The Annunciator | January 2017

January 2017

Father Hector’s Message

1

Epiphany

2-3

Parish News

4

Philoptochos News

5

Parish Spiritual Life

6

Transfiguration Church/DOP 7 Parish Photos Christmas Decorations

8-9 10-11

Schrott Family/GOYA

12

Preschool

13

Spiritual Message / Greek

14

News & Events/ Greek

15

Parish Council

16

Sponsors

17

Insert January Calendar

Anthony the Great—January 17 “Receive and Share the Light of Christ!”

ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-394-1735 Fax: 717-394-0991 Email: agochurch@comcast.net Website: www.annunciationorthodox.org Office Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:00 AM—4:00 PM The Annunciator is the monthly newsletter of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Submissions for consideration are due the 15th of each month.

Church Office Email Addresses Fr. Hector Firoglanis………..………..firoglanis@gmail.com Fr. Alexander Veronis……………...frveronis@comcast.net Sherry Anderson………………….agochurch@comcast.net Maria Koursaris…………………..agocmaria@comcast.net David Gammache………………...agocdavid@comcast.net Sunday Worship Hours 8:15 AM - Orthros 9:30 AM - Divine Liturgy

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is under the jurisdiction of: His Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholemew His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America His Eminence, Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Parish Administration Clergy Rev. Hector Firoglanis, Pastor Rev. Alexander Veronis, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Alexander Goussetis, Mission Parish Pastor Parish Council Maria Querry, President John Stauffer, Vice President George Soukas, Treasurer Kim Keares, Secretary Keith Bartlett Dr. Tom Miller James Diamantoni Dr. Spencer Phillips Manny Firoglanis Artemis Tsoflias

Contacts Sunday School…………………..…………….Sally Stratigos Dan Soukas, Jonathan Troop Choir…………………………………………..Maria Koursaris Assistant Choir Director………………………John Scanlon Organist....…………….………………….Zaferula Yelagotes Philoptochos……………..………………………Effie Hogan Joanne Martin GOYA..………….……………………………...Kali Efstration GOYA Dance………………..………………Despina Proithis JOY Dance…………….……………………….Tina Georges Angie Hessen Evzonakia Dance…………………………...Jenna Ioannidis Greek School PTO……………..............Robin Roumeliotis AHEPA………………...…………………..Constantine J. Seiss Daughters of Penelope….………………..Martha Ioanndis Zaferula Yelagotes Pan-Coan Society……….…………………….Maria Barron Chiotiko Society……………..................Panagiotis S. Billis Webmaster…………….…………….. Dimitri & Kim Keares Bazaar Committee……………………………………………………..Kosta Kontanis Alexandra Schramm Bookstore………………………………….Paul & Kay Benos Service & Outreach Committee………............Joanne Martin Susana Troop

Fat h e r H e c t o r ’ s Me s s ag e Dear Beloved in Christ, With the beginning of a New Year, let us reflect for a moment on the last four months — beginning from September 1st — which have flown by incredibly fast. As we do so, I’d like to thank you for your patience, prayers, and support during this time of transition in the life of our beloved parish.

During the span of the last four months the Transfiguration Orthodox Church officially opened its doors in northern Lancaster County, while the faithful Ethiopian Orthodox Christians from our community ventured out to plant a new church of their own in southern Lancaster County.

Meanwhile, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, we’ve had 9 baptisms, 2 weddings, and 7 funerals since September 1st. Many lay leaders, parents, and gifted parishioners have stepped up to facilitate our vibrant youth ministries and study groups — including HOPE, JOY, GOYA, OCF, our three dance groups, Sunday School, an evolving Young Adults Group, two women’s study groups, an Agape group for our seniors, and catechetical classes. We’ve had an active liturgical life, which in addition to the Sunday Liturgy has included a weekly Vespers service on Saturday evenings, a weekly Paraklesis service on Wednesday evenings, Akathist Services, weekday Liturgies, and a Vigil service for St. Porphyrios. In addition to all the ministries and services, I am becoming more acquainted with the many committees — including finance, stewardship, bazaar, gyrofest, building, technology, service and outreach, preschool, Hellenic cultural, and aesthetics — and all the hardworking, dedicated, and talented parishioners who make up these committees, the parish council, the Greek School, Philoptochos, Daughters of Penelope, and AHEPA. With the development of the smartphone, a priest’s office hours have become a 24/7 service of answering phone calls, text messages, emails, and Facebook messenger to schedule meetings and confessions, answer questions, respond to emergencies, and offer a word of encouragement. Your prayers and support are always needed and especially appreciated during this time of transition in the life our parish.

Looking forward to 2017, my prayers for our parish include: 1.

That everything we do as a parish has as its ultimate purpose the salvation of souls — that is, growing closer to one another in a spirit of agape love, actively and intentionally growing towards Christ’s likeness, and witnessing our Orthodox Faith to others through our Christlikeness, stewardship, philanthropy, outreach, dedication to prayer, and liturgical beauty.

2.

In addition, it is my prayer to develop new ministries to meet the spiritual needs of our parishioners, including a men’s group, a study group for married couples and young professionals, and to develop more lay leaders to lead our committees and small study groups.

3.

Finally, it is my prayer that God will send to us an assistant priest this year who will help to bear the burden of a large parish while working with all of us to achieve the above stated goals, pursue new goals, and fulfill our purpose as the Church: To receive and share the Light of Christ!

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017

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E p i p h an y

EPIPHANY—The Feast of Lights The feasts of Christmas and Epiphany were known in the early Church as “The Feast of Lights,” since both feasts revealed Jesus Christ to the world. Our Lord is the true light that enlightens the entire world!

Christ’s entrance into the world is a new beginning for all people. No longer do people have to live in the darkness of ignorance, in the darkness of fear, in the darkness of hatred, in the darkness of evil and sin, and even in the darkness of death. The true light of God has been revealed, and now those who choose to enter into that light, who allow the light of Christ to shine brightly within their hearts and minds, may see In memory of Christ’s baptism, when He sanctified the world from an entirely new and fresh perspective! all the waters of the world, the Orthodox Church follows an ancient tradition of holding the SERVICE The light of Christ lifts us up from our fallen, distort- OF THE BLESSING OF THE WATERS on ed nature – our tendency to hate, to be jealous, to be January 6. The Church asks God’s blessing to come proud and arrogant, to be self-centered, to be unkind, upon the water, which we then share with all believunforgiving and unloving. The light of Christ shows ers. Through this water the grace of God comes upus the path to an abundant life of godly peace and joy, on us! divine love and mercy, contagious compassion and In preparation for this special blessing, Orthodox kindness, and ultimate meaning and purpose.

Christians hold January 5 as a strict fast day. Our At Christmas, God takes on human flesh and reveals fasting is a tool which, when properly used, helps us himself as the perfect God-man, fully divine yet fully focus more clearly on God and prepares us to enter human. Simultaneously, at the Baptism of our Lord, into the celebration of the feast in a more intimate Theophany, God again reveals Himself to the world manner. as the Holy Trinity – God the Father speaking from the cloud, God the Son in Jesus Christ, and God the Following the service, the priest blesses all the beHoly Spirit descending upon Jesus in the form of a lievers in the Church with the holy water and offers dove. Both events help the world come to a clearer them a bottle to take home and drink each day, or and better understanding of who God is, and how He whenever they feel a special need for God’s grace. has dramatically entered into our world to help hu- The Church also has the beautiful tradition of the mankind! priest taking the holy water into the homes of the believers to bless their home. Through this ritual we We can understand this idea from this hymn we sing ask for God’s blessings to come upon the household on January 6: “You appeared to the world today, and for the new year. If you wish to have your home Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us. With blessed during this month, please sign up in the fuller understanding we sing to You, “You came, O breezeway or contact the church office to schedule a unapproachable Light, and made yourself known to time for Fr. Hector to come to your home. Look on us!” page 3 for the Blessing Schedule.

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 2

Home Blessing Schedule

2017 EPIPHANY HOME BLESSING SCHEDULE Because Fr. Hector will be blessing homes by himself this year, you will not be receiving a call from the church office to schedule a time. If you wish to have your home blessed, you must take the initiative to sign up in the breezeway or call church office to schedule a time slot (afternoon or evening) for the day the priest will be in your area as listed on the schedule below.

DATE (2017)

ALL THE HOMES IN THE FOLLOWING AREA

1. Friday, January 6

North of Walnut and East of Queen Street

2. Saturday, January 7

Fruitville Pike Area

3. Monday, January 9

School Lane Hills and Marietta Avenue Area

4. Tuesday, January 10

North of King St., South of Walnut St., East of Queen St.

5. Wednesday, January 11

Millersville and Washington Boro

6. Thursday, January 12

Abbeyville Rd. Area, School House Rd., Columbia Pike Area

7. Friday, January 13

Landisville Area, Silver Springs & Marietta

8. Saturday, January 14

North of King Street and West of Queen Street

9. Monday, January 16

South of King St.

10. Tuesday, January 17

Park City and Nolt Road Area

11. Wednesday, January 18

Blossom Hills, Bloomingdale and Overlook Heights Area

12. Thursday, January 19

Millersville Pike Area

13. Friday, January 20

Columbia, Wrightsville, York, Mountville Area

14. Saturday, January 21

Willow Street, Conestoga, New Providence, Holtwood, Peach Bottom, Oxford, Kirkwood

15. Monday and Tuesday January 23, 24

Neffsville and Lititz

16. Wednesday, January 25

East Petersburg, Manheim, Lebanon, Wrightsville, Red Lion, Dallastown, York, Manchester, Dover

17. Thursday, January 26

Landisville Area and Mondamon Place

18. Friday, January 27

Denver, Ephrata, Akron, Stevens, New Holland, Leola, Brownstown, Rothsville, Talmage

19. Saturday, January 28

Grandview Heights, Eden and Eden Rd. Area

20. Monday, January 30

Mount Joy, Elizabethtown, Harrisburg

21.Tuesday, January 31

Gordonville, Honeybrook, West Chester, Coatesville, Downingtown

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 3

Pa r i s h N e w s Sacraments Baptisms “As many as have been baptized in Christ, have put on Christ”

Nov. 27 James Spencer Mattson, son of Eric and Christina Mattson; Godparents are Andrew Philips & Brittany Rothweiler Dec. 11 Stavroula Antonia Skiadas, daughter of Anthony & Kara; Godparent is Nicholas Skiadas.

Dec. 11 Elizabeth Antonia Skiadas, daughter of Anthony & Kara; Godparents are John & Demetra Lymberis.

Funerals Nov. 29 Nick Nickles (96) Nov. 30 Helen Davis (86) Dec. 9 Evelyn Nies (69)

2016 Christmas Card Regretfully, this name was omitted from the Congregational Christmas Card: Dolores Perezous extends her holiday wishes to fellow parishioners.

Thank You In her estate, Barbara Valavanes left a gift for the Church in support of the Greek School and Preschool. The gifts reflect her love for the Church, children, education, and her Greek cultural heritage.

May her memory be eternal!

Epiphany Home Blessings As a priest, it is a joy and privilege to be welcomed into your homes during the Epiphany season to offer a house blessing. It is a unique opportunity to connect with the beloved families of our parish in a more personal setting.

Since I’ll be on my own doing house blessings this year, the format will be a bit different from previous years when we had multiple priests performing house blessings. If you wish to have your home blessed this year, you must sign up in the breezeway for an afternoon (before 5pm) or evening (after 5pm) time slot on the day I will be in your area (see schedule on page 3). Or you may call the church office. I will come to your house for a blessing ONLY if you sign up ahead of time.

A note concerning “tips” for the priest: A small tip for the priest is not necessary nor expected during a house blessing, but will be received with a spirit of gratitude. Any “tips” given to the priest will be deposited into the altar fund for charitable purposes — so that the gift may be returned to you and your family as a spiritual blessing.

With love in Christ, Fr. Hector www.annunciationorthodox.org

ALTAR CANDLES & FLOWERS Altar Candles ………………………………

Nov. 27 In honor of the baptism of grandson, James Spencer Mattson, from Dr. Spencer & Andrea Phillips.

Dec. 4 In loving memory of our mom, Nena Valavanes from Andrea, Spencer, & Dore.

Dec. 11 In loving memory of husband Paul & daughter Pamela, from Kyvele Karpouzis.

Dec. 18 For Glory of God, Maria Kesoglou & Ploumou Dec. 25 For the Glory of God, Maria Kesoglou & Ploumou Altar Flowers …………………………..

Nov. 27 In honor of the baptism of grandson, James Spencer Mattson, from Dr. Spencer & Andrea Phillips.

Dec. 4

In loving memory of Yiayia, Barbara Valavanes, from the grandchildren.

Dec. 11 In loving memory of Nicholas M. Valudes

by Lula & George Yelagotes.

Dec. 25 In loving memory of John & Spyros Tsoflias, by the Efstration family.

Candelabra Candles_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Dec. 11 In loving memory of Paul & Pamela Karpouzis, from Tina & George Georges & family.

Dec. 18 For Glory of God, Maria Kesoglou & Ploumou

Dec. 25 In loving memory of John & Spyros Tsoflias,

by Kalliopi Tsoflias.

Stewardship Pledge goal: Amount pledged: Deficit:

$560,000 $330,152 $229,848

Number of pledges received: 204 There are over 500 families listed as members of the Annunciation Church.

Please show your support for your church that provides an array of spiritual programs and services to you and your family.

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 4

Philoptochos News

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Christmas Advent Covered Dish Philoptochos members & families enjoyed a pleasant evening of food, fellowship, & Christmas caroling. Thank you to Kathy Moshos for organizing the musical part of the evening.

January 8th - Vasilopita We will host the annual Vasilopita celebration. Money from ticket sales will be donated to St. Basil’s Academy. Along with the meal, you will enjoy dancing by the ZHTO & KEFI dancers. Tickets go on sale in the coming weeks. $7.00 for Adults, $3.00 for children 10 & under. See Cassandra Karamanos, Christine Speros, Joanne Martin, or Effie Hogan for tickets.

Thank you to Nick & Cassandra Karamanos for donating the meal for this event!

Next Meeting - January 10 Please note the time change. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10, at 1:00 PM in rooms 4/5.

Film: “The Art of Belief” This meeting is being hosted by Mary Keares.

Sunday, February 12th Godparent/Godchild Sunday Spaghetti dinner following Liturgy.

February 14, Business Meeting Business & lunch meeting at 12 Noon in rooms 4/5.

Faithful Seniors Please remember our shut-ins. A card or visit show our care and love for them.

Sincerely, Joanne & Effie www.annunciationorthodox.org

2016-2017 PHILOPTOCHOS CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY 2017 JANUARY 8, 2017, SUNDAY Annual VASILOPITA after Liturgy, program/dancers.

Chairpersons: Cassandra & Nick Karamanos. Hall set- up Saturday, AM, January 7 JANUARY 10, 2017 TUESDAY Business Meeting at 1:00 PM room 4-5 pm. Hostess : Mary Keares.

Program: Film, “The Art of Belief”.

FEBRUARY 2017 FEBRUARY 12, 2017, Sunday, Godparent /Godchild Charity Luncheon after Liturgy Chairperson: Joanne Martin Hall set-up Saturday AM, February 11.

FEBRUARY 14, 2017 TUESDAY AFTERNOON LUNCHEON business meeting at 12:00 noon, room 4-5 Guest speaker, Eleanor Isaacson " Little Girl Survives WWII in Germany" Hostesses: Officers will provide lunch.

GREAT LENT BEGINS MONDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2017 MARCH 2017

MARCH 14, 2017, Tuesday Business meeting at 6:30 PM room, 4-5. Hostess: Andrea Phillips.

Program: Lenten Presentation - Father Hector.

APRIL 2017 TSOUREKI ( sweet bread ) SALE, SATURDAY, April 8, 2016. NO business meeting in April, 2017.

Pick- up Saturday April 8 at 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM & Sunday April 9 ( Palm Sunday) after Liturgy.

Chairpersons: Helen Hazatones, Maria Georgallis & Joanne Martin GREAT & HOLY PASCHA April 16

MAY 2017 Mother's Day Book, May 14, 2017 Chairperson: TBA Philoptochos Coffee Hour- PLEASE BRING A DESSERT. MAY DINNER MEETING 2017 Chairpersons: Andrea Phillips & Christina Mattson “For I was hungry and you gave Me Food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was For was you hungry and Me; you gave Food; Iand was you thirsty andto you sickI and visited I wasMe in prison came gave drink; I was and you you did clothed Me; of I was and Me…Me „Truly I tell you, naked whatever for one thesick least you visitedbrothers Me; I was in sisters prison and you came to Me… ‘Truly I tell of these and of mine, you did for Me.‟” you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and - Matthew 25:35-36,40 - Matthew 25:35-36,40 sisters of mine, you did for Me.’” The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 5

Pa r i s h S p i r i t ua l L i f e Learn Your Faith!

Our parish is blessed to offer a variety of Bible Studies and discussion groups to help inform and inspire our parishioners and visitors.

Check the weekly bulletin, the monthly Annunciator, and the parish website for specific dates and times of the following groups.

Orthodoxy 101 Class

Family Night

This weekly study group, led by Fr. Hector, will meet Wednesday evenings. The class will provide an introduction to Orthodox theology, worship, and history for life-long and beginning Orthodox Christians.

This monthly group, led by Fr. Hector, Maria Koursaris, and guest speakers, provides an evening of Bible Studies and discussion groups for our GOYAN’s and parents and a program for the HOPE and JOY children following a meal.

Cancelled during January due to house blessings

Sunday, Jan. 29 at 5pm

College Fellowship (OCF) This weekly group, led by Fr. Hector and Nitsa Kambouroglos, serves the college students of Franklin & Marshall College and Millersville University.

Wednesday, January 25 8:15 PM Location TBA

Women’s Bible Study This group, led by Presvytera Pearl Veronis, meets weekly on Tuesday mornings. Bible Studies and other resources are used for inspiration and education of the Orthodox faith.

Plugged-In Study Group This weekly study group, led by Fr. Hector and other parishioners on a rotating cycle, takes Coffee Fellowship hour to Room 7 for a theological discussion on various aspects of the Orthodox Faith. Visitors and all who wish to learn more about their faith are welcome!

Sunday, Jan. 15, 22, & 29 11:45 AM

WOMEN’S ORTHODOX STUDY FELLOWSHIP This study fellowship group, led by Maria Koursaris and others meets on Thursdays. The spiritual focus will be on the “Lives of the Spiritual Mothers, Martyrs & Saints”

Tuesday, Jan. TBA in bulletin 10:00 AM

Thurs., Jan. 12, 19 & 26 9:30 AM in Room 7

Orthodox Study Group

AGAPE Bible Study

This group meets monthly on Saturday mornings. The group is led by Fr. Veronis and focuses on Bible passages and readings on the Orthodox faith.

Topic: “ The Orthodox Experience of Repentance” (from the Inner Kingdom by Bishop Kallistos Ware)

Saturday, Jan. TBA in bulletin

This monthly group, led by Fr. Veronis, offers a fellowship and study in the Greek language. Refreshments will be offered by the women’s bible study group.

Tuesday, Jan. 10:00 AM TBA in bulletin

Small Group at the Schrott Spot

Transfiguration orthodox Mission

This group meets on Tuesday evenings at the home of David and E.J. Schrott (1202 Maple Avenue, Lancaster, PA) for a podcast study on Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick's series, "Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy",

This group, led by Fr Alexander Goussetis, meets at Transfiguration Orthodox Church (28 Copperfield Circle in Lititz). The evening includes a short prayer service, study, and fellowship. All are welcome!

Tuesday, Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 7:00 PM

Thursday, Jan. 12, 19 @ 7PM

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 6

T ran s f i g u rat i o n / Dau g h t e r s o f P e n e l o p e Transfiguration Orthodox Church 28 Copperfield Circle Lititz, PA 17543 www.transfigurationorthodox.org With the blessing of Metropolitan Savas, the mission parish has opened its doors, with the goal of bringing the Orthodox Christian faith to people in northern Lancaster County. The mission, pastored by Fr. Alexander Goussetis, is an outreach ministry of the Annunciation Church, and remains under the administrative direction of the Annunciation Parish Council.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Transfiguration Orthodox Church is to foster the spiritual maturity of the Orthodox Christian faithful and reach out to inquirers in northern Lancaster County.

Worship Schedule for January Sundays: Hours 9:00am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Thursday, January 5th: Vesperal Liturgy for Theophany (with Water Blessing) 6:00pm Small Compline Service/Bible Study/Fellowship Thursday, January 12th at 7:00pm (Epistle of James, Chapter 1) Thursday, January 19th at 7:00pm (Epistle of James, Chapters 2 & 3) Administrative/Planning Meeting Tuesday, January 3rd at 7pm to discuss plans & goals for 2017 Everyone is welcome!

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 7

S e n i o r C i t i z e n Lu n c h e o n & C h o i r

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 8

S u n day S c h o o l C h r i s tm a s P ro g ra m

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 9

C h r i s tm a s P o i n s e t t i a s & D e c o rat i o n s

Christmas Poinsettias and Decorations for the 2016 Christmas Season For the Glory of God from Fr. Hector & Presvytera Katerina Firoglanis & Family In loving memory of our special son Pascali (Pat) Hazatones from Fr. Alexander & Presvytera Pearl Veronis In honor of our Church Family & Glory to God Anonymously In loving memory of Arthur & Helen Moshos from John & Patty Baldwin & Family In loving memory of Joachim & Manto Beake from John & Irene Beake In loving memory of Gust & Koula Manis from John & Irene Beake For the Glory of God from Dottie Berberian In loving memory of Thomas L. Chase, John & Mary Bodnar, Louis & Mary Tkaczyk and in honor of Anne Hunt from Dolores M. Chase In loving memory of Gust & Bessie Diamantoni from James & Martha Diamantoni In loving memory of Gust & Bessie Diamantoni from Lynn Diamantoni, Valerie & Katrina In loving memory of Arlene Vekios Rohrer and Catherine Efthymiades Bajios from Christopher & Mary Efthymiades & Family In loving memory of Nicholas Valudes & Ann Essis from Terry & Frank Essis & Family In loving memory of parents Gregoris & Christina Hatzipetrou and Kyriakos & Efstathia Firoglanis

by Christos & Andriana Firoglanis In loving memory of Christina Hatzipetros from Emmanuel Firoglanis In loving memory of all our YiaYia’s & Papou’s from Kyriakos & Helene Firoglanis In loving memory of Ted Harada from Kyriakos & Helene Firoglanis In loving memory of my husband John Flouras from Artemis Flouras In loving memory of my husband Thomas Georgallis from Maria Georgallis In loving memory of Nicholas & Kalliopi Kambouroglos and Panayiotis & Adamandia Giourtis from Kostas & Demetra Giourtis In loving memory of Dr. P. Kirk Pandelidis from the Granbois Family In loving memory of Haralambos Grigoriades from his wife Christina Grigoriades In loving memory of my dear mother Florence Mavrides Vlassis from Diane M. Gunzenhauser www.annunciationorthodox.org

In loving memory of my parents Catherine & Angelo Poneros from Athena Hasik In loving memory of my husband Charles Hogan and for the Glory of God from Effie B. Hogan In loving memory of my beloved husband, Dr. Thomas Hondras, parents Nick & Anthi Hondras and Christ & Mary Bisbikis and sister Helen Lewis from Irene Hondras In honor of my husband Panagiotis E. Iliadis from Mersini Iliadis In loving memory of my husband Christopher Karamanos from Themis Karamanos In loving memory of my husband Emmanuel Karpathios from Anna Karpathios In loving memory of my husband Paul and daughter Pamela and parents Peter & Fofo Parikas from Kyvele P. Karpouzis In loving memory of Nicholas & Fotini Skiadas from Harry & Irene Keares In loving memory of Petros & Evangelia Keares from Harry & Irene Keares In loving memory of Jim Koken, a great dad, from Diane Koken & Joy Bounds In loving memory of parents Nicholas & Kalliopi Kambouroglos and John Kostaris and sister Sophia from Diane & Mark Kostaris In loving memory of Arthur & Helen Moshos from Tom & Ginny Lausch & Family In loving memory of Demetrios & Stamatia Madonis from Chris & Eleni Madonis & Family In loving memory of Aikaterina & Mihalis and Anezoula Sakelaris from Vasilios Maillis In loving memory of Zaharoula Mammis from her children & grandchildren In loving memory of Angelo Manolas from his wife Mary Louise Manolas & Family In loving memory of our parents from Bertha & George Maragakes For the Glory of God from Emmanuel & Barbara Mastrogiorgis In loving memory of all the departed from Vivian B. McCormack In loving memory of Sandras’s mother Louise & sister Karen and John’s father Kosta & mother Ekaterini from the Morfesis family, John, Sandra, Kosta, Katerina & Zacaria In loving memory of Arthur & Helen Moshos from Art, Jr. & Sharon Moshos & Family The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 10

C h r i s tm a s P o i n s e t t i a s & D e c o rat i o n s In loving memory of Arthur & Helen Moshos from Greg & Cyndy Moshos & Family In loving memory of George & Esther Moshos from Kathy Moshos In loving memory of Arthur & Helen Moshos from Nick, Melannie & Alex Moshos In loving memory of our parents Dr. George & Barbara Mystakas from Dr. Fotis & Athene Mystaka In loving memory of our parents Philip & Anastasia Bakalis and Demetrios & Eugenia Nicozisis and in honor of Irene Mavrides & Presv. Pearl Veronis and all OCMC Missionaries from Louis & Helen Nicozisis In loving memory of Haralambos Grigoriades from Stelios & Maritsa Papadimitriou In loving memory of John, Aspasia, Ernest, Matthew, Mark & James, William, Aspasia & Clarence from Tom & Vasso Papavasilion In loving memory of Thomas Pavlakis from his wife Leona Pavlakis In loving memory of our beloved parents from Arthur & Mary Jane Pavlatos In loving memory of parents Andrew & Nena Valavanes and in honor of grandson James Spencer Mattson from Dr. Spencer & Andrea Phillips In loving memory of my husband James Pikolas from Clara Pikolas In loving memory of Catherine Poneros Vekios and Mark & Helen Mamalakis from Peter & Kathy Poneros In loving memory of Emmanouel & Areti Tsidonis from Olga & Ben Pratt In loving memory of Peter & Despina Vekios, Sophie Vekios & Arlene V. Rohrer from William & Georgia Price In loving memory of Christoper Karamanos from Allen & Despina Proithis In loving memory of Thomas Pavlakis from Maria Querry In loving memory of Robin’s mother and aunt from Robin & John Roumeliotis In loving memory of Antonis “Tony” Sakellaris from Mary, Vasilis, Meagan, Andreas & Brooke Sakellaris In loving memory of Georgianna Schaefer from Meg & Jan Schaefer In loving memory of James & Carrie Speros from Spencer & Janet Speros In loving memory of Leonidas Spyropoulos from Kalliopi & Renate Spyropoulos www.annunciationorthodox.org

In loving memory of Theodore Papademetriou & Mary from Pat & Nancy St. Clair & Family In loving memory of godparents Katina & Stelios Gerovasilis from Pat & Nancy St. Clair & Family In loving memory of my Godmother Sophia Kouros from Tad St. Clair In loving memory of Nicholas Stathis, loving father, husband & Papou from the Stathis family, Dora, Anthea & Matthew In loving memory of Anthony and Anastasia Frangakis from John & Betsy Stauffer In loving memory of Chris & Sophie Pavlides, Steve Georgeadis, Jacob & Eva Lascarides from Ron & Linda Stepanchick In loving memory of Peter Topoulos from his wife Maria & family In loving memory of John & Spyros Tsoflias and in honor of Panagiotis & Angeliki Mylonas and Kalliopi Tsoflias from Artemis Tsoflias & family In loving memory of parents Vasso & Gust Valudes from Pat & Spiros Valudes In loving memory of sister Sadie Koutsougianis from Pat & Spiros Valudes For the Glory of God from Nicholas & Susan Veronis In loving memory of John Voulopos from Jim, Dory & Makayli Voulopos In loving memory of our parents Eugenia & James Theros and Stergos & Maria Voulopos from Paul & Kanella Voulopos In loving memory of Michael, Maritsa & Nicholas Valudes, James & Despina Yelagotes and Dawn Giordas from George & Zaferula Yelagotes In loving memory of Stefanos Zalalas and Dimitrios & Stamatios Zoumboulicos from Mary & Speros Zalalas

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 11

Me e t t h e S c h rot t Fa m i ly We both grew up in evangelical churches and met each other in Philadelphia almost 6 years ago.

About a year after our first date, we

visited Annunciation with some friends while in Lancaster for a weekend. Being that we had come from churches whose services were very casual, it was very confusing and overwhelming. We came a few more times that summer but eventually returned to the evangelical church we had been attending.

Over the course of the following year, a series of many small events brought us back to Annunciation almost a year to the date of our first visit. By then, we were convinced of the truth of Orthodoxy and we have been here ever since. We were baptized and chrismated in the summer of 2014 and married that autumn. Callie came to join us the following summer. We are so thankful for the Orthodox Church and for Annunciation in particular. We never thought it was possible for a church to truly be a home and we are so glad to have found true communion with Christ and his people.

On Saturday, December 10, Goyans, parents and PK’s spent the morning sorting and packing clothes at the GAiN (Global Aid Network) warehouse in Mount Joy. Clothes, blankets, and humanitarian aid are being delivered to refugees on Lesvos and other Greek islands near the Turkish border.

GAiN ministries is working closely with Hellenic Ministries to offer aid to the many refugees coming into Greece from war-torn Syria. www.gainusa.org/ GAiN U.S. Headquarters | 2001 West Plano Parkway, Suite 2200 | Plano, TX 75075 | 1-800-778-7806 GAiN Global Logistics Center | 1506 Quarry Road | Mount Joy, PA 17552 | 717-285-4220

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 12

Preschool annuncia

onorthodox.org/preschool

The Preschool at the ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

The Nativity!

The Christmas Season is an opportunity to experience and share the unconditional love of Christ. On Wednesday, Dec. 21, our preschool children joyfully enacted the story of the Nativity of our Lord during their Christmas Program. The shepherds, wise men, and angels received the Holy Family proclaiming “Christ is Born. Glorify Him!

Open Enrollment!

GIANT A+ Program School rewards!

Giant Grocery will donate $3 million this year to benefit local schools. Please sign up your rewards card with us so we may earn points on purchases.

STAUFFERS of Kissel Hill School Rewards!

Stauffer Kissel Hill will donate this year up to $20,000 to benefit local schools.

In the Classroom January Activities This month we will be learning about the importance of having self-control and the blessing of acquiring this virtue. Along with celebrating the Feast of Theophany, we will be learning about liquid and solid forms of water and water pollution.

Religious Focus The students will attend the Divine Liturgy on Friday, January 6th for the Feast of Theophany and Tuesday, January 17th for St. Anthony.

Please sign-up your reward cards with us!

Contact Maria Koursaris.

Special Thank you

to Nancy Val Kambouroglos for the generous gift to our preschool program to be used for scholarship assistance on behalf of her beloved mother Barbara Valavanes– May her memory be eternal!

www.annunciationorthodox.org

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 13

S p i r i t ua l Me s s ag e i n G r e e k

Ο Τριαδικός Θεός Πνεῦµα ὁ Θεός». Ἕνα Πνεῦµα ἕνα Φῶς, ὁ Θεός, ἀλλʹ ὅµως ἐµφανίζεται, καὶ φανερώνεται σὰν τρία Φῶτα, ὅπως ψάλλει ἡ Ἐκκλησία «Φῶς ὁ Πατήρ, φῶς ὁ Λόγος, φῶς καὶ τὸ Ἅγιον Πνεῦµα»... καὶ διʹ αὐτοῦ πᾶς ὁ κόσµος φωταγωγεῖται Τριάδα σέβειν Ἁγίαν».

καὶ νὰ ξαναγίνεται νερό. Εἶναι γνωστὸ καὶ τὸ παράδειγµα τοῦ ἁγίου Σπυρίδωνος. Ὅταν συζητοῦσαν στὴν πρώτη Οἰκουµενικὴ Σύνοδο τὸ θέµα τῆς Ἁγίας Τριάδος, ὁ Ἅγιος Σπυρίδων πῆρε ἕνα κοµµάτι κεραµίδι στὸ χέρι του, τὸ ἔδειξε στὸν αἱρετικὸ Ἄρειο καὶ τοῦ λέγει, «ἕνα πράγµα εἶναι αὐτὸ τὸ κεραµίδι, ὅµως ὁ Θεὸς θὰ σοὺ ἀποδείξει µὲ θαῦµα ὅτι εἶναι τρία πράγµατα, χῶµα, νερὸ καὶ φωτιὰ ποῦ τὸ ἔψησε». Ἔγινε τὸ θαῦµα. Ἔµεινε στὸ χέρι τοῦ Ἅγιου τὸ χῶµα, ἔτρεξε τὸ νερὸ καὶ µία µικρὴ φλόγα ἔφυγε πρὸς τὰ ἐπάνω.

Ἕνας Θεὸς ἀλλὰ φανερώθηκε σὰν τρία Ὄντα, σὰν τρεῖς Ὑποστάσεις, σὰν τρία Πρόσωπα, τὰ ὁποῖα ὁ ἴδιος ὁ Θεός, ὁ Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς φανέρωσε καὶ ὀνόµασε Πατέρα, Υἱόν Ἀλλὰ περισσότερη σηµασία ἔχει ὁ λόγος τοῦ καὶ Ἅγιον Πνεῦµα. Θεοῦ ποὺ φανερώνει τὴν Ἁγία Τριάδα. Κατὰ Γιὰ τοῦτο πιστεύοµεν εἰς τριαδικὸν Θεόν. τὴν ὥρα τοῦ Εὐαγγελισµοῦ λέγει ὁ Ὄχι εἰς τρεῖς Θεούς, ἀλλʹ εἰς ἕνα Θεὸν τριῶν ἀρχάγγελος Γαβριὴλ στὴν Παναγία «Πνεῦµα Προσώπων καὶ Ὑποστάσεων. Μᾶς εἶναι Ἅγιον ἐπελεύσεται ἐπὶ σὲ καὶ δύναµις δύσκολο, ἴσως, νὰ κατανοήσουµε, πῶς εἶναι ὑψίστου ἐπισκιάσει σοι, διʹ ό καὶ τὸ δυνατὸν νὰ εἶναι ἕνας Θεὸς ἀλλὰ νὰ ἔχει τρία γεννώµενον ἅγιον κληθήσεται υἱὸς Θεοῦ». πρόσωπα ἢ αὐτὸς ὃ ἕνας Θεὸς ποῦ Στὰ λόγια αὐτὰ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου ἐµφανίζονται ἐµφανίζεται ὡς Πατήρ, ὡς Υἱὸς καὶ ὡς Ἅγιον καὶ τὰ τρία πρόσωπα τῆς Ἁγίας Τριάδος. Πνεῦµα, ὅτι εἶναι ἕνας. Μᾶς φαίνεται Πνεῦµα Ἁγίου Δύναµις Ὑψίστου ‐ καὶ Υἱὸς ἀδύνατον ἢ παράλογο νὰ τὸ πιστεύουµε. Θεοῦ. Εἶναι δυνατὸν τοῦτο τὸ πραγµατικὸ Κατὰ τὴν ὥρα τῆς βαπτίσεως τοῦ Κυρίου Μυστήριο τοῦ Τριαδικοῦ Θεοῦ νὰ γίνει βλέπουµε τὸν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν εἰς τὸν κατανοητὸ στὸν ἄνθρωπο µὲ παραδείγµατα Ἰορδάνην ποταµόν. Ἀκοῦµε τὴν φωνὴν τοῦ παρµένα ἀπὸ τὴν γύρω µας φύση καὶ τὰ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς ποῦ λέγει «Οὗτος ἐστὶν ὁ Υἱός ὁποῖα, ὄχι ἀκριβῶς, ἀλλὰ περίπου, µᾶς µου ὁ ἀγαπητός». Ἐµφανίζεται καὶ τὸ Ἅγιον βοηθοῦν, µᾶς διδάσκουν ὅτι εἶναι δυνατὸν Πνεῦµα ‐ἐν εἴδει περιστερᾶς». Γιὰ τοῦτο καὶ πράγµατα ποῦ φαίνονται σὰν ἕνα νὰ εἶναι στὸ ἀπολυτίκιο τῶν Θεαφανείων ψάλλουµε τρία καὶ τὰ τρία νὰ εἶναι ἕνα. Ἕνα «ἐν Ἰορδάνη βαπτιζοµένου σου Κύριε, ἡ τῆς παράδειγµα, ὁ ἥλιος, ὁ ὁποῖος γίνεται Τριάδος ἐφανερώθη προσκύνησις». ἀντιληπτὸς σʹ ἐµᾶς σὰν σχῆµα, ὅταν φῶς, Ὁ Κύριος δίνοντας στοὺς Ἀποστόλους τὴν σὰν θερµότητα. Ἄλλο παράδειγµα ὁ λόγος, ἡ ἐντολὴ νὰ κηρύξουν στὸν κόσµο τὸ λογικὴ σκέψη τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. Ὑπάρχει σὰν Εὐαγγέλιο λέγει νὰ βαφτίζουν ὅσους σκέψη µέσα µου χωρὶς νὰ τὴν ἀνακοινώσω σὲ πιστεύουν «εἰς τὸ ὄνοµα τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ ἄλλους. Αὐτὴν τὴν ἴδια σκέψη τὴν φανερώνω Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος...». µὲ τὸ στόµα µου, µὲ λόγο πρὸ φορικό. Αὐτὴν Ὁ Εὐαγγελιστὴς Ἰωάννης γράφει στὸ τὴν ἴδια σκέψη, τὴν γράφω στὸ χαρτὶ. Ἄλλο Εὐαγγέλιο του τὴν συγκινητικὴ προσευχὴ τοῦ παράδειγµα τὸ νερό. Τώρα τὸ βλέπω νερὸ Κυρίου κατὰ τὴν νύκτα τοῦ Μυστικοῦ: ρευστὸ στὸ ποτήρι µου. Ἔπειτα τὸ βλέπω σὰν «Πάτερ Ἅγιε τήρησον αὐτοὺς (τοὺς µαθητές πάγο. Τὸ ἴδιο νερὸ τὸ βλέπω νὰ ἐξατµίζεται µου) ἐν τῷ ὀνόµατί Σου, ἴνα ὦσιν ἓν καθὼς www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 14

N e w s & Ev e n t s i n G r e e k ηµείς εν εσµέν» φύλαξέ τους ἡνωµένους στὸ ὄνοµά σου, στὴν πίστη, ὅπως ἡνωµένοι εἴµεθα ἠµεῖς, τὰ τρία πρόσωπα τῆς Ἁγίας Τριάδος ποῦ ἀποτελοῦµε µίαν ἑνότητα, ἕνα Θεόν.

δεν είναι αναγκαία ούτε αναμένονται, αλλά λαμβάνονται με πνεύμα ευγνωμοσύνης.

Οποιεσδήποτε χρηματικές εισφορές δίνονται στον ιερέα θα διατεθούν για φιλανθρωπικούς Τὴν πίστη µας εἰς τὰ τρία πρόσωπα τῆς Ἁγίας σκοπούς έτσι το δώρο θα επιστραφεί σε εσάς και Τριάδος ὁµολογοῦµε καὶ στὸ Σύµβολο τῆς την οικογένειά σας ως μια πνευματική ευλογία. Πίστεως στὸ ὁποῖο δίνουµε τὴν βεβαίωση: ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΜΑΣ Πιστεύω εἰς ἕνα Θεὸν πατέρα Παντοκράτορα... ΒΑΠΤΙΣΕΙΣ: «Όσοι εις Χριστόν εβαπτίσθητε, Χριστόν Καὶ εἰς ἕνα Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστός... καὶ εἰς τὸ ενεδύσασθε. Αλληλούϊα» Πνεῦµα τὸ Ἅγιον.

Τὴν Ἁγία Τριάδα ἐµφανίζει καὶ, ἡ εὐχή, τὴν ὁποίαν δίδει ὁ ἀπόστολος Παῦλος καὶ τὴν ὁποίαν σὲ κάθε Θεία Λειτουργία ἐπαναλαµβάνει ἡ Ἐκκλησία µας «Ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἠµῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Πατρὸς καὶ ἡ κοινωνία τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύµατος εἴη µετὰ πάντων ἠµῶν».

11 Δεκεμβρίου: Σταυρούλα Αντωνία, θυγατέρα Αντωνίου & Κάρας Σκιάδα με ανάδοχο τον Νικόλαο Σκιάδα.

11 Δεκεμβρίου: Ελισάβετ Αντωνία, θυγατέρα Αντωνίου & Κάρας Σκιάδα με ανάδοχους τον Ιωάννη & Δήμητρα Λυμπέρη.

ΚΗΔΕΙΕΣ: «Εγώ είμαι η οδός και η αλήθεια και η ζωή» 29 Νοεμβρίου: Νικολάου Νικολς (96) Ἐπίσης σὲ κάθε Λειτουργία ὁµολογοῦµε καὶ 30 Νοεμβρίου: Ελένης Ντέηβης 9 Δεκεμβρίου: Εβελην Ναηλς

πιστεύουµε «Πατέρα, Υἱόν καὶ Ἅγιον Πνεῦµα, Τριάδα ὁµοούσιον καὶ ἀχώριστον». *********************** ΣΗΜΕΙΩΣΗ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΠΑΤΕΡΑ ΕΚΤΟΡΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΥΣ ΣΤΑ ΣΠΙΤΙΑ Ως ιερέας, είναι χαρά και προνόμιο να είμαι ευπρόσδεκτος στα σπίτια σας κατά τη διάρκεια της περιόδου των Θεοφανίων για αγιασμό. Είναι μια μοναδική ευκαιρία για να σας επισκεφθώ και να συνδεθώ με τις οικογένειες της ενορίας μας.

Φέτος επειδή θα είμαι ο μόνος ιερέας για τους αγιασμούς στα σπίτια, θα είναι λίγο διαφορετικό από τα προηγούμενα χρόνια.

ΙΕΡΕΣ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΕΣ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ Πέμπτη, 5 Ιανουαρίου: 6:00 μμ Εσπερινός/Λειτουργία 7:30 μμ Μέγας Αγιασμός Θεοφανείων Παρασκευή, 6 Ιανουαρίου: Θεοφάνεια Ορθρος: 8:45 πμ & Λειτουργία 10 πμ Σάββατο, 7 Ιανουαρίου: Αγίου Ιωάννου Βαπτιστού Ορθρος: 8:30 πμ & Λειτουργία 9:30 πμ Τρίτη, 17 Ιανουαρίου: Ορθρος: 8:30 πμ & Λειτουργία 9:30 πμ Τετάρτη, 8 Ιανουαρίου: Αγίων Αθανασίου & Κυρίλλου Ορθρος: 8:30 πμ & Λειτουργία 9:30 πμ Τετάρτη, 25 Δεκεμβρίου: Αγ. Γρηγορίου Ορθρος: 8:30 πμ & Λειτουργία 9:30 πμ Δευτέρα, 30 Ιανουαρίου Ορθρος: 8:30 πμ & Λειτουργία 9:30 πμ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ: Σάββατο 7, 14, 21 & 28 Ιανουαρίου

Αν θέλετε να έρθω στο σπίτι σας για αγιασμό παρακαλώ όπως εγγραφείτε στις λίστες που βρίσκονται στο διάδρομο προς την αίθουσα Φιλοπτώχου για ένα απόγευμα (πριν τις 5 μμ) ή το βράδυ (μετά τις 5μμ) την ημερομηνία που θα είμαι στην περιοχή σας. Οι ημερομηνίες και οι περιοχές βρίσκονται στη σελίδα 3. Μπορείτε επίσης να τηλεφωνήσετε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας. ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΒΑΣΙΛΟΠΙΤΑΣ ΦΙΛΟΠΤΩΧΟΥ: Θα έρθω στο σπίτι σας για αγιασμό ΜΟΝΟ αν Κυριακή, 8 Ιανουαρίου μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία με εγγραφείτε. γεύμα και παρουσίαση προγράμματος από τα χορευτικά μας συγκροτήματα. Τα εισιτήρια είναι $ 7.00

Επίσης μια σημείωση σχετικά με τα λεφτά που για Μεγάλους και $3.00 για παιδιά. Ολα τα έσοδα είναι δίνονται όταν έρχεται ο ιερέας για αγιασμό για βοήθεια της Ακαδημίας Αγίου Βασιλείου. www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 15

Pa r i s h C o u n c i l Mi n u t e s , Members in Attendance: Maria Querry, John Stauffer, George Soukas, Kim Keares, Keith Bartlett, Manny Firoglanis, David Gammache, Kaliopi Karomfily, Mary Sakellaris, Artemis Tsoflias, Nicholas Veronis, James Voulopos, Christopher Xakellis, Dr. Spencer Phillips, Dr. Olga Pratt, Fr. Hector Firoglanis.

Members Absent: Helen Hazatones (A), Dr. Tom Miller ( E ), Donna Vitko ( E)

President Maria Querry brought the meeting to order at 7:36 PM. Opening Prayer: The October 18, 2016 meeting of the Parish Council began with an opening prayer by Fr. Hector Firoglanis.

Minutes of Last Meeting: The minutes of the September 20, 2016 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made to approve the minutes

by Jim Voulopos and seconded by Artemis Tsoflias.

Sharing the Faith: Fr. Hector Firoglanis spoke on the life and accomplishments of Saint Luke, whose feast day we celebrated October 18.

Financial Report: George Soukas presented the Income Statement as of September 30, 2016 (details listed below). Reports note that income is about $20,000 over budget and $16,500 over last year. A motion was made to approve the report by Jim Voulopos and se-

conded by Kaliopi Karomfily

September 2016 Actual 2016 Budget Income 616,041.43 596,080.67 Expense 533,994.72 573,045.67 Increase in Balance 82,046.71 23,035.00 Committee Reports •Bazaar: The annual parish Bazaar is November 5 & 6 and preparations are in full swing.

Gyrofest: Manny Firoglanis reported results from the October 4 committee meeting. Highlights include: • He and George Soukas will co-chair the 2017 event.

• Gyrofest would like to be moved to Mother’s Day weekend every year, instead of Bright Week. Vegetarian options would be offered for those fasting. • Marketing and other duties are being divided up into several roles. Parishioners have volunteered for those positions.

• Power Packs donation is being increased to $3000. •Themed souvenirs will be designed and sold.

A motion was made to approve the setting of Gyrofest to the yearly fixed date of the Friday and Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend by David Gammache and seconded by Keith Bartlett.

Finance: 2017 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Parish Budget George Soukas presented the 2017 budget draft. Highlights include: • Although a part time priest may not be assigned until mid-year, the budget reflects that salary and other related expenses for the entire year.

• Future projects, such as purchasing a new church van and painting Philoptochos Hall, have been earmarked, and will be finalized pending budget approval. • Fr. Hector Firoglanis received notification form the Metropolis that parishes are required to share the expenses of the Holy and Great Council of Bishops that met this summer in Crete. Our expense is $1390. •The total projected income is $811,000 with similar expenses. George also reported that the committee has been reviewing options for several internal procedures.

• The office will employ the use of Remote Deposit Capture. This will provide a more efficient preparation of weekly deposits at a 12¢ per transaction plus $40 per month rate. •The committee is also looking into credit card readers for year-round acceptance of credit card transactions. This would include stewardship, donations, and Bazaar and Gyrofest ticket sales.

Hellenic Culture: No report. Mission Parish: 2017 Transfiguration Orthodox Church Parish Budget Rick Burk and Cliff Jekel presented a 2017 budget draft for the Mission Parish. Highlights include: •With a pledge drive still in it’s beginning, the total projected income is $77,425 with expenses of $18,700.

•Average Sunday attendance is 40 persons. •Volunteerism in the organizational build is still developing.

A motion was made to approve the Mission Parish budget by George Soukas and seconded by Keith Bartlett Parish Activities: We are hosting the Annual Eastern Region Senior Citizens Gathering on December 8. Personnel: No report.

Preschool: A committee meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 23.

Property: David Gammache submitted: • A freezer has been replaced by Commercial Kitchen Repair. • Update on church break-ins – Suspects have been arrested and most likely will be serving time relating to this and other burglaries. •New kitchen doors are being installed October 19 by Lancaster Door Service. •Sanctuary, Narthex and downstairs carpets were cleaned by Pavlick Carpet Cleaning •Fire suppression tanks in both kitchens were replaced, as required by law, by Gordner’s Fire Protection. •New television was purchased and installed in the nursery. •New camera was purchased and installed in sanctuary for the live video feed to the nursery by B&B Communications.

•5 year load test was performed on elevator by Kone Inc. and inspected by Affordable Elevator Inspections. • The altar and baptismal font drains were replaced and redirected by RE Walton Plumbing. •6 month fire system inspection was performed by Yarnell Security.

•Renovations in Father Hector’s new office were donated by Jim & Martha Diamantoni. This included new countertop, carpet and painting of the office. We also had B&B Communications relocate the phone and computer lines in his office.

Service and Outreach: No report Stewardship: Niko Veronis reported on the progress of the 2017 pledge campaign. The number of 2017 pledges to date is 144. The committee will begin to follow up with unpledged parishioners.

Technology: The church has launched a Facebook page. Like and follow the page for parish updates and news.

Youth: Fr. Hector submitted recent and upcoming events: GOYA/JOY/HOPE •October 14 – GOYA Fire-pit Discussion at home of Efstration Family, with Ted Cherpas (Metropolis CampMinistries Coordinator) as guest speaker. •October 16 – CROP Walk attended by youth of Hope, Joy, Goya, and OCF. • October 29 – HOPE/JOY Field trip to Corn Cob Acres. • September 18 – Dance groups had their first practice. GOYA Dancers led by Despina Proithis, Angie Efstration, and Alexandra Schramm. JOY Dancers led by Tina Georges and Angie Hessen. HOPE Dancers led by Jenna Ioannidis. The large number of new and returning dancers may require more instructors.

OCF and Young Adults •October 7-8 – OCF Regional retreat hosted by Annunciation Lancaster and Millersville OCF, attracting students from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College, and Maryland. Fr. Patrick O’Rourke from New York spoke on the theme of Liturgical Beauty. •Wednesday Evenings, 8:15pm – OCF meetings alternate between Millersville and F&M campuses. Nitsa Kambouroglos is helping Fr. Hector by leading the OCF group every other week. Many new and returning students. •1st and 3rd Tuesday of each Month, 7pm – Young Adult Group meets at home of David and EJ Schrott.

Old Business: Aesthetics Ad-Hoc Committee -Fr. Hector Firoglanis reported the committee is meeting with iconographer, Kostas Theodorou, on Sunday, October 23, to discuss and view the unfinished canvas icon of the Hierarchs for the lower portion of the apse.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM with a closing prayer.

Respectfully Submitted, Kim Keares, Parish Council Secretary

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The Annunciator/January 2017 PAGE 17

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 64 Hershey Avenue Lancaster, Pa 17603

Non-Profit ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lancaster, PA Permit No. 502

Wisdom of the Three Hierarchs on Wealth and Social Justice

“If

you exceed what is reasonable in wealth, you fall short to the same degree in love... You are guilty of having injured all those people you could have helped.”

-- St. Basil the Great

“Justice means not seeking to have more, and injustice is any departure from equality" - - St. Gregory the Theologian.

"Mine' and 'Yours' are heartless phrase that have started countless wars in the world" -- St. John Chrysostom