March 2015 - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

March 2015
Fr. Alexs’ Message
1-2
Stewardship
3
Parish & Community News
& Events
4-5
Gyrofest
6
Parish Spiritual Life
7
Parish Photos
8-9
Preschool
10
Focus on Philoptochos
11
Project Mexico
12
Lenten Retreat
13
Spiritual Message/Greek
14
News & Events/ Greek
15
Parish Council
16
Sponsors
17
Inserts:
March Calendar
Philoptochos Pascha
Bread Sale
March 1: Sunday of Orthodoxy
“Receive and Share the Light of Christ!”
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-394-1735 Fax: 717-394-0991
Email: agochurch@comcast.net
Website: www.annunciationorthodox.org
Office Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:00 AM—4:00 PM
The Annunciator is the monthly newsletter of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
Submissions for consideration are due the 15th of each month.
Church Office Email Addresses
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
is under the jurisdiction of:
His Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholemew
His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America
His Eminence, Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Parish Administration
Clergy
Rev. Alexander Goussetis, Pastor
Rev. Hector Firoglanis, Assistant Priest
Rev. Alexander Veronis, Pastor Emeritus
Parish Council
Maria Querry, President
John Stauffer, Vice President
George Soukas, Treasurer
Artemis Tsoflias, Secretary
Keith Bartlett
Kim Keares
Peter S. Billis
Tom Miller
Manny Firoglanis
Mary Sakellaris
David Gammache
Nicholas Veronis
Helen Hazatones
Donna Vitko
Kaliopi Karomfily
Jim Voulopos
Board of Elders
Dr. Spencer Phillips
Constantine J. Kourgelis
Dr. Olga Pratt
Church Staff
Cantors………….. …………………. ………….Nicholas Belessis
Nicholas Billis
Jonathan Troop
Ecclesiarch…….…………...….…………………….John Scanlon
Lay Assistant……..……… …..……….………….Maria Koursaris
Building Supervisor…………...….……………David Gammache
Office Administrator……………………………...Sherry Anderson
Administrative Assistant……...…………………..Pat Hazatones
Office Assistant………………...…………………... Mary Keares
Volunteer Office Assistants……….................... Demetria Baker
The Annunciator………………….……………..Sherry Anderson
Sunday Bulletin…………………………………..Maria Koursaris
Fr. Alexander Goussetis……………..fralexg@comcast.net
Fr. Hector Firoglanis………..………..firoglanis@gmail.com
Fr. Alexander Veronis……………...frveronis@comcast.net
Sherry Anderson………………….agochurch@comcast.net
Maria Koursaris…………………..agocmaria@comcast.net
David Gammache………………...agocdavid@comcast.net
Sunday Worship Hours
September - May
8:00 AM - Early Divine Liturgy
9:00 AM - Orthros/Matins
10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
June - August
8:15 AM - Orthros
9:30 AM - Divine Liturgy
Contacts
Sunday School…………………..…………….Sally Stratigos
Dan Soukas, Jonathan Troop
Choir…………………………………………..Maria Koursaris
Organist....…………….………………….Zaferula Yelagotes
Philoptochos……………..………….Cassandra Karamanos
Christine Speros
GOYA..………….…………………………Michael Efstration
JOY Dance…………….………….Popi Herr, Tina Georges,
Angie Hessen, Renate Keares
GOYA Dance………………..………………Despina Proithis
Evzonakia Dance…………………………...Jenna Ioannidis
Maria Attoni
Greek School PTO……………..............Robin Roumeliotis
AHEPA………………...…………………..Constantine J. Seiss
Daughters of Penelope….………………...Mary P.Morgan
Zaferula Yelagotes
Pan-Coan Society……….…………………...Tasos Marinos
Chiotiko Society……………..................Panagiotis S. Billis
Webmaster…………….…………….. Dimitri & Kim Keares
Bazaar Committee……………………………………………………..Kosta Kontanis
Alexandra Schramm
Bookstore………………………………….Paul & Kay Benos
Service & Outreach Committee………............Joanne Martin
Susana Troop
F r . Al e x an d e r G o u s s e t i s ’ Me s s ag e
Establishing a Mission Parish
Sermon Delivered by Fr. Alexander Goussetis – 1/25/15
“As a fish cannot swim without water, and as a bird cannot fly without air, so a Christian
cannot advance a single step without Christ and His Church.‖ These are the words of St.
Gregory the Theologian, whose memory we celebrate today. As a bishop, St. Gregory understood that the Church community, the Body of Christ, is essential to our salvation.
This is true for all of us as well. We have each benefitted and been blessed by this parish. We would be selfish to keep this precious Orthodox faith for ourselves. This is the
reason our parish vision statement proclaims: ―Receive and Share the Light of Christ!‖
Thus, as a result of our parish strategic plan that was developed last year, our hope is to
establish a mission parish somewhere in Lancaster County. The intention in not to divide
this parish in half, but to create another parish for the many people in Lancaster County
who have never heard of or been exposed to the Orthodox Christian faith.
So why is a mission parish something Annunciation should consider? For starters, our
Lord tells us to make disciples of all nations. This icon on the sanctuary wall makes clear
that we are commissioned to receive and share the light of Christ, not just to other countries of the world, but to our own neighbors as well.
In the Divine Liturgy, immediately after receiving Holy Communion, we sing: “We have
seen the true light; we have received the Heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith,
worshipping the undivided Trinity who has saved us.” This treasure of Orthodoxy, handed
down from generation to generation from the time of the Apostles, is a gift so wondrous
that we must share it.
Why now? The time is right. Our parish is firmly established, strongly united, and bursting with ministry and energy. If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
Fr. Timothy Hojnicki, pastor of Holy Apostles Orthodox Mission in Mechanicsburg PA has
offered to serve as our mentor. Fr. Timothy has served his mission parish since its infancy. He is knowledgeable of the steps necessary to plant and grow a newly established
parish. In his presentation to the parish council last Tuesday he made the following analogy for us to consider. Your family raises children. When your children mature and move
away, do they cease being part of your family?
(Continued on next page)
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015
PAGE 1
Cont’d
Fr. Alexander Goussetis’ Message
(Continued from previous page)
Do you resent them for starting their own families? Of course not! The Annunciation parish, in essence, would be giving birth to a new parish. This would be our child to nurture
and help grow. Like our own children, we would have the satisfaction of producing and developing a new family; in this case, a new family of faith.
What is the process of establishing a new parish? First, we begin with worship and prayer.
Jesus states clearly in the Gospel of John, ―apart from me you can do nothing‖ (John
15:5). We must be discerning and wise, allowing Christ to guide the course of action. Second, we must continue educating our own parish as well as potential seekers on the fullness of Orthodox teachings, practices, and evangelism. The more we know the more we
can share. Third, we must model and encourage stewardship of time, talent, and resources, so the newly established parish can quickly become self-sustaining. And fourth,
we must practice patience. There will be challenges and obstacles in the development of
a new parish. But anything worthwhile demands and accepts sacrifice and perseverance.
So, to summarize:
The recent five-year parish strategic plan, developed in June 2014 by the parish
council, committee chairs, and leaders of the community, established the goal of
birthing a new parish somewhere in Lancaster County.
The intention is to increase Orthodox faithful through the founding of a mission;
not to divide the parish but to expand the Body of Christ.
Who is this parish for? Potentially for the people in Lancaster County who have
never been exposed to or heard of Orthodoxy.
Who is going to build this Church? Jesus is; He states: “On this rock I will build my
Church” (Matthew 16:18). The rock is our faith; our obedience; our love for Christ.
What will it require from this parish? Trust in God and reliance upon His holy will.
Right now there are more questions than answers – this is a walk of faith. If you are interested in learning more and becoming an active member of this mission parish committee,
please speak with me.
One last thought for today. In 1921, when our forebears established this parish, these are
the same questions, doubts, and challenges they addressed. And because they answered
them with faith, hope, and love, we now enjoy the fruits of their labor. This can be the
same moment for future generations in Lancaster County. Amen.
Next Mission Parish meetings: March 12 & 26 (7pm) at:
Lititz Mennonite Church
165 E Front St
Lititz, PA 17543
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 2
S t e wa r d s h i p Me s s ag e
Saves time, energy and paperwork
Provides consistent cash flow for the Parish
Call the office with questions: 394-1735
AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FOR PREAUTHORIZED WITHDRAWLS (DEBITS)
FOR PAYMENT OF STEWARDSHIP TO THE ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
I hereby authorize Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church to initiate debit entries to my account number indicated below at the depositories
named below and to initiate, if necessary, credit entries or adjustments for any debit error.
This agreement can be cancelled at any time by the payee.
Please attach a voided check.
Parishioner Name _____________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________City______________________ State _______ Zip _________
Envelope Number: ___________ Phone: __________________________Email: ___________________________
Name of Financial Institution: ____________________________________________________________________
Transit/Routing ABA #_____________________________________________
Account Number _________________________________________________
Account Type: (check one only)
( ) Checking
( ) Savings
I choose to have my account debited for my stewardship:
( ) Monthly: The 15th of each month. Amount to withdraw per month: $___________
( ) Bi-monthly: 1st & 15th of each month. Amount to withdraw bi-monthly: $_________
Parishioner Name ___________________________________________________ Date ___________
Please Print
Signature ___________________________________________________________________________
*The amount specified for withdrawal will be adjusted in accordance with your stewardship pledge each year. The parishioner
may also adjust the withdrawal amount with notice to the church office
at any time throughout the year.
I acknowledge that the origination of ACH transactions to my account must comply with the provisions of U.S. law. This authority
is to remain in full force and effect until written notice of my intention to terminate this agreement has been provided (30 day
notice is required).
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 3
Pa r i s h N e w s
ALTAR CANDLES & FLOWERS
LENTEN AND PASCHA DONATIONS
Donors needed for the following:
Bible Reference Pamphlets……2 donors $100 each
Flowers for Cross Sunday…… 4 donors $130 each
Incense for Holy Week &
for the Year………………………2 donors $125 each
Charcoal for the Year……………2 donors $200 each
Holy Unction Supplies ………………. $150
Eggs for Easter………………………. $125
Dye for Easter Eggs…………………. $100
Lilly Plants for Holy Week………4 donors $100 each
Calla Lillies (12)………………… 2 donors $100 each
Baby’s Breath for Flower Decoration $100
Palm Plant Rentals (4)………… 4 donors $75 each
Evangelismos Wreath……………… $125
1st Salutation Wreath………………. $75
2nd Salutation Wreath……………… $75
3rd Salutation Wreath………………. $75
4th Salutation Wreath………………. $75
Holy Thursday Iconostas Candles…..$150
Holy Friday Processional Candles… 4 donors $150
each
Resurrection Paschal Wreath……… $130
Resurrection Service Candle Cups 4 donors $150
each
Paschal Candle (Roots)…………… $175
Paschal Candles for Priests
Easter Resurrection Service……… $150
Candle Decoration…………………… $200
Easter Resurrection Altar Flowers…. $150
Pre-Sanctified Liturgy/Pot Luck Supper
Altar Candles ………………………………
Feb. 1
In loving memory of Anne Essis and Nicholas
Valudes by Frank and Terry Essis and family.
Feb. 8 In loving memory of my sister Dionysia
Mastrogiorgos, my brother Gus Mastrogiorgos, my daughter Eleni Hatzikalimnios and my
husband Prokopi by Kondi Prokopios.
Feb. 15 In loving memory of Harry Keares by his
family.
Feb. 22 In loving memory of Koula Valldes by her
husband Michael, children and grandchildren.
Altar Flowers …………………………………..
Feb. 1 In loving memory of Linda ―Lemonia‖
Mylonas. Your love surrounds us. Your wings
protect us. Your smile strengthens us. With
eternal love from all.
Feb. 8 In loving memory of my sister Dionysia
Mastrogiorgos, my brother Gus Mastrogiorgos, my daughter Eleni Hatzikalimnios and my
husband Prokopi by Kondi Prokopios.
Feb. 22 In loving memory of Anastasia and Isidoris
Frangakis by John and Betsy Stauffer.
Candelabra Candles…………………………..
Feb. 1
In loving memory of Anne Essis and Nicholas
Valudes by Frank and Terry Essis and family.
Feb. 8
In loving memory of Gus Karpouzis from
godchildren Andrea and Spencer Phillips.
Feb. 22 In loving memory of Koula Valldes by her
husband Michael, children and grandchildren.
PARISH FAMILY PICNIC
Join us for the Lenten service, meal,
and fellowship on:
SAVE THE DATE!
March 4— 6:00 PM
March 11—6:00 PM
March 18—6:00 PM
See Presbytera Lisa for more info
Sunday, June 7
4:00-8:00 pm
www.annunciationorthodox.org
Neffsville Park , Lititz
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 4
Pa r i s h n e w s
Thank you
Thank you
January 2015
Thanks to Peter and Marci Xenias for donating the
A THANK YOU
new Altar Boy robes. May this gift glorify God
I thank each one of you for your prayers and your love,
May God richly bless you from Heaven above.
during our worship services for years to come!
I thank my every dear and steadfast friend,
Our love and friendship have no end.
Why Lent?
I thank you all from the depths of my heart
With deep emotion that words can’t impart.
Is it necessary to explain that Easter is much
Barbara Karpouzis Valavanes
more than one of the feasts, more than a yearly
commemoration of a past event? Anyone who
has, be it only once, taken part in that night which
ΕΝΑ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ
is "brighter than the day," who has tasted of that
unique joy, knows it. On Easter we celebrate
Ευχαριστώ τους ιερείς, ψάλτες, χορωδία,
Christ's Resurrection as something that happened
Και όλη την κοινότητα με αγάπη στην καρδία.
and still happens to us. For each one of us received the gift of that new life and the power to
Και για της Θυγατέρες, που είναι σαν αδελφές,
accept it and live by it. It is a gift which radically
Στέλνω ευχαριστήρια και πολλές ευχές.
alters our attitude toward everything in this world,
Την Φιλόπτωχο ευχαριστώ με όλη την καρδιά μου including death. It makes it possible for us to joyΚαι τα δασκαλόπουλα που τα’χω σαν παιδιά μου. fully affirm: "Death is no more!" Oh, death is still
there, to be sure, and we still face it and someday
it will come and take us. But it is our whole faith
Βαρβάρα Καρπούζη Βαλαβάνη
that by His own death Christ changed the very nature of death, made it a passage - a "passover," a
"Pascha" - into the Kingdom of God, transforming
the tragedy of tragedies into the ultimate victory.
If we realize this, then we may understand what
Easter is and why it needs and presupposes Lent.
For we may then understand that the liturgical traditions of the Church, all its cycles and services,
exist, first of all, in order to help us recover the
vision and the taste of that new life which we so
easily lose and betray, so that we may repent and
return to it. This is where Great Lent comes in.
This is the help extended to us by the Church, the
school of repentance which alone will make it possible to receive Easter not as mere permission to
eat, to drink, and to relax, but indeed as the end
of the "old" in us, as our entrance into the "new."
For each year Lent and Easter are, once again,
the rediscovery and the recovery by us of what we
were made through our own baptismal death and
resurrection.
Fr. Alexander Schmemann
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 5
Spring event
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March2015
PAGE 6
Pa r i s h S p i r i t ua l L i f e
Learn Your Faith!
Our parish is blessed to offer a variety of Bible Studies and discussion groups to help inform
and inspire our parishioners and friends. Below you will find a group that will match your
schedule and level of interest. Check the weekly bulletin, the monthly Annunciator, and the
parish website for specific dates and times of the following groups.
AGAPE Bible Study
Women’s Orthodox Study Group
This monthly group, led by Fr. Veronis, offers a
fellowship and study in the Greek language.
Refreshments will be offered by the Women’s
Bible Study Group
This group, led by Presvytera Lisa Goussetis,
meets every other Thursday of the month. Book
studies and video presentations are offered.
Child care available.
Tuesday, March 17
Thursday, March 12, 26
9:30 AM
Early Risers Group
Orthodox Study Group
This weekly group meets at 6:30AM each
Thursday. Fr. Goussetis leads the group in the
reading of Orthodox books and the viewing of
various instructional videos on the faith.
This group meets twice monthly on Saturday
mornings. The group is led by Fr. Veronis and
focuses on Bible passages and readings on the
Orthodox faith.
Thursday, March 12, 19, 26
6:30 AM
Will Resume in April
Women’s Bible Study
College Fellowship (OCF)
This group, led by Presvytera Pearl Veronis,
meets weekly on Tuesday mornings. Bible
Studies and other resources are used for
inspiration and education of the Orthodox faith.
This weekly group, led by Fr. Hector serves the
college students of Franklin & Marshall and
Millersville University.
Tuesday, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
10:00 AM
Wednesday, March 4, 11, 18, Church, Room 7 7:30 PM
Wednesday, March 25, 8:00 PM Millersville Univ.
Orthodox/Mennonite Dialogue
Young Adults Bible Study
This monthly group, led by Fr. Goussetis, is an
“unofficial” Orthodox-Mennonite dialogue and
study group. Readings and discussions on the
two traditions are shared by members of the
Mennonite & Orthodox faiths.
This group, led by Fr. Hector
serves the Young Adults of our parish.
Friday, March 20
12 noon
Tuesday, March 10, 31
7:00 PM
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Proverbs 119:105
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015
PAGE 7
Ap o k r i at i ko g l e n d i
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 8
Basketball tournament
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 9
Preschool
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 10
Philoptochos
PHILOPTOCHOS
NEWS
February Daytime Meeting
We had a wonderful meeting at 1:00 PM
on February 10th. The members really enjoyed having a daytime meeting rather than
venturing out at night. Thank you to Sally
Stratigos and Anna Michalopoulos for the
wonderful snacks they provided. We also
enjoyed a video: The Life of St. Paisios.
Elder Paisios was glorified on January 13,
2015, by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
He is commemorated each year on July 12
The Godparent/Godchild Spaghetti
Dinner was a great success. Many thanks
to everyone who helped and/or donated to
this event.
Mark your calendar for April 25, when
the Philoptochos Society will prepare and
serve a meal for Crispus Attucks.
Friendly Reminder
2015 Philoptochos Stewardship is
payable from now through April. Please
give your stewardship donation to Christine
Speros, Cassandra Karamanos or Marge
Enoch, c/o Annunciation Church at your
earliest convenience. Check is payable to:
“Philoptochos”.
www.annunciationorthodox.org
Keeping you posted…
April 25: Crispus Attucks
March 10: 7:00 PM Next Business Meeting
Church Conference Room
Program: “Journey Through Lent”
Presented by Fr. Alexander Goussetis
April 4 & 5: Easter Bread Sale
May 10: Mother’s Day Coffee Fellowship
Easter Bread
Please see the form inserted in this
issue to order your Easter Bread.
Bread may be purchased by preorder only.
Check must accompany the form.
“For I was hungry and you gave Me Food;
I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was
naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and
you visited Me; I was in prison and you
came to Me… „Truly I tell you, whatever
you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.‟” Matthew 25:35-36,40
The Annunciator/March 2015
PAGE 11
P roj e c t Me x i c o
Dear Parishioners:
A group of ten parishioners, led by Fr. Alexander Goussetis, have
volunteered to participate in a short-term mission trip to Tijuana,
Mexico (August 4-10) as part of the Project Mexico team. Since
1988, Project Mexico has been providing opportunities for groups of
faithful Orthodox Christians to alleviate the suffering of many needy
families. The goal for this year’s group will be to build a safe and secure home for a family to live in.
In 1996 Project Mexico’s outreach expanded through the opening of
St. Innocent Orthodox Orphanage in Tijuana which provides a home
for teenage boys who are homeless or who are left to fend for themselves. The goal of this
orphanage is to develop these boys into godly men who make a positive
contribution to society and the Church.
Our parish has sent many teams to Project Mexico over the years as an expression of stewardship – the sharing of our time, talent, and possessions. Each year the teams return with a
sense of appreciation for the many blessings we enjoy and the reminder that we are commanded to assist “the least of these my brethren” (Matthew 25).
We are writing to request your prayers and your
financial assistance in this project. The total cost of
the mission trip is about $1000 per person, which
covers the cost of the building supplies and transportation. Please consider making a generous contribution so that we can continue to help build hope
for families in need. Thank you in advance for your
financial and spiritual support.
Participants: Fr. Alexander Goussetis, Elisabeth Blain, Levi Blain, Kali Efstration, Michael
Efstration, Dominick Falcon, Stephan Gerovasilis, Sophia Goussetis, Emmanuel Marinos, &
Eleni Marinos.
Make checks payable to:
Annunciation Orthodox Church
Please write in the memo: PROJECT MEXICO
Each donation is tax-deductible and will
be acknowledged
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 12
L e n t e n r e t r e at ( c h u r c h v a n l e a v e s o u r p a r k i n g l o t a t 7 : 4 5 a m )
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015
PAGE 13
S p i r i t ua l Me s s ag e i n G r e e k
Όζηνο Παΐζηνο,
δηαξθώο πξνζεπρόκελνο γηα όιε ηελ Οηθνπκέλε
Τν κπζηηθό ηεο αγάπεο ηνπ Γέξνληα πξνο ηνλ άιινλ, ε αθξηβέζηεξα πξνο ην θάζε άιιν,
ήηαλ ε θέλσζή ηνπ ζε απηό. Λεζκνλνύζε εληειώο ηνλ εαπηό ηνπ θαη γηλόηαλ ν άιινο ε ην
άιιν. Έιεγε ραξαθηεξηζηηθά: «Από ηελ ζηηγκή πνπ ν άλζξσπνο έξζεη ζηελ ζέζε ηνπ
άιινπ, κεηά όινπο κπνξεί λα ηνπο αγαπήζε…Τα πάληα ηα ρσξάεη κέζα ηνπ θαη βγαίλεη ν
εαπηόο ηνπ από ηελ αγάπε ηνπ». Οη πξνζεπρέο πνπ έθαλε γηα θάπνην ζπγθεθξηκέλν
πξόζσπν πξνρσξνύζαλ επαγσγηθά, γηα λα πεξηιάβνπλ όινπο ηνπο αλζξώπνπο. Σεκεηώλεη
ν βηνγξάθνο ηνπ: «Όηαλ έθαλε πξνζεπρή γηα ηδηαίηεξεο πεξηπηώζεηο, π.ρ. γηα θάπνηνλ λέν
πνπ είρε μεθύγεη από ηνλ δξόκν ηνπ Θενύ, πξόζζεηε· κλήζζεηη, Κύξηε, θαη βνήζεζε θαη
όινπο ηνπο λένπο. Η πάιη, όηαλ πξνζεπρόηαλ γηα θάπνηνλ ι.ρ. άξξσζην Νηθόιαν,
ζπκπιήξσλε· κλήζζεηη, Κύξηε, θαη όινπο ηνπο Νηθνιάνπο»
Έβιεπε ηηο πξνζεπρέο ηνπ γηα ηνλ θόζκν όρη κόλν σο αδειθηθή ππνρξέσζε, αιιά θαη σο πξνζσπηθή νθεηιή. Γηα ηελ θαθή
θαηάζηαζε ησλ άιισλ έιεγρε ηνλ εαπηό ηνπ, γηαηί δελ είρε ηελ αγηόηεηα λα δεηήζεη από ηνλ Θεό ηελ ζεξαπεία ηνπο.
Πξνζεπρόηαλ θαη ζπληζηνύζε λα πξνζεύρνληαη σο εμήο: «Αλ ήκνπλ ζε θαιή πλεπκαηηθή θαηάζηαζε ζα κε άθνπγεο θαη δελ
ζα ππέθεξε ν θόζκνο. Τν μέξσ, είκαη πνιύ ακαξησιόο· όκσο δελ είλαη αδηθία λα ππνθέξε ν θόζκνο εμαηηίαο κνπ; Βνήζεζέ
ηνπο». Παξαηαύηα ακέηξεηεο είλαη νη ζαπκαηνπξγηθέο επεξγεζίεο ησλ πξνζεπρώλ ηνπ γηα ηνλ θόζκν.
Τόζν ήηαλ ην ελδηαθέξνλ θαη ν πόλνο ηνπ γηα ηνλ θόζκν, ώζηε έβιεπε ηελ πξνζεπρή γηα ηνλ εαπηό ηνπ σο πξνεηνηκαζία
ηεο πξνζεπρήο γηα ηνλ θόζκν. Τελ πξνζεπρή γηα ηνλ εαπηό καο, έιεγε, «δελ ηελ θάλνπκε κόλν γηα ηνλ εαπηό καο, αιιά είλαη
απαξαίηεηε ζαλ πξνεηνηκαζία, γηα λα ζηαζνύκε κπξνζηά ζηνλ Θεό κε εππξεπέο έλδπκα…Όηαλ όκσο θνπληώζε ν ζείνο
έξσηαο, ηόηε μερλά θαλείο ηνλ εαπηό ηνπ θαη εύρεηαη γηα ηνπο άιινπο», γηα ηνπο δσληαλνύο θαη ηνπο θεθνηκεκέλνπο, γηα όινλ
ηνλ θόζκν.
Ο αλζξώπηλνο πόζνο γηα κία παγθόζκηα θνηλσλία, πνπ δηεπθόιπλε ζηελ επνρή καο ηελ πξνώζεζε ηεο
παγθνζκηνπνηήζεσο, βξήθε ζην πξόζσπό ηνπ κία απζεληηθή εθπιήξσζε. Ωο άλζξσπνο ηνπ Θενύ θαη κάξηπξαο ηεο
παξνπζίαο ηνπ ζηελ γελεά ηνπ, έδσζε ην απζεληηθό αληίδνην ζηελ απαηειή παγθνζκηνπνίεζε. Σηηο πξνζεπρέο ηνπ
παξαθαινύζε ηνλ Θεό γηα ηηο αλάγθεο ησλ αλζξώπσλ. Σηηο ζπλνκηιίεο ηνπ κε ηνπο αλζξώπνπο θξόληηδε λα ηνπο θαλεξώζεη
ηηο πξαγκαηηθέο αλάγθεο ηνπο, πνπ ήηαλ έηνηκνο λα ηθαλνπνηήζεη ν Θεόο.
Ο νιηγνγξάκκαηνο απηόο Γέξνληαο είρε ην ράξηζκα ηεο ζενινγίαο, πνπ εξρόηαλ σο θαξπόο ηεο ζενπηίαο. Μεηέθεξε ηνλ
ιόγν ηνπ Θενύ, πνπ γελληόηαλ ζηελ θαξδηά ηνπ κεηά από πξνζεπρή, κε απιό, ζαθή θαη απζεληηθό ηξόπν. Ήηαλ εκπεηξηθόο
ζενιόγνο. Όηαλ πάιη δελ είρε ιόγν θαη πιεξνθνξία γηα θάηη πνπ ηνλ ξσηνύζαλ, δελ απαληνύζε, αιιά έιεγε. «Να θάλνπκε
πξνζεπρή», θαη ύζηεξα από κέξεο έδηλε ηελ απάληεζε.
Ο Γέξνληαο Παΐζηνο ήηαλ θαηεμνρήλ πξαθηηθόο άλζξσπνο. Ο,ηη έπηαλε ζηα ρέξηα ηνπ, ην έθαλε κε κεξάθη. Σηηο ζρέζεηο ηνπ
κε όινπο ήηαλ απιόο, απζόξκεηνο, πξνζελήο, αλεπηηήδεπηνο. «Ήηαλ κέζα ζε όια, ρσξίο λα αζρνιήηαη κε όια. Γλώξηδε ηα
ηνπ θόζκνπ, δηακέλνληαο ζηελ έξεκν. Ήηαλ πλεπκαηηθά καδί κε όινπο, αγαπνύζε όιν ηνλ θόζκν θαη απείρε από όινπο».
Σύλζεζε αληηζέζεσλ παξνπζίαδε θαη ζηελ ζπκπεξηθνξά ηνπ. Ήηαλ ιεπηόο θαη επηεηθήο πξνο ηνπο άιινπο, αιιά ζθιεξόο
θαη απζηεξόο πξνο ηνλ εαπηό ηνπ. Αλαιάκβαλε κε πξνζπκία βάξε δπζβάζηαθηα, αιιά πξνζπαζνύζε κε θάζε ηξόπν λα
ειαθξύλεη ηνπο άιινπο.
Δίρε έλζεξκν ζετθό δήιν, θαη επρόηαλ λα αλαδεηθλύνληαη ζηελ Δθθιεζία άλζξσπνη κε ηνλ δήιν απηόλ. Ταπηόρξνλα όκσο
ήηαλ ειεύζεξνο από άγνλεο ηππηθόηεηεο θαη δεισηηθέο παξσπίδεο πνπ δεκηνπξγνύληαη από παξεμεγεκέλε επζέβεηα.
Απέθεπγε κάιηζηα λα ρξεζηκνπνηεί θαη ηνλ όξν επζέβεηα θαη κηινύζε πάληνηε γηα επιάβεηα. Τέινο, όηαλ έβιεπε θαη ηελ
επιάβεηα θάπνπ πξνβιεκαηηθή, έιεγε κε ην ιεπηό ηνπ ρηνύκνξ όηη πξόθεηηαη γηα βιάβε θαη όρη γηα επιάβεηα.
Η κνξθή ηνπ Γέξνληα Πατζίνπ πξνζέιθπζε πνιινύο ζηνλ κνλαρηζκό θαη πνιύ πεξηζζόηεξνπο αζθαιώο ζηελ ρξηζηηαληθή
πίζηε θαη επιάβεηα. Απέθεπγε θάζε πεηζαλαγθαζκό ηδίσο γηα ηελ είζνδν ζηνλ κνλαρηζκό. Σεβόηαλ απόιπηα ηελ ειεπζεξία
θαη ζηήξηδε ηνλ ειεύζεξν αυτοπροςδιοριςμό του ανθρώπου. Έλεγε: «Ο κάθε άνθρωποσ πρζπει να βρη και να αγιάςη την κλίςη του.
Ο προκομμζνοσ άνθρωποσ, όπου και αν βρεθή, είτε ςτον γάμο, είτε ςτον μοναχιςμό, θα είναι επιτυχημζνοσ»
www.pemptousia.gr
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 14
N e w s an d Ev e n t s i n G r e e k
Η ΕΤΦΗ ΣΟΤ ΑΓΙΟΤ ΕΥΡΑΙΜ ΣΟΤ ΢ΤΡΟΤ
Η προσευχή του Αγ. Εφραίμ χρησιμοποιείται σε όλες τις
ακολουθίες της εκκλησίας κατά την Μ. Σεσσαρακοστή.
Είναι ένα αριστούργημα χριστιανικής ικεσίας το οποίο με
την ομορφιά του και την απλότητά του αγγίζει με λίγες
λέξεις τα ουσιώδη στοιχεία της χριστιανικής ζωής:
«Κύριε καί Δέσποτα τῆς ζωῆς μου, πνεῦμα
ἀργίας, περιεργίας, φιλαρχίας, καί
ἀργολογίας μή μοι δῷς.
κε ηνλ Παηέξα Αιέμαλδξν Γνπζέηε.
Κύκλορ Μελέηηρ Οπθοδοξίαρ Γςναικών
Πέκπηε, 12 & 26 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 9:30 πκ
κε ηε Πξεζβπηέξα Λίζα Γνπζέηε
Κύκλορ ΑΓΑΠΗ΢ Αγίαρ Γπαθήρ
Τξίηε: 17 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 10:00 πκ
κε ηνλ Παηέξα Αιέμαλδξν Βξπώλε.
Ο καθέρ πξνζθέξεηαη από ηνλ Κύθιν Γπλαηθώλ
ΟΜΙΛΙΔ΢ ΣΔ΢΢ΑΡΑΚΟ΢ΣΗ΢:
 Σάββαην, 14 Μαξηίνπ: 10:30 πκ –12:00 κκ
Πνεῦμα δέ σωφροσύνης, ταπεινοφροσύνης,
Θέκα: «Οη Παξαβνιέο, Μέξνο Α»
κε ηνλ Παηέξα Αιέμαλδξν Γνπζέηε.
ὑπομονής καί ἀγάπης χάρισαί μοι τῷ σῷ
δούλῳ.»

Σάββαην, 21 Μαξηίνπ: 9:00 πκ-4:00 κκ
Θέκα: «Σηελ θαξδηά ηνπ Φξηζηνύ, Πσο λα δνύκε
κε ηελ Οξζόδνμε Φξηζηηαληθή Πξνζεπρή»
Οκηιεηήο ν Γνθηνξ Φξηζηόθνξνο Βεληακήλ.
«Ναί, Κύριε Βασιλεῦ, δώρησαί μοι τοῦ ὁράν
τά ἐμά πταίσματα, καί μή κατακρίνειν τόν
ἀδελφόν μου, ὅτι εὐλογητός εἶ εἰς τούς
Τν βαλ ηεο εθθιεζίαο ζα αλαρσξήζεη ζηηο 7:45 πκ.
αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Αμήν».
**********************************
ΚΑΘΗΜΔΡΙΝΔ΢ ΙΔΡΔ΢ ΑΚΟΛΟΤΘΔΙΔ΢
Μέγα Απόδειπνο:
Γεπηέξα: 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 7:00 κκ
Πποηγιαζμένη Λειηοςπγία/Γείπνο:
Τεηάξηε: 4, 11, & 18 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 6:00 κκ
Υαιπεηιζμοί ηηρ Θεοηόκος:
Παξαζθεπή: 6, 13 & 20 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 7:00 κκ
ΑΚΑΘΙ΢ΣΟ΢ ΤΜΝΟ΢: Παξαζθεπή, 27 Μαξηίνπ
Δ΢ΠΔΡΙΝΟ΢: Σάββαην 7 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 7:00 κκ
Δ΢ΠΔΡΙΝΟ΢ ΣΟΤ ΔΤΑΓΓΔΛΙ΢ΜΟΤ:
Τξίηε, 24 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 7:00 κκ
ΟΡΘΡΟ΢ & ΘΔΙΑ ΛΔΙΣΟΤΡΓΙΑ ΔΤΑΓΓΔΛΙ΢ΜΟΤ
Τεηάξηε 25 Μαξηίνπ: 9-11:00 πκ
******************************
ΚΤΚΛΟΙ ΜΔΛΔΣΗ΢ ΑΓΙΑ΢ ΓΡΑΦΗ΢
«Ο λόγος ζου είναι θώς ζηην οδον μου»
Κύκλορ Γςναικών Αγίαρ Γπαθήρ
Τξίηε: 3, 10, 17 & 24 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 10:00 πκ
κε ηελ Πξεζβπηέξα Παλαγηώηα Βξπώλε
Ππωινόρ Κύκλορ Μελέηηρ πεπί Οπθοδοξίαρ
Πέκπηε: 12, 19 & 26 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 6:30 πκ
www.annunciationorthodox.org
Σην Jesuit Center, 501 N. Church Rd. Wernersville, PA
19565.

΢άββατο, 28 Μαρτίου: 10¨30 πμ-12:00 μμ
Θέμα: «Οι Παραβολές, Μέρος B»
με τον Πατέρα Αλέξανδρο Γουσέτη
ΠΑ΢ΥΑΛΙΝΟ ΦΧΜΙ ΦΙΛΟΠΣΧΥΟΤ– $6.00 ηο ένα.
Αλ ζέιεηε λα παξαγγείιεηε παζραιηλό ςσκί
επηθνηλσλείζηε κε ηελ Διέλε Φαδαληώλε, Φξηζηίλα
Σπύξνπ, Καζζάλδξα Καξακάλνπ, Ισάλλα Μάξηηλ ή
ηελ Μάξηδ Δλνθ. Τα ςσκηά ζα είλαη δηαλεκεζνύλ ην
Σάββαην ηνπ Λαδάξνπ, 4εο Απξηιίνπ από ηηο 11:30
πκ-1:30 κκ θαη ηελ Κπξηαθή ησλ Βαίσλ, 5 Απξηιίνπ
κεηά ηε Θεία Λεηηνπξγία.
ΓΔΤΜΑ ΦΑ΢ΟΛΑΓΑ: Κςπιακή, 1η Μαπηίος μεηά ηη
Θεία Λειηοςπγία. Η Θπγαηέξεο ηεο Πελειόπεο ζα
πξνζθέξνπλ Γεύκα Φαζνιάδα. Οια ηα έζνδα θαη
δσξεέο ζα δηαηεζνύλ γηα ηελ αλνηθνδόκεζε ηνπ Νανύ
ηνπ Αγίνπ Νηθνιάνπ ζηελ Νέα Υόξθε.
ΓΙΟΡΣΗ ΔΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΤ ΢ΥΟΛΔΙΟΤ ηηρ 25ηρ
Μαπηίος: Κπξηαθή, 29 Μαξηίνπ ζηηο 5:30 πκ.
Διάηε λα γηνξηάζνπκε κε ην Διιεληθό καο Σρνιείν θαη
ηα ρνξεπηηθά καο ζπγθξνηήκαηα ηνλ Δπαγγειηζκό ηεο
Θενηόθνπ θαη ηελ εκέξα ηεο Αλεμαξηεζία ηεο
Διιάδαο. Διέζεπξε νηθνλνκηθή πξνζθνξά πξνο ην
Διιεληθό καο Σρνιείν ζηελ είζνδν.
ΦΔ΢ΣΙΒΑΛ ΓΤΡΟΤ ΣΗΔ ΠΑΡΟΙΚΙΑ΢ ΜΑ΢:
Παξαζθεπή & Σάββαην 17 & 18 Απξηιίνπ.
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 15
Pa r i s h C o u n c i l Me e t i n g Mi n u t e s - J an ua ry 2 0
Members in Attendance: President Maria Querry, Treasurer George
Soukas, Secretary Artemis Tsoflias, John Stauffer, James Voulopos,
Fr. Hector Firoglanis, Peter S. Billis, Fr. Alexander Goussetis, Kaliopi
Karomfily, , David Gammache, Kim Keares, , Helen Hazatones,
Olga Pratt, Donna Vitko, Spencer Phillips, Mary Sakellaris,
Manny Firoglanis, Keith Bartlett, Tom Miller
Members Absent: Constantine J. Kourgelis (E), Nicholas Veronis (E)
Opening Prayer: The January 20, 2015 meeting of the Parish Council began at 7:30 PM with an opening prayer by Fr.
Alexander Goussetis.
Parish Activities: The Ecumenical Luncheon will be held on March
6 for area churches.
Bazaar: A final Bazaar report will be given by Kosta Kontanis during the February meeting.
Gyrofest: Rice pudding will be added as a new item. Also, Manny
Firoglanis was added to the committee.
Preschool: A committee meeting will be held on Sunday, January
25 after church.
President Maria Querry brought the meeting to order at 7:33
Hellenic Culture: Peter Billis would like to remind everybody of the
PM. She introduced the new members: Manny Firoglanis,
Keith Bartlett, Tom Miller, and Mary Sakellaris. Maria also upcoming Apokriatiko Glendi on Saturday, February 14 at 6:30pm.
This event will be sponsored by the Hellenic Culture Committee
welcomed Spencer Phillips to the Board of Elders.
and held at our church hall.
Sharing the Faith: Father Alexander Goussetis read the Arch- Service and Outreach: The committee is serving a meal on Saturdiocese Parish Council Oath and welcomed the group as we day, January 24.
begin a new year.
Stewardship: A meeting will be held on Thursday, February 12 at
7:30 am. President Maria Querry would like to extend the meetFinancial Report: Treasurer, George Soukas, reported the
ing invitation to whomever would like to join the committee.
following finances for the months of November and DecemTechnology: Kim Keares reported the following:
ber, 2014:
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Febru2014 Actual
2014 Budget
ary 4 at 5pm in the library. Anyone interested in joining the comIncome 756,245.62
765,500.00
mittee is encouraged to attend. We will discuss current projects,
Expenses
769,403.84
763,688.92
including the Parish smart device app development and universal
-13,158.22
1,811.08
calendar integration, as well as discuss new ideas.
Transfer Money Market14,000.00
Fund Balance
841.78
Mission Parish: Father Alex introduced Father Timothy Hojnicki,
Pastor of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Mechanicsburg . FaCommittee Reports
ther Timothy gave a history of the growth of his mission parish and
suggestions on how the Annunciation Lancaster parish can proFinance: The total number of stewardship pledges as of
January 16, 2015 was 265 (235 Adults, 30 Youth) totaling ceed in birthing a mission parish somewhere in Lancaster County.
This idea is a direct result of the parish 3-5 year strategic plan
$347,000 in pledges.
that was developed in June 2014. A group of 12 parishioners met
in December with Fr. Alex and Fr. Timothy for the initial meeting.
Property: David Gammache reported the following:
New refrigerator was purchased and installed in pre-school On February 12, the group will meet at Lititiz Mennonite Church,
using the space to meet twice monthly going forward. On February
kitchen
26, the committee will meet at the Holy Apostles parish in MeTile in four bathrooms and carpet in breezeway and hallways were professionally cleaned by Pavlick’s Carpet Clean- chanicsburg for a visual of what the initial steps of a mission may
look like. Anybody interested in joining the committee, please
ing
email Father Alex.
New printer was purchased for Sherry
Two new hand held microphones for altar were purchased
and installed by B&B Communications
Stage microphone was repaired by B&B Communications
New lithium battery was purchased for the AED device
Grease trap was emptied and cleaned by Kline’s
Fire suppression units in both kitchens were service and
inspected by Gordner’s Fire Protection
Results from Lancaster Township Zoning hearing regarding
variance for Manor Shopping Center to install communications tower on their property
Old Business: David informed the group of a recommendation to utilize both Essis & Sons and Martin’s Flooring. Essis
& Sons would be used for the sanctuary carpet, and Martin’s for the tile work on the solea and altar.
Aesthetics Committee members were announced: Kim
Keares, Helen Hazatones, Martha Diamantoni, and Martha
Ioannidis.
www.annunciationorthodox.org
New Business: President Maria Querry distributed an informative
guide to outline each Parish Committee. Each member of Parish
Council was asked to join a committee. Maria asked the group,
that as Council members, to help recruit any parishioners that
they feel may be an excellent fit for a committee.
President Maria Querry would like to develop a census survey to
capture parish demographics. She asked for 2-3 volunteers to
assist her to complete and publish the revised strategic plan developed in June 2014.
President Maria Querry discussed the need to explore and identify
cost saving custodial measures that can enhance the maintenance and upkeep of the parish.
President Maria Querry would like to encourage a monthly review
of stewardship pledges and contributions.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 PM with a closing prayer.
Respectfully Submitted, Artemis Tsoflias, Parish Council Secretary
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 16
Sponsor Page
www.annunciationorthodox.org
The Annunciator/March 2015 PAGE 17
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
64 Hershey Avenue
Lancaster, Pa 17603
Non-Profit ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Lancaster, PA
Permit No. 502
Three Hierarchs Greek School
March 25th Celebration
Sunday, March 29 , 2015
5:30 PM
At the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Philoptochos Hall
Goodwill Offering
Free for all children 5 and under
Free for all Greek school students and dance group participants.

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