On Our Cover
The following is an excerpt from the Cranston Herald concerning the Feb 14, 85th birthday surprise event held for Harry Bablenis.
Harry, a Greek immigrant from the island of Skiathos in northeastern Greece, has been a communicant of the parish for over 55 years through his marriage to the late Mary Georgeadys from the parish. He lived and worked in Hartford, CT initially for 3 years before coming to RI.
From the time of his arrival he has been most regular in his Sunday attendance and worship life. Working for the Colony Hotel on Narragansett Blvd as a banquet chef, he began some 40 years ago to cook at the church for various youth functions that his daughters were involved with. then led to cooking for almost every special sit down Sunday luncheon sponsored by the various organizations, the popular ladies society Christmas Bazaar and the well-known Greek Festival as kitchen chairman from its inception back in 1983 from being just a parish picnic to the very popular Cranston Greek Festival as a 1 day event which grew into a 2 day event and for the past 30 years has been a 3 day event. It is Harry who also cooks for the parish’s indoor Spring Greek Food Fair! From the Colony Hotel, he became co-owner of Rhode Island Poultry until his retirement in 1993 and is well known in the greater restaurant community throughout the state for providing a quality product.
In the parish, as a former elected member of the Parish Council back in the mid 1980s, has been assisting the Parish Council over the years while off the Council in so many ways, especially his retirement from formal employment; key ones being as honorary narthex chairman, which coordinates procedures at all church services, weekdays and Sundays, as well as coordinator of all the parish mailings that are sent out to the parishioners and numerous other roles.
Annunciation pastor, Fr Andrew G. George noted that “Harry has been an exemplary and steadfast servant of the parish doing so with fervor but also great humility. He stops by the church virtually every day to see if anything needs to be done. We had tried to tribute him previously and he refused to let us do so, thus we had to do it without him knowing we were planning an event, so we did it as a surprise to him.”
“Adhering to a passage in Scripture (Romans 12:10) ‘Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor,’ we planned an event that tied into both his birthday (February 10) and his name day, for the Saint’s name he holds, that of St Haralambos the priest martyr observed also on February 10. This past Sunday of course honored St Valentine, the martyr of Rome; it was our way of showing special love and respect for a hard working parish volunteer who shows no sign of slowing down even at age 85 – nor do we want him to slow down!”
Parish Council Officers 2016
Kevin Phelan, President
Theofanis Markos, Vice President
Elaine Otto, Secretary
Dean Perdikakis, Treasurer
James Silva, Asst. Treasurer
(Additional Members)
Elaine Crabtree, Peter Manis, Dina Mihos, Stephen Sterpis, Anthony George, Dennis Sampalis, Paul Pliakas & Paraskevi Devlin.
We Thank You all for your Time & Continued Dedication
OUR PARISHIONERS
Congratulations to Valerie & Demetrios Sampalis on the recent observance of their 50th wedding anniversary, to Georgia (Boretos) Fortunato, superintendent of the Lincoln Public Schools, who has been named the 2016 Rhode Island Superintendent of the year and to 10 year old Elizabeth Halkidis, who was one of the finalist with her meal recipe, in the new state wide competition “Healthy Kids RI” initiated by the governors husband.
2015 CHRISTMAS CARD PARTICIPANTS
Sorry for the oversite that the following were accidently not included: Dina Mihos, George, Julie, Lilyana & Alexandra Trikoulis, George & Ruth Moragemos
THANK YOU MOST KINDLY
We are thankful to the following- Vikki Poulos for donating this year’s Christmas gifts to our altar boys (Orthodox neck medals), to the family of the late Arthur Fidas as his restaurant was closed for donating numerous kitchen utensils including a commercial quality large dough mixer, to Katie Senerchia for a hand painted icon from 1833 of Panayia and Christ.
DONORS SOUGHT
A number of our altar boy vestments are a good 40 plus years old and in bad shape. Thus we would like to replace these…cost would be $275 each. New red/white altar coverings and etc. pieces are planned for Pascha – cost would be about $1,900. We are currently investigating for a new altar table tabernacle as well (cost unknown currently). A new CD and cassette player (cost is $379.99.)
ST NICHOLAS NATIONAL SHRINE AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTER.
Thank you to all who donated thru the parish in the special one month special Archdiocese wide drive. We received in total $3,000. Additional donations are always welcome at any time as well. You can view the construction live at stnicholaswtc.org/webcam
CATHOLIC AND ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS AFFIRM SANCTITY OF LIFE,
INVITE PEOPLE INTO THE EMBRACE OF CHRIST
An official delegation of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States participated on January 22, along with Catholic bishops in prayer to begin the annual March for Life at the National Mall in Washington, DC.
As he reflected upon the importance of this year’s sanctity of life events, His Eminence Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York and chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said: “While we lament theof abortion in our land, our Lord continues to show us how good can come from evil.and prayerfulwith our Orthodox brothers and sisters have certainly been a sign of hope in our combined effortsbuild a culture of life.”
Highlighting the importance of prayer when addressing the issue of abortion, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, chairman of the Committee for Church and Society of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops in the U.S., stressed the need to “pray not only for those who are currently considering an abortion, but also those who have already undergone the procedure and may despair of God’s love and mercy.”
The following statement was signed by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the USCCB; His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, chairman of the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops; Cardinal Dolan; and Metropolitan Savas:
Seeking Life, Mercy, and Healing
A Common Statement by Orthodox and Catholic Bishops
on the 43rd Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
On January 22, Catholic and Orthodox Christians will once again stand in solidarity on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. As our communities firmly believe in the sanctity of life, the faithful—along with many people of other traditions and good will—lament the legal circumstances that facilitate abortion and the cultural phenomena that present abortion as the only choice for expectant mothers experiencing difficult conditions. We recognize that the choice to abort an unborn child ultimately reflects the broken condition of humanity.
We remind the world of our common teaching that life begins at the earliest moments of conception and that life, at all stages of its development, is sacred. We denounce the termination of a life as a response to unwanted pregnancies or as a method of overcoming social and economic challenges. We embrace the mothers and the couples who, in spite of difficulties, choose to bring their pregnancy to term. At the same time, however, we invite those who may have undergone or facilitated an abortion to turn to Christ with contrite hearts, seeking to overcome their grief through His forgiveness, mercy and healing.
Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending
Endowment Fund Portfolio $715,096.60
Endowment Fund Checking Account $38,823.28
Additional in Memory of Eftihia Gionis donation made to the Endowment Fund:
by M/M George Grammas, M/M Peter Simone
Additional in Memory of Ted Haveles donation made to the Endowment Fund:
by Olga Haveles
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
As we turn over the last page of the Year 2015, we do so with pride!
Pride, 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 Endowment Fund as a means of achieving the financial stability for our Church that will enable us to fulfill these obligations.
The Endowment Fund is growing steadily and we are close to realizing our first million dollar goal. You, our parishioners are to be applauded for your invaluable support of this growth!
Let us, also, not forget that we have been blessed with the presence of Dr. Mary Despina Lekas. Dr. Mary has donated from 2006 to 2015 a total of $471,078.06 to our Endowment Fund. To quote Dr. Mary, “I am doing this for the youth of our Church”. With Dr. Mary’s generosity, along with that of our wonderful parishioners, we will keep moving forward!
Our legacy will endure from generation to generation!
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
Respectfully Yours,
Mary Samaras, Endowment Fund Secretary
Welcome to New Clergy
Two new Orthodox clergy have been recently assigned to area parishes– Fr Boris Kroner at St Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Woonsocket and Fr John Afendoulis at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Parish in Newport. Welcome to RI.
2015 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
Since our last newsletter the following pledges have been received for 2015:
M/M Ilias Angela Arsenis, Stephanie Cretekos, M/M George Despines, M/M Andronikos Fidas, M/M John Fotopoulos, Cynthia Springer
2016 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 197 parishioners with the pledge of $109,415.00
The actual amount received to date is $73,920.00
Gregory Agakos, Zaharoula Agakos, George A. Alexion, M/M James Alexion, Josephine Aliferakis, Dr. & Mrs.Charles Allendorf, M/M Christodoulos Andriotis, Dr. & Mrs. James Andriotis, M/M Matthew Anthony, Jr., M/M James Apostolou, Nicholas Apostolou, Christina Arsenis, M/M Dimitrios Arsenis, Nicole Arsenis, Koula Atamian, Harry Bablenis, Karen Bablenis, Dr. & Mrs. John Balamas, M/M Michael Baldoumis, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Baziotis, M/M Lawrence Bousquet, Jr.., Thomas Bovis, M/M Peter Bradshaw, M/M James Brubeck, M/M Ronald Capraro, M/M Gerald Carignan, M/M/ Alexander Carr, Efthimia Cavas, Dr. & Mrs. Chris Chihlas, M/M George Cicma, Sue Cimino, Dr. & Mrs. Spiros Constantinides, Dr. Constantinou & Mr. Santos, Elaine Crabtree, M/M Stephen Cross, M/M Constantinos Dafoulas, Haralambos Dafoulas, Ioanna Dafoulas, M/M Kimon Dafoulas, M/M Gaby Daiaa, Nikki Deary, M/M Alan Delis, M/M Wilfred Demars, M/M Gregory Demetrakas, M/M James Demetriou, M/M Joseph DiCarlo, III, Helen DiMaio, Louis Dostou, Cynthia Driscoll, Maria Dygon, M/M Louis Feula, M/M Nicholas Filippou, M/M Steven Filippou, Artemis Frangos, Angelo Frank, Arthur Frank, James George, Janice George, Helen Georgeon, Michael Giouras, M/M Robert Goralski, M/M Constantine Grammas, Dionisia, Grammas, Eleni Grammas, Elizabeth Grammas, Nicole Grammas, William Grimshaw, M/M David Grosiak, M/M Anestis Halkidis, M/M Elias Haralambides, M/M Michael Haralambides, Alexis Harritos, James Harritos II, M/M John Hatjopoulos, Christopher Janigian, Matthew Janigian, Michael Janigian, Nicholas Janigian, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Janigian, Jr., M/M Peter Kanelakos, Mary Kanelos, Karissa Karageorge, M/M Fotis Karageorgos, Julie Karahalios, Despina Kartson, M/M Arthur Kazianis, M/M Kostas Kritikos, M/M Spiro T. Kyriakakis, Demetra Lambros, Christos Latos, Angelo Lazarides, M/M William Lehourites, M/M Peter Leite, Eugenia Lekos, Dr. & Dr. Robert & Kathryne Leonard, Jason Maintanis, M/M Dennis Maliangos, Dr. & Mrs. James Manis, M/M Theofanis Markos, Elizabeth Marses, M/M John Massenzio, M/M Vasilios Melanis, George Michailides, M/M Emmanuel Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, M/M George Mihailides, Jr., M/M William Mitchell, Anne Morrell, Theodore Nicolopoulos, M/M George Nonis, M/M Christopher O’Leary, M/M Richard Otto, M/M George Paloukas, M/M George Panas, M/M Stephen Panichas, Evgenia Panteleakis, George Panteleakis, Pres. Julia Papadoulias, M/M Constantine Papaioannou, Evangelia Papaioannou, M/M Arthur Pappas, M/M Ernest Pappas, Georgia Pappas, M/M Gus Pappas, M/M John Paraskevakos, M/M Mark Parenteau, Dr. & Mrs. James Pascalides, M/M Constantinos Perdikakis, Dean Perdikakis, Eleftheria Perdikakis, Giana Perdikakis, Mary Pereira, Thomai Petropoulos, M/M Demetrios Petrou, M/M Polydoros Petrou, M/M Kevin Phelan, Lillian Placido, M/M George Pliakas, Flora Popovici, Christ Poulos, M/M Carroll Promades, Mr. Protopsaltis & Dr. Giovanis, M/M Gus Proyous, M/M Michael Psikakos, John B. Quinn, M/M Damon Ray, M/M James Rebello, III, Joanna Reves, John Reves, Mr. & Dr. Youssef Rizk, M/M Alan Root, M/M Arthur Rosaki, James Rosaki, Cathy Rougas, M/M Constantine Rougas, Dr. & Mrs. Steven Rougas, Cynthia Samaras, Mary Samaras, M/M George Samatis, Kristina Sampalis, Carole-Anne Sanchas, M/M Phillip SanSouci, Alexis Santoro, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Sardella, Shirley Sears, M/M Nicholas Shanos, M/M James Silva, M/M Anthony Silveira, Jr., M/M Michael Sotirakos, C. Spires, M/M Panagiotis Stasinopoulos, M/M Alexander Sterpis, Elle Strekouras, Ethel Strekouras, Vasilios Strekouras, M/M John Taxiarchos, M/M George Theodosiou, Lynda Theroux, M/M William Tigano, Dean Trigg, Christine Tsagarakis, Dr. & Mrs. William Tsiaras, M/M Soterios Tsimikas, Sophia Tzanetos, Dr. Golfo Tzilos, M/M John Vanikiotis, M/M Theodore Vaphiades, M./M Michael Venditelli, M/M Dean Vose, James Vose, M/M Russell Wheatley, Carole Xanthakis, M/M Socrates Zafiriades, Jr. , M/M Frank Zavota, Drs. John & Eleni Pappas-Zervos, Mr. George Zikos & Rhea Pliakas.
CORPORATE PLEDGE
Thank you to Go Modular, INC., (M/M Anthanasios Pitliangas)
A corporate pledge is a specialized way of giving to the parish designed for the self-employed parishioner, LLCs, and C Corporations. This donation is given in the name of the business and it brings extra benefit to both, especially to the donor in the way of tax deduction. We welcome our self-employed parishioners to consider this special way of giving.
Additional 2015 Donations:
We Thank You for Your Thanksgiving Donation
Dr. & Mrs. James Manis
We Thank You for Your Christmas Donation
M/M Michael Campopiano, M/M George Grammas, Michael Johnson, D/M James Manis, M/M Harry Nicolopoulos, Jean Mihelakos, M/M Eustace Pliakas, M/M Nicholas Sarkis, M/M Peter Simone, M/M Aristotelis Tonis
From The Mouth of Babes
A little girl noticed that after the collection was taken in a certain church, the ushers brought it up to the altar. She whispered to her mother, “Mommy, how do they get the money up to heaven?” The mother replied, “ The church doesn’t send the money to heaven, but uses it to bring heaven down to us.” That mother could not have given a better answer. For the purpose of the Church is to get God’s heaven into each one of us. Jesus said, “the Kingdom of God is within you.”
ORTHODOX OBSERVER NEWSPAPER
In regards to receiving the Observer— if a parishioner would like to receive the monthly issues we simply need to verify for you that you are in our stewardship program and the newspaper is then complimentary. If you are not, there is a fee for the newspaper to be delivered to you.
Moving or Vacationing
We kindly Thank You for making The Annunciation Church your first place to call when moving to a new location or just going to enjoy some warm sun for the winter months. Last month we had 41 “return to sender envelopes” come back. (401) 942-4188 or email us, office@annunciationri.org
PRAYER FOR WINTER SAFETY
O God, our heavenly Father , whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel (through snow and on ice); surround them with your loving care; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Christ our Lord, Father, Son & Holy Spirit; Amen
Recent Deaths
Demetrius H. Apostolou, age 88, of Warwick, RI passed away, on 1/7/16. His funeral and burial was held on 1/12/16. Our former parishioner Metaxia (Moriates) Pappas passed on in Fl back in Jan. Also the father of one of newest parishioners Dolly Mnayarji recently passed, (Joseph Mnayarji).
~May their Memory be Eternal~
THE FINANCIAL CORNER
It’s February. We are in the midst of winter and looking forward to springtime and Easter. I thought it might be interesting to look at the financials for the months of January in detail.
Below we have a comparison of January this year and January last year.
Revenues:
Jan 2016 Jan 2015
Stewardship $ 58,335.00 $ 58,064.00
Total Envelopes $ 510.00 $ 440.00
Sunday Collections $ 3,470.00 $ 4,118.00
Special Fund Raisers $ 2,520.00 $ 2,410.00
Special Contributions $ 3,086.00 $ 226.00
Sundry Receipts $ 1,640.00 $ 3,246.00
Hall Rentals $ 3,830.00 $ 551.00
TOTAL REVENUE: $ 73,391.00 $ 69,055.00
Total revenues for January this year are slightly higher ($4,336.00) when compared to January 2015. This is due to the fact that we have additional revenues from Hall Rentals.
We have a new tenant, Faith Nursery School, bringing in $2,625 in revenues for January. Special Contributions are higher in 2016 as well due to a refund from the Federal Government for overpayment of taxes.
On the revenue side of the finances we can say that there is very little difference year to year regarding revenues in January. Stewardship remains fairly constant in January.
Expenses:
Jan 2016 Jan 2015
Pastoral Expenses $ 13,849.00 $ 12,027.00
Administrative Expenses $ 7,578.00 $ 12,169.00
Building & Grounds $ 4,787.00 $ 9,940.00
Mortgage Loan $ 4,725.00 $ 4,725.00
Special Functions Expenses $ 5.00 $ 56.00
World Mission Ministries $ 4,391.00 $ 4,366.00
Music & Worship Ministry $ 2,670.00 $ 2,019.00
Education Ministry $ 3,645.00 $ 5,092.00
Utilities $ 3,444.00 $ 3,896.00
Parish Center $ 317.00 $ 2,678.00
Youth Ministry $ 67.00 $ 150.00
Hall Rentals $ 0.00 $ 87.00
TOTAL EXPENSES: $ 45,478.00 $ 57,205.00
Our total expenses for this January is substantially lower than January 2015 ($11,727). There are several reasons why expenses are lower.
Building & Grounds are lower because the church has changed insurance carriers and is saving on premiums.
Administrative Expenses are lower due secretarial personal changes and working hours. In addition Printing expenses and Newsletter expenses had not yet been posted for January this year.
Since our revenues exceeded our expenses for the month of January we did not have to transfer money from the Festival Account to pay the bills.
In next month’s edition of the “Financial Corner” I plan to look at the net profits generated at previous summer festival and where that money goes.
If anyone has a questions regarding our finances please submit the question to my attention.
Cordially submitted by James Silva
THE TRIODION PERIOD OF THE YEAR – Starts February 21, 2016
The Triodion Period is the period of time in our Orthodox Liturgical year that encompasses 3 segments of time, that of the Pre-Lenten cycle, of Great Lent itself and of Holy Week.
(The word “Triodion” literally means “3 odes” referring to a series of hymns that are sung, but also applying to the 3 segments of time and the associated observances in each of these time segments.)
The Triodion Period begins on the 4th Sunday before Great Lent, usually in February or early March, in 2016, it begins on Sunday February 21. During this period, the following occurs:
- A book, called “The Triodion,” is used in the church services. There are special hymns and readings assigned to the service. This book is used throughout the Pre-Lenten period, through all of Lent, and through Holy Week, up to Holy Saturday night.
- There is a special service known as “The Saturday of Souls” (Memorial Saturdays) that are observed in which we commemorate and remember our departed relatives.
Two of these services are held during the Pre-Lenten Period, and one more is celebrated on the First Saturday of Lent. In 2014 the dates are:
Saturday, March 5 / Saturday, March 12 / Saturday, March 19
- Each of the four Sundays of the Pre-Lenten Period have special themes and Bible Readings. Each Sunday initiates the week. Certain observances occur on certain weeks.
These are:
- Week of Publican & Pharisee (in 2016 – Week of February 21)
Sunday Readings are: 2nd Timothy 3:10-15 & Luke 18:9-14
Theme is: Humility and the correct observance of the teachings of God, observ ing without pride, and without looking down upon others. We are called to see ourselves as we truly are and compare ourselves to Christ’s teachings.
Observance of the Week:
- No fasting during this week (not even on Wed or Fri), in preparation for the more strict 40-day fast period
- Week of the Prodigal Son (in 2016 – February 28)
Sunday Readings are: 1st Corinthians 6:12-20 & Luke 15:11-32
Theme is: Return and forgiveness to someone who has done wrong; we should not “rub it in” to someone who is trying to correct their mistakes.
We are called to come to “ourselves” as did the prodigal to see if we also may be “far” from the Father’s house and if so, make movement to return.
Observance of the Week:
- Wednesday and Friday are a fast day
- Saturday is the First Memorial Saturday.
- Week of Apokries – Meat Fare Day / Last Judgment Sunday (in 2016– March 6)
Sundays Readings are: 1st Corinthians 8:8-9:2 & Matthew 25:31-46
Theme is: The Last Judgment of Christ when He returns to the earth again; what will happen to mankind and what is expected of mankind. We are called to see Christ in every human being and serve those in need by doing for them, not simply intending to do, but actually doing to bring Christ’s embrace to them.
Observance of the Week:
- It is “Meat Fare” day, known as “Apokries” (meaning, “from meat’)
in which we eat meat for the last time until Easter. All other foods are eaten, Mon-Sat except for meat.
- Saturday is the Second Memorial Saturday
- Traditional Apokries parties (Mardi Gras) are held on the weekend and features foods with dairy products.
- Forgiveness Sunday – Cheese Fare – (in 2016 – March 13)
Sunday Scripture Readings: Romans 13:11-14:4 & Matthew 6:14-21
Theme is: Forgiveness of each other of sins and offenses. Personal renewal with mankind (with each other), so as to prepare for the personal renewal with God during Great Lent.
A sub-theme is: that of Adam’s exile from paradise. We are to identify ourselves with Adam, lamenting our loss of the beauty, dignity and delight of our original creation, mourning our corruption in sin.
Observance of the Day:
- Asking forgiveness of those whom we know we have offended and done wrong. In some parishes “Forgiveness Vespers” is offered in the evening.
- Eating dairy and cheese products to prepare for eating of “pure foods” the next day
The Next Day – Kathera Theftera – Pure Monday or Clean Monday: (in 2016 – March 14). The first day of Great Lent. Special Lenten Services begin and continue throughout Lent.
The 1st Saturday of Lent is the 3rd Memorial Saturday, also known as “The Miracle of St. Theodore with the Wheat.” Food fasting is strict, no meat, fish or dairy products; oil and wine are permitted on Sat & Sun. The same pattern is followed overall through Great Lent with certain exceptions based on calendar observances of particular major Saints.
YOUTH ANNUNCIATOR PAGE
SUN FEB 28TH FAMILY/YOUTH NIGHT
–BE OF SOUND MIND AND BODY-
Hope, Joy and Goya families, are asked to join together (and others are invited as well) on Sun Feb. 28 from 5PM to 7PM for our next Family/Youth Night. Parents are encouraged to stay as they will have a separate breakout session and view a 28 min DVD entitled “Protecting Your Health”. The children will be broken up by age for an appropriate lesson and activity on the Theme “Be of Sound Mind and Body”. The main meal is provided by the parish council and families are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. RSVP with CJ Mitrelis- 401-632-8752
CLAYGROUND STUDIOS
Hope and Joy children are invited to join us on Saturday March 5th at noon. We will be going to Clayground Studios where the children will make arts and crafts which they will be able to bring home. Prices and further details to follow.
ANNUAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS
St John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival—Sun March 6, following Liturgy, sponsored by our Sunday Church School. The community is invited to remain and be inspired by our teens in their witnessing to the Orthodox Faith thru their orations.
Annunciation / Greek Independence Program-Sun March 20, following Liturgy, sponsored by our Afternoon Greek Language School. Again the community is invited to remain and enjoy the children with their songs, poems and dance, equally inspiring!
Faith Nursery School
The new nursery school that rents space in our Mihailides Center is currently having open enrollment for the fall semester. Children from age 3 are welcome. For questions or to register call 401-942-1175 or by email at <faithdirector203@hotmail.com> Parishioners can also speak with parish communicants who have their children enrolled currently to get their impression—Dr Steven & Tricia Rougas, Michael & Kassiane Campopiano, Matthew and Marina Barboza and Stelio & Sophia Triantafyllou.
In Gratitude
Just as Jesus brings light into the darkness, St. Basil Academy brings light into the lives of many children and parents who have faced darkness. Following the untimely death of my son, Rev. Fr. Matthew Baker, St. Basils reached out to them and welcomed them to their family and provided a warm home, a nanny, schooling, delicious meals, and counseling for Isaac, Elias, George, Ellie, Cyril, Matthew and Presvytera Kate. The home provides enough rooms so supportive friends and family can visit too.
Situated on the Hudson in Garrison, NY, the St. Basil campus includes a church, a playground, a library, a gymnasium, an indoor pool, a game room and surrounding woods for hiking. The campus is large and the Baker children can often be seen riding their bikes or skateboards. St. Basils provides a safe haven for healing.
I have been so impressed with what happens at St Basil Academy and the fine work that is performed there. You Orthodox need to be so proud of this ministry of your Church. Thank you for blessing the Baker family and many families in the future.
Evelyn Baker
Annual Annunciation Observance Luncheon And Children’s Program
Join us at the luncheon to commemorate Our Parish Feast Day and Greek Independence Day Sunday March 20, 2016 Following Divine Liturgy
Luncheon Time: 11:30 AM
Shrimp with Pesto Linguine $15.00
Macaroni & Sauce Only $ 8.00
Both meals come with salad & dessert
For Reservations Call
James & Kate Silva 946-1935
Blessing of the Waters—Sat March 12 at Save The Bay
Protect New England’s Ocean Treasures God’s beautiful creation deserves our reverence, and needs our protection. Gather to learn, pray, and act.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I invite you to join Christian communities on Saturday, March 12 from 1:30-3:30pm at Save the Bay (at 100 Save The Bay Drive –Providence) to give praise to our Creator and appreciate what God has made by supporting the first-ever national marine monument proposed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Under the Atlantic Ocean lie canyons as deep as the Grand Canyon and mounts as high as the Rockies. It is one of the most biodiverse areas in the Atlantic, with rare cold-water corals more than a thousand years old. Scientists are continuing to identify new species in this underwater ark for some of God’s most exotic and wondrous creatures. In another region, Cashes Ledge, there are lush kelp forests that sway with the waves, shelter increasingly rare fish species, and serve as feeding grounds for whales. These special places deserve permanent protection so they can thrive for generations to come.
During our March 12 gathering, the community will get to know the local Baykeeper, and will hear introductory remarks from our co-host Rev. Dr. Don Anderson, the director of the Rhode Island Council of Churches. We will also hear from a marine scientist, and Katharine Deuel of Pew Charitable Trusts, who is an advocate for the monument.
The event will culminate in a traditional Orthodox Prayer Service called the Blessing of the Waters, led by Fr. Andrew G. George, Church of the Annunciation / Greek Orthodox Parish of Greater Providence, located in Cranston, RI. Of course, we will also have time for snacks and fellowship. Be sure to register early, as space is limited. You will not want to miss this special opportunity.
Learn more at www.creationjustice.org/ocean-treasures
Hope you can make it,
Shantha Ready Alonso
Executive Director, Creation Justice Ministries
This event is brought to you by:
Connect with Us
Creation Justice Ministries
110 Maryland Ave NE #203
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 827-3975
info@creationjustice.org
www.creationjustice.org