THE SEASONS OF OUR LIFE
Rev Andrew J Demotses
How ironic life can be! When we are young, we can’t wait to grow up and enjoy what we perceive to be the privileges of adulthood. When we grow older, we look back with longing nostalgia to the days of our youth. It is my impression, however, that God in-tends for us to joyfully embrace each of the seasons of our life. We can do this when we live with the assurance that God offers what we need so that we can realize our full-est potential, no mater what our age might be. If this is to happen in our lives, howev-er, it requires our commitment to faith, as well as our acceptance of what God allows of struggle and what He provides of strength.
Like all of us, I too have often wondered why God allows us to get old and weak. In struggling with this issue, I have concluded that the wise author of Ecclesiastes was right when he wrote, “Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.” (3:1). It is a part of the divine plan that the strength and beauty of youth is primarily physical, while the strength and beauty of advancing years is mostly spiritual.
As life advances, God has ordained that we lose the strength and beauty that is physical and temporary, so that we can acquire the strength and beauty that is spiritual and eter-nal. As the years advance, we find that they confer their gifts of maturity, wisdom, and perspective. At the same time our physical nature declines, making us less eager to go on at all cost, and preparing us to enter our eternal home. That is exactly why older people are so much at peace, and find it so easy to let go, when their time arrives. If we were forever young, strong, and beautiful, we might never want to leave.
Are you in the spring time of your life? Trust that God will offer you every opportuni-ty to realize your dreams. Are you in life’s summer or autumn? Face your many chal-lenges in the assurance of God’s sustaining graces. And if you are in the winter of your life, cultivate your relationship with God, so that together with the psalmist you too will be able to say, “I have relied on you all my life; you have protected me since the day I was born. I will always praise you.” (71:6).
Well Done Good & Faithful Servant
Elaine Andrade our current part-time bookkeeper who previously was also our fulltime office manager and secretary, will retire at the end of June after a total of over 10 years of employment with our parish. She has been a most conscientious and dedicated staff member to our parish and will be greatly missed. It is with great appreciation that we acknowledge her time with us. We extend prayers for a retirement filled with good health and relaxation.
A Tearful Goodbye
It has been over 10 years since I first stepped into the doors of the Annunciation Parish. My career was challenging and rewarding. I did my best and I hope it reflected on your impressions when contacting the office. I am going to miss you all as I move on to retirement. Thank you for your kind patience and I wish you all the very best and good health. Elaine
Apostles Lent
Our Orthodox Church honors the 12 Apostles highly in June of each year and calls for a fasting period before their feast day on June 30. Each year the length of fast various based on the dates of Easter Cycle through All Saints Day. Thus this year the fast be-gins on Monday June 12 (always on the day after Al Saints Day) and ends on June 29. The fasting pattern is a light fast except for Wednesdays and Fridays which are strict. Let us rejoice in the ministry of these 12 great men who began the spread of Christianity to the far corners of the earth. Let us remember their sacrifice be our own sacrifice and focus on their commitment and devotion to the lord as they did.
THANK YOU
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Nicolopoulos for your donation of flowers surrounding our church grounds. Also we thank Lynda Takoudes for the planting of these flowers. As we all enter the church gates and look around, we thank you for your generosity.
To Costa Marses of Royal Poultry for donating the chicken served at the recent IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) Fund Raiser, benefiting humanitarian relief in the name of Orthodoxy.
We also thank Richard & Maryanne Cragin for their courtesy in not charging the parish for the security alarm monthly fee (Ocean State Electronic Systems Inc).
Fr Andrew’s Schedule
During the summer Fr Andrew will be taking stretches of time away from the Parish to rest and recuperate from his recent health issue. We all will be praying for him to get better soon and experience the joys of being healthy again.
Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending 5/31/17
Endowment Fund Portfolio $832,605.24
Endowment Fund Checking Account $8423.28
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Aram Garabedian, Olga Haveles, Lillian Markarian, M/M Charles Michael, M/M Martin Papazian, M/M Arthur G. Pappas, M/M Christopher Pappas, M/M Ernest Pappas, Georgia Pappas, Andrew Rougas, Mary Samaras, Dr. Beverly Serabian, M/M Kostas Trikoulis, Drs. John & Eleni Zervos.
In memory of Gregory Demetrakas
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: Mary Samaras
In memory of Bessie Tsiaras (mother of Dr. William Tsiaras)
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Michael Papigiotis, Drs. John & Eleni Zervos
In memory of Jane Promades Tigano
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Arthur G. Pappas
In memory of Eleftheria Perdikakis
“Sincere thanks from your Endowment Fund Committee for your continued support of our Endowment Fund that will lead our Parish to financial security from generation to generation!”
Mary Samaras, Secretary, Endowment Fund Committee
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2
Our fund-raising effort continues and we have received to date a total of $172,592.00 in pledges. This is an increase of $11,700.00 since our last month’s edition of the Annunciator. A total of $114,192.00 has been paid and deposited.
Since last month the following parishioners have submitted a pledge: Ilias & Katherine Antonakos, Dr. & Mrs. Christopher Chihlas, Mrs. Anna Gountra, Mrs. Dorothy Pliakas, Mr. Robert Tessier. Thank you all for your generous pledges.
If you have not yet submitted your two-year pledge, please do so. We have a lot of work to complete in the coming months. -Submitted by James Silva
In Honor Of Our Graduates
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our 2017 graduates. They have accom-plished a great deal in completing an important segment of their education. We pray that the Lord our God continues to bless their future, with much happiness and greater achievements. These graduates will be honored June 18th at our spe-cial “Graduates Coffee Hour” sponsored by Yal.
Student School Graduating From Future Plan
Angelica Provost Bay View/Honor Society, RI Honor, Bryant Unv. Accounting Maria Rengigas Johnston High School CCRI, Event/Talent Mgt. / Dance Career Sofia Rengigas Johnston High School RI College, Criminal Justice/Psychology Anastasia Vourvachakis W. Warwick High School RI College/Nursing
Dimitri Vourvachakis W. Warwick High School URI/Mechanical Engineering William Janikies Jr. Rocky Hill Babson College
College & Universities:
Alexandra Reall URI /Bachelor of Science in Nursing RI Hospital /Oncology Registered Nurse
Elizabeth Grammas URI / Bachelors of Science in BA, Ernest & Young Financial Major in Accounting Service Office
Sia Grammas RI College / Bachelor of Arts Early Childhood & Elementary Education, Special Education Cum Laude N. Smithfield / Sub-Teacher
Adriana Mitrelis URI/Bachelors’ Degree/Public Relations Global Leadership/Management Development/St. Thomas
Katherine Otto NY University of Medicine Bellevue Hospital/Internal Medicine Vasiliki Panteleakis URI/Bachelor of Arts/Communication Working In Boston & Writing, Magna Cum Laude
Andriana Vanikiotis RI College / Health & Physical Education Teaching
Graduate School:
Arianna Zervos Northeastern University, Boston, MA. Masters Employment & of Science in Corporate & Organizational Comm. Staffing Spec. at the with Human Resources Management Executive Office of Health & Human Ser. Boston, MA
TO ALL OUR GREEK FOOD FAIR VOLUNTEERS
The words valuable, outstanding, loyal, sincere, untiring, unself-ish, trustworthy, all describe a volunteer like yourself. You put aside time on your schedule, step forward and made a difference. The gift of time is priceless. We Thank You for your hard work. Also we thank all that attended, for another successful
FOOD FAIR 2017.
GREEK FESTIVAL SOON TO BE ARRIVING
This Year September 8, 9 & 10
Hands once again will be needed, baking season will be starting and we look forward to seeing you once again. We welcome new faces anytime family & friends come learn a new recipe.
Baking Dates Are: Mon. June 19, Baklava
Wed. June 21, Baklava, Kataifi
Mon. June 26, Spanakopita, Tyropita
Tues. June 27, Spanakopita
ALL DAYS @ 6:PM
Sat. Aug. 19, Diples 9:AM
Tues. Aug. 22, Koulourakia
Wed. Aug. 23, Koulourakia
Tues. Aug. 29, Kourambiedes
Wed. Aug 30, Melomakarona/Pack Kourambiedes
ALL WEEKDAYS 6:PM
Tues. Sept. 5, Honey Diples/Melomakarona 9:AM
Wed. Sept 6, Pack Pastry 6:PM
Galaktoboureko-Days of the Festival-Times to be announced
2017 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
WE HAVE TO DATE 321 PARISHIONERS WITH A PLEDGE OF $167,477.00 AS OF MAY 31
THE ACTUAL AMOUNT RECEIVED AS OF MAY 31 IS $130,543.64
Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2017:
Dr. & Mrs. James Andriotis, M/M Ilias Antonakos, M/M Dionysius Argeris, M/M Nektari-os Arsenis, M/M Zisis Arsoniadis, M/M Thomas Bovis, M/M Peter Bradshaw, Angelo Frank, M/M Gregory Demetrakas, George Hantzakos, M/M Nicholas Hantzakos, M/M Theodore Kacharo, M/M Richard Kidd, William Kitsilis, Peter Manis, M/M Kyriakos Marantidis, Maria Markos, Stavroula Marsis, Dina Mihos, Christopher Mitrelis, M/M John Mitrelis, M/M Christopher Pappas, M/M Paul Pliakas, Frederick Promades, John Psikakos, Angela Provost, Virginia Strekouras, M/M Sean Todd, Dean Trigg, M/M Kostas Trikoulis, M/M Dimitrios Tsimikas, M/M Dimitrios Tsoukatos, Mr. & Dr. Leonard Wood, M/M James Xiarhos, M/M Vasilios Zafiriades.
Remember the Wise Words of the Scriptures
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness! – Lamentations 3:22-23
Stewardship Offering Plans
In paying their stewardship, we have a number of parishioners who have their checks sent to us monthly from their accounts automatically. Others can do likewise. Just contact your bank and have them directly withdraw payments from your account and sent to us directly.
We also remind everyone of the “Monthly Payment Booklet” that contains a return slip to submit a payment each month for your pledge, similar to all your monthly commitments for your home. You can stop by the office to obtain one or we can mail it out to you.
10 year Review
On Page 18 is a report on our Stewardship Program. We thank all of our consistent and yearly donors. For those who have not been consistent, we seek your renewed participation and of course welcome that of people who have never pledged.
Liturgical Donors Sought
Donors are needed for the following
~Complete set of Altar Table and Podium coverings—$1,666.10
~Two table candle stands (approximately $400.00)
Case of Communion Wine— $149.00
Please contact the parish office if you are willing to sponsor these expenditures.
July Festivals
St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church
501 East School St., Woonsocket, RI
Saturday, July 22, 4—11 pm.
Sunday, July 23, 12:30—7 pm.
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St. Spyridon—Hellenic Feast—Newport, RI
Friday, July 28, 4 pm.—midnight
Saturday, July 29, Noon—1 am.
Sunday, July 30, Noon—6 pm.
Save the Date!!!
Annunciation Golf Tournament—Sunday, August 27
Philoptochos Food Fair & Christmas Bazar—November 4 & 5
Employment Sought
Daniel Beaudoin who married into the Poulos/Theroux family, is in need of steady employment (raising 2 children). He is a pipe fitter / welder, but is open to anything that is stable. Call him directly at 401-203-587.
Recent Deaths
Jane Tigano age 55, of Pawtucket, RI passed away on 5/3/17. Her funeral was on May 9. Despina Izzo age 44, of Cranston, RI passed away on 5/7/17, her funeral was held on 5/12/17. Nicholas Janikies age 84, of Jamestown, RI passed away on 5/15/17. His funeral was held on 5/19/17. Aspasia Vafiadis age 83, of Cranston, RI passed away on 5/21/17. Her funeral was held on 5/25/17. Also, the sister of our parishioner James Vose and two brothers of Maria Zaharakos recently passed on.
When in Need for Koliva
Requests for making koliva by those unable to do so for themselves for Memorials can contact our parishioner Fadia Sarkis at 944-4063.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Earlier Hours on Sunday July 2nd
We will begin Liturgy at 9:15am Instead of 9:30am.
GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL GRADUATION 2017
GRADUATES (PLAQUES): Gianna Degaitas, Christopher Lambros, Stella Loizos, Angela Marses, Evgenia Meltsakos
HIGHEST HONORS: Savvina Arsenis, Gianna Degaitas, Christopher Lam-bros, Calista Leroux, Stella Loezos, Angela Marses, Evgenia Meltsakos, Alex-ander Vanikiotis, Christopher Vanikiotis, Yiannis Tapinos, Mary Tapinos, Va-siliki Marantides.
HIGH HONORS: Christodoulos Andriotis, Ilianna Arsenis, Haralambos Ar-senis, Theofanis Arsenis, Lauren Bousquet, Aikaterine Chrysanthopoulou, So-phia DeRhodes, Vasilios, Eliopoulos, Yiannis Fotopoulos, Arianna Fotopou-los, Fotis Fotopoulos, Elisabeth Halkidis, Ana Hantjopoulos, Zoe Hantjopou-los, Nicholas Kotsiris, Lucas Leroux, Thea Marses, Sophia Nichols, Christian Santos, Gabriella Santos, Steven Sterpis, Owen Sterpis, Andrew Taxiarhos, Elias Tsimikas, Simon Tsimikas, Liza Triantafyllou.
HONORS: Harrison Barakos, Michael Baziotis, Jason Cabral, Maggie Despines, Efthimia Eliopoulos, Dionisios Limberatos, Zoe Plaisted, Sophia Sarkis, Laila Sarkis, Elliana Titelis.
HONORABLE MENTION: Virginia Barakos, Gus Despines, James Rawlinson.
AWARDS
Ahepa: Angela Marses, Evgenia Meltsakos
Paideia/Hellenic Cultural Society: Christopher Lambros
Good Samaritan Philoptochos Society: Gianna Degaitas
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church: Stella Loezos
Volunteers: Niki Malatos Bousquet, Dimitri Petrou
PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR—JUNE-JULY 2017
Although the summer months are upon us, the work of Philoptochos contin-ues each and every day. We are looking ahead to our Annual Greek Food Fair and Christmas Bazaar which has been set for November 4-5 this year. Soon, our Bazaar Committee will be meeting, and we will announce some very new and interesting ideas. Mark your calendars, and please come and support Philoptochos.
NEW ENGLAND CLAM BAKE: Thank you to Marianne Phelan and her committee for a most enjoyable evening ending our Philoptochos year. The New England Clam Bake was a very popular end-of-year idea. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere festive….and a great evening was enjoyed by all!! Ke tou chronou!
NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS CHILDREN’S MEDICAL FUND LUNCHEON: We look ahead to events being planned, and the next National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon will be hosted by the Metropolis of New Jersey at The Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey on Saturday, November 11th, 2017. More information will be announced as we receive it from National Philoptochos.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: On Tuesday, June 20, we will travel to Yonkers, New York, to deliver Prayer Shawls to the residents of St. Michael’s Home. We have made enough Shawls to now fulfill our commitment to St. Michael’s. Thank you to those dedicated women who have crocheted Shawls and/or Baby Blankets these past few months: Anna Demetrakas, Lynda Poulos Theroux, Bessie Papigiotis, Koula Rougas, Carole Xanthakis, Maria Zaharakos, Josie Aliferakis, Rosie Demetriou, and Diane Di-Carlo. We invite anyone with a desire to help us in this ministry to contact
Anna Demetrakas, 946-0550.
Recently, our Philoptochos Chapter held elections for a new Philoptochos Board for the years 2017-2019. Upon ratification of our Elections from National Philoptochos, the new Board and Officers will take over the leadership of our Chapter.
For the past 4 years, Georgia Pappas has lead our Chapter as President, with a deep commitment, compassion, zeal, and love for the principles and ideals of Philoptochos. As Georgia ends her term of office, we express our gratitude and thank you to her for her service to Philoptochos.
We thank you all for your support of Philoptochos throughout the year. We wish for all a happy, safe, enjoyable summer.
Happy Summer!! — Kalo Kalokeri!!
GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT KAREN DRAGER, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Sunday Church School
Perfect & Best Attendance Awards
Perfect Attendance: Alexandros Arsenis, Vasiliki Marantidis, So-phia Nichols, Lucas Leroux, Leila Sarkis, Sophia DeRhodes, Cal-ista Leroux, Eleni Mihailides, Alexandra Nichols.
Best Attendance: Konstantinos Marantidis, Kosta Rougas, Geor-gia Kotsiris, John Rawlinson, Theofanis Arsenis, Ilianna Arsenis, Arianna Fotopoulos, Zoe Hatjopoulos, Ana Hatjopoulos, Nicholas Mihailides, Savvina Arsenis, Michael Baziotis, Damian Sarkis, Na-than Sarkis, Alexander Vanikiotis, Christopher Vanikiotis, Elisa-beth Halkidis, Sophia Sarkis.
Don’t Forget VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL
For children entering Kindergarten—thru 6th graders
Monday July 31—Friday August 4 == 9:30am—2:30pm
Learn about Orthodox Faith with Orthodox friends
Crafts, Music, Lessons, Worship, Activities, Snacks, Games, Daily Assemblies
Beth Nichols will serve as coordinator, if you would like to assist please contact her nicholas22@verizon.net 401-383-6708
Register Your Child or Children Now!!
Children Learn What They Live
*If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
*If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
*If children live with ridicule, they learn to be withdrawn.
*If children live with shame, they learn to feel inferior.
*If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
*If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
*If children live with approval, they learn self-esteem.
*If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
*If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
*If children live with security, they learn to have trust.
*If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to seek and find love in the world.
*If children live in a Christian environment, they will learn to love God.
STEWARDSHIP FROM 2007-2016
| 2007 | $246,408.50 | 526 Units |
| 2008 | $252,519.50 | 564 Units |
| 2009 | $252,312.92 | 541 Units |
| 2010 | $255,490.50 | 526 Units |
| 2011 | $241,891.50 | 496 Units |
| 2012 | $236,572.68 | 495 Units |
| 2013 | $236,512.32 | 481 Units |
| 2014 | $253,225.00 | 499 Units |
| 2015 | $239,347.00 | 461 Units |
| 2016 | $234,336.00 | 467 Units |
Mid June—Mid August 2017
Divine Services (year round) Orthros (morning prayer) 8:15 am / Liturgy 9:30 am
Tue June 13- Church School Teachers Staff – 7PM
Thu June 15- Sr Citizens – 12Noon / Revitalization Discussion- 7:30PM
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun June 18— Sun of 2nd Matthew / Hypatios & Theodoulos / Leontios of Argos FATHER’S DAY / Graduates Sunday & Scholarship Awards
Mon June 19- Festival Baking Begins- Baklava – 6PM
Tues June 20- Parish Council – 7:30PM
Wed June 21- Baklava—6PM / Yal Vino & Paint Night- 7PM +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun June 25— Sun of 3rd Matthew / Righteous Fevronia / Orentios & 6 Brothers MEMORIAL: Aspacia Vafiades– 40 days / Drs Peter & Dorothy Erinakes
George Kollitides—1 yr
Mon June 26- Spanakopita/Tyropita- 6PM
Tue June 27- Spanakopita- 6PM / Ahepa- 7PM
Thu June 29- Sts Peter & Paul – Services per usual morning hours +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun July 2— Sun of 4th Matthew / Placing of Robe of Theotokos at Vlachernae
– EARLIER START FOR LITURGY—9:15am today
Tues July 4— OFFICE IS CLOSED
Sat July 8- St Spyridon Film Festival – Newport – 9:30am +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun July 9— Sun of 5th Matthew / Hieromartyr Pankratios / Dionysios the Orator +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun July 16- Sun of 6th Matt / Hieromartyr Athenogenes / Martyr Phaustos MEMORIAL- Artemis Frangos – 1 yr.
Thu July 20- Prophet Elias – Services per usual morning hours +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun July 23- Sun of 7th Matt / Hieromartyr Phokas
Fri July 28- St Irene Chrysovalantou— Services per usual morning hours +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun July 30- Sun of 8th Matt / Apostles Silas & Silvanus
Mon July 31- VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL (VCS) WEEK BEGINS – 9:30am – 2:30PM
Tues Aug 1- Dormition Lent Begins – Paraklesis Service – 6PM
Wed Aug 2- Paraklesis Service– 6PM
Fri Aug 4- Paraklesis Service– 6PM
Sat Aug 5– Vespers (Eve of Transfiguration) – 6PM with Blessing of Grapes +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sun Aug 6– TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST—Blessing of Grapes
Mon Aug 7– Paraklesis– 6PM / Wed Aug 9- Paraklesis– 6PM / Fri Aug 11- Paraklesis– 6PM
Sun Aug 13– Sun of 10th Matthew—Transferal of the Relics of St Maximos
Mon Aug 14- Vespers (Eve of Dormition) – Assumption Parish (Pawtucket)
Tue Aug 15–Dormition of the Theotokos– Services per usual morning hours
Prayer of the Optina Elders
O Lord, grant unto me that with Thy peace I may greet all that this day is to bring. Grant unto me grace to surrender myself completely to Thy holy will. In eve-ry hour of this day instruct and guide me in all things. Whatever tidings I may receive during this day, do Thou teach me to accept tranquilly in the firm belief that Thy holy will governs all. Govern Thou my thoughts and feelings in all I do and say. When un-foreseen things occur, let me not forget that all is sent by Thee. Teach me to behave sincerely and reasonably toward everyone, that I may bring confusion and sorrow to no one. Bestow on me, O Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day and to bear my part in its events. Guide Thou my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to suffer, to forgive and to love. Amen.
