November 2014

November 2014
Fr. Alex’s Message
1
Fr. Hector’s Message
2
Stewardship
Philoptochos
3
Parish News & Events
4
Parish Council Nominations 5
Parish Spiritual Life
6
Advent Prayer Chain
7
Parish Photos
8-9
Daughters of Penelope
AHEPA
10
Preschool
11
Kalanda
12
Oratorical Festival
13
Spiritual Message / Greek 14
News & Events/ Greek
15
Parish Council
16
Sponsors
17
Inserts:
November Calendar
Advent Retreat
Synaxis of the Archangels– Nov. 8
“Receive and Share the Light of Christ!”
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-394-1735 Fax: 717-394-0991
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.annunciationorthodox.org
Office Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:00 AM—4:00 PM
The Annunciator is the monthly newsletter of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
Submissions for consideration are due the 15th of each month. (Please submit in Publisher or Word format)
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
is under the jurisdiction of:
His Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholemew
His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America
His Eminence, Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Parish Administration
Clergy
Rev. Alexander Goussetis, Pastor
Rev. Hector Firoglanis, Assistant Priest
Rev. Alexander Veronis, Pastor Emeritus
Parish Council
Maria Querry, President
Alexander A. Mountis
Artemis Tsoflias
George Soukas
Helen Hazatones
Nicholas Veronis
David Gammache
Kim Keares
Joanne Martin
Peter S. Billis
Donna Vitko
Kaliopi Karomfily
Maria Barron
Jim Voulopos
John Stauffer
Board of Elders
Dr. James Argires
George Katsaros
Constantine J. Kourgelis
Olga Pratt
Church Staff
Cantors………….. …………………. ………….Nicholas Belessis
Nicholas Billis
Jonathan Troop
Ecclesiarch…….…………...….…………………….John Scanlon
Lay Assistant……..……… …..……….………….Maria Koursaris
Building Supervisor…………...….……………David Gammache
Office Administrator……………………………...Sherry Anderson
Administrative Assistant……...…………………..Pat Hazatones
Office Assistant………………...…………………... Mary Keares
Volunteer Office Assistants……….................... Demetria Baker
Sunday Bulletin…………………………..……….Maria Koursaris
The Annunciator………………………………...Sherry Anderson
Church Office Email Addresses
Fr. Alexander Goussetis……………[email protected]
Fr. Hector Firoglanis………..………[email protected]
Fr. Alexander Veronis……………[email protected]
Sherry Anderson…………………[email protected]
Maria Koursaris…………………[email protected]
David Gammache………………[email protected]
Sunday Worship Hours
September - May
8:00 AM - Early Divine Liturgy
9:00 AM - Orthros/Matins
10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
June - August
8:15 AM - Orthros
9:30 AM - Divine Liturgy
Contacts
Sunday School…………………..…………….Sally Stratigos
Dan Soukas, Jonathan Troop
Choir…………………………………………..Maria Koursaris
Organist....…………….………………….Zaferula Yelagotes
Philoptochos……………..………….Cassandra Karamanos
Christine Speros
GOYA..………….………………………….Michael Efstration
JOY Dance…………….………….……………….Karen Herr
GOYA Dance………………..………………Despina Proithis
Greek School PTO……………..............Robin Roumeliotis
AHEPA………………...…………………..Constantine J. Seiss
Daughters of Penelope….………………...Mary P.Morgan
Zaferula Yelagotes
Pan-Coan Society……….…………………...Tasos Marinos
Chiotiko Society……………..................Panagiotis S. Billis
Webmaster…………….…………….. Dimitri & Kim Keares
Bazaar Committee……………………………………………………..Kosta Kontanis
Alexandra Schramm
Bookstore………………………………….Paul & Kay Benos
Service & Outreach Committee………............Joanne Martin
Susana Troop
F r . A l e x an d e r G o u s s e t i s ’ Me s s ag e
Praying for Others
Prayer is a broad category that covers many expressions and ways that we communicate with
God. Prayer includes, but is not limited to:
-Praise and glory for the King of Kings
-Gratitude and thanksgiving for the many blessings we experience
-Seeking forgiveness, restoration, and renewal from God
-Intercession for others
We express intercessory prayer right at the start of the Divine Liturgy — praying for our civil
leaders and for the sick, suffering, and travelers. Perhaps the Church is modeling for us that we
are part of something bigger than ourselves, and in fact, interdependent with others.
St. Paul put it this way: the Church is a body, and each of us is a part of that body, each supplying something, and each is completely dependent on the others. But while this body metaphor is
helpful, it is somewhat misleading to many because it has too often been interpreted merely as
an example of how we physically help one another. Certainly, we physically help one another,
but that is the reality for all humanity -- no human being is an island.
What is unique for the Christian understanding is that the body is a metaphor for our
spiritual dependence on one another, our prayers, our intercessions for one another. This
is why St. Paul is continually begging everyone he writes to pray for him, and why he continually
reminds everyone he writes that he is praying for them. Our spiritual success -- growth in life
and godliness -- depends on the prayers of others. I cannot be saved on my own.
Any spiritual growth, any victory over the passions, any enlightenment or understanding of
spiritual truth comes to us through the prayers and intercessions of others.
I emphasize this spiritual truth because I want to extend an invitation to you to participate in the
Advent Prayer Chain (page 7); an opportunity to intercede daily for every member of our parish
community. It is a spiritual discipline that reminds us that prayer is not self-serving but life-giving
to others.
“It is of great significance if there is a person who truly prays in a family. Prayer attracts God’s
Grace and all the members of the family feel it, even those whose hearts have grown cold. Pray
always.”
Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica,
“When you see faults and passions in your neighbor, pray for him; pray for everybody, even for
your enemy.”
St. John of Kronstadt
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014
PAGE 1
F r . H e c t o r ’ s Me s s ag e
4 Steps to Overcoming Anxiety with Faith
I. Live a Christ-Centered Life
II.

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
strength, and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27).

“Life without Christ is not life. That’s the way it is...If you don’t see Christ in everything
you do, you are without Christ” (Elder Porphyrios, Precious Vessels, p. 167).

“Let us struggle with all our powers to gain Paradise. The gate is very narrow (Matt. 7:14),
and don’t listen to those who say that everyone will be saved. This is a trap of Satan so that
we won’t struggle” (Elder Paisios, Precious Vessels, p. 140).
Simplify Life

“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way,
sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and
come, take up the cross, and follow Me” (Mark 10:21).

“The more people distance themselves from a natural, simple life and embrace luxury, the
more they suffer from anxiety” (Elder Paisios, With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man,
p. 167).

“These days I stress simplicity to lay people too, because many of the things they do are not
necessary and they end up being consumed by anxiety. I speak to them of austerity and
asceticism. I constantly scold them, ‘If you want to get rid of anxiety, simplify your lives”
(Elder Paisios, With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man, p. 182).
III. Be a Good Steward

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be
measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).

“God gives some people more than they need, not that they can enjoy great luxury, but to
make them stewards of His bounty on behalf of orphans, the sick, and the crippled. If they
are bad stewards, keeping this bounty for themselves, they will become poor in spirit, and
their hearts will fill with misery. If they are good stewards, they will become rich in spirit,
their hearts filling with joy” (St. John Chrysostom, Living Simply, p. 6).
IV. Find Rest and Comfort for Your Soul

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest. Take my
yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gently and lowly in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Let us simplify our lives to notice God, receive His comfort, and reduce anxiety in our
lives. “I am He that comforts you… For I am the Lord your God…” (Isaiah 51:12-15).
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 2
S t e wa r d s h i p Me s s ag e / P h i l o p t o c h o s N e w s
Thanks to you, our parishioners, for your
hard work and the sharing of your
time and talent.
Our parish flourishes because of you!
Thanks to all of you for your Stewardship pledges for 2015.
If you haven’t filled out your pledge card, please do so and
deposit in the box provided in the Narthex or mail to the
church office.
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
October Meeting Review
Thank you to Athena Hasik and Connie Mimidis for being our hostesses and providing the wonderful desserts a er the mee ng! We were blessed with a wonderful pro‐
gram by Kim Wi el – Execu ve Director of Love INC (Love in the Name of Christ). Philopthochos has been giving to this organiza‐
on for several years. Kim offered us an inspir‐
ing window into the workings of this organiza‐
on. As described on their website, Love INC "is a ministry that connects churches with the needs of their neighbors, allowing Christ’s love to transform lives and communi es." For exam‐
ple, it connects a person in need with a person from a nearby parish to provide services such as transporta on to doctor appointments, yard work, or simply visita on.
www.annunciationorthodox.org
Keeping you posted…
Next Mee ng: 
No November Mee ng  Christmas Lenten covered dish Tuesday, December 9, 5:30pm  Vasilopita Celebra on Sunday, January 11 following Liturgy
Christmas Covered Dish Social
All Philoptochos members and their en re families are invited to join us for fun and fellowship at 5: 30 PM on Tuesday, December 9, in Philoptochos Hall. A Lenten main course will be provided by the officers. Members are asked to provide side dishes / desserts accordingly: Last names beginning with A‐J: please bring a vegetable side dish or salad Last names beginning with K‐Z: please bring a dessert The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 3
Pa r i s h N e w s & Ev e n t s
SACRAMENTS
BAPTISM
October 4
James Robbins, godparent
Daniel Blain
CHRISMATION
October 25 James Robbins, godparent
Jonathan Troop.
October 25 Lonna Robbins, godparent
Jan Schaefer
ALTARCANDLES
CANDLES &&FLOWERS
ALTAR
FLOWERS
Altar Candles……
October 5
In loving memory of our parents
George and Evelyn Vlassis by Mary
Jane and Arthur Pavlatos and family,
Suzanne Myers and family, and
Doreen and Charles F. Snyder
and family.
October 12
GOYA
GOYA Greek Dance Costume
Donations Needed
The Annunciation GOYA would like to
replace their worn, 15+ year
old traditional Greek dance costumes.
Our dancers are showcased at our Church
Bazaar, plus several recent community events,
such as the Janus School Annual Fundraiser,
the Central Market Harvest Breakfast on
Oct 4th, the Pleasant View
Retirement Community on Nov 16th, and the
Old World Multi-Cultural Festival on June 21,
2015, and the opportunities keep growing. If
you or your organization is interested in making
a contribution, please contact one of the
dance organizers. Any amount will be greatly
appreciated. Thank you!
Despina Proithis, [email protected], 717.940.3387
Angie Efstration, [email protected], 717.468.5252
Alex Schramm, [email protected], 717.823.0132
Project Mexico 2015
Father Alex will be leading a group to the Orthodox
orphanage and building a home for a family.
The dates will be August 4-10.
For more information, please contact Father Alex.
www.annunciationorthodox.org
In loving memory of my mother,
Sophia Sturges Veikos and father,
Peter Vekios by daughter Mary
Efthymiades and Christopher
Efthymiades, children and
grandchildren.
Altar Flowers……
October 5
In loving memory of our parents
George and Evelyn Vlassis by Mary
Jane and Arthur Pavlatos and family,
Suzanne Myers and family, and
Doreen and Charles F. Snyder and
family.
October 12
In loving memory of my parents
Efthymios and Vasiliki Efthymiades by
son Christopher Efthymiades and Mary
Efthymiades, children and
grandchildren.
October 19
In loving memory of Gus Mastrogeorge
(19 yrs.) by his sister Dionysia
Mastro giorgos and children George
and Eleni Mastrogiorgos.
Candelabra Candles……
October 5
In loving memory of our parents
George and Evelyn Vlassis by Mary
Jane and Arthur Pavlatos and family,
Suzanne Myers and family, and
Doreen and Charles F. Snyder
and family.
Congratulations
 Katina Jones won the AAA District Tennis 2014
Single Title. (Penn Manor)
 Elizabeth Veronis won the AA District Tennis
2014 Single Title. (Lancaster Catholic)
The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 4
Pa r i s h c o u n c i l N o m i n at i o n s
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
PARISH COUNCIL NOMINATIONS
2015-2016 TERM OF OFFICE
The Parish Council assists in the administration of the parish. It provides lay leadership and supports the clergy in promoting the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ in all ways possible. Building up the spiritual life of our parishioners in
Christ is always the underlying concern of our Church leadership, lay and clergy.
The Board of Elders Nominating Committee is announcing that there are vacancies on the Parish Council for 20152016.
Names may be submitted by Church Members in Good Standing by filling out the form on this page.
Nominations should be submitted to the Board of Elders by
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2014.
Members of the Board of Elders (2014)
Dr. James Argires
George Katsaros
Constantine Kourgelis
Dr. Olga Pratt
We nominate _______________________________________________________________
for the Parish Council of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (2015-2016).
__________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Nominator)
(Date)
(Signature)
__________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Nominator)
(Date)
(Signature)
I accept the Nomination:
__________________________________________________________________________
(Name of Nominee)
(Date)
(Signature)
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 5
Pa r i s h S p i r i t ua l L i f e
Learn Your Faith!
Our parish is blessed to offer a variety of Bible Studies and discussion groups to help inform
and inspire our parishioners and friends. Below you will find a group that will match your
schedule and level of interest. Check the weekly bulletin, the monthly Annunciator, and the
parish website for specific dates and times of the following groups.
AGAPE Bible Study
Women’s Orthodox Study Group
This monthly group, led by Fr. Veronis, offers a
fellowship and study in the Greek language.
Refreshments will be offered by the Women’s
Bible Study
This group, led by Presvytera Lisa Goussetis,
meets every other Thursday of the month. Book
studies and video presentations are offered.
Child care available.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
9:30 AM
Thursday, Nov. 13, 20
9:30 AM
Early Risers Group
Orthodox Study Group
This weekly group meets at 6:30AM each
Thursday. Fr. Alex Goussetis leads the group in
the reading of Orthodox books and the viewing of
various instructional videos on the faith.
This group meets monthly on Saturday.
The group is led by Fr. Veronis and focuses on
Bible passages and readings on the Orthodox
faith.
Thursday, Nov. 6 & 20
6:30 AM
Saturday, Nov. 22
9:30 AM
Women’s Bible Study
College Fellowship (OCF)
This group, led by Presvytera Pearl Veronis,
meets weekly on Tuesday mornings. Bible
Studies and other resources are used for
inspiration and education of the Orthodox faith.
This weekly group, led by Fr. Hector serves the
college students of Franklin & Marshall and
Millersville University. (110 McComsey Hall)
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 11, 18
10:00 AM
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 12, & 19
8:00 PM
Orthodox/Mennonite Dialogue
Young Adults Bible Study
This monthly group, led by Fr. Goussetis, is an
“unofficial” Orthodox-Mennonite dialogue and
study group. Readings and discussions on the
two traditions are shared by members of the
Mennonite & Orthodox faiths.
This group, led by Fr. Hector
serves the Young Adults of our parish.
Nov. 14 at 12 noon
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Annunciation Church –Room 7
7:00 PM
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Proverbs 119:105
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014
PAGE 6
Adv e n t P r ay e r C h a i n
Would you like to Join the Advent Prayer Chain?
Twenty volunteers are needed to form a discipline of praying and interceding for our parish
community throughout the Advent season (November 15 — December 25). The schedule below indicates
that each person will pray the Jesus Prayer for every parish family each day. For example, on November
15 Person A will pray for all the families from Agadis to Billis.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on the Agadis family” etc.
On November 16, that same person will offer the Jesus Prayer from Blain to Drogaris, and so forth on a
rotating basis. Thus collectively the Annunciation parish community will be kept in prayer each day
during this Advent. For more information, please call Fr. Alexander Goussetis at 725-1861 or email at
[email protected].
Advent Prayer Chain
November 15-December 25
Name
Parish Family
Parish Family
From
Dates
To
Person A
Agadis
Billis
Person B
Blain
Drogaris
Person C
Drybred
Fotis
“
“
Prayer for others is very beneficial to the person himself who prays: it purifies the heart,
strengthens faith and hope in God, and arouses love for God and our neighbor.
St. John of Kronstadt
You are fellow travelers, God-bearers and temple-bearers, Christ-bearers.
St. Ignatius of Antioch
Not only should we ourselves, in accordance with God's will, pray unceasingly in the name of
Jesus Christ, but we are bound to reveal it and teach it to others, to everyone in general, religious
and secular, learned and simple, men and women and children, and to inspire them all with zeal for
prayer unceasing. St. Gregory Palamas
When you are struck by other people's suffering, so that you are induced to pray for them, pray to
God to have mercy upon them, and to forgive them their sins - that is, implore God with tears to
pardon them; likewise pray for the salvation of others as you would pray for your own salvation.
St. John of Kronstadt.
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014
PAGE 7
B a z a a r P r e pa rat i o n s
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 8
G OYA C r i s p u s At t u c k s / P r e s c h o o l T r i p & Ho p e & J OY Fa l l Ev e n t
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 9
Dau g h t e r s o f P e n e l o p e / A H E PA
AHEPA THE SEVENTH GREEK TAVERNA NITE AFFAIR
Saturday, November 29, 2014
6:30 PM—MIDNIGHT
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Philoptochos Hall
FEATURING…..GREEK DANCING MUSIC
Reading’s LEO MARKANTONIS
6:30-8:00 PM—FISH PLAKI…BYOB SET-UPS
7:30 PM TO 11:30 PM DANCING
13 YEARS AND UP…$25.00
AGES 5 TO 12…..$10.00 AGES 4 and under FREE
Charity Auction presented by the Daughters of Penelope
COME AND ENJOY THIS THANKSGIVING EVENT OF FAMILY FUN,
GOOD FOOD AND DANCING
Proceeds benefit various ahepa & Daughters of Penelope charities
FOR TICKETS CALL:
Dr. Nikitas Zervanos (392-5402), Nick Gianopoulos (569-1092), Gus Seiss (464-0969)
Dr. George Yelagotes (626-4344), Kosta Kambouroglos (299-3018), Chris Lascarides (538-3920)
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November PAGE 10
Preschool
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014
PAGE 11
Ka l an da
KALANDA UPDATE!
Beginning on Sunday, November 16, through
Sunday, December 14, there will be Sign-Up
sheets for those wish to have the Kalanda
sung in their homes this year. These sheets
will be on tables in the breezeway. On your
way in or out of the Coffee “Fellowship,
please stop by and let us know your wishes.
If it is more convenient, please call the
Church Office , 394-1735, or Demetria
Keares Baker, 464-2613, to assure that
carolers will be visiting your home. After this
final Sunday of “registration”, we will begin
assembling lists according to the neighborhoods of those who expressed their wish for
Kalanda singers either through “signing up”
or calling. We will then be assigning caroling
groups to these lists.
ΚΑΛΑΝΤΑ
Την Κυριακή 16 Νοεμβρίου μέχρι την Κυριακή
14 Δεκεμβρίου κατά την διάρκεια του καφέ θ’
αρχίσουμε τις εγγραφές για όσους επιθυμούν
να έχουν τα Κάλαντα στο σπίτι τους αυτό το
έτος.
Οι λίστες για να δήλωσετε τα όνομάτα σας θα
βρίσκονται στον διάδρομο προς την Αίθουσα
Φιλοπτώχου. Παρακαλούμε όπως
σταματήσετε και εγγραφείτε στη λίστα αν
επιθυμείτε αυτή η παράδοση να συνεχιστεί
στο σπίτι σας.
Αν σας είναι πιο εύκολο, μπορείτε επίσης να
επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας,
στο αριθμό 394-1735, ή με την Δημήτρια
Kιάρη Μπέικερ, στον αριθμό 464-2613, για
να επιβεβαιώσετε ότι θέλετε τους
τραγουδιστές να έρθουν στο σπίτι σας.
Μετά από την τελευταία Κυριακή των
Please understand that if you have not
εγγραφών, θα αρχίσει η συναρμολόγηση των
signed or called, you will not be visited by
ονομάτων σύμφωνα με τις περιοχές.
Kalanda singers. The Kalanda will be sung
Παρακαλούμε να κατανοήσετε ότι αν δεν
on Sunday, December 28.
έχετε γράψει το όνομά σας στις λίστες ή
εποικοινωνήσει με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας
οι τραγουδιστές δεν θα επισκεφθούν το σπίτι
We are always in need of additional
σας. Τα Κάλαντα θα γίνουν την Κυριακή 28
singers, so please call the Church Office if
Δεκεμβρίου.
you would like to add your vocal chords to
this joyous endeavor. Remember: if you want Εχουμε πάντα την ανάγκη για επιπλέον
this lovely New Year Tradition to continue in τραγουδιστές , γι 'αυτό παρακαλούμε αν
your home; you have to let us know!
επιθυμείτε να συμμετάσχετε σε αυτή την
εύθυμη και χαρμόσυνη μουσική εμπειρία με
μια από τις ομάδες να μας πληροφορήσετε .
Sincerely~
Μην Ξεχάσετε! Αν θέλετε αυτή η υπέροχη
παράδοση του νέου έτους να συνεχιστεί στο
The Kalanda Committee
σπίτι σας, θα πρέπει να μας ενημερώσετε!
Ειλικρινώς,
H Επιτροπή «Κάλαντα»
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 12
O R AT O R I C A L F E S T I VA L
Why are the martyrs of the Church characterized as great athletes?
By Alexander Proithis
One degree of extra effort is the difference between a gold medal and nothing at
all. One extra push to the finish is what separates the good from the great.
This all became a reality for me as my family and I were visiting London during the
Summer 2012 Olympic Games. Seeing the torchbearer proudly carrying the
Olympic flame as we passed by the Olympic Village made me think about how
much work and sacrifice was required by the athletes that I would soon be seeing
right before my eyes. Why would they spend so much of their lives training for an
opportunity that only comes around once every four years?
The answer, I believe, must be a true passion. In his First Letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul
writes, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we
for an imperishable.”
St. Paul compares Christians to athletes. They train. They work to the utmost. They discipline their
bodies. But there are two very crucial distinctions between them. The ancient Olympians competed for a
wreath. The modern Olympians compete for a medal. The prize for a Christian winning his spiritual battle,
however, is eternity with God.
A perfect example of a great athlete of Christ was the Holy Great Martyr Saint George. An
incredible warrior, Saint George was tortured during his life, yet, survived unscathed in body and mind,
and converted many people along the way because of his very deep rooted trust in God.
Just like Olympians, no two martyrs have the exact same story. The difference is, all martyrs have
one common thread… an unquenchable love for God. Not one of the martyrs was born a saint. They
had to work towards it each day, and make a conscious decision to improve themselves and their
relationship with God all the time. The same holds true for the Olympian who trains himself every day to
reach perfection in his game.
All we have to do is follow in the footsteps of these spiritual champions. It sounds so simple but
as I know too well myself, it is anything but easy. How can a 15 year old connect with the life of martyr?
It is very difficult to see anything in common between a teenager and a revered saint of the church. It’s
comforting to know that all of these saints were once imperfect teenagers just like me. God is not asking
us to be perfect, he just wants us to try our best to follow his will and repent.
The key though is that the saints did not merely preach the words of the Lord, they lived them.
Christianity is not a spectator sport. We cannot let others be good for us and expect to be off the hook.
Even though my Yiayia very rarely misses any services, her near perfect attendance record does not gain
me a free pass to heaven.
Martyrs as well as Olympians can teach us a valuable life lesson. We all need to be athletes that
are not just running the race to communion on Sundays; rather we need to prepare for it every day with
continuous exercise of our bodies and souls with fasting and prayer. We must train our spiritual skills
each day, hoping that God will deem us worthy in the end to be on the winner’s podium of eternal life.
Whether you are training for the greatest sports event of a lifetime, or training for your salvation,
to be a champion one must train like a champion. Or in this case, to be a spiritual champion, one must
train like a saint.
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/November 2014
PAGE 13
S p i r i t ua l Me s s ag e i n G r e e k
Ένα θαύμα του Αγίου Νεκταρίου στην Ρουμανία
Σε ένα χωριό της Ρουμανίας δεν υπήρχε ιερέας, και οι κάτοικοι πήγαιναν συχνά στον
Πατριάρχη με το αίτημα, την πλήρωση της κενής θέσης. Όμως ο Πατριάρχης δεν είχε
την δυνατότητα να ικανοποιήσει το αίτημα των ανθρώπων. Πήγαιναν και ξαναπήγαιναν οι
κάτοικοι, αλλά, τίποτε ο Πατριάρχης τους έλεγε τα ίδια λόγια, ότι δεν έχω ιερέα να σας
στείλω στο χωριό. Εν τω μεταξύ άλλοι πέθαιναν αδιάβαστοι, άλλοι είχαν γυναίκες και παιδιά
χωρίς γάμο, τα παιδιά και οι μεγάλοι ήταν αβάπτιστοι.
Μια μέρα σταμάτησε έξω από τον Ναό ένα αυτοκίνητο και κατέβηκε ένας ιερέας όλο το
χωριό ανάστατο ήρθε παπάς φώναζαν. Πήγαν εκεί οι κάτοικοι, τον καλωσόρισαν και του
είπαν: πως ήρθες στο χωρίο αφού ο πατριάρχης μας είχε πει ότι δεν έχει παπά να μας
στείλει; Τότε ο ιερέας τους είπε αυτό δεν θέλατε; δεν θέλατε ιερέα; Να ήρθα. Όλο το χωριό
χάρηκε στην παρουσία του νέου ιερέα. Ο Ιερέας άρχισε αμέσως δουλειά πήγε σε όλους
τους τάφους και διάβαζε την εξόδιο ακολουθία, βάπτισε και πάντρεψε όλους στο χωριό
λειτουργούσε τους κοινωνούσε. Μια μέρα καλεί του χωρικούς και τους λέγει ότι: θα φύγω
τελείωσε η αποστολή μου. Τότε το χωριό αναστατώθηκε, τώρα που ήρθε θα φύγεις; Όμως ο
ιερέας δεν άκουγε τους κατοίκους και ενέμενε στην απόφασή του. Αφού οι χωρικοί
κατάλαβαν ότι δεν γινόταν τίποτε τον ευχαρίστησαν για την προσφορά του και τον
κατευόδωσαν.
Μετά από μέρες πήγαν στον Πατριάρχη να τον ευχαριστήσουν που τους έστειλε παπά και
να του πουν όταν μπορέσει να τους ξαναστείλει κάποιον ιερέα, αλλά ο πατριάρχης δεν
ήξερε τίποτε. Τους είπε ότι εγώ δεν έστειλα κανέναν παπά γιατί δεν έχω, όμως περιμένετε
μήπως ο πρωτοσύγκελος, σας έστειλε κάποιον για να σας εξ υπηρετήσει. Πήρε τηλέφωνο
τον πρωτοσύγκελο αλλά ούτε αυτός είχε στείλει κανέναν. Ο πατριάρχης τους είπε τι έκανε
αυτός ο ιερέας στην ενορία; οι χωρικοί είπαν μας πάντρεψε, μας βάπτισε, μας έκανε τις
κηδείες των γονέων, μας έκανε ότι κάνει ένας παπάς. Καλά είπε ο πατριάρχης δεν σας
έδινε χαρτιά δεν έγραφε τα μυστήρια; -βεβαίως είπαν οι χωρικοί μας έδινε χαρτιά και τα
καταχώρισε στα βιβλία του Ναού.- δεν είδατε τι έγραφε; και πως υπέγραφε με τι όνομα; όλα τα στοιχεία δέσποτα τα έγραφε στα ρουμανικά πολλά γράμματα δεν ξέρουμε γιατί την
υπογραφή την έβαζε σε άλλη γλώσσα που δεν έχουμε ξαναδεί. Ο πατριάρχης παρακάλεσε
να πάνε να φέρουν τα βιβλία για να δει ποιος ήταν αυτός ο κληρικός.
Όταν του πήγαν τα βιβλία ο πατριάρχης έμεινε έκθαμβος δεν πίστευε στα μάτια του όντως
όλα τα στοιχεία ήταν γραμμένα στα ρουμανικά ενώ το όνομα του ήταν γραμμένο στα
Ελληνικά με το όνομα της υπογραφής Νεκτάριος επίσκοπος Πενταπόλεως.
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The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 14
N e w s an d Ev e n t s i n G r e e k
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The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 15
Pa r i s h C o u n c i l
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Parish Council Minutes
September 16, 2014
Opening Prayer: The September 16, 2014 meeting of the Parish Council began at 7:40 PM with an opening prayer by Fr. Alexander Goussetis. President Maria Querry brought the meeting to order at 7:41 PM.
Minutes of Last Meeting: The minutes of the August 26, 2014 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by John Stauffer to
approve the minutes. James Voulopos seconded the approval. They were approved unanimously.
Sharing the Faith: Father Alexander Goussetis shared an article on Domestic Violence
Financial Report: Treasurer, George Soukas, reported the following finances for the month of August 2014:
2014 Actual
2014 Budget
Income
492,381
515,476
Expenses
507,609
521,513
Decrease In Fund Balance
-15,228
-6,037
Stewardship is $41,000 less than this time last year. Due to a severe winter, the maintenance expenses were higher than
budgeted.
Committee Reports
Bazaar: David Gammache reported on behalf of Kosta Kontanis: The bazaar committee would like to purchase a new doughnut fryer. The existing fryer is 30 years old and parts are not available if it requires maintenance. Since the funds are not
budgeted for this item, we will defer the carpet/tile project for early 2015. This will keep us within our budget. A motion was
made to postpone the carpet/tile renovation until spring 2015 to purchase the doughnut fryer by George Soukas and seconded by Nicholas Veronis. The motion was approved unanimously.
Finance: There was no report for Finance.
Hellenic Culture: Peter Billis reported the following for the Hellenic Culture committee: The Apokriatiko dance will be held on
Feb. 14, 2015.
Parish Activities: There was no report for Parish Activities.
Personnel: Father Alex reported that the committee has completed the Annual Performance Evaluation form. The evaluation
is in two parts. Part one is a self-evaluation worksheet. The second part is the evaluation performance. The committee’s goal
is to complete the performance evaluation in January. The goal is to use the evaluation as a planning tool to find areas of
strengths and improvements. President Maria commended the Personnel Committee on a job well done.
Preschool: President Maria reviewed the annual budget report. In addition to being a faith based preschool, we are also implementing Pennsylvania Core Standards for early childhood to help prepare preschoolers for kindergarten. We presently have 9
students this year. Teena Blain is head teacher. There is discussion to open enrollment to the community.
Property: David Gammache reported the following:
Bazaar preparations have begun
Inspection was performed by the Lancaster City Fire Marshall
Two sets of storm windows and one broken screen were replaced
All storm windows and screens were removed and washed
New freezers were ordered and received for bazaar
New commercial vacuum cleaner was purchased
New gas contract was signed with Rhodes Energy
David would like to have a presentation at our next meeting from the two companies that are being considered for the carpet
and tile replacement in the sanctuary. He would like to request that we start the October meeting thirty minutes earlier to allow for these presentations. This was approved and the October 21st meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Service and Outreach: Joanne Martin reported the following: The Lucky Girls dinner fundraiser will be held at Acorn Farms
from 5:00 to 10:00 PM on Oct. 25, 2014. Cost is $30 for ages 11 and up and $15 for ages 10 and under. Tickets purchased
at the door will be $35.00. Proceeds will go towards helping the girl’s orphanage in Calcutta. The goal is to raise $10,000.
Stewardship: Nicholas Veronis reported the following on stewardship: On October 19th, Tena Blain will be the guest speaker for
stewardship. The goal is to increase the Pacesetter category. Quarterly stewardship statements were also sent out.
Technology: There was no report for Technology
Gyrofest: Kim Krawizcki presented a final report on the Gyrofest, with the following highlights: Tickets were distributed to 357
families, and 593 email addresses were collected at the fest. Acknowledgement to our sponsors- thank-you cards will be sent
by the end of September. Having Joe Calhoun present the weather was a huge draw. Total platters served were 3,218. Gross
Income: $53,176.09, Gross Expenses: $22,240.45, Net Income: $30,935.64. Next Year’s Gyrofest will be April 17-18, 2015.
Desserts will be baklava & rice pudding along with a frappe station. The committee thanked Kim for all her hard work.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM with a closing prayer by Father Hector.
Respectfully Submitted,
Artemis Tsoflias
Parish Council Secretary
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The Annunciator/November 2014
PAGE 16
Sponsor Page
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The Annunciator/November 2014 PAGE 17
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
64 Hershey Avenue
Lancaster, Pa 17603
Non-Profit ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Lancaster, PA
Permit No. 502
PRAISE
THE LORD
Benefit Concert
Sunday, Nov. 23rd
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Concert Begins at 6:00 PM
Christ the Savior Orthodox Church
5501 Old Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA
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