The Journey of Great Lent - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

The Monthly Newsletter of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton, Ohio
MARCH 2016
VOLUME 12
ISSUE 31
The Journey of Great Lent
Fr. Alexander Schmemann
IN THIS ISSUE:
The Journey of
Great Lent
1
Parish Registry
3
Liturgical Schedule
3
Ministries and
Organizations
4
Faith In Action
5
News and Notes
6
Stewardship
8
Calendar
11
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The True Vine is a monthly
publication with special
editions of The Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church 500
Belmonte Park North Dayton,
OH 45405-4797 Office Hours
Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 a.m.
Tel.: 937-224-0601
www.daytonannunciation.org
When a man leaves on a journey, he must know
where he is going. Thus with Lent. Above all, Lent is
a spiritual journey and its destination is Easter, “the
Feast of Feasts.” It is the preparation for the
“fulfillment of Pascha, the true Revelation.” We
must begin, therefore, by trying to understand this
connection between Lent and Easter, for it reveals
something very essential, very crucial about our
Christian faith and life. Is it necessary to explain that
Easter is much more than one of the feasts, more
than a yearly commemoration of a past event?
Anyone who has, be it only once, taken part in that
night which is “brighter than the day,” who has
tasted of that unique joy, knows it. [...] On Easter we
celebrate Christ’s Resurrection as something that
happened and still happens to us. For each one of us
received the gift of that new life and the power to
accept it and live by it. It is a gift which radically
alters our attitude toward everything in this world,
including death. It makes it possible for us to joyfully
affirm: “Death is no more!” Oh, death is still there,
to be sure, and we still face it and someday it will come and take us. But it is our whole faith that by
His own death Christ changed the very nature of death, made it a passage — a “passover,” a
“Pascha” — into the Kingdom of God, transforming the tragedy of tragedies into the ultimate
victory. [...]
Such is that faith of the Church, affirmed and made evident by her countless Saints. Is it not our
daily experience, however, that this faith is very seldom ours, that all the time we lose and betray the “new life” which we
received as a gift, and that in fact we live as if Christ did not rise from the dead, as if that unique event had no meaning
whatsoever for us? [...] We simply forget all this — so busy are we, so immersed in our daily preoccupations — and because we
forget, we fail. And through this forgetfulness, failure, and sin, our life becomes “old” again — petty, dark, and ultimately
meaningless — a meaningless journey toward a meaningless end. [...] We may from time to time acknowledge and confess our
various “sins,” yet we cease to refer our life to that new life which Christ revealed and gave to us. Indeed, we live as if He never
came. This is the only real sin, the sin of all sins, the bottomless sadness and tragedy of our nominal Christianity.
If we realize this, then we may understand what Easter is and why it needs and presupposes Lent. For we may then understand
that the liturgical traditions of the (Continued on page 2)
REMEMBER TO SPRING FORWARD
TH
MARCH 13
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MARCH 2016 | Page 2
(Continued from previous page)
Church, all its cycles and services, exist, first of all, in order to help us recover the vision and the taste of that new life which we so
easily lose and betray, so that we may repent and return to it. [...] And yet the “old” life, that of sin and pettiness, is not easily
overcome and changed. The Gospel expects and requires from man an effort of which, in his present state, where Great Lent
comes he is virtually incapable. [...] This is where Great Lent comes in. This is the help extended to us by the Church, the school
of repentance which alone will make it possible to receive Easter not as mere permission to eat, to drink, and to relax, but indeed
as the end of the “old” in us, as our entrance into the “new.” [...] For each year Lent and Easter are, once again, the rediscovery
and the recovery by us of what we were made through our own baptismal death and resurrection .
A journey, a pilgrimage! Yet, as we begin it, as we make the first step into the “bright sadness” of Lent, we see — far, far away —
the destination. It is the joy of Easter, it is the entrance into the glory of the Kingdom. And it is this vision, the foretaste of Easter,
that makes Lent’s sadness bright and our lenten effort a “spiritual spring.” The night may be dark and long, but all along the way a
mysterious and radiant dawn seems to shine on the horizon. “Do not deprive us of our expectation, O Lover of man!”
FLOWERS AND ITEMS FOR GREAT LENT AND PASCHA
As our journey through Great Lent to Holy Week and Pascha begins on March 14th, we prepare to celebrate the
glorious Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (May 1 st). An important part of Great Lent is the need for
flowers and other items at the many services conducted in Church. Some of the items have been donated. We are
seeking donations for these flowers and other items:
-Virgin Mary Icon for the Salutations
(3/18, 25; 4/1, 8, 15)
-Sunday of Orthodoxy Icon
(3/20)
-Annunciation Icon
(3/25)
-St. Gregory of Palamas Icon
(3/27)
-Daffodils for the Veneration of the Holy Cross (4/3)
-Veneration of the Holy Cross Icon
(4/3)
-St. John Climacus Icon
(4/10)
-St. Mary of Egypt Icon
(4/17)
-Jesus Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem Icon (Palm Sunday) (4/24)
-Garland Flowers for Iconostasis for Holy Week (4/24)
4 Garlands @
-The Nymphios Icon (Palm Sunday Eve & Holy Monday) (4/24, 25)
-Candles for Holy Wednesday Afternoon Unction Service (4/27)
7 Candles @
-Candles for Holy Wednesday Evening Unction Service
(4/27)
7 Candles @
-The Mystical Supper Icon
(4/28)
-Candles for Candelabra on Holy Thursday
(4/28)
12 Candles @
-Devotional Candles for Holy Thursday
(4/28)
12 Candles @
-Flowers for Candelabra 2 pcs
(4/28)
-Flowers for Banner of the Resurrection (Lavaron)
(5/1)
-The Resurrection Icon
(5/1)
-St. Thomas Sunday Icon
(5/8)
$ 50.00 ea
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
$250.00
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
$150.00 ea
$ 50.00 ea
$ 20.00 ea
$ 20.00 ea
$ 50.00
$ 20.00 ea
$ 20.00 ea
$ 50.00 ea
$200.00
$ 50.00
$ 50.00
Free will offerings for flowers to decorate the Tomb of Christ (Epitaphio) will also be accepted. Easter Lily
donations will also be accepted at $20 per plant.
If you would like to donate icon flowers or items for any of the above dates, please contact Carol McDougle at
the church office- 224.0601. Please make your check out to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and write “Icon
Flowers” along with the corresponding date. Your generous contributions toward icon flowers and other items enhance
the worship during the Lenten Season and are greatly appreciated!
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MARCH 2016 | Page 3
Liturgical Schedule for the Month of March 2016
Matins 8:15 am
th
Sat.
Sun.
Sat.
Sun.
Sun.
Mon.
Wed.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
st
5
1 Saturday of Souls 9:30 am Divine Liturgy w/Memorial
th
6
Meatfare Sunday Judgment Sunday
th
nd
12
2 Saturday of Souls 9:30 am Divine Liturgy w/Memorial
th
13
Cheesefare Sunday Forgiveness Sunday Spring Parish Assembly
th
13
Eve of Great and Holy Lent Vespers of Forgiveness 6:00 pm
th
14
GREAT AND HOLY LENT BEGINS - Clean Monday 7:00 pm
th
16
Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts 6:00 pm
th
st
18
1 Salutations to the Mother of God 7:00 pm
th
rd
19
3 Saturday of Souls 9:30 am Divine Liturgy w/Memorial
th
st
20
1 Sunday of Lent- Sunday of Orthodoxy
Procession of Holy Icons at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy
st
Mon. 21
Great Compline 7:00 pm
rd
Wed. 23
Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts 6:00 pm
Feast of the Annunciation of the Mother of God (Parish Feast Day)
Thurs.
Fri.
Fri.
Sun.
Mon.
Wed.
th
24
th
25
th
25
th
27
th
28
th
30
Great Vespers with Artoclasia 6:30 pm
Feast of the Annunciation
nd
2 Salutations to the Mother of God 7:00 pm
nd
2 Sunday of Lent St. Gregory Palamas
Great Compline 7:00 pm
Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts 6:00 pm
Memorials In
March
th
Parish Registry
6
Funerals
February 5, 2016
+Sarah L. Kourt
13
yrs
6
13
14
20
27
th
+Sarah L. Kourt
+Nicholas "Nick" Karras
+Katherine Bacas
+George Kourt
+James Karras
+George Bacas
+Chrisoula Polizus
+George Karras
+Nick Kourt
+Frank Karras
+Vasiliki Karras
+Christine Karras
+Bessie Argeroplos
40 days
1 yr
3 yrs
7 yrs
25 yrs
29 yrs
30 yrs
31 yrs
31 yrs
40 yrs
41 yrs
50 yrs
25 yrs
Oratorical Festival
Classes meet / General Assembly
Lent Begins
Sunday of Orthodoxy/ Classes go directly to class
at 9:30 a.m. Procession of Icons will take place
following The Divine Liturgy, Holy Communion
Classes meet
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MARCH 2016 | Page 4
Ministries and Organizations
VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL MEETING
st
VCS committee meeting will be Tuesday, March 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the Athenagoras Room.
TH
2016 PARISH SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL FESTIVAL MARCH 6
th
Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held Sunday, March 6 after the Divine Liturgy in the Church Hall.
GOYA
The March GOYA meeting has been cancelled due to the Oratorical Festival. We look forward to seeing many of you participate.
Please make sure to give any extra stamped envelopes from the ad sales to Thea Tessy or Thea Missy.
PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP MEETING
rd
Philoptochos membership meeting will be on Thursday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m. in the Athenagoras Room.
th
March 24 annual Vespers on the Eve of the Annunciation includes a fellowship reception following services.
COMMUNITY SANDWICH MAKING
th
Community sandwich making 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 7 in the Community Center everyone is welcome to
participate.
DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
th
Daughters will meet on Tuesday, March 8 in the Athenagoras Room Side A at 6:30 p.m.
AHEPA
No official AHEPA Chapter meeting scheduled for March.
JOY/HOPE
JOY/HOPE will meet on Friday, March 11, 2016 6:30 p.m. - Carnavalia Night – Costumes - Carnival Type Stations
GAPA
th
GAPA will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 in the Athenagoras Room.
YOUNG AT HEART - MARCH
th
Young At Heart Senior Citizens’ Luncheon will be Thursday, March 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Memorial Center. Any organization, or
individual(s), interested in sponsoring the March luncheon, please contact one of the YAH coordinators: Becky Heddings
(937)432-9232, Mary McDonald (937)878-6007, or Toni Moraites (937)291-0962.
PARISH COUNCIL
th
Parish Council will meet Thursday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Athenagoras Room.
10th Annual Spring Charity Luncheon
Saturday, May 7th is the day of our popular Spring Charity Luncheon which will be held at our new location,
the Dayton Country Club. Did you know that it won First Place at the National Clergy Laity Conference for 'Best
Fundraising Technique’? Ladies of all ages enjoy this special day with a delicious lunch, over 100 auction items and
most of all- fun and fellowship! Doors open at 11:00 am with 1 hour before lunch to decide which auction gifts are
worth your ticket! Look for your invitation in the mail the end of March. If you have not attended in the past, contact
Michelle Zois at [email protected] to be added to our invitation list.
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FAITH IN ACTION PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS MARCH 2016
MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Our next meeting is an evening 'carry in 'meeting for those members
who cannot make the day meetings. The meeting is Thursday March
3rd at 6pm at the Community Center. If you did not sign up for a
food item at the last meeting, please bring an appetizer. Following
our edible treats, there will be a short meeting.
"THINK SPRING"
FLOWER&VEGETABLE ORDERS
March CCM: The deadline for flower and vegetable orders is Sunday,
March 6. Pick up is at the church on Thursday, May 5th, noon until
4:00 p.m. Order forms are in the Community Center lobby. Full
payment due at the time of order. Please call Mary McDonald 2725962 for more information. The flower sale benefits Hospice of
Dayton.
GREAT VESPERS RECEPTION
The Great Vespers of the Annunciation reception will be held March
24 in the Community Center following the service. Members are
asked to bring treats to share at this lovely reception, which not only
includes our church but surrounding churches as well. Contact Diane
Briggs [email protected] or sign up at our March evening
meeting.
PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON
The annual Lenten luncheon is Sunday April 24. Bring the whole
family to this wonderful luncheon which benefits Holy Cross/Hellenic
College Theological Seminary. A reservation table will be in the
Community Center following the Divine Liturgy in April. Contact
Theona Russell, chair for questions. [email protected]
SPRING CHARITY LUNCHEON MAY
The 10th annual Mother's Day Luncheon is Saturday May 7.
The luncheon will be held at the Dayton Country Club. We
are accepting monetary donations and auction items.
Invitations will be mailed the end of March. Michelle Zois is
the contact person for donations, auction items and to add
someone to the invitation list. Don't miss this wonderful
event shared by ladies of all ages.
A LEGACY OF SERVICE
Thank you to Harriett Ellis, chair, her team of wonderful men
and all Philoptochos members who made delicious
loukoumades for the annual Day of Caring in February. The
money benefited local Dayton charities.
FEED THE HUNGRY: 2016 NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS
INITIATIVE
Dayton Mobile Food Truck: The next date is Tuesday, March
15 . Meet at the Lakewood Apartments on Wilmington Ave.
at 12:45pm to distribute food from the Dayton Food Bank to
individuals in need. If you can volunteer please contact
Cynthia Barron at [email protected]
COMMUNITY REWARDS
Krogers Community rewards Program: You must reapply
each year at www.krogers.com. Follow the instructions for
renewal. Our code is 10287.
Meijer Stores or www.Meijer.com: You must use either a
Meijer credit card, cash or debit card. Applications can be
filled out online or at Meijers. Our code is 432555.
GFS gives us store credit for future purchases. Our code for
the cashier is Philoptochos 2024816.
Questions? Contact Sandy Alex [email protected]
“Let us observe a fast acceptable and pleasing to the Lord.
True fasting is to put away evil, to control the tongue, to forbear from anger, to
abstain from lust, slander, falsehood and perjury.
If we renounce these things, then our fasting is true and acceptable to God.”
-From the Aposticha hymn in Vespers of the first Monday in Lent
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SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY SET FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH
The regular Spring General Assembly will convene on Sunday, March 13th, following the Divine Liturgy. A quorum of 60
parishioners in good standing must be present for the General Assembly to proceed. The amendments of the Parish By-Laws,
adopted by the parish at the October 25, 2015 Regular General Assembly, have been ratified by the Metropolis. This means, that
in addition to the regular agenda items, we will have to fill both a nominating committee and an election committee for the
upcoming Parish Council Elections in November. Also, a special project will be presented for deliberation by the Assembly. Please
make every effort to attend. A brunch will be offered to those participating in the Assembly.
PARISH NEWS AND NOTES
MEMORY ETERNAL
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Kourt family in the loss of +Sarah L. Kourt. May her memory be eternal.
APPRECIATION – THANK YOU
The Makaronada Trivia Luncheon on Godparent Sunday was another success. AHEPA would like to thank all those that
attended the event and helped prepare and serve the food, including our church staff for helping set up the event. The local
AHEPA chapter appreciates the support from our parish and looks forward to the event again next year.
The GOYAns would like to thank Father Mark, their parents and the entire Annunciation community for their support during the
basketball tournament. Everyone had a wonderful time as we welcomed many GOYAns from other churches.
NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT MARCH UPDATE
Due to demand, the Health team has extended the number of Focus Group Meetings planned in the first round of discovery.
To date, almost 100 parish members have participated in a Focus Group meeting trying to identify our weak scores in Loving
Relationships identified by the survey taken in July.
Support is growing to identify what can be done to increase our strength in this critically important area. Past meetings have
identified several opportunities where parishioners have expressed interest in leading a small group to identify and formulate a
solution to these problems.
Our current plan is to schedule 2-3 more Focus group meetings to include all who have not attended as well as some day time
Focus groups to be held at the church for our Young at Heart community. Please contact Jane Speros to find a common and
convenient date for those groups to be held.
Those signup sheets will be available in the Memorial Hall each Sunday. We urge you to sign up as these will most likely be the
last of the Focus Group meetings before we begin the implementation process.
There is still time to participate if you have not already done so. We have scheduled three more Focus Group meetings beginning
in February and March, and will schedule more if requested. The next scheduled meetings are:

March dates yet to be determined Church for Young at Heart group
You can sign up after church on Sundays, or by calling the church office at 224-0601
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MARCH 2016| Page 7
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE MARCH 2016
Last year the stewardship committee asked parishioners to increase their stewardship by 2%. Our 2015 figures are not final as
pledges continue to come in, however, to date: The average pledge increased by 12.3%, with overall revenue increasing 4%.
Thank you for listening to us and for your increased stewardship.
This year we have asked all stewards to increase their pledge by 10%. We made this request as part of our plan to move towards
a festival free budget. We also made the request to make up for the shortfall in our festival revenue.
To date 1/3 of our stewards have made their pledge. The average pledge is $1124.00. How wonderful it would be to maintain
that average throughout the year. Historically, the average pledge declines throughout the year. Let this be the year we increase
our average to meet and exceed our goals.
All parishioners should have received their 2015 year end statement, and the stewardship committee thanks you for fulfilling your
stewardship. If you have not fulfilled your 2015 commitment, please do so at this time. It is also a good time to send in your 2016
pledge card. Your gift of time and talent is also much appreciated.
Annunciation Stewardship Committee
(2016 Stewardship Continued from page 8)
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Saloom
Michael Samonas
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Scoumis
Mr. & Mrs. John Searles
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Shissias
Martha Simopoulos
Igors Skriblis
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Speros
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Spyrou
Mr. and Mrs. Nick C. Stamas
Evanthia Steffens
Evangeline Stelyn
Christina Stiakakis
Gilbert Thurman
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Tolias
Mr. & Mrs. John Torges
Dr. & Mrs. James Tsatalis
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Tsocaris
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Tsolometes
Ioannis Tzanidis
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Tzouras
Dr. and Mrs. John Urse III
Carol Valen
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Valen
Emilia Verdes
Soula Vlahos
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Vradelis
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Vradelis
Stephanie Waszczak
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Weikert
Adam Winters
Dr. Antonia S. Winters
Mr. & Mrs. Philip James Winters
Rena Wright
Lynne Zaharako
Stella Zaharako
Andrea Zavakos
Mr. & Mrs. James Zavakos
Mr. Robert Zavakos
Demetrius C Zonars
Nikki Zonars
SATURDAYS OF SOULS - ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΑ
“Among the Saints give rest, O Lord, to the souls of your servants in a place where there is no pain or sorrow or suffering,
but Life Everlasting.”
March 5th, 12th, and 19th
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Requested by___________________________________________________________
Parishioners wishing to have the names of their departed love ones read during the Saturdays of the Souls are asked to fill
out the above form and return it to Father Mark or the church office.
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MARCH 2016| Page 8
2016 Stewardship Program
“Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.”
WHAT STEWARDSHIP MEANS TO ME - by Bernie Gearon
The key to understanding stewardship to me is the idea that I never really thought of it as
stewardship. From an early age, I just thought of the things I did at Church as my
commitment to the Church family. Since our local community’s high school mascot was the
Spartans, our local church and community was a reflection of our Greek culture. For me
then, it was an easy translation: going to Sunday School, Greek School; serving as an Altar
Boy and as a worker at the Festival; and going to Church every Sunday was expected as part
of my commitment. As I grew older, attended college, served in military and became a
professional in the field of education, lessons learned in the Church – taught by my parents,
friends, and extended adult Church family – instilled in me that being an Orthodox Christian
is something special. It’s part of what made me who I am. Knowing how Orthodoxy fits as
part of our human history on Earth also makes me realize how carrying on what we now call stewardship is important. Whether
it’s doing things in the Church’s ministries, paying your monetary stewardship dues or offering your abilities, stewardship should
be a commitment that is given as a gift to the future, representing what the Church means to the Lord, our religion and our
culture.
~ 2016 ~
The list of Stewards reflects those who have made their 2016 Stewardship Commitment or contributed to their 2016 Stewardship
Commitment as of February 15, 2016. We thank them for their generosity and loving support. We invite you to join with them and
support, joyously, the ministries of the Church. You may obtain information and Stewardship Commitment Cards from the Church
Office, or you can speak to a Parish Council Member or Fr. Mark.
Dr. & Mrs. Fayez Abboud
Mr. & Mrs. William Cochran
Kally Adams
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Coleman
Drs. Abdulla & Malak Adib
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Couchot
Maxine Alex
Mr. & Mrs. Angelo County
Mrs. Spero M Alex
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Cunagin
Vasilios Alimonos
Tom Daskalakis
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Andrews Mr. & Mrs. Tom G Daskalakis
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Angelopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Davell
Elayne Anton
Melissa DeBernardi
Mr. & Mrs. George Argue
Nick Demetre
Kevin Austin
Mr. & Mrs. George Demetriades
Mr. & Mrs. Evan Bambakidis Mr. & Mrs. George Demosthenous
Mr. & Mrs. John Barron Jr.
Ariana Derksen
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Bliss
Dr. & Mrs. James Derksen
Evelyn Boosalis
Marika Dimitriou
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Bouris
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Douglass
Mr. & Mrs. James Bourne
Mr. & Mrs. James Ellis
Angella Boyd
Fr. Mark & Ginny Emroll
Mr. & Mrs. James Brandenburg Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Federle
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Breed
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Fischer
Nancy Breen
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Forman
Mr. & Mrs. James Brooks
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Fote
Kay Brown
Anastasia Gabbard
Mr. & Mrs. Doyle Burke
Dr. Arthur Gardikes
Annika Burns & Bob Feldmann Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Gearon, Jr.
Bob Cade
Alexandra Ghazal
Stephan Calondis
Harriet Gounaris
Mr. & Mrs. David Casey
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Gounaris
Louis Castleman
Mr. & Mrs. Jon Gromek
Mary Castleman
Julie Grubbs
Mrs. P. Stanley Castleman
Eileen Gustin
Donald Hanel
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Chagares
Mary Haritos
Demo Christon
Christine Kambas
Aphrodite Kanistros
Pia Kanistros
Rosalee Kanistros
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Karaba
Mr. & Mrs. Alexandros Karabinis
Tina Karambelas
Lula Karras
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Keilholz
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Kididis
Mr. & Mrs. George K Kordalis
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Korpi, Jr.
Robert Lavoie
Mr. & Mrs. Gus Liapis
Dr. & Mrs. Bryan Ludwig
David Luke Sr
John Lusa
Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Makaritis
Audrey Makris
George Malacos
Jeffrey Mallas
Peter Manavis
Tom Manavis
Ms. Juanita Bartlett & Mr. Gary
Manos
George Marinakes
Maria Mavrouleas
Mr. & Mrs. Jay McAlpine
John McDonald
Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas McDonald
Mr. & Mrs. Keith McFarland
Connie Mellas
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Milstead
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Mokas
Mr. & Mrs. John Moraites
Mary Moraites
Chrisoula Morris
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew G. Moulas
Cleo Mullins
Rickey Newman
Renee Nicholas
John Nickolas
Chuck Oliver
Maria Panagouleas
Nicolette Panagouleas
Mr. & Mrs. William Pangos
Mr. & Mrs. George Panson
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Papakirk
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Taki Parker
Judge John Pickrel
Mr. & Mrs. Jared Poeppelman
Mrs. Vasilios Polychronis
Mr. & Mrs. Demetri Preonas
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Price
Becky Pulos
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Pulos
Dr. & Mrs. John Raab
Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Raucci
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Regopoulos
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Retzios
Lori Vavul- Roediger
Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Russell
Mr. & Mrs. George Saloom
(Stewardship List Continued On
Page 7)
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MARCH 2016| Page 9
42nd Annual GOYA Basketball Tournament
nd
The 42 Annual GOYA Basketball Tournament took place on Presidents’
th
th
Day Weekend, Feb. 12 through the 14 . A total of seven parishes from
the Metropolis of Detroit participated in the festivities. The following
churches were represented at the Tournament: Annunciation Church –
Buffalo, NY; Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Church – Cincinnati; Holy Trinity
Church – Ft. Wayne, IN; Holy Trinity Church – Carmel (Indianapolis), IN;
Nativity of the Theotokos Church – Plymouth, MI; St. Nicholas Church –
Troy, MI.
The participants enjoyed great fellowship and wonderful hospitality from
our GOYAns and their families on Friday evening. Saturday’s basketball
games were competitive and well-played. On Saturday evening,
everyone
great fun
funatatthe
thedinner
dinnerdance.
dance.OnOn
Sunday
morning,
everyone had
had great
Sunday
morning,
the the
(Photo Courtesy of Linda Bouris)
Divine Liturgy was moving and inspirational for all, as we gathered to
Divine Liturgy was moving and inspirational for all, as we gathered to worship God and witness our common Orthodox faith. Mrs.
worship God and witness our common Orthodox faith. Mrs. Eva Konstantakos, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Eva Konstantakos, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of our Metropolis of Detroit offered a beautiful sermon. The
of our Metropolis of Detroit offered a beautiful sermon. The weekend ended with a delicious brunch and the Championship
weekend ended with a delicious brunch and the Championship games. Our GOYAns represented our community with dignity.
games. Our GOYAns represented our community with dignity.
A great big “Thank You” goes out to our GOYA Advisors, Basketball Tournament Co-coordinators, Coaches, Parents, Annunciation
A great big “Thank You” goes out to our GOYA Advisors, Basketball Tournament Co-coordinators, Coaches, Parents, Annunciation
maintenance staff, and the support of our entire Annunciation parish family for a great weekend!
maintenance staff, and the support of our entire Annunciation parish family for a great weekend!
2016 GOYA Basketball Tournament Results
Sportsmanship – St. Nicholas Church
Troy, MI
Girls Division
st
1 Place – St. Nicholas Church
nd
2 Place – Annunciation Church
rd
3 Place – Holy Trinity Church
Troy, MI
Dayton, OH
Ft. Wayne, IN
Girls MVP for Annunciation
Georgia McFarland
Boys “A” Division
st
1 Place – Holy Trinity Church
Ft. Wayne, IN
nd
2 Place – Nativity of the Theotokos Church Plymouth, MI
rd
3 Place – Holy Trinity Church
Carmel (Indianapolis), IN
Boys “A” Div. MVP for Annunciation
Enhyeb Andebrhan
Boys “B” Division
st
1 Place – St. Nicholas Church
Troy, MI
nd
2 Place – Holy Trinity Church
Carmel, IN
rd
3 Place – Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Church Cincinnati, OH
Boys “B” Div. MVP for Annunciation
Richard Roediger
Photos courtesy of Linda Bouris
THE TRUE VINE
MARCH 2016| Page 10
How To Make The Lenten Season More Meaningful
The Season of Lent is at hand. What are some of the things you can do to experience this
God-given time more fully? Here are a few ideas to incorporate into your Lenten journey:
* Attend Lenten Services- Come and participate in the beautiful services that our Holy
Orthodox Church prescribes for these days. The services of Great Compline, Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy, and Salutations are conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during Lent.
These are sacred opportunities to intensify our relationship with God, thanking Him for the
grace and mercy He so richly pours out upon us. We are encouraged to devote time in
prayer and song to our loving Father.
* Participate in the Sacrament of Confession- The Sacrament of Confession offers the
opportunity for us to repent of our sins and to reconcile ourselves to God and each other.
During the Lenten Season, the Church encourages her faithful to be reconciled, restored and spiritually renewed.
* Practice the disciplines of Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving- These spiritual disciplines provide the energy to sustain our walk
through Lent. Make a sincere effort to pray daily and fast as directed by your priest or spiritual father. Donate your time, talent
and treasure to the Church and those in need.
* Read the Scriptures and Spiritual Writings- Follow the Lenten Scriptural guide. The Season of Lent highlights the Books of
Genesis, Proverbs and Isaiah. Ask your priest or spiritual father about spiritually edifying books.
May God bless our Annunciation Parish Family with a blessed, spiritually uplifting Season of Lent!
LENTEN LUNCHEON APRIL 24, 2016
"Benefiting Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology"
Catering by Michael Jannidies, The Spot.
Taking Reservations starting March 14, 2016
Late reservations will not be accepted after April 17, 2016
More information to come.
SUMMER CAMP DATES
It’s time to start thinking about warmer weather and summer camp!
Here are the dates for the 2016 Summer Camp season
rd
th
MDSC (Dayton Week) Week
www.gomdsc.org
July 3 to July 9 Dayton Camper Code is “dayton1539”
St. Nicholas Camp
www.southerncamp.com
July 24 to July 30
Ionian Village
www.ionianvillage.org
th
th
Session 1:
June 19 – July 8
Campers who have completed Grades 8 – 12
Session 2:
July 17 – August 5 Campers who have completed Grades 8 – 12
Spiritual Odyssey: June 1 – 11 Open to Young Adults ages 19 – 24
VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL COMING SOON!
We will be offering a Vacation Church School program this summer with the theme
“Going for Gold”. This unique week-long program will bring a fun-filled and exciting
experience for kids that will include Olympic-themed games, crafts, songs and more! The
th
VCS program is for K-5 Grade fall of 2016.
Please contact Christina Harsch ([email protected], 937.478.4177) if you are
interested in volunteering your time or talent!
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
1
6
7
MARCH 2016
WEDNESDAY
2
6:00pm VCS
Mtg.
Athenagoras
Room
7:00pm Choir
Practice
8
9
THURSDAY
3
FRIDAY
4
5
Div. Lit.
w/Memorial
11
12
6:30pm
JOY/HOPE
9:30am 2
Saturday of
Souls
Meatfare Sun.
8:15am Matins
9:30am Div. Lit.
ORATORICAL
FESTIVAL
6:30pm
Community
Sandwich Making
5:30pm Greek
School
13
14
Cheesefare Sun.
GREAT AND HOLY
LENT BEGINS
8:15am Matins
9:30am Div. Lit.
Spring General
Assembly
6:00pm Eve of
Great Holy Lent
Vespers of
Forgiveness
7:00pm Clean
Mon.
5:30pm Greek
School
6:30pm DOP
Mtg.
Athenagoras
Room
7:00pm Choir
Practice
15
16
1:00pm GAPA
Meeting –
Athenagoras
Room
st
9:30am 1
Saturday of
Souls
6:00pm
Philoptochos
Membership
Meeting
10
SATURDAY
nd
Div. Lit.
w/Memorial
17
18
19
11:30am Young
At Heart
7:00pm 1st
Salutations to
the Mother of
God
9:30am 3rd
Saturday of
Souls
Divine Lit.
w/Memorial
7:00pm Choir
Practice
7:00pm Parish
Council
Philoptochos
Refreshments
23
24
25
6:00pm Lit. of
the Presanctified Gifts
6:30pm Great
Vespers
With Artoclasia
Feast of the
Annunciation
7:00pm Choir
Practice
Philoptochos
Reception
6:00pm Lit. of
the Presanctified Gifts
Daylight Saving
Time Begins
20
21
1 Sun. of Lent
Sun. of
Orthodoxy
Great Compile
7:00pm
st
8:15am Matins
9:30am Div. Lit.
22
5:30pm Greek
School
Procession of
Holy Icons at the
conclusion of the
Divine Lit.
28
2 Sun. of Lent
7:00pm
Great Compile
8:15am Matins
9:30am Div. Lit.
8:15am Matins
9:30am Div. Lit.
nd
7:00pm 2
Salutations to
the Mother of
God
GAPA
Refreshments
27
nd
26
5:30pm Greek
School
29
30
6:00pm Lit. of
the Presanctified Gifts
7:00pm Choir
Practice
31
MARCH 11
CARNAVALIA NIGHT –
COSTUMES –
CARNIVAL TYPE STATIONS
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
500 Belmonte Park North
Dayton Ohio 45405-4797
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Dayton, Ohio
Permit No. 934
Change Service Requested