The Annunciator | May 2017

May 2017

Father Hector’s Message

1

Easter/Lent Donations

2-3

Parish News

4-5

Parish Spiritual Life

6

Transfiguration Church

7

Parish Photos

8-11

Philoptochos

12

Preschool

13

New & Events / Greek

14

Spiritual Message/ Greek

15

Parish Council

16

Sponsors

17

Insert May Calendar

Saints Constantine & Helen, May 21 “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

TRULY HE IS RISEN! For anyone who takes Lent and Holy Week seriously, we know the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is a fact because we EXPERIENCE its reality and its joy on Pascha and beyond.

In moments of doubt or to help convince a skeptic, however, this meme displays a convincing argument by Charles Colson.

“Chuck” Colson served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon from 1960-1973 and was sentenced to 7 months in prison for his involvement in the Watergate Scandal. Those events sparked his conversion to Christianity and led to the founding of his non-profit ministry called “Prison Fellowship International.” Mr. Colson’s comments help us to understand the radical transformation that occurred within each of the Apostles that helps to verify the reality of Christ’s Resurrection.

During the weeks after Pascha, the Church assigns the Book of Acts as part of our daily Scripture Readings. The Book of Acts, written by St. Luke the Evangelist, describes the events that took place in the life of the Apostles after the Resurrection of Christ: His Ascension, Pentecost, and how the Apostles empowered by the Holy Spirit spread the Gospel and planted churches all over the world.

The Book of Acts helps us the see the radical difference in the Apostles before the Resurrection and after the Resurrection. Before Christ’s Resurrection, the disciples were timid and afraid, having abandoned Christ at the time of His arrest and crucifixion to save their own skin. After the Resurrection, and more specifically after Pentecost (when they received the Holy Spirit), they were just the opposite. They were fearless, they turned the world upside down with their preaching, and they courageously died as martyrs for Christ.

Would they have been so bold had they not beheld the Resurrected Lord? Doubt it. Could these simple, uneducated fishermen have spread the Gospel throughout the world without the power of the Holy Spirit within them? No way. That’s the result of the Risen Lord giving His Disciples the power of the Holy Spirit, just as He promised He would. The miraculous transformation and accomplishments of the Apostles provide strong evidence in favor of the Resurrection.

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/May 2017

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E a s t e r / L e n t D o n at i o n s LENTEN & EASTER DONATIONS - 2017 Flowers for Annunciation Icon For the Glory of God anonymously Flowers for Annunciation Icon For the Glory of God anonymously Holy Unction Supplies For the Glory of God from the Ziogas family Incense for Holy Week and Year In loving memory of my husband Christopher and for the health of my children & grandchildren from Themis Karamanos Incense for Holy Week and Year In loving memory of John Tsoflias from his wife Artemis & family Charcoal for the Year For the Glory of God, anonymously Charcoal for the Year In loving memory of father & grandfather Spyros Tsoflias by Artemis & family Lazarus Saturday Altar Candles In loving memory of Thomas Georgallis from his wife, children & grandchildren Lazarus Saturday Candelabra Candles In loving memory of John & Despina Patounas, George & Maruka Patounas and Peter & Eleni Billis from Maria Georgallis & children Palm Leaves for Palm Sunday In loving memory of our parents from Christos & Andriana Firoglanis Palm Sunday Altar Flowers In loving memory of Sadie Hosan from her husband Valentine & Bill Nies Palm Sunday Altar Candles For the Glory of God from Dr. Thomas Weida Palm Sunday Candelabra Candles In honor of the 40-day blessing of our son Christo Angelo by his parents Bobby & Kalliope Matangos & sister Yianna Calla Lillies In loving memory of our mothers Kaliopi G. Kambouroglos and Barbara K. Valavanes from Kosta & Nitsa Calla Lillies In loving memory of Don & Dot Durgee from Dory & Jim Voulopos Lilly Plants for Holy Week In loving memory of Anastasios Lyristis from his wife, children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren and in loving memory of John Hatzinikolas from his wife, children & grandchildren

www.annunciationorthodox.org

Evangelismos Wreath In honor of sister & thea Angie Efstration for her nameday & 50th birthday, with love, from Artemis Tsoflias & family 1st Salutation Wreath In Thanksgiving for God’s many blessings from Louis & Helen Nicozisis 2nd Salutation Wreath In honor of all OCMC missionaries, past and present from Louis & Helen Nicozisis 3rd Salutation Wreath In loving memory of brother Jimmy and sister Sophia from Kosta & Nitsa th 4 Salutation Wreath In loving memory of Rev. Nicholas Frangakis from Mary & George Sexton Akathyst Hymn Wreath For the Glory of God from Michael & Dionysia Matthews Holy Monday Altar Candles In loving memory of Harry Keares from his family Holy Tuesday Altar Candles In loving memory of Pete & Lillian Keares from their family Holy Tuesday Candelabra Candles In loving memory of John & Spyros Tsoflias from the Efstration family Holy Wednesday Altar Candles For the health of our children, grandchildren & families from Steve & Maria Georgallis Holy Wednesday Candelabra Candles In loving memory of John & Spyros Tsoflias from Kalliopi Tsoflias Holy Thursday Altar Candles In loving memory of Demetris & Ekatirini Petris, George, Efthia, Elias & Tom Georgallis from Steve & Maria Georgallis & children Holy Thursday Candelabra Candles In loving memory of husband Nicholas Bournelis, parents Evangelos & Evangelia Tsambournaris, brother Nicholas Tsambounaris, Kokona & George Tsetsetzi by Toula Bournelis & the Bournelis children Holy Thursday Iconostance Candles In loving memory of John Hatzinikolas from his wife Christine, children & grandchildren Holy Thursday Crucifixion Wreath In loving memory of my mother Florence Mavrides Vlassis from Diane Gunzenhauser

The Annunciator/May 2017 PAGE 2

Easter /Lent Donations LENTEN & EASTER DONATIONS - 2017 Holy Friday Altar Candles In loving memory of Anthony & Anastasia Frangakis from Mary & George Sexton Holy Friday Candelabra Candles In loving memory of Emmanuel & Helen Frangakis from Mary & George Sexton Holy Friday Processional Candles For the Glory of God from Steve & Niki Sullivan & family Holy Friday Processional Candles In memory of all my loved ones, anonymously Holy Saturday Altar Candles In loving memory of Stefanos Zalalas from his wife Chrysokona Holy Saturday Candelabra Candles In loving memory of Danny & Redina Urany from Mary Keares & family Easter Resurrection Service Altar Flowers In loving memory of our parents Harris Grigoriades and Elizabeth & John Dommel from Nick & Ruth Grigoriades Easter Resurrection Service Candelabra Flower Decoration In loving memory of Areti & Emmanouel Tsidonis from Olga & Ben Pratt & family Easter Paschal Candle In loving memory of Pat Hazatones: May your soul rejoice with the Lord in the glory of His Resurrection, given by your family.

Paschal Candle for Priest In loving memory of Nicholas Kalargyros from the Cordischi family Paschal Candle for Priest In loving memory of John, Aspasia, Matthew, Ernest, Mark & James Papavasilion and Aspasia & Clarence Buck from Tom & Vasso Papavasilion Easter Resurrection Service Paschal Wreath In loving memory of our parents, Demetrios & Stamatia Madonis and Nicholas & Evdoxia Hadgis from Chris & Eleni Madonis Eggs for Easter Resurrection Service In loving memory of Tom Hondras from his wife Irene & daughter Maria Dye & Toule for Easter Eggs In loving memory of Tom Hondras from his wife Irene & daughter Maria Easter Sunday Agapi Service Altar Candles In loving memory of our fathers Nicholas C. Kambouroglos & Michael J. Valavanes from Kosta & Nitsa

www.annunciationorthodox.org

Easter Sunday Agape Service Candelabra Candles In loving memory of our father & grandfather Nicholas Kalagyros from Despina, Jeremy & Anastazia Colon Bright Friday Service Altar Candles In loving memory of Paul on his birthdate from Kyvele Karpouzis Bright Friday Service Candelabra Candles In loving memory of Paul & Pamela Karpouzis from Kyvele

Thanks for your generous Pascha donations; they enabled us to beautify our church.

A special thank you to Despina Proithis for her beautiful arrangements.

The Annunciator/May 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”

April 29 Panayiota (Piper), child of Michael and Kristina Frederick. Godparents are Emilia and Amy Keares.

April 30 Ariadne (Ariana), child of Constantinos and Lemonia Papazekos. Godparent is Evdoxia Madonis.

Funerals “ I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25) April 11

Gertrude Mylonas, 97

April 18

Alexis Francos, 67

April 19

Wallace Vlassis, 92

ALTAR CANDLES & FLOWERS Altar Candles_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ April 2

In loving memory of Michael Mavrides, by Irene.

Altar Flowers _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ May 14

In honor of all the Mother’s from the Daughters of Penelope.

Candelabra Candles _ _ _ _ _ _ April 11 In loving memory of John & Spryos Tsoflias by the Efstration family.

April 12 In loving memory of John & Spyros Tsoflias

by Kalliopi Tsoflias.

Scholarships

Memorial Day Prayers

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

The clergy will offer a Trisagion Prayer Service at the parish cemeteries on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2016.The following is the schedule for each cemetery:

emailed to you.

Gyrofest Baking Schedule Volunteers Needed!

Please plan to attend.

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

Save the Date Annual Church Picnic June 4 Neffsville Park, Lititz 4:00—8:00 PM www.annunciationorthodox.org

9:00AM 9:30AM 10:15AM 10:30AM

Millersville Mennonite Conestoga Memorial Mellinger’s Cemetery Lancaster Cemetery

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!

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Pa r i s h N e w s 2017 Graduates

Sunday School Many thanks to the following Sunday School Teachers who will complete another year of teaching on Sunday, May 21, 2017.

SUPERINTENDENTS Sally Stratigos …………………………………………

Dan Soukas ……………………………………………

Jonathan Troop ………………………………………

49 yrs.

13 yrs.

7 yrs.

CHILDREN’S DEVOTIONAL LEADER Tena Blain (Music) ………………………………….

7 yrs.

TEACHERS Dr. Nikitas Zervanos ……………………………

Nitsa Kambouroglos ……………………………

Christine Speros …………………………………

Eileen Howells ……………………………………

Andrea Phillips …………………………………..

Marge Enoch ……………………………………..

Joanne Martin ……………………………………

George Soukas …………………………………..

Colleen Soukas ………………………………….

Donna Vitko……………………………………….

Elena Bartlett ……………………………………

Keith Bartlett …………………………………….

James Voulopos ………………………………..

Chrissy Brown …………………………………….

Mary Papadimitriou…………………………….

Stephania Karoullas…………………………..

Nikki Sullivan …………………………………….

Despina Houck…………………………………..

Kim Keares …………………………………….

Despina Proithis…………………………………

Michael Kambouroglos……………………….

Julie Kroethe…………………………………………

Robin Roumeliotis…………………………………

Jackie Fox ……………………………………………..

Sylvia Bekele ………………………………………….

Bruck Bekele…………………………………………..

47 yrs.

44 yrs.

41 yrs.

38 yrs.

34 yrs.

33 yrs.

22 yrs.

22 yrs.

16 yrs.

13 yrs.

7 yrs.

7 yrs.

7 yrs.

6 yrs.

5 yrs.

5 yrs.

5 yrs.

5 yrs.

4 yrs.

4 yr.

3 yr.

2 yr.

1 yr.

1 yr.

1 yr.

1 yr.

High School Seniors, please submit your senior photo to the church office at agochurch@comcast.net so that we can honor you in our June issue of the Annunciator. All photos need to be submitted by May 15. Senior Recognition will be on Sunday, June 4th, following the Divine Liturgy. The following seniors will graduate this year from High School.

Nicholas Aboeleni-Simonetatou Elisabeth Blain Kalliopi Efstration Luke Granbois Basil Hershberger Amanel Imam Roura Joanna Karomfily Nahum Kelati Ioannis Kovack Alexander Proithis Angie Shellhamer Christina Soukas Evangelia (Ava) Sullivan Gregory Troop Katerina Vassil Zoe Walling Christopher Xakellis Socrates Xenias If your name was omitted, please contact Sherry at Sherry@agochurch.com

On-Call Substitutes Kathy Moshos Tina Georges Connie Hajioannou Angie Hessen Themis Karamanos Julia Goussetis

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/May 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 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.

TBA

Sunday, May 21 — Picnic Location TBA

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

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!

OCF Bible Study — To resume in the Fall

Sundays after Liturgy 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, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 10:00 AM

Thurs., May 4, 11, & 18 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, May 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, May 4, 11, 18, 25 7:00 PM

Monday, May 11 & June 1 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 May Sundays:

Hours 9:00am Divine Liturgy 9:30am

May 24th – Ascension Great Vespers 7pm Mission Parish News Compline Service/Study Group Thursday, May 11 at 7pm Thursday, June 1 at 7pm Pilgrimage to Kardiotissa Icon in Taylor, PA (Wednesday, May 17) Group departing Transfiguration Church at 3:30pm for service and veneration of myrrh-streaming icon. Contact Fr. Alex to reserve a place on the van.

Baptism/Chrismation for Brubaker family!

We welcome the newest members of the mission, having received them through the sacraments of the Church on April 8.

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 toiletries 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

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Pa l m S u n day

www.annunciationorthodox.org

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Ho ly F r i day / Pa s c h a

www.annunciationorthodox.org

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Ho ly F r i day / Pa s c h a

www.annunciationorthodox.org

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Philoptochos News

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Tsoureki Sale …….

Thank you to all who supported our sweet bread sale. We sold 350 loaves! The proceeds will be used to support our charities.

Keeping you posted…

May Dinner Meeting………

There’s still time to reserve seats for our May dinner on Tuesday, May 9 at 6:00 at the Brickerville House in Lititz. Call to reserve your seat in the church van. Please be at the church by 5:15PM. Price: $24. Meal includes Greek Salad, Choice of Greek Chicken over rice with Spanakopita or Flounder stuffed with crabmeat, roasted potatoes and Spanakopita and a beverage and dessert.

RSVP your entrée choice to Joanne Martin: 286-3531 or Effie Hogan: 618-889-6389 by May 2.

May 14, Mother’s Day Booklet and Coffee Fellowship sponsored by Philoptochos.

Mother’s Day Booklet…….

This Mother’s Day, take time to remember those special women in your life, past and present. Support our Mother’s Day Celebration by placing an entry in the Mother’s Day Booklet. An Artoclasia and Triodion will be conducted to honor these women. Deadline is May1st.

Philoptochos will be sponsoring the Mother’s Day Coffee Fellowship.

Philoptochos members, please bring a dessert to Coffee Fellowship. $10 first entry, each additional $5 www.annunciationorthodox.org

May 9, May Dinner Meeting, Brickerville House

Philoptochos Members: please bring a dessert on May 14 for Coffee Fellowship.

See you in the Fall at our September 12th dinner meeting.

Details will be in the August Annunciator.

Friendly Reminder 2017 Philoptochos Stewardship is now due.

Please give your stewardship to Marge Enoch, or mail your donation to Marge Enoch, c/o Annunciation church. Make checks payable to “Philoptochos”.

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 sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me… ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’ - Matthew 25:35-36,40 The Annunciator/May 2017 PAGE 12

Preschool

The Preschool at the ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Preschool GRADUATION! Friday, May 26th @ 11:00 AM Come to celebrate with us the conclusion of another preschool year. Fellowship and refreshments will follow.

2017-18 Enrollment

now open!

Applicants will be admi ed on a first‐come, first served basis. Enrollment is open to the greater community.

Register Now! SUMMER CAMP! June 26-30!

2017-2018 Enrollment!

Open to All Children 3yrs old by Sept.1 and fully potty trained. Please call to schedule a visit on a different day if you are not able to come during the open house.

SUMMER CAMP! June 26-30!

9:00 AM‐1:00 PM

Registration Materials available online or by contacting Maria Koursaris at the church office. Cost: $75 per child. Theme: Exploring Nature.

In the Classroom May Activities will be focusing on love, celebrating our mothers and fathers, as well as anticipated summer fun and activities.

3yrs old entering 1st grade in the Fall,

Religious Focus During the month of May , the students will attend Divine Liturgy on Thursday, May 25th for Holy Ascension.

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

Proverbs 22:6

www.annunciationorthodox.org

The Annunciator/May 2017 PAGE 13

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

Ἡ ἀνάσταση. Πηγὴ τῆς ἀληθινῆς ζωῆς. Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! Ἡ ἀνάσταση τοῦ Χριστοῦ μας μαρτυρεῖ σαφῶς, ὅτι ἡ ἐπαγγελμένη σωτηρία τοῦ κόσμου ὁλοκληρώθηκε. Ἡ χάρις ἔλαμψε. Ἡ κατάρα ἔσβησε. Ὁ ἅδης νεκρώθηκε. Ὁ Χριστὸς μᾶς ἐξαγόρασε ἀπὸ κάθε κατάρα, γιατί ἔγινε ὁ ἴδιος γιὰ μᾶς κατάρα καὶ πέθανε ἐπάνω στὸ Σταυρό, θυσία καὶ προσφορὰ ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν μας. Ἔτσι σήμερα, ὅπως ἄνοιξε ὁ Ζωοδόχος Τάφος τοῦ Σωτῆρος, ἔτσι ἄνοιξε καὶ ὁ ὥς σήμερα κλεισμένος παράδεισος, ἡ Βασιλεία τῶν Οὐρανῶν, ποὺ ἡ ἁμαρτία τῶν προπατόρων καὶ οἱ δικές μας εἶχαν καταστήσει ἀπρόσιτη σέ μᾶς. Κανεὶς δὲν πρέπει πλέον νὰ ἀπελπίζεται. Μὲ πίστη καὶ ἐλπίδα πρέπει νὰ προσεγγίζουμε τὸν Ἐλεήμονα Κύριό μας, μὲ τὴ βεβαιότητα, ὅτι θὰ μᾶς δεχθεῖ, ὅπως δέχθηκε τὸν τελώνη, τὸν ληστή, τὴν πόρνη. Ἡ ἀνάσταση τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἶναι πηγὴ χαρᾶς. Ἀληθινῆς χαρᾶς. Γιὰ κοιτάξετε, πόσο φῶς ρίχνει στὰ μυστήρια τῆς ζωῆς, πόσο φωτίζει καρδιὰ καὶ διάνοια.

σαρκολατρικῆς ζωῆς! Ὅποιος πιστεύει στὸ Χριστὸ καὶ στὴν ἀνάστασή Του, ξέρει, ὅτι οἱ δίκαιοι τὴν ἡμέρα τῆς κοινῆς ἀναστάσεως θὰ λάμψουν σὰν τὸν ἥλιο καὶ θὰ εἶναι ἔνδοξοι σὰν θεοί. Γι’ αὐτὸ στὸν ὡραῖο του λόγο γιὰ τὴν ἀνάσταση, ὁ ἅγιος Ἰωάννης ὁ Χρυσόστομος ἐρωτᾶ: «Ποῦ σου θάνατε, τὸ κέντρον», δηλ. τὸ δηλητήριο, τὸ φαρμάκι σου; Ἔσβησε. Χάθηκε. Ὥς τὴν ἀνάσταση τοῦ Χριστοῦ ἡ πίκρα ἦταν δική μας. Τώρα ἡ πίκρα εἶναι τοῦ ἅδη, δηλ. τοῦ διαβόλου. Μὲ τὴν ἀνάσταση τοῦ Χριστοῦ ὁ ἅδης πικράθηκε. Πικράθηκε, γιατί καταργήθηκε. Πικράθηκε, γιατί ἐμπαίχθηκε. Πικράθηκε! Πικράθηκε! «Ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἦλθε διὰ τοῦ Σταυροῦ χαρὰ ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ». Φωτίζου, Φωτίζου λοιπόν, ἡ Νέα Ἱερουσαλήμ.

Πῶς μετὰ ἀπὸ αὐτὰ νὰ μὴ γεμίζει χαρὰ τὸ στόμα μας καὶ εὐφροσύνη ἡ καρδιά μας, ὅταν ἔστω καὶ ἁμαρτωλοί, ψάλλουμε τό «Χριστὸς ἀνέστη»; Δυὸ μόνο λέξεις. Καὶ ὅμως, πόσο μιλᾶνε στὴ καρδιὰ τοῦ κάθε Χριστιανοῦ! Δυὸ λέξεις. Ἀλλὰ τί μήνυμα μᾶς μεταφέρουν! Πόσοι αἰῶνες πέρασαν ἀπὸ Ἡ ἀνάσταση τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἶναι ἐγγύηση ὅτι καὶ μεῖς θὰ ὅταν γιὰ πρώτη φορὰ ἀντήχησαν ἀπὸ ἀγγέλου στόμα! Δύο ἀναστηθοῦμε. Εἶναι ἕνας ἀρραβώνας. Ἡ πίστη μας στὴν χιλιάδες χρόνια. Καὶ ὅμως. Τὸ μήνυμά τους εἶναι πάντοτε νέο, ἀνάσταση τοῦ Χριστοῦ εἶναι μιὰ μνηστεία. Ἡ μνηστεία μας μὲ χαροποιό, ἀπαράμιλλο, μοναδικό. τὴν αἰώνια ζωή. Τώρα ὁ ἀρραβώνας. Στὴν Δευτέρα Παρουσία Τὸ μήνυμα τῆς ἀναστάσεως εἶναι τὸ μήνυμα καὶ ἡ βεβαίωση τοῦ Κυρίου μας θὰ γίνει ὁ γάμος. «Ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμέ, κἄν τῆς σωτηρίας. Εἶναι ἡ ἀσφάλεια καὶ ἡ ἐγγύηση τῆς σωτηρίας. ἀποθάνῃ ζήσεται», εἶπε ὁ Κύριος (Ἰωάν. 11,25). Ὁ Χριστὸς ἔκαμε τὴν ἀρχή. Θὰ ἀκολουθήσουμε. «Πρῶτον ὁ Χριστός· Εἶναι ἕνα μήνυμα, ὅτι ὁ Χριστὸς μὲ τὸ Σταυρὸ Του «κατέλυσε ἔπειτα οἱ τοῦ Χριστοῦ», λέγει ὁ ἅγιος ἀπόστολος Παῦλος (Α’ τὸν θάνατον», ἔθραυσε τὶς πύλες τοῦ ἅδη καὶ ἐλευθέρωσε τοὺς δεσμίους του, ποὺ δέθηκαν μὲ τὰ δεσμὰ τοῦ διαβόλου Κορ. 15,23). ἐκεῖ, ἐπειδὴ εἶχαν δεθεῖ μὲ τὰ δεσμὰ τῆς ἁμαρτίας καὶ Πόσο θλιβερὴ θὰ ἦταν ἡ ζωή μας χωρὶς τὴν πίστη καὶ τὴν σαρκολατρείας ἐδῶ. ἐλπίδα τῆς ἀναστάσεώς μας! Τί εἶναι ὁ τάφος χωρὶς τὴν ἐλπίδα τῆς ἀναστάσεως; Σκοτάδι, Ἀπελπισία. Πίκρα. Πόσοι προφῆτες καὶ βασιλεῖς ἐπιθύμησαν νὰ δοῦν τὴν ἡμέρα τοῦ Κυρίου! Πόσοι νοσταλγοῦσαν τὴν ἀνάσταση! Καὶ ὅμως, Ἀπογοήτευση. Τί δίνει ἡ ἀνάσταση τοῦ Χριστοῦ; Χαρά. οὔτε τὰ ἄκουσαν οὔτε τὰ εἶδαν. Γι’ αὐτὸ ὁ Κύριος εἶπε στοὺς Ἐλπίδα. Φῶς. Θάρρος. Ἐνθουσιασμό. Πόσο δίκιο ἔχουν οἱ Πατέρες μας, ποὺ ὕμνησαν τὸν ἀναστάντα Σωτήρα Χριστὸ μὲ ἀποστόλους Του: «Ὑμῶν, ὅμως, εἶναι μακάριοι οἱ ὀφθαλμοί, τὰ λόγια: «Προσέλθωμεν λαμπαδηφόροι, τῷ προϊόντι Χριστῷ διότι τὰ βλέπουν». Καὶ γιὰ μᾶς εἶπε: «Καί σᾶς, εἶναι μακάρια ἐκ τοῦ μνήματος ὡς Νυμφίῳ. Καὶ συνεορτάσωμεν ταῖς τὰ ὦτα (τὰ αὐτιά σας), διότι ἀκοῦτε» τὸ κήρυγμα τῆς φιλεόρτοις τάξεσι Πάσχα Χριστοῦ τὸ σωτήριον». ἀναστάσεως, τὸ Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη. Τώρα εἴμαστε στὸ δρόμο. Βαδίζομε γιὰ τὴν αἰώνια ζωή. Ἐδῶ εἴμαστε ξένοι καὶ πάροικοι. Ἐδῶ εἶναι τόπος ἑτοιμασίας. Πατρίδα μας εἶναι ἡ ἄνω Ἱερουσαλήμ, ἡ Ἐκκλησία τῶν πρωτοτόκων. Ἐδῶ σπέρνομε. Ἐδῶ ἐργαζόμαστε μὲ τὸν ἱδρώτα τοῦ προσώπου μας. Θλιβόμαστε. Κοπιάζομε. Τοὺς καρποὺς θὰ τοὺς δρέψουμε εἰς «τὰς αἰωνίους μονάς», στὸ Παράδεισο. Φαίνεται, πὼς ἡ ζωὴ στὴ γῆ περνάει τόσο γοργά, σὰν χείμαρρος. Σβήνει πρὶν προφθάσεις νὰ τὴν καταλάβεις. Πρὶν τὴν γευθεῖς. Καὶ ὅμως. Γιὰ ὅσους πιστεύουν στὴν ἀνάσταση τοῦ Κυρίου, ἡ γαλήνη καὶ ἡ παρηγοριὰ τῆς γλυκιᾶς χαραυγῆς τῆς κοινῆς ἀναστάσεως τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς φωτίζει καὶ τὶς καρδιές, καὶ τὶς διάνοιες καὶ τὰ ζοφερὰ σκοτάδια, ποὺ ἁπλώνει γύρω τους ἡ παγωνιὰ τῆς ἀποστασίας καὶ τῆς www.annunciationorthodox.org

Ἡμέρα τοῦ Κυρίου εἶναι ἡ ἀνάσταση, ἡ ἡμέρα τῆς ἀναστάσεως. Ἡμέρα σωτηρίας εἶναι ἡ Ἀνάσταση, ἡ ἡμέρα τῆς ἀναστάσεως. Πρέπει νὰ εἶναι καὶ ἡμέρα χαρᾶς. Χαρᾶς ἐσωτερικῆς. Χαρᾶς βαθειᾶς. Χαρᾶς ἀναφαιρέτου. Χαρᾶς ἁγιασμένης καὶ πεπληρωμένης. Τὸ προφητικὸ παράγγελμά μας τὸ λέει σαφῶς: «Αὕτη ἡ ἡμέρα Κυρίου. Ἀγαλλιασώμεθα καὶ εὐφρανθῶμεν ἐν αὐτῇ». Χαίρετε, ἀδελφοί, χαίρετε. Τὸ μήνυμα τοῦ ἀγγέλου δὲν ἦταν μόνο γιὰ τὴν ἁγνὴ Παρθένο. Ἦταν καὶ γιά μᾶς. Καὶ γιὰ ὅλα τὰ τέκνα τοῦ ἐπουρανίου Πατρός μας. «Ὁ ἄγγελος ἐβόα τῇ Κεχαριτωμένῃ: ἁγνὴ Παρθένε, χαῖρε! Καὶ πάλιν ἐρῶ: Χαῖρε! Ὁ σὸς Υἱὸς ἀνέστη τριήμερος ἐκ τάφου». Χαίρετε, διότι ὁ The Annunciator/2017 PAGE 14

N e w s & Ev e n t s i n G r e e k Χριστὸς μετὰ τὴ δύση τοῦ θανάτου Του στὸ Σταυρό, «καὶ αὖθις ἐκ τοῦ τάφου ὡραῖος, δικαιοσύνης ἡμῖν ἐλαμψεν Ἥλιος». Ἄδυτος πλέον. Φῶς ἀνέσπερο. «Χριστὸς ἐγερθεὶς ἐκ νεκρῶν οὐκέτι ἀποθνήσκει. Θάνατος Αὐτοῦ οὐκέτι κυριεύει.» Χαίρετε, ἀδελφοί. Ὁ Χριστός, ἀναστὰς ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἔστειλε τοὺς δούλους Του στὶς πλατεῖες καὶ τὰ σταυροδρόμια νὰ προσκαλέσουν τοὺς πάντες (χωλούς, ἀναπήρους, τυφλούς, παραλύτους κ.λπ.) στὸ δεῖπνο Του, ὥς ὅτου πληρωθεῖ ὁ οἶκος Του! Δέχεται τοὺς πάντες, ἀρκεῖ νὰ ἔχουν ἔνδυμα γάμου, δηλ. μετάνοια.

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΕΣ ΙΕΡΕΣ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΕΣ Αποδοσις του Πάσχα αγρυπνία Τρίτη 23 Μαΐου — Αρχίζει στις 9:00μμ (Λειτουργία στα μεσάνυχτα). ΤΗΣ ΑΝΑΛΗΨΕΩΣ: Πεμπτη, 25 Μαίου 8:30 πμ Ορθρος 9:30 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΚΛΟΙ ΜΕΛΕΤΗΣ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΓΡΑΦΗΣ «Ο λόγος σου είναι φώς στην οδον μου»

Μὲ ποιὰ ἐπίγεια χαρὰ μπορεῖ νὰ συγκριθεῖ ἡ χαρὰ τῆς ἀναστάσεως, ἡ χαρὰ ποὺ μᾶς φυτεύει στὴ ψυχὴ ἡ πίστη καὶ ἡ Κύκλος Γυναικών Αγίας Γραφής ἐλπίδα τῆς ἀναστάσεως; Ἰδοὺ τί προσδοκῶ: Ἀνάσταση Τρίτη: 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Μαίου στις 10:00 πμ νεκρῶν καὶ ζωὴν τοῦ μέλλοντος αἰῶνος. Προσδοκῶ νὰ γίνω με την Πρεσβυτέρα Παναγιώτα Βρυώνη κληρονόμος τῶν αἰωνίων ἀγαθῶν καὶ μέτοχος τῆς Θείας δόξης (Ρωμ. 8,18). Κύκλος Πνευματικής Μελέτης περί Ορθοδοξίας Πέμπτη: 3, 17, 24 & 31 Μαίου στις 9:30 πμ «Αὕτη ἡ ἡμέρα Κυρίου. Ἀγαλλιασώμεθα καὶ εὐφθρανθῶμεν ἐν αὐτῇ». ****************** Ναί, ἀδελφοί. Πρέπει νὰ χαίρομαι. Νὰ χαίρουμε ὅλοι. Νὰ σκιρτᾶμε ἀπὸ χαρὰ ὁλόκληροι. Καὶ χαίροντες, πρέπει νὰ εὐχαριστοῦμε τὸν Κύριο. Νὰ ὑμνολογοῦμε τὸν Αἴτιον τῆς Ἀναστάσεως, τὸν μόνον εὐλογητὸ τῶν Πατέρων Θεόν, τὸν ὑπερένδοξοξον Ἰησοῦ Χριστό, διὰ τὸ μέγα καὶ ἄπειρον ἔλεός Του. Καὶ νὰ ὑμνοῦμε τὴν Ἀνάστασή Του. Καὶ μὲ πίστη ὀρθή, μὲ ἀγάπη θερμή, μὲ ἐλπίδα ἀκλινῆ, μὲ τὸ βλέμμα στραμμένο στοῦ Χριστοῦ τὴ μορφή, ἐξ ὅλης ψυχῆς καὶ ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας, μὲ καρδιὰ ποὺ πιστεύει ἀκράδαντα καὶ χείλη ποὺ ὁμολογοῦν χωρὶς δισταγμούς, νὰ ψάλλουμε τό, ἀκόμη καὶ γιὰ τοὺς ἀγγέλους, γλυκύτατο μελώδημα τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μας, τὸ Χριστὸς ἀνέστη. ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΑ της Εκκλησίας μας ΒΑΠΤΙΣΕΙΣ Όσοι εις Χριστόν εβαπτίσθητε, Χριστόν ενεδύσασθε. Αλληλούϊα»

29 Απριλίου: Παναγιώτα ( Πίπερ) θυγατέρα Μιχαήλ και Χριστίνας Φρέτρικ με ανάδοχους την Εμιλία και Αμη Κιάρη.

30 Απριλίου: Αριάδνη (Αριάνα), θυγατέρα Κωνσταντίνου και Λεμονιάς Παπαζέκος με ανάδοχο την Ευδοξία Μαδονή. ΚΗΔΕΙΕΣ: «Εγώ είμαι η οδός και η αλήθεια και η ζωή»

11 Απριλίου: Κετρουτ Μυλωνάς (97 ετών) 18 Απριλίου: Αλέξης Φράγγου (67 ετών) 19 Απριλίου: Γουωλες Βλάσση (92 ετών)

www.annunciationorthodox.org

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. ****************************** ΑΠΟΦΟΙΤΗΣΗ ΚΑΤΗΧΗΤΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ: Κυριακή, 21 Μαίου μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία ΓΙΟΡΤΗ ΑΠΟΦΟΙΤΗΣΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ Τετάρτη, 24 Μαίου στις 5:15 μμ ΤΡΙΣΑΓΙΑ ΣΤΑ ΚΟΙΜΗΤΗΡΙΑ: ∆ΕΥΤΕΡΑ 29 Μαίου 9:00 πμ Μεννοναιτ Κοιμητήριον 9:30 πμ Κονεστόγα Μεμόριαλ Παρκ 10:15 πμ Μελλινγερς Κοιμητήριον 10:30 πμ Λάγκαστερ Κοιμητήριον 11:45 πμ Κότσβιλλ Κοιμητήριον

∆ΕΙΠΝΟ ΦΙΛΟΠΤΩΧΟΥ: Τρίτη 9 Μαίου 6:00 μμ στο εστιατόριο Brickerville House, Lititz. $24 το άτομο. Επιλoγή πιάτου: Κοτόπουλο με ρύζι και σπανακόπιττα ή Ψάρι με καβούρι, πατάτες και σπανακόπιττα. Το δείπνο θα περιλαμβάνει σαλάτα, ποτό και γλυκό. Για κρατήσεις επικοινωνέιστε με την Ιωάννα Μαρτιν @ 286-3531 ή την Εφη Χόκαν @ 618-889-6389. Το βαν της εκκλησίας θα αναχωρήση στις 5:15 μμ. Τηλεφωνήστε στο γραφείο της εκκλησία μας για κράτηση θέσης The Annunciator/ 2017 PAGE 14

Parish Council Minutes, Members in Attendance: Maria Querry, James Voulopos, John Stauffer, Kim Keares, James Diamantoni, Manny Firoglanis, David Gammache, Helen Hazatones, Kaliopi Karomfily, Dr. Tom Miller, Dr. Spencer Phillips, Artemis Tsoflias, Chris Xakellis, Fr. Firoglanis Members Absent: George Soukas (E), Keith Bartlett (E), Nicholas Veronis (E), Peter Billis (E), George Katsaros (E), Dr.Olga Pratt (E ) The minutes of the February 21, 2017 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Jim Voulopos and seconded by Dave Gammache.

Sharing the Faith: Fr . Hector Fir oglanis offer ed a commentar y on the Mar ch Annunciator ar ticle, “Don’t Let Your Hear ts Get Stolen,” encouraging all to use Lent as a time to renew our focus on leading Christ-centered lives every day of the week.

Financial Report: John Stauffer presented the Income Statement as of February 28, 2017 (details listed below), noting an increase in fund balance of over $25,000. A motion was made to approve the report by Dave Gammache and seconded by Spencer Phillips.

2017 Actual February 2017 Budget Income 144,973.76 143,078.92 Expenses 119,591.45 123,555.37 Increase in Fund Balance 25,382.31 19,523.55 Bazaar: Kosta Kontanis presented a final report on the 2016 Annual Bazaar. He also provided a ten year comparison of platter sales.

Highlights include: $282,000 total income, with net income up from last year as well, making it the best year to date. Reports show that the increase in ticket price has not negatively impacted sales. The decrease in platter sales is attributed to the increase in a-la-carte sales, which is a more profitable income and up over 10% from last year. The total pre-sale ticket income (minus credit card transaction fees) is $83,382.82, at $12/ticket. The total door-sale ticket income is $16,332.00, at $14/ticket.

Gyrofest: A committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28. Tickets and posters have been distributed. Unclaimed tickets are being sent via US Mail. Please use Facebook, other social media outlets, and the available posters and yard signs to promote the event.

Finance: Helen Hazatones suggested r esear ching the possible str uctur e for the use of the Pat Petr akis Youth Endowment Fund.

She will follow up on this item. Fr. Hector reported that recipients have been selected for the distribution the 2016 Excess Philanthropy Funds. They are: Peter and Sharon Georges, for Orthodox Christian orphanage work in Uganda, $1000, Jesse Brando, for Orthodox Christian missionary work in Guatemala, $1000, Ages Initiative, for use of their Atlanta-based digital church services, $500 Diocesan Syria Relief Refugee Fundraiser, Bishop requested, $500, Project Mexico supplemental, remaining balance $1362.88 Mission Parish: Fr. Alex Gousettis and Nadine Fegley presented an update on the liturgical and financial standings of the Transfiguration Parish. Highlights include: Hours and Divine Liturgy are offered each Sunday with an average attendance of 40-50 people. A fellowship meal follows to encourage growing relationships. Vespers for feast days and saints’ days are offered twice monthly, plus Lenten services.

Volunteer cantors rotate on Sundays and other days for liturgical responses. Choir group practice is lead by Fr. Michael Slovesko, retired OCA priest with a gift for music. Orthodox study groups meet on a regular basis.

The parish participates in several outreach opportunities, including Peter’s Porch and Second Fridays.

An advisory board meets about every six weeks to discuss present and future plans for the mission. With the guidance of Treasurer George Soukas, two people count the offerings every service, sign the prescribed form, and deliver the envelope to the Annunciation office for posting.

Sherry Anderson oversees the Quickbooks accounting system and generates reports on a monthly basis, including Stewardship totals, Profit/Loss statement, Balance Sheet (cash balance) and detailed ledger of activity.

Parish Activities: Helen Hazatones reported on hosting an after-Pascha coffee fellowship in lieu of the meal. It will be advertised in the bulletin. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Helen or the church office. There will also be a free-will offering to supplement the Sunday School mission box campaign.

Property: David Gammache reported: New server for the computer system was installed by KDI. New van was purchased for $23,122, under the $27,000 budget. The van is a 2016 Ford Transit 350 XLT purchased from Pine Tree Motors in Ephrata. The leaking portion of the flat roof that was replaced by RL Sensenig Co. in Ephrata, along with rerouting down spouts where necessary or recommended.

Service and Outreach: J oanne Mar tin submitted that the war m clothing, winter wear , blankets, and coat dr ive continues to be successful. Many of these items were given to the homeless and those in need during the Community Breakfast at First Reform Church on Orange Street in mid-March, just prior to the snowstorm. All other items were delivered to Lancaster Council of Churches. They are still accepting non-perishable food items. Please consider giving a monetary donation to support LCCC Fresh Food funds.

Stewardship: Niko Ver onis submitted: Pledges to date ar e $427,851 with 284 stewar ds pledged. Ther e is an incr ease in the amount of higher pledges, but fewer overall pledges. The committee will explore this decrease at its next meeting. Father Hector is sending personal notes of gratitude to the higher stewards. The committee is continuing to work on a parish demographics survey. A committee meeting is planned for the week after Easter in April.

Technology: Kim Keares reported that online ticket sales have been implemented for Gyrofest.

Youth: Fr. Hector submitted recent and upcoming events: GOYA/JOY/HOPE, March 10-11 – Goya Eastern Region Lock-In at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in Reading., Every Friday during Lent – GOYA Lenten movie and discussions, following Salutations Prayer Services. Sunday, March 19 – Family Night. March 31-April 2 – GOYA Spring Retreat at Camp Nazareth. OCF and Young Adults OCF Meetings on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm after the Presanctified Liturgy and potluck dinner. March 17-19 – OCF Retreat at Camp Nazareth.

Old Business: Building Ad-hoc Committee Kosta Kontanis presented a brief update on the status of the renovation plans. He has gathered feedback from many church groups and will schedule a meeting after Lent to discuss next steps. A recommendation was made to present plans to the church at-large in the early Fall in preparation to seek approvals at December’s general assembly. Kosta also recommends that we look into the options for annexing additional parking from the vacant lot adjacent to our property. An ad-hoc committee, including council members Dave Gammache and Jim Voulopos, will explore these parking options.

Metropolis Volunteer Award Nomination: Kosta Kotanis and Alex Schramm have accepted St. Photios Award Nominations for their outstanding volunteerism at Annunciation.

Assistant Priest: We currently have second chalice assistance from Frs. Veronis and Ugolnik. There are not many younger, newly ordained priests available at this time. Fr. Hector is considering, with the Bishops council, to bring in a young seminarian as a youth director and lay assistant, that once ordained, can remain as our second full-time priest. We are one of three large parishes in the metropolis currently looking for a second priest.

New Year’s Eve Dance: The Pan Coan Society is hosting a 2017 New Year’s Eve Dance at Bent Creek County Club. More details to come.

New Business: Education Committee Proposal:Tom Miller submitted that the committee held it’s first meeting on February 26. Topics discussed included: Committee Purpose. The part of us humans which is able to perceive and commune with God is our Nous. It functions much like a radio that picks up signals. But there are many signals in our world that compete with God’s signal to mankind His Grace. The goal of this committee is to help the parish to find ways to tune the nous of the parishioners to receive God’s grace. This involves education, or morphose, to shape a person’s perception and communion with God. This requires more than giving information about God.The proposed areas of focus, with three subcommittees to support them are Sunday School, Retreats and Seminars and Small Study Groups.

Many wonderful ideas were offered by persons attending the meeting. The enthusiasm with which they were offered indicates a high level of interest in moving forward with the committee’s plans. A motion to approve the formation of the educational committee and its goals by Helen Hazatones and seconded by Artemis Tsoflias.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 PM with a closing prayer.

Respectfully Submitted, Kim Keares, Parish Council Secretary

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Liturgies for May Leave-taking (Apodosis) of Pascha Vigil Tuesday, May 23, beginning at 9pm Paschal Canon with midnight Liturgy (Last time we sing “Christ is Risen” for this Paschal Season) Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ Thursday, May 25 Orthros - 8:30am Liturgy - 9:30am