June/July 2015

On Our Cover

Newly Canonized Saint
Saint Paisios of Mount Athos (Ὃσιος Παΐσιος ὁ Ἁγιορείτης), born Arsenios Eznepidis (1924–1994), was a well-known Eastern Orthodox ascetic from Mount Athos, who originated from Pharasa, Cappadocia. He was respected for his spiritual guidance and ascetic life and many people worldwide highly venerate Elder Paisios, especially in Greece and in Russia.  Elder Paisios (as we was commonly known) was canonized on 13 January 2015 by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the church commemorates his feast day on July 12 the date of his death.  This year is his first formal festal observance.

Born on 25 July, 1924, shortly before the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the Eznepidis family settled in Konitsa, Epirus. Arsenios grew up there, and after intermediate public school, he learned carpentry.  During the civil war in Greece, Arsenios served as a radio operator. In 1950, having completed his service, he went to Mount Athos: first to Father Kyril, the future abbot of Koutloumousiou monastery, and then to Esphigmenou Monastery.  Arsenios, having been a novice for four years, was tonsured a Rassophore monk and was given the name Averkios. Soon after, Father Averkios went to the (then) idiorrhythmic brotherhood of Philotheou Monastery, where his uncle was a monk and received the Small Schema tonsure and received the name Paisios, in honor of the indefatigable Metropolitan of Caesarea, Paisios II, whose native village was also Pharasa.

In 1958 Elder Paisios was asked to spend some time in and around his home village so as to support the faithful against the proselytism of Protestant groups. He greatly encouraged the faithful there, helping many people. Afterwards, in 1962, he left to visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Sinai where he stayed for two years. During this time he became beloved of the Bedouins who benefited from his presence both spiritually as well as materially as the Elder used the money he received from the sale of his carved wooden handicraft to buy the Bedouins food.

On his return to Mt. Athos in 1964 Elder Paisios took up residence at the Skete of Iviron before moving to Katounakia and stay in the wilderness there. The Elder’s failing health resulted in an operation removing part of his lungs. It was during this time of hospitalization that his long friendship with the then young sisterhood of St. John the Theologian in Souroti, just outside of Thessaloniki, began. In 1968 he spent time at the Monastery of Stavronikita, but spent his last years in Souroti, where his relics currently are enshrined.

Elder Paisios’ life was distinguished for his excessive asceticism, vigils, fasting, the gift of clairvoyance and discernment, the gift of healing, the zealous defense of Orthodoxy against heresies and blasphemy, and ceaseless prayer. These did not subside with the multitudes who resorted to him for help, nor with the illnesses which, especially during the last part of his life unintentionally perfected and completed his earlier intentional asceticism.  In the general consciousness of the Church, even while he was still alive, he was considered a saint according to the example of the ancient ascetics.

Throughout his monastic life he has written various “Spiritual Counsels” a number of which we have had here in our parish bookstore,. They are readily available at Amazon.  Amongst the numerous titles are:  With Pain & Love for Contemporary Man, Spiritual Awakening, Spiritual Struggle and Family Life.

FAITH NURSERY SCHOOL AT OUR PARISH
A rental agreement has been made with the Faith Nursery School, which has been  in existence some 20 years, to rent space in our downstairs wing of classrooms.  Initially this year it will be 3 classrooms, (the double room and one other.)  This is an “arms length” relationship, in which our parish is not the sponsor of the school, but simply renting space to the school.

After several years of investigation and study on this topic and several months now in dialogue with the Faith School, our parish council finds this to be an excellent way to make good use of our empty space at hours when we are not using the space to generate income for the parish, while also offering a convenient location for child care to the greater community as well as to our own parishioners.  Our parish will expend a nominal amount of funds to prepare the space (mainly an emergency exit window and upgrade of our alarm system which is beneficial overall). These expenses will easily be recouped in the rental income to be received.

Enrollment is currently in progress and is open to the general public, which includes of course children from our parish.  They will have sessions for children ages 3 – 5 years old. The school will function from Monday Sept 21st, 2015 – mid-June 2016. For questions on the program or to register, contact: Claire Motta at <faithdirector203@hotmail.com> or Stacy Calivino at <scalvino@cox.net>  They will be having an open house and fund raising concert on Sat July 18 beginning at 4PM here at the Mihailides Center.

NEW SCHEDULE FOR GREEK SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER
Attention Potential 1st Graders
Starting in September for the new school year, we will have both the 1st grade and the 2nd grade meet on Tuesday.  (There will be NO Monday classes).  Teaching on Tuesdays will be our two main teachers Mrs. Koula and Mrs. Eleni.

The other grades will continue to meet on the days as is currently in place….Wednesday is the 3rd and 4th grades and Thursday is the 5th and 6th grades.  Teaching those grades will be all three of our teachers including our newest teacher from this current year, Mrs. Ioanna.

This will enable special attention for the different levels in each of the above grades and also, we believe will help even more with the busy life so many of our families live today. Any special adjustments to the new schedule can be arranged by speaking with Mrs. Rougas at 401-944-7572.

IN  HONOR  OF  OUR   GRADUATES
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our 2015 graduates.  They have accomplished a great deal in completing an important segment of their education.  We pray that the Lord our God continues to bless their future, with much happiness and greater achievements.  These graduates were honored on June 14 at our special “Sunday Coffee Hour”.

Student                        School Graduating From                                    Future Plan
Eleni Grammas                    Cranston West                                               RI College
(RI & Nat’l Honor Society)
Nicole Grammas                  Cranston West                                                RI College
(RI & Nat’l Honor Society)
Lucas Halkidis                     North Kingstown High School                          URI
Mary Koutros                   LaSalle Academy (with high honors)         Pace University, NY                                                    
Christos Meltsakos              Barrington High School                                    URI
David G. Mihailides II        Ponaganset High School                                CCRI
Outstanding Senior Athlete for Football and Track
Sophia Petrou                      Home school                                                             Hellenic College
Matthew Pontikes                LaSalle Academy
(RI & Nat’l Honor Society)                                   Loyola University, MD
Mia Sardella                     LaSalle Academy                                               Loyola University, MD
(RI & Nat’l Honor Society/ President’s award for educational excellence
Nicholas A. Soucy               Exeter-W. Greenwich                                       URI

College & Universities:
Christina Arsenis              RI College-B.S. Early  Childhood             Dreamland Learning Center
Education
Alexandra Birmingham      RI College—Arts and Science                   Wheelock College
James D. Harritos II         RI College—BA Communications            Career in Advertising
Andrew  M. Haveles          Worcester Polytechnic Inst.                                  Spectra Energy
(Degree in mechanical engineering)
Jason Lavoie                       Thomas More College                                      Tutoring
Christopher Mitrelis           Univ. of  New Haven                                         Unity Investigation
Nikolaos Petropoulos         URI-Master in Business Administration
Michael J. Politis                Touro University-Doctor of                               State University of NY
Osteopathic Medicine                                   Health Science Center
Alexandra Raptakis             URI –Bachelor of Arts in English            Pursuing MBA
Christina M. Sinapi             RI College/RI Hospital                                     Radiologic Technology
Summa cum laude (highest honors)   School of Diagnostic Imaging
Gregory C. Zervos              URI-BS Communications                                  Law School

Graduate School;
Christopher Andrikos         Auburn University-Masters in Science          Shellfish-Aquaculture
Nicholas Chris                New School For Drama                           Professional Actor
Received The Joshua Love Scholarship Award for all around Excellence in Acting
Emile Sarkis                   Holy Cross Seminary-Masters of Divinity    Lay Asst./ Youth Worker

SCHOOL IS OUT—SUMMER IS HERE
We  know everyone is busy at this time, making summer plans, vacations, cook-outs, outdoor activities.  All well deserved after this hard winter. Please take note of the Parish Update Form we included in the Annunciator to be filled out and returned.  We thank you for your time!!

 Annunciation Scholarship Awards for 2015
George C. Pakuris Award:  Sophia Petrou
Christelis Family Goya Award:  Matthew Pontikes
Stella Pappas Scholarship Award: Olivia Frangos
Stella Pappas Scholarship Award:  Lucas Halkidis
Andrew & Helen Vican Award:  Mary Koutros

SAVVAS SAVVIDES SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS:
Eleni Grammas, Sophia Petrou,  Matthew Pontikes and Mia Sardella

Fordham University Awards Fr Matthew Baker
The late Fr Matthew Baker, a doctorial candidate at Fordham at the time of his tragic death, was awarded an actual doctorate at commencement this past May, not an honorary, which was presented to Presvytera Kate and the children.

Recent Deaths
John Papaliosas, age 77, of Cranston, RI passed away on 5/19/15. His funeral and burial was held on 5/23/15.  Fr. Spyridon Papademetriou, who years back served in Newport RI recently passed on.
~May Their Memory be Eternal~

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
  Wednesday  September 9th – Packing-6 p.m.
  Galatoboureko – TBA    /     Karidopita – TBA                                                                                                                                                                

2015 PLEDGE PROGRAM REPORT
We have to date 332 parishioners with a pledge of  $173,027.00.
The Actual Amount Received is $136,735.74.

Since our last newsletter, the following pledges have been received for 2015:
M/M Dionysius Argeris, M/M Hercules Fircanis, M/M Ronald Gagnon, Helen Georgeon, M/M James Grammas, Heather Gregoire, M/M Nicholas Hantzakos, George Hantzakos, Alexis Harritos, M/M James Harritos, James Harritos II, M/M Richard Kidd, James Kripitos, Jean Mihelakos, M/M Christopher  Michailides, Theodore Panagiotis, Mathew Panichas, M/M Michael Papigiotis, M/M Chris Pappas, Linda Pappola, M/M Anthony Piscopio, John Psikakos, Nanci Sarganis, M/M Eleftherios Simijis, M/M Dennis Spiridakos, M/M George Stergis, M/M John Taxiarchos, M/M Kostas Trikoulis, Christos Vasiliades, M/M Frank Vasiliadis, M/M Dean Vose, M/M Leonard Wood, Socrates Zafiriades, Eugenia Zaharakos, Nicholas Zaharakos, M/M Nondas Zarokostas.
An additional 2014 Pledge was also received—M/M Matthew Anthony Jr.

Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund News
Financial Report for period ending May 31, 2015:
Endowment Fund Portfolio                         $767,786.02
Endowment Fund Checking Account            $2,060.78
Thank you to all donors who contributed to the Dr. Mary Despina Lekas Endowment Fund!

A new chapter in the life of our Endowment Fund has just begun!
As we approach our million dollar goal, have you ever wondered how it all began and how we arrived at where we are today?  Here is a snapshot:

Where it all began:
While we were still at our Pine Street location, we had in our midst a man of vision, a young lawyer named Eustace “Ted” Pliakas, who became the architect of our existing parish “savings account”:  the Endowment Fund.  Supported by fellow parishioners at a General Assembly in December, 1998, Endowment Fund Bylaws (rules) were drafted by Ted, with the assistance of another young lawyer, Deena Christelis Ethridge, daughter of Effie and Dean Christelis.  The draft was voted upon, approved and became official, thus beginning our legacy to secure the blessing of financial stability for our parish for future generations.

Where we are now:
In appreciation of donors to the Endowment Fund, past and present, who helped lay the groundwork to reach our current Fund value of $767,786.02, the time has come for us to recognize their generosity.  A list is being prepared that will appear in upcoming issues of the Annunciator.  Only the names of donors who wished to be recognized will appear, along with the category of the donation (In Memory Of, In Honor Of, Special Events, etc).

Stay tuned and do not miss the next report of Endowment Fund News!

Respectfully submitted by
Mary Samaras, Endowment Fund Secretary

The Financial Corner
This month’s edition will focus on the recent annual “Greek Food Fair” which was held on April 25 & April 26. This has been a very successful fund raising event every year. Below is the financial data for this event:
           
                                                SALES              SALES              SALES
                                                SATURDAY        SUNDAY            TOTAL

Roasted Lamb Plate                    149                   147                               296
Souvlaki Plate                           120                   93                     213
Chicken Plate                            71                     70                     141
Pastitsio Plate                           101                   93                     194
Gyro Sandwich                          584                   567                   1151
Spanakopita                               326                   252                   578
Dolmades                                  145                   88                     233
Tyropita                                    110                   84                     194
Greek Salad                              81                     69                     150
Potatoes                                    41                     27                     68
Rice Pilaf                                  26                     23                     49
Wine (Glass)                              38                     19                     57
French Fries                              85                     60                     145
Greek Salad / Gyro                    8                      7                      15
Water / Soda                              456                   380                   836
Coffee                                       38                     49                     87
Greek Coffee                             28                     34                     62
Frappe                                      30                     27                     57
Baklava Sundae                         37                     6                      43
Galaktoboureko                          263                   210                   473
Karidopita                                 1                      0                      1
Koulourakia                               33                     6                      39
Kourabiedes                              224                   257                   481
Rizogalo                                    213                   201                   414
Koulourakia (Dozen)                   169                   15                     184
Deluxe Frappe                            2                      1                      3
Water / Soda                              1                      3                      4

We have a look at previous Greek Food Fair events below.

2010     Total Revenues = $15,857.00                   2011     Revenues = $19,732.76
             Expenses =          $  5,132.32                             Expenses = $  7,492.50  
            Net Profit =          $ 10,724.68                              Net Profit =  $12,240.36

                       
2012     Total Revenues = $ 27,571.50                  2013     Revenues = $ 29,692.50
             Expenses =          $   7,358.54                            Expenses = $ 12,540.52
            Net Profit =          $ 20,212,96                              Net Profit =  $ 17,151.98

                       
2014     Total Revenues = $ 31,159.52                  2015     Revenues = $ 34,868.54
             Expenses =          $ 11,086.52                            Expenses = $ 12,185.53
             Net Profit =         $ 20,073.00                              Net Profit =  $ 22,683.01

Cordially Submitted by James Silva

Half of Americans Raised Orthodox Stay with Faith
Poll Reveals Religion On Decline in US / “No Affiliation” Rises

An in-depth and extensively-cited study of religious affiliation of Americans published on May 12 by the well-regarded Pew
Research Center found that the number of Americans who identify themselves as Christian is on the decline, while the
number of American adults who do not identify with any organized religion is growing.

The findings from interviews with more that 35,000 Americans concludes that the percentage of adults who describe themselves as Christian has dropped by nearly eight points—from 78.4% to 70.6% since Pew’s last survey just 7 years ago.

The fastest growing religious affiliation are the “nones”  as Pew’s findings call them—those who do not affiliate or self-indentify with any organized church or religion.  Not surprisingly, more and more young adults—millennials—identify themselves in this “none” category.

The study’s results provided some interesting insight on the state of Orthodox Christianity in the U.S., as compared to other Christian and non-Christian faiths, including:

  • Orthodox Christians have the most wealth, on a per capital basis, compared to other Christian denominations.  Approximately 29% of Orthodox Christians have a household income of more than $100,000.00 per year, as compared to 19% of Catholic households and 14% of Evangelicals.

When including non-Christian groups, 44% of Jewish households have an income of more than $100,000.00 and 36% in Hindu families.

  • Marriage rates were down 6% overall, but Orthodox Christian marriage rates are down more significantly than other religious groups.  In 2007, 58% of Orthodox Christians identified themselves as married, compared to 48% in 2014.  In comparison, marriage rates for Catholics were down 6%, for Protestants down 4% and Jews down 1%.  Marriage rates for those who identified themselves as Atheist were down 3%.
  • The Orthodox Church seems to be more impacted by interfaith marriage that other religions.  Hindus are more likely than any other religious group to have a spouse or partner with the same religion (91%), 82% of Mormons, 79% of and Muslims, and 75% of Catholics and Evangelical Protestants are married or living with a partner, have a mate who shares their religion.  For Orthodox Christians, that number is only about half at just 53%.
  • Orthodox Christians have the highest concentration of first-generation born Americans at 40%, significantly more than other Christian groups, compared to 27% of Catholics and 8% of Protestants.  Muslims have the highest concentration of first-generation Americans at 61% and 26% of Buddhists are first-generation immigrants.
  • Orthodox Christians have one of the lowest rates of retention across Christian and non-Christian denominations.  Only 53% of adults who were raised in the Orthodox Church still identify themselves as Orthodox Christians.  Compare that to Hindus (80%), Jewish (75%), Mormon (64%) and Catholic (59%).

PERFECT &  BEST ATTENDANCE AWARDS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL

Pre-Kindergarten:                       Perfect Attendance:   none
Best Attendance:         Alexandros Arsenis, Theofanis Arsenis, Simon Tsimikas
                                                                               
Kindergarten:                              Perfect Attendance:   Sophia Nichols
Best Attendance:        none

First Grade:                                 Perfect Attendance:    none
                                                                        Best Attendance:           Lauren Bousquet, Peter                                                                                                                            Grammas, Lucas Leroux

Second Grade:                           Perfect Attendance:   Calista Leroux, Nicholas Mihailides
Best Attendance:         Harry Arsenis, Christian Santos
                                 

Third Grade:                               Perfect Attendance:   Alexander Vanikiotis, Christopher Vanikiotis
Best Attendance:         Savvina Arsenis, Damian Sarkis, Nathan Sarkis

Fourth Grade:                             Perfect Attendance:    George Grammas
Best Attendance:         Gianna Degaitas, Elisabeth Halkidis

Fifth Grade:                                 Perfect Attendance:    Julianna Mihailides
                                                      Best Attendance:         Rebecca Haralambides

Sixth Grade:                                Perfect Attendance:     Anastasia Coclin
Best Attendance:          Billy Silva Jr.
                  Seventh Grade:                           Perfect Attendance:    Katerina Mihailides, Katherine Mitrelis,
                                                                                                               Nathaniel Nichols, Dimitri Petrou, II 
Best Attendance:          Nicholas Lambros

Eighth Grade:                             Perfect Attendance:    Leticia Lekos
Best Attendance:        Constantine Coclin, Marissa Haralambides,
Collin Soucy

Ninth Grade:                                Perfect Attendance:    Eleni Mihailides, Alexandra Nicholas
Best Attendance:          none      

Tenth Grade:                               Perfect Attendance:     none
Best Attendance:           none

Eleventh Grade:                          Perfect Attendance:    Christian Soucy, Alexis Arsenis
                                                                        Best Attendance:          none

                  Twelfth Grade:                              Perfect Attendance:     Nicholas Soucy, Sophia Petrou
Best Attendance:         Lucas Halkidis

GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL
                                   GRADUATION – 2015
GRADUATES (Plaques): Kristopher Degaitas, Elaina Barakos, Ana Falcone, Alexia Fotopoulos, Elizabeth Marses, Lauren Massimino.

EXCELLENCE: Nicholas Lambros, Dimitri Petrou, attending a special 7th year program.

HIGHEST HONORS: Savvina Arsenis, Gianna Degaitas, Alexia Fotopoulos, Yiannis Fotopoulos, Elisabeth Halkidis, Christopher Lambros, Stella Loezos, Angela Marses, Elizabeth Marses, Evgenia Meltsakos, Christian Santos, Stephen Sterpis, Alexander Vanikiotis, Christina Vanikiotis, Christopher Vanikiotis.

HIGH HONORS: Harry Arsenis, Harrison Barakos, Michael Baziotis, Lauren Bousquet, Kristopher Degaitas, Mia Eliopoulos, Ana Falcone, Arianna Fotopoulos, Xeni Gianniotis, Ana Hatjopoulos, Lucas Leroux, Thea Marses, Lauren Massimino, Liam Plionis, Sophia Sarkis, Eleftherios Sfinarolakis, Sophia Sfinarolakis, Thomas Sfinarolakis, Alexia Sterpis, Alexander Titelis.

HONORS:  Elaina Barakos, Virginia Barakos, Zoey Despines, Maggie Despines, George Grammas, Elizabeth O’Hair, Katherine O’Hair, Gabriella Santos.
 
AWARDS
Archdiocesan Award-The Three Hierarchs: Nicholas Lambros, Dimitri Petrou

Ahepa: Nicholas Lambros, Dimitri Petrou

Paideia/Hellenic Cultural Society: Alexia Fotopoulos, Elizabeth Marses

Good Samaritan Philoptochos Society: Ana Falcone, Lauren Massimino

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church: Elaina Barakos, Kristopher Degaitas

Metropolis of Boston Greek Teachers’s Association: Angela Marses, Evgenia
Meltsakos

Volunteers: Niki Malatos Bousquet, Tina Massimino, Lena Zafiriades Meltsakos, Nicholas Simijis, Christine Vanikiotis

Thank You Remarks from Helen Trikoulis
Given at the Tribute Recognizing her 25 Years of Service to our Greek School

Aidesimwtatoi IereiV pater Andrea kai pater Emanouhl,  Axiotime kurie proedre tou Koinotikou Sumbouliou,  Mr. Kevin Phelan ,
AgaphteV mou  kuria Koula kai kuria Iwanna,  Agaphtoi GoneiV kai agaphta Paidia.

Shmera eimai polu sugkinhmenh apo authn thn ekdhlwsh kai thn timh pou mou kanate kai den briskw logia na saV eucaristhsw. Htan polu timhtiko gia mena.

SaV eucaristw pou mou dwsate thn eukairia na ergastw me ta paidia saV kai nomizw oti ekana to kalutero pou mporousa kai eucomai olh auth h ergasia na ta bohqhsh sthn peraiterw ekpaideush touV. Qa qumamai  oleV auteV tiV wraieV anamnhseiV ola auta ta cronia kai eucomai se ola ta paidia na ecoun kalh proodo sthn zwh touV kai stiV spoudeV touV, na ecoun kalh ugeia kai seiV oi goneiV na ta kamarwsete opwV epiqumeite.

Egw qa eimai panta edw kai qa prospaqw na ta bohqw, opwV kai prin. SaV eucaristw olouV apo ta baqh thV kardiaV mou kai saV eucomai kalo kalokairi  kai rantebou ton Septembrio edw sto scoleio tou <Euaggelismou>. Panta qumamai ta logia thV giagiaV mou kai ercontai sto mualo mou kaqe stigmh thV zwhV mou:
<Apoucei auto to riziko
sthn xenitia na zhsei
Glwssa, Patrida kai Qeo
pote mhn lhsmonhsei>

Thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart, for this special day of recognition of my service to our Greek School.  I am very moved by all that has taken place today. I pray that I have been helpful to your children not simply in Greek School, and that this experience will benefit them lifelong in other aspects of their life.  I have enjoyed my 25 years of teaching and hope for many more.   Thank you  so very much!

YOUTH NEWS – SUMMER 2015

JUNE YOUTH NIGHT:
Please be reminded that  our Youth (Groups) Night for June is – Sunday June 28 (5-7PM in the Mihailides Center’s Demetrakas Hall).
            Our theme will be on the topic of “health care” as that day the church commemorates 2 saints     who were doctors.  We will be playing the popular game “Operation” amongst other fun activities. If you have the operation game – let us know and bring it with you.

Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
Congratulations to our 3 participants who the Metropolis Level Festival—JR DIVISION: Alexandra Nichols rank 1st, Demetri Petrou ranked 2nd. SR DIVISION: Sophia Petrou ranked Honorable Mention.  on being selected and receiving an Honorable Mention Award.  Alexandra then went on to the national festival (held in California) representing our Metropolis and was ranked Honorable Mention.

The June trip to 6 Flags is changed
Thank you for the feed back that the initial date of June 20 was not good for so many people.  NEW DATE is – Tues August 18.  Watch for details.

JULY YOUTH NIGHT: (in the afternoon)
Our Youth (Groups) Night is set for Goddard Park for Sunday July 26 – after Liturgy at church.  Important to have a count on who will attend….please reserve thru Elizabeth Tsimikas 243-7048, or by email <etsimikas@gmail.com>

MBC CAMP IN NH
Don’t delay in registering….session fill up fast.  There is the “Family Camp”  for parents with children which will be Wed July 22 – Sun July 26.  Financial assistance is available in general, both thru the camp directly and thru our parish.  Let us know by June 15th please if you seek financial assistance for camp.  The official Cranston Week is the 3rd session (July 13 week) – but go on the week best for you.

Our August Vacation Church School (VCS)
Watch for details for this well received parish program over the past several years.

Save August 15
This will be the “Family Fun Day” 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.

Sunday Liturgies:
Each Sunday of the summer there is a Liturgy – 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.

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, RI.
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 mulligans, 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.

OUR PARISHIONERS:
Dr. Chris Chihlas will be leaving his Cranston and Cumberland Orthopedic Surgery practice effective July 1, 2015.  He will be relocating to join the Southcoast Health System in Southeast Massachusetts however will be maintaining an office in Providence at 1076 North Main Street, as well as an office in Swansea at 479 Swansea Mall Drive.

Southcoast Physicians Group is the regions largest network of physicians, many of whom come from some of the nation’s leading medical institutions. Some of the most advanced procedures and innovative treatments are happening at Southcoast. Joining Southcoast Physicians Group will enable him to continue his commitment to supporting clinical excellence in quality, service, and patient satisfaction.

Should you have any questions about your care or if you need to schedule an appointment at the office of your choice, please call Southcoast Care Connect at 508-973-2227 and they can assist with all of your needs. of you also know how to contact him directly and feel free to continue to do so when the need arises.

PHILOPTOCHOS ANNUNCIATOR

Our Philoptochos chapter has adopted a yearlong project called “Operation Housewarming” and involves providing housewarming baskets to those veterans transitioning to independent living. initiative began Christmas 2012 when His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios and several members of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board visited the Bedford facility and delivered care packages for each of the residents preparing for transition.Subsequently, President Georgia Pappas and Marianne Phelan met with representatives of the Veterans Administration in Providence to discuss the need Dear Sisters in Philoptochos and Parishioners of the Church of the Annunciations of this important population.

This project would benefit our Rhode Island veteran’s who are transitioning to an apartment or home.The items we would want to include are shown below and our goal is to have twelve barrels available for presentation to Bill Carr, Homeless Program Coordinator of the Rhode Island Veteran’s Administration by Veteran’s Day 2015.
Please consider purchasing these items or perhaps making a monetary donation which will be used to purchase the items listed for the veterans on behalf of a current member of the military, a family member who is a veteran or on behalf of a beloved family member who is a deceased veteran.Checks may be made payable to ‘Good Samaritans Philoptochos’ and note housewarming
.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this project please contact:
Marianne Phelan 401-743-7596E-mail: marianne.phelan@gmail.com

In closing I would like to thank you for taking part in this vast undertaking on behalf of our homeless veterans who have served our country so well so we can enjoy the liberties that we have.