GOOD NEWS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION, ROCHESTER, NY

www.annunciationrochester.org

A New Archon Father Catalin expands on the elevation of a new Archon from our community

November 2014

October Photos Check out the middle spread of this month’s Good News for lots of photos

962 East Ave · Rochester, NY 14607

Class of 2014 Where are they now? Updates on our recent high school graduates

Photos Courtesy of Dori Stathopoulos

MESSAGE FROM FR. CATALIN My dear parishioners and friends,

O

n Sunday October 19, I had the privilege to participate at The Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York City, on the ceremony of induction of the newly elected Archons of The Ecumenical Patriarchate, Order of Saint Andrew.

Among the newly elected Archons, was our own president of the Parish Council, Mr. Demetrios Stathopoulos. It was a very moving ceremony and I was honored and very proud to be with Jim on this special occasion of his life! I want to congratulate Jim and his family and to wish him all the best and success on the new dignity that he holds as a lay person in Our Church! ΠΑΝΤΑ ΑΞΙΟΣ! I will give you a little background to help you understand what really an archon is. The Order of St. Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was organized on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 10, 1966 when His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos conferred upon thirty outstanding laymen of the Church the various Offikion or Offices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on behalf of His All Holiness Patriarch Athenagoras of blessed memory. They were honored because of their love, loyalty and support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and their contribution to its advancement and welfare. The Offikia for the Order of St. Andrew derive from some of the most prestigious offices of the ancient world. Originating in the Ancient Greek City-States, these civic offices were transformed when the Roman Empire embraced the Christian faith during the fourth century. As a consequence of this transition, not only were the office holders important leaders of the Christian community, the offices themselves took on specific religious responsibilities for the service and promotion of the faith in the Roman Empire. The ancient order of Archons is, in fact, the oldest and most prestigious honor that can be bestowed upon a layman in the entire Christian world. The Order of St. Andrew meets annually and celebrates on November 30, which is the feast day of Saint Andrew the Apostle who is the Patron Saint and namesake of the Organization. The fundamental goal of the Order of St. Andrew is directed at an ongoing concern for religious freedom and the defense and advancement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. With all my love in Christ, I remain, prayerfully yours, His humble servant, +Father Catalin

NOVEMBER EVENTS NOVEMBER 2, SUNDAY

Fall General Assembly immediately following the Divine Liturgy. All members in good standing of the Church of the Annunciation are encouraged to attend. In the event we do not have a quorum, the General Assembly will be held on the alternate date of Monday, November 3, 2014 at 7:00 PM.

NOVEMBER 8, SATURDAY

Our entire community is invited to a banquet and dance celebrating 60 years of GOYA Youth Ministry at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. The festivities will begin at 6:00 PM. Reserved seating tickets can be purchased on Sundays or Monday-Friday between 9-5 from the Church Office.

NOVEMBER 14-16, FRIDAY-SUNDAY

If you’re reading this, it’s not too late! Annunciation Rochester is joining together with Annunciation Buffalo to send a group of teenagers to Sterling Heights, MI for the annual Holiday Hoops basketball tournament. A bus will leave Annunciation at 4:00 PM Friday the 14th and will return late on the night of Sunday the 16th. If you’re interested, please email Niko Tzetzis at [email protected]. Particpant cost: $195 and includes transportation, hotel, and food for the weekend.

NOVEMBER 15, SATURDAY

On Saturday November 15th, we are planning a day trip to St. Kosmas Aitolos Monastery, Bolton, Canada. For more info please call Despina at 966-9055 or Presvytera Felicia at 752-7432. The Nativity Fast begins on November 15.

NOVEMBER 18, TUESDAY

Join us for our monthly Family Night of Faith. Each month on the third Tuesday, we will have a potluck dinner at the church along with a short service and a family-friendly discussion about our faith. We hope to see you there!

NOVEMBER 29, SATURDAY

Please join us for a social event, Saturday, November 29 at 5:00pm for a private screening of a Greek Comedy film, Christmas with the Karountzoses by Robert Krantz. He is the owner of Ellinas Multimedia, producer and actor in Do You Wanna Dance?, author of Falling in Love with Sophia. Lenten Mezedes & wine will be served. We would encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance for $10 in parish hall or call Eleni 309-1893, Patty 737-7130 or Pres. Felicia 752-7432.

PARISH COUNCIL

ANNOUNCEMENTS

OFFICERS

Beginning on Saturday, November 1st, we will hold Saturday evening Vespers services at 5PM weekly except when they conflict with events. Please check our website at www.annunciationrochester.org/calendar for more information.

Demetrios Stathopoulos

Eric Vangellow

President

Dorothea Sanchez

Dr. Kathryn Markakis

1st Vice President

Treasurer Secretary

Dr. Stamatia Destounis

Amiel Mokhiber Jr. Asst Secretary 2nd Vice President

Annunciation offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 27) and the day after Thanksgiving (November 28).

PARISH CLERGY & STAFF

MEMBERS Maria Aslani-Breit

Tasos Kolokouris

Philip Broikos

Chris Theodorou

Helen Eisenberg

Van Zissis

Julie Eveleigh

The Nativity Fast begins on Saturday, November 15th. The fast is a light fast (fish allowed) until December 12th. On the 12th, the fast is a strict fast until Christmas.

Rev. Fr. Catalin Mot, Proistamenos Rev. Fr. Jerry Tasikas, Emeritus Priest Nicolaos Tzetzis, Youth Director Sylvia Bauer, Parish Administrator

CONTACT US Voice: (585) 244-3377 Fax: (585) 244-3388 Email: [email protected] Web: annunciationrochester.org Greek Fest on the Web: rochestergreekfestival.org

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

REGISTRY

DATE: Sunday, November 2, 2014 TIME: Immediately following the Divine Liturgy. In the event we do not BAPTISMS have quorum, a second General Assembly will be held on the alternate date of Elena Ava Forties, daughter of Robert Monday, November 3, 2014 at 7:00pm. Forties & Christina Gallis (Forties) was baptized on September 27, 2014

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS

DATE: Sunday, December 14, 2014 TIME: Polls open immediately after Divine Liturgy until 1:30pm.

Tristan Thomas Cross, son of Jesse Cross & Tatiana Sekella (Cross) was baptized on September 28, 2014

CORRECTION TO NOMINATIONS: The five (5) members whose term of office ends this year are: Demetrios Stathopoulos, Dorothea Sanchez, Chris WEDDINGS Theodorou and two (2) vacant seats. George Pateras & Fani Stoinis Van Zissis term ends in 2016 and was erroneously reported as ending this year were married on September 27, 2014 in the October Good News. Christopher Louis-Macpherson Harmon According to our Bylaws, nominations for Parish Council are open now until & Alexandria Christina Andricopoulos Monday, November 10, 2014. Each candidate nominated, to be eligible for were married on October 11, 2014 election, must consent to his/her nomination in writing at least fifteen (15) days David Gregory Daggett & prior to elections, by Monday, November 24, 2014. Zoe Marie Kostarellis

ABSENTEE BALLOTS: The last day to request Absentee Ballots is were married on October 11, 2014 Monday, December 1, 2014. Absentee ballot you receive must be mailed Joseph Justin Pace & Panagiota Vasiliou back in the envelopes provided, to the Board of Elections Post Office Box by were married on October 18, 2014 Friday, December 12, 2014. Please direct any questions to a member of the Board Elections: Vickie Makovsky, Chairman (585.967.8931) Angie Laloggia (585.217.8863) Nitsa Hristodoulou (585.309.1893) Patricia Linares (585.789.0176)

IN MEMORIAM Chris Calendar

was interred on October 25, 2014

MEMORIALS NOVEMBER 2

Virginia Rockas (40 Days)

SERVICE SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 1, SATURDAY

Sts. Cosmas and Damianos Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

NOVEMBER 8, SATURDAY

Synaxis of Archangels Michael & Gabriel Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

NOVEMBER 13, THURSDAY

St. John Chrysostom Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

NOVEMBER 21, FRIDAY

Entry of the Theotokos Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

NOVEMBER 25, TUESDAY

St. Katherine Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

DECEMBER 4, THURSDAY

St. Barbara Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

DECEMBER 6, SATURDAY

St. Nicholas Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

SATURDAY SERVICES Vespers 5:00 pm

SUNDAY SERVICES

Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday School begins after Communion Sunday School ends at 12:00 pm

Memorial Service and Coffee Hour

Mabel Issa (40 Days)

Memorial Service and Coffee Hour

Diamanto Psomiadis (40 Days) Memorial Service and Coffee Hour

NOVEMBER 9 Christ Kerxhalli

Memorial Service and Coffee Hour

Helen Kerxhalli

Memorial Service and Coffee Hour

Ronald Wiegand

Memorial Service and Coffee Hour

Mildred Wiegand, Sr.

Memorial Service and Coffee Hour

NOVEMBER 23 Nicolaos Tzetzis

Memorial Service and Coffee Hour

OCTOBER IN PHOTOS

LEFT PAGE

Top: Group photo from Columbus Day Picnic at Mendon Ponds Park Left & Bottom: Kids and Teenagers at Columbus Day Picnic Center & Right: Doughnut eating contest at the Pumpkin Patch Party at Annunciation on October 26

RIGHT PAGE

Top & Middle: Pumpkin Patch Party at Annunciation on October 26 Bottom: Annunciation Representation at Archon Banquet Bottom Right: Signature of Annunciation Rochester representatives on the foundation of St. Nicholas at the World Trade Center, NYC

CLASS OF 2014 PJ MANOU

Graduate of Webster Schroeder High School, Class of 2014. Enrolled in the 2+2 Program and will be studying at MCC and transferring to Nazareth College to pursuit a career in Adolescent Education plans to finish his masters at Nazareth College and start teaching in high schools throughout the City of Rochester. With time, hopes to find a high school English teaching position back in Webster.

DINA LOVERDE

Graduated from Penfield High School and attending St. John Fisher College in the fall, majoring in communications. She has received the Service Scholars Scholarship and a merit based scholarship, and is very excited to be living on campus as well. Dina has been very involved in her community throughout high school, volunteering for a variety of local charities through school and is grateful to be able to continue her services through St. John Fisher College. As in high school, she will be participating in many clubs and school activities, such as the Drama Club, and would also love to study abroad in Europe. She will also be continuing her study of the Spanish language, hoping to become fluent enough to be considered tri-lingual, along with her already fluent English and Greek. After college, Dina plans to go to graduate school, and hopefully get a job in the Public-Relations and communications field that allows her to travel the world!

JESSIKA BAUER

Graduated with Valedictory Honors from Greece Athena High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society and received the Presidents Gold Award for Educational Excellence and the AP Scholar with Honor Award. While in high school, she was a member of the HS Chorus, HS Band and played on the Athena JV Soccer team. She is currently attending Canisius College where she received a Dean’s Academic Scholarship. She is majoring in Biology with a Pre-med track.

ALEXANDRA GEOCA

Allie graduated from Penfield High School and will be attending George Washington University in the Fall. She played singles tennis on the varsity team since sophomore year and was Captain as a senior, and spent the rest of her time dancing. She is on the Spins competition team and dances hiphop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, broadway, and ballet. She held the PR position in the Penfield chapter of the National Honor Society, and has done much volunteer work for them. She played the upright bass in the school orchestra, band, and jazz ensemble, and hopes to play jazz at GW. In addition she hopes to dance at GW.

DAPHNE CHRISTIDIS

Graduated with honors from Fairport High School. During her time at FHS she was actively involved in Drama Club, and starred in several plays such as “Animal Farm” and “The Outsiders.” She co-directed all Johanna Perrin Middle School plays for the past 4 years. She was inducted in the National Honors Society and the Spanish NHS. She received the AP Scholar with Honor Award in recognition of exemplary college-level achievement on Advanced Placement Program Examinations. In church, she enjoyed being part of the dance group “Nea Parea.” She was also actively involved in GOYA where she served as Treasurer and as Secretary. She is currently attending Hofstra University where she plans to double major in Public Relations and Drama.

VASILIKI BITSAS

Is an alumni of 2014. The highlights of her senior year include teaching Pre-K Greek School and Greek dance. She also considers the last few weeks of her high school to be another highlight; from ball with her fellow classmates to senior banquet to graduation. Vasiliki is currently attending Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania for fashion merchandising and management.

JOHN LALOGGIA

Son of Angie and Frank LaLoggia, graduated from Webster Schroeder High School. He was a member of both the National Honor and Spanish Honor Societies, and received the Chris Mayo award for Excellence in Speech. He is attending Bucknell University in Lewisburg PA, pursuing studies in Psychology. He earned a Presidential Fellowship at Bucknell, and as a Fellow is currently assisting in the making of a local documentary, and doing legal research for the Lewisburg Prison Project, an advocacy organization for rights of prisoners.

JOHN VANGELLOW

John is an AP graduate of Pittsford Mendon High School. He contributed and participated in many community service projects. During the summers he has volunteered his time at the Pittsford youth soccer camp. John was on the Varsity Soccer team for 4 years at Mendon. His senior year he served as head captain and lead his team to a State Championship. John is studying at Furman University in Greenville, SC where he is majoring in Biology and Business. He is also the school newspaper photographer while at Furman.

MICHAEL MANOU

Graduated from Penfield High School and was High Honor Roll student all 4 years. I have participated in many community service events and was team captain of the Penfield Varsity Basketball team. I am attending SUNY Brockport to major in Accounting and am considering trying out for the basketball team.

ANNUNCIATION YOUTH SOCIAL MEDIA

   🔗 ✉

facebook.com/annunciationrocyouth @ annunrocyouth @ annunrocyouth annunciationrochester.org/youth [email protected]

TO THE COLLEGE STUDENTS In anticipation of Thanksgiving that is just around the corner, welcome home! I hope your first year off at school is treating you well. I remember my first year of school well, and I know that the last couple of month have been full of advice from professors, advisors, and parents. I won’t bog you down with advice, but I do want to offer a few remarks to you all on behalf of the community. We’re really excited to have you all come home. When college students leave for school, they leave a huge hole in their homes, and I know that this community misses you all. Ivey and I had barely moved to Rochester when you all graduated, so I don’t know you all as well as I’d like, but I’ve heard from your parents and grandparents about how you’re doing in school. You are all they talk about, honestly. If we haven’t met yet, please come introduce yourself to me when you’re home visiting. I’d love to get to know you all. Also know that we are here for you if you need to talk. Your first semester may have been a breeze, but it also

might have been one of the most confusing few months of your life. More likely than not, it was somewhere in the middle. Your family is going to be really excited to talk to your about your first semester. If you want to talk to me or to Father Catalin, though, send one of us an email ([email protected] or [email protected]). Finally, as the Greeks say, “good strength” on your finals. Here comes the advice I said I wouldn’t give. Study hard, don’t take your weekends off every weekend, and find a church in the area. Not only is church a nice break from the intensity of your studies, but you’d be surprised what kind of professional connections you can make if you find an Orthodox church near your school.

In Christ, Niko

SPIRITUAL TRAINING FOR CHRIST(MAS) by Youth Director Niko Tzetzis “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.”

M

- 2 Timothy 2:5-7 (NRSV)

If you haven’t guessed yet, I am going to parallel this training with our lives as Orthodox Christians. As Orthodox Christians, we’ve committed to a life of training in our faith. Just like athletes:

• We each have a support network (family, koumbaroi, Godparents, friends, etc.)

• We have a strict diet (periods of fasting and feasting) y wife Ivey and I are training for a Century - a one • We have a variety of different methods of training

day, 100 mile bike ride. Our goal is to train enough that we could tackle a bike ride of this length by this upcoming May, but it’s going to take a lot of discipline to get there. To successfully complete a century, we’re going to need to train hard. The first step toward training is going to be to start riding more often. We’ll want to slowly increase the amount we ride our bikes each week. Last week we logged 30-40 miles, and next week, we’ll want to get up to around 50 miles. The next step in our training is to ride for longer at a time. Right now we can go about 20 miles in one ride without collapsing from exhaustion, but we’re going to need to work on bumping that limit up. Once spring comes around, we’re going to need to train by regularly biking out from our house in the Corn Hill area out to Fairport and back. While we’re focusing on our bike work, we’re going to need to make some pretty significant changes to our diet. We are going to need to cut out the junk food, and we’re going to have to put a lot of attention into what we eat and when we eat.

Finally, we’re going to need to do some off-the-bike training, too. Winter is almost here, and that means we probably won’t get to ride around much. I grew up in Syracuse, so I know these Upstate NY winters well. We are going to need to work with a trainer at our gym. We’ll mix up spin classes with weight training and a lot of cardio. We know that training for this kind of ride will have longlasting health benefits, so we are willing to sacrifice our time and energy to make it work. The best part about this training? I never ever thought I’d be able to do it. I’ve always told myself that I’m not the athletic type. I always thought that training was for other people.

• •

(different church services, prayers at home, silent time, confession) We work with a trainer (our spiritual father/parish priest) We strive for short and long-term goals (to live a more Christ-like life, to be with God in His Kingdom)

It’s important to think of our lives as Orthodox Christians this way, because being an Orthodox Christian is not always easy, and can often be really difficult. Being an Orthodox Christian requires us to sacrifice time and energy just like training for any athletic pursuit. In some ways it’s even harder. When we start working out and eating right, we see our bodies change shape. We see our muscles grow and our fat burn away. However, we don’t always see the results of our spiritual growth. Sometimes, it might even feel like we’re not growing at all. This is why our support networks are so important. Just like when trying to change any habit, it is best to try and embark on the change with the help of your support network. This month, we are presented with an opportunity for spiritual training. On November 15th, the church prescribes for us a period of fasting that will last all of the way until Christmas. Typically, this fast period would come in two stages. The first stage would be an easier fast allowing fish, and the second stage would be a strict fast (just like Lent). However, if you’ve never fasted at this time of year before, I get that it might seem like a daunting task to pick right up with the full fast. A non-runner wouldn’t train the same way a regular marathon runner would, would he? So this time of year, I encourage you to talk to your family and to Fr. Catalin about coming up with a spiritual training plan for Christmas. It doesn’t have to be super intense for it to be effective. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

ANNUNCIATION PHOTO DIRECTORY We are creating a new Church Family Photo Directory! There are three reasons for having the new Directory: to have a correct database; to put names and faces together; and, because it is a historical document. We encourage everyone to participate. This will be an important tool to help connect with one another, assist new families in getting to know us and celebrate the rich heritage and history of our church! We have added two new dates for family photographs! Sign up after Church or on the Church’s web site http://www.annunciationrochester.org (click on the photo directory link on the home page). Contact Julie Eveleigh 585-747-4728 or Presvytera Felicia 585-752-7432 if you have questions. If you already have a picture and you want to be in the Directory, just submit it for $10.00 and you will also get a Directory. If you would like to advertise your business in the Photo Directory, a $100 donation is for a business-card sized ad.

Οικογενειακός Φωτογραφικός Οδηγός Η εκκλησία μας δημιουργεί ένα νέο φωτογραφικό Άλμπουμ (κατάλογο) μελών και οικογενειών. Θεωρούμε τον κατάλογο αυτό απαραίτητο και για τους εξής λόγους : α) Για να αποκτήσουμε μια σωστή κατάσταση των μελών του Ευαγγελισμού. β) Θα μας βοηθήσει να συνδέσομε ονόματα και πρόσωπα. γ) Για την ιστορική του σημασία. Το άλμπουμ αυτό θα αποτελέσει ένα σημαντικό κειμήλιο που θα μας ενώνει για πάντα και που θα μας βοηθήσει να επικοινωνούμε μεταξύ μας. Θα είναι το εργαλείο που θα μας βοηθήσει, ιδιαίτερα τα καινούργια μέλη και οικογένειες της ενορίας, στο να γνωριζόμαστε καλύτερα και να γιορτάζουμε μαζί την πλούσια κληρονομιά και την ιστορία της εκκλησίας μας. Δεν μπορεί λοιπόν να απουσιάζει κανείς μας! Η φωτογράφιση θα γίνει στην αίθουσα της Εκκλησίας μας. • Σάββατο 15 Νοεμβρίου, ώρα 11 το πρωί έως τις 5 το απόγευμα. • Σάββατο 29 Νοεμβρίου, ώρα 10 το πρωί έως τις 5 το απόγευμα.

Photographs will be taken in the Church Hall on: • Saturday, November 15, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm • Saturday, November 29, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Κάθε οικογένεια που θα φωτογραφηθεί θα λάβει ένα οικογενειακό πορτρέτο (8x10 ) και τον καινούργιο κατάλογο ( Άλμπουμ) της Εκκλησίας εντελώς ΔΩΡΕΑΝ!

FAQ: • What do I receive for having my portrait taken? Each family that is photographed receives a complimentary 8x10 portrait and a copy of the Church Family Photo Directory- FREE! • Is there a charge to be photographed? There is no cost to the Church or to you for participating. Each family will be given the opportunity, in a pleasant sales environment, to purchase additional portraits for families and friends

Αντί του ποσού των $10 μπορείτε εάν θέλετε να συμμετάσχετε στο άλμπουμ τοποθετώντας μία δική σας φωτογραφία. Στην περίπτωση αυτή θα λάβετε και τον κατάλογο χωρίς καμιά άλλη επιβάρυνση. Μπορείτε επίσης αντί του ποσού $100 να διαφημίσετε και την επιχείρησή σας. Η διαφήμιση σας θα έχει το μέγεθος μιας πιστωτικής κάρτας.

YOU are an important part of our parish and this directory will not be complete without YOU! Note: All submissions to the photo directory are due by November 30.

Για να κλείσετε ραντεβού καλέστε :

και για περισσότερες πληροφορίες

Julie Eveleigh 585-747-4728 η την πρεσβυτέρα Felicia 585-7527432 Είστε ένα σημαντικό μέρος της ενορίας του Ευαγγελισμού. Ο Φωτογραφικός Οδήγός μας δεν θα είναι πλέον πλήρης χωρίς εσάς!

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation 962 East Avenue Rochester, NY14607

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Rochester, N.Y. Permit No 900

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION

GOYA 60th ANNIVERSARY COMMMUNITY BANQUET AND DANCE

Saturday, November 8th, 6 p.m. - Parish Community Center Donation: $40 for Adults • $20 for Youth 21 &Under Live Music by the Aegean Duo - Proceeds to Benefit the Church