February 2015 - the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Annunciation

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation
Rev. Fr. Paul A. Kaplanis, Dean ([email protected])
Rev. Fr. Christos P. Mars, Presbyter ([email protected])
Elias Lampropoulos, Pastoral Assistant ([email protected])
Volume 42 Issue 1
2500 Clairmont Road N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone (404) 633-5870 Fax (404) 633-6018
www.atlgoc.org [email protected]
February 2015
A Vision of Giving
II Corinthians 8:1-5
The subject of giving often evokes a difference of opinion. On one hand is the notion that a church should never
confront its membership with the issue of giving and that
we should avoid the subject at all costs. On the other end
of the spectrum is the idea that giving excuses a person
from any other area of service. This approach says that if
I give financially, then I have met my obligation for the
year. Both opinions are incorrect.
about giving that come from St. Paul's 2nd letter to the Corinthians, chapters 8 & 9. They provide a vision of finance, a vision of sacrifice and a vision of money.
1. A VISION OF FINANCE
The prophet Malachi says, "Bring the whole tithe into the
storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test
me in this, says the Lord Almighty and see if I will not
throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so
much blessing that you will not have room enough for
it."
Someone once said that the purpose of systematic stewardship is to develop "the giver in the Christian life. To
give is to live; to withhold is to die." The Macedonians
first gave themselves.
As a Cathedral Parish Family, we must believe in a vision
of giving that supersedes these two opinions. There is a
necessity of giving from the membership. We have not
come into this world to ask others to pay for our ministry
here at our Cathedral -or on a grander scale- our Orthodox
Church at large. We should not be hesitant or afraid to set
goals and look forward in order to build upon what we
have as a church and to strive to raise our level of doing
During the Divine Liturgy, the clergy lead the faithful in
the Lord's work.
worship. The priests are empowered to direct the worship
In His ministry Jesus Himself, discussed the subject of and invite participation by all in attendance. You, the
money more than He did heaven and hell. Approximately faithful, respond properly and repeatedly with Lord Have
one verse out of every six verses of the teachings of Jesus Mercy and Amen. We also hear the liturgical commands,
involves the topic of money.
"Sophia" (Wisdom), "Proskomen", (Let us be attentive),
Perhaps one of the clearest visions of giving is shown to and "Orthee", (Stand upright and be alert). Your clergy
us by the churches of Macedonia. St. Paul offers them as has offered an entire sermon series encouraging all of
an example of Christian giving in order to support the you, the worshippers, to participate by singing the hymns
work of the Church. Macedonia had suffered internally of the Liturgy with the choir and the chanters. There are
from civil wars and externally from Roman suppression. also times, when we are asked to take out our wallets or
Most of the inhabitants experienced economic deprivation pocket books to support the many needs of our church,
and yet, St. Paul makes it a point to say that they not only and one common response is, "oh no, the church is asking
us for money again." The truth is that if a church does not
gave but they gave, "beyond their means.”
ask for financial support and special collections for speEach year, our Stewardship Committee places before us a cial needs it is not a living Church: it is a church that is
challenge of what our Church, its ministry and its future just going through the motions.
really mean to us. Although we are speaking about financial support, we are really asking ourselves where the On the wall of President Lyndon Johnson's White House
Church stands in the scope of our lives. Where does it office hung a framed letter that Sam Houston wrote to
rank on our list of priorities? Even though we make stew- Johnson's great-grandfather Baines more than 100 years
ardship a private matter, it affects our relationship with earlier. Houston's signature makes the letter valuable, but
God and all those around us. There are three principles the story behind it is much more significant. Baines had
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Continues on page 2
led Sam Houston to Christ. Houston was a changed man-no longer coarse and belligerent but peaceful and content.
After his baptism, Houston said that he would like to pay
half of the minister's annual salary. When someone asked
him why, his simple response was, "My pocketbook was
baptized too." I suppose we need to ask our Godparents
who spoke on our behalf at our baptism if our pocketbooks and wallets were baptized too!
the world's population, receive 62% of the world's annual
income, spend 97% of it on themselves, and give 2% to
operate global Christianity.
Proverbs 25:14 says, "Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give."
A wealthy man once died and went to heaven. As he and
Peter were walking down the streets of gold they came to
a mansion. "Ah, is that one mine?" the man asked. "No,"
said Peter, "that's not your home. Follow me; I'll take you
to yours." They walked on and came to another lovely
place. "Ah, this must be the one," said the rich man. "No,"
said Peter patiently, "this isn't your place either. But just
follow me; it isn't far now." They rounded a bend and
came upon a tiny shack. "Here is your home", Peter said.
"What?" said the rich man. "You mean this is my house?
This is what I will have for all eternity?" Peter looked at
the man and simply said, "Well, I did all I could with what
you sent."
Being a steward of the Church is not a law to be obeyed,
rather it is a responsibility to be shouldered by each of us.
We do not make offerings to our church as a sure way to
get into heaven, nor do we give in order to vote or receive
a sacrament, we give because we believe in our Church
and we love God. Behind the principle of stewardship is a
simple theological truth: God owns everything and we are
appointed as stewards or managers to act responsibly.
Returning to God a portion of our income is a spiritual
decision; it is a matter of faithfulness. It is a matter of
catching a vision of who God is and who we are as a re- Sometimes we do not give to the Lord's work because we
sult of what God has done in our lives.
are afraid we will not have enough to make it through the
week. However, the Lord essentially says, "Test me and
2. A VISION OF SACRIFICE
see what happens." We should not under stand this as
One of the advantages of our stewardship program is meaning that God will make us all materially wealthy if
equal sacrifice. Each parishioner is to give a responsible we give to our church. The Lord always provides, never
offering considering the blessings they have received. too early: never too late. The best gifts that God gives us
Giving always proves to be one of the most rewarding ex- are everlasting ones, the kind that we cannot see or measperiences in life. "If you want to be rich, give. If you want ure: the kind that moves us in our heart and soul.
to be poor, grasp." "If you want abundance, scatter. If you
The following nursery rhyme says it best, "A man there
want to be needy, hoard".
was and some did count him mad; the more he gave away,
The situation with the Macedonians was that they were the more he had.”
not the wealthiest people in the world, yet they pulled out
of their poverty and gave sacrificially. We are not really "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another
accustomed to giving in a sacrificial way. In many cases, withholds unduly but comes to poverty. A generous
we give out of shame or we give only when we are asked man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself
or when someone pleads out of desperation. Giving sacri- be refreshed." (Pr over bs 11:24-25)
ficially does not mean, "H ow much do I HAVE TO PAY
No one can buy their way into heaven. We give to our
to be a member.”
Church because we believe in its mission. We give beWhen we buy a car, we know the payments are going to cause we love our Orthodox faith and we want it to grow
be a certain amount and we set aside that amount in our and prosper in order to provide all the tools to help each
budget. When we buy a house, we know the payments individual obtain salvation. We give because we have
will be a certain amount and we set aside that amount in
been given the opportunity to freely give to the Lord.
our budget. The Lord blesses our lives and we are hesitant
and sometimes completely evasive, bordering on resentGo to our Cathedral website today: www.atlgoc.org
ment toward filling out a pledge card and making a commitment to our Church. We also give the excuse that, “I Make your 2015 Pledge and set up your offerings online!
don't know if I trust the way the money I give will be
spent, so I'll simply offer a pittance and then claim that I Or call the Cathedral Office and we’ll be glad to assist you!
will give more if I am asked to give toward something I
It is the best way to give on a regular basis.
like.” Giving as an obligation or duty as a membership fee
Thank you for your loving support!
has little to do with the sacrifice of giving. As revealed to
us by St. Paul, the Macedonians "gave of their own free
will" and they gave not r eluctantly, but joyfully. Their
gift was truly an offering of love and the utmost example
of sacrifice.
3. A VISION OF MONEY
Rev. Father Paul A. Kaplanis
According to one survey, Christians account for 33% of
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The Three Hierarchs (January 30th)
During the reign of the Emperor Alexius Comnenus (1081-1118), a controversy arose in Constantinople among men
learned in the faith and zealous for virtue about the three holy Hierarchs and Fathers of the Church: Basil the Great,
Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom.
Some argue that St. Basil [known as Basilians] was above the other two because he was able, as
no other, to explain the mysteries of the faith, and rose to angelic rank by his virtues. Organizer
of monastic life, leader of the entire Church in the struggle with heresy, austere and demanding
shepherd of Christian morals, in him there was nothing base or of the earth. Hence, said they, he
was superior to St. John Chrysostom, who was by nature more easily inclined to absolve sinners.
The partisans of St. John Chrysostom [known as Johnites] retorted that the illustrious Archbishop
of Constantinople had been no less zealous than St. Basil in combating vices, in bringing sinners
to repentance and in raising up the whole people to the perfection of the Gospel. The
golden-mouthed shepherd of matchless eloquence has watered the Church with a stream of
homilies in which he interprets the divine word and shows its application in daily life with more
accomplished mastery than the two other holy Doctors.
According to the third group [known as Gregorians], St. Gregory the Theologian was to be preferred
to the others by reason of the majesty, purity and profundity of his language. Possessing a sovereign
mastery of all the wisdom and eloquence of ancient Greece, he had attained, they said, to such a pitch
in the contemplation of God that no one had been able to express the dogma of the Holy Trinity as
perfectly as he.
With each faction setting up one of the Fathers against the other two in this way, the whole Christian people were soon
caught up in the dispute, which, far from promoting devotion to the Saints in the city, resulted in nothing but ill
feelings and endless argument.
Then one night the three holy Hierarchs appeared in a dream to St. John Mauropus, the
Metropolitan of Euchaita (October 5th), separately at first, then together and, speaking
with a single voice, they said: “A s you see, the three of us are with God and no discord
or rivalry divides us. Each of us, according to the circumstances and according to the
inspiration that he received from the Holy Spirit, wrote and taught what befits the
salvation of humanity. There is not among us a first, a second or a third, and if you
invoke one of us the other two are immediately present with him. Therefore, tell those
who are quarrelling not to create divisions in the Church because of us, for when we
were on earth we spared no effort to reestablish unity and concord in the world. You
can conjoin our three commemorations in one feast and compose a service for it,
inserting the hymns dedicated to each of us according to the skill and knowledge that God has given you. Then
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transmit it to the Christians with the command to celebrate it each year. If they honor us thus as begin with and in
God, we give them our word that we will intercede for their salvation in our common prayer.” At these words, the
Saints were taken up into heaven in a boundless light conversing with one another by name.
St. John Mauropus immediately assembled the people and informed them of this revelation. As he was respected by all for his virtue and admired for his powerful eloquence, the three parties made peace and every one urged
him to lose not time in composing the service of the joint feast. With fine discernment, he selected January 30 as appropriate to the celebration, for it would set the seal to the month in which each of the three Hierarchs already had a
separate commemoration.
The three Hierarchs—an earthly trinity as they are called in some of the
wonderful hymns of their service—have taught us, in their writings and
equally by their lives, to worship and to glorify the Holy Trinity, the One
God in three Persons. These three luminaries of the Church have shed the
light of the true faith all over the world, scorning dangers and persecutions, and they have left us, their descendants, this sacred inheritance by
which we too can attain to utmost blessedness and everlasting life in the
presence of God and of all the Saints.
With the Feast of the Three Hierarchs at the end of January—the month in
which we keep the memory of so many glorious bishops, confessors and
ascetics—the Church, in a way, recapitulates the memory of all the Saints
who have witnessed to the Orthodox faith by their writings and their
lives. In this feast we honor the whole ministry of teaching of the holy
Church, namely, the illumination of the hearts and minds of the faithful
through the word of truth. So the feast of the three Hierarchs is, in fact,
the commemoration of all the Fathers of the Church, those models of
evangelical perfection which the Holy Spirit has raised up from age to age and from place to place to be new prophets
and new Apostles, guides of souls heavenward, comforters of the people and fiery pillars of prayers, supporting the
Church and confirming her in the truth.
Compiled, shortened, and explained from the book “The Synaxarion” by Rev. Fr. Christos P. Mars.
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LORD OF THE POWERS BE WITH US. . .
THE TRIODION
Many canons in the Triodion contain only three canticles or odes, hence the name Triodion, meaning Book of the
Three Odes. The period which the book covers extends from the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee (the tenth
before Pascha [Easter]: twenty-two days before the beginning of Great Lent), and concludes with Holy and Great
Saturday. The period of time between the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee & Holy and Great Saturday is
referred to as the “Triodion.” The first four Sundays of the Triodion (Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee to the
Sunday of Cheesefare [Forgiveness Sunday]) are called Pre-Lent. It is a period set aside by the Church for the
preparation for Great Lent. Each Sunday’s theme brings us to the understanding of what true repentance is. From
there we move into Great Lent, which consists of six Sundays (Sunday of Orthodoxy to Palm Sunday). This is also a
time for preparation as we move closer to Holy Week and Christ’s Saving Passion. We prepare ourselves for Christ’s
death, burial and Resurrection.
Let us pray for ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God!
The THEMES of each week during the PERIOD OF THE TRIODION ARE:
SUNDAYS OF PRE-LENT
SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE—The focus this Sunday is on the Gospel of Luke
18:10-14, in which two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, an externally decent and righteous
man of religion, and the other was a publican, a sinful tax collector who was cheating the people. Though the
Pharisee was genuinely righteous under the Law, he boasted before God and was condemned. The publican,
although he was truly sinful, begged for mercy, received it, and was justified by God. There is NO fasting this
week, in preparation for our great journey.
SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON—On this Sunday in the preparation for Great Lent, Orthodox Christians
are read Christ’s parable about God's loving forgiveness (Luke 15:11-24). They are to see themselves as being in
a foreign country far from the Father's house and to make the movement of return to God, where we truly
belong. The parable gives assurance that the Father will receive them with joy and gladness in their journey
through Great Lent, their journey home.
JUDGMENT SUNDAY/MEATFARE SUNDAY— Judgment Sunday is also called “Meatfare Sunday” because
it is the last Sunday, according to the fasting canons, that the faithful eat meat before Easter. During the
following week, we do not fast on Wednesday and Friday (except for meat, of course). On this Sunday, we call
to mind something that has not even happened yet: the Second Coming of Christ. Our Lord has promised us
that He will come again “to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end” (from the Nicene
Creed). We call to mind the “criteria” of our entrance into Paradise, as our Lord said in today’s Gospel: “I was
hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was
naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'”
FORGIVENESS SUNDAY/CHEESEFARE SUNDAY— The last day of eating cheese products before
Easter. People tend to just make it about eating an apple… yet, it’s so much more than that. Forgiveness
Sunday is the day the Church remembers the disobedience and expulsion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of
Eden. The disobedience was not following God’s command of not eating from the Tree of Knowledge. The sin
was not a matter of eating an apple, or whatever fruit it might have been the sin was going against God’s
command.
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SUNDAYS OF GREAT-LENT
SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY— The First Sunday of Lent is dedicated to the time when the Church defeated
iconoclasm. The heresy of iconoclasm was one started by Emperor Leo the Assyrian, who said that icons should
not be allowed in Churches. Iconoclasts destroyed all kinds of icons. The 7 th Ecumenical Council, held in Nicaea,
declared that it is honorable and right to declare our faith in such a way, depicting our Lord, the Theotokos and
the Saints in icons. To commemorate this great day, churches across the world have a special service that takes
place at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
2ND SUNDAY OF LENT—ST. GREGORY PALAMAS—St. Gregory Palamas was Archbishop of Thessaloniki
in the 14th century, and defended the faith against Barlaam the Calabrian (who was against monasticism). He
taught that divine grace is not created, but the uncreated energies of God are poured out throughout creation;
otherwise, humanity could never have authentic communication with God.
SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS— In the middle of Great Lent, the Church gives its faithful a sign of victory,
one that can bring strength to them in this time of fasting. The Sunday of the Holy Cross is one that brings
everything into perspective, especially with the Gospel reading when the Lord says to all His disciples: "If
anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For
whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's
will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?"
4TH SUNDAY OF LENT—ST. JOHN OF THE LADDER—St. John “of the Ladder” was only 16 years old
when he left Palestine and went to St. Catherine’s monastery (at Mt. Sinai, Egypt). Where he lived there for 50
years, and wrote his famous book, “The Ladder of Divine Ascent.” This is a “spiritual ladder.” Christians follow
certain rules so that they can get closer to God, and symbolically climb to heaven. He had struggles, like any
person does, but he won over those struggles that the Devil put before him. That’s why we celebrate his memory
on this Sunday of Lent: St. John is a perfect example of how a person can be faithful through their life, and be
together with God in the Kingdom of Heaven.
5TH SUNDAY OF LENT—ST. MARY OF EGYPT—St. Mary of Egypt was anything but a Saint throughout the
first part of her life. From a very young age, she was a prostitute. Being from Egypt, she decided that she wanted
to see the Holy Land and the Tomb of Christ (also known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre). As she went to
enter the Church, a force kept her from entering. She was unable to enter, while so many others did. She
realized that God had done this to have her stop her sinning. That day, she promised God that she would stop.
She repented with a pure heart, and was allowed to enter. She went for confession, received Holy Communion,
and then went to the desert to live for years in repentance. Years later, she was visited by a priest-monk, Zosimas
(later a Saint in our Church). He gave her Holy Communion and they discussed her trials and tribulations.
Although she suffered much, she was so happy to be with Christ. Later that same day, she fell asleep in the Lord.
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Υπαπαντή και Σαραντισμός
«Κόλπους Πατρός τυπούσι του σου,Χριστέ μου, του Συμεών αι χείρες, αι φέρουσί σε.»
Τους κόλπους του ουρανίου Πατέρα συμβολίζουν, Χριστέ μου, τα χέρια του Συμεών που Σε κράτησαν στην αγκαλιά του.
Μόλις πέρασαν σαράντα ημέρες από την γέννηση του Θεανθρώπου, προσεφέρθη ο Κύριος στο ιερό υπό Μητρός
Παρθένου, και υπεδέχθη Αυτόν ο πρεσβύτης Συμεών. Κατά τη διάταξη του Μωσαϊκού νόμου «παν άρσεν πρωτότοκον έσται
αφιερωμένον τω Θεώ, και την εις τούτον νενομισμένην θυσίαν προσενέγκη, ζεύγος τρυγόνων, ή δύο νεοσσούς περιστερών».
Δηλαδή, κάθε πρωτότοκο αρσενικό παιδί ήταν αφιερωμένο στο Θεό, και προς τούτο γινόταν μία συγκεκριμένη τελετή στο ναό,
περιλαμβάνουσα και προσφορά δύο τρυγόνων ή περιστεριών.
Λαβών δε ο πρεσβύτης Συμεών τον Κύριο της δόξης στα χέρια του είπε το «Νυν απολύεις τον δούλον σου Δέσποτα κατά
το ρήμα σου εν ειρήνη…». Τώρα, δηλαδή, Κύριε, ας πεθάνω, αφού είδα το Σωτήρα του κόσμου. Διότι αυτό περίμενε χρόνια ο
δίκαιος Συμεών˙ να δει με τους οφθαλμούς του τον Κύριο και Θεό του. Και πλέον ευτυχισμένος μπορούσε να υπάγει εις τα
αγκάλας του Θεού.
Έπειτα από αυτή τη γενική αναφορά, γίνεται κατανοητό ότι ο σαραντισμός έχει τις ρίζες του στην εποχή του Μωυσή
(καθώς αυτό το στοιχείο το αντλούμε μέσα από τον Μωσαϊκό νόμο). Λέγοντας «σαραντισμό», εννοούμε ότι η μητέρα προσφέρει
το νεογέννητο στο ναό και αυτό προς δόξαν του τριαδικού Θεού.
Η γυναίκα, έπειτα από την κύηση χρειάζεται ένα διάστημα ώστε να επανέλθει και πάλι στην προ του τοκετού κατάσταση.
Αυτό το διάστημα ίσως είναι λιγότερο από της σαράντα ημέρες, αλλά από τη στιγμή την οποίαν οι πατέρες της εκκλησίας
θέσπισαν αυτό τον συμβολικό αριθμό, οφείλουμε κι εμείς να τον υπακούμε.. Σίγουρα αυτοί κάτι παραπάνω θα γνώριζαν για να
εισάγουν αυτό το διάστημα των σαράντα ημερών. Ας μη μας διαφεύγει άλλωστε ότι την εποχή διαμορφώσεως των τελετουργικών
της Εκκλησίας μας, τόσες ημέρες εχρειάζοντο.
Η γυναίκα λοιπόν, κατά το πρότυπο της Παναγίας, έπειτα από σαράντα ημέρες πηγαίνει το βρέφος στο ναό, για να εισάγει
το βρέφος στο ναό, ώστε αυτό να μπορεί στη συνέχεια να βαπτισθεί και να συμμετάσχει στην εν Χριστώ λατρευτική ζωή.
Ας δούμε όμως τώρα λίγο αναλυτικότερα την ακολουθία του σαραντισμού.
Σήμερα, ως γνωστόν, η ακολουθία του σαραντισμού αποτελείται από τέσσερις ευχές. Θέμα και των τεσσάρων ευχών είναι
η προσαγωγή του βρέφους στο ναό κατά το πρότυπο του Κυρίου (σύμφωνα με τις διατάξεις του Μωσαϊκού νόμου). Οι ευχές
αποτελούν ευλογίες του βρέφους και δεήσεις υπέρ αυτού, που κατά «μίμησιν» του Κυρίου προσάγεται στο ναό και αφιερούται στο
Θεό. Αυτός είναι και ο εμφανείς σκοπός της ακολουθίας. Το παιδί εισέρχεται στην εκκλησία και αυτό σαραντίζει και όχι η μητέρα
του. Η μητέρα συνοδεύει το βρέφος και ευλογείται μαζί με αυτό. Αναφέροντας ότι, η ευλογία περιλαμβάνει και τους δυο γονείς
μαζί, και όχι μόνο την μητέρα, όπως συνήθως γίνεται.
Πρέπει επίσης να επισημανθεί το γεγονός, ότι το βρέφος είναι χωρίς αμφιβολία αβάπτιστο, διότι προϋποθέτουν και οι δυο
ευχές ότι η είσοδός του στο ναό γίνεται για πρώτη φορά, καθώς ζητούν να αξιωθεί «εν καιρώ ευθέτω» του αγίου βαπτίσματος. Εξ
άλλου οι ευχές της πρώτης ημέρας, της ογδόης, και της τεσσαρακοστής παρουσιάζουν προοδευτικό χαρακτήρα και εντάσσονται
ουσιαστικά στις προβαπτισματικές πράξεις. Η κλιμάκωσις είναι φανερή. Την πρώτη ημέρα ευλογείται το βρέφος και χαιρετίζεται η
έλευσή του στο κόσμο. Την όγδοη λαμβάνει το όνομα και χαρακτηρίζεται πια «δούλος Χριστού» και «χριστιανός». Την
τεσσαρακοστή ημέρα εισέρχεται στο ναό του Θεού και «προσφέρεται» σε Αυτόν. Έπονται δε, η κατήχησις, το βάπτισμα, το
χρίσμα και η θεία κοινωνία.
Επίσης, κατά την παράδοση αλλά και κατά τις τυπικές διατάξεις της ακολουθίας, έπειτα από την ανάγνωση των ευχών, ο
ιερεύς κρατώντας στα χέρια του το βρέφος το εισάγει στο ιερό βήμα αδιακρίτως φύλου. Σύμφωνα με τον καθηγητή κ. Ι.
Φουντούλη, ούτε οι ευχές, ούτε οι τυπικές διατάξεις της ακολουθίας κάνουν διαχωρισμό μεταξύ φύλου, αλλά εισάγονται στο ιερό
βήμα και προσκομίζονται στο Θεό (καθώς ο ιερεύς τα ανυψώνει με τα χέρια του στον ουρανό), ως «δώρον» και «ανάθημα». Πού
αλλού θα προσφερθεί το δώρο στο Θεό, παρά στο θυσιαστήριό του; Αυτό ακριβώς ερμηνεύει και την είσοδο όλων των βρεφών
αδιακρίτου φύλου στο Άγιο βήμα. Δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την ιερωσύνη που επιφυλάσσεται στους άνδρες. Πρόκειται περί
πράξεως προσφοράς του νέου ανθρώπου στο Θεό και για τον χριστιανισμό δεν υπάρχει διάκριση μεταξύ άρρενος και θηλαίου.
Συνελοντ’ ειπείν, ο σαραντισμός είναι μια πανάρχαια λειτουργική πράξη της εκκλησίας μας, η οποία έχει τις ρίζες της
στον Μωσαϊκό νόμο, καθώς αυτός γίνεται σήμερα ως προτύπωση της υπαπαντής του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού και οι γυναίκες
συμβολίζουν την Παναγία, η οποία έφερε στις αγκάλες της τον Υιόν της και τον πρόσφερε στον ναό ως θυσίαν «ευπρόσδεκτη».
http://www.apostoliki-diakonia.gr/gr_main/agiavarvara/periodiko/Teuxos3/Ypapanti-Sarantismos.htm
7
A Reflection on St. Maria of Paris
and the Annunciation Cathedral’s Women’s Study Group
This past fall, the Annunciation Cathedral’s Orthodox Women’s Study Group met for the first time. The
Book of Genesis served as our primary text – and our discussions centered upon God’s blessings, family life, and
relationships. For six weeks, we wrestled with complicated issues mentioned in the text of Genesis – infertility,
doubt, parenting, broken relationships, marriage – and found God’s blessing and healing in the midst of brokenness.
In reflecting on the six weeks we spent together, I am reminded of a particular saint. A woman who lived in the 20 th
century, this saint dealt with many of the same issues we discussed. After all, the stories of Genesis are the same
stories we live out today.
The saint I am reminded of is St. Maria (Skobtsova) of Paris. The future “Mother Maria,” as she came to be
called, was born in 1891 to devout Orthodox Christian parents. At seven years old, she asked her mother if she was
old enough to become a nun! Yet, this childlike faith faded. When she was fourteen, the death of her father led her to
atheism. She decided that God’s nonexistence was merely a secret adults kept from children.
In 1910, at the age of eighteen, she married a Russian intellectual and became part of a community of poets,
artists and writers. She and her friends discussed theology, but their discussions dealt only with abstract values and
ideas rather than the real truth of the Church. Still, little by little, her earlier attraction to Christ deepened. The faith
she had rejected in the wake of her father’s death slowly revived and she began to read the Gospel and to explore the
lives of the saints.
By 1916, she was so drawn to theological discourse that she applied for admission to the Theological
Academy of the Alexander Nevsky Monastery. No woman had ever studied at the Theological Academy before, let
alone applied for admission. As surprising as her wanting to study theology was, the dean’s decision to admit her
was even more surprising. During her time at the Theological Academy, the political climate began to devolve. Due
to her burgeoning faith and the state of Russian politics, she and her husband emigrated from Russia to France.
Unfortunately, after some years, her relationship with her atheist husband grew tense and their marriage collapsed.
In 1932, an ecclesiastical divorce was issued and her bishop, Metropolitan Evlogy, encouraged her to
become a nun – a nun with an exceptional vocation. Having found her way back to her Orthodox faith, her monastic
vocation was largely a vocation of hospitality. With her bishop’s help, Mother Maria opened a ‘house of hospitality’
in Paris out of which she ran a shelter for homeless women, a soup kitchen, and other programs serving all those
who came seeking her help. Still, she understood that her vocation was more than merely providing for others’
physical needs; as Mother Maria once wrote, “The vocation of hospitality is much more than the provision of food,
8
clothing and a place to sleep […] it is the constant search for the face of Christ in the stranger.”
The final period of Mother Maria’s life was defined by her responses to World War II and Germany’s
occupation of France. In March of 1942, the requirement for Jews to wear the Star of David came into effect. Mother
Maria’s reaction to this requirement was to say, “This is not only a Jewish question, but a Christian question.” She
continued, “Don’t you realize that the battle is being waged against Christianity? If we were true Christians we
would all wear the Star. The age of confessors has arrived.” Two months later, there was a mass arrest of Jews –
12,884 Jews, two-thirds of whom were children were held captive in a stadium mere miles from Mother Maria’s
‘house of hospitality.’ Held there for five days, the captives in the stadium received water from a single fire hydrant.
Mother Maria had often thought her monastic robe a God-send in aiding her work. Now, it opened the way for her to
enter the stadium. For three days, she worked in the stadium comforting the children and their parents. She even
managed to rescue a number of children by enlisting the help of the garbage collectors and smuggling the children
out in trash bins. It was during this time period that Mother Maria pronounced that if any Nazis came to her house of
hospitality looking for Jews, she would simply point to an icon of the Theotokos.
Less than a year later, in 1943, the Nazis came looking not only for Jews but for Mother Maria as well.
Mother Maria was sent via cattle car to a German prison camp, Ravensbrück, where she endured for two years.
Another prisoner, Rosane Lascroux, recalled Mother Maria’s time at Ravensbrück: “Mother Maria was adored by
all. She took us under her wing. We were cut off from our families, and somehow she provided us with a family.”
Often, Mother Maria advised her fellow prisoners to “continue to think.” “In the conflict with doubt,” said Mother
Maria, “cast your thought wider and deeper. Let it transcend the conditions and limitations of this earth.” On the
30th of March, 1945 Mother Maria was selected for the gas chambers – Holy Friday, as it happened. In January of
2004, Mother Maria, also known as St. Maria of Paris, was glorified by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and was numbered among those recognized as saints by the Church.
The life Mother Maria lived was a life like any other – she struggled with doubt, with her marriage, with the
problems and situations we all face in a fallen world. Yet, she was able to find God’s blessing in the midst of
brokenness – and not only that – she managed to live her life in such a way as to be an instrument of God’s blessing
to others. In her vocation of hospitality, she searched for the image of God in the face of all who came to her for
help. Perhaps most importantly, she lived a life of love. As Mother Maria wrote, “No amount of thought will ever
result in any greater formulation than the three words, ‘Love one another,’ so long as it is love to the end and without
exception.” Love to the end. Search for the image of God in the faces of all people. At its core, this was Mother
Maria’s vocation. So, too, is this part of our vocation as Christians.
As our Orthodox Women’s Study Group prepares for our second session, I pray that Mother Maria will
intercede for us in our study of the Gospel of Mark. I pray that through her intercessions we might, like her, deepen
our faith through the study of theology, that we might learn to remain faithful in the midst of suffering, and that we
might follow Christ’s example as she did – that we might all “love to the end.”
Wednesday Women’s Study Group Dates:
January 28th
February 11th
February 18th
February 25th
Natalie S. Stadnick, M. Div
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March 4th
March 11th
March 18th
PARISH REGISTRY
Ways to stay in touch with us
BIRTHS
Baby Girl Born to Constantinos & Carole Christofi
Baby Boy Born to George & Kate Koulouris
Baby Girl Born to George & Erica Callum
Baby Girl Born to Anthony & Carlie Winegar
Baby Boy Born to Loizos & Alexandra Nikolaou
Baby Girl Born to Chris & Courtney Pantellis
Baby Girl Born to Christopher & Kristen Snell
CHRISMATION
Mark Seymour
Godparent: Elias Lampropoulos
Tom Larsen
Godparent: Vasiliki Malatos
WEDDINGS
Facebook
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“Like”, “Follow”, “Subscribe”, Watch and See
www.facebook.com/atlgoc
GOOFS Breakfast
Every other THURSDAY at 9:00 a.m. in the
Kafenion. Open to everyone!!! Come join us for a full
breakfast and great fellowship!
Full breakfast includes fruit, waffles,
bacon, sausage and much more!
Donation $5 per person.
Contact the Cathedral office at 404-633-5870 for
the date of the next gathering
Hope to see you there!
Zachary Georgeson & Megan Casserly
Roger Wycoff & Barbara Soteres
Constantinos Katsadouros & Katerina Kaplanis
KAFENION
BAPTISMS
Everyone is invited to come enjoy good
conversation, Tavli, Prefa, Xeri & Kolitsina,
coffee & refreshments and Greek television
every Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. in the
Kafenion located in the Community Center.
Parents: Jimmy & Taylor Esdale
Baby: Anna Elizabeth
Godparents: Madison Elizabeth Pumphrey
Parents: Edward & Angela Scully
Baby: John (Ioannis)
Godparent: Constantinos & Katerina Katsadouros
CONGRATULATIONS
Parents: Mark & Sophia Herrington
Baby: James
Godparent: Alexandra Papadakis
With great joy we announce that on
Sunday, January 18, 2015 His Eminence
Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta bestowed on
our very own Fr. Paul one of the highest honors of the Priesthood; that of Protopresbyter
of the Ecumenical Throne of the Patriarchate
of Constantinople. AXIOS!!!
Parents: Lee & Smaro Economy
Baby: Anastasia
Godparent: Theodora Soublis Willis
Parents: Nicholas & Christina Sousounis
Baby: Zoe
Godparents: Andrew & Kathy Antonides
SPECIAL THANK YOU
Patricia Paxinos
Mark (Champ) Zabetakis (Passed away in Florida)
Georgia Vorvolakos
Theoharis Katsanos
Thomas McBride, Jr. (Father of Tom McBride)
Dennis A. Calamas
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the
venerable and loving Father Paul, Father Christos,
Elias Lampropoulos, and the entire community for
the many visitations, flowers, wonderful food,
beautiful cards, and considerate phone calls. I
thank the many people who are thinking of me and
for the many prayers on my behalf during this very
difficult time I am enduring. I love each and every
one of you. Thank you again.” -Eleni Soulimiotis
We apologize for the omission in the previous
Annunciator of the following:
Lambros Karatzas
10
Philoptochos Champagne Membership Brunch!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the Kartos Ballroom
February is Philoptochos Membership Month and we are kicking things off with a delicious
Champagne Brunch! Come for the food and fellowship and to offer your stewardship donation,
either as a returning member or as a new member.
All ladies of the community are invited to attend to come and enjoy this event!
Honored Guest: Mrs. Dee Nicolaou, President, Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos
Your presence and stewardship donation allows Philoptochos to
continue its philanthropic work to help those in need.
AHEPA SCHOLARSHIPS
The AHEPA Mother Lodge No. 1 Educational Fund, Inc. will award several scholarships, ranging from
$1,000-$2,500 to high school graduates accepted by an accredited college or university or students
attending an accredited college or university. Candidates must have strong academic credentials,
leadership and extra curricular activities. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit and financial
need. Deadline for submitting the application is March 14th. Application are now available in the Cathedral
office. Applications may be obtained by emailing: [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]
SPECIAL THANK YOU!
The beautiful Christmas tree on the Solea was once again donated by Lee Livaditis, Jimbo Livaditis and
Dean Poulos of Big John’s Christmas Trees. The ornaments, Nativity scene and tree skirt were donated and the
wonderful tree was decorated by Theo Campbell, Elaine Carlos, Eula Carlos, Metaxia Kleris, Helen Pantelis,
Vicky Patronis, George Peppas, Spero & Stephanie Peppas and Manuel Petkas.
The Christmas tree skirt was handmade many years ago by Mrs. Calliope Brown.
“May Her Memory be Eternal”
During the October 19, 2014 Laconian Society GeneralAssembly meeting,
six (6) new local members were accepted into the order of the Knights and
Ladies of Sparta, (300 Spartans). This order is an affiliate group within the
Pan-Laconian Federation. Its purposes are: 1) To perpetuate the Laconian
ideals, customs and traditions; 2) to honor Leonidas and the 300 Spartans
and 3) to provide continuation of and protection for the Pan-Laconian
Federation of the U.S. and Canada should it be disorganized or dissolved.
The Order is considered the heart and soul of the Federation.
The six (6) new members are: Jimmy Roney, Olga Biehler, Eleni Papadakis, Jimmy Stappas, Stella Vaughn and
Nicholas Marudas. The Commander of the Order, Gus Plagianis, gave the Oath of Office to the new members.
The Order of the Knights and Ladies of Sparta (300 Spartans) currently has 260 members in the U.S., Canada and
Greece. If any Laconian members wishes to join the Order, please contact Gus Plagianis at 770-242-8722.
SAVE THE DATE
2015 Summer Day Camp
Week 1: June 1st - June 5th
Week 2: June 8th - 12th
11
Annual Fund Campaign
We are excited to announce we have kicked off our first Annual Fund Campaign to solicit unrestricted
contributions from parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, parishioners and friends of ADS. All funds
collected will help defray the costs of an ADS education that tuition revenue alone does not cover. Part of
our mission is making education available to the most diverse, qualified students who seek an Orthodox
Christian education. Therefore, we work very hard to minimize tuition increases. Our goal this year is to
raise $25,000 by the end of this year. We would like to reach 100% participation from our families.
We would like to thank the following families who have made a contribution to support our effort!
Mark & Sophie Adams
Ioannis Parastatidis & Maria Arava
Kenneth & Wilma Cardona
Basil & Elena Couvaras
Gregory & Christine Esper
Craig & Joanna Gordon
Tim & Sherry Howard
Ioannis & Danae Karakis
Basil & Sandra Karampelas
Demetrios & Toula Kostopoulos
Leonard & Antoinette Moura
Stephanie Rivas
Yvette Roshto & Matt Corse
Susan Stegall & Dorothy Davis
Jarrett Keim & Alexia Skardasis
Victor & Jennifer Rodi
Salim & Natalie Maalouf
James & Christina Rissler
Christopher & Nicole Adams
Patrick & Juliette Lee
Chris & Monica Wright
Andrew & Vicky Soulimotis
Boyd & Jeanne Andrews
Scott & Connie Mondore
Andrew & Katherine Ladikos
Brian & Sandra Gardiner
Jon & Melissa Reading
Fidias & Astrid De Leon
Dr. Alexander Kessler & Dr. Athena Kourtis
Dasalagn Tesfay & Elzabeth Tewolde
Fun with fractions in
first and second grade!
Who says learning about fractions isn’t fun?
Ms. Alexia and her students have opened
their own pizzeria called Rock Star Pizza...
serving up fractions one slice at a time!!
Elementary students go
mining as they study about
Elementary attends Liturgy at
the Metropolis Chapel.
Our preschool children putting
on a beautiful Christmas
pageant!
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Our elementary students
singing with His Eminence!
Our elementary students
spreading Christmas cheer!
Καλή Xρονιά! Happy New Year!
Many thanks to Mr. Jim Marshall, CEO of Promethean, who graciously donated a Promethean board
and a case of ActivExpressions to encourage e-learning for both the Day School and afternoon Greek
School program!
The Greek School celebrated the Christmas season with a wonderful program. The students recited holiday poems and sang holiday songs for all in attendance. Many thanks to Ariande Alexoudis-Baker for
hand-designing personalized ornaments with each child's name in Greek. Each ornament, sponsored by
the Greek School PTA, was presented by the class teacher along with homemade cookies to all students.
As the new year begins, the children celebrated with each class cutting its own Vasilopita. The Greek
School will present in church for the Three Hierarchs later this month.
If you are interested in teaching for the 2015-16 Greek School year or if you are interested in having your
child learn Greek and participate in our program, please contact Michelle Constantinides,
[email protected] or at 404.502.0725.
13
Thank you so much to all the GOYANS for hosting such a fun morning of Christmas crafts, cookie
decorating, storytelling, games and fun! We had 19 children attend our HOPE and JOY event this
morning. The little kids loved hanging out with the "big" kids....I think the big kids loved playing with the
little kids just as much!
We even had a surprise appearance by Santa Claus (who may or may not have been Dean Pappas)....but
our kids were not fooled....they knew the "real" Santa Claus was at the North Pole making X-Boxes and
Barbie dolls! Attached is a picture of the kids with the GOYANS and "Santa".
Thank you to the following GOYANs for your hard work organizing and executing this event:
Yeoryia Vastakis (GOYA President)
James Kostopoulos (committee chair)
Anthea Walker (committee chair)
Nick Lambros
Christina Maxouris
Eleni Demos
Frank Kostopoulos
Dean Pappas
Stephanie Panos
Stephen Missailidis
Also thank you to the GOYA parent volunteers, Stacey Walker, Michelle Vastakis and Valerie Skiouris for
your help as well.
The February gathering will be held on Sunday, February 1st. More details to follow
Hope that everyone has a Happy New Year!
Best,
Despina Lamas and Connie Mondore
[email protected]
[email protected]
http://www.atlgoc.org/youth/hope.html
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Nativity Pageant
Our Annual Sunday School Nativity Pageant was held on Sunday, December 21st.
We had 81 students ages 4 to 18 participating as Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Angel Gabriel, Angel of God,
King Herod, The Three Wisemen, Innkeepers, Shepherds, Townspeople, Cherubim Angels, Readers and
our Youth Choir! Together they all presented the beautiful story of our Savior’s birth.
A Special “Thank you” to Mr. Art Pappas for rebuilding and painting our manger.
There were also 19 teachers, office staff and former students who helped behind the scenes.
We look forward to next year’s program!
15
Breakfast with St. Nick
Breakfast with St. Nick was held after the Divine Liturgy on the feast day of St. Nicholas, December 6 th.
Our families enjoyed sharing their favorite breakfast and brunch dishes. Our children excited visited with
St. Nick to tell him what they want for Christmas and to take a picture with him.
Thank you to Victoria Simitses for coordinating such a fun morning!
16
Philoptochos News
Fall was busy for Philoptochos with members sponsoring several charity and other events. Following
is a recap of the recent programs.
th
 Athena’s Marketplace and Bake Sale was held on November 15 and was once again a tremendous
success with record attendance. The event raised more than $6,000 and hosted more than 35
vendors.
 The Annual Toys for Tots Holiday Dinner and General Meeting was held in November. We had
over 100 ladies attend. This event starts our holiday season and once again, with our members support, this year was a huge success! We collected over 200 toys and $1600 in donations. The Dining Out Raffle is always a fun and successful fundraiser.
 Our beautiful community Christmas Card was completed and benefitted our general fund. Thank
you to our generous donors.
 Gifts of Love appeal benefits our social services fund
and with your generous support we will be able to
help a number of families in 2015!
 The College Outreach Committee continues to host
monthly lunches for college students attending local
universities. The December holiday dinner was
held at the home of Theo and Victor Economy. Many
thanks to several anonymous sponsors. Our college
students are very appreciative of your generosity.
Philoptochos remains busy this winter with the recent Vasilopita Luncheon, College Outreach
Luncheon and the Membership Tea in February. The next general meeting is January 27 th.
If you want to join Philoptochos or get more involved, please call (770) 908-1508 or email
Voula Giannakopoulos at [email protected].
Once again, Sherry and Angelo Kliossis opened their
lovely home for our annual Philoptochos Christmas
Charity Coffee on Sunday, December 7th. The
beautiful Christmas decorations, as well as the
delicious Lenten appetizers and desserts furnished
by our ladies of the Philoptochos, made for an
enjoyable and festive afternoon. We were blessed
with generous free-will offerings from our
members, which are going to assist the family of
George Coumanis. Pictured to the left with Father
Paul are several members of Philoptochos who
helped make the Charity Coffee a success.
17
Golden Group News
In November, the Golden Group luncheon honored our veterans. For the last several years,
photographs of our veterans have been displayed in Carlos Hall. More photos are added every year. The
event is one of the top two favorite luncheons sponsored by the Golden Group.
In December, the Golden Group sponsored a progressive dinner. We met in the Kafenion and had cocktails, hors-d’oeuvres, along with a lot of fun and laughter. After cocktails, we rode in vans and
automobiles to the home of Louis (Butch) and Margaret Hanson for dinner. After dinner we had
dessert at the home of Alex and Penny Halkos. We ended the evening singing Christmas carols with
Alex accompanying the group on the piano.
Also in December, our Golden Group Luncheon was sponsored by the Parish Council. Again this year,
the children of the Annunciation Day School entertained everyone. The children of the Day School
sang Christmas songs for the Golden Group. Barbara Hall led the children’s singing which was fun and
entertaining.
The luncheon ended with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (aka Vickie Henson and George Gavalas)
playing Christmas Trivial Pursuit.
In addition, everyone brought gifts to donate to the Loaves and Fishes project for St. John the Wonder
Worker church.
Our first luncheon in 2015 was held on Thursday, January 15th. Our guest speaker was Steve
Black with the Georgia Department of Safety. Mr. Black spoke to our group about personal
and automobile safety. Lunch was sponsored by the Evrytanian Association.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 12th at 10:30 am – Valentine’s Day Luncheon – Join us for one of our
most popular events sponsored by the Daughters of Penelope. Come and share a wonderful
meal and have some fun while we play bingo (with prizes!).
Monday, February 23rd - Kathara Theftera - the first day of Great Lent. There will be a
Lenten Orthros Service in the Cathedral at 10:30 am with a Potluck luncheon to follow at
11:30 am. Please bring a Lenten dish for at least four people. Look for more details in
upcoming weekly bulletins. Everyone is invited to come... Not just for the Golden Group!
18
CAPELLA ROMANA
19
20
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation
2014 Pastoral Report
Liturgical / Sacramental Life
1/1/13 — 12/31/13
1/1/14 — 12/31/14
Baptisms
Infants
26
33
Adult
2
1
Chrismations
7
7
Total
35
41
40 Day Blessings
31
27
Weddings
21
18
Funerals
25
29
Memorials
102
100
nd
rd
This does not include the monthly memorials that take place on the 2 and 3 Wednesday of every month
Hospital / Nursing Home/ Shut-in Visitation
For 2014 over 250 visits made by clergy. In addition to phone ministry.
Witness to Christ’s Love
Participants
10
To complement our Parish Ministry by visiting, helping, befriending and caring for those who are in nursing homes, hospital and shut-ins. A new portion of the ministry was added in 2011 to include those who are homeless with the introduction of “BAGS OF LOVE.”
Education Ministry
Cathedral Lecture Tours
2014 Tours
34
Besides the 35 Lecture Tours that are conducted during the Annual Atlanta Greek Festival, Groups from Elementary,
Middle, High School, Colleges and Universities come during the year to view the Cathedral.
Bible Class/Book Club
Women’s Study Group
Sunday Catechetical School (2014-2015)
Annunciation Day School (2014-2015)
Afternoon Greek School (2014-2015)
Annunciation Day Camp
Average 35 Adults
Average 20 Adults
Enrollment
294
Staff
37
Enrollment
107
Staff
24
Enrollment
37
Staff
7
Staff
36
Staff
5
Staff
30
Staff
3
Staff
1
Staff
10
Staff
5
Staff
1
Participants
114
Participation open to all 3 year olds to 8 Graders (2 Weeks) 2014
th
Metropolis St. Stephens Camp
2014 Participants from our parish 38
Metropolis Winter Youth Rally
2014 Participants from our parish 51
Metropolis Advent Retreat
2014 Participants from our parish 12
Metropolis Lenten Retreat
2014 Participants from our parish 1
Metropolis Hellenic Dance Festival 2014 Participants from our parish 57
Archdiocese Ionian Village
2014 Participants from our parish 3
Archdiocese Cross Roads Program 2014 Participants from our parish 1
“Road to Orthodoxy” Inquirer / Convert Classes (Two Sessions)
Average Adults 15
Series of 13 classes scheduled throughout the year for potential converts and inquirers
“Journey to Oneness” Pre-Marital Seminars
A seminar offered throughout the year for all couples preparing for marriage (Required)
21
Godparents Seminar
A seminar offered throughout the year for parents and godparents preparing for the sacrament of baptism (Required)
Outreach and Evangelism
Food collection for St. John the Wonderworker Orthodox Church. Soup Kitchen, preparation and serving at Trinity United Methodist Church. Our House Incorporated: Back to School supply drive, I.O.C.C. Loaves and Fishes Program, the
Sunday School Christmas Project, Walk/Run for I.O.C.C. and “Souper Bowl” Sunday. Diaper Drive to benefit Our House
Incorporated, and Bake sales, Nicholas House Shelter, Toys for Tots, Genesis Shelter, Open Door Community.
Wednesday Nite Life
Average 75 Participants
Every Wednesday Night a Lenten meal is served with classes offered on various subjects and topics about our Orthodox
Faith.
The Annunciation Cathedral Bookstore & Gift Shop
Beginning in 1972 the bookstore provides a ministry of making our people more aware of the literature available to them
about the Orthodox faith, written in both Greek and English. Also available are icons and Church devotional items and
supplies.
The Cathedral Library
The Library is a ministry of making our people more aware of the literature and audio –visual materials available to them
about the Orthodox faith, written in both Greek and English.
Church Service Support Groups
Chanters / Choir/ Men’s Choir
Together they offer responses and lead the faithful during all Divine Services. All faithful are encouraged to join.
Youth Choir
2014-2015 Participants 12
st
th
Participation open to all youth 1 to 5 Graders
Epistle Readers
2014-2015 Participants 25
th
th
Participation open to all 6 to 12 Grade Boys and Girls
Altar Boy Guild
2014-2015 Membership 54
Participation open to all 10 years to 12th Grade boys
Handmaidens
2014-2015 Membership 35
Participation open to all 4th olds to 12th Grade girls
Prosphoro Baking
6 Participants
Pan-Orthodox Ministry (S.S. Cyril and Methodius Clergy Brotherhood)
Monthly Meetings
Local Parish Activities / Services
Loaves and Fishes food program
Sunday of Orthodoxy Service
Holy Unction Service
Catholic Orthodox Ecumenical Services (2)
Youth Ministry
Hellenic Orthodox Primary Education and Junior Orthodox Youth
nd
rd
Average 30 Participants
th
Participation open to all Kindergartners to 2 Graders and 3 graders to 5 graders
Greek Orthodox Youth of America
th
Average 55 Participants
th
Participation open to all 6 graders to 12 graders
Goya Meetings
Socials
Service Projects
Fundraising Activities
22
Youth Basketball
2014 Participation 100
Staff 15
2014 Participation 38
Staff 3
Participation open to all girls and boys ages 7 to 14 years old
Annunciation Cathedral Basketball Camp
Cultural Programs
Hellenic Community Orchestra
2014-2015 Participants 20
th
Open to all 6 graders to Senior Citizens
Together they offer two concerts a year for Cathedral family. All faithful are encouraged to join.
St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
Atlanta Greek Festival
2014 Participants 6
Staff 11
Over 1,200 workers
Social Programs
Golden Group
Members Approximately 120
Annunciation Day School Parents Teachers Organization
Members 63 Families
Greek School Parents Teachers Association
Philoptochos Society
Members 12 Families
Members Approximately 200
Philoptochos is a nationally chartered organization assisting the needy and the poor on an international, national, and local
level. The Cathedral’s Ypapanti Chapter supports the many activities within the parish, both through member volunteer
time as well as financial means. The organization is active primarily in charitable programs and activities.
Parea
Greek Orthodox Old Fellows Society
Campus Ministry
Average 20 Participants
Average 35 Participants
Fr. Christos is Chaplain for Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Agnes Scott, Mercer, Emory, & Oglethorpe
OCF
Monthly meetings
Retreats
Community Service
Social Activities
College Conference South (Dec 28-31)
Workdaze--October and March
Collage Outreach Committee:
Monthly transportation to and from Church with luncheon afterwards
Giving of bags during the holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter)
Young Adult Ministry
Orthodoxy on Tap
Once a month meeting and discussion on an Orthodox topic
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Average 15 Participants
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Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation
2500 Clairmont Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30329
Phone (404) 633-7358 Fax (404) 633-6018  [email protected] www.atlgoc.org
All news can be e-mailed to [email protected] or put on a disk
and brought to the Cathedral office during office hours
(Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) by February 15th
EDITOR: Fr. Paul A. Kaplanis, Dean ([email protected])
MANAGING EDITOR: Fr. Christos P. Mars ([email protected])
DESIGN: Andrea Koulouris ([email protected])
All Cathedral mail goes to the post office on the same day.
If you do not receive your Annunciator in a timely manner,
please call your post office and notify them.
PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Nickitas Demos ([email protected])
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