THE BEACON APRIL 2014

ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS S H I N I N G

F O R T H

April 2014 My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we begin our first essays into spring, we also find ourselves at the end of the Lenten season, facing that Great and Holy Week which takes us together with our Lord on his final journey to the Cross, to the Tomb and to the Resurrection. What could be more important in our lives than to follow, to stand with the women and St. John beneath the cross, to see “where they laid him” with Mary Magdalene and to kneel with the women and kiss his risen feet, the feet that still bear the marks of the nails? We all have busy lives and things to do, but this one week of the year is not about us—or, rather, it is all about us, about the love that God has for us, a love that compelled him to death in order to rescue us from death. Can we not take a little time out of our busy schedules, even if we are tired and would like just to relax, and go with our Lord through the services of Holy Week, and to experience first hand this amazing and tremendous love for us? If you can’t make it to all the services, why not take the Holy Week challenge and, in addition to the Services you normally come to, come to one that you have never been to. You will discover that all the Services are profound and moving. Please consult the Holy T H I S

G O O D

N E W S

Week schedule (you also received a “refrigerator magnet” in the mail) for the times of the Services.

A Message from the Priest

I N

T H E

I S S U E

Parish Directories

2

Prosforo Schedule

3

Liturgical Schedule

4

Stewardship Report

6-7

Donations Report

8

Parish News & Notes

9-12

Greek Ladies Aid Society News

13

News Flyers

14-24

Sponsors

25

April Calendar

26

May Calendar

27

This year our Holy Friday Retreat will extend to our adults and young adults. After lunch until the afternoon service, Dr. Bruce Beck will lead us in a reflection on the events of the day. And don’t forget to sign up for an hour (or at least some time) of prayer and meditation before the icon of our Crucified Lord during the night of Holy Thursday into Holy Friday! Holy Week and Pascha also give us the opportunity to show our generosity. You have received the Epitaphios Flower Envelope as well as the Pascha Offering envelope in the mail. You will find elsewhere in this Beacon the various needs for Holy Week and Pascha. Your generosity will help to make our celebration even more beautiful. Pascha may give us a foretaste of heaven, but we still have much to do right here in our Parish Family. April 27 is our Spring General Assembly. We will be concentrating specifically on the 2014 budget. Make sure to come and exercise your duties as good stewards of the part of the Kingdom which God has entrusted to us. Mark your calendars for May 10. We will be enjoying a Parish Leadership and Ministries Retreat up at the St. Methodios Retreat Center. Details are still being firmed up, but the date is set. There will be sign up sheets available. The Retreat is open for anyone involved in Leadership and Ministry in the parish, including anyone who is intending at some point to do so. We will examine the spiritual dimensions of Ministry and Leadership, and, in a practical step, we will also begin working on our Strategic Plan. There is also an option to come up Friday evening, May 9, to enjoy some leisure time together and stay the night in our beautiful Retreat House. The Retreat on Saturday should begin about 9 am and be over by 3 pm. I hope many of you can come! May the Love of our Crucified and Risen Lord fill your families and homes with a special joy!

+Fr. Constantine April 2014 Page 1

THE BEACON is an official publication of the ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7 Harris Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 * (978)465-5757 Website: http://annunciation.ma.goarch.org/ THE REV. DR. CONSTANTINE NEWMAN, PROISTAMENOS e: mail to: [email protected] * h: (603) 692-7603 * c: (603) 953-3051 ********** Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is under the spiritual and ecclesiastical oversight of His Eminence, Metropolitan Methodios, Metropolis of Boston; The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; and is under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Beacon is a monthly parish newsletter of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Newburyport, MA. Deadline for material is the 15th of each month.

PARISH COUNCIL 2014 President: Jim Sperelakis [email protected] • (978) 479-6372 or [email protected] Vice President: John Patriakeas [email protected] • (978)-853-5802 Co-Treasures: Arthur Housiantis [email protected] • (603) 303-6257 Elizabeth Keefe

PARISH MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS Choir Director Don Argyrople • [email protected] • (978) 363-5377 Ladies Aid Society Lisa Housianitis • [email protected] Men’s Club Arthur Housianitis • [email protected] John Housianitis • [email protected]

COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Nicholson Hall Joanne Housianitis • [email protected] • (978) 499-0048 • Cell (978) 471-0332

Don Argyrople [email protected] • (978) 363-5377

Sunday School Jill Argyrople • [email protected] • (978) 363-5377

Brendan Cooper [email protected]

JOY Program (Junior Orthodox Youth) Maria Connor • [email protected] • (978) 465–2554 Presbytera Anna Newman • (603) 692–7603

Secretary: Bruce Beck

Peter Davis [email protected] • (978) 463–0024 Andrea Jones [email protected] Charlie Neos [email protected] • (978-358)-7702 John Housiantis [email protected]

Jr. & Sr. GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) Don and Jill Argyrople • [email protected] • (978) 363-5377 St. Basil’s Ministries Don Argyrople • [email protected] • (978) 363-5377 Stewardship Jennifer Cooper • [email protected] • Susan George • [email protected] •

Melinda Patrick [email protected]

April 2014 Page 2

Prosforo: An Offering of Faith Of the many ways of supporting our Church, there are few which stand out as uniquely personal offerings of faith. The offering of Prosforo bread for the Divine Liturgy is one of them. We are thankful to all who have faithfully fulfilled this responsibility and invite more of our faithful to make this a part of their lives as well.

Prosforo Schedule April 6

Andrea Jones

May 4

Stella Andriotakis

April 13

Anna Chetsas

May 11

Kathy Tsiantas

April 20

Sunday School

May 18

Lisa Housianitis

April 27

Tina Klidaras

May 25

Andrea Jones

Joanna Tsiantas is responsible for the Prosforo Schedule. If you have any scheduling conflicts or requests, need to have the Prosforo brought to the church early Sunday morning or wish to add your name to the schedule, please contact Joanna at (978) 465–1405 or at [email protected].

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT It is with continued humility and reverence in the Lenten season, that I write to you, as Parish Council President. Along with my fellow 2014 Parish Council members, we look forward to serving you, the Parishioners, Father Constantine, our Boston Metropolis, and the Archdiocese of America. In order to build-on the teamwork and positive momentum of the 2014 Parish Council, along with our spiritual leader, Father Constantine, and his family, we are planning to hold an Annunciation Parish Leadership Retreat this spring. All Parishioners are very welcome to attend - and we especially encourage those in leadership positions (or with aspirations of becoming leaders) in the Ministries, and various organizations of our beloved Parish, to attend. Please mark your calendars for Sat. May 10, for our Parish Leadership Retreat, to be held at the Saint Methodios Retreat Center in Contoocook, NH (near Concord, NH). The participatory discussion will start at approx. 10 am, and focus on progressing our Parish strategic plan and priorities, as well as developing a keen focus on the spiritual life of our Parish. We expect to conclude by 3 pm. An agenda, logistical details, and meeting specifics will be published in the near future. We continue to seek significant Parishioner involvement in several efforts to progress our Parish Strategic Plan, Priorities, and important Ministries in 2014. John Patriakeas, Bruce Beck, and I, will be leading this effort within the Council, and we are currently looking for additional volunteers participate in these efforts. We wholeheartedly seek your input and involvement. The next General Assembly will be held on Sunday, April 27, in Nicholson Hall, immediately following Divine Liturgy. The primary topic will be a discussion and vote on our 2014 budget. A meeting agenda will be published prior to the General Assembly. We look forward to your participation. Our beloved Parish will be celebrating our 100th anniversary in three short years (2017). We need to commence preparations now, to make this, quite literally, a year full of “events of the century”. To borrow a phrase from Andrea Jones, we need “100 volunteers for 100 years”. We will soon form sub-committees, focused on various aspects of this important anniversary, including event planning, musical program, parish historical research including our founding families, community outreach, “fun-raising”, etc. What an opportunity to be involved! Please see Father, or any member of the Parish Council, to express your interest and share your ideas. As mentioned in recent months, I often reflect in inspired awe of what we, as a Parish family, are able to accomplish, with our relatively small congregation. A couple examples, among dozens, include the inspired and spirited Greek Independence Day Celebration coordinated by Maria Connor, and performed by the children of our Parish; and the moving vocal music consistently offered by the Annunciation Choir. Their lovely hymns significantly enhance our service, during all times of the liturgical year. My personal thanks to all for making the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church a wonderful place to worship. Respectfully submitted, Jim Sperelakis – Parish Council President

April 2014 Page 3

Sunday & Weekday Liturgical Schedule

SUNDAY SERVICES Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Wednesday, April 2 Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, April 4 6:00 pm

The Akathist Hymn

6:00 pm

Followed by Pot Luck Dinner and Discussion Saturday, April 5

Sunday, April 6 5th Sunday of the Great Fast Commemoration of our Holy Mother Mary of Egypt

Vespers of Sunday—5:00 pm Followed by Bible Study

Plagal 4th Tone 8th Morning Gospel Monday, April 7

Great Compline

Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14 6:00 pm

Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

Wednesday, April 9 Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Saturday, April 12 Saturday of Lazaros 6:00 pm

Followed by Pot Luck and Discussion

Divine Liturgy

9:00 am

Followed by Breakfast, Palm Making,

Sunday, April 13 Palm Sunday Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9

Practice for Altar Servers and Myrrh-bearing Women

11:00 am

Great Vespers

5:00 pm

Followed by Bible Study

Gospel: John 12:1-18 Followed by procession with Palms (outside weather permitting) Bridegroom Service

7:00 pm

Monday, April 14: Great and Holy Monday Bridegroom Service

7:00 pm

Wednesday, April 16 Great and Holy Wednesday The Mystery of Holy Unction

6:00 pm

Friday, April 18 Great and Holy Friday Royal Hours

Bridegroom Service (Hymn of Kassiani)

7:00 pm

Thursday, April 17 Great and Holy Thursday Vesperal Liturgy of the Mystical Supper

7:00 am

Service of the 12 Gospels

7:00 pm

Followed by all-night Vigil before the Crucified Christ

Saturday, April 19 Great and Holy Saturday 7:00 am

Service of the Unnailing from the Cross (Apokathelosis) 3:00 pm Service of the Lamentations

Tuesday, April 15 Great and Holy Tuesday

Vesperal Liturgy of the Vigil of Pascha

9:00 am

Pannychis (Preparatory Service)

11:20 pm

Anastasis, Orthros and Liturgy of Pascha

12:00 midnight

7:00 pm Followed by Festive Reception

April 2014 Page 4

Sunday & Weekday Liturgical Schedule

SUNDAY SERVICES Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Sunday, April 20 Great and Holy Pascha Vespers of Agape (Love)

Sunday, April 27 2nd Sunday of Pascha The Sunday of Thomas 11:00 am

CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!

Epistle: Acts 5:12-20 Gospel: John 20:19-31

Sunday, May 4 3rd Sunday of Pascha Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, Joseph of Arimathea and Nikodemos nd 2 Tone

Sunday, May 11 4th Sunday of Pascha Sunday of the Paralytic Epistle: Acts 9:32-42

Epistle: Acts 6:1-7

Gospel: John 5:1-15

3rd Tone

Gospel: Mark 15:43-47; 16:1-8 Sunday, May 18 5th Sunday of Pascha Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

Wednesday, May 21 The Holy, Great and God-crowned Monarchs and Equals-to-the Apostles Constantine and Helen

4th Tone Epistle: Acts 11:19-30

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

Gospel: John 4:5-42

Epistle: Acts 26:12-20 Gospel: John 10:1-9

Sunday, May 25 6th Sunday of Pascha Sunday of the Blind Man Third Finding of the Head of John the Baptist Plagal 1st Tone Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:6-15

Thursday, May 29 The Ascension of our Lord into Heaven Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Epistle: Acts 1:1-12 Gospel: Luke 24:36-53

Gospel: John 9:1-38

CHRIST IS RISEN !!!

TRULY HE IS RISEN !!!

April 2014 Page 5

STEWARDSHIP A heartfelt thanks to all those who recently returned a completed 2014 pledge card as this helps us to aid the treasurer with planning income and expenses throughout the year. Your membership as part of the Annunciation Church family and understanding our Committee’s best efforts for our Parish Community is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Cooper at [email protected], Susan George at [email protected] or Stacey Kevorkian at [email protected].

Stewardship By The Numbers 2013

2014 as of 3/25/2014

Pledged Amount Actual Paid Amount to be Collected Average Pledge Amount Maximum Pledge Amount Minimum Pledge Amount Number of Stewards

$87,625 $81,801 $5,824 $649/$635* $3,000 $0 135/133*

as of 3/25/2014

Pledged Amount Actual Paid Amount to be Collected Average Pledge Amount Maximum Pledge Amount Minimum Pledge Amount Number of Stewards

$61,845 $19,484 $42,361 $694/$695** $3,200 $20 89/84**

Stewards who have completed a $0-$300 $301-$500 $501-$800 $801-$1,000 $1,001-$2,000 > $2,000 Total 2014 Stewards

27 17 20 9 11 5 89

* For 2013 - 135 Stewards includes both the Ladies Aid Society and Sunday School. If both are removed, the average pledge amount drops from $643 per Steward to $629 per Steward. ** For 2014 – 89 stewards includes the Ladies Aid Society and 3 college students. When they are removed, the average pledge amount drops from $694 per Steward to $695 per Steward.

April 2014 Page 6

2014 Stewards as of 3/25/2014 Anderson, George and Sharon Andriotakis, James and Lisa Andriotakis, Louis and Stella Argyrople, Anita (Dido) Argyrople, Don and Jill Beck, Bruce & Kimberley Patton Boucher, Al and Bonnie Bruno, Mark and Roseanne Chadwick, Cathleen Chetsas, Leon and Anna Christo, Julia Connor, Edmund & Joanna Tsiantas Connor, Kevin and Maria Cooper, Brendon and Jennifer Coughenour, James and Kristina Cusack, Michael Davis, Peter and Dorothy Dollas, Christopher and Mary Dollas, Mary Driscoll, Dan and Carla Dubus, Andre and Fontaine Dussi, John and Gina Falite, Irene Faskianos, Mrs. James Fiasconaro, George and Elaine Gentile, Amy George, Barbara George, Emery and Susan Georgopoulos, James and Tracy Gigis, Stella Gogolos, John and Patricia Gravel, Elaine Greek Ladies Aid Society Greene, Helena Halkiotis, Penelope Haraktsis, Anastasios & Aikaterini Heath, Warren and Patricia Hight, Stephen and Joanne Hill, Richard and Donna Housianitis, Arthur and Lisa Housianitis, John Janos, Louis Janos, Mark and MaryAnn Jansen, Ryan and Jennifer

Kacher, Bill and Andrea Jones Kacher, Eleni Keefe, Zachary and Elizabeth Kevorkian, Jeff and Stacey Kipe, Ellie Klidaras, Tina Koukkos, Gabriel Lam, Marie Malonis, Chris and Mary Mamakos, Michael and Kara Mamakos, Peter and Anna Mansour, Louis and Eugenia Mansour, Stephanie Markos, Frank and Suzanne Markos, T. Sammy Matthews, Byron and Helen Matthews, John and Christina Matthews, Paul and Christine Matthews, Peter and Teri Mathieu, Connie McGrath, Thomas & Rose Papanickolas-McGrath Micu, Marius and Ileana Mountzuris, Ted and Anna Murphy, Dennis and Kerri Neos, Charles & Patricia Yanakakis Newman, Fr. Constantine & Pres. Anna Newman, Alexander Newman, Dimitri Newman, Nicholas and Casey Pantelakis, Theodosios and Gayle Patriakeas, John & Joan Patrick, Alyssa Patrick, Jim and Melinda Perralta, John and Ann Preftes, Katherine Rallis, Elaine Riley, Peter and Ruth Schaeffer, Frank and Genie Smith, Don and Gladys Spaneas, Mary Sperelakis, James Stickney, Raymond and Cleo

Sullivan, Eugene Tsiantas, Kathy Tsiplakis, Ioannis and Rhonda Varoudakis, Joanne Wescott, Marilyn

Stewardship = 3 T’s… Time, Talent & Treasure + Deceased

April 2014 Page 7

Donations Report "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver"

We wish to thank those who have made recent donations to the Church (Efharisto!) We thank those who have made a donation towards the new refrigerator in St. Basil’s Hall: Don and Jill Argyrople Cathy Chadwick Michael Cusak John & Gina Dussi Irene Falite Elizabeth Keefe Stacey Kevorkian Arthur and Lisa Housianitis Joanne Housianitis John Housianitis Andrea Jones Peter & Anna Mamakos Sarah & Amin Nabhan Father & Presbytera Newman James Sperelakis Melinda Patrick

"But this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who reaps bountifully will also reap bountifully" (II Corinthians 9:6-8) April 2014 Page 8

What Stewardship means to me

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Our Good Friday retreat is scheduled for Friday April 18. There is no school that day so please make every effort to send your child. It runs from 9:30-4:00. Lunch is included and the afternoon service as well. We will have activities , crafts and other surprises . I hope to see you there! We are in the midst of two contests for our students. The first is our passport contest for the most services attended between lent and Pascha. The prize is an ice cream gif certificate to ether Hodgie's, Benson's or Haley's. The second is an essay or poetry contest adapted from the Archdiocease Oratorical Festival. The 7-12th grade classes are participating. I hope to publish them in the Beacon for everyone to read. The prizes are Visa card gift certificates of $50, $25 and $10. Kalo Pascha! Jill Argyrople

Audrey Cooper Testimonial 2/2/14 Hi, I'm Audrey Cooper, I'm 10 today and I want to tell you what Stewardship means to me: Our Church is special to me because we have so many friendly members. Also, our Sunday School teachers help us learn about our religion. Another reason is we have such a good Greek Food Festival with the most amazing food! We also have the best Priest ever who can really decorate a cake! As I grow up I want to stay in this church in the choir until after I am married and for as long as I live. Our church is like my second home with my second family.

Greek Food Festival (GFF) 2013 & 2014 We will have the first meeting of the 2014 Greek Food Festival ( GFF ) on Monday evening at 7 PM, on April 28th in Nicholson Hall. Anyone with an interest in participating in our Church’s largest & most important fundraiser is welcome. The preparation, planning & organizing of this event takes many hours of time & talent for “IT” to happen. This year, the GFF will take place on July 25th, 26th & 27th. As you have heard for several years, you are missing out on the opportunity to learn how to make various Greek pastries & special dishes from the “in house” experts if you don’t participate. Please call, email or speak with me in person if you have questions &/or would like to volunteer your services. Remember many hands make light work. Charlie Neos Chair GFF

Evangelism Team Scholarship for 2014 The Evangelism Team has been awarding scholarships within our parish for the past 4 years. In that time awards have been given to 10 recipients with over $7000 given out in awards. We now announce the application for the 2014 Evangelism Team Scholarship is available. It is included in the current edition of The Beacon and is available by request through Fr. Constantine Newman. Applications are to be submitted to Fr. Constantine and are due no later than Sunday May 18, 2014. The awards presentation will take place at the end of Divine Liturgy on the first Sunday in June which is June 1st. For full details please see the Application form and the accompanying Guidelines.

H: 978-358-7702 C: 617-240-8313 Email: [email protected]

April 2014 Page 9

Spirng General Assembly Discussion and Acceptance Of the 2014 Budget The next General Assembly will be held on Sunday, April 27, in Nicholson Hall, immediately following Divine Liturgy. The primary topic will be a discussion and vote on the 2014 Budget. A meeting agenda will be published prior to the General Assembly. Only Parishioners who are in good standing may vote at the General Assembly. To be a member in good standing, your prior year (2013) stewardship commitment must be paid in full, and you must have completed a current year (2014) stewardship card. If not, you are able to attend, but not vote, at any General Assembly.

Parish Leadership Retreat Please mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10, for a Parish Leadership Retreat, at the Saint Methodios Retreat Center in Coontoocook, NH (near Concord, NH) focused on progressing our Parish Strategic Plan and priorities, as well as a focus on our Parish’s Spiritual Life. The Parish Council will be in attendance, and all Parishioners are very welcome to attend - and we especially encourage those in leadership positions in the various Ministries and other organizations in our beloved Parish to attend. You are also welcome to stay overnight, with family members, on Friday, May 9 (at a nominal cost). An agenda, details, and meeting specifics will be published in the near future. For more details, and potential interest in attending, please see Father, Jim Sperelakis, or a Parish Council member.

Greek Independence Day Parade The 20th annual Greek Independence Day Parade, sponsored by the Metropolis of Boston, will be held on Sunday, April 6, at 1 pm, on Boylston Street, in Boston. We are hoping that a number of Parishioners will be interested in attending, and if so, we will organize a car pool/van, as spectators - and if enough interest, we can even try to march/participate in the parade. If interested in attending, please see Father, Jim Sperelakis, or a Parish Council member.

April 2014 Page 10

HOLY WEEK FLOWERS AND SUPPLIES DONATIONS Palms for Palm Sunday

$85

Flowers for Icons 2 Bridegroom Icons

$45 each

Mystical Supper

$45

Anastasis

$45

Oil for Holy Unction

$15

Rose Petals for Holy Friday

$20

Wine (2 bottles)

$25 per bottle

Crown

$75

Bay leaves for Holy Saturday

$70

Arrangement at bottom of cross

$45

12 candles for 12 Gospels

$5 per candle

3 candles for cross

$5 per candle

Candles for the top of the Kouvouklion $5 per candle Cross on top of the Kouvouklion

$75

Garland for Iconostasis Royal Doors

$85

Each Icon (4)

$50

Please see any member of the Parish Council or Father to make your donation.

Church Buys a New Refrigerator

GOYA Rides the Soup Truck It has become tradition in our parish for high school members of GOYA to ride on the Lazarus House soup truck during the winter months. The soup truck follows a route in downtown Lawrence that takes it to rooming houses and under the big bridge that crosses the Merrimack River. The rooming houses are old, rundown buildings that house many -- older folks, veterans and many others all down on their luck and in need of a helping hand. The bridge provides a bit of shelter from the wind, rain and cold of winter but it is every bit as seedy as you can possibly imagine. When the kids went out on the truck it was cold and wet. Just seems like the kind of day that a hot cup of soup and a sandwich is really needed and appreciated. Our kids took turns climbing into the cleaning company van that is used on Sunday nights to run the route and distribute the food. These kids all pitched in to dole out cups of soup, give away lunch bags (that they made earlier in the afternoon) and also giving out blankets, gloves, socks and toiletries. This year the group included Brianna Anderson, Alexander Connor, Elias Connor, Dan Hansen, Angela and Stephanie Patrikeas. Everyone pitched in and worked hard. Ask any of these kids and they can tell you that what they did on a cold, damp Sunday night made a difference to help others. There is not a chance that any of them would have chosen to stay home, warm and cozy instead they jumped at the opportunity to take the love Christ gives all and share it with those in great need.

Recently the refrigerator that is in St. Basil's Hall kitchen stopped working after serving the church well for many years first in Nicholson Hall and later in St. Basil's Hall. The parish council voted to buy a new refrigerator so the kitchen could continue to be used for food preparation by all parish organizations. The Newburyport Board of Health requires church kitchens to have commercial style refrigeration so we had to spend extra money to get one that meets the code. The new refrigerator cost $1600. This was an unexpected need and had not been planned for in the parish budget. So over the past few weeks the parish council has asked parishioners to help out with this extra expense. To date we have collected over $900 in donations to help with this expense. Thank you to everyone who has made a contribution and we are still hoping for a few more people to help us cover this cost. Donations for the new refrigerator can be given to Fr. Constantine or any parish council member. April 2014 Page 11

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! CHRONIA POLLA!

Wine and Cheese Social

{in order for your name to appear here, be sure to include your birthday(s) and anniversary on your Stewardship card} April

April Dates

Efraim Haraktsis

April 01

Katerina Connor

April 02

Milton Monoxelos

April 02

Dante Bruno

April 03

Elias Dubus

April 07

On February 27th, the Stewardship Committee hosted a Wine & Cheese reception to thank our 2014 Stewards. Though it was a snowy evening, over 30 Stewards attended. Stewards were welcomed in the front foyer of the church with a center table full of delicious appetizers and plenty of room to mingle and get to know each other over a glass of wine. The front foyer of the church has proven to be a warm and welcome area for an evening gathering. The evening ended with a door prize raffle. Our winner, Joanna Tsiantis Connor took home a spring bulb arrangement of hyacinths. We are looking forward to the warm weather and plan for our next Stewardship gathering to take place outside in the courtyard!

Angela Tsopelas

April 13

Nicholas Yanakakis

April 14

Madeline Gravelle

April 15

Lisa Housianitis

April 16

Dan Driscoll

April 17

Siobhan Mitchell

April 18

George Fiasconaro

April 20

Patrick Jansen

April 22

100th Anniversary

Nicholas Perreault

April 23

In the year 2017, our beloved parish will be 100 years old. Since this is a significant anniversary, we need to start planning now. The parish council is asking all parishioners to start looking for pictures of events that have occurred within our parish through the years. We are also looking for volunteers to head up committees to begin work on the many events we would like to see happen. Some ideas are a cookbook, dinner dance, wine tasting, etc. A commemorative brochure will also be produced. Please contact the parish council if you would like to be a part of the planning committee and be involved.

Joanna Panas

April 28

Edmund Perreault

April 29

Alyssa Patrick

April 30

Dante Bruno

April 03

Gladys Smith

April 09

Elias Connor

April 17

Newburyport Annunciation Church 100th Anniversary cookbook – yesterday and today Andrea Jones is in the process of setting up a cookbook committee for the 100th Anniversary edition. Please contact Andrea Jones at 978 621-6123 or e-mail her at [email protected] to express your interest in joining this committee. Thank you!!! Andrea Jones

April 2014 Page 12

The Greek Ladies Aid Society 2014 Members Andriotakis, Stella Chadwick, Cathleen Chetsas, Anna* Christo, Julie* Connor, Maria Davis, Dorothy Dollas, Mary* Dussi, Gina Falite, Irene George, Susan Georgopoulos, Tracy Gigis, Stella Hansen, Diane Jones, Andrea Housianitis, Lisa Katsoulis , Irene Klidaris, Laura Klidaris, Tina Machiros, Chrysanthe* Mamakos, Anna* Mamakos, Kara Mathieu, Connie* Panas, Joanna* Rallis, Mary* Schaeffer, Genie Spaneas, Mary* Stickney,Cleo Tikellis, Daphne Tsiantas, Joanna Tsiantas, Kathy Wescott, Bunny

GLAS 2013-2014 Calendar March 2nd:

Meeting Conference Room Veneration of the Holy Cross Collection Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center Donation Plans for Palm Sunday Luncheon, 4/13 Plan end of year event 25th: Church’s Name Day Coffee Hour April 6th: Meeting Conference Room 13th: Palm Sunday Luncheon Easter Baskets/Red Eggs for Shut-Ins 20th: Easter Sunday May 4th: Meeting Conference Room 11th: Mother’s Day Opportunity Works Donation June 1st: Meeting Conference Room Flower demonstrations with Deb Sou sane 15th: Father’s Day Gift Certificates Graduation Gift Certificates for HS Donation to Greek Food Festival End of the Year Dinner It was agreed that we will begin the meetings 15 minutes after Church is over. This should give everyone time to get coffee, a snack, and meet upstairs in the conference room. Meetings take place the 1st Sunday of the month.

* Complimentary membership if over 80 years of age.

If your name is not listed, please consider joining and/or renewing your membership. 100% of the $15.00 dues goes towards helping those less fortunate. Please see Lisa Housianitis president, or Diane Hansen, treasurer, to sign up.

April 2014 Page 13

Palm Sunday Luncheon Hosted by The Greek Ladies Aid Society Fresh baked haddock with crumb topping Green beans in tomato sauce Rice pilaf, salad, coffee and dessert

Sunday, April 13, 2014 Immediately following the Divine Liturgy Nicholson Hall Cost Fish dinner: $15.00 Homemade macaroni and cheese: $5.00 There will be no tickets sold on the day of the luncheon. Please contact Lisa Housianitis to purchase tickets or reserve a table.

April 2014 Page 14

The Ladies Aid Society Annual Tsourekia Sale Celebrate the Resurrection with Tsourekia baked fresh by the Greek Ladies Aid Society’s “King Arthur Baking Crew”

Cost is $8.00 per bread payable to the Greek Ladies Aid Society. Detach and return the bottom portion of this form with payment no later than April 6, 2014 to: Lisa Housianitis, 3 Dogwood Circle, Haverhill, MA 01832 (603) 498-0132

Name: Number of Breads: Payment Enclosed: Note: Orders are due by April 6, 2014. Please only include payment for Tsourekia with this form. Thank you and Kali Anastasi! Tsourekia will be available for pick-up at the church on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014. April 2014 Page 15

Make This Easter Extra Special Reserve an Easter Lily to be placed in the church In Memory Of or For the Health Of a loved one

Donation is $13.00 per plant payable to the Greek Ladies Aid Society. Detach and return the bottom portion of this form with payment no later than April 13, 2014 to: Irene Katsoulis, 31 Hazen Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830 (978) 372-3593

Name: Telephone Number: Please provide first names only In Memory of:

For the health of:

Number of plants ($13 per plant): Amount enclosed: April 2014 Page 16

April 2014 Page 17

April 2014 Page 18

Christ is risen from the dead, Trampling down death by death, And upon those in the tombs bestowing life! Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας, και τοις εν τοις µνήµασι ζωήν χαρισάµενος. Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! April 2014 Page 19

SAVE THE DATE! Parish Ministries Reatreat Saturday, May 10 9:00 am to 3:00 pm St. Methodios Retreat Center Metropolis Camp Contoocook, NH Optional stay Friday night, May 9, Overnight Open to all Parishioners, especially those involved in leadership and ministry Spouses and children welcome! April 2014 Page 20

April 2014 Page 21

April 2014 Page 22

April 2014 Page 23

April 2014 Page 24

BEACON SPONSORS Many thanks to our Sponsors for their continued support! Please patronize these friends of The Annunciation Church Newburyport; they help to make The Beacon possible. To become a Sponsor, contact Joanna Tsiantas @ [email protected] , t: (978) 270-6212. The sponsorship rate includes placement in The Beacon for a period of one year, and renewed annually.

Please submit artwork to Joanna Tsiantas.

ANNUNCIATION LADIES AID SOCIETY 5 Harris Street Newburyport, MA 01950 Dorothy Davis, President t: (978) 463–0024

CLIPPER CITY TOUCH FREE CARWASH 104B State Street Newburyport, MA 01950 Armie Sancartier, President t: (978) 697–8291 / f: (978) 462–2348 e: [email protected]

MARK L. JANOS Attorney At Law 6 Harris Street Newburyport, MA 01950 t: (978) 465–2043 f: (978) 465–6321

DANIEL L. LYNCH PHARMACY 173 High Street Newburyport, MA 01950 Louis Andriotakis, Pharmacist t: (978) 462–2232

GREEK ORTHODOX MEN’S CLUB P.O. Box 575 Newburyport, MA 01950 Arthur Housianitis & John Housianitis, Co-Presidents

April 2014 Page 25

APRIL 2014 Sun

Mon

Tue

1

Wed

2

Thu

3

Presanctified Liturgy 6 pm

Fri

Sat

4

5

The Akathist Hymn 6:00 pm

Vespers 5 pm Followed by Bible Study

Great Lent

6

7

Divine Liturgy 9:30 am GLAS Meeting Greek Ind. Day Parade Great Lent

St. Basil’s Kitchen Great Compline 6 pm Choir Practice 7 pm

Parish Council Mtg 7 pm

13

14

15

Divine Liturgy St. Basil’s Kitchen 9:30 am Palm Sunday Bridegroom Luncheon Service 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service 7:00

8

9

CHRIST IS RISEN! Agape Vespers 11 am BRIGHT WEEK

21

11

12 Satuday of Lazaros 9 am Palm Making

Presanctified Liturgy 6 pm

Altar/Myrrh Practice 11 am

Bridegroom Service 7:00 pm

16 Holy Unction 6 pm

HOLY WEEK

20

10

22

23

29

30

17

18

19

Vesperal Lit 7 am

Royal Hrs. 7am

All night Vigil

Vesperal Liturgy 9 am Unnailing 3 pm Pannychis 11:20 pm Lamentations Ananstasis 7 pm Midnight

24

25

12 Gospels 7pm

26

St. Basil’s Kitchen

FAST FREE

27

28

2

Divine Liturgy St. Basil’s Kitchen 9:30 am YOUTH SUNDAY: JOY & GOYA

Greek Food Festival MTG 7 pm

April 2014 Page 26

MAY 2014 Sun

Mon

4

5

Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

St. Basil’s Kitchen

Tue

6

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

1

2

3

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

21

22

23

24

28

29

30

31

Stewardship Committee Mtg 7 pm

11

12

Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

St. Basil’s Kitchen

13 Parish Council Meeting 7 pm

Mother’s Day

18

19

20

Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

St. Basil’s Kitchen

Orthodoxy on Tap 6:30-8:30

25

26

27

Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

St. Basil’s Kitchen

FASHION SHOW

Memorial Day Cemetery Visits

April 2014 Page 27

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation P.O. Box 575 7 Harris Street Newburyport, MA 01950

April 2014 Page 28