message from fr. catalin - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

GOOD NEWS
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION, ROCHESTER, NY
www.annunciationrochester.org
A New Archon
Father Catalin expands on the elevation
of a new Archon from our community
November 2014
October Photos
Check out the middle spread of this
month’s Good News for lots of photos
962 East Ave · Rochester, NY 14607
Class of 2014
Where are they now? Updates on our
recent high school graduates
Photos Courtesy of Dori Stathopoulos
MESSAGE FROM FR. CATALIN
My dear parishioners and friends,
O
n Sunday October 19, I had the privilege to participate at The Archdiocesan Cathedral in New York City, on the
ceremony of induction of the newly elected Archons of The Ecumenical Patriarchate, Order of Saint Andrew.
Among the newly elected Archons, was our own president of the Parish Council, Mr. Demetrios Stathopoulos. It
was a very moving ceremony and I was honored and very proud to be with Jim on this special occasion of his life! I want to
congratulate Jim and his family and to wish him all the best and success on the new dignity that he holds as a lay person
in Our Church! ΠΑΝΤΑ ΑΞΙΟΣ!
I will give you a little background to help you understand what really an archon is.
The Order of St. Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was organized on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 10, 1966 when
His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos conferred upon thirty outstanding laymen of the Church the various Offikion or Offices
of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on behalf of His All Holiness Patriarch Athenagoras of blessed memory. They were honored
because of their love, loyalty and support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and their contribution to its advancement and
welfare. The Offikia for the Order of St. Andrew derive from some of the most prestigious offices of the ancient world.
Originating in the Ancient Greek City-States, these civic offices were transformed when the Roman Empire embraced the
Christian faith during the fourth century. As a consequence of this transition, not only were the office holders important
leaders of the Christian community, the offices themselves took on specific religious responsibilities for the service and
promotion of the faith in the Roman Empire. The ancient order of Archons is, in fact, the oldest and most prestigious
honor that can be bestowed upon a layman in the entire Christian world. The Order of St. Andrew meets annually and
celebrates on November 30, which is the feast day of Saint Andrew the Apostle who is the Patron Saint and namesake of the
Organization. The fundamental goal of the Order of St. Andrew is directed at an ongoing concern for religious freedom and
the defense and advancement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
With all my love in Christ, I remain, prayerfully yours, His humble servant,
+Father Catalin
NOVEMBER EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2, SUNDAY
Fall General Assembly immediately following the Divine Liturgy. All members in good standing of the Church of the
Annunciation are encouraged to attend. In the event we do not have a quorum, the General Assembly will be held on the
alternate date of Monday, November 3, 2014 at 7:00 PM.
NOVEMBER 8, SATURDAY
Our entire community is invited to a banquet and dance celebrating 60 years of GOYA Youth Ministry at Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church. The festivities will begin at 6:00 PM. Reserved seating tickets can be purchased on Sundays or
Monday-Friday between 9-5 from the Church Office.
NOVEMBER 14-16, FRIDAY-SUNDAY
If you’re reading this, it’s not too late! Annunciation Rochester is joining together with Annunciation Buffalo to send a group
of teenagers to Sterling Heights, MI for the annual Holiday Hoops basketball tournament. A bus will leave Annunciation at
4:00 PM Friday the 14th and will return late on the night of Sunday the 16th. If you’re interested, please email Niko Tzetzis
at [email protected]. Particpant cost: $195 and includes transportation, hotel, and food for the weekend.
NOVEMBER 15, SATURDAY
On Saturday November 15th, we are planning a day trip to St. Kosmas Aitolos Monastery, Bolton, Canada. For more info
please call Despina at 966-9055 or Presvytera Felicia at 752-7432.
The Nativity Fast begins on November 15.
NOVEMBER 18, TUESDAY
Join us for our monthly Family Night of Faith. Each month on the third Tuesday, we will have a potluck dinner at the church
along with a short service and a family-friendly discussion about our faith. We hope to see you there!
NOVEMBER 29, SATURDAY
Please join us for a social event, Saturday, November 29 at 5:00pm for a private screening of a Greek Comedy film, Christmas
with the Karountzoses by Robert Krantz. He is the owner of Ellinas Multimedia, producer and actor in Do You Wanna
Dance?, author of Falling in Love with Sophia. Lenten Mezedes & wine will be served. We would encourage you to purchase
your tickets in advance for $10 in parish hall or call Eleni 309-1893, Patty 737-7130 or Pres. Felicia 752-7432.
PARISH COUNCIL
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OFFICERS
Beginning on Saturday, November 1st, we will hold Saturday evening Vespers
services at 5PM weekly except when they conflict with events. Please check
our website at www.annunciationrochester.org/calendar for more information.
Demetrios
Stathopoulos
Eric Vangellow
President
Dorothea Sanchez
Dr. Kathryn
Markakis
1st Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Dr. Stamatia
Destounis
Amiel Mokhiber Jr. Asst Secretary
2nd Vice President
Annunciation offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 27) and
the day after Thanksgiving (November 28).
PARISH CLERGY
& STAFF
MEMBERS
Maria Aslani-Breit
Tasos Kolokouris
Philip Broikos
Chris Theodorou
Helen Eisenberg
Van Zissis
Julie Eveleigh
The Nativity Fast begins on Saturday, November 15th. The fast is a light fast
(fish allowed) until December 12th. On the 12th, the fast is a strict fast until
Christmas.
Rev. Fr. Catalin Mot, Proistamenos
Rev. Fr. Jerry Tasikas, Emeritus Priest
Nicolaos Tzetzis, Youth Director
Sylvia Bauer, Parish Administrator
CONTACT US
Voice: (585) 244-3377
Fax: (585) 244-3388
Email: [email protected]
Web: annunciationrochester.org
Greek Fest on the Web:
rochestergreekfestival.org
PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
REGISTRY
DATE:Sunday, November 2, 2014
TIME:Immediately following the Divine Liturgy. In the event we do not BAPTISMS
have quorum, a second General Assembly will be held on the alternate date of Elena Ava Forties, daughter of Robert
Monday, November 3, 2014 at 7:00pm.
Forties & Christina Gallis (Forties)
was baptized on September 27, 2014
PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS
DATE:Sunday, December 14, 2014
TIME: Polls open immediately after Divine Liturgy until 1:30pm.
Tristan Thomas Cross, son of Jesse
Cross & Tatiana Sekella (Cross)
was baptized on September 28, 2014
CORRECTION TO NOMINATIONS: The five (5) members whose term
of office ends this year are: Demetrios Stathopoulos, Dorothea Sanchez, Chris WEDDINGS
Theodorou and two (2) vacant seats.
George Pateras & Fani Stoinis
Van Zissis term ends in 2016 and was erroneously reported as ending this year were married on September 27, 2014
in the October Good News.
Christopher Louis-Macpherson Harmon
According to our Bylaws, nominations for Parish Council are open now until & Alexandria Christina Andricopoulos
Monday, November 10, 2014. Each candidate nominated, to be eligible for were married on October 11, 2014
election, must consent to his/her nomination in writing at least fifteen (15) days David Gregory Daggett &
prior to elections, by Monday, November 24, 2014.
Zoe Marie Kostarellis
ABSENTEE BALLOTS: The last day to request Absentee Ballots is were married on October 11, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014. Absentee ballot you receive must be mailed Joseph Justin Pace & Panagiota Vasiliou
back in the envelopes provided, to the Board of Elections Post Office Box by were married on October 18, 2014
Friday, December 12, 2014.
Please direct any questions to a member of the Board Elections:
Vickie Makovsky, Chairman (585.967.8931)
Angie Laloggia (585.217.8863)
Nitsa Hristodoulou (585.309.1893)
Patricia Linares (585.789.0176)
IN MEMORIAM
Chris Calendar
was interred on October 25, 2014
MEMORIALS
NOVEMBER 2
Virginia Rockas (40 Days)
SERVICE SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 1, SATURDAY
Sts. Cosmas and Damianos
Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
NOVEMBER 8, SATURDAY
Synaxis of Archangels Michael & Gabriel
Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
NOVEMBER 13, THURSDAY
St. John Chrysostom
Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
NOVEMBER 21, FRIDAY
Entry of the Theotokos
Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
NOVEMBER 25, TUESDAY
St. Katherine
Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
DECEMBER 4, THURSDAY
St. Barbara
Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
DECEMBER 6, SATURDAY
St. Nicholas
Orthros 9:00 | Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
SATURDAY SERVICES
Vespers 5:00 pm
SUNDAY SERVICES
Orthros 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Sunday School begins after Communion
Sunday School ends at 12:00 pm
Memorial Service and Coffee Hour
Mabel Issa (40 Days)
Memorial Service and Coffee Hour
Diamanto Psomiadis (40 Days)
Memorial Service and Coffee Hour
NOVEMBER 9
Christ Kerxhalli
Memorial Service and Coffee Hour
Helen Kerxhalli
Memorial Service and Coffee Hour
Ronald Wiegand
Memorial Service and Coffee Hour
Mildred Wiegand, Sr.
Memorial Service and Coffee Hour
NOVEMBER 23
Nicolaos Tzetzis
Memorial Service and Coffee Hour
OCTOBER
IN PHOTOS
LEFT PAGE
Top: Group photo from Columbus Day
Picnic at Mendon Ponds Park
Left & Bottom: Kids and Teenagers at
Columbus Day Picnic
Center & Right: Doughnut eating
contest at the Pumpkin Patch Party at
Annunciation on October 26
RIGHT PAGE
Top & Middle: Pumpkin Patch Party at
Annunciation on October 26
Bottom: Annunciation Representation at
Archon Banquet
Bottom Right: Signature of Annunciation
Rochester representatives on the
foundation of St. Nicholas at the World
Trade Center, NYC
CLASS OF 2014
PJ MANOU
Graduate of Webster Schroeder High
School, Class of 2014.
Enrolled in the 2+2 Program
and will be studying at MCC and
transferring to Nazareth College
to pursuit a career in Adolescent
Education plans to finish his masters
at Nazareth College and start
teaching in high schools throughout
the City of Rochester. With time,
hopes to find a high school English
teaching position back in Webster.
DINA LOVERDE
Graduated from Penfield High
School and attending St. John
Fisher College in the fall, majoring
in communications. She has received
the Service Scholars Scholarship and
a merit based scholarship, and is
very excited to be living on campus
as well. Dina has been very involved
in her community throughout high
school, volunteering for a variety of
local charities through school and is
grateful to be able to continue her
services through St. John Fisher College. As in high school,
she will be participating in many clubs and school activities,
such as the Drama Club, and would also love to study
abroad in Europe. She will also be continuing her study of
the Spanish language, hoping to become fluent enough to be
considered tri-lingual, along with her already fluent English
and Greek. After college, Dina plans to go to graduate
school, and hopefully get a job in the Public-Relations and
communications field that allows her to travel the world!
JESSIKA BAUER
Graduated
with
Valedictory
Honors from Greece Athena High
School. She was a member of the
National Honor Society and received
the Presidents Gold Award for
Educational Excellence and the AP
Scholar with Honor Award. While in
high school, she was a member of the
HS Chorus, HS Band and played on
the Athena JV Soccer team. She is
currently attending Canisius College
where she received a Dean’s Academic Scholarship. She is
majoring in Biology with a Pre-med track.
ALEXANDRA GEOCA
Allie graduated from Penfield
High School and will be attending
George Washington University
in the Fall. She played singles
tennis on the varsity team since
sophomore year and was Captain
as a senior, and spent the rest of
her time dancing. She is on the
Spins competition team and dances
hiphop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary,
broadway, and ballet. She held the
PR position in the Penfield chapter
of the National Honor Society, and has done much volunteer
work for them. She played the upright bass in the school
orchestra, band, and jazz ensemble, and hopes to play jazz
at GW. In addition she hopes to dance at GW.
DAPHNE CHRISTIDIS
Graduated with honors from
Fairport High School. During
her time at FHS she was actively
involved in Drama Club, and
starred in several plays such
as “Animal Farm” and “The
Outsiders.” She co-directed all
Johanna Perrin Middle School
plays for the past 4 years. She
was inducted in the National
Honors Society and the Spanish
NHS.
She received the AP
Scholar with Honor Award in recognition of exemplary
college-level achievement on Advanced Placement Program
Examinations. In church, she enjoyed being part of the
dance group “Nea Parea.” She was also actively involved in
GOYA where she served as Treasurer and as Secretary. She
is currently attending Hofstra University where she plans to
double major in Public Relations and Drama.
VASILIKI BITSAS
Is an alumni of 2014. The highlights
of her senior year include teaching
Pre-K Greek School and Greek
dance. She also considers the last
few weeks of her high school to be
another highlight; from ball with her
fellow classmates to senior banquet
to graduation. Vasiliki is currently
attending Mercyhurst University
in Erie, Pennsylvania for fashion
merchandising and management.
JOHN LALOGGIA
Son of Angie and Frank LaLoggia,
graduated from Webster Schroeder
High School. He was a member
of both the National Honor and
Spanish Honor Societies, and
received the Chris Mayo award
for Excellence in Speech. He is
attending Bucknell University in
Lewisburg PA, pursuing studies
in Psychology.
He earned
a
Presidential Fellowship at Bucknell,
and as a Fellow is currently assisting
in the making of a local documentary, and doing legal research
for the Lewisburg Prison Project, an advocacy organization
for rights of prisoners.
JOHN VANGELLOW
John is an AP graduate of Pittsford
Mendon High School. He contributed
and
participated
in
many
community service projects. During
the summers he has volunteered his
time at the Pittsford youth soccer
camp. John was on the Varsity
Soccer team for 4 years at Mendon.
His senior year he served as head
captain and lead his team to a State
Championship. John is studying at
Furman University in Greenville, SC
where he is majoring in Biology and Business. He is also the
school newspaper photographer while at Furman.
MICHAEL MANOU
Graduated from Penfield High School
and was High Honor Roll student all
4 years. I have participated in many
community service events and was
team captain of the Penfield Varsity
Basketball team. I am attending
SUNY Brockport to major in
Accounting and am considering
trying out for the basketball team.
ANNUNCIATION YOUTH
SOCIAL MEDIA



🔗
✉
facebook.com/annunciationrocyouth
@ annunrocyouth
@ annunrocyouth
annunciationrochester.org/youth
[email protected]
TO THE COLLEGE STUDENTS
In anticipation of Thanksgiving that is just around the
corner, welcome home! I hope your first year off at school is
treating you well.
I remember my first year of school well, and I know that the
last couple of month have been full of advice from professors,
advisors, and parents. I won’t bog you down with advice, but
I do want to offer a few remarks to you all on behalf of the
community.
We’re really excited to have you all come home. When
college students leave for school, they leave a huge hole in
their homes, and I know that this community misses you all.
Ivey and I had barely moved to Rochester when you all
graduated, so I don’t know you all as well as I’d like, but I’ve
heard from your parents and grandparents about how you’re
doing in school. You are all they talk about, honestly. If we
haven’t met yet, please come introduce yourself to me when
you’re home visiting. I’d love to get to know you all.
Also know that we are here for you if you need to talk.
Your first semester may have been a breeze, but it also
might have been one of the most confusing few months of
your life. More likely than not, it was somewhere in the
middle. Your family is going to be really excited to talk
to your about your first semester. If you want to talk to
me or to Father Catalin, though, send one of us an email
([email protected] or [email protected]).
Finally, as the Greeks say, “good strength” on your finals.
Here comes the advice I said I wouldn’t give. Study hard,
don’t take your weekends off every weekend, and find a
church in the area. Not only is church a nice break from
the intensity of your studies, but you’d be surprised what
kind of professional connections you can make if you find an
Orthodox church near your school.
In Christ,
Niko
SPIRITUAL TRAINING
FOR CHRIST(MAS)
by Youth Director Niko Tzetzis
“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes
according to the rules. It is the hardworking
farmer who ought to have the first share of the
crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will
grant you understanding in everything.”
M
- 2 Timothy 2:5-7 (NRSV)
If you haven’t guessed yet, I am going to parallel this
training with our lives as Orthodox Christians. As Orthodox
Christians, we’ve committed to a life of training in our faith.
Just like athletes:
• We each have a support network (family, koumbaroi,
Godparents, friends, etc.)
• We have a strict diet (periods of fasting and feasting)
y wife Ivey and I are training for a Century - a one • We have a variety of different methods of training
day, 100 mile bike ride. Our goal is to train enough
that we could tackle a bike ride of this length by
this upcoming May, but it’s going to take a lot of discipline
to get there.
To successfully complete a century, we’re going to need to
train hard. The first step toward training is going to be to
start riding more often. We’ll want to slowly increase the
amount we ride our bikes each week. Last week we logged
30-40 miles, and next week, we’ll want to get up to around
50 miles.
The next step in our training is to ride for longer at a time.
Right now we can go about 20 miles in one ride without
collapsing from exhaustion, but we’re going to need to work
on bumping that limit up. Once spring comes around, we’re
going to need to train by regularly biking out from our house
in the Corn Hill area out to Fairport and back.
While we’re focusing on our bike work, we’re going to need
to make some pretty significant changes to our diet. We are
going to need to cut out the junk food, and we’re going to
have to put a lot of attention into what we eat and when we
eat.
Finally, we’re going to need to do some off-the-bike training,
too. Winter is almost here, and that means we probably
won’t get to ride around much. I grew up in Syracuse, so I
know these Upstate NY winters well. We are going to need
to work with a trainer at our gym. We’ll mix up spin classes
with weight training and a lot of cardio.
We know that training for this kind of ride will have longlasting health benefits, so we are willing to sacrifice our time
and energy to make it work.
The best part about this training? I never ever thought I’d
be able to do it. I’ve always told myself that I’m not the
athletic type. I always thought that training was for other
people.
•
•
(different church services, prayers at home, silent time,
confession)
We work with a trainer (our spiritual father/parish
priest)
We strive for short and long-term goals (to live a more
Christ-like life, to be with God in His Kingdom)
It’s important to think of our lives as Orthodox Christians
this way, because being an Orthodox Christian is not always
easy, and can often be really difficult. Being an Orthodox
Christian requires us to sacrifice time and energy just like
training for any athletic pursuit.
In some ways it’s even harder. When we start working out
and eating right, we see our bodies change shape. We see
our muscles grow and our fat burn away. However, we don’t
always see the results of our spiritual growth. Sometimes, it
might even feel like we’re not growing at all.
This is why our support networks are so important. Just like
when trying to change any habit, it is best to try and embark
on the change with the help of your support network.
This month, we are presented with an opportunity for
spiritual training. On November 15th, the church prescribes
for us a period of fasting that will last all of the way until
Christmas. Typically, this fast period would come in two
stages. The first stage would be an easier fast allowing fish,
and the second stage would be a strict fast (just like Lent).
However, if you’ve never fasted at this time of year before, I
get that it might seem like a daunting task to pick right up
with the full fast. A non-runner wouldn’t train the same way
a regular marathon runner would, would he?
So this time of year, I encourage you to talk to your family
and to Fr. Catalin about coming up with a spiritual training
plan for Christmas. It doesn’t have to be super intense for it
to be effective.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
ANNUNCIATION
PHOTO DIRECTORY
We are creating a new Church Family Photo Directory!
There are three reasons for having the new Directory: to
have a correct database; to put names and faces together;
and, because it is a historical document. We encourage
everyone to participate. This will be an important tool to
help connect with one another, assist new families in getting
to know us and celebrate the rich heritage and history
of our church! We have added two new dates for family
photographs! Sign up after Church or on the Church’s web site
http://www.annunciationrochester.org (click on the photo
directory link on the home page). Contact Julie Eveleigh
585-747-4728 or Presvytera Felicia 585-752-7432 if you have
questions.
If you already have a picture and you want to be in the
Directory, just submit it for $10.00 and you will also get a
Directory. If you would like to advertise your business in the
Photo Directory, a $100 donation is for a business-card sized
ad.
Οικογενειακός
Φωτογραφικός Οδηγός
Η εκκλησία μας δημιουργεί ένα νέο φωτογραφικό Άλμπουμ
(κατάλογο) μελών και οικογενειών. Θεωρούμε τον κατάλογο αυτό
απαραίτητο και για τους εξής λόγους :
α) Για να αποκτήσουμε μια σωστή κατάσταση των μελών του
Ευαγγελισμού.
β) Θα μας βοηθήσει να συνδέσομε ονόματα και πρόσωπα.
γ) Για την ιστορική του σημασία.
Το άλμπουμ αυτό θα αποτελέσει ένα σημαντικό κειμήλιο που θα
μας ενώνει για πάντα και που θα μας βοηθήσει να επικοινωνούμε
μεταξύ μας. Θα είναι το εργαλείο που θα μας βοηθήσει, ιδιαίτερα τα
καινούργια μέλη και οικογένειες της ενορίας, στο να γνωριζόμαστε
καλύτερα και να γιορτάζουμε μαζί την πλούσια κληρονομιά και την
ιστορία της εκκλησίας μας. Δεν μπορεί λοιπόν να απουσιάζει κανείς
μας!
Η φωτογράφιση θα γίνει στην αίθουσα της Εκκλησίας μας.
• Σάββατο 15 Νοεμβρίου, ώρα 11 το πρωί έως τις 5 το απόγευμα.
• Σάββατο 29 Νοεμβρίου, ώρα 10 το πρωί έως τις 5 το απόγευμα.
Photographs will be taken in the Church Hall on:
• Saturday, November 15, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday, November 29, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Κάθε οικογένεια που θα φωτογραφηθεί θα λάβει ένα οικογενειακό
πορτρέτο (8x10 ) και τον καινούργιο κατάλογο ( Άλμπουμ) της
Εκκλησίας εντελώς ΔΩΡΕΑΝ!
FAQ:
• What do I receive for having my portrait taken? Each
family that is photographed receives a complimentary
8x10 portrait and a copy of the Church Family Photo
Directory- FREE!
• Is there a charge to be photographed? There is no cost to
the Church or to you for participating. Each family will be
given the opportunity, in a pleasant sales environment,
to purchase additional portraits for families and friends
Αντί του ποσού των $10 μπορείτε εάν θέλετε να συμμετάσχετε στο
άλμπουμ τοποθετώντας μία δική σας φωτογραφία. Στην περίπτωση
αυτή θα λάβετε και τον κατάλογο χωρίς καμιά άλλη επιβάρυνση.
Μπορείτε επίσης αντί του ποσού $100 να διαφημίσετε και την
επιχείρησή σας. Η διαφήμιση σας θα έχει το μέγεθος μιας πιστωτικής
κάρτας.
YOU are an important part of our parish and this directory
will not be complete without YOU!
Note: All submissions to the photo directory are due
by November 30.
Για να κλείσετε ραντεβού
καλέστε :
και για περισσότερες πληροφορίες
Julie Eveleigh 585-747-4728 η την πρεσβυτέρα Felicia 585-7527432
Είστε ένα σημαντικό μέρος της ενορίας του Ευαγγελισμού.
Ο Φωτογραφικός Οδήγός μας δεν θα είναι πλέον πλήρης χωρίς εσάς!
Greek Orthodox Church
of the Annunciation
962 East Avenue
Rochester, NY14607
Address Service Requested
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Rochester, N.Y.
Permit No 900
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION
GOYA 60th ANNIVERSARY
COMMMUNITY BANQUET AND DANCE
Saturday, November 8th, 6 p.m. - Parish Community Center
Donation: $40 for Adults • $20 for Youth 21 &Under
Live Music by the Aegean Duo - Proceeds to Benefit the Church