Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 555 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Phone: (614) 224-9020 www.greekcathedral.com Sunday of the Prodigal Son February 8, 2015 Reverend Father Demetrios Gardikes, Economos Proistamenos and Cathedral Dean Telephone: (614) 593-6370 Email: papademetri@gmail.com Reverend Father Constantine (Dean) Kokanos Associate Presbyter Telephone: (614) 365-1578 Email: ckokanos@hchc.edu Reverend Father John Stavropoulos, Economos Attached Presbyter Telephone: (614) 580-4964 Email: frjohnstavropoulos@gmail.com Debbie Geldis Team A All Available Parish Council Captain Parish Council Team On-Duty Acolytes Vasilis Konstantinidis Eliseos Paul Taiganides Kosmas Synadinos Protopsalti Psalti Psalti Valerie Baker Tina Mosca Eric Russell Choir Director Assistant Choir Director Assistant Choir Director and Organist WELCOME TO THE ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL! We are so happy that you are worshipping with us today! If you are visiting, please fill out a "Visitor Information Card," located in the Narthex, and give it to a Parish Council member at the candle stand in the Narthex. If you are an Orthodox Christian new to the Columbus area, or you would like to know more about becoming an Orthodox Christian, please introduce yourself to one of the priests who would be most happy to meet with you and discuss membership in our Cathedral. It is our desire that you make the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral your spiritual home! May God richly bless you and your family! FOR THE RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION We welcome all Christians not fully united with us. It is a consequence of the sad divisions of Christianity that we cannot extend to all a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Orthodox Christians believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community signifying an oneness in faith, life, and worship. Reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist and for which we must all pray. TODAY WE COMMEMORATE The Afterfeast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Holy Temple; the Great-martyr Saint Theodore Stratelites; the Holy Prophet Zechariah; Saint Sabbas II, Archbishop of Serbia; the Holy Martyrs Saint Nikephoros and Saint Stephen; the Holy Martyrs Saint Philadelphos and Saint Polycarp; Saint Makarios, Bishop of Paphus; Saint Pergetos; Saint Kew, Virgin of Cornwall; Saint Cuthman, Hermit of Steyning; Saint Elfleda, Abbess of Whitby; the Holy Virgin-Martyrs Saint Martha and Saint Mary, and their Brother Saint Lycarion HOLY AND GREAT MARTYR SAINT THEODORE, PRAY FOR US! Truly enlisted with the King of Heaven,you became an outstanding general for Him, passion-bearer Theodore;you armed yourself wisely with the weapons of faithand conquered hordes of demons, revealing yourself as a victorious athlete.Therefore, in faith we always call you blessed. Troparion – Fourth Tone With the word of God as a spear in your hand,in courage of soul and armed with faith,you vanquished the enemy, Theodore, glory of martyrs,with whom you unceasingly pray to Christ God for us a Kontakion – Second Tone Saint Theoodore Stratelates WE REMEMBER IN OUR PRAYERS Please pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ at today’s Divine Liturgy and throughout the week. Theodora Kontras – National Church Residence Anargiros Aivaliotis – Arlington Court Katie Moulas – Arlington Court Carol Barbour – National Church Residence Angelo Pandelaras – Wesley Glen Anastasia (Gust) Constantinidis – At Home Dr. Michael Chakeres – Willowbrook Christian Home Freda Pappas – New Albany Garden Marge Paras – National Church Residence Carmel Francu – Echo Manor Nursing Home Effie Pathis – Arlington Court John Gagas – First Community Village John Proicou – New Albany Garden Annette George – The Forum at Knightsbridge Niki Shook – Wesley Glen (Room #110B) Christ L. George – At Home George and Bea Space – Emeritus at Pinnacle Assisted Living Florence George – At Home Sanda Stenescu – At Home Vi Glecos – Wesley Glen Helen Tornik – The Worthington Fedor Kapustin – The Sanctuary in Dublin Helen Varveris – Saint George on the Commons Ruth Mack – Mother Angeline McCrory Manor If you would like the priest to visit a friend or family member, or if you would like your name (or the name of a loved one) added to this list, please contact the Cathedral Office. MAY THE LORD REMEMBER... There will be a Forty-Day Memorial Service for John Kehagias today, Sunday, February 8, 2015. At the request of the Sauter and Kehagias families. May his memory be eternal! COFFEE HOUR... All visitors and guests are encouraged to come to the coffee hour so we may properly welcome you! The Coffee Hour today, Sunday, February 8, 2015 will be hosted by the Parish Council. The Coffee Hour next Sunday, February 15, 2015 will be hosted by the Parish Council. Living a Myth Some people go to Church because they think it makes them good While others occupy their place because they feel they should In pleasant weather some will go a little time to spend And others like to grace the place to gossip with a friend Yes, people go to Church for many reasons, some quite odd But oh, what blessing waits for those who come to worship God. – Source Unknown As a child, I recall the foregoing poem included as part of a parish newsletter. Often, much of the “fluff” that finds its way into parish newsletters has little spiritual value, but the poem stuck with me over the years. The intervening decades have seen the fastest decline in Church attendance in the history of the world. The persecutions in pagan Rome, threats from Muslim sultans, and the Soviet gulag had a slower effect on cutting into Church attendance than life in the comfy, modern world. But why is it happening? For Orthodox Christians, who believe the old dictum “lex orandi, lex credendi” (the law of worship is the law of belief), this trend has chilling implications: for those who do not worship, belief is eroded, and spiritual strength is snuffed out. Ironically, Church attendance in the West today is not hit by persecution, but by seduction. The sword of the Ottoman janissary has been replaced by the lure of the shopping mall. The fear of starving to death in Siberia has been replaced with the comfort of bacon and eggs for breakfast. The threat of arrest by centurions – the threat that led to the liturgical command to bar “the doors, the doors” before the recitation of the Creed – this threat has been replaced by the fear of missed email or missed sleep. In some cases, attending church is a reality check that many are unwilling to bear. While the world of spiritual books requires little change in the life of the reader, a conversation or Confession with a spiritual father makes certain demands on our Christian life. Having to co-exist with other faithful during the service, during classes or social events, confronts each of us with potential frustrations where we are faced with the very real challenge of actually being a Christian. As Sartre suggested, in the material world, “hell is other people”; for those who acknowledge that Hell is something far more serious, avoiding the “hell” of other people becomes a sure passport to Its Eternal Reality. In all these cases, the Orthodox soul that endeavours to remain untested in his faith, remains outside actual Christian life. Living in two worlds, Orthodox life becomes the same as modern spiritual life: contrived, subjective, plastic, and fake. When we are in a position where we might not attend the services of Christ’s Church, we should ask ourselves: Would I be staying home if this were a work day? Will my sickness be better if I stay at home? Am I further ahead to attend Church late, or not at all? Am I attending Orthodox services for a “taste” of something “spiritual”? (i.e. Am I a spiritual dilettante?) Will not attending the services this week make it easier for me to avoid them in the future? Am I generally spending more time on mundane things than at prayer or church? (e.g. brushing my teeth, watching television, shopping, drinking a coffee, etc.) There are of course many similar questions we can and should ask ourselves. The main point is this: If our Orthodox faith is not actually lived out and strengthened by the holy services, it is nothing more than fakery and self-deception. There are lots of religious outlets created for the purpose of offering such false spiritual life, and catering to our “felt needs”. The Holy Orthodox Church, the Body of Christ, is not one of them, and if we fail to understand this and to live accordingly, we miss the point of going to church – and the point of the Church. By: Priest Geoffrey Korz The Epistle Reading ΠΡΟΚΕΊΜΕΝΟΝ Ἦχος α΄. Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς. Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 6:12-20 Ἀδελφοί, πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει· πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλ’ οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος. Τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν· ὁ δὲ θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει. Τὸ δὲ σῶμα οὐ τῇ πορνείᾳ, ἀλλὰ τῷ κυρίῳ, καὶ ὁ κύριος τῷ σώματι· ὁ δὲ θεὸς καὶ τὸν κύριον ἤγειρεν καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐξεγερεῖ διὰ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν; Ἄρας οὖν τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη; Μὴ γένοιτο. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν; Ἔσονται γάρ, φησίν, οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν. Ὁ δὲ κολλώμενος τῷ κυρίῳ ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν. Φεύγετε τὴν πορνείαν. Πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν· ὁ δὲ πορνεύων εἰς τὸ ἴδιον σῶμα ἁμαρτάνει. Ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν ἁγίου πνεύματός ἐστιν, οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ θεοῦ; Καὶ οὐκ ἐστὲ ἑαυτῶν, ἠγοράσθητε γὰρ τιμῆς· δοξάσατε δὴ τὸν θεὸν ἐν τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν, καὶ ἐν τῷ πνεύματι ὑμῶν, ἅτινά ἐστιν τοῦ θεοῦ. PROKEIMENON First Tone Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous. Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 6:12-20 Brethren, "all things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" -- and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two shall become one flesh." But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God. The Proclamation of the Holy Gospel The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke the Evangelist 15:11-32 The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'" The Prodigal Son Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 15.11-32 Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωπός τις εἶχε δύο υἱούς. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ νεώτερος αὐτῶν τῷ πατρί· πάτερ, δός μοι τὸ ἐπιβάλλον μέρος τῆς οὐσίας. καὶ διεῖλεν αὐτοῖς τὸν βίον. καὶ μετ᾿ οὐ πολλὰς ἡμέρας συναγαγὼν ἅπαντα ὁ νεώτερος υἱὸς ἀπεδήμησεν εἰς χώραν μακράν, καὶ ἐκεῖ διεσκόρπισε τὴν οὐσίαν αὐτοῦ ζῶν ἀσώτως. δαπανήσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ πάντα ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἰσχυρὸς κατὰ τὴν χώραν ἐκείνην, καὶ αὐτὸς ἤρξατο ὑστερεῖσθαι. καὶ πορευθεὶς ἐκολλήθη ἑνὶ τῶν πολιτῶν τῆς χώρας ἐκείνης, καὶ ἔπεμψεν αὐτὸν εἰς τοὺς ἀγροὺς αὐτοῦ βόσκειν χοίρους. καὶ ἐπεθύμει γεμίσαι τὴν κοιλίαν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν κερατίων ὧν ἤσθιον οἱ χοῖροι, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐδίδου αὐτῷ. εἰς ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἐλθὼν εἶπε· πόσοι μίσθιοι τοῦ πατρός μου περισσεύουσιν ἄρτων, ἐγὼ δὲ λιμῷ ἀπόλλυμαι!ἀναστὰς πορεύσομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου καὶ ἐρῶ αὐτῷ· πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου. οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου· ποίησόν με ὡς ἕνα τῶν μισθίων σου. καὶ ἀναστὰς ἦλθε πρὸς τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ. ἔτι δὲ αὐτοῦ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος εἶδεν αὐτὸν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, καὶ δραμὼν ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν.εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ υἱός· πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου, καὶ οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου. εἶπε δὲ ὁ πατὴρ πρὸς τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ· ἐξενέγκατε τὴν στολὴν τὴν πρώτην καὶ ἐνδύσατε αὐτόν, καὶ δότε δακτύλιον εἰς τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ὑποδήματα εἰς τοὺς πόδας, καὶ ἐνέγκαντες τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτὸν θύσατε, καὶ φαγόντες εὐφρανθῶμεν, ὅτι οὗτος ὁ υἱός μου νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησε, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς ἦν καὶ εὑρέθη. καὶ ἤρξαντο εὐφραίνεσθαι. ῏Ην δὲ ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ὁ πρεσβύτερος ἐν ἀγρῷ· καὶ ὡς ἐρχόμενος ἤγγισε τῇ οἰκίᾳ, ἤκουσε συμφωνίας καὶ χορῶν, καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος ἕνα τῶν παίδων ἐπυνθάνετο τί εἴη ταῦτα. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἥκει καὶ ἔθυσεν ὁ πατήρ σου τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν, ὅτι ὑγιαίνοντα αὐτὸν ἀπέλαβεν. ὠργίσθη δὲ καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν εἰσελθεῖν. ὁ οὖν πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐξελθὼν παρεκάλει αὐτόν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπε τῷ πατρί· ἰδοὺ τοσαῦτα ἔτη δουλεύω σοι καὶ οὐδέποτε ἐντολήν σου παρῆλθον, καὶ ἐμοὶ οὐδέποτε ἔδωκας ἔριφον ἵνα μετὰ τῶν φίλων μου εὐφρανθῶ· ὅτε δὲ ὁ υἱός σου οὗτος, ὁ καταφαγών σου τὸν βίον μετὰ πορνῶν, ἦλθεν, ἔθυσας αὐτῷ τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· τέκνον, σὺ πάντοτε μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ εἶ, καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐμὰ σά ἐστιν· εὐφρανθῆναι δὲ καὶ χαρῆναι ἔδει, ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησε, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς ἦν καὶ εὑρέθη. The Prodigal Son SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday, February 9, 2015 Tuesday, February 10, 2015 Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Thursday, February 12, 2015 Friday, February 13, 2015 Saturday, February 14, 2015 Sunday, February 15, 2015 Gospel Readings Epistle Readings Mark 11:1-11 John 15:17-27; 16:1-2 Matthew 10:1, 5-8 Mark 15:1-15 Mark 15:20,22,25,33-41 Luke 21:8-9,25-27,33-36 I John 2:18-29; 3:1-8 II Timothy 2:1-10 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 I John 4:20-21; 5:1-21 II John 1:1-13 I Thessalonians 4:13-17 Mark 16:9-20 (Orthros) Matthew 25:31-46 (Divine Liturgy) I Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2 STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE DAY I Have Never Read The Bible By: Reverend Father Demetrios S. Kavadas We have heard the word “Bible” since childhood and yet many have gone through life without even holding a Bible in their hands. Some Christians claim “they do not understand it.” Others are under the impression that they do not need it, while most of us could be right when we say that “we don’t have time to read it.” But are we right? Do you know what the Bible is? Shall we share just a few thoughts on this subject? Almighty God revealed His plan for the salvation of mankind through chosen personalities who prophesied the fulfillment of the law. This plan was recorded in the Old Testament. In the fullness of time, this plan of God, His promise of salvation, was fulfilled in the Person of Jesus Christ. Christ gave the right interpretation to the old law, and wrought the salvation of mankind, as is recorded in the New Testament. Thus, the Old Testament should be read and understood in the light of the New Testament, which records the message and events in the life of the Person of Jesus Christ, the Savior, and should be understood as such. The New Testament, thus, is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Old Testament, the Person of Jesus Christ, His Life and His Gospel. Despite the differences that separate the Christian Churches, there are, also, strong links that unite them. The strongest of these links is that all of them have the same, so to say, “Magna Charta.” This, of course, is the Holy Bible, that contains the Divine Revelation, i.e. the direct contact of the eternal Word (Logos) of God with man, aiming at his salvation from sin as well as his rebirth in Christ. The Holy Scriptures, “the sources of salvation,” according to Athanasios the Great, are the basis of the teachings of all Christian Churches. The center of these teachings is Christ and the salvation and redemption in Christ which was prepared in the Old Testament, completed in the New Testament and granted to the faithful by the Church. Knowing the Bible, we know the Word of God. Reading the Bible should be our everyday project but studying both Testaments, understanding their history and discovering their contents should be the goal of a lifetime for all Christians. Here are some suggestions for your personal “relations” with the Bible: • Do you have a “personal” Bible? If you do not have one, go our and buy one. (You can buy the Orthodox Study Bible in our Cathedral Bookstore. • Discipline yourself to read a chapter every day, beginning from the Old Testament. Do not give up this attempt. Continue this “holy habit” until you finish the entire Bible. • Underline with a pen or pencil the words and sentences that you enjoy most. • It is possible that this “contact” with the Holy Book might be a constant item on you daily agenda for the rest of your time upon this earth. • Do you believe you can practice what you discover in the Bible? If you can, your world will become full of beauty, peace and the love of God: ARE YOU WILLING TO TRY? Reprinted from the column “Reflections” in the Orthodox Observer in the Charioteer in 1975. It is all still true today. Jesus Christ: The same yesterday, today and forever. ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL WEEKLY SCHEDULE Sunday February 8, 2015 Monday February 9, 2015 Sunday of the Prodigal Son (Second Sunday of the Triodion) and Cheesefare Sunday - Orthros, 8:15 a.m.; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m. Forty-Day Memorial Service for John Kehagias Sunday Church School (after Holy Communion) Adult Catechetical Class (after Holy Communion) Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Choir Rehearsal (after Holy Communion) GOYA Meeting (after Divine Liturgy) LAST MEETING before the Tournament Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos and Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. Girls GOYA Basketball Practice, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday February 10, 2015 Feast of Saint Haralambos - Orthros, 8:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 p.m. Tour of Greece Informational Meeting, 6:00 p.m. Wednesday February 11, 2015 Adult Greek Language School Class, 6:30 p.m. Thursday February 12, 2015 GOYA Boys Basketball Practice, 6:30 p.m. Friday February 13, 2015 Saturday February 14, 2015 Sunday February 15, 2015 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral GOYA Basketball Tournament Begins - Guest Teams will begin arriving at 6:00 p.m. First Saturday of Souls (Ψυχοσάββατο) - Divine Liturgy, 9:00 a.m. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral GOYA Basketball Tournament Continues - Basketball Games begin at 8:30 a.m. Greek Language School Classes, 10:00 a.m. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Choir Rehearsal, 10:00 a.m. GOYA Dance “Winter Wonderland”, 6:30 p.m. Sunday of the Last and Final Judgment (Third Sunday of the Triodion) and Meatfare Sunday - Orthros, 8:15 a.m.; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m. Sunday Church School (after Holy Communion) Adult Catechetical Class (after Holy Communion) Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral GOYA Basketball Tournament Continues - Basketball Luncheon and Basketball Games begin at 12:00 p.m. IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS: Any items that you wish to appear in the Weekly Bulletin must be submitted to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Office no later than Wednesday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Please note that announcements may be altered to comply with style, formatting, and space constraints. We appreciate your thoughtful cooperation! WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Greek Language School holds children and adult classes on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and adult classes on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The Saturday Morning Classes for February are: Saturday, February 14, 2015; Saturday, February 21, 2015; and Saturday, February 28, 2015. The Wednesday Adult Greek Language School Classes for the month of February will be: Wednesday, February 11, 2015; Wednesday, February 18, 2015; and Wednesday, February 25, 2015. COMMUNITY PSALTER GROUP FOR GREAT LENT: JOIN US FOR OUR COMMUNITY PSALTER READING AND PRAYER GROUP FOR GREAT LENT! Imagine the beauty and power of our entire Cathedral Family joining together to read the Psalter every day and pray for one another, throughout Great Lent! Join us this year, beginning Monday, February 23, 2015 until Pascha. There is no limit to the number that can participate in this project. All you need is a Psalter, or your Bible, and the commitment to carve out twenty minutes of your day to read the Psalms, and then pray for the twenty members of your individual Psalter Group. We hope to have our teenagers and young adults participating as well. For more information and to sign up, contact Elaine Kent at elainekent@windstream.net or (740) 405-1192. STEWARDSHIP PLEDGES AND ENVELOPES: We would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to all of our parishioners for their generosity of time and talent! As you know, the 2015 Stewardship Campaign is already underway. This year, instead of the boxes of stewardship envelopes that we have used in the past, we are implementing a new system. Each month you will receive a mailing from the Cathedral Office. In that mailing, will be four stewardship envelopes for the month and a return envelope. You may choose to bring your envelopes to Church on Sundays, or mail them back in the return envelope. From time to time, the mailing may also contain other communication(s) from the Cathedral to help you stay better informed on the events and happenings in our parish. We hope that you will find the new system convenient and easy to use. Again, we thank you for your generosity! PHILOPTOCHOS HOMELESS MEAL MINISTRIES: The Philoptochos Homeless Ministries will be serving a meal of beef stew again on Thursday, February 26, 2015. We only need 1 more stew cook. At this time, we don't need any additional servers for this month. Please consider helping out with this worthy project. For more information, please contact Diane Chakalis at dianechakalis@wowway.com or phone/text (614) 560-9922. MEN RETIREES: The men retirees of the Cathedral will assemble at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2015, at Spiro’s Plaza Café located at 2958 McKinley Avenue, Columbus Ohio for a great breakfast and fellowship. AHEPA FAMILY BUCKEYE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION APPLICATIONS: The AHEPA Family (Order of AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of Pericles, and the Maids of Athena) Buckeye Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2015 scholarship applications are ready and available. The application is available online at www.bsf.buckeyedistrict11.org. Students can access the application by clicking on Applications on the menu at the top of the website. All the instructions and submission options are listed. As a reminder, students or their parent(s) or guardian must be a member in good standing of one of the chapters in the Buckeye District #11. In addition, parents or guardians must have been a member for the past three consecutive years. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: The next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2015. All members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in-good-standing are welcome to attend all parish council meetings. JERUSALEM THE MOVIE: On Sunday, March 1, 2015 (the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy), we are organizing a trip to see the movie "Jerusalem" on the IMAX Theater Screen at the COSI. The movie begins at 2:00 p.m. and the group rate tickets are $6.00 per person, payable in advance. If you are interested in joining us to see this visually stunning and spiritually moving movie, please email Father Dean Kokanos at ckokanos@hchc.edu, or call the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (614) 224-9020. CATHEDRAL PARKING PASSES: Members-in-good standing who have submitted a 2015 Pledge Form can purchase the 2015 parking passes from the Cathedral office for $25.00 per year. Please note that if you should desire to park in the Cathedral parking lot, you must first contact the Cathedral Office to check availability. WE NEED YOUR HELP! The GOYA is still looking for tournament help, especially pastry bakers. If you are interested in helping, please see Sylvia Carioti. Thanks! A SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE PHILPTOCHOS: Help us raise awareness to end heart disease and stroke. Support GO RED SUNDAY by wearing red on Sunday, February 27, 2015 to show your support for saving lives. Stay active, schedule regular checkups with your doctor and adopt good eating habits: drink more water, go green with fresh fruits and vegetables, eat seasonally, cut out processed food, and eat more fiber. PARISH FAMILY MISSION TRIP: There will be a meeting following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 22, 2015 to finalize plans for our mission trip, which will take place June 14, 2015 through June 20, 2015. We will be visiting McDowell County, West Virginia. Please try to attend this important meeting, since we have to notify the mission center if we will be requiring more slots. If you cannot attend, please call Helen Rankin at (614) 530-4771 or send an email to helenpr@aol.com. TOUR OF GREECE MEETING: There will be an informational meeting for anyone interested in going on the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tour of Greece on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. We hope to see you there! FIFTY-PLUS GROUP: The Fifty-Plus Group will mee in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Social Hall on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 for a luncheon and video presentation. This will be a catered luncheon and the cost will be $5.00 per person. Since the luncheon is catered, we need to present the caterer with an exact number of people attending. So, please contact Dick Snow at (614) 451-9691 with your reservation. The entertainment will be a video presentation of past trips. See there! Holy Prophet Zechariah YOUTH MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS February 8th. through February 15th. GOYA th. th. (9 , 10 , 11th, and 12 th. Grade) There is a GOYA Meeting TODAY, Sunday, February 8, 2015 after Divine Liturgy. It is the LAST MEETING before the Basketball Tournament. Please try to be there! GOYA BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Please help our GOYANS! As we prepare for the upcoming GOYA Basketball Tournament (Friday, February 13, 2015 through Sunday, February 15, 2015), we need as many volunteers as possible. Age, experience, gender, size, and any other nuances are not important. WE NEED YOU! Please contact either: Jimmy Schooley, Sylvia Carioti, or Father Dean Kokanos and let us know how you can help! Also, we are collecting two-liter bottles of soda to use at the dance during the basketball tournament. Next time you are at the grocery store, grab a few extras bottles for us and drop them off at the church at your convenience! ALTAR BOY RETREAT There will be an Altar Boy Retreat on Friday, March 6, 2015 after the Salutations to the Most Holy Theotokos, which begins at 6:00 p.m. All altar boys and prospective altar boys are encouraged to attend! If you have any questions, please contact Father Dean Kokanos at ckokanos@hchc.edu or call (614) 365-1578. CHURCH SCHOOL OPEN SHELTER PROJECT The Church School makes 175 sack lunches for the Open Shelter on the third Sunday of every month. The shelter serves people who are unable to provide basic needs for their families. We need the support of our students, parents, and members of our community to help meet our commitment to the shelter. Each month, the Church School seeks donations from the community. Please contact Helen Rankin at (614) 530-4771 or Diane Chakalis at (614) 560-9922 and let them know if you would be willing to donate any of the following items. The next Sack Lunch Sunday is on Sunday, February 15, 2015. The items that are needed by Sunday, February 15, 2015 are: 175 pieces of fresh fruit 175 drink boxes with straws 175 Cookies (individually wrapped) 200 slices of bologna 200 slices of cheese (sandwich size) Food preparation gloves ® 200 Zip Lock sandwich bags 18 loaves of bread 200 paper lunch bags 200 ketchup packets 200 mustard packets 200 bags of snack sized chips 200 Napkins ACOLYTE SCHEDULE Senior Captains: Alexi Baron, Corey Khan, Bobby Gardikes, Jimmy Sevenoff, and Chris Solomonides Junior Captains: Jimmy Contakis, Panos Davayios, Charlie Henry, Chris Sfikas, and Robert Valenti All Altar Boys are encouraged to serve every Sunday and at all special services! Check out our GOYA Facebook page: Annunciation Columbus GOYA Youth Ministry Highlights are posted weekly at: www.greekcathedral.com It is time again for the Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral will be hosting our Parish Oratorical Festival on Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please review the topics listed below and make plans to participate in this worthwhile endeavor! 2015 Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Topics Junior Division (Grades 7 through 9): 1. The theme of the 2014 Clergy-Laity Congress was “The Orthodox Christian Family: A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness of His Gospel.” Discuss how today’s Orthodox Christian families can strive to live according to this ideal. 2. Saint Paul writes, “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules” (II Timothy 2:5). Discuss the virtue of honesty in a time when cheating in school, sports, and other activities is reported more and more. 3. Discuss the Orthodox Christian practice of fasting from certain foods and the spiritual discipline it teaches, especially in light of the Lord’s directive in Matthew 6:16-18. 4. Malala Yousafzai is an inspirational example of fighting fearlessly for a noble cause in spite of threats against her life. Discuss a young saint or person from the Bible who illustrates such courage. 5. Several leaders in the political and religious arena have been described as people with a prophetic gift. What really is a prophet? Discuss their actions in light of the Old Testament prophets and in comparison to other contemporary examples. Senior Division (Grades 10 through 12): 1. The Lord said, “I was in prison and you came to me” (Matthew 25:36). What does this teach us about our attitudes toward those in jails and imprisoned? 2. Psalm 50 (51) begins, “Have mercy on me, O Lord...” It is considered the psalm of repentance. Discuss how praying this psalm might affect our understanding of repentance, confession, and forgiveness. 3. Women apostles, martyrs, and saints have spread the Gospel and advanced the Church from the beginning of Christianity. Discuss the significance of their roles and examples for all Christians today. 4. The Saint Nicholas Church at Ground Zero, which was destroyed on September 11, 2001, is soon to be rebuilt. Discuss the ways in which this tiny church building will now become a symbol of the universal themes of victory over evil; healing and hope; and being a beacon of Orthodox Christianity. 5. Using the parable of the poor widow’s offering to the Temple (Luke 21:1-4), discuss the Orthodox Christian attitude of offering to the Church’s ministries. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Junior and Zoee Dance Rehearsal Schedule January 2015 through August 2015 Sunday, February 22, 2015 Sunday, June 28, 2015 Sunday, August 2, 2015 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2015 Sunday, July 12, 2015 Sunday, August 9, 2015 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2015 Sunday, July 19, 2015 Sunday, August 16, 2015 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2015 Sunday, July 23, 2015 Sunday, August 23, 2015 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2015 Sunday, July 30, 2015 Sunday, August 30, 2015 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Vicky Constantinidis – Gardikes at (614) 778-3219. (These dates are tentative and may have to be changed to address parish scheduling conflicts or the need for more or less rehearsal time.) 2015 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Tour of Greece The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral is planning a trip to Greece for Summer 2015. We will visit Mainland Greece, the Greek Islands, and some of the famous monasteries including: the Monasteries of Meteora, the Panagia in Tinos (also known as the Megalochari of Tinos or the Evangelistria of Tinos), and the Monastery of Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian in Patmos. For more information, please contact: Fay Tzemos of Astro Tours at (614) 459-6592. ADULT ORTHODOX CATECHISM CLASSES We welcome learners studying to enter the Orthodox Church (Catechumens), spouses of Orthodox partners, and anyone who is interested and wants to learn more about their Faith. Classes will meet on the following Sundays after Holy Communion in Room #207. Jesus Christ Sunday, February 8, 2015 Sunday, March 22, 2015 Sunday, February 15, 2015 Sunday, March 29, 2015 The Pre-Lenten Canon of Sundays Spiritual Counsels of Saint John of Kronstadt Sunday, February 22, 2015 The Pre-Sanctified Liturgies Sunday, March 8, 2015 The Childhood Years of Jesus Christ Sunday, March 15, 2015 The Anointing of the Sick (present by Sundy Gulu) Prayer Life in the Church Lenten Directions from the Fathers Sunday, April 19, 2015 Bright Week in the Holy Orthodox Church Sunday, April 26, 2015 Is it enough to believe in Christ in order to be saved Sunday, May 3, 2015 The falling asleep of Saint John the Theologian Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos and Bible Study We are continuing our Monday Evening Bible Study of the Gospel of Saint Matthew! A Paraklesis Service to the Most Holy Theotokos will be offered in The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Holy Temple Chapel followed by the Bible Study. The schedule follows — Monday, February 9, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Belief and Unbelief in the Kingdom of Heaven What is a parable? The Hostility to Christ Jesus' Works with the Gentiles His divinity revealed and His coming death Prerequisites to his followers Jesus loves the lonely and poor Saint John Chrysostom Comments on Christ's Ministry Passion and Resurrection of Christ Saint Gregory Palamas Comments on the Resurrection The General Resurrection of All Humanity The Ascension and Great Commission Christian Apologists on Saint Matthew's Gospel Sanctification of Time The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Choir O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless His Holy Name; tell of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96:1-3 Annunciation Cathedral Choir Calendar (Saturday Rehearsals begin each Saturday at 10:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted) (Sunday Rehearsals begin after Holy Communion and last until 12:00 p.m.) Abbreviated Rehearsal................................................Sunday, February 8, 2015 (after Holy Communion) Full Rehearsal.................................................................................Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Full Rehearsal.................................................................................Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Abbreviated Rehearsal..............................................Sunday, February 22, 2014 (after Holy Communion) Full Rehearsal.................................................................................Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Sunday of Orthodoxy (Divine Liturgy with Pan-Orthodox Choir)...........Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Full Rehearsal.......................................................................................Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Abbreviated Rehearsal.....................................................Sunday, March 8, 2014 (after Holy Communion) Full Rehearsal.....................................................................................Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Full Rehearsal.....................................................................................Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Abbreviated Rehearsal...................................................Sunday, March 22, 2014 (after Holy Communion) Great Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation..........................Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Feast of the Annunciation (Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Full Choir)....Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Full Rehearsal.....................................................................................Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Full Rehearsal (Late Start due to the Saturday of Lazarus Services)............Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. Palm Sunday................................................................................................Sunday, April 5, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Holy Tuesday............................................................................................Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Great and Holy Friday..............................................................................Friday, April 10, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Feast of All Feasts, Great and Holy Pascha....................................Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 10:30 p.m. We are looking for volunteers, just like YOU, to help us make the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral GOYA Basketball Tournament a huge success! Friday, February 13, 2015 through Sunday, February 15, 2015 ALL VOLUNTEERS WELCOME AND NEEDED! Please contact either: Jimmy Schooley at schooley.21@osu.edu Sylvia Carioti at scarioti@embarqmail.com Father Dean Kokanos at ckokanos@hchc.edu or call (614) 365-1578 Father-Daughter Dance Saturday, February 21, 2015 Dancing with Daddy I take him by the hand, Like a prima ballerina, atop his shoes I stand. With my first and favorite partner, we glide across the floor. By the sparkle in his eyes, I know I’m loved and adored. He is charming and funny, he is big and strong. We laugh, I twirl and giggle, as I follow him along. We dance into each other’s hearts, sweet memories of these days. Daddy and I will dance again, the day he gives my hand away. Place: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Social Hall Time: 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Ages: All girls ages 5 to 12 years old Cost (per Father/Daughter): Presale Ticket - $5.00 At the Door - $7.00 Attire: Dressy Dinner Menu: Lenten Macaroni and Cheese, fruit, rolls, and dessert Music, Fun, Door Prizes, Contests for Father and Daughter, Art The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Bookstore The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Bookstore is getting ready for Spring, Pascha, Mother’s Day, and Graduations. New Items are coming in all the time. We have personalized red Christmas bulbs with the names in Greek. They sell for $3.00 each. All the money will go to Youth Ministry Mission trip in the late Spring. Three members of our Cathedral Community have authored books: “The Greek Orthodox Wedding Book” by Jamie Jameson and Evangelia Philippidis. Well done and informative, great gift for the Bride to be – sells for $35.00. “Reflection on Process” by Mrs. Anna D. Christoforides. It tells how our Interior Design was developed and all the research that went in to it. It sells for $35.00 and all proceeds will go directly to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral courtesy of Mrs. Christoforides! We have copies of these beautiful books for sale! Stop in and see our beautiful store!!! Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Bookstore
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