The Annunciator | April 2017

April 2017

Father Hector’s Message

1

Spiritual Message

2-3

Parish News

4-5

Parish Spiritual Life

6

Transfiguration Church

7

Parish Photos

8-9

Philoptochos

10

Preschool

11

Our Faithful Seniors

12

Tips for Holy Week & Pascha

13

New & Events / Greek

14

Spiritual Message/ Greek

15

Parish Council

16

Sponsors

17

Insert April Calendar Philoptochos Mother’s Day Booklet Daughters of Penelope Fundraiser, Bent Creek

The Crucifixion “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.

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 Jim Voulopos, Vice President George Soukas, Treasurer John Stauffer, Asst. Treasurer Kim Keares, Secretary Keith Bartlett Dr. Tom Miller James Diamantoni Dr. Spencer Phillips Manny Firoglanis Artemis Tsoflias David Gammache Nicholas Veronis Helen Hazatones Chris Xakellis Kali Karomfily Board of Elders Dr. Olga Pratt George Katsaros Peter S. Billis Church Staff Cantors……………………………………….Gabriel Cremeens Nicholas Belessis Nicholas Billis Jonathan Troop Ecclesiarch……………………………………….. John Scanlon Aaron Blain Lay Assistant…………………………………….Maria Koursaris Building Supervisor…………...….………… David Gammache Office Administrator…………………………….Sherry Anderson Office Assistant………………...…………………..Mary Keares Volunteer Office Assistant……….................... Demetria Baker The Annunciator………………….…………….Sherry Anderson Sunday Bulletin…………………………………..Maria Koursaris

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 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 Constantine J. Seiss AHEPA………………...……………

Daughters of Penelope….………………..Martha Ioanndis Zaferula Yelagotes Pan-Coan Society……….…………………….Maria Barron Chiotiko Society……………..................Panagiotis S. Billis Webmaster…………….…………….. Dimitri & Kim Keares Kosta Kontanis Bazaar Committee…………

Alexandra Schramm Bookstore………………………………….Paul & Kay Benos

Fat h e r H e c t o r ’ s Me s s ag e

Receiving the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ While Holy Week and Pascha are the center and heart of the Orthodox Church’s liturgical life, the Cross and Resurrection of Christ are celebrated every Sunday throughout the year. At every Sunday Orthros service, the priest reads one of the designated 11 Post-Resurrection Gospel readings which describe the events after the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. These readings are beautifully shrouded in mystery and yet are extremely personal.

On the one hand, our Lord shows us that indeed His body is risen as He eats with His disciples, reassuring them that He is not just a spirit or a ghost. On the other hand, he mysteriously appears through closed doors, showing us that the Risen perfected body of our Lord is not as material and opaque as our fallen bodies – something we can all look forward to in the general Resurrection.

And yet, what is most striking in these readings is to whom Christ chooses to appear as Risen Lord.

He appears first to the Myrrh-bearing women and to His mother, the ones who loved Him the most and stood by Him during His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Their love, faithfulness, and courage made them worthy to receive the Resurrected Lord. Next our Lord appeared to His Disciples, but later, as they required the testimony of the Myrrh-bearing women to awaken their hearts and prepare them to receive the Resurrected Lord. Of the Disciples, Thomas was the last to behold the Resurrected Lord, as he needed more time to increase his faith that Christ had truly risen from the dead!

Why doesn’t Christ appear to His torturers and to those who falsely accused Him and unjustly put Him on trial and crucified Him? God is not out to settle scor es; God is love (1 J ohn 4:8).

Christ’s appearing is never for spectacular reasons. This is the difference between God’s miracles and magic (i.e. Harry Potter characters – bringing attention to one’s power). God is not like that. St. Paisios taught: “God doesn’t want us to love Him and follow Him out of awe for His spectacular power, but He wants us to love Him because He is kind and loves us.”

So we learn that the Risen Lord appears to those who love Him. And for those who do not love Him, He waits for the right time to appear when their hearts are ready to repent, like St. Paul before his conversion and countless other sinners throughout the centuries. The more we love God and participate in the life of the Church, the easier it will be recognize His presence in our lives.

Christ appeared to the Myrrh bearing women, His mother, and toHis apostles: To all the people who loved Him and who repented of their sins. May we also remember as we prepare for the glorious day of Christ’s resurrection, to love God and each other and to forgive with all of our hearts. Then we will truly experience the love, joy, and peace of our Risen Lord on the day of Pascha! Καλή Ανάσταση! A blessed Resurrection to all!

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017

PAGE 1

S p i r i t ua l Me s s ag e

The Spiritual Ladder of Holy Week

By Fr. George Economou Eighteen weeks, or more than one third of the annual cycle, is the ecclesiastical liturgical cycle that revolves around the celebration of the Resurrection. This is from the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee until the Sunday of All Saints. It is a liturgical journey rich in religious and spiritual experiences. It is a sweet joyful-sorrow. Grief according to God which leads through the Cross to the Resurrection.

And, as in all the liturgical traditions of our Holy Church, so also with this festal cycle, the wisdom of our Holy Fathers who set it in order is revealed. Not to follow the formalism provisions but to get to the depth of the essence, which is none other than the eternal plan of the divine economy. In this direction, this text summarizes the events of Holy and Great Week as a noetic and spiritual ladder, which leads the faithful to venerate the revered Passion and glorious Resurrection of the Savior.

The Saturday of Lazarus can be consider ed the pr ologue - the fir st step - and the r esur r ection of Lazarus the friend of Christ shortly before the Passion of the Lord prefigures His own glorious Resurrection. Jesus, who wept as He went to the tomb, where His friend was buried, says to the one who was four days dead and commands with the familiar words: "Lazarus, come forth!" At that moment and with those words of His, who Himself is the Resurrection and the Life, Lazarus immediately resurrected. He who breathed the breath of life into Adam has life in Himself. This is how His own Resurrection from the dead is theologically interpreted after His descent into Hades, and it ensures our own expectation of the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. With the expectation of the Resurrection, therefore, we enter Holy and Great Week, that we may journey together and be crucified together, as well as be resurrected together, and finally be united with our Lord.

On Palm Sunday we celebrate the bright and glorious festival of the entrance of the Lord into the Holy City of Jerusalem. He comes exactly as it was prophesied by Zechariah in the Old Testament: "Behold, your king is coming to you; he is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Meekly He sits on the donkey, just and endowed with salvation, to suffer the perfect injustice and extreme humiliation, by His Passion, and especially the Cross, to grant salvation to fallen humanity. He fulfills the plan of Divine Providence and reopens the door of Paradise as a compassionate Father, who never ceases to love His children.

On Holy and Great Monday the Church remembers blessed Joseph the All--Comely. He was the son of Jacob, whom his brothers wanted to kill and repeat the horrible fratricide of Cain because of their envy. He suffered horrible bullying by his own brothers. God, however, protected him from death, and so was sold to traders and led as a captive to Egypt, where Potiphar purchased him, and after he refused to sin with his master's wife, he was unjustly slandered and imprisoned. Still even there, the grace of God acted on his behalf, and not only was he liberated, but he became the closest confidant and collaborator of Pharaoh. In the sufferings of the all--comely Joseph and in his love, by which he forgave his brothers, the Church saw the Passion of the Lord and His perfect love prefigured, which is why it has been set to honor his memory on Holy and Great Monday.

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 2

Spiritual Message On the same day we also remember the event of the withered fig tree, which reveals the holy will of God that we are to struggle, and multiply our talents entrusted to us and increase our inheritance of grace, that we may bear spiritual fruit. Otherwise, as our Lord said at the Sermon on the Mount, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit, is cut down and thrown into the fire." This is what happened with the withered fig tree.

On Holy and Great Tuesday we remember the Parable of the Ten Virgins. With this parable we are called to cultivate watchfulness, alertness, as we do not know the day or hour when we will be called to the heavenly marriage of the Bridegroom Christ, and risk not having oil in our lamps. Let our hands not be empty, because we have no mercy and love, because we are perhaps unmerciful and hard-hearted before the needs of our neighbors.

On Holy and Great Wednesday we remember the harlot woman, who anointed the Lord with myrrh prior to His salvific Passion. One act and one person who will probably even scandalize us! How dare such a woman approach Jesus! Yet our Lord loves all His children. He does not exclude any of His children from salvation and teaches us not to judge, so that we will not be judged. And, indeed, this harlot woman was saved by repentance, just as the thief who was crucified with the Lord, and like Zacchaeus along with countless other examples in the history of the Church. So also are we invited if we are sunk in our sins and in despair over our actions, and we are encouraged by the all-loving mercy of God to offer Him our broken and contrite hearts, to be healed and to have a clean heart created within us.

On Holy and Great Thursday the Church celebrates the washing of the Disciples’ feet in the sacred Basin, the Secret Supper, the supernatural prayer and the betrayal. It is a practical teaching of extreme humility, the tradition of the Mystery of the Divine Eucharist, the amazing High Priestly Prayer of Gethsemene, as well as the false betrayal of Judas by a kiss. Jesus desired to eat with His disciples, and even prepares the details of the supper, and He welcomes them as a servant, washing their feet on His knees, and serving them at the table.

There He delivers the mystery of mysteries and seals the New Testament with His Blood. He also gives Judas an opportunity at repentance by foretelling who it would be that would betray Him, but the lawless Judas was unwilling to change his mind.

On Holy and Great Friday we commemorate the salvific and horrible Passion, especially the Cross and Death of the Lord, as well as the salvific confession of the grateful thief on the cross. He was crucified for us and He suffered and was buried and became obedient even unto death, death by a cross.

On Holy and Great Saturday all flesh is silent, as we celebrate the entombment of the Body of God and the Savior's descent into Hades. But already the tomb cannot contain the Lord of Glory. And we have a foretaste of the joy of the Resurrection. At the Vespers of the Resurrection, which is chanted on the morning of Holy and Great Saturday, we proclaim once again while spreading out bay leaves: "Arise O Lord and judge the earth, for to You belong all the nations."

Through this journey and ladder and our conscious participation in the wonderful life of worship in the Church this year is completed, just as in every year, Holy and Great Week and the spiritual struggle of the faithful.

Since, then, we will hopefully arrive at Pascha Sunday, may we be made worthy of Divine Grace to venerate once again this year, the glorious and life--bearing Resurrection.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos [http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com]

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 3

Pa r i s h N e w s ALTAR CANDLES & FLOWERS

ALTAR CANDLES & FLOWERS

Altar Candles ………………………………

. Candelabra Candles_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Mar. 5

April 8

In loving memory of John & Despina Patounas, George & Maruka Patounas, & Peter & Eleni Billis from, Maria Georgallis & children.

April 9

In honor of the 40 day blessing of our son, Christo Angelo, by his parents, Bobby & Kallio pe Matangos, & sister, Yianna.

In loving memory of Dennis Kousoubris, from his wife, Alice, son, Phillip, daughter, Evelyn, & their families.

Mar. 25 In honor of my son, Evangelos Ginos, on his name day & for good health, by his mother, Rania & family.

April 8

In loving memory of Thomas Georgallis from his wife, children, & grandchildren.

April 9

For the Glory of God, from Thomas Weida.

April 10 In loving memory of Harry Keares, from his family.

April 13 In loving memory of husband, Nicholas Bournelis, parents, Evangelos & Evangelia Tsambournaris, brother, Nicholas Tsambournaris, Kokona & George Tsetsetzi,

by Toula Bournelis & Bournelis children.

April 11 In loving memory of Harry Keares, from his family.

April 14 In loving memory of Emmanuel & Helen Frangakas, from Mary & George Sexton.

April 12 For the health of our children, grandchildren, & families, from Steve & Maria Georgallis.

April 15 In thanks for our many blessings, from Mary Keares & family.

April 13 In loving memory of Demetris & Ekatirini Petris, George, Efthia, Elias, & Tom Georgallis, from Steve & Maria Georgallis & children.

April 16 In loving memory of our father & grandfather, Nicholas Kalagyros, from Despina, Jeremy & Anastazia Colon.

April 14 In loving memory of Anthony & Anastasia Frangakas, from Mary & George Sexton.

April 21 In loving memory of Paul & Pamela Karpouzis, from Kyvele.

April 15 In loving memory of Stefanos Zalalas, from his wife.

April 16 In loving memory of our fathers, Nickolas C. Kambouroglos & Michael J. Valavanes, by Kosta & Nitsa.

April 21 In loving memory of Paul, on his birthdate, from Kyvele Karpouzis.

April 30 In loving memory of our grandson, Mason George Georgelis, by his grandparents, Judge & Mrs. Michael Georgelis.

Altar Flowers …………………………..

Mar. 26 In loving memory of father, Frank Diamantoni & son, Mark Mimidis, from Connie Mimidis.

April 9

In loving memory of Sadie Hosan, from her husband, Valentine & Bill Nies.

April 23

In loving memory of father, John, by his daughter, Kathy Flouras.

April 30

In loving memory of our grandson, Mason George Georgelis, by his grandparents, Judge & Mrs. Michael Georgelis.

www.annunciationorthodox.org

Lenten and Pascha Donations Donations needed for: April 11 & 12: Candelabra Candles Cross Sunday Flowers: 4 donors, $75 each Easter Resurrection Candelabra: 3 donors, $200 each Lily Plants: 3 donors, $50 each Baby’s Breath: $100 Palm Plant Rentals: 2 donors, $50 each Palm Fronds: $150 Holy Fri. Processional Candles: 3 donors, $100 each Cups for Processional Candles: 4 donors, $100 each Cups for Resurrection Candles: 4 donors, $150 each Bible Reference Pamphlets: 2 donors, $100 each

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 4

Pa r i s h N e w s Gyrofest Baking Schedule

Service & Outreach

Volunteers Needed!

Please plan to attend.

Thank you for your continued generous warm clothing, winter-wear, blankets & coat donations!! Many of these items were given to the homeless & those in need during the Community breakfast at First Reformed Church on Orange Street in March. These were greatly needed during the snow storm! All other items were donated to the Lancaster Council of Churches.

April 27, Thurs., 9:00 AM: Baklava May 4, Thurs., 9:00 AM: Koulourakia May 9, Tues., 12:00 Noon: Syrup May 11 & 12, Thurs./Fri., 9:00 AM: Cutting & Packing Pastry

Parish Centennial Planning Meeting If you are interested in helping to plan the 100th year anniversary of our church, please plan to attend this meeting!

Sunday, April 23 after Sunday School in Rm. 4/5 If you are unable to attend this meeting, but would like to be involved, please email Tina Georges at: tineli79@gmail.com

Project Mexico A team of 15 parishioners from Lancaster will be going on a short-term "Project Mexico" mission trip to Tijuana, August 16-22.

Each team member (15 total) is responsible for raising $1200 to cover their travel expenses, food and lodging, and supplies to build the home. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation towards this mission trip by writing a check to "Annunciation Church" with "Project Mexico 2017" on the memo line. Checks may be sent to church office and will be acknowledged. Any excess funds which may be raised will be sent to Project Mexico to assist the needs of the orphanage. Thank you and God bless you!

We are still accepting non perishable food items. Please use blue bin in the breezeway.

Please consider giving a monetary donation to support LCCC funds needed for Fresh Food which is ALSO donated for our community in need & the homeless.

"The bread which you do not use is the bread for the hungry, the money that you keep locked away is the money of the poor."

St Basil the Great

AHEPA Pancake Breakfast Saturday, April 22 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM All you can eat!!

Pancakes, Sausage and Fruit Adults: $5.00 Children (under 6): $2.00

Scholarships Scholarship forms for AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope and Pan Coan are available for those that are eligible.

Email the church office at: Sherry@agochurch.com with your request, and they will be emailed to you.

Save the Date Bereavement For Maipn Frantzeskou (85 yrs.), sister of parishioner Emmanuel Frangeskos.

For the family of Michael Antonios Frantzeskou (83 yrs.), brother of parishioner Emmanuel Frangeskos.

www.annunciationorthodox.org

Annual Church Picnic June 4 Neffsville Park, Lititz 4:00—8:00 PM The Annunciator/February 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.

Lenten Study Group This study group led by Fr. Hector and guest speakers will meet in Room 7 after the Presanctified Liturgy/Potluck dinners, addressing Lenten themes such as forgiveness, prayer, askesis, charity, and liturgical services.

Wednesday, April 5, 7:30PM in Room 7

College Fellowship (OCF)

Family Night 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.

Sunday, April 23 at 5pm

Plugged-In Study Group

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

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!

OCF Dinner — Wed, April 19 @ 6pm OCF Bible Study — Wed, April 26 @ 8pm

Sunday, April 2, 9, 23, 30 11:45 AM in Room 7

Women’s Bible Study

WOMEN’S ORTHODOX STUDY FELLOWSHIP

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.

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, April 4, 18, 25 10:00 AM

Thurs., April 6, 20, 27 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.

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.

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

Tuesday, April 10:00 AM TBA in bulletin

Saturdays, TBA in bulletin

Small Group at the Schrott Spot

Transfiguration orthodox Mission

This group meets on Thursday 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!

Thursday, April 6, 20, 27 7:00 PM

Monday, April 3 7:00 PM

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 6

Transfiguration News

Transfiguration Orthodox Church 28 Copperfield Circle Lititz, PA 17543 www.transfigurationorthodox.org www.facebook.com/transfigurationorthodox 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.

Worship Schedule for April Sundays:

Hours 9:00am Divine Liturgy 9:30am April Lenten Schedule



Great Compline will be offered on Monday, April 3 at 6:30pm. Following the service, we will offer a one-hour study group on the following topic: Study of Psalm 50, led by Fr Alex



Presanctified Liturgy will be offered on Wednesday, April 5 at 6:00pm followed by a lenten potluck dinner and choir practice.

Holy Week Schedule Monday, April 10 at 6:30pm Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30pm Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30pm Thursday, April 13 at 9:00am Saturday, April 15 at 9:00am

Bridegroom Service Bridegroom Service Holy Unction Service Vesperal Liturgy for the Institution of the Mystical Supper Vesperal Liturgy: Reading of the Prophesies



Peter’s Porch outreach ministry We are partnering with Lititz Mennonite Church on the second Saturday of each month with meal serving and bagging of food and more. Please continue to bring canned food and toilet ries to box in back of our Church sanctuary. Contact Nadine Fegley for more info (nsfsta@yahoo.com).



Second Fridays in Lititz (5pm-9pm) We have begun setting up a table each month with a Church banner, music, & brochures/ pamphlets on the Orthodox Church for people to be introduced to our faith. Stop by and say hello!

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 7

Fa m i ly N i g h t

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 8

J oy R e t r e at at C a m p H i l l / G r e e k Dan c e r s ’ 76 e r s ga m e

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 9

Philoptochos

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Community Service:

Keeping you posted…

Philoptochos served a spaghetti dinner, April 8 & 9, Easter Bread Sale salad and dessert to the guests of Arch Street Center on Saturday, March 11.

May 9, May Dinner Meeting, location TBA.

March Meeting:

May 14, Mother’s Day Booklet and We had a good attendance at our March Coffee Fellowship sponsored by 23rd meeting. Father Hector presented Philoptochos. an inspiring talk: “The Church is a Spiritual Hospital” Philoptochos Members: please bring a dessert on May 14 for Thank you to our hostess Andrea Coffee Fellowship.

Phillips.

Saturday, April 8th: We will sponsor our annual Tsoureki (sweet bread) sale. We need help to form loaves and bag bread on Saturday.

Early comers: 5:00 AM Help is needed from 7:00 AM on.

Bread will be available for pickup from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday, and Sunday, after Liturgy.

Philoptochos has no meeting in April, as it is Holy Week.

Friendly Reminder

Mother’s Day Booklet We will sponsor a Mother’s Day Booklet in which you may submit a line in honor or remembrance of a special woman in your life. Please see enclosed flyer.

Deadline to submit entries is May 1 Donation is $10 for first entry and $5 per additional entry.

2017 Philoptochos Stewardship is payable from now until April. Please give your stewardship to Marge Enoch, or mail your donation to Marge Enoch, c/o Annunciation church. Make checks payable to “Philoptochos”.

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 10

PreSchool

LOVE OUR PRESCHOOL? LOVE SOUVLAKI BOYS GRILL? BENEFIT & ENJOY BOTH!!

HOW: WHEN:

Come, relish a delicious post Pascha meal while enjoying familial fellowship April 25, 5pm – 8pm

WHERE: One West James Street, Lancaster, 17603 WHAT:

20% of receipt totals will be donated to Annunciation Preschool

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Detach and hand in with your receipt.

ANNUNCIATION PRESCHOOL NIGHT @ SOUVLAKI BOYS GRILL

Number of persons in your party ____ Receipt total ____

The Preschool at ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

THANK YOU!

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 11

O u r Fa i t h f u l S e n i o r s

Our Faithful Seniors Our faithful seniors appreciate a visit, a phone call, a letter or card, our prayers, a gesture to show they are remembered and loved.

If you would like to be added to this list, please call the Church Office (394-1735).

Arvanitas, Mary Manor Care 100 Abbeyville Road—Rm 29 Lancaster, PA 17603 717-397-4261 Baxewanis, Angelica Country Meadows 1380 Elm Avenue—Apt. 44 Lancaster, PA 17603 717-392-4100 Carthage, Helen & Nicholas Brethren Village 3001 Lititz Pike—FC 210 Lititz PA 17543 717-581-3762 Efstration, Mary Signature Senior Living 80 West Millport Rd. Lititz, PA 17543 Francos, Dr. Charles & Esther Mennonite Home Reed Run, Rm. 325 1520 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 Georgeadis, Betsy 312 Harvest Drive Lititz, PA 17543 717-627-4189 Gianopoulos, Mary 1380 Elm Avenue-Rm. 204 Lancaster, PA 17603 Gianopoulos, Nick & Stella Masonic Village 499 Freemason Drive—Apt. 3916 Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-361-3937 Hazangeles, Harry Country Meadows 1380 Elm Avenue—Rm #315 Lancaster PA 17603 Hosan, Valentine Long Community at Highland 600 E. Roseville Road - Apt 2414 Lancaster, PA 17601 717-569-5912 Kauffman, Ronald Country Meadows 1380 Elm Avenue—Rm. 321 Lancaster, PA 17603

www.annunciationorthodox.org

Markovich, Lou & Mary 535A Abbeyville Road Lancaster, PA 17603 302-645-4510 Mavraganis, Helen Homestead Village 1800 Village Circle—Apt. 116 Lancaster, PA 17603 717-394-5264 Mavrides, Irene 805 Olde Hickory Road-Apt. 123 Lancaster PA 17601 717-569-4994 Mylonas, Nicholas Friendship Home 128 West Main Street Mountville, PA 17554 717-285-7821 Panagiotakos, Anna 30 Springhouse Road Lancaster, PA 17603 717-291-9361 Papademetriou, Barbara Mennonite Home Lititz Run 223-A 1520 Harrisburg Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 Prokopios, Kondi 78 Delp Road Lancaster, Pa 17601 717-299-4561 Roumeliotis, Nicholas Conestoga View—Rm. 405 Southeast 900 East King Street Lancaster, PA 17602

Soukas, Marina Moravian Manor 300 W. Lemon St. Lititz, PA 17543 Theros, William & Dorothy Brethren Village - Fieldcrest 3001 Lititz Pike, Apt. L269 Lititz PA 17543 717-945-7704 Torres, JoAnn 113 Walnut Hill Road Millersville PA 17551 717-330-9471 Valldes, Michael Lancaster House—Rm. 103 Landis Retirement Community 1001 East Oregon Road Lititz PA 17543 Vassil, Doukeni Country Meadows 1380 Elm Avenue, Rm. 209 Lancaster PA 17603 Vlassis, Wallace Courtyard Rm. 335 Brethren Village 3001 Lititz Pike Lititz PA 17543 Zervanos, Alex Evergreen Estates Retirement Community 1300 East. King Street Lancaster, PA 17602

Sexton, George & Mary 28 Meadow Lane PO Box 61 Smoketown, PA 17576 717-392-3587 Sheaffer, Irene Maple Farm 604 Oak Street - Rm. 46 Akron PA 17501 Simpson, Vasa Oak Leaf Manor South 2101 Wabank Road—Rm. A13 Millersville PA 17551 717-876-3725

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 12

T i p s f o r Ho ly

10 Tips for Holy Week and Pascha…

1. Make participation at the Services a priority.

2. In our homes we should strive to “keep out the world” and enter into the peace, solemnity, and theology of the events of the last days of our Lord.

3. Be sure to read the last chapters of the Holy Gospels that speak of the Passion, Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ.

4. If you are visiting another parish and wish to receive Communion, make sure that the priest knows who you are and that you are prepared. This should be done in advance by phone, email, or any other way.

5. Last year’s palm crosses should be placed outside in an area to decay where they will not be disturbed (or they may be burned). They are holy and should not be simply thrown out with the garbage.

6. Before venerating Holy Objects, such as the Cross, Icons, or the Epitaphio, make sure to wipe off your lipstick or chapstick. Reminder: we do not kiss the face of our Lord, His Mother, or the Saints; instead kiss the hands or feet.

7. If you haven’t yet made your Confession during Great Lent, try to make it before or during the beginning of Holy Week. Speak with your priest to arrange a time.

8. Try to make amends with those we may be upset with or those who are upset with us, so that on Pascha we can joyfully sing, “Let us call brothers, even those that hate us, and forgive all by the Resurrection!”

9. After the “Midnight Service” on Pascha stay for the entirety of the Liturgy and if possible for the blessing of baskets and festive meal. Let us share in the joy of the Lord’s Resurrection with fellowship and love.

10. During Bright Week, sing or read the Paschal Hours instead of your “normal” morning and evening prayers. Sing the Resurrection hymn, “Christ is Risen,” in the morning, the evening, before every meal, and throughout the day.

Let the joy of praising the Lord’s Resurrection accompany you throughout Bright Week, the Paschal season, and your whole life.

http://www.pravmir.com/10-tips-holy-week-pascha/ www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 13

N e w s & Ev e n t s i n G r e e k Τροπάριο Ακολουθίας Του Νυμφίου της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας: «Τον νυμφώνα Σου βλέπω, Σωτήρ μου, κεκοσμημένον, και ένδυμα ουκ έχω, ίνα εισέλθω εν αυτώ. Λάμπρυνόν μου την στολήν της ψυχής, Φωτοδότα, και σώσον με». ΙΕΡΕΣ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΕΣ ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΥ Μέγα Απόδειπνο: ∆ευτέρα 3 Απριλίου στις 7:00 μμ Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία/∆είπνο Τετάρτη, 5 Απριλίου στις 6:00 μμ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ: 8 Απριλίου 8:15 πμ Ορθρος & 9:30 πμ Λειτουργία 11:00 πμ Καφές και Φτιάξιμο Σταυρών ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ: 9 Απριλίου 8:15 πμ Ορθρος 9:30 πμ Λειτουργία 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΓΙΑ ΕΒ∆ΟΜΑ∆Α: ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ∆ΕΥΤΕΡΑ: 10 Απριλίου 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία Του Νυμφίου ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΡΙΤΗ: 11 Απριλίου 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία Του Νυμφίου Τροπάριον Της Κασσιανής ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ: 12 Απριλίου 9:00 πμ Πορηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 4:00 μμ Ευχέλαιο 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία Του Νυμφίου (με χρήσμα Ευχελαίου μετά τον Νυμφίο) ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ: 13 Απριλίου 9:00-10:30 πμ Εσπερινός και Θεία Λειτουργία 7:00 μμ ΤΑ ΠΑΘΗ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ –12 ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΑ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ: 14 Απριλιου 9:00 πμ Βασιλικαί Ωραι 11:00 πμ –2:00 μμ ΡΗΤΡΗΤ ΝΕΩΝ 2:00 μμ Εσπερινός Αποκαθήλωσης 7:00 μμ Επιτάφιος Θρήνος-Εγκώμια

10:15 μμ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΜΗ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΑ Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία Τα φώτα σβήνουνε ακριβώς στις 11:00 μμ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ: 16 Απριλίου 12:00 μμ Εσπερινός της Αγάπης Παναγίας Ζωοπηγής: ∆ΙΑΚΑΙΝΙΣΙΜΟΣ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ: 21 Απριλίου 9:00-11:00 πμ Ορθρος και Λειτουργία ****************************** ΚΥΚΛΟΙ ΜΕΛΕΤΗΣ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΓΡΑΦΗΣ «Ο λόγος σου είναι φώς στην οδον μου» Κύκλος Γυναικών Αγίας Γραφής Τρίτη: 4, 18 & 25 Απριλίου στις 10:00 πμ με την Πρεσβυτέρα Παναγιώτα Βρυώνη Κύκλος Πνευματικής Μελέτης Γυναικών Πέμπτη: 6, 20 & 27 στις 9:30 πμ ΠΑΣΧΑΛΙΝΟ ΨΩΜΙ ΦΙΛΟΠΤΩΧΟΥ– $7.00 το ένα. Τα ψωμιά θα διανεμηθούν το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου, από τις 11:00 πμ-1:00 μμ και την Κυριακή των Βαίων μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία. ΑΧΕΠΑ Παν-Κέικ Πρόγευμα: Σάββατο, 22 Απριλίου, 7:00 πμ –11:30 πμ Αίθουσα Φιλοπτώχου ∆ωρεά: Μεγάλοι: $5, Μικροί (κάτω των 6): $2

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ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ ΓΥΡΟΥ ΤΗΕ ΠΑΡΟΙΚΙΑΣ ΜΑΣ: Παρασκευή 12 Mαίου: 3:00-8:00 μμ Σάββατο 13 Μαίου: 11:00 πμ-7:00 μμ Εισητήρια: $10 πριν από τη μέρα του Φεστιβάλ $12 στη Είσοδο.

ΜΕΓΑΛΟ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ 15 Απριλίου 9:00 –11:00 πμ Εσπερινός και Θεία Λειτουργία Κύματι Θαλάσσης www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 14

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

Περί Σιωπῆς 

Ο αββάς Ισαάκ ο Σύρος παραγγέλει, όχι μόνο στους μοναχούς, ν’ αγαπήσουμε πάνω από όλα τη σιωπή, γιατί αυτή είναι η γλώσσα του μέλλοντος αιώνος, της ατελεύτητης, πανευφρόσυνης, ουράνιας βασιλείας.



Ο άγιος Σεραφείμ του Σάρωφ λέγει : «Μην ανοίγεις το στόμα σου και την καρδιά σου στον καθένα, στους χίλιους κι αν ένας σε καταλάβει».

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Αναφέρεται πως είχαν πάει τρεις επισκέπτες στον Μέγα Αντώνιο. Οι δύο τον ρωτούσαν για πολλά και διάφορα πράγματα. Ο τρίτος δεν ρωτούσε τίποτε. Όχι γιατί δεν είχε ανάγκη από νουθεσία ή γιατί αισθανόταν πνευματικά επαρκής και δεν εκτιμούσε τον χαρίεντα λόγο του οσίου, αλλά γιατί διδασκόταν περισσότερο από τη στάση του, τη σιωπή του, την ηρεμία της μορφής του. Όταν τον ρώτησε ο Άγιος «εσύ γιατί δεν με ρωτάς κάτι;», του λέει αυθόρμητα: «Μου φτάνει μόνο που σε βλέπω άγιε του Θεού». Του ήταν αρκετό, διδακτικό, ωφέλιμο αυτό. Συναισθανόταν τη θεολογία της σιωπής του, που καταφάσκει στο άλγος του κόσμου κι αρνείται τη γοητεία της υπερφίαλης γνώσης.



O όσιος Αρσένιος προσευχόταν στον Θεό να του φανερώσει πως να σωθεί, κι άκουσε «Φεύγε, σιώπα, ησύχαζε».



Ο αββάς Μωυσής έλεγε χαρακτηριστικά πως ο άνθρωπος που αγαπά τη σιωπή και αποφεύγει τις πολλές κουβέντες μοιάζει με ώριμο σταφύλι γεμάτο γλυκό χυμό, ενώ ο πολυλογάς μοιάζει με αγουρίδα.



Ο μέγας της διακρίσεως πάτηρ, ο αββάς Ποιμήν, λίαν εύστοχα παρατηρεί : «Υπάρχουν κάποιοι άνθρωποι που με τα χείλη σωπαίνουν και με τον νου τους φλυαρούν, ενώ άλλοι μιλάνε από το πρωί ως το βράδυ κι όμως κρατάνε σιωπή, γιατί τίποτε από αυτά που λένε δεν είναι περιττό και ανώφελο».



Στο Γεροντικό επίσης αναφέρεται: «Αν αποκτήσεις την αρετή της σιωπής, μην καυχηθείς πως κατόρθωσες κάτι σπουδαίο. Πείσε καλύτερα τον εαυτό σου πως δεν είσαι άξιος ούτε να μιλάς!».

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Κατά τον αββά Ποιμένα, αυτός που διδάσκει και δεν ποιεί αυτά που λέγει, μοιάζει με κρήνη, που τους άλλους ποτίζει και πλένει και τον εαυτό του δεν μπορεί να καθαρίσει. Κι αλλού σοφά και ταπεινά συνεχίζει : «Ζητάμε από τους άλλους την τελειότητα και μεις δεν κάνουμε το παραμικρό, αν η ζωή μας δεν έχει σχέση με τα λόγια μας, και τα λόγια μας δεν ανταποκρίνονται στη ζωή μας, μοιάζουμε με ψωμί δίχως αλάτι».

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Ο αββάς Άμμωνας αναφέρει πως η καύση της καρδιάς, η πνευματική θερμότητα σβήνει με τον περισπασμό των μάταιων λόγων. ∆εν μπορεί κανείς να έχει κατανυκτική και καθαρή προσευχή το βράδυ αν όλη μέρα έχει κουτσομπολέψει όλη την πόλη. Η ματαιολογία διασπά την προσοχή, χαλαρώνει την εγρήγορση, μειώνει την ανάταση, χωλαίνει την ανάπαυση.

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∆ίδασκε τους άλλους με τη ζωή σου έλεγε ένας Γέροντας κι όχι με τα λόγια σου.



Ο όσιος Εφραίμ ο Σύρος επαναλαμβάνει συχνά πως όποιος θέλει να λέει πολλά, ανοίγει μέτωπα και θα δεχθεί πόλεμο μίσους, όποιος μετρά τα λόγια του θ΄αγαπηθεί σύντομα.



Ο άγιος Νείλος ο Ασκητής γνωρίζει καλά τι λέει: « Η άμετρη πολυλογία θα σε λυπήσει και θα οργίσει τους δαίμονες. Η γλώσσα πολλούς κενόδοξους κατέστρεψε».



Ο όσιος Ιωάννης ο Σιναΐτης, ο συγγραφέας της περίφημης Κλίμακος, αποφθεγματικά αναφέρεται στην πολυλογία: «Πρέπει να δούμε την αιτία απ’ όπου μπαίνει και βγαίνει το αμάρτημα της πολυλογίας. Η πολυλογία είναι θρόνος της ματαιοδοξίας. καθισμένη πάνω της η κενοδοξία προβάλλει και διαφημίζει τον εαυτό της. Η πολυλογία είναι σημάδι αγνωσίας, είσοδος στην κατάκριση, οδηγός στην ανοησία, πρόξενος του ψεύδους, διάλυση της πνευματικής ευφορίας της προσευχής. Είναι αυτή που προσκαλεί και δημιουργεί την αδιαφορία για τις αμαρτίες, που εξαφανίζει την προφύλαξη του νου κατά των παθών, ψυχραίνει την πνευματική θερμότητα και σκοτίζει την προσευχή».

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/April 2017 PAGE 14

Parish Council Minutes, Feb. 21, 2017 Members in Attendance: Mar ia Quer r y, J ames Voulopos, Geor ge Soukas, J ohn Stauffer , Kim Kear es, Keith Bar tlett, J ames Diamantoni, Manny Firoglanis, David Gammache, Helen Hazatones, Kaliopi Karomfily, Dr. Tom Miller, Dr. Spencer Phillips, Artemis Tsoflias, Nicholas Veronis, Peter Billis, Fr. Hector Firoglanis Members Absent: Chr istopher Xakellis (E), Geor ge Katsar os (E), Dr . Olga Pr att (E) President Maria Querry brought the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. Opening Prayer: The February 21, 2017 meeting of the Parish Council began with an opening prayer by Fr. Hector Firoglanis.

Minutes of Last Meeting: The minutes of the J anuar y 24, 2017 meeting wer e r eviewed. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Keith Bartlett and seconded by John Stauffer.

Sharing the Faith: Fr . Hector Fir oglanis offer ed a r eflection on Lenten themes as they appear in Genesis r egar ding fasting, repentance, and prayer.

Financial Report: Geor ge Soukas pr esented the Income Statement as of J anuar y 31, 2017 (details listed below).

A motion was made to approve the report by Niko Veronis and seconded by Kali Karomfily.

2017 Actual January 2017 Budget Income Expenses Increase in Balance

71,838.64 50,949.85 20,888.79

62,471.86 58,813.66 3,658.20

Committee Reports: Bazaar: Kosta Kontanis will pr esent the Bazaar 2016 final r epor t at the Mar ch Par ish Council meeting.

Gyrofest: A committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Febr uar y 28.

Finance: Geor ge Soukas r epor ted that the Finance Committee is looking into var ious investment oppor tunities. They ar e also preparing for the bazaar profits to be allocated to philanthropy and operating expense accounts.

Hellenic Culture: Peter Billis r epor ted: The Apokr iatiko Dance, held on Febr uar y 18, was a success with about 130 people in attendance. Final figures will be submitted at a later meeting. The March 25th Program will be on Saturday, March 25. The ZHTO Dancers are participating in Hellenic Heritage Night at the Philadelphia Sixers basketball game on Monday, March 6.

Mission Parish: No r epor t.

Parish Activities: Ar temis Tsoflias r epor ted that the Chur ch Picnic is scheduled for J une 4, 2017.

Personnel: No r epor t.

Preschool: A committee meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Mar ch 5.

Property: David Gammache r epor ted: Painting the hall is on hold until the flat r oof and ceiling leaks ar e r epair ed. A new church van is scheduled to be purchased by end of March. Jim Diamantoni presented quotes from two flat roof specialist that range from about $11,000 - $12,000 with 15- 20 year warranties respectively. Jim recommends that we contract Sensenig Co., with the estimate of $12,030.00 and services that include: Replacement of the roof at the breezeway from the roll-up door to the paneled wall in the hallway, including the interior vestibule. New 3.5” insulation board R-20 value, new fully adhered EPDM roof membrane, new termination bar with counter flashing, a new stainless steel scupper, relocation-replacement of the existing downspout of the main church from exiting onto the new roof and re-flashing and opening one scupper above the flat roof at the air-conditioning units for better drainage. A 20 year warranty on the new roof.

Jim also recommends to install spouting with downspouts along the west side of the social hall roof and replace a section of aluminum fascia that is missing. A motion was made to approve the Sensenig Co. proposal for roof repairs, plus the installation of needed spouting and aluminum fascia, by David Gammache and seconded by Helen Hazatones.

Service and Outreach: No r epor t.

Stewardship: Niko Ver onis r epor ted a pr oductive fir st 2017 meeting. Stewar ds of the chur ch will be listed in the Mar ch Annunciator and an appreciation coffee fellowship is planned for the Fall. They have provided updated content for the church website and stewardship literature. The committee will also look into the policy for sacrament service fees for non-stewards.

Technology: No r epor t.

Youth: Fr . Hector submitted r ecent and upcoming events: GOYA/J OY/HOPE Satur day, Febr uar y 18 – Wilmington Basketball Tournament. Sunday, February 26 – Family Night. OCF and Young Adults OCF Meetings on Wednesday evenings at 8:15pm on the F&M and MU Campuses.

Old Business: Aesthetics Ad-Hoc Committee Fr. Hector Firoglanis reported that the iconographer is working on the angels for the Pantocrator restoration project.

Pascha Meal: Helen Hazatones r epor ted on the possibility of hosting an after -Pascha coffee fellowship in lieu of the meal. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Helen or the church office. Helen also proposed a collection basket to add fundraising for the Sunday School’s Lenten Mission Box collection campaign.

New Business: Metr opolis Volunteer Awar d Nomination The Metropolis of Pittsburgh will be recognizing up to two outstanding volunteers from each parish at the fourth annual St. Photios Awards Banquet on April 22. More details to come.

New Year’s Even Dance Jim Diamantoni proposed that Annunciation host it’s own New Year’s Even Dance. He has volunteered to coordinate the event and vendors if needed. Jim recommended that proceeds be donated to St. Basil’s Academy. The Pan Coan Society is also exploring ideas for the event.

Financial Trend Line George Soukas presented a trend line from 2007 to 2016, offering a historical view of operating account numbers, not including inkind contribution or assets. This data offers a percentage chart to track how items contribute or detract from our total budget.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:06 PM with a closing prayer.

Respectfully Submitted, Kim Keares, Parish Council Secretary

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The Annunciator/April 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

If you are an active member of the Parish, and have not submitted your 2017 Pledge, please use the link below:

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You can now submit your pledge on the church website!

Go to: www.annunciationorthodox.org/stewardship-commitment Fill out the requested information and submit.