VOICE THE

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Metropolis of Atlanta

8210 Cypress Lake Drive Fort Myers, Florida 33919

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

January & February 2015 Current Resident or

TO:

Admission: Adults $5 for the entire weekend. Children under 12 years old are free Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 8210 Cypress Lake Drive • Fort Myers, Florida 33919 FEATURING: Authentic Greek Food Carnival Rides & Games Dance Exhibitions Live Music Merchandise Vendors Church Tours Car or $25,000 Raffle Dollar Cash Raffle

HOLY THEOPHANY January 6th

31 02/01/2015

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 8210 Cypress Lake Drive ~ Fort Myers, Florida 33919-5116 Ch. Phone: (239) 481-2099 Fax: (239)-481-0504 email: [email protected] Fr. Dean’s cell: (239) 322-7553 email: [email protected] www.annunciation.fl.goarch.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday ~ 9:30 am-3 pm Administrative Assistant: Kelsie Gregware Rev. Fr. Dean Nastos, Proistamenos Fr. Deacon John Howard _________________________

PARISH COUNCIL Executive Officers: Nick Karras President Maria Mourgis Vice-President

Council Committees: Stewardship Michael Peceri Construction/Maintenance

John Simon

MINISTRIES GOYA Heidi Kubiak– Advisor Sunday School Jen-Hope Belis Circle of Friends Joan Simon

Virginia Headley Treasurer

Welcome/Ushering Effie Kapetan All Council Members

Michael Peceri Assistant Treasurer

Festival Jen-Hope Belis

Bookstore Virginia Headley Dr. Theodor Bonstedt

Heidi Kubiak Secretary

Car Raffle Nick Karras Stella Karras

DANCE TROUPE Georgia Kline ____________

Board Members: Tom Haley Les Haynes Marilyn Necak Jon Shannon John Simon Peter Wouralis

_____________________________

VOICE Editor Fr. Dean Nastos Altar Don Headley Choir Adam Krotov, Director Heidi Kubiak, Organist Cantor Theo Palis

Ladies Philoptochos Ginny Amend, President

Organizations: Hellenic American Social Club of S.W. FL Barbara Dionysopoulos, President

VISIT US ON FACEBOOK

Annunciation GOC Fort Myers

Prosphoro Polly Margaritis:(239) 634-6460 January & February VOICE 2015

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From the Desk of Our Proistamenos... JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2014 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Our 4th decade of service to our community. As we begin the New Year I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and pray that God

239-542-4733

grants us happiness, health, and prosperity. This year, we ask you to “Be Transformed”, in other words, to reevaluate your commitment to

Robert B. Burandt Construction Law Criminal & Civil Litigation Injury & Auto Accidents Real Estate, Landlord-Tenant Law

Robert C. Adamski Wills, Trust, Probate and Estate Planning Elder Law & Real Estate Law

Christ and His Church, and what you can offer to them. Most of us have a special talent in something. One person does well in carpentry, another in baking, another in art, another in writing or record-keeping, etc. Did you ever think of the source of that talent or ability? In regard to schooling, it is obvious that some people have been gifted with more ability than others. Why is that? Even location has some effect on our abilities. A person starving in Africa is far less likely to develop his/her abilities as one in America. Did you ever stop to think of what might have happened to you if your had been born elsewhere? Although our own initiative does play some role in our abilities, we also must admit, as St. Paul states, “I am what I am by the grace of God.” If we are somewhat intelligent, if we are good cooks or craftsmen or seamstresses or whatever you can think of, we are such by the grace of God. There are too many variables in life –if one small thing had changed we might not be what we are today! If our abilities are a gift from God, then we are obligated to share them with Him and with others.

Eric P. Feichthaler Local Government Law, Tax, Wills & Trusts, Probate, Real Estate Law The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisement. Before you decide ask us for free information about our qualifications and experience.

We are obligated to show our gratitude for these gifts. Where do your talents lie? Our Parish has need of them. It needs teachers, carpenters, seamstresses, painters, cooks, plumbers, and much more. We all the responsibility to share our abilities. Do not delay. You will benefit both your Parish and your own soul! Once again, I wish everyone a Happy New Year and may our Lord always be with us! In Christ’s Service,

Fr. Dean

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A Message from the President , Nick Karras JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2014 As we approach the New Year of 2015, God has blessed our community in many ways in the past year. Our classroom project is near completion. We have many new parishioners and friends who have come to participate in our parish. Welcoming new families is a wonderful feeling for our growing Annunciation parish.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT 15271-27 McGREGOR BLVD. FORT MYERS, FL 33908 (IN THE K-MART PLAZA) 239-689-1211 WWW.PLAKA2.ORG

Many new ministries have been instated by our Father Dean. Due to his powerful energetic personality, it have been a wonderful constructive year in 2014. Now we look forward to a better and more prosperous 2015 with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ.

AUTHENTIC GREEK FOOD!!!!!

I encourage each and everyone to move forward and participate in all church activities and events with a positive attitude and leave behind any animosities or hard feelings. Please be kind and love one another, working together to do God's work as we are one church family.

DINE –IN

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My family and I wish you all a very happy and blessed New Year 2015 with health, welfare, happiness and lots of love.

DELIVERY

12/01/2014

In God's Service I Remain your Faithful Servant,

Nick Karras Parish Council President

Merry Christmas to our Sunday School Teachers!! 02/01/2015

14131 Metropolis Ave., Ste. 104

Phone (239) 332-4099

Fort Myers, FL 33912

Near Gulf Coast Hospital

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Building Capital Campaign by Michael B. Peceri “Ardisci e Spera” I have been collecting quotations of note for years and while reviewing them I ran across the following one; “Artisci e Spera.” It is the motto of The Reale Societi Canottieri Francesco Querine rowing club in Venice, Italy. Translated into English the quotation means, “Try your best and hope to succeed.” That should be our Capital Campaign project motto until the capital campaign is completed. While we are trying our best but rather than “hoping” to “succeed” we must succeed to achieve our campaign financial goals. Also in my research for this article I came across the following: “As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. –I Peter 4:10. Peter’s words contain the phrase “employ it for one another.” That is just what most of our Parishioners have been doing from the beginning of our Classroom Capital Campaign. 90% of our Parishioners have contributed either through pledging or weekly cash gifts in the Building Fund tray when it is passed each Sunday. That 90% of Parishioners have no children attending Sunday school nor have an interest in providing expanded and efficient office, storage and meeting space for our Parish Ministries. Yet they give and give generously their gifts to “employ it for one another.” They were called upon to help create something that is of no direct benefit to them. However, they have pledged and gifted, not out of a sense of duty but rather for the facilities that benefit our and the children and Parishioners and who will come after them. There are other opportunities to make a gift to support additional needs in the new building. Please see me and I can point out specific items that you may wish to fund costing from $120 to $426 each. Additional Needs: Classroom furnishings:

$ 6,580

Office furnishings

$ 1,400

Hall tables

$ 2,400

We need to continue our efforts until the storage facility, classroom/office buildings and landscaping are free and clear of debt. For those of you who have made 3 or 5 year pledges a reminder will be sent after the first of the year for the 2015 installment contribution. The continued financial support of the entire Parish through contributions and 2nd Building Fund Tray collections has been appreciated and hopefully will continue until our Parish project is debt free.

Michael B. Peceri, Parish Council Building Capital Campaign

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ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 2014 STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM PLEDGES This listing contains the names of those Stewards of the Church who have signed the, blue, pledge cards for 2014. Pledge cards are available in the Church Narthex or Church office. If you feel your name has been omitted please contact: Kelsie Gregware, Administrative Assistant in the Church Office (481-2099) or Michael Peceri, Stewardship Committee Chairman. Jimmy & Jennifer Achkar

Constantinos & Barbara

Charles Johnson

Nicholas & Varvara Alexiou

Dionysopoulos

Richard & Cheryl Johnson

Eve & Alex Alves

John & Caken Dopoulos

Eleni Kaklis

Michael & Popi Ambazis

Ted Drakos & Anne Hansen

James & Theresa Kalogridis

Rev. Albert & Ginny Amend Dr. Paula Apostolou

Dr. Thomas & Frances Drakos

William & Helen Kaltsas

Jurijus & Rita Dukinas

George & Dorothy Kantarze

James & Katie Avtges

Charles Eliopoulos

Effie Kapetan

Dr. Andrew & Jen-Hope Belis

Niki Fagerline

Elizabeth (Bess) Karabetsos

Athena Belis

Robert & Aileen Fenton

Jimmy & Despina Karras

Vassiliki & Joel Berends

Athena K. Fisk

Nick & Stella Karras

Angelo Bitsis

Anastasia Frangakis

Apostolos Karydas

Golfo Bitsis

Helen & Tom Gallian

William & Sophia Katsaris

George & Tracie Blake

John & Arlene Generales

Marianthi Kazakos

Joseph Boisvert

Joyce Gladis

Dale & Helen Keating

Dr. Theodor & Dorothy Bonstedt

Mary Sue Gladis

Richard & Barbara Keene

Robert & Helene Boucher

Maria Gorrell

Patricia Kemp

Victor Brust

John & Elaine Green

Panos Klentzeris

George & Elaine Chakonas

Paul & Roda Guenther

Richard & Georgia Kline

Donald & Irene Cheek

Thomas & Marlene Haley

Nikos & Anna Kontakos

Jodi Chupak & James Anderson

Danny & Ann Halvatzis

Presb. Aspasia Kontinos

Penny Churchman

Ed & Mimi Hardgrove

John & Bella Kontinos

Lois Colagrossi

Richard & Matia Hawks

Nicholas & Penelope Kontinos

Elwood & Lea Collier

Les & Emily Haynes

Thomas & Chandra Kontinos

Angelo & Anastasia Constan

Donald & Virginia Headley

Konstantinos & Marie Kostouros

Kristin Cooper

Peter Hernandez & Poly Mavridou

Ann Kotsalis

George & Georgia Copulos

James & Bess Hord

Nicholas & Mary Koukos

Katerina Coumbos

Deacon John & Lanette Howard

Theo & Nancy Koupelis

Katherine Del Monico

Demetria Hughes

Michael & Christine Kouvelis

Johanna DiMartino

Alexander & Hope Hunter

Ann Kratsios Continued on Next Page

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Adam & Sandra Krotov

Rev. Fr. Dean & Pres. Carolyn Nastos Mitchell & Christina Samuels

Joseph & Heidi Kubiak

Marilyn Necak

Jamie & Anastasia Scime

Doug & Tina Kucera

Emmanuel & Nomiki Neskes

Jon & Roman Shannon

Antonia Kurtis

Thomas & Celeste Niarchos

Roger & Maria Shields

Cynthia Kyriacou

Frieda Nicholas

John & Joanie Simon

John Lampiris

George & Helen Nicolaidis

Helen A. Sotiropoulos

Michael & Evangeline Lemonakis

Donald & Dorothea Nicholson

Bessie Spiridakis

Emanuel & Rana Levenderis

John Noufrios

Mary Spiropoulos

Peter & Jean Licopantis

Gabriel & Elizabeth Nuta

Spero & Ruth Stergiotis

Thomas & Eugenia Loughney

Rich & Carol Palatine

Dr. Douglas & Bridget Stilian

Dino & Jennifer Magas

Theodosios & Margaret Palis

Thomas & Pamela Strikis

Jimmy & Valerie Magas

Athena Pankas

Cornelia Talabac

Mikes & Minna Mailakakis

Basil & Linda Pappas

George & Lourdes Taliforos

Steven & Jennifer Maillakakis

Presvytera Evangeline Pappas

James & Theresa Thomas

Stravos & Francine Maillakakis

John & Amelia Pappas

Michael Thomas, Jr.

Maria Makrynakis

Phillip & Petronia Pappas

William & Katherine Thomas

Theodore & Mary Makrynakis

Patricia Pavis

John & Corgette Troutman

Helen Mamukari

Michael B. Peceri

Thomas & Nina Verios

Anthony & Marie Mankus

William & Phyllis Photinos

Effie Vlahos

Pauline Margaritis

Hrisovalantis & Kaliopi Pilatos

James & Vanthea Vouros

Maria Mason

John & Ottilie Pistolis

Tyler & Ageliki Wainright

Paul & Pana Mastros

Kleopas & Irene Polyviou

Angie & Jack Weaver

Ellen Matic

Pauline Poulos

Artemis Welsh

Victoria Matic

Peggy Poulsen

William & Andrea Wolfe

Helen Mavrelis

Patricia Reardon

Peter & Sia Wouralis

Helen Messerotes

Michael & Nikoletta Reynolds

Grammati Xiromeritis

Marilena Midgley

Lyudmyla Robinson

Marion Zachariades

Allen & Phyllis Mino-Sheppard

Albert & Darlene Romanosky

Sue Zatezalo

Fotini Mirones

Tony & Cathy Rubinski

George & Maria Mourgis

John & Olympia Ruppe

STEWARDSHIP DATA Total Stewardship Pledged:

2014 Stewardship Goal:

How many possible Stewards:

Total amount given (recorded):

Total # of Stewards Pledged:

Some of this charged to Stewardship but given by Parishioners who have not signed Pledge Cards.

$139,379(as of December 6th, 2014)

296 218

$200,000

$118, 300December 7th, 2014.

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Greek Fest 2015 by Jen-Hope Belis

Save the Dates for February 20, 21 & 22! VOLUNTEERS: NEW THIS YEAR…we are hoping to have all our volunteers SIGN UP ONLINE! This will ensure we have correct emails & phone #s. In addition, the system has a great email tool to do reminders and other confirmations. This will also allow high school, college, parishioners, & non-parishioners to sign up and see what is available since the online tool does limit the number of people at each station per shift. Online Volunteer Registration is at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4da4a92caaf49-greek

GREEK FEST SHIRTS ARE IN!

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We will be selling them in the church hall during Fellowship Hour for $10 each. Be sure to purchase them so you are well-dressed for the fest!

CARNIVAL WRISTBAND INCENTIVE This year we are offering a DISCOUNTED 3-day carnival wristband for $20 instead of the normal $40 for all parents of Sunday School Students or parents of Dancers.

$AY YES TO THE FEST! Unfortunately, any number of factors, such as bad weather or competing events, could have an impact on Festival attendance. That is why we are asking you to help us guarantee a successful Festival by making a financial donation toward Festival expenses. A list of supplies needed for our upcoming Festival is enclosed. Please consider donating toward the purchase of any items on the list, or making a general donation toward Festival expenses. This will be on a “first come, first served” basis. We ask that you tell your friends and family members about our upcoming Festival and encourage them to attend. With your help, we can be assured that our annual Festival will be a continued success. Please make your check payable to: Annunciation Church, with the memo line reading: “Festival Donation”. Deadline for donation is December 31, 2014. We thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do for our Festival.

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BONDED CBC125950 INSURED 04/01/2015

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Hockey Night– December 19th, 2014 Florida Everblades game with Annunciation Church Family and more. WITH A WIN!

Sacrament Registry (November—December) 08/01/2015

BAPTISM Julian (Anthony) Thomas was baptized into the Orthodox Faith on November 16th in our Parish. His Sponsor is Patti Pavis. Julian is the son of James & Theresa Thomas. We welcome Anthony into the Faith and as a member of our Parish. May our Lord grant him many years. CHRISMATION Anthony Mankus was Chrismated into the Orthodox Faith on December 14th in our GREEK FEST 2015 Parish. His Sponsor is Charles Mattoff. Anthony is the husband of Marie Mankus. We welcome Anthony into the Faith and as a member of our Parish. May our Lord grant him many years. WEDDING Jonathan Krotov and Elizabeth Sutton were united in Holy Matrimony on December 13th in our Parish. Their Sponsor is Nina Koralev. Jonathan is the son of Adam and Sandy Krotov. Nina is the wife of George. May our Lord bless their marriage with all good things for many years.

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Construction Update by John Simon

YOUR AD CAN BE HERE!!!! Contact the Office or see Stella Karras for more details!

WE ARE IN THE HOME STRETCH! We are putting the finishing touches on the outside of the building in addition to painting the inside, installing the suspended ceiling and hanging the doors. We expect the building to be 98% complete by Christmas 2014 with any minor work left to be finished by January 15th. As for the exterior, all roadways and final grading should be completed by January 25th. We are hoping and expect to get our final inspections from the County by the end of January, just in time for Greek Fest.

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I 17620 Rockefeller Circle Fort Myers, FL 33967 (239) - 284-0688 Hours 9am — 5pm Mon - Fri 9am —12pm Sat

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GOYA by Heidi Kubiak The Goyans have been a little busy lately. Both Nov and Dec meetings we went through our new building. We went and played at Extreme paintball range, and I apologize for no pictures, but Father Dean and I were busy dodging- me not so successfully, paintballs! Those who came to Silver Tea saw these Goyans serving. Looking ahead, we will be busy serving at our Annunciation Dinner Jan.17th, Greek Fest and where else as needed. Please pray for our youth. We are living in a day where Christians, young and old are losing their lives for our Faith. In Iraq. 4 young Christian people wouldn't convert to Muslim and were beheaded. I pray that our youth will never have to face that choice. Pray that their Faith will continue to grow and strengthen. Picture Above: Yanni Mourgis met the GOYA Teens out at Extreme Rage Paintball Field. Yes, everyone survived, Heidi Kubiak and Fr. Dean utilized the 200 paintballs, vest, and mask to protect themselves from the 10 Goyans who were having a great time

Picture on the Left: Servers for the Ladies Philoptochos Society Annual Silver Tea! From left to right, Gabby, Billy, Hallie, Olivia, Kristal,( front row) back row Alex & Matthew.

DOLLAR $$ CASH RAFFLE TICKETS by Tina Kucera Spend $5 Bucks & Test Your Luck! $5 for a book of 6 tickets $$$ CASH PRIZES $$$ $1000--1st Prize $500 -2nd Prize $250-3rd & 4th Prizes Winners drawn on Feb. 22, at the Greek Festival Our Mission? Sell out 7,000 like last year. Let's Do This!! Help Sell by Calling Tina Kucera at 239-980-1520.

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Hellenic-American Social Club of S.W. Florida, Inc. By Ann Constan A Happy and healthy New Year to all. The year 2014 ended with a bang when we went on our day trip to hear the Singing Christmas Trees. A big “thank you” to our Vice-President, Phyllis Mino, and our President, Barbara Dionysopoulos, for a wonderful, memorable, fun-filled day. Now our New Year 2015 is beginning with many more fun days.

Our first meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, January 13th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Kontinos Community Center. Plans for the year will be announced and refreshments will be served following the meeting. We are tentatively planning a day trip to the “Holy Land” Park near Orlando on Tuesday, January 20th. The cost will depend on the number of attendees – a significant discount is awarded for 15 or more persons in a group. See Phyllis Mino if you are interested in joining us. Seating will be on a ‘first-come’ basis. More details will be announced once the trip is finalized. The big news is the “Panigiri” to be held at Lakes Park on Thursday, February 5th, starting at noon. This will be a good, old-fashioned, Greek picnic with pastichio, kabobs, Greek salad and all the sides to go along with this, including desserts. The day is open to all, not just for members, and we hope all our parishioners will join us as it is a day set aside to help with our church’s new building. A major portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated to Annunciation for our new Classroom Building. More details will be announced in the Sunday Bulletins. However, for questions and reservations, please contact President Barbara Dionysopoulos (267-2014) who, along with husband Costa, will be chairing the picnic. Also in the planning stage is a day bus trip to Tarpon Springs for touring and shopping, and lunch at a favorite restaurant in Clearwater. More information coming soon. The Hellenic-American Club is a social club for people to meet and make lasting friendships. Our annual dues of $20 per year are used to defray the costs of venue and refreshments at meetings, subsidize certain costs to members for outings, compensate speakers and contribute to charitable organizations. We hope you will join us in 2015 for satisfying, life enriching experiences. For information, please contact our President, Barbara Dionysopoulos (239-267-2014), or speak with any of our Board members.

Sunday School News by Jen-Hope Belis BRAVO! The Sunday School students did an EXCELLENT job at the Christmas Pageant this year! We loved seeing them act out the story of Jesus’ birth. It was a reminder of the true reason of the season! A special thanks to Jen-Hope Belis, Niki Georgatos & Olympia Ruppe for co-directing the play. THANK YOU to all the parents who helped bring a dish to the luncheon after the pageant. A special thanks to Olympia Ruppe, John Ruppe, Ted Drakos and Les Haynes for working in the kitchen to help prepare the luncheon.

Please note, there will be NO Sunday School on, January 4 due to Nativity Break and on February 22 due to the Festival. SUNDAY SCHOOL EVENTS Feb 1 Godparent Sunday March 1 Sunday of Orthodoxy Icon Procession TBD Oratorical Festival April 4 Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy followed by Pancake Breakfast with Palm Making April 5 Palm Sunday Processional April 6-11 Holy Week Readers April 10 Decorating Epitaphio. Good Friday Liturgy with Myrrh Bearers April 11 Holy Saturday Liturgy followed by Confessions April 12 Easter Egg Hunt following Agape Vespers at 11am May 17 Last Day of Sunday School. Award Ceremony & Ice Cream Social WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR GUEST SPEAKERS! We would like to create a “Speakers Bureau” with guest speakers who can come into the Sunday School classrooms and talk to the students. Do you make Koliva, Prosfero, Icons or something else? Come talk to a class about the process! Have you visited any religious shrine, monastery or country? Bring pictures and come talk to a class! Do you have an interesting story to share? We want to hear it! This is an effort to bring new faces into the classroom for one lesson and to expose our children to more facets of our religious community. Interested? Please contact the Sunday School Director, Jen-Hope Belis, at [email protected]

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Circle of Friends by Joanie Simon

Ladies Philoptochos Society by Carol Palatine I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! In November the LPS had a very profitable Bake Sale. The Bake Sale once again was open to our parishioners on Sunday the 23rd of November, and once again was a success . Thank you all. Especially to Barbara D. For her leadership in this event. Our very special Silver Tea on December 6th was simply an elegant affair. The food was wonderful, the decorations were outstanding, the choir and the music by Adam Krotov and Son was the topping on the cake. Prizes were numerous and the

color T.V raffle, a bonus surprise. Once again, we were very pleased to present our check for $1,000.00 to the Golisano Children's Hospital from our profits. Thanks to all for making this possible. Last but not least the ladies were dressed to the nines! Good job done by all. Monday the 15th of December the LPS hosted a Christmas luncheon at University Grill. This too was a lovely affair with toys donated by parishioners to the Guardian at Lightem, collected by Pat Kemp.

The Presentation of our Lord into the Temple– Celebrated: February 2 1. The Presentation of the Lord (the ‘Meeting’). On the fortieth day after His birth, the most holy Virgin brought her divine Son to the Temple in Jerusalem, to consecrate Him to the Lord and to purify herself according to the Law (Lev. 12:2-7, Exod. 12:2). And though neither the one nor the other was necessary, nevertheless the Lawgiver would not in any way transgress the Law which He had given through His servant and prophet Moses. At that time Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, was serving his turn as high priest in the Temple. He stood the Virgin Mary in the place for maidens, not that for married women. On this occasion, there were two very special people present: the elder, Simeon, and Anna the daughter of Phanuel. The righteous elder took his Messiah up in his arms and said: ‘Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.’ Simeon also spoke the following words of the Christ Child: ‘ Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.’ Then Anna, who had from her youth served God in the Temple in fasting and prayer, and who herself recognized the Messiah, praised the Lord and made known to the inhabitants of Jerusalem the coming of the awaited One. But the Pharisees, present in the Temple and seeing and hearing all that passed, and being vexed with Zacharias for having stood the Virgin Mary in the place for maidens, made this known to King Herod. Believing this to be the new King of whom the star-followers from the East had spoken. Herod quickly sent to have Jesus killed. But in the meantime the holy family had already escaped from the city and set out for Egypt, under the direction of an angel of God. This day has been celebrated from the very earliest times, but its solemn celebration dates from 544, in the time of the Emperor Justinian.

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Saint’s Alive... Saint Athanasios the Great

1. Saint John the Baptist conducts the Baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (detail).

2. The Heavens open, the voice of the Father is heard, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends upon Christ (detail).

In the center of the icon is Christ being baptized in the Jordon. He is standing in the water wearing a waistcloth, and with His right hand He is blessing the waters of the Jordon. Above His head is the Holy Spirit descending as a dove upon Him (2). At the top of the icon, a semicircle depicts the opening of the Heavens and the voice of the Father

3. Angels of the Lord gathered on the shore of the Jordon River give praises to Christ (detail).

4. An angel of the Lord receives Christ as He comes out of the water (detail).

On the right side of the icon angels are shown with their heads bowed in reverence to Christ (3). They are prepared to receive Him as He comes out of the water (4).

Archangel Michael Award Presentation– November 2014

Saint Athanasios the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria, was a great Father of the Church and a pillar of Orthodoxy. He was born around the year 297 in the city of Alexandria into a family of pious Christians. He received a secular education, but still more he acquired profound knowledge by diligent study of the Holy Scripture. From his childhood years the future great hierarch Athanasios became known to St. Alexander Patriarch of Alexandria, through the following circumstances. Once a group of children, among whom was the Athanasios, was playing at the seashore. The Christian children decided to baptize their pagan playmates. St. Athanasios, whom the children chose as “bishop”, performed the Baptism, precisely repeating the words he heard in church during this sacrament. Patriarch Alexander observed all this from a window. He then commanded that the children and their parents be brought to him. Having conversed with them for a long while, and having attested that the Baptism performed by the children at play was in everything in accord with the Church order, he acknowledged the Baptism as real and supplemented it with the sacrament of Chrismation. From this moment the Patriarch looked after the spiritual upbringing of the youth Athanasios and in time brought him into the clergy, at first as a reader, and then he ordained him to the office of the deacon. It was as a deacon that Saint Athanasios accompanied Patriarch Alexander in the year 325 to the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea. At the Council, Saint Athanasios refuted of the heresy of Arius. His speech met with the approval of the Orthodox Fathers of the Council, but the Arians, those openly and those secretly so, came to hate Athanasios and subjected him to persecutions for the rest of his life. After the death of holy Patriarch Alexander, Saint Athanasios was unanimously chosen as his successor to the see of Alexandria. He long refused, accounting himself unworthy, but at the insentience of all the Orthodox populace that it was in agreement, he was ordained to the office of the bishop at the age 28 and placed at the head of the Alexandrian Church. For 47 years Saint Athanasios guided the Church, and during this time he suffered much persecution and grief from his antagonists. Several times he was expelled from Alexandria and his himself from the Arians in desolate places, since they repeatedly tried to kill him. Saint Athanasios spent more than 20 years in exile, and returned to his flock, and then again was subjected to banishment. Despite the persecution of many years, the saint continued firmly to defend the purity of the Orthodox faith, and he wrote incessantly both letters and tracts against the Arian heresy. When Julian the Apostate (361-363) began a persecution against Christians, his wrath fell first upon St. Athanasios, whom he considered the great pillar of Orthodoxy. Julian intended to kill the saint so as to strike Christianity a grievous blow, but he himself soon perished infamously. Mortally wounded by an arrow during the time of a battle, he cried out with despair: “Thou art victorious, Galilean”. After the death of Julian, St. Athanasios guided the Alexandrian Church for seven years and died in 373, at age 76.

Our AXIOS! WORTHY! Annunciation church members who were chosen for the St. Michael's Ambassador Awards for the Metropolis of Atlanta in November. Anne Kratsios and George Chakonas, with their medals and certificates.

Numerous works of St. Athanasios have been preserved; four Orations; an Epistle to Epictetus, bishop of the Church of Corinth, four Epistles to Serapion, bishop of Thmuis. One of the books that he wrote at the age of 21 is called On the Incarnation. Upon beginning to read this book C.S. Lewis, a brilliant, modern Christian writer, realized he “was reading a masterpiece.” From this “masterpiece,” a major and often quoted quote is “He (Jesus), indeed, assumed humanity that we might become god” (Chap. 54). Commentaries of Saint Athanasios on Holy Scripture are known, and also books of a moral didactic character, as wll as a detailed biography of St. Anthony the Great with whom St. Athanasios was very close. St. John Chrysostom advised every Orthodox Christian to read this Life. The memory of St. Athanasios is celebrated on January 18 together with St. Cyril of Alexandria.

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2014 Flowers for Feast Day Icons

Feast of the Holy Theophany of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ ilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. Initially, John would not do this, saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus said to John, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness (3:15). John consented and baptized Jesus.

Flowers always add beauty to whatever they adorn. It has always been a tradition among our Orthodox Churches to decorate Holy Icons with flowers when the Feast Day is being celebrated. Please contact the Church Office and donate towards the flowers you would like as soon as possible. As always, this will be done on a first come, first serve basis. The names of those who donate the flowers will be listed in the “VOICE” Newsletter the month after the Feast Day is celebrated. Thank you for your support in this project and may our Lord continue to bless you. Please make your check payable to: ANNUNCIATION CHURCH

Flowers for St. Basil the Great Icon – Jan. 1st Flowers for Epiphany Icon - Jan. 6th Flowers for St. John the Baptist Icon - Jan. 7th Flowers for SS. Athanasios & Cyril Icon - Jan. 18th Flowers for St. Gregory the Theologian Icon – Jan. 25th Flowers for Three Hierarchs Icon - Jan. 30th Flowers for St. Tryphon Icon - Feb. 1st Flowers for Presentation of our Lord into Temple Icon –Feb. 2nd Flowers for St. Haralambos Icon – Feb. 10th

$45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00 $45.00

Flowers for Theotokos Icon – Feb. 27th Flowers for St. Theodore Icon – Feb. 28th

$45.00 $45.00

TAKEN TAKEN TAKEN TAKEN TAKEN TAKEN

Donated Flowers for Feast Day Icons Flowers for St. Barbara Icon – Dec. 4th Donated by Helen A. Sotiropoulos in memory of her mother Francine Sotiropoulos.

Flowers for Nativity of Christ Icon – Dec. 25th Donated by Athena Fisk in honor of her son Steven.

Flowers for St. Nicholas Icon – Dec. 6th Donated by Nicholas Kontinos in honor of his Name day.

Flowers for St. Stephen Icon– Dec. 28th Donated by Pauline Margaritis in honor of her son & grandson, Steve.

Flowers for St. Eleutherios Icon - Dec. 14th Donated by Helen A. Sotiropoulos in memory of her mother Francine Sotiropoulos. Flowers for St. Anastasia Icon – Dec. 21st Donated by Pauline Margaritis in honor of her daughter Stacie.

When Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened suddenly, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. The Bible records that the Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on him. When this happened, a voice came from heaven and said, “ This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” This was the voice of God the Father.

Introduction The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on January 6. The Feast commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God. Biblical Story The Biblical story of the Baptism of Christ is recorded in all four of the Gospels: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-9, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:31-34. John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus and the one chosen by God to proclaim His coming, was preaching in the wilderness and was baptizing all who would respond to his message calling for repentance. As he was doing this, John was directing the people toward the one who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). The Scriptures tell us that Jesus came from Gal-

Christ’s baptism in the Jordon was a “theophany,” a manifestation of God to the world, because it was the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry. It was also a “theophany” in that the world was granted a revelation of the Holy Trinity. All three Persons were made manifest together: the Father testified from on high to the divine Sonship of Jesus; the Son received His Father’s testimony; and the Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, descending from the Father and resting upon the Son. The theme of “manifestion” or “revelation” is also expressed in Scripture with the symbolism of light. In the hymn of the Feast we sing, “Christ has appeared and enlightened the world.” Thus, January 6 is also known as the Feat of Lights. The Church celebrates on this day the illumination of the world by the light of Christ. Icon of the feast The Icon of the Feast of Theophany tells the story from the Gospels in images and color. On the left side of the icon we see John the Baptist (1) who is dressed in camel’s hair and has the appearance of one who loves in the wilderness. His arms are outstretched, showing an attitude of prayer and reverence, but also directing others to Christ. With his right hand he is conducting the baptism.

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