Response to Racist Violence in Charlottesville, VA OBSERVER September-October 2017 Annunciation...

ANNUNCIATION OBSERVER September-October 2017 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

7220 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505

Metropolitan Evangleos of New Jersey

My Beloved,

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither

slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are

all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). These words of St. Paul

hold an immeasurable value both to our spiritual lives as

well as that of our basic moral fiber as Orthodox Christians

who believe in the One, True God. Moreover, these words

help to express and convey the teachings of our Lord, God,

and Savior, Jesus Christ, who called all to unity and to love

one another.

The unfortunate and heinous violence that has

taken place this past week in Charlottesville,

Virginia is nothing other than the work of the

devil who always seeks to divide humanity

which is made in the image and likeness of

God. Violence of any sort, no matter who initi-

ates or perpetuates it, is to be condemned since

violence has no place in the Gospel of Jesus

Christ. Furthermore, the spreading of hatred

and detestation based on one’s race, ethnic

identity, or creed is condemned in the strongest

of terms since it is contrary to the teachings of

the Church. Every one of us is endowed with

the gift of life and, as such, the gift of our per-

sonhood from the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-

Giving, and Undivided Trinity. Thus, rejecting

the value of one’s personhood based on these

factors is tantamount to the rejection of

Christ Himself.

Besides life itself, the greatest gift

which we were given by God is that of our free will. It is

our responsibility to use this free will to love others and, in

this way, love God since He loved us to the extent to grant

us this freedom and to offer us the gift of salvation through

Christ. Therefore, I exhort you, as we seek to fully compre-

hend these tragic events, to continually remain focused in

committing yourselves to living the Gospel of Christ and

the teachings of the Orthodox Church so that we may stand

against any and all violence and discrimination whether it

is expressed in word or deed. Praying that the Grace and

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with you always, I re-

main, With Paternal Love and Blessings,

Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America

The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America stands with all people of good will in condemning the hateful violence and lament-ing the loss of life that resulted from the shameful efforts to promote racial bigotry and white supremacist ideology in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Orthodox Church emphatically declares that it does not promote, protect or sanction participation in such reprehensible acts of hatred, racism, and discrimina-tion, and proclaims that such beliefs and behaviors have no place in any community based in respect for the law

and faith in a loving God. The essence of the Christian Gospel and the spirit of the Orthodox Tradition are entirely and self-evidently incompatible with ideologies that declare the superiority of any race over another. Our God shows no partial-ity or favoritism (Deuteronomy 10:17, Ro-mans 2:11). Our Lord Jesus Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility that had sepa-rated God from humans and humans from each other (Ephesians 2:14). In Christ Jesus, the Church proclaims, there can be neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or fe-male, but all are one (Galatians 3:28). Fur-thermore, we call on one another to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of dark-ness, but rather to expose them (Ephesians 5:11). And what is darkness if not hatred? The one who hates his brother is in the darkness

and walks in the darkness (1 John 2:11)! Furthermore, in 1872, Hierarchs from around the world assembled in Con-stantinople and denounced all forms of xenophobia and chauvinism (phyletism).

They agreed that the promotion of racial or national su-premacy and ethnic bias or dissension in the Church of Christ is to be censured as contrary to the sacred teach-ings of the Christian Gospel and the holy canons of the Church. It is formally condemned as heresy, the strongest category of false teaching. Finally, such actions as we have witnessed in re-cent days, by self-proclaimed white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and various racists and fascists, betray the core human values of love and solidarity. In this, we pray wholeheartedly for the families of those who lost their lives or suffered in these tragic events. In like manner, we cannot condone any form of revenge or retaliation by any group or individual. Therefore, we fervently appeal to every person of good will, and especially the leaders of our great nation, to consider and adopt ways of reconcil-ing differences in order to rise above any and all discrimi-nation in our history, our present, and our future.

Response to Racist Violence in Charlottesville, VA

Philip baptizes the Ethiopian

Books of Acts 8:26-40

Rev. Father George Bessinas Rev. Protopresbyter Constantine P. Rogakos

Presiding Priest Associate Priest

Thomas Manuel

Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director

SUNDAY SERVICES

ORTHROS: 8:45 am DIVINE LITURGY: 10:00 am

WEEKDAYS: ORTHROS: 8:30 am DIVINE LITURGY: 9:30 am

PARISH COUNCIL 2017

Officers

President

Steve Webb

1st Vice President

John Katsias

2nd Vice President

Martha Pantelides

Secretary

Seth Johnson

Treasurer

Michelle Kastner

Members

John Stepanovich

John Maroulis

Tony Meares

John Koubaroulis

Diana Roybal

George Neskis

Stewardship Committee

Yiannis Papelis, Kathy Stephanitsis, Cindy Dragas Sunday School

Martha Pantelides, Director

Greek School

George Pantas, Director

Emilia Simmons, Deputy Director

Stavroula Marshall, Teacher

Dr. Maria Mendrinos, PTO

Choir Director

Christopher Kypros

Head Chanter

Efthimios (Tim) Dermanis

Altar Servers

John Mangus, Jr., Coordinator

Stewards of the Altar

Presvytera Eleni Rogakos

Bible Study

Jane Williams, Coordinator

Library

Presvytera Eleni Rogakos

Irene Pahno

Cultural Committee

Jane Williams

Golden Years

Virginia Elliott, President

O.C.M.C.

Des Dandalides

I.O.C.C.

Maria Herring

HOPE/JOY

Agape

Maria Achilleos

Community Dinner

Yiannis Papelis

Young Adult League

Thomas Manuel

Women’s Study Group

Presvytera Chrysanthie Bessinas

GOYA Advisors

Linda Meares, Phil Roussis,

Katherine P. Milonas

Orthodox Campus Ministry

Emily Franks, President

Dance Directors

Dr. Maria Mendrions, Bessie Piperides

Philoptochos Society

Maria Harless, President

Hellenic Woman’s Club

Elizabeth Woods—President

Cathedral Office

Helen Manuel, Office Administrator

Stavey Aspioti, Bookkeeper

Annunciation Observer

Layout Editor: Thomas Manuel

Editor in Chief: Fr. George Bessinas

Mailing Volunteers

Chris Bachas, Fred & Diana Roybal, Dwight

and Pela Jenkins, Toulla Koyzis, Iris Pappas.

The Annunciation Observer: Published bi-monthly. Distributed to Parish Families. The Annunciation Observer is published by The

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.

Check out the following links:

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

www.goarch.org

Metropolis of New Jersey

www.nj.goarch.org

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

www.annunciationva.org

Annunciation Cathedral Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/314281155328536/

We will never overlook concrete with the non-chalant and apathetic manner as before this mission trip to Project Mexico! We have a new and profound respect for the miraculous rock that can be shaped and molded into any form possible for our human benefit. On our first day we spent many hours shovel-ing rocks, sand and cement in the hot sun to form the foundation of the house we were constructing. Most of the people in the area do not have the luxury of concrete floors, but must settle for dirt and mud. We spent the next three days putting up our metal frame, putting up chicken wire and stucco for a wall, installing a door and win-dows, creating a roof, tar-ring and waterproofing the roof and a number of many other detailed jobs. By our fourth and last day we had the completed our house project in time to hand it over to our family. We finished up our time at the house with a meal of tamales, frijoles and tamarindo juice gra-ciously provided by the family and followed by a heartfelt and emotional blessing of the house and a handing over of the keys to the family. Prior to this the family did not have a permanent place to call home. Though they were not blessed with many ma-terial gifts they were overflowing with love, joy and gratitude towards us and one another. Truly Elizabeth Manuel summed it up best at the end of the week when she came across the quote, “Labor humbles the body, and when the body is humbled, the soul is hum-bled with it." (Abba Dorotheos)

Though most of our time with Project Mexico was devoted to building the house there was much more happening throughout the week. We came to Project Mexico with our group of sixteen Virginians from Annunciation Norfolk, St. Nicholas Virginia Beach and Sts. Constantine and Helen Richmond but joined a much larger group at the St. Innocent Or-phanage of about one hundred people total from around the country. Project Mexico is both a home building program for volunteers from abroad during the summers and an Orthodox Christian Orphanage

for Mexican boys who have no chance of adoption. As volunteers we camped out in the field below the orphanage in tents, ate our meals communally and most importantly we had morning and evening prayers each day. Though that may sound inconven-ient, we all agreed that simplifying our fast and dis-tracted lives for this one week and refocusing upon Christ was exactly what we all needed. Through the whole week we prayed, ate delicious authentic Mexi-can food, played with the orphans, had discussions on

our Orthodox Christian faith and slept like babies under the cool desert sky! We were also able to benefit from the beautiful Mexican people who showered us with love and hospitality. Life was good. Like most short-term mission trips, they serve two purposes: to provide some sort of aid or support to the local mis-sion (in our case that came in the form of the house we built in four days), and to spiritually nourish those who go on the mission trip itself. The latter may

sound selfish, but it is critically important in one’s spiritual development to take the time to trim away the fat of life and to focus upon Christ and to encoun-ter Him in our neighbor. One of the best tricks of the devil in our American society is not to tempt us di-rectly, but to throw all sorts of distractions in our way to keep us from communing and being with God. All he has to do is keep us sidetracked with other seem-ing obligations and needs and our relationship with God wears down and deteriorates over time. Our time with Project Mexico was blessed because it our whole group a chance to set aside all those earthly cares and to focus on Christ. Our team thanks everyone for the opportunity to serve our fellow neighbor and our neighbor thanks you for the means to have a brand new home. Our trip would not have been possible without our respective communities prayers and sup-port.

Thomas Manuel, Pastoral Assistant

Project Mexico Home Building Mission Team (July 21-28)

Annunciation Youth Day Camp (June 26-30)

Camp Good Shepherd Virginia (July 2-8)

Join us for Bible Study Fellowship

Tuesday Evenings at 6:30 PM

Beginning September 12th

In the Pantocrator Room

No prior knowledge of the Holy

Scriptures is Required!

Bring your Bible and your Friends

New Bible Study Series:

The Book of Exodus

Check out our Ministries

and our Organizations

Connect to get involved

Enjoy food and fellowship

with old and new friends

On our Cathedral Grounds Following the Divine Liturgy

Ministry Fair

Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and more!!

Games

Egg Relay Race

Potato Sack Race

Corn hole

Tug of War

And more!

Food Donated by the Papafil family in memory of

Nicholas Papafil and Tommy Arakas

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Volume 1, Issue 1

Capital Elegance and Taste Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion, Louis Comfort Tiffany Windows, and Shirley Plantation Tour

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Itinerary

8:00 am Depart Annunciation Cathedral

10:00 am Virginia State Capital Building

The Capital building was completed in 1788 and has been

closed since 2005 for a new renovation. The new renovation is sched-

uled to be completed in May 2007. This building is the eight building

to be built to serve as Virginia’s State House.

12:00 pm Capital Ale House

Located in the Main Street business corridor Capital Ale

House offers private dining in a casual setting. Well known for its tasty

American dishes served with salad and one of the restaurant’s signature

desserts.

1:30 pm St. Paul’s Church – Tiffany Tour

A place of reflection and art St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

which was built in the 1840’s is home to 9 glass windows from Louis

Comfort Tiffany. Donated by members of the congregation to honor

loved ones these colorful windows of purple, blue, pink and yellow

wavy glass reflect the style of craftsmanship that was signature to Tif-

fany Studios.

3:00 pm Shirley Plantation An informative tour of Virginia’s first plantation, Shirley Plan-

tation showcases the lifestyles of Virginia’s Gentry Class and the

eleven generations of the Hill – Carter family that still resides at

Shirley today. Part of your tour will include the unique architectural of

the house which features the only floating staircase in the United

States.

4:00 pm Depart for the Hampton Roads area.

6:00 pm Arrive at Annunciation Cathedral.

Price: $100 per person

Price includes: Tiffany Tour of St. Paul’s Church, Tour of Virginia

Governor’s Mansion, Private Dining Room Lunch at Capital Ale

House, Shirley Plantation Tour, guide, continental breakfast, refresh-

ments, games, prizes and the services of a Fun Tours Escort aboard the

coach. If individual cancellations occur within 35 days of departure any

additional non-recoverable funds paid out by Fun Tours on the cus-

tomer’s behalf will be forfeited.

To make a reservation call:

Chris Bachas 757-233-9302

If you are not a Philoptochos member, please join our

chapter and become involved in making a difference in our com-

munity, nation and world through our ministry’s efforts. It’s up

to us to keep this wonderful organization viable for the next gen-

eration.

2017-19 PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD AND COMMITTEE

MEMBERS

Philoptochos elections were held May 7. The new ex-

ecutive board and committee members are:

Cindy Dragas, Effie Michaels, JoAnna Goumenis, An-

drea Mills, Maria Harless, Nitsa Pratsi, Michelle Kastner,

Lia Russell, Lia Koppassis, Niki Schoen, Toulla Koyzis, Anna

Maria Stepanovich, Maria Makridakis, Penny Tzavelas, Helen

Manual

SEPTEMBER MEETING AND PRESI-

DENT’S REPORT FROM CLERGY-

LAITY CONVENTION HELD MAY 8-9

Sunday, Sept. 17, following church

services, a regular business meeting will be

held in the Hellenic Center with a compli-

mentary luncheon. Maria Harless will pro-

vide a report from the New Jersey Metropolis

Clergy-Laity Convention, which she attended

in May.

JOIN OUR MISSION – BECOME A

PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBER

Be part of the Philoptochos sister-

hood and mission. The Greek Orthodox La-

dies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is a duly ac-

credited women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox

Archdiocese of America. Our mission statement includes aiding

the needy and sick, promoting the charitable purposes of the

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese through educational resources,

perpetuating Orthodox Christian traditions, and promoting par-

ticipation in the Greek Orthodox community. Join today and

help make a difference in our community, state, country and

world.

GIVE THE GIFT OF PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP

Are you looking for an inspiring gift for a friend or

loved one? Gift them a Philoptochos membership! This is a

wonderful way to grow our chapter and inspire new and young

women to become part of our church’s philanthropic organiza-

tion.

PHILOPTOCHOS COMMUNICATIONS ARE GOING

GREEN!

Philoptochos newsletters and communications will now

be emailed to all members who have an email address on file. If

you don’t have an email address, we will continue to send your

communications through the Postal Service. This process will

also help our organization save money that can be better spent

on fulfilling our mission of helping those in need.

Please email [email protected] with your email ad-

dress(es) so we can add you to the list to facilitate better com-

munications.

STEWARDSHIP

Philoptochos annual dues of $30 are now overdue for the 2017

calendar year, which covers January through December. Prompt

payment of your dues is greatly appreciated.

OTHER PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

• Philoptochos members are needed to help set up and serve dur-

ing Makarias and with meetings. Please plan to help when you

see such an event is upcoming.

• If you know of someone who is in financial or other need, call

Maria Makridakis, social services chair, at 636-3649.

• If you know of someone who is sick, shut-in or in need of a

card or visit, please contact Toulla Koyzis at

621-4091.

AGORA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Philoptochos Society has a small

market, the Agora, in the Hellenic Center,

where we sell some traditional Greek foods and

items. Please support our Agora – it’s a great

place to pick up hard-to-find items and even has

some good gift ideas. Proceeds from the Agora

help fund Philoptochos projects.

If there is something you would like to see in

the Agora, contact Penny Tzavelas

at [email protected] or 636-1121.

As always, anyone who would like to volunteer to help with any

of our projects, please contact any board member for informa-

tion. Assistance is always appreciated.

Philoptochos Society

Greek Night at the

Pagoda Restaurant Donates $500 to the

St. Maria of Paris Community Dinner!

Thank you all!

mailto:[email protected]

applewebdata://84A071A2-14B2-426D-BBD1-35F4D9B6BDA4/[email protected]

PARISH REGISTRY

BAPTISMS

Bella Lynn (Mary) Weiler

July 16, 2017

Sponsors

George and Carol Savopoulous

The Hellenic Woman’s Club is excited about our

upcoming events and we will be busy women for the next

several months. We will kick off the Ecclesiastical Year

with our Traditional Spaghetti Dinner on September 13 at

6:30pm. KOULOURAKIA! TSOURAKI! That’s right

ladies, baking is beginning September 20 at 9am. All

hands are welcomed! Good luck to all the scholarship re-

cipients on your studies this year!

Ladies, mark your calendars for our upcoming events:

Sept. 13—Spaghetti Dinner @ 6:30pm Hellenic Center

Nov. 3—Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon

Nov. 11—Election Meeting @ Cypress Point, 11:30 am

Dec. 12—Senior Christmas Luncheon

Dec. 8 & 9—Christmas Bake Sale

Dec. 16—Joint Christmas Party with Philoptochos

Save the Date

Hellenic Woman’s Club

Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon

Fashions by Chico’s

Friday, November 3, 2017

Further Information to Follow

August 28, 2017

Megan (Marina) McGraw- Almond

Harrison (Haralambos) Almond

Sponsor- Emilia Simmons

FUNERALS

May their memory be eternal!

Betsy (Kiki) Varelas

July 14, 2017

Anthony C. Diorides

July 17, 2017

WEDDINGS

Jeffrey Babb & Maria Jacovides

August 26, 2017

Sponsors

Brian and Eleni Babcock

CHRISTMATIONS

Hellenic Women’s Club

OXI Day October 28th

1940

Save the Date Community Celebration

Sunday, October 29th

following the Divine Liturgy

Luncheon and Program

2017 Father Savas Constantinou Memorial Family Mission Walk and Pan Orthodox Picnic

Saturday, September 23rd from 9 am– 2 pm

@ First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach

REGISTRATION FORM (turn this form into the Church office or

contact the Church Office to register)

I/WE will participate in the following activities:

______ Picnic/Lunch (____ number attending)

______ Mission Walk (____ number attending)

Complimentary T-shirts: XXL ___ XL ___ LG ___ MED ___ SM ___

Adult sizes only. Please indicate number/sizes for pre-order. 1 per participant please.

NAME: ___________________________________________________________

CHURCH: _________________________________________________________

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________________

PHONE NUMBER: ___________________________________________________

The Father Sav Mission walk is named in honor of Father Savas Constantinou. Our hope is that this walk carries on his

legacy of selfless service and charity.

The Prayer Service and Picnic will be held in the pavilion inside the park entrance (off Shore Drive). Carpooling is en-

couraged. The Mission Walk and picnic are free. The entrance fee to the park is required.

All ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. If you are unable to walk, join us for the Prayer Service and the

Picnic. Please make donation checks payable to the Father Sav Mission Walk Fund.

Please send completed registration forms to St. Nicholas GOC, 621 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach VA 23454 or to

your parish’s church office by SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!!!

Contact the Church office to register or for any questions concerning this event

Email: [email protected] Phone: 757 440 0500

Fall Greetings to our Annunciation Family!

Our Annunciation Library has NEW BOOKS on the

shelves for your religious understanding and growth.

Some of the titles are the following:

The Orthodox Liturgy, Sacred Symbols that Speak,

Responses to 101 Questions on the Bible, The Spiri-

tuality of Imperfection, The Gospel of St. Matthew,

The Gospel of St. Luke, Life after Death, The Ortho-

dox Study Bible

Summer book donations were received from

Mr. Lakis Dermanis, M/M Pete Goumenis, M/M Gus

James, M/M Ted Vergakis, and Dr. /Mrs. James

Meares. Also, Pete and Joanna Goumenis donated an

informative seven-CD set on Orthodox Christianity.

MAY GOD BLESS ALL THE DONORS!

LIBRARY HOURS—Every Wednesday

from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. for all members of our

community, and on Sundays for the upper Sunday

School classes. Please feel free to come to the An-

nunciation Library and browse through the amazing

collection of available materials!

LIBRARY

GOYA Officer Board 2017-2018

President- Katerina Delidakis

First Vice President– Mia Mathas

2nd Vice President– Mariam Aboud

Treasurer– Demetri Cain

Corresponding Secretary– Rulla Aboud

Recording Secretary– Melina Rea

Historians– Costas Delidakis and Marilena Tryphonas

Community Service–

Matthew Clare and Nicholas English

GOYA has an exciting year ahead! Do not miss out!

If you have a child between 7th grade and 12th grade

not yet apart of this wonderful ministry please contact

Katerina Delidakis @ [email protected] or at

(757) 618 0865

Sunday School Calendar 2017-2018

September

3- Labor day weekend. No Sunday School

10-Agiasmos & Ministry Fair. Sunday School Regis-

tration

17- First day of Sunday School Classes

24- Sunday School as normal

October




29- Family Worship Sunday - Teachers and Students

remain in church (OXI Day)

November


12- Sunday School as normal except Grades 7-12

remain in church (Norfolk Basketball Tournament)

15- Nativity Fast begins


26- Sunday after Thanksgiving - Family Worship

Sunday - Teachers and Students remain in church

December

3- Sunday School as normal except Grades 7-12 have

combined lesson (Bethesda Basketball Tournament)

10- Sunday School as normal. Pageant practice?

17- Sunday School as normal. Pageant practice?

24- Christmas Pageant - Teachers and Students re-

main in church

31. Sunday after Christmas - Family Worship Sunday

- Teachers and Students remain in church

January



have combined lesson (FDF)


have combined lesson (Richmond Basketball tourna-

ment)

28- Three Hierarchs - Family Worship Sunday -

Teachers and Students remain in church

29- Triodion Begins

February

4- Sunday School as normal – Godparents Sunday


18- Forgiveness/Mission Sunday - Sunday School as

normal - Mission Lesson - Coin Boxes are distributed

19- Great Lent Begins

25- Sunday of Orthodoxy - Teachers and students

participate in procession of icons

March



18- Sunday school as normal

25- Feast of Annunciation - Family Worship Sunday

- Teachers and Students remain in church

GOYA Lenten Retreat in March? TBD

April

1- Palm Sunday - Sunday School as normal

6- Holy Friday Retreat

8- Great and Holy Pascha - No Sunday School

15- Thomas Sunday - Sunday School as normal



May



20- Greek Festival - Family Worship Sunday -


27- Holy Pentecost - Family Worship Sunday -


June

3- Sunday of all Saints - Sunday School as normal.

Last day of classes. Year end Picnic

4- Apostles fast begins

10– Sunday School end of year– Recognition of

Graduates acknowledged in Church

17- Father's Day

25-29 Annunciation Youth Day Camp

29- Feast of SS. Peter and Paul, end of Apostles fast

July

8– 14 Camp Good Shepherd Virginia

Annunciation Cathedral Church School Registration Form 2017-2018

(Please fill out one per family & print neatly)

Parents Information:

Family Name:

Parent/Guardian First Names:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Home number: 2nd email address:

Email address:

Mother’s Cell #: Father’s Cell #:

Student Information: First Student

Name:

Date of Birth:

Grade in regular school: Allergies:

Second Student

Name:

Date of Birth:


Third Student Name:

Date of Birth:


Fourth Student

Name:

Date of Birth:


X________________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Signature

Completed registration forms: can be dropped off to the Sunday School Office or emailed to Martha

Pantelides ([email protected]), Andriani Vastardis ([email protected])

~ September 2017 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3

Orthros 8:45am, Divine Liturgy 10 am

4

Labor Day

Office Closed

GOYA Basketball

Girls 5:30 pm, Boys

7 pm

5

Goldren Years Be-gins 10 am Women’s Study Group 10 am

6

7

Community Dinner

8 Nativity of the

Theotokos

Orthros 8:30

Liturgy 9:30

9 Sunday School Seminar Newport News

10

Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am Agiasmos for beginning of the Church year Ministry Fair and Picnic

11

1st day of Greek

School 4:30 p,

GOYA Basketball

Girls 5:30 pm, Boys

7 pm

12

Golden Years at

10am

Women’s Study Group 10 am

Greek School

4:30 pm

Bible Study Begins at

6:30 pm

13

Greek School

4:30 pm

HWC meeting

6:30 Hellenic

Center

14

Feast of the Elevation of the Cross Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 9:30

Greek School

4:30 pm

Community Dinner

P.C. Meeting

15

Greek School

4:30pm

16

GOYA Basket-ball Tourna-ment & retreat Newport News

17

Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am Sunday School Begins Philoptochos general meeting

18

Greek School

4:30pm

GOYA Basketball

Girls 5:30 pm, Boys

7 pm

19 Golden Years, 10 am Women’s Study Group 10 am

Greek School 4:30

pm

Bible Study 6:30 pm

20 Greek School 4:30pm

21

Greek School

4:30pm\

Community Dinner

22

Greek School

4:30pm

23

Fr. Sav Mission Walk & Picnic

24

Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am

25

Greek School

4:30pm

GOYA Basketball

Girls 5:30 pm, Boys

7 pm

26

Golden Years, 10 am


Greek School 4:30

pm

Bible Study 6:30 pm

27

Greek School

4:30pm

28

Greek School

4:30pm

Community Dinner

29

Greek School

4:30pm

30 Cultural Committee trip to Richmond St. Nicholas Basketball Tournament Baltimore

1

Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am St. Nicholas Baltimore

Tournament

~ October 2017 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Orthros 8:45 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am National Church Music Sunday

2 Greek School 4:30pm

GOYA Basketball Girls 5:30 pm, Boys 7 pm


Greek School 4:30

pm

Bible Study 6:30 pm

4 Greek School

4:30pm

5 Greek School

4:30pm

Community Dinner

Festival Feedback

Meeting 7pm

6 Greek School

4:30 pm

7

8

Orthros 8:45 Divine Liturgy 10 Kefalos meeting/HC

9

Greek School 4:30pm

GOYA Basketball Girls 5:30 pm, Boys 7 pm


Greek School 4:30

pm

Bible Study 6:30 pm

11

Greek School

4:30pm

12

Greek School

4:30pm

Community Dinner

13

Greek School

4:30 pm

14 GOYA Fall Retreat

Richmond

UVA OCF & Young Adult Retreat

15

Orthros 8:45 Divine Liturgy 10 Philoptochos meeting HC

16

Greek School

4:30pm

GOYA Basketball

Girls 5:30 pm, Boys

7 pm

17

Golden Years, 10 am


Greek School

4:30 pm

Bible Study 6:30 pm

18

Greek School

4:30pm

19

Greek School

4:30pm

Community Dinner

St. Gerasimos

Vespers 6:30

Chapel

20

Greek School

4:30pm

21

HOPE/JOY Fall Day!

22

Orthros 8:45 Divine Liturgy 10 Cyprus Benevolent Society mtg /SH

23

Greek School

4:30pm

GOYA Basketball

Girls 5:30 pm, Boys

7 pm

24

Golden Years, 10 am


Greek School 4:30

pm

Bible Study 6:30 pm

25

Greek School

4:30pm

Vespers for St. Demetrios in Williamsburg

26 St. Demetrios

Orthros 8:30

Liturgy 9:30

Greek School

4:30pm

Community Dinner

27

Greek School

4:30pm

28

Young Adult Service Retreat VA Beach

29

Orthros 8:45 Divine Liturgy 10 OXI DAY Celebration

30

Greek School

4:30pm

GOYA Basketball

Girls 5:30 pm, Boys

7 pm

31

Golden Years, 10am


Greek School 4:30pm

No Bible Study Archdiocesan Clergy Retreat (Oct 31– Nov 3)

1

Greek School

4:30pm

2

Greek School

4:30pm

Community Dinner

3 Greek School

4:30pm

4

Greek School A Message from the Greek School Staff...

A Head Start Each September, opportunity knocks for every Greek Ortho-

dox child, the opportunity of learning a second language, Greek history

and the rudiments of the Orthodox faith.

Our fast-moving world is demanding the knowledge of two

and three languages and public education is even now initiating lan-

guage courses in the elementary grades.

How fortunate and advanced our youngsters are when they

have the head start that attendance at Greek School can give them. No

other language offers comparable fundamental training to all tongues as

does Greek. Even more important is the fact that both in high school

and college, a knowledge of Greek will be a decidedly strong asset in

the mastery of English vocabulary, for over 35 percent of the English

language has Greek derivatives.

Unfortunately however, we live in a world of material and

superficial values that often lure us into believing that other activities

are more important. Music and dance lessons, baton twirling, TV, ath-

letics, school clubs, etc. compete with Greek School for valuable time.

They are all feeble excuses for non-Greek learning and when stripped

of their glamour really offer very little in comparison to the lifelong

contribution given to each child by the Greek School curriculum. No

child need be deprived of music lessons, athletic participation or after-

school activates because of Greek School- only the degree of participa-

tion will be affected.

Today's children must learn to discriminate and choose wisely

for the multitude of activities available to them and in helping to make

such choices, parents must ask themselves on simple questions, "Of all

the opportunities available to my children, which ones will contribute

most to their future success and happiness?" The easiest choice is not

necessarily the best choice, for nothing worthwhile comes easily and

easy things are seldom worthwhile.

Moreover, it has become clear over the years, that those chil-

dren who are exposed to Greek School usually migrate to junior choirs,

JOY, GOYA, and subsequently the senior groups of these organizations

and remain active members of their parishes as adults. Through Greek

School, Greek Orthodox youngsters can find friends of similar back-

grounds, interests, and aspirations. Such associations benefit Orthodoxy

and enhance the all important drive to perpetuate our ethnic Greek cul-

ture in this country.

No child will ever regret attending Greek School, but those

who do not attend may in the future years bitterly regret the choice their

parents made in denying them this privilege. Every Greek Orthodox

home with school age children must make the important decision within

coming weeks, as parishes across this country begin registration for the

fall and winter sessions.

Annunciation Cathedral Greek School Registration Form 2017-2018 (Please fill out one per family & print neatly)

Classes will begin on Monday, September 11th

For more information please contact Maria Mendrinos [email protected]

Or Artemis Tryphonas [email protected]

Parent Information:

Family Name:________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian First Name:____________________________________________________

Addresss:____________________________________________________________________

City:_____________________ State:__________ Zip Code:____________________________

Home Number:________________________ Work Number:___________________________

Email Address:________________________________________________________________

Mother’s Cell #:________________________ Fathers Cell #____________________________

Student Information:

Name:_______________________________________________________________________

Date Of Birth:_________________ Saint’s Name Date Celebrated:_______________________

Grade in regular school:____________ Name of school:________________________________

Allergies:_____________________________________________________________________

I would like to thank, from the bottom of my

heart, the President and members of the PTA and all

the families of the Greek School of the Annunciation

Cathedral for their great support, love, kindness and

generosity. I greatly appreciate the most generous gift

given to me at the graduation day. I'm looking for-

ward to seeing everyone in September!

With all my love and thanks,

Mrs. Emily Simmons

Greek School Teacher

Regular Monthly Meeting (June 8th, 2017) Meeting called to order

Fr. George Bessinas offered a prayer and Steve Webb called to order

the regular meeting of the Parish Council at 6:30 P.M. on June 8,

2017 in the library.

Attendees

Father George Bessinas, Steve Webb, Martha Pantelides, Michelle

Kastner, John Maroulis, Tony Meares, John Stephanovich, George

Neskis

Absent: Diana Roybal, John Koubaroulis, Seth Johnson, John

Katsias.

Approval of May 4, Minutes

Michelle Kastner motioned to approve the minutes. Seconded by

John Maroulis. Motion passed unanimously.

Correspondence

This year the Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos will host the

Annual National Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, November 11,

2017 in Garfield, NJ. John Stepanovich made a motion to participate

with a sponsorship of $1,000. Tony Meares seconded the motion.

Motioned passed unanimously.

Presiding Priest’s Comments (Fr. George)

-• Reviewed the Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly, May, 8-9,

2017.

• Thanked everyone who worked hard and made this year’s Greek

Festival the success it was.

• Will be representing our Cathedral and participating at the Ordina-

tion of Andreas Houpos to the Holy Diaconate, June, 17, 2017 at St.

Nicholas in Flushing, NY.

• Asked to give Andreas Houpos a custom made set of Priest’s vest-

ments as a gift from his home parish. He suggested to invite our

parishioners to participate with a monetary gift of any size. George

Neskis made a motion to cover any needed funds from the Liturgical

Supplies not to exceed $2,500. Motion was seconded by Martha

Pantelides. Motion passed unanimously.

• Keep in your prayers the 16 young adults from Hampton Roads (7

of them from our Cathedral) that will be going on a mission trip in

July to Project Mexico (a Pan-Orthodox Ministry) to build homes

for impoverished families in Northern Mexico.

Council President Report (Steve Webb)

Treasure’s Report (Michelle Kastner)

a) Michelle stated that the Greek Festival for 2017 grossed

$760,000, netting out 131,000 for vendors, making this festival

grossing 40,000 over 2016. Festival entries are still being made.

b) Michelle stated that there was a missions payable account of

$2,500 on our books. Father George suggested that it be used for

future missions trips.

Committee Reports

No Finance Committee Meeting/No report.

No Investment Committee Meeting/No report

Festival Report (Steve Webb)

Steve reported that golf carts should not be used to transport food;

we need to order some catering carts. Perhaps a committee needs to

be established to work on such Festival issues. Steve proposed that a

plaque be presented at the post Festival luncheon to Janet Jenkins

for years of dedicated service at the gyro booth. George Neskis

made a motion that the Outstanding Festival Service Award be given

to Janet Jenkins. Motion seconded by Michelle Kastner. The motion

passed unanimously. Steve also proposed that in lieu of the many

issues dealt with and tireless hours put in by Angelo Neskis, Mainte-

nance Director that a $5,000 bonus be given to him. John Stepano-

vich made a motion that Angelo be given this $5,000 bonus for his

extra efforts during the Festival. Motion seconded by John Maroulis.

The motion passed unanimously.

Personnel/Facilites

Max resigned from our custodian staff. The Personnel Committee is

actively looking for a replacement.

Building and Grounds (John Maroulis)The roof over the Pantokrator

room has been fixed.Jerry Valianos is donating mulch for the Ca-

thedral grounds. John Georghiou is acknowledged for donating

repair and updating work at the duplex. Dumont House is for rent.

Discussion whether its more profitable renting it or selling it and

investing the proceeds in our Investments Account. A committee

(of Michelle Kastner, Tony Meares and John Maroulis) will look

into it.

Old Business

Small hall kitchen renovation: George Neskis will collect

donated funds within 60 days: August 8, 2017

Renovation priorities include: Altar Door steps, painting of

the Narthex, old bells system and organizing Narthex

office.

VIII New Business

IX. For the Good of the Parish

No meeting in July. Next Parish Council meeting is August

17, 2017

X. Adjournment

Steve Webb adjourned the meeting Father George closing prayer

Special Meeting (June 25th, 2017)

Meeting called to order:

Rev. Father George Bessinas offered a prayer and John Katsias

called to order the Special Meeting of the Parish Council at 1:00 on

June 25, 2017 in the library.

Attendees:

Presiding Priest: Rev. Father George Bessinas

1st Vice President: John Katsias

2nd Vice President: Martha Pantelides

Secretary: Seth Johnson

Council Members: John Maroulis, John Stepanovich, Tony Meares

and Diana Roybal.

Custodian Staff Hiring

Discussion regarding hiring Nick Arrington as a part-time (20 hours

per week) custodian staff. Martha Pantelides made a motion to hire

Mr. Arrington subject to passing a background check. Motion sec-

onded by Diana Roybal. Motion passed unanimously.

Kyrus Choir Scholarship Fund

We received a request for Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kyrus that since

the Choir Scholarship they established with a donation of $25,000

did not bear any fruit in attracting new choir members, that these

funds to be released to another charitable cause at their discretion.

John Stepanovich made a motion to release the $25,000 as re-

quested and not offer the scholarship. Motion seconded by Martha

Pantelides. Motion passed unanimously.

Mytilene earthquake special collection request

We received a letter from our Metropolis to pass a special tray for

the recent earthquake in Mytilene, Greece as well as to add an

amount from our treasury. Tony Mears made a motion add $100.00

to the Mytilene collection from our treasury. Motion seconded by

Diana Roybal. Motion passed unanimously.

Adjournment:

John Katsias adjourned the meeting Fr. George closing prayer

Parish Council Minutes

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In Memory of Our Grandparents and Parents

Fragiskos G. & Irene M. Stephanitsis

Nicholas & Evangelia Stephanitsis

Gerasimos & Irene S. Stephanitsis

Change of Address?

If you have recently moved or are vacationing long

term, please let the Cathedral Office know, 757-440-

0500.

Services

To schedule all services such as memorials, 40 day

blessings, baptisms, and weddings, please call the

Cathedral Office, 757-440-0500.

Hospital and Shut-In Visitations

When parishioners of the Annunciation are admitted

into a hospital or recovering at home and wish to

have a priest visit them, it is imperative that a family

member contact the Cathedral Office, 757-440-0500,

immediately. Hospitals do not notify the Church

when Orthodox patients seek medical attention.

Kollyva

The Cathedral does NOT provide Kollyva for Memo-

rial Services. Parishioners in need of Kollyva may

call Drucie Papafil, 757-489-4313 or Tasy Penner,

752-1294.

Artoklasia

For anyone interested in having Artoclasia made,

please contact Emilia Simmons, 757-481-1509.

Annunciation Observer Deadline

The deadline for submitting articles for the Novem-

ber/December Annunciation Observer is October

9th, 2017. Articles not submitted by will NOT BE IN

THE Annunciation Observer. Please send all arti-

cles to Helen Manuel or Thomas Manuel at

[email protected] or

[email protected]

Important Phone Numbers,

& Email Addresses

Father George Bessinas

Office: 757-440-0500

Home: 757-497-1192

Email: [email protected]

Father Constantine Rogakos Office: 757-440-0500


Thomas Manuel

Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director

Office: 757-440-0500


Helen Manuel

Office: 757-440-0500


Stavey Aspioti—Bookkeeper

Office: 757-440-0500


Bookstore: Corin Baker & John Mangus


Hellenic Center: 757-963-5634

Cathedral Fax: 757-423-6929

John Boogades

Annunciation

Greek Orthodox Cathedral

7220 Granby Street

Norfolk, VA 23505-4119

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Norfolk, VA

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