THE GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF THE ANNUNCIATION

March 2016 Parish Newsletter Lenten Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.

Archimandrite Constantine Moralis Presiding Priest [email protected] Andreas G. Houpos Pastoral Assistant [email protected] 24 West Preston Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201 410-727-1831 FAX 410-727-7602 www.goannun.org

Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. —————Κύριε καὶ Δέσποτα τῆς ζωῆς μου, πνεῦμα ἀργίας, περιεργίας, φιλαρχίας, καὶ ἀργολογίας μή μοι δῷς. Πνεῦμα δὲ σωφροσύνης, ταπεινοφροσύνης, ὑπομονῆς, καὶ ἀγάπης χάρισαί μοι τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Ναί, Κύριε Βασιλεῦ, δώρησαι μοι τοῦ ὁρᾶν τὰ ἐμὰ πταίσματα, καὶ μὴ κατακρίνειν τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, ὅτι εὐλογητὸς εἶ, εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

SACRAMENTAL WINE The sacramental wine for the month of March is offered to the glory of God and / of Steve and Eve Stamatakis, in honor and is donated by their children, Drs. Lambros Stamatakis and Marilyn Nguyen. The second donation of sacramental wine is offered to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mrs. Helen Williams, and is the gift of Mrs. Irene L. Chirgott and family.

SENIOR CENTER NEWS Please plan to attend our next “Dine Out” which will be held Monday, March 7, at Cuvino in the Padonia Shopping Center. The event is “all day” so please make plans to dine there that day. Reservations are suggested, 410- 853-7484.

PROJECT PHILOXENIA The quarterly offering for Project Philoxenia will be taken on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Please be as generous as possible. LEARN BYZANTINE CHANT If you are interested in learning to chant the sacred hymns of our faith or in offering your service to the Church in the form of reading or chanting at the Chanter’s Stand, contact Andreas, [email protected]. No prior experience is necessary.

On Saturday April 16, we are very excited to host a Senior Family Day and Expo Breakfast from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, at the AOC. Research overwhelmingly supports social activities and men2016-2017 UNDERGRADUATE and tal stimulation as valuable tools to proGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS long quality of life for Seniors. Our SenAVAILABLE ior Center excels in both areas as well as DANCE GROUP COSTUMES being a valuable resource for our com- If you, your child, or anyone you know Applications and instructions for three has ever been part of the Evangelakia, munity. scholarships administered by the DepartDiamantia or Filakia dance groups, ment of Philanthropy of the Greek OrIf you are a caregiver, or the son or please help us by looking through your thodox Archdiocese of America are daughter of a senior, we offer this Senior closets for any costumes and/or pieces of available for awards to be made for the Family Day program to support you in costumes you may still have. Over the 2016-2017 academic year. The George & your search for information and ideas. years, a few pieces have gone missing. Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship and We will have exhibitors, a small presen- This has added up to enough missing the Katina John Malta Scholarship are tation, and professionals to answer ques- costumes that it would cost hundreds or for undergraduate studies, and tions. Please help make this event a suc- thousands of dollars to replace them. the Paleologos Scholarship is awarded cess, and more importantly, learn of the Anything returned will be collected with for graduate work of a non-theological support available. If you have any ques- no questions asked and will be greatly nature. Each of these scholarships was tions or interest, please contact Pat Bart- appreciated. established through generous gifts from socas, 410-274-0575, or any Steering dedicated Greek Orthodox Christians Please contact any dance instructor or Committee member. who wanted to provide financial assisEleni Roros, [email protected], with tance towards the education of young any questions and/or to coordinate pick people from our Orthodox Christian ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN up, if necessary. FELLOWSHIP community. The next OCF dinner for the Orthodox Applications can be accessed by visiting students at JHU is Thursday, March 10, SAVE THE DATE the scholarship web page. at 6:00 p.m., in the Interfaith Center. All The Orthodox Christian Missions of Cathedral college students are welcome Maryland Annual Craft Beer & Wine For more information, please to attend. For more details, contact An- Tasting event will be held on Saturday, email [email protected] or May 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at dreas Houpos, [email protected]. call 212-774-0283. the Preston Room of the AOC. Tickets are $45.00 in advance and $55.00 at the The deadline for submitting an applica- LACONIAN SOCIETY tion for any of these scholarships is May On Sunday, March 13, the Laconian So- door. Call Geli Ioannou, 443-570-1282. 6, 2016. ciety – Lykourgos Taygete will be sell22nd ANNUAL ing the traditional Lagana bread, olives, LENTEN RETREAT SALUTATIONS halva and taramoslata for Lent. These SPONSORED by to the VIRGIN MARY items will be available following the DiOn Friday evenings during Great Lent, vine Liturgy in the lower lobby. GROWING in FAITH the service of the Salutations to the TheBIBLE STUDY otokos are celebrated. These beautiful The Laconian Society-Lykourgos TaySATURDAY, APRIL 2 and melodic hymns allow us to reflect on gete is sponsoring a Lenten Luncheon on the life of the Theotokos and her dedica- Sunday, March 27, in the Mentis at the CATHEDRAL tion to God. Plan on attending with us in Room. Shrimp, rice, briam, salad and RETREAT MASTER prayer beginning at 7:00 p.m., on Fri- dessert will be served. Donation is FATHER TRYPHON days, March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and the $12.00 per person. Please contact Roann ABBOT of Akathyst Hymn on April 15. Voultepsis, [email protected], ALL-MERCIFUL SAVIOR 410-828-6402, or Georgeann Morekas, MONASTERY Following each service, a reception will [email protected], to reserve be held in the Mentis Room, with discus- a seat. VASHON ISLAND, WA sions to follow.

WOMEN’S GUILD NEWS The January 31, 2016 Dining Out at “Zaytinya” in Washington, DC, was fully subscribed. Aglaia Kremezi, Greek cook, writer and cookbook author, served as our host for the evening. Chef Michael Costa and Aglaia teamed up to prepare a variety of delicious Mediterranean spreads, bites, salads, seafood, roasted lamb and desserts. We had great fun tasting, sipping and talking throughout the evening. Thank you to those who attended our annual “TAVERNA NIGHT” on February 26. The music played by Zephyros was great and provided lots of “kefi” to dance to. It is a 20+ year event and one of the few Greek dances that is still offered in the Baltimore area. Look for details and a date for the upcoming 40th Baltimore Symphony Designer Showcase soon.

Left: Maria Letras and Aglaia Kremezi Right: Aglaia Kremezi and several Dining Out participants

Upcoming Liturgical Events Saturday, March 5— First Saturday of Souls, Cemetery Chapel Saturday, March 12— Saturday of Cheese Fare—commemoration of Ascetic Saints, Cemetery Chapel Sunday, March 13—Great Vespers of Forgiveness, 5:00 PM Monday, March 14—Clean Monday Monday, March 14-Thursday, March 17, Great Compline and Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete Friday, March 18 — First Salutations to the Theotokos Saturday, March 19— Saturday of Meat Fare—commemoration of the miracle of Saint Theodore and Koliva, Cemetery Chapel Sunday, March 20—Sunday of Orthodoxy and First Sunday of Lent Thursday, March 24—Great Vespers of the Annunciation Friday, March 25—Feast of the Annunciation Friday, March 25 — Second Salutations to the Theotokos Sunday, March 27—Second Sunday of Lent Friday, April 1 — Third Salutations to the Theotokos Saturday, April 2—Annual Lenten Retreat, led by Father Tryphon, Abbott of All-Merciful Savior Monastery Sunday, April 3—Third Sunday of Lent Sunday, April 3 —Veneration of the Holy Cross Friday, April 8—Fourth Salutations of the Virgin Mary Sunday, April 10—Fourth Sunday of Lent Friday, April 15—Akathyst to the Theotokos Saturday, April 23—Saturday of Lazarus Sunday, April 24—Palm Sunday

PASTORAL RESOURCE from the ARCHDIOCESE REGARDING FASTING Just as there/ are times for feasting, there are also times set aside for fasting. During these periods, certain foods are prohibited. These are, in order of frequency of prohibition, meat (including poultry), dairy products, fish, olive oil, and wine. Fruits, vegetables, grains and shellfish are permitted throughout the year. Of course, the Orthodox Church never reduces the practice of fasting to a legalistic observance of dietary rules. Fasting, that is not accompanied by intensified prayer and acts of charity, inevitably becomes a source of pride. The Church also recognizes that not everyone can fast to the same degree, and assumes that individual Christians will observe the fast prescribed for them by their spiritual fathers. RESOURCES for YOUNG ADULTS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ GOAyoungadults Twitter: https://twitter.com/GOA_YoungAdults Instagram: http://instagram.com/goa_youngadults SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS Applications for Philoptochos scholarships are now available in the Cathedral office and on our website, under “Philoptochos.” The deadline for the return of these applications is April 26. Applications must be returned to the Cathedral office. The Order of AHEPA Worthington Chapter #30 scholarships will soon be available and may be picked up from the Cathedral office. It is also requested, if you need a letter of recommendation from Father Dean, contact the Cathedral office, 410-727-1831. Your request must be received two weeks prior to the due date. ORTHODOX OBSERVER If you are not receiving the Observer, email Ms. Podaras, [email protected]. In the email message, include your old address, new address, parish name and location. You may call, 1-212-774-0235.

READERS NEEDED Great Vespers of Agape will be celebrated on Pascha, May 1, at 11:00 a.m. It is a tradition that the Good News of the Resurrection of our Lord is proclaimed in various languages. Readers skilled in languages are needed to proclaim the Gospel to the faithful. If you are interested, please contact Father Dean, [email protected].

GOLDEN AGE CLUB On Sunday, February 7, members of the Golden Age Club passed a collection tray to benefit the St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine of St. Augustine, Florida. This year was the 32nd year that the Golden Age Club has made this annual donation in celebration of the anniversary of the dedication of the Shrine. As a result of this collection, $600.00 was sent.

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE The Maryland Greek Independence Day Parade will be held on April 3, 2016, on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore’s Greektown. Go to www.greekparade.com for additional information and to download the form for participation, or call the Parade Hotline at 443-267-4735. Please show your Hellenic spirit by attending the Parade or participating! This year's Parade will feature the New York Hellenic Philharmonic Orchestra, the Myrmidons and our own Evzones.

The Annunciation Golden Age Club, Baltimore, MD, is listed on the Shrine’s Wall of Tribute – “This wall of tribute is dedicated to those who in their names, or in the names of others, have made major contributions to our National Shrine. It is through their generosity that this Shrine exists – as a living memorial to all the pioneers whose love of freedom and desire for a better life brought them to the new world.”

HELP US REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT!! If you are able to receive Cathedral communications electronically, send an email to [email protected], type ‘subscribe’

and your name in the subject line.

The Golden Age Club thanks the congregation for their continued generosity. CHOIR NOTES One of the most favorite times of year for the Annunciation Choir is the Lenten and Paschal season. The choir loves to sing many of the beautiful melodies during this time of year. If you are interested in joining the choir, please call our choir director, Fotini “Fifi” Nichols, 410-7927332, or email, [email protected]. We would like to encourage our middle and high school students to join the choir on Sunday mornings to sing the Divine Liturgy with us before heading to their classrooms for their Sunday school lessons.

SCHEDULING of EVENTS Attention all committee chairs and presidents of organizations. Plan to schedule a meeting with Father Dean so that all yearly events, gatherings and meetings may be posted on the master calendar. It is very important that your committee or organization’s events are posted. Call Father Dean, 410-727-1831. MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 _________________________________ Join us for the exclusive pre-screening of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” HELLENIC HERITAGE MUSEUM Wednesday March 23, at 7:00 p.m., at the and ARCHIVES of MARYLAND, Inc. Landmark Theater ~ Harbor East. Tickets are $25.00 per person and include the SAVE THE DATE movie and parking. Proceeds will benefit our Cathedral Philoptochos and sister SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2016 Philoptochos Chapters of Maryland. PurThe Hellenic Heritage Museum Commit- chase your tickets in the lower lobby aftee is planning a bus trip to the Onassis ter Divine Liturgy today, or call Eleni Cultural Center in New York City to Roros, 443-621-0587, Olga Paterakis, view the special exhibition…. 410-491-4066, or email [email protected], for more infor“GODS and MORTALS mation. Tickets will not be sold at the at OLYMPUS: door. Limited seating available. Brought ANCIENT DION, to you by the Axion Concerts Baltimore CITY of ZEUS.” Committee. Due to Universal Studio Look for details in the April Newsletter. restrictions, please do not post this event on Facebook or other social media.

March 2016 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday 1

Wednesday 2

6:30 PM Adult Greek School

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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7:00 PM YAL Night at the Walters Art Museum

9:00 AM—Orthros and Liturgy for the Feastday of Saint Gerasimos of the Jordan

First Saturday of Souls 9:00 AM Orthros 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Cemetery Chapel

5:00 PM Greek School 6:00 PM Great Vespers at the Cemetery Chapel

6 MEATFARE SUNDAY

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11:30 AM “Dine Out” lunch and continue through the dinner hour

6:30 PM Adult Greek School

6:30 PM Girls’ basketball practice, Father Constantine M. Monios Hall

6:00 PM OCF at JHU

5:00 PM Greek School

7:00 PM Women’s Guild Board meeting

6:00 PM Great Vespers at the Cemetery Chapel

Second Saturday of Souls 9:00 AM Orthros 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Cemetery Chapel

Project Philoxenia 1:30 PM JOY/HOPE Activity

6:30 PM Boys’ basketball practice, Father Constantine M. Monios Hall

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CLEAN MONDAY Lent Begins

6:30 PM Great Compline, Canon of Saint Andrew, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

6:30 PM Great Compline, Canon of Saint Andrew, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

6:30 PM Great Compline, Canon of Saint Andrew, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

9:30 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy, Chapel of Holy Wisdom 5:00 PM Greek School

Third Saturday of Souls 9:00 AM Orthros 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Cemetery Chapel

7:00 PM First Salutations to the Virgin Mary, in the Cathedral

11:30 AM Hellenic Heritage Museum meeting, Board Room

25 Feastday of the Annunciation 8:30 AM Orthros 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy

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CHEESEFARE SUNDAY Laconian Sale of Lenten Foods

6:30 PM Great Compline and Unction, in the Cathedral

5:00 PM Great Vespers of Forgiveness

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Greek School PTO Coffee Hour

5:30 PM Great Compline, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

6:30 PM Adult Greek School

5:00 PM Great Vespers

6:30 PM Parish Council meeting, Board Room

23 9:30 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

24 7:00 PM Great Vespers of the Annunciation

6:30 PM Girls’ basketball practice, Father Constantine M. Monios Hall 7:00 PM “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2,” Landmark, Harbor East

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Laconian Lenten Luncheon, Mentis Room

6:30 PM Great Compline, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

6:30 PM Adult Greek School

6:30 PM Presanctified Divine Liturgy

7:00 PM Second Salutations to the Virgin Mary, in the Cathedral Cathedral Offices Closed 31

Clean Monday

March 14 Pascha

May 1 INDICATES FAST DAY

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Feastday Celebration of the Annunciation Thursday, March 24 7:00 PM Great Vespers

Friday, March 25 8:30 AM Orthros 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy Our Cathedral Philoptochos will host a reception following both services.

THE BIBLICAL STORY of the FEAST of the her cousin Elizabeth had conceived a son in her old age ANNUNCIATION is found in the first chapter of (John the Baptist), and affirmed that with God nothing

is impossible. the Gospel of Luke (1:26-39). The Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, who was living in NazaIn faith and obedience to the will of God, Mary replied reth, and said to her, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is to the angel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; with you.” Mary was perplexed and wondered what let it be according to your word.” Upon her response, kind of greeting this was. the angel departed. The angel told her not to be afraid, for she had found favor with God. He said, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary responded to the angel by asking how this could happen since she had no husband. The angel told her that the Holy Spirit and the power of God would come upon her, and that the child to be born of her would be called holy, the “Son of God.” The angel then proceeded to tell the Virgin Mary that

It is on the Feast of the Annunciation, that Orthodox Christians commemorate both the divine initiative of God, whereby He took on flesh from the Virgin for our salvation, and the human response, whereby Mary freely accepted the vocation offered to her. He elected to become man, and He desired to do this with the willing agreement of her whom He chose as His mother. Mary could have refused, for she was not a passive instrument, but an active participant with a free and positive part to play in God’s plan for our salvation. Thus, when on this and other feasts the Orthodox Church honors the Theotokos, the Mother of God, it is not just because God chose her but also because she herself chose to follow His will. (excerpts from goarch.org)

PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE We are ready to welcome spring! Our community was busy in February with events held by AHEPA, Philoptochos, GOYA, and the Women's Guild. AHEPA honored Alex Zades with the annual Pancake Breakfast; Philoptochos held a general meeting; GOYA participated in a basketball tournament in Wilmington, DE; and the Guild sold delicious chocolate covered pretzels and sponsored a successful Taverna Night. Thank you, to all who made these events a success. The Parish Council would like to thank outgoing member George Mexis. George has graciously given many hours of his time to upgrading the Cathedral's IT system and maintaining the Cemetery. We welcome to the Council our new members: Steve Karabelas, Kyriakos Marudas, Jason Pappas, and Dr. Savas Tsakiris. Please remember to submit your stewardship form, so the Cathedral can continue to meet the needs of the community. As expenses for electricity, water, and upkeep have increased for our homes, so have they increased for the Cathedral. It is imperative that each community member consider increasing their pledge by 10 percent for 2016. In the final months of 2015, the Parish Council borrowed from other funding lines in order to meet expenses. The budget depends on your timely stewardship in order for the Cathedral to function in the black. Thank you.

JOY–HOPE WILDLIFE PRESENTATION

ALL YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ARE ENCOUAGED TO JOIN US FOR A WILDLIFE ADVENTURE. FREE TO ALL EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE AHEPA ROOM. FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT ANDREAS, [email protected], OR VICKIE DIAMOND, [email protected]

AFFIRMATION of OFFICE The Affirmation of Office was administered to the 2016 Parish Council. They are: Stephen Anderson, Sophia Dryer, Steve Karabelas, Dr. James Kokorelis, Dr. James Larentzos, Kyriakos Marudas, Harry Monios, James Pappas, Jason Pappas, Mary Ann Rigopoulos, Pamela Stevens, William Sticka, Dimitri Topaltzas, Dr. Savas Tsakiris, and Dr. Roann Tsakalas Voultepsis. After the Affirmation of Office, elections were held for the 2016 Parish Council Officers. They are: Dr. Roann Tsakalas Voultepsis, President; James Pappas, Vice President; Dimitri Topaltzas, Treasurer; and Dr. James Kokorelis, Secretary.

Below, members of Axion Concerts present the proceeds from the Thanos Petrelis Concert held in October, 2015. Total amount of donation was $68,088.00. A number of our ministries and our Cathedral have benefited from this effort.

STEWARDSHIP Our 2016 Stewardship campaign is underway. Below is the second listing / of those parishioners who of names have returned their commitment for 2016 and we express our sincere appreciation to them for their early response. Those who have not yet returned their card are asked to do so as soon as possible. The Stewardship program provides nearly 80% of the revenue necessary to maintain the Cathedral programs. The Cathedral budget is carefully prepared by the Parish Council and the Parish Assembly, so that we maintain a balanced budget. Your financial support is critical throughout the entire year to help us maintain a constant income, so that we may meet our expenses in a timely fashion. If you need a 2016 pledge card, call the Cathedral office, 410-727-1831. As of February 23, 2016, we have received 330 pledge cards and the amount pledged for the year is $382,265.00. M/M John Adams Dr. Pavlos Anastasiadis Mrs. Katherine D. Apesos-Poulos M/M Jay Arkuszeski Ms. Nicolette Ballas M/M Donald P. Bonolis M/M Theodore P. Capsanes Mrs. Linda Chios M/M Edward Cole M/M C. James Condax Mr. Stephen Condax Ms. Maria Constantine M/M Arthur Daidakis D/M Christopher deBorja M/M Stan Demestihas Ms. Mitsie Doccolo Mr. James G. Flizanes M/M Peter Foo D/D Constantine Frangakis M/M Anastasios E. Giannakis M/M Alfred Hansard M/M Andreas G.Houpos Mrs. Mary Cavacos Hill M/M Ronald Hogle M/M Scott Hornick Mr. Ted Kakavas Ms. Evelyn Karas Dr. George Kassolis Ms. Dina Mallis Klicos

M/M Edward Klonowski Mrs. Pagona Margaritis Koenig Mr. Nicholas X. Margaritas Mr. George Marmaras Mr. Ioannis N. Melanitis Presvytera Mary Monios Mrs. Nitsa Nicholas M/M Steven Nichols Ms. Estella Nicolet M/M John Palios Mrs. Christine Panopoulos M/M James Panousos M/M Joe Pistone Mrs. Helen S. Proakis M/M Isidoros Roros M/M Isidoros G. Roros M/M Antonios Seas Mr. Emmanuel M. Skevofilax M/M Michael Skevofilax M/M Soph Sophocleus Mrs. Ann Stavrakis Mrs. Corinna Stone Mrs. Basil “Ernie” Thomas Mrs. Georgia Tragas Mrs. Carolyn Tsakalas M/M Steve Tsamoutalis M/M Nikolaos Tsonis M/M Gus Vavaroutsos M/M Lambros Venetos Ms. Catherine Wagner M/M Garry L. Wilcox, Jr. M/M Daniel Wiles Mrs. Evie Pakas Williams Mrs. Helen Xenakis M/M Gerald R. Zavage

PRESTON HALL UPDATE This month, Tracy Rammacca is celebrating her fourth anniversary as the Events Coordinator for Preston Hall. She has made exceptional progress in promoting Preston Hall as a premier venue for special events and has increased the number of events being held there. Preston Hall has proven to be a special place to hold your functions, either social or business.

Attention: Baltimore-area Orthodox Christian Fellowship Students, ages 18-25 The first day of Great and Holy Lent is Monday, March 14. This is traditionally called "Clean" or "Pure" Monday, and it is a day observed in strict fasting, limited speaking, and a general atmosphere of quiet and prayer.

The National OCF ministry invites OCF chapters around the nation to participate in a 24-hour prayer chain from 6:00 PM, Sunday evening through 6:00 PM, Monday evening. Each chapter is invited to pick a onehour slot during which to offer its prayers. Our Baltimore-area chapter (technically registered under Johns Hopkins University for now – but open to all) has the slot of 5:00 AM 6:00 AM, on Monday March 14. We will meet in the Chapel of Holy Wisdom to offer the prayers. Some students will be on Spring break at that time. Even so, you are invited and encouraged to join us in prayer at that hour wherever you are. We will be praying for each other and for others whose names will be submitted to us. For more information, contact Andreas, [email protected].

Participants of the Senior Center preparing mailings for the Cathedral.

Reflections by Andreas Houpos, Pastoral Assistant At an exponential rate, our lives have become increasingly fragmented. Technology is advancing so quickly that we find ourselves behind the curve in terms of trying to keep up, trying to make sense of today’s new realities with yesterday’s knowledge and experience, all while knowing that tomorrow will bring something different. This expansion of technology puts pressure on our lives in areas never before tested in this way. For example, the simple act of text or instant messaging has reached the point where, now, many messaging platforms allow users to see an indication that the party on the other end is typing a response, in real time. In turn, this seemingly small feature has brought with it a whole new realm of anxiety because of the anticipation of what the other person might – or might not – be preparing as a response. Everything is go-go-go, tap-tap-tap, swipe-swipe-swipe, and so on. More and more of us are spending the majority of our day staring at some kind of electronic screen, our eyes bombarded by artificial light, and our fingers tapping out endless strings of text and other input that connects us to others, whether by composing emails or ‘liking’ a picture of someone’s cat on Instagram. And others are tapping out their responses and reactions to us. When we get them, and like them, we feel engaged and validated. But when those things don’t come when or how we’d like them to, they can leave us feeling empty, hurt, or unsure of ourselves. All of this feeds into a dynamic loop of emotions, assumptions, and, eventually, actions. We also have increasing access to consumables, whether by shopping for Christmas gifts, ordering dinner, or viewing unsavory, tasteless, or mindless content for hours on end. All these things have emerged with great force in the last several years. The alarming rate of their increase is bewildering, and the unprecedented effects they are having on our life present us with unique and critical challenges. They have affected our work and personal lives, and have challenged our beliefs in new ways. There are cultural responses that have tried to counter such things, like ‘slow-life’ movements, the rise in popularity of meditation and types of far-eastern spiritual-physical exercises (like yoga), and so on. Clinical psychology and psychiatry have a role here, too. In fact, many who are reading this may have subscribed to or dabbled in some of these things to respond to or alleviate symptoms arising from the super-connected, hectic world in which we are now living. But how many of us think to turn to Church, to Christ? How many of us have looked to the centuries-old spiritual tradition of our Orthodox Faith, lived out and affirmed in each generation by faithful people? Do we pray? Do we spend time each day to reflect on the day, to get to know our thoughts? Do we talk to our priest or a spiritual father regularly, to keep ourselves accountable and to seek guidance from someone experienced in spiritual matters? Have we been to Confession? Do we observe the fasting prescribed by the Church? Do we make prostrations when we pray? Do we do good works, give alms, etc.? Do we make time in our life – in whatever shape that might take – to retreat in stillness, silence, and prayer, like Christ himself did? Why turn to secular or non-Orthodox sources for advice on how to meditate? Why turn to other religious or philosophical systems for advice on how to handle our body and spirit? Why look to sentimental and superficial popular ideas of how to ‘be a good person’? Why do any of these things when we have the fullest response possible to any of life’s challenges right under our noses? With Great and Holy Lent upon us, we can take this perfect opportunity to tune into the life and history of our Orthodox Church to learn things about stillness, quiet, self-control, restraint, strength of mind, spirit, and body, dietary discipline, mindfulness, and the most meaningful of communications: prayer. We can learn about doing the right thing by and for other people. And best of all, we can do all of these things in the name of Christ, which makes all the difference in the world. The world around us will always be in a state of change. Jesus Christ is the only constant, and we, who have been baptized into His name, have every opportunity to get to know the One Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Let’s take the opportunity.

HAIL O BRIDE, UNWEDDED! Father Dean Moralis / Unsuccessful is every hymn that attempts to pay homage to the multitude of Your mercies. For even if we offer You odes in number equal to the sands, O Holy King, yet we do nothing worthy of what You have given us who cry to You: Alleluia. The above is one of the beautiful stanzas from the Salutations to the Virgin Mary—a service chanted during the first five Friday nights of the Great Lenten Season. These solemn services provide an opportunity for us to come together, reflecting on the sacrifices of the Theotokos, her life, and her supreme and ultimate love of her son. This service gives us a recounting of the stories from the Annunciation, the Nativity, the preaching ministry of Christ, His crucifixion, and ultimate Resurrection, and the life of the Theotokos. We know from our own experiences, that we turn to different people in time of need. When we were young, our own mother became an object of true protection. Whatever the situation—a skinned knee, hurt feelings, anxiety about school—our mother had a true, loving way of making us feel better. This feeling cannot be taken away…no matter what the situation or how young or young-at-heart we may be. Similarly, we should turn with a pure heart to the Theotokos when we are in need. The sacrifices that we make in our lives are so small compared to those which the Virgin Mary did for humanity. We need to examine closely how we live today. At times we say we cannot make it to church for one reason or another. We cannot come and volunteer our services due to other commitments...we are just too busy. How can we truly make church life part of our busy life? Our Cathedral’s rich liturgical life and various activities are helpful in making your Christian journey a true celebration. Won’t you take the time to celebrate with us? As the hymn from the Salutations tells us, the example of our Life in Christ gives us the chance and purest opportunity to give those odes or hymns back to Christ that number the sands in the sea. Plan on being part of these beautiful services. Following each service, there will be refreshments and discussion held in the Mentis Room led by the clergy.

Give Plants for Easter One of our beautiful Easter traditions is the decorating of the Cathedral with lovely plants. These plants, at $25.00 each, may be donated either in memory, or in honor, of your loved ones. Please make checks payable to the Annunciation Cathedral, and return by April 20, 2016: Annunciation Cathedral, 24 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 Yes, I would like to donate _________________ Easter plants at $25.00 each. Please accept my gift: in memory of __________________________________________________________________

in honor of ____________________________________________________________________ donated by ____________________________________________________________________

February 2016 Events

GOYA members collection for the Souper Bowl of Caring, February 7

Divine Liturgy of Saint Vlasios, February 11. It coincides with twenty years of ordained ministry of Father Dean.

Carpet Replacement in the Cathedral and Lobby.

Andreas Houpos offering a lesson on the Triodion

Philoptochos Brunch—February 13

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SATURDAYS of the SOULS

Each year, the Orthodox Church designates three Saturdays, at the beginning of Great Lent, to commemorate those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. For 2016, the dates are March 5, March 12 and March 19. Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m., Divine Liturgy begins at 10:00 a.m. All services will take place at the Cemetery Chapel of the Holy Resurrection. Please note the location. List the first names only of those you wish to commemorate.

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