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Annunciator Online - January 17, 2012
ON OUR COVER
I have felt for a long time and re-affirm this in my mind again and again, that
the main challenge in our parish is that of "education." In particular Christian
education as basic as that might sound.
I am not speaking about Sunday Church School although that is of great
importance. We hear a lot about adult religious education at various national
and regional meetings and it is good that it is being addressed. Part of the
education I am speaking about focuses on adult basic biblical education which
creates a clean heart and mind, a life of love and leads to decent courtesy and
kindness but also a life of generosity in its numerous manifestations. This
basic biblical awareness would also keep us clear of the social and moral
laxities of today's society while also placing first priority for a focused life
in Christ and Him alone as our goal.
How would personal adult religious education with biblical emphasis (including
the writing of the Church Fathers) apply to our parish life?
First off there would be improved Sunday attendance of the baptized of all ages
(less excuses would be heard). Stronger focus of parents to have their teenaged
children here-for the teen years are when they need church the most and the
Sunday instruction that accompanies it. More embracement of fellow
parishioners as opposed to cliqueness that exists. Less family feuds that break
families apart, usually related to greed and grudges with the spill over being
un-involvement in the parish for a portion of that (now) divided family.
All these issues and more (even the topic of stewardship) are addressed in the
Bible which we claim to adhere to as Orthodox and especially those of Greek
heritage with 26 of the 27 books in the New Testament being originally written
in Greek. But our adherence to the teachings in the Scriptures is one of a
"cafeteria mentality," we pick and choose which ones fit our needs, or the ones
we like only, that is, if we even know them to begin with.
Sermons are preached, classes are offered, wall calendars with the daily bible
passages noted are distributed, internet availability for daily religious
enrichment, short meditations and reflections in our Annunciators, separate
meditations sent monthly to our Church School families (i.e. the Focus on the
Family leaflets).
I need to know if you find benefit in these or do you totally ignore them? Do
they ever move you towards theosis?
I know there are those who thirst and benefit from these and I rejoice-for that
is our true mission as a parish.
For those not reading religious materials-begin today to devote just 10 minutes
a day to religious reading, daily prayer and meditation and you will see your
life improve and we will see our parish grow. My appeal is the same as Jesus.
"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
and all these things shall be added to you" Matt. 6:33
Fr. Andrew
COMING UP AHEAD
Christian Unity Prayer Service - Sun Jan 29 at the new Coptic Church
With concerns rising over the fate of Coptic Orthodox Christians who have come
under attack in Egypt, organizers of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian
Unity sponsored by the RI State Council of Churches are moving this year's
statewide ecumenical prayer service to a new church being built by the state's
sole Coptic congregation. The service, expected to draw clergy and lay people
from Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox congregations, will be held at 4 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 29, at the new St. Mary & St. Mena Church, now in the final stages
of construction at 2433 Scituate Ave - Cranston. The Very Rev. Peter-Michael
Preble, pastor of the St. Michael's Romanian Orthodox Church in Southbridge,
Mass will be the guest preacher.
God Parent / God Child Observance - Sun Feb 5
This annual observance is just ahead as we have done for many years on the first
Sunday of February. Plan to attend Liturgy together prepared to receive
Communion. The observance is intended for people of all ages, not simply for
households with young children. It is for "sponsorships" of children but also
adults through either adult baptism or entry into Orthodoxy through Chrismation.
After Liturgy plan to have a meal together as well at the Goya sponsored
luncheon in our Demetrakas Hall...menu choice of pastichio of pasta, appetizers
and baklava sundaes!
Triodion Period - Sun Feb 5
We enter the sacred season of the Triodion on Feb 5th which encompasses the pre-
Lenten weeks, all of Great Lent and Holy Week...a full 10 weeks of
commemorations.
The series of Saturday services with memorials begins - Feb 18
Great Lent Begins - Monday Feb 27
Sunday of Orthodoxy is - March 4
Saturday of Lazaros is - April 7
Great & Holy Friday is - April 13
Pascha the culmination of the Triodion is - April 15
Two Winter Camp Programs in Mid-February
Elsewhere in this issue is information on the winter camp programs. Note that
for the 2nd year now - a FAMILY CAMP Program is offered for parents and their
children together. Note as well that for both weekend programs (be it the Goya
Camp or the Family Camp) scholarship funding is available through the Metropolis
to assist with the cost. This is a wonderful gesture of our Metropolis and our
families are urged to take advantage of it and benefit from the fun and
spiritual growth that will occur in participating in either weekend program.
Evening Services - at 6 PM
Our services during the Season of Great Lent will be held one hour earlier than
previously practiced. We found that back in August people liked the evening
services being earlier....instead of 7 PM at 6 PM. Thus beginning with Compline
on Clean Monday (Feb 27) we will follow this practice as we have done for years
with the Wednesday Pre-Sanctified Liturgies anyway and now each of the Friday
night Salutations Services will also begin at 6PM as well. Planning ahead to
the Great Vespers for Annunciation Eve - we will also serve this at 6 PM instead
of 7 PM.
New Year's Eve 2011. One Night. Fun for all.
YES, Saturday, December 31st was a fun night for all! The evening began with
vespers at 5PM and the party at 6PM. This family parish event was attended by
120 adults and children, with a nice mixture of young families and adults who
appreciated the early hour for a New Year's Eve night out. A buffet full of
appetizers, a variety of pasta-plain, marinara with meatballs, chicken Alfredo-
as well as dessert gave everyone the energy to dance the night away to the great
music provided by Rakis Productions! In the early part of the evening DJ Nikos
entertained the children with party games and also taught dance steps to the
current dance trends.
Each table also got a separate Vasilopita and with Father Andrew's guidance, the
head of each table blessed and distributed the Vasilopita pieces-according to
Greek tradition, from the eldest to the youngest at the table-for all to enjoy
and search for the coin! And just before the night was over, there was a mock
countdown to "midnight"! It was a New Year's Eve party with all the ... horns
and confetti!!!!
We thank everyone who attended and made this night so memorable! Special thanks
to Basil Tsimikas for preparing the dinner and Vasilopitas, Elizabeth Degaitas
for the appetizers and cake, Melissa Bobotas and Ekaterini Rengigas for their
dessert donation, Kevin Phelan for his bartending services, and also to Elaine
Crabtree, Niki Kyrou and Carol Rothemich for their general assistance throughout
the evening.
Save the date for another New Year's Eve party in 2012! We hope you can all
join us!
-Marianne Phelan & Maria Leroux, New Year's Eve Co-Chairs
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday Afternoon
March 3
Come and meet Greek-American
Actor and Best Selling Author
Robert Krantz (Karountzos)
Krantz will come to us from California as he visits a number of parishes on the
east coast. He has acted in numerous movies, television movies and television
shows, along with having written and sold screenplays to major motion pictures
studios including Sony, Fox, and Columbia Pictures. Krantz, also wrote,
produced, and acted in the award winning movie Do You Wanna Dance? He also owns
Ellinas Multimedia, the largest production and distribution company of Greek
products in the country. He recently has written two best selling books,
"Falling in Love with Sophia" (on Amazons best selling list) and "Guide to Holy
Week".
In Honor of the Graduates
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Christopher and Nicholas Sanchas.
They have accomplished a great deal in completing an important segment of their
education. Christopher is attending MTTI in Seekonk and Nicholas is studying at
CCRI. We pray that the Lord our God continues to bless their future, with much
happiness and greater achievements.
Congratulations!
We commend James George for being on the planning committee that re-established
the Sigma Chi Fraternity back on the campus at URI (Delta Sigma Chapter) after a
hiatus of more than 12 years. A special re-established ceremony was held on Dec
3 at which Fr Andrew participated for both the opening and closing prayers.
Thirty-seven young men were also installed that evening, one of them being our
own Joshua George. Sigma Chi has some 240 chapters across the USA and Canada
and has hand some 300,000 members since its inception in 1855 (1,000 being from
URI over the years). It's motto is EN TOUTO NIKA (in this sign you will conquer)
which honors the Cross that St Constantine saw in the ski with the white cross
serving as their emblem and focus as a character based fraternity.
AXIOS to Fr Vasilios Bassakyros, who has visited us here many times (the brother
of our parishioner Susanna Manis) was recently elevated to the priestly rank of
Archimandrite by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios (the highest rank for a
celibate priest). Fr Vasily enrolled at our Holy Cross Seminary in his later
adult years and was subsequently ordained. For a number of years he was the
assistant priest at the Archdiocese Cathedral and for the past 2 years serves
the parish of St John the Baptist at 143 East 17th Street in Manhattan.
New Technology Program Integrated for our Parish Schools
Thanks to the initial
fundraising by the Philoptochos and the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Peter
Zaharakos through the raffle of a beautiful hand-knit blanket, a new computer
system has been installed for use by our parish schools. The system consists of
a new laptop computer, 42" flat screen television, and DVD player which will be
utilized for the purposes of education and instruction in both the Sunday Church
School and the Afternoon Language School. This new program has already been
introduced to the students of the Greek School, who were each given an
instructional DVD and access to an on-line program as part of their Christmas
gift from the parish. We would like to thank the Parish Council who helped to
organize the start of this program in conjunction with the Philoptochos Society.
We look forward to integrating more aspects of this new computer system in the
coming months to better serve all the educational needs of our students in both
parish schools.
2011 Pledge Program Report
We have to date: 497 parishioners with a total of $253,943.50 in pledges.
The actual amount received is $243,994.50
Thank You to All 2011 Pledge Response Forms returned as follows since our last
Edition:
Koula Atamian, Dr. & Mrs. John Balamas, Anastasia Brun, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Carr,
Vivian Dafoulas, Alex Dimitriadis, Mr. Sean & Dr. Elli Enderstein, M/M Kenneth
Falcone, Mersine Florio, Nikki Fotopoulos, Drs. John & Melissa Gaitanis, M/M
Antonis Gavrielides, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Johnson, Alexander Kanelos, Helen
Kanavos, Connie Lenardis, M/M James Limperis, M/M Anthony Lopez, M/M Christos
Mantsos, M/M Robert Masiello,
M/M Anthony Massimino, M/M John Menard, M/M Stephen & Heidi Nelson, M/M Bruce
Pesek, Dr. & Mrs. James Photopoulos, M/M Christopher Promades, M/M Michael
Rawlinson, Dr. & Mrs. Savvas Rougas, William Rougas, M/M Theodore Topouzis, M/M
Christos Tsiakiris, M/M Soterios Tsimikas and Maria Vlahos.
2012 Pledge Program Report
Thank you to All 2012 Pledge Response Forms Returned as follows: Dr. & Mrs.
Charles Allendorf, M/M Stephen Cross, Alex Dimitriadis, Maria Dygon, M/M
Themistoklis Filippou, James George, Michael Giouras,
M/M John Hatjopoulos, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Janigian, Julie Karahalios, M/M Kostas
Kritikos, Dr. Mary Lekas,
M/M Angelos Maintanis, M/M George Mihailides, Dina Mihos, William Otte, M/M
Mark Parenteau, Mary Pereira, M/M Costas Perdikakis, Dean Perdikakis, Giana
Perdikakis, Rhea Perdikakis, M/M Thomas Pontikes,
M/M Steve Richard, M/M Alan Root, Shirley Sears, Christopher Sheehan, M/M James
Silva, Peter Strekouras, M/M George Trambukis, Dean Trigg, Maria Vlahos and M/M
Socrates Zafiriades.
Corporate Pledges
We invite all self-employed parishioners who own LLC's or Sub S Business' to
participate in this special corporate sponsors program. We have received our
first sponsors for 2012. Thank you to Coclin Associates (George & Maria
Coclin). To learn more of the "Corporate Sponsor Program" call Kevin Phelan at
943-9201.
Old Boiler Replaced
After 42 years of use the boiler in the original part of the Mihailides Center
was replaced in December. Over the past couple years there has been repeat
problems with it. A new replacement boiler is now in at the cost to the parish
of $10,794.00.
Sign up for Parish E-Mail Group
If you have not already a subscriber, simply go to our web site
www.annunciationri.org and go to the section marked "Sign Up for E-Mail Group."
From time to time special announcements and reminders between newsletters are
issued to this e-mail list serve.
Thanksgiving Offerings
We would like to thank those who donated during Thanksgiving: Josephine
Aliferakis, Dr. & Mrs. Charles Allendorf, M/M Stephen Antoniou, M/M Nicholas
Apostolou, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, M/M Eleftherios Baziotis, Dr. & Mrs. Peter
Baziotis, M/M Michael Campopiano, M/M Constantine Christelis, Sue Cimino, M/M
George Coclin, M/M Gregory M. Demetrakas, M/M James Demetriou, M/M Louis Dostou,
Cynthia Driscoll, Artemis Frangos, Rev. & Presv. Andrew George, M/M George
Grammas, M/M William Grimshaw, M/M Carl Hague, M/M Elias Haralambides, M/M
Michael Haralambides, M/M Demetrios Harritos, M/M John Hatjopoulos, M/M Nicholas
Janikies, Julie Karahalios, M/M Arthur Kazianis, James Kripotos, Niki Kyrou,
Wilfred Lambert, Christos Latos, Angelo Lazarides, Anastasia LeClair, M/M
Angelos Maintanis, Jason Maintanis, M/M Vasilios Malatos, Peter Manis, M/M
Christos Mantsos, Elizabeth Marses, Marianthi Mastriano, M/M Emmanuel
Mihailides, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, M/M Solon Mitrelis, Anne Morrell, Dr. & Mrs.
Kenneth Morrissey, M/M Harry Nicolopoulos, Theodore Nicolopoulos, George
Paloukas, Mary Pereira, M/M Kevin Phelan, M/M Anthony Piscopio, M/M Carroll
Promades, Anna Raleigh, James Rosaki, M/M Steven Rothemich, M/M John Ruggieri,
Christopher Sheehan, M/M Constantinos Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, Virginia
Strekouras, Kiriakos Syintsakos, M/M George Trambukis, M/M George Trikoulis,
Christine Tsagarakis, M/M Aristotelis & Marilyn Tsonis, Golfo Tzilos, Antonia
Vanikiotis, M/M Theodore Vaphiades, James Vose, M/M John Xanthakis, Zambeta
Xiarhos, Eugenia Zaharakos, M/M Frank Zavota and Drs. John & Eleni Zervos. Total
offering was $2610.00
Christmas Offering
We would like to thank those who donated for the Christmas offering: Stamatiki
Agadakos, Josephine Aliferakis, Dr. & Mrs. Charles Allendorf, M/M Stephen
Antoniou, M/M Nicholas Apostolou, M/M Dionysius Argeris, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis,
M/M Ilias Arsenis, M/M Savvas Arsoniadis, M/M Eleftherios Baziotis, Dr. & Mrs.
Peter Baziotis, Nicholas Bouris, M/M Michael Campopiano, M/M Gerald Carignan,
Sue Cimino, M/M George Coclin, M/M Gregory M. Demetrakas, M/M Louis Dostou, M/M
George Fidas, Artemis Frangos, Drs. John & Melissa Gaitanis, Penelope Gearon,
Rev. & Presv. Andrew George, Helen Georgeon, M/M Peter Ghionis, M/M Costa
Grammas, M/M George C. Grammas, M/M Carl Hague, M/M Nicholas Hantzakos, M/M
Elias Haralambides, M/M Michael Haralambides, M/M Demetrios Harritos, M/M
Nicholas Janikies, M/M Peter Kapanakis, Julie Karahalios, M/M Arthur Kazianis,
M/M Chris Kazianis, Katherine Kazianis, James Kripotos, M/M Spiro Kyriakakis,
Niki Kyrou, Wilfred Lambert, Christos Latos, Angelo Lazarides, Anastasia
LeClair, M/M Angelos Maintanis, Elizabeth Marses, Marianthi Mastriano, M/M
Nicholas Mesagno, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, Jean Mihelakos, M/M Andrew Mitrelis,
M/M Solon Mitrelis, Anne Morrell, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Morrissey, Dr. & Mrs. Craig
Nichols, M/M Harry Nicolopoulos, Theodore Nicolopoulos, Presv. Julia
Papadoulias, M/M Ernest Pappas, Mary Pereira, M/M Kevin Phelan, M/M Anthony
Piscopio, M/M Richard Popovici, M/M Gregory Poulos, M/M Carroll Promades, M/M
Nikolaos Psikakos, James Rosaki, M/M Steven Rothemich, M/M John Ruggieri, M/M
Robert Senerchia, Christopher Sheehan, M/M Michael Sotirakos C. Spires, M/M
Peter Stevens, M/M Constantinos Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, Virginia
Strekouras, Kiriakos Syintsakos, M/M Edward Tarbox, M/M George Trambukis, Dean
Trigg, M/M George Trikoulis, M/M Angelos Trombettas, Christine Tsagarakis, M/M
Aristotelis Tsonis, M/M George Tzanetos, Antonia Vanikiotis, M/M Theodore
Vaphiades, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Vezeridis, M/M John Xanthakis, Zambeta Xiarhos and
Eugenia Zaharakos. Total offering was $4139.00.
Good Search Donated $135.60 to Annunciation
Thank you to all our parishioners who have used GOODSEARCH .COM to search the
web and Goodshop.com to shop on line. Your participation in 2011 created a
$135.60 donation to our parish. We urge others to make use of the Yahoo powered
tool that then offers to donate to a charity of your choose. Our parish is
listed as one of the chooses that people can select.
Seeking Room
A former female adult parishioner from out of state desires to return to RI and
is seeking to have a room at a house of an elderly lady who may need some
companionship in return for light housekeeping and light cooking. Contact the
parish office and the person will then contact you.
WITH APPRECIATION
We would like to take the opportunity to thank those who donated towards the
Christmas adornment in church: Christos & Paraskevi Mantsos for the large
Christmas Icon (in memory of Nicholas & Smaro Mantsos); Peter & Sylvia Ghionis
for the large Christmas Icon (in memory of both parents-Constantine & Stavroula
Lambrakis and George & Anna Ghionis and brother Panagiotis; Zacharias & Nadine
Rouvelas for two evergreen wreaths; James & Susanna Manis for two poinsettia
plants (in memory of George & Helen Manis and Elias Bassakyros; Virginia
Strekouras for two evergreen wreaths (in memory of parents, husband and
brother); Mr. & Mrs. Christos Pakuris for two evergreen wreaths and Mr. & Mrs.
Michael Papigiotis for two poinsettia plants (in memory of both parents-Harry &
Irene Psilopoulos & Theofanis & Martha Papigiotis.
Thank You for your Kindness
Thank you to Arthur Rosaki and his son Arthur Jr. for the large donation of
Christmas themed cookies from Voordman's Bakery (which they distribute). These
were used within our parish for various functions and also passed on to the
House of Hope for use in the homeless shelters they administrate. Thank you as
well to Christina Senerchia for the donation or a very rare and old family icon,
depicting the Circumcision of Christ (observed on Jan 1st). This icon was
placed in our narthex during the early days of January through the Epiphany. To
Drs John & Eleni (Pappas) Zervos for responding to our request for a ping pong
table for use here by our parish youth. To Peter Trikoulis for his time in
doing various photographic shootings at events and activities on somewhat of an
ongoing nature.
Major Endowment Donation
We wish to thank most sincerely Dr. Mary Lekas MD for her most generous donation
once again from the proceeds of her investment fund, designated for our
Endowment Fund in the amount of $47,343.21. This is now her 5th gift over the
past several years with grand total in donations being - approximately
$247,000.00. Other parishioners are urged to follow her example for such
donations create an enduring legacy. Donors often qualify for substantial tax
savings (that benefit both the parish and the donor) and should consult their
tax professional for specifics and options.
Help Needed in Bookstore
Ginger Pappas are bookstore lady is seeking help in the bookstore and desires to
train a willing person with its operation and to share in the Sunday
responsibilities of the store. Those desiring to help her will find it to be a
fulfilling experience and should give her a call directly at 943-0449.
Recent Deaths
We extend condolences to various parishioners who have lost loved ones residing
elsewhere - to Pauline Haralambides for the death of her sister Bessie Koulax in
MA, to Dorothy & George Stergis for the loss of their daughter Susan Vendetti in
Colorado and to James Vose Sr. for the loss of his brother Elias in MA.
~May their Memory be eternal~
Yal Activities
Our Young Adult League thanks all those who attended and supported the 3 recent
activities-St Nicholas Brunch, the Vasilopita Bread Sale as well as the recent
Blood Drive and Gyro Sale. It was a busy 6 week period. The waffle bar at the
brunch was enjoyed greatly and will be expanded next year. The brunch raised
$800 and Yal was able to assist 4 families in need at Christmas. Thirty
Vasilopitas were sold and 15 pints of blood were donated. The exact count of
gyros is unknown but seems to have been around 90. As we go to press some 25
Yal members will be skiing at Pat's peak and staying at the St Methodios Faith
and Heritage Center in NY. Fr Andrew will travel up as well and serve Liturgy
there at the St George Chapel on the beautiful lakeside grounds of the Retreat
Center. The next regular Yal meeting will be Tues. Jan 24 at 7:30PM.
Ionian Village Staff Applications Due Jan 31
Those aged 21 and older who desire to serve as staff for the Archdiocese travel
and camp program in Greece (Ionian Village) should download applications at
www.ionianvillage.org or contact 212-570-5536 for information and requirements.
Attention 11th and 12th Graders
Cross Road Applications Due March 1st
Since 2004 our Hellenic College has hosted free of charge a 10 day summer
institute on its campus for Orthodox juniors and seniors. This institute is
designed to help students discern their life calling for their future vocation
and study intentions. Participants take part in daily classes, visit neighboring
Orthodox parishes and participate in service projects. Download an application
and view a video clip at www.crossroads.hchc.edu or contact 617-850-1309.
Melissa Bobotas from our parish has participated in the past, seek her out to
have her share her experience with the program.
Gifts of St Nicholas Update
Thank you to all who brought in gifts for our annual Gifts of St Nicholas Drive.
This year we received 45 gift cards and 22 actual packaged gifts. The children
at St Basil's Academy are the main recipients of these gifts with a small
portion (items for young children) being given to a local agency, Children's
Friend in Providence.
Basketball Season in Full Swing
Our parish youth from age 8 and up (co-ed) are still able to join this year's
basketball program. Three levels of teams are forming - Junior, Senior (for the
teens) and a separate young adult aged team. One game was played this past
weekend and Annunciation won the game! Practices are held on Sunday evening at
the Immaculate Conception Church new Gymnasium, just down the street from us on
Oaklawn Ave here in Cranston from 6-8PM For further information contact Peter
Manis 617-930-0099.
Youth Organizations Activities
Goya (9th-12th graders - Laser Tag Outing - Sat Jan 21 - 11:30am
Their Feb activity is the God Parent brunch fundraiser
and in March they will go ice skating on Sun March 4
Jr. Goya (6th-8th graders) - had a successful Self-Defense activity on Jan 13.
For February they will meet on Fri Feb 3.
Joy (for 3rd - 5th graders) also had a successful Jan activity that focused on
the topic of Theophany and water that included the making of snow flakes. Their
Feb meeting will be on Thu. Feb 2nd and their March meeting on Thu Mar 1st from
6:30-7:30PM
The Candlelight Ball to Benefit The Endowment Fund - Sat Feb 11
In 1626, the Dutch acquired Manhattan for roughly 60 guilders in assorted goods
from the Lenape people. Exactly what this converts to be is difficult to
estimate, however common folklore contends it was $24 (or roughly $1,000 today's
currency). Today, the land alone on Manhattan is estimated to be over 500
billion dollars, however, had the Lenape invested that same $24 it too would be
worth billions today because of compound interest. Fast forward almost 300
years, when our fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers emigrated from Greece
and established Orthodox Churches in their new homeland at the turn of the 19th
century. Had they invested $5,000 ($100,000 today) in 1912 at 6% interest, when
left untouched, it could be worth $1.6 million today. Likewise, if we were to
invest $100,000 today with the same assumptions it would be worth close to $34
million one-hundred years from now for the benefit our children, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren!
The late Archon Eustace Pliakas and the initial endowment committee members in
our parish understood these facts and drove the establishment of the Church of
the Annunciation Endowment Fund back in 1998. An endowment fund is somewhat like
an IRA or 401K for an institution or organization. Money is invested for the
future, and because the money compounds annually it grows exponentially until it
begins to be drawn against. In addition, because only a percentage of the
interest is allowed to be drawn upon the endowment continues to grow
perpetually.
A few years ago, some members of what would become the Candlelight Ball
Committee attended a function where a great band performed top-40 hits. They had
a fantastic time socializing, dancing and singing the entire evening, which
resulted in the planting of a seed, (investment) for a future fundraising event
for the Church of the Annunciation Endowment Fund. Earlier this year, when the
concept was shared amongst the remaining future committee members and the parish
council, the idea was solidified, the date was chosen, the great band was
reserved, a striking venue was selected and a truly phenomenal evening will be
had by one and all!
The committee members include Maria Coclin, Costa Grammas, Kathy Grammas, Eva
Loezos, Joanna Lambros, Maria Leroux, Tina Marses and Andrea O'Hair. The
Candlelight Ball will be held on Saturday February 11, 2012 at The Biltmore
Hotel in Providence. Tickets are $100 each, and must be purchased in advance.
For addition information on the Candlelight Ball please contact
candlelightball@gmail.com or call Costa Grammas 401.944.7399, Tina Marses
401.944.8596 or Maria Coclin 401.944.7894.
METROPOLIS OF BOSTON - MONTHY REFLECTION
T.S. Eliot famously wrote "April is the cruelest month" but those of us who live
in the North East may well consider February to hold that honor. The weather is
cold and often stormy, and milder spring days still seem far away. Pennsylvania
Germans capitalized on this circumstance and brought with them the tradition of
Groundhog Day, when according to lore the end of winter (and thus nicer weather)
is predicted. Groundhog Day, observed on February 2, has become a popular
secular celebration, although no one really takes the groundhog's weather
prediction seriously. In the Orthodox Church, February 2 has a far large and
more meaningful significance; it is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in
the Temple. Just as the enjoyable Groundhog Day is connected with a change in
seasons, the Presentation of the Lord (Hypapante in Greek) signifies a change in
(liturgical) seasons. It is the fortieth day after Christmas and the last day on
the calendar oriented toward that feast. After February 2, everything is focused
on the long preparation for and ultimate celebration of Pascha.
The Presentation (or Meeting) of the Lord has its scriptural origins in the
Gospel of Luke. Joseph and Mary take the baby Jesus to the temple in accordance
with the Law of Moses. They meet Simeon, whose scriptural role is to represent
the Old Testament as well as Anna the prophetess (one of four women with that
title in scripture, with the others being Miriam, Deborah and the more obscure
Huldah). Three times in the passage it is stated that the event is to fulfill
the precepts of the Law. Simeon's canticle is used in the vespers service in the
Orthodox Church, while the tradition of blessing candles on this day (hence the
western term Candlemas) comes from the light reference in Simeon's song. The
feast is the only major feast in the Church that has characteristics of a Feast
of the Lord and a Feast of the Theotokos.
Whenever Pascha is early (such as this year, where it falls in mid-April) the
preparation for Lent and Pascha begins soon after the Presentation. While Lent
itself is a time of preparation, the period before Lent is a time of preparing
as well. This seems redundant, but Lent is ideally a time of spiritual and
physical rigor, and having a period to prepare for this makes sense. This year,
several days after the Presentation feast comes the Sunday of the Publican and
the Pharisee (Feb 5). The Gospel reading is a reminder of the need for humility.
The week following the reading is a fast-free week to remind us to avoid the
hypocrisy of the Pharisee. Soon after we have Meatfare and then Cheesefare
Sundays. The fast is gradually introduced and Lenten elements begin to be seen
in the daily services.
The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple is a signpost on the Orthodox
calendar and in our lives. It signifies a change of seasons and is a call to
begin preparations for Lent and Pascha. It is a powerful passage from scripture
that encapsulates the saving work of Christ and his fulfillment of the Law.
Finally, it is a light in the often dreary month of February and a harbinger of
the wonderful things to come.
Father Gregory Christakos of Saints Anargyroi in Marlborough, MA.
February 2nd-Feast Day of the Presentation of our Lord at the Temple
Many years before the coming of Christ, there lived a very pious and saintly man
call Simeon. He was one of the most intelligent Jewish scholars of his day. He
was called upon by the ruler of the land to assist in translating the books of
the Old Testament. It was during this time that he learned of the coming of the
Messiah as foretold by the Prophets of Israel. Simeon soon found himself
praying for the day that the Saviour would come and deliver all Israel (and the
world) from sin. Simeon waited for many years; and finally one evening as he
knelt in prayer, he heard the voice of God saying to him that he would not die
until he had seen the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Simeon was filled with great joy and fervently prayed each day that the Messiah
would soon come to the world. Holy Tradition tells us that Simeon waited many
long years. Some Holy Fathers inform us that Simeon was over 150 years old when
the Promise of God was fulfilled. Others say that he waited over 200 years.
The Bible tells us that finally on February 2nd, 40 days after the birth of
Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary brought the Christ Child to the Temple for
Presentation. It was common Jewish practice to bring the first-born male child
to the Temple and offer him to the service of the Lord. It was here that Simeon
waited patiently that day as he had done for so many years, (see Luke 2:22-40).
The spirit of the Lord brought him to the baby Jesus.
Simeon took the infant child in his trembling hands and recited the following
beautiful prayer which is recited in the Orthodox Church every evening during
the Vesper services:
Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace according to Your promise, because my
eyes Have seen Your salvation which You have prepared in the presence of all
people, a Light enlighten to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.
Thus the promise of the aged Simeon was finally fulfilled. He did live to see
the Messiah as God had promised. The next day Simeon died in peace, thankful to
Almighty God that he was honored to see the coming of Christ. This feast day is
called the "Presentation of our Lord at the Temple". This Jewish tradition of
presenting children at the Temple is still practiced in the Orthodox Church. In
fact, you too were presented by your parents to the Church on the 40th day after
your birth. In the Orthodox Faith we call this presentation "being Churched".
It has been a practice in our parish for all the pre-school aged children to be
brought to liturgy on February 2nd in commemoration of their 40 day churching.
This year the liturgy falls on a Thursday with the usual 9:30 start time. This
annual observance also reminds us of the very wise practice for new born mothers
and babies to be "sheltered" i.e. (mainly kept home) for their first 40 days of
life as much as possible, to protect them from germs and to establish bonding
that is so important.
Philoptochos News
As we begin the year 2012, Philoptochos continues on its journey of
PHILANTHROPY. Our Annual Vasilopeta Luncheon for the benefit of the children of
St. Basil's Academy was an outstanding success once again this year. Thank you
to Kate Silva, Roula Proyous and Eleni Trikoulis for Co-Chairing this wonderful
family event. Thank you also to all the donors, parish organizations, and
families who contributed to the success of this Luncheon. A special thank you
to the "chefs" in the kitchen who always prepare a delicious meal.
Accompanying Father Andrew and Father Emanuel on Christmas visits to our shut-in
parishioners were Josie Aliferakis, Ann Heberg, Diane Mitrelis, Maria Leroux,
Evelina Paraskevakos, Kate Silva and Eleni Trikoulis, Angela San Souci prepared
the Christmas gift for these visits. We thank them all for their compassion and
kindness (true work of Philoptochos) during the holidays.
INSIGHT LUNCHEON: Continuing on our journey, on February 23rd, at 12:00 noon,
we will once again host INSIGHT, a private, non-profit agency that provides
services to the blind and visually impaired, for a Luncheon. We invite anyone
with any visual problems to join us that day, and receive information that will
be most helpful in their every-day living. A new program, instituted on Jan.
1st, is early intervention services for blind and visually impaired infants and
toddlers. Another program is for children ages 6 - 18 that will focus on
independent living, assisted technology and vocational, social and self
advocacy skills. For more information, call 1-401-941-3322. Anyone with a
visual problem (neighbor, friend, etc) is welcome. Chairing this Luncheon are
Helen Argeris, Carol Pilarinos, and Mary Quinn.
MEMBERSHIP: With the New Year beginning, it is time to send in your stewardship
for the year 2012. If you have not already done so, please mail your check to
the Church c/o Philoptochos, Mary Samaras. If you have any questions regarding
your stewardship, please call Mary at 781-5528. Also remember to send in your
Sister of St. Basil donation of $5.00 to the Church c/o Philoptochos, Carol
Rothemich. We welcome to the Sisterhood Sophie Pakuris, Angela Promades, Aldina
Kanelakos, Margaret Tryforos, Zoe Mitrelis, Joanne Lambros, Ethel Strekouras,
Elle Strekouras, Lorie Goralski, Maria Coclin, Helen Argeris, Mary Quinn,
Presvytera Julia Papadoulias, Diane Mitrelis, Eveline Paraskevakos, Angela
SanSouci and Josephine Aliferakis.
DONATIONS AND OBLIGATIONS:
Elizabeth Buffum Chase House $50.00; Interfaith Food Bank $500.00; St. Methodios
Camp and Retreat Center $300.00; National Philoptochos Presvyteres Sisterhood
$100.00; Samaritans $50.00; Hospice Care of Rhode Island $50.00; Shoes for
Orphan Souls $250.00; Hellenic College-Holy Cross 75th Anniversary $100.00;
National Philoptochos Patriarchate $100.00; Tray Collection for Patriarchate
$350.00.
We invite all the ladies of our parish to join Philoptochos and help us on our
mission to help those less fortunate than us. We meet on the third Monday of
the month normally but in February we will meet on the 2nd Monday (Feb 13) to
avoid the President's Holiday. Please check the Annunciator calendar for our
additional activities.
Coming up in March, the Metropolis Philoptochos Retreat at the Camp on March 30
and 31st. Watch for details.
KOULA ROUGAS, PRESIDENT
BESSIE PAPIGIOTIS, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
2011 Ecclesiastical Report
Marriages:
Evangelia Katsios to Mathew Plezia, both of Johnston on June 4. Sponsor-George
Moragemos.
Carolyn Frangos of Cranston to Nicholas Mesagno II of Waterbury, CT on June 25.
Sponsor-Christian P. Frangos.
Nicholas Driscoll to Mickaela Galvin, both of Cranston on July 9. Sponsor-
MaryAnn Sinapi.
Adeline Pascalides of Bangor, ME to Peter Bradshaw of Warwick on July 16.
Sponsor-Nicholas Apodiakos.
Stephanie Drager to Johnny DiSumma, Jr., both of Cranston on July 23. Sponsor-
Thomas B. Pontikes.
Rebecca Schroth of Bristol to William Kitsilis of Cumberland on July 30.
Sponsor-Paul Kitsilis.
Vanessa Sampalis of Cranston to Demetrios Ladas of Salem, MA on August 20.
Sponsor-Konstantina Sampalis.
Effie Filippou to Anthony Lopez, both of North Kingstown on October 2. Sponsor-
Steven Filippou.
Athanasios Petropoulos to Christina DeMarco, both of Centereach, NY on October
15. Sponsor-Nikolaos P. Petropoulos.
Erin Lenaghan of Westport, MA to Matthew Whiting of Worcester, MA on October 22.
Sponsor-Kristen Camara.
Jessica Tsoumakas to David Loffler, both of Johnston on October 24. Sponsor-
Charles Tsoumakas, Sr.
Baptisms:
Michelle Anahid, daughter of Kirk & Alexis Buchholz on January 2. Godparent was
Nicholas Janigian.
Sophia Antoinette, daughter of Kirk & Alexis Buchholz on January 2. Godparent
was Marianne Janigian.
Rebecca Ann (Adult), daughter of Ferd & Ann Schroth on January 23. Godparent
was Dorothy Gatturna.
Callie Elaina, daughter of Nicholas & Heidi Bosh on January 30. Godparents were
Charles & Katy Stephanopoulos.
Jacob Charles, son of David & Jessica Loffler on February 12. Godparents were
Amanda Tsoumakas & Zachary Tsoumakas.
Nicholas Alexander, son of Dimitrios & Nancy Sterpis on March 6. Godparents
were Alexander Sterpis & Cheryl Nassaney.
Elyse Claudia, daughter of Demostanis & Tiffany Spiridakos on April 2.
Godparents were Ilias & Katherine Antonakos.
Peter Gregory, son of Matthew & Anna Swehla on April 30. Godparent was Kandice
Haby.
Theofanis, son of Nektarios & Anna Arsenis on May 1. Godparents were John &
Alexia Hatjopoulos.
Elliana Maria-Rose, daughter of Emmanouel & Beth Titelis on June 12. Godparents
were Paul & Christine Anastasiadis.
Giulian Andrew, son of Michael & Kassiane Campopiano on July 2. Godparents were
Gia & Andrew Jeas.
Charles, son of Richard & Ann DeGuilio on July 9. Godparents were Tiffanie &
Rodney Rinks.
Olivia, daughter of Jesse Callahan & Deirdre Arruda on July 24. Godparent was
Heidi Bosh.
Michael, son of Michael & Erin Calabrese on August 15. Godparents were Michael
Issa & Allison Hardtke.
Alexandros Nikolaos, son of Ilias & Angeliki Arsenis on September 3. Godparents
were Nektarios & Anna Arsenis.
John Arthur, son of Brian & Ioanna Rawlinson on October 6. Godparent was Maria
Keegan.
Gwyneth Elizabeth, daughter of Jason & Rebecca Xynellis on October 8. Godparent
was Jennifer Xynellis.
Jaden Sumner (Ioannis), son of Michael & Sotiria Pomeranz on October 15.
Godparents were Charles & Demetra Tsetsekas.
Ashton James, son of Daniel & Renee Beaudoin on October 16. Godparent was Chris
Poulos.
Cameron Maxwell, son of Marcus & Heather Charlemagne on October 16. Godparent
was Lisa Henderson.
Dylan Christopher, son of Christopher & Pamela Michailides on October 30.
Godparent was Jonathan Michailides.
Zachary Boutros, son of Karl & Joann Torbey on November 6. Godparents were Paul
& Christine Anastasiadis.
Danielle Renae, daughter of Demi Leite & Brandon Perry on December 3.
Godparents were David Leite & Carina Leite.
Chrismations (Adult Conversions):
Jason L. Lavoie, Jr. on January 7 from the Catholic Church. His sponsor was
Matthew Baker.
Anthony H. Lopez on August 15 from the Catholic Church. His sponsor was Steven
N. Filippou.
Steven D. Rothemich on October 23 from the Catholic Church. His sponsor was
James Degaitas.
Samantha Margaret (young child) of Christopher & Pamela Michailides from the
Lutheran Church on October 30. Her sponsor was Karla McGovern.
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