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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.

The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ 

On the 39th day after Pascha we celebrate the Leavetaking of the Feast of Feasts, commemorating the last day of the risen Christ’s earthly soujourn. The following day is celebrated as His Leavetaking, His Glorious Ascension into Heaven, on the 40th day after Pascha. As Holy Scripture tells us, ‘after Jesus had spoken with His disciples on the Mount of Olives concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit, as they were looking on. He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, Who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.’ Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath’s day journey away” (Acts 1: 9-12).

The Lord Ascended to Heaven not to sadden us with His departure, but in order to do what was best for us. “It is to your advantage that I go away, He had told His disci-ples. For if I do not go away, the Comforter, will not come to you” (John 16:7). “I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, to be with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth…The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name. He will teach you all things” (John 14:16,26). The Savior saw that His mis-sion on earth was accomplished. The goal of His Incarnation was to proclaim the Di-vine Truth to the world, to direct men onto the path of repentance and salvation, and deliver us from Eternal Death. The Lord accomplished our salvation and man acquires it through the action of the Holy Spirit.

The Lord knew the trials and tribulations that would be endured by His disciples, mocking, scourging, imprisonment, and even death. And thus the Lord ascended to His Heavenly Father that the Spirit might descend from the Father as the Comforter, and fortify His Friends. The Lord ascended to Heaven in order to prepare for us too, the path to the Heavenly Mansions, to open the Gates of Paradise, and Himself to be our Guide. Heaven that had been closed to men before the Resurrection now at the Ascension was opened by Christ the Savior. None of the righteous men of the Old Tes-tament, the Patriarchs, the Prophets, and the men pleasing to God, could enter Heaven. “No one has ascended into heaven but He Who descended from Heaven, the Son of man” (John 3:13), the Lord had said.

Our first parent, Adam, closed the Gates of Paradise, and an angel with a flaming sword was placed at the gates (as commemorated on Forgiveness Sunday, the day prior to the first day of Great and Holy Lent). But the New Adam, Our Lord Jesus Christ, through His Ascension, opened the way to Life and Heaven itself. He was followed by the souls of the holy Fathers, Prophets, and hosts of righteous people of the Old Testament. All worthy Christians who follow in the footsteps of their Savior enter Heaven in this way today and so they will in the future.

The Lord ascended to intercede for us with His Heavenly Father. Towards the end of His earthly mission He said: “I go to prepare a place for you. And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:2-3). This same thought was also expressed by the great Preacher of Christ’s teaching, St. Paul, in the Epistle to the Hebrews: “Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our be-half” (Heb 9:24). Theses words fill us with hope, for we now have in Heaven a great Mediator and Advocate for the world with God, Christ Our Lord.

Our Lord ascended in a cloud on high, symbolizing the rising smoke of an acceptable sacri-fice. Thus the sacrifice was accepted by God and Christ the Lamb that was slain is ushered into the preserve of God where He will be eternally offered in the Holy Eucharist. Therefore, we must be worthy of the great mercies of God, capable and ready to receive them. “All the power, all the fruit of His divine Ascension, therefore, belong to us, for when He ascended on High, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (Eph 4:8). This is why the Church re-peatedly proclaims, “Clap your hands, all you nations, for Christ ascended up to the place where He was from before” (from the Vespers of the Feast).

Troparion of the Feast (Tone 4) 

O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the son of God, the Redeem-er of the world!

Kontakion of the Feast (Tone 6) 

When Thou didst fulfill the dispensation for our sake, and unite earth to heaven: Thou didst ascend in glory, O Christ our God, not being parted from those who love Thee, but remaining with them and crying: I am with you and no one will be against you!

+Rev. Dr. Emanuel S. Chris, M.D., D. Div.

2017 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 289 parishioners with a pledge of $155,027.00 as of April 30.
The Actual Amount Received as of April 30, is $119,111.98 

Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2017: Chrisoula Arsoniadis, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Barth, Christine Chifotides, M/M George Cicma, Priscilla Delis, Nicholas DiMaio & Julie Ly, M/M Spiros Fotopoulos, Argiri Ghionis, M/M Gerasimos Liberatos, M/M George Grammas, M/M Brian Leroux, M/M Christo Pakuris, Theodore Panagiotis, Evridiki Papaioannou, M/M Anthony Piscopio, M/M David Rawlinson, Dr. & Mrs. Savvas Rougas, M/M Nikolaos Sifakis, M/M Ray-mond Sinapi, Christopher Topouzis, Christos Vasiliadis, M/M Frank Vasiliadis, Carole Xanthakis, M/M Christos Xenophontos

Remember the wise words of the Scriptures 

As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9: 8-12)

Corporate Pledge 

The Annunciation Church would like to say Thank you to George Coclin, of Coclin Associates for their yearly pledge. 

Liturgical Donation 

Estelle & Wilfred Demars recently donated 2 Liturgical Book Covers in memory of her sister Harriet Butler. 

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2 

Our fund-raising effort continues and we have received to date a total of $160,892.00 in pledges. This is an increase of $21,150.00 since our last month’s edition of the Annunciator. A total of $107,017.00 has been paid and deposited. 

Since last month the following parishioners have submitted a pledge: Arthur & Dorothea Kazianis, Christo & Sophie Pakuris, Dr. & Mrs. Savvas Rougas, Golfo Tzilos and Frank, Angela & Christos Vasiliadis. Thank you all for your generous pledges. 

If you have not yet submitted your 2 year pledge, please do so. We have a lot of work to complete in the coming months. 

Submitted by James Silva

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News

Financial Report for the period ending 4/30/17
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $825,493.16
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $6,213.20

A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: Mary Samaras In memory of Bessie Tsiaras 

A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Michael Haralambides In memory of Angela Promades 

A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Michael Haralambides In memory of Maryanna Floskis 

A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Emmanuel Mihailides In memory of Eleftheria Perdikakis 

A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M John Vanikiotis, Sue Cimino, James Cimino & Antonia Vanikiotis In memory of Charles Gionis 

A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: Armenian Relief Society, Aurora Civic Association, Antranig Avakian, M/M Peter Babigian, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Baziotis, Sue Cimino, M/M Thomas Coyne, Dr. & Mrs. Cosmo Haralambidis & Family, M/M Michael Haralambides, Demetrios Haseotes, M/M Michael Haveles, Ann Heberg, M/M Harry Joannidi, Julie Karahalios, M/M Anthony Mardo, M/M Frank Masiello, Stephen & Dorothy Masoian, M/M John Massenzio, M/M Robert Messerlian, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, M/M George Mihai-lides, M/M George Moorachian, Beverly Mourachian, M/M Leon Nahigian, M/M Har-ry Nicolopoulos, M/M Michael Papigiotis, M/M Kevin Phelan, Philoptochos Society, Ralph & Barbara Petrarca, M/M Polydoros Petrou, Dorothy Pliakas, M/M Constan-tine Rougas, M/M Peter Vassilopoulos, Carole Xanthakis, S . & J. Zaroogian, In memory of Gregory Demetrakas

“THE ENDOWMENT FUND—OUR LIFELINE TO FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR OUR PARISH!” 

Recent Deaths 

Gregory G. Demetrakas age 84, of Cranston, RI passed away on 4/9/17, his funeral was held on 4/19/17. Former parishioners: Dr. Dorothy Erinakes, age 97 of San Luis Obispo, CA passed on 3/20/17 with funeral in CA and burial here in RI set for May 20, Marcia Margolis of New London, CT on 2/21/17. Also: the brother of our parishioner Lefki Stephanopoulos in Greece, Fotis Vavoulis, the brother of our office bookkeeper Elaine Andrade passed away Raymond Brien age 66, of Norwalk, CT, on 4/11/17, his funeral was held on 4/22/17, the sister of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, Fotini Tournas of Chestnut Hill, MA on 4/12/17 with funeral on 4/18/17 and the father of our parishioner Barbara Goldis, William Grimshaw at age 103 passed on 4/12/17 with wake and funeral on 4/22/17.

The Financial Corner 

We can now compare the actual revenues and expenses for the 1st Quarter of 2017 (January thru April), with the 1st quarter last year. This comparison will allow us to see how we are doing in relation to last year. As you can see on the revenue side we are $8,222.23 ahead of last year.

INCOME 2017 2016
Stewardship $118,491.98 $107,222.74
Total Envelopes $ 4,330.00 $ 3,475.00
Total Collections $ 13,669.00 $ 13,263.00
Special Function Income $ 6,360.00 $ 5,927.00
Special Contributions $ 8,328.84 $ 10,487.31
Sundry Receipts $ 3,528.47 $ 2,601.90
Parish Center Income $ 9,560.89 $ 12,710.00
Total Revenues $164,269.18 $156,046.95

On the expense side you can see below that expenses were very similar for both 2017 and 2016 during the 1st quarter.

EXPENSES 2017 2016
Pastoral Expenses (two priest). $ 38,788.68 $ 38,269.95
Administrative Expenses $ 24,075.99 $ 23,925.86
Building & Grounds $ 14,309.56 $ 13,337.77
Miscellaneous Expenses $ 15,087.37 $ 16,393.91
Social Function Expenses $ 4,105.76 $ 3,203.62
World Mission Ministries $ 14,450.00 $ 13,324.89
Music & Worship Ministry $ 5,651.02 $ 8,150.10
Education Ministry $ 10,019.10 $ 9,644.25
Utilities $ 11,322.97 $ 10,811.61
Parish Center $ 592.00 $ 2,017.98
Youth Ministry $ 3,575.05 $ 1,489.59
Hall Rental $ 290.75 $ 231.30
Total Expenses $ 142,268.25 $ 140,800.83

If anyone has any specific questions they can submit those questions to my attention at the church office.

Cordially Submitted by—James Silva

Spring Bible Study Series “Tongues of Fire—The Gift of the Counselor” 

A 3 week study will focus on Bible passages concerning Pentecost—Thursday, May 25, June 1 and June 8, from 7:30-9PM.The series will be conducted by our parishioner, Holy Cross Graduate, Emile Sarkis.

Metropolis Award 

The parish council has selected Eleni Trikoulis to be this years recipient from our parish of the Metropolis of Boston Award for service to the local parish in recognition of her dedicated service as an assisting teacher in our Greek language school and her long time volunteering in so many areas of parish life, over the years. The Awards Banquet will be held on Sunday June 11th at Lombardo’s in Randolph, MA and is open to the public. Reception at 5:30PM and dinner at 6:30PM. Donation is $75.00 payable to the “Annunciation Church”, memo line “Metropolis Awards Dinner.” Submit your check to the parish office before June 1st to reserve your seat.

Recent IOCC Fund Raiser 

Thank you to one and all who supported the April 22 special fund raising dinner buffet for the benefit of International Orthodox Christian Charities. The 2 guest speakers were most inspiring concerning the philanthropic accomplishments of this important ministry in the name of Christ through Orthodoxy and the food was delicious. To date the funds collected have totaled at $2,880.00

This Year’s Graduates—in Next Annunciator 

Please submit the names of parishioner graduates from high school, college, university, vocational schools and graduate degree programs to the parish office by May 20 so that we may list them in the June issue of the Annunciator, sharing in the joy and success of each household with a graduate. Be sure to state name of school, degree received and future plans. These can be e-mailed to the parish office at <office @annunciationri.org> or sent in by regular mail “Attention Newsletter”. Mark your calendar as well for our annual Graduates Sunday Coffee Hour set for Sunday June 18, 2017.

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SAVE THE DATE—Golf Tournament
Our golf tournament this year will be held on Sunday August 27 at the Metacomet Country Club in East Providence.

Donations for Holy Week in Memory of: 

Josie Aliferakis in Memory of husband, William Aliferakis. M/M Wilfred Demars in Memory of parents, Ernest & Catherine Panagiotopoulos, Harriet Butler & Mark Davis. Anna Demetrakas in Memory of husband, Gregory Demetrakas. Sylvia Ghionis in Memory of husband, Peter Ghionis. James & Susanna Manis in Memory of George & Helen Manis, Elias Bassakyros & Trigona Liakos Zoe Mitrelis in Memory of husband, Solon Mitrelis. In Memory of Stella & Bill Pappas, from their grandchildren. Thomai Petropoulos in Memory of husband, Arthur Petropoulos. Vikki Poulos in Memory of parents William & Bessie Poulos, godparent’s M/M Spiro Margolis. George Stamatakos & M/M James Poulos. Diana Psilopoulos in Memory of husband, Dennis Harry. Jim & Kate Silva in Memory of M/M Manuel Silva & M/M Andrew Tsomi. Theodore Vaphiades in Memory of Basil Vaphiades. 

Holy Week Liturgical Donations also made by, Haralambos Dafoulas, Jean Daras, Fr. Andrew G. George, M/M Arthur Kazianis, Dr. & Mrs. James Pascalides, M/M Dennis Sampalis, M/M Dean Vose, James Vose.

Ahepa Scholarship 

The Sophocles Chapter 106 Scholarship is for a child or grandchild of an Ahepa mem-ber in good standing, with at least 1 semester of college. To fill out an application please call: Lakis Andriotis @401-451-1046 or Arthur Pappas @ 401-595-5881

Hellenic Woman’s Club, Inc. 

The Hellenic Woman’s Club is pleased to announce a scholarship program for deserving young women who have demonstrated community service, leadership and academic achievement. Each Award will be $5000.00 

For more information, including application materials please visit the website www.hellenicwomensclub.org

Deadline for 2017-2018 academic year is June 15, 2017.

2017-2018 John C. Kulis Charitable Foundation Scholarship Programs 

The (“Kulis Foundation”),is excited to announce the availability of scholarships for the 2017-2018 academic year. Last year the Kulis Foundation provided over $400,000 in scholarship funds to students. The Kulis Foundation is a 501© (3) non-profit foundation organized, in part, to support educational scholarships for members of the Eastern Orthodox faith and the Hellenic community. Please visit our website. www.kulisfoundation.org, to view the eligibility require-ments of our scholarship programs and to download the application.

Epitafios Donations 

Josephine Aliferakis, Elaine Allendorf, M/M Dionysius Argeris, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Chrisou-la Arsoniades, M/M Savvas Arsoniadis, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Barth, Theodora Bovis-Koch & Thom-as Bovis (in memory Hercules & Mary Bovis), M/M Michael Campopiano (in memory of Pres. Maria George), Rebecca Cardillo, Sue Cimino, Demetra Coclin, M/M Thomas Coyne, M/M Con-stantinos Dafoulas, Haralambos Dafoulas, M/M Gaby Daiaa, M/M James Demetriou, M/M Douglas DeRhodes, Nicholas DiMaio & Julie Ly, M/M Robert Ferland, M/M George Filip-pou, M/M Hercules Fircanis, M/M Thomas Frank, M/M Antonis Gavrielides (in memory of Charalambos Gavrielides), Constance Georgeadys, Argiri Ghionis, M/M Constantine Grammas, M/M George C. Grammas, Helen Hamilton, M/M David Hansen, M/M Nicholas Hantzakos, M/M Elias Haralambides, M/M Michael Haralambides, M/M Vasilios Harritos, M/M John Hat-jopoulos, Christopher Heberg, M/M Nicholas Janikies, Julie Karahalios, M/M Arthur Kazianis, M/M Vasilios Kotsiris, James Kripotos, Angelo Lazarides, M/M William Lehourites, Catherine Louth, Jason Maintanis, M/M Vasilios Malatos, Cecilia Maliangos, Dr. & Mrs. James Manis, Peter Manis, Elizabeth Marses, Marianthi Mastriano, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, Jr. (in memory of Angela Promades), Jean Mihelakos, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, M/M Theodore Moran, Anne Morrell, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Morrissey, M/M Harry Nicolopoulos, Theodore Nicolopoulos, M/M Ernest Pappas, M/M James Pappas, M/M John Paraskevakos, M/M Constantine Perdikakis, Mary Pereira, M/M Pol-ydoros Petrou, M/M Kevin Phelan, Sheila Pliakas, M/M George Promades, Angela Provost, Sr. Helen Provost, M/M Gus Proyous, John Quinn, Dena Reall, M/M Nickiforos Revis, James Rosa-ki, M/M Steven Rothemich, M/M Nicholas Sarkis, Christopher Sheehan, M/M James Silva, M/M Peter Simone (in memory of Anthony, Helen & George Psilopoulos) M/M Michael Sotirakos, M/M Leon Stamatakos (in memory of George & Ifegenia Stamatakos), M/M Panag-iotis Stasinopoulo (in memory of Georgia Woods), Elle Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, Virginia Strekouras, M/M Edward Tarbox, M/M Georgios Theodosiou, M/M Stylianos Triantafyllou, M/M Angelos Trombettas, Dr. & Mrs. William Tsiaras, M/M Hrisostomos Tsioplakis, M/M Aris-totelis Tsonis, Sophia Tzanetos, Dr. Golfo Tzilos, Antonia Vanikiotis (in memory of George Vanikiotis), M/M Frank Vasiliadis, Carole Xanthakis, Katherine Xiarhos, Zambeta Xiarhos, M/M Charles Xynellis, Leon Zachos, Maria Zaharakos, M/M Nondas Zarokostas. Total of $4467.00 

“We sincerely Thank You for your Continued Support—God Bless” 

“When You, descended to death, O Immortal Life, then did you slay Hades through the dazzling brightness of Your Godhead; and when You did raise up the dead from the Abyss, all the powers of Heaven cried aloud: Christ our God, Giver of Life, glory to Thee.”  

“The Angel stood by the tomb and cried to the Myrrh-bearing women: Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself free from corruption.“ 

Easter Offerings 

Josephine Aliferakis, M/M Christodoulos Andriotis, Dr. & Mrs. James Andriotis, M/M Dio-nysius Argeris, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Chrisoula Arsoniadis, M/M Peter Baziotis, Nicholas Bouris, Rebecca Cardillo, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Carr, Sue Cimino, Andrew Coclin, M/M Thomas Coyne, M/M Constantinos Dafoulas, M/M Gaby Daiaa, M/M James Demetri-ou, M/M James Degaitas, Viola Degaitas, M/M Wilfred Demars, M/M Douglas DeRhodes, M/M Robert Devlin, Drs. Nicholas & Sadie Elisseou, Susan Erinakes, M/M Thomas Frank, Constance Georgeadys, Argiri Ghionis, Panayota Gionis, M/M Constantine Grammas, M/M George C. Grammas, M/M Nicholas Hantzakos, M/M Elias Haralambides & Family, M/M Michael Haralambides, M/M Hatjopoulos, M/M Nicholas Janikies, Julie Karahalios, Zoe Kazianis, M/M Vasilios Kotsiris, James Kripotos, M/M Spiro Kyriakakis, Niki Kyrou, Angelo Lazarides, M/M William Lehourites, Peter Manis, M/M Kyriakos Marantidis, M/M Theofanis Markos, Elizabeth Marses, Marianthi Mastriano, M/M Emmanuel Mihai-lides, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, Cynthia Muccino, M/M Harry Nicolopoulos, Theodore Nicolopoulos, M/M Christo Pakuris, M/M Ernest Pappas, M/M James Pappas, Mary Pereira, M/M Demetrios Petrou, M/M Polydoros Petrou, M/M Kevin Phelan, Angela Provost, John Quinn, Mary Quinn, M/M Stamatios Revis, M/M Steven Rothemich, Panayiota Saviou, M/M Richard Scott, Christopher Sheehan, Elle Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, Virginia Strekouras, Evanthia Theodoridis, M/M Stylianos Triantafyllou, M/M George Trikoulis, M/M Angelos Trombettas (in memory of Presv. Maria George, Anthony & Eleni Voul-garakis) M/M George Tsimikas, M/M Hrisostomos Tsioplakis, M/M Aristotelis, Tsonis, So-phia Tzanetos, Antonia Vanikiotis, M/M John Vanikiotis, M/M Theodore Vaphiades, M/M Frank Vasiliadis, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Vezeridis, Katherine Xiarhos, Maria Zaharakos, M/M Frank Zavota, Drs. John & Eleni Pappas-Zervos. “We Thank You for Your Generosity” Total of $3,535.00 

“Let us in the deep dawn arise, and instead of myrrh, offer a hymn to the Master, and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, who causes life to dawn for all.” 

“You did descend, O Christ, into the nethermost parts of the earth and did shat-ter the bars, which held fast those who were fettered; and on the third day, like Jonah from the whale, You did rise from the tomb.” 

Special Sponsorships in the Annunciator 

Over the years we have had requests from families to have a Memorial page in the Annunciator for a deceased loved one or in honor of a special occurrence of a family member. Please call the office (401-942-4188) for the month you would like to request. We will help you design the page.

Back in April 

On the April 1st weekend, our teen youth held their annual Lenten Lock-In which in-cluded an outing to “5Wits” up at Patriot’s Place for some fun fellowship. Their dis-cussion session focused on the theme of “God & You: An Individuals Relationship with God.” Then on April 22 a number of our teens attended a dance hosted by St Catherine’s Parish Braintree, MA which had some 150 teens in attendance from vari-ous parishes.

Coming Up Ahead 

Preparing for Mother’s Day Fri May 12 from 5-9PM 

We will have dinner together at the church center and also prepare our gift to be given to our Mothers in Church for Mother’s Day—Sun May 14.

Goya Youth Sunday—May 14 

Our teens will serve on “narthex duty” this day and handle the various duties of the of-fering tray and etc.

Colt State Park Outing 

This summer on Saturday June 10th, we will be gathering together at Colt State Park in Bristol RI for a day of food, fun, and family. The rain date for the Colt State Park outing will be Sunday June 11th. More details to follow.

Summer Swimming Party 

A pool party at the Mihailides home in Seekonk is being planned for July. More details to follow.

Baby Sitters Available 

If any family is in need of babysitters we have several Goyans who are able to help during the week and weekend. (Other teens who may not have already expressed interest to be part of this baby sitting pool should sign up with CJ.) Families desiring to use parishioners as baby sitters should contact CJ Mitrelis at (401) 632-8752 to receive this listing of contacts.

District Oratorical Held 

Congratulations to our Goyans who participated in the District Oratorical at Saint. Spyridon’s in New-port. All 4 of our parishioner orators (Jr Division) Katherine Mitrelis, Nathaniel Nichols and (Sr Divi-sion) Alexandra Nichols and Eleni Mihailides, will all be moving on to the next round of the Oratorical at the Metropolis Center in Brookline on Sat, May 13.

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End of the Year School Programs 

Sunday Church School—Sunday May 28 / Greek Language School—Sunday June 11

Vacation Church School Program (VCS) 

Mon July 31st week—Watch for details soon!

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR – APRIL /MAY 2017 

CHRISTOS ANESTI!!! The Easter preparations are behind us now and we thank all the women who in any way contributed to the many activities and responsibili-ties associated with this time of year……Easter Visitations, Easter Gifts, Prepara-tions for the Red Eggs, decorating the Epitafios, and the Luncheon for our Senior Citizens. Many women helped with these events and we thank you for your time. It has been a very busy Paschal Season and we now turn our focus on our other activities.

PHILOPTOCHOS ELECTIONS: Our Election Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 15th at 7:00 p.m. Please be sure to be up-to-date with your membership and come to this important meeting. If you have any questions regarding your membership, please call Mary Samaras 781-5528. Only those members who have paid their stewardship for this year (and prior years) will be eligible to vote.

END OF THE YEAR EVENT: Our Philoptochos under the direction of Marianne Phelan, are planning a “SUMMER CLAMBAKE” for our members and guests sometime in June. The Clambake will be on a Saturday evening and cooked on site in the New England tradition. The menu although it is still being determined will include 1.25lb Lobsters, Steak Tips and or BBQ Chicken, Claim Chowder, Baked Beans and more. After dinner we will have music for your dancing pleasure. This will be an event that you won’t want to miss. A flyer will be going out soon with the date and more details.

BOOK SIGNING AND LECTURE: Author Anita Baglaneas Devlin, a former native of Pawtucket and daughter of the late Rev. Theodore Baglaneas who was pastor of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church for many years, has come back to Rhode Island to speak on her novel S.O.B.E.R. which tells about her struggles as a mother of a son addicted to opiate pills and her-oin, grappling with the stigma of her son’s addiction, fearing for his life and struggling to un-derstand the disease and her son’s suffering. Please come and listen to her compelling story on Wednesday evening, May 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cranston. Coffee will be served and there will be a book signing. Admission is free. Bring your relatives, friends and children.

BAZAAR: Over the summer months we will all be working on our upcoming Greek Food Fair and Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 11th and Sunday, November 12th. If you have any hidden talents we would love to hear from you. Please call President, Georgia Pappas at 529-6826 with your ideas. We need new faces and new ideas!!!!!!

DONATIONS: National Philoptochos IOCC, $150; St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, $100; Philoxenia House, $1000;; National Philoptochos Hellenic College Holy Cross, Lenten Obligation from sale of Easter Breads, $400; Hellenic Women’s Under the Tent Luncheon, $100; National Philoptochos 2017 Children’s Medical Luncheon Album, $500; McAuley Cor-poration, $100.

We wish for all a happy, safe, restful summer and look forward to beginning our new year in September. With Sisterly Love,

GEORGIA J. PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
KAREN DRAGER, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

NOTIFICATION FOR REGULAR SPRING PARISH ASSEMBLY 

Dear Parishioners, Christos Anesti! 

We are pleased to inform you of the upcoming regular Parish Assembly. This Assembly will be held at the Mihailides Center on Sunday, June 4, 2017 after coffee hour. We urge all of our parishion-ers to attend for you will have the opportunity to hear the various matters listed below.

As always, only our parishioners, who are in ecclesiastical order, and are financially in good standing with the parish, may vote at this Assembly; your 2016 stewardship pledge must have been paid in full prior to the meeting and a stewardship pledge form for 2017 must have been submitted prior to the assembly.

The Agenda is as follows:

~Parish Assembly Agenda – Sunday June 4, 2017~

1. Opening Prayer
2. Election of Assembly Officers
3. Approval of the Minutes of the last Regular Assembly (November 20, 2016)
4. Presentation of the 2016 Financials—James Silva
– Available from May 25th by email from the office or in the Narthex
5. Auditor’s Committee Report- Maria Markos / Maha Mitrelis / Costa Dafoulas
6. Appointment of Board of Elections (for the fall)
7. Report of the Phase II Planning – Nick Tanionos
8. Unfinished Business?
9. Any New Business?
10. Closing Prayer & Adjournment

We look forward to welcoming you at the Parish Assembly on June 4, 2017.

Faithfully yours,
Kevin Phelan Elaine Otto Fr. Andrew G. George
Parish Council President Parish Council Secretary Protopresbyter

May – Mid June 2017 

Divine Services (year round) Orthros (morning prayer) 8:15 am / Liturgy 9:30 am 

Mon May 8– Elementary / Junior dance Troupe—6PM / Yal Meeting– 7:30PM

Wed May 10– OBSERVANCE OF MID-PENTECOST—services per usual morning hours – GUEST SPEAKER– Author Anita Baglaneas Devlin—S.O.B..E.R.—7PM

Sat May 13 – Metropolis Oratorical Festival (Brookline) – 10am

Sun May 14—5th Sun of Pascha / Samaritan Woman / Martyr Isidoros of Chios / Hieromartyr Therapon

MOTHER’S DAY’S / GOYA YOUTH SUNDAY 

Mon May 15– Elementary / Junior Dance Troupe—6PM

– Philoptochos Election Meeting—7PM

Tue May 16- Parish Council Meeting—7:30PM

Thu May 18- Senior Citizens—12 Noon / Sr Dance Troupe—6:30PM

Sat May 20- Church School Outing at the Providence Zoo—10am—2PM

Sun May 21– 6th Sun of Pascha / Blind Man Sunday / Sts Constantine & Helen

MEMORIAL: Gregory G .Demetrakas—40days / Argyro Stratis—40 days

Sunday Church School “Faith Arts Celebration” in coffee hour

Mon May 22– Elementary / Junior Dance Troupe—6PM Dance Troupe

Tue May 23- Ahepa—7PM

Wed May 24- Choir Practice—6:30PM

Thu May 25- ASCENSION DAY—services per usual morning hours 

– Sr Dance Troupe—6:30PM / Bible Study– 7:30PM

Sun May 28– 7th Sun of Pascha/ Fathers of the 1st Council / Eutychios of Melitene / Martyr Helikonis

Church School Recognition Sunday / Children’s BQ following sponsored by Ahepa

Mon May 29—MEMORIAL DAY—OFFICE IS CLOSED 

Cemetery Prayers: 9:15am-Swan Point / 10am—North Burial (Old Greek Section)

11am—North Burial (New Greek Section)

Thu June 1- Marriage Preparation Seminar (Part 1) – 7PM / Bible Study—7:30PM

Sat June 3— SATURDAY OF SOULS—services per usual morning hours 

– Philoptochos Lobster Clambake Social

Sun June 4– PENTECOST—Sts Mary & Martha / Kneeling Prayers after Liturgy / 

– Parish Spring Assembly following coffee hour

Tue June 6- Appreciation Dinner—6:30PM (Twin Oaks)

Wed June 7– Stewardship Committee—7:30PM

Thu June 8- Marriage preparation Seminar (Part 2) – 7PM / Bible Study-7:30PM

Sat June 10- National Oratorical Festival – Woburn, MA and HCHC, Brookline. MA

– Goya Outing at Colt State Park

New Orthodoxy 101 Series in June 

This 4 week series discussing the basics of Orthodox Christianity will be held on:

Thur June 15, Fri June 16 / Thur June 22, Fri June 23

From 6—7:30PM

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY CALLING THE PARISH OFFICE 942-4188.

Christ enters Jerusalem (after raising Lazaros from the grave). But this time He doesn’t enter as He did before, unrecognized, unknown, unacknowledged. No, now He himself, who never before sought either power or glory, prepares for his triumph. He orders his disciples to bring a young donkey, and sitting upon it He enters the city pre-ceded by a crowd and children bearing palm branches in their hands. The crowd and the children greet him with an ancient greeting reserved only for the king: “’Hosanna…! Blesses is He that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the high-est!’ And when he entered Jerusalem all the city was stirred…” (Mt 21:0-10).

This crowd, these palm branches, that thunderous royal welcome, that triumphant joy, what does it all mean? And why do we commemorate this event each year with exactly the same joy, as if we ourselves were standing on the street of that holy city waiting, welcoming, exulting, and repeating the very same words, the very same “Hosanna”?

He taught about the Kingdom of God and about his future reign. But on this day, six days before Passover, He reveals his kingdom on earth, He opens it inviting the people, and all of us as well, to become citizens of this Kingdom of Christ, subjects of this humble King, a King with no earthly authority, with no earthly might, but with all-powerful love.

We live in a world, under governments, that have renounced God and are busy only with themselves, jealously guarding their own authority, power, might and victories. There is almost no place in this world for God’s love, God’s light, God’s joy.

We say to ourselves and to the world: Christ’s Kingdom lives. The kingdom that shone so brightly on that day in Jerusalem has not died, it has not perished, it has not disappeared from the face of the earth. We say to God: You are the one Lord, You are our only King; we know and believe and affirm that this Kingdom of your love will be victorious over sin, evil, and death.

The joy of this faith no one can take from us, even if others put all their hope in power and violence. But your kingdom, Lord, will remain. And the time will come when with your love You will wipe every tear from our eyes, dissolve every sorrow in your joy, and fill the world You created with the light of immortality.

Excerpts From Fr. Alexander Schmemann

 

This Annunciator is in memory of Despina “Pat” Maintanis 3/year Anniversary 

With Love Sponsored by: John & Lillian, John Jr. & Karisa & John III, Jason, Rhea

Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear.

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Annunciation Luncheon Thank You’s 

A full house attended our recent Sunday Observance of our parish name day on March 26– thank you to all who came and all who cooked. We especially thank our food donors..Athanasios & Lena (Zafiriades) Meltsakos and the desert donors, Dr. Kennth and Myrto Morrissey and Sotiri Mioni, in memory of Dr. Jacques & Eva Mioni. Congratulations to the children of our Greek Language Program who entertained and inspired us all with their program!

Numerous Activities After Easter 

Sat April 22– Buffet Dinner for the benefit of IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities), sponsored by our parish. This is a most important ministry of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops in the USA. See details on our back page and plan to attend in person or support through a donation. Note reservations are being taken “online.”

Sunday April 30– The Armenian Community of RI is sponsoring a play by Judith Bo-yajian “Woman Of Ararat” – at the Scottish Rite Auditorium—Cranston. Seating is lim-ited—Reserve early—401-749-0269 or dmartiesian@yahoo.com

Tuesday May 2- Our parish will be the host site for a Metropolis Sponsored Seminar for our District of the Metropolis, beginning with a light dinner at 6PM. Guest speaker is Rev Fr Robert Archon “What our possessions tell us about our relationship with Christ our Lord.” Parishioners in all leadership roles and any interested persons are invited. Both a Sunday School Teachers and Philoptochos breakout sessions will also be held.

Wednesday May 10- Author of the book “S.O.B.E.R.” (Anita Baglaneas Devlin) will speak at our parish concerning the addiction and recovery of her son, sponsored by Philoptochos….see details on the Philoptochos at page 14.

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending 2/28/17
Endowment Fund Portfolio $802,207.73
Endowment Fund Checking Account $22,213.28

A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by
M/M John Fotopoulos, M/M Michael Haveles, M/M Basil Karanikos, Elizabeth Marses, Jean Mihelakos, The Philoptochos, Andrew Rougas & Mary Samaras in memory of Nikolitsa Tsamis

A donation has been made by Mary Samaras in memory of Maryanna Floskis

A donation has been made by Mary Samaras in memory of Dr. Charles Allendorf

A donation has been made by Mary Samaras in memory of Angela Promades

A donation has been made by M/M Constantine Rougas & M/M John Vanikiotis in memory of Eleftheria Perdikakis

A general donation made by Matthew Massenzio

“BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS”……OUR ENDOWMENT FUND! 

Lenten Floral Icons 

Thank you for your donations for the Friday Lenten Icons: M/M Michael Haralambides (in memory of John & Angeliki Katsetos & Elias & Eleni Haralambides, Lynda Takoudes (in memory of Christos Takoudes), Betty Marses (in memory Efstathios Marses), Carol Xanthakis (in memory of John Xanthakis), Gus & Roula Proyous, M/M Michael Papigiotis (in memory of Theofanis G. & Martha Papigiotis, Harry D. & Irene Psilopoulos, Dennis H. Psilopoulos, Angelica E. Stappas), Niovi Constantinides.

Donations Needed for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Pascha 

We are accepting donations for Flowers, Palms, Bows, Candelabras, etc. Simply call the office @(401) 942-4188 and make a donation in memory of a loved one. We appreciate your generosity. 

RECENT DEATHS 

Charles Gionis, age 64 of Centerdale, RI passed away on 3/10/17, his funeral and buri-al was held on 3/17/17. Eleftheria Perdikakis, age 92, of Cranston, RI passed away on 3/14/17, her funeral and burial was held on 3/20/17. ALSO: Elias Kondilis, father of parishioner Paraskevi Mantsos passed away in Greece.

Lazaros Saturday to Pascha 

Sat., April 8 Saturday of Lazaros / Church School Communion 8:15 am – Orthros
9:20 am – Forgiveness Prayers
9:30 am – Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sun., April 9 Palm Sunday / Entrance to Jerusalem
8:15 am – Orthros
9:20 am – Forgiveness Prayers
9:30 am – Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom with distribution of Palms

Sunday Evening: 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm— Nymphios Service 

Mon., April 10 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm— Nymphios Service/Forgiveness Prayers afterwards

Tues., April 11 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm— Nymphios Service/Forgiveness Prayers afterwards

Wed., April 12 The Sacrament of Holy Oil (Euchailion)
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm— Followed by anointing (especially for families w/ children)
7:00 pm – 8:45 pm— Nymphios Service — Followed by anointing

Thurs., April 13 Commemoration of the Mystical Supper
6:00 am – 7:45 am— Vesper / Liturgy of St. Basil

Communion to be distributed within the proper context of the liturgy

THE PASSION OF OUR LORD / SERVICE OF THE CRUCIFIXION
(Thursday Evening) 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Reading of the 12 Gospel Narratives
And Procession of the Crucifixion

Fri., April 14 Holy and Great Friday
10:00 am – 11:45 am- Service of the Royal Hours (Teens as readers)
Simultaneously the decoration of the Tomb
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm— Service of the Descent from the Cross
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm— Service of the Lamentations w/Procession 

Sat., April 15 Holy & Great Saturday / Discovery of the Empty Tomb
9:00am – 10:45am— Vesper / Liturgy of St. Basil
Communion will be distributed within the proper context of the liturgy
11:00 pm— Chanting of the Paschal Canon
Please arrive early giving yourself time to park your car and enter the Church which will take extra time due to the large number of people who normally attend.
11:45 pm – 2:15 am – Paschal Orthros & Resurrection Liturgy 

Sun., April 16 Holy Pascha (Easter Sunday)
Noon—1:00 pm—Agape Vespers
(Gospel Read in Various languages of the World)
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt follows at 1:00 PM

2017 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 268 parishioners with a pledge of $145,977.00 as of March 31. The Actual Amount Received as of March 31, is $108,361.98 

Gregory Agakos, Zaharoula Agakos, M/M Christodoulos Andriotis, Alex Biliouris, Donna Broccoli, Viola Degaitas, Artemis DiCarlo, Jason DiCarlo, Dr. & Mrs. Michael DiMaio, Dr.’s Jonathan & Thomai Dion, M/M Hercules Fircanis, Nicholas Fircanis, M/M Thomas Frank, Stavros Hantzopoulos, M/M Vasilios Harritos, M/M Joseph Howard, Mary Kanelos, Zoe Kazianis, James Kripotos, M/M Spiro Kyriakakis, M/M John Loezos, Catherine Louth, E. Nicholl Marshall, M/M Matthew Massenzio, Demetri Melanis, Sotiris Mioni, M/M Theodoros Moran, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Morris-sey, Melissa Morrissey, Stephen Morrissey, Victoria Moschou, M/M Harry Nicolopou-los, M/M George Panas, Flora Popovici, Carroll Promades, M/M Stamatios Revis, An-drew Rougas, Cathy Rougas, Nanci Sarganis, Georgia Scapinakis, Christopher Sheehan, M/M Peter Simone, M/M Edmund Sullivan, Mr. Thompson & Dr. Tryforos, M/M Peter Tzanetos, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Vezeridis, M/M Peter Vassilopoulos, M/M Peter Vican, M/M Charles Xynellis.

Remember the wise words of the Scriptures… “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2 

The Capital Improvement Committee has been very busy meeting with different con-tractors regarding various improvement projects planned for our church. We have met with two contractors to discuss the refurbishing of the pews in the church. This work should be performed in conjunction with the contractor who will install the new carpet, therefore, the two projects will require a great deal of coordination. We are also negoti-ating with two companies about the replacement of the mosaic icon screens. These companies are in Italy and we need to carefully evaluate their pro-posals. Finally, we are beginning the preliminary discussion regarding the replacement of the church’s HVAC system.

Our fund-raising effort continues and we have received a total of $139,742.00 in pledge donations from 70 families. Thank you for your support and generous donations. Donations, however, have slowed down considerable. There has been only one donor since our last Annunciator was issued. The new donor is: Joseph & Joann Howard. Thank you very much.

If you have not yet submitted your 2 year pledge, please do so. We have a lot of work to complete in the coming months.

– Submitted by James Silva

GREEK FOOD FAIR 2017– SAVE THE DATE! 

Invite your family, friends and neighbors and come enjoy the same great food as our festival! Our traditional menu will include gyro, souvlaki, lamb dishes, pastries and Greek coffee.

Saturday, May 6th, 11am – 7pm / Sunday, May 7th 11am – 6pm 

We ask you to offer your time and talent to this parish event! Submit the sign-up form below to the parish office by designating your preferred work area and suggested shift schedule or contact Elaine Crabtree @ 401-433-8018, also you may contact the office @ 401-942-4188 with your choice of date (s) and times. Flexible shift hours will be accommodated!

Thank you for your support!

Annunciation Athletics Program 

2016/17 Basketball Team 

We continue to have a healthy group of youth participating in the Annunci-ation Basketball Program. The 2016/2017 season has once again been re-warding to our youth with much growth as teammates, players and Ortho-dox Christians from neighboring parishes. Once again this year Cranston and Pawtucket teamed up to form the 9-15 year old junior division that have been playing games for decades at Haven Methodist Church in East Providence on Saturday mornings.

13 wins and 2 losses. Congratulations! 

Any questions relating to the Athletics Program please contact Stephen Sterpis 226-3116 or email ssterpis621@gmail.com

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY MESSAGE 

Sunday February 19, 2017 by Anthony Pappas

To be a Steward in the Vineyard of the Master of Creation 

To be a steward in the vineyard of the Master of Creation: what would it be like to approach that gate And see it awing open to me, who then in vinyl sneakers plod and, when I have found my space of earth, till soil as black as the genesis of the universe? I wave my hand at fellow hands, and they look me in the eye and, for the pleasure of the moment, place fists on lower backs to arch their spines and press lips to the sun. As I work I hear singing, and there is no need to do any myself. And because I am listening, I hear the Lord approach. He wasn’t going my way, but he turns to confront me and says, “Brother,” placing a hand on my shoulder, “you made a good impression today. Your labor speaks for itself. There is no one who can do for me what you do now. My Father was right to employ you.” And turning he takes his leave, though never truly leaving, and I can feel his power echo in my soul.

But, says a voice in the dark, would you ever kill him? I respond, Would I ever? Do you mean if He were someone else—someone less important? Is there enough blood money in the world? Is there some authority I could gain that would be greater than what I have been given? Here I’ve betrayed my naivety. In my life, who has been like the evil vinedressers in the parable (Matt 21:33-44) who murdered their master’s son to steal his inheritance? Who can be that wicked? While there may be real scoun-drels in the world, everyone I have known seems good. The voice that asks me, What becomes of that person when he is far from church—during the workweek?—is tremu-lous in its skepticism. I feel that, in spite of my ignorance of the personal lives of my fellow congregants, it is possible to know them far better by the example they are striv-ing to emulate. This is active “knowing”: working side by side, rubbing shoulders, hammering out our details. The alternative is a character sketch of perceptions, and mine have always been equivocal, and how do you befriend someone born out of the confusion of your mind?

Instead of that I am certain of this: the members of my church are stewards. The vineyard is this building, that sky this perfect dome. That dome refers to our situation. Unlike a church steeple that symbolizes reaching for paradise, the dome holds us in place. While it is said to be a steward we invest time, talent, and treasure—which may seem like a lot—to accomplish any of it we have only to stand still. And listen. Did you hear the choir? Don’t worry if you missed them; they’re going to sing again. And if you see beside you an empty seat that was filled, consider the possibility that the per-son who sat there is a Sunday School teacher who has gone below to see to the commu-nity’s “foundations.” I think those students, even, are stewards, with the combined tal-ents of enthusiasm and curiosity. Many of you, I am sure, are here today because you like to bring your children to church. Older parishioners, tell me: doesn’t it warm you to see all the friends playing at coffee hour?

Now one of you is thinking: I don’t teach Greek school (I don’t have a dollar for the donation basket, either). Hello, I saw you come in—and a few like you—and thanks for being here. Do you know it means something to me that you’ve contributed your ears just now? Every Sunday, I imagine, Fr. Andrew or Fr. Emanuel stands where I’m standing and is grateful for even one more soul to address in the pews. The Gospel of Matthew 18:20 reads: “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” You’ve only contributed the presence of the Lord.

You’re chuckling. You’re looking at me askance. A couple of you have become very

serious all of a sudden. All I can offer, besides Scripture, is a suggestion: take it from me, who am of equivocal opinions—perceptions matter. In scientific studies of the very small, perceptions shape matter. And in Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells his disciples that faith as miniscule as a mustard seed has the ability to move mountains. A mustard tree is smaller than a mountain, but it is enormously larger than its seed, and whether your faith is a like a mustard tree or its seed is no clear indication of the effect you have had on us or will have. So far, in your role as steward, you are doing an acceptable job.

Sometimes we want to do more. It’s not unusual to feel inadequate, but nor is it the best solution. Matthew 6:21 lays out the axiom: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”—but if you consider too much the difficulty in acquiring treasure, in the first place, and sending it out from yourself, in the latter, then I would be surprised if that makes you feel very good. I love you and want you to be happy.

What if we agreed together that we are in the Vineyard of the Master of Creation, and it smells sweet, and outside the snow is melting. What more would it take for you to want to be here, to participate? Fill in the blank. When our heart is in the community, then we will want to help it grow. The time you donate to YAL will be time with your friends. The cooking you do in the kitchen will have us asking you for your recipe. The money you give will go right back in your pocket.

Or you could think of your generosity as a gift, as on Christmas, to members of your family. The Bible tells us in the beginning there was darkness, but if we open our eyes we see God has given us not only the gift of His Son but of the paradisiacal garden we thought lost to us. Allow yourself to perceive without embarrassment how proud you feel setting your alarm on Sunday morning and knotting a tie and loading your children in the minivan and bringing them to heaven. Whoever you think you are when you’re not here, and whomever and whatever you bring physically or spiritually with you, you really have ar-rived. You are doing His work, and benefiting someone or everyone. I saw you come in—I hope I looked you in the eye. I’m happy we are permitted to do God’s work together.

Oratorical Festival Review 

Congratulations to ALL our speakers, you have made us all Proud! 

Those Ranked:
Junior Division 1st Place—Katherine Mitrelis
2nd Place—Nathaniel Nichols
3rd Place—Demetri Petrou
Senior Division 1st Place—Alexandra Nichols
2nd Place—Eleni Mihailides
3rd Place—Leticia Lekos 

Other Orators
Elementary Division Savvina Arsenis, George Grammas, Damian Sarkis, Nathan Sarkis, Alex-ander Vanikiotis, Christopher Vanikiotis, Junior Division Anastasia Coclin, Juliana Mihailides, Katerina Mihailides, Senior Division Constantine Coclin, Sophia Sarkis.

Compliments to our Lenten Friday Readers 

We commend the following children of our Greek Language School for taking an active part in our Saluta-tion Service by reading prayers in Greek: Gianna Degaitas, Demetri Petrou, Eugenia Meltsakos, Christo-pher Lambros, Savvina Arsenis, Christopher Vanikiotis, Angela Marses and Alexander Vanikiotis.

Up-Coming Goya Activities (teens in grades 6-12)
Sat. April 22—Dance @ St. Katherine’s Parish , Braintree, MA
Sat. May 13—Brunch at our center (10 am) then making our Mother’s Day Flowers (Special Sr. Dance Troupe practice following 2-6 pm.)
Sat. June 10—Teen Outing at Colt State Park (watch for details)

Saint Spyridon Orthodox Christian Film Festival– Sat. July 8, 2017—9:30am
Films By Us, Films About Us, Films for Us, the Orthodox Christian Community.
Each summer Saint Spyridon sponsors the Saint Spyridon Orthodox Community Film Festival.
For more information, visit http://stspyridonchurch.org/filmfestival.html

Cranston Week @ MBC—Mon. July 24th Week
When Fr. Andrew will attend, but pick the week best for you.

Our Annual Vacation Church School (VCS) – Mon. July 31st week
Watch for details soon

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR – APRIL, 2017 

Soon, we will be chanting and exchanging “Christos Anesti” greetings with our family and friends. And at the same time, Philoptochos is quietly doing the work of Philoptochos….helping those in need.

INTERNATIONAL PATIENT FROM GREECE IN RI: Recently, many Philopto-chos members and their families have reached out and assisted a young woman, 44 years old, the mother of a young, 14 year old boy, who is here from Greece for some very serious surgery. Our Philoptochos Chapter has extended a helping hand and warm welcome to Georgia, her husband Yianni, and her parents, Evangelia and Paskali. Un-fortunately, complications from her surgery have made it difficult for Georgia to return to Greece, and she will remain here with her parents until the end of May if her recu-peration proceeds as hoped for. Her husband, Yianni, returned to Greece prior to the complications to care for their young son. Philoptochos is assisting on all three levels to help this family with unexpected, everyday expenses. Our local Chapter, the Metropo-lis Philoptochos, and the National Philoptochos have lent a compassionate hand.

As the word spread regarding Georgia’s situation, many parishioners have expressed a desire to help. On Sunday, May 14th, Philoptochos will pass a special tray expressly for Georgia. We ask that you open your hearts and be generous. If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to Philoptochos, memo line Georgia Assistance, and mail to the Church office attention Philoptochos, Bessie Papigiotis. Thank you to all who have been so kind to this family.

VASILOPETA LUNCHEON REPORT: We are happy to report that our Vasilopeta Luncheon was an overwhelming success once again this year. A grateful thank you to Kate Silva, Roula Proyous, and Eleni Trikoulis who have chaired this Annual Lunch-eon for many years. A check in the amount of $5,500.00 will be sent to National Philoptochos for the St. Basil’s Vasilopeta obligation of our Chapter. Ke to chronou!!!

SENIOR CITIZENS LUNCHEON FRIDAY APRIL 21ST: As is the tradition for many years, Philoptochos will, once again, honor the Senior Citizens of our Parish, and host a luncheon on Friday, April 21st, following Liturgy (10:00 a.m.) for the Feast of the Life-Giving Fountain – Zoodoghos Pighes.

ALL SENIOR CITIZENS OF OUR PARISH ARE INVITED TO BE OUR GUESTS. 

Please make your reservation by calling Bessie Papigiotis 949-3240 or Georgia Pappas 351-3927. Co-Chairing also are Anna Demetrakas, Josie Aliferakis, Diane Mitrelis and Karen Drager.

SPECIAL EVENT WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 10th, at 7:00 p.m. DEMETRAKAS HALL – ANITA BAGLANEAS DEVLIN- SPEAKER: Anita Baglaneas Devlin will speak on her book S.O.B.E.R., a story of addiction and recovery of her son, Michael Devlin. This book will open the eyes of many to no longer hide shamefully from this disease. We encourage everyone….all ages…. to come hear this powerful story from Anita. Please bring your friends, neighbors or anyone who may be interested. This program is open to all. Anita grew up in the Pawtucket Parish until the age of 14, the daughter of the late Father Theodore Baglaneas and Presvytera Mary. Book signing will follow, and coffee and dessert will be served. Marianne Phelan, Chair of this event. Mark your calendars and other details will be announced very soon.

PHILOPTOCHOS CHAPTER ELECTIONS: On May 15th, the Philoptochos Board for the term 2017-2019 will be elected. At this time, our Philoptochos Chapter has reached a critical point in our journey of philanthropy. It is important that members come to participate in this election process, and then work to help our fellow-man in time of need. Our Screen-ing Committee will be calling various members to join the Philoptochos Board. Please respond YES! Please be sure your Philoptochos stewardship is paid and your parish stew-ardship is up to date. Thank you. 

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON PHILOPTOCHOS FUNDRAISER MAY 7, 2017: A Festi-val of Tables will be held at the Taxiarchae Parish Hall, Watertown, MA on Sunday, May 7th, 3-6 p.m. Tickets are $50. Please call Georgia Pappas 351-3927 or Bessie Papigiotis 949-3240 to make your reservation. Car Pooling will be available. It will be a fun afternoon. Please sup-port this event. Thank you.

NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS: Philoptochos experienced a record-breaking year with disbursements totaling $2,057,990 in 2016. The National Board of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society announced “that as a result of the hard work of every Philopto-chos chapter across the nation and with the support of their entire parish families, funds totaling $2,057,990 were disbursed”. These donations are in addition to assistance provided by the Metropolises and individual chapters across the country. This is an amazing accomplish-ment. Thank you all.

DONATIONS AND OBLIGATIONS BY OUR PHILOPTOCHOS: National Philopto-chos: Social Services $350, Cancer Fund $300, Autism $100, St. Photios Shrine $100, Me-tropolis of Boston: FOS Program $100, Memorial Donation $100, ANNUNCIATION CHURCH: $5,000 Annual Donation, Sunday School, $1,000, Greek School, $1,000, Savvas Savvides Scholarship $200, Memorial Fund $75, Endowment Fund $25. And Assistance for medical needs $388.61. 

KALI ANASTASI KALO PASCHA
HAPPY EASTER 

Georgia Pappas, President
Karen Drager, Corresponding Secretary

23rd Annual GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE 
Sunday April 30, 2017
Parade begin at 1:00 pm
From Boylston St. to Charles St.

To reserve a seat on the bus from our parish, contact Anthony George @ 401-580-0112, email: ageorge711@yahoo.com

Concerning Parish Scholarships 

Applications for the “Annunciation Scholarship” (which encompasses the Christelis Goya, Stella Pappas, George Pakuris and Andrew/Helen Vican Awards) will be avail-able after April 18. The application process includes the submittal of the academic transcript and the writing of an essay. Deadline date to submit is May 23.

The Savvas Savvides Scholarship is a separate standing application process adminis-tered by a different committee as it has been for the past 40 plus years. These applica-tions will also be available after April 15 and also requires an academic transcript. Deadline date to submit is May 23.

Parishioner Congratulations 

Alexandra Goralski, daughter of Robert & Lorrie Goralski, has made the dean’s list at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. Ally earned a 3.7 for the fall semester. This is her Jr. year at the college.

Two New Parishioner Restaurants
Athens Diner @ 1449 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence (co-owners are Peter Trikoulis and Mario Kirios)

YiaYia Maria’s @ 1674 Cranston St., Cranston (owner is Maria Zaharakos with her son Michael)

O D Y S S E Y D A N C E T R O U P E 2017 

Come and join Rhode Island’s finest Elementary Group: Ages 6-10 Greek Dance Troupe! Mondays: 6pm-7:30pm

First Practice: April 24, 2017

Meet other members who love Greek Dancing! Junior Group: Ages 11-13 Share in great fellowship and Mondays: 6pm-7:30pm meet some wonderful people! First Practice: April 24, 2017 Expose yourself or your child to a wonderful environment Senior Group: Ages 14 & up and culture! Thursdays: 6:30pm-8:30pm First Practice: March 30, 2017

CONTACT US
if you are interested in joining
odysseydancetroupe@gmail.com
Koula & Savva Rougas

Calendar – April thru Early May 2017 

Divine Services (year round) Orthros (morning prayer) 8:15 am / Liturgy 9:30 am 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wed April 5— Pre-Sanctified Liturgy– 6PM / Choir Practice—7:30PM

Thur April 6—Sr Dance Troupe—6:30PM

Sat April 8- Saturday of Lazaros—usual morning hours – followed by brunch and palms weaving

Sun April 16—HOLY PASCHA—Agape Vespers—12Noon – followed by Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 

Mon April 17- Yal Meeting—7:30PM (location to be announced)

Tue April 18- Parish Council Meeting—7:30PM

Wed April 19- Phase 2 Meeting—7:30PM

Thu April 20- Sr Dance Troupe—6:30PM

Fri April 21- Life Giving Fountain (ZOODOCHOS PEGHI) – Special Times: 9am Orthros / 10am Liturgy, Luncheon Following, by reservation

– Yal (Paint & Vino) – watch for details 

Sat April 22- IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) FUND RAISER
5PM—Pan-Orthodox Vespers / 6PM-Dinner

Sun April 23—Antipascha / Apostle Thomas Sunday / Great Martyr George – Goya Meeting after Church School

Mon April 24– Start Date for Elementary & Junior Dance Troupe—6PM Philoptochos Board– 6:15PM / General Membership—7PM

Tues April 25- Pastry Preparation for Spring Food Fair -5PM / Ahepa—7PM

Wed April 26- Pastry Preparation for Spring Food Fair -5PM / Choir Practice—6:30PM

Thu April 27- Sr Dance Troupe—6:30PM

Sat April 29- District Oratorical Festival (Assumption Parish-Pawtucket—10am)

Sun April 30— 3rd Sun of Pascha / Myrrh Bearers / James of Zebedee

MEMORIALS: Charles Gionis-40 days, Eleftheria Perdikakis-40days, Solon Chris-1 yr, Charles Allendorf, MD– 1 yr Dennis H. Psilopoulos—20 yrs

– Parade in Boston—1PM

Mon May 1- Goya Advisors & Officers—6:30PM

Tue May 2- Metropolis District Leadership Seminar—6PM (at our parish) 

Sat May 6— GREEK FOOD FAIR / 11AM—7 PM 

Sun May 7—Sun 4 of Pascha / Paralytic Sunday / Martyr Akakios

MEMORIAL: Peter Lekos—20 yrs

GREEK FOOD FAIR / 11AM—6 PM

LENTEN PASTORAL MESSAGE FROM FR ANDREW 

I greet you with words of encouragement that this Great Lenten Season may be a bless-ing to you and your loved ones as we seek to grow in Christ.

The Old Testament book of Genesis states that God created man then He breathed life into him. He gave Him a body then a soul. A current church author, Nicholas Cabasi-las, states that “there is nothing more sacred than humanity”. For only humanity was created in His image and likeness of God and was given the privilege to know God.

Humanity was also endowed with inner reason, and free will. Animals react to their needs out of instinct. When they are hungry they kill to eat. But humans also experi-ence these same feelings and emotions but when we utilize reason and logic we control these feelings rather than, them controlling us. This is what distinguishes us from the rest of God’s creation.

The various stories in the news are frightening. They bring before us examples where humanity acts like an animal carrying out atrocious acts against their brothers and sis-ters and not simply in far away lands but in the USA as well. How alarming and sad.

God created us both with body and soul. We are a physical and a spiritual reality. Our society seeks to impress upon us the importance of the outer person, the body. There are so many diets to make us look fit. Cosmetics to make us look young. Yet all of that remains behind when our earthly days end.

Our Orthodox tradition, although acknowledging the importance of the body as “the temple to the Holy Spirit’, it goes on to teach us that the soul is more important. We become like God when the soul, when reason, has control over the body, over the pas-sions. We know many times what is the right thing to do, yet doing it is so difficult. We know what we must do to please God yet to actually do it seems so impossible.

Yet we also know that with God, nothing is impossible! Lent connects us to God more completely, so that we can grow in our Christian experience by nurturing the soul.

St Paul reminds us today in (Romans ch13:11) You know what hour it is, how it is full time now, for you to wake from sleep… the night is far gone, the day is at hand. 

St. Paul also exhorts us: to cast off the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, to walk honestly as in the day, fleeing drunkenness, debauchery and the lusts of the flesh. Paul links this theme of the flesh to the theme of fasting. One person believes that he may eat all things; another eats only herbs. Let not him that eats despise him who does not, and let not him who does not eat, judge him who does. Who are you to judge another? Both you and he are dependent on the same Master.

We need to remember my beloved that: 

The fast of the church is actually the APPLICATION OF DISCIPLINE.

Fasting is not prescribed by the Church to make people suffer. But, rather to aid the Christian to control the body, their life and the passions of life.

We fast from various foods, yes, simply to let our spiritual mind control our physical self.

We must also fast from sin of word, deed and thought, of what is seen, read, heard and spoken. Year round of course > Lent is sort of a “reminder” or, a renewal if we had eased off in our general food fasting.

The gospel for the liturgy, taken from St. Matthew (6:14-2 1), quoting Jesus, opens with the precept of forgiveness:

“If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 

The fact that the Church has chosen this saying to introduce the gospel for the day before Great Lent begins, shows that she intends to make forgiveness the dominant theme as we enter Lent.

The Bible in fact is filled with numerous verses on this topic of forgiveness, knowing that for some people, it is hard to do.

Thus various exhortations are given on the topic and the importance of forgiveness:

I Cor 13:5—Love does not keep a record of wrongs 

Col 3:13—Bear with each other & forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. 

Romans 13:8—We owe no one anything, except to love one another. 

Truth he said– life does have it’s hard moments and friction between people, casual friends and even direct family members, from time to time.

Even Christ was betrayed by one of His Apostles.

So yes—from time to time, we might be hurt by someone’s actions, But what we do with that hurt, is more important than the hurt itself.

The first step is to let go of the lingering resentment, don’t ruminate over it; pray for that person who hurt or betrayed you (realizing that at another time and situation, you may have hurt someone as well).

Forgive and don’t hold a grudge. Forgiving will set you free! It is in essence, de-ciding that the other person, or that particular event, no longer has power over you.

Forgiveness in essence is ultimately, a sign of strength; Christian empowerment! Christ clearly taught forgiveness and numerous Saints present it as well in their writings. I share one example—from the writings of St. John of Kronstadt:

“Love every person in spite of his falling into sin. Never mind the sins, remember that the person is still the image of God. Other people’s weaknesses strike us, but we too are not without evil — perhaps, even there is more in us than in others. At least in respect to sin, people are equal: ‘For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.’

Therefore, besides loving each other, we must bear with each other, and pardon each other, in order that we also may be forgiven. Therefore, with all your soul, honor and love in every person the image of God, not regarding his sins, for God alone is holy, God alone is without sin, and see how much He loves us, how much He has created and still creates for us, punishing us mercifully and forgiving us so abundantly. Honor the person also, in spite of his sins because he can always amend.” (1908 AD)

+

Beloved in the Lord— Great Lent is upon us once again! It is a very special time of the year, filled with so many opportunities for renewal and growth when we live its tenants and accept its challenges. Use lent to Grow!

It is a 6 week period filled with extra services containing glorious and ever meaningful hymns, prayers and scripture readings that are presented only during lent. Come for them; don’t overlook them! Please don’t make your growth and your participation be an impossibility! Let the soul (our spiritual nature) control the body!

Parish Council Officers 2017
Kevin Phelan, President
Theofanis Markos, Vice President
Elaine Otto, Secretary
James Silva, Treasurer
Paraskevi Devlin, Asst. Treasurer

(Continuing Members)
Elaine Crabtree, Anthony George, Dina Mihos, Dean Perdikakis, Paul Pliakas

(Newly Elected Members)
Alexander Carr, Jason Maintanis from the Parish Assembly.

There was an open position not filled by the Assembly and thus the new 2017 parish council appointed Gail Erinakes to fill that position.

We also wish to thank the departing council members Peter Manis, Dennis Sampalis and Stephen Sterpis for their service and commitment. 

ORTHODOX OBSERVER NEWSPAPER 

In regards to receiving the Observer from the Archdiocese – if a parishioner would like to receive the monthly issues the parish office simply needs to verify for you that you are in our stewardship program and the newspaper is then complimentary. If you are not, there is a fee for the newspaper to be delivered.

Subscribing for Archdiocese News Releases 

Communicants may also subscribe to the Archdiocese “List Serve” to receive their news releases automatically Press Office. Contact communications@goarch.org to sign up or call 212-570-3530.

Moving or Vacationing 

We kindly thank you for making the Annunciation Church your first place to call when moving to a new location or just going to enjoy some warm sun for the winter months. Last month we had 21 “return to sender envelopes” come back. (401) 942-4188 or email us, office@annunciationri.org

Think Spring / Then, Think Spring Food Fair Preparations 

Before we know it our Spring Greek Food Fair will be here (Sat/Sun May 6-7). Baking preparations will begin in March. Mark the dates from now.

Thank you for your anticipated help.
Monday 3/27 – Spanakopita/ Tyropita / Tuesday 3/28 – Baklava
Monday 4/24 pastry / Tuesday 4/25 pastry
(New start time – 5PM – light meal will be provided)

Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2016: M/M John Fotopoulos, M/M Theodoros Fotopoulos, M/M Alexander Kanelos, Andrea O’Hair

2017 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 217 parishioners with a pledge of $120,135.00
The Actual Amount Received is $77,025.00 

Josephine Aliferakis, M/M Andreas Andreopoulos, M/M James Apostolou, Nicholas Apostolou, Nicole Arsenis, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Baziotis, M/M Scott Campbell, M/M Michael Campopiano, M/M Ronald Capraro, Maria Chippis, M/M George Cicma, Sue Cimino, M/M Stephen Cross, M/M Kimon Dafoulas, Nikki Samaras Deary, M/M Douglas DeRhodes, Olga DiChiara, Helen DiMaio, Louis Dostou, Constantine Georas, Alexis George, Fr. Andrew George, Anthony George, James George, Debra Georgeon, Helen Georgeon, Barbara Goldis, M/M Robert Goralski, M/M Nicholas Gorgievski, Anna Gountra, M/M Constantine Grammas, William Grimshaw, Dr. John & Helene Grossomanides, M/M William Hague, M/M John Hatjopoulos, Ann Heberg, M/M Peter Kanelakos, M/M Arthur Kazianis, Demetra Lambros, M/M Nicholas Lambros, M/M Mark Lavoie, Linda Limperis, Sandra Maliangos, M/M Peter Mihalos, Jean Mihelakos, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, M/M Richard Mitson, Mrs. Andrea O’Hair, M/M Richard Otto, Evgenia Panteleakis, M/M Michael Papigiotis, M/M George Paloukas, M/M Theodoros Panagopoulos, Nicoletta Panos, M/M Arthur Pappas, M/M Ernest Pappas, Georgia Pappas, Dr. & Mrs. James Pascalides, M/M Arthur Passa, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Petropoulos, M/M Demetrios Petrou, M/M Gus Proyous, Stephen Quinn, Lydia Regopoulos, M/M Youssef Rizk, M/M Alan Root, Mary Samaras, M/M Phillip SanSouci, M/M Anthony Silveira Jr., Calliope Kay Spires, M/M Leon Stamatakos, M/M Georgios Theodosiou, M/M Richard Towne, Sophia Tzanetos, Andriana Vanikiotis, Anthony Vanikiotis, Antonia Vanikiotis, M/M John Vanikiotis, M/M Michael Venditelli, Adam Vinhateiro, M/M Manuel Vinhateiro Jr., James Vose, M/M Jason Wheatley, M/M Russell Wheatley, and Maria Zaharakos.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1: 1-4) 

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION is frequented by many during the Great Lent, although confessions can be heard at any time of the year. Each Wednesday of Lent, Fr. Andrew will be available by advance appointment. Other days and times may be scheduled simply by calling Fr. Andrew directly. Fr. Emanuel will be available for Confessions on Fridays by advance appointment. Our faithful are reminded that they may also seek confession with any other Orthodox clergy at our neighboring parishes.

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending 1/31/17
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $783,031.49
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $22,138.28

A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by
M/M Ernest Pappas & Georgia Pappas in memory of Angela Promades 

A donation has been made by M/M Gregory Demetrakas, M/M Ernest Pappas & Georgia Pappas in memory of Maryanna Floskis 

A donation has been made by M/M Constantine Rougas in memory of Nikolitsa Tsamis

Taxes! Taxes! Taxes!
A reminder that donations made to a non-profit organization, such as our church, can have substantial tax benefits! 

Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Samaras

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2 

Our fund-raising effort is in full swing. In last month’s edition of “The Annunciator” it was noted that we had received a total of $126,242.00 in pledges. As of the printing of this report we have now have reached a total of $138,942.00 in total pledges. A total of 69 pledges have been submitted to date. Below is a list of those pledges we have received since last month’s report.

Order Of AHEPA, Steven Drager, M/M Elias Haralambides, M/M James Manis, Jean Mihelakos, John & Maha Mitrelis, M/M Jimmy Petrou, M/M Gus Proyous, Angela & Phillip San Souci, M/M James Silva, Carole Xanthakis. 

Thank you all for your support and generous donations. – Submitted by James Silva 

Recent Deaths 

Maryanna Floskis, age 85 of Warwick, RI passed away on 2/1/17. Her funeral and burial was held on 2/7/17. Antonia Giannakakos (Gannek), age 90 of Narragansett, RI passed away on 2/18/17. Her funeral and burial was held on 2/27/17. NikolitsaT-samis, age 93 of North Providence, RI passed away on 2/21/17, mother of parish-ioner Angela Vasiliadis. Her funeral and burial was held in Worcester on 2/28/17. ALSO: John Drager, brother of parishioner Steven Drager passed away In CA with services held there; Margaret Violet, sister of parishioner Nicoletta Panos. Her funer-al and burial was at St. Spyridon’s in Newport on 2/28/17.

CHILDRENS’ CONFESSIONS DURING LENT 

Our youth are urged to avail themselves of this important Sacrament (be it during Lent or any time of the year). An appointment can be made with Fr Andrew for just about any day by plan-ning ahead, for Fr Emanuel, the appointment would be for a Friday. Call 942-4188.

ANNUAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS 

St John Chysostom Oratorical Festival – Sun March 12, following Liturgy, sponsored by our Sunday Church School. The community is invited to remain and be inspired by our teens in their witnessing to the Orthodox Faith through their orations.

Annunciation / Greek Independence Program- Sun March 26, following Liturgy, spon-sored by our Afternoon Greek Language School. Again the community is invited to re-main and enjoy the children with their songs, poems and dance; equally inspiring!

GOYA ACTIVITIES AHEAD (6th-12th graders) 

March Bowling 

Join Goya on Saturday March 18th from 1:30 to 3:30 for a Bowling Event. We will be bowling at CW Lanes in Lincoln. 622 George Washington Highway. The admission price will be $13.50 a person. To RSVP please call Jimmy Grammas at 401-965-6017.

April Lock in 

Goya will be holding the first Lock in of 2017 from Saturday April 1st to Sunday April 2nd. The Lock in will start at noon. Join us for a day of community, fun, and spiritual enrichment. Price for the Lock in will be $15 to cover food and activity costs. More information to follow.

May Brunch 

The Saturday before Mother’s Day, Saturday May 13th, we will be having brunch at the hall then preparing the gifts for all the mothers. Join us for nice breakfast then help us make our Mother’s Day presents so that we can say thank you to all our mothers. More information to follow.

DANCE TROUPE NEWS 

Coming your way soon will be the Dance Troupe practice schedule.

REMINDER– Every Thursday 

Watch the weekly edition of “BE THE BEE” from our Archdiocese Youth Office. Visit- youtube.com/y2am

CRANSTON WEEK @ MBC – Mon July 24 week when Fr Andrew will attend but pick the week best for your schedule 

GREAT LENT HAS STARTED
THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF GREAT LENT IS: 

PREPARATION, yes; RENEWAL, yes with the hope that we can all grow clos-er to God, and establish a great love of God and of man. The Church asks us all to “CLEAN HOUSE,” to clean up our lives wherever it is needed to estab-lish a CHANGE OF LIFE, to IMPROVE OUR LIFE from a Christian perspec-tive. 

OFFER THIS PRAYER DAILY: 

O Lord Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power and idle talk. 

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to thy servant. 

Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother; 

For thou are blessed unto ages of ages, Amen! 

~Prayer of St. Ephrem

During the season of Great Lent, our faithful are reminded that there are addi-tional Liturgical services during the week: on Wednesday evenings we offer the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6 pm. Of course each Friday we have the ever beauti-ful Salutations Services also at 6 pm with the participation of the children of our Greek Language School. On Sunday evenings we will have the combined Lenten Vespers with other Orthodox clergy at various par-ishes. Refer to the calendar page for these locations. 

WHY MORE CHURCH SERVICE ??? 

The limitation of social functions and the institution of more church services is based on the Church’s principle that GREAT LENT is a period of time when people are to be more conscious of their spiritual character and their contact with God. The Lenten Evening Services are very meditative so as to provide the faithful with the opportunity to REALLY REVIEW and RENEW their lives. 

A BLESSED GREAT LENT TO ALL 

 

Lazaros Saturday to Pascha 

Sat., April 8 Saturday of Lazaros / Church School Communion
8:15 am – Orthros
9:20 am – Forgiveness Prayers
9:30 am – Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sun., April 9 Palm Sunday / Entrance to Jerusalem
8:15 am – Orthros
9:20 am – Forgiveness Prayers
9:30 am – Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom with distribution of Palms

Sunday Evening: 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm— Nymphios Service 

Mon., April 10 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm— Nymphios Service/Forgiveness Prayers afterwards

Tues., April 11 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm— Nymphios Service/Forgiveness Prayers afterwards

Wed., April 12 The Sacrament of Holy Oil (Euchailion)
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm— Followed by anointing (especially for families w/ children)
7:00 pm – 8:45 pm— Nymphios Service — Followed by anointing

Thurs., April 13 Commemoration of the Mystical Supper
6:00 am – 7:45 am— Vesper / Liturgy of St. Basil
Communion to be distributed within the proper context of the liturgy

THE PASSION OF OUR LORD / SERVICE OF THE CRUCIFIXION
(Thursday Evening) 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Reading of the 12 Gospel Narratives And Procession of the Crucifixion

Fri., April 14 Holy and Great Friday
10:00 am – 11:45 am- Service of the Royal Hours (Teens as readers) Simultaneously the decoration of the Tomb
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm— Service of the Descent from the Cross
7:30 pm – 10:30 pm— Service of the Lamentations w/Procession

Sat., April 15 Holy & Great Saturday / Discovery of the Empty Tomb
9:00am – 10:45am— Vesper / Liturgy of St. Basil
Communion will be distributed within the proper context of the liturgy
11:00 pm— Chanting of the Paschal Canon Please arrive early giving yourself time to park your car and enter the Church which will take extra time due to the large number of people who normally attend.
11:45 pm – 2:15 am – Paschal Orthros & Resurrection Liturgy 

Sun., April 16 Holy Pascha (Easter Sunday)
Noon—1:00 pm—Agape Vespers
(Gospel Read in Various languages of the World)
Children’s Easter Egg Hunt follows at 1:00 PM

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR
MARCH-APRIL, 2017 

We are in the middle of our Lenten Journey, and Philoptochos will be very busy with many activities leading up to Pascha. Also on our calendar of events, is the Feast of the Annunciation, our Parish Feast Day.

RECEPTION FOLLOWING ANNUNCIATION VESPERS – MARCH 24TH: Philoptochos will host a reception following our Vespers this evening. Please bring any Lenten refreshments to the Church Cen-ter prior to the Vespers. Nancy Harritos is Chairing this event, and you may email Nancy to let her know what you will be donating. NHarritos@yahoo.com. Thank you.

EASTER BREADS: Orders will be taken for Easter Breads on Sundays at the Coffee Hour follow-ing Divine Liturgy. Helen Quinn Argeris and Mary Quinn will be taking your orders. Please call Helen at 1-508-337-3697 to place your order. Breads will be available for pick up on Palm Sunday, April 9th.

EASTER EGGS FOR DYEING: We will distribute eggs, netting, ribbon and dye, along with in-structions on dyeing the eggs. We will distribute these on Saturday of Lazarus and Palm Sunday and ask that you take a dozen or two and dye them for distribution at the Anastasi (Resurrection) Saturday night. Please follow the dyeing instructions to be sure the eggs are hard boiled. Thank you very much.

EPITAFIOS DECORATION: We invite all women to come and assist with the decoration of the Epitafios. It looks beautiful each year, and we thank Koula Rougas for undertaking the organizing of the Epitafios for many years.

SENIOR CITIZENS LUNCHEON: Each year, Philoptochos honors our Senior Citizens by hosting a Luncheon on Friday following Easter. This year our Luncheon will be on Friday, April 21st, following Divine Liturgy for Zoodoghos Peghes, Feast of the Lifegiving Fountain. ALL SENIOR CITIZENS are invited to come. Please circle the date, and details will be announced. Co-Chairing the Luncheon are An-na Demetrakas, Bessie Papigiotis, Josie Aliferakis, Karen Aliferakis and Diane Mitrelis.

OPERATION HEARTWARMING BASKETS: We are asking for your donations, once again, for Phase 2 of Operation Heartwarming for our homeless veterans. Thank you to all who donated baskets or items for baskets during Phase 1 of this Project. Items now needed are twin size bed pillows, twin bed blankets, bath towels, cloth shower mats, sets of silverware for 4, cooking utensils, coffee maker, twin size bed sheets, sets of plastic dishware & cups, electric fans, twin size bed covers, non-slip inside shower mats, toaster ovens, pots & pans, manual can openers, sponges, all purpose cleaners, laundry detergent, paper towels. Marianne Phelan is heading this project, and you may email or call Marianne with any questions marianne.phelan@gmail.com or 943-9201. Donations may be dropped off at the Church Center. Thank you all so very much on behalf of our Veterans.

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON PHILOPTOHOS FUND RAISER SUNDAY, MAY 7TH – The Metrop-olis Philoptochos invites you to the FESTIVAL OF TABLES, on Sunday afternoon, May 7th, at the Taxiar-chae Parish Center, Watertown, Ma. from 3-6PM. Please circle the date, and plan to come. Car pooling will be available. Please contact Bessie Papigiotis or Marianne Phelan with any questions. Details will be announced soon. Thank you.

The next Philoptochos meeting will be held on March 20th, 2017

A Blessed Great Lent and Kali Anastasi to all.
GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
KAREN DRAGER, CORRESPONDING

SAVE THE DATE SAT. APRIL 22
IOCC Buffet following Vespers @ 5 pm.
IOCC.ORG / CRANSTON
Questions? Elaine Otto—401-692-9326 or nitsa1028@hotmail.com 

Easter Breads 

Chairladies Mary Quinn and Helen Argeris will be taking orders for Easter Breads after Liturgy starting March 19th. Orders also may be taken by calling Helen Argeris at 508-337-3697. Please consider purchasing a loaf at $10.00 each in support of our commitment to Hellenic College/Holy Cross. Breads will be distributed on Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017.

Annual Annunciation Observance Luncheon And Children’s Program
Sunday March 26, 2017
Following Divine Liturgy
Luncheon Time: 11:30 AM

Join us at the luncheon to commemorate Our Parish Feast Day and Greek Independence Day
Shrimp & Rice Dinner $15.00 / Macaroni & Sauce Only$ 8.00
Both meals come with salad & dessert
For Reservations Call Church Office at 942-4188 or Jim & Kate Silva 946-1935

 

 

 

Ypapanti—The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple 

One of the major feast days of our Holy Orthodox Church is the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. It occurs forty days after the Nativity of our Savior on the second of February, at a time when we come to an end of a series of feasts that have taken us through the darkness of the long and cold winter nights, a series of feasts bringing out different aspects of God’s search or outreach to us: the Word becoming flesh in the small dark cave in the depths of the earth; the manifestation of God to us through the passage through the waters.

Now in obedience to the Mosaic Law, forty days after his birth, Christ, the firstborn son, is brought to the Temple so that He might complete the Law, and the Law might be completed by Him. The Blessed Mother of God, the Theotokos, and Joseph to whom she was espoused, left Nazareth and journeyed to Jerusalem to present the Christ-child in the magnificent Temple of Solomon. It was required by Jewish law to make an offering for the new Child. As Joseph and the Theotokos were very poor people, they brought with them two small turtle doves, as illus-trated in the icon for the Feast. At that time, those who were wealthy offered money or a small animal to be sacrificed.

Being brought to the Temple, He is met by the righteous elder Simeon and the prophetess Anna: the old now passes, and the new has come. The place where they meet, where the old meets the new and the new is revealed, is in the Temple, the place to which Jesus is brought as a sacrifice. The elder Simeon was a very pious, humble, just, and devout man, a man of holi-ness. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that although he was old, he would not see death until he saw the Christ. When the Theotokos and Joseph entered the Temple, this dedi-cated servant of God received the Christ-child in his arms, and the prophecy of Isaiah was ful-filled: Christ is brought in the Temple and He rests in the arms of the elder as on a throne.

At this, Simeon utters the words: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all people: a light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of Your people, Israel.”

Israel’s glory has dawned in Christ, who is the light of revelation to the Gentiles. Now that Israel has accomplished its task of bringing the Messiah into the world, Simeon can depart in peace: the promises made in the beginning to Abraham about the calling of the nations are now fulfilled. In Abraham’s seed all nations of the world are now blessed.

Simeon blessed Joseph and the Theotokos and then said to them, “Behold, this Child is des-tined to be the cause for all the fall and rise of many in Israel.” He prophesied that those who believe in Christ will be exalted and saved while those who do not believe will be degraded. To the Theotokos he added, “And your heart shall be pierced by a sword.” He did not mean an actual sword would pierce her heart, but that her heart would experience an excruciating pain when she witnesses the Crucifixion and sees her Son suffering and dying upon the Cross.

As for Anna, who was a widow of many years and a prophetess, she was also pious and humble, advanced in age, and remained in the Temple day and night fasting and praying. When the presentation of the Lord occurred, she gave thanks unto God and then spoke to many people who lived in Jerusalem who were awaiting the redemption from their trials, tribulations, and sins.

The advanced age of the righteous elder and the prophetess indicate the passing away of the ancient customs, the rituals and prescriptions, for these were only ever, as the Apostle puts it, a shadow of the good things to come. The reality belongs to Christ, the one who was received into the arms of the elder, the one who was to cause the fall and rising again of many in Israel, who thus bestows upon us the resur-rection, the new creation. Today then, standing in the Temple with Simeon, we come indeed to the com-pletion of the movement of God towards us, so that we can also say: let us depart in peace, for the glory of God is revealed, enlightening those who sat in darkness. If this movement of God towards us is in-deed light coming into the world, enlightening those who sit in darkness, then we must begin to set our own sights upon the journey to Jerusalem.

The light of God is indeed also the peace of God. We too must begin to see the Lord as Simeon did, to know that He is indeed our rest; to find in him the peace that keeps us in peace throughout the storms of the sea of life; to be at rest in Him rather than be blown about from one crisis to the next, from one emotional bruise to another; and to be focused on Him, rather than on the thoughts which preoccupy us, each one seeming so important at the time, and leading to yet more habituated actions that we know we will regret. Let us pray that like Simeon we may learn to meet Jesus in the Temple, that we might find in Him the completion of our heart’s desire, and ourselves come to know His mercy and peace.

+Rev. Dr. Emanuel S. Chris, M.D., M. Div.

Hail O Woman full of grace, Virgin and Mother of God: from you has arisen the Sun of Justice, Christ our God, enlightening those who stand in darkness. You too, just Elder Simeon, rejoice, for you carried in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, our Resurrection.

O Christ our God who through your birth have sanc-tified the virginal womb and have now blessed the arms of Simeon, today You have come to save us. O Lord, when wars prevail, keep your people in peace and strengthen our Public Authorities in eve-ry good deed, for You alone are the Lover of Man

We Thank You for Your Thanksgiving Donations 

Josephine Aliferakis, Elaine Allendorf. M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Chrisoula Arsoniadis, M/M Zisis Arsoniadis, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Baziotis, Nicholas Bouris, M/M Michael Campopiano, Sue Cimino, M/M George Coclin, M/M Thomas Coyne, M/M Constantinos Dafoulas, M/M Gaby Daiaa, M/M Wilfred Demars, Louis Dostou, Rev. Andrew George, M/M Constantine Grammas, M/M Carl Hague, M/M Elias Haralambides, M/M Michael Haralambides, M/M Demetrios Harritos, M/M Christopher Hoopis, Julie Karahalios, James Kripotos, Niki Kyrou, Angelo Lazarides, M/M William Lehourites, Dr. & Mrs. James Manis, Peter Manis, Elizabeth Marses, Marianthi Mastriano, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, Anne Morrell, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Morrissey, M/M Harry Nicolopoulos, Theodore Nicolopoulos, M/M Michael Papigiotis, M/M Ernest Pappas, Mary Pereira, Thomai Petropoulos, M/M Kevin Phelan, M/M Anthony Piscopio, M/M Carroll Promades, Nanci Sarganis, M/M Ernest Sotirakos, M/M Michael Sotirakos, Elle Strekouras, M/M Edward Tarbox, Dr. Golfo Tzilos, Antonia Vanikiotis, Carole Xanthakis, Maria Zaharakos, M/M Frank Zavota.

Total donations were $1,975.00 

Thank You for Your Christmas Donations 

Josephine Aliferakis, Elaine Allendorf, M/M Christodoulos Andriotis, M/M Dionysius Argeris, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Baziotis, Nicholas Bouris, M/M Michael Campopiano, Sue Cimino, Dr. Constantinou & Mr. Santos, M/M Constantinos Dafoulas, M/M Thomas Coyne, M/M Gaby Daiaa, M/M James Demetriou, M/M Douglas DeRhodes, Rev. Andrew George, Constance Georgeadys, Argiri Ghionis, M/M Constantine Grammas, M/M George Grammas, M/M Nicholas Hantzakos, M/M Elias Haralambides, M/M Michael Haralambides, Alexis Harritos, M/M Demetrios Harritos, James Harritos II, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Johnson, Julie Karahalios, Zoe Kazianis, James Kripotos, M/M Spiro Kyriakakis, Niki Kyrou, Angelo Lazarides, M/M William Lehourites, Dr. & Mrs. James Manis, Peter Manis, Elizabeth Marses, Marianthi Mastriano, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, Jean Mihelakos, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, M/M Theodore Moran, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Morrissey, M/M Harry Nicolopoulos, Theodore Nicolopoulos, M/M Ernest Pappas, M/M James Pappas, Mary Pereira, Thomai Petropoulos, M/M Kevin Phelan, Dorothy Pliakas, M/M Gus Proyous, John Quinn, Mary Quinn, M/M James Rengigas, M/M Stamatios Revis, M/M Steven Rothemich, M/M Nicholas Sarkis, Christopher Sheehan, M/M Peter Simone, M/M Michael Sotirakos, Elle Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, M/M Aristotelis Tsonis, Sophia Tzanetos, Antonia Vanikiotis, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Vezeridis, James Vose, Carol Xanthakis, Zambeta Xiarhos.

Total donations were $2,445.00

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Be Proud! 

As we continue our journey into the life of our church’s savings account-The Endowment Fund– we can do so with pride as evidenced by the end-of-the-year 2016 financial report shown below:
2016 Opening Balance-$761,381.00
2016 Donations-$20,740.00
2016 Interest Earned $23,797.00
2016 Ending Balance-$805,918.00 

We are getting closer to the goal of $1,000,000.00, bravely established by those forward-thinking parishioners attending the Parish Assembly of December, 1998. To them, we owe a huge depth of gratitude! Be Proud! 

Donations since the last newsletter were made to the Endowment Fund by:
Dr. Mary Lekas.
A donation was made by Nicholas Apostolou in memory of Irene Apostolou.
A donation was made by M/M Gregory Demetrakas, Elizabeth Marses, M/M Constantine Rougas, Kay Spires in memory of Angela Promades
A donation was made by M/M Constantine Rougas, M/M John Vanikiotis in memory of Amina Kivotopoulou. 

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Donors for Christmas / Epiphany Liturgical Items 

We would like to thank the following for their generous donations towards the wreaths, icon floral frames, poinsettias and candelabras during the Christmas and Epiphany Sea-son: The Topouzis Family (in memory of Liselotte Topouzis); M/M Arthur G. Pappas & M/M Basil Constantine (in memory of Kay Pappas); M/M James Manis (in memory of George & Helen Manis & in memory of Elias Bassakyros & Trigona Liakos); M/M Paul Degaitas (in memory of father John Degaitas and brother Stanley Degaitas); Afrodite Fotopoulos, children and grandchildren (in memory of husband, dad and grandfather George) and M/M Nickiforos Revis, as well as general monetary con-tributions in memory of Harriet Butler for Epiphany candelabras.

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RECENT DEATHS 

Angela Promades, age 80 of Bristol, RI passed away on 12/18/16. Her funeral and burial was held on 12/21/16. Frank Panos, age 88 of Cranston, RI passed away on 1/21/17. Memorial Prayers were offered on Jan 25. Also the mothers of 3 of our parish-ioners passed on recently, Dr William Tsiaras, Eleni Trikoulis and Richard Otto. In ad-dition the grandfather of Douglas DeRhodes one of our newest parishioners. May their memories be eternal.

2016 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 469 parishioners with the pledge of $232,707.00
The Actual amount received to date is $226,045.02 

Dr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Alexandrou, M/M Artur Amaral Jr., M/M Ilias Arsenis, Nicholas Bouris, M/M Richard Campanella, Sherri Cesario, M/M Paul Degaitas, Jason DiCarlo, M/M Steven DiDino, M/M Spiros Fotopoulos, M/M Gregory Gatos, M/M Antonis Gavrielides, Maria Giovanis, Dr. & Mrs. Cosmo Haralambidis, M/M Brendan Hermiz, Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Kanelos, Athena Karacas, M/M Demetrios Ladas, Dr. Andrew Lekos, M/M Robert Leonard, Theodora Maniatakos, Artemis Mantsos, M/M Christos Mantsos, Smaro Mantsos, M/M John Menard, M/M Stephen Michailides, John Mihelakos, M/M George Moragemos, M/M Craig Nichols, Eleni Panteleakis, Lorena Pesek, M/M Petros Petrou, Elaine Regopoulos, M/M Stamatis Reves, M/M William Rougas, Konstantina Sampalis, M/M Richard Scott, Patricia Skoutas, Theodora Stone, M/M Alan Swierk, Kay Tomson, M/M Christopher Tribelli, William Vanech, M/M Kenneth White.

2017 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGES
We have to date 134 parishioners with the pledge of $75,715.00
The actual amount received is $53,670.00 

M/M James Alexion, Elaine Allendorf, Christina Arsenis, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Kyriaki Arsoniadis, M/M Savvas Arsoniadis, Yiota Bertrand, M/M Lawrence Bousquet Jr., M/M James Brubeck, Anastasia Brun, M/M Alexander Carr & Katherine Carr, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Carr, Efthimia Cavas, Dr. & Mrs. Christopher Chihlas, Dr. & Mrs. Spiros Constantinides, M/M Thomas Coyne, M/M Richard Cragin, M/M Constantinos Dafoulas, Haralambos Dafoulas, M/M Gaby Daiaa, M/M Steve Daras, M/M Wilfred Demars, M/M James Demetriou, M/M Joseph DiCarlo, III, Cynthia Driscoll, Maria Dygon, Drs. Nicholas & Sadie Elisseou, M/M Stephan Erinakes, M/M Louis Feula, M/M Nicholas Filippou, M/M Steven Filippou, Arthur Frank, Janice George, Constance Georgeadys, Michael Giouras, Dionisia Grammas, Eleni Grammas, Elizabeth Grammas, Nicole Grammas, M/M Carl Hague, Dr. & Mrs. Cosmo Haralambidis, M.M Elias Haralambides, M/M Michael Haralambides, M/M Michael Haveles, Peter Hoopis, Jonathan Janikies, Melissa Janikies, M/M Nicholas Janikies, M/M William Janikies, Karissa Karageorge, M/M Fotis Karageorgos, Julie Karahalios, Despina Kartson, M/M Michael Kirios, M/M Kostas Kritikos, Angelo Lazarides, M/M William Lehourites, M/M Peter Leite, Eugenia Lekos, Drs. Robert & Kathryne Leonard, Jason Maintanis, Dr. & Mrs. James Manis, M/M Vasilios Malatos, M/M Theofanis Markos, Elizabeth Marses, M/M Robert Masiello, M/M John Massenzio, M/M Vasilios Melanis, George Michailides, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides Jr., Gregory Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, M/M William Mitchell, Anne Morrell, Theodore Nicolopoulos, M/M Alexi Nikolaidis, M/M George Nonis, M/M Stephen Panichas, George Panteleakis, M/M Constantine Papaioanno, M/M Gus Pappas, M/M James Pappas, M/M John Paraskevakos, M/M Constantinos Perdikakis, M/M Dean Perdikakis, Giana Perdikakis, Mary Pereira, Thomai Petropoulos, M/M Polydoros Petrou, M/M Kevin Phelan, M/M Anthony Pierson, Lillian Placido, Dorothy Pliakas, M/M George Pli-akas, M/M Thomas Pontikes, Christ Poulos, Dr. Michael Prodromou, M/M Michael Psikakos, John Quinn, Mary Quinn, M/M Brian Rawlinson, M/M Lyle Rawlinson, M/M Damon Ray, M/M James Rebello III, Joanna Reves, M/M Constantine Rougas, M/M George Samatis, M/M Matthew Sampson, Shirley Sears, Bianca Sinapi, M/M Timothy Simonson, M/M Michael Sotirakos, Elle Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, Vasilios Strekouras, M/M Edmund Sullivan, M/M Nicholas Tanionos, Lynda Theroux, Dean Trigg, M/M Scott Tsagarakis, Dr. & Mrs. William Tsiaras, M/M John Turini, M/M Soterios Tsimikas, Dr. Golfo Tzilos, M/M Dean Vose, M/M Nondas Zarokostas, M/M Frank Zavota.

Corporate Stewardship
Thank you to Steven Drager, Stephanie DiSumma, Alexandra & Kassandra Drager for their Corporate Stewardship (Quick Stop, Inc.)

“Recent Goya Ski / Snowboarding Day” Saturday, January 21, 2017

JUST AHEAD—God Parent’s Luncheon—Sun Feb 5 

Our Goyans extend an invitation to all at attend their annual luncheon observing “GodParent/GodChild Sunday” following liturgy that morning. RSVP to Christian Mitrelis at 401-632-1000, or by email at christianmit1999@outlook.com

METROPOLIS OF BOSTON WINTER CAMP 

The always exciting President’s weekend “winter camp session” for our teen youth up in Contoocook, NH will begin Fri evening Feb 17. Visit www.mbcamp.org for details, or call 603-746-2132.

ORATORICAL MATERIALS 

Topic themes for this year’s Oratorical Festival have been distributed in Sunday School classes. Copies can be requested from Maria Coclin, our parish chairperson at 944-7894, or at <mariacoclin@aol.com> Our parish festival will be Sun March 12.

The Financial Corner 

The year 2016 has passed so we can now look at the actual revenues and ex-penses for the past year. The actual stewardship revenues were $10,164.00 un-der budget. Since we have rented our hall so frequently and since we have a new tenant, “The Faith Nursey”, our revenues from rentals exceeded the budget by $12,692.00. Total revenues for the year were $90,387.00 higher than what was budgeted. The reason of course was because we transferred $80,000.00 from the Festival Account to pay our bills on time.

2016 INCOME ACTUAL BUDGET
Stewardship $247,336.64 $257,500.00
Total Envelopes $ 13,418.95 $ 15,500.00
Sunday Collections $ 66,282.01 $ 65,300.00
Special Fund Raisers $ 82,836.79 $72,500.00
Special Contributions $ 22,183.28 $ 23,900.00
Sundry Receipts $ 12,437.44 $ 12,100.00
Hall Rentals $ 42,592.00 $ 29,900.00
Festival Transfers $ 80,000.00 $ 00.000
TOTAL INCOME $567,087.15 $476,700.00

On the expense side, total expenses were $13,632.23 under budget.

2016 EXPENSES ACTUAL BUDGET
World Mission Ministries $ 57,758.94 $ 58,150.00
Education Ministry $ 35,543.11 $ 35,770.00
Music & Worship Ministry $ 35,474.05 $ 36,282.00
Pastoral Expenses (2 priest) $149,109.06 $149,700.00
Youth Ministry $ 6,277.62 $ 9,300.00
Administrative Expenses $ 89,763.11 $ 91,750.00
Building & Grounds $ 57,992.74 $ 62,150.00
Parish Center $ 8,650.66 $ 8,800.00
Social Function Expenses $ 38,384.70 $ 38,000.00
Utilities $ 35,106.14 $ 40,050.00
Hall Rental Expenses $ 5,499.78 $ 3,250.00
TOTAL EXPENSES $576,270.01 $589,902.24

Submitted by James Silva

ADULT STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD 

New 4 Week Bible Study in February

Our next parish Bible Study Series will focus on the topic of “Baptism”. As we are about to enter the season of Great Lent, we are reminded that the ancient roots of Lent was the time when candidates for baptism were prepared. And as lent ended, then baptized. Both Fr Andrew and our sem-inary graduate Emile Sarkis will review various bible passages and other texts related to Baptism and it’s living expression in our adult lives. Come and learn how much more there is to it then we often realize. THURSDAYS—Feb 2, 9, 16 and 23, from 7:30—9PM.

Words & Wings—Thu Feb 9

A “Q&A” with Orthodox Clergy

The Orthodox church has a rich 2000 year history and its perspective and teachings are valuable to the world today. Come for Q & A with several clergy … bring your questions and hear the Words of the Church and en-joy some “wings” on us. Mystic Pizza, at 56 W. Main St in Mystic, CT will be the location of this gathering sponsored by the St Sophia Parish of New London, CT who invites all young adults to attend.

Adult Seminar at Assumption Parish—Pawtucket 

From Monday February 27 to Monday April 3, a six week adult class will be offered on the following subjects:

1.Hellenism and Judaism / Athens and Jerusalem. Their different perspectives, their historic encounter and their contribution to Western Civilization. (running 3 weeks) 

2.The Orthodox meditation on the Jesus prayer (Νοερα Προσευχη) v. the modern Mindful Stress Reduction Meditation techniques. Similarities and differences. (the second set of 3 weeks) 

These classes will run from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. For further information call John Lyssi-katos, theological graduate of the University of Thessaloniki, at 401-728-4452

ECCLESIASTICAL REVIEW 

Marriages 2016: 

Constantinos Haralambros Dafoulas to Dadriana Alexandria Lepore both from Cranston on March 3.
Constantine Dean John Perdikakis from Cranston to Melissa Sue Adley from N. Kingstown on June 4.
Vasilios Harritos to Sherry Marie Rose both from W. Warwick on June 9.
David Alexander Cragin to Fallon Marie Guertin both from Warwick on June 11.
Spiros Haritos to Dianne Marie Hodson both from Warwick on June 18.
Spyridon Riley Papaioannou to Angelina Maria Perez both from Cranston on July 1.
John Richard Michaliadis from Garner, NC to Michelle Janjay Soben from Providence on July 2.
Andrew Thomas Plunkett to Petrina Francesca Pappas both from Titisville, NJ. on July 3.
Jason Scott Savoie from Portsmouth to Ioanna Anastasia Dafoulas from E. Greenwich on July 17.
Brendan Alain Hermiz to Patty Chrisoval Aftosmes both from W. Warwick on July 31.
Stefanos Svitlitsas to Marigo Anastasios Georgitsis both from N. Providence on Sept. 4.
Richard Joseph Town from Riverside to Dolly Mnayarji from Woonsocket on Sept 17.
Ryan Meggison from S. Dartmouth to Christina Sotira Nikolaidis from Sagamore Beach, MA on Oct. 8.
Scott Edward Campbell to Kristin Ruth Sampalis both from Esmond on Oct. 9.
Stavros George Theodosiou from Cranston to Maria Alaina Langlios from Taunton on Oct. 15.
Marcus Anthony Cacchillo to Dawn Alyson Pappas both from E. Greenwich on Oct. 23.
James Michael Fitzgerald to Diana Irene Otto both from Boston on Nov. 5 (at Retreat Center in NH)
Mathew David Sampson to Eleni Hatzinikolaou both from Providence on Nov. 5.
Nickiforos Nick Tarbox from Warwick to Kahla Jean Elias from Cumberland on Nov. 6.

CROWN THEM WITH GLORY AND HONOR
May the Lord Bless you out of Zion and may you see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

2016 Ecclesiastical Report 

Baptisms: 

Athena Alexandria, daughter of Constantinos & Dadriana Dafoulas on March 5. Godparent was Ioanna Dafoulas.

Savannah Lee, daughter of Cody & Madison Callahan on March 13. Godparents were Heidi & Nick Bosh.

Xenia Marie daughter of Stephen & Rosetta Botsford on March 19. Godparent was Spyridoula Giannos.

Keegan Santoro, son of Jeffrey Brown & Alexis Santoro on March 19. Godparent was Anthony Santoro.

George Gregory son of Gregory & Mandinia Gatos on April 24. Godparent was Eleni Tsigaridas.

Lena Loren daughter of Nikolaos & Gianna Petropoulos on May 7. Godparent was Louis Feula.

Nicholas Savvas, son of Steven & Tricia Rougas, on May 22. Godparent was Elizabeth Grammas.

Reid John, son of Matthew & Kathryn Massenzio, on May 28. Godparent was Christopher Massenzio.

Cristiano Apostolos, son of Daniel & Alexandria Cardosa on June 5. Godparent was Cassondra Cardosa.

Selena Georgia, daughter of Artur & Nickie Amaral on June 12. Godparents—Eleni Fotopoulos & George Potsis.

Kaitlyn Ann, daughter of Gregory & Christine Fraginis on July 23. Godparent was Krisane Karagianis.

Joseph Saher, son of Saher & Fida Abu Aiba, on August 27. Godparent was Sary Awwad.

Joleen Lourdes, daughter of Sary & Suhair Awwad on August 27. Godparents were Majdi & Rula Alkazaha.

Hercules Athanasios, son of Athanasios & Lauren Bovis on August 28. Godparent was Catherine Bio.

Maxwell Wallace, son of Peter & Mallory Barth on September 17. Godparent was Nicholas Malkasian.

Nikoletta Xenia, daughter of Demetrios & Vanessa Ladas on Sept 18. Godparents-Konstantina & Kishore Siva.

Georgia Elizabeth, daughter of David Carroll & Linda Pappola on Sept25. Godparent was Marina Daszkiewicz.

Margaret Lidia, daughter of Panagiotis Trikoulis & Megan Celani on October 22. Godparent- Stephen Morrissey.

Alexandra Elizabeth, daughter of Damon & Rhea Ray on November 6. Godparents—Vassilios & Ioanna Chrysan-thopoulos.

Konstantinos Charbel son of Evangelos & Josiane Giovanis on December 4. Godparents were Nomikou Kalliope & Toni Shalhoub.

Melina Katerina daughter of Peter & Eleni Xiarhos on December 11. Godparent was George Trikoulis. Victoria Elizabeth daughter of George & Julie Trikoulis on December 11. Godparent was Stelios Trikoulis.

Adult Baptisms: 

Brendan Alain Hermiz, (taking the name Athanasios) on May 10. Godparent was Marlene Samra.

Richard Joseph Towne on July 16. Godparent was Tina Varras.

Julie Ly on July 24 (taking the name Eleni). Godparent was Tina Varras.

Chrismations (Adult Conversions) 

Erika Revis on March 2 from the Methodist Church. Sponsor was Frangeska Revis.

Nicholas Bosh on March 12 from the Catholic Church. Sponsor was Vikki Poulos.

Liselotte Topouzis on March 13 from the Lutheran Church. Sponsor was Liza Petrou.

Melissa Sue Adley on May 4 from the Catholic Church. Sponsor was Giana Perdikakis.

Tara Sterpis on July 24 from the Catholic Church. Sponsor was Maha Mitrelis.

Steven Bennett III on September 29 from the Methodist Church. Sponsor was Maria Pavlidou.

Maryann Wheatley on December 11 from the Catholic Church. Sponsor was Josie Aliferakis.

Sacraments Ahead In 2017 and 2018 

With the Phase 2 Program in motion for the various renovations to take place in church, especially the carpet replacement and pew refinishing, it would be beneficial for planning purposes to structure stretches of time when there would be no disruption in the church for the serving of Baptisms and Weddings. If we can collect anticipated dates for late 2017 and early 2018 it would be very helpful. Please contact Fr. Andrew.

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR – FEBRUARY, 2017 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! As we begin the year 2017 Philoptochos contin-ues on its journey of PHILANTHROPY. Our Annual Vasilopeta Luncheon for the benefit of the children of St. Basil’s Academy was held on Sunday, January 22nd, immediately following Divine Liturgy. This is a wonderful family luncheon which is enjoyed every year by our Parish Family and had over 200 people in attendance. Many thanks to Kate Silva who chaired this event and to Roula Proyous and Eleni Trikoulis. Also to the members who helped serve and to the cooks in the kitchen who made a delicious meal.

CHRISTMAS PARTY: Our Christmas celebration was held on the evening of December 8th at the Mile and a Quarter Restaurant. Thank you to our host and hostess Diane and Andy Mitrelis for all the special amenities they contributed to our evening. We would also like to thank Karen Drager and Josie Aliferakis for planning an even-ing enjoyed by all. Ke tou chronou!

CHRISTMAS VISITATIONS: Over the Christmas season, Philoptochos ladies accompanied Father Andrew and Father Emanuel as visits were made to our housebound and nursing home parishioners. Gifts were prepared by Ginger Pappas, Georgia Pappas, Anna Demetrakas and Bessie Papigiotis. . Thank you to Josie Aliferakis, Elizabeth Degaitas, Carol Rothemich, Bessie Papigiotis, Georgia Pappas and Koula Rougas, who took the time during this busy season to show compassion and kindness (true work of Philoptochos) to these parishioners.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: We continue with this project headed by Anna Demetrakas. This project is ongoing. At this time, we need baby blankets for the 40-day Baby Blessing Bags and Prayer Shawls. Yarn will be provided. Crocheting and knitting is being done at home during the winter months. We will resume meeting on Monday mornings now that the holidays are over. Thank you to Koula Rougas, Maria Zaharakos, Diane DiCarlo, Bessie Papigiotis, and Anna Demetrakas who continually participate in this Ministry. Thank you to Ann Heberg and Ginger Pappas for preparing the 40-Day Blessing Baby Bags.

MEMBERSHIP: The New Year 2017 is here and we remind you to be sure to send your membership to the Church Office attention Philoptochos/Mary Samaras. Please keep in mind when remitting your membership that $15 per capita is sent to the National Philoptochos and $5 per capita is sent to the Metropolis Philoptochos. Thank you.

SISTERHOOD OF ST. BASIL’S: We remind you also to support the Sisterhood of St. Basil’s by sending in $5 to the Church Office attention Philoptochos/Carol Rothemich.

DONATIONS AND OBLIGATIONS: We ended the Philoptochos year with the following donations and obli-gations: National Philoptochos –Ecumenical Patriarchate $100; Ecumenical Patriarchate tray collection $350; Sister-hood of Presvyteres Benevolent Fund $100; General Medical Fund $100; UNICEF $100; Metropolis of Boston Camp and Retreat Center $300; Interfaith Food Ministry $500; Elizabeth Buffum Chase House $75; Hospice Care of RI $100; Samaritans $100.

OPERATION HOUSEWARMING-HOMELESS VETERANS’ PROJECT – We are continuing with this project once again. If anyone would like to donate a complete basket, the cost is $100. If you have any questions, please contact President Georgia Pappas at 351-3927. Thank you to all that have contributed in any way thus far.

A Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all!! 

GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
KAREN DRAGER, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

SAVE THE DATE— Sun April 30— showing of the film “Beneath The Olive Tree.”

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2 

As you know we have completed the installation of the new Platytera iconography. I think everyone will agree it is very moving and is beautiful. The total cost associ-ated with the preparation work, the design and installation of the iconography and painting of the Apse was $56,307.50.

Our official fund raising effort is in full swing. In last month’s edition of “The An-nunciator” it was noted that we had received a total of $102,042.00 in pledges. As of January 25, we have now reached a total of $126,242.00 in total pledges.

Below is a list of those pledges we have received since last month’s report.

Josephine Aliferakis, Nicholas Apostolou, M/M Gerald Carignan, Vivian Dafou-las, M/M John Fotopoulos, Costa & Kathy Grammas, Dr. John & Anna & Helene Grossomanides, M/M Michael Haveles, Ernest & Aldina Kanelakos, Julie Kara-halios, M/M James Maintanis, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, Andrew & Lise Mihailides, M/M George Moragemos, Richard & Elaine Otto, M/M Arthur Pap-pas, Michael & Elaine Psikakos, Constantine & Koula & Andrew Rougas, Wil-liam & Angela Rougas, Ethel Strekouras, Elle Strekouras, Vasilios Strekouras, Kay Tomson, M/M Christopher Tribelli,

Thank you all for your support & generous donations. Submitted by James Silva 

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OCF-The Real Break Program of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship Campus Ministry is a one-of-a-kind alternative spring break program for Orthodox high school graduates between 18-25 years old. OCF’s Real Break program provides young adults with the opportunity to understand the true meaning of seeing Christ in the other– person-traveling to all parts of the world deepening their faith, serving those in need, and cultivating relation-ships with like-minded peers. For more information or to register; www.ocf.net/real-break-2017

of Greek Festival Planning to Begin—Feb 8 

We will begin Festival Planning meetings earlier than usual this year—Wed Feb 8 at 7:30PM. YOU ARE INVITED. It would be great to have additional parishioners serv-ing and taking hands on involvement, serving with our long time festival committee members. Don’t be shy. Come and offer your talents and your time!

Orthodoxy 101 Class to Form 

A new cycle of our regular 4-part series on Orthodoxy will start up soon, which is in-tended for non-Orthodox desiring to learn the basics of Orthodox Christianity (with the potential intend to embrace the Church) as well as, those born and raised Orthodox Christians who would like to strengthen their knowledge of the basic tenants. If you have interest to register for this class, we would like to establish a common day and time to hold it for those expressing interest. We are charting for spring to run the se-ries. Please contact Fr Andrew 942-4188.

Community Viewings of Fr. Luke Veronis Video
“Bringing Orthodoxy to America” 

To kick-off the formulation of a Strategic Plan for our Parish to foster growth and re-newal of the community, three viewings of Fr. Luke Veronis’ thought-provoking talk, “Bringing Orthodoxy to America” will be held in Demetrakas Hall of the Mihai-lides Center on:

Sun Feb 19 (after coffee hour) / Fri Feb 24 @ 7PM / Fri March 3 (after the Salutation Service) 

Father Luke gave this talk at 2 recent national conferences. He is a noted Greek Ortho-dox Priest and missionary. Fr. Luke has served the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Webster, MA since December 2004 which has grown from 90 families to presently 175 families. Fr. Luke has been involved in the Orthodox Church’s missionary movement since 1987 and served as a long-term cross-cultural missionary in Albania and as a short-term missionary in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana.

Father Veronis’ video is just over a hour long, and after we view the video as a group, we will discuss his ideas and how some of them could be applied to Parish initiatives and help us to formulate a vision for the future of our Annunciation Parish.

If you would be interested in participating, please plan to attend one of the viewings and community discussions. The evenings’ programs, video viewing and discussion, will each last 2 hours. Coffee and a few snacks will be provided both evenings, by the Parish Council. We look forward to seeing many of you there. – On behalf of the parish council, Paul Pliakas

On Our Cover 

The week of November 14 was an exciting and busy week in our parish! I trust you are in-spired with the long awaited Platytera Icon with angels that now graces our altar cove. The photo on our cover shows Fr Anthony Salzman busy at work adhering the icon to the wall.

Painted in the traditional Byzantine style, Christ (depicted) as a young child seats on Panayia’s womb – often called “Christ the Emmanuel” He who is with us – meaning “God with us.” Holding up the medallion of Panayia with Christ are 2 of the archangels – Michael on the left and Gabriel on the right.

To accomplish all this – the pipes, previously there, were cut back…425 of them and then the cove was re-plastered, in fact 3 layers of plaster. The artisans started the project in earnest on Tuesday morning Nov 15 the first day of Advent, and thought they would have the icon up that Friday, perhaps Saturday for sure. (The icon was previously painted on canvas and ready to be clued on the surface.)

But on Wednesday and Thursday the furnace kept shutting down and would not heat up, to dry the new plaster, even though the previous weekend it was serviced and in proper working order. Two days were lost in the process.

I truly believe that Panayia did not want to be placed in the cove on what would have been November 18 or 19, but rather wanted to enter our church, on her feast day, on November 21, that of the Entry of the Virgin to the Temple in Jerusalem which in fact occurred on Monday November 21, after the festal liturgy here in Cranston. And so she did in the form of a “written “ icon. As church sings on this feast “Today, the “temple” of God’s dwelling is brought into the Lord’s temple and Zachariah welcomes her.” 

I pray beloved, that the vividness of this icon will be inspiring and comforting to you. It is warm as opposed to the cold pipes previously there. It is all embracing as well….as you enter the narthex and look straight ahead and her hands are outstretched. It fills the space so perfectly. I pray as well that this new icon adoring our church will inspire us to spiritual growth. If you have not as yet seen the Platytera up, come for services soon.

Yes beloved – the November 14th week and November 21st was an exciting and significant week in our parish, one that will last beyond our life time!

Fr. Andrew

Orthodox Iconography by Fr. Anthony Salzman, Iconographer 

We call icons “the Bible of the Illiterate” because during the middle ages when not everyone could read, people were still able to understand the message of salvation through pictures. What the Bible reveals about God through words, icons reveal in pictures. Icons are not idols, they are “windows to heaven”. They reveal the reality of God’s kingdom on earth. They make visible the invisible. With this in mind, we decorate our churches to serve as inspiration. The church building is a “small” Kingdom of Heaven and these are the people we will see in heaven.

When we enter an Orthodox Church, we are leaving time and space and entering eternity. You look up and see the dome.

This physically represents the heavens, Christ the all powerful the Creator of all (PANTOCRATOR) is there looking down on His creation. If you consider it the beginning of time, we find there Christ the pre-eternal word, the logos, the second per son of the Trinity.

In the Apse, above, or behind the altar we have the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child.

We call her in Greek, PLATYTERA – “more expansive than the heavens”, because she contained within herself, the creator of the universe.

Icons are not works of art per se. They always are used within a context of worship, whether at home or in the church. We call it “Hagiograhia” or “Holy, or Saint writing.” “Grapho” means to write. So we are writing the gospel with a brush.

Icons are painted the way they are on purpose. Their flatness and expressiveness make them alive and engaging asking the viewer to participate and interact with them. They do not create an illusion of space, but use reverse perspective to come out to the viewer. They do not use foreshortening, but draw people in profile or frontally, thus maintaining the integrity of the two dimensional surface.

Two elements constitute and icon, line and form. We draw exactly what we will paint before we pick up a brush. Once we have the entire image drawn out, then we begin to paint. We call it “process painting”, because we follow step by step building up layer upon layer to get the final image. Each icon is meticulously modeled with thousands of strokes using the tip of the brush. Line gives life to the form, and the modeling of the form through color, brings it to life, making it real and relational for us.

Icons are not sentimental but expressive. They do not show the human being as fallen, but they transcend physical reality to reveal a deeper reality, a transformed reality. That is why not every icon looks exactly the same, we are not copying physical reality, but trying to cap-ture something deeper.

If an icon moves you in your spirit to glorify God, then it has done its work. If it brings you to repentance then you have become sensitive to its reality. Byzantine icons lead us to God and they bring God to us.

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending 10/30/16
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $773,120.00
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $6878.28 

A MESSAGE OF LOVE
May the Spirit of Christmas
Be with you Always
Your Endowment Fund Committee 

Lost and Found Items 

The office has several items that either have been forgotten in the church when attending service or attending a function in the hall. Please stop by our Lost and Found table we will have on Jan 15 in coffee hour and claim your item you misplaced.

RECENT DEATHS 

A still birth occurred in the Meagan & George Sarkis family on Nov 2. James Erinakes, age 71, of W. Warwick, RI passed away on 11/17/16. Memorial Prayers were offered on 11/25.16. Salvatore DiChiara, age 86, of Providence passed away on 11/24/16. His funeral and burial was held on 11/28/16. Also the mother of Diane Mihailides (Claire T. Miner) passed away as did the father of Lillian Maintanis (Albert Cardillo).
~May Their Memory Be Eternal~

ANNUNCIATOR YOUTH PAGE
Scouting Award Received 

Three of our teen parishioners active in Cranston Boy Scout Troop 6 sponsored by our parish received the Orthodox Religious Scouting Alpha Omega Award; Constantine Coclin, Nickolas Psikakos and Steven Sardella. Congratulations to them!

Up-Coming Parish Youth Events 

Tuesday December 27h Family Game Night
Sunday January 8th Goya Ski Trip Meeting
Saturday January 21st Ski Trip
Sunday February 5th Godparent Luncheon

MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS TO FOLLOW TO RSVP TO THE NEXT UPCOMING EVENT CALL OR TEXT CJ MITRELIS AT (401) 6328752

Snapshot of the Recent Goya Dance
Saturday November 26, 2016 

2016 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 419 parishioners with the pledge of $206,907.00
The actual amount received to date is $195,546.76 

M/M Andreas Andreopoulos, M/M Ilias Antonakos, M/M Michael Balasco, M/M John Bunch, M/M Marcus Cacchillo, Michael Choy, M/M Thomas Coyne, M/M Thomas Cragin, Vivian Dafoulas, M/M Theoharis Eliopoulos, M/M Kenneth Falcone, M/M Christian Farman, Mersine Florio, Georgia Fortu-nato, M/M Nicholas Gannek, M/M James Grammas, Constantine Georas, Alexis George, M/M Carl Hague, M /M James Hosey, Niki Kyrou, M/M James Maintanis, Stavroula Marsis, M/M Anthony Mas-simino, M/M Christo Mihalos, Evridiki Metakos, M/M Alexios Nikolaidis, Dr. & Mrs. Demetrius Photopoulos, M/M Thomas Pontikes, Frederick Promades, M/M Demetrius Sampalis, Georgia Scapina-kis, M/M Robert Senerchia, M/M Robert Spagnolo, Cynthia Springer, M/M Dimitrios Sterpis, M/M Leon Stamatakos, Jeanne Stappas, M/M Edward Tarbox, M/M Stylianos Triantafyllou, M/M Christos Tsiakiris, M/M Basilios Tsimikas, M/M George Tsimikas, M/M Aristotelis Tsonis, M/M Peter Tzanetos, M/M Peter Vican, M/M Jason Wheatley, M/M James Xiarhos, M/M Jason Xynellis, Leona Zachos.

“We brought nothing into this world and it is certain we carry nothing out.” (I Timothy 6:7) 

“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (I Timothy 6: 18) 

8th Annual Annunciation Golf Tournament Thank You! 

Thank God the weather was excellent! The conditions couldn’t have been any better for a round of golf in August at Metacomet CC! It was a good way to end the month before focusing on the festival. The foursome of George Coclin, won the men’s flight, shooting a nine under par 61. For more information be sure to visit the tournament website, www.annunciationgolf.org, or on Facebook www.facebook.com/annunciationgolf.

The golf committee would especially like to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers, and participants that made this year’s Annunciation Golf Tournament a continued success! Sponsors of this year’s tournament were: Costa Perdikakis and family, Peter Vican, George Coclin, Dennis Sampalis, Jeffrey Cascione/Navigant Credit Union, Dr. Peter Baziotis, Michael and Kassiane Campopiano, John Gianakouras, Mar-do Lachapelle & Palumbo, Joseph Sciacca Esq, Walpole Cooperative Bank, and Bank Newport. The Hole in One prize of a 2017 Lincoln MKZ was sponsored by Carl Tasca Jr. and Tasca Automotive Group. Also, a very special thank you to the volunteers who spent their Sunday afternoon helping to make things run smoothly: Theofanis Markos, Kevin Phelan, Dina Mihos, Voula Devlin, and Anthony George.

Through the generous support or our sponsors and participants, the golf committee was able to make a donation to both the Interfaith Food Bank, in an effort to help the homeless and hungry, as well as our church’s general fund to aid with the opera-tional expenses of the church. To date, the Annunciation Golf Tournament has raised $125,000 since it began in 2009.

We look forward to seeing everyone at next year’s tournament!

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2

We are nearly completed with the first project of our Capital Improvements to the interior of our church. The new iconography has been installed in the Platytera. It is beautiful.

We have started the official fund raising effort and pledge cards have been mailed out. Below is a list of all those people who have submitted their pledges and contribution. We have received 34 pledges as of Dec. 9th. The total amount that has been pledged is $102,042.00. The amount of contributions received and deposited is $65,717.00 

Mrs. Elaine Allendorf, Dr. & Mrs. James Andriotis, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Baziotis, M/M Michael Baldoumis, M/M Constantinos Dafoulas, Mr. Haralambos Dafoulas, M/M Gabby Daiaa, Mr. Louis Dostou, Drs. Nicholas & Sadie Elisseou, M/M Stephan Erinakes, Rev. Andrew George, M/M Peter & Argiri Ghionis, Mr. Michael Giouras, M/M Paul Hosey, Mrs. Elizabeth Marses, M/M George Melanis, M/M George Mihailides Jr., M/M Andrew Mitrelis, Dr. & Mrs. James Pascalides, M/M Kevin Phelan, Philoptochos Society, M/M Carroll Promades, Mrs. Mary Quinn, Mrs. Mary Samaras & Family, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Sardella, M/M Dimitrios Sterpis, M/M Nicholas Tanionos, M/M Stavros Theodosiou, Mrs. Antonia Vanikiotis, M/M John Vanikiotis, M/M Peter Vassilopoulos, M/M Christos Xenophontos, Mrs. Maria Zaharakos.

Thank you all for your very generous donations. Submitted By James Silva

FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Join us in a friendly family vs family night of triv-ia, brain teasers and physical challenges. For fami-lies with children from Pre-K through 12th graders.

When: Tuesday December 27th 

JEOPARDY!
Where: Church of the Annunciation – 175 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston RI
Time: 5pm-8pm
Main dish will be provided, families are asked to bring a side dish or dessert.

Text/email CJ Mitrelis at (401)632-8752 cmitr1@unh.newhaven.edu
To RSVP by December 18th

Baby Sitters Sought 

A number of new families who have come to our parish from out of state are seeking baby sitters, thus our Stewardship / Welcoming Committee would like to establish a listing of people available to baby sit. Contact Lisa Wheatley if you would like to be placed on this “call list” at 943-0859.

Special At Our Parish Bookstore 

The newly published book through Thomas Nelson Publishers on the life of His Holi-ness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as Patriarch, is available in our parish bookstore. The book contains a forward by Pope Francis. Also with New Years Day on the horizon and the celebration of St Basil’s Day with the traditional Vasilopita breads for our family dinner tables, the “St Basil Coins” are at our bookstore as well.

Ideal Gifts for our Teens 

Parents, grandparents, Godparents are urged to consider giving the “gift” of funds so a teen can attend winter or summer camp of our Metropolis (in NH) or of the Archdio-cese (in Greece), or other special youth programs such as the up-coming one-day Goya ski / snowboarding trip. This can be a Christmas gift just ahead, or for a birth-day, name day graduation or special commemoration.

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) 

A regional, Pan-Orthodox Dinner will be held for the benefit of IOCC here at our par-ish on Sat, April 22. In preparation for this gathering, Lou Zagami, IOCC develop-ment officer will visit our parish on Jan 8 to spearhead the formation of a committee to work with our parish council for the April gathering. IOCC is the world-wide hu-manitarian arm of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops. Learn more at <IOCC.org>

Attention College Students 

Applications for the Pan Hellenic Scholarship Foundation are currently available on their web site and due on Jan 31, 2017 <www.panhellenicscholarships.org>

A total of $250, 000 will be awarded….
20 awards of $10K based on academic achievement and financial need
20 awards of $2,500 based solely on academic achievement
These are available to undergraduate students of Hellenic descent. 

“Real Break” for College Students 

The college ministry of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops (OCF) offers a “travel out-reach program” to various locations, serving those in need during the spring break from classes. For details visit <www.ocf.net/real-break-2017

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR 

DECEMBER 2016-JANUARY 2017 

Our Annual Greek Food Fair and Christmas Bazaar was an overwhelming success this year. Thank you to all who supported this major Philopto-chos fund-raiser in any way. A big “EFHARISTO” to all our donors (too numerous to list) to our wonderful ladies of the Philoptochos who work tirelessly all year long for our cause, to our volunteers, to our men (and women) in the kitchen for the delicious food preparations, to the women who came on the baking nights, to Fran and Elaine in the office, to our Custodian Donald, and to Father Andrew for his constant support. While our final figures are not ready, we are happy to an-nounce that as of now, we have grossed over $40,000.00. KE TOU CHRONOU!

Meanwhile, Philoptochos continues on its journey of Philanthropy. Thank you to Josie Aliferakis, Karen Drager, Megan Sarkis, Michael and Bessie Papigiotis for shopping and preparing the Thanksgiving Baskets which were delivered to various families to help make their Thanksgiving Celebration a little brighter. Thank you to the Faith Nursery School children and the children of our Church Sunday School for their dona-tions of nonperishable items for these baskets. What a wonderful learning experience for all these children.

Recently, our beautiful Church was enhanced by the Platytera which was placed over our Altar. Philoptochos, with much love for our Church and our Faith, presented a check to our Parish Council in the amount of $20,000.00 for this very beautiful iconography.

ANNUAL VASILOPETA LUNCHEON: As is the obligation of every Philoptochos Chapter in the country, we are now preparing for our Annual Vasilopeta Luncheon which will be held on January 22, 2017. Chairing this event is Kate Silva, Roula Proyous, and Eleni Trikoulis. Reservations may be made during the Coffee Hours following Divine Liturgy or by calling Kate Silva 946-1935. Tickets are $10 per person.

PHILOPTOCHOS PROJECTS: We continue with our Prayer Shawl Ministry and ask that anyone with knitting or crocheting skills please help us with this project. We will provide the yarn. All we ask is for your talent to make a prayer shawl which we need at this time. Please call Anna Demetrakas, 946-0550, and offer to help. She will provide you with the yarn.

We are also continuing to collect health and beauty aid items which we bring to Homeless Shelters when we have enough to donate. We also collect eyeglasses of any type. Please place in the bins provided in the Demetrakas Hall entrance.

Thank you to all who donated scarves, mittens, hats, etc. to Make a Difference Day in Honor of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios’ Name Day which was a combined effort with Philoptochos and our Church School Children. All these items were donated to McCauley Village Ministry to help the homeless keep warm during these winter months. Chairlady was Nancy Harritos, assisted by Marianne Phelan.

In another act of philanthropy and Christmas spirit, Philoptochos donated (4) $25 phone cards to service men deployed overseas to call home and wish their families a Merry Christmas

CHRISTMAS PARTY: Thank you to Karen Drager and Josie Aliferakis for Chairing our Christmas Celebration Party this year. Mile and a Quarter House was the venue this year, and a wonderful evening was enjoyed by all.

As the end of the year draws near, we remind everyone to be sure their membership for the year 2016 has been remitted to Mary Samaras. Please keep in mind when remitting your membership for the 2017 year, that $15 per capita is sent to National Philoptochos and $5 to the Metropolis Philoptochos. If you have any questions regarding member-ship, please call Mary Samaras 781-5528. Please mail to the Church Office, Attention, Mary Samaras. Thank you. We ask you to also remit your $5 for the Sisterhood of St. Basil’s Academy which should be mailed to the Church Office, Attention Carol Rothemich. Thank you.

DONATIONS: National Philoptochos: Hellenic College-Holy Cross Scholarship Fund $500, Retired Clergy/Presvyteres’ Benevolent Fund $100, Louisiana Flood Re-lief, $500, and Special Olympics $100.

In the spirit of this Christmas Season, we wish for all
MERRY CHRISTMAS — KALA CHRISTOUYENNA
And
A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR = KALI CHRONIA 

GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
KAREN DRAGER, CORRRESPONSING SECRETARY

The Children Of St. Basil’s Academy Need Your Help!!
Please Support Our Vasilopeta Luncheon
Let’s Put a Smile on the Children’s Faces….

Date: Sunday, January 22, 2017
Place: Mihailides Center
Time: 11:30 AM
DONATIONS: $10.00 Per Person

ALL DONATIONS WILL BE APPRECIATED 

Call: Kate Silva 946-1935
Roula Proyous 781-8567
Eleni Trikoulis 944-4530

Late December 2016—Early January 2017 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NATIVITY CYCLE OF SERVICES 

Friday Dec 23—Royal Hours—9:30am (NO Communion) 

Saturday Dec 24—Vesper & Liturgy of Chrysostom—6PM 

(Caroling at the end…departure around 8PM) 

Sunday Dec 25—Orthros & Liturgy of Basil The Great 

(Usual morning hours) 

No fasting until Jan 5 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 

 

COMING UP IN 2017 

Sun Feb 5– God Parents’ Observance

Mon Feb 27—Clean Monday—1st Day of Great Lent

Sun March 12—Oratorical Festival

Sun March 26—Annunciation Parish Luncheon

Sun April 9—Palm Sunday (Eastern & Western together)

Sun April 16—Easter (Eastern & western together)

Sat April 22—Pan-Orthodox IOCC Dinner

Sun April 30—Showing of the Film “Beneath the Olive Tree”

Sat / Sun—May 6-7—Spring Greek Food Fair

Thu May 25—Ascension Day

Sun June 4—Pentecost

Fri / Sat / Sun—Sept 8,9,10—Greek Festival

 

On Our Cover

“I thank thee for the wonder of Thy Goodness, manifest in countless ways,
I thank Thee for the wonder of my mind,
I thank Thee for the wonder of my soul, and of Thy Word in Christ.” 

Giving thanks to God for His mercies and His blessings, my dear Christians, is always a de-lightful duty. Gratitude makes all our blessings doubly blessed. It makes us stand in respect before the wonderful and abundant goodness of God.

On Thanksgiving day, Americans of all creeds will pause to give thanks to the Lord for this wonderful land of ours. Many of us will give thanks to God consciously as we bow our heads in prayer over the laden table of Thanksgiving. Like the pilgrims before us, we will pause at the end of a seasons’ work harvest to thank God who made it possible. Thanksgiving Day is demonstrative of the spiritual foundations of our democracy. The spirit of gratitude was deep in the hearts of the founders of Thanksgiving Day. It was natural for the religious founders of our Nation to establish such a day. One of the basic elements of divine worship is to give thanks to Almighty God for the many and single favors received from Him as a Nation and as individual citizens.

This special act of gratitude, which was first observed by the pilgrims after the successful conclusion of the Harvest, in December of 1621, was formally established as Thanksgiving Day by a presidential proclamation in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, a holiday which we con-tinue to observe. America is a God-fearing and God-loving Nation. It is in God we have placed our Trust and by God we asked to be judged. “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow” be-gins the traditional Thanksgiving Hymn, “Praise God all creatures here on Earth.” 

But times have changed. Many people have forgotten God. Giving thanks to God has be-come a forgotten virtue. Others take the goodness of God for granted. Someone has said that “we never know the real joy of entering God’s gifts—until thanksgiving becomes for us a con-tinuous and inspiring experience.” 

As a token of our gratitude for God’s gracious gift of abundance, let us share generously with those less fortunate than we—at home and abroad. Let us at this season of thanksgiving perform deeds of Thanksgiving, and throughout the year, let us fulfill those obligations of citi-zenship and humanity which spring from grateful hearts.

On that day, let us express our gratitude for inestimable blessings of God. Let us earnestly pray that God continues to guide and sustain us in the great tasks of achieving His will and commandments.

Guest Article Rev. Philip Gialopsos

Dear Parishioners, 

We are pleased to announce the upcoming Parish Assembly. This Assembly will be held at the Mihailides Center on Sunday, November 20th following coffee hour. We urge all our parishioners to attend this Assembly for you will have the opportunity to appoint members to the Endowment Committee as well as to nominate Parish Council Members for the upcoming elections, and act upon the Proposed 2017 Budget while being informed directly on various important topics listed below.

As always, only our parishioners, Baptized or Chrismated in the Orthodox Church, who are in ecclesiastical order, and are financially in good standing with the parish, may vote at this Assembly; your 2015 stewardship pledge must have been paid in full prior to the meeting and a stewardship pledge form for 2016 must have been submitted. These can also be executed the day of the Assembly, but it is strongly encouraged to do this through the office well before the meeting to avoid confusion at the registration table.

The Agenda is as follows:

1. Opening Prayer

2. Election of Assembly Officers

3. Approval of the Minutes of the last Regular Assembly (June 7, 2016)-previously mailed

4. President’s Report – Kevin Phelan

5. Priest’s Report – Fr. Andrew George

6. Auditor’s Committee Report for 2015 Financials – Maria Markos

7. Presentation of the Proposed 2017 Budget – Dean Perdikakis
-Proposed Budget will be available after November 15, 2016

8. 145-151 Oaklawn LLC Report – George Coclin

9. Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Report – Peter Manis
-Nominations for the new term on Endowment Committee – Dennis Sampalis

10. Phase II Report – Nick Tanionos

11. Board of Elections Report – John Psikakos – Nominations for Parish Council

12. Unfinished Business:

13. New Business:

14. Closing Prayer

We look forward to welcoming you at the Parish Assembly on November 20, 2016.

Faithfully yours,

Kevin Phelan
Elaine Otto
Fr. Andrew G. George

WELCOME TO FR. ANTHONY SALZMAN 

November is the month when the long awaited Platytera icon and Angels will be placed in our altar apse; in particular the process will begin the week of November 14. Exe-cuting this project will be Fr Anthony Saltzman of Image & Likeness Iconography of Watkinsville, GA. He is expected to be with us for a 10 day period. He will be our guest preacher on Sun Nov 20. Many of us have meet him previously as he also re-paired our Pantocrator icon high in the dome some 12 years ago and recently as well in that he has been in and out of our parish at various times this past year meeting with our Phase II Committee. We warmly welcome him again and look forward to the com-pletion of this first part of our Phase II Program.

MISSION CANISTER JARS 

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) has been spreading the Ortho-dox Christian Faith in far away countries in an organized effort for over 35 years since its establishment. One of its most successful programs in collecting funds, is through the canister display containers placed on counter tops at vari-ous restaurants throughout America. Here in RI the late Angelo Maintanis co-ordinated this effort so faithfully. We announce today that the new coordinator for the OCMC Canister Program is Lakis Andriotis. He will be visiting various parishioners establishments – please welcome him and support this effort to place a canister in your facility. You may also call him directly to request one at 401-654-6875.

COUNCIL NOMINATIONS – DUE BEFORE NOV 20 

Our Fall Parish Assembly as noted elsewhere in this mailing will be held on Sun Nov 20 after coffee hour. Amongst the agenda items will be the nomination for 7 positions on the parish council for a 2 year term (2017-2018). Those who desire to nominate themselves may do so after requesting eligibility requirements and nomination forms from the parish office. All nominations are due BEFORE the Assembly. They may be submitted to the parish office or to the Board of Elections Chairman, John Psikakos.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 

Once again we will have an early evening, New Years Party open to all, with special emphasis given to households with children (thus the earlier hours). Watch for details soon. New Year’s Eve is a Saturday night this year.

2016 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT 

We have to date 384 parishioners with a pledge of $193,842.00 

The Actual Amount Received is $177,183.52 

Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2016: 

M/M Michael Campopiano, M/M Dean Costakos, M/M Hercules Fircanis,

Nicholas Fircanis, M/M George Grammas, John Grossomanides,

Maria Hatzinikolaou, Peter Hoopis, M/M Constantine Marses, David Massenzio,

Arthur Samos, M/M Nicholas Sarkis, Constantine Scapinakis, M/M Grigorios Sifakis, M/M Ernest Sotirakos, Stavros Theodosiou, Antone Topouzis,

M/M Kostas Trikoulis, Katherine Xiarhos, M/M Peter Xiarhos, Arianna Zervos

The 2016 year is coming to a fast close. We pray that others will

participate in our 2016 Stewardship Pledge Program.

We are some 100 units behind;

please don’t over look this important manifestation

of witnessing to Christ and giving back from what we have received.

“For every good and perfect gift comes 

from above, the Father of light” – St James 1:17 

“What does it profit a man 

if he says he has faith and has no works? 

Faith, if it has no works, is dead.”- St James 2:14 

“Phase II Donations” 

In memory of Artemis Frangos donations made to the Phase II Building Fund 

By, M/M Thomas Cragin, M/M Nicholas Mesagno

In memory of Cynthia Samaras donation made to the Phase II Building Fund 

By, Mary Samaras

GREEK FESTIVAL REPORT 

At the recent Festival Thank You Dinner the financial report, including product dona-tions was distributed. Copies are available in the church narthex and also by calling the parish office.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS 

When you may have a change of address, please inform the parish office promptly. The parish pays for returned mail at $1.11 per item and this usually extends for 2-3 mailings before the postal system caches up. Include the church as the first to inform when you may move.

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News 

Financial Report for the period ending 9/30/16
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $776,464.29
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $5998.28

In memory of Lilo (Francesca) Topouzis a donation made to the Endowment Fund
By, The Lambros Family

In memory of Katherine Samos a donation made to the Endowment Fund
By, M/M Gregory Demetrakas

In memory of Cynthia Samaras a donation made to the Endowment Fund
By, M/M Thomas Dolan, Angela Panichas, Denise Panichas

A FOUNDATION OF FAITH 

Sincere Thanks to all for your continued support for our Endowment Fund You are helping pave the way for future generations to continue Christ’s Ministry and further our Greek culture. 

Respectfully Submitted: MS, EF Secretary 

DO YOU HAVE A WILL? 

Some people like to avoid this topic, but making a will is actually something very wise that saves our heirs significant time and money. With a will you en-sure your wishes are adhered to as concerns the distribution of monies and property. In fact for some people the greatest financial gift they are able to give is what they leave behind when then pass on. It is also a wonderful act of re-spect for God, when our will includes Him, by designating an amount for the work of the Lord through the local parish or any of the national ministries and institutions of the church. Speak to an attorney and plan ahead wisely.

Decent Deaths 

Emmanouel Vourvachakis, age 88 of Warwick, passed away on 10/9/16. His funeral was held at the Assumption Church—Pawtucket, by Fr. Andrew and Fr Emanuel on 10/14/16. Burial took place at the St John Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery in Cumberland. Also the mother of our parishioner Christopher Sheehan (Maureen Sheehan) at age 84, passed away. Her funeral and burial was held 10/12/16 from a Catholic Parish.

OCTOBER 2016 STEWARDSHIP
Cranston, RI
Analysis by Giving Range 

# of pledges	Amount Range
1	$10,000.00
11	$2000-$9999.
38	$1000-$1999
112	$500-$999.
88	$300-$499.
134	Less than $300.

Kudos to Presbytera Lia 

As some of you may know, Presbytera Lia has lead a long and distinguished career as a Social Worker and Psychotherapist. Over the past 18 years she has been a dedicated Social Worker for the Department of Mental Health of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (formerly known as the Worcester State Psychiatric Hospital) in Worcester, MA. During her long tenure there she has received recognition as Employee and Clinician of the Year on several occasions, and has also been recognized for her outstanding clinical work in providing on site Emergency Counseling to victims and their family members at numerous Emergency and Disaster Situations in Massachusetts, including the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Company Fire in December 1999 in which six firefighters perished, and immediately following the deadly Tornados that struck Western Massachusetts in June 2011 when she was dispatched to Monson, MA for more than a week to attend to the needs of a community devastated by a force of nature, as well as in follow up there after.

I am proud and honored to announce that on Friday 21 October 2016, Presbytera Lia was pre-sented with a 2016 Commonwealth Citation for Outstanding Performance at a Performance Recognition Ceremony at the Massachusetts State House by Governor Charles D. Baker. Presbytera Lia was selected for this Citation from among numerous Department of Mental Health Employees and Teams from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for her lead-ership of the Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP) at the Worcester Recovery and Treat-ment Center, a team of dedicated clinicians who respond emergently to the emotional needs of any of their coworkers, peers, and staff who have unfortunately been physically assaulted and traumatized in the line of duty of providing care to very severely ill psychiatric patients. Pres-bytera Lia was notified of this honor by Joan Mikula, the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health with these words: “As the recipient of this Citation, this distinction certainly speaks to your exemplary performance in public service. Your contribution serves as an ex-ample to others in the care and treatment of adults, children, and adolescents with mental ill-nesses. I am grateful for your dedicated and compassionate work ethic.” In addition to the above noted State House Ceremony, Presbytera Lia was also recognized for this Citation at the Department of Mental Health Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 2 November 2016 at the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital.

Presbytera Lia and her family emigrated to the United States from Athens, Greece in 1974. She is a Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Vassar College with a BA in Psychology in 1982 with General Honors and Departmental Honors. She completed her grad-uate studies at the State University of New York in Albany at the School of Social Welfare with an MSW Masters of Social Work with High Distinction in 1985. She has dedicated her career as a Social Worker and Psychotherapist, having worked at the Association for Retarded Chil-dren in Albany, NY, the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canton, MA, and at the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital in Worcester, MA. She is a devout Orthodox Chris-tian, a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and of course, a humble and lov-ing Presbytera of the Annunciation Church here in Cranston.

God Bless you Presbytera, and Pantote Axia!

Fr. Emanuel +

To all members of the Odyssey Dance Troupe family (past and present),

After another successful festival year, we wanted to take this opportunity to extend a very heartfelt THANK YOU to all the members of our Odyssey Dance Troupe. Each year, you work tirelessly to put together a spectacular representation of not only our Greek culture, but also of our Annunciation community. We are so proud of your dedication, your time, and your enthusiasm for the dance troupe, now beginning its 33rd year. We truly hope that you enjoy your participation as much as we enjoy teaching and sharing this journey with you.

We started with only 8 children in 1984 and have now grown to an over 90 member all-volunteer organization supported by the strength and dedication of you, its members. The ODT tradition was built by the over 300 members who have participated since our inception. To all that have participated in the past, thank you for helping to grow our dance troupe—we would not be here today if it were not for your commitment and efforts.

Over the last 32 years, we have learned and performed over 120 different traditional dances from all regions of Greece. We strongly believe that exposing all of you to various styles of dancing only enhances your ability to learn and perform dances not only in the troupe, but also at social functions and family events. Our outfit collection has also grown to over 100 outfits representing about 15 unique styles from villages around Greece. Many of our outfits are handmade or purchased directly from Greece, thanks to prior fundraising efforts and the generosity of our community members.

Each year, we perform 5 unique performances during the festival weekend. We spend about 8 hours preparing and performing that weekend alone, in addition to the approximately 20 hours of time that many of you spend preparing the outfits and the tents with us dur-ing the week before the festival. We wanted to thank all of you who volunteer your time dur-ing the week of the festival to prepare for what is our biggest weekend of the year. The cama-raderie and fellowship that we share during these times is invaluable and has led to the strong relationships that we have cultivated over the years.

Throughout the year, we put in a total of 50 hours of practice time starting in April to prepare for the festival. We are so grateful for your time, especially in a world with so many compet-ing demands. We hope that you will continue to enjoy the experience as much as we do—we know that the thousands of people who watch you dance each year certainly enjoy it. After one of the performances this year, a non-parishioner came up to us to express how moved she was to see so many youth and young adults sharing in their culture together, smiling, laugh-ing, and enjoying themselves. She said it was a “priceless” experience for her—we couldn’t agree more. The bonds and relationships that we build through ODT are, in fact, priceless.

To all ODT members past and present, their families, parents, grandparents, friends, and to all those who have supported our mission throughout the years, we are extremely grateful to have each of you as part of our ODT family. Thank you for all that you have done and contin-ue to do to showcase our thriving and vibrant culture here in Cranston and beyond.

OPA! Koula & Savva Rougas

GOYA LEAF RAKING 

Sunday November 6th will be the date of Goya’s annual leaf raking event. If any youth would like to volunteer their time or if any elderly parishioners are in need of leaf rak-ing, please call CJ Mitrelis at 401-632-8752. Any youth who wishes to volunteer is asked to bring leaf raking supplies such as gloves, rakes, and leaf bags.

BASKETBALL HAS NOW STARTED 

Our Basketball season will begin. We will form 3 co-ed teams- Elementary (ages 5-8) but no actual games for them, just a learning program / Junior Team (ages 8-14) and our Senior Team (ages 15-18). Practices will be Fridays at Hope Highland Middle School in Cranston, running 7-10PM. Contact Stephen Sterpis with any questions at 401-226-3166 or ssterpis621@gmail.com

GOYA DANCE 

Church youth are invited to join us for a Goya Homecoming dance. The dance will be held on Saturday November 26 from 6pm until 10:30pm. Please look for upcoming fli-er for further information.

FOOD DRIVE FOR THANKSGIVING 

All our youth are reminded to bring non-perishable food items on the Sunday before Thanksgiving (Nov 20). This drive will benefit the special thanksgiving baskets being pprepared and distributed by the Philoptochos. If you are aware of a family in need that can benefit from such a basket contact Bessie Papigiotis at 949-3240.

GIFTS OF ST. NICHOLAS – DUE DEC 4 

The annual “Gifts of St. Nicholas Program’ of our Sunday Church School are to be de-livered to church on Sun Dec. 4th. Parents are reminded that their children are to select an item they desire for themselves, but instead it will be given to a less fortunate child. Gifts should be wrapped and marked with “age and/or size” of the gift and if it is for a “male or a female”. Gift cards in any denomination are also welcome and these will be sent to St. Basil’s Academy for the children there. The boxed gifts will be distributed this year to the Elisha project locally.

SAVE THE DATE—TUES., DEC 27 

A family night will be held on Tues. evening during the Christmas School Break which will feature “Family Game Night”. Watch for details.

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR – NOVEMBER, 2016 

Please remember to come and support Philoptochos during their major fund-raiser of the year, the ANNUAL GREEK FOOD FAIR AND CHRISTMAS BAZAAR ON NOVEMBER 12-13TH. This event is a long-standing tradition in our Parish for approximately 60 years, started by our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc. many years ago…..during the time our Church was on Pine Street in Providence. Please support this fund-raiser which enables us to help, not only those in need, but our Church, our Church School Children, our Greek School Children, and our Endowment Fund. If you can donate a prize for our Raffles (Day Raffle and Grand Raffle), an item for our Silent Auction, Pastry, Vintage items, Handcraft and Christmas Boutique, we would appreciate it. If you can volunteer an hour or two to help those days, please call Georgia Pappas 351-3927. Thank you.

THANKSGIVING BASKETS-Looking ahead to Thanksgiving, we will be preparing Thanksgiving Baskets to help bring some cheer on Thanksgiving Day to those that may need some assistance. If there is someone you know, whose holiday will be a little brighter, with our help, please call Bessie Papigiotis (949-3240), Georgia Pappas (351-3927) or Father Andrew. Baskets will be distributed Monday (Nov. 21) prior to Thanksgiving Day. This year, we will have a coordinated effort with our Church School Children, our Philoptochos, and the Faith Nursery School children in collecting food items for our Thanksgiving Baskets. What a wonderful lesson for these young children to learn by helping those in need. Thank you to all the children and their fami-lies for their help.

CHRISTMAS PARTY-Our annual Christmas celebration will be held on Thursday, December 8th, at the Mile and a Quarter Restaurant. Chairladies of this fun even-ing are Karen Drager and Josie Aliferakis. Guests are more than welcomed. Please join us as we relax and usher in the beautiful Christmas season celebrating the birth of our Lord. Details are as follows:

DATE: THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 8TH, 2016
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
PLACE: MILE AND A QUARTER RESTAURANT, SOUTH MAIN STREET, PROVIDENCE, RI, GREEK NIGHT/MUSIC AT 9:00 p.m. PARKING AVAILABLE 

MENU CHOICES: SALMON, CHICKEN LEMONE, AND VEAL PAR-MIGIANNA – THIS IS A COMPLETE DINNER INCLUDING HORS D’OEUVRES, SALAD, ENTRÉE, ROLLS AND BUTTER, COFFEE, TEA AND DESSERT 

PRICE: $40.00 PER PERSON – GUESTS WELCOMED 

DEADLINE: December 1st FOR RESERVATIONS CALL: Karen Drager – 578-8116 or Georgia Pappas 351-3927. Checks payable to Philoptochos and mailed to Church Office c/o Philoptochos, and attention Karen Drager or Georgia Pappas.

METROPOLIS FUNDRAISER: “ORANGE, BROWN, RED, & GOLD…COME SEE WHAT THE BID-N-BUY SHALL HOLD”- This event will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 20th from 3-6 p.m. at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester, Ma. Admission is $20 per person Hors’doeuvres, wine and cheese, coffee and pastries will be served. We are carpooling, and if you are interested in attending please contact Bessie Papigiotis 949-3240, BPapigiotis@verizon.net or Marianne Phelan 943-9201, marianne.phelan@gmail.com . Thank you.

DONATIONS: National Philoptochos: Hellenic College-Holy Cross Scholarship Fund $500; Retired Clergy/Presvyteres Benevolent Fund $100; Louisiana Flood Relief $500; Special Olympics $100.

We hope to see you at the Greek Food Fair and Christmas Bazaar on November 12-13th.

GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
KAREN DRAGER, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

ADVENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 15 / The Christmas Lent 

Advent is the sacred season of preparation, penitence and expectancy! “Advent” means “the coming of our Lord as an infant child….as the fulfillment of all the ancient prophesies….the coming of the Redeemer! 

In our Orthodox Tradition, Advent is a 40-day period of preparation for the Feast of the Nativity, the Blessed event of the Birth of Jesus Christ, when the second person of the Holy Trinity entered human history, when God took on flesh.

During this season, the Church recognizes the spiritual and psychological need for readying the believer’s mind and soul for the anniversary of Christ’s Coming as the Babe of Bethlehem….for His Coming to the hearts of those who love Him. 

“lifting our minds to Bethlehem, let us ascent with our conscience and behold the great Mystery that is in the cave…” (from an Advent Vesper Hymn).

Most especially, during Advent, our Holy Church reminds us to be very careful of the secularization and commercialization of the Christmas Season. The Church also en-courages her faithful to perform works of charity and penance, to practice the discipline of fasting in preparation of the up-coming feast, to spend extra time in prayer and med-itation. All this, in order to prepare for celebrating as worthy as possible, the Coming of God in the flesh, the Birth of Our Lord and Saviour. 

The Advent Food Fast is broken into two distinct periods. 

NOV 15—DEC 12: Sun, Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sat. are a “light fast”.
Weds. & Fri. are a “strict fast”
Dec. 13—Dec 24: All days are a strict fast with oil & wine permitted on Sat. & Sun.

As with all fasting seasons, fasting is to be done in accordance with peoples age and health.

On Our Cover 

It has been a most unique election season these past several months and soon it will be Election Day – Tues November 8. So much has been said and critiqued; many are confused and displeased and others are thrilled. Some don’t want to vote for either presidential candi-date….so it is said. Probably all of us will be happy when it is all over and done with.

Elsewhere in this issue I have included an article entitled “Do Politics Become the Christian?” We often hear…it is our “civic duty to vote.” This article tells us that it is also (or first) our Christian duty to vote. I have a major concern in this election cycle…..

So much pro/con has been said about the presidential side of this election, that many may not know that there is MORE than just the president being voted on in this election! And if it is true that many don’t want to vote for either presidential candidate, they may not go to the polls at all. Not fair for the other levels of our government and the election process.

The November 8th election also includes the election for the US House of Representatives, as well as our Rhode Island State Senate (in fact all 38 seats). There are also 7 State ballot measures (concerning a casino and various bond issues….new Veterans Home, higher edu-cation, affordable housing projects, to name a few). Many cities will vote for mayor and school boards as well. So there is a lot at stack here…not just voting for the next president of our nation.

Of course we should not go to vote, just to vote…we should study the issues and the various candidates on all levels of government and do so from a Christian perspective. This stand-ard may not always fit, but it should be reviewed and be a reference point, for therein when a candidate does live a life of Christ they can affect society in the most positive manner. This should be our focus, yet granted it won’t always connect to the candidate’s life style or views on all issues. But when it does, it should be a no brainer.

Few however in any election season will totally meet the criteria on all issues of the day. That’s why prayer is key…..for the nation, our state and our cities and yes for those elected who will lead us…for what may be their view at one point might not remain. Praying for civic leaders fervently, can have an effect in improving them!

ON ELECTION DAY WE WILL HAVE MORNING SERVICES AS IT COINCIDES WITH THE OBSERVANCE OF THE ANGELS WHO PROTECT US.

Fr. Andrew +

2016 GREEK FESTIVAL NEWS HOPE YOU CAN MAKE THIS DATE, YOU SO DESERVE A THANK YOU DINNER / REVIEW MEETING FOR VOLUNTEERS

MONDAY October 11 @ 6pm
FESTIVAL RAFFLE WINNER – Kevin Martin…..$5000.00 

Imagine he was walking by the table and 3 young girls were promoting the ticket sales, telling everyone “Raffle Tickets, buy your Raffle Tickets”, so he walked by the table then stopped went back and bought the ticket, he said “if it wasn’t for those young girls promoting the sale of the tickets I would of just kept walking.” He also acknowledged the effort of the girls and gave them each a gift. 

De-Briefing Meeting for all Booth & Area Chairs
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 @7:30 pm after the thank you dinner

Platytera Installation Ahead in November 

Beginning on November 15, work will begin preparing the space within the altar apse to receive the long awaited icon commonly known as the Platytera along with 2 angels supporting her as displayed over these past several months on the big rendering board at our last Parish Assembly and kept since in our narthex, for all to view in anticipation of the beginning of the PHASE 2 Program of our church interior renovations. This pre-liminary work and the actual installation of the icon already written (i.e. painted) is ex-pected to take about 8-10 days. On site will be our iconographer Fr Anthony Salzman and his crew. The altar apse itself will be completely sealed off from the rest of the church. Normal services will be served directly in church, but from the Solea and not from within the altar. Coming your way in the mail soon will be the materials concern-ing the Phase 2, Two-Year Fund Drive (2017-2018) for which we seek everyone’s fi-nancial support to enable us to begin the other aspects of the program in anticipation of the 50th year of the completion of the erection of our church edifice.

Parish Council Nominations Ahead 

Next month our parish Board of Elections will be accepting nominations for positions on the parish council for the 2-year term 2017-2018. Those desiring to submit their own name may do so after requesting eligibility requirements from the Parish Office.

REMEMBER 10 Minutes a day for Bible Reading & Prayer at home.

Annunciation Athletics Program (AAP) 

2016-2017 Basketball Season 

Mission: Our mission is to teach our youth lifelong skills such as respect, responsibility, trust, leadership, team work, and sportsman ship through the sport of basketball.

Vision: “Strength in unity in faith” use team building concepts to grow as players,

Individual friends and family ,creating life long bonds.

Goal: Win on the court and win in life “develop the leaders, shape the future.”

We are excited to start the 2016—2017 Basketball Season Program. The new season is upon us and we are looking forward to seeing returning players and welcoming new players to the pro-gram. Basketball is not only a physical sport but also a mental strategic game. We are pre-pared to provide the teachings and coaching skills needed to see you succeed as a team on the court and as a team in faith.

Here are the details: 

Practice will be on Fridays, starting at 7pm till 9:30pm. A schedule of future Friday night prac-tice dates will be handed out at practice. Starting date and location is still being worked on late October early November, it will be in Cranston.

Elementary Team: Ages 5-8 Practices only “learning how to play” NO OFFICIAL Games.

Junior Team: Ages 8-14, Games will be Saturday mornings at Haven United Methodist Church in East Providence. Junior team is divided into 2 teams A and B…….A team are those who have been playing for years and B team are those new to the sport. Based on practice the coaches will decide your skill level and what team you will be placed on.

Senior Team: Ages 15-18, To Be Determined based on number of participants this season

Should you have any questions, please call or text Stephen Sterpis (Athletics Coordinator) at 401-226-3116 or ssterpis621@gmail.com. Please leave a descriptive email, text or voice mail with the following information……..

Childs name
Age- and birth date
T-Shirt size (****specify youth or adult size)
Shorts size
Parents name, email address and cell phone and or home phone number

The Financial Corner 

We have just recently completed our three day summer festival for 2016. We had a tremendous festival and we were blessed with great weather. I hope you all had the opportunity to attend the festival. 

I can at this time provide you with very “preliminary” financial numbers. It was a successful festival but remember these numbers are very preliminary. 

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY TOTAL
FOOD TENT (CASH) $20,778.00 $46,875.00 $38,347.00 $106,000.00
FOOD TENT (CREDIT) $12,180.52 $26,256.36 $22,404.60 $ 60,841.48
FOOD TENT (GIFT CARD) $ 86.00 $ 000.00 $ 000.00 $ 86.00
FOOD TENT TOTALS $33,044.52 $73,131.36 $60,751.60 $166,927.48
PASTRY (CASH) $11,871.50 $23,383.00 $17,020.00 $ 52,274.50
PASTRY (CREDIT) $ 5,994.01 $ 9,881.01 $ 7,574.52 $ 23,449.54
PASTRY (GIFT CARD) $ 24.00 $ 000.00 $ 000.00 $ 24.00
PASTRY TOTALS $17,889.51 $ 33,264.01 $24,594.52 $ 75,748.04
KAFENIO (CASH) $ 1,172.00 $ 2,979.00 $ 2,396.00 $ 6,547.00
KAFENIO (CREDIT) $ 000.00 $ 000.00 $ 000.00 $ 000.00
KAFENIO (GIFT CARD) $ 000.00 $ 000.00 $ 000.00 $ 000.00
KAFENIO TOTALS $ 1,172.00 $ 2,979.00 $ 2,396.00 $ 6,547.00
LOUKOUMADES (CASH) $ 957.00 $ 2,921.00 $ 2,023.00 $ 5,901.00
LOUKOUMADES TOTALS $ 957.00 $ 2,921.00 $ 2,023.00 $ 5,901.00
DOUGH BOYS (CASH) $ 354.00 $ 762.00 $ 922.00 $ 2,038.00
DOUGH BOYS TOTALS $ 354.00 $ 762.00 $ 922.00 $ 2,038.00
BAR (CASH) $ 5,080.00 $ 10,042.00 $ 6,595.00 $ 21,717.00
BAR (CREDIT) $ 1,173.51 $ 2,316.01 $ 840.00 $ 4,329.52
BAR TOTALS $ 6,253.51 $ 12,358.01 $ 7,435.00 $ 26,046.52
KIDDIE RIDES (CASH) $ 123.00 $ 309.00 $ 291.00 $ 723.00
KIDDIE RIDES TOTALS $ 123.00 $ 309.00 $ 291.00 $ 723.00
RAFFLE (CASH) $ 1,070.00 $ 2,850.00 $ 2,120.00 $ 6,040.00
CAR RAFFLE TOTALS $ 1,070.00 $ 2,850.00 $ 2,120.00 $ 6,040.00
CHURCH TOURS (CASH) $ 258.00 $ 799.00 $ 602.00 $ 1,659.00
CHURCH TOURS TOTALS $ 258.00 $ 799.00 $ 602.00 $ 1,659.00
GRAND TOTALS $ 61,121.54 $ 129,373.38 $ 101,135.12 $ 291,630.04

The following statistics indicate the items sold:

ITEM 3 DAY TOTAL
GYRO SANDWICHES 7207 TYROPITA 628
WATER & SODA 6017 PASTITSIO ONLY 615
SPANAKOPITA 2337 POTATOES 504
DOLMADES 1474 PASTITSIO DINNER 447
LAMB DINNERS 1464 PITA BREAD 366
FRENCH FRIES 1374 HOT DOGS 360
SOUVLAKI DINNER 1070 RICE PILAF 294
TZATZIKI SAUCW 943 CHEESEBURGERS 291
GREEK SALAD 872 SOUVLAKI ONLY 260
CHICKEN DINNER 845 LOUKANICO 221 

PASTRY ITEMS SOLD ITEM 3 DAY TOTAL
MELOMAKARONA 5444 MACAROONS 1237
RIZOGALO 2327 GALKTOBOUREKO 746
BAKLAVA 2248 TYROPITA 617
KOURABIEDES 2146 SPANAKOPITA 495
DIPLES 1735 KARIDOPITA 1
KOULOURAKIA 1352
PASTRY ASSORTMENTS 1340 

It also should be mentioned that the Festival Sponsor Book this year brought in an additional $17,050.00. 

CONGRATULATIONS ON A SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL!!!!
GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!!
CORDIALLY SUBMITTED BY: JAMES SILVA

2016 Pledge Program Report
We have to date 357 parishioners with the pledge of $180,362.00
The Actual Amount Received is $161,853.22 

Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2016:
M/M Vassilios Chrysanthopoulos, Flora Delis, M/M Spiro Haritos, M/M Hrisostomos Tsioplakis, M/M Michael Haveles, Marianthi Mastriano, M/M David Mihailides, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, Haido Titelis, M/M Stavros Valkanos

As Christians, let us understand that we are the managers of God’s property as well as our time, our talents, our possessions, our body, our souls—everything is God’s. Saint Paul writes– “let each one Give as he purposes In his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; God loves a cheerful giver” 2 cor 9:7

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News 

Financial Report for the period ending 8/31/16
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $779,464.35
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $5,718.28

In memory of Cynthia Samaras a donation made to the Endowment Fund By, M/M Thomas Drennan Jr., Dorothy Pliakas, M/M Carroll F. Promades, M/M Arthur Pappas, M/M Ernest Pappas

In memory of Mary Marshallis a donation made to the Endowment Fund By, M/M Joseph Cimini, Lena Costentino, Nicoletta Panos

“Phase II Donations” 

In Memory of Artemis Frangos donations made to the Phase II Building Fund: By, Philoptochos Society, James Decoulos, Michael Krone

Parishioner News 

Alexa Papigiotis, competed in the Miss Rhode Island Teen Pageant 2017 USA and won the pageant competition on Sunday Sept. 11, 2016. She will be representing the State of Rhode Island next summer in the National Competition. September 22, she appeared on the Rhode Show along with her counterpart, Miss Rhode Island 2017 USA. Alexa competed along with 48 young ladies throughout the state and made her first public appearance throwing out the first pitch at a softball game here in Cranston. 

Alex Kanelos is the new principal at Hope Highlands Middle School here in Cranston (just converted from elementary to middle school level this year), after having been an assistant principal at Cranston High School West for the previous 3 years. Before coming to the Cranston School District he was in East Providence as a high school teacher, dean of students and head basketball coach.. 

DO POLITICS BECOME THE CHRISTIAN? 

By Rev Dr Stanley S. Harakas 

“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God, what is God’s” is a teaching of Christ. From one perspective it means at least that Christ saw the Church as something very different from the State and its methods.

Yet, “Render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar’s” is also a command. It seems to imply that there is a responsibility to be exercised toward the State by the Church, too. How is this to be explained?

While we can think of the church as official, we also know that the church is the body of the believers who have been baptized in the name of the Ho-ly Trinity and who live the sacramental life. When we think of it that way, every Christian helps make up the church and few of us would agree that it is right for the whole body of the faithful to stay out of politics, even parti-san politics. The reason for this is that we do have a duty to “render unto Caesar, that which is Caesar’s.”

Christian Citizenship 

Politics isn’t only voting for candidates for public office. The ancient Greeks understood politics as the art of governing. In a democracy that means that the people share in the governing process. And that means that Christians are of necessity involved in politics. That is the point. Should the Christians who make up the church help govern the city and county and state and nation in which they live? Or to put it in other words, is there such a thing as Christian citizenship?

Well, the early Christians acted as if there was. The first thing they did was to make sure that they obeyed the laws. The New Testament makes a point of that. They also took advantage of the protection provided by “due process.” Saint Paul appealed to the Emperor as a Roman citizen when he felt he had an unfair trial. The early Christian writers, known as the Apol-ogists, wrote letters to the Emperor to express their views on what they felt was an unjust law (the persecution of Christians).

Later on in the Church’s history, countless patriarchs, bishops, clergy and laypersons worked in the political system of Byzantium for laws which embodied Christian values. For example, laws regarding the status of women, the protection of infants and children, the improvement of the condition of slaves, and the poor, became concerns of the church.

Involvement Necessary for Christians 

In a democracy such as ours, Orthodox Christians are called upon to continue that tradition. Individual Orthodox Christians will study the is-sues, examine the records of candidates and vote regularly. Some will be convinced that they should support the campaigns of some candidates. Others will run for public office themselves.

The important thing is that we participate in the political enterprise as Christians, as members of the church. And lest I be misunderstood, let me add that Christians should not become involved in politics for self-serving purposes, but in order to serve justice, to enhance citizenship, to do good works before all people and on behalf of all people. If, as some say, “politics is a dirty business,” then Christians will seek to clean it up and to help it fulfill its real purpose.

The church is properly involved in politics when her members partici-pate in the electoral process, write letters of Christian opinion to their elected representatives, join a political party, express their Christian opin-ion in public forum and work in groups seeking to improve the condition of public life. Further, they are involved in politics when they pray daily and on Sundays, as we do in the Divine Liturgy, for the civil rulers of our nation, for peace, for the cities in which we live, etc.

In answer to the title question “Do Politics Become the Christian?” The response is plain. In a society such as ours, in order to render unto Caesar that which is his, Orthodox Christians necessarily will be involved in poli-tics. Being involved in politics is part of what it means to be a Christian.

ANNUNCIATOR YOUTH PAGE 

Joint Hope (pre-K thru2nd graders) & Joy (3rd – 5th graders) 

Sunday Oct 16 at Jaswell’s Farm after Liturgy & Sunday School.

GOYA ELECTS 

For the new church year Goyans have elected the following as officers:

Joint Presidents– Sophia Sarkis & Eleni Mihailides
Joint V-Presidents– Noah Spagnolo & Christian Mitrelis
Treasurer—Constantine Coclin
Joint Recording Secretary– Elliana Spagnolo & Katherine Mitrelis
Corresponding Secretary– Anastasia Coclin

Announcements—Announcements-Announcements 

Goya will be spreading the word this year of their activities as in the past on Facebook but new this year will be Twitter and Snapshot as well as “Remind”

UP-COMING GOYA ACTIVITIES (6-12 graders) 

Saturday October 29th overnight—Sunday October 30th Lock-in (note date change since last issue)

Sunday November 6th Leaf Raking (for parishioner seniors in the greater Cranston area)

Friday November 25th Goya Dance (open to teens in the other Orthodox parishes in our region) 

Saturday December 10th Goya Christmas Party (at the Spagnolo Home in Warwick)

MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS TO FOLLOW

TO RSVP TO THE NEXT UPCOMING EVENT CALL OR TEXT CJ MITRELIS AT (401) 632-8752

EVERY THURSDAY
Our teens are reminded to watch “Be The Bee” produced by the Archdiocese Youth Office on You Tube / Y2AM

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR
OCTOBER, 2016

The Philoptochos Annual Greek Food Fair and Christmas Bazaar
Nov. 12th and 13th 

Is fast approaching, and every both chairperson is working diligently to make our biggest fund raiser a success once again this year. As always, we are thankful and grateful for your continued support each year. We remind you, once again, that we rely on YOU, OUR PARISHIONERS, to ensure the success we enjoy year after year which enables us to fulfill our ministry and purpose….to assist those in need.

These are the areas in which we need your help: TAVERNA – Everyone enjoys the delicious food that is prepared in our kitchen. Taverna has the greatest expenses. Please help us defray some of these expens-es with a donation…..be it a food item or a monetary donation. You may call Koula Rougas 944-7572 OR Roula Proyous 781-8567 with any questions you have regarding a donation. As mentioned previous-ly, all our booths are in need of assistance. GRAND RAFFLE AND DAY RAFFLE need donations of prizes. SILENT AUCTION has a great deal of activity and interest if the items are attractive to present an interesting auction. HANDCRAFT is in need of hats, scarves, baby blankets, baby clothes, sweaters, etc. Please get those needles clicking and donate an item or two. AGORA is in need of “anything Greek”. WHITE ELEPHANT items may be brought the week prior to the Bazaar….clean and in working order, please. JEWELRY always needs donations, so please use your contacts and solicit a do-nation. VINTAGE items such as lovely linens, furs, pocketbooks, fine antique chine, pictures, jewelry, brooches, are what we need for this booth. CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE will be announcing workshops to sew some pretty Christmas items. If you would like to sew at home, we have some Christmas fabric you may use to make something. Contact Diane Mitrelis 946-3339 for further information. PASTRY in addition to what our workshops prepare is needed for the Pastry area. Please note the Bazaar dates on your calendars and donate some pastry….Greek or otherwise. We will be having baking workshops on the following dates. Please come and help us. Everyone welcomed.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18TH—BAKLAVA / SPANAKOPITA – 6:00 P.M.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26TH—KOULOURAKIA / KOURAMBIEDES – 6:00 P.M. 

Letters for requests for donations are available by calling Georgia Pappas 529-6826. Thank you.

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS – A continuing project for Philoptochos is the collection of travel-size healthy and beauty aids items…shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, etc. There is a bin in the Church Center….Demetrakas Hall Entrance….to place your donation. Eyeglasses of any type are also collected and distributed to the appropriate agency.

MEMBERSHIP AND SISTERHOOD OF ST. BASIL—As we approach the end of the calendar year, we remind you to submit your Philoptochos Stewardship. Please send to the Church Office, attention Philoptochos, Mary Samaras. When doing so, please keep in mind that $15 per capita is sent to the Na-tional Philoptochos, and $5 to the Metropolis Philoptochos. At the same time, please remember St. Basil’s Academy with your $5 donation to the Sisterhood of St. Basil’s, also sent to the Church Office, attention Philoptochos, Carol Rothemich.

Our next Philoptochos Meeting will be held on Monday, October 17th, 6:15 p.m. Board Meeting and 7:00 p.m. General Meeting. We invite all women to come and join us as we continue our Philoptochos work….helping those less fortunate.

GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
KAREN DRAGER, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Recent Deaths 

Mary Marshallis, age 93, of Providence, RI passed away on 8/27/16, her funeral and burial was held on 8/31/16. Paul DiNoble at age 66 on Sept 6. Funeral and burial was held on Sept 13. Katherine Samos, age 95, of Warwick, RI passed away on 9/10/16, her funeral and burial was held on 9/15/16. Liselotte F. “Lilo” Topouzis, age 86, of Cranston, RI passed away on 9/21/16, her funeral and burial was held on 9/24/16. ~May their Memory be Eternal~

Adult Class Seminar at Assumption Parish – Pawtucket 

From Monday October 31 to December 12 an adult class will be offered every Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Community Center of the Assumption Parish on the sub-ject “The Spiritual Message of Socrates: What he believed in and how he lived his life”. 

We will read and reflect on Plato’s classical masterpiece,” The Apology,” which is Soc-rates’ defense before the Athenian court that condemned him to death for his unwill-ingness to compromise his moral convictions. Socrates, the father of moral philosophy, had such an impact upon Christianity that the great Danish theologian Sore Kierke-gaard called him ” The Christ before Christ”!. Even today one can see the icon of Socra-tes in many churches in the Balkans and Norther Greece honored as a saint. While reading the Apology we will also reflect on Socrates’ classical statement ” Life unex-amined is not worth living.” For further questions, please call John Lyssikatos at 401 728-4452.

AS VETERAN’S DAY APPROACHES NEXT MONTH: 

The Norwich, CT AHEPA Chapter Announces the kick-off of Advance Sales

of it’s Greek History Book – “A Story That Should Be Told” by Tony Petros After two years of researching and accumulating material from the descendants of Greek-American Veterans, from all over the United States – the text is finished and at the printers. These veterans risked their lives – some did not return – and we were not able to find all their names in one place. The Norwich AHEPA 110 took up the task of telling the story of the veterans of our community . . .

SO THAT THEY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.

Our chapter donated $10,000 to fund and publish this book out of respect for all our veterans. In the process of researching our book we found that Norwich had 97 Greek-American veterans from the WW II era, 27 Greek veterans of WW I and one Greek veteran of the Civil war. We were able to obtain pictures of 88 WW II veterans, most of them in uniform from the 1940’s. Of the 27 WW I veterans, we also have 8 pictures of them – some taken in 1918 – in uniform.

Greek Communities, throughout the country, had similar stories as ours. It was reported that there were approximately 71,900 Greek-American Veterans of WW II.

Our book, tells how we were able to gather the names, photos and military infor-mation of all our Norwich veterans and the many places that we searched. Book Cost – $24.95 plus shipping 6.25 total of $31.20

Make Check to: AHEPA 110 > send to: c/o Tony Petros > 132 Apache St. > Norwich, CT 06360 ALL THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE HOLY TRINITY PARISH.

On Our Cover 

Few things in life bring greater joy than the birth of a child. Even greater is the joy when the parents have nearly given up all hope of ever having a child. Such was the case of the parents of the Virgin Mary, Joachim & Anna (observed on Sept 9) as we see them embracing their daughter in the icon on our cover.

As the church embarks on a new year (Sept 1), the first great feast we encounter through the liturgical year is the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Sept 8). How appro-priate that at the beginning of the church year we have the beginning of the Virgin’s life and through her, the beginning of our salvation!

Mary’s birth is the inauguration of God’s plan for the salvation of the human race. With her birth, we anticipate the birth of her Son and the redemption that it brings. In the birth of the Virgin Mary, we celebrate the beginning of the story of salvation.

As important as this is, we also need to be remindful of the wonderful example Mary has set for humankind in her youth and in her adult life.

– As a young girl and teen she studied the Holy Scriptures of old.

– Her obedience to the will of God, when she said “yes” to the Archangel at the Annunciation event….being a mere 15 or 16 years old at the time.

– Her inner strength and courage exhibited so many times.

– Her caring for the needs of other people as intercessor to her Son and our God.

It is so understandable that our church continually praises her and observes her life cy-cle throughout the year– Sept 8, Nov 21 (her entrance into the temple), Mar 25 (the Annunciation when the archangel Gabriel appeared to her) and Aug 15, (her falling asleep—Dormition).

May we use the many examples of Mary to inspire us to be like her, being in the world but not of the world. To select the good and proper way by honoring the Lord Jesus through our life style as she did, that being humility, respect and obedience to HIM.

Most Holy Theotokos Save Us!
Fr Andrew

FESTIVAL TIME IS ALMOST HERE, ARE WE READY FOR ANOTHER BIG YEAR?????????

To all our volunteers, let’s say THANK YOU, in advance for your “Desire and Willingness which fuel our mutual efforts and leads us to success.” Your “Whatever it Takes Attitude” makes us #1 

REMAINING PASTRY WORK SESSIONS
We are down to our last two pastry dates:
Tues. Sept 6– Honey Dip Diples—9am
Wed. Sept 7– Packing Pastries-6pm 

~What a tremendous turn out of Volunteers~

NEW at this years Festival 

D’S JEWELERS

Treat yourself and stop by our new vendor’s display of gold and silver jewelry. Bracelets, rings, necklaces. Take home a memorable piece you will have for a lifetime, remembering in years to come that you enjoyed the festivities at the 

31st Cranston Greek Festival

Festival Entertainment * Music

Friday 5pm—10 pm = Asteria Orchestra 

Saturday 12 pm—5 pm = Hellenic Stars Orchestra 

5 pm—10 pm = Asteria Orchestra 

Sunday 12 pm—4 pm = Asteria Orchestra 

4:30 pm—9 pm = Orfeas Orchestra 

VIDEO PRESENTATIONS

Free & Open to the Public / in the Mihailides Center Library 

12:30 pm: A Hidden Treasure—Orthodox church events from 15th century onward Produced by GOTelecom (29min)

1:30 pm: A travelogue through Greece—A land rich in natural beauty, history, culture, religion & tradition; An International Network Production (58min)

3:00 pm: Symposium of the Society of Religion, Science & Environment on “The Mississippi: At the Tipping Point” (48min)

5:00 pm: A travelogue through Greece—a land rich in natural beauty, history, culture, religion & tradition; An International Network Production (58min)

6:30pm: A Hidden Treasure—Orthodox church events from 15th century onward Produced by GOTelecom (29min)

8:00 pm: Secrets of the Parthenon Produced by Nova (54min)

Fr Emanuel & Presvytera Evangelia are now Grandparents 

For those who may not have heard, little baby Elizabeth was born in NYC on July 7 weighing in at 8lbs 7 oz. This is their first grandchild! Joy to all of them – God bless! 

ATTENTION– Families with 3-5year old’s 

Looking for a nursery school for your children in September? Consider the FAITH NURSERY SCHOOL which is housed in our Mihailides Center.

Faith Nursery, is a Christian based and quality early childhood learning program which has a 20-year track record in Cranston. From last September, they have rented class-room space from us and the relationship was most positive. Amongst their student body of some 19 children were 4 of our parishioners. Faith is still accepting new stu-dents for the Mon Sept 19 start up of their new year.

Call Faith Nursery at 942-1175 and ask for Claire Motta.

Candles for Sacraments 

Available in the church narthex are candles appropriate for use at weddings and bap-tisms, basic 18 to 22 inches in size. Simply ask anyone on duty in the narthex at ser-vices.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS 

Visit the Archdiocese webpage at http://www.goarch.org/

Visit the Metropolis of Boston webpage at http://www.boston.goarch.org/

Visit our parish webpage at http://www.annunciationri.org

If you would like to receive the Parish e-mail news updates, submit your email address to: office@annunciationri.org

Please remember these email addresses at the Parish office: accounting@annunciationri.org Elaine the Bookkeeper office@annunciationri.org Fran the Secretary

SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES

Our Metropolis of Boston has 2 Special Events to which the public is invited 

Sat Sept 17: 

Open House at the St Methodios Faith & Heritage Center in Con-toocook, NH – celebrating the Feast of the Holy Cross. 

Orthros at 8:30 / Liturgy at 9:30am / Blessing of the Waters & Div-ing for the Cross at the Lake / Family Barbeque / Dedication and Blessing of the new cabins, Alpha Omega Soccer Field and Open Air Pavilion.

Those planning to attend should call our parish office so we submit one total count from our parish. Car pools should be structured for parking can be limited at these high attendance events.

Mon Sept 26: 

Golf Classic- (to benefit the camp ministry for the children) at the Andover Country Club, Andover, MA. Tournament begins with lunch and ends with dinner. Find details and to register at <www.campgolf.org> Our parishioner Costa Perdikakis is on the planning committee for this event for the Metropolis.

Protection of the Environment Observance – Sun Sept 25 

Sponsored by the RI Orthodox Clergy Fellowship 

This year’s commemoration will be held at the St Mary Antiochian Orthodox Parish in Pawtuck-et (249 High St) at 5PM, at which time a Water Blessing will be served and a homily reflection offered by Fr Andrew George (who serves as president of the fellowship). Refreshments will follow at the church hall. All are invited from throughout the Orthodox parishes in RI.

Our Bible Study Resumes – Thu Sept 29 

“Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit” 

Our fall bible study series will review the passage in Galatians 5: 25 “…the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” – to be held on Thurs Sept 29, Oct 6,13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 17, Dec 1 and 8 from 7:30 – 9PM. All are invited.

Elevation of the Cross 

On September 14, we will be celebrating the Eleva-tion of the Cross, and by celebrating I mean fasting. For this is one of two feast days which we actually commemorate with fasting. Just what are we com-memorating with this feast?

In 326 AD, St. Helen, the mother of Constantine, made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. While at the site of Golgotha, St. Helen found the cross on which Christ was crucified. Near the cross was also a beautiful and unknown flower, which we now call basil (from Greek, “Vasiliko”) meaning “of the King,” and named for the King of Glory.

How did St. Helen know she had found the cross of Christ the King? 

It is said that underneath the Basil, the Cross of Christ was found, but with it were the other two crosses, those used to crucify the two thieves on either side of Christ. The sign with the inscription, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”, also lay among the three crosses. In or-der to determine which one was the true cross, a sick woman was told to kiss each of the three crosses. The woman kissed the first cross with no result. She kissed the second cross and again nothing happened. However, when the ailing woman kissed the True Cross, she was immediate-ly made well. It so happened that a funeral procession was passing that way, and so the body of the dead man was placed on each of the crosses, and when it was placed on the True Cross, the dead man came to life — thus the name the “Life-Giving” Cross, which gives life not only to that man, but to each person who believes in the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and His all-glorious three day Resurrection.*

When the identity of the cross was known, it was then lifted up (elevated) for all to see. 

Why—— Sunday School— 

Our children are growing up in the roughest circumstances and environments around the globe. Ministering to them through Sunday School, helps develop a child’s heart and mind. Young children are amazing in their ability to absorb vast spiritual concepts without blinking an eye. Our Sunday School Program provides your child with respon-sible, Christian role models, so they may acquire and apply divine values. Sunday School helps children respect, appreciate and utilize the Bible, which will elevate its importance in a child’s life. A major role of parents is to shape their children with Godly principles as to help them shape themselves as adults. Teaching Christian truths and virtues is part of that responsibility. Our Sunday Church School endeavors to do this in grade appropriate settings. Classes start Sunday Sept 18. “Sign Up Today”

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News 

Financial Report for the period ending 6/30/2016
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $785,802.72
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $5,473.28

In Memory of Cynthia Samaras a donation made to the Endowment Fund: By, M/M Christodoulos Andriotis, Frank Caruso, James Cimino, Sue Cimino, Lela Chiavaras, Constance Cleary, M/M George Coclin, M/M Edward Dambruch, M/M Gregory Demetrakas, Patricia Durigan, John Crosby Edes, Artemis Frangos, Golden, Gormly & Co., Anna Gountra, M/M George Grammas, M/M Michael Haralambides, M/M James Harritos, M/M Michael Haveles, Olga Haveles, M/M William Horan, Julie Karahalios, M/M James Karon, M/M Arthur Kazianis, Demetra Lambros, Linda Limperis, M/M Christos Mantsos, Elizabeth Marses, Barbara McCarron, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, Jean Mihelakos, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, M/M George Nonis, M/M Michael Papigiotis, M/M Richard Pelosi, M/M Paul Petrou, M/M Kevin Phelan, Philoptochos Society, M/M Gus Proyous, M/M Constantine Rougas, Carolee Rusielewicz & Peter Wanderlich & The Cape Cod Family, M/M Robert Savage, M/M John Shanley, M/M James Silva, M/M Peter Simone, Calliope Kay Spires, William & Catherine Stark, M/M George Stergis, Pashalia Strekouras, M/M Kostas Trikoulis, M/M John Vanikiotis, M/M Peter Vassilopoulos, M/M Michael Wellen, Carol Xanthakis, M/M Charles Young, Drs. John & Eleni Pappas-Zervos

~When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure~

“Additional Endowment Donations”

In Memory of Richard Popovici a donation made to the Endowment Fund: By, Flora Popovici

In Memory of Artemis Frangos donations made to the Endowment Fund: M/M Gregory Demetrakas, Argiri Ghionis, Demetra Lambros, Elizabeth Marses, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides

“Phase II Donations”

In Memory of Artemis Frangos donations made to the Phase II Building Fund:
By, M/M John Adley, Zaharoula Agakos, M/M Walter Almeida, M/M Gerald Carignan, Vassilios Chrysanthopoulos, M/M Steve Daras, John & Irene Decoulos & Family, M/M James Degaitas, M/M Efthimios Emmanouilidis, Brenda Frangos, M/M Michael Haralambides, M/M James Harritos, M/M Michael Haveles, Julie Karahalios, Jean Mihelakos, M/M Ernest Pappas, M/M Polydoros Petrou, M/M Gus Proyous, The Rougas Family, M/M James Silva, M/M Thomas Stravato, M/M Kostas Trikoulis, Maria Zaharakos, Mary Zambelis, M/M Christos Xenophontos. 

2016 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT 

We have to date 347 parishioners with the pledge of $174,462.00
The Actual amount received to date is $145,037.16 

Sara Brunelas, Florence Chartrand, M/M Douglas DeRhodes, Olga DiChiara, Joanne Spires-Fay, William Frangos, Barbara Goldis, M/M Vasilios Kotsiris, M/M Vasilios Liakos, Linda Limperis, Gina Michaels, M/M Christopher Pappas, Linda Pappola, M/M John Politis, M/M Steven Rothemich, M/M Dionisios Sampalis, Eugenia Zaharakos, Nicholas Zaharakos, M/M Nondas Zarokostas

RECENT DEATHS 

Artemis Frangos, age 88, of Cranston, RI passed away on 7/26/16, her funeral and burial was held on 7/30/16. Alan Delis, age 78, formerly of Lincoln, RI presently of Whiting, NJ passed away on 7/27/16, in NJ. His funeral and burial was here on 8/1/16. Arthur Pappas, age 88. of East Prov., RI passed away on 8/14/16, his fu-neral and burial was on 8/19/16. Also, the brother of parishioner George Alexion (James A. Alexion) passed away on 6/29/16, in FL. His funeral and burial was in NJ. Petros Prodromidou, age 71 of Seekonk, passed away while living in South Caro-lina, his funeral and burial was in SC. ~May their Memory be Eternal~ 

FORMER SECRETARY PASSES ON 

We announce that Anna Parfitt (our parish secretary back mainly in the 1990’s) passed on suddenly from a stroke at age 61. She had served us for a 12 year period and was very dedicated to our parish and remained in touch afterwards as well, always attend-ing our festival and bazaar. We grieve her unexpected and untimely passing. May her service to our parish be honored and “Her Memory Eternal”.

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR
SEPTEMBER 2016

While we are all busy preparing for our Annual Church Festival, Philopto-chos women have begun planning for their Annual Greek Food Fair and Christmas Ba-zaar—Saturday, November 12th and Sunday, November 13th. In July, we had our first meeting to plan this biggest and only fund-raiser by Philoptochos.

While we need help for all areas, of particular importance at this time are the following:

Grand Raffle and Day Raffle: We ask for your donations of prizes for these are-as. Please ask your favorite restaurants, stores, salons, friends, etc. for a donation. We do have letters available that you may give to these vendors. Please call Georgia Pap-pas 529-6826, and she will be sure you have whatever you need. Grand Raffle chairs are Josie Aliferakis and Karen Drager. Day Raffle Chair is Georgia Pappas.

Vintage-Jewelry: These two areas will be combined. As always, we need jewelry and ask you to contact any Jewelry vendor you may know and ask for a donation. Re-garding Vintage, any item that you may wish to donate that is “vintage”, please call Anna Demetrakas 946-0550. We do verify the value of any item, so your donation will give us the greatest return.

White Elephant: As always, White Elephant is a popular room, and we ask that as you set aside these items. Please be sure they are in good condition and clean. Please….no car seats or baby equipment of any kind. For safety and sanitary reasons, we prefer not to accept these items. Thank you, as always, for your donations. Eleni Trikoulis, Chair of White Elephant.

Christmas Boutique: If you have a “hidden talent” for crafts, this is the area in which you can assist. Any pretty Christmas crafts are welcomed. We will be announcing dates for workshops in the fall, and ask you to please come and help. Sewers are need-ed, and we do have pretty Christmas fabric to make runners, aprons, small table items, etc. Diane Mitrelis, Chair of Christmas Boutique.

Handcraft (knit and crochet): This is a very popular section of our Bazaar. It cannot be prepared with only one or two ladies knitting and crocheting. Many of you can knit/crochet, and we ask for your help with a couple of items. Hats, baby items, scarves, accessories, or whatever you think will be a “seller”, please let us know, and we will gladly accept it. Maria Zaharakos, Chair of Handcraft, assisted by Rosie Demetriou.

Silent Auction: An area that has grown in popularity over the past few years is the Silent Auction. In order to have interesting items to bid on, we need your help. Please donate sporting event tickets, unusual items, beautiful pictures, etc. Ann Heberg, Chair.

Pastry: Baking dates will be announced for some time in October. Please come and help. Of course, for our Bazaar, we also accept individual donations. Mark your calen-dars and plan to bake and donate. Nancy Harritos and Angela Provost, Chairs.

ONGOING PROJECTS OF PHILOPTOCHOS: 

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Our next focus for our Prayer Shawl Project is the St. Michael’s Home in Yonkers, NY. We plan to make this trip in the fall, and we need prayer shawls!!! We will give you the yarn, and the measurements needed for a shawl. It is very simple to do. We generally meet once a week, but if you cannot come, you can help us by crocheting/knitting at home. Please call Anna Demetrakas 946-0550 or Bes-sie Papigioitis 949-3240 and give us a hand. This is such a rewarding ministry that has been ongoing for the past 3 ½ years. Anna Demetrakas, Chair.

Health and Beauty Aids: We continue to collect health and beauty aid items, along with any type of eye glasses, which are donated to shelters and appropriate centers for eyeglasses. Please place your items in the bin in the Demetrakas Hall Entrance. Ann Heberg, Chair.

Fun Trip: We are in the process of planning a fun day trip…..possibly New York City…..and will announce the details as soon as we have them.

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH GREEK FESTIVAL,
SEPTEMBER 9TH, 10TH, AND 11TH 

As we approach the days of our Church Festival, much help is needed. Please pay atten-tion to the dates where preparation help is needed prior to the Festival, as they are an-nounced, and offer your time and talent. Any time you volunteer your help is important. We look forward to another successful Festival.

Our first Philoptochos meeting will be held on Monday, September 19th.

We welcome all women to join us as we begin another year in our philanthropic journey.

GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
KAREN DRAGER, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

YOUTH PAGE SEPT 2016 

Over the summer our Goya had two events in July which were most enjoyable; the day trip to NYC and the beach day hosted at the Spagnolo beach house at Bonnet Shores. 

UPCOMING FOR GOYA (youth in grades 6-12) 

Friday September 9th-Sunday September 11th Youth Corner at Festival
We will need help selling candy and snacks as well as aiding our balloon artist

Sunday September 18th Pool/Pizza/Potluck Party
At the Mitrelis Residence in Coventry

Sunday September 25th Goya Elections
We invite 8th-12th Graders to run for a Goya Office for the 2016-2017 Church Year

Saturday October 22nd -overnight thru -Sunday October 23rd Lock-in 

Sunday November 6th Leaf Raking
Goya is happy to come and rake the lawns of our elderly parishioners in the Cranston area. If you would like to have your lawn raked on Nov 6 – please contact the Church office or CJ Mitrelis (our youth coordinator) directly at 632-8752.

Friday November 25th Goya Dance
Neighboring Orthodox parishes will be invited

Saturday December 10th Goya Christmas Party 

UPCOMING FOR HOPE (youth Pre-K thru 2nd grade) and JOY (youth grades 3-5) 

Sunday October 2nd – Apple Picking Event

MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS
TO RSVP TO THE NEXT UPCOMING EVENT CALL OR TEXT CJ MITRELIS AT (401) 632-8752

FROM The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 

Concerning the St Nicholas National Shrine at Ground Zero 

Dear Friends and Supporters of the Saint Nicholas National Shrine:

The July 21st issue of the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/22/nyregion/enduring-sphere-sculpture-to-return-to-world-trade-center-site.html), reporter David Dunlop — who has covered Saint Nicholas through the years — reported on the re-installation of the 27 foot tall bronze “Sphere” that survived the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Port Authority has decided to make the installation of the 25 ton piece in Liberty Park, just opposite Saint Nicholas, something that we at the Archdiocese have advocated for years.

We should all understand that this massive piece of art — a symbol to millions and millions of the resiliency and courage of New Yorkers and all Americans in the face of terror — will be the only surviving artifact from that awful and unforgettable day in American history that will not be housed in the Museum. Instead, as a public piece of art, it will attract countless visitors to Liberty Park and the very precincts of the Saint Nicholas National Shrine. The implications for the Shrine are monumental, as the foot traffic through the park will doubtless lead tens of thousands into the Church.

One more very important reason for us to be prepared as a community to welcome many new friends to the experience of Orthodoxy — architecturally, iconographically, liturgically, and pastorally.

Faithfully- Father Alex Karloutsos

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY 

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Nicolopoulos for enabling us to have a tent up for our Greek Food Fair. Also for the beautiful flowers outside all around the church property. Flowers grace our way as we arrive to church.

Thank You To The August Icon Donors 2016 

M/M Arthur Kazianis in honor of their 3 grandchildren, Thea, George & Eva; Sylvia Ghionis in memory of Kostantinos & Stavroula Lambrakis; M/M Dionisios Sampalis health for all; M/M Michael Papigiotis in memory of Irene H. Psilopoulos; Elaine Andrade in memory of her mother Theresa, Manuel & Beatrice Andrade, Harriet Butler & good health of her father Ray.
~Your generosity is greatly appreciated~ 

It’s Been a Busy Summer Again 

Our various programs and events do not really slow down in the summer in our parish.

Thank you to so many people (far too many to list out without overlooking someone) –

To those who have come to help make pastries for the Greek Festival….we have been successful thus far in making more product than previous years due to the increased turnout of workers.

To those who directed and assisted with the Vacation Church School Program (VCS) during the first week of August.

To those who coordinated the just completed Golf Tournament and all those who attended, sponsored and supported it in any way with prizes and the like.

~Your offering of time & talent is greatly appreciated ~

Friendships in the Parish 

In a Sunday reflection recently, Fr Andrew addressed the importance of having friendships within the parish (beyond our blood relatives). Such friendships potentially lead to good and life long relationships that can also include marriages as well sponsorships of baptismal and marriage sacraments. The comment has been made I have no friends in the parish. This was very sad to hear. But it poses a question—have we attended the various social functions in the parish so as to be in the environment to make friends? If we have not, then such people will more than likely remain without friends which continues the sadness. There is an easy solu-tion—be attentive to the numerous and various programs and ministries in our parish, some for specific age groupings and some open to all ages…simply come. Be open and sociable—warm and friendly and new friends will come your way. Just ahead in the next couple months are a number of special events—plan to attend these and others throughout the year. First and fore-most include worship and prayer at our divine services, for therein we have fellowship with the Holy Trinity who is a friend to us all!

Sponsorships in the Parish 

The topic of “no friendships in the parish” connects to the topic of the selection of sponsors for baptisms and weddings. There is a definite trend in the parish over the past decade and more of people selecting a blood relative to sponsor a baptism and/or a wedding. The canons of the church do not prohibit this, but it is not the “real intent” of the concept of sponsors for Sacraments. The practice of sponsorship of Sacraments has many facets to it, the one addressed in this brief paragraph is that of expanding families—of reaching out and embracing others within the Orthodox community. The practice of asking a non-blood relative to sponsor a Sacrament simultaneously makes that person a new relative. You become related by the Holy Spirit and this is a strong bond, more so then even blood. There is a common phrase in American society “you can pick your friends but you can’t pick your relatives.” Well in Orthodoxy—you do actually pick people as your (new and future) relatives, when you ask a friend to be a sponsor of a Sacrament! To all those who in future years will be married and will be blessed with children—start planning from now to make good friends in the parish, first and foremost as an enhancement to life in general and secondly to have an eye towards future koumbario (sponsorship) of a Sacrament!

This brings us full circle to the importance of having a regular presence and involve-ment in our parish life—both in worship and in social events. Granted we have spread out in our involvements into the greater community for some of our social activities due to professional necessities and general interests, but these should not be at the risk of our church community involvement (both can technically be done).

“One generation shall praise thy works to another.” (Psalm 145:4) 

Dear Annunciation Parish Parishioners & Friends,

An exciting time is at hand for us as our spring Parish Assembly approved the Phase 2 renovations and enhancements to our neo-Byzantine Church in preparation for the 50th anniversary of it’s construction in 2018. Specifics of this program were previously mailed to you and are also available in the church narthex. It will be included once again in the official fund drive kit coming your way in early October.

We write to you today seeking your financial support of this program with a special 2-year fund drive. Participation in this drive will fulfill the Bible passage above as we faithfully acknowledge those who donated to build our church edifice initially, while donating now ourselves to restore or replace what has been worn after some 50 years of use. With the passing of years here is also improvement in technology that will provide energy efficiency with our utility usage.

Although the Parish Assembly approved the borrowing of up to $400,000 to complete the Phase 2 Project, we desire to raise as high amount as possible to ease the borrow-ing. Thus we turn to you……

A two year pledge in any amount is welcome during the time frame of 2017-2018. But we do suggest the following giving range as we have with past special drives in the parish, with acknowledgement being made is some commemorative manner. The range is….

Grand Benefactor – $10,000 or Greater
Benefactor – $5,000 – $9,999
Sponsor – $1,500 – $4,999
Patron – $500 – $1,499

Thank you for your love for the parish and in particular for the church edifice itself which enlivens us and in which we pass the cycle of life under it’s dome. Let us now move forward to follow in the good footsteps of our forefathers.

Watch for the special mailing coming your way in October.
Nicholas Tanionos, Kevin Phelan, Fr. Andrew G. George
Phase II Chairman Parish Council President Protopresbyter

On Our Cover 

Most of the Gospel readings post Pentecost and throughout the summer are from St Matthew’s Gospel. Let’s us see who this famous man was. 

St. Matthew, one of the twelve Apostles, is the author of the first book of the New Tes-tament. He was a native of Cana in Galilee, the son of Alpheus and was called to be a disciple while sitting in the tax-collector’s place at Capernaum as an employee of the Roman government. He is referred to as “Levi” in Mark’s and Luke’s Gospels. Mat-thew had actually welcomed the Lord into his home in which Jesus had direct conver-sation with him. His apostolic activity was at first restricted to the communities of Pal-estine, then he preached to the Parthians, Medes and the Ethiopians.

Matthew wrote his Gospel to fill a sorely felt need for his fellow countrymen, both be-lievers and unbelievers. Writing for the people of Palestine, he composed his narrative in his native Aramaic, the “Hebrew tongue” but soon thereafter it was translated into Greek in conformity with the original. The Greek text has come down to us, but the Aramaic text has been lost.

It is believed that his Gospel was written between A. D. 42 and 50, or even later. How-ever, since he depicts the Holy City with its altar and temple as still existing, and with-out any reference to the fulfillment of our Lord’s prophecy, it is evident that it was written before the destruction of the city by the Romans in A. D. 70.

His close association with Jesus tends to obscure the man who shed the ignominious role of tax collector, to become the most intellectual of the 12 Apostles chosen by the Lord. The awesome task of carrying the words of Christ to a people oppressed for cen-turies was assumed by St Matthew with a determination that could not be denied.

The closing verse of his Gospel, in which Matthew quotes Jesus is so complete: “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always till the end of the age. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20) 

Let us remember to do the 10 minutes per day of Bible reading in our homes.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2 PROGRAM APPROVED 

Our recent Parish Assembly accepted the proposal of the Phase 2 Committee, which has been meeting for some 3 years now, concerning renovations and en-hancements mainly to the church interior. Our Phase 1 program (exterior improve-ments) were completed in 2006. The interior improvements will take place as we approach the 50th anniversary year of the church edifice in 2018. The committee will soon announce the fund drive for this purpose. Elsewhere in this issue, we have noted that donations have started to arrive even before requested. Giving the first donation was Phase 2 Chairman Nicholas Tanionos and family. It is anticipated that the various components of the actual work will fall into place mid to late 2017. Regular updates will be provided.

CONCERNING CEMETERIES 

It has been a practice that our parishioners select a resting place for their loved ones as they each so determine. The overwhelming majority have over the years made use of the North Burial Grounds in Providence, which is a city owned ceme-tery and although there are sections “referred to” as so called Greek sections, these sections are not exclusive to just people of Greek (or Orthodox background). The entire North Burial Grounds is open to anyone. (As noted in the past…those desiring to be within either of the “Greek Sections” at North Burial, should pur-chase their plot for spaces are depleting quickly.) 

Of late it has come to our attention that there is an Orthodox Cemetery in Cumber-land known as the St John Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cemetery, in existence since the 1940s. The St John Parish (located previously in Providence) dissolved in 1982, but the cemetery continues to function under a Board of Trustees comprised of members from the St Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Parish of Woonsocket and the former St John Parish (which merged).

THEY HAVE ANNOUNCED CURRENTLY THAT BURIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO ANY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FROM THIS POINT ONWARD.

Contact John Komar, Trustee President at 401-497-1570
Or, Leo Andryc, Trustee Treasurer at 401-480-2529

The trustees are currently older individuals and they also desire to have younger members that the cemetery will be in good hands for the future. Their hope is that the trustees and the departed to be buried there, will be Pan-Orthodox in the future and no longer exclusively Ukrainian. There are an estimated 635 plots available on 2.5 acres of land. The cemetery is located on Hews Street at the dead end.

ADDITIONAL GRADUATES 

Since our last issue’s tribute to graduates, we have received the following additional information………… 

Student School Graduating From Future Plan
Alex Richard Hendricken High School University of Notre Dame Summa Cum Laude Pre-Med

College & Universities
Georgios Halkidis URI Searching for employment -BA in Biomedical Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
Alexis Harritos RI College Restaurant Manager -BA in Communication & Advertising
Matthew Janigian Brown University Employed at Goldman Sachs, NY -Economics & Applied Mathematics
Nicholas Janigian Villanova University Employed at Americore 1 yr. -BA of Science & Bio Chemistry Pursing Medical School -Minor in History (Magna Cum Laude)

COME JOIN THE FUN AT THE FESTIVAL BAKING DATES 

Measure, mix, crack, roll, sift, chop, dipping, package.
Tues & Wed Aug 23 & 24—Koulourakia
Tue Aug 30—Melomakarona / Kourambiedes
Wed Aug 31– Diples
Tues Sept 6– Honey Dip Diples
Wed Sept 7– Packing Pastries

HANDS ARE NEEDED AT 4PM EACH OF THESE DAYS TO PREPARE AND TO LEARN THE PREPARATION PROCESS TO BE READY FOR THE 6PM WORK SESSION. 

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending 5/31/2016
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $ 769,389.21
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $2263.28 

In Memory of Solon Chris a donation made to the Endowment Fund:
By Jean Mihelakos, M/M James Pappas, Philoptochos Society, Mary Samaras, Carole Xanthakis

An Historic Landmark
A landmark that defines a thoughtful and progressive parish! +++++++++++++++++
The Church of the Annunciation Endowment Fund was officially established with the approval of the Endowment Fund By-Laws at the General Assembly held on December 1, 1998.

Thank You to All that Donated for our Altar Boy Vestments 

Altar boys learn the meaning and order of each Liturgy Service through participation in those services. Through their offering of service during the Liturgy of the Church, they fulfill a sacred and indispensable role in the Li-turgical life of the Church. Because of their sacred duties, they are distin-guished from the rest of the faithful by wearing a robe, the traditional vestments associated with service. Altar Boy Vestments give a dignified appearance, so we Thank You for your generous gift. 

We acknowledge the following for responding- Evan Andrikos, Dr. & Mrs. James Andri-otis, M/M Alexander Carr, M/M Nicholas Carr, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Carr, M/M Stephan Erinakes, Nicholas Fircanis, Demetra Lambros, M/M Dimitrios, Markos, Virginia Strekouras and Lynda Takoudes.

2016 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT 

We have to date 328 parishioners with the pledge of $167,287.00
The Actual amount received to date is $132,696.70 

M/M Dionysius Argeris, M/M Nektarios Arsenis, M/M Steve Daras, Eleni Fotopoulos, M/M Michael Kirios, James Kripotos, Catherine Louth, Peter Manis, Mary Marshallis, M/M George Melanis, Mr. Meltsakos & Mrs. Zafiriades, M/M Andrew Mihailides, Peter Mihailides, Sotiris Mioni, M/M George Moragemos, M/M Spyridon Papaioannou, M/M Paul Pliakas, Angela Provost, John Psikakos, M/M Brian Rawlinson, M/M Steven Richard, M/M George Stergis, M/M Nicholas Tanionos,

A RICH FARMER SAID TO A BISHOP ONE DAY AS HE POINTED TO HIS VAST ACREAGE HE OWNED IN TEXAS— ”YOU MEAN ALL THAT IS NOT MINE?” THE BISHOP REPLIED GENTLY, “ASK ME THAT IN 100 YEARS.’

CAPITAL FUND PHASE II DONATIONS
Total Amount Received $6,575.00
M/M Nicholas Tanionos, Robert Tessier, the Tasca Family and Fr Andrew.

HOLY WEEK LITURGICAL DONATIONS 

Thomai Petropoulos (in memory of her husband Arthur Petropoulos), M/M Stephan Erinakes, Dionisios & Vasso Sampalis (in memory of Maria Sampalis), Diana J. Psilopoulos, (in memory of her husband Dennis Harry Psilopoulos), M/M Gregory Demetrakas, M/M Steve Daras, James Vose, Zoe Mitrelis, M/M Michael Papigiotis, (in memory of Theofanis G., Martha & Theodore Papigiotis), M/M James Silva, (in memory of M/M Manuel Silva & M/M Andrew Tsomi), Vikki Poulos, (in memory of M/M George Stamatakos, M/M James Poulos, & M/M William Poulos), Theodore Vaphiades, (in memory of Basil Vaphiades), M/M Lakis Andriotis, (in memory of William & Stella Pappas from their children & grandchildren), M/M Gus Rougas, (in memory of M/M Andrew Rougas & M/M Savvas Michaelides), M/M Robert Devlin, Dr. & Mrs. James Pascalides The Philoptochos Society, Anonymous Donor.

Thank you to all who donated. God Bless you and yours!

“St. Spyridon Film Festival—Sat. July 9—Newport” 

Would you like to make and share a short video about your Church and Faith even though you have nev-er used a camcorder before, or you have only done a little bit of video work? Then the Saint Spyridon Orthodox Christian Film Festival is for you. Join us on Saturday, July 9th at the Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Newport for the next Saint Spyridon Christian Film Festival. Fellowship begins at 9:30 am. Viewing begins at 10 am followed by a free luncheon and awards ceremony, and then … for all festival registrants: A free two hour sail on a captained and crewed yacht in Narragansett Bay. For more information on how to participate go to: http://www.stspyridonchurch.org/filmfestival/

Hope & Joy 

The Mystic Aquarium Trip back on June 18 for our little ones and parents was enjoyed by some 18 people….tremendous weather that day as well.

JULY YOUTH EVENTS 

Starting Wed July 6– A four session Summer Music Program for all ages, grade 6 and above, adults included. Beth Nichols will lead these sessions, running from 6-8PM on July 6, 13 and 27 as well as Wed Aug 3 (but at 3:00PM). Come and learn fun songs and liturgical music with good fellowship with each other as well. Contact Beth with any questions or to register, directly at nichols22@verizon.net

Sat July 9– Goya sponsored trip to NYC / visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, plus the construction site of the St Nicholas Shrine as well as the statue of Liberty, Ellis Is-land, Times Square and more. Open to youth grades 6-12 and adults at large. Reserve thru Christopher Mitrelis 632-8752.

Mon July 11– Beachside brunch & fellowship for 6th-12th graders along with a plan-ning session for next years Goya activities at the beach home of Bob & Cherine Spagnolo (267 Bonnet Point Rd—Narragansett). RSVP to Cherine at 965-2245.

AUGUST VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL (VCS)
(for children age 5—thru 5th graders) 

Mon – Fri / August 1 – 5, 2016 = 9:30am – 2:30PM
Sat August 6—Transfiguration Liturgy @ 9:30am
at which the children will sing, ending at 11am

Feast Days of Christ 

Beth Nicholas will once again serve as coordinator. Contact her at nichols22@verizon.net or by phone at 401-383-6708

SUNDAY SCHOOL / PERFECT & BEST ATTENDANCE AWARDS 

Pre-Kindergarten: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: Stella Andriotis, Alexandro Arsenis, Alayna Piscopio, John Rawlinson, Stella Trikoulis, Simon Tsimikas

Kindergarten: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: none

First Grade: Perfect Attendance: Sophia Nichols
Best Attendance: Ilianna Arsenis, James Rawlinson, Gabriella Santos, Elias Tsimikas

Second Grade: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: Zoe Hatjopoulos, Lucas Leroux, Laila Sarkis

Third Grade: Perfect Attendance: Calista Leroux, Nicholas Mihailides
Best Attendance: Ana Hatjopoulos, Christian Santos

Fourth Grade: Perfect Attendance: Damian Sarkis, Nathan Sarkis, Alex Vanikiotis, Chris Vanikiotis
Best Attendance: Savvina Arsenis, Yiannis Fotopoulos, Vasiliki Protopsaltis

Fifth Grade: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: George Grammas, Elisabeth Halkidis

Sixth Grade: Perfect Attendance: Julianna Mihailides Best Attendance: Rebecca Haralambides, Christopher Lambros

Seventh Grade: Perfect Attendance: Julianna Panagopoulos, Melina Panagopoulos Best Attendance: none

Eighth Grade: Perfect Attendance: Katerina Mihailides, Katherine Mitrelis, Nathaniel Nichols, Dimitri Petrou
Best Attendance: none

Ninth Grade: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: none

Tenth Grade: Perfect Attendance: none Best Attendance: none

Eleventh Grade: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: none

Twelfth Grade: Perfect Attendance: Alexis Arsenis
Best Attendance: Maria Daiaa

GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL GRADUATION 2016 

GRADUATES (PLAQUES): Zoey Despines, Alexia Sterpis, Alexander Titelis, Helaina Barakos (7th grade) Nicholas Lambros (8th grade) Dimitri Petrou (8th grade).

EXCELLENCE: Gianna Degaitas, Yiannis Fotopoulos, Xeni Gianniotis, Elisabeth Halkidis, Calista Leroux, Angela Marses, Evgenia Meltsakos, Christian Santos, Alexander Vanikiotis, Christina Vanikiotis.

HIGHEST HONORS: Savvina Arsenis, Arianna Fotopoulos, Ana Hatjopoulos Christopher Lambros, Lucas Leroux, Stella Loizos, Thea Marses, Helaina Barakos, Stephen Sterpis, Christo-pher Vanikiotis, Alexander Titelis.

HIGH HONORS: Chris Andriotis, Ilianna Arsenis, Harry Arsenis, Theofanis Arsenis, Lauren Bousquet, Mia Eliopoulos, Vasilios Eliopoulos, Zoe Hatjopoulos, Sophia Nichols, Vasiliki Protop-saltis, Gabriella Santos, Alexia Sarkis, Alexia Sterpis, Liza Triantafylloy.

HONORS: Harrison Barakos, Michael Baziotis, Zoey Despines, Maggie Despines, Jamie Plio-nis. Liam Kostas Plionis, Zoe Plaisted, James Rawlinson, Sophia Sarkis.

HONORABLE MENTION: Virginia Barakos, Gus Despines, George Protopsaltis, George Grammas, Peter Grammas.

AWARDS 
Archdiocesan Award—The Three Hierarchs: Helaina Barakos
Ahepa: Gianna Degaitas & Stella Loizos
Paideia/Hellenic Cultural Society: Angela Marses & Evgenia Meltsakos
Good Samaritan Philoptochos Society: Christopher Lambros & Zoey Despines
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church: Alexia Sterpis & Alexander Titelis
Volunteers: Niki Malatos Bousquet, Maria Leroux, Lynda Takoudas, Sophia Triantafyllou

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR – JULY-AUGUST, 2016 

We hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather we have had the month of June. Our End-of-the Year Celebration was well-attended, and although the weather was not in our favor that day, we had a very nice afternoon. Thank you to all who came and to Bessie Papigiotis for Chair-ing this Luncheon. A special note of thanks to Taso Barakos for the out-standing service we received at the Agave Restaurant in Bristol.

We are now looking forward to a couple of events we have scheduled over the summer months:

Monday – July 18th – 6:30 p.m. —A BAZAAR MEETING will be held at the Church Center to move forward with plans for the Annual Greek Food Fair and Christmas Ba-zaar. We ask you to please come with your ideas and suggestions. As we all know, this is the biggest and only fundraiser Philoptochos has to meet our budgeted obligations and donations. We are open to all ideas, so please feel free to come and share them. EVERYONE IS WELCOMED – PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERS AND NON MEM-BERS. Bazaar date is Saturday-Sunday, November 12-13, 2016. 

Friday – July 29th – 6:30 p.m. – LADIES NIGHT OUT – Dinner will be at the Chop-House Grille (Chucky Samaras’ restaurant), 191 Old Tower Hill Road, in Wakefield, RI, with dessert following dinner at the home of Eleni Zervos, 124 Old Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, RI….just a few minutes from the Restaurant. These Ladies Night Out dinners have been lots of fun, and a way for us to get together and enjoy an evening out. Please mark your calendars and make your reservation by Tuesday, July 26th by calling Georgia Pappas 351-3927. All ladies are welcomed to come—Philoptochos Members and Non Members.

Prayer Shawl Ministry – While we are not meeting over the summer months, we con-tinue with this Ministry by crocheting/knitting at home. We thank all those ladies who have been participating in this Ministry chaired by Anna Demetrakas: Josie Aliferakis, Marie Zaharakos, Koula Rougas, Rosie Demetriou, Carole Xanthakis, Lynda Poulos Theroux, Diane DiCarlo, Bessie Papigiotis, Mersine Florio. If you cannot come when we meet, please crochet/knit at home. In addition to the Prayer Shawls, we need 40-day blessing baby blankets. Ann Heberg and Ginger Pappas chair the 40-day blessing baby gift bags. Yarn will be provided. Please call Anna Demetrakas 946-0550 or Bessie Papigiotis 949-3240 if you can help with this Ministry.

We hope to see you at our first meeting on Monday, September 19th. Enjoy the rest of the summer. Stay safe and be well.

Georgia Pappas, President
Karen Drager, Corresponding Secretary

Wednesday / Friday Fasting 

Our Orthodox Christian life and weekly practice call for fasting on Wednesday and Fridays through most of the year. There are exception weeks based on major feasts, as noted always on our parish wall calendars. This twice a week fast was lived by Jesus which was a Jewish practice. It was retained by the early Christians and is a way that as His followers we keep Christ in focus throughout the week. The twice weekly fast in the Christian era remembers our Lord’s betrayal by Judas that took place on a Wednesday and His crucifixion – death – burial that occurred on a Fri-day. This twice weekly fasting gives a cycle to life and dietary menus that are often cleansing and usually more healthy then many of the other foods we often eat. It also is one way we keep a liturgical and Eucharistic awareness. This is a good way for children as well to experience various foods but to also develop a respect for “cycles of time” that are so much a part of our Christian Orthodox experience and phronema in general.

8TH ANNUAL ANNUNCIATION GOLF TOURNAMENT 

In memory of Presvytera Maria George
Who touched the lives of all the children she taught in her Sunday School classes.

Sunday, August 21, 2016, 1pm. Metacomet CC, East Providence, RI.
Registration deadline: Friday, August 19, 2016
Registration online: www.annunciationgolf.org

For tournament or sponsorship information, please contact Dennis Sampalis (401-529-7054, dsampalis@aol.com) Peter Manis (617-930-0099, pxm712@ymail.com), or Jimmy Grammas (401-965-6017, jgrammas68@gmail.com).

GOLF PACKAGES
Individual golfer-$175, includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, long drive & closest-to-pin contests, and registration gifts.
Foursome-$700, same features as individual golfer, but for 4 players.
Guest dinner-$50.00, includes dinner only.
Sponsorships for various aspects of the tournament are always welcomed-please contact committee member if interested

THIS IS A CHARITY EVENT TO BENEFIT THE CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION AND THE INTERFAITH FOOD MINISTRY.

A day of relaxing enjoyment, special time with family and friends and what more makes for a great day, but in knowing you are helping a worthy benefit. We thank you.

Play Golf & Support Hellenic College / Holy Cross—Mon July 18 

This annual golf classic will be held at Kernwood Country Club—Salem, MA / 18 holes, raffle prize is a trip to Greece (and others), steak & lobster closing dinner and more. Single golfer $295 / foursome $1,180. Dinner only-$75. Visit <www.hchc.edu/golf> to register.

Summer is here and everyone wants to get many things done but remember to pop in and be with us at church as well:
Change your address, phone or e-mail
Make Wedding or Baptismal Plans
Join Bible Study, Marriage Classes, Choir, Philoptochos, Senior Luncheons. Be involved in many events volunteering Festival, Greek Food Fair, Goya Events
Make donation arrangements for your Stewardship, Memorial Fund, Endowment Fund, Capital Fund Phase II Project

Sign up for Greek School & Sunday School come September 

Arrange for Nursery School for your child with Faith Nursery (downstairs) Also pick a few weeks to attend a Sunday or weekday Liturgy! Don’t disappear in the summer—we look forward to seeing you! 

THANK YOU

The 145-151 Oaklawn LLC and the Parish Council wishes to thank Stephanie Sterpis for coordinating, pricing and being on site for the recent yard sale at the rental home on the Scott property next to the Mihalides Center. Proceeds benefited our youth activities through the Goya who worked the sale.

INTERFAITH FOOD MINISTRY of Cranston would like to say Thank You to the donors who donated Stop & Shop gift cards over the Holiday Season of Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years allowing them to purchase 100 cans of tuna. Your generosity is very much appreciated.

Parishioners are reminded that canned and boxed food items (or monetary donations) are also needed in the summer. Families living on limited income often do so all 4 seasons of the year. 

RECENT DEATHS 

Cynthia Samaras, age 74, of Boston MA. & Cranston, RI., the daughter of (Mary Sama-ras, our Endowment Fund Secretary) passed away on 6/29/16. Her funeral and burial was on 7/2/16. George Kollitides, of Charleston, RI passed away on 6/24/16, while on a fami-ly vacation in Greece. Funeral and burial will be in RI but not structured as we go to press.