In the Fullness of Time
“When the appointed time had arrived, then God sent his son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those, who lived under the law, and enabled us to receive adoption as his sons.” (Gal 4:4-5).
“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord sudden-ly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there ap-peared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:8-14
“After hearing the king, (the Magi from the East) went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they re-joiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11
Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
PHASE 2 HAS STARTED / LET US ALL PRAY
Father, we pray that Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven and for the successful renovation of our Annunciation Church project. We believe that You have made our planning agreeable to Your will, so that the plans for this project may suc-ceed. Gracious Lord, we pray for the laborers and arti-sans for this project, that they serve us faithful and their labor gives you Glory! We pray that they will be filled with the Spirit of wisdom, understanding and knowledge in all manner of workmanship. May all who are in-volved in this project focus their attention and efforts so that they can successfully complete their assignments and bring honor to Your Name.
Oh Lord almighty, we are confident that the church will be beautifully restored, for we know that You have planted this good work in our hearts. Ever loving Lord, we commit to praying without ceasing for this project. Please Lord provide all the wisdom, financ-es, and resources that we will need for it’s completion. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house, by your divine power, reward them with glory and do forsake us who put our hope in you. And so we give you thanks and worship, to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity, one in essence and undivided. Amen!
FROM THE PARISH REVITALIZATION INCIATIVE
WHY I COME TO CHURCH……. By– Kevin Phelan
As the body needs food for nourishment, so also does the soul need nourishing. Through contemplation & prayer and participation in the sacraments the soul is sustained. By attending Divine Liturgy, I am provided with time to set aside worldly cares and focus on my spiritual renewal. By attending church I express my gratitude for Christ’s saving grace through the Eucharist.
By attending I become a member of a community of like minded believers and share in their strength, hope and joy, knowing that Christ is in our midst in fulfill-ment of his promise that: “where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them “ (Matt. 18:20)
We welcome the submittal of other parishioners to write as well “why they come to church”
2017 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 383 parishioners with a pledge of $201,352.00
The Actual Amount Received as of November 30, 2017 $190,488.35
Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2017:
M/M Vassilios Chrysanthopoulos, M/M Robert Devlin, M/M George Fidas, M/M Dimitrios Markos, Anthony Pappas, M/M Athanasios Petropoulos, M/M Nikolaos Petropoulos, M/M Steven Richard, M/M Dimitrios Sterpis, Evanthia Theodoridis, Heidi Titelis, Kay Tomson, M/M Christopher Tribelli & Alexa
REMEMBER THE WISE WORDS OF SCRIPTURE
“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (I Peter 4:10)
9th Annual Annunciation Golf Tournament Thank You!
Thank God the weather was excellent! The conditions couldn’t have been any better for a round of golf in August at Metacomet CC. It was a good way to end the month before focusing on the festival, and to take an opportunity to honor the memory of Presvytera Maria George.
Congratulations to this year’s winning foursome of Dr. John Zervos, Greg Zervos, Ron Amirault, and Pete Lewis, They shot an eleven under par 59. For more information be sure to visit the tournament website, www.annunciationgolf.org, or on Facebook www.facebook.com/annunciationgolf.
The golf committee would like to thank all of the sponsors and participants that made this year’s Annunciation Golf Tournament a success! Sponsors of this year’s tournament were: Costa Perdikakis, Dean Perdikakis, Peter Vican, George Coclin, Dennis Sampalis, Jeffrey Cas-cione/Navigant Credit Union, Law Offices of Michael Campopiano, Mardo Lachapelle & Pa-lumbo, Nicole Ruggieri Lehourites & Family, Maria Leroux & Family, Greg Zervos, and Walpole Cooperative Bank.
Also, a very special thank you to the volunteers who spent their Sunday afternoon helping to make things run smoothly: Theofanis Markos, Kevin Phelan, Voula Devlin, Rebecca Cardillo, Christian Mitrelis, and Anthony George.
Through the generous support or our sponsors and participants, the golf committee was able to make a donation to the Interfaith Food Ministry, in an effort to help the homeless and hungry. Additionally, the committee decided to sponsor the purchase of a projector and screen for the parish which has now been installed in Demetrakas Hall. To date, the Annunciation Golf Tour-nament has raised $149,000 since it began in 2009 through the kind support of its participants and sponsors.
The Golf Tournament Committee looks forward to seeing everyone next year for the 10th anniversary of the tournament! God Bless.
Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending 11/30/17
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $884,975.98
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $2,000.40
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Lawrence Levine, M/M Lawrence Macedo, M/M John Menard & Family, M/M Ernest Pappas, Dennis A. Psilopoulos, in memory of George Grammas
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Michael Haralambides in memory of Elpida “Hope” Carabitses
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: M/M Thomas Coyne, Jean Mihelakos, Carole Xanthakis, Drs. John & Eleni Zervos in memory of Nick Stappas
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: Drs. John & Eleni Zervos in memory of Kay Tomson “Tomadjoglou”
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: Anna Demetrakas, M/M Peter Microulis, M/M Michael Papigiotis, Carole Xanthakis in memory of Carroll Promades
A donation has been made to the Endowment Fund by: Anna Demetrakas in memory of Effie Christelis
Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund
As we bid farewell to the Year 2017, we do so again with pride as the Endowment Fund con-tinues to grow as evidenced by the 2017 Morgan Stanley Financial Report below:
December 31, 2016 to November 13, 2017
Opening Balance $783,915.64
Donations 25,825.00
Interest Earned 64,739.88
Ending Balance $874,480.52
It bears repeating that we, as a parish, in recognizing our sacred obligation to perpetuate the faith, culture and traditions of our forefathers, also recognize the significance of the Endow-ment Fund as a means of achieving the financial stability for our church and the fulfillment of these obligations.
With gratitude, the Endowment Fund Committee thanks you for your support and extends to you and your families a blessed and joyous Christmas season.
Mary Samaras, Secretary
Endowment Fund Committee
The Financial Corner
On Sunday November 26, 2017 our church held its Parish Assembly meeting. I had the pleasure to present the financial report along with the proposed budget for the year 2018.
The actual report which was passed out to everyone had a column outlin-ing the projected revenues and expenses for the year 2017. These num-bers were a projection because we only had the actual numbers for Janu-ary through October 2017. November and December figures were not yet available.
Unfortunately, there was a mathematical formula error in the report which caused several of the revenue projections to add up incorrectly. The scope of the error was minimal and resulted in overstating the total reve-nues by $2,127.22. This had absolutely no impact on the final 2018 budget proposal.
With that said I have full confidence that the proposed 2018 budget which was approved by the Parish Assembly, is a very accurate projection of what to expect for the year 2018.
Total projected revenues expected to be: $823,230.00
Total projected expenses expected to be: $742,545.00
In conclusion it is important to note that the proposed 2018 budget now includes anticipated income and expenses from the three-day festival. If anyone has any questions, please submit those questions to the church office to my attention.
Thank you, Submitted by James Silva
For those who missed the assembly, copies of the 2018 budget are available through the office or in the lobby of Demetrakas Hall.
Recent Deaths
Kay “Koula” Tomson “Tomadjoglou”, age 89, of Narragansett, RI, passed away on 11/7/17, the funeral was held on 11/10/17. Carroll Promades, age 86, of Bristol, RI, passed away on 11/12/17, the funeral was held on 11/17/17.
Thank You to all the Thanksgiving Donors
Josephine Aliferakis, Dr. & Mrs. James Andriotis, M/M Dionysi-us Argeris, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Nicholas Bouris, M/M Mi-chael Campopiano, M/M Gerald Carignan, Sue Cimino, M/M Thomas Coyne, M/M Constantinos Dafoulas, M/M Gaby Dai-aa, Louis Dostou, M/M Steven Filippou, Drs. John & Melissa Gaitanis, Constance Georgeadys, Argiri Ghionis, M/M Con-stantine Grammas, M/M Michael Haralambides, Margaret Jani-kies, Julie Karahalios, James Kripotos, Niki Kyrou, Angelo Laz-arides, M/M William Lehourites, Dr. & Mrs. James Manis, Peter Manis, Elizabeth Marses, Marianthi Mastriano, M/M Vasilios Melanis, M/M Emanuel Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, Theodore Nicolopoulos, M/M Christo Pakuris, Mary Pereira, M/M Kevin Phelan, M/M James Rengigas, M/M Peter Simone, M/M Raymond Sinapi Jr., Elle Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, Virginia Strekouras, Dean Trigg, M/M Dimitrios Tsimikas, M/M Soterios Tsimikas, M/M Aristotelis Tsonis, Antonia Vanikiotis, David Wernette & Dr. Golfo Tzilos Wernette, Carole Xanthakis, Peter Yidiaris, M/M Socrates Zafiriades, Jr., M/M Frank Zavota.
Total Donation $1900.00
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS CRANSTON
The Philoptochos Prayer Shawl Ministry Project has been our project for many years and we have made over 500 prayer shawls, preemie blankets and hats, baby blankets for 40-day Blessing for babies in our parish, prayer shawls for chemo patients, nursing homes, and individual people. We invite all with knitting or crocheting skills to help with this ministry. Please contact Bessie Papigiotis at bpapigiotis@gmail.com for the upcoming schedule.
Thank you to members Katie Silva and Roula Mantsos for their contributions to the Sis-terhood of St. Basil! We remind our current and future members to contact Carol Rothemich (787-5496) for any questions regarding Sisterhood and Mary Samaras (781-5528) for Membership information and status. Don’t forget to pay your dues!
Speaking of “Thank You”s, our Chapter is grateful for the support of the Parish and community for, once again, making our annual Christmas bazaar a success! Kudos to our hard-working members without whom this event would not happen!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Next Philoptochos Meeting is—Monday, January 15, 2018 COME & SEE…. WE HAVE FOUND THE MESSIAH
A Pastoral Expression, by Fr Andrew George
During these days of preparation for the Birth of Christ in the Flesh, we read in one of the daily Gospel lessons (Nov 30), this beautiful commission “come and see…..we have found the Mes-siah,” (John 1: 39 /41). It is part of the assigned reading (John 1:35-52). In this account we read how Christ began to call his first disciples and how they in turn went and told someone else.
All of the bible passages are applicable to us in our day and age as well. Each of us who love Christ and are active in our parish, should tell others as well, to COME & SEE. Christmas is an ideal time to do this for it is the day that He came to earth, the beginning we can say of His ministry of love and sacrifice. It is a celebration filled with warmth, love and beauty. If we ap-preciate Christ and benefit from our relationship and honoring of Him, then we should go and tell others as well.
The first level of telling others, I would suggest is to our own family members who may not be as connected as we might be to Christ and the parish.
The second level is to reach out to general parishioners who have stopped coming.
The third level of telling others, I would suggest is to our friends, neighbors and co-workers who may not have any connection to any church community on a regular basis.
In fact I would say it is our duty to do this, as “modern day missionaries” in our own setting. I say this, for therein we emulate the message of this Bible passage, assigned for the Observance of St Andrew, the 1st called of the 12 Apostles. We need to remember that the disciples of Christ, became missionaries, “those sent out” to bring others into the fold, through teaching and then through baptism.
What more beautiful time of the year than Christmas to bring someone extra to church to witness our Ortho-dox Tradition? Most residents of RI are already Chris-tian, but 24% of them are unattached to any particular church tradition, be they our family or others. Invite them to come with you these current days or in the weeks ahead during 2018, to “come and see.”
As a parish, some are slow in welcoming visitors, but other are not shy and they are embracing. Our parish is not perfect, but we do a lot and we try hard. We have many wonderful expres-sions of love, compassion and philanthropy. We recognize Christ as the long awaited Messiah, prophesized for centuries who finally came and changed the mind set of millions over these current centuries. We are beneficiaries of His love and ultimate salvation, we pray. Let us share this with others who may not currently understand. Keep in mind that the first apostles were not trained theologians, neither are most of us. The first step is to “see” and the teaching follows afterwards.
Bring others with you soon, that they may come and see and find the Messiah.
Attention College Students and Young Adults: We continue in our parish to have a Young Adult League (YAL) and all those aged 18 thru 35 are INVITED to attend. For this new church year, serving as President is- James Harritos, V-President is Atha-nasios Petropoulos, Treasurer is CJ Mitrelis, Secretary is Anthony Pappas and advisor, is the most recent president, Alexis Harritos. Most recently Yal held a Bake Sale on Dec 3rd in observance of their annual St Nicholas Sunday Observance, with proceeds to benefit the St Nicholas National Shrine Construction at the World Trade Center.
EVENTS AHEAD:
a. Planning is in motion to have a New Year’s Eve gathering. Watch for details
b. A “winter retreat weekend” has already been set for Martin Luther King Weekend (skiing, tubbing or just relaxing), to be held at the Metropolis Camp & Retreat Center in NH (using the retreat house-hotel style rooms). Arrival will be Fri night Jan 12 and departure, Sun afternoon Jan 14. Save the date now – watch for the pricing soon.
c. The annual blood drive sponsored by Yal will be held this year in April.
Beloved, always look for young faces in the congregation and welcome them warmly, ask where they are from, get their email and cell phone and what college they are at-tending and pass the information over to Fr. Andrew or Fr. Manny. Invite them down to coffee hour and/or to your own home for a home cooked meal.
PANHELLENIC SCHOLARSHIP 2017/18
FOR GREEK-AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS:
The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation is offering $250,000 in scholarship awards to exceptional Greek-American college students. The application for scholarships is now available and can be completed online on their website www.panhellenicsf.org and is now electronic!!! Application deadline is Tuesday, January 31, 2018. To be eligi-ble to apply for a scholarship, applicants must be US Citizens or US permanent resi-dents; must be of Hellenic descent; must be a full-time undergraduate student at an ac-credited 4-year university in Fall 2017; and must have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA. All eligible undergraduates are encouraged to apply. For more information, you can call their office at 312-357-6432 or email Peter Korbakes, Director of Scholarships at pkorbakes@panhellenicsf.org.
Greek Festival 2018
ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS – Mark your new 2018 calendars for: Tues-Thurs Sept = 4-6 (prep and set up evenings) / Fri—Sun Sept = 7-9 (actual Greek Festival weekend). The gyro booth especially needs new and young helpers!
We were so happy to spend and evening together with the youth who attended our latest Goya Dance. We thank all the who came and look forward to seeing you at our next event.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday December 28th 2017 Family Game Night / 6-10PM Back by popular demand we will be holding the 2nd Family Game Night on
Thursday December 28. Join us for a night of family vs family games and trivia.
Sunday January 7th 2018
Goya Meeting
We will be holding the first Goya Meeting of the 2018 year. This meeting is open to any Goya age youth (6th—12th graders) or parent. We will be discussing the upcoming year of events.
Saturday January 20th, 2018 – Ski Trip to Wachusett Mountain, $71.00 for a lift ticket (plus rentals if necessary) 7:00 am—4:00 pm TO RSVP TO ANY OF THE MENTIONED EVENTS PLEASE CONTACT CJ MITRELIS AT 401-632-8752 OR CMITR1@uNH.NEWHAVEN.EDU
BASKETBALL SEASON HAS STARTED
Basketball has started every Friday Night from 7:00 pm—9:30 pm. Located at the Hope Highlands Middle School, 300 Hope Road, Cranston, RI. Ages 5—18, Open to Male & Female If any questions please contact Stephen Sterpis @ 401-226-3116 or email ssterpis621@gmail.com
COME JOIN THE GROUP AND THE FUN!
Message Concerning Our Youth By the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops 10/5/17
Among the many themes addressed during our Assembly, one of the central this year was that of youth ministry: the place of children and young adults in the Church. We affirmed the need to enhance our ministry to those for whom the Church is their hope, their glory, and their salvation. We listened to presentations by Dr. Richard Flory, Senior Director of Research and Evaluation at the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California, and by Dr. Ann Bezze-rides, Director of the Office of Vocation and Ministry at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. They highlighted the importance of ministry di-rected to all ages and stages of youth and identified various challenges and opportu-nities to the care of youth and emerging leaders. We remain mindful of the beauty and sanctity of childhood, which our Lord Himself experienced, sanctifying its vulner-ability and integrity, its dependency and its development into Godliness.
Jesus Christ welcomed and blessed the young children, and we are thus reminded that “for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 14.14). We remain stead-fast in our commitment to guard “their lives according to God’s word” (Psalm 110.9), so that they may “set an example for all believers in speech and conduct, in love, faith and purity” (1 Timothy 4.12).
Saint John Chrysostom’s love and compassion for children moves us to urge the clergy, the faithful, and all people of good will, to
“let everything take second place to our care of our children…” (Homily 21, Homilies on Ephesians).
In this spirit, and in common cause for the benefit of all our children, we voice our fervent prayers and unyielding support for the children and youth of our Church and assure all our faithful of the tireless commitment of the Hierarchy to the welfare of its youngest and most vulnerable flock.
We encourage all our youth, in unity of mind and heart, to grow in wisdom and the understanding of the treasures of the Church, which are the firm foundation of their future and the ground that may support their labors in and for the world.
In a connected way, we denounce all social, political and cultural travesties which threaten the physical safety and moral security of God’s children. The plight of hun-dreds of thousands of unaccompanied migrant and refugee children, as well as the millions of women, men, and children exploited in modern slavery across the globe touches our hearts. We beseech the faithful to see in them Christ Himself, Who also fled to foreign lands in infancy, and to assist them whenever possible. Similarly, we unequivocally denounce the continuation of violence and bloodshed throughout the world, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, where ongoing brutality—too often in the name of religion—threatens children and adults alike. We pray for the protection of Christians and all other vulnerable communities throughout the world; for the cessation of terrorism and persecution wherever they occur; and for lasting peace and justice to reign throughout God’s world.
Reprint From 8/16/17— National Philoptochos News “Warm Hearts Reach Across Philoptochos To Provide Aid”
One of the great strengths of a national organization is its unique ability to provide assistance locally, regionally and nationally. A recent case in Cranston, Rhode Island is the perfect example of this collaboration.
A woman whom we will call Anna traveled from Greece to America to receive medical treatment for a complicated condition. After surgery, she suffered a severe setback, ne-cessitating an extended stay in the US. Fulfilling their mission to help those in need, Philoptochos stewards from the local Philoptochos chapter, the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos and the National Philoptochos—three tiers of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society– came together in support of Anna.
According to local Philoptochos Social Services Chair Bessie Papigiotis, “Our chapter is the Good Samaritan. We try to live up to our name, so we sprang into action.” Led by President Georgia Pappas, the ladies investigated ways to help Anna. When Anna was being treated in the hospital, they provided rides to and from the hospital for her parents, as well as translators so that they could be kept up to date with her progress in their na-tive Greek language.
After this, they contacted the Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos and the National Philoptochos office in New York and furnished the requisite information for assis-tance. Because of the economic situation in Greece, the family had limited funds. The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos provided gift cards for groceries, and National Philoptochos paid to rent a local apartment for the family. Once Anna was released from the hospital, the Cranston Philoptochos rented a hospital bed for her use during her ex-tended recuperation.
“It’s an amazing feeling when the ‘family’ of Philoptochos comes together with compas-sion and determination, and all the pieces fall into place,” said Georgia Lagadinos, the social services representative of the Metropolis. Papigiotis added, “This is what Philoptochos does. We do it quietly, confidentially, discreetly, without fanfare, daily, 365 days of the year.”
Father Andrew George of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Parish of Greater Provi-dence in Cranston was a constant source of strength. He visited the family in the hospi-tal, providing Holy Unction (Efhelio) and Holy Communion on various occasions. At Easter, it was difficult for Anna and her parents to be away from loved ones at home, so parishioners brought an entire Easter feast including tsourekia, red eggs, souvlakia, katsiki tis souvlas and koulourakia.
The journey continues for Anna. Her condition is such that she will always require medical intervention. In a few months, she will return to teaching in Greece, utilizing her doctoral degree in nursing. She is grate-ful for the assistance and kindness she has received and plans to stay in touch with her friends in Philoptochos.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
The National Philoptochos Society mission is to charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach, to preserve the sanctity of life and family, and to perpetuate and promote the Orthodox faith and traditions. The organization is led by His Eminence Archbishop De-metrios, Chairman; His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, Spiritual Advisor; Maria Lo-gus, President; Jeannie Ranglas, First Vice President; Evangeline Mekras Scurtis, Second Vice President; Joanne Stavrakas, Third Vice President; Barbara Pasalis, Secretary; Mar-tha Stefanidakis, Treasurer; and Georgia Vlitas, Assistant Treasurer. The organization’s Director is Helen Lavorata.
•The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that has offered 85 years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the Unit-ed States and throughout the world. The Society was established in November 1931, by the late Ecumenical Patriarch.
•Philoptochos fulfills its mission to “help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabil-ities and the victims of disasters through its National and Metropolis Boards and its 26,000 members and more than 400 active chapters, nationwide.
•His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America called Philoptochos, “an army of nobility and the jewel of our Church.”
To learn more about the National Philoptochos Society, visit www.philoptochos.org. For more information regarding this material and the National Philoptochos Society, please contact Rania Richardson Communications Manager at rrichardson@philoptochos.org.
SPECIAL EVENTS IN 2018
FAMILY DAY WITH DR MAMALAKIS
Sunday, January 28, after Liturgy
Renown author and speaker will make his follow up visit with us from the special program back 2 years ago, to speak with our families.
Apokriatiko 2018
Saturday, February 10, 6pm—midnight
Family fun, kids games & dinner buffet begins at 6pm
Greek entertainment, appetizers & desserts begin at 9pm
DJ Nikos Rakis
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2
As you may know we have started the improvement projects inside the church proper. The old carpet is being removed and the pews are being refinished. Liturgy is currently being held inside the Demetrakas Hall. We have received a total of 103 donor pledges totaling $210,227.00. The total amount of donations paid and deposited at this time is $147,867.00.
The following people have submitted their 2 year pledge: Thank You All.
Ahepa, Josephine Aliferakis, Elaine Allendorf, M/M Andreas Andreopoulos, Dr. & Mrs. James Andriotis, Ilias & Katherine Antonakos, Nicholas Apostolou, M/M Dionysious Argeris, Nicole Arsenis, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Catherine Baldoumis, Dr. Peter & Mrs. Baziotis, Michael & Kassiane Campopiano, M/M Gerald Carignan, Dr. & Mrs. Christopher Chihlas, Haralambos Dafoulas, Vivian Dafoulas, Gabby Daiaa & Family, Mr. Louis Dostou, Steven Drager, Drs. Sadie & Nicholas Elisseou, Mr. Stephen Erinakes, Stephen & Joanne Filippou, John & Constantina Fotopoulos, Reverend Andrew George, M/M Peter &Argiri Ghionis, Michael Giouras, Anna Gountra, Costa & Kathy Grammas, Dr. John-Anna-Helene Grossomanides, M/M Anesti Halkidis, M/M Elias Haralambides, James & Nancy Harritos, M/M Michael Haveles, M/M Paul Hosey, Joseph & Joann Howard, Ernest & Aldina Kanelakos, Julie Karahalios, Drs. James & Nikki Karon, Arthur & Dorothea Kazianis, Peter Kolentsas, Vassilios & Cara Kotsiris, Dr. Mary Lekas, Brian & Maria Leroux, M/M James Maintanis, M/M James Manis, Costa & Tina Marses, Elizabeth A, Marses, George & Garifalia Melanis, Andrew & Lise Mihailides, George & Diane Mihailides Jr., M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, Jean Mihelakos, John & Maha Mitrelis & Children, M/M Andrew Mitrelis, M/M George Moragemos, Demetra & Theodoros Moran, Richard & Elaine Otto, Christo & Sophie Pakuris, Ernest-Helen-Georgia Pappas, Chris & Joan Pappas, Gus & Joanne Pappas, M/M Arthur Pappas, Dr. & Mrs. James Pascalides, M/M Jimmy Petrou, Kevin & Marianne Phelan, Philoptochos, Dorothy Pliakas, Carroll & Angela Promades, M/M Gus Proyous, Michael & Elaine Psikakos, Mrs. Mary Quinn, Constantine-Koula-Andrew Rougas, Dr. & Mrs. Savvas Rougas, William & Angela Rougas, The Samaras Family, M/M Demetrious Sampalis, Angela & Phillip San Souci, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Sardella, James & Kate Silva, Dimitrios-Nancy-Steven-Nicholas Sterpis, Elle Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, Vasilios Strekouras, Nicholas & Anastasia Tanionos, Robert Tessier, Stavros & Maria Theodosiou, Paul Thompson & Margaret Tryforos, Kay Tomson, M/M Christopher Tribelli, Dr. William Tsiaras, Golfo Tzilos, M/M George Vanikiotis, M/M John Vanikiotis, Frank-Angela-Christos Vasiliadis, Peter & Stella Vassilopoulos, Carole Xanthakis, Christos Xenophontos & Family, Jason & Rebecca Xynellis, Marie & Ken White, Maria Zaharakos, Drs. John & Eleni Zervos.
Submitted by James Silva
December 2017 – January 2018
Divine Services (year round) Orthros (morning prayer) 8:15 am / Liturgy 9:30 am
Sun Dec 10—Sun 10th of Luke / Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes & Eugraphos
– Children’s Pageant Practice (after classes)
– Philoptochos Christmas Outing—1PM
Mon Dec 11– Eve of St Spyridon (Vespers—6PM) in Newport
Wed Dec 13- Shut-in Visitations / 2nd Portion of Advent (Christmas Lent) Begins
Fri Dec 15 – Shut-in Visitations
Sun Dec 17—Sun 11th of Luke / Prophet Daniel & Dionysios of Aegina
– Artoclasia in Honor of St Dionysios by the Dennis Sampalis Family
– MEMORIALS: Carroll Promades-40days, Angela Promades-1yr, Helen Kanelos–10yrs
– Children’s Christmas Pageant following Liturgy
Tue Dec 19– Parish Council Meeting—7:30PM
——————-CHRISTMAS—THEOPHANY CYCLE———————
Fri Dec 22— ROYAL HOURS OF THE NATIVITY—9:30am (No Communion)
Sun (AM) Dec 24—CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING – Orthros and Liturgy as usual on Sundays MEMORIAL: Kay (Koula) Tomson– 40days
Sun (PM) Dec 24 – 6PM followed by caroling
Mon Dec 25— Nativity of Christ / CHRISTMAS DAY- Orthros & Liturgy at usual hours
Wed Dec 27- St Stephen the 1st Martyr—Orthros & Liturgy at usual morning hours
Thur Dec 28- FAMILY GAME NIGHT—6PM
Sun Dec 31— Sunday Before Theophany— Orthros & Liturgy as usual on Sundays
Mon Jan 1, 2018—The 8-Day Naming of Christ, St Basil & New Year’s Day
Services per usual morning hours with Blessing of a Vasilopita
Thu Jan 4– Sr Citizens—12 Noon
Fri Jan 5- Eve of Theophany / Vesper/Liturgy and 1st water Blessing—9:30am
Sat Jan 6– BAPTISM OF CHRIST – Theophany/Epiphany—usual morning hours-
– Orthros / Liturgy and Water Blessing
Sun Jan 7—Sunday After Theophany / St John the Baptist
Wed Jan 10— Phase 2 Committee Meeting– 7:30PM
Fri Jan 12 – Yal Winter Retreat—Metropolis Retreat Center (NH) – thru Sun afternoon
Sun Jan 14 – Apodosis of Theophany / Fathers Slain in Sinai & Ratho
– Phase 2 General Information Session / Church School Teachers Meeting
Mon Jan 15 – Philoptochos Board-6:15PM / General Membership– 7PM
Tue Jan 16 – Parish Council– 7:30PM
Wed Jan 17 – St Anthony the Great / Services at usual morning hours
Sun Jan 21 – Zacchaeus Sunday—St Maximos the Confessor
A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS IN GREECE
The Greek Christmas has almost no difference from celebrations in the rest of the Christian world. Most importantly, like everywhere else, Christmas is the best holiday for the children. It means 2 weeks away from school, pastry sweets, Christmas tree and plenty of Carols (Kalanta or Kalanda) .Of course something missed most in southern Greece is the white Christmas but the northern regions have no problem with that as many northern areas of Greece have snowy winters every year. For the Greek mother or wife, Christmas is a very busy time in the kitchen. Almost one week before Christ-mas, in every Greek house, you can smell the cloves, cinnamon and baked almonds from the Kourambiedes and Melomakarona- the famous Greek Christmas cookies . Big trays with Kourambies, Melomakarona, Nuts, Oranges and Mandarins are part of the Christmas decoration of a Greek living room.
The decorated Christmas tree, artificial or natural, is in many houses many weeks before Xmas with Christmas lights, stars ,angels, and any kind of shining Christmas ornaments. Also, most Greek houses will decorate the exterior of their house with Christmas lights. Carol singing Santa’s and the latest Xmas deco-rations. In Athens almost every balcony of the concrete jungle of Athens is decorated with small illuminated Christmas trees and singing Santa Clauses which give a unique, if somewhat kitsch, atmosphere that Athens can have only during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. All this can be more magical if Athens is covered with snow (something very rare and very short).
Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration. From the crack of dawn, children all over Greece get ready for their Carols, equipped with their triangles they go all over the neighbor-hoods singing the Kalanda, the Greek Christmas Carol,
“Kalin Imera Arhontes an in o Orismos sas Hristou ti Theia Gennisi na Po sto Arhontiko sas”.
This means “Good morning sovereigns if you allow me in your Mansion, I will tell you about the Holy Birth of our Christ”. After they finish their song people will give them some money and both sides will say the wish “Ke tou Hronou” (Next year again). It is truth that the most beautiful sound of Christmas is the sound of children singing accompanying themselves with their little triangles.
On Christmas morning, in fact very early morning, families will attend church services after having fasted and receive the Eucharist. They will then celebrate with family and friends with a big feast that usually includes roast turkey, stuffed with rice and chestnuts. Later on, they will play board games. Traditionally the majority will play the popular Christmas card game “Triantamia”. Gifts are given on New Years Day and not on Christmas Day.