The Messenger Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

MAY 2016

Great and Holy Pascha May 1

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

May 2016

Rev. Fr. Matthew Carter, Proistamenos Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Church Website: www.annunciationgoc.org Office Email: [email protected] Office Phone: 850-433-2662 Office Fax: 850-549-4943 Fr. Matthew’s Contact Information: Cell phone: 850-889-3919 Email: [email protected] 2016 PARISH COUNCIL President

James Mohamed

850-684-1282

Vice President

Eli Pagonis

850-916-1246

Secretary

George Apostle

850-433-6420

Treasurer

Gary Tringas

850-934-4321

Assistant Treasurer

Michael Stamitoles

850-432-5836

Gus Argeris………….850-910-4138 Dr. Peter Kantrales......850-932-2067 Peter Roumbos ...........850-484-3723

Philip Brown……............850-932-2067 Heidi Silivos……………..850-509-4140 Doug White .....................850-474-9072

CHURCH STAFF Office Manger …………Kathy Hamilton Webmaster……………..Kathy Hamilton Altar Boy Director………..Philip Brown Prosforo Coordinator……Phyllis Pagonis

Subdeacon…………..Emmanuel Zangas Chanter……………….Stelios Vatsolakis Choir Director ……..Vangie Anastopoulo Choir Assistant Director…….Eli Pagonis Organist………………….Tina Varvouris

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS Stewardship Committee…………Gary Tringas Ladies Philoptochos…..Vassiliki Montgomery Community Outreach…………..Sissy Watson SS Joachim & Anna………….Kris Mohamed

GOYA……Joe & Panayiota Whisler, Wilson White HARA Dancers…………..……..……..Liz Gilmore Glentzethes Dancers……..……..…Daphne Pagonis AHEPA…………………..…Dr. Charles Stamitoles Daughters of Penelope…….…Vangie Anastopoulo

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

May 2016

From the Desk of Fr. Matthew My brothers and sisters in Christ, Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen! On May 1st, millions of Orthodox Christians will gather together all over the world shouting with joyous voices: Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen! And once we celebrate the Divine Liturgy and receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we will be invited to come forward and receive one of the red Pascha eggs, a tradition that is very meaningful for us as Orthodox Christians. The tradition of using colorful eggs during easter can be traced directly to the early Christian use of red eggs to symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The egg can be seen as the tomb of Christ, and life comes forth from the egg when a baby chick hatches. Also, the color red is associated with the blood of Christ, which the Lord shed for the salvation of the world. According to tradition, these eggs are dyed on Holy Thursday following the Divine Liturgy commemorating the Mystical Supper, where Christ declared to the Apostles that the bread and wine were truly His body and blood. We celebrate the Resurrection of Christ by receiving these blessed eggs in the Church, and we break the fast by eating them. There later evolved the game of cracking the eggs, the practice of

bumping them together to see which egg will crack first. The breaking of the egg can be seen as Christ shattering the gates of Hades and destroying the power of death. We also have within our Holy Tradition the miracle of the red eggs associated with Mary Magdalene. After Christ’s resurrection, Mary Magdalene went to Emperor Tiberius Caesar to announce His glorious resurrection. During dinner, the Emperor declared that a man could no more rise from the dead than the white egg in Mary Magdalene’s hand could turn red. Upon saying this, the egg in Mary Magdalene’s hand miraculously turned red! We see many icons within our Orthodox tradition of St. Mary Magdalene holding the red egg, further solidifying the red egg as a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. My brothers and sisters in Christ, those of us who attend the Holy Week services and the Resurrectional service receive many blessings. We follow Christ through his Crucifixion and glorious Resurrection; we receive the divine light of Jesus Christ; we proclaim the Gospel of Christ outside for everyone to hear; we receive the Body and Blood of Christ; and we receive our red Pascha eggs. May these blessings fill our hearts in the coming weeks and months, and may we always have the opportunity to shout “Χριστὀς Ανέστη! Christ is Risen!” with joy and thanksgiving.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

May 2016

From James Mohamed, Parish Council President

Truly He Has Risen Dear Fellow Parishioners:

The Lenten season has passed and I am sure that we have all experienced the Love of Christ. I would like to give a BIG thank you to everyone for their outstanding job in support of Holy Week, including attending services, decorating the church and epitaphios, cooking and setting up for the Pascha picnic. Thank you to all who came and enjoyed the fun and fellowship. I know that I put this item in every letter but we really do need everyone to support this major fund raiser for our church. We are still looking for volunteers to help during the three day Greek Food Festival. As you all know this is the largest fund raising event that our church conducts. We are reaching out and encouraging our new members as well as those who have grown up with the church to step forward and help with this wonderful event. If you have questions about how you may help please be sure to ask any of the Parish Council members. On Sunday, May 15, we will hold our Spring General Assembly. We will be serving a light lunch. Please be sure to attend as we will be putting out a lot of information that concerns the entire Parish. Please be sure to look at our web site and keep up with events at the church. Always be sure to contact the church office to schedule any event in order to ensure proper support when needed and no conflicts with other events. The church office hours are 9am to 3pm. If you need assistance after hours please be sure to contact the office during regular business hours and set up an appointment. Again, thank you all for your continued help and support. Working together we can accomplish all things through God.

James R. Mohamed President

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

May 2016 Sunday, May 1st, Great and Holy Pascha 12:00 pm Agape Vespers Friday, May 6th, Renewal Friday; Life Giving Spring 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Prosforo: Trishanna Ta

ALTAR BOYS Yianni Whisler (Captain) Pete Staviski (Co-Captain) Christopher Astudillo Jackson Barrineau Garrett Cole Zachary Verzwyvelt Zachary Whisler Joshua White Altar Boys are asked to report to the Altar by 9:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. All young men, ages 9-18, are encouraged to join our Altar Boy Team. Please call Philip Brown, Altar Boy Director, if you are interested in joining.

MAY NARTHEX USHERS Dr. Peter Kantrales Peter Roumbos Heidi Silivos Michael Stamitoles Gary Tringas Doug White

Sunday, May 8th, Sunday of Thomas (Mother’s Day) 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: I John 1:1-7 Gospel: John 20:19-31 Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Jason Callonas Prosforo: Sophia Katsaros Sunday, May 15th, Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Acts 6:1-7 Gospel: Mark 15:43-47; 16:1-8 Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Martin Stephenson Prosforo: Kitty Randall Saturday, May 21st, SS. Constantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Prosforo: Trishanna Ta Sunday, May 22nd, Sunday of the Paralytic 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Acts 9:32-42 Gospel: John 5:1-5 Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Jason Callonas Prosforo: Maria Thagouras Wednesday, May 25th, Mid-Pentecost 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Prosforo: Anna Maria Gallaher Sunday, May 29th, Sunday of the Samaritan Woman 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Acts 11:19-30 Gospel: John 4:5-42 Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Martin Stephenson Prosforo: Mahi Fotopoulos

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

“I was sick and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36) If a family member is ill, in the hospital, or in a rehabilitation center, please call the office, a Parish Council Member or Fr. Matthew so Fr. Matthew can make a pastoral visit to them.

Spring General Assembly The Spring General Assembly meeting will be held Sunday, May 15 following the Divine Liturgy.

Bible Study For the month of May Bible study will be held Tuesdays May 10, 24 and 31 (no Bible Study May 3 or 17). We meet at 10:30 a.m - plan to join us!

Senior Luncheon This month's senior luncheon is on Tuesday, May 24, sponsored by the Parish Council at 11:30 am, following Bible Study.

Bookstore Bill & Kitty Randall

Χριστος Ανεστη! Αληθως Ανεστη! Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Христос воскресе! Воистину воскресе! Hristos a înviat! Adevărat a înviat!, ¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡En verdad ha resucitado! Celebrate Pascha with a special gift from the Philoptochos Bookstore. Come by and visit our booth!

Philoptochos

Vassiliki Montgomery

Spring is in the air! Renewal! As new life springs up from the earth, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and the bees are buzzing. It is the time to be outdoors and admire the wonderful nature God has created for us. And let us stop and reflect and thank Him for the beauty our eyes can see and the sounds we can hear.

May 2016 Along with nature’s renewal comes also spiritual renewal with the Lord's resurrection. How we rejoice when we shout “Christ is Risen” and hear the answer “Truly He is Risen” and let us make it a habit for 40 days to greet each other with this wonderful greeting. As the year comes to its conclusion I would like to thank all the members who supported and encouraged me to do the best I can. There are a few more business items to take care of. I would like to thank Sissy Watson for chairing the rummage sale. She did a superb job. She had a steady stream of volunteers and everything went very smoothly. Sissy also wanted to thank the volunteers she had and she is very grateful that you all showed up and helped. The sale was very successful and generated over a thousand dollars. Thank you Sissy for a job well done. I also would like to thank John Georgiades for cooking the Palm Sunday luncheon and all the volunteers who helped in the kitchen to serve. Becky for taking care of the red eggs. The women who colored and wrapped the eggs: Mahi Fotopoulos, Mahi Geeker, Nina and Maria Stamatelos. Sophia Katsaros, Sophia Kantrales, Nina Gomenis, Mitsa Morres, Maria Thagouras, Maria Fivgas and Patricia Gavallas. The women who contributed towards the expenses of Palm Luncheon: Phyllis Tringas, Mitsa Morres, Sissy Watson, Sophia Katsaros, Patricia Pappas, Nina and Maria Stamatelos and Becky MacArthur. May God bless them all. May is the month for elections. We encourage everyone who would like to serve on the board to join us. Elections will take place during the end of the year luncheon. For the place I am giving you an option to choose. We can go to a restaurant or we can have a picnic at Fort Pickens. Philoptochos will furnish the meat and we can provide a side dish and dessert. If you haven't seen the landmarks of our area this is your chance to do it. The date and place will be announced later because I don't know which way you'll decide. I wish everybody a safe and healthy Summer and we will resume our meetings in August. Have a great Summer. KALI ANASTASI

KALO PASCHA

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE XRISTOS ANESTI

ALITHOS ANESTI

CHRIST IS RISEN TRULY HE IS RISEN

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

May 2016

Sunday School Christ is Risen! Thank you to all of the parents, grandparents, and godparents for bringing your children to Divine Liturgy and Sunday school. Our classes have been wonderfully full in recent weeks! The last day of Sunday school classes and graduation will be on Sunday, May 22. We will recognize our graduating high school seniors and all children who have completed the year of Sunday school. Please make plans to attend! Beginning May 22 and for several weeks after we will have forms available to register your children for next school year’s classes. This will help our teachers plan for how many students to expect in the fall.

Vacation Church School We are looking at dates in early August for this year’s VCS. If you are willing and able to help the first week of August please email Presv. Emily ([email protected]). Thank you!

Sunday, May 1st 12:00 pm Agape Vespers Followed by Pascha picnic and egg hunt Please bring a dish to share Families with last names “A” – “I” Bring a salad Families with last names “J” – “R” Bring a dessert Families with last names “S” – “Z” Bring a side dish ********** To offset part of the expense we will be selling tickets. Tickets are $7.00 and children under 12 are free If you would like to sponsor a lamb please contact the Church Office

Donations – Community Outreach

Our Sympathy

If you have food or clothing donations please contact Sissy Watson, 476-4646, or the Church office.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Thalia Silivos who fell asleep in the Lord on April 18. May her memory be eternal!

Thank You Thank you to Krissy Kritselis for sponsoring April’s senior luncheon in memory of her sisters, Andrea and Glorianne.

Congratulations Congratulations to Christopher and Lilia Knight and family on the 40-day blessing of their daughter, Melania. Happy Birthday to Magda Chicouras who recently celebrated her 99th birthday! Chronia Polla/Many Years!

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

May 2016

Parishioners Who Would Like a Visit or Phone Call May Birthdays & Anniversaries George Alexakos Southern Oaks Rehabilitation 600 W. Gregory Street Pensacola, FL 32502 437-3131 Magda Chicouras Bayside Manor 4343 Langley Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 477-4550 Mary Giouzelis Specialty Care Center, Rm. 358 6984 Pine Forest Road Pensacola, FL 32526 430-6190

Christine Parliaris Arcadia Health and Rehabilitation Center, Rm. 44
 10095 Hillview Drive Pensacola, FL 32514 479-4000 Rene Silivos-Tiblier University Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center, Rm. 211 10040 Hillview Road Pensacola, FL 32514 Angela Stamitoles Pacifica Senior Living at Creekside, Cottage 7 9015 University Parkway Pensacola, FL 32514 462-4563

Praying for the health of the servants of God: Peter Adamopoulos George Alexakos Perry Baniakas Chris & Catina Bithos Gregory Booros Amanda Brown Nathaniel Brown Agnes Callonas Ethel Catranis Magda Chicouras Evie Dampier Chris Fotopoulos Gregory Gill Mary Giouzelis

Martha Hicks Mary Karniotis William Langford Mandy Miller Phyllis Pagonis Christine Parliaris Harry Pieratos Helen Bouth Propst Cecil Sakalarios Irene Silivos-Tiblier Fr. Eusebius Stefanos Rene Thames Anna Wright Dorothy Zissis

Birthdays Ross Daughdrill 5/1 Faye Stamitoles 5/1 Natalie Pieratos 5/2 Frank Hicks 5/3 Penelope Bithos 5/6 Helen Adamopoulos 5/7 James Mohamed 5/8 Paul Tiblier 5/10 George Makris 5/11 Georgia Walters 5/11 Tammy Brown 5/12 Dina Pagonis 5/12 Ellen Argeris 5/15 Evangelos Carter 5/17 Christopher Dampier 5/18 Emmanuel Paravelos 5/18 Georgia Chestnut 5/18 Greg Staviski 5/19 Paula-Maria Brown 5/22 Jennifer Georgiades 5/22 Elena Sanchez 5/22 Basilios Adamopoulos 5/27 Rene Silivos-Tibler 5/28 Michael Stamitoles 5/28 Anniversaries Chet & Evie Dampier 5/5 John & Donna Gaynor 5/8 George & Deb-b Alexakos 5/13 John & Athalia Scott 5/15 Angelo & Chrissy Alexakos 5/18 Henry & Christy Bressack 5/19 Giles & Marianthe Brown 5/19 Doug & Rosemary White 5/21 Kyle & Angela Gatzmeyer 5/23

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

May 2016

Living the Liturgy by Fr. Stanley S. Harakas Book Review by Trishanna (Anastasia) Ta Many Orthodox Christians attend the Divine Liturgy because it is "what we do" or to satisfy the need for "religion," but don't fully experience all the Church offers us in the Divine services or, worse yet, leave feeling as though they don't really "get anything out of it." The Liturgy (leitourgia) is "the work/ministry of the people" ... not just something we sit back and observe. Our active participation makes the Divine Liturgy fully what it is meant to be, and opens the door for us to joyfully experience our role as the Body of Christ. Our own beloved Archbishop Iakovos of blessed memory recommends this book to guide us through the Divine Liturgy so that we may "ascend unto higher and loftier levels of inspiration and theosis." It was his hope that we will accept the challenge to live the true experience of the Divine Liturgy. This easy-to-follow guide explains three keys necessary to fully and actively participate in the Divine Liturgy and begin to live the Sacramental Life. The first key is appreciating the sacramental realities of our lives as Christians. Of course the Holy Eucharist is central, but there is much more. The second key involves understanding the makeup and structure of the Divine Liturgy. Identifying the distinct parts allows the worshipper to bring to mind the symbolism reflecting the life of Christ. The third key guides the worshipper to enter into the Divine Liturgy through many specific acts of participation. The acts include the singing that everyone should be doing (Fr. Harakas suggests "sub-singing" if you don't feel you have a good voice or don't know the tones), meditating on the rich symbolism pointing the the life of Christ (and how to make ourselves "present" in those realities), using our bodies in worship, making the recitation of the Creed a conscious prayer to God, and many more. One thing I learned from the book is the Litanies are not actual prayers, but rather direct the laity to pray. When the priest says, "For this city and parish, and every city and country and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord," he is not praying, but bidding the laity to pray. If there are no prayers lifted up in response, then no one one is actually praying for all these people! Because there are many ways to pray for each of the priest's biddings (and other ways our participation can vary), each Divine Liturgy can be a unique experience. We should come to the Divine Liturgy prepared to exercise our Spiritual Priesthood as the Orthodox Faithful, not just passively waiting for a "religious atmosphere" to act upon us. We have spiritual work we are called to do! We must free ourselves from the distractions of the world and enter with our heart, soul, mind, and body into the Divine Liturgy, and BE the Church, the Body of Christ, accomplishing our sacred work in the earth as God intended. Then not only will we accomplish the leitourgia - our work/ministry but will begin to live our lives sacramentally, and more fully experience the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The Divine Liturgy will become a joyful and rich experience and we will enter more fully into our role as Orthodox Christians. This book, as well as many others, are available for check out in our parish library. Trishanna Ta if you are interested in borrowing any titles.

Please see

Lilies In Loving Memory of My father and Mother, Gus V. and Alexandra Agall Nick and Katherine Agall

Our Mother, Anna A. Sakellariou Gus Silivos & George A. Sakellariou Mary & Dave Lovseth, Randy Lovseth & Ole Lovseth Suzee, Emily & Crystal Shoulders

My beloved wife, Dorothea My beloved daughter, Kathy George Apostle

My beloved husband, Apostolos Silivos Heidi Silivos

Victor, Xanthe, John Bokas and George Anetopoulos George, Aspasia & Fotios Bokas

My husband, Alex My son, Peter Alex Nick Pete Stamatelos Pete Nick Stamatelos Maria Stamatelos

My loving husband, Kosta My brother George, Deomi & Kosta Nina Dickson My beloved father, Michael N. Gavallas Panayiota Gavallas My beloved husband, Pete Geeker Katherine Geeker My beloved husband, Spyros Geeker Mahi Geeker My beloved husband, Ray Hartwell Marianne Geeker Nicholas Katsaros Sophia Katsaros Iordanis & Cleo Soterea Catherine Mitchell James Kentroti James & Kris Mohamed Ioannis, Ioanna, Demitris, Haralambos & Panayiotis Drosaros Eugene, Mary & Patrick Montgomery Jim & Vassiliki Montgomery Mark Anthony Pappas Stephanie Elizabeth Pappas Patricia, Rebecca & Christine Pappas Vladimir, Semion, Maria, Tatiana, Victor and Petru Nadejda Revencu Ana, Mary, Victor, Yhon, Simion, George, & Vera Elena, Hugo & Alexia Sanchez

John Tringas & Gary’s grandparents Eva Kypreos & Gia’s grandparents Tom Psaltis Gary, Gia & Ashley Tringas John Tringas Argirios & Marika Alexander Jim & Mary Tringas Phyllis Tringas Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Stavros Varvouris Uncle George Pagonis Tina, Erik, Liz, Kali, Angela, Greg, Amanda, Brantley & Macy Lou

In Honor of Rebecca & Christine Pappas Patricia Pappas Mihail, Roman, Artur, Raisa, Daniela, Ana, Victor, Gabriela & Vasile Nadejda Revencu Zinaida, Nicolai, Hugo, Alexia, Alexandre, Constantin, Valeria, Victoria & Alice Elena & Hugo Sanchez James & Jere Wright Suzee, Emily & Crystal Shoulders Angie, Kyle, Rylie, Joshua, James & Carson Brandon, Denzel, Isabella & Presley Andy & Sissy Watson

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30 Memorial Day Office Closed

15 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Children’s sermon Spring General Assembly Meeting

22 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Last day of Sunday school classes and graduation

29 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy

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MONDAY

8 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Mother’s Day

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

1 Great & Holy Pascha 12:00 pm Agape Vespers followed by Pascha Picnic

SUNDAY

10:30 am Bible Study

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Luncheon

11:30 am Senior

5

THURSDAY

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25 Mid-Pentecost 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy

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6 Life Giving Spring 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 Divine Liturgy

FRIDAY

FEED THE HUNGRY Please bring non-perishable items to the food donation basket located in the Narthex. Thank you!

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Fr. Matthew attending Holy Cross Alumni Board Meeting, Brookline, MA

10:30 am Bible Study

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WEDNESDAY

Bright/Renewal Week - No fasting this week

10:30 am Bible Study

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3

TUESDAY

MAY 2016

28

6:00 pm AHEPA sponsored Spring Dance

21 SS. Constantine & Helen 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy

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SATURDAY

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 1720 West Garden Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Address service requested

Apolytikion of the Annunciation Today is the beginning of our salvation. And the revelation of a mystery which was hidden from eternity. The Son of God becomes the Virgin’s Son. And Gabriel announces the grace of this good news. Let us also join with him, calling to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O woman full of grace. The Lord is with you.

Nonprofit Organ. U.S. Postage PAID Pensacola, FL Permit No. 86