The Annunciator – Page 8 – Official Newsletter of the Church of the Annunciation

October 2015

On Our Cover

“Go to church. Say your prayers. Observe the fasts. Do good works. Read your Bible. These few words, or some variation, were the advice your parents or grandparents probably gave you. It was good advice then; it’s still good advice.

The spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, philanthropy and study are the hallmarks of the Orthodox Christian way of life. They have been taught since the first days of Christianity. These are not abstractions but concrete practices that each one of us can perform, from the youngest to the oldest, from the beginner to the master.

Scholar Dorothy Bass, editor of Practicing Our Faith; A Way of Life for a Searching People (Wiley, 2nd ed., 2010), has described and expanded thinking on the practices of faith. Her primary purpose in the book is to introduce people to spiritual practice; for them (the non-Orthodox) it is the rediscovery of an old idea. Her definition will sound very simple to many of us, but she writes that “Christian practices are things Christian people do together over time in response to and in the light of God’s active presence for the life of the world” (page 5).

We can see how this applies to the Orthodox practices. But have we considered the connection between our practice and the life of the world? Do we consider that our fasting practices might influence the whole world? Most of us live very comfortable lives, yet we are called to live simply, to “become poor.”

In study we address the basic need to know and can use study to understand the causes and reasons of the issues of the world. Study can take a lifetime and it’s good to do it with dialogue partners. When we meet a wise or well-informed person, we are encountering a person who has mastered the discipline. Study can also help us make connections between faith and life. When we understand the poverty of the world, perhaps our fasting becomes even more meaningful, as it prepares us for the feast of a major Church holiday.

In her book, Bass reminds us that there are other concrete practices of Christian faith: hospitality, forgiveness, keeping the Sabbath and more. These too are worthy of reflection. How might your life be influenced by observing the Sabbath, involving attending Liturgy and being a day for family, usually over the “big family dinner” (as it used to be for so many of us)?

I hope that this memo is raising questions for you about how we practice our faith and the discipline it requires, year long.

Anton C. Vrame, PhD
Director of Religious Education / Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

Catch Up

Previously un-announced till today is a transition that has occurred in our parish office back in late spring…..filling the full time position as parish office secretary & administrative assistant is Francesca (Fran) Lewis. She is our new daily person in the office. Be reminded as announced in the past that Elaine Andrade still remains with us but now in a part-time capacity, mainly as our bookkeeper (but she does it all while training Fran as well). Also this summer, Golfo Tzilos, member of the parish council took a new job in the state of Michigan and resigned her position. To fill her un-completed term on the parish council, the council appointed Paraskevi (Voula) Devlin. We wish all 4 ladies well in their new responsibilities.

We also extend summer appreciation to Harry & Gloria Nicolopoulos for the donation of floral plants and to Lynda Takoudes for planting them; to George Tsimikas for his upkeep on the fountain area garden, to all who donated in the special summer offering tray for the benefit of the (Cranston) Inter-Faith Food Ministry ($700 was collected) and to Zoe Mitrelis for making various covers for auxiliary tables in church.

Camperships Awarded

At the recent Grandparent / Grandchild Observance “camperships” were awarded to the Feb 12th winter camp weekend of our Boston Metropolis Camp to Katherine Mitrelis, Alexis Arsenis and Christian Mitrelis. This year’s camperships were provided by Arthur & Thea Kazianis in honor of their first grandchild, little Thea.

Welcome to our new Seminarian

With us this year is Christos Kolentsas from Brockton Massachusetts, but instead of being in the parish on Sundays, he will be with us on Wednesday in a shadowing program with Fr Andrew (as a new requirement for Holy Cross Seniors). He is thirty years old, married and with two young daughters, a 3yr old and an infant. He did his undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology and a graduate degree in Human Strength and Conditioning from Bridgewater State University. During and after receiving both degrees from BSU he worked as a strength coach, personal trainer and as a professional folk dancer at a local Renaissance Festival and competed for two years in the American Drug Free Power lifting Federation in the 198 lb weight class. We warmly welcome him to our parish.

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.

FALL HAS ARRIVED AND WINTER IS APPROACHING

Well summer is over and fall has arrived, but we don’t have to be grim about the weather for colorful leaves will appear! Holidays ahead with family and friends are always happy times. We need to stay busy and active in all phases of life, because as this time goes by and we just worry about the weather, we miss out on all the indoor projects and activities we could be enjoying. Make a to do list for the upcoming months, add things on to it that you say you will do, but never get the opportunity to get done.

You will feel, so great accomplishing these projects, appointments, visits, etc. Volunteering is the greatest reward you can give to yourself, sometimes you feel “ah who notices what I do” but you forget to realize someone is always watching, God knows the work you do, the extra time you put in, to getting the job done. What matters is you have done what God would have wanted of you and you are happy with yourself. You make a difference no matter how much you give of yourself to any volunteering job. Thank you to all for your, time, effort and consistency throughout the year!

And so it is in life- our seasons do come and go

Each with a particular purpose: God’s plan to know.

You’re Always There for Me

When the world comes crashing in

And chaos rules my mind,

I turn my heart to you, Lord,

And pure, sweet peace I find.

You lift me out of trouble

You comfort me in pain;

You nourish, heal and cleanse me,

Like cool, refreshing rain.

In times of joy and bliss,

When things are going right,

You lift me even higher,

And fill me with delight.

You listen to my prayers;

You hear my every plea;

I’m safe because I know

You’re always there for me.

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News

Financial Report for the period ending August 31, 2015

Endowment Fund Portfolio: $720,092.95

Endowment Fund Checking Account: $4,830.78

Donor ( s) for the current period

In memory of Georgia Manolakos (died 7/30/15) (continued from previous month) M/M

Dionysius Argeris; John & Jean D’Espinosa; Artemis Diana Di Carlo; Denise Duchesne; Margo Hyde; M/M Ernest Pappas; Annunciation Church Philoptochos Society; Carol Pressman; Mary Samaras; M/M John Stergiou and Jacqueline Wood..

In memory of Michael Lekos (died 9/12/15)donations to the Endowment Fund: Kosta & Koula Rougas; Artemis Frangos.

Our Legacy Defined

Did you know…….

…….that if we remain faithful to our commitment to the existing

Endowment Fund, the day will come:

That the income earned on the principal will provide funds to cover our entire yearly budget-WOW!
That the parish council will no longer panic should it rain during the entire three-day Festival knowing that money necessary to cover our budget will be provided by the income earned and that whatever money that the Festival brings in will be used for special projects, such as repairs to the church building – Wow!
That our charitable support to the many less fortunate will be increased.
That our legacy will endure from generation to generation.

Yes, that day will come through your generous donations!

Respectfully Submitted with Heartfelt Thanks
Mary Samaras, Endowment Fund Secretary

YOUTH NEWS

Summer Review

Numerous of our youth (about 14) attended the various sessions at our Metropolis of Boston Summer Camp in NH. The experience there is phenomenal as they experience fun, faith and fellowship in the wonderful surroundings of the facility with their Orthodox peers from throughout the north east (and at times other places as well who also attend). The month of August began with our Vacation Church School Program which featured the theme of “The Ark of Salvation- Feasts of the Theotokos.” A fun and inspiring daily schedule was held for a full week in which some 22 Pre-K to 5th graders participated along with 7 adult helpers and 9 teenage youth helpers. Thank you to all who directed the program and to the families that sent their children. For our older youth a trip to Six-Flags New England was held in which 13 of our teens participated. It was a time of good bonding both on the rides and the water slides! We saw an increase in youth coming to help with pastry preparation for the Greek Festival as well which was so pleasing and of course the 80 or so youth who comprise our dance troupe pleased the crowds once again.

Currently in Place

Our Sunday Church School Program and our weekday Afternoon Greek Language School Program, as well as our Youth Choir are currently functioning, but it’s not late to start coming.

Just Ahead – Youth (Groups) Night – Sun Oct 18

Continuing with last year’s Sunday night gatherings as a combined gathering for our various separate Youth Groups, our first get-together will be Sunday Oct 18 from 5-7PM. The main course of a meal will be provided by the parish council. Families are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Youth Coordinator Transition

We are thankful to Andrew Otto who served as our youth coordinator these past 2 years. His senior year at Holy Cross Seminary necessitates for him to fulfill other duties at this time – God Bless you Andrew for your successful ministry here. We are happy to have Christopher Mitrelis fill the position as our new youth coordinator; born and raised in our parish, former Metropolis of Boston Camp staff member and now college graduate from the University of New Haven. We look forward to his involvement and leadership.

2015 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT

We have to date 362 parishioners with a total pledge of $188,617.00

The Actual Amount Received is $168,799.06

Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2015:

Nicholas DiMaio; Marianthi Mastriano, M/M/ George Moragemos; M/M/ Christo Pakuris; M/M Nikolaos Petropoulos; M/M Athanasios Pitliangas; Mrs. Mary Quinn.

WISE WORDS

The ancient Greek Philosopher Nicomicus once wrote, “all charity is based on being selfish; for our giving makes us feel good.”

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

“With Christ, it is not how much we give, but what we do not give that is the real test.” – Oswald Chambers

Sacrifice…There can be no real and abiding happiness without sacrifice. Our greatest joys do not result from our efforts toward self-gratification, but from a loving and spontaneous service to other lives. Joy comes not to him who seeks it himself, but to him who seeks it for other people. – H. W. Sylvester

RECENT DEATHS

Anna Radiches, age 93, of East Providence, RI passed away on 8/27/15. Her funeral and burial was held on 8/31/15. Nikki (Everett) Limperopoulos at age 50 from Houston, TX with services and burial here at the Veteran’s cemetery on Sept 4 (joining her husband who preceded her in death by 15 months). Steven Lysikatos, age 75, of Cranston, RI passed away on 9/14/15. His funeral and burial was held on 9/16/15. Alexander A. Radiches, age 95, of East Providence, RI passed away on 9/19/15 (just 23 days after his wife’s death). His funeral and burial was held on 9/23/15. Also elsewhere – Michael Lekos, age 88, of St. Augustine, Florida, a long time parishioner, passed away on 9/12/15. His funeral and burial was held in St. Augustine, Florida. The Mother of our parishioner Demetria Carr (Mimi Katherine James) passed on in New London, CT. Her funeral and burial was held on 9/15/15. Dr. Joanne Hologgitas, age 88, of Newport, RI (Sister of Bessie Mihailides) well known in our parish, passed away. Her funeral and burial was held on 9/18/15, at St. Spyridon Church.

~May Their Memory Be Eternal~

2015 Greek Festival News
There is not a font size lettering large enough to print saying:
“Thank You”, to all the volunteers, who participated in us achieving another successful Festival.

The hours all of you put into such an event, timeless hours, day and night was amazing. All of it being done with grace, being proud of your parish, honoring your heritage. A Festival enjoyed by all nationalities. People from all the New England states come to enjoy this festive time and come year after year, many can even tell you how many years they have been coming. They say that they don’t mind the long lines for the food and pleasant nature of all, is worth it. Add to it the dance troupe, the music (all of it being live this year) and it is a wonderful packaged experience!

None of this is possible without our parishioner volunteers and we THANK YOU ALL—YOU make this all happen! May this joyous event always be blessed and all of you as well!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE VOLUNTEER’S THANK YOU DINNER MEETING

Tuesday Oct 13 @ 6PM

Please e-mail or call the parish office to reserve your attendance.

FESTIVAL RAFFLE WINNERS
Heidi Gannon—$100.00 / Gift Card
Dean Christelis—$100.00 / Gift Card
Theodore Kacharo—$100.00 / Gift Card
Presvytera Katherine Baker—$100.00 / Check
Avelrey DiSimone—$100.00 / Check

GRAND PRIZE WINNER 0F THE $5,000.00 WAS:
BOB DAWKINS (a neighbor that lives nearby the church).

Items Remaining for Purchase
Greek wine and beer as well as imported Greek cookies and etc from the Kaffenio are available for purchase. See the display at coffee hours or contact the office.

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUCIATOR – OCTOBER-NOVEMBER
Philoptochos is very busy preparing for our Annual Greek Food Fair and Christmas Bazaar which will be November 14^th and 15th. Circle the date and plan to come. Our figures for the 2014 Bazaar have been finalized with a profit of $29,488.00. THANK YOU!!!! Our Baking for this event is scheduled as follows, and we ask that you please come and help us:

SPANAKOPITA/BAKLAVA – TUESDAY – OCT 20^TH – 6:00 P.M.
KOURAMBIEDES/KOULOURAKIA – TUESDAY – OCT 27^TH – 6:00 P.M.
DIPLES – SATURDAY – NOV 7^TH – 9:00 A.M. (LUNCH WILL BE SERVED)

Raffle Prizes are needed for the following areas: Grand Raffle (Josie Aliferakis and Karen Drager,) Chairs; Silent Auction (Ann Heberg and Ginger Pappas, Chairs,); and Day Raffle, (Georgia Pappas,) Chair. Please contact them if you would like letters to solicit a donation or if you would like to donate a prize. Please contact Georgia Pappas for these letters 529-6826. Especially popular are restaurant gift certificates, sporting event tickets, prizes for children, entertainment packages, etc. As we have said previously, Taverna is the area with the largest expenses. Please contact Koula Rougas or Roula Proyous if you can assist with a donation for the Taverna. Chairladies of this year’s Bazaar are Diane Mitrelis and Stephanie Venditelli.

NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS CHILDREN’S MEDICAL FUND LUNCHEON – BOSTON, MA.-OCTOBER 31^st – Tickets are available for this Luncheon for the benefit of Children’s Hospitals and Programs for Children in our Metropolis. Tickets are $125.00 per person and you may contact Bessie Papigiotis or Marianne Phelan to make your reservation. Transportation via carpooling or a mini bus (if there is interest) will be available. If you are not able to attend, and would like to support this major undertaking by our Metropolis Philoptochos Board and Chapters with a donation, please contact Bessie or Marianne for this also.

OPERATION HOUSEWARMING – HOMELESS VETERANS PROJECT – We have almost reached our goal of 12 complete baskets!!! THANK YOU!!! Please contact Marianne Phelan to contribute in any way to this worthwhile effort which is a project of our Metropolis Philoptochos and is being supported by all the Chapters in our Metropolis. The Providence Veteran’s Hospital Homeless Veterans Department will distribute our Baskets. Cost of a complete basket is $100, but individual items and cash donations towards a basket are gratefully accepted.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY AID ITEMS AND EYEGLASSES FOR HOMELESS – We continue to collect donations of these items which are brought to homeless shelters in our area. All types of eyeglasses are welcomed and are brought to the appropriate donation center. Ann Heberg chairs this project and bins are in the Demetrakas Hall entranceway for you to place your items.

Enjoy the fall weather and all its beauty. Thank you as always for your generous support.

GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
BESSIE PAPIGIOTIS, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

SPECIAL CONFRENCES AHEAD AT HELLENIC COLLEGE / HOLY CROSS—Brookline, MA

Oct 28-30 / Speaking To Secular America

With the upcoming installation of the new President, Rev Dr Christopher Metropoulos, this very timely conference will be focusing on an important topic. Archbishop Demetrios will inaugurate the conference with the Keynote Address “Beyond Secularism” on Wed Oct 28 at 7PM—open to the public. Eight other presentations by distinguished speakers are scheduled over the following 2 days. Contact Fr Andrew for details.

Nov 5-7 / Attention Parishioner Doctors

The annual conference of the Orthodox Christian Association of Medicine, Psychology and Religion (OCAMPR). Conference theme is “Caregivers as Confessors & Healers.” Numerous guest speakers are from overseas as well as from throughout the USA. Our own Fr Emanuel will be one of the panelist. Visit www.ocampr.org for complete details.

National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon 2015

UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE OF HIS EMINENCE
ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS OF AMERICA AND HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN METHODIOS OF BOSTON

THE NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESENTS LET US REJOICE AND EMBRACE THE CHILDREN FIFTEENTH CHILDREN’S MEDICAL FUND LUNCHEON

SATURDAY, THE THIRTY-FIRST OF OCTOBER TWO THOUSAND FIFTEE
RECEPTION: ELEVEN O’CLOCK
LUNCHEON: TWELVE NOON
DONATION: $125.00

RENAISSANCE BOSTON WATERFRONT HOTEL
606 CONGRESS STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
MARIA STEPHANOS
NEWS ANCHOR, WFXT-TV FOR 25 IN BOSTON
HONOREE
ROSEMARY NIKAS
2013 LUNCHEON CHAIR

Laity Awards Luncheon
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Lunch at 11:30 am
Mihailides Center / Demetrakas Hall

Please join us in honoring our parishioners for their offering of time talent and treasure

Zaharoula Agakos
Josephine Aliferakis
Louis Dostou

Complimentary special meal following Liturgy
Reservations are requested

For reservations, please call
James & Kate Silva at 946-1935
or at coffee hour after Liturgy

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Save the Date, Friday, December 4, 2015

Come to meet and hear Dr Philip Mamalakis
Author of “Journey to 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”

September 2015

Are You Prepared?

Much is said about how we should prepare to receive Holy Communion (Theia Koinonia). First we must understand that we are receiving the true Body and Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ. When we receive Holy Communion, it works within us according to our spiritual condition. For those struggling to live a spiritual life: for the purified it is pure, for the illumined it is illumination, and for the deified it is theosis.

Holy Communion for those prepared to receive it is life itself, and thus frequent reception of the Eucharist is a very good thing. At the same time, however, for the unpurified and unrepentant, the Eucharist is judgment, condemnation, and death – even bodily.

This is why the Apostle Paul writes that “Whosever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” In doing so, those who partake unworthily “eat and drink damnation to themselves,” and for this reason “many are weak and sickly among you, and many have died.” (1 Corinthians 11:27, 29, 30).

So how do we receive worthily? Again Saint Paul tells us, “let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28). To “examine oneself,” means that one must examine his spiritual state and have the grace of God in his heart. Further, to be living a spiritual life, one must be making an honest attempt to abide by the rules and guidelines given to us by the Church.

As a minimum, one should keep the fasts (Wednesdays and Fridays as well as the various Lenten periods). One should also be examining his conscience and partaking regularly of the Mystery of Holy Confession. Another mark of seriousness in regard to the spiritual life is the frequent reading of Scripture and religious books and attendance at the services of the Church.

“When in fear and trembling and unworthiness we are permitted to receive the divine, undefiled Mysteries of Christ, we should display even greater watchfulness (Nipsis) and guard our hearts. Thus the divine fire, the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, will consume our sins and stains; for when that fire enters into us, it at once drives the evil spirits from our hearts and remits the sins previously committed. If we thereafter keep watch over our intellect, when we next receive these Mysteries, the Divine Body will illumine our intellect still more and make it shine like a star.” (Saint Hesychios of Jerusalem, 5th Century).

+Rev. Dr. Emanuel S. Chris, M. D., M. Div

30th—3day Greek Festival
September 11, 12, & 13

Can it be true? It is true—this year is the 30th year.

A special flair for this 30th year observance is that we are featuring live bands throughout the weekend.

Friday—5-10PM = The Asteria Orchestra
Saturday—Noon-4PM = Taximi Orchestra
Saturday– 4:30PM—10PM = The Asteria Orchestra
Sunday– Noon—4PM = Orfeas Orchestra
Sunday 4:30PM—9PM—The Asteria Orchestra

Thank you to the special donors who have made this possible. Names to be listed in the festival report.

Our Festival this year includes the date of Sept 11 and thus after the 7PM Odyssey Dance Performance we will offer Prayers in commemoration of that tragic date in our country’s history.

The 2014 year was of great ecumenical significance. Amongst the videos to be shown will be 3 that highlight 3 special events:

+ The May 25th meeting at the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem Of the Pope and our Patriarch (5PM in the Library)

+ The Oct 18 Ground Blessing for the St Nicholas Church At Ground Zero—NYC (12:30PM in the library)

+ The Nov 29 visit of Pope Frances to the Ecumenical Patriarchate In Constantinople (7:30PM in the library)

Church Services During the Festival
Friday evening at 6PM—Paraklesis
Saturday evening at 6PM—Vespers
Sunday Morning—Orthros & Liturgy as usual
Sunday evening—Great Vespers of the Elevation of the Holy Cross—6PM

Thank you to our August Floral Icon Donors

M/M Paul Degaitas in memory of John & Stanley Degaitas, M/M Constantine Grammas in memory of Efstathios Marses from his grandchildren, Evgenia Panteleakis in memory of her mother Vasiliki, M/M Aris Tsonis in memory of Presvytera. Maria George, M/M Aris Tsonis in honor of M/M Gregory Tsonis & Family, Elaine Andrade in memory of her mother, Theresa; Manuel & Beatrice Andrade & good health of her father Ray.

With Much Appreciation

We thank Bobby Dafoulas for the numerous wallet size icons of the newly canonized saint, St Paisios of Mt Athos which were distributed to the faithful at Liturgy on July 12; to Dean Andrikos for his donation of pastries used thru most of the summer at the coffee hours and to the anonymous donor of the blue/white altar and chalice-paten cloths currently being used this season of the Virgin’s 2 feast days.

MITRELIS BIRTHDAY THANK YOU

We would like to congratulate and wish Andrew Mitrelis a very happy 85th birthday! Thank you to all who attended his birthday dinner-party at which “in lieu of gift donations” were made to the Savvas Savvides Scholarship Fund in the amount of $2,515.00.

GRANT WRITER SOUGHT

Any parishioner who is experienced in writing and applying for grants that can bring financial benefit to our various parish ministries and would be willing to volunteer their time for this purpose, is asked to contact parish council president Kevin Phelan (943-9201) or Fr Andrew (942-4188).

NEW ALTAR BOYS SOUGHT

Young men from the age of 10 and older are invited to become new altar boys. A 2-part training session will be scheduled in October based on good common date(s) for those interested. Please contact Fr Andrew directly, 942-4188.

RECENT DEATHS

Georgia Manolakos, age 96, of West Warwick, RI passed away on 7/30/15. Her funeral and burial was held on 8/4/15. Louis G. Eraklis, age 81, of West Warwick, RI passed away on 8/2/15. His funeral and burial was held on 8/8/15. Alexandros “Alex” Kiamos, age 78, of Barrington, RI passed away on 8/6/15/ His funeral and burial was held on 8/11/15. Harriet Butler, age 71, of Cranston RI passed away on 8/15/15. Her funeral and burial was held on 8/18/15. Also a frequent visitor to our parish, the daughter of the late Joan and Bernie Suhayda (Leisa—Vassilike Crane age 55) passed on, just 4 months after Joan’s passing,

May their memory be eternal.

School Programs Resume Week of September 20th
Registration for our Sunday Church School will begin again on Sunday,

September 20th. New students are asked to register by mail ahead of time (registration forms will be mailed out soon). Continuing students are also asked to up-date records with any changes in phones or emails. Church school classes are open to children from age 4 (older aged 3 yr olds, are also welcomed if they are potty trained, out of diapers and comfortable in a classroom without Mom or Dad).

It must be clearly understood that parents who register their children (no matter the age) are to remain for services and commit to be regular on Sundays. To “drop off” children is a bad practice. In cases when one parent may have to work on a Sunday morning, hopefully the other parent, godparent or grandparent will stay. There is no registration fee for Church School, but it is expected that families be active in our Stewardship Pledge Program. For any questions, please call our Church School Coordinator, Elaine Otto at 401-333-3039.

Church School classes for Pre-K thru 6th will begin on Sept 20. All other grades and Children’s Study Prayer will be on Sunday, September 27th.

Classes for our Greek School as announced previously will run from Tuesday—Thursday. There no longer is a Monday class. Our opening week will begin September 22nd through the 24th with registration Sunday, September 20, 2015 following liturgy. Greek School is open to children who are at least age 6. There is no cut off age and even teens are welcome to start attending. Remember as well our special class for a “parent with a child.” Our classes have been using new technology into the program and expanded new colorful texts.

Youth registration fee is $125.00 for stewardship supporting members of our parish ($100.00 for a parent). For families with more than 3 children, any additional child will be $50.00. Book fee is $30.00 per child. For more information please contact our Language School Director Koula Rougas at 401-944-7572.

College Bound

We would like to have the mailing address and email address of all our parishioners who are currently attending or will be freshmen this year at colleges and other schools of higher learning. Please forward this information to the parish office at 942-4188 or email office@annunciationri.org. Parents please be sure to submit this information so we don’t have to call you. Submit your child’s address also to www.ocf.net/resources and click on “students ”. A student contact form is there for you to fill out. Their information will be forwarded to the nearest Greek Orthodox Parish and the local OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship). As stated in the past the college years are problematic years (and some fall away). These are the years our youth need the church the most. This is one way to keep them “connected.”

2015 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT

We have to date 349 parishioners with a total pledge of $183,267.00
The Actual Amount Received is $162,122.40

Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2015: Dr. & Mrs. Chris Chihlas, Dr. & Mrs. Cosmo Haralambidis, M/M Constantine Marses, M/M Anthony Massimino, M/M Dionisios Sampalis and William Vanech.

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CPR TRAINING AND AED DEVICE TRAINING

On September 23, 2015 at 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, we will be having instruc-tions on how to use an AED device and also CPR training on adults, chil-dren and infants here at Demetrakas Hall in the Mihailides Center. The cost will be $35.00 per person and includes the instructions, course book and certification card from the American Heart Association.

American Red Cross

Advance registration with payment REQUIRED and due by Sept 13.

Make checks payable to “Annunciation Church” with memo line noting “CPR Training” Books will be provided ahead of time to participants for review prior to instructions. To reserve a space, please contact the office at 401-942-4188.

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1ST MEETING OF THEATER GROUP

Theater Group will meet Sunday Sept. 20th at 11:30AM in the 9/10 grade classroom. All ages are welcome, but support people are needed as well.. such as prop design, stage management, promotion, etc.. We will explore other venues as well. I am look-ing for a motivated committee to brainstorm ideas with. If you can not attend on the 20th, but are interested please contact me at: rwheatley204@gmail.com or home (401-943-0859) cell (401-527-3950). A fun way to get involved and embrace a stewardship role in the church community. -Russell Wheatley/Theater Group Coordinator

The Financial Corner

Below we have a comparison of the past 4 months of our church financials. The total revenues for the month of July were slightly higher than June. Our expenses for the month of July also lower than June. This will be the last edition of the Financial Corner until after the summer festival.

INCOME APR 2015 MAY 2015 JUNE2015 JUL 2015
Stewardship $16,458.03 $ 9,910.97 $11,375.28 $16,994.47
Total Envelopes $ 6,112.40 $ 506.80 $ 360.00 000.00
Sunday Collections $14,487.00 $ 3,704.00 $4,075.00 $ 2,866.00
Special Fund Raisers $33,973.54 $ 966.00 $2,591.00 $ 1,000.00
Special Contributions $ 1,852.88 $ 1,356.00 $ 582.00 $ 1,323.36
Sundry Receipts $ 635.75 $ 172.00 $ 116.00 $270.02
Hall Rentals $ 4,865.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 000.00 $ 750.00
Total Revenues $78,384.60 $17,615.77 $19,099.28 $23,203.85

EXPENSES APR 2015 MAY 2015 JUNE 2015 JUL 2015
Pastoral Expenses $ 13,310.77 $ 11,964.30 $ 12,895.01 $ 12,782.71
Administrative Exp. $ 9,134.16 $ 7,308.82 $ 9,154.63 $ 9,015.13
Building & Grounds $ 6,185.67 $ 6,229.23 $ 5,524.07 $ 5,719.42
Mortgage Loan $ 4,725.90 $ 4,725.90 $ 4,725.90 $ 4,725.90
Social Function Exp. $ 2,872.07 $ 10,174.87 $ 2,197.75 $ 1,856.26
World Mission Minis. $ 4,586.67 $ 4,647.92 $ 4,366.67 $ 4,366.67
Music & Worship Minis. $ 3,364.38 $ 9,553.39 $ 1,674.69 $ 2,451.25
Education Ministry $ 3,397.84 $ 2,612.10 $ 3,626.77 $ 1,184.38
Utilities $ 4,308.78 $ 3,941.71 $ 2,385.22 $ 3,318.85
Parish Center $ 2,490.00 $ 741.08 $ 596.19 $ 000.00
Youth Ministry $ 1,982.99 $ 985.51 $ 240.00 $ 62.66
Hall Rental $ 166.35 $ 95.76 $ 182.22 $ 000.00
Total Expenses $ 56,525.58 $ 62,980.59 $ 47,569.22 $ 45,483.23

If anyone has any specific questions they can submit those questions to my attention at the church office.

Cordially Submitted by
Jim Silva

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News

In Case you Forgot:
Each donation is a “Building Block” as we build a solid financial foundation that will protect and preserve our Parish, our Faith, our Heritage, for this generation and for generations to come!

Financial Report – period ending July 31, 2015
Endowment Fund Portfolio $757,155.56
Endowment Fund Checking Account $2,505.78

In memory of Nicholas Pliakas (died 7/3/15) age 83, (continued from previous month)

M/M Manuel Bairos; Abbott Run Valley Club; Deborah Peloquin and Drs. John & Eleni Pappas Zervos.

In memory of Georgia Manolakos (died 7/30/15)M/M Ilias Antonakos; M/M Gary Brown; Elia Centracchio; Fran Chiavaras; James Cimino; Sue Cimino; Ted Dallas; M/M Steve Daras; M/M Gregory Demetrakas; M/M James Demetriou; M/M James DiMaio; Jack & Linda Fischer; Artemis Frangos; Sylvia Friedmann; M/M Frank Giacoumis; John Haveles; M/M Michael Haveles; Julie Karahalios; Demetra Lambros; M/M Christos Mantsos; Voula Marsis; M/M Emmanuel Mihailides; Jean Mihelakos; Anne Morrell; M/M Mark Nakos; M/M Michael Papigiotis; M/M Polydoros Petrou; M/M Kevin Phelan; M/M Larry Reynolds; M/M William Roberts; M/M William Rougas; M/M Joseph Rosz-kowski; Kathleen Semeno; M/M James Silva; M/M Peter Simone; M/M Richard Sipka; M/M Michael Sotirakos; C. Kay Spires; Dr. & Mrs. Sanford Temes; M/M Kostas Trik-oulis; M/M Peter Vassilopoulos; Carole Xanthakis; David Zartarian & Janet and Drs. John & Eleni Pappas-Zervos.

In memory of William Floskis (died 6/26/15) donations to the Endowment Fund: M/M Gregory Demetrakas and Mrs. Mary Samaras.

In memory of Richard Popovici (died 8/3/2014): George Popovici and Flora Popovici.

In memory of Presv. Maria George (died 8/20/12): M/M Matthew Voulgarakis.

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR

Summer is just about over, and Philoptochos is ready to begin the new Ecclesiastical Year planning our biggest Fund Raiser of the year…..our ANNUAL GREEK FOOD FAIR AND CHRISTMAS BAZAAR on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15, 2015. A planning meeting was held a few weeks ago, and we are excited for this year’s Bazaar.

Two exciting and interesting pieces of our Bazaar will be COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS: Mersine Florio Chair, AND THE GREEK COFFEE: Marianne Phelan Chair both of which will be new additions this year. Details for both these areas are being formulated and will be announced soon. As usual, we need your help and input and generosity to help us. Co-Chairs of this year’s Bazaar are Diane Mitrelis and Stephanie Venditelli. GRAND RAFFLE: Josie Aliferakis and Karen Drager Chairs: We need a few very nice prizes for this Raffle: Gift Certificates to Restaurants, Spas, and Gift Baskets, anything that will appeal to all people. Please call Josie or Karen at 942-5389 with your donation. DAY RAFFLE: Georgia Pappas Chair: The ever-popular Day Raffle is always in need of a variety of prizes that will appeal to all age groups….young and old alike. Gift Certificates, ladies and men’s gifts, children’s items, gift baskets, etc. Georgia’s number is 529-6826. HANDCRAFT: Maria Zaharakos assisted by Rose Demetriou: Maria and Rose are busy knitting and crocheting items for this booth. BUT THEY CANNOT DO IT ALONE. Hats, scarves, baby blankets, afghans, head-bands, etc. are always needed at this popular area. Please consider making an item or two. JEWELRY: Anna Massenzio and Maria Andreopoulos Chairs: This area is one of our most popular counters and always busy. Many of our parishioners have contact in the jewelry industry in our State. Letters are available to request any donations for any area. Please call Georgia Pappas for a copy of the donation letter and send to your contacts. Thank you. SILENT AUCTION: Ann Heberg Chair: There is always a flurry of activity at the Silent Auction, but interesting items are needed. Most popular are tickets to sporting events, sports memorabilia, unusual items, paintings, etc. Please call Ann Heberg 884-2746 if you have an item you feel will be interesting for this area. AGORA: Bessie Papigiotis Chair: In addition to a variety of Greek Foods which are available here, anything GREEK!!! would be appreci-ated. We also remind you to do your Thanksgiving shopping here….Greek Cheeses, Filo, Lou-canico, various pastas, etc. Please call Bessie Papigiotis with any questions 949-3240. TAV-ERNA: Koula Rougas and Roula Proyous Chairs: Greek Food is always the most popular area of our Greek Food Fair and it has the most expenses. Please call Koula 944-7572 or Roula 781-8567. They are always ready to accept food or monetary donations. WHITE ELE-PHANT: Eleni Trikoulis Chair: One of the busiest rooms in our Bazaar is the White Ele-phant room. Please bring your clean, good working order items the week prior to the Ba-zaar. If you are moving, please consider putting aside some items for this Room. PASTRY: Nancy Harritos and Angela Provost Chairs: We have set the baking dates for the Greek Food Fair and Christmas Bazaar. In addition to the pastries we make, we look for your dona-tions of Greek and American pastries. Please mark your calendar and bake for this booth.

BAKING DATES: Tuesday, October 20th, 6:00 p.m. Spanakopita and Baklava; Tuesday, October 27th, 6:00 p.m. Koulourakia and Kourabiedes. Saturday, November 7th, 9:00 a.m. Diples. Lunch will be served. Please come and help us.

OPERATION HOUSEWARMING-HOMELESS VETERANS PROJECT: Our goal is 12 complete housewarming baskets by Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2015 for our Operation Housewarming Homeless Veterans Project. We are half way there!!! Cost of each basket is $100.00. Individual items may be purchased, and a list of items is on a sample basket in the foyer of the Demetrakas Hall. Just bring an item and place it in the basket. If you have any questions or would like to donate a basket in honor of a veteran or in memory of a veteran of our armed forces, please contact Marianne Phelan at 943-9201 or marianne.phelan@gmail.com. Thank you.

NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS CHILDRENS’ MEDICAL FUND LUNCHEON – OCTOBER 31, 2015:

The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos and the Philoptochos Chapters of our Metropolis are hosting this Luncheon once again. It was last held in Boston in 1997. Please circle your calen-dars and save the date. Tickets for the luncheon are $125.00. Please contact Georgia Pappas, Bessie Papigiotis, or Marianne Phelan to reserve your seat. On Sunday, November 1, the Feast Day of the Patron Saints of Philoptochos, Cosmas and Damianos, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios along with His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and His Grace Bishop Sevas-tianos will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston. Philoptochos women from throughout our Metropolis are asked to attend Liturgy at the Cathedral that morn-ing and celebrate the Feast Day of our Patron Saints. A Reception/Luncheon will be hosted by the Philoptochos of the Cathedral following Liturgy. Circle that date also, and details for trans-portation will be announced.

MEMBERSHIP AND SISTERHOOD: Stewardship is being accepted by Mary Samaras, and we welcome 2 new members to Philoptochos: Sophia Michalopoulos and Nikki Kyrou. Welcome to the Sisterhood of St. Basil’s Carole Xanthakis, Angela Promades, and Jean Mihe-lakos. Carol Rothemich Chairs the Sisterhood project and you may send $5 attention to her to the Church Office. Thank you.

We are ready to begin the new Philoptochos Year and appreciate your support as always for all our endeavors to help those less fortunate than us. Our first meeting of this year will be

Monday, September 21. Please join us and help us as we continue on our philanthropic journey.

GEORGIA PAPPAS, PRESIDENT
BESSIE PAPIGIOTIS, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon 2015

UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE OF HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS OF AMERICA AND HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN METHODIOS OF BOSTON THE NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESENTS LET US REJOICE AND EMBRACE THE CHILDREN FIFTEENTH CHILDREN’S MEDICAL FUND LUNCHEON

SATURDAY, THE THIRTY-FIRST OF OCTOBER TWO THOUSAND FIFTEEN
RECEPTION: ELEVEN O’CLOCK
LUNCHEON: TWELVE NOON
DONATION: $125.00

RENAISSANCE BOSTON WATERFRONT HOTEL
606 CONGRESS STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
MARIA STEPHANOS
NEWS ANCHOR, WFXT-TV FOR 25 IN BOSTON

HONOREE
ROSEMARY NIKAS
2013 LUNCHEON CHAIR

September 19 trip to St Basils Academy Cancelled

The high demand for bus rental in the foliage season has necessitated the cancellation of our previously announced trip to St Basil Academy for their foliage 2K Walk-a-Thon. We have been unable to secure a bus even though we have contacted 20 different bus lines. A St Basil’s trip however will be plan again, more than likely in 2016. Watch for details.

NEWPORT’S ST. SPYRIDON’S CELEBRATING 100 YEARS – Sept 27

We rejoice with our sister parish in Newport as they commemorate the 100th year of their establishment. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios will preside at Liturgy on Sunday Sept 27 to mark the occasion which is scheduled for 10am. An Anniversary Luncheon will follow at the Atlantic Beach Club at 1pm. To purchase tickets to the Luncheon, please contact Sara Brown at 401-644-4264, or email saralind-say881@yahoo.com.

“Love Your Enemies Study” Begins OCT 1ST

A new 5 week Bible Study series on the topic of “Love Your Enemies” will meet the 5 Thursdays of the month of October from 7:30-9PM. All are welcome, parishioner and non-parishioner, young and not so young…a topic matter of great importance and of-ten difficult to live.

METROPOLIS ASSEMBY – SAT OCT 3

Representatives of all parish organizations as well as interested parishioners in general are invited to attend the one day Metropolis of Boston Clergy Laity Assembly to be held at the St. Demetrios Parish in Weston, MA. The conference will afford the lead-ers of the communities to share in fellowship and plan for the future of the parishes throughout New England. In addition to reporting on the National Ministries of the Archdiocese, various successful ministries of communities in the Metropolis will be pre-sented as models.

1st Youth (Groups) Night—Sun Oct 18

Continuing with last year’s Sunday night gatherings as a combined gathering for our various separate Youth Groups, our first get-together will be Sunday Oct 18 from 5-7PM. Watch for details soon.

SAVE THE DATE

Annunciation Laity Awards Luncheon – Sun Nov 1st
Watch for details soon.

Grandparents & Grandchildren Observance
Sunday Sept 27

Liturgy in the morning
Breakfast Buffet Following

MENU
Scrambled eggs / French Toast home fries / ham / sausage English Muffins / traditional muffins juices / milk / coffee

advance Tickets Recommended
Children under 8 – free
Other children and adults – $10
Tickets available at Sunday Coffee Hour or by calling Elaine Crabtree @ 821-1058
Essay drawings and awards following

August/September 2015

On Our Cover

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST enjoys a distinction among the saints of the Church that he and the Virgin Mary are highly honored. The greatest tribute to John is that offered by Christ Himself, Who said that he is greatest “among those that are born of women…”

No wonder churches and monasteries throughout the world and throughout the centuries have been named after him and dedicated to his patronage.

St. John is the Forerunner of Christ, that is, the one who prepared the way for the coming of the Lord to earth. He is the Baptizer of Christ, performing this rite in the waters of the Jordan River. He is also a Prophet, an Apostle and a Martyr with his words echoing through the centuries: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…The axe is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which brings not forth good fruit is to be cut down, and cast into the fire…”

This finely executed icon of John the Baptist on our cover graphically tells the story of his life, his ministry, and his death.

Þ He is portrayed with the wings of an Angel, not only because he was the unique messenger of God preparing the way for Christ, but also because of the sanctity and austerity of his life. He was, so to speak, an Angel in the flesh.

Þ Clothed in an inner garment of camel’s hair, John is poised in the stance of a preacher proclaiming repentance in the country about the Jordan.

Þ The rocky formations that astride the Baptist represent the wilderness of Judea where he dwelt.

Þ The bush and the axe are references to his teaching.

Þ The plate with his decapitated head is a reminder of his martyrdom at the hands of King Herod.

Þ John stands facing the half-Figure of Christ (in the upper corner of the icon) for Whom he pointed out to the people: telling them “Behold the Lamb of God…”

August 29 marks the date of his beheading by Herod and is kept as a day of sorrow, mourning and fasting.

BRING A FRIEND / HELP A FRIEND

In life we all go about our way, some people think they have lost their way! A feeling of not being whole, something is missing. We all know of someone, friend, family member, co-worker, or just people we meet and have conversation with going about our daily routine. Being a faithful parishioner, you may want to invite someone you know along your path with you. Some people are embarrassed to tell another person that they have no belief growing up and would now like to open a new door to their life. A life having Christ, Prayer and Worship in a church community can be so meaningful. You can open that door for someone by inviting them along with you to an event here, let them see how we are as a family, donating our time, talent and good will to help others. People do care. This could become the home that they are looking for and thanks to you, they may become whole again. You may have just helped a family by just reading this paragraph.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD

The first 15 days of August (known as Thekapentavgoustos) presents itself to Orthodox faithful with the opportunity to prepare for the revelation of the mystical Dormition of the Mother of God, the Ever Virgin Mary Theotokos, she who has shown us how mankind can fulfill the way of the Lord. It is this time of the year that we Orthodox welcome the opportunity to slow down from summer activities and reflect upon our personal nearness to Christ. The Virgin Mary assists us in that relationship through her constant intercession. This is the main reason why we offer the special Paraklesis Services in August. See the calendar page for dates and times.

Three Year Memorial for Presvytera Maria

On Sunday August 16, a Memorial will be served for Presvytera Maria. Visiting with us this day will be Rev Fr. Michael Kontogiorgis, Registrar of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and brother-in-law to Fr Andrew, who will also preach at the Liturgy. Following a light luncheon will be served.

BAKER FAMILY AT ST BASIL ACADEMY

Presvytera Kate Baker and her children are now residents at St Basil Academy – Center for Family Care in Garrison, NY. After the devastating events of Fr Matthew’s tragic death, they have found great solace and support thru the loving embrace of our Archdiocese in this well respected ministry of love which has nurtured so many special family crises over the years. They settled in well and are cared for with all their various needs of housing, food, education and medical and emotional care in this peaceful and restful setting on the Hudson River. The 6 children have been embraced by the other children there and new friendships are being formed. The current Orthodox Observer even shows them amongst the various photo coverage of St Basil’s graduation. With the Goya sponsored trip to St Basil’s in September, we will have the opportunity to re-connect. See back page for information.

7TH 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 23, 2015, 1pm. Metacomet CC, East Providence
Registration deadline: Friday, August 14, 2015

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.
Mulligan Super Ticket-$35.00, includes 2 mulligan’s, and 10 raffle tickets. Limit 1 super ticket per golfer.

Sponsorships for various aspects of the tournament are sought—please discuss with the committee.

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.

Additional Graduates

Since our last issue’s tribute to graduates, we have received the following additional information…

Student School Graduating From Future Plan

Alexia Lekos East Greenwich State University of New York

(Music award ) at Fredonia

College & Universities:

Alexandra Drager CCRI in Dental Hygiene Hygienist in RI

Rhea Maintanis URI-BA in Communications

Minor in Public Relations

CJ Tsoumakas RI College-Sports Management URI/Masters-employed at

RI College/Athletics Dept.

REMAINING GREEK FESTIVAL BAKING 2015

Tuesday August 25th—Koulourakia
Wednesday   August 26th –Koulourakia
Tuesday September 1st-Kourabiedes/Melomakarona
Wednesday September 2nd – Diples
Thursday     September 3rd – Pack Kourabiedes
Tuesday September 8th – Honey Dipping -10:30 a.m.
Wednesday September 9th – Macaroons—10:00 a.m.
Wednesday September 9th – Packing-6 p.m.
Galaktoboureko – TBA    /     Karidopita – TBA

Recent Deaths

William Floskis, age 89, of Warwick, RI passed away on 6/26/15. His funeral and burial was held on 7/1/15. Arthur P. Fidas, age 74, of Cranston, RI passed away on 7/2/15. Private prayers were on 7/6/15. Dr. Nicholas Pliakas, age 83, of Cumberland, RI passed away on 7/3/15. His funeral and burial was held on 7/9/15. Additionally, the brother of our parishioner Evelyn Rattie passed on June 3 in NY; Charles Erinakes, age 65 of North Kingstown (raised in our parish) passed on June 15. Services were held elsewhere. Also, well known in our parish, Claudine Arsenis, age 54 wife of the late Nikolaos Arsenis of our parish, passed on suddenly. Her funeral and burial was held on 7/7/15 out of state at her parish.

~May Their Memory be Eternal~

2015 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT

We have to date 343 parishioners with a total pledge of $178,547.00.

The Actual Amount Received is $152,467.41.

Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2015:

Nicole Arsenis, Harry Bablenis, M/M Daniel Cardosa, Michael Choy, M/M Brian Leroux, Evridiki Metakos, Georgia Pappas, Liza Pappas and M/M Grigorios Sifakis.

OUR PARISHIONERS

Kate Otto, has recently published a book thru Atria Paperback titled “Everyday Ambassador: Make a Difference by Connecting in a Disconnected World.” Raised in our parish Kate has traveled in her college and post college years working on global health programs in Indonesia, Ethiopia, Ghana and South Africa and has stayed connected with people met there thru Face book and Twitter. Her book discuses how there is a disconnect in the human connection no matter how digitally connected she was. She is founder and director of Everyday Ambassador, a network of organizations and individuals who run and engage in international service opportunities and travel-aboard experiences as well as domestic community service projects. She currently resides in NYC. Learn more at <SimonSchuster.com>

Anthony Pappas, was elected Direct Support Professional for 2015, by co-workers and Administration alike, in an overwhelming majority, both at the Residential Home where he works with people who have special needs, as well as for Avatar, the company he works for. He represented Avatar at an Award Ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza, where he and others from various similar organizations throughout the state were honored for excellence in the workplace. He is also currently filling in as Interim Assistant Director in the Residential Home where he works.

THANK YOU

We extend appreciation to Maria Zaharakos who donated 2 new large size coffee urns, John Massenzio for a wine press (used to squeeze spinach for our Spanakopita), Harry and Gloria Nicolopoulos for all the flowers that grace the church entry and office areas and Lynda Takoudes and George Tsimikas who maintain the various shrubbery and fountain area. We also thank Fadia Sarkis for her continued washing of our Communion Cloths, Zoe Mitrelis for making new coverings for our various auxiliary tables in church and Argiri Ghionis for making a supply of new Communion Cloths.

The Financial Corner

Below we have a comparison of the 2nd quarter of our financials.

INCOME APR 2015 MAY 2015 JUN 2015

Stewardship $ 16,458.03 $ 9,910.97 $ 11,375.28

Total Envelopes $ 6,112.40 $ 506.80 $ 360.00

Sunday Collections $ 14,487.00 $ 3,704.00 $ 4,075.00

Special Fund Raisers $ 33,973.54 $ 966.00 $ 2,591.00

Special Contributions $ 1,852.88 $ 1,356.00 $ 582.00

Sundry Receipts $ 635.75 $ 172.00 $ 116.00

Hall Rentals $ 4,865.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 000.00

Total Revenues $ 78,384.60 $17,615.77 $ 19,099.28

Our revenues in April were very good because we had an additional $33,973 from the Greek Food Fair. Sunday collections were $10,000 higher due to Easter and Holy Week. During the months of May and June revenues dropped dramatically. When revenues drop to that level we have to transfer money from the Festival Account to pay bills. In May we were forced to transfer $13,000 from the Festival Account in order to pay expenses for that month. In June we transferred a total of $17,500 from the Festival Account to pay bills.

Our expenses for the same months are listed below. Social Functions Expenses were high in May because of the Greek Food Fair. In May you will notice Music & Worship Ministry Expenses were high due to purchases of candles and flowers during Holy Week and Easter.

EXPENSES APR 2015 MAY 2015 JUN 2015

Pastoral Expenses $ 13,310.77 $ 11,964.30 $ 12,895.01

Administrative Exp. $ 9,134.16 $ 7,308.82 $ 9,154.63

Building & Grounds $ 6,185.67 $ 6,229.23 $ 5,524.07

Mortgage Loan $ 4,725.90 $ 4,725.90 $ 4,725.90

Social Function Exp. $ 2,872.07 $ 10,174.87 $ 2,197.75

World Mission Ministries $ 4,586.67 $ 4,647.92 $ 4,366.67

Music & Worship Ministry $ 3,364.38 $ 9,553.39 $ 1,674.69

Education Ministry $ 3,397.84 $ 2,612.10 $ 3,626.77

Utilities $ 4,308.78 $ 3,941.71 $ 2,385.22

Parish Center $ 2,490.00 $ 741.08 $ 596.19

Youth Ministry $ 1,982.99 $ 985.51 $ 240.00

Hall Rental $ 166.35 $ 95.76 $ 182.22

Total Expenses $ 56,525.58 $ 62,980.59 $ 47,569.22

If anyone has any specific questions they can submit those questions to my attention at the church office.

Cordially Submitted by
James Silva

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News

Financial Report – period ending June 30, 2015
Endowment Fund Portfolio $756,691.62
Endowment Fund Checking Account $2,060.78

Donor (s) for current period: Mary Samaras in honor of James & Elizabeth Degaitas’ 40th Wedding Anniversary

Others…….in memory of Nicholas Pliakas (died 7/3/15) age 83,
M/M Charles H. Casey Jr., M/M Christos Demetriou, Alice Fay,
Robert J. Melucci, M/M Eugene Merlini, William J. Riggs Jr., Camille Roberti,
Calliope Kay Spires, Eleanor Sullivan, M/M Henry Vandersip and Catherine Whipple.

Never to be forgotten…

Three years ago, on the 20th day of August, our beloved Presvytera Maria went to heaven to be with the angels.

We will never forget her gracious, gentle and loving contributions to our parish life. We will always be grateful for her unselfish support and devotion to our Father Andrew, thus making it possible for him to fulfill the spiritual needs of our parishioners so magnificently.

Upon her passing, an unprecedented number of individual donations were received in her memory, totaling $17,289.00, of which $9,600.00 was designated by the donors for our Endowment Fund. This was a fitting tribute to Presvytera Maria and was evidence of the love and respect in which she was held by us all. She is greatly missed.

May her memory be eternal.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Samaras, Endowment Fund Secretary

Greek Festival Sponsor Book Advertising

Businesses, groups, families and individuals are invited to place a business ad, memorial, or best wishes ad in our 2015 Greek Festival Sponsor Book.

The Sponsor Book Advertising Rates:

Half Page, Black & White – $100

Full Page, Black & White – $150

Full Page, Color – $300

Deadline for payment and submission of advertising, is Friday, August 14, 2015.

Please contact Paul Pliakas by phone (401) 572-3644, or email at pepliakas@aol.com.

Memorial Bench Program

The Church of the Annunciation’s Memorial Bench Program allows parishioners to dedicate a bench on the church grounds in memory of their family members and loved ones. All donations to the Memorial Bench Program will be placed into the church’s Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund is used exclusively to benefit the church edifice itself.

No monies from the Memorial Fund are used for the Parish Hall, the church grounds, or for payroll or operating expenses. Benches may also be donated for purposes other than memorials. Bench donations can be made by any church parishioner, past parishioner, or church group, in honor of living or deceased family members, loved ones, or for a church group, charity or association such as the AHEPA, GOYA or a church sports team.

There is still time to donate a bench for installation in 2015; the deadline for 2015 donations is August 31st .

The 16 bench locations are depicted in a schematic that can be obtained by contacting the church office, or by visiting the church’s Face book page. The 6’ black, metal benches will be identical to the bench installed in loving memory of Presvytera Maria George.

Each bench will include a 2” by 10” engraved metal plaque, with appropriate wording of it’s dedication.

Each bench purchase requires a minimum donation of $7,500 to the Memorial Bench Program, and will be deposited in the church’s Memorial Fund. If you are interested in making a donation to the memorial bench program, please contact Paul Pliakas at (401) 572-3644, or email him at pepliakas@aol.com.

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
Eleventh Annual Essay Contest

An Invitation to all High School Students To Learn the Amazing Journey of the Greek, you are invited to submit a 1,000 word essay.

Most Americans appreciate an immigrant story – perhaps that is because the United States is known as ‘a melting pot’ of many cultures. The immigrant’s story is held as a precious thread of the family legacy. It is unique to each family’s history in America with recurring themes of why the immigrant left, what was met in the new land and how their life mani-fested itself through its course.

In your essay, compare and contrast the immigrant story of one of the Greek colonists who came to America in 1768 and a person you know – a family member or a friend of the family. How are the stories similar? What was unique to the individual? Did the story touch you? What have you learned from writing this essay?

Please note that all essays will be independently judged and ranked. Certificates of participation will be sent to all participants and the top three ranked essayists will receive:

First Prize $500
Second Prize $250
Third Prize $100

The 2015 Essay Contest Committee consists of Chair, Katherine Bacalis of St John the Divine (Jacksonville, FL), Renee Gahagan and Nancy Laskos of St Demetrios (Daytona Beach, FL), and Dr. Tony Tsitos of St. Augustine, FL. Dr Constantine Santas serves as professional consult.

Previously submitted essays will not be considered. Students who have participated in the contest in years past must choose a different person to interview for development of topic.

All essays become property of St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine.

We ask that the essays are submitted by email to info@stphotios.com with a cover page which includes: author’s name, name of his or her home parish, address, phone number and email address.

Essays may also be sent via postal service to 41 St George Street. Recommended but not mandatory, please send a one paragraph autobiographical statement and photo that may be used for possible publication

Deadline is November 21, 2015

The Essay Contest is underwritten by Mrs. Kathie D‘Anna of Baltimore, MD, and Jacksonville, FL, and the AHEPA Speedway Chapter 410 of Daytona Beach, FL. Mrs. D’Anna does this in memory of her beloved husband of blessed memory, Carmen V. D ’Anna, Sr. May his memory be eternal. The AHEPA Brothers do this in their commitment to the memory of the Greek Colonists who arrived in 1768 and sacrificed their lives for a better life in the New World to settle the New Smyrna.

YOUTH NEWS – SUMMER

August Vacation Church School (VCS)

Starts Monday August 3—Friday August 7– hrs. from 9:30am—2:30pm. A fun and spiritual based program for children ages 5 through grade 5. Older children are welcome (and needed) to serve as helpers and can actually earn community service credits. No fee, but donations are welcomed. Registration is required and applications are available. Please contact Beth Nichols at 401-383-6708, email at nichols22@verizon.net or contact Marion Pappas at 215-866-6801, email at imetaxia651@gmail.com.

August 15—2nd Annual “Family Fun Day”

Saturday, from 11:30am to 4:00pm, sponsored by the Stewardship Committee. To be held after the Dormition Feast Liturgy on the church grounds similar to last year’s first such gathering. Food, drinks, cookies, popcorn, and a bouncy house for all children to enjoy!! Come enjoy a great afternoon relaxed event.

August 19—Trip to 6 Flags New England:

Depart from the Church at 8:30am-return around 7:45pm, tickets $35.00 ea. Rides, Friends & Fun, Goya will provide $10.00 for lunch in the park. Reply by August 12th directly to <andrewotto1@gmail.com>. Goya & Jr Goya come enjoy the End of the Year Trip….Thrill it up!! (Chaperons and Drivers are needed)!!

August 25-Tues—Youth (Groups) Night – Horseneck Beach—5pm
5 John Reed Road—Westport, Ma 02791

All youth group children (and parents) Hope, Joy, Jr Goya and Goya would gather after the beach gate closes (no fee). Bring your own picnic basket per family and we will have a relaxing evening of faith, fun and fellowship thru mid evening! Look for the Greek Flag which will be our gathering location. In case of rain, we will gather at the Mihailides Center.

Summer Services

As we enter the Dormition Lent on August 1st, there are so many extra church services, some in the morning and some in the evening; most evening services are the Paraklesis, which so many of you have learned to chant at camp. Each Sunday of the summer there is a Liturgy of course – don’t disappear – please come. We know that many will travel a bit or hit the beach. But do include Sunday attendance in your summer as much as possible as well, even if you come for a portion if your travel plans necessitate otherwise. Remember as well we actually have 2 services every Sunday / 8:15am-Orthros and 9:30am– Liturgy.

Sat Aug 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

(11:30am—4pm) – rain or shine

Family Fun Day (on our parish grounds)
open to everyone, of all ages, free of charge