The Epistle - goann.net THE EPISTLE - Merge… · When St Polycarp was consecrated as a bishop, the...
Transcript of The Epistle - goann.net THE EPISTLE - Merge… · When St Polycarp was consecrated as a bishop, the...
The Epistle
February 2017 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Pastor
Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Pastor Emeritus
573 N. Highland St. / Memphis, TN 38122
(901) 327-8177 / fax (901) 327-4440
Email: [email protected]/ http://www.goann.net
You Want Me to do What!?!
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate
you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your
Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).
Our Lord asks a lot of us, especially when it comes to love. “Love the Lord, your God…” (Matthew 22:37);
“Love one another…” (John 13:34); “Love you neighbor…” (Matthew 19:19); “Love your enemies…”
(Matthew 5:44).
Wait, what!? I was with Him up until that last part! It isn’t really a question of whether or not He has the right
to ask (I mean, He is God, and did take on flesh, died on the Cross, forgave those who crucified Him, and rose
from the dead offering us salvation), it is more of an issue of practicality. I may sometimes struggle with the
first three listed above, but how am I supposed to love my enemies?
I recently came across a line in the book, The Problem of Pain, by C. S. Lewis: “Love, by definition, seeks to
enjoy its object.” That struck a chord with me. Maybe it is my own struggle with love, or maybe it is what I
perceive currently to be a definite lack of love within society, but it helped clarify what it means to love my
enemies.
Don’t misunderstand, it isn’t as if I have a lot of enemies. In fact, I am not sure I could say I have any enemies
(at least no one specific). But there have been times in my life when I have been treated poorly, and there were
certainly people who didn’t like me (I know this because they told me), and then there are the people in society
who would lump me in with a group of people they generally do not like (Christians, clergy, males,
whatever…). Let’s just say, I do not enjoy being in the company of such people.
And yet, here is C. S. Lewis saying to me, “If you want to honor our Lord’s command to love your enemies,
you will need to seek to enjoy their company.”
I do not believe there is an emoji that depicts a “defeated sigh”, but if there is one, it should be inserted here. I
know Lewis is correct. Through sin, we became enemies with God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18), and God
not only sought to enjoy us, but He sent His Only-Begotten Son to be with us and save us.
How do I love my enemies? I must seek to enjoy them. I actually have to want to be with them, talk with them,
be reconciled to them, and be saved with them. I know this is correct, and I know that this is what our Lord has
asked of us. So as we enter the “month of love,” let us love God, one another, our neighbors, and even our
enemies!
With Love in Christ,
Father Simon
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest
Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Retired
ANNUNCIATION PARISH COUNCIL TED POPLOS - PRESIDENT
NAJI NASSIF – VICE-PRESIDENT
ENDY CARTER - SECRETARY
MARIA MOORE - TREASURER
CHRIS APALODIMAS
DEMIE BITINIS
BILL JOYNER
DIANE KAVELARAS
PETE RUBY
ROMULUS SALA-STOIAN
VASILI SEMOS
HARRY SINIS
PARISH MINISTRIES CHANTERS ANDREW HORVATH
CHOIR
DIRECTOR STEPHANIE POPLOS
GREEK FESTIVAL TODD BAGATELAS
GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER DESPINA KARAS
PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESIDENT CYNDI DETTY
ALTAR GUILD LAURA COULOUBARITSIS
ELPIS BOOKSTORE ANGELA TOBIAS
MAKARIA COORDINATOR MARIANTHE PILCHER
MORE THAN A MEAL CYNDI DETTY
PRAYER CIRCLE LUANE SEMOS
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE ZOE FUTRIS
VISITATION COMMITTEE KRISTINE WAGNER
REAL ALEXIS MOORE
ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP NICHOLAS NELSON (Ole Miss)
YOUNG AT HEART KATHY ZAMBELIS
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES ACOLYTES TED POPLOS
ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE DIRECTORS LEAH & ANDREW HORVATH
GOYA TED POPLOS & MITCH OBRADOVIC
JOY PRESVYTERA STEPHANIE THOMAS
ORATORICAL FESTIVAL KATHY ZAMBELIS & PAUL VIERON
SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR ANNA PARIS
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AHEPA PRESIDENT JOHN KAY
DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE PRESIDENT PHANI MITCHELL
OFFICE PERSONNEL ERIN BOBBITT DE PADILLA
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS MONDAY – THURSDAY * 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. – 12 NOON
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA * METROPOLIS OF DETROIT
President’s Message February 2017
I am honored to have been elected president for another year. The bad news is that I will be sending these
messages for another year. Don’t get me wrong, it is not that I don’t enjoy communicating with all of you, I am
just not a terrific writer. So allow me to try to do my best.
For those who were not able to attend the New Year’s Eve party, it was fantastic. About 120 people had a great
prime rib meal and danced their way into the New Year. What a great event, and with a little planning I think it
should remain an annual event here at Annunciation. I don’t know exactly what they teach at the seminary, but
Fr. Simon can cook with the best of them. As if cooking for 120 isn’t challenge enough, he added a Vesper
service about 2/3 of the way through to make it even more interesting. I guess the power of prayer really does
work because it went off without a hitch.
We will have a general assembly on February 5th
to discuss the fiscal year 2016 and appoint an audit committee
to review those books. We have finally received the blessings of Metropolitan Nicholas to bring forward our
proposal to replace the icon screen and bishop’s throne. You should have received that information in the mail.
If you haven’t, please contact the church office so that we can get you that information. I hope that you will
attend the assembly and hear about the project and let your vote be cast. This is an important step for us and we
should leave the meeting united in moving forward in the growth of our church.
We are in the process of accepting bids on tree work on the property. We are also in the process of having the
canvas awnings replaced with aluminum awnings and adding awnings where there are currently none. I guess
you will just have to come by to check out how it will look once the trees are pruned and cleaned up and the
new awnings are installed.
Finally, as we prepare for our annual festival (yes it is that time again) I hope that you will give very real and
serious consideration to volunteering a few hours for the many workshops and preparatory events that lead up to
the festival. For every volunteer that comes to help, we can avoid paying someone for their labor. Consider it
as an opportunity for stewardship. It is a tremendous feat to put this together and can be a lot of fun in the midst
of the actual work. Be looking for a workshop or two to attend in the near future.
In His Service
Ted Poplos
Annunciation Prayer List
“Pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Prayer is an important resource for those who
are in need. Please contact Father Simon or the Church Office to add/remove someone from the list.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Archbishop Demetrios of America
Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit
Father Simon & Presvytera Stephanie and children
Father Nicholas & Presvytera Bess and children
Parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox
Church
Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo
Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo
Nick, Edna, Helen, Diana, Bob, Alec, Katherine,
Maria, Zoe, Pat, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy,
Sophia, Cornelia
Volunteers for February
Acolytes: Lee Couloubaritsis
Austin Detty
Jackson Detty
Nick Douglas
John Eramo
Max Graves
Jonathan Holland
Vasili Johnson
Jonathan Mehrotra
Jack Shipman
Abiel Tesfazion
Demetri Thomas
David Wassef
Ushers 5 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner, Pete Ruby
12 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie
Bitinis
19 Team 3: Romulus Stoian, Chris Apalodimas
26 Team 4: Endy Carter, Vasili Semos
Coffee Fellowship Hosts:
5 Parish Assembly
12 Agape Godparent Luncheon hosted by DOP
19 Open
26 Open
Greeters
5 Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas
12 Andrew & Tina Douglas
19 Pete & Jan Futris
26 Anastasia Terranova &
Phani Mitchell
Prosphoro Bakers:
5 Enosis Touliatos
12 Enosis Touliatos
19 Enosis Touliatos
26 Enosis Touliatos
Epistle Readers:
5 Cathe Skefos
12 Scott McKee
19 Mitch Obradovic
26 Scout for Scout Sunday
January Notices
Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of)
Robin Duzane by: Pete & Jan Futris, Diane Kavelaras
Frances Stergios by: Diane Kavelaras
Gus & Carmela Tashie by: Paul Tashie
Jasper Hoover: by Ted and Stephanie Poplos
Deaths:
Dick Erskine: brother of Bruce Erskine and brother-in-law of Helen Erskine, Wednesday, January 11
William Umberson: father of Linda Farrell and grandfather to Matthew and Brian Farrell, December 21
40 Day Blessings:
Spiro Castellucci – infant son of Brianna & Conan Castellucci and grandson of John & Nancy Kay
40 Day Memorials:
Robin Duzane, January 15th
Saint Polycarp of Smyrna
February 23rd
Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who was “fruitful in every good work”
(Colossians 1:10), was born in the first century, and lived in Smyrna in Asia
Minor. He was orphaned at an early age, but at the direction of an angel, he
was raised by the pious widow Kallista. After the death of his adoptive mother,
Polycarp gave away his possessions and began to lead a chaste life, caring for
the sick and the infirm. He was very fond of and close to St Bucolus, Bishop of
Smyrna. He ordained Polycarp as deacon, entrusting to him to preach the Word
of God in church. He also later ordained him to the holy priesthood. The holy
Apostle John the Theologian was still alive at this time. St Polycarp was
especially close to St John, and sometimes accompanied him on his apostolic
journeys.
Shortly before his death, St Bucolus expressed his wish that Polycarp be made Bishop of Smyrna. When St
Polycarp was consecrated as a bishop, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him. St Polycarp guided his flock with
apostolic zeal, and he was also greatly loved by the clergy. St Ignatius the God-Bearer of Antioch also had a
high regard for him. Setting out for Rome where execution awaited him, he wrote to St Polycarp, “This age is in
need of you if it is to reach God, just as pilots need winds, and as a storm-tossed sailor needs a port.”
The emperor Marcus Aurelius came to the Roman throne and started up a most fierce persecution against
Christians. The pagans demanded that the judge search for St Polycarp, “the father of all the Christians” and
“the seducer of all Asia.” During this time St Polycarp, at the persistent urging of his flock, stayed in a small
village not far from Smyrna. When the soldiers came for him, he went out to them and invited them in to eat.
He asked for time to pray, in order to prepare himself for martyrdom. His suffering and death are recorded in
the “Epistle of the Christians of the Church of Smyrna to the Other Churches,” one of the most ancient
memorials of Christian literature.
Having been brought to trial, St Polycarp firmly confessed his faith in Christ, and was condemned to be burned
alive. The executioners wanted to nail him to a post, but he declared that God would give him the strength to
endure the flames, so they could merely tie him with ropes. The flames encircled the saint but did not touch
him, coming together over his head in the shape of a vault. Seeing that the fire did him no harm, the pagans
stabbed him with a dagger. So much blood flowed from this wound that it extinguished the flames. The body of
the priest-martyr Polycarp was then cremated. The Christians of Smyrna reverently gathered up what remained
of his holy relics, and each year they celebrated the day of his martyrdom.
A story has been preserved about St Polycarp by his disciple, St Irenaeus of Lyons, which Eusebius cites in his
Ecclesiastical History (V, 20): “I was still very young when I saw you in Asia Minor at Polycarp’s,” writes St Irenaeus to his friend Florinus, “but I would still be
able to point out the place where Blessed Polycarp sat and conversed, and be able to depict his walk, his mannerisms in life, his
outward appearance, his speaking to people, his companionable wandering with John, and how he himself related, together with other
eyewitnesses of the Lord, those things that he remembered from the words of others. He also told what he heard from them about the
Lord, His teachings and miracles … Through the mercy of God to me, I then already listened attentively to Polycarp and wrote down
his words, not on tablets, but in the depths of my heart. Therefore, I am able to bear witness before God, that if this blessed and
apostolic Elder heard something similar to your fallacy, he would immediately stop up his ears and express his indignation with his
usual phrase: ‘Good God! That You have permitted me to be alive at such a time!’”
During his life the holy bishop wrote several Epistles to the flock and letters to various individuals. The only
one that has survived to the present day is his Epistle to the Philippians which, St Jerome testifies, was read in
the churches of Asia Minor at divine services. It was written by the saint in response to the request of the
Philippians to send them some letters of the priest-martyr Ignatius which St Polycarp had in his possession.
Blessing of Homes for Theophany 2017
NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________
CITY: ____________________________________ TELEPHONE: ____________________________
WHAT IS A CONVENIENT TIME/DATE THAT YOU WILL BE HOME? ___________________________
(Please try to schedule times during the day)
(Fr. Simon will bring basil and Holy Water. Please have a bowl of water prepared for the service.)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liturgical Calendar for February
Thursday, February 2nd
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am
Sunday, February 5th
Sunday of the Publican and Phariseee
Triodion Begins
Orthros 8:45 am
Divine 10:00 am
Thursday, February 9th -
Orthros/Divine Liturgy – Feast of Saint Haralambos
6:00 pm
Sunday, February 12th
Sunday of the Prodigal Sun
Orthros 8:45 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Saturday, February 18th
Saturday of Souls
Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service 9:00 am
Sunday, February 19th
Sunday of Judgement (Meatfare)
Orthros 8:45 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Saturday, February 25th
Saturday of Souls
Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service 9:00 am
Sunday, February 26th
Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare)
Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Monday, February 27th
Great Lent Begins
Clean Monday
Great Compline 6:30 pm
VISITATION COMMITTEE
The following parishioners have requested visitation.
Please contact them directly to schedule visitations.
For address &/or contact information please check
your parish directory or contact the office.
Alec Collis
Pat Bacopulos Cooper - contact Marianthe Pilcher for
visiting arrangements
Edna Nichopoulos
Zoe Nickas
Presvytera Bess Vieron
Kosta Taras – contact Loretta Taras for Visiting
arrangements
Visitation Committee Volunteers for 2017-2018
February: Vicki Hoover & family
March: Linda Nichols & family
April: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras
May: Demie Bitinis, Tricia Grantham & Emily Love
June: Despina Karas/Angela Tobias
July: Maria Moore & Diane Kavelaras
August: Stephanie Poplos & friend
September: Susanna Peters, Maria Apalodimas &
Cathe Skefos
October: Sophie Theodore & Kristine Wagner
November: Connie Cotros, Loretta Taras & Tasia
Vergos
December: Anastasia Terranova & Athena Jameson
January: Nancy Tashie, Jan Futris & Tina Liollio
Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to
volunteer to be on the visitation committee.
PARISH ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
Our Local St John’s Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church beginning at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Everyone is invited to come to
hear children speak on various topics they were given to choose from. We love supporting the children in our
community and this festival is an important event to offer them your love and support.
Parish Ministries
Philoptochos, Elpis Chapter #7041
More than a Meal - February 19 - Cooking Team We will be preparing and serving dinner to those in
need within the Memphis community. Join us on
February 19 from 3-5 pm at Grace St. Luke's
Church in Midtown. All are welcome to attend. We
plan to prepare most of the meal on February 18th.
If you are interested in participating, please contact
Linda Obradovic or Cyndi Detty.
Girls' Night Out - Painting with a Twist -
February 23 Please join us for an evening of painting, wine and
fellowship. Join us at Painting with a Twist (3116
Village Shops Dr #22, Germantown (near Target))
on February 23 at 7:00. All women in the church
are welcome to attend. Costs are $35 per person and
sign-ups are online. If you do not have internet
access, please contact Cyndi Detty.
http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/parties/manage
Party.aspx?eid=EB45780347
2017 Dues are now accepted We invite all women age 18 and older to join Elpis
Philoptochos. Our service-based organization
supports our church, provides help to those in need
within our church family, within our Memphis
community as well as those worldwide. You can be
as involved as you would like through a multiude of
committees and events. We encourage you to look
for our electronic montly newsletter to fine
opportunities to serve. Our organization also
provides an outlet for social events, learning and
networking.
Membership is $35 per year and includes both local
and national dues. Men are also welcome to join us
as associate members. We offer complimentary
honorary memberships to college-aged women (18-
22) and women age 80 and over.
For more information, please contact Cyndi Detty.
ELPIS Bookstore
Looking for new ways to volunteer this year? Work
at the bookstore! We are looking for volunteers to
help on Sundays from 11:30-12:30. Stop by and talk
to Angela Tobias and Connie Apalodimas for more
information.
Young at Heart
Join us for lunch to celebrate Valentine’s Day on
Thursday, February 16th
at 11:30 am in Cotros Hall.
Mike Miller will be here to entertain us!
All those age 50 and over are invited to join us!
*Organization Coordinators:
Kathy Zambelis: 901-359-1055,Anna Paris:
901-359-1918, Sophie Theodore: 901-268-0885
Hosting Coffee Fellowship after Liturgy The Parish Council invites members to volunteer to
host a Coffee Fellowship Hour in Cotros
Hall during this Ecclesiastical Year. The intent is to
offer refreshments of your choice that will
encourage social interaction among the
membership, and opportunities to meet and greet
visitors and new members. The coffee,
sugar/sweetener, napkins, plates, cups and utensils
are provided by the Church. Please bring creamer
and juice. This is a great opportunity to celebrate a
birthday, anniversary, or to honor a loved one.
Photos/memorabilia are encouraged for a table
display. Families or groups of individuals can co-
host as well. Please sign up on the Coffee Hour
Board in Cotros Hall or call the Church Office to
reserve your date. Diane Kavelaras will be your
coordinator for Sunday and can be reached at 901-
383-3343. Coffee will always be available when
there is no host. Thank you for your consideration
and hopeful participation.
Young Adult Ministries We are reviving the Young Adult Ministry here at Annunciation. The program has been re-branded and
reformatted as REAL (Representing Emerging Adult Leaders) . REAL is the Archdiocese’s new young adult
ministries program, the successor to YAL. It focuses on young adults ages 18-35. REAL offers programs and
resources based on education, fellowship, service and worship, challenging young adults to not simply be
passive participants in the Faith but to truly live Orthodoxy each and every day.
Join in the conversation! Check out the podcast, Pop Culture Coffee Hour on Ancient Faith Ministries Radio!
OCF’s Real Break is a one-of-a-kind alternative spring break program for Orthodox high school graduates
between 18-25 years old. The Real Break program provides young adults with the opportunity to understand the
true meaning of seeing Christ in the other – traveling to all parts of the world deepening their faith, serving
those in need, and cultivating relationships with like-minded peers. See the Flier and follow the link for more
details: http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2017/
On Facebook: GOA Young Adults
On Twitter: GOA_YoungAdults
On Instagram: GOA_YoungAdults
On Blogger: The Ladder
On Pinterest: GOA YoungAdults
On Tumblr: GOA Young Adults
On YouTube: YOUTUBE.COM/Y2AM
If you are interested in being a part of REAL, please contact Alexis Moore at 901-828-3982 or at
Youth Ministries
Sunday School
The Sunday School Program is for children from Pre-
K (age 4 by September 1) through 12th
grade.
We meet every Sunday immediately following Holy
Communion except during the Summer and
certain Holidays.
Note from Father Simon:
It is important that the children and their teachers
receive Holy Communion first, so they may have as
much time as possible to learn about our precious
Faith. Parents, since we are now saying the Prayers
Before Holy Communion together, please wait until
these prayers have been completed before taking your
children to the Narthex to line them up for Holy
Communion. Once our youth have received, the
ushers will dismiss the faithful row by row. Thank
you for your assistance!
HOPE/JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth)
Mark your calendar for upcoming events:
JOY
February 4th
- Service Activity - Making Valentines
for our Parish shut-ins 10am-12pm at Cotros Hall.
March 25th -Spiritual Education - Celebrate our
Parish Feast Day Together!
9:00 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy followed by an
Activity coordinated by Renee Graves.
April 14th - Spiritual Education- Holy Friday JOY
Lenten Youth Retreat
Royal Hours (morning service) + Lenten Youth
Retreat and Craft + Lunch + Removal of Christ from
the Cross (afternoon service)
~PLEASE see sign up genius to sign up to bring food
or craft supplies!!!
May 6th - Pool Party 2-4pm at Thomas Home
GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America)
The GOYA Ministry at Annunciation is for youth in
grades 6 through 12. We seek to provide
programming for the entire group and to provide
opportunities for our older youth to serve as role
models for younger participants. But, owing to the
developmental needs of different age groups in the
Ministry, certain activities and meetings will be sub-
divided into middle school and high school groups.
We meet the first and third Sundays of each month
at noon in the GOYA Room. Please forward any comments, suggestions for
activities, and preferred methods of communication
(or to be removed from the GOYA mailing list) to
Mitch Obradovic ([email protected]).
GOYA Advisors:
Mitch Obradovic
Demetri Papastefan
Ted Poplos
Luane Semos
February GOYA News
Greetings GOYA Members and Families. We will
once again celebrate the Super Bowl with a party and
an opportunity to gather nonperishable foods items for
the Souper Bowl of Caring (food donations will go to
the Highland Heights Food Pantry). This year's party
is graciously being hosted by Father Simon and
Presvytera Stephanie. We will gather after 4:30 PM at
the Thomas home for the 5:30 PM kickoff. Father
Simon invites attendees to bring swim suits - youth
can swim if the game is not fun to watch.
GOYA will provide the main course. Please RSVP at
the SignUp Genius link to let us know how many will
attend, and sign up to bring a menu item.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4EAFA72DA
1FA7-souper
GOYA Activities 2016 – 2017
Activity Date
GOYA Super Bowl Party – Super
Bowl of Caring
February 5
More Than a Meal – Grace St.
Luke’s
February 19
Trivia Night March TBD
More Than a Meal – Grace St.
Luke’s
March 19
Lenten Lock-In April 14 - 15
Pascha – Lamb Roast April 15 - 16
More Than a Meal – Grace St.
Luke’s – Pascha
April 16
Year-End GOYA Pool Party May TBD
More Than a Meal – Grace St.
Luke’s
May 21
Other Volunteer/Service Opportunities:
1. Assist with serving and cleanup at luncheons
2. Greek Festival Workshops
3. Greek Festival Ice Cream and Frappe Booth
4. Food Pantry Drive
5. Starry Nights
6. Friends of the Metropolis
7. Project Haiti
8. Ionian Village Recovery Fundraiser
SCHOLARSHIPS
As it becomes available, scholarship information can be found at the following links:
On the Parish website at http://goann.net/education/scholarships
On our Facebook page at ¨ https://www.facebook.com/Annunciation-Greek-Orthodox-Church-
120815681264112/.
SCOUT SUNDAY February 26, 2017
All Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are welcome to participate in our
church’s Scout Sunday which will be held February 26. Our church
Scouts have Troops across the Mid-South but come together on Scout
Sunday in uniform serving as greeters and reading the Epistle. Any
member with a Boy Scout or Girl Scout wishing to participate in our
Scout Sunday service which will be held February 26, should contact the
church to submit the Scout's name.
Scouting has been recognized as an official youth program of the Orthodox Church since 1952 when the
Standing Conference of Canonical Bishops (SCOBA) approved it and created the Eastern Orthodox Committee
on Scouting (EOCS). The twelfth Boy Scout Law states, “A Scout is reverent, He is reverent to God, He is
faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.” Scout
Sunday gives Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts the opportunity to attend church and be recognized as a Scout.
ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE 2016-2017
The Athenian Dance Troupe's mission is to provide dancers with artistic education and immersion in the rich
tradition of Hellenic performing arts and dance. A key goal for The Athenian Dance Troupe is to instill in its
dancers an enthusiasm for and desire to share the art of Hellenic dance within the Memphis community.
We accept dancers into the program starting in 2nd grade. For older children and teenagers interested in joining,
no prior dance experience is required. All are welcome!
If you have any questions, would like more info, or would like to enroll your child(ren), please contact Father
Simon at the Church Office, or the Horvaths.
Andrew Horvath [email protected]
Leah Apalodimas Horvath [email protected]
Performances
Sunday March 19 – Greek Independence Day Luncheon 12:00 Noon
Memphis Greek Festival
Friday, May 12, 6:00 pm
Saturday, May 13, 12:00 Noon & 6:00 pm
Practice Schedule
Juniors:
Saturday March 4 – 11:30 am – 12:00 Noon
Saturday March 18 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Saturday April 22 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Saturday April 29 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Saturday May 6 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Thursday, May 11 – 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Seniors:
Saturday March 4 – 12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm
Saturday March 18 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday April 8 – 12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm
Saturday April 22 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday April 29 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday May 6 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thursday May 11 – 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Community Organizations
Men’s Group/AHEPA
The reorganized Men’s group of Annunciation will be cooking the Apokreas Dinner on February 19th
. Come
ready to eat, display your talent and show off your costume!
Daughters of Penelope
The Daughters of Penelope, was founded in 1929, in San Francisco, California. It was the realization of
Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld’s dream to create a women’s organization comparable to her husband’s
membership in AHEPA. The AHEPA Family share our objectives: To promote Hellenism, Education,
Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence. This year2017, the Daughters are
celebrating their 88th
Birthday!
We would like to thank you, our fellow parishioners who were so generous in supporting Penelope House at our
luncheon. We received a lovely thank you note from Kathryn Coumanis. She, with her Daughters group,
founded Penelope House in 1979.
From Kathryn: “Thank you for your generous donation of $1000 to Penelope House. Your gift enabled us to
bring a little joy and happiness to the women and children who spent their Christmas in our shelter and
transitional housing facility. Each year nearly 1000 women and children pass through our doors, usually
coming in with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Your love and support enable us to continue to
provide them with safety and comfort through these difficult times.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Wishing you each a very Happy and healthy New Year.
Love in Theta Pi,
Kathryn Coumanis”
Coming up in February is our Godparent Luncheon on the 12th
cooked by Connie and Chris Apalodimas. You
will find the flyer for the Godparent Luncheon in this epistle. AHEPA is cooking for the Apokreas on the 19th
with the Daughters sponsoring the Talent portion. So get out your dancing shoes, limber up those fingers, and
warm up your voices.
St John’s Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
Our LOCAL FESTIVAL
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
10:00 am
Registration begins at 9:30
All speakers are asked to please be on time for a
microphone check!
"Young at Heart"
Valentine’s Day Luncheon
Thursday, February 16th at 11:30am
in Cotros Hall
Join us for a delicious
Valentine’s Day lunch followed by
Music and Entertainment by Mike Miller
All those 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and
older are invited to join us!
Dinner – Sponsored by AHEPA
Talent Show - Sponsored by the Daughters of
Penelope. Warm up your voices
Share your talents!
Sunday, February 19, 2017
5:30 pm
Join us for an evening of delicious food, fun,
fellowship and entertainment!
MENU
Cooked by the Chefs of AHEPA
Gourmet meatballs
Roast Beef
Oven roasted potatoes
Salad
Rolls
Dessert
Drinks
TICKETS: Adults $12.00 Children 12 & Under: $6.00
Dinner begins at 6:00 pm
followed by the Talent Show
If you would like to participate in the Talent Show
Contact: Kathy Zambelis at 901-359-1055
or email at: [email protected]
to let her know what you will be performing
Painting with a Twist
3116 Village Shops Drive (Target plaza) Germantown
Join us for a fun evening of painting and fellowship for just
the girls! All ladies of the church are welcome to attend
(including our youth ladies). No painting experience (or
talent) required! Appetizers will be provided. Please bring
your choice of beverage (adult beverages are fine).
Thursday, February 23 7:00pm
Reservations and a $35 fee are required.
Please visit www.paintingwithatwist.com for more
information regarding the class. Please
contact Cyndi Detty 482-6397 or
[email protected] for more
information and to place your reservation.
Thursday, February 23
7:00 pm
Metropolis of Detroit Partners in Philanthropy Program
Friends of the Metropolis
Metropolis of Detroit Scholarships
St. Nicholas Summer Camp
Metropolis of Detroit Emergency Relief Fund
Metropolis of Detroit St. Spyridon Fund
25th Anniversary of His Eminence Patriarch Bartholomew
St. Basil’s Academy
National Philoptochos Social Services Account
Autism Assistance Fund
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)
St. Photios Shrine
Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)
Sisterhood of St. Basil’s Academy
International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)
75th Anniversary Founders Fund
Support a Mission Priest (SAMP)
Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Fund
Retired Clergy & Widowed Presvyteres Benevolent Fund
National Philoptochos Emergency Fund
Cancer Fund
National Sisterhood of Presvyteres
Hellenic College Holy Cross
General Medical Fund
UNICEF
Ecumenical Patriarch
National Philoptochos Philabundance – Feeding the Children Everywhere
St. Nicholas Shrine (completing a $6,000 donation from our local chapter)
AGOC Young at Heart
AGOC Altar Needs
AGOC Easter Flowers
AGOC Garden, sponsored by JOY
LeBonheur Children’s Hospital
Gift to an Orthodox St. Jude Patient
Sunny Meadows
Mid-South Therapy Dogs
More than a Meal, Grace St. Luke’s Church
Holy Trinity Church, Baton Rouge, LA (flood)
Two Scholarships for AGOC Youth
Our local Social Services Fund helps those within our church community. We paid $1,984.22 in
medical bills, rent, utilities and funeral expenses. If you or someone you know has a financial
need, please contact Father Simon.
2017 Membership Form
Greek Orthodox Ladies’ Philoptochos Society of Annunciation Church, Memphis, Tennessee (ELPIS Chapter)
Member Information (please print)
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Home Phone
Cell Phone
☐ I am an Honorary Member (ages 18-22 or 80 and over)
☐ I am a New Member
☐ I am a Returning Member
Attached are my dues for 2017:
☐Cash ☐Check ☐Honorary Member
Dues are $35 annually and include both national and local commitments. Our local chapter pays for all honorary members’ national dues. Please return your completed form and payment in the enclosed envelope or send to Joy Touliatos, Treasurer, 8200 N. Westbrook Road, Arlington, TN 38002.
This year, I would like to see Philoptochos…
This year, I would like to become involved in…
F R I E N D S O F T H E M E T R O P O L I SWhen you support the Friends of the Metropolis
campaign, you are part of a greater outreach that
proclaims with one universal voice that God is truly
our hope and our rock of salvation. Because of your
devotion to the Friends program, ministries and
programs are implemented on a Metropoliswide
basis which strengthen and enhance our faith and
our joint ministry of service. I would like to invite
you to join forces with the faithful throughout the
Metropolis of Detroit in support of the ministries
which are part of the Office of the Metropolitan.
Thanking you for your kind and generous response,
I remain, with paternal blessings and prayers,
+NICHOLAS
Metropolitan of Detroit
Name
Address
City State Zip
MORE INFO AT:WWW.DETROIT.GOARCH.ORG/FRIENDS
F R I E N D S I N F O R M A T I O N
Credit Card
Credit Card No.
Expiry CVC No.
P A Y M E N T I N F O R M A T I O N
Email Mobile No.
Signature
Total in $
Make checks payable to Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit.
Fill out this card and send it with payment to: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit - 2560 Crooks Road - Troy, MI 48084
Check Money Order
Clergy/Parish Support
Fully fund the generalexpenses of the Metropolisoffice, including programs
and travels.
Enhance various scholarship opportunities,adult education programs,and support Metropolisstudents at HellenicCollege/Holy Cross.
Develop and provideinstructional seminars andservices for clergy and
parishes.
Support the youth & youngadult ministries, includingour summer camps, as well
as the activities of afulltime Metropolis Directorof Youth and Young Adult
Ministries.
Create opportunities tointroduce our faith tosociety. Participate in
interChristian and interfaithactivities. Provide quickresponses to national andinternational disasters.
Organize ClergyLaityConferences, OratoricalFestivals, Youth Workerand Religious Education
Training, and AdultEducation Seminars.
Develop programs forHellenic Cultural Outreach,including language, history,
and arts.
Continued websitedevelopment, hospitality tovisiting dignitaries, charity
and philanthropy.
Parish Name City/State
Please print the following required details.
General Support
Outreach/Missions Youth Ministries
Education Leadership
Special ProgramsHellenism
Stewardship Report
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 list of all Stewards of the Annunciation. Those denoted with
an (*) have submitted their Stewardship Card to the Stewardship Committee. If you have not submitted a
Stewardship Card, please contact the Stewardship Committee or the Church Office.
2017 List of Stewards
*Robert Allphin
Zoe Anaston
Chris & Connie Apalodimas
Maria Apalodimas
Michael & Annie Archamuzi & family
John & Diane Avgeris
*Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas & family
*Demetra Bitinis
*John & Deborah Bookas
*Janet Boosalis
*Shawn Branum
*Angela Buchanan
Claude Burdikoff
Jacoby & Michele Buring
*Endy Carter
*Mary Chagaris
*Cary Chiungos
* Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis & family
*Elaine Daniels
*Alexander & Sangeeta Deitz
*Chris Demopoulos
Chris & Shawn Demos
Anna Denton
Greg & Cyndi Detty & family
Andrew & Christina Douglas & family
*Vasilios & Georgia Douklias
Linda Farrell
*Nick & Marty Fox
Pete & Jan Futris
*Steve & Zoe Futris
*Evangelia Gallagher
Kalovan Getev
*Bill & Niki Gikas
*Joanne Gikas
*Alex Gogonelis
Ronald & Patricia Grantham & family
*Alan & Renee Graves & family
*Maria Hallas
*Sarantos & Catherine Hatzigeorgiou
*Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins & family
*Sandy E Herbert
Monica & Evan Hinson
Spence Holland
Nathan & Stephanie Hooker
*Ken & Vicki Hoover & family
Andrew & Leah Horvath & family
Dorothy Huston
*Athena Jameson
*Al & Tina Jennings
Bill & Denise Joyner
Jim & Despina Karas
*George Karkatsugas
Georgia Karris
*Diane Kavelaras
*John & Nancy Kay
*James Kennedy
Nader Khalaf
Sarkis & Jenny Kish
Regina Kolaitis
Bessue Kolapanas
*Marcy Kollias
Kevin & Alexia Loughman
Samya Louza
*Tom & Emily Love
Yolanta Matika
*Scott McKee & Weilin Xi & family
Emily Melonas
Peter & Kathryn Melonas
James & Susan Meng
Allen & Lydia Mims & family
*Alexis Moore
*Mike & Maria Moore
*Tommy & Kyndall Moore
*Robert & Kathy Morrison
Michael & Valerie Mosby
*Naji & Rebecca Nassif & family
*Mitch & Linda Obradovic & family
*Evangelia Panas
*Demetri Papastefan
Alexandra Pappas
*Anna Paris
*Evangeline Paris
Dennis & Odette Patrikios
Basil & Bethany Paulus
* Manual & Mary Beth Peters
Derek & Marianthe Pilcher
*Ted & Stephanie Poplos & family
John & Maria Poulos
*Chrysanthe Preza & Einir Valdimarsson & family
Elizabeth Ramage
Melissa Ramage
* Scott Reed
Pete Ruby
Albis Samonides
*Eric & Anne Schmitt & family
*Vasili & Luane Semos & family
Harry & Magda Sinis & family
Tom & Susan Sinis
Vasilios & Eleni Skoutakis
*Jimmy & Georgia Smith
*James & Sophie Sousoulas
Thomas & Stasia Spentzas & family
Pandora Stamson
Steve & Joy Steckler
Romulus & Camelia Stoian
Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras
*Kosta & Loretta Taras
*David & Christine Tashie
*George & Cecile Tashie
*James & Nancy Tashie
*John Tashie
Judd & Debbie Tashie
*Anastasia Terranova
Amanuel & Brur Tesfazion & family
*Lee & Yiota Theodore
*Sophie Theodore
*Fr. Simon & Presvytera Stephanie Thomas & family
Richard & Angela Tobias
Sarah Touliatos
*Alex Vergos
John & Ellen Vergos
*Tasia Vergos
Theodore Vergos
Nicholas & Bess Vieron
*Magdi & Amira Wassef & family
*Maria Wasserman
*Vasiliki Whitten
*Nick & Georgia Zaharopoulos
*Michael & Kathy Zambelis
As of January 31, 2016:
2017 Stewardship Cards – 70
Stewards - 129
Amount Pledged - $124,123.00
Amount Received - $26881.44
FEBRUARY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 2 Feast of the
Presentation
of the Lord
Orthros/Divi
ne Liturgy
9:00 am
Girl Scouts
4:15 pm
3 4
JOY – Making Valentines
for Parish Shut-Ins 10:00
am
5 Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee
Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am
Nursery Available 9:30 am
Sunday School 11:00 am
Parish Assembly 12:00 Noon
GOYA Souper Bowl of Caring 4:30 pm
6
Father Simon out
of office
Fr. Vieron’s Adult
Greek Class 6:30
pm
7
Father Simon out
of office
8
Father Simon
out of office
9
Orthros/Divi
ne Liturgy –
Feast of Saint
Haralambos
6:00 pm
10 Feast of Saint
Haralambos
11
DOP Monthly Meeting &
Set up for Agape
Godparent Luncheon 8:00
am
Parish Oratorical
Festival 9:30 am
12 Sunday of the Prodigal Sun
Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am
Nursery Available 9:30 am
Sunday School 11:00 am
Agape Godparent Luncheon hosted by DOP
12:00 Noon
13
Fr. Vieron’s Adult
Greek Class 6:30
pm
14 Bible Study 6:30
pm
15
16 Young at
Heart
Luncheon
11:30 am
Girl Scouts
4:15 pm
17
18 Saturday of Souls
Orthros/Divine
Liturgy/Memorial
Service 9:00 am
Girl Scout Thinking Day
12:00 Noon
19 Judgement Sunday (Meatfare)
Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am
Nursery Available 9:30 am
Sunday School 11:00 am
GOYA Meeting 12:00 Noon
More Than a Meal Serving Team 3:00 pm
Apokreas Dinner, Talent Show & Costume
Contest 5:30 pm
20
Parish Council
Meeting 6:15 pm
Fr. V Adult Greek
Class 6:30 pm
21
22
23 Festival
Workshop –
Koulourakia
8:30 am
Girls’ Night
Out 6:00 pm
24
Festival Workshop –
Koulourakia 8:30 am
25 Saturday of Souls
Orthros/Divine
Liturgy/Memorial
Service 9:00 am
26 Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)
Orthros 8:45 AM
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Nursery Available 9:30 am
Sunday School 11:00 am
Scout Sunday
27 Great Lent
Begins (Clean
Monday)
Great Compline
6:30 pm
Fr. V Adult Greek
Class 6:30 pm
28
Bible Study 6:30
pm