october 2014
october 2014 Fr. Alex’s Message 1 Fr. Hector’s Message 2 Stewardship Daughters of Penelope 3 Parish News & Events 4-5 Parish Spiritual Life 6 Focus on Philoptochos 7 Parish Photos 8-9 Bazaar 10 Preschool 11 Kalanda 12 CROP Walk 13 Spiritual Message / Greek 14 News & Events/ Greek 15 Parish Council 16 Sponsors 17 Inserts: October Calendar Christmas Donations “My Lord and my god” “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. (Please submit in Publisher or Word format) 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 Alexander A. Mountis Artemis Tsoflias George Soukas Helen Hazatones Nicholas Veronis David Gammache Kim Keares Joanne Martin Peter S. Billis Donna Vitko Kaliopi Karomfily Maria Barron Jim Voulopos John Stauffer Board of Elders Dr. James Argires George Katsaros Constantine J. Kourgelis 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 Sunday Bulletin…………………………..……….Maria Koursaris The Annunciator………………………………...Sherry Anderson Church Office Email Addresses 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…………….………….……………….Karen Herr GOYA Dance………………..………………Despina Proithis 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 . A l e x an d e r G o u s s e t i s ’ Me s s ag e Generation to Generation While earning a doctoral degree in Psychology and Pastoral Counseling following seminary, I enrolled in a class that used the book Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue by Edwin H. Friedman as its primary textbook. The premise of the book is that (most) people belong to family systems, whether that implies our nuclear family, Church, or larger community. Furthermore, by being a member of a family system we are influenced, for better or worse, by that family system. The key to growth for any person, according to the author, is to raise one’s awareness of how a family system has influenced us. Many of the principles outlined in this book I found very compatible with Orthodox Christianity. While western societies focus more on the individual in defining the world around them, the author reverses this hypothesis by stating that we are the result of our family systems, or at least greatly influenced by them. In Orthodox Christianity, the communal dimension is of primary importance; we are members of the Body of Christ, the Church. By stating that our Orthodox Church is Apostolic, as noted in the Nicene Creed, we are acknowledging our connection to this legacy of faith, from generation to generation. The wisdom, the guidance, the blessings that comprise the collective treasure chest of our Orthodox faith is our spiritual heritage; we are members of this family system! On a practical level, each one of us has access to the many resources that bring us to a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ: the liturgical services, the sacraments, the iconographic and hymnological traditions, the lives of saints, the dogma and canons that shape our faith, and much more. We are the beneficiaries of this family system. Only one thing is needed to benefit from this spiritual inheritance – active participation on our part. We will not profit from passivity; rather, we belong to a faith that demands a response. We are invited to experience first-hand the holiness that has been handed down to us from generation to generation. www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 1 F r . H e c t o r ’ s Me s s ag e Mentoring Disciples of Christ and the Future Leaders of the Church October is a special month in which we commemorate five of the Lord’s Holy Disciples: Thomas the Apostle (Oct. 6); James the son of Alphaeus (Oct. 9); Philip the Apostle (Oct. 11); Luke the Evangelist (One of the Seventy—Oct. 18); and James the Lord’s brother (son of Joseph from a previous marriage—Oct. 23). The final commandment of our Lord to His Disciples was...to make disciples! (Matt. 28:19). Not only was Jesus’ final commandment to make disciples, but through His own example we see where our Lord spent most of His time. He did not spend most of His time healing the sick or feeding the poor. He did not spend most of His time visiting sinners and calling them to repentance. He did not even spend most of His time teaching the masses about the Gospel. Most of our Lord’s time was spent with the inner circle of His Disciples. He taught them, He ate with them, He travelled with them, He rebuked them, and He molded them with His words and with His example. Discipleship is a big part of Christianity, and if we are to call ourselves Disciples of Christ, we must in turn embrace our God-given responsibility to mentor others. Every year when we begin our youth ministries, I invite our Goyans to mentor our JOY children, our OCF students to mentor our Goyans, and our Young Adults to mentor our OCF students. My own children who are in the HOPE and JOY groups adore and look up to the Goyans. The same can be said about the way Goyans look up to OCF students as their examples. No matter what age or stage of life we are in, we are all called to serve as mentors and help the younger generation grow in their faith. It is not only a commandment of God; it is a most rewarding experience to mentor a younger person and to lead them on the path towards Christ-like holiness. Being a mentor does not mean merely being a friend. It is more like being a spiritual parent and nurturing the spiritual growth of those entrusted to us. As St. Paul says, “Even though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel” (1 Cor. 4:15). Just like being a parent, being a spiritual mentor requires a significant investment of time. Of course the first responsibility of a spiritual guide and mentor is to have our own spiritual life in order, and to have a spiritual father/mentor ourselves to whom we are accountable. From there, we can begin by being a spiritual mentor to our nephews and nieces, to our godchildren and to those who are already close to us through family ties. One of Christ’s original Disciples, St. James, was his stepbrother. We may expand our role of mentoring and discipling others by teaching Sunday School, serving as an Oratorical Festival Mentor, or volunteering at an agency such as “Children Deserve a Chance” in downtown Lancaster. We are not called to save the world. Christ already did that. All we have to do is spread His Gospel and His Grace throughout the world...one disciple at a time. www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 2 S t e wa r d s h i p Me s s ag e / Dau g h t e r s o f P e n e l o p e 2014 Stewardship Sunday October 26, 2014 Thank you to all our parishioners for your time, talents and financial contributions. In order for the church to continue to grow and provide its many programs, we rely on your Stewardship contributions. Please fill out a pledge card for 2015! If you haven’t fulfilled your pledge for 2014, please do so. www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 3 Pa r i s h N e w s & Ev e n t s SACRAMENTS BAPTISM September 13 Nina, child of George and Heather Lazos, with godparent Athanasios Evagelou WEDDING September 20 – David Schrott and Megan DiLeo CPR/AED Class Tuesday, October 7 @ 7:00 PM In room 4/5 by parishioner Eileen Howells. The class is open to all parishioners and especially recommended to parish council members, ushers, Sunday School & Greek School teachers and church staff. If you are interested in taking the class to be certified for CPR and use of AED defibrillator, please call the church office to register. 394-1735 ALTARCANDLES CANDLES &&FLOWERS ALTAR FLOWERS Altar Candles…… September 7 In loving memory of Thomas Chase by Vasa Simpson. September 28 In memory of my husband Peter Topoulos by his wife Maria & family. September 14 In loving memory of Thomas L. Chase by his wife Dolores. Altar Flowers…… September 14 In loving memory of Thomas L. Chase by his wife Dolores. Candelabra Candles…… September 14 In loving memory of Thomas L. Chase by his wife Dolores AHEPA American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) June 30, 2014, Red Rose AHEPA #71 HOPE & JOY Hope & Joy Fall Event Oregon Dairy Friday, Oct. 3, 2014 5:30-8:00 PM Activities include: Regular & Flashlight Maze, Straw Tunnel, Pebble Toy Box, Replica Milking Cow, Pet & Calf, Bean Bag Toss & Pumpkin decorating. Group rates of 15 minimum: Adults: $9 & Children (3-12) $4 www.annunciationorthodox.org Honored Scholarship Recipients From our chapter, 3 candidates were winners in the state of PA, District 4. They were: Patrick Jones, Marissa Karomfily, Andrew Moshos National Competition for Scholarships Marissa Karomfily was awarded a National AHEPA Scholarship for the year 2014. Congratulations to our winners! The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 4 Pa r i s h N e w s & Ev e n t s www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 5 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 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, October 21 9:30 AM Thursday, Oct. 2,16, 30 10:00 AM Early Risers Group Orthodox Study Group This weekly group meets at 6:30AM each Thursday. Fr. Alex Goussetis leads the group in the reading of Orthodox books and the viewing of various instructional videos on the faith. This group meets monthly on Saturday. The group is led by Fr. Veronis and focuses on Bible passages and readings on the Orthodox faith. Thursday, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 6:30 AM Saturday, October 25 9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 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. College Fellowship (OCF) This weekly group, led by Fr. Hector serves the college students of Franklin & Marshall and Millersville University. Tuesday, October 7, 14, 21 10:00 AM Wednesday, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 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. October 17 at 12 noon Tuesday, October 7, 14 Annunciation Church –Room 7 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/October 2014 PAGE 6 Focus on Philoptocos www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 7 Fat h e r Al e x ’ s 1 0 y e a r c e l e b rat i o n / Alta r B oy R e t r e at www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 8 Blessing of the Playground/ Preschool orientation www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 9 Bazaar 2014 BAZAAR PREPARATION SCHEDULE Attic Room Koulourakia Wednesday, October 1 — 5:00 PM Thursday, October 2 — 9:00 AM Kourambiedas Wednesday, October 8 — 5:00 PM Thursday, October 9 — 9:00 AM Baklava Wednesday, October 15 — 5:00 PM Thursday, October 16 — 9:00 AM Please bring all your items for the Bazaar Attic Room starting Monday, Oct. 7. If you have questions, please contact David Gammache at 394-1735. Mousaka Friday, October 17 – 5:00 PM Saturday, October 18— 9:00 AM Put away — 6:00 PM Finikia (ONE Baking Day ONLY) Thursday, October 23 – 9:00 AM ‐ Baking Thursday, October 23 — Noon ‐ Packing Syrup, Baklava Saturday, October 25 – 11:00 AM Chicken Sauce Prep Thursday, October 30 — 6:00 PM Sunday, October 26 —7:00 PM Monday, October 27 — 9:00 AM Bread Kneading Pastry Donations If you prefer to send in a monetary donation for the Bazaar Committee to prepare pastries on your behalf, send a check payable to: “Annunciation Church Bazaar Pastries” 64 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603 Bread Baking Yiaprakia Monday, October 27 – Noon Tuesday, October 28 — 9:00 AM Macaroni Prep Monday, October 27 — 6:00 PM Tuesday, October 28 — 5:00 PM Wednesday, October 29 — 6:00 AM Wednesday, October 29 — 9:00 AM Karithopita & Ravani Thursday, October 30 — 9:00 AM Hamburger Prep Cream Sauce Pastitsio Chicken Sauce Prep Thursday, October 30 – 6:00 PM Salad Dressing Thursday, October 30 — EVENING Hall Setup (tables & chairs) Thursday, October 30 — EVENING Friday, October 31 — 9:00 AM Friday, October 31 — ALL DAY Saturday, Nov 1 – 11 am to 7:30 pm Sunday, Nov 2 – 11 am to 6 pm Rice Pudding Hall Set‐up (decorations) Greek Bazaar **Bazaar Pastries: Due to food health regulations and the need for consistency in the size of the pastries sold at the Bazaar, ALL pastries for our upcoming Bazaar will be made at the church during the designated baking days. We appreciate the efforts of everyone who has donated pastries in the past and we encourage them to come and help us at the Church during the October baking days. Anyone who desires to make a donation to help with the cost of ingredients may make a check to “Bazaar Pastries” and send or give to the Church office. BAZAAR APRONS FOR SALE $15.00 EACH OR 2 FOR $25.00 AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE GREAT FOR GIFTS www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October PAGE 10 Preschool www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 11 Ka l an da ΚΑΛΑΝΤΑ Το υπέροχο έθιμο των Καλάντων του Νέου Ετους υπάρχει για πολλούς αιώνες στην καρδιά του Ορθόδοξου κόσμου στην Ελλάδα, τα Βαλκάνια, την Κεντρική Ευρώπη, καθώς και σε όλη τη Μεσόγειο. Στην κοινότητα μας στο Λάνγκαστερ, το έθιμο αυτό καθιερώθηκε από τα αρχικά χρόνια της ύπαρξης της κοινότητας. Τη δεκαετία του '50 ο ρόλος αυτού του εθίμου έγινε πιο σημαντικός με διπλό σκοπό –όχι μόνο για να αυξήσει τα ομόλογα της κοινότητας αλλά και για να συγκεντρώσει χρήματα για το ταμείο προϋπολογισμού κατασκευής της νέας εκκλησίας στην Λεωφόρο Hershey. Εκείνη την εποχή, η ενορία μας αποτελείτο από περίπου 150 οικογένειες. Από τότε έχουμε ξεπληρώσει την εκκλησία και την αίθουσα. Σήμερα, η κοινότητά μας έχει πλησιάσει σχεδόν τον αριθμό 600 οικογενειών. Τα τελευταία χρόνια, οι εισφορές από τα Καλάντα χρησιμοποιούνται για διάφορες ανάγκες της εκκλησίας μας και για διάφορους φιλανθρωπικούς σκοπούς. Κατά τους επόμενους μήνες, θα δείτε διάφορες δημοσιεύσεις σχετικά με τα Κάλαντα και πώς μπορείτε να δηλώσετε αν θέλετε αυτή η παράδοση να συνεχιστεί στο σπίτι σας. Οι ομάδες και οι τραγουδηστές θα επισκεφθούν μόνο αυτούς που επιθυμούν να έχουν τα Κάλαντα. THE KALANDA TRADITION…..TRADITION !!! The lovely custom of New Year caroling has been practiced and enjoyed for many centuries in the heart of the Orthodox world including Greece, the Balkans, central Europe, and throughout the Mediterranean. This tradition has been a part of our Lancaster community for most of its existence. In the 1950s, however, it took on heightened significance with a new purpose– not only to increase community bonds, but to raise money for the building fund of the new church on Hershey Avenue. At that time, our parish consisted of about 150 families. We have since burned the mortgage for the church and the social hall. Today, our church community is approaching 600 families. In recent years, the Kalanda donations received go for the various needs and philanthropy of our church budget. Πάντοτε ψάχνουμε για άτομα που In the coming months, you will be seeing ενδιαφέρονται να τραγουδήσουν. Σκεφθείτε many posting about the Kalanda and how you αν επιθυμείτε να συμμετάσχετε σε αυτή την can let us know that you would like to have εύθυμη και χαρμόσυνη μουσική εμπειρία. Σας ευχαριστούμε εκ των προτέρων για την αφοσίωση και την υποστήριξή σας. this tradition continue at your home. Only those who make their wishes known, will receive carolers. Ειλικρινώς, Sincerely, Επιτροπή «Κάλαντα» The Kalanda Committee ΚΑΛΑΝΤΑ Κυριακή: 28 Δεκεμβρίου 2:00-6:00 μμ www.annunciationorthodox.org Mark Your Calendars! Kalanda: Sunday, December 28 2:00 –6:00 PM The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 12 C ro p wa l k JOIN THE 42ND CROP WALK FOR THE HUNGRY! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2014 HOW CROP/CWS STOPS HUNGER? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. It builds wells for clean, safe WATER. It teaches ways to secure a future with food. It introduces modern agricultural methods. It frees young girls from daily back breaking work to collect wood all day. It enables girls to a end school and increases literacy among women. It responds to emergency situa ons worldwide. It provided food for 30,000 people in Lancaster last year. It reduces hunger in 80 countries. “25% of our funds serve the hungry in Lancaster, 75% in 80 nations worldwide!” Registra on at 12:30 PM Walk begins at 1:30 PM From CLIPPER MAGAZINE STADIUM (544 Prince St., Lancaster, PA) A THIRD WORLD MEAL IS SERVED AT END What are CROP Hunger Walks? Neighbors walking together to take a stand against hunger in our world. Different ages, faiths and backgrounds-together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting. Some 2,000 communities across the country take part each year. MAKE CHECKS OUT TO “CROP/CWS HUNGER” OR JUST “CROP HUNGER” www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 13 S p i r i t ua l Me s s ag e i n G r e e k Συνέντευξη σέ μαθητές Λυκείου τού Σεβ. Μητροπολίτου Ναυπάκτου καί Αγίου Βλασίου Ιεροθέου 1. Ερώτηση: Θά μπορούσε νά δοθή ορισμός τής ψυχής; Απάντηση: Η ψυχή είναι κτίσμα τού Θεού πού έγινε μέ τήν ενέργειά Του, είναι ζώσα, κατά χάρη αθάνατη, διακεκριμένη από τό σώμα, αλλά ενωμένη μαζί του. Ο άνθρωπος αποτελείται από ψυχή καί σώμα καί κάθε ένα από αυτό μόνο του δέν συγκροτεί τόν άνθρωπο. Στήν Εκκλησία δέν πιστεύουμε σέ προΰπαρξη τής ψυχής χωρίς σώμα, ούτε προΰπαρξη σώματος χωρίς ψυχή. Η ψυχή είναι τό πνευματικό στοιχείο τής υπάρξεως τού ανθρώπου πού δίνει ζωή στό σώμα. Είναι εκπληκτικό νά γνωρίση κανείς τήν ψυχή ενός ανθρώπου καί νά μή παραμένη μόνο στό σώμα του. 2. Ερώτηση: Γιατί οι άνθρωποι, καί κυρίως οι νέοι, έχουν απομακρυνθή από τήν Εκκλησία; Απάντηση: Απομακρύνονται, γιατί αισθάνονται τήν Εκκλησία αυτό πού δέν είναι, τήν αισθάνονται σάν μιά θρησκεία, σάν ένα μικρομάγαζο, σάν ένα γηροκομείο κλπ. Σέ αυτό φταίμε όλοι καί εμείς οι Κληρικοί πού δέν δείχνουμε τί είναι πραγματικά η Εκκλησία καί οι νέοι πού δέν αναζητούν τό βαθύτερο «είναι» τής Εκκλησίας. Γιά νά βρής κάτι βαθύ πρέπει νά τό αγαπήσης, νά πονέσης καί νά τό αναζητήσης. Η Εκκλησία είναι ένας χώρος επαναστάσεως εναντίον κάθε κατεστημένου καί κάθε υποκρισίας, είναι ένας πνευματικός φάρος, πού φωτίζει καί οδηγεί. 3. Ερώτηση: Πρέπει η Εκκλησία νά εκσυγχρονισθή σέ κάποια θέματα καί ποιά; Απάντηση: Η Εκκλησία έχει μιά παράδοση, η οποία έχει δυναμικότητα καί προσαρμόζεται σέ κάθε εποχή χωρίς νά χάνη τήν ουσία της. Δέν είναι ανάγκη νά εκκοσμικεύεται, νά κάνη εκπτώσεις, αλλά καλεί τόν άνθρωπο σέ αναζήτηση. Είναι ένας χώρος πού ομοιάζει μέ τόν αληθινό έρωτα, πού δέν ευτελίζεται, αλλά προκαλεί τόν άνθρωπο γιά εύρεση τής εσωτερικής ομορφιάς τών άλλων. Η ομορφιά τού ανθρώπου δέν είναι μόνον εξωτερική, αλλά εσωτερική. Αυτό συμβαίνει μέ τήν Εκκλησία. Σέ κάποια θέματα μπορεί νά γίνη εκσυγχρονισμός, όταν συνδέεται μέ τήν προσφορά τής αλήθειας καί όχι τήν απώλεια τής ζωής της. 4. Ερώτηση: Πώς κρίνει ο Θεός τόν καλό άθρωπο καί τόν κακό Χριστιανό; Απάντηση: Δέν μπορώ νά ξέρω, δέν μπορώ νά εισέλθω μέσα στόν νού τού Θεού. Πάντως, μού αρέσει νά λέγω ότι χαίρομαι πού θά μέ κρίνη ο Θεός καί όχι οι άνθρωποι, γιατί ο Θεός βλέπει τά εσώψυχά μας, τίς διαθέσεις μας, είναι φιλάνθρωπος, ενώ οι άνθρωποι κρίνουν εξωτερικά καί είναι πολύ σκληροί. Φοβάμαι πολύ τήν σκληροκαρδία τών ανθρώπων. 5. Ερώτηση: Στό σχολείο κάναμε γιά τό μυστήριο τού γάμου. Τί γνώμη έχετε γιά τήν απόφαση νά επιτρέπεται ο γάμος ανάμεσα σέ άτομα τού ιδίου φύλου; Γιά τόν πολιτικό γάμο; Απάντηση: Η Εκκλησία έχει τήν θεολογία της γιά τόν γάμο. Ο γάμος είναι ένωση κατά Χριστόν ανδρός καί γυναικός γιά νά γίνη η οικογένεια καί νά δημιουργηθή ένας χώρος αγάπης καί ειρήνης. Στήν διδασκαλία τής Εκκλησίας δέν υιοθετείται γάμος ανάμεσα σέ πρόσωπα τού ιδίου φύλου, δέν μπορεί νά γίνη αυτό. Αλλά η Εκκλησία δέν είναι υπεύθυνη γιά τούς ανθρώπους εκείνους πού θέλουν νά ζούν έξω από τήν παράδοσή της καί νά κάνουν καί πολιτικό γάμο. http://www.parembasis.gr/2013/frames_13_09.htm www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 14 N e w s an d Ev e n t s i n G r e e k ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΕΣ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΕΣ ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΥ Τετάρτη, 1 Οκτωβρίου: Αγίας Σκέπης 9-11:00 πμ Ορθρος & Λειτουργία Παρασκευή, 17 Οκτωβρίου: Προφήτη Ωσηέ 9-11:00 πμ Ορθρος & Λειτουργία www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 15 Pa r i s h C o u n c i l Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Parish Council Minutes August 26, 2014 Opening Prayer: The August 26, 2014 meeting of the Parish Council began at 7:34 PM with an opening prayer by Fr. Alexander Goussetis. President Maria Querry brought the meeting to order at 7:36 PM. Minutes of Last Meeting: The minutes of the May 20, 2014 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by Peter S. Billis to approve the minutes. James Voulopos seconded the approval. They were approved unanimously. Sharing the Faith: Father Alexander Goussetis shared teachings from the “Sermon on the Mount.” Financial Report: Treasurer, George Soukas, reported the following finances for the months of May-July, 2014: 2014 Actual 2014 Budget Income 466,412.71 479,732.56 Expense 440,464.02 458,657.61 25,948.69 21,074.95 Committee Reports Bazaar: There will be a bazaar meeting on Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 PM. Ticket sales will begin Sunday, September 7. Helen Hazatones mentioned the purchase of freezers. Steve Groff from Empire TV & Appliance will give them to us at ½ off. He will keep the freezers at his site when not in use. Hellenic Culture: Peter Billis reported the following for the Hellenic Culture committee: Again this year, our parish was represented at the Multi-Cultural Fest held by the Lancaster Liederkranz at their facility near Mount Joy PA. Our parish was invited along with the Irish-American and Italian-American Societies to join the Liederkranz to celebrate the many old-world cultures of our greater Lancaster community. The event was held on June 15, 2014.Our own Kefi Dancers and Opa Dancers represented us and were again enthusiastically received. We thank Despina Proithis and Tina Georges, as well as the parents’ team, for bringing the children to the program.Our food stand was a huge success thanks to the leadership of Maria Barron. We would also like to thank Kyvele Karpouzis, Peter Billis, George Ioannidis, Martha Ioannidis, Anna Michalopoulos and Connie Hajioannou. The Mandros family extended reduced pricing for the food materials. Additionally, Kosta Kambouroglos, Peter Billis, Stamatia Bougiamas and Connie assisted with the serving of the food.We are looking forward to working with the Liederkranz organization to more broadly promote the next event to our parishioners. Parish Activities: Helen Hazatones reported the following: The annual Church picnic was a huge success. Thank you to all the volunteers! Personnel: Father Alex reported that a meeting will be held on August 27 to discuss performance reviews and hiring of an assistant preschool teacher. Preschool: Kim Keares reported that the summer program went very well. The playground is being enjoyed by the kids. Back to school night, which includes the blessing of the new playground, will be held on September 3. A candidate is being considered for the assistant pre -school teacher position, which has been vacated with the retirement of Donna S. Property: David Gammache reported the following: Commercial Kitchen Repair Service replaced fan blade & motor in kitchen refrigerator Scherich Roofing repaired the leaking roof above the carport entrance Wizard Lock repaired the door closer unit in carport entrance that was damaged by water leakage Pavlick’s Carpet Cleaning cleaned carpet in the following areas: carport, narthex, breezeway, Father Alex’s office, & nursery. They also stripped & waxed the pre-school area Yarnell Security performed semi-annual fire alarm inspection Gordner’s Fire Protection serviced and inspected fire suppression units in both kitchens Groff’s Heating & Air Conditioning serviced all 6 AC units RE Walton Plumbing repaired large hot water heater which supplies the kitchen & social hall area. They also unclogged one of the drains inside the kitchen Kline’s emptied & cleaned the grease trap B&B Communications repaired an altar mic and the close circuit camera Purchased new TV & DVD for use in downstairs’ Sunday school classes & pre-school Purchased replacement pads for AED unit State inspection was performed on the church van Pre-school playground equipment was installed inside the fenced area Ville Painters renovated the main office ADT Security Systems installed 8 outdoor cameras with a monitoring and recording station in the office Order placed and deposit submitted to York Building Products for new front doors Discussion on Property Committee Meeting- David wanted to discuss the removal of carpet from altar. President Maria Querry recommended that a proposal be put together & brought to the Parish Council. Service and Outreach: Joanne Martin reported a meal for Crispus Attucks was served on August 9. A group from the committee will be assisting the St. Thekla monastery in Hanover on October 11 for a Fall cleaning; with a meal and fellowship offered by the nuns. Stewardship: Nicholas Veronis reported the following on stewardship: The stewardship campaign is underway for October. The goal is to have 70% of stewards give $35 or more each week. Technology: The technology committee will be meeting on Wednesday, September 3. If you are interested in being part of the committee, please contact Kim Keares at kjkeares@comcast.net Planning Meeting: President Maria Querry thanked those participating in the Planning Retreat. President Maria Querry mentioned the Clergy/Laity assembly will be held in Camp Hill this year. Contact Maria if you are interested in attending. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM with a closing prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Artemis Tsoflias Parish Council Secretary www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 PAGE 16 Sponsor Page www.annunciationorthodox.org The Annunciator/October 2014 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 Advent Spiritual Retreat Saturday, December 13, 2014 Time: 9:00 AM –1:00 PM featuring Dr. Albert Rossi “Becoming a Healing Presence” Dr. Rossi teaches courses in pastoral theology at Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary. Written numerous articles on psychology and religion and published a book through Paulist Press entitled, Can I Make a Difference: Christian Family Life Today. Licensed clinical psychologist Bi–weekly podcast on Ancient Faith Radio titled Becoming a Healing Presence. Flyer for registration will be included in the November Annunciator Every year, our Annunciation Parish offers the opportunity to all members to be part of our Annual Community Christmas Card. The Christmas Card goes to all the homes of our parish wishing them blessings during the Christmas season and as we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord. If you would like to be included please complete the form below and return to the church office by December 1st. A $15 minimum donation per family is greatly appreciated. All donations support the various ministries of the Annunciation Church. Please make your donation payable to: “Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church-Community Christmas Card.” 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603, Phone: 717-394-1735 Email: sherry@agochurch.com Please Note: Only the names of parishioners who send their completed form or call the church office with their request will be included. NAME (s) as it is to be listed on the card: _________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ___________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: __________________________________ Email: ______________________________________ Every Church Year, during the Christmas Season, flowers are ordered to decorate our Church. The flowers are a monetary contribution to “ Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church” in memory of a loved one, in honor of someone or for the Glory of God. The Church will purchase the poinsettia and decorations on your behalf. The names of the donor and those honored or commemorated will be listed in “ The Annunciator.” These colorful, holiday flowers will be used to decorate the church for the holiday season and for the holiday services. Help reflect the beauty and the glory of the angels’ message by sending in your donation to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church -Christmas Decorations by December 1. 64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-394-1735 email; sherry@agochurch.com Name:__________________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________________________________________________________ DONATION: In Loving Memory of _____________________________________________________________ In honor of _____________________________________________________________________ For the Glory of God _____________________________________________________________
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