Volume 26, Issue 2 Ecclesiastical New Year 2016 “As the Father sends me, so I send you” A publication of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Houston, Texas Inside this Issue As the Father Sends Me.............. 1 The Catholic Epistles................... 2 Young Adult Ministry.................... 3 Youth Ministry............................... 4 Religious Education..................5-6 AGOC Graduates......................... 7 Greek School.............................8-9 Cathedral Expansion........... 10-11 Philoptochos .............................12 AGAPE, Attendance Awards.....13 Clergy-Laity Congress...............14 Senior Citizens...........................15 Welcome Committee.................16 Santa’s Breakfast.......................16 Cathedral Calendar.............. 17-19 Registry ......................................20 50TH Original Greek Festival October 6-7-8-9, 2016 There is no doubt that we are living in extraordinary times. The world seems much smaller today, especially with technological advances in communications with vehicles like the internet, smart phones and social media. People are able to receive news and witness events in close to real time via their mobile devices. Many of the negative events and news stories can become overwhelming and almost depressing if we don’t turn them off and try to find a healthy balance in our daily life. The Church which Jesus Christ Himself established for us, gives us that healthy balance. Although we can get caught up in the cares of this life, we must be attentive not to allow the “world” to direct our lives, and ultimately our mission as Christians. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Houston has a mission, and that is to proclaim the good news of the Gospel to the world around us. parish. This is a great advantage in helping to spread the Gospel. Being blessed with these ministries show us what is possible if we focus our thoughts on Christ and the mission of the Church, as our parents and grandparents did when our parish was established nearly 100 years ago. There is much excitement right now as we enter into our 100th year as a parish. With our Cathedral expansion project moving forward, we will have the opportunity to not only expand the sanctuary, but to recommit ourselves to a life in Christ, a liturgical life! The Holy Gospel directs us to our mission vary clearly. Open the New Testament and read the parts of the Gospels and the Book of Acts that follow the Resurrection; Read them and think of what the Lord is talking about. These are His words before the Ascension and are extremely important. What does He say? “As the Father sends me, so I send you” (John 20:21). We are sent by our Lord the same way Christ was sent by His Father. It is a very heavy theological and biblical statement. We also read in the Gospel of Mark, “Go into all the world” (Mark 16:15), and in the Book of Acts “you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). The Church and our local Cathedral parish as part of the Body of Christ, is in a constant state of mission. While it is good to do mission work in other parts of the world, I firmly believe we have to start within, with the internal mission. We have to connect and educate and reevangelize our own selves and our own family. That means as parents and as Orthodox Christian in general, that mission starts with us. As we know, our Cathedral is unique, in that we are a large parish and offer many ministries on an ongoing basis. We also have the largest Orthodox Christian school (AOS) in It is my fervent hope and prayer that the United States as a ministry of our we put aside the cares of life that bring us down, and renew our life in (continued on page 3) Page 2 The Annunciator The Catholic Epistles and the Universal Truth God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him—1John 4:16 We have come to the end of a very hot summer. I hope that all of you had a safe and enjoyable one. It is now time to begin another year of Bible Study. It promises to be another exciting and fruitful one as we embark on our journey of seeking the Kingdom of God and the fruit of the Holy Spirit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, gentleness, self-control. (cf. Galatians 5:22ff) As we view the world and our society, we have seen untold terrorist acts, violence and persecution of Christians, difficulties living out the faith in an increasingly hostile and secular society. We find difficulty discerning heresy and confronting large segments of a society bent on being disparaging against Christians in particular. We recognize heresy by its fruits: “immorality and lack of love.” In view of all of the latter, and after much reflection, prayer, and consultation with Father Michael, I decided that we should study the Catholic (Universal) Epistles of St. James, One and Two Peter, Jude, and the three epistles of St. John. I have selected another one of Lawrence Farley’s books to guide us: Universal Truth, The Catholic Epistles of James, Peter, Jude, and John. Even though these epistles were written in different times, for different reasons, locations, and for different audiences, Farley, very adeptly, ties them all together by describing some of the themes common to all of them, and how we can resist a hostile society and its heresies by love and “holding fast to the Apostolic faith.” Whereas the epistles in their totality, as well as Farley’s commentary, seem short, there are several themes that stand out. Although we have studied many of them in whole or in part before, they will be revisited and amplified. In St James’ Epistle, we will review the harmony of faith and works, the role of faith in our salvation, and that, in salvation, “grace does not nullify personal responsibility.” With One Peter, we will find the theme of confronting our suffering and persecution through our Baptism where “our goal is fulfillment of Baptism in Heaven.” Moreover, in Two Peter, we will revisit theosis and the [basic] “doctrine at issue: that the Parousia, the Second Coming, is a reality.” Finally, in One, Two, and Three John, as well as in Jude we will be seeing how the early Church dealt with schismatics and their internal assault on the Church. One John in particular, however, stands alone and is an epistle unto itself. Although it deals with the issue of schism, his major theme focuses much more on love and contrasts light with darkness. For John, God is light, God is love, and the relationship between the love of God, and the love of others is paramount. He aptly demonstrates the close relationship of faith, love, obedience, and life and how all together are interrelated and play a significant role in our salvation. There is so much more, and more than enough to fill an entire Bible Study year. Spread the word and come and join us. We will be meeting weekly at AGOC in the Council Room (219) on most Wednesdays starting on September 14, 2016 at 1:00 and 6:30pm. The Sugar Land Bible Study will meet on the third Thursday of every month. Frances Hadjigeorge is once again the Sugar Land coordinator. Please contact her by email ([email protected]) to be placed on her list. We will be using the Orthodox Study Bible (required) as our primary resource. In addition, Farley’s commentary, Universal Truth, will also be used to guide us, but it is not required. Irene Cassis will order enough copies for the anticipated attendees in all three sessions. Come one, come all. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again and engaging in fruitful discussions. +Fr. Demetri The Annunciator Page 3 Young Adult Ministry The Young Adult Ministry of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a dynamic, young adult driven ministry, under the pastoral care of the AGOC clergy, which seeks to engage Orthodox young adults with one another in genuine Christian fellowship, while developing a deeper and prayerful communion with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are excited to announce the upcoming events and look forward to seeing as many young adults as possible at all of our events. Thursday, September 22nd, 6:30pm Paraklesis followed by Dinner at local restaurant AGOC Saint George Chapel Saturday, October 15th, 6pm Great Vespers, followed by Dinner at local restaurant St. George Antiochian Church, 5311 Mercer St, Houston Thursday, October 27th, 6:30pm Museum Happy Hour, Fine Arts! Fine Dining! Fine Wine! MFAH, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005 ‘FREE Entry’ November 18th and 19th Austin Trip & Special Tour of Holy Archangels Monastery Monastery trip and audience with Geronda Dositheos. More information to follow. Sunday, December 4th, 5pm Christmas Party, Merry Christmas Y’all! Chris Katerinakis Home Saturday, January 21st, 7pm Bowlmor, RSVP to Anna at [email protected]. 925 Bunker Hill Rd, Houston, TX 77024 Through the prayers of the Holy Saints of God Porphyrios and Paisios, who transformed the lives of countless young adults, intercede with Christ our God to bless this worthy ministry and to enlighten and protect our pious and faithful Orthodox Christian young adults so they too may forever emanate the Divine Light of Christ to all.” For more information about OCF or YAM and to be added to our email list for event updates, please contact Father Christopher at [email protected] or call the Cathedral Office at 713.526.5377. “As the Father sends me, so I send you” (continued from page 1) in Christ through the mystery of living an attentive and genuine life within the Church. Doing this will bring us and our family to a healthy balance, it will give us confidence that when we place our focus on the Lord and place our trust in Him, all things are possible. I truly believe that Christ has “sent” and placed each of us here at Annunciation for a reason and purpose, so that we can be His witness in the world and lead others to Christ. +Father Michael Page 4 The Annunciator When your children are still small, you have to help them understand what is good. That is the deepest meaning of life.” + Elder Paisios “In children we have a greatwhat charge committed us. Let us bestow great care upon “When your children are still small, you have to help them understand is good. That is thetodeepest them, and do everything that the Evil One may not rob us of them. But now our practice meaning of life.” + Elder Paisios is the reverse of this. We take all care indeed to have our farm in good order, and to “In children we have a great charge committed to us. Let us bestow great care upon them, and do commit it toBut faithfulour manager, look out for it an and muleteer, and bailiff, the them Evil One may notwhat rob us of them. practice we is the reverse of this. Weass-driver, take n are still small,everything you have that to help understand is good. That is now the deepest and a clever accomptant. But we do not look out for what is much more important, for all care indeed to have our farm in good order, and to commit it to faithful manager, we look out for it an Elder Paisios ass-driver, and muleteer, and bailiff, and a clever to accomptant. wecommit do not look much a person whom weBut may ourout sonforaswhat the isguardian of his morals, though this is ve a greatacharge tofor us.a person Let us to bestow great care uponItour them, doindeed morecommitted important, whom weall may commit sonand as the guardian of his though thisof our estate. We take care of our possession much more valuable others. is for him that we morals, take such care your are still small, you have tothan help good. That isthat the deepest Evil One“When may not us of them. But now our practice isthem the reverse this. take is rob achildren possession much more valuable than all understand others. of It what is forisWe him indeed we take such care of our meaning of life.” + for Elderour possessions but of themanager, care atwe all.take Form theatsoul of thy son aright, and all the ave our farm in good andPaisios tochildren, commit to faithful wethemselves lookbut outoffor antake no estate.order, We take care of our itpossessions forchildren our children, theitwe children themselves no care will beahave added hereafter.” —weSt.do John Chrysostom, onthem, 1 Timothy, Homily 9. eteer, and bailiff, clever accomptant. But not for iscare much all.and Form theasoul ofcharge thy soncommitted aright, and alllook theusout rest willwhat beHomilies added hereafter.” — do St. John Chrysostom, “Inrest children we great to us. Let bestow great upon and that may rob of them. But now ourmorals, practicethough is the reverse a personeverything to whom we the mayEvil ournot son asusthe of his this of this. We take Homilies oncommit 1One Timothy, Homily 9.guardian care indeed have our farm goodhim order, and tothat commit it to faithful manager, we look out for it an h more all valuable thantoall others. It isin for indeed we take such care of our ass-driver, and muleteer, and bailiff, and achildren clever accomptant. Butwewetake do not look out for what is much of our possessions for our children, but of the themselves no care at Hiimportant, there. It’s Father Gabriel and I wanted take a few minutes of your forthe ame, person to whom we may commit our — son St. asto the guardian of his morals, though thistime to share some thoughts with you regarding f thy sonmore aright, and all rest will be added hereafter.” John Chrysostom, Hi there. It’s me, Fatherthan Gabriel and to take a few minutes ofme your time to share somemy love for God and our faith is aour possession much more valuable all others. ItI iswanted fortohim indeed that we take such care ofto our Youth Ministry Programs. First, I want thank God for blessing be able to share thy, Homily 9. thoughts you regarding Youth Ministry Programs. First, I want estate. We take care with of our possessions for ourour children, but of the children themselves we take no care atto thank God for with YOUR children. I grew up in a small Greek Orthodox parish and was not afforded what our children here have today. I I grew up in was about 14 years old. I enjoy spending today. I did Father Gabriel andhave I our wanted to take a few minutes of your time to share some timenot with children, teaching them about God and their faith, and how to handle the GOYA, Camp, or Retreats. I didn’t even have Sunday school until I was about 14stresses years of life. I enjoy seeing our regarding our Youth Ministry Programs. First, I want to thank God for children gather together doing various activitiesteaching and strengthening theirand relationship God. I live my lost youthful years old. Ime, enjoy spending time our about their faith,with and how Hi there. It’s Father Gabriel and I with wanted to children, take achildren. few minutes ofthem your time toGod share some able to share my love for God and our faith with YOUR Ichildren grew up today. in of growing up in Youth Ministry Programs with our to handle the stresses of life. I enjoy seeing our children gather together doing various activities thoughts with you regarding our Youth Ministry Programs. First, I want to thank God for all. Formblessing the soul of andshare all themy restlove will for be added — St. John Chrysostom, methytoson bearight, able to God hereafter.” and our faith with YOUR children. did not GOYA, Camp, or Retreats. I didn’t even have Sunday school until I Homilies 1have Timothy, Homily 9. aonsmall Greek Orthodox parish and was not afforded what our children here have hodox parish and was not afforded what our children here have today. I didyouthful years of growing up in strengthening relationship with I live my lost blessingand me to be able to sharetheir my love for God and ourGod. faith with YOUR children. I grew up in Camp, ora Retreats. I didn’t even have Sunday school until I was about 14 years Our Children here at Annunciation are blessed to be offered many to strengthen their relationship with God Ministryparish Programs withnot ourafforded children today. small Youth Greek Orthodox and was what our children here have opportunities today. I did ing time our children, teaching them about God and their faith, and how notwith have GOYA, Camp, or Retreats. I didn’t even have Sunday school until I was about 14 years through the Church. Our Youth Ministry Programs give every child the opportunity to build an everlasting relationship with ses of life. seeing our children gather together doing activities old. II enjoy enjoy spending time with children, teaching them various about God and their faith, and how Our Children here at our Annunciation are blessed to be offered many opportunities to strengthen God, thewith church, and their Priest. Our Faith, HOPE, JOY and GOYA ministry programs are the fertile soil in which the Holy their relationship God. I live my lost youthful years of growing upMinistry invariousPrograms to handletheir the stresses of life. I enjoy seeing our children gather together doing activities give every child relationship with God through the Church. Our Youth Spirit grows Christ centered youth. Like the Parable of the Sower, how will your seeds (your children) grow in the soil? Will their relationship with God. I live my lost youthful years of growing up in ograms and withstrengthening our today. thechildren opportunity to build an everlasting relationship with God, the church, and their Priest. Our Youth with our today. theyMinistry fall toPrograms the wayside andchildren be devoured by the birds, be scorched by the Sun, choked by the thorns or will they flourish like Faith, HOPE, JOY and GOYA ministry programs are the fertile soil in which the Holy Spirit the seeds fall centered on good soil? (Matthew 13:3-9) at Annunciation arethat blessed to the be offered many opportunities toofstrengthen grows Christ youth. Like theoffered Parable the Sower,tohow will your seeds (your Our Children here at Annunciation are blessed to be many opportunities strengthen with God through the Church. Our Youth Ministry Programs give every child children) grow in the soil? Will they fall to the wayside and be devoured their relationship with God through the Church. Our Youth Ministry Programs give every child by the birds, be Parents, you can help support these ministries by doing the following; build an relationship with God, the church, Ourtheirlike scorched theanSun, choked by the thorns ortheir will they flourish the seeds theeverlasting opportunity to by build everlasting relationship withand God, the Priest. church, and Priest. Our that fall on the Y and GOYA ministry programs are the fertile soil in which the Holy Spirit • Set an example to your children by volunteering your time to our ministry programs. Faith, HOPE, JOY and GOYA13:3-9) ministry programs are the fertile soil in whichand the talent Holy Spirit good soil? (Matthew ered youth. Likecentered the thebeSower, how will seeds grows youth.of to Like the Parable the your Sower, how (your will your seeds (your • Christ Guide yourParable children faithful in of Church attendance. the soil? they fall to the wayside and be devoured by the birds, beby the birds, be children) grow in the soil? Will they fall to the wayside and be devoured WillParents, o Attend Church together as a family. you can help support these ministries by doing the following; scorched by the Sun, or choked by theflourish thorns orlike willthe they flourish like the seeds that fall on the un, choked by the thorns will they seeds that fall on the not Set an example to your childrenfor bythemselves volunteeringif your and talent to our ministry in a youth event. • soil? Do(Matthew allow your children to decide they time will attend church or participate good 13:3-9) w 13:3-9) programs. • If you sign up for an activity make sure you honor your commitment. your children to betofaithful in Parents, youcan Guide help support these byhelp doingguide theChurch following; • these Communicate the clergy you attendance. and your children on the journey to salvation. elp support ministries bywith doing theministries following; Set an example to your children by volunteering your time and to home our ministry • Say to the world: God is more important and I must gotalent to His and worship Him together mple to your programs. children by volunteering your time and talent to our ministry Guide affairsyour of children the world can wait. (Luke 14:16-24) to be faithful in Church attendance. with my family. The children to be faithful in Church attendance. I encourage all of our Annunciation families to consider placing your faith and church at a higher level. When we are tired, we still manage to come to church. When we have a short break, we take the time to pray. When a ministry is offered to our children, we seriously consider setting aside time and allow our children to participate in them. “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14 I look forward to the coming Ecclesiastical New Year and I pray that our youth will continue to grow in their faith. Senior GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America): High School Grades 9-12 Junior GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America): Middle School Grades 6-8 JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth): Grades 4-5 HOPE (Holy Orthodox Primary Education): Grades K-3 FAITH This is the ministry to newly baptized infants and toddlers, and their parents. For further information or to request to be signed up for our e-mail lists please contact Father Gabriel Gadah at [email protected] or call 832-242-9261. The Annunciator Page 5 Raising Kids in Today’s World Irene Cassis, Director of Religious Education Religious Education Christian parents today face greater challenges than ever before in trying to raise moral, sensitive and Godly children. It’s best to begin early, because it has been said, “It is easier to form a child than to reform him when he’s grown.” There are many references in the Bible about teaching children and most are directed to parents about teaching their own children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says “These commandments that I give you today...impress them on your children...talk about them... at home...as you walk along the road...when you lie down and get up.” What makes parenting more difficult is that the world does not always embrace Christian values. Certain music, movies, videos and other media have a profound and negative influence upon the values and attitudes of our youth. However, the influence parents have on their children is great. The late Dr. John L. Boojamra, Director of Orthodox Christian Education Commission, wrote, “Many sociological studies… affirm that the influence of the family far exceeds the traditional claims that the family is a model in the formative years and that its influence is far greater than any influence that peers might have.” (Foundations for Christian Education, p. 72) However, time, energy, patience and love must be invested in caring for and overseeing the spiritual development of children. After all, their life depends on it! We can make a lasting difference in our children’s lives when we, as parents, get in touch with our personal relationship with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior through the Church. Some might wonder what their personal relationship with Jesus Christ has to do with Church. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. He established the Church. It is through the Church and the Sacraments that we are able to come together as Body of Christ, remembering what Jesus did for us. It is a way of coming into the presence of God offering praise, thanks and worship to Him. Both the family and the Church are engaged in an interdependent relationship or a partnership in providing a foundation for the spiritual life of children. This is why it is important to attend the Divine Liturgy as a family each Sunday morning to experience God’s presence and action in our lives. What a child can learn by experiencing worship with his parents will give him the foundation upon which his life will be based. Recent studies (Barna) reveal some alarming information about trends that have arisen in youth culture. Just to mention a few: Up to 59% of young people who have grown up in Christian churches are absent and continue to leave the church in record numbers. The greatest reasons and challenge to Christian churches by far (86%) is the “busyness” of youth; Another surprising reason is parents’ lack of interest (41%). The breakdown of families also plays a role in these trends (31%). St. Paul reminds parents, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Parenting isn’t that easy, so we must work hard at it. A lack of interest on the part of parents is not an option. Youth themselves display a lack of interest in their involvement in the church. Their lack of commitment may suggest that relationships and engagement in church are not reaching sufficient depth. But how can youth build meaningful relationships when they don’t come to Church enough to get to make meaningful relationships? This information should give all of us, parents, clergy, Sunday Church School teachers and youth workers time to pause, digest and reflect on how we can keep young people in the Church. Our attitude cannot be that that young people must come to us; we must go out after them to meet them where they are. Parents first, those who are part of the Church and especially those who work with young people--clergy, Sunday Church School teachers, and youth workers have to open the eyes of our youth to see the Church and what it has to offer them and all of us which is paradise. That’s what we all hunger for, something the world cannot provide. Annunciation Greek Orthdox Cathedral Sunday Church School September 1st is the beginning of the New Church Year. Sunday Church School begins September 11th immediately following the 9 am Divine Liturgy, and ends 12:00 pm. Sunday Church School is offered for 2 Year Olds (by September 1st) through Adults. Come and learn more about your faith. The Junior Choir is for kids from the first grade through High School. They sing the 9 am Divine Liturgy every week and learn the hymns of the Church and the Divine Liturgy. All they have to do is come up front a few minutes before 9 am! Pam and Jim Gaspar, Connie Koinis, Pauline Koinis, and Kalliopi Podaridis are our Junior Choir Directors and they welcome the children. Adult Classes Offered on Sunday morning immediately following the 9 am Divine Liturgy Orthodoxy 101 (Adults), Room 224, knowledgeable facilitators, classes begin immediately following the 9:00 am Divine Liturgy and end 12:00 pm. This course is an introduction to the Orthodox Church, its faith and life that is required for those who are seeking to become Orthodox; but also recommended for Orthodox Christians who would like to know Page 6 The Annunciator more about their faith. Those who will be taking the course as one of the requirements for converting to the Faith are asked to complete the Sunday Church School Registration Form http:// agoc.org/ministries/religiouseducation/registration. You are also asked to purchase the publication entitled, Introducing the Orthodox Church Its Faith and Life by Anthony M. Coniaris and the Orthodox Study Bible from the AGOC Bookstore or the Religious Education Office, Room 141. For additional information contact Irene Cassis at [email protected] or Greg Halvatzis at ([email protected]). Theology Through the Fathers’ Eyes (Adults), Room 228, Dr. Jonathan Zecher, classes begin immediately following the 9:00 am Divine Liturgy and end 12:00 pm. This class would consist of directed reading and discussion of selected texts of Patristic literature to highlight certain themes of Eastern Orthodox belief and practice. Discussion of these texts will be focused primarily on how the words of the Fathers can be relevant and inspirational in our lives now. Bible Study (Adults), Room 226, Father Gabriel Gadah, classes begin immediately following the 9:00 am Divine Liturgy and end 12:00 pm. A study and discussion of the Old Testament where the story of God’s dealings with ancient Israel from approximately 2000 B.C. until the time of Jesus; contains, as its central message, God’s promise to save mankind and the world through the “anointed one” (Messiah, Christ) of Israel. Through our studies, we will learn how to apply the Old Testament to our daily lives and the life of the Church. More Calendar Events… August 27, 12-3 pm: Sunday Church School Teachers & Staff In-service Meeting. We will begin with lunch followed by two presentations on Gathering Kids and Families to Worship and Sunday Church School by Sofia Petrou, a lifetime educator, and a presentation by Greg Halvatzis on The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church which recently took place on the island of Crete. September 11, 2016 Sunday Church School begins…Did you register your kids online? November 11-13, 2016 Ages 11-18, Southern Region Fall Retreat, Pine Cove Outback Retreat Center, Columbus, Texas. December 11, 2016 Sunday Church School Christmas Program, 12 pm, in the Cathedral. December 25, 2016Feast of the Nativity of Christ NO Sunday Church School January 1, 2017 New Year’s Day/Feast Day of St. Basil / Circumcision of Jesus Christ – NO Sunday Church School January 13-16, 2017Ages 11-18, Basketball Event Weekend, Dallas, TX (Martin Luther King) February 26, 2017Grades 7-9, Parish St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, small Martel Hall. March 3-5, 2017 Ages 11-18, Southern Region Lenten Retreat, Sky Ranch, Van, Texas March 5, 2017 Grades 10-12, Parish St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, small Martel Hall. March 17-19, 2017 Ages 11-18, 2017 St. John Chrysostom Metropolis Oratorical Festival, hosted by St. Demetrios Church, Fort Worth, Texas. March 19, 2017 Grades 5-6, Elementary St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, small Martel Hall. March 26, 2017 Grades 3-4, Elementary St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, small Martel Hall. April 2, 2017 Grades K-2, Elementary St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, small Martel Hall. http://agoc.org/ministries/religiouseducation/registration Take some time to visit the AGOC Bookstore. Open during the week until 4:00 pm and Sundays after the Divine Liturgies. Many new publications, unique gifts, gold and silver baptismal crosses, icons, and much more! Ted Snyder & Carol Vartian will be more than happy to help you! October 6-9, 2016 50th GREEK FESTIVAL! October 9, 2016 NO Sunday Church School (Last day of the Greek Festival) St Moses was asked, ‘What should a man do in all the temptations and evil thoughts that come upon him?’ The old man said to him, ‘He should weep and implore the goodness of God to come to his aid, and he will obtain peace if he prays with discernment. For it is written, "With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can man do to me?" (Ps. i 18.6) The Annunciator Page 7 AGOCCollege College Graduates AGOC Graduates 20162016 AGOC College Graduates 2016 AGOC College Graduates 2016 AGOC College Graduates 2016 Alexia Sitaras, Yiannis Georgeton, Anastasia Koinis, Nicholas Koinis, Fr. Michael, Stuart Makris, Yannis Minetos, Stephanie Padley, Dean Petrou Alexia Alexia Sitaras, Yiannis Georgeton, Anastasia Koinis, Nicholas Koinis, Fr. Fr. Michael, Stuart Makris, Yannis AlexiaSitaras, Sitaras, Yiannis Georgeton, Anastasia Koinis, Nicholas Koinis, Fr.Stuart Michael, Stuart Makris, Yannis Yiannis Georgeton, Anastasia Koinis, Nicholas Koinis, Michael, Makris, Yannis Minetos, Stephanie Padley, Dean Petrou Minetos, Stephanie Padley, Dean Petrou Minetos, Stephanie Padley, Dean Petrou Alexia Sitaras, Yiannis Georgeton, Anastasia Koinis, Nicholas Koinis, Fr. Michael, Stuart Makris, Yannis Minetos, Stephanie Padley, Dean Petrou AGOC High School Graduates 2016 AGOC High School Graduates 2016 AGOC High School Graduates 2016 2016 AGOC School Graduates AGOC HighHigh School Graduates 2016 Alexia Angelides, Katherine Grace Catechis, Kaliope Cokinos, Dean Kaitson, Fr. Michael, Macie Mateja, Iason Onisiphorou, Maria Pappas, Yianni Teas, Christina Tsoucalas Alexia Angelides, Katherine Grace Catechis, Kaliope Cokinos, Dean Kaitson, Fr. Michael, Macie Mateja, Iason Onisiphorou, Maria Pappas, Yianni Teas, Christina Tsoucalas Angelides, Katherine Grace Catechis, Kaliope Cokinos, Dean Kaitson, Michael, Macie Mateja, AlexiaAlexia Angelides, Katherine Grace Catechis, Kaliope Cokinos, Dean Kaitson, Fr.Fr. Michael, Macie Mateja, Onisiphorou, Maria Pappas, Yianni Teas, ChristinaTsoucalas Tsoucalas IasonIason Onisiphorou, Maria Pappas, Yianni Teas, Christina Alexia Angelides, Katherine Grace Catechis, Kaliope Cokinos, Dean Kaitson, Fr. Michael, Macie Mateja, Iason Onisiphorou, Maria Pappas, Yianni Teas, Christina Tsoucalas Page 8 The Annunciator Annunciation Greek Language and Culture School News Katerina Kontogeorgaki, Director Dear Parishioners, Our school had another successful academic year filled with wonderful cultural events. On Sunday March 27th, we celebrated the Greek Independence Day, 25 March 1821. Our students, dressed in the traditional costumes, performed poems, dances, and songs. The event was well attended and we all had the opportunity to honor the Greek History and feel pride for our children and our heritage. Our school had the End of the Year Celebration and Graduation on May 20th. This year, seven students received their graduation diplomas. I would like to congratulate: Alkiviades Boukas, Christos Georgiadis, Anastasia Mantzakos, Georgios Mikos, Mary Mikos, Artemis Melania Postolos, and Michael Skaribas on their graduation and on their effort and dedication to the study of the Greek Language all these years. Congratulations and all the best for your future. As we say in Greek: «και εις ανώτερα». During the celebration, the students performed poems, songs and short plays. Their performance highlighted their achievements in mastering the Greek language and also their love for the Greek music. The students of 3rd and 4th grade captivated us with joy and optimism as they sang “Trava Mpros” (Lets go Forward), and the sweet voices of the girls of the advanced levels made us feel all emotional and nostalgic when they sang “Chartino to Feggaraki” (Paper Moon). I would like to thank and congratulate our music team who accompanied our students in this event: Mrs. Tatiana Zakolikou, the music teacher, Dr. Georgios Vroulis who played the accordion, and Konstantinos Varvarezos who played the bouzouki, recorder and piano. In addition, I would like to thank all our wonderful and dedicated teachers: Mrs. Elissavet Vrettos, Mrs. Poppy Paddley, Mrs. Elena Pappadopoulou, Mrs. Dimitra Tsioufi, Mrs. Maro Yuanidis, and Mrs. Gina Liapis. The new school year starts on September 16th with the blessing from our priest. Our first major cultural event will be the celebration of the OXI Day on Friday October 28th. Please, join us as we celebrate Greece’s heroic fight during the Second World War. Finally, I would like to discuss our program for adults. We offer Modern Greek Language classes for every level: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced. The classes take place every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Adult classes will start on September 27th. We encourage you to attend our classes and see for yourselves how exciting it is to learn the Greek language. Please, contact me for more information about the children and adult programs, our upcoming cultural events, and different ways to help and support the Greek School. Best regards and Kalo Kalokairi! Katerina Kontogeorgaki, School Director, [email protected] The Annunciator ANNUNCIATION GREEK LANGUAGE & CULTURE SCHOOL ANNUNCIATION ANNUNCIATION GREEK GREEK LANGUAGE LANGUAGE & CULTURE & CULTURE SCHOOL SCHOOL Greek Independence Day Celebration Greek Greek Independence Independence Day Celebration Day Celebration End of the Year Celebration and Graduation End of End theofYear the Year Celebration Celebration and Graduation and Graduation Christos Georgiadis, Alkiviades Boukas, Georgios Mikos, Mary Mikos, Artemis Melania Postolos, ChristosChristos Georgiadis, Georgiadis, Alkiviades Alkiviades Boukas, Boukas, GeorgiosGeorgios Mikos, Mary Mikos, Mikos, MaryArtemis Mikos, Artemis MelaniaMelania Postolos,Postolos, Anastasia Matzakos, Michael Skaribas, and Katerina Kontogeorgaki, Director Anastasia Anastasia Matzakos, Matzakos, MichaelMichael Skaribas, Skaribas, and Katerina and Katerina Kontogeorgaki, Kontogeorgaki, DirectorDirector Page 9 Page 10 The Annunciator Annunciation Cathedral 2017 Preserving Our Past While Expanding our Future MAJOR UPDATE - August 28th 2016 We are well on our way to raising the funds necessary for this project with current pledges (as of August 24th, 2016) of $9.96 million, leaving $2.54 million needed to reach our $12.5 million goal, we need your help!! We currently have pledges from approximately 126 families and, as with our last major redevelopment campaign in 2000, we would like to have at least 500 families make pledges. To make it as easy as possible to give, pledges can be paid in a variety of ways – by check, credit card or with securities - over a period of up to five years if desired. You will notice a list of pledged donors published in the weekly bulletin. Please consider making your commitment so we can achieve 100 new family pledges per month. At that rate we will reach our goal of over 500 families pledging to the campaign before the Fall Assembly!! Our website has been updated with new information including the proposed floor plans and some spectacular renderings of the design. Please visit www.AGOC2017.org for all project information. Additionally, a representative of the committee will be in Martel Hall after Liturgy on Sundays to answer questions. A list of the families that have already made pledges is included – hurry and get on the list!! Steward: Exonarthex: Narthex: Choir: Nave: Altar: Dome: Pledge Levels 0-9K Goal: Many 10 - 24 K Goal: 100 25 - 49 K Goal: 40 50 - 99 K Goal: 20 100 - 249 K Goal: 20 250 - 749 K Goal: 9 750k - 2 Mln Goal: 5 Have: 42 Have: 28 Have: 11 Have: 11 Have: 16 Have: 4 Have: 5 The Annunciator Page 11 ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL 2017 FAITH RAISING GOAL OF 500+ Families - $12.5 MILLION PLEDGED AS OF August 24th 2016 – 126 FAMILIES - $9.96 MILLION Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Dr. Michelle and Joshua Agrons Jack Alford Stephanie and Rafa Alvarez Kimberly and Demetrios Anaipakos Seva and John Anaipakos The Angelides Family Barbara Armani Pamela and William Basedow Maria and John Anthony Botti Georgia and Chris Butta Martine Carr Barbara and Chris Catechis Marian and Spyros Catechis Page and Gregory Cokinos Adonia and Kevin Cokinos Rhonda and Michael Cokinos Ellen and Paige Cokinos Joann and William Crassas Zoetsa and John J. Dale Elise and Demetri Dale Kathy and Marko Dasigenis Cindy and Fote Demeris Chrissy and Stathy Demeris Patricia and Michael Dewey Elaine and William Dupre Renate Elgohary Georgette Faris Constance and John Fedigan Laura and Dimitri Fetokakis Julie and Jimmy Fikaris Deborah Hadjes Funti and Vasili Funti Erasmia and John Gardner Pamela and James Gaspar Robby Grivas Marlene and Michael Grivon Marie and Gregory Halvatzis Koula Hanges and Tina de Quevedo Elaine and Stephen Harris Salma and Andy Hartley Maria and Chris Pappas Denise and Charles Hazen Kathy and Dean Pappas Marti and Andrew Iatridis Chrysanthie and Dennis Pappas Angie and Chris Kaitson Vicky and Harris Pappas Dr. Maria Gasi and Dr. Ioannis Kakadiaris Konstantinos, Kristen, and Alexander Pappas Jason Kambourelis Mary Pappas Dana Kantalis Natasha Pappas Maria and Pakis Kantalis Tessie Pappas and Family Karen and John Kiappes Marcus Payavla Rena and Michael Koinis Jane and Harry Pefanis Pauline and Theodore Koinis Philoptochos Society Eleni and Nicolas Kyriazis Fran and Bob Pond George Lake Nicole and George Postolos Fr. Michael and Presv. Renee Lambakis Evelyn Fotiades Poulos Joan Lambron Mary Kay and Michael Poulos Nicholas Lambron Mary Poulos and Ann Poulos Thalia and John Leonard Rita and Pete Poulos Angie and Constantine Liollio Poutous Collision and Mechanical Antonia and Gilbert Love Nicole and Martin Rubio Michael Macris Carol and Andrew Savas Dr. Barbara and John Manousso Marie and Capt. Konstantinos Selinidis Anna and Mike Mateja Ekaterina and Konstantin Sermyagin The Mathews Family Ann Marie and Nicholas Servos Kris and Richard McGee and Family Georgia and Michael Shebay The Michaels and Onisiphorou Families Harry Simeonides Denny Michalopulos Helen Solomos George N. Mickelis and Family Georgia and Scott Souders Louise and Gary Moss Pat Stamos Gloria and Dennis Moustakis Elyse and Rocky Stevens Apostolos Moustakis Fr. Demetrios and Presv. Joana Tagaropulos Maria and Tim Newton Chris Tomasides Bonita and Constantine Pamphilis Kiki and Nicholas Tratras Kiki and Mike Pantazis Sophia and George Varcados Thomasine and Nicholas Pantazis Maria and Jack Varcados The Pantos Family Demetra and Dr. Carl Vartian Christine Papadakes Mary Verges C.N. and Maria Papadopoulos Charitable Foundation Paula and Frank Vlahakos Anastasia and Kosta Papasideris Paul Voinis Dr. Heleni Papastathopoulou and Nicol and Michael Voutsinas Dr. Vassilios Tzouanas Stacie and Marc Wade Katia and Anastasios Papavasiliou Margie Wedemeyer Christina and Petros Papazis Stacey and Larry Wooden Joni and John Zavitsanos Page 12 The Annunciator “Philoptochosing” Marie Halvatzis, Philoptochos President Where can you invent a new verb, have Miss America sing to you, celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Grand Ole Opry, learn about the realities of human trafficking, prepare several thousand meals for the hungry while getting to know hundreds of women from all over the United States? The answer is at the 2016 Biennial Philoptochos Convention where four hundred delegates celebrated 85 years of philanthropy, fellowship, and faith in action. As you can imagine, planning such an event is a big task requiring a great deal of time. So much time that the teenage son of one of the convention chairs invented a word, “philoptochosing” to describe what his mother spent her time doing! The convention was five days of sharing and learning how to be a more effective “friend of the poor” and the philanthropic arm of the Church. Over the past ten years, we have, through our national organization, distributed in excess of 48 million dollars to a number of worthwhile causes. While monetary support to charitable endeavors is important, hands on projects are the essence of Philoptochos. Chapters from all over the country shared their many, diverse projects that benefit a wide variety of causes. Early on Thursday morning of the convention, delegates packaged thousands of meals through “Feeding Children Everywhere” to be distributed in the Nashville area. Speakers from Thistle Farms and Magdalene Homes discussed the realities of human trafficking and how we can help its victims. On a lighter note, nine women, one from each Metropolis, were honored for their dedication to Philoptochos and the Church. Our parish’s Eleni Kyriazis was one of the women given this AGAPE Award for her years of hard work and for exhibiting the spirit of Philoptochos. Miss America 2016, Betty Cantrell, sang at the Awards breakfast and later spoke to the delegates about her experiences competing and winning the title of Miss America. Betty is of Greek ancestry and a member of the Greek Orthodox Church where she sings in her parish choir. Through the stewardship and hard work of our 26,000+ members, we were able to present checks to representatives of these organizations: St. Basil’s Academy, $100,000; Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, $75,000; and International Orthodox Christian Charities, West Bank Project, $35,000, and West Virginia Flood Relief Project, $25,000. Our chapter delegates, Stacey Wooden, Maria Kantalis, and Marie Halvatzis left with renewed enthusiasm and appreciation for the importance of the mission of Philoptochos. Our chapter board of directors is busy planning the upcoming year and hope each of you will support our work in any way you can. Membership is open to all women in the Church and men can be associate members. Details about the upcoming year will be found in the bulletin on Sundays and, if you are on our e-mail distribution list, in periodic e-mails. Want to be added to the list? Contact Marie Halvatzis at [email protected]. 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress / Philoptochos National Convention Eleni Kyriazis of AGAPE Nashville,recipient Tennessee - July 4-7, 2016 Award 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity / Philoptochos Eleni KyriazisCongress recipient of AGAPENational AwardConvention rd Nashville,The Tennessee -of July 4-7, 2016 EleniClergy-Laity Kyriazis recipient AGAPE Award 43 Biennial Congress / Philoptochos National Convention Annunciator Nashville,Congress Tennessee - July 4-7, 2016 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity / Philoptochos National Convention Nashville, Tennessee July 4-7, 2016 Eleni Kyriazis recipient of AGAPE Award 43rd Biennial Congress / Philoptochos National Convention EleniClergy-Laity Kyriazisrecipient recipient of AGAPE Award Kyriazis receives AGAPE Award Eleni Kyriazis ofEleni AGAPE Award rd Biennial Clergy-Laity presented by His Eminence Archbishop Nashville, Tennessee July 4-7, 2016 43 Congress / Philoptochos National Convention 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress / Philoptochos National Convention Demetrios of America and Maria Logos, Nashville, Tennessee - July 4-7, 2016 Eleni Kyriazis receives AGAPE Award Page 13 National President, Nashville, Tennessee - July 4-7,Philoptochos 2016 Eleni Kyriazis receives AGAPE at the Award presented byNational His Eminence Archbishop Philoptochos Convention in presented by His Eminence Archbishop Eleni Kyriazis receives AGAPE Award Nashville, TN. 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AGOC Sunday Church School Attendance Awards 2016 AGOC SundayChurch Church School School Attendance 2016 AGOC Sunday AttendanceAwards Awards 2016 AGOC Sunday Church School Attendance Awards 2016 AGOC Sunday Church School Attendance Awards 2016 AGOC Sunday Church School Attendance Awards 2016 Dimitri Teas (Grade 2) received Perfect Attendance Award: 32 Sundays 2015-2016. Amalia Charping (Grade 1) received Outstanding Attendance Award: (3 or less Dimitri Teas (Grade 2) received Perfect absences). Amalia and Dimitri with Fr. Attendance Award: 32 Dimitri (Grade 2) Sundays received 2015-2016. Perfect MichaelTeas and Irene Cassis. Amalia Charping (Grade 1) received Attendance Award: 32 Sundays 2015-2016. Dimitri Teas (Grade 2)Award: received Perfect Outstanding Attendance (3 or less Amalia Charping (Grade 1) received Attendance Award: 32 Sundays 2015-2016. absences). Dimitri TeasAmalia (Gradeand 2) Dimitri received Perfect Outstanding Attendance Award:with (3 orFr. less Amalia and Charping (Grade 1) received Michael Irene Cassis. Attendance Award: 32 2015-2016. absences). Amalia and Dimitri Fr. Dimitri Teas (Grade 2) Sundays receivedwith Perfect Outstanding Attendance (3 or less Amalia Charping (Grade 1)Award: received Michael andAward: Irene Cassis. Attendance 32 Sundays 2015-2016. absences). Amalia and Dimitri with Fr. Outstanding Attendance Award: (3 or Amalia Charping (Grade 1) received less absences). Amalia Dimitri Michael and Ireneand Cassis. Outstanding Attendance Award:with (3 orFr. less Michael andAmalia Irene Cassis. absences). and2) Dimitri withPerfect Fr. Dimitri Teas (Grade received Michael and Irene Cassis. Attendance Award: 32 Sundays 2015-2016. Amalia Charping (Grade 1) received Outstanding Attendance Award: (3 or less absences). Amalia and Dimitri with Fr. Michael and Irene Cassis. In spite of our sinfulness, in spite of the darkness surrounding our souls, the Grace of the Holy Spirit, conferred by baptism in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, still shines in our hearts with the inextinguishable light of Christ ... and when the sinner turns to the way of repentance the light smooths away every trace of the sins committed, clothing the former sinner in the garments of incorruption, spun of the Grace of the Holy Spirit. It is this acquisition of the Holy Spirit about which I have been speaking. St. Seraphim of Sarov Page 14 The Annunciator 43rd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress / Philoptochos National Convention - Nashville, TN - July 4-8, 2016 Fr. Michael Lambakis presents $50,000 check from Annunciation Cathedral Parish to Fr. Christopher Metropolus, President, Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, at the ClergyLaity Congress in Nashville, Tennessee. L-R Delegates and attendees Mike Koinis, Pauline Koinis, Ted Koinis, Fr. Lambakis, Fr. Metropulos, Cindy Demeris, Fote Demeris, Pakis Kantalis. AGOC delegates and attendees at the Philoptochos National Convention and Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville, TN. L-R Pauline Koinis, Stacey Wooden, Mike Koinis, Marian Catechis, Maria Kantalis, Fr. Michael Lambakis, His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, Eleni Kyriazis, Nick Kyriazis, Marie Halvatzis, Martha Stefanidakis, Abbess Paraskevi and Sisters of St. Paraskevi Monastery. The Annunciator Page 15 SENIOR CITIZENS Kiki Pantazis & Paula Phocas Hi, everyone. I hope you all are doing well. We all took a little rest after we finished a year full of fun and activities on June 7. Now until October 9 we all have another task. GET READY FOR OUR GOLDEN YEAR FESTIVAL. This is really very amazing especially for all of us who have been here since we started the first one!!! The cooking is very much under way and a lot has been done thanks to all of you and our young people who religiously come out to help. Some come after work and don’t go home to spend time with their family, some come on Saturday and don’t do their house work and everything else that needs to be done. That is true dedication and love for our church and our community. All of us should be proud. This is a very exciting time of the year and we all work very hard to have another successful Festival. On October 18 we will resume our Senior Citizens’ program and all the planning is done and the new schedule is ready and full. All the dates for next year are taken, thanks to all of our sponsors who always support our ministry. WE THANK YOU! Our schedule and hosts for the fall of 2016/2017: OCTOBER 18 - Peter & Nina Peropoulos NOVEMBER 1 - Pete & Alexandra Santikos NOVEMBER 15 - Thanksgiving Luncheon - Mr. George Kostas NOVEMBER 20 - Sr. Citizens’ Memorial - we host the fellowship coffee after 2nd Liturgy DECEMBER 6 - Niki Vaughn & Maria Papasozomenos DECEMBER 20 - Christmas Luncheon - Damon & Cindy Diamantaras We serve good tasty meals. We work with you to create a menu that you like. Our Lenten meals are great and very tasty too. We always look for sponsors and if anyone is interested please contact me, Kiki Pantazis, at 713-340-1113 or Paula Phocas at 713-661-5017. We can celebrate any occasion -- birthday, anniversary, or the memory of a loved one. I hope you can attend all these meetings and have fun with us. GUIDELINES: Everyone who is 55 years and older and is a member of the Annunciation Cathedral, please join us in the Seniors’ program and enjoy the fun and the fellowship our program provides. Out of town visitors are welcome any time at any age. You all stay well and if you can work come down to the church and help and enjoy a good lunch and great fellowship with us. Have a great rest of the summer and I will see you in October. Page 16 The Annunciator Welcome Committee Have you ever been “new” to the church? It’s such a great feeling to be warmly welcomed! The Welcome Committee of Annunciation Cathedral will help visitors learn about our church as we ask for their contact information. We will continue to give a small golden lapel pin Cross to the Newcomers of our church. If you notice someone wearing the Newcomers’ Cross, please greet them and help them in any way you can. During the past year, you may have noticed many of our Welcome Committee volunteers wearing their name badge every Sunday. Since we have such a large community, it is difficult to learn names and make friendships easily. The badges are helpful to our visitors and newcomers so they can more easily become acquainted with some members of the church. Welcome Committee volunteers are often asked to answer various questions: Where is the bookstore? What time is Sunday School? Can I get a priest to give me a call so I can learn about becoming an Orthodox Christian? Who can tell me more about Philoptochos? Can I take Greek classes? Lots of questions! And of course, there are questions regarding our Orthodox Christian faith. We have lots of brochures and pamphlets that are available at the Welcome table each week. These brochures are free, and if you see any you would like to read, just stop by and pick up the ones you want, whether you are a newcomer or you have been a member of Annunciation Cathedral forever! Join the Welcome Committee this year. We especially need volunteers to serve after the second Liturgy. Sign up to help greet Visitors and Newcomers at the Welcome Table. Volunteers are needed to help during the coffee hour for about 20 minutes each Sunday after first or second Liturgy. For questions or to volunteer, call Marti Iatridis at 469-878-4544 or Andy Iatridis 469-939-6132. Email: [email protected] Istoto Coming Santa IsSanta Coming Town! to Town! Santa Is Coming Town! "Breakfast with Santa" "Breakfast "Breakfast with Santa" with Santa" Saturday, December 3,3, 2016 (9:00 a.m. 12:00 pm)pm) Saturday, December 2016 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Saturday, December 3,– 2016 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm) Martel Hall Martel Hall Martel Hall Please join us for breakfast, crafts, and pictures with Santa. Please join usPlease for breakfast, and pictures withand Santa. join us crafts, for breakfast, crafts, pictures with Santa. All proceeds are donated to Charities that benefit Children. All proceedsAll are proceeds donated toare Charities thattobenefit Children. donated Charities that benefit Children. GOYA, we always appreciate and need your help! (Certificates of Community Service GOYA, we always appreciate andoffered) need your help! GOYA, we always appreciate and need your help! (Certificates offered) Sponsored by of theCommunity Daughters ofService Penelope (Certificates of Community Service offered) For questionsby please contact: Sponsored the Daughters of Penelope Kathryn Kinalidis - 832-758-1794 [email protected] Sponsored by the Daughters of Penelope For questions contact:[email protected] Linda Makris - please 713-478-4748 Gloria Moustakis [email protected] Kathryn Kinalidis -713-857-7623 832-758-1794 [email protected] For– questions please contact: Linda Makris Kathryn - 713-478-4748 [email protected] Kinalidis - 832-758-1794 [email protected] Gloria Moustakis – 713-857-7623 [email protected] Linda Makris - 713-478-4748 [email protected] The Annunciator Page 17 CATHEDRAL CALENDAR September 1 - November 30, 2016 SEPTEMBER_____________________________ Thursday, September 1 - Ecclesiastical New Year Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel th Sunday, September 4 - 11 Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:15 am / Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Monday, September 5 - Labor Day Cathedral Office Closed Tuesday, September 6 OCF Lunch at University of Houston, 12:00-2:00 pm Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 6:00 pm Thursday, September 8 - Nativity of the Theotokos Orthros / Divine Liturgy Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel Friday, September 9 FAITH Ministry 10:00 am, Cathedral Parents Night Out 7:00 pm, Bowlmor, 925 Bunker Hill Rd. Divine Liturgy Schedule Beginning September 11 Sundays Orthros 7:45 am / Divine Liturgies 9:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Church School following 1st Liturgy until 12 noon Weekdays Orthros 8:30 am / Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Sunday, September 11 - Sunday Before Holy Cross 2 LITURGY SCHEDULE BEGINS / 1st Day of Sunday Church School (SCS) Orthros 7:45 am / Divine Liturgies 9 & 11 am / SCS Youth Festival Dancers Practice, after SCS Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 1:00 pm Monday, September 12 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am Tuesday, September 13 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am OCF Lunch at Rice University 12:00-2:00 pm Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 6:00 pm Wednesday, September 14 - Elevation of the Holy Cross Orthros / Divine Liturgy strict fast Greek Festival Preparation, after Divine Liturgy Bible Studies Resume 1:00 & 6:30 pm, Room 219 Thursday, September 15 Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel Friday, September 16 Greek School 5:00 pm Saturday, September 17 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am GOYA Kickoff Party 4:00 pm, offsite Sunday, September 18 - Sunday After Holy Cross Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS Greek Festival Preparation after Divine Liturgies Youth Festival Dancers Practice, after SCS Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 1:00 pm Monday, September 19 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am Tuesday, September 20 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am OCF Lunch at St. Thomas University 12:00-2:00pm Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 6:00 pm Wednesday, September 21 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm, Room 219 Thursday, September 22 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel YAM Dinner, following Paraclesis, offsite Friday, September 23 Greek School 5:00 pm Saturday, September 24 Marriage Preparation Seminar 9:00 am, Martel Hall Sunday, September 25 - 1st Sunday of Luke Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS Youth Festival Dancers Practice, after SCS Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 1:00 pm Tuesday, September 27 OCF Lunch at Houston Baptist U. 12:00-2:00 pm Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 6:00 pm Philoptochos Kick-Off Meeting 7:00 pm, Small Martel Hall Page 18 The Annunciator Wednesday, September 28 Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm Wednesday, October 12 Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm, Room 219 Thursday, September 29 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel Thursday, October 13 Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel Friday, September 30 SOUVLAKI Preparation 4:00 pm Greek School 5:00 pm OCTOBER______________________________ Saturday, October 1 SOUVLAKI Preparation 9:00 am Youth Festival Dancers Practice 10:00 am Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 12:00 pm Sunday, October 2 - 2nd Sunday of Luke Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS SOUVLAKI Preparation, after Divine Liturgies Youth Greek Festival Dancers Practice, after SCS Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 1:00 pm Monday, October 3 Festival Pastry Packing 9:00 am Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 4 Festival Pastry Packing 9:00 am Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 6:00 pm Wednesday, October 5 Greek Festival Preparation 9:00 am Young Adult Festival Dancers Practice 6:00 pm Festival Prayer Service 6:00 pm, Cathedral Thursday, October 6 50th Original Greek Festival 5:00 pm Friday, October 7 50th Original Greek Festival 11:00 am Saturday, October 8 50th Original Greek Festival 11:00 Great Vespers 5:00 pm, Cathedral Sunday, October 9 - 3rd Sunday of Luke ONE DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 7:45 am / Divine Liturgy 9:00 am 50th Original Greek Festival 12:00 pm Friday, October 14 Greek School 5:00 pm Saturday, October 15 Great Vespers 6:00 pm, at St. George Orthodox Church, 5311 Mercer YAM Dinner following Vespers, offsite Sunday, October 16 Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS Tuesday, October 18 Sr. Citizens Meeting & Lunch 10:15 am, Martel Hall Wednesday, October 19 Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm, Room 219 Thursday, October 20 Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel Friday, October 21 Greek School 5:00 pm Saturday, October 22 Philoptochos General Meeting 10:30 am, Small Martel Hall Sunday, October 23 - 6th Sunday of Luke Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS Monday, October 24 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Tuesday, October 25 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Wednesday, October 26 - St. Demetrios Orthros / Divine Liturgy Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation, after Divine Liturgy Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm, Room 219 Thursday, October 27 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel YAM Museum Outing 6:30 PM, offsite, MFAH, 1001 Bissonnett St. (77005) The Annunciator Friday, October 28 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Greek School 5:00 pm Greek School OXI Day Program 6:30 pm, Martel Hall Sunday, November 13 - 8th Sunday of Luke ONE DIVINE LITURGY Orthros 7:45 am / Divine Liturgy 9:00 am / SCS Fall Parish Assembly 11:00 am, Martel Hall Sunday, October 30 - 5th Sunday of Luke Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS Tuesday, November 15 Sr. Citizens Meeting & Lunch 10:15 am, Martel Hall Monday, October 31 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Wednesday, November 16 Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm, Room 219 NOVEMBER_____________________________ Thursday, November 17 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel Tuesday, November 1 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Sr. Citizens Meeting & Lunch 10:15 am, Martel Hall Wednesday, November 2 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm, Room 219 Thursday, November 3 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel Friday, November 4 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Greek School 5:00 pm Sunday, November 6 - 7th Sunday of Luke Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS Tuesday, November 8 - Archangels Michael and Gabriel Orthros / Divine Liturgy Wednesday, November 9 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm Thursday, November 10 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Paraclesis 6:30 pm, St. George Chapel Friday, November 11 Veteran’s Day – Cathedral Office Closed Greek School 5:00 pm Saturday, November 12 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Page 19 Friday, November 18 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Greek School 5:00 pm YAM Austin Trip & Tour of Holy Archangels Monastery Saturday, November 19 YAM Austin Trip & Tour of Holy Archangels Monastery Sunday, November 20 - 9th Sunday of Luke Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS Monday, September 21 Entrance of the Theotokos Into the Temple Orthros / Divine Liturgy Thursday, November 24 Thanksgiving Day – Cathedral Office closed Friday, November 25 - St. Catherine Orthros / Divine Liturgy Thanksgiving Day Holiday – Cathedral Office closed Sunday, November 27 - 13th Sunday of Luke Orthros / Divine Liturgies / SCS Tuesday, November 29 Philoptochos Bake Sale Preparation 9:00 am Wednesday, November 30 - St. Andrew Orthros / Divine Liturgy Philoptohos Bake Sale Preparation, after Divine Liturgy Bible Studies 1:00 & 6:30 pm Page 20 The Annunciator REGISTRY April 1 - August 22, 2016 WEDDINGS Evangelia Anagnostopoulos and Lewis Miguel Grell Sponsor: Gregory Anagnostopoulos Claire Brighton Baxter and Andrew John Mazarakis Sponsor: Akrivi Mazarakis Arianna Evangelia Gazis and Dimitri Paul Tagaropulos Sponsor: Konstandinos Antoniadis Katiana Kalas Hewitt and Alex Mark Jennings Sponsor: Alston Hewitt Christina Blayke Isaacks and John Paul Vroulis Sponsor: George A. Bournias Camila Silva Rocha Lima and Christopher Issac Molho Sponsor: Nicholas Murchison Jordan Elizabeth Taylor and Errikos Michael Anagnostopoulos Sponsors: Renee and Nikolaos Anagnostopoulos Athina Evyenia Parents: Peggy and Victor Aviles Godparent: Evyenia Dickinson Zoe Kyriaki Parents: Karina and Dimetrios Spiliotis Godparent: Leah Kalas Stefan Elias (Stefanos) Parents: Argie and Byron Brame Godparent: Eleni Ganoti Kalliopi Sofia Parents: Maria and Kenneth Turner Godparent: Nichole Maria Melissas Theodore Hawkins Parents: Constantina and Benjamis Carroll Godparent: Andrew G. Melissas Christina Isaacks Godparents: Paul Loupakos and Vicky M. Pappas Jett Jordan Parents: Amber and Tareq Fasheh Godparents: Emily and George Grivon Nicholas Kambourelis Godparent: John Cassis Margaret Anastasia Parents: Despina and Juan Mann Godparent: Catherine Corovessis George Constantinos Parents: Panagiota and Costas Minetos Godparent: Nick Siha Mialana (Maria) Parents: Jacqueline and Juan Munoz Godparent: Michael Harry Mastromichalis CHRISMATIONS Alex (Alexandros) Mark Jennings Sponsor: Tassie Kalas Haney Judy (Anna) Johnson Sponsor: Helena Papadopoulos Johnson Lewis (Elias) Sterling Sponsor: Robert J. Wise Gabriel A. Vasquez Sponsor: Irene Cassis James Nicholas Parents: Holly and Paul Paraskevopoulos FUNERALS Godparent: George Nicolas Paraskevopoulos Alexandra Katherine Kaldis Venzke and Dr. Jack Alford (February 6, 2016) James Walter Brummett Athena Maria Katerina Germanides Sponsor: William Venzke Parents: Bethany and Michael Poutous Fofo Lewis Godparent: Alexis Poutous Cotton Theodoros Dimitrios Manolopoulos Hannah Marie (Bynum) Hauser Maria Kalogeras Montoya and Christian Matthew Hauser Despina Markella Dr. Nicholas Papadakes Sponsor: Cesar Canales Parents: Bethany and Michael Poutous Fran Pappas Godparent: Maria Poutous Kristalin (Cortez) Pardalis and John G. Pappas George Pardalis Woodrow Charles (Constantine) Gus M. Poutous Sponsor: Stavros Katsoulis Parents: Mary and Nicholas Senkel Kiki Santikos Godparent: Natalie Senkel Kirklin Larry Senkel BAPTISMS Kathy Stratas Irene Evelyn Tony Varvares Parents: Evelyn Harris Pappas and Achilleus Constancio Nickolas George Spiliotis Parents: Peggy and Victor Aviles Godparents: Kathy and Marko Dasigenis Godparent: Evyenia Dickinson ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 3511 YOAKUM BOULEVARD HOUSTON, TEXAS 77006‑4388
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