvation.

Father Arseny, 1893-1973: Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father: Being the Narratives Compiled by the Servant of

God Alexander Concerning His Spiritual Father

Author: Vera Bouteneff (Editor/Translator)

Notes: It is one of the great mysteries of life that in atmospheres of the harshest cruelty, a certain few not only

survive but emerge as beacons of light and life. Father Arseny, former scholar of church art, became Prisoner

No. 18376 in the brutal “special sector” of the Soviet prison camp system. In the darkness of systematic

degradation of body and soul, he shone with the light of Christ’s peace and compassion. This narrative,

compiled from accounts of Father Arseny’s spiritual children and others whom he brought to God, gives

stirring glimpses of his life in prison camp and after his release. It also tells the stories of people whose lives,

often during times of almost unimaginable crisis, were touched and transfigured through their connection with

Father Arseny.

The Winter Pascha

Author: Father Thomas Hopko

Note: “When the winter begins to make way into the Northern World, the Church of Christ begins to celebrate

‘a splendid three-day Pascha.’” Thus Father Thomas Hopko begins the first of forty meditations for the season

of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, ending with the feast of the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple on the

fortieth day after Christ’s birth. In the style of his popular book for the paschal fasting season, “The Lenten

Spring,” the author again draws on the biblical readings and liturgical hymns and verses of the season to

illumine the way for believers to follow the Church’s days of preparation and celebration for the Coming of

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in human flesh. Many references are made to the writings of the saints and

Church Fathers, as well as to contemporary Christian teachers and spiritual guides. All those who love the

Lord’s Coming will find comfort and strength, as well as enlightenment and instruction, for having passed

through the Winter Pascha with this book as their companion.

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Daughters of Penelope

The Alpheus Chapter #180 of the Daughters of Penelope have started off their year with much excitement! After hosting an amazing 40th Anniversary GALA, we installed our new officers. Congratulations to our new board.

President – Maria Moore

Vice-President- Connie Apalodimas Recording Secretary – Susanna Peters

Corresponding Secretary – Anastasia Terranova Treasurer – Vicki Hoover

Chairman of the Board: Phani Mitchell Board member – Elaine Otto

Chairman of the Board Emeritus: Kathy Zambelis Thanks Phani Mitchell and the officers for all their hard work over the past years. It was so wonderful to represent our community at the Germantown International Festival. People really enjoyed our display – especially the children! They also enjoyed the Baklava we were selling as well. In September, we began our year with our annual Sisterhood luncheon

hosted by our President Maria Moore. We all enjoyed delicious food provided by all of our sisters as well as the wonderful fellowship. We look forward to hopefully having new members join us and are excited to have past member reinstated. Our President Maria recently visited Penelope House in Mobile, Alabama. We were thrilled with the wonderful support our community gave during our annual Soup Sunday and are happy to report that we will be sending an $800 check to Penelope House. Thank you all for your loving support! At the end of October – we will be donating candy to Lester Center for their Halloween party. This will help the kids in their community stay off the streets and be safe on Halloween. In November – please join us for our “Elegant Coffee Morning”. This event will help raise money for our various Hellenism Funds. We hope you support this very important part of our sisterhood, so we are able to share our heritage and culture with the people of the Mid South! On December 14th, we look forward to hosting our Christmas Party with Elpis at Ridgeway Country Club. We will also be back in the kitchen preparing yummy Christmas cookies for our Annual Christmas Bake Sale on December 15th. Be sure to see the PRE SALE FORM so we can plan on preparing enough for everyone. We DO sell out quickly, so be sure to place your order early! We wish everyone blessings for a wonderful holiday season with good health and happiness! Photos:

President Maria Moore hosted the Sisterhood luncheon at her beautiful home! We were so happy to have welcome some possible new members as well as reinstated several others.

Maria also visited Penelope House in Mobile, AL – National home for Domestic Violence. We are so thankful our church family in Memphis has always been so supportive every time we hold a fundraiser for Penelope House. Thanks AGOC family!

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Daughters of Penelope

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Are you receiving our monthly digital newsletter? If not, contact Cyndi (cyndi.detty27@gmail.com).

Follow us on Facebook (@elpis.memphis)! Stay connected with our ministry.

Elpis Philoptochos

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Elpis Philoptochos News

Sts. Cosmas and Damianos Coffee Hour Sunday, November 3

We will host this coffee hour and ask you to please consider bringing something for the table. We honor those in our church community who are part of the health care industry as well as Sts. Cosmas and Damianos, the patron saints of Philoptochos. We will pass a tray after services to raise monies for the Ecumenical Patriarch and his ministries.

Food Pantry Collection Month of November

We will sponsor our annual food pantry collection. Please consider bringing non-perishable food items to donate to local food pantries.

2020 Stewardship Dues We are now accepting our 2020 stewardship dues. If you are interested in joining or rejoining Philoptochos and have not received the email, let us know. We are now accepting credit cards through PayPal for your convenience. To submit your stewardship form and dues online, visit https://form.jotform.com/91604697227161

Community Christmas Card We will be collecting donations for our annual church community Christmas card. We ask for a $25 donation for each entry. All profits are designated for the Philoptochos Special Services Account - a special fund especially to financially assist church members in need. In the past, we have privately helped pay utility bills, medical invoices, and other necessary bills. If you or someone you know need financial assistance, please speak with Father Simon.

Blessing of the Pets Saturday, December 7

Bring your favorite pet to church on Saturday, December 7 for our annual Blessing of the Pets! Please keep your pets on a leash or carrier.

Philoptochos and Daughters of Penelope Christmas Party Saturday, December 14

Join us for our annual Christmas party at Ridgeway Country Club. Luncheon tickets are $40. Please RSVP to Phani Mitchell.

Christmas Eve Reception December 24

We will host our annual Christmas Eve Reception immediately after the Christmas Eve services. If you would like to bring a treat for the table, please contact Cyndi.

PHILOPTOCHOS, ELPIS CHAPTER #7041

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PHILOPTOCHOS, ELPIS CHAPTER #7041

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PHILOPTOCHOS, ELPIS CHAPTER #7041

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Visitation Committee

Our Visitation Committee is currently seeking volunteers for 2019. Please contact Kristine Wagner

for more information or if you are interested in volunteering. This is a very rewarding ministry!

Current Schedule

November 1-15: Elaine Daniels & Maria Wasserman

16-30: Maria Popa & Anna Paris

December 1-15: Need Volunteers

16-31: Need Volunteers

January 1-15: Need Volunteers

16-31: Need Volunteers

February 1-15: Need Volunteers

16-28: Need Volunteers

Join us each third Sunday of the month—November 17th and December 15th—to

serve at Grace-St. Luke’s More Than A Meal. This is a wonderful time to enjoy

fellowship and make a difference here in Memphis! All are welcome to join us.

We will meet at GSL at 3pm to serve. We hope to see you there!

More Than A Meal

The following members of our parish have requested visitation. For address and/or contact

information please check your parish directory or contact the Church Office.

Alec Collis Niki Gikas Maria Hetos Stella Nichols

Kosta Taras Georgia Smith Jimmy Smith Angelo Pantos

PHILOPTOCHOS, ELPIS CHAPTER #7041

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26 Come and See...

Our Archdiocesan Regulations and Parish By-Laws define stewards as those who participate regularly in the life of the

parish, as well as contributing towards the financial well-being of the parish by offering stewardship and/or filling out

a Stewardship Card. Below is a current list of all Stewards of the Annunciation Church. Those denoted with an (*) have

submitted their stewardship card to the Stewardship Committee. If you have not submitted a stewardship card, please

contact the Church Office. Thank you for supporting our parish community.

Stewardship

John & Stephanie Albright *George & Theodora Alekos Zoe Anaston *Chris & Connie Apalodimas Maria Apalodimas Michael & Annie Arcamuzi Nick & Anne Argol John & Diane Avgeris Todd Bagatelas Steve & Anastasia Barlow *Frank & Penelope Bennett * Billy & Carri Benson * Demetra Bitinis *John & Deborah Bookas *Janet Boosalis Shawn Branum Angela Buchanan Claude Burdikoff Jacob & Michele Buring Richard Caldwell Dean Carayiannis *Endy Carter *Mary Chagaris Georgette Chammas Catalin & Anca Chelsoi *Cary Chiungos Charles & Connie Cotros George & Laura Couloubaritsis Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis George Covellis Dorina Daniela Damsa *Elaine Daniels George Deitz & Kristine Wagner *Helen Demas Chris & Shawn Demos George & Bonita Dendrinos Alexander & Roxanna Denton Anna Denton *Greg & Cyndi Detty Andrew & Tina Douglas Ioannis Drosos & Regina Kolaitis *David & Debbie Dye Bruce & Helen Erskine Phillip & Kellye Farris *Nick & Marty Fox Robert & Sarah Friedman *Pete & Jan Futris Steve & Zoe Futris *Evangelia Gallagher Christina George *Bill & Niki Gikas Joanne Gikas *Ronald & Patricia Grantham Alan & Renee Graves

Theodore Grayes Kevin & Pannayiota Guigley Catherine Hatzigeorgiou *Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins Sandy Herbert Evan & Monica Hinson Spence & Eleni Holland Nathan & Stephanie Hooker *Ken & Vicki Hoover Fotini Horne Andrew & Leah Horvath Koula Hristopoulou Cristina Hunter Dorothy Huston *Athena Jameson Tina & Al Jennings William & Stephanie Johnson Bill & Denise Joyner *William A. Kallas Mary Kapos Jim & Despina Karas Antonios Karaziotas & Beverly Sanderson William Karides *Georgia Karris *Diane Kavelaras John & Jennifer Kay *John & Nancy Kay *Maureen Kay *James Kennedy Nader & Toni Khalaf *Sarkis & Jenny Kish Bryan Knight Bessie Kolapanas Marcy Kollias Harry & Jenny Koniditsiotis *Kalliope Lefes George Limberakis Nikos Linardakis Tina Liollio Kevin & Alexia Loughman *Tom & Emily Love *Aklilu Maasho & Nigisti Amdetsion Irini Manousakis Pete & Amelia Maragos Yolanta Matika Gus Mavraganis Heidi McCormick Molly McCormick *Scott McKee Bobby & Nicole McNulty Peter & Kathryn Melonas Anshuman Mehrotra & Ioana Pakurar Peter & Kathryn Melonas *James & Susan Meng

*Gus Michalas *Michael & Madeline Michalopulos Allen & Lydia Mims Tom & Phani Mitchell Toni Montgomery *Alexis Moore *Tommy & Kyndall Moore *Mike & Maria Moore Steven & Jennifer Morris *Robert & Kathryn Morrison Valerie Mosby Naji & Rebecca Nassif Nick & Linda Nichols Michael & Linda Nix *Stefan & Mary Osborn Gregory & Elaine Otto Sterling & Patricia Owen, IV *Evangelia Panas Demetri & Elleni Papastefan Alexandra Pappas *Anna Paris *Evangeline Paris Dennis Patrikios Steve & Nancy Patterson Basil & Bethany Paulus *Manual & Mary Beth Peters Manuel & Susanna Peters Spero & Elena Peters *Derek & Marianthe Pilcher *Vasile & Maria Popa *Theodore & Stephanie Poplos John & Maria Poulos Elizabeth Ramage *Scott Reed Alex Roiniotis Albis Samonides Terri Sarantidis *Eric & Anne Schmitt Theresa Schnepf *Vasili & Luane Semos Daniel Shipman Harry & Magda Sinis Tom & Susan Sinis *Harry & Cathe Skefos Vasilios & Eleni Skoutakis *Charles & Emily Smith *James & Sophia Sousoulas *Pandora Stamson Steve Steckler & Joy Touliatos *Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras James Taras Kosta & Loretta Taras *David & Christine Tashie George & Cecile Tashie

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Your generous contribution to our parish permits us to provide many

different ministries within our parish and our community at-large.

We thank you for your support!

Stewardship

As of October 31, 2019 2019 Stewardship Cards: 76

Stewards: 198 2019 Budgeted Amount: $320,000.00 2019 Amount Pledged: $132,690.20

Amount Received to Date: $284,905.20 Amount Received in September & October: $53,064.20

As of October 31, 2018

2018 Stewardship Cards: 89 Stewards: 211

2018 Budgeted Amount: $318,500.00 2018 Amount Pledged: $180,285.00

Amount Received to Date: $217,352.34 Amount Received in September & October: $45,621.34

*James & Nancy Tashie John Tashie Judd & Debbie Tashie *Anastasia Terranova Amanuel & Brur Tesfazion *Lee & Yiota Theodore *Dave Thomas *Rev Fr. Simon & Pres. Stephanie Thomas Gregg & Lorrie Tingle Richard & Angela Tobias *Gabriel & Enosis Touliatos Sarah Touliatos Maria Trif *Konstantine & Julia Valelis Mary Verges *Alex Vergos John & Ellen Vergos Tasia Vergos Theodore Vergos Lee Vieron Fr. Nicholas Vieron Paul Vieron Allison Vinograd *Magdi & Amira Wassef Maria Wasserman *Jon & Lana Wells *Vasiliki Whitten James & Melinda Williams *Matthew & Michelle Wilson

ANNUNCIATION

Greek Orthodox Church

Rev. Fr. Simon Thomas, Parish Priest

573 N. HIGHLAND

MEMPHIS, TN 38122

PH: (901) 327-8177

WWW.GOANN.NET

SUNDAY DIVINE SERVICES BEGIN AT 9:00AM

Hierarch: Metropolitan NICHOLAS of Detroit

Clergy: Rev. Fr. Simon Thomas

Rev. Fr. Nicholas Vieron, Pastor Emeritus

Pastoral Assistant: William A. Kallas

Administrative Assistant: Erin Bobbitt de Padilla

2019 Parish Council

John Kay, President

Diane Kavelaras, Vice President

Endy Carter, Secretary

Naji Nassif, Treasurer

Demie Bitinis Bill Joyner

Angela Buchanan Alexandra Pappas

George Deitz Vasili Semos

Madeleine Donnelly Cathe Skefos

Altar Boy Coordinator: Daniel Shipman

Choir Director: DoraThea Kastanas

Christmas Program: Ken Hoover

Greek School: Despina Karras

GOYA: Andrew & Tina Douglas

Festival: Todd Bagatelas

JOY: Presb. Stephanie Thomas

Oratorical Festival: Kathy Zambelis

Parish Library: Billy Benson

Philoptochos: Cyndi Detty

Sunday School Director: Anna Paris

Young Adults: Alexis Moore

Young at Heart: Kathy Zambelis

AHEPA: John Kay

DOP: Maria Moore

Contact our Ministry Leaders to get involved today!

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:

8:30AM—4:30PM (MONDAY-THURSDAY)

8:30AM—12:30PM (FRIDAY)