On Our Cover
THE DEEPER MEANING OF THANKSGIVING
We become so busy asking, “What have I to be thankful for?” that we forget that thanksgiving is not an audit or an inventory but a fundamental attitude toward life. The important questions are these 1) Is my very nature one of thankfulness? 2) Am I as thankful in bad times as in good times? When our hearts are truly thankful, we do not say, “O God, I thank thee for this and that, “but rather, O God, I thank thee for thyself.”
The highest gift of all for which we ought to be thankful is God. He is a living God. He is a personal God who wills, thinks, cares, loves, creates, and continuously acts within his world. This means that God knows me, loves me, guides me, and never leaves me alone. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes. He is trustworthy, fulfills his promises, and is everlasting in his forgiveness, compassion and love.
We ought to be thankful for God’s love which is shown in two ways. 1) by his creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God”. Jesus assures us that God knows and feeds the birds, clothes the grass of the field, and makes the sun to shine. Most of all we have and know there is a great mind, a loving heart, and universal truth, and God is still creating. 2) Supremely the love of God is shown in Jesus Christ as redeemer. In his teachings Jesus talked of the love of God for his children. In his deeds Jesus proved that God is a loving, compassionate Father. In his death he shows just how far the love of God would go to call back his wayward children.
We ought to be thankful to God for his fatherly goodness. He loves all of his children. Every human being is made in the spiritual image of God, and he is as concerned with one child-white or black, rich or poor. American or otherwise-as with another. His goodness shows no partiality based on superficial qualities but loves each man as though there were not others to love.
Thank God for himself. This is the fundamental attitude, and all other thanksgiving grows out of it. We show our gratitude by doing what he has taught us to do, by surrendering ourselves wholly and completely to his way, by telling him in prayer of our love for him, and by serving those whom the Father loves.
Fr. Andrew to be Away Nov 2-12
Fr Andrew will travel to California in November to attend the bi-annual meeting of the Archdiocese Presbyter’s Council (APC) in which he represents the clergy of the Boston Metropolis as their elected representative. These meetings will precede the national 4 day clergy retreat of the Archdiocese then after the retreat he will remain there for just some personal time. He will be away from the parish from Nov 2-12.
Medicare Open Enrollment Friday, November 6th at 10:00 am
Open Enrollment is from October 15th to December 7th . If you are turning 65 or getting ready to retire, you may have questions you want answered. A licensed Medicare sales agent will be here, Annunciation Church, 175 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, RI.
Sun Nov 8—St Demetrios Annual Dinner Dance
Venus De Milo Swansea, MA/ 75 Grand Army Highway (Route 6)
Music by: Kostas Haroulakos
Cocktails at 5:30 pm ~ Dinner at 6:30PM
Adults $50.00 per person or reserve a prepaid table of 10 for $45.00 / Dance Only $25.
For reservations call Kostas Mitisis ~ 617-335-5841 or Bill Kyros ~ 401-323-8353
Sat Nov 14—Rathamanthus-Ide Cretan Chapter of Boston
Dinner-Dance at the Cathedral Center, 162 Goddard Ave., Brookline, MA
Entertainment by Cretan recording artists: Nektarios Samolis, Dimitrios Prinaris, Christos Angelidakis
Dance Troupe performances and Cretan cuisine will be served
For Information contact: Giannis Sfakianakis-781-492-5545, Maria Binieris-508-726-7427
Michael Terzakis-617-347-4970—Admission $50.00 adults-$30.00 students-children under 10 free
Sat Nov 21—St. Spyridon Newport—100th Anniversary Gala
Hotel Viking – One Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
Cocktails 6:30 pm ~ Dinner 7:30 pm
Music by: Orfeas $100.00 per person
For Information please contact Maria Stefanopoulos-Johnson at 401-842-7227
Anna Kyriakides at 401-862-6777 / Mary Kyriakakis at 508-742-8632
Hellenic Nursing Home Radiothon
The 40th annual radiothon for the benefit of the Hellenic Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center of Canton, MA will be held on Boston area Greek radio programs on 2 consecutive weekends on radio station WNTN 1550 AM.
Fri Nov 6 or 13 from 7am-11am = 617-969-1550
Sun Nov 8 & 15 from 7am-2PM = 617-969-1550
YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE
NICHOLAS BRUNCH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6TH 2015
Pancake Bar with eggs & home fries..$6.00 each
Children—$3.00
Come and enjoy a great family morning!!
Raffle Prizes!!!!!!
“Pictures with Santa”
Inspire us to be like Saint Nicholas who brought comfort and joy to children and their families. We ask this in the name of the Holy Child, Jesus, whose coming we await with anticipation and love.
Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending (September 30, 2015)
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $713,354.92
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $5,235.78
Donor( s) for the current period:
In Memory of James Limperis (died 10/20/15) donations to the Endowment Fund: Drs. John & Eleni Zervos
In memory of Michael Lekos (died 9/12/15) donations to the Endowment Fund: M/M James Silva: Drs. John & Eleni Zervos
In memory of Georgia Manolakos (died 7/30/15) (continued from previous month) M/M Christopher Pappas
In memory of Dr. Nicholas Pliakas (died 7/3/15) donations to the Endowment Fund: Mrs. Mary Samaras
Food for Thought
Thanks to Costa Grammas, an astute member of our Endowment Fund Committee, who provided the following information that bears repeating: In 1626, the Dutch acquired Manhattan for roughly 60 guilders in assorted goods from the Lenape People. Exactly what this converts to be is difficult to estimate, however, common folklore contends it was $24 (or roughly $1,000 in today’s currency). Today, the land alone on Manhattan is estimated to be over 500 billion dollars, however, had the Lenape invested that same $24, it too would be worth billions today because of compound interest. Fast forward almost 300 years, when our fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers emigrated from Greece and established Orthodox churches in their new homeland at the turn of the 19th century. Had they invested $5,000 ($100,000 today) in 1912 at 6% interest, when left untouched, it could be worth $1.6 million today. Likewise, if we were to invest $100,000 today with the same assumptions, it would be worth close to $34 million one hundred years from now for the benefit of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!
The Endowment Fund Committee wishes to express its deep appreciation for your continuing support.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Samaras, Endowment Fund Secretary
Let us take a moment and remember our Veteran’s Nov. 11th.
God Bless you dear Veterans we thank you for our freedom everyday. In remembering, we salute you with pride and feel very blessed, we had and have the nation’s very best.
2015 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 377 parishioners with a total pledge of $192,852.00
The Actual Amount Received is $177, 945.73
Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2015:
Christina Arsenis; M/M Michael Baldoumis; Yiota Bertrand; LisaMarie Henderson; M/M James Limperis; Catherine Louth; Gregory Mihailides; Nicholas Pakuris; Georgia Scapinakis; Eleni Tsigaridas; M/M Nikolaos Tsigaridas; M/M George Tsimikas; and M/M Vasilios Zafiriades.
THANK YOU
A generous donation was made to the Priest’s Discretionary Fund for those in need by, Drs. Kathryne & Robert Leonard, in honor of their parents, M/M Robert Leonard, Mr. Joseph Gagne & the late Rita Gagne
Congratulations
Robert & Lorrie Goralski celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on October 6th. They were married at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Woonsocket, on October 6th, 1990. Best Wishes.
Recent Deaths
James Limperis, age 59, of Seekonk, MA passed away on 10/20/2015. His funeral and burial was held on 10/24/2015. Anastasia (Xiarhos) LeClair, age 72, of Coventry, RI. passed away on 10/30/15. Her funeral and burial was held on 11/3/15. Also the mother of our parishioner James Karon (Ines Karon) age 94, passed on in Boston. Her funeral and burial was held on 10/6/15. The mother of our parishioner Kevin Badway (Barbara Badway) of North Providence passed away on 10/6/2015, her funeral and burial was held on 10/9/15 at her parish.
~May Their Memory Be Eternal~
New Orthodoxy 101 Series in December
The 4/part series of classes for those desiring to enter the Orthodox Church (as well as those born in the Orthodox Church) which reviews the basic history, teaching & life of Orthodoxy will be held on—Mon, Dec. 14th, Tues, Dec. 15th, Mon, Dec 21 & Tues, Dec 22, from 7:30-9:00 pm. Please register thru the parish office (401)-942-4188.
THE FINANCIAL CORNER
Below we have the September 2015 financial data.
INCOME
Stewardship $ 8,313.33
Total Envelopes $ 0.00
Sunday Collections $ 3,738.00
Special Contributions $ 11,477.99
Special Fund Raisers $ 2,390.03
Sundry Receipts $ 2,032.00
Parish Center $ 2,775.00
TOTAL REVENUE: $ 30,726.35
EXPENSES
World Mission Ministry $ 4,366.67
Education Ministry $ 2,282.55
Youth Ministry $ 0.00
Music & Worship Ministry $ 2,743.65
Pastoral Expenses $ 12,173.12
Administrative Ministry $ 7,558.98
Buildings & Grounds $ 7,270.84
Parish Center $ 4,766.42
Utilities $ 2,898.03
Special Function Expenses $ 2,386.85
Mortgage Loan $ 4,725.90
Total Expenses $ 51,173.01
Please note that the total expenses for September were $51,173.01 but the total revenue income for the month was $30,726.35. The expenses exceeded the revenue by $20,446.66 for the month thus requiring the church to transfer money from the Festival Account to make ends meet. It is very important for everyone to try and submit their stewardship payments in a timely fashion. This will insure that the monthly revenue flow will be adequate to pay the bills.
If anyone has any specific questions they can submit those questions to my attention at the church office.
Cordially Submitted by
James Silva
Just ahead-Goya Leaf Raking Session Sun Nov. 8th
Every year Goya helps the elderly of our Church Community by raking leaves. This year Goyans will be racking on Nov. 8th after coffee hour. Pizza will be provided. Goyans are asked to bring rakes or leaf blowers Our elderly parishioners (Cranston area) who would like their leaves raked should contact CJ Mitrelis at 401-632-8752.
Just ahead- Hope & Joy event Fri Nov 20th
We invite all Hope and Joy youth (Pre-K-3rd) to join us for our next event on Nov 20th from 5-7PM. Dinner will be provided and families are asked to bring desserts to share.
Just ahead- Goya Lock-in Fri Nov 20th / Overnight.
Our first Lock-in for youth grade 6-12, will be held from Friday Nov 20th starting at 6pm and ending Nov 21st with pick up no later than 11:30 am. Remember to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Families are asked to bring a dessert. We ask that children bring a box of Band-Aids for our IOCC hygienic kits which we will be making as the year progresses. RVSP with CJ Mitrelis at 401-632-8752. This is also a District Youth Retreat of our Metropolis for SE New England, so invite your relatives and friends from neighboring Orthodox parishes.
Family Night-Friday, Friday Dec. 4th @ 5:30PM
Special segment for parents (see back page)
Family Outing—LaSalette Shrine Monday, Dec. 28th
Join us on December 28th at 3:30 for our trip to LaSalette Shrine. $5 for children 5 and under $10 for ages 6 and up. Portion of proceeds will be given to LaSalette Shrine. Hot chocolate will be provided. A bus is being considered depending on the numbers of attendees. RVSP with CJ Mitrelis at 401-632-8752.
PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2015
The ANNUAL GREEK FOOD FAIR AND CHRISTMAS BAZAAR of our Philoptochos is fast approaching, and we are all working diligently to make our biggest fund-raiser a success once again this year. As always, we are thankful and grateful for your continued support each year. Please come and enjoy the delicious food and pastries. Dinners will be served all day Saturday, and of course, on Sunday…..after Divine Liturgy.
So plan to come…… eat dinner, enjoy dessert and help Philoptochos to help those in need throughout the year. We remind you once again that hand knit items, prizes for raffles, Silent Auction items, and of course, assorted pastries (Greek and other baked goods) are needed. New this year, is “NOT YOUR YIAYIA’S CLOSET’, chaired by Elaine Sardella. Gently used prom dresses, bridesmaid’s dresses, party dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, will be displayed in the Library to sell. Please call Elaine at 641-4454 with any questions you may have. We all have fancy dresses of this type in our closets. Please be sure the items are clean and ready to sell. Thank you. Bazaar Chairladies this year are Diane Mitrelis (946-3339) and Stephanie Venditelli. Please call Diane with any questions.
THANKSGIVING BASKETS – Once again, Philoptochos will extend a helping hand to those in need. If there is a family or individual whose Thanksgiving holiday will be a little brighter by receiving a Thanksgiving gift, please call Bessie Papigiotis (949-3240), or Georgia Pappas (351-3927) to give the information.
OPERATION HOUSEWARMING – HOMELESS VETERANS PROJECT – We are winding down our year-long effort with this Metropolis-wide project for our Chapter very soon. We thank everyone for their support of this worthwhile cause. Housewarming Baskets with necessary items are being prepared to bring to our local VA facility for distribution to homeless veterans setting up their apartments. Cost of one basket is $100. Monetary donations are being accepted to buy supplies, or you may bring items that are needed to fill a basket. A Poster Board with a list of items is in the entranceway of the Church Office. Our goal is 12 complete baskets for Veteran’s Day.—thanks to your help, we are almost there.
PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS PARTY- Our Philoptochos Christmas Party will be held on Thursday evening, December 3rd, at Spain Restaurant, in Cranston. Please save the date and details and more information will be announced soon. Chairlady is Karen Drager
VASILOPETA LUNCHEON – Our Annual Vasilopeta Luncheon will be held on Sunday, January 17th, immediately following Divine Liturgy. All proceeds from this Luncheon are for the benefit of St. Basil’s Academy which is a National Obligation of each Philoptochos Chapter in the country. Chairing this year’s event once again is Kate Silva. Save the date and further details will be announced.
MEMBERSHIP –STEWARDSHIP– Now is the time to think about your stewardship to Philoptochos for the 2016 year. Please send your stewardship to the Church Office, attention Philoptochos – Mary Samaras. When doing so, please keep in mind that $15 per capita is sent to the National Philoptochos and $5 per capita to the Metropolis Philoptochos. Thank you.
SISTERHOOD OF ST. BASIL’S – For just $5 per year, you may support the Sisterhood of St. Basil’s Academy which assists the children residing at the Academy. Please send your check to the Church Office, attention Philoptochos – Carol Rothemich. Thank you.
NEXT MEETING IS—MONDAY NOV 23 WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD.
We hope to see you all at our Christmas Bazaar. A very Happy, Blessed Thanksgiving to all.
GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
KAREN DRAGER, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
2015 Metropolis of Boston Clergy Laity Address
Our Clergy Laity Assembly convenes at a most critical time not only for our Metropolis, but for our Archdiocese and Orthodoxy throughout the world. Over the last year, I had the opportunity to participate in 11 meetings of the Holy Synod of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, traveling as I did on a monthly basis to Constantinople. This past September, at the end of the meeting of the Holy Synod, I also had the opportunity to meet with another 140 or so bishops from throughout the world who are in the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Among the items on the agenda were the preparations for the Holy and Great Pan-Orthodox Council which is scheduled to take place in Constantinople in conjunction with the feast of Pentecost, 2016. We were brought up to date on the progress of the various theological dialogues, including those with the W.C.C., the Orthodox-Roman Catholic, the Orthodox-Lutheran, Orthodox-Anglican, etc. Hierarchs from Greece reported on the refugee tragedy that has reached the shores of Greece as well as the humanitarian outreach of the church on the islands of Kos, Lesvos, and Karpathos.
During these meetings we had the opportunity of sharing our pastoral experiences. Many hierarchs opined that people have lost their sense of identity and purpose. Here in America, it seems that one’s value in society is largely identified by his career and his economic status. Many men and women suffer apathy, disinterest, and depression. In America and throughout the world, man’s relentless obsession for wealth at all costs has led to the abuse of the natural environment. Religious fanaticism has led to never before seen levels of extremism, of violence and death especially in the Middle East and North Africa as well as in Ukraine. We cannot but be concerned about the massive displacement of countless thousands of refugees forced to leave the Middle East. We cannot but be reminded of our brethren who suffered in Smyrna and Asia Minor one hundred years ago. Many of today’s refugees are Christians, including Orthodox.
Shortly following my return to the United States, I attended meetings of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of the United States. During the three day conclave we engaged in fruitful discussions on various pastoral issues as well as the subject of the future of Orthodoxy in America. We discussed the fact that we living in the United States are witnessing our children becoming victims of unprecedented violence of all types in our neighborhoods, our homes, and our schools. Only a couple of days ago nine innocent college students were assassinated by a crazed individual. We Orthodox are challenged to witness our faith in our neighborhoods where mistrust and racial tension rear their ugly heads on a daily basis. Life is under attack. It is sad to see that marriage is no longer understood as a special relationship between a man and a woman. Many decide to live together and bear children outside of marriage.
It is vital that orthodoxy has something to say about these and other challenges facing society today, living as we do in a pluralistic environment. We cannot close our eyes to what is happening around us. We are called to share the Gospel of Orthodoxy with everyone. Statistics provided by the Pew Foundation and other study groups compel us to look within and ask ourselves about the present state of our Archdiocese, Metropolis and our parishes. We are all aware of statistics which report that the number of marriages and baptisms blessed in our churches is down, as is the number of faithful who worship on a regular basis. Do we dare ask what lies ahead?
What will our Church look like 10, 15, or 20 years down the road? The picture will not be very bright if we do not take Christ’s commandment seriously to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” We must ask ourselves if we take that commandment seriously and respond with the same zeal as did the 12 disciples that did “go” into the world to teach and make disciples. Honestly: Do we go out into our parishes, our towns, our cities and neighborhoods to bring the message of salvation? Every community in New England has a large number of faithful that are (for one reason or another) not active in their parish. Do we “go” to them? Do we “go” to those that are not baptized to share the Evangellion of salvation? Do we “go” to our young adults, many of whom are professional men and women to encourage them to serve on our parish councils—to bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the work of the church? Two years ago we inaugurated a program known as Orthodoxy on Tap. We went where young adults gather to engage them in dialogue about the church and their spiritual lives. We will continue that program this year.
Let the ecclesiastical year which lies ahead be a year dedicated to re-evangelize, to re-catechize, to re-teach the faith….to encourage one and all to “observe all that Christ has commanded us”. The truth is that many brethren sitting in the pews of our parishes are not knowledgeable of even the basic teachings and tenets of Orthodoxy! The truth is that we have not reached out to bring into the embrace of Orthodoxy those who seek to quench their spiritual thirst at Jacob’s well.
Today we have three dynamic speakers, Fr. Bob Archon, Dr. Anton Vrame and Theo Nicolakis who will address our assembly during the morning session. They will be followed by Metropolis ministry reports. Following lunch we will have the opportunity to attend one of 9 workshops. Please enjoy the day. Ask questions, contribute to the discussions. I sincerely hope that you return to your communities renewed in our faith.
Metropolitan Methodios
ADVENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 15 / The Christmas Lent
Advent is the sacred season of preparation, penitence and expectancy! “Advent” means “the coming” and refers to the coming of our Lord as an infant child….as the fulfillment of all the ancient prophesies…..the coming of the Redeemer!
In our Orthodox Tradition, Advent is a 40-day period of preparation for the Feast of the Nativity, the Blessed event of the Birth of Jesus Christ, when the second person of the Holy Trinity entered human history, when God took on flesh.
During this season, the Church recognizes the spiritual and psychological need for readying the believer’s mind and soul for the anniversary of Christ’s Coming as the Babe of Bethlehem…..for His Coming to the hearts of those who love Him.
“…lifting our minds to Bethlehem, let us ascent with our conscience and behold the great Mystery that is in the cave…” (from an Advent Vesper Hymn).
Most especially, during Advent, our Holy Church reminds us to be very careful of the secularization and commercialization of the Christmas Season. The Church also encourages her faithful to perform works of charity and penance, to practice the discipline of fasting in preparation of the up-coming feast, to spend extra time in prayer and meditation. All this, in order to prepare for celebrating as worthy as possible, the Coming of God in the flesh, the Birth of Our Lord and Saviour.
The Advent Food Fast is broken into two distinct periods.
NOV 15—Dec 12: Sun, Mon Tues, Thurs & Sat. are a “light fast”.
Weds & Fri. are a “strict fast”
Dec 13—Dec 24: All days are a strict fast with oil & wine permitted on Sat. & Sun.
As with all fasting seasons, fasting is to be done in accordance with peoples age and health
To Participate in This Years Parish Christmas Card Return this coupon by Dec 7
Print in English how you’d like your name to appear
Your Name___________________________________________________________________
Phone Number’s___________________________
Amount of enclosed donation: $___________ / Cash_____ / Check _____
AHEPA’S Active Role for Humanitarian Assistance in Greece
National Ahepa has assisted with the crisis in Greece in the following manners:
- AHEPA collaborated with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to secure nine shipping containers of medical supplies which have been delivered all throughout Greece, totaling more that $6 million in medical supply aid. Each container costs between $15k and $20k to secure.
- A tenth medical supply container is planned to be secured and sent in September.
- In 2013, AHEPA Canada donated a rigid bronchoscope machine valued at 10,000 euros (approximately $12k Canadian) to Evangelismos Hospital. It is used to prevent bleeding while positioning stents in tumors.
- More than $500k was given to Apostoli Mission in Athens to feed people in Greece.
- AHEPA’S 31 chapters in Greece are helping local communities through charitable and philanthropic initiatives and programs.
- To date, the AHEPA family has raised nearly $700k for humanitarian aid for the people of Greece to secure public health assistance or to help feed those in need.
HOLIDAYS ARE AROUND THE CORNER
Are we ready, all the hustle and bustle that is created by the stores sending out flyers, special day sales events, longer hours for shopping. The stress begins and we also start to get caught up in the flow of all this. Is that what the holidays though are all about, buying material things, spending money that is not there to be spent. “No” the true meaning of a gift giving holiday is to make it special. Our faith is the first step to be considered, make the time for Church. Make it a family holiday event. Come and enjoy the true meaning of a Christian holiday, be in Church to pray and listen to the divine service and sing with choir.
There is no gift you can give that is more meaningful than spending quality family church time together. So make the plan with the family! Give the gift of family church time.
Save the Date, Friday, December 4, 2015
Come to meet and hear Dr Philip Mamalakis
Author of “The Journey of Marriage” used in our Marriage Preparation Seminars.
He will speak to already married couples on the topic of “Keeping your Marriage Strong Thru Loving Communication”
~Donations to the Annunciation Church are welcomed~
This special event will take place within “Family Night” 5:30—7:30 p.m. Child care will be provided for those who are potty trained and older, by our Goyans
Light Dinner for all @ 5:30 pm
Dr. Mamalakis ‘ talk @ 6:30 pm
Youth Groups Activities @ 6:30 pm
Final Departure @ 8 pm
Reservations are requested email: office@annunciationri.org
Please state if you need “child care”
Give names and ages