THE GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF THE ANNUNCIATION

THE GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF THE ANNUNCIATION APRIL 2016 PARISH NEWSLETTER HOLY WEEK 2016 Sunday, April 24– Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem—P...
Author: Aubrey Hall
3 downloads 0 Views 2MB Size
THE GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL OF THE ANNUNCIATION APRIL 2016

PARISH NEWSLETTER

HOLY WEEK 2016 Sunday, April 24– Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem—Palm Sunday. Orthros, 9:00 a.m., Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m. Service of the Bridegroom, 6:30 p.m. Holy Monday, April 25– Ninth hour and Presanctified Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m., Cathedral. 6:30 p.m., Service of the Bridegroom. Holy Tuesday, April 26 – Ninth hour and Presanctified Divine Liturgy 7:00 a.m., Cathedral. 6:30 p.m., Service of the Bridegroom, Hymn of Kassiane.

Holy Wednesday, April 27 – Ninth hour and Presanctified Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m., Cathedral. Sacrament of Holy Unction, 4:00 p.m., Cathedral. Service of the Bridegroom, 6:30 p.m., followed by Holy Unction. Holy Thursday, April 28 – Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, 9:00 a.m. Passion of our Lord, 6:30 p.m. Great and Holy Friday, April 29 – Great and Royal Hours, 10:00 a.m. Lowering of the Body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 3:00 p.m. Lamentations and Procession around the Cathedral, 7:00 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 30 – Great Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, 9:00 a.m., Canon of Pascha, 11:00 p.m. Resurrection Service in Cathedral Courtyard, 12:00 midnight. Divine Liturgy to follow. Pascha, May 1 – Vespers of Agape, 11:00 a.m.

EXPLANATION of HOLY WEEK Father Alkiviades Calivas Holy Week is the culmination of our 40-day Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, good works, Confession, and Holy Communion. Just as Christ journeyed to the Cross and His death in Jerusalem, we too relive the events of that week. Just as Christ conquered sin and death by His Glorious Resurrection on the third day, we too, longingly prepare ourselves to be united with Him at His Heavenly Throne. Lazarus Saturday Morning commemorates the event of Jesus raising His friend Lazarus from the dead and teaches us that death is the true enemy. Christ came to conquer death and give life to those who love and believe in Him. Palm Sunday Morning commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as the humble yet triumphant Messiah. As we hold palm fronds and cry "Hosanna," we proclaim that we will follow Him, even unto the Cross. Palm Sunday Evening commemorates Jesus as the Bridegroom of His Church. He exhorts us to prepare for suffering in this world and, at the same time to prepare for feasting in God's Kingdom. The story of Joseph of the Old Testament is recounted to remind us that Christ must be rejected and betrayed, yet crowned with glory. The parable of the barren fig tree is also retold to remind us that we must obey the Word of God and bear good fruit. The Monday Evening commemoration reminds us that we must be prepared to receive Christ. The parable of the five wise virgins and five foolish virgins tells us that our lives must be filled with faith, hope, and good works. We must also be ever-watchful for Christ's Second Coming. The Tuesday Evening service emphasizes to us Jesus' love for those who repent of their sins and forgive others. As a model of love and repentance, we are reminded of the sinful woman who anointed Christ with costly oil, as if preparing His Body for burial. The penitential Hymn of Kassiane is sung this evening. The Wednesday Evening service celebrates the Sacrament of Holy Oil wherein Jesus asks us to confess our sins and to be reconciled to God. To seal our reconciliation, we are anointed with holy oil for the healing of our soul and body. Seven Epistles, Gospels and Special Prayers are read this evening. Thursday Morning, during the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil, we commemorate Jesus' institution of the Sacrament of Holy Communion during the Last Supper wherein He proclaims that the bread and wine become His Body and Blood given to us for eternal life. Thursday Evening retells the entire story of Christ's Passion through the reading of the twelve Gospel lessons. After the fifth Gospel reading, the priest carries the flower-adorned Crucifix in procession through the church and it is placed in the center of the solea for veneration. Friday Afternoon commemorates the supreme sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. The priest lowers Christ from the Crucifix, wraps His Body in white linen, and places it on the altar symbolizing His burial by Joseph of Arimathea. The Epitaphios showing Christ's Body is carried in procession and laid in a flower-adorned tomb. The Friday Evening service includes the Hymn of the Lamentations which are chanted to reflect our sorrow, to proclaim Christ's descent to Hades, and to herald His expected Resurrection. Christ's' burial shroud is taken in procession around the church and laid on the altar. Saturday Morning commemorates the Blessed Sabbath as a day of waiting and strict fasting. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil is celebrated as we anticipate Christ's victory over death in Hades and His Glorious Resurrection. Saturday Evening, at 11:00 p.m., we sing the Paschal Orthros service. As midnight approaches, in a darkened Cathedral, we begin the Resurrection service. At the appointed moment, the priest comes forth from the altar with a candle symbolizing the Light of Christ and proclaims “Come receive the Light of Christ.” After all of the candles are lit in the Cathedral, we shall process to the courtyard for the Proclamation of the Resurrection. After the Gospel Reading about the Good News of the Resurrection of Christ is read, then the hymn is chanted, “Christ is Risen from the Dead, by death, He has trampled down death, and to those in the tombs He is bestowing life,” we shall return to the sanctuary for the Divine Liturgy. The Paschal Liturgy and Homily of Saint John Chrysostom invites us to share in His Resurrection through Holy Communion. On Sunday, during the Agape Vespers service, we embrace one another, sharing the gift of Christ's love, life, and community. The Gospel of the Resurrection is proclaimed in various languages symbolizing the worldwide community of Christ. The Orthodox date for Easter is based on a decree of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. According to this decree, Easter must be celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon of the vernal equinox but always after the Jewish Passover to maintain the Biblical sequence of events of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. The Orthodox Christian Churches have adhered strictly to this formula. However, the commemoration of Easter by other Christian Churches is not necessarily preceded by the Passover.

The Great Fast for Lent is so weak in everything, and PASTORAL REFLECTION upon us. A time of prayer, this becomes a renewal for FATHER DEAN MORALIS reflection, contemplation, our soul. confession, fasting, almsgiving—and there is so much more. With this Len- All of these services, all of these prayers, all of these ten season, things feel different. There is an under- hymns mean something. The hymnology, the scripstanding of what is important in our focus on Christ tural readings and the serious prayers we offer beand not worrying about the small everyday things come much more intense now, more than ever, we that just occupy our mind and prayer life. turn to Him. It seems so long ago, but it has just been a few weeks, when we as a community gathered on March 13 for the Great and Penitential Vespers of Forgiveness. As a community meaning, there were just a few faithful who came to witness the awesomeness of what we as people of faith are called to do — and that is pray and ask for forgiveness from one another. At a point in the vespers, after the chanting of the great prokeimenon, Turn not Y our face from Y our child, for I am afflicted; hear me speedily. Give heed to my soul and redeem it, the Altar coverings and the clergy’s vestments are changed from the resurrection colors from the light colors to purple, symbolizing the entrance into this period of the Liturgical year. Turn not Your face from Your child…, repeated until all is completed in this transition from a mode of resurrection to the period of the Great Fast. At the end of the service, we as faithful, one by one, approach one another with a contrite heart and ask for forgiveness, saying, Forgive me and responding: May God forgive us all. It is moving and overwhelming to say the least—and a most fitting way to commence with the Great Fast. If you were there or not, it is never too late to ask forgiveness and that feeling of spiritual refreshment is nothing less than beautiful. During this first week of the Great Fast, we were blessed to chant the Great Compline (a series of prayers and hymns) offered after dinner and prior to retiring for the evening. Also included is the Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete. One of the beautiful Kontakia (Hymn) that is chanted is My soul, my soul, Arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing near, and you will be confounded, awake then and be watchful that Christ our God may spare you, Who is everywhere, and fills all things. Hearing the hymn, seeing the hymn on paper, and praying this hymn allow us to come closer to our Lord. We are

Over last year, we have been horrified by what is happening in our world. We watch the news and see churches destroyed, sacred spaces that stand for centuries, reduced to nothing. Icons that blessed the walls of consecrated churches, desecrated. Sacred texts that survived earthquakes, fires, invasions— destroyed and discarded. We have also been watching people being killed for the sole reason of being a Christian. For some of us, we may know first hand, or stories from our parents or grandparents of these things happening in the past. Horrifying accounts of no respect for humanity or for the dignity of being a fellow person. One of the mother’s who lost her son from these attacks said she forgave them. Another family said the same—and it shows the immenseness of God’s grace and love. We complain that it is too cold outside, it’s too dark in the morning and complaining about really nothing compared to these experiences.

My soul , my soul , Arise!

Take the time to be part of the services offered, not just during Holy Week, but throughout the year. A month From the Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete ago, I had that blessing to see with my own eyes the Myrrh Streaming Icon, Kardiotissa, from Taylor, Pennsylvania. Overwhelming to say the least to look at the icon and see and smell the tears of sacred myrrh streaming down the icon. Even leading to today, GLORY TO GOD, the myrrh that was gifted to me and our Cathedral is as aromatic as the day given. May we be moved to compunction as we approach the sacred Resurrection of our Lord.

Why are you sleeping?

A Reflection from Our Hymnology: The Doxastikon of the Resurrection by Andreas Houpos, Pastoral Assistant

A doxastikon is a type of hymn. It is a hymn that is preceded by the phrase “Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” A doxastikon is the crowning piece of a given service (usually Orthros or Vespers) or section of a service. In this case, we’re going to be looking at the doxastikon that appears at the end, the culmination, of Orthros for the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This hymn is located in the Praises (Αἴνοι) of Orthros. The text of the hymn follows here in Greek and in an English translation: Ἀναστάσεως ἡμέρα, καὶ λαμπρυνθῶμεν τῇ πανηγύρει, καὶ ἀλλήλους περιπτυξώμεθα. Εἴπωμεν ἀδελφοί, καὶ τοῖς μισοῦσιν ἡμᾶς· Συγχωρήσωμεν πάντα τῇ Ἀναστάσει, καὶ οὕτω βοήσωμεν· Χριστὸς ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καὶ τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι, ζωὴν χρισάμενος.

It is the day of the Resurrection. Let us shine brightly for the festival, and also embrace one another. Brethren, let us say even to those who hate us, “Let us forgive everything for the Resurrection.” And thus let us cry aloud, “Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.”

It is the day of Resurrection! We might think that, by the end of Orthros, this hymn is declaring something that might be obvious to us. But, it is ‘waking us up,’ bringing us to our senses. Where are you, spiritually? Are you here? Are you awake? Do you understand what is happening? Christ is risen! Let us shine brightly. Let us be gleaming. Let us be radiant. Let us show forth our uncontainable joy! Have you ever been to or seen on television the end of a championship sports event? What happens? The winning team and their supporters jump and cheer, they lift each other in the air and dance and sing. The stadium is in an uproar. The losers sit on the field dejected and their fans sulk in their seats, as the victors celebrate. Today, if we are rejoicing, if we feel this boundless joy within us, surely, we must find ourselves on Christ’s “team.” If we do not feel this way, we ought to ask ourselves why! Let us embrace one another. This is a time of profound joy. We are reminded of what God has done for us. We are elated, we are overflowing with love and the hope of everlasting life. Let us embrace one another in this spirit, with the hope of living in inexpressible harmony, joy, and love in the age to come. Brethren. Do we consider the person in the pews around us to be a “brother” or “sister” in Christ? If we reflect on this, what does this kind of relationship mean? What does it mean that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ? What this does breaks down the biological and societal divisions between us, the descendants of Adam and Eve. Let us forgive everything for the Resurrection. If we haven’t already done it, let’s do it now, in light of Christ’s Holy Resurrection: Let’s forgive one another for our offenses, of everything. We are all in this together! As our funeral service says: There is no one who lives and does not sin; only God is without sin. How can we be but so angry, upset, or begrudging toward our fellow Christians, when we ourselves fall along the way and harm and hurt others? Look what awaits us— the Resurrection! Christ has overcome the world! Let’s be renewed in our faith and our goal to live good, honest, and Godpleasing Christian lives! And thus let us cry aloud. Can we do it? In light of the Resurrection, of what Christ has done for us—restoring the possibility of the fullness of communion with God and with our neighbor, defeating the power of death—are we not moved not simply to chant, but to cry aloud that Christ is risen from the dead, having utterly crushed death, and having granted life to those in the bondage of death? When we chant “Christ is risen!” (Χριστὸς ἀνέστη!) we do it with vigor, with love, with enthusiasm, with all our heart and voice. We are all familiar with the last part of this hymn, the dismissal hymn (apolytikion) of Pascha. But, in a sense, we see it is the tip of an “iceberg:” the doxastikon of Pascha. If we are conscientious to attend Orthros, we will hear this hymn for the weeks following the celebration of Pascha, not simply reminding us of Christ’s resurrection from the dead, but also rekindling in us the spirit of awe, thanksgiving, forgiveness, and joy that it is impossible for a lover of Christ not to have—both in this season and throughout the year.

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.

BETTY JEAN ALEVIZATOS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP In her will, BETTY JEAN ALEVIZATOS established a memorial scholarship in the loving memory and honor of her parents, CHRIST and CHRISSIE ALEVIZATOS. Applications for the 2016 Betty Jean Alevizatos Memorial Scholarship are available from the Cathedral Office. This Scholarship is open to all communicants of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. Packet and all required information must be submitted on paper, in full, on or before April 24, 2016, to the Cathedral office. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be considered. 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]. COFFEE HOUR HONORING LUCY HAGOPIAN It is with the greatest of mixed emotions that we announce the retiring of our beloved Lucy. As virtually all in our Community know so well, Lucy has been our Business Administrator for almost half a century! There is hardly a family that has not been touched by her cheerful and caring attention, from births to weddings to passing. She will be greatly missed. It is however comforting to know that she enters this next phase of her life in good health. Her departure becomes effective March 31, 2016. A coffee hour will be held in Lucy’s honor on Sunday, April 10. At that time you may express your good wishes.

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. GOLDEN AGE CLUB UPDATE The next meeting of the Golden Age Club will be on Sunday, April 17, in the AHEPA Room, following the Divine Liturgy. We will discuss future bus trips. Anyone 50 years old is invited to attend and become a member of the Club. Dues are $5.00 per year.

April 2016 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

9:00 AM Ninth Hour and Presanctified Liturgy

9:00 AM Lenten Retreat in the Cathedral

7:00 PM GOYA meeting, Youth Room

4:00 PM Great Vespers, in the Cathedral

7:00 PM Third Salutations to the Virgin Mary, in the Cathedral. Discussion to follow, in the Mentis Room. 3

4

5

6

2:00 PM Greek Independence Day Parade in Highlandtown

5:30 PM Great Compline, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

6:30 PM Senior Center meeting, AOC

9:00 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

6:30 PM Parish Council meeting, Board Room

7

8 9:00 AM Ninth Hour and Presanctified Divine Liturgy, Chapel

9 .

7:00 PM Fourth Salutations to the Virgin Mary, in the Cathedral. Discussion to follow in the Mentis Room.

6:30 PM Philoptochos Board meeting, AOC

GOYA Boston trip through Sunday 10

11

12

Coffee Hour honoring Lucy

5:30 PM Great Compline, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

13

14

6:30 PM Presanctified Liturgy, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

15

16

9:00 AM Ninth Hour and Presanctified Liturgy

10:00 AM Senior Caregiver Breakfast

7:00 PM Akathyst Hymn, in the Cathedral

5:00 PM Great Vespers, in the Chapel of Holy Wisdom

Oratorical Festival 5:00 PM Great Vespers in the Cathedral

17

18

19

Golden Age Club meeting, AHEPA Room, immediately following Divine Liturgy

5:30 PM Great Compline, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

20

21

22

23

6:30 PM Presanctified Divine Liturgy, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

7:00 PM Hopkins OCF Dinner, Cathedral Upper Lobby

9:00 AM Presanctified Liturgy, Chapel of Holy Wisdom

8:45 AM Orthros

7:00 PM Building Committee meeting, Board Room

5:00 PM GOYA Shut-In, at the Cathedral

6:30 PM Parish Council meeting, Board Room

Coffee Honoring Bill Koutrelakos

10:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Saturday of Lazarus, in the Cathedral 5:00 PM Great Vespers

5:00 PM Great Vespers in the Cathedral 24

25

26

27

28

29

30

HOLY WEEK — SEE SCHEDULE ON COVER PAGE

On Sunday, April 17 our community will honor Bill Koutrelakos, beloved fellow parishioner, husband, father, grandfather, volunteer, active for 60 years as a Sunday School Principal and teacher. Following Liturgy a reception will be held in the Father Monios Social Hall to honor "Mr. Bill".

EGG HUNT Pascha—May 1 Following the Vespers of Agape at 11:00 AM

STEWARDSHIP DAY SPONSOR March 8th was sponsored by Melissa and Ron Hogle in loving memory of her mother, Constantina Voutsos, 3/8/1931-2/23/2016. Loving Grandmother to Nina (Dave) Diehl of Chicago, IL, and Stephanie (Sean) Smith of Columbia, MD, and Loving Great Grandmother to Evangelia and Zoe Diehl. Connie had moved to Columbia several months ago to live with her daughter and participated in the Annunciation Senior Center. Prior to that she was a regular visitor to the Annunciation Cathedral when she was in town, but was a lifelong member of the St. George Church in Southgate, Michigan, where she had served on the parish council and was a member of the choir. She was a devout Orthodox Christian who was a great example and inspiration to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Angelo (2011), and son Gregory (1957). She is also survived by her other children, Elaine (Dillard) Meadows, of Houston, TX, Dr. Paula (Jim) Berg, of Ann Arbor, MI, Dr. Lester, (Lisa) Voutsos, Allen Park, MI , nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

GOYA COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT ANNUNCIATION SENIOR CENTER MARCH 28

Joy—Hope Activity On Sunday, March 6

PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

COLLECTING ITEMS for the

Koulourakia, Kourambiethes, and Tsoureki for Pascha will be available on Sunday, April 24th (Palm Sunday) following the Divine Liturgy

PHILOPTOCHOS SECOND-HAND TREASURES THREE DAY FLEA MARKET

Tsoureki - $10 3 Dozen Koulourakia - $15 1 Dozen Kourambiethes - $15 To pre-order please contact: Kathe Apesos Poulos (443-310-1481 [email protected]) Pat Bartsocas (410-274-0575 [email protected]) Georgeann Morekas (443-845-1176 [email protected]) The proceeds benefit Philoptochos Society ============================================

ANNUNCIATION SENIOR CENTER Thank you to everyone that attended our recent ASC “Dine Out” at Cuvino. We had a great crowd and a wonderful evening of fellowship. On Saturday April 16, we are very excited to host a Senior Family Day and Caregiver Breakfast from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon, at the AOC. Research overwhelmingly supports social activities and mental stimulation as valuable tools to prolong quality of life for Seniors. Our Senior Center excels in both areas as well as being a valuable resource for our community. If you are a caregiver, or the son or daughter of a senior, we offer this Senior Family Day program to support you in your search for information and ideas. We will have exhibitors, a small presentation, and professionals, including Dr. Kostas Lyketsos and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association, to answer questions. Please help make this event a success, and more importantly, learn of the support available. If you have any questions or interest, please contact Pat Bartsocas, 410-274-0575, or any Steering Committee member. SAVE THE DATE The Orthodox Christian Missions of Maryland Annual Craft Beer & Wine Tasting event will be held on Saturday, May 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Preston Room of the AOC. Tickets are $45.00 in advance and $55.00 at the door. Call Geli Ioannou, 443-570-1282. PRESTON HALL UPDATE Tracy Rammacca, our Events Coordinator for Preston Hall, has been extremely helpful in booking events. Preston Hall is a wonderful venue, and we encourage parishioners and their friends to consider using this beautiful facility for their special occasion. For additional information, contact Tracy, [email protected], or 410-8024372.

Costume Jewelry, Household Items, Fashion Accessories, Collectibles, Linens (mark dimensions), Coats and Jackets, Toys, Luggage, Lamps, Artwork, Holiday Items, Electronics, Furniture, Books, CDs, DVDs We are unable to accept clothing (other than coats and jackets,) shoes, mattresses/pillows, 8 Tracks/ VHS/Cassettes or TVs.

JUNE 12 – AUGUST 7 ITEMS SHOULD BE LEFT IN THE MARYLAND AVENUE LOBBY All proceeds benefit the Philoptochos Society WOMEN’S GUILD UPDATE The Women’s Guild Board members wish our community a blessed Paschal season. All women of the community are invited to the Women’s Guild Spring Tea scheduled for Saturday, June 4, at 11:30 a.m.. Our short meeting will be followed by a demonstration of preparing “Greek Picnic Foods.” Stephanie Apostolou will share some ideas on tasty treats for the summer and then we will enjoy these treats. The Tea is being hosted by Penny Heisler, 12811 Cripplegate Road, Phoenix, MD 21131, 410-527-1560. Upcoming Events: October 1, 2016 – Cooking Demonstration October 15, 2016 – NY City Trip September 2017 – “Culinary and Cultural Tour of northern Greece and Crete”

STEWARDSHIP As of March 25, 392 pledge cards have returned for a total of $434,115.00. We thank our parishioners for their continued support. M/M Terry Barberis M/M John Bartsocas M/M Dennis Bechis M/M Christopher Bennett Mrs. Sue Bhanos Mrs. Virginia Calivas Mr. Louis Chios M/M Andrew J.A. Chriss Mrs. Ceres R. Chriss Ms. Maryanth Constantine M/M Thomas Delise M/M Daniel Demopulos Mrs. Rita Diacumakos M/M Chris Economides Mr. Nicholas Economides Mr. Eleftherios Efstathiou Mrs. Sophia Angelos Gilland M/M Kevin E. Grzech, Sr. Mrs. Katina Handakas Mrs. Helen Hollingsworth Ms. Diane Conomos Homberg M/M Robert Horst M/M George Kinigopoulos M/M Harvey Klein Miss Zaharoula Kokinos M/M Harry Kokkinokas Mrs. Rita Turc LaBar M/M George Lintzeris M/M Louis Loizou Mrs. Dorothy Lykos M/M John C. Manaras M/M Thomas G. Markulis Mr. George Marmaras D/M Nestoras Mathioudakis Mrs. Pari Mavrophilipos Miss Jannine May M/M Joseph McKenny, Jr. Ms. Theodora Miller Mrs. Helen Padussis M/M Alexios Papavasiliou M/M Dean T. Pappas M/M Nicholas Parakevopoulos M/M George Rigopoulos M/M Elias Rizakos M/M Dimitrios I. Roros Mrs. Irene Sarris M/M Gerard Schweiger M/M Nick Siotka M/M Sean Smith M/M Alex Solomotis M/M Louis Sotirakos Mrs. Maria Thomakos D/M Gordon Tomaselli Mr. Stephen Tomczewski Mr. Samuel Tsakalas Ms. Dorothea Tsakiris Miss Eugenia H. Tsimis M/M Dimitrios Vangelakos Mr. Konstantinos Viennas

PHILOPTOCHOS UPDATE Every year at Easter time we remember our students away from home and our military by sending Easter boxes filled with homemade goodies. Please submit names and address to Jo Gafos, [email protected], or 410-252-3787. Deadline to send names is Friday, April 15. Our Lenten Project is “Weekend Backpacks 4 Kids” launched last year through Miriam Lodge in Pikesville to help feed more than 3000 homeless students and their families in the City Schools on two days when there is no school, no breakfast and no lunch options. Donations of Ramen noodles, Vienna sausages, bread, canned fruit, apple sauce, Cheerios cereal or powered milk can be dropped off in the containers outside the church office. They are also seeking a donor of backpacks. Contact Melody Simmons, 410-336-5279, or [email protected]. On February 14, Philoptochos hosted the Autism Awareness coffee hour to benefit a residential home for autistic young adults. Through the generosity of the community we were able to contribute $400.00, which touched their hearts and offered them opportunities for increased community outings. We would like to thank the community for its generosity in contributing items for the Baltimore Station. The veterans suffering with addictions, residents of the Station, appreciate our donations and that we support the mission of The Baltimore Station. Join us for our Easter Baking, April 15—16 and April 22—23. Philoptochos bake sales are among the largest fund raisers we host every year. Our gratitude to Georgeann Morekas and Kathe Apesos-Poulos who coordinate these sales. Take part in rolling koulourakia, boxing cookies, designing bows and enjoying socializing with our ladies. Your support enables Philoptochos to continue its missions. Our final general meeting for the year will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016, at 11:30 a.m., at the Boulevard Diner, 1660 Merritt Blvd., Dundalk. You will have a choice of three entrees, two vegetables, salad, and dessert. The cost is $25.00 per person. If interested, and for additional information, please contact Fifi Nichols, [email protected], 410-792-7332 or Stacy Cole, [email protected], 410-602-4629.

Our Young Adult Group enjoying an evening at the Walters Art Museum March 10

FIFTH ANNUAL PALM SUNDAY RECEPTION APRIL 24, 2016 ANNUNCIATION ORTHODOX CENTER

“GODS and MORTALS at OLYMPUS: ANCIENT DION, CITY of ZEUS” The Hellenic Heritage Museum and Archives of Maryland, Inc. Presents a Bus Tour To the Onassis Cultural Center, New York City Saturday, May 21st, 2016 This exhibition explores the relationship between the people who lived on the slopes on Mount Olympus near the first known altar to Zeus Olympus at Dion and the mythological gods who lived atop its peak. Among the highlights are artifacts never before seen in the United States. The exhibition also explores the new divinities introduced by Alexander the Great during the Hellenistic period. Leave from Cromwell Bridge Park and Ride lot 8:00 A.M. and return approximately 9:30 P.M. The price for the trip and dinner is $135 per person (excluding bar items) Please, make checks payable to ‘HHMAM (Onassis)’ and mail them, with your phone number, to: Stacy Kosmides, 11936 Mays Chapel Road, Timonium, MD 21093……contact: 410-560-1095.

Twenty Second Annual Nicholas Tsakalos Growing in Faith Retreat with Abbot Tryphon Saturday, April 3, 2016

Images from Great Vespers of the Annunciation Thursday, March 24

PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT Roann Tsakalas

CHOIR NOTES The Lenten Season provides us with innumerable opportunities to experience an inspiring musical journey through our hymns, Happy spring! March was a quieter month in terms of church which teach us about the spiritual and historical events associatactivities. Goya participated in St. Demetrios' basketball tourna- ed with our church. ment, and was victorious. Greek School celebrated Greek Independence with a patriotic performance and the Concert Commit- If you are interested in learning and singing these hymns with the tee held a very well attended "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" choir, please email Fotini Fifi Nichols at [email protected]. preview movie event. Thank you to those who worked to make these events successful. Also, many attended church services Concert Series at the Cathedral to honor the beginning of Lent and to celebrate our church's A concert series featuring artists from the Peabody Conservatory name day, the Annunciation. of Music and other renowned artists will commence this year. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Greek Orthodox As we prepare for Pascha, we think a great deal about our place of the Annunciation Concert Series Steering Committee, please of worship and how important it is to have this beautiful church email Fotini Fifi Nichols at [email protected] We are very in which to worship. The Angelos Foundation has provided our excited to offer this new concert series to our parishioners and parish with a wonderful restored church interior. As a parish we our Mt. Vernon Community. participate in many activities in the Father Gallos Education Building- Sunday School, Greek School, organization meetings, Our Cathecoffee hours, and social events. We use these facilities weekly, and know that they are in need of renovation. Now, we must dral is excome together to raise funds to renovate the Education Building tremely gratein order to provide ourselves with an updated energy efficient ful to facility that better meets our needs. I encourage you to attend the Meredyth and kickoff of the Capital Campaign after church on Sunday, May Andreas 22nd, in the Father Monios Hall. We will review the hazmat Houpos for removal estimates and construction estimates for renovation of the generous the three parts of the Education Building.

donation Altar and Chalice Coverings.

Please mark your calendars and attend the coffee hour on Sunday, April 10, in honor of our beloved Business Administrator, Lucy Hagopian, on the occasion of her retirement. All will have an opportunity to thank her for her 49 years of dedicated service to the Cathedral and to wish her well in her new endeavors.

They were hand sewn by Meredyth and used on the occasion of the Feast of the Annunciation

We will be celebrating Father Dean’s twentieth anniversary to the Priesthood on Sunday, June 12. In honor of Father’s advocacy for St. Basil Academy, we are collecting donations as a parish in his honor. Please make your checks payable to the “Annunciation Cathedral” and mark the envelope to the attention of Peter Sourlis.

Join us to fold Palm Crosses Saturday, April 23 Father Constantine Monios Hall GOYA Community Service Project at the Annunciation Senior Center March 28, 2016

following Orthros and Divine Liturgy

The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation 24 West Preston Street at Maryland Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21201-5700

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit NO. 632

Time Sensitive Material PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY

Give Plants for Pascha One of our beautiful 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 ____________________________________________________________________

Suggest Documents