THE TRUE VINE
The Monthly Newsletter of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton, Ohio
MARCH 2015
VOLUME 10
ISSUE 19
Only by Prayer and Fasting
Fourth Sunday of Lent – St. John Climacus
By St. Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria
IN THIS ISSUE:
Mark 9:14-31
Only by Prayer
and Fasting
1
Parish Registry
3
Liturgical Schedule
3
Ministries and
Organizations
4
Faith In Action
5
News and Notes
6
Stewardship
8
Calendar
11
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The True Vine is a monthly
publication
with
special
editions of The Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church 500
Belmonte Park North Dayton,
OH 45405-4797 Office Hours
Mon. – Fri. 9am – 5pm - Tel.:
937-224-0601
www.daytonannunciation.org
14-18. And when He came to His disciples, He saw a great
multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
And straightway all the people, when they beheld Him, were
greatly amazed, and running to Him, saluted Him. And He
asked the scribes, "What question ye with them?" And one of
the multitude answered and said, "Master, I have brought
unto Thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever it
taketh hold of him, it teareth him: and he foameth, and
gnasheth with his teeth, and wasteth away: and I spake to Thy
disciples that they should cast it out; and they could not.”
When He came to His disciples, that is, to the nine that had not
gone up onto the mountain with Him, He saw that they were
being questioned by the Pharisees. For the Pharisees had seized
the opportunity of Jesus' absence to attempt to turn the
disciples away from the Lord. The multitude, however, suddenly
caught sight of Him, and greeted Him. They had been longing to
see Him, and now they caught sight of Him and greeted Him as
if He had just returned from a long journey. Some say that even His appearance had become more
beautiful from the light of the Transfiguration which drew the multitude towards Him to greet Him.
A man in the crowd spoke in answer to the Lords question. This man was weak in faith, as even the
Lord attests when He says, "O faithless generation," and again, "all things are possible to him that
believeth." The man himself attests to his unbelief when he says, "Help Thou mine unbelief." His
complaints against the disciples clearly shows his unbelief. For he ought not to have accused them in
front of everyone, but privately.
19-27. He answereth him, and saith, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring
him unto Me." And they brought him unto Him: and when He saw him, straightway the spirit tore him; and he fell on the ground,
and wallowed foaming. And He asked his father, "How long is it ago since this came unto him?" And he said, "Since a child. And
ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if Thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us,
and help us." Jesus said unto him, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." And straightway the father
of the child cried out, and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." When Jesus saw that the people came
running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto him, "Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and
enter no more into him." And the spirit cried, and tore him much, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that
many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
The man who approached the Lord accused the disciples of not having the power to heal. But the Lord turns the blame onto him, all
but saying, "It is your unbelief which is the cause of your son not being healed." The Lord does not address only this man, but He
directs this saying to all, reproaching all the Jews for their unbelief. For it is likely that many of the bystanders were also scandalized
by the disciples inability to heal. The Lord shows that He welcomes death, when He says, "How long shall I be with you?" meaning, it
is a torment to Me to live with you and your unbelief. But though He reproaches them, He grants the healing as well. He does not
desire to heal the son as a show of His power, but rather He proceeds with great humility. See how He does not attribute the healing
to His own power, but to the mans faith, when He says, "All things are possible to him that believeth." (Continued on next page)
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MARCH 2015 | Page 2
….(Continued from page 1) As soon as He saw a crowd beginning to gather around, He rebuked the spirit, not wanting to heal in front
of the multitude as though for show. When He rebuked the spirit and said, "Come out of him, and enter no more into him," this
suggests that because of the mans unbelief, the demon would have again entered into him if it had not been prevented by the Lords
command. The Lord permits the spirit to rend the son, so that all might recognize the attack of the demon, and understand that it
would have killed the man if it had not been held in check by the hand of God. A man is thrown by a demon "into the fire" of anger
and desire, and "into water", meaning, into the pounding surf of worldly cares. This demon is both "mute and deaf". It is deaf, not
wanting to hear the words of God; and it is mute, not able to teach others what ought to be taught. But if Jesus, Who is the Word of
the Gospel, should take him by the hand, that is, strengthen his power to act, then that man will be freed from the demon. See how
God first helps us, and then we ourselves are required to work. For the Evangelist says that Jesus "lifted him up"—this is the divine
help, and "he arose"—this is the effort of the man himself to do good.
28-29. And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could not we cast it out?" And He said unto
them, "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."
The disciples were afraid they had lost the grace which the Lord had given them, and this was why they had not been able to cast
out the demon. See that out of respect they approached the Lord privately. "This kind"—what kind? The kind which may make their
abode in lunatics, or, in general, the whole race of demons, does not come out except through prayer and fasting. Both the one
suffering, and the one about to heal, must fast. Both are necessary. Good sense dictates that the one suffering must fast. He must
not only fast, but also pray; and he must not only pray, but also fast, for true prayer is rendered when it is yoked to fasting. When
the one who prays is not weighed down by the effects of food, his prayer is not burdened and ascends easily.
30-31. And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and He would not that any man should know it. For He taught His
disciples, and said unto them, "The Son of Man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; and after He is killed, He
shall rise the third day."
Whenever the Lord spoke of His passion on the cross, He would precede and follow His words with miracles, so that no one could
think that He would suffer because He was powerless. And when He spoke sad words, such as, "they shall kill Him," He would add
words of joy, "He shall rise the third day," teaching us that gladness always follows after grief, and that we should not anguish
needlessly in our sorrows, but should hope for better things.
PASTORAL POST ITS
The Season of Lent is at hand. What are some of the things you can do to experience this God-given time more fully? Here are a
few ideas to incorporate into your Lenten journey:
* Attend Lenten Services- Come and participate in the beautiful services that our Holy Orthodox Church prescribes for these days.
The services of Great Compline, Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, and Salutations are conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
during Lent. These are sacred opportunities to intensify our relationship with God, thanking Him for the grace and mercy He so
richly pours out upon us. We are encouraged to devote time in prayer and song to our loving Father.
* Participate in the Sacrament of Confession- The Sacrament of Confession offers the opportunity for us to repent of our sins and
to reconcile ourselves to God and each other. During the Lenten Season, the Church encourages her faithful to be reconciled,
restored and spiritually renewed.
* Practice the disciplines of Fasting, Prayer and Giving Charity- These spiritual disciplines provide the energy to sustain our walk
through Lent. Make a sincere effort to pray daily and fast as directed by your priest or spiritual father. Donate your time, talent
and treasure to the Church and those in need.
* Read the Scriptures and Spiritual Writings- Follow the Lenten Scriptural guide. The Season of Lent highlights the Books of
Genesis, Proverbs and Isaiah. Ask your priest or spiritual father about spiritually edifying books.
May God bless our Annunciation Parish Family with a blessed, spiritually uplifting Season of Lent!
SPRING PARISH ASSEMBLY
SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH
The regular Spring Parish Assembly will convene on Sunday, March 8th following the Divine Liturgy. Information regarding the Assembly will be
sent this coming week. A quorum of 60 Parishioners in Good Standing is required for the Assembly. Please make every effort to attend and
participate in the governance of the parish.
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MARCH 2015 | Page 3
From the Pastor’s Library – Recommended Reading for March
Thirty Steps to Heaven: The Ladder of Divine Ascent for all Walks of Life
by Archmandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou
Many laypeople have attempted to read the great spiritual classic, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, but
have been frustrated in attempting to apply the lessons of this monastic text to their everyday lives in
the world. In Thirty Steps, Archimandrite Vassilios interprets the Ladder for the ordinary Christian
without sacrificing any of its beauty and power. Now you too can accept the challenge offered by St.
John Climacus to ascend closer to God with each passing day.
Fr. Papavassiliou is a priest of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Thyateira and Great Britain. He has
authored several books, including Meditations for Advent, and numerous articles on Orthodox Christian
faith and theology.
This book is available from the Church Store in the Parish Center Lobby.
Liturgical Schedule for the Month of March
Matins 8:15 am
Sun.
st
1
nd
Mon.
Wed.
Fri.
Sun.
Mon.
Wed.
Fri.
Sun.
2
th
4
th
6
th
8
th
9
th
11
th
13
th
15
Mon.
Wed.
Fri.
Sun.
Mon.
16
th
18
th
20
nd
22
rd
23
th
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
st
1 Sunday of Lent- Sunday of Orthodoxy
(Procession of Holy Icons at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy)
Great Compline 7:00 pm
Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts 6:00 pm
nd
2 Salutations to the Mother of God 7:00 pm
nd
2 Sunday of Lent
Great Compline 7:00 pm
Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts 6:00 pm
rd
3 Salutations to the Mother of God 7:00 pm
rd
3 Sunday of Lent- Veneration of the Holy Cross
(Procession with the Holy Cross at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy)
Great Compline 7:00 pm
Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts 6:00 pm
th
4 Salutations to the Mother of God 7:00 pm
th
4 Sunday of Lent
Great Compline 7:00 pm
PARISH REGISTRY
40 Day Blessing
Feb. 8
th
24
th
25
th
27
th
29
th
30
Neophyte- Konstandinos
Father- Todd Powers
Mother- Maria (Karras) Powers
Godparent- Constantine Tolias
Date-February 22, 2015
FUNERAL
th
Feb. 19
8
15
22
29
Sunday of Orthodoxy, students go directly to class at 9:30 am.
Procession of Icons will take place at the conclusion of The
Divine Liturgy
Classes meet
Veneration of the Holy Cross students go directly to class at
9:30 am. Procession of the Holy Cross will take place following
The Divine Liturgy.
Oratorical Festival
Classes meet / Greek Independence Day Program
Classes meet
+Vasiliki Vlahos
MEMORIALS IN
MARCH
Great Vespers with Artoclasia 7:00 pm
Feast of the Annunciation
Akathist Hymn 7:00 pm
th
5 Sunday of Lent
Great Compline 7:00 pm
th
March. 8
th
March 15
March 29
1
Laurice (Saloom) Hodgson
and daughter
BAPTISM
Feast of the Annunciation of the Mother of God (Parish Feast Day)
Tues
Wed.
Fri.
Sun
Mon.
th
4
5
10
12
19
26
th
+Anastasia N. DeBernardi
+Toula Xarhoulacos
+Bill Xarhoulacos
+Paul Stanley Castleman
Saturday of Lazarus / Palm Crosses
Palm Sunday / Students go directly to
Class at 9:30 am. Divine Liturgy / Holy
Communion / Blessing of Palm Crosses
Good Friday / Decorate The Tomb of Christ
Orthodox Easter Pascha
Classes meet / Staff meeting
Classes meet / Daughters Tea
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MARCH 2015 | Page 4
Ministries and Organizations
AHEPA ANNUAL MAKARONADA TRIVIA LUNCHEON
"Our community's 4th Annual Makaronada was another success! AHEPA thanks everyone for their support and attendance. Despite
the weather scare, attendance was slightly higher than last year's event. A great time, and wonderful lunch, was had by all. AHEPA is
already looking forward to next year's Makaronada, which we plan to hold again on Godparent Sunday."
th
AHEPA will meet Tuesday March 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Athenagoras Room.
GREEK FESTIVAL
We are in need of volunteers to chair the Lamb Shanks Booth and Gyro Express Booth. Please contact Harry or Linda at 435-0399 or
Missy at 219-4211 for additional information or to volunteer.
PHILOPTOCHOS
th
Philoptochos Membership Meeting will be Thursday evening at 6:00pm on March 19 , 2015 at the home of Kathy McAlpine.
"The Challenge of Living a Purposeful Life". Join the Philoptochos in welcoming Dr. Albert Rossi, Professor of Pastoral Theology at
St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Author and Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Rossi is a phenomenal speaker and author, who has generously agreed
to visit our parish offering some inspiring words and stimulating discussion. The entire community is welcome. There will be a
Complimentary presentation with light refreshments. No RSVP required. Sunday, March 1, 2015 immediately following church.
A HELPING HAND
Dear Parishioner, PLEASE SUPPORT the Community Care Ministry (CCM)-2015
The charities for 2015 are: St. Basil’s Academy, Day of Caring, Hospice, Hannah’s Treasure Chest, Domestic Violence Shelter, Warrior
Canine Connection, Oasis House-Human Trafficking, DeafEnd for Kids, Charity at Home, Edison School, Big Brother & Big Sister
Program. You may donate each month or Once a Year to be divided among ALL the charities. It's easy and any amount you choose
is much appreciated. For example, if you want to contribute $5 dollars a month, your yearly contribution will be $60. $10 per
month, your yearly contribution will be $120. Make checks payable to: Philoptochos, put “CCM” on the note. You can mail it or put
it in the Red Box in the Community Center. CCM Coordinators: Mary Searles: [email protected] or 429-1857 and Mary
McDonald: [email protected]
YOUNG AT HEART
th
The new date for Young At Heart Senior Citizens’ Luncheon is THURSDAY, MARCH 12 at 11:30 a.m. in the Memorial Center.
GAPA
th
GAPA will have a lunch meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17 at the Chop House, 7727 Washington Village Dr., Dayton,
Ohio; following lunch GAPA will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Centerville Library, 111 West Spring Valley Pike, Dayton, Ohio for a
presentation of “Erma Bombeck.”
DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
th
Daughters will meet Tuesday March 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Athenagoras Room.
WIN DESIGNER PURSES!
Support Lerner Breast Cancer Vaccine Research And Sjogren's Syndrom
When? Where? What? DOP District 11 is Hosting A Bingo Luncheon on March 14, 2015 at 12 noon at The Presidential Banquet
Center on Presidential Way in Kettering. Food and Fun Supporting These Worthy Causes Cost: $30.00 See The True Vine and/or
Contact: Charrie Regopoulos at 748-2794 or [email protected] for more details.
DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
SCHOLARSHIP TEA
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2015
Please join us for our annual scholarship tea immediately
after church services in the Community Center Library.
You’ll enjoy the buffet table of refreshments and your
participation will make it possible for Daughters to continue
their annual scholarship commitment for the benefit of our
young scholars!
If you have any questions, please contct Dessine Fricioni at
[email protected]
2015 ANNUAL PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON
April 5, 2015 Sponsored
By Philoptochos and Parish Council
Benefiting Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology
Make checks payable to “Philoptochos Society”.
$10 per Adults $6.00 PER CHILD 12 and under
Menu by Spot Catering
Adults: Baked Fish with Lemon Butter Sauce, Greek Green
Beans, Red Potatoes, Cole Slaw, Dessert, Coffee, Ice
Tea/Lemonade
Children: Baked Fish Sticks, Mac & Cheese
Applesauce, Dessert, Milk
“Vegetarian Option will be available”
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MARCH 2015 | Page 5
FAITH IN ACTION
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS – MARCH 2015
A NEW AND EXCITING CHALLENGE FOR MEMBERS
Fisher House is a home away from home for wounded service men and
women who need medical care at a major military hospital or V.A.
Medical Center.
Airline tickets are provided to those military
members and their families through the Hero Miles program which is
supported by frequent-flyer mile donations from individual airline
passengers. There are 64 Fisher House locations across the country,
and there happens to be one right here in Dayton! Through the
generosity of a Philoptochos member, 93,000 miles have already been
donated to the Hero Miles program! Is it possible you have frequentflyer miles you will never use? This would be a rewarding way to put
them to good use by helping a military family. For more information,
check out: www.fisherhouse.org/programs/hero-miles We would like
to keep count, so if you donate miles, please e-mail Sandy Alex
[email protected]
CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS
“Cell Phones for Soldiers” is a non-profit organization dedicated to
providing cost-free communication services to active-duty military
members and veterans. Since 2010, Philoptochos has collected 110
phones. If you have an old phone, what a good idea to drop it off at
the Community Center! These phones are taken to the local V.A.
where they’re recycled for cash and the money goes towards the
purchase of phone cards for deployed soldiers in our area. Just
remember to terminate your service and clean the phone’s stored
information. If you have any questions, contact Cindy Keilholz at
[email protected] or call 439-4861. Thanks to all who have
already donated cell phones!
LAST MONTH--February
We joined many churches in the Miami Valley for the annual “Day of
Caring” event to help meet the needs of the poor in our area.
Loukoumades sales were lively! Thanks to all who participated, and
appreciation to Harriet Ellis for chairing this successful afternoon.
Fleece Blanket Project: 50 blanket “kits” have been given out to our
members to complete. 25 of these warm fleece blankets have already
been delivered to “Ohio Mentor” which gives them to victims of
human trafficking in foster care programs. The other 25 will be given
to our local VA Hospice program. For those of you who are still
working on the blankets, please be sure to mark the outside of the
bags with “Philoptochos- upstairs storage” so that our staff at church
will put them away. Thank you to all who participated in this great ‘no
sew’ project!
THIS MONTH—March
So much is going on!
SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST, SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER, DR. ALBERT ROSSI, ON
“THE CHALLENGE OF LIVING A PURPOSEFUL LIFE.” Join us after
church service for this presentation (no charge), refreshments will be
provided. Dr. Rossi’s message is for young and old alike. Please see
the flyer included in this bulletin.
CCM for MARCH: “Think Spring” Flower Sale benefiting Hospice.
Order forms are in the lobby of the Community Center. Mary
McDonald can answer any questions: [email protected] or 2725962.
Deadline for ordering is Monday, March 9.
First Salutations are Friday, February 27th. Refreshments are
provided by Philoptochos. Please bring a treat to share. Contact
Evanthia, 434-5600, for more info.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 6:00 P.M. EVENING MEMBERSHIP MEETING
at the home of Kathy McAlpine. 1975 Woodson Court, Centerville
45459. This is an opportunity for members who work during the
day to attend. It’s a carry-in, so bring your favorite dish to share.
Make this your year to join Philoptochos! We welcome new
members.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 7:00 P.M. GREAT VESPERS OF THE
ANNUNCIATION, ARTOCLASIA, and Reception Following. Mark your
calendars for this joyful event. If you would like to assist by
bringing a food item for the reception, please contact Dessine
Fricioni at [email protected] or 937/426-9932.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, MEMBERSHIP MEETING, 10 A.M. IN THE
ATHENAGORAS ROOM
SUNDAY, APRIL 5 PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON: Bring the whole
family to our annual Palm Sunday luncheon which benefits Hellenic
College/ Holy Cross Theological Seminary. Tickets are sold after
church on Sundays beginning March 8st. No tickets will be sold at
the door. Menu: baked cod with lemon sauce, Greek green beans,
parsley red skin potatoes, cole slaw, assorted pies, beverages, $10
per person. Kids’ menu: fish sticks, mac and cheese and applesauce,
$6. Contact Theona Russell (937) 372-7738 or email her at:
grandma.rssll@gmail for more info or to make a reservation.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, DECORATE THE KOUVOULION
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, SATURDAY OF LAZARUS AND PALM CROSSES
SATURDAY, MAY 9, ANNUAL SPRING CHARITY LUNCHEON. It may
seem a long time away, but we are gathering donations and auction
items now! Our deadline to receive these items is April 2. You can
bring them to our Membership Meeting that day. We hope all
members will participate in this annual fundraiser. If you would like
a donation letter to take to area businesses, please contact Michelle
Zois: [email protected] Let her know what businesses you
plan to solicit since she is keeping a ‘master list’ and we don’t want
to duplicate. Gift certificates are always welcome and corporate
donations are especially helpful for our luncheon.
FOR COMMUNITY REWARDS WHEN YOU’RE SHOPPING:
--Kroger’s Community Rewards Program, Code# 10287. This is an
easy and very successful fund-raising endeavor, HOWEVER, YOU
MUST REAPPLY YEARLY TO STAY IN THE PROGRAM. Go to
www.krogers.com and follow their instructions to renew your
rewards membership. Instructions have been e-mailed to you
earlier, but if you have any questions, contact Sandy Alex
[email protected]
--Meijer Stores or Meijer.com. You must use either a Meijer credit
card, cash or a debit card. Application cards can be filled out on line
or at a Meijers Customer Service Desk. Our code is #432555.
--GFS gives us store credits towards future purchases. When
shopping, the information to give to the clerk is: “Philoptochos
#2024816.”
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MARCH 2015| Page 6
Parish News and Notes…
--
AIF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Information concerning the AIF Scholarship Program for the 2015-16 school year is now available. Application packets may be picked
st
up in the Parish Center lobby. The deadline for submission is May 1 .
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
GOYA
st
GOYA would like to thank Father Mark, the parents, coaches and the community for the great support we had during our 41 Annual
Dayton GOYA Basketball Tournament. Everyone had a fantastic weekend with both the boys and girls teams winning the
championship while meeting and reuniting with friends!
YOUTH NEWS
GOYA
st
GOYA will meet Sunday, March 1 after Divine Liturgy.
th
th
GOYA will serve refreshments for the 4 Salutations on March 20 7:00pm service.
JOY ACTIVITY
nd
th
JOY will serve refreshments for the 2 Salutations on March 6 7:00pm service
th
JOY will meet on Friday, March 13 .
SUMMER CAMP DATES
It’s time to start thinking about warmer weather and summer camp! Here are the dates for the 2015 Summer Camp season:
MDSC (Dayton Week) Week 1
June 28 to July 4
www.gomdsc.org
St. Nicholas Camp
TBD
www.southerncamp.com
Ionian Village
Session 1 June 22 – July 11
Campers who have completed Grades 8 – 12
Session 2 July 19 – August 7 Campers who have completed Grades 8 – 12
Spiritual Odyssey: June 1 – 11 Open to Young Adults ages 19 – 24
www.ionianvillage.org
41st ANNUAL DAYTON GOYA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
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MARCH 2015| Page 7
YOUTH NEWS (continued)
Parish Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held Sunday, March 15th after the Divine Liturgy in the Church Hall.
The SJCOF is an amazing program and an important component of the religious education of each Orthodox Christian
student.Introduced in 1983, the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival provides Greek Orthodox teenagers the opportunity to write
and talk about their faith. The Oratorical Festival Program begins at the parish levelOur parish invests and supports our youth unlike
any other throughout the archdiocese by providing generous scholarships for all those who participate. Don't let our students miss
out on this opportunity! Students (grades 4-12) in Sunday School are invited to write essays or poetry or give speeches on a variety of
relevant topics dealing with their faith.
The purpose of the Elementary Oratorical program ( grades 4-6) is to offer children the opportunity to express their feelings about
their faith and Church, as well as to gain confidence and self-esteem. The Elementary division is strictly a local program and there is
no judging. The topics are modest but invite creativity: Jesus, Prayer, Icons, etc. A student can write about anything they would like
and there is no time limit.
The Junior Division is for students in grades 7-9. In addition to writing and giving a speech, students can write and submit a 300-400
word essay on one of the Junior Division topics. Students can write and submit a poem in any form (sonnet, open verse, etc.) of
between eight and thirty lines on one of the Junior Division topics.
The Senior Division for students in grades 10-12. In addition to writing and giving a speech, students can write and submit a 500-600
word essay on one of the Senior Division topics. Students can write and submit a poem in any form (sonnet, open verse, etc.) of
between eight and thirty lines on one of the Senior Division topics.
A student may only participate in one category of the Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival: Speech, Essay or Poetry.
To learn more and review this year's topics please visit http://tinyurl.com/DAY-SJCOF-TOPICS To register, please visit
http://tinyurl.com/DAY-SJCOF-REG to fill out the online form, or print and fill out the attached document and turn it in to the Sunday
School mail slot across from the church office. Please turn in all registration forms by Sunday, March 8th.
Parish Festival Chairpersons have been around to Sunday School classrooms during the past month and will continue to do so in the
coming weeks to speak with Sunday School students about this opportunity. Sunday school teachers and Parish Oratorical Festival
chairpersons are available to help students in any way with their Questions? Contact Festival Chairperson Jon Gromek at (440) 7245087 or [email protected]
THE TRUE VINE
MARCH 2015| Page 8
2015 Stewardship Program
One of the greatest treasures we have received is our Orthodox Christian Faith and Tradition that guides
our worship and our entire life.”
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS?
2015 Stewardship Commitment Card is an important part of our Stewardship
Campaign. It is the manner in which you identify to yourself and the church the
commitment of Time, Talent and Treasure for the ministries, operations and programs
of the parish. It is an offering that indicates returning to God our gifts for the blessings
He so richly bestows upon us.
In submitting your Commitment Card, we are able to allocate our resources more
efficiently. It also identifies those who want to help the parish with their specific
talents. We need our entire parish family to participate and commit ourselves and one
another to Christ and His Church. We thank those who have submitted their 2015
Stewardship Commitment Cards. If you have not submitted yours, please contact the
church office.
2015
The list of Stewards reflects those who have made their 2015 Stewardship Commitment or contributed to their 2015 Stewardship
Commitment as of February 15, 2015. We thank them for their generosity and loving support. We invite you to join with them and
support, joyously, the ministries of the Church. You may obtain information and Stewardship Commitment Cards from the Church
Office, or you can speak to a Parish Council Member or Fr. Mark.
Dr. & Mrs. Fayez Abboud
Mr. John Demos
Ms. Berdi Kakas
Mrs. Georgia Afendoules
Dr. & Mrs. James Derksen
Miss Christine Kambas
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Andrews
Ms. Ariana Derksen
Mrs. Jim Kandris
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Angelopoulos
Mrs. Marika Dimitriou
Miss Pia Kanistros
Mrs. Elayne Anton
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Douglass
Mrs. P. J. Kanistros
Mr. & Mrs. George Argue
Mr. & Mrs. James Ellis
Mr. & Mrs. Alexandros Karabinis
Dr. & Mrs. Gust Bambakidis
Fr. Mark & Ginny Emroll
Mrs. Tina Karambelas
Mr. & Mrs. Evan Bambakidis
Mrs. Lucy Fasules
Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Karkadoulias
Mr. & Mrs. John Barron Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Federle
Mrs. Pete Karras
Ms. Juanita Bartlett & Mr. Gary Manos
Mr. & Mrs. Alex Fote
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Keilholz
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Bessler
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Fote
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Kididis
Ms. Evelyn Boosalis
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Fricioni
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lake
Mrs. Wendy Boucuvalas
Dr. & Mrs. Harry Fronista
Mrs. Vigi Liakakos
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Bouris
Mrs. Owen Gabbard
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Liapis
Mr. & Mrs. James Bourne
Dr. Arthur Gardikes
Ms. Elizabeth Limber
Mrs. Angella Houpis Boyd
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Gearon Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Logus
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Breed
Mr. James Gersos
Dr. & Mrs. Bryan Ludwig
Ms. Nancy Breen
Mr. Lambi Gersos
Mr. & Mrs. David Luke Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. James Brooks
Ms. Alexandra Ghazal
Mr. George Lusa
Mrs. Tulla Brooks
Mr. & Mrs. George Gianopulos
Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Makaritis
Mr. & Mrs. Doyle Burke
Mrs. Harriet K. Gounaris
Mrs. George Makris
Annika Burns & Bob Feldmann
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Gounaris
Mr. & Mrs. George Malacos
Mr. Bob Cade
Ms. Eileen Gustin
Ms. Juanita Bartlett & Mr. Gary Manos
Mr. Stephan Calondis
Mr. & Mrs. Nasser Habash
Mr. George Marinakes
Mr. & Mrs. David Casey
Dr. Mary Haritos
Mrs. Michael Mavrouleas
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Chagares
Mrs. Glenn Haubrock
Mr. & Mrs. Jay McAlpine
Mr. & Mrs. Terry Christ
Mr. & Mrs. James Haubrock
Mr. & Mrs. Keith McFarland
Mrs. Stella Christofis
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Heisey
Mrs. Sam Mellas
Mr. Demo Christon
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Hodgson
Mrs. Katheren Michaelson
Mr. & Mrs. William Cochran
Dr. C. H. Houpis
Mr. Christopher Milanese
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Coleman
Mr. & Mrs. Harry C. Houpis
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Milstead,
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Couchot
Ms. Evonna Hurst
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Mokas
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo County
Mr. William J. Hutchison
Mr. & Mrs. John Moraites
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Cunagin
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Hypes
Mrs. Ted Moraites
Mr. & Mrs. Tom G Daskalakis
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Jackson
Mrs. James Morris
Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Davell
Mr. Michael Jannides
Mrs Beatrice Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Max Jenks
Mr. Nick Demetre
Ms. Betty Jonson
THE TRUE VINE
Mrs. Ray Mullins
Mr. Demetrius Nicholas
Mrs. Renee Nicholas
Mr. John Nickolas
Mrs. Maria Panagouleas
Mrs. Nicolette Panagouleas
Mr. & Mrs. William Pangos
Mr. & Mrs. George Panson
Mrs. Irene Papadopoulos
Mr. Konstantine Papadopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Papakirk
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Taki Parker
Mr. & Mrs. George Pavlakos
Mr. & Mrs. David Pepiot
Judge John Pickrel
Mr. & Mrs. Jared Poeppelman
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Powers
Mr. & Mrs. Demetri Preonas
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Price
Mrs. Dora Protos
Mr. & Mrs. Hippocrates Psihountas
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Pulos
Mrs. George Pulos
Dr. & Mrs. John Raab
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Retzios
MARCH 2015 | Page 9
Dr. Lori Vavul-Roediger
Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Russell
Mr. & Mrs. George Saloom
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Saloom
Ms Nadia Saloom
Mr. Michael Samonas
Col. & Mrs. Nicholas Scambilis
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Scoumis
Mr. & Mrs. John Searles
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Shissias
Ms. Martha Simopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Speros
Ms. Maria Stamas
Mr. and Mrs. Nick C. Stamas
Ms. Paula Stamas-Snyder
Mrs. Toula Stamm
Mrs. Evangeline Stelyn
Mrs. Manuel Stiakakis
Ms. Anastasia Stratis
Mrs. Mary Stratis
Dr. & Mrs. Victor Thaler
Angeline Thompson
Maj. Gilbert Thurman
Ms. Anastasia Tipler
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Tolias
Mr. & Mrs. John Torges
Dr. & Mrs. James Tsatalis
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Tsolometes
Dr. and Mrs. John Urse III
Dr. & Mrs. John Valassiades
Mrs. Pete Vasilakos
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Vradelis
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Vradelis
Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Wallerius
Ms. Stephanie Waszczak
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Weikert
Mrs. Evangelia Williams
Mr. Adam Winters
Dr. Antonia Winters
Mr. & Mrs. Philip James Winters
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Xidas
Mrs. Stella Zaharako
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Zalants
Mr. & Mrs. James Zavakos
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Zavakos
Mr. Robert Zavakos
Mr. Tasi Zavakos
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Ziehler
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Zois
Mr. Demetrius C. Zonars
Mrs. Suzanne Zonars Hambrick
PARISH COUNCIL FILLS VACANCY
At its regular February meeting, the Parish Council filled the open seat by appointing Christina Stiakakis.
According to the Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a vacancy on the Council is
filled by the Parish Council appointing a Parishioner in Good Standing to serve for the remaining time of the term.
Christina will serve on the Parish Council for the 2015 – 2017 term. We welcome Christina and thank her for
offering her time and talent to this important ministry in the Church.
CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS
Did you get a new cell phone for Christmas and are not sure what to do with your old phone? We have the solution. Donate that
phone for the “Cell Phones for Soldiers” program. You can drop them off at church in the community center in the basket marked
“cell phones”. These phones are taken to the VA where they are recycled for cash and the money goes to purchase phone cards
for deployed soldiers from our area.
Please remember to terminate your service and clear the phone’s memory of contacts and other stored information. This is a
great way to help the environment while supplying phone cards to our military.
Since 2010 Philoptochos has collected 110 cell phones. Batteries, chargers and accessories are not required. Cell Phones for
Soldiers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing cost-free communication services to active-duty military members and
veterans.
Thank you to all who have donated cell phones.
If you have any questions, please call Cindy Keilholz at 439-4861 or email at [email protected]
THE TRUE VINE
MARCH 2015| Page 10
2015 Youth Dance Group Practice Schedule
Practices and performances for 2015 are scheduled :
March 18 6:00 to 7:00 for all groups
March 22 Sunday Greek Independence program at church
May 6 6:00 to 7:00 for all groups
May 13 6:00 to 7:00 for all groups
May 15-16-17 DIFI
July 22-5:30 to 6:30- Evzonakia and Levendopeda
6:30 to 7:30- Nisiotes
July 29- 5:30 to 6:30- Evzonakia and Levendopeda
6:30 to 7:30- Nisiotes
August 5-5:30 to 6:30- Evzonakia and Levendopeda
6:30 to 7:30- Nisiotes
August 12-5:30 to 6:30- Evzonakia and Levendopeda
6:30 to 7:30- Nisiotes
August 26-5:30 to 6:30- Evzonakia and Levendopeda
6:30 to 7:30- Nisiotes
September 2-5:30 to 6:30- Evzonakia and Levendopeda
6:30 to 7:30- Nisiotes
September 10 (with band) time to be announced
Greek Festival- September 11, 12, 13
DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
TSOUREKIA FOR EASTER 2015
$6.00 EACH
(1 lb. loaf...we promise!)
Deadline for orders:
Monday, March 30
Orders may be picked up at the:
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Community Center, Saturday & Sunday
April 4th & 5th 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A BEAUTIFUL TRADITION FOR YOUR PASCHA TABLE.
To order, please contact:
Dessine Fricioni
or e-mail:
937/426-9932
[email protected]
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
SUNDAY
MONDAY
1
st
1 Sunday of Lent
Sunday of Orthodoxy
(Procession of Holy
Icons at the
conclusion of the
Divine Liturgy
MARCH 2015
TUESDAY
2
5:30p Greek School
WEDNESDAY
3
.
THURSDAY
4
5
6:00p Liturgy of
the Pre-sanctified
Gifts
7:00p Great
Compline
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
6
nd
7
7:00p 2
Salutations to the
Mother of God
7:00p Choir
Refreshments:
JOY
8:15a Matins
9:30a Div. Liturgy
GOYA Mtg.
Speaker: Dr. Albert
Rossi
8
nd
2 Sunday of Lent
8:15a Matins
9:30a Div. Liturgy
9
5:30p Greek School
10
6:30p DOP/
6:30p AHEPA
11 12
6:00p Liturgy of
the Pre-sanctified
Gifts
7:00p Great
Compline
13
11:30a Young at
Heart
14
6:00p JOY Event
rd
7:00p 3
Salutations to the
Mother of God
7:00p Choir
SPRING GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
Refreshments:
GAPA
AHEPA Day Offsite
Daylight Saving Time
15
rd
3 Sunday of Lent –
Veneration of the
Holy Cross
(Procession with the
Holy Cross at the
conclusion of the
Divine Liturgy)
16
5:30p Greek School
7:00p Great
Compline
17
11:30a GAPA
Lunch Mtg. at
Chop House
followed by 1:30
presentation at
Centerville Library
18
6:00p Liturgy of
the Pre-sanctified
Gifts
6:00p Dance All
Groups
7:00p Choir
8:15a Matins
9:30a Div. Liturgy
19
6:00p Philo.
Evening
Membership
Meeting at the
home of Kathy
McAlpine
th
20
7:00p 4
Salutations to the
Mother of God
21
10:30a Greek
School practice
for program
Refreshments:
GOYA
7:00p Parish
Council Mtg.
ORATORICAL
FESTIVAL
th
4
22
Sunday of Lent
8:15a Matins
9:30a Div. Liturgy
23
5:30p Greek School
7:00p Great
Compline
th
29
Sunday of Lent
30
25
Feast of the
Annunciation
Philo. host
reception
following Vespers
Greek Independence
Day Program
5
24
7:00p Great
Vespers with
Artoclasia
8:15a Matins
9:30a Div. Liturgy
26
27
28
7:00p Akathist
Hymn
Refreshments:
DAUGHTERS
7:00p Choir
31
5:30p Greek School
IT DOESN'T SEEM POSSIBLE......BUT:
8:15a Matins
9:30a Div. Liturgy
7:00p Great
Compline
We're asking you to put aside thoughts of this cold winter weather, and start
planning for your flower and vegetable gardens instead! The Annual March
Community Care Ministry to benefit Hospice is right around the corner. Order
forms will be available after church orders are due Sunday, March 8, 2015 and
pick-up is Thursday, May 7, 2015; 12:00-4:00 pm any questions, please call
Mary McDonald 272-5962
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015
MATINS AND DIVINE LITURGY 8:15 AM
(RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE ANNUNCIATION PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
FOLLOWS VESPERS)
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2015
GREAT VESPERS WITH ARTOCLASIA 7:00 PM
FEAST OF THE
ANNUNCIATION OF THE
THEOTOKOS
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
500 Belmonte Park North
Dayton Ohio 45405-4797
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Dayton, Ohio
Permit No. 934
Change Service Requested