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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)
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 2011 Ecclesiastical Report Marriages:
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