Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

The Annunciation Observer July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5 Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation 3022 F Street / Sacramento, CA 95816 / (916) ...
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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation 3022 F Street / Sacramento, CA 95816 / (916) 443-2033 www.AnnunciationSac.org Our mission is to bring all people to full maturity in Christ through Worship (Liturgia), Service (Diakonia), Education (Paideia), Witness (Martyria) and Fellowship (Koinonia), guided and united in all things by the One Holy Spirit.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER Love is the foundation of our behavior. Hopefully we all understand this and this is central to our value system. In reality, God tasks us to love everybody, but this especially applies to our fellow Christians. Our Lord tells us: “Love one another!” (John 13:34; see also 1 John 4:7). The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, writes: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). In Ephesians he exhorts Christians: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (4:32). Throughout the New Testament we are told that we are to deal with each other humbly, gently, discreetly, respectfully, and honestly. Everywhere we are reminded of the same thing—the need to love, to forgive, and to treat one another as family. We are also reminded that our salvation depends on this. If we do not forgive others, then God will not forgive us (see Matthew 6:14-15)! Is this possible? Is it really possible to learn to think and act lovingly towards others, regardless of who they are and what they do? The answer is no and yes. If we depend on our own strength to do this--no. If we depend on Christ Who gives us the Holy Spirit and provides us with “everything we need to live a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3)--yes! Fortunately for us, the lives of holy men and women in our Tradition provide us with the testimony that this is indeed possible. Here is a story from the desert fathers, one of my favorites. I used this in a sermon recently, and several people asked about it. The setting here is a monastic community in fourth century Egypt. Abba Anastasius had copied on very fine parchment, worth eighteen gold pieces, the whole of the Old and New Testaments. [In ancient times, before the printing press, books were very expensive.] One day a brother came to see him and, noticing the book, took it away with him. That same day, when Abba Anastasius wanted to read the Bible, he noticed it had disappeared and he realized that the brother had taken it. But he did not send anyone to question him for fear that he [the brother] might add a lie to his theft.

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The Annunciation Observer GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION 3022 F Street Sacramento, CA 95816 916-443-2033 www.annunciation.ca.goarch.org C LERGY Presiding Priest, Father James Retelas [email protected] Associate Priest, Fr. Timothy Robinson [email protected] P A RIS H C O U NC IL P RES IDENT Jerry Wright [email protected] P A RIS H MINIS TRY Annunciation Senior League Sophia Evrigenis, President [email protected] Greek Education Becky Yerocostas, Director [email protected] Music and Worship Bill Bobolis, Choir Director [email protected] John Michael Boyer, Protopsaltis [email protected] Philoptochos Society Helen Grammatakakis, President (916) 371-1627 Sunday School Despina Kreatsoulas, Director [email protected] Youth Ministry Andrew Burrows, Director [email protected] S TA F F Administrative Assistant Maria Mavroforakis [email protected] Custodian, Matt Demas Financial Administrator, Norine Geissler [email protected] Office Administrator, Jan England [email protected]

O F F ICE HOU R S Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

From page 1

Now that brother went to the neighboring town to sell the book, for which he asked sixteen gold pieces. The buyer said to him, ‘Let me have it to see if it is worth that price.’ And the buyer took it to Abba Anastasius, saying to him, ‘Father, have a look at this book and tell me whether you think I ought to give sixteen gold pieces for it. Is that its value?’ Abba Anastasius replied, ‘Yes, it is a fine book. It is worth that price.’ The buyer went back to find the brother and said to him, ‘Here is your money. I showed the book to Abba Anastasius who considered it a fine book and judges it to be worth at least sixteen gold pieces.’ The brother asked, ‘Is that all he said? Did he not make any other remarks?’ ‘No,’ replied the buyer, ‘not a word.’ Well, I have changed my mind,’ said the brother. ‘I no longer want to sell this book.’ Then he hurried back to Abba Anastasius and begged him with tears to take back his own book. But the Abba refused, saying, ‘Go in peace, brother. I make you a present of it.’ But the brother answered, ‘If you do not take it back I shall never have peace any more.’ And the brother stayed with Abba Anastasius for the rest of his life. [Thomas Merton, translator, The Wisdom of the Desert: Sayings from the Desert Fathers of the Fourth Century (New Directions, 1970; 25th printing), pages 30-31.] Think about the elder in this story—his gentleness, his restraint, the lack of anger and indignation, his desire for the salvation of this dishonest and contemptible young brother. He is a model for us all. Will our fellow Christians always respond the right way if we love them? Of course not. But we need to give our brother or sister the opportunity to do what is right and be saved just as we want them to give that opportunity to us. Doesn’t there come a time when we might have to sever a relationship because that brother or sister is sinful or even dangerous? Yes. But the starting place for us is always love, and even if our brother or sister turns away from us, we continue to love them and pray for them. May God help us to love each other more and more. May our love for each other permeate and color all of our relationships, our worship services, our social gatherings, and even our differences and arguments so that we will know His peace and enjoy right here and now a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God will be like. Love to you, Father Timothy

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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

From the Parish Council President First an update on the safety and health projects for the hall and church buildings is due for your information. The plans from the architect with the mechanicals have been drawn up and we have now given them to an additional general contractor for another bid on the construction costs. This should be done by the time you read this article and the plans would have been submitted to the city for approval. Once that is complete we can begin the project to put those safety and ADA improvements in place. This will be a big improvement to the hall so that we can again develop that asset. You may recall my previous articles that mentioned stewardship. Stewardship is very important and many may think that we give enough to just keep the doors open and the parish council will raise the rest. By this I’m referring to income from rentals, selling things, crab feeds and relying on festivals. All of these are important to us and we’ve become reliant on the income. However, the monies collected have allowed us to remove the personal aspect that is so necessary for us to take ownership in the parish. As a Church, we need to begin thinking about having festivals, rentals and dinners only as supplemental income to be used for outreach, philanthropy or youth ministry and not as budgeted items necessary for the functioning of our parish. We should not be looking for anyone else to pay our bills. We are half way through our calendar year and it is a good time to reflect on the gift that you have pledged for this year and ask yourself if that is your “Best Gift”. It’s my honor and privilege to serve this parish. Thanks to all for your support. Jerry Wright

June 1, 2008: Last Day of Sunday School “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always and in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phillipians 1:3-6). 3

The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

ANNUNCIATION SENIOR LEAGUE NEWS Summer…..The longest days and the warmest times ! Our Father’s Day “Fiesta” luncheon meeting was a great success! All those attending had a wonderful time enjoying margaritas, tacos and all the trimmings. ¡Muchas gracias a Dena Kuchulis y nuestros comités dedicados del almuerzo para la excelente fiesta! Our ASL article was inadvertently left out of the recent monthly Annunciation Observer. *Included below is our “Gratitude List” for our May Mother’s Day luncheon as well as our Father’s Day Fiesta Luncheon. (*Assistant Editors sincere apologies for this unintentional omission.) THANK YOU: Mother’s Day Luncheon acknowledgements: • Sophia and Perry Potiris, our generous sponsors for the Mother’s Day Luncheon. o (Our door prize winner was Nikitas Skondras). • Julie Mamalis for making the delicious Ek-Mek” dessert and the butterfly tree table decorations. • Mary and John Kyriakides for making the wonderful Tyropites. • Terry Kastanis for his informative talk about libraries, from ancient times up to our own church library of which he heads.  Terry, we appreciate your flexibility to give your scheduled presentation in May instead of next Fall. • Dena Kuchulis for stepping in as our skilled Vice President to manage ASL affairs over the past few months. • Pauline Cazanis for organizing our May 6 outing to enjoy the Sacramento Opera performance of Tosca. • ASL.”TA” (ASL. Travel Agents): Annette Christopoulos and Mary Kyriakides for organizing our May 16th trip to Oakland’s Cathedral of the Ascension Food Festival. • Helen Rotas, Dena Kuchulis and Bessie Pothos for Easter visitations to our homebound.  They presented each of our 12 members with African Violets and a beautiful card drawn and printed by Bill Rotas Father’s Day Fiesta Luncheon: • Dr. John and Sophia Evrigenis for sponsoring the Father’s Day Luncheon. o (Door prize winners were Mary Vasos, Anna Papajohn and Tassi Jones Schlenker) • Margo Tzikas for honoring her husband George’s 90th birthday with the delicious carrot birthday cake • Mary Vasos for the use of the Margarita mixer • Theresa Sacco for the refreshments at our hospitality table • Julie Mamalis for the colorful and festive table decorations • Dino Polyzos for his outstanding culinary expertise • Bill Bobolis and his accompanist Carl Nalui for the special entertainment • Dena and Tyke Kuchulis for donating the yearly door prizes • Bessie Papalias for keeping us supplied with the yearly paper goods • Eugene Fotos our in-house photographer who immortalizes our events! • Our Fathers James, Timothy and Dino for their wonderful support *************** Congratulations to Jim Vervilos whose vegetable garden was pictured on the back page of the Home and Garden section of the Sacramento Bee June 7th. (Continued on Page 5)

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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

ANNUNCIATION SENIOR LEAGUE NEWS

(from Page 4)

Our deepest Sympathy to the families of: • Bill and Evelyn Bobolis for the passing of Evelyn’s mother, Mrs. Diamond Miles. • Mrs. Mary Pappas on the loss of her daughter, Georgia Stubblefield. • Perry and Sophia Potiris for the untimely death of her sister Matina Pappas (Stockton). The ASL is taking a summer break.  We encourage all members to assist with preparations for the 45th Annual Greek Festival, August 29-31. Our ASL activities will commence with a “Harvest Day” Luncheon Tuesday, Ocober 7, (the 1st Tuesday of the month). The sponsors will include: Bonnie and Gus Kokotis and Pauline Cazanis. If you have recommendations for upcoming ASL programs, please contact Pauline Cazanis at (916)-485-3615.  For ideas regarding proposed trips, please contact our ASL Travel Agents by calling Annette Christopoulos (916) 966-2656, Mary Kyriakides (916) 984-1585 or Merle Stathis (916) 4896076. Sunbeams of summer, what is like thee, hope of the wilderness, joy of the sea!  ----thing like thee to mortals is given, the faith touching all things with hues of heaven! ~ Felecia Hemans. Faithfully Yours, Sophia Evrigenis ASL President

 

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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5 The Asilomar Retreat was a good time for our High School students to enjoy fellowship and fun with youth from several other parishes. Attendees of the Lake Tahoe High School Retreat for the Central Valley churches engaged in a special service project and other fun activities. During Great Lent and Holy Week our youth assisted the Church by reading and helping in the Altar.

YOUTH NEWS As I prepare to write a summer article for the Observer, I make the sign of the cross and say the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me a sinner.” It is a great time of year with all of the warm weather and many joyful graduations! As we participate in outdoor rafting, family camping, and all other activities, let’s always strive to remember the One who made the sun, taking some time to pray and be thankful for the many wonderful recreational (and other) opportunities given to us. The Lord answers all prayers: it is our responsibility to pray with dedication and sincerity.

GOYA had a car wash fundraiser after church one Sunday and raised $185. GOYA also sold water at the Easter picnic and raised $177! Go GOYA! Recently we rafted the South Fork of the American River, had lots of fun, and got more than a little wet! A group of our young people adventured in Disneyland. We have a total of 36 from the Sacramento area attending St. Nicholas Ranch this July: great job!!

Youth activities, year in review!!: We kicked off the year with a BBQ for all the Sunday School kids. We held our first GOYA meeting and elections in McKinley Park. We helped raise money for the Greek Fire Relief Fund. We participated in the CROP Hunger Walk and raised $680 for the hungry in Sacramento and around the world. We raised $451.45 for Hope for Homeless teens.

Thank you for participating in all these wonderful events. A special thanks to all of the parents who have children involved in the Church community through their active participation in the many facets of youth ministries and activities. Please stay involved in our wonderful growing Youth Ministry!

We invited young people from different parishes and put on a DJ dance for the GOYANS. An “All Saints Carnival” for the Annunciation youth and youth from other parishes made for a safe (and fun!) alternative to Halloween.

I am working on next year’s calendar and hope to have it out early next month. Please e-mail me with any suggestions or comments: [email protected]

Two great Sacramento volleyball teams participated in the San Jose tournament: one of our volleyball teams took first place in the Senior Division! The kids had great fun ice-skating around the rink in Roseville where we discovered that we have some very talented skaters!

Lots of Love!! God Bless!! Andrew Burrows

Our dance program is strong with great support from our parents. This year at FDF Neo Kyma took the Division II Sweepstakes Award and Ta Adelphia took 4th place, Senior Category. We have wonderful and dedicated youth in this great cultural aspect of our ministry. We had a family bowling day where we all threw down some strikes. Sacramento had two high school basketball teams that participated in the Bay Area league with great support from their families and friends.

Christine Balalis, Irene Tokas, Ariel Corelis Rafting down the South Fork of the American River 6

The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

FROM THE METROPOLIS YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES OFFICE

Definitely not. Even though you may feel left out, you are not alone. First and foremost, God is with you. Jesus told His Disciples after His Resurrection and before His Ascension, that “I am with you always, even unto the end of the age (Matt. 28:20)”. You are never abandoned when you follow God’s commandments.

You Are Not Alone

I also hope you realize that there are many your age who also believe as you do. I’ve been to a lot of parishes and have met amazing, talented, fun and faithful Orthodox Christian teenagers. They have the same struggles as you do, trying to live their faith daily, as they traverse the challenges of school, relationships, and friendships. They’re teenagers who put God first, who take His teachings seriously, who make mistakes and yet keep on trying. As Orthodox Christians, we must also never forget that there are countless numbers of saints who are with us and who have experienced the same temptations as we have. Do you think you’re the first person who’s doubted? —look at St. Thomas (John 20:24-29). Do you think you’re the first one who denied Christ because you were embarrassed of Him? —look at St. Peter (Matt. 26:69-74). Do you think you’re the first person who stood by, watching silently as someone was being hurt because of their faith? —check out St. Paul (Acts 7:57-8:1). There aren’t enough monthly bulletins for me to write about the countless numbers of saints who are just like you. They too went against the grain and experienced being rejected, but their peers and communities were praying for them and now they pray for you. You are not alone; in fact, you are connected and spiritually related to all of the believers who, from the beginning of time, dared to go “against the grain”, and dared to follow Truth, no matter what the consequence. As we enter another summer, continue to have the Lord as your foundation, and remember that He, your peers in Christ, and all the saints are with you always, “even unto the end of the age.”

By Pete Sotiras, Director No one likes feeling that they’re the odd one out. Many times, we have this feeling because of our beliefs. Whether it’s because we make the sign of the cross before a meal, refuse to drink and get drunk at a party, refuse to cheat on a test or refuse to smoke pot, we are confronted with the fear of being weird, of being an outcast, of being ridiculed. At some point, all of us have experienced this feeling. One of my goals as the Youth Director is to try and help you understand that you’re not alone. You’re not the only one who believes that there’s more to life than getting “smashed”, than how you look, than having a boyfriend/ girlfriend, than having a lot of money, than being popular. You’re not alone in believing that life has a purpose and that your life has a goal. Indeed, there are others who love Christ as you do. The reason we don’t like feeling like the odd one out is because we are hardwired as communal beings. We were created for relationships. God is 3 persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Since we are created in God’s image, that means we are created to be people of relationships. Therefore, when we are isolated, we experience discomfort, knowing that this isn’t how life should be. Does this mean we succumb to the temptations I mentioned above?

[Youth and their families can contact Pete at: [email protected]. You can also view and download this article from the Metropolis Youth webpage at: http://www.youth.sanfran.goarch.org/]

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July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

GREEK SCHOOL NEWS

during coffee hour.

We are working on a great new program for the fall.  There will be many changes and additions to our program – including the addition of an exceptional new teacher.  It is my pleasure to announce that we have been granted a Greek School teacher by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs of Greece – Ms. Ioanna Lekkakou.  Ms. Lekkakou is currently a primary school teacher at the Greek Orthodox School of the Holy Trinity in San Francisco. Her postgraduate studies include a Master’s Degree in The History of Theater for Children from the Department of Primary Education in Athens, as well as a Ph.D. in Theater in Education from the University of Athens.  Ms. Lekkakou will be joining us in the fall.  Please join me in welcoming her to our community and family.

The Greek School is in the process of organizing a library for our students.  If you or a family member is traveling to Greece this summer, please consider bringing a book or two for our library.   While we would greatly appreciate your donations, we would be happy to reimburse you for the cost of the book(s).  I have compiled a wish list of inexpensive books that would be of great benefit to our students.  Included in this list is a series of books that are very similar to the Step into Reading series here in the United States.  Please contact any of the teachers for a copy of the list.   It has been a pleasure working with all of you this year and I wish you a blessed summer.   Looking forward to seeing you all in the fall,

The goal of our Greek School program will be to prepare our students for obtaining Certificates of Attainment in Greek. There are four certificates. A: This first level covers basic knowledge of the language. B: This certificate can be used in fulfilling the High School language requirement. Γ: This certificate can be used to fulfill the language requirement for the UC system, is worth 6-8 units for college credit and can also allow Greek-American students to study at a Greek university at no cost. Δ: This certificate allows the holder to work anywhere in the E.U.

Becky

In order to accomplish this lofty goal, we are adding an extra day to our program for grades 1 and above, and will be using the books provided by the Greek Education Department. Greek School days in the fall for Annunciation will be Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are combining our program with the parishes of St. Katherine and St. Anna. This will allow students who miss a day at their home parish to make up their missed day at another parish. Greek School at St. Katherine’s will be on Sunday and for St. Anna’s Greek School will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays. We invite everyone to join us for a presentation on our new program on Sunday, September 14th in the hall

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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

DANCE SUPPORT GROUP NEWS

I hope everyone is doing something enjoyable during the summer months. As Philoptochos President, I will be one of Sacramento’s representatives to the Philoptochos conference in Washington D.C. for one week in July. The other delegates attending are Elaine Wright and Marilyn Demas. It will be a chance to meet with our sisters in Christ from all across the country. The first time I attended the National Conference I was amazed and so very proud of the things we have accomplished.

A Big Thank You to the Neo Kyma Dancers who performed at the Sacramento Theatre Company Fundraiser on May 31st. They included Anthony Balalis, Christine Balalis, Dori Ganetsos, Angelo Gassoumis, Katerina Gregorakis, Marissa Kolokotronis, Alexa Heinzer, Olivia Molodanof, Katherine Perakis, Yianni Petrucci, Angelo Rotas, Chris Rotas, Alexander Sargetis, Leftheri Sargetis, Alexandra Theodoridis and Sophia Zogopoulos. You Were Wonderful!!!! Our dancers will be performing at the Festival again this year, August 29th, 30th and 31st. Additionally, the youth have been asked to help out in the dining room and to hand out programs in costume by the front doors. Please contact Andrew Burrows to sign up.

This summer, during coffee hour, we will be selling “philoptochinos”. That is an iced coffee drink whipped up by our baristas, Elaine Wright and Effie Theodore, with help from other Philoptochos members. Doesn’t a nice cold coffee drink on a hot summer day sound refreshing? I know I will be in line to get one. Hot coffee will still be available as always. If you would like to sponsor a coffee hour, please call Faye Vallas at 332-6347.

The next DSG General Meeting will be on September 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Fellowship Room. I hope to see you all there! Wishing you and your family a great Summer!

Thank you to the individuals and groups that have helped us offset the expenses of the funeral mentioned in the last Observer article. We are grateful for your donations which have helped an elderly lady bury her son.

Sunday Balalis DSG President note: Dance Support Group Registration forms can now be downloaded from the church website:http://www.annunciation.ca.goarch.org/ ministries/dancing.php

We are receiving many membership pledges for this year. Thank you for your membership and if you have not yet joined, please consider doing so now.

Please join us Sunday, July 27 at 7pm For a wonderful evening to “Sip & Savor”

This past year has been much busier than my first term as President ten years ago. We have had some challenges that, with help and knowhow, have been met. Our fund raising activities have been again very successful and we are able to help individuals and families in need through the local and national charities we support.

Sip fine wines, enjoy light fare Savor the sounds of classical pianist Alice Wildermuth O’Sullivan Seating is limited Kindly RSVP by July 18 Bessie Condos 916.786.8310 email [email protected] Donation $25 per person Students $10 St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church 1001 Stone Canyon Drive Roseville, California 95661

Have a great summer and don’t forget about our fall events. Our first meeting in the fall will be Tuesday, October 7th. The wine tasting event on Friday, November 7th, and Christmas Around the World on Saturday, November 8th. Helen Grammatikakis, President.

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July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

HELLENIC SENIORS CENTER

SUMMER READING

On June 8th, the Angelic Corporation (sponsored by Annunciation) hosted its annual Hellenic Senior Center (HSC) picnic. A nice afternoon of fellowship was enjoyed by residents and their families, staff and Board members. This annual event is always great fun for the residents and their families with great food, live music and lots of fellowship. A catered lunch by Voula Cazanis, and the Gramercy 4 Jazz Band added to the fun.

Annunciation Bookstore soon will be having new treasures for you to read over the summer. We are ordering books, icons and other religious articles now for you and the public for the annual Food Festival but we will have the new items available for parishioners at the bookstore in advance. Additionally, we will soon be having a large new selection of children’s books.

Guests of Honor were Bill Rotas and Ernie O’Banion, who recently left the Angelic Corp. Board. Bill served on the Board from 1985, and was Chairman from 1993 through 2007. Ernie served from 1999 through 2008. Both were dedicated to serving the HSC, and they were personally acquainted with many of the residents.

Lou and I will be attending the Clergy Laity Conference in Washington D.C. in July for two Sundays. Pres. Marsha has happily volunteered to be in the Bookstore while we are away, unless something unforeseen comes up and the Bookstore has to be put away. We thank Presbytera enormously for that. Actually, she knows it’s a joy to be there with all of you but we still thank her bunches!!!

The Hellenic Senior Center (HSC) is an affordable housing complex for the elderly. It is administered by The Greek Orthodox Angelic Corporation, a California non-profit public benefit corporation. It was sponsored by the Annunciation Church and is operated by a nine (9) member Board of Directors, Panorea Avdis, Lou Bardis, Dean Chalios, Mike Dariotis, Liz Dokimos, Christine Kockinis, Loula Kufasimes, Julie Mamalis, and Donna Wagner.

One never knows, but hopefully we may even get some new ideas for Orthodox Bookstore’s at the Conference. The first Sunday that we will be away, July 13th, we will be attending church in Washington so we will check out the Cathedral Bookstore to see if we see any new items for the Annunciation Bookstore and the second Sunday, July 20th, we will be in Columbus, Ohio visiting our son, Louis, and his family and attending church at a monastery in Columbus. If they have a Bookstore, you can bet that we will check that out as well.

The cottage style single-level apartments of the HSC on Rush River Drive are in a gated parklike setting with lovely grounds, clubhouse and laundry facilities. Transportation for shopping and Church attendance is provided by the HSC van. For information regarding renting an apartment, please call the Hellenic Senior Center manager, Lois Jones, at 916-427-5444.

Hopefully, we will have some new treasures when we get back for your late summer reading. And, Please, remember to come by and visit the Bookstore at the Food Festival! Whatever your reason for visiting Annunciation Bookstore, we are always happy to see you. Thank you for your continued support.

CHOIR NEWS Those beautiful voices from the choir loft will be resting during the July/August summer period and will return in September after the Festival.  However, choir members will be participating with the rest of the parish preparing the souvlakia, serving on committees, and working as they always have.

Have a Happy Summer! Marilyn Demas

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July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

STEWARDSHIP NEWS

OPERATING FUND Income

Fellow Parishioners, Thank you to the recently pledged 2008 Stewards listed on this page. This brings our total pledged gifts to $480,000 with nearly $230,000 received and 600 families responding thus far.  This all computes to a deficit at years’ end of $70,000 if all numbers hold true and all pledges are paid in full.

Pledges Tray & Candle

Year to Date June 11, 2008 $227,423

$545,930

$36,316

$68,000

Food Festival Subsidy/Cap. Outlay

While the church's main focus during the summer months is to prepare for the wonderful Festival, we should not lose sight of our Stewardship giving. The church depends on our steady stream of gifts made weekly, monthly or even annually using the convenient envelopes. Many of you have even given more than your pledged amount and of course that remains a hopeful trend to help reduce our anticipated deficit.

2008 Budget

$30,000 $50,000

$54,010

$5,781

$10,616

All Other Revenue

$47,737

$76,233

Total Revenue

$367,257

$784,789

$188,396

$418,854

Program Services

$28,944

$38,500

Other Oper. Exp.

$123,888

$261,435

$22,000

$66,000

Total Expense

$363,228

$784,789

Balance as of June 11, 2008

$4,029

End.Fnd/SB SDY Grk. Teach.

Expense

God puts obstacles in our paths in order to see how we handle them and this effort will take great courage and faith from all of us. But with His grace we can overcome anything.

Total Staff Exp.

See you in church this summer.

Archdiocese Fair Share

God Bless You, George Dariotis Stewardship Chairman

LIST OF PLEDGED MEMBERS MAY 10-JUNE 13, 2008 George & Vickie Angelidis, Spiros & Georgia Avdis, Elias & Jane Bardis, Helen Capstraw, John & Georgia Cazanis, Mary J. Cazanis, Anthony & Katerina Commandatore, Angeloa & Adrienne & Angelo Drivas, Philip & Soula Fotopoulos, Kiriakos & Elaine Frangogiannis, Peter & Kit Givas, Steve & Ann Hamilton, Christopher & Janine Johnson, Mary Kontes, Nia Marketos, Betty Metropoulos, Lawrence Michel, Collette Moore, Helen Nickolson, George & Gaye Nicholau, Stephen & Rachel Squaglia, Chris & Sifia Theodorou.

2008 Pledges as of June 11, 2008 Stewardship Budget

$545,930

Pledged to Date

$364,297

Total Amount Received to Date

$227,423

Total Members Pledged

11

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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5 Papailias is busy heading up the effort for the Advertising and Program Book to be given out at the festival. The book will spotlight those businesses that help sponsor our event. You can reach Bessie at 455-5888.

GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL 2008 It will be here before you know it-----the 2008 Greek Festival---August 29,30 and 31st at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Finally thank you to all the cooks and bakers for their time and efforts in preparing the incomparable food we serve at the festival. This effort started in March and will not finish until the night before the festival.

The Greek Food Festival started in our community in 1963, 45 years ago! This is a big anniversary for us this year and there are new activities that will be added to our schedule of events. Our Annunciation Choir will be presenting a short concert on Sunday afternoon. Thank you to our choir members and our choir Director Mr. Bill Bobolis for volunteering to do this performance. We are looking forward to hearing the musical talents of our own Bounisi as they stroll through the festival and the Neo Kyma band that always gives a great performance. We will have Greek dance classes each day of the festival: come and learn our favorite dance or come help teach your favorite dance to others! Of course our dance groups will perform on all three days, every YiaYia and Papou’s favorite part of the festival.

Many hands are needed to make our food festival a success: please lend us yours! Festival Steering Committee Board

ACADEMY OF ATHENS BESTOWS HONOR ON PROFESSOR GEORGE ROUSSAS The Academy of Athens , Greece, has bestowed upon Professor George Roussas the high honor of electing Professor Roussas a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens, Field of Mathematical Statistics. The three-phase election process was completed on April 17, 2008.

The chairpersons for this event are in place and preparing their booths. We need over 400 people, some working multiple shifts, to staff the festival. This year you can volunteer by calling Gerri Magers at 916 485-7245 or sign up after church at coffee hour every Sunday in August.

Professor Roussas obtained his degree in Mathematics (with high honors) from the University of Athens, Greece, and did his graduate work in Statistics at the University of California, Berkeley campus. He has published numerous research papers in international journals (USA, Japan, India), has written 17 books and manuals, is an editor and co-editor of volumnes of research papers, as well as an Associate Editor for four international journals. He has been elected Fellow of all major Statistical societies and is a member of the International Statistical Institute. He was named a distinguished professor in 2003 at UC Davis and is an active member of the faculty in the Dept. of Statistics.

The Festival Executive Board has started on a significant donations underwriting program for the festival. There is over $50,000 in expense items that you can help defray. Donations in any amount can be made and will be greatly appreciated. If you can make a donation, please contact the church office or one of the Festival Steering Committee Board members. The members are Michael Dariotis, Dan Eriksson, Eleni Papailias, Jim Salidas, Gerri Magers, John Kyriakides, and Liz Dokimos. Thank you to those who already donated: they are recognized almost every week in our church bulletin where you can also learn what items are available to underwrite.

Professor Roussa and his wife of 36 years, Mary Louise (nee Stewart) are parents of three young men, Gregory, John, and George-Alexander, and grandparents of Sophia-Aggeliki.

In addition to the donations program, Bessie

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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

THE PANHELLENIC SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS

EPPIE’S GREAT RACE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Eppie's Great Race is on Saturday, July 19, 2008. This race has been going on for 35 years and the proceeds go to Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services. Learn more by going to:

The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation will offer $250,000 in scholarship grants this year. The Foundation's grant application for 2008 is now avavilable. The Foundation announces that it will again award a number of scholarship grants at $10,000 each. The grants will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need. For more information and to download a copy of the 2008 scholarship application please visit www.panhellenicscholarships.org.

www.thegreatrace.org/data/volunteers2008.html

Please come and support this wonderful event!! The link below is to the volunteer page. If you would like to volunteer please go to www.thegreatrace.org/data/volunteers2008.ht ml or call 916-381-0255 for more information, or e-mail [email protected]. If you are going to volunteer for the race please let Andrew Burrows, our Director of Youth Ministry, know: (916)443-2033.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lampstand and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16, NKJV, The Orthodox Study Bible

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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5 About the Icon The Theotokos is depicted upon the funeral bier. Christ, standing behind the Theotokos, is her Son, Who has come to receive His Mother's soul into heaven; He holds in His left arm an infant in white, symbolizing the soul of the Theotokos reborn in her glory in heaven; Christ also is robed in white and appears in an aureole (elongated halo) depicting the Light of His Divinity. The Apostles are depicted on either side of the bier stand the Apostles; the group on the left is led by St. Peter who stands at the head of the bier; the group on the right is led by St. Paul who stands at the foot of the bier.

The Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokas

Below the bier is a figure of Antonius the Jew, who tried to disrupt the procession, was punished, but later repented of his sins and embraced Christianity through Baptism.

Celebrated on August 15 (August 28) The Feast of the Dormition or Falling Asleep of the Theotokos commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of Christ's mother. To help us in our preparation of the feast, it is preceded by a two week fast. As with the Nativity of the Virgin (September 8/21) and the feast of her Entrance to the Temple (November 21/ December 4), the Feast of the Dormition also comes from the Tradition of the Church.

Taken from The Icon Book, by Boojamra, Essey, McLuckie & Matusiak. Troparion (Tone 1) In giving birth, you preserved your virginity! In falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos! You were translated to life, O Mother of Life, And by your prayers you deliver our souls from death! Kontakion (Tone 2) Neither the tomb, nor death, could hold the Theotokos, Who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions. For being the Mother of Life, She was translated to life by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb!

There we learn that Mary died as all people die because she had a mortal human nature affected by the corruption of this world. The Church proclaims that Mary needed to be saved by Christ just as all of us are saved from trials, sufferings, and death of this world. Having truly died, she was raised by her Son as the "Mother of Life" and already participates in the eternal life of paradise which is prepared and promised to all who "hear the word of God and keep it" (Luke 11:27-28). Finally, we celebrate the fact that what happens to Mary happens to all who imitate her holy life of humility, obedience and love.

Some Things To Do Come celebrate the Feast Day in Church as a family, if not on the day itself due to work, then at least on the eve of the feast at Vespers if offered in your parish. Use the section above to explain the significance of the Feast to your children. Use the Troparion and Kontakion hymns as prayers before and/or after meals, and as part of the children's evening prayers during the 8-day "afterfeast."

It is important to remember that there are no relics of the Theotokos. Their existence has never been mentioned throughout history. At one time in Constantinople there was a center of pilgrimage where the belt and veil of the Virgin were venerated. Adapted from The Orthodox Church, Volume II: Worship, by Fr. Thomas Hopko.

© 1997 by Orthodox Family Life and the original author(s).

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The Annunciation Observer SAVE

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

THE DATE!

August 15 Celebration Traditional Panegyri Noon to Midnight Annunciation Church Grounds Food, music, dancing Free admission Bring your family and friends and enjoy sumptuous Greek delicacies Live Greek music in the evening Look for your flyer in the mail.

SENIOR CAMP 2008 20TH REUNION SEPTEMBER 15-19, 2008 ST. NICHOLAS RANCH & RETREAT CENTER DUNLAP, CA Sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of California

THEME: “OLYMPICS” HEALTH & FITNESS JOIN US FOR A DELIGHTFUL WEEK! $275.00 PER PERSON, $500 PER COUPLE, $260 PER PERSON DORMS INCLUDES LODGING, FOOD & ACTIVITIES CALL (559) 338-2103 FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION OR [email protected]

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The Annunciation Observer

July/August ‘08 - Vol. 24, Issue 5

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 700 Sacramento, CA

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation 3022 F Street Sacramento, CA 95816

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