On Our Cover
Most of the Gospel readings post Pentecost and throughout the summer are from St Matthew’s Gospel. Let’s us see who this famous man was.
St. Matthew, one of the twelve Apostles, is the author of the first book of the New Tes-tament. He was a native of Cana in Galilee, the son of Alpheus and was called to be a disciple while sitting in the tax-collector’s place at Capernaum as an employee of the Roman government. He is referred to as “Levi” in Mark’s and Luke’s Gospels. Mat-thew had actually welcomed the Lord into his home in which Jesus had direct conver-sation with him. His apostolic activity was at first restricted to the communities of Pal-estine, then he preached to the Parthians, Medes and the Ethiopians.
Matthew wrote his Gospel to fill a sorely felt need for his fellow countrymen, both be-lievers and unbelievers. Writing for the people of Palestine, he composed his narrative in his native Aramaic, the “Hebrew tongue” but soon thereafter it was translated into Greek in conformity with the original. The Greek text has come down to us, but the Aramaic text has been lost.
It is believed that his Gospel was written between A. D. 42 and 50, or even later. How-ever, since he depicts the Holy City with its altar and temple as still existing, and with-out any reference to the fulfillment of our Lord’s prophecy, it is evident that it was written before the destruction of the city by the Romans in A. D. 70.
His close association with Jesus tends to obscure the man who shed the ignominious role of tax collector, to become the most intellectual of the 12 Apostles chosen by the Lord. The awesome task of carrying the words of Christ to a people oppressed for cen-turies was assumed by St Matthew with a determination that could not be denied.
The closing verse of his Gospel, in which Matthew quotes Jesus is so complete: “Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;
and lo, I am with you always till the end of the age. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)
Let us remember to do the 10 minutes per day of Bible reading in our homes.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PHASE 2 PROGRAM APPROVED
Our recent Parish Assembly accepted the proposal of the Phase 2 Committee, which has been meeting for some 3 years now, concerning renovations and en-hancements mainly to the church interior. Our Phase 1 program (exterior improve-ments) were completed in 2006. The interior improvements will take place as we approach the 50th anniversary year of the church edifice in 2018. The committee will soon announce the fund drive for this purpose. Elsewhere in this issue, we have noted that donations have started to arrive even before requested. Giving the first donation was Phase 2 Chairman Nicholas Tanionos and family. It is anticipated that the various components of the actual work will fall into place mid to late 2017. Regular updates will be provided.
CONCERNING CEMETERIES
It has been a practice that our parishioners select a resting place for their loved ones as they each so determine. The overwhelming majority have over the years made use of the North Burial Grounds in Providence, which is a city owned ceme-tery and although there are sections “referred to” as so called Greek sections, these sections are not exclusive to just people of Greek (or Orthodox background). The entire North Burial Grounds is open to anyone. (As noted in the past…those desiring to be within either of the “Greek Sections” at North Burial, should pur-chase their plot for spaces are depleting quickly.)
Of late it has come to our attention that there is an Orthodox Cemetery in Cumber-land known as the St John Ukrainian Orthodox Church Cemetery, in existence since the 1940s. The St John Parish (located previously in Providence) dissolved in 1982, but the cemetery continues to function under a Board of Trustees comprised of members from the St Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Parish of Woonsocket and the former St John Parish (which merged).
THEY HAVE ANNOUNCED CURRENTLY THAT BURIALS ARE AVAILABLE TO ANY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FROM THIS POINT ONWARD.
Contact John Komar, Trustee President at 401-497-1570
Or, Leo Andryc, Trustee Treasurer at 401-480-2529
The trustees are currently older individuals and they also desire to have younger members that the cemetery will be in good hands for the future. Their hope is that the trustees and the departed to be buried there, will be Pan-Orthodox in the future and no longer exclusively Ukrainian. There are an estimated 635 plots available on 2.5 acres of land. The cemetery is located on Hews Street at the dead end.
ADDITIONAL GRADUATES
Since our last issue’s tribute to graduates, we have received the following additional information…………
Student School Graduating From Future Plan
Alex Richard Hendricken High School University of Notre Dame Summa Cum Laude Pre-Med
College & Universities
Georgios Halkidis URI Searching for employment -BA in Biomedical Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
Alexis Harritos RI College Restaurant Manager -BA in Communication & Advertising
Matthew Janigian Brown University Employed at Goldman Sachs, NY -Economics & Applied Mathematics
Nicholas Janigian Villanova University Employed at Americore 1 yr. -BA of Science & Bio Chemistry Pursing Medical School -Minor in History (Magna Cum Laude)
COME JOIN THE FUN AT THE FESTIVAL BAKING DATES
Measure, mix, crack, roll, sift, chop, dipping, package.
Tues & Wed Aug 23 & 24—Koulourakia
Tue Aug 30—Melomakarona / Kourambiedes
Wed Aug 31– Diples
Tues Sept 6– Honey Dip Diples
Wed Sept 7– Packing Pastries
HANDS ARE NEEDED AT 4PM EACH OF THESE DAYS TO PREPARE AND TO LEARN THE PREPARATION PROCESS TO BE READY FOR THE 6PM WORK SESSION.
Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for the period ending 5/31/2016
Endowment Fund Portfolio: $ 769,389.21
Endowment Fund Checking Account: $2263.28
In Memory of Solon Chris a donation made to the Endowment Fund:
By Jean Mihelakos, M/M James Pappas, Philoptochos Society, Mary Samaras, Carole Xanthakis
An Historic Landmark
A landmark that defines a thoughtful and progressive parish! +++++++++++++++++
The Church of the Annunciation Endowment Fund was officially established with the approval of the Endowment Fund By-Laws at the General Assembly held on December 1, 1998.
Thank You to All that Donated for our Altar Boy Vestments
Altar boys learn the meaning and order of each Liturgy Service through participation in those services. Through their offering of service during the Liturgy of the Church, they fulfill a sacred and indispensable role in the Li-turgical life of the Church. Because of their sacred duties, they are distin-guished from the rest of the faithful by wearing a robe, the traditional vestments associated with service. Altar Boy Vestments give a dignified appearance, so we Thank You for your generous gift.
We acknowledge the following for responding- Evan Andrikos, Dr. & Mrs. James Andri-otis, M/M Alexander Carr, M/M Nicholas Carr, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Carr, M/M Stephan Erinakes, Nicholas Fircanis, Demetra Lambros, M/M Dimitrios, Markos, Virginia Strekouras and Lynda Takoudes.
2016 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 328 parishioners with the pledge of $167,287.00
The Actual amount received to date is $132,696.70
M/M Dionysius Argeris, M/M Nektarios Arsenis, M/M Steve Daras, Eleni Fotopoulos, M/M Michael Kirios, James Kripotos, Catherine Louth, Peter Manis, Mary Marshallis, M/M George Melanis, Mr. Meltsakos & Mrs. Zafiriades, M/M Andrew Mihailides, Peter Mihailides, Sotiris Mioni, M/M George Moragemos, M/M Spyridon Papaioannou, M/M Paul Pliakas, Angela Provost, John Psikakos, M/M Brian Rawlinson, M/M Steven Richard, M/M George Stergis, M/M Nicholas Tanionos,
A RICH FARMER SAID TO A BISHOP ONE DAY AS HE POINTED TO HIS VAST ACREAGE HE OWNED IN TEXAS— ”YOU MEAN ALL THAT IS NOT MINE?” THE BISHOP REPLIED GENTLY, “ASK ME THAT IN 100 YEARS.’
CAPITAL FUND PHASE II DONATIONS
Total Amount Received $6,575.00
M/M Nicholas Tanionos, Robert Tessier, the Tasca Family and Fr Andrew.
HOLY WEEK LITURGICAL DONATIONS
Thomai Petropoulos (in memory of her husband Arthur Petropoulos), M/M Stephan Erinakes, Dionisios & Vasso Sampalis (in memory of Maria Sampalis), Diana J. Psilopoulos, (in memory of her husband Dennis Harry Psilopoulos), M/M Gregory Demetrakas, M/M Steve Daras, James Vose, Zoe Mitrelis, M/M Michael Papigiotis, (in memory of Theofanis G., Martha & Theodore Papigiotis), M/M James Silva, (in memory of M/M Manuel Silva & M/M Andrew Tsomi), Vikki Poulos, (in memory of M/M George Stamatakos, M/M James Poulos, & M/M William Poulos), Theodore Vaphiades, (in memory of Basil Vaphiades), M/M Lakis Andriotis, (in memory of William & Stella Pappas from their children & grandchildren), M/M Gus Rougas, (in memory of M/M Andrew Rougas & M/M Savvas Michaelides), M/M Robert Devlin, Dr. & Mrs. James Pascalides The Philoptochos Society, Anonymous Donor.
Thank you to all who donated. God Bless you and yours!
“St. Spyridon Film Festival—Sat. July 9—Newport”
Would you like to make and share a short video about your Church and Faith even though you have nev-er used a camcorder before, or you have only done a little bit of video work? Then the Saint Spyridon Orthodox Christian Film Festival is for you. Join us on Saturday, July 9th at the Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Newport for the next Saint Spyridon Christian Film Festival. Fellowship begins at 9:30 am. Viewing begins at 10 am followed by a free luncheon and awards ceremony, and then … for all festival registrants: A free two hour sail on a captained and crewed yacht in Narragansett Bay. For more information on how to participate go to: http://www.stspyridonchurch.org/filmfestival/
Hope & Joy
The Mystic Aquarium Trip back on June 18 for our little ones and parents was enjoyed by some 18 people….tremendous weather that day as well.
JULY YOUTH EVENTS
Starting Wed July 6– A four session Summer Music Program for all ages, grade 6 and above, adults included. Beth Nichols will lead these sessions, running from 6-8PM on July 6, 13 and 27 as well as Wed Aug 3 (but at 3:00PM). Come and learn fun songs and liturgical music with good fellowship with each other as well. Contact Beth with any questions or to register, directly at nichols22@verizon.net
Sat July 9– Goya sponsored trip to NYC / visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, plus the construction site of the St Nicholas Shrine as well as the statue of Liberty, Ellis Is-land, Times Square and more. Open to youth grades 6-12 and adults at large. Reserve thru Christopher Mitrelis 632-8752.
Mon July 11– Beachside brunch & fellowship for 6th-12th graders along with a plan-ning session for next years Goya activities at the beach home of Bob & Cherine Spagnolo (267 Bonnet Point Rd—Narragansett). RSVP to Cherine at 965-2245.
AUGUST VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL (VCS)
(for children age 5—thru 5th graders)
Mon – Fri / August 1 – 5, 2016 = 9:30am – 2:30PM
Sat August 6—Transfiguration Liturgy @ 9:30am
at which the children will sing, ending at 11am
Feast Days of Christ
Beth Nicholas will once again serve as coordinator. Contact her at nichols22@verizon.net or by phone at 401-383-6708
SUNDAY SCHOOL / PERFECT & BEST ATTENDANCE AWARDS
Pre-Kindergarten: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: Stella Andriotis, Alexandro Arsenis, Alayna Piscopio, John Rawlinson, Stella Trikoulis, Simon Tsimikas
Kindergarten: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: none
First Grade: Perfect Attendance: Sophia Nichols
Best Attendance: Ilianna Arsenis, James Rawlinson, Gabriella Santos, Elias Tsimikas
Second Grade: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: Zoe Hatjopoulos, Lucas Leroux, Laila Sarkis
Third Grade: Perfect Attendance: Calista Leroux, Nicholas Mihailides
Best Attendance: Ana Hatjopoulos, Christian Santos
Fourth Grade: Perfect Attendance: Damian Sarkis, Nathan Sarkis, Alex Vanikiotis, Chris Vanikiotis
Best Attendance: Savvina Arsenis, Yiannis Fotopoulos, Vasiliki Protopsaltis
Fifth Grade: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: George Grammas, Elisabeth Halkidis
Sixth Grade: Perfect Attendance: Julianna Mihailides Best Attendance: Rebecca Haralambides, Christopher Lambros
Seventh Grade: Perfect Attendance: Julianna Panagopoulos, Melina Panagopoulos Best Attendance: none
Eighth Grade: Perfect Attendance: Katerina Mihailides, Katherine Mitrelis, Nathaniel Nichols, Dimitri Petrou
Best Attendance: none
Ninth Grade: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: none
Tenth Grade: Perfect Attendance: none Best Attendance: none
Eleventh Grade: Perfect Attendance: none
Best Attendance: none
Twelfth Grade: Perfect Attendance: Alexis Arsenis
Best Attendance: Maria Daiaa
GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL GRADUATION 2016
GRADUATES (PLAQUES): Zoey Despines, Alexia Sterpis, Alexander Titelis, Helaina Barakos (7th grade) Nicholas Lambros (8th grade) Dimitri Petrou (8th grade).
EXCELLENCE: Gianna Degaitas, Yiannis Fotopoulos, Xeni Gianniotis, Elisabeth Halkidis, Calista Leroux, Angela Marses, Evgenia Meltsakos, Christian Santos, Alexander Vanikiotis, Christina Vanikiotis.
HIGHEST HONORS: Savvina Arsenis, Arianna Fotopoulos, Ana Hatjopoulos Christopher Lambros, Lucas Leroux, Stella Loizos, Thea Marses, Helaina Barakos, Stephen Sterpis, Christo-pher Vanikiotis, Alexander Titelis.
HIGH HONORS: Chris Andriotis, Ilianna Arsenis, Harry Arsenis, Theofanis Arsenis, Lauren Bousquet, Mia Eliopoulos, Vasilios Eliopoulos, Zoe Hatjopoulos, Sophia Nichols, Vasiliki Protop-saltis, Gabriella Santos, Alexia Sarkis, Alexia Sterpis, Liza Triantafylloy.
HONORS: Harrison Barakos, Michael Baziotis, Zoey Despines, Maggie Despines, Jamie Plio-nis. Liam Kostas Plionis, Zoe Plaisted, James Rawlinson, Sophia Sarkis.
HONORABLE MENTION: Virginia Barakos, Gus Despines, George Protopsaltis, George Grammas, Peter Grammas.
AWARDS
Archdiocesan Award—The Three Hierarchs: Helaina Barakos
Ahepa: Gianna Degaitas & Stella Loizos
Paideia/Hellenic Cultural Society: Angela Marses & Evgenia Meltsakos
Good Samaritan Philoptochos Society: Christopher Lambros & Zoey Despines
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church: Alexia Sterpis & Alexander Titelis
Volunteers: Niki Malatos Bousquet, Maria Leroux, Lynda Takoudas, Sophia Triantafyllou
PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR – JULY-AUGUST, 2016
We hope you are all enjoying the beautiful weather we have had the month of June. Our End-of-the Year Celebration was well-attended, and although the weather was not in our favor that day, we had a very nice afternoon. Thank you to all who came and to Bessie Papigiotis for Chair-ing this Luncheon. A special note of thanks to Taso Barakos for the out-standing service we received at the Agave Restaurant in Bristol.
We are now looking forward to a couple of events we have scheduled over the summer months:
Monday – July 18th – 6:30 p.m. —A BAZAAR MEETING will be held at the Church Center to move forward with plans for the Annual Greek Food Fair and Christmas Ba-zaar. We ask you to please come with your ideas and suggestions. As we all know, this is the biggest and only fundraiser Philoptochos has to meet our budgeted obligations and donations. We are open to all ideas, so please feel free to come and share them. EVERYONE IS WELCOMED – PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERS AND NON MEM-BERS. Bazaar date is Saturday-Sunday, November 12-13, 2016.
Friday – July 29th – 6:30 p.m. – LADIES NIGHT OUT – Dinner will be at the Chop-House Grille (Chucky Samaras’ restaurant), 191 Old Tower Hill Road, in Wakefield, RI, with dessert following dinner at the home of Eleni Zervos, 124 Old Boston Neck Road, Narragansett, RI….just a few minutes from the Restaurant. These Ladies Night Out dinners have been lots of fun, and a way for us to get together and enjoy an evening out. Please mark your calendars and make your reservation by Tuesday, July 26th by calling Georgia Pappas 351-3927. All ladies are welcomed to come—Philoptochos Members and Non Members.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – While we are not meeting over the summer months, we con-tinue with this Ministry by crocheting/knitting at home. We thank all those ladies who have been participating in this Ministry chaired by Anna Demetrakas: Josie Aliferakis, Marie Zaharakos, Koula Rougas, Rosie Demetriou, Carole Xanthakis, Lynda Poulos Theroux, Diane DiCarlo, Bessie Papigiotis, Mersine Florio. If you cannot come when we meet, please crochet/knit at home. In addition to the Prayer Shawls, we need 40-day blessing baby blankets. Ann Heberg and Ginger Pappas chair the 40-day blessing baby gift bags. Yarn will be provided. Please call Anna Demetrakas 946-0550 or Bessie Papigiotis 949-3240 if you can help with this Ministry.
We hope to see you at our first meeting on Monday, September 19th. Enjoy the rest of the summer. Stay safe and be well.
Georgia Pappas, President
Karen Drager, Corresponding Secretary
Wednesday / Friday Fasting
Our Orthodox Christian life and weekly practice call for fasting on Wednesday and Fridays through most of the year. There are exception weeks based on major feasts, as noted always on our parish wall calendars. This twice a week fast was lived by Jesus which was a Jewish practice. It was retained by the early Christians and is a way that as His followers we keep Christ in focus throughout the week. The twice weekly fast in the Christian era remembers our Lord’s betrayal by Judas that took place on a Wednesday and His crucifixion – death – burial that occurred on a Fri-day. This twice weekly fasting gives a cycle to life and dietary menus that are often cleansing and usually more healthy then many of the other foods we often eat. It also is one way we keep a liturgical and Eucharistic awareness. This is a good way for children as well to experience various foods but to also develop a respect for “cycles of time” that are so much a part of our Christian Orthodox experience and phronema in general.
8TH ANNUAL ANNUNCIATION GOLF TOURNAMENT
In memory of Presvytera Maria George
Who touched the lives of all the children she taught in her Sunday School classes.
Sunday, August 21, 2016, 1pm. Metacomet CC, East Providence, RI.
Registration deadline: Friday, August 19, 2016
Registration online: www.annunciationgolf.org
For tournament or sponsorship information, please contact Dennis Sampalis (401-529-7054, dsampalis@aol.com) Peter Manis (617-930-0099, pxm712@ymail.com), or Jimmy Grammas (401-965-6017, jgrammas68@gmail.com).
GOLF PACKAGES
Individual golfer-$175, includes 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, long drive & closest-to-pin contests, and registration gifts.
Foursome-$700, same features as individual golfer, but for 4 players.
Guest dinner-$50.00, includes dinner only.
Sponsorships for various aspects of the tournament are always welcomed-please contact committee member if interested
THIS IS A CHARITY EVENT TO BENEFIT THE CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION AND THE INTERFAITH FOOD MINISTRY.
A day of relaxing enjoyment, special time with family and friends and what more makes for a great day, but in knowing you are helping a worthy benefit. We thank you.
Play Golf & Support Hellenic College / Holy Cross—Mon July 18
This annual golf classic will be held at Kernwood Country Club—Salem, MA / 18 holes, raffle prize is a trip to Greece (and others), steak & lobster closing dinner and more. Single golfer $295 / foursome $1,180. Dinner only-$75. Visit <www.hchc.edu/golf> to register.
Summer is here and everyone wants to get many things done but remember to pop in and be with us at church as well:
Change your address, phone or e-mail
Make Wedding or Baptismal Plans
Join Bible Study, Marriage Classes, Choir, Philoptochos, Senior Luncheons. Be involved in many events volunteering Festival, Greek Food Fair, Goya Events
Make donation arrangements for your Stewardship, Memorial Fund, Endowment Fund, Capital Fund Phase II Project
Sign up for Greek School & Sunday School come September
Arrange for Nursery School for your child with Faith Nursery (downstairs) Also pick a few weeks to attend a Sunday or weekday Liturgy! Don’t disappear in the summer—we look forward to seeing you!
THANK YOU
The 145-151 Oaklawn LLC and the Parish Council wishes to thank Stephanie Sterpis for coordinating, pricing and being on site for the recent yard sale at the rental home on the Scott property next to the Mihalides Center. Proceeds benefited our youth activities through the Goya who worked the sale.
INTERFAITH FOOD MINISTRY of Cranston would like to say Thank You to the donors who donated Stop & Shop gift cards over the Holiday Season of Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Years allowing them to purchase 100 cans of tuna. Your generosity is very much appreciated.
Parishioners are reminded that canned and boxed food items (or monetary donations) are also needed in the summer. Families living on limited income often do so all 4 seasons of the year.
RECENT DEATHS
Cynthia Samaras, age 74, of Boston MA. & Cranston, RI., the daughter of (Mary Sama-ras, our Endowment Fund Secretary) passed away on 6/29/16. Her funeral and burial was on 7/2/16. George Kollitides, of Charleston, RI passed away on 6/24/16, while on a fami-ly vacation in Greece. Funeral and burial will be in RI but not structured as we go to press.