September October 2019 - annunciation.va.goarch.org

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ANNUNCIATION OBSERVER September-October 2019 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 7220 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505

THE HOLY MANDYLION One of the earliest Icons witnessed to by Church Tradi-tion, is the Icon of the Savior Not-Made-By-Hands [AKA the Holy Mandylion]. According to Tradition, during the time of the earthly ministry of the Savior, King Abgar ruled in the Syrian city of Edessa. He was afflicted with leprosy over his whole body. At this time report of the great miracles performed by the Lord extended throughout Syria (Matt. 4:24) and as far as Arabia. Although not having seen the Lord, Abgar believed in Him as the Son of God and wrote a letter requesting Him to come and heal him. With this letter he sent to Palestine his court-painter Anani-as, entrusting him to paint an image of the Divine Teacher. Ananias went to Jerusalem and saw the Lord surrounded by people. He was not able to reach Him because of the great throng of people listening to His preaching; so he stood on a huge rock and attempted to produce a painting of the image of the Lord Jesus Christ, but he was unable to succeed. The Savior Himself called him by name and gave for Abgar a beautiful letter in which, having glorified the faith of the ruler, He promised to send His disciple in order to heal him from the leprosy and instruct him in salvation. After this, the Lord called for water and a towel. He wiped His face, rubbing with the towel, and on it was impressed His Divine Image. The towel and the letter the Savior sent with Ananias to Edessa. With thanksgiving Abgar received the sacred object and received healing, but a small portion, only a trace, remained of the terrible disease on his face until the arrival of the promised Disciple of the Lord. The Apostle of the 70, Thaddeus, came to them and preached the Gospel, baptizing the believing Abgar and all living in Edessa. Having written on the Image Not-Made-By-Hands the words, Christ-God, everyone trusting in Thee will not be put to shame, Abgar adorned it and placed it in a niche over the city gates. For many years the inhabitants pre-served a pious custom of venerating the Im-age Not-Made-By-Hands whenever passing through the gates. But a great-grandson of Abgar, ruling Edessa, fell into idolatry and resolved to take the Image away from the city walls. In a vision, the Lord ordered the Bishop of Edessa to conceal His Image. The Bishop, coming at night with his clergy, lit before the Image a lampada and then blocked up the niche with clay tablets and bricks. Many years passed by and the inhabitants forgot about the Holy Object. But then, when in 545 the Persian King Chroses I besieged Edessa, the position of the city seemed hopeless. But the Most-Holy Sovereign Lady manifested Herself to Bishop Evlavios and commanded him to get from the enclosed niche the Image with which to save the city from the adversaries. Disman-tling the niche, the Bishop found the Holy Image; before it burned the lampada and on the clay tablets, with which the niche had been enclosed, was a similar image. After preceding with the Cross and the Image Not-Made-By-Hands around the walls of the city, the Persian army miraculously departed. In 630, Edessa was seized by the Arabs; but they did not impede veneration of the Image Not-Made-By-Hands, glory of which extended out into all the East. In 944 the Emperor Con-stantine Porphyrogenitus (912-59) requested that the Image be redeemed from the Emir the ruler of the city of Edessa and

brought to the Capital of the Orthodox. With great honor the Im-age of the Savior Not-Made-By-Hands and the letter which He wrote to Abgar, were brought by the clergy to Constantinople. On Aug. 16 the Image of the Savior was placed in the Pharos Church

of the Most-Holy Theotokos. Concerning the subsequent fate of the Image Not-Made-By-Hands, there exists several traditions. According to one, it was carried away by Crusaders during the time of their dominion over Constantinople (1204-61), but the ship on which the Holy Objects

had been taken, sank in the Sea of Marmora. According to anoth-er, the Image Not-Made-By-Hands was taken about 1362 to Gen-oa, where it was presented to and preserved in a monastery dedi-cated to the Apostle Bartholomew.

In the time of the iconoclastic heresy, the defenders of icon-veneration, shedding their blood for the Holy Icons, sang the Troparion to the Image Not-Made-By-Hands. The Image (the Holy Face) was put up as an emblem of the Russian armies, de-fending them from the enemy; and in the Russian Orthodox Church there is a pious custom that before entering a church, the faithful read together the prayers and the Troparion to the Image Not-Made-By-Hands. The Feast of this Icon is celebrated on Aug. 16, during the Afterfeast period of the Feast of the Dormi-tion, and is popularly called the Third Feast-of-the-Savior in Au-gust.

Source: These Truths We Hold, compiled and edited by A Monk of St. Tikhon’s Monastery, available on Ama-zon.com

"The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”

(Colossians 1:15)

An icon representing the original Holy Mandylion

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ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

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/

Rev. Father George Bessinas, Presiding Priest Theo Lyketsos, Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director

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

WEEKDAY SERVICES: ORTHROS: 8:30 am DIVINE LITURGY: 9:30 am

• Stewardship Committee Yiannis Papelis, Kathy Stephanitsis, Cindy Dragas • Sunday School Martha Pantelides, Director Andriani Vastardis

• 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

• Coffee Fellowship Chrissy Damalas

• Library Presvytera Eleni Rogakos Irene Pahno

• Cultural Committee Jane Williams

• Golden Years Lona Liosatos, President • O.C.M.C. Maria Marshall

• I.O.C.C. Maria Herring

• Agape /Hope/Joy Maria Achilleos , Katina Johnson, Denise Wessler • Community Dinner Debbie Woodell

• Young Adult Ministry Theo Lyketsos

• St. Lydia Womens Study Group

Presvytera Chrysanthie Bessinas

• GOYA Theo Lyketsos Advisors Linda Meares, Phil Roussis, Katherine P. Milonas

• Cathedral Office Helen Manuel, Office Administrator Goran Todorovic, Bookkeeper Angelo Neskis, Facilities Manager

• Annunciation Observer Layout Editor: Theo Lyketsos Editor in Chief: Fr. George Bessinas Mailing Volunteers Fred & Diana Roybal, Dwight and Pela Jen-kins, Toulla Koyzis

The Annunciation Observer: Bi-Monthly Newsletter. Distributed to Parish Families. The Annunciation Observer is published by The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.

PARISH COUNCIL 2019 Officers

President John Katsias 1st Vice President Evan Almyrantis 2nd Vice President Cindy Dragas

Secretary Diana Roybal Treasurer Tony Meares

Members: • Kathy Stephanitsis • Jim Milonas • Martha Pantelides • Yiannis Papelis • Ron Russell • Steve Webb

• Orthodox Campus Ministry (OCF) Theo Lyketsos

• Dance Directors

Dr. Maria Mendrinos, Bessie Piperides

• Ladies Philoptochos Society Maria Harless, President

• Hellenic Woman’s Club Elizabeth Woods and Heather Karangelen, Co-Presidents

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NEW ICONS — TWO SAINTS TO GET TO KNOW! As you may have noticed, we have two brand new icons mounted on the left and right side in the back of the cathedral. These icons are the generous gift of Kostas and Maria Anastasopoulos, and they depict St. Arsenios the Cap-padocian and St. Paisios the Athonite, two of the greatest saints of the 20th century. These icons are a great blessing, as they both help us pray to two powerful intercessors, and remind us to reflect on the great lives of the Orthodox Chris-tians who went before us. No doubt our donors were inspired by the incredible life and witness of these two spiritual giants, and for that reason sought both to honor them and seek their interces-sion through these icons. Those who are not familiar with these two “mega-saints” (as my friend from seminary once called them) would benefit greatly from learning about them. Those who already know SS. Arsenios and Paisios would do well to re-read their stories, as they are filled with inspiration and reminders that God is very much active in the life of His Church. For this reason we have included abridged lives of these two saints in this issue of the Observer. But first, a little background: St. Arsenios was the village priest of a small Greek town in Asia Minor during the Tourkokratia. His reputation as a miracle worker was so widespread that even the local Muslim population revered him and came to him for help. His story mostly comes to us through St. Paisios, who was his spiritual child who compiled a book about his life based on eyewitness testimony. St. Paisios in turn developed his own reputation for sanctity as a monk on the Holy Mountain, and after his death in 1994 his own disci-ples compiled a book about his life and miracles based on interviews with eyewitnesses (many of whom are still alive today). In the following pages, you can find shortened versions of these accounts. These stories serve as excellent reminders that God lives, and that the life of spiritual discipline in the Orthodox Church pays unimaginable rewards. ST. ARSENIOS THE CAPPADOCIAN +1924 The life of Saint Arsenios of Cappadocia was written by Elder Paisios the Athonite, who was baptized by St. Arseni-os prior to the Saint's death, and who safekept the sacred skull of the Saint in his Cell. Cappadocia (in eastern Turkey) is virtually devoid of Christians now, but in 1840, when St Arsenios was born there, there were still vital Orthodox communities. He became a monk and was sent to his native town, Farasa, to serve the people as a priest. He became known as a mighty intercessor before God, praying for all who came to him, Muslims as well as Christians. His countless miracles of healing became

known throughout Cappadocia; those who could not come to see him would sometimes send articles of clothing for him to pray over. He became known as Hadjiefendis, a Muslim term of honor for pilgrims, because he made pilgrimage to the Holy Land every ten years on foot. He never accepted any gifts in return for his prayers and healings, saying: "Our faith is not for sale!" He concealed his holiness as much as he could beneath a rough and sharp-tempered exterior. If anyone expressed admiration for him, he would reply: "So you think I'm a saint?

I'm only a sinner worse than you. Don't you see that I even lose my temper? The miracles you see are done by Christ. I do no more than lift up my hands and pray to him." But as the Scriptures say, "the pray-ers of a righteous man avail much", and when St Arsenios lifted up his hands, wonders often followed. He lived in a small cell with an earthen floor, fasted often and was in the habit of shutting himself in his cell for at least two whole days every week to devote himself entirely to prayer. Father Arsenios predicted the expulsion of the Greeks from Asia Minor before it happened, and organized his flock for departure. When the expulsion order came in 1924, the aged Saint led his faithful on a 400-mile journey across Turkey on foot. He had foretold that he would only live forty days after reaching Greece, and this came to pass. The Theotokos appeared to St. Arsenios three days prior to his repose and took him to all the mon-asteries and churches of Mount Athos, which he had longed to visit

and see. His last words were: "The soul, the soul, take care of it more than the flesh, which will return to earth and be eaten by worms!" Two days later, on November 10th 1924, he died in peace at the age of eighty-three on the island of Kerkyra. In 1958 Elder Paisios transferred the relics of St. Ar-senios from Kerkyra to his village in Konitsa, and the same once again transferred the holy relics to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Souroti near Thessaloniki. Since 1970, many apparitions and miracles have occurred near his holy relics, which reside in the Monastery of Souroti near Thessalo-niki. He was officially glorified by the Patriarchate of Constanti-nople on 11 February 1986. Source: www.johnsanidopoulos.com For more information, see Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian by Elder Paisios of Mount Athos, available on Amazon.com

St. Arsenios, on the left as you enter the nave.

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ST. PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS +1994 On July 25, 1924, the future Elder Paisios (Eznepidis)

was born to pious parents in the town of Farasa, Cappadocia of Asia Minor. The family’s spiritual father, the priest-monk Arsenios (the now canonized St. Arsenios of Cappadocia), bap-tized the babe with his own name, prophesying his future pro-fession as a monk. A week after the baptism (and barely a month after his birth) Arsenios was driven, along with his fami-ly, out of Asia Minor by the Turks. St. Arsenios guided his flock along their four-hundred-mile trek to Greece. After a number of stops along the way, Arsenios’ family finally ended up in the town of Konitsa in Epiros (north-western Greece). St. Arsenios had reposed, as he had prophesied, for-ty days after their establishment in Greece, and he left as his spiritual heir the infant Arsenios.

The young Arsenios was wholly given over to God and spent his free time in the silence of na-ture, where he would pray for hours on end. Having completed his ele-mentary education, he learned the trade of carpentry. He worked as a carpenter until his mandatory mili-tary service. He served in the army during the dangerous days of the end of World War II. Arsenios was brave and self-sacrificing, always desiring to put his own life at risk so as to spare his brother. He was par-ticularly concerned about his fellow soldiers who had left wives and chil-dren to serve.

Having completed his obli-gation to his country, Arsenios re-ceived his discharge in 1949 and greatly desired to begin his monastic life on the Holy Moun-tain. Before being able to settle there, however, he had to fulfil his responsibility to his family, to look after his sisters, who were as yet unmarried. Having provided for his sisters’ future, he was free to begin his monastic vocation with a clean con-science. In 1950 he arrived on Mount Athos, where he learned his first lessons in the monastic way from the virtuous ascetic Fr. Kyril (the future abbot of Koutloumousiou Monastery); but he was unable to stay at his side as he had hoped, and so was sent to the Monastery of Esphigmenou [note: Esphigmenou monastery was not in schism at that time]. He was a novice there for four years, after which he was tonsured a monk in 1954 with the name Averkios. He was a conscientious monk, finding ways to both complete his obedience (which required contact with others) and to preserve his silence, so as to pro-gress in the art of prayer. He was always selfless in helping his brethren, unwilling to rest while others worked (though he may have already completed his own obedience), as he loved his

brothers greatly and without distinction. In addition to his as-cetic struggles and the common life in the monastery, he was spiritually enriched through the reading of soul-profiting books. In particular, he read the Lives of the Saints, the Ger-ontikon, and especially the Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian.

Soon after his tonsure, Monk Averkios left Es-phigmenou and joined the (then) idiorrhythmic brotherhood of Philotheou Monastery, where his uncle was a monk. He put himself under obedience to the virtuous Elder Symeon, who gave him the Small Schema in 1956, along with the new

name Paisios. Fr. Paisios dwelt deep-ly on the thought that his own spiritu-al failures and lack of love were the cause of his neighbor’s shortcom-ings, as well as of the world’s ills. He harshly accused himself, pushing himself to greater self-denial and more fervent prayer for his soul and for the whole world. Furthermore, he cultivated the habit of always seek-ing the “good reason” for a potential-ly scandalous event and for people’s actions, and in this way, he pre-served himself from judging others. For example, pilgrims to Mount Ath-os had been scandalized by the strange behavior and stories told by a certain monk, and, when they met Elder Paisios, they asked him what was wrong with the monk. He warned them not to judge others, and that this monk was actually vir-tuous and was simply pretending to be a fool when visitors would come, so as to preserve his silence. In 1958 Elder Paisios was asked to spend some time in and around his

home village of Konitsa 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 Sinai where he stayed for two years. During this time, he became beloved of the Bedouins, who benefitted both spiritually as well as materially from his presence. The Elder used the money he received from the sale of his carved wooden handicrafts to buy them food.

On his return to Mount Athos in 1964, Elder Paisios took up residence at the Skete of Iviron before moving to Katounakia at the southernmost tip of Mount Athos for a short stay in the desert there. The Elder’s failing health may have been part of the reason for his departure from the desert. In 1966, he was operated on and had part of his lungs removed. It was during this time of hospitalization that his long friend-ship with the then young sisterhood of St. John the Theologian in Souroti, just outside of Thessaloniki, began.

Saint Paisios, on the right as you enter the nave.

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During his operation he greatly needed blood and it was then that a group of novices from the monastery donated blood to save him. Elder Paisios was most grateful, and after his recovery did whatever he could, materially and spiritually, to help them build their monastery.

In 1968 he spent time at the Monastery of Stavroniki-ta helping with its spiritual as well as material renovation. While there he had the blessing of being in contact with the ascetic Elder Tychon who lived in the hermitage of the Holy Cross, near Stavronikita. Elder Paisios stayed by his side until his repose, serving him selflessly as his disciple. It was during this time that Elder Tychon clothed Fr. Paisios in the Great Schema. According to the wishes of the Elder, Fr. Paisios re-mained in his hermitage after his repose. He stayed there until 1979, when he moved on to his final home on the Holy Moun-tain, the hermitage Panagouda, which belongs to the Monas-tery of Koutloumousiou.

It was here at Panagouda that Elder Paisios’ fame as a God-bearing elder grew, drawing to him the sick and suffer-ing people of God. He received them all day long, dedicating the night to God in prayer, vigil and spiritual struggle. His re-gime of prayer and asceticism with which he served God and his fellow man, his strictness with himself, the austerity of his regime, and his sensitive nature made him increasingly prone to sickness. In addition to respiratory problems, in his later days he suffered from a serious hernia that made life very painful. When he was forced to leave the Holy Mountain for various reasons (often due to his illness), he would receive pilgrims for hours on end at the women’s monastery at Souroti, and the physical effort which this entailed in his weak-ened state caused him such pain that he would turn pale. He bore his suffering with much grace, however, confident that, as God knows what is best for us, it could not be otherwise. He would say that God is greatly touched when someone who is in great suffering does not complain, but rather uses his energy to pray for others.

In addition to his other illness he suffered from hem-orrhaging which left him very weak. In his final weeks before leaving the Holy Mountain, he would often fall unconscious. On October 5, 1993 the Elder left his beloved Holy Mountain for the last time. Though he had planned on being off the mountain for just a few days, while in Thessaloniki he was diagnosed with cancer that needed immediate treatment. Af-ter the operation he spent some time recovering in the hospi-tal and was then transferred to the monastery at Souroti. De-spite his critical state he received people, listening to their sorrow and counselling them.

After his operation, Elder Paisios had his heart set on returning to Mount Athos. His attempts to do so, however, were hinderer by his failing health. His last days were full of suffering, but also of the joy of the martyrs.

On July 11, 1994, he received Holy Communion for the last time. The next day, Elder Paisios gave his soul into God’s keeping. He was buried, according to his wishes, at the Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Souroti. Elder Paisios, perhaps more than any other contemporary elder, has cap-tured the minds and hearts of the Greek people. Many books of his counsels have been published, and the monastery at Souroti has undertaken a great work, organizing the Elder’s writings and counsels into impressive volumes benefitting his

memory. Thousands of pilgrims visit his grave each year, so as to receive his blessing. Source: Precious Vessels of the Holy Spirit: The Lives and Counsels of Contemporary Elders of Greece, Dr. Herman A. Middleton, Dr. Georgios Mantzaridis For more information, see Saint Paisios of Mount Athos by

Even photographs demonstrate St. Paisios’ simplicity and humility.

St. Paisios took great pains to care for the needs of his many spiritual children — even at the cost of his own health!

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YOUTH DAY CAMP 2019

Dear Annunciation Cathedral Family,

From June 24-28th we held our Annual Youth Day Camp right here at the Cathedral. This exciting event was a bit of a “trial by fire” for me — my first major task as Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director. With over 75 energetic and enthusiastic campers it would have been easy to feel overwhelmed, but thanks to the excellent leadership of Linda Meares, Maria Babb, Katina Johnson, Anna Feliberti, and Kelly Bredologos, everything went off without a hitch, and everyone en-joyed a fun and exciting week learning about our faith.

The theme of the week was “In the Wild: Amazing Encounters with Jesus”. Through the image-ry of a safari, where we follow tracks and search for clues that lead us to wild animals, campers learned to follow “tracks” and look for clues in their lives and in the Scriptures that lead them to Christ — Who is al-ways present but must be sought to be found. This topic proved to be an excellent learning tool as well as a fun theme which added flavor to all of our activities.

Each morning Father George lead us in prayer and gave a brief talk about the subject of the day — always a different event in the life of Christ. This pro-vided us an opportunity to focus spiritually and men-tally on our reason for being at camp. Afterwards, the younger children practiced singing in preparation for a beautiful children’s choir singing the hymns for Sun-day’s Liturgy. This is something I would like to hear more often! Then they went to their classrooms to study and discuss Scripture, specifically what Jesus

Christ did for us in His Incarnation.

Each afternoon had a fun activity in keeping with the theme of the week: there were animal exhibi-tions, pony rides, and on Friday a trip to the Norfolk Zoo! These encounters were a treat for the adults as well as the kids, an opportunity to marvel at God’s creation.

The teens followed a somewhat different schedule, which was focused more on service. Each day we engaged with a different project, visiting a re-tirement home, making sandwiches for the needy, and also cleaning up our own Cathedral. On Thursday they helped clean up Virginia Beach and were re-warded with a pool party! They learned that to be a Christian is to live a life of service to both our fellow men and God’s earth.

After such an edifying and fun experience, I can easily understand why this camp has continued every year for decades! I look forward eagerly to next summer!

Faithfully,

Theo Lyketsos

Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director

The 2019 Youth Day Camp participants and volunteers.

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YOUTH DAY CAMP 2019

The teens demonstrate their culinary skills, making sandwiches for those in need!

Campers show off their stuffed animals. It really felt like a jungle sometimes!

Getting ready for an afternoon at the zoo!

The Kitchen crew provided us with delicious fasting meals for the Apostles’ fast!

Pony rides were a hit! Youth Camp begins with an Agiasmos service!

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YOUTH DAY CAMP 2019

A “mad science” experiment blasted us with toilet paper!

Zookeepers brought in a Tegu lizard. Reactions ranged from delight to terror!

So many free time activities to choose from!

Tie-dying t-shirts was just one of many cool crafts!

Camp songs before lunch! Campers practice the hymns of our church!

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WOMEN’S RETREAT CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD — VIRGINIA

Campers, counselors, and clergy gather for a group photo beside the scenic Piankatank River

Dear Annunciation Cathedral Family, From July 7th–13th I had the privilege of returning to Camp Good Shepherd-Virginia for the second year in a row with many of our own GOYAns. For six days we prayed together, played together, and strengthened our bonds with the Lord and each other. We enjoyed an ac-tion-packed schedule of worship, activities, and games that left us exhausted, but very satisfied! Our days revolved around the liturgical cy-cle, with Orthros every morning and Vespers eve-ry evening, as well as a candle-lit evening Liturgy on Wednesday and Paraklesis on Friday. We experienced the peace and joy that comes from aligning our lives’ rhythm with the heartbeat of the Church! In the mornings after prayer we had a chance to discuss our personal and spiritual lives in light of Orthodox teaching in “Orthodox Life” sessions. Every camper got the opportunity to take ownership of their faith and reflect on the important things in life.

In the late morning we got to enjoy all of the typical activities of camp from canoeing to ropes courses and everything in between. My

personal favorite was “bazooka ball”, a modified game of paintball using foam balls. The afternoon schedule was open and relaxed, with free time for campers to swim and play organized games or paint and do crafts.

Each evening after dinner there was a unique event. There were campfires, a scavenger hunt, a “mission impossible” challenge, Saint skits, dance-offs and more. There was truly never a dull moment! In this issue of the Annunciation Observer you can see just a few snapshots of our very exciting and eventful week.

Considering the great spiritual benefit and fun we received from our time at CGS-VA, I strongly encourage anyone reading this to sign themselves/their children up for next year. There are so many friendships, memories, and experi-ences to be gained.

Faithfully, Theo Lyketsos


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CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD — VIRGINIA

Above: Campers chant the Divine Liturgy.

Below: Campers weave bracelets and decorate crosses.

Members of St. Helen’s cabin dressed for the “out of this world” theme pose with CGS assistant directors dressed as Buzz

Lightyear!

Two campers from St. Seraphim’s cabin stand on their hands during the dance-off competition.

Campers re-enact a scene from the life of Saint Seraphim of Sarov for their “Saint Skit”.

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CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD — VIRGINIA

What happens when you mix mentos and diet coke?

Fr John leads us in hymns before bedtime.

St. Maria of Paris cabin and their beautiful flag!

Fierce but friendly competition in the water Olympics!

9-square: perhaps the most beloved camp game! #CGSVA — We love CGS!

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GOYA NEWS Dear Annunciation Cathedral Family,

While most of the events GOYA is known for hap-pen during the school year, this summer has been anything but dull! In addition to our two wonderful camps where we engaged with our faith and friends, we’ve had a number of other opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship.

On June 15th we celebrated our end of the year party at the Tryphonas home. We enjoyed tasty food, swam in the pool, and I got to connect with GOYAns whom I hadn’t yet met. In the evening, the GOYAns held an elec-tion for next year’s board, the results of which are posted below.

Throughout the Summer when we didn’t have camp we regularly got together to play games, eat food, and just hang out. We played laser tag and mini-golf, had free-time at the gym, and even got to spend a day at Busch

Gardens. It was nice to stay connected!

Amidst all the activities and socializing, we did not neglect our spiritual lives! We remembered that we are first and foremost brought together as Orthodox Christians. During the Dormition fast we prayed Paraklesis together to give honor to the Mother of God, and on the day of Dormi-tion we attended Liturgy and had lunch together afterwards.

Now that our Summer has come to a close, and I have gotten to know everyone who participated in camps and our summer activities, I look forward to my first full year of GOYA!

Faithfully,

Theo Lyketsos


GOYA 2019-2020 Board:

President: Matthew Clare

1st Vice President: Tommy Dixon

2nd Vice President: Sotiria Bessinas

Treasurer: Marilena Tryphonas

Corresponding Secretary: Demetri Cain

Historians: Costas Delidakis & Alex Mendrinos

Community Service: Katerina Narlis & Nicholas English

Laser Quest!

Busch Gardens!

Dinner at Panera Bread! Four GOYAns pooled their money to split

one overpriced refreshment. Very Acts 2:44!

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GOYA FALL SCHEDULE

(for Basketball practice dates, see general calendar) September

8th meeting at 7pm location TBD 22nd meeting at 7pm location TBD

30th parents’ meeting at 5:30pm during basketball practice October

6th meeting at 7pm location TBD 11th Lock-in at St. Nicholas in Virginia Beach 6pm

12th Fr. Savas Mission Walk 9am 14th parents’ meeting at 5:30pm during basketball practice

Money due for St. Sophia tournament! 18th Harvest festival at 6pm in social hall

20th meeting at 7pm location TBD 26th & 27th St. Sophia basketball tournament in DC

November 9th & 10th Norfolk basketball tournament

17th meeting at 7pm location TBD December

7th & 8th Lock-in at SS. Constantine & Helen in Newport News 8th meeting at 7pm location TBD

27th Christmas party 31st New Years dance at SS. Constantine & Helen

GOYA Ministry is for children from 7th grade (12 and a half years old) through High School. They participate in a series of activities throughout the year including: over-night retreats, bible studies, social events, ser-vice projects, basketball and tournaments, lock-ins, summer camp at Camp Good Shep-herd Virginia and short-term mission trips.

If you would like to join GOYA please

contact:

Theo Lyketsos (Youth Director)

757-440-0500, [email protected]

November 9-10, 2019

2019

National Church Musician Sunday

October 6, 2019 Honoring church musicians across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

www.churchmusic.goarch.org

Troparion of St. Romanos the Melodist

You gladdened Christ's Church by your melodies, like an inspired heavenly

trumpet. You were enlight-ened by the Mother of God, and shone on the world as

God's poet. We lovingly hon-or you, righteous Romanos.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION Annunciation Cathedral Church School Registration

Form 2019-2020 (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:


Name:

Date of Birth:


Third Student

Fourth Student Name:

Date of Birth:


Completed registration forms: can be dropped off to the Sunday School Office or emailed to Martha Pantelides ([email protected]), Andriani Vastardis ([email protected])

X________________________________________ Parent/Guardian’s Signature

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SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR END JUNE 2019

SUNDAY SCHOOL FALL CALENDAR 2019 September 1-Labor Day weekend. Agiasmos Service 8-Ministry Fair. First Day of Class 15-Normal Class 22-Normal Class 29-Normal Class October 6-Normal Class 13-Normal Class 20-Normal Class 26-27, St. Sophia D.C., GOYA Tournament 27-OXI Day. Family Worship, Teachers and Stu-dents Remain in Church November 3-Sunday School as normal 10-Norfolk GOYA Tournament, 7-12 remain in

Church, all Others Normal Class 15-Nativity Fast Begins 17-Normal Class 24-Normal Class December 1-Thanksgiving Weekend. Family Worship, Teach-ers and Students Remain in Church 8-Pageant Practice 15-Pageant Practice 21-Pagent Dress Rehearsal 22-Christmas Pageant. No Class 29-Sunday after Christmas, Family Worship, Teachers and Students Remain in Church

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IOCC RACE TO RESPOND 2019

GREEK SCHOOL GRADUATION

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GREEK SCHOOL A Message from the Greek School Staff... A Head Start Each September, opportunity knocks for every Greek Orthodox 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 language 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 materi-al and superficial values that often lure us into believing that other activities are more important. Music and dance lessons, baton twirling, TV, athletics, 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 contribu-tion 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 participation 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 them-selves on simple questions, "Of all the opportunities available to my children, which ones will contribute most to their fu-ture success and happiness?" The easiest choice is not neces-sarily the best choice, for nothing worthwhile comes easily and easy things are seldom worthwhile. Moreover, it has become clear over the years, that those children who are exposed to Greek School usually mi-grate to junior choirs, JOY, GOYA, and subsequently the senior groups of these organizations and remain active mem-bers of their parishes as adults. Through Greek School, Greek Orthodox youngsters can find friends of similar backgrounds, interests, and aspirations. Such associations benefit Ortho-doxy and enhance the all important drive to perpetuate our ethnic Greek culture 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 parish-es across this country begin registration for the fall and win-ter sessions.

Annunciation Cathedral Greek School Registration Form 2019-2020 (Please fill out one per family & print neatly)

Classes will begin on Monday, September 9th 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:_______________________

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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 encouraged. 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

2019 Father Savas Constantinou Memorial Family Mission Walk and Pan-Orthodox Picnic

Saturday, October 12th from 9 am– 2 pm at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach

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

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There will be indoor games, activities and lots of treats!

Candy galore! Donations accepted COME SUPPORT OUR YOUTH!

Friday, October 18th

Join us for the fun! Come dressed in Church

friendly costumes

Annunciation Cathedral 7220 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505

(At the Hellenic Center Annunciation Cathedral, Norfolk)

Annunciation Cathedral Harvest Festival

RSVP for the Harvest Festival at [email protected]

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The Annunciation Dance Ministry

cordially invites you to join us for a ~ Glendi ~

Saturday, October 19th

Featuring: A Performance

by the award winning

Annunciation Hellenic Dancers

Tickets sold on Sundays

or by contacting

Bessie Piperidis [email protected]

All Proceeds & Donations

will benefit the Annunciation Dance Ministry

Dinner and all you can Dance

Tickets:

$20 for adults

$10 for students

Cash Bar—Music Provided by DJ

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27

PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

Philoptochos Society of the Annunciation Greek Ortho-dox Cathedral

If you are not a Philoptochos member, please join our chapter and become involved in making a differ-ence in our community, nation and world through our ministry’s efforts. It’s up to us to keep this won-derful organization viable for the next generation.

MAY ELECTION LUNCHEON RECAP

We had a wonderful turnout for our May 5th election meeting/luncheon, held in the Social Hall. A delicious BBQ meal was en-joyed while we elected our local chapter board. Thank you to all who attended and to all who are willing to serve in leadership roles.

The Executive Board for 2019-2021 is as follows:

President Maria Pratsi Harless

1st Vice President Lia Rogakos-Russell

2nd Vice President Penny Tzavellas

Treasurer Michelle Kastner

Asst. Treasurer Maria Makridakis

Corresponding Secretary Helen Manuel

Recording Secretary Lia Kopassis

Advisor/Immediate Past President JoAnne Goumenis

At-Large Board Members:

Effie Michaels Nitsa Pratsi

Toulla Koyzis Andrea Mills

Charlene Karalis Cindy Dragas

Anna Maria Stepanovich

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

A very warm welcome is extended to members who have joined Philoptochos since January 2019:

Anna Andreopoulos Kelly Bredologos Rafaella Honderich Maria Hunter Alexis James Gina Loucas

Alexandra Nassar Elizabeth Pugliese Kathy Stephanitsis

If you are not a member, but would like to join our chapter and help fulfill Philoptochos’ mission of philanthropy, please call one of our membership committee members, Maria Makridakis 636-3649 or Effie Michaels 739-1133.

SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEETING – DRESS FOR SUC-CESS HAMPTON ROADS

A General Meeting will be held in the Hellenic Center after church on Sept. 15. Please come and enjoy a complimentary luncheon and help us kick off our fall activities. We will learn about “Dress for Success Hampton Roads” a community organization whose purpose is to offer long-lasting solutions that enable women to break the cycle of poverty by offering them professional attire to gain employment. Dress

for Success is part of a global movement for change, empower-ing women to obtain safer and better futures.

We are asking Philoptochos and all church members to donate gently used professional women’s SHOES only that we can offer to Dress for Success. Shoes can be pumps, sling-backs, peek-toe, wedges – but no open-toed sandals. Preferred colors are black, navy blue, gray and brown and most needed sizes are 8-10. Please bring your donations to the meeting.

OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING

A General Meeting will be held in the Hellenic Center after church on October 13. The cost of the lunch will be $10 per per-son. We will be co-hosting a coat drive in October with the St. Maria of Paris Community Outreach Ministry, so please bring new or gently used coats and outerwear in all sizes for children, men and women. Collection boxes will be located in the Social Hall beginning in early October.

THIS AND THAT:

• Our 2nd Annual Fall Pansy Sale is currently being vetted. We hope to hold it Sept. 28 and 29 outside the Hellenic Center on the church grounds. If you are a member of Philoptochos, please plan to assist with the sale, as many hands are needed. Contact Lia Kopassis at 735-1070 to volunteer or for more information.

• Philoptochos members routinely visit people who are home-bound or ill. This is a very rewarding enterprise and we need more volunteers for this committee. If you are interested in helping, contact Helen Manuel at 289-5391, Maria Makridakis at 636-3649 or Cindy Dragas at 650-9766.

PLEASE PAY YOUR 2019 PHILOPTOCHOS STEWARDSHIP

Philoptochos annual stewardship of $30 for 2019 is now being collected. The stewardship covers January through December 2019. Please pay promptly and encourage a friend to join or buy a membership for someone you love!

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

Anna Maria Stepanovich recently created and is the admin for the Annunciation Cathedral Philoptochos Society’s Facebook page! Visit the page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1014516962054319/. It is a closed group, so you’ll have to ask to join. This is a great way to keep members updated on Philoptochos doings and a nice way to share ideas.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1014516962054319/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1014516962054319/

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PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

MAKE DONATIONS TO PHILOPTOCHOS IN MEMORY OF A LOVED ONE

If you have lost a loved one who was a member of Philoptochos or believed in our mission, honor them with a memorial dona-tion to our chapter. Call Effie Michaels, 739-1133.

JOIN OUR MISSION – BECOME A PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBER

Be part of the Philoptochos sisterhood and mission. The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is a duly accredited women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdio-cese of America. Our mission statement includes aiding the needy and sick, promoting the charitable purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese through educational resources, perpetu-ating Orthodox Christian traditions, and promoting participation 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 TO A LOVED ONE

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 be-come part of our church’s philanthropic organization.

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 com-munications 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 Helen Manuel at [email protected] or Maria Makridakis at [email protected] with your email address(es) so we can add you to the list to facilitate better communica-tions.

OTHER PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

• Philoptochos members are needed to help set up and serve during 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.

As always, anyone who would like to volunteer to help with any of our projects, please contact any board member for infor-mation. Assistance is always appreciated.

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. Please volun-teer to help in the Agora on Sundays. The hours are approx. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

If there is something you would like to see in the Agora, contact Penny Tzavelas at [email protected] or 636-1121, or Niki Schoen at [email protected].

PHILOPTOCHOS OFFERS MAKARIA LUNCHEONS AS PART OF OUR MISSION TO THE COMMUNITY

To assist families in mourning who need to plan a Makaria following a funeral service, Philoptochos offers the follow-ing Basic Makaria for $12 per person:

Fried Fish, rice, dolmades, Greek salad, cheese, wine and sodas with bread and desserts usually donated by friends and family

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

mailto:[email protected]

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COMMUNITY DINNER St. Maria of Paris Community Outreach Ministry

Thanks to our 2019 Donors and 2018 Volunteers!

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and

you welcomed me." Matthew 25:35

It is hard to believe, but this year marks the 5th anniversary of the community dinner! It has been a joy and a pleasure for the com-mittee to have managed the dinner since its inception, and we look forward to many additional years of service to those in need.

This past year we have welcomed new team captains, Sevasti Aboud leading GOYA, Sam Williams, Pastoral Assistant from St. Nich-olas leading YAL and OCF, and Hope Damergis leading a team from St. Nicholas. Thank you to our parishioners and church minis-tries here at Annunciation that have been generous with their time, food and repeated donations of toiletries/personal hygiene items to gift our guests, not to mention Hope and Joy’s homemade cards, centerpieces and beautiful carols for the Christmas din-ner. The dinner continues to receive generous donations of bread from Panera as well as monetary donations from visitors and parishioners. Volunteers continuously express how fulfilling and energetic it is to participate in the ministry. The dinner also serves as a resource for school-age teens needing community service hours. We can always use more help, so if you want to be part of this ministry, do not hesitate to reach out as there are many ways to be involved such as serving on a team, organizing an annual drive for needed items for guests, or collecting resource information in the community for distribution at the dinners.

Lastly, we want to share a note we received from a relative of one of the regular community dinner guests who recently passed away. It conveys in a way much better than we could how the community dinner affects those who visit.

Dear Community Dinner Workers,

Our family wants to thank you for all the delicious dinners on Thursday nights that our Dad enjoyed there. Our Dad passed away in January. He loved the food you prepared and he loved spending time with neighbors and friends there. Other than warming food in the microwave, he never learned to cook and in the last year or two he wasn’t driving at night, so your dinners were a real bless-ing. Thank you again and God bless you! The Family of …….

2019 Community Dinner Donors AGOC Festival

AGOC Hellenic Women’s Club

AGOC Philoptochos

AGOC Stewardship Sunday

AGOC Youth Camp

Anonymous

Fr. Sav Mission Walk

Old Dominion U Aramark

St. Nicholas Philoptochos Society

Christos Aspioti

Voulle Caravas

Geoffrey Clark

Helen Clark

Robert Clark

Cindy & Greg Dragas

Virginia Elliott

Mike Georghiu

Sophia & Chris Gilbert

Alexander Girevendulis

Mike Griffith

Joanne Grindstaff

Maria Hunter

Helen James

Kathleen & Paul Kuritz

Chris Kypros

Elaine & Tommy Kyrus

Raul Leondaridis-Menas

Lona Liosatos

Marie Macdisi

Makridakis Fmaily

Helen & Angelo Manuel

Susan Matiatos

Fay & Stephen Missalidis

Jane Orr

Joseph Pace

Yiannis Papelis

Iris Pappas

George Pappas

Pappas Family

Dr. Spyros & Rose Philippakis

Jaye Pulley

Sherman Reece

Dr. & Mrs. Vasilios Roussis

Diana & Fred Roybal

Chris Rudloff

Bonnie Samuel

Roxie & Bill Skenderis

Stephanitsis Family

Debbie Woodell

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COMMUNITY DINNER

2018 Community Dinner Volunteers Aboud Family

Allen Family

Dora & Niki Araboglu

Litsa Bakogeorge

Cori Belliares

Zachary & Kristen Bernier

Bessinas Family

Michelle Boogades

Natalie & Bob Bradford

Stella & John Brangan

Cain Family

Stephanie Cathrines

John Catravas

Persi Charalambous

Myroulla Chrysostomides

Diane Clay

Pres. Athena Constantinou

Cynthia & Chris Coureas

Hope & George Damergis

DD Darling

Costas & Katerina Deladakis

George Dimas

Mike Douklias

Cindy & Greg Dragas

Jimmy Dragas

Lynne Eklund

Feliberti Family

Ferguson Family

Emily & Ben Franks

Melanie Georges

Mike Georgiou

Mona Ghobrial

Sophia & Chris Gilbakis

Maggie Goumenis

Mike Griffith

Fanoula Gulas

Karla Guthrie

Caitlin Hagerty

Helen & Kym Hahn

Peggy & Terry Hardee

Maria Harless

Nick Harrison

Ellen Howlin

Jacovides Family

Zachary & Jack Johnson

Andrew & Heather Kalina

Heather & Vassilios Karangelen

Takis Katsanos

Kathy & Staci Katsias

Amy & Jamie Kenny

Toni King

Carrie Knott

Mager Korombas

Toulas Koyzis

Elaine & Tommy Kyrus

Takrim & Basil Labib

Nicholas Lambakis

Marian Leavette

Patty & Antonis Leondarides

Lona Liosatos

Irene & Beryl Love

Marie Macdisi

Mary MacDougall

Derek Mackley

Manoli & Maria Makridakis

Ariana Mandros

Jimmy Manning

Krystina Mantzouranis

Elizabeth & Thomas Manuel

Fr. John Manuel

Helen & Angelo Manuel

Andrew Marlowe-Cremidas

John Maroulis

Maria Marshall

Mia Mathas

Christian McCoy-Davenport

Meares (Tony) Family

Meares (Jim) Family

Michael Micros

Zoe & Mina Miller

Andrea & Bruce Mills

Jim Milonas

Mark Mousouris

Katerina & Sophia Narlis

Angelo Neskis

George Neskis

Maria O’Hearn

Judy Pantelides

Yiannis & Ginger Papelis

Iris Pappas

Maria Parker

Anna Pedos-Lazanas

Spyro & Rose Philippakis

Nitsa Pratsis

Jaye & Taylor Pulley

Brady Purkiss

Michael Rea

Andrew & Emily Robinson

John Roussis

Athena Roussis

Diane & Fred Roybal

Maclovia Roybal

Chris Rudloff

Diane Ruhl

Diane Samaras

Jaren Sams

Cindy Shakallis

Sarah Simesick

Skenderis Family

Despina Sophroniou

John Stefanou

Peppy & Anna Stepanovich

Kathy Stephanitsis

Stephanitsis (Nick) Family

Chris Sternberg

Maha Tadros

Tryphonas Family

Anna Tsivourakis

Cheryl Tutko

Vastardis Family

Tisa & Ted Vergakis

Chris Votsis

Nikki Webb

Kylie Wheeler

Sam Williams

Tina Williams

Irene & Keith Wolff

Debbie Woodell

Despina Zakos

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CULTURAL COMMITTEE CULTURAL COMMITTEE NEWS We hope everyone had a wonderful and restful summer! Please join the Cultural Committee for the following upcoming events. Remember, the Cultural Committee is a ministry of the church, and everyone is invited to participate. Book Club

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. in the Cathedral Library: We are going to discuss “My Brilliant Friend” series by Italian author Elena Ferrante. The series is a collection of four books: “My Brilliant Friend,” “The Story of a New Name,” “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay” and “The Story of the Lost Child.”

The book club is open to all who like to read.

Movie Nights Resume in October

The Cultural Club recently purchased a new movie projec-tor to enhance our movie night experiences.

Movies will begin again in October and will be announced in the weekly bulletin and via email.

Cultural Committee and AHEPA Partner for Cemetery Project

The Cultural Committee and AHEPA will partner in a new project to take care of former parishioners’ graves that are neglected in Forest Lawn Cemetery because there are no living relatives to care for them. This project will take place late September or October. Everyone that would like to give us a hand by personal labor or a financial donation is welcome.

Concert Slated for May 2020

Save the date! The Cultural Committee is planning a con-cert with Pharos Ensemble, a four-piece band from Boston that plays Byzantine Music, for May 1, 2020, to be held at the Meredith Center for the Arts at Norfolk Collegiate School. More information will be forthcoming.

BAPTISMS

Garrett (Demetrios) Driggers March 2, 2019 Sponsor-Allison Lynne Melick Gavin (James) Gabriel April 6, 2019 Sponsor- Courtney Allen Nicholas Choutris May 5, 2019 Sponsor- Yiannis and Christiana Catravas John Stepanovich May 25, 2019 Sponsor- Peter and Katina Vassiliou George Lambros May 26, 2019 Sponsor- Panagiotis Logothetis

FUNERALS Hope Mihalap Jan. 7, 2019 Vassilia Lazaridou March 15, 2019 Panagiotis Kapos March 20, 2019 Gregory William Gretes April 6, 2019 John Maroulis April 12, 2019 Panayota Smigel May 9, 2019 Alexandra Pitsieli May 11, 2019 Richard (Peter) Anoia July 25, 2019 MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL! ΑΙΩΝΙΑ ΑΥΤΩΝ Η ΜΝΗMΗ!

WEDDINGS

Sebastian Mot and Nicole Marshall July 20, 2019 Sponsor- Angela Tsarouhis

CHRISMATIONS Bethany (Elizabeth) Papacostas June 2, 2019 Sponsor- Andriani Vastardis Richard (Peter) Anoia July 5, 2019 Thomas and Elaine Kyrus

BAPTISMS (cont.)

Emmanuel Delidakis June 1, 2019 Sponsor- Panagiota Taglis Natalie Hale July 7, 2019 Sponsor- Dr. John Whitley Elizabeth Bouley July 21, 2019 Sponsor- Alexander Dakoglou Emmanuel Komis July 28, 2019 Sponsor- Joseph Marousas

PARISH REGISTRY

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HELLENIC WOMEN’S CLUB

We hope everyone has had a restful and enjoyable summer. The Hellenic Woman’s Club had a very busy year and ended the season with a delightful event at the Chrysler Muse-um of Art Glass Studio on June 1. Our very own Staci Katsias pre-sented an Introduction and discussion on “The spirituality of art and glass” followed by a demonstration of glass blowing at the studio. It was enlightening and very informative, and we found out that we have a “hidden gem” at the Chrysler Museum. We ended our day with a delicious lunch at Wisteria Café.

During the summer our work continued. Our project to give back to our beloved Cathedral main kitchen was completed, and we now have a brand new refrigerator and freezer. Drop by the main kitchen and take a look!

We welcome new members and members that would like to “get busy and have fun” with us at our Annual Welcome Back Spaghetti dinner September 11, 2019 6:30 pm in the Hellenic Center. Mark your calendars our special event of the year!

Other dates to remember include:

The Hellenic Woman’s Club Fashion Show and luncheon Friday

November 1, 2019. More information to follow and ticket sale dates will be forthcoming. It will be the event to attend to help us fundraise for a local charity to be announced. Gather your friends and family and buy a table or buy a ticket, it will be a wonderful event!

Our Holiday Bake Sale and Craft Bazaar is scheduled for Decem-ber 6 & 7 is looking for crafters and vendors, but keep in mind there is limited space available. The application deadline Sept. 1, 2019. If you are interested, please contact Heather Karangelen at [email protected] for more info.

We are looking forward to another busy and fun season with the Hellenic Woman’s Club. We are a noteworthy philanthropic group of women who are spiritually devoted to our Church and community. We strongly encourage anyone interested in joining to contact either of our co-presidents:

Heather Karangelen [email protected]

Elizabeth Woods [email protected]

Have a blessed year!

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VASILOPITA 2019

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAE

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METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL

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SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

GOYA LENTEN RETREAT 2019

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SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

WOMEN’S RETREAT

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ANNUNCIATION & MARCH 25th 1821

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ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

SATURDAY OF LAZARUS

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HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT AND HOLY PASCHA

Children decorate their own Kouvouklion.

Greek and US servicemen carry the Kouvoklion .

Myrofores prepare to mourn the death of Christ. The Cathedral is decorated for Pascha.

We hear the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection —

Then proclaim it ourselves with “Christ is risen”!

On Pascha we read the Gospel in many languages, because the Good News of the Resurrection is Universal!

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GREEK FESTIVAL 2019

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GREEK FESTIVAL 2019

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HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE 2019

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TENTATIVE PILGRIMAGE TO CONSTANTINOPLE AND JERUSALEM FALL 2020

If you are interested, please contact the Cathedral Office. More information forthcoming.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

Orthros 8:45

Divine Liturgy 10 Ecclesiastical New Year Agiasmos Service

2

Happy Labor Day! GOYA Basketball Girls 5:30 pm Boys 6:45 pm

3

Women’s study group 10 am

4

5

Community Dinner 5:00 pm

6 7

8 Nativity of the Theotokos Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 Sunday School Begins Stewardship Award Ministry Fair GOYA meeting 7pm

9

Greek School 4:30 pm GOYA Basketball Girls 5:30 pm Boys 6:45 pm

10

Women’s study group 10 am Greek School 4:30 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm

11

Greek School

4:30 pm

Hellenic Women’s Club Dinner/Mtg

6:30 pm

12

Greek School 4:30 pm Community Dinner 5:00 pm Parish Council 6:30 pm

13

Agape/Hope/Joy

6:00 pm

14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthros 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 Chapel Altar Boy Workshop following Liturgy

15

Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Festival Award Philoptochos General mtg

16


17

Women’s study group 10 Golden Years 10:30 Greek School 4:30 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm

18

Greek School

4:30 pm

19

Greek School 4:30 pm Community Dinner 5:00 pm

20

21

22

Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am GOYA meeting 7pm

23 Greek School 4:30 pm GOYA Basketball Girls 5:30 pm Boys 6:45 pm

24 Women’s study group 10 Golden Years 10:30 Book Club 11 Greek School 4:30 pm Bible Study 6:30

25 Greek School

4:30 pm

26


27

28

Philoptochos Fall Pansy Sale

Beachside Social 7-10 pm

29 Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Philoptochos Fall Pansy Sale

30 Greek School 4:30 pm GOYA Basketball Girls 5:30 pm Boys 6:45 pm

SEPTEMBER 2019

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1


2

Greek School

4:30 pm

3


4

5

6

Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am National Church Music Sunday GOYA mtg 7pm

7


8


9

Greek School

4:30 pm

10


11 GOYA Lock-in St. Nicholas 6:00 pm

12

Fr. Sav Mission Walk 9:00 am

13

Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Philoptochos General mtg

14


15


16

Greek School

4:30 pm

17

EFGOCM Greek School 4:30 Community Dinner 5:00 pm Parish Council 6:30 pm

18

EFGOCM Agape/Hope/Joy

6:00 pm (Harvest Fest)

19

EFGOCM Hellenic Women’s Club Meeting 11:30 Genealogy Seminar St. Nicholas Greek Dance Glendi

20

Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 EFGOCM Fall Assembly GOYA meeting 7pm

21


22


23

Greek School

4:30 pm

24


25

Vespers St. Demetrios Williamsburg

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St. Demetrios

Orthros 8:30 am

Divine Liturgy 9:30 Chapel St. Sophia Basket-ball Tournament

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Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am OXI Day Celebration St. Sophia Basket-ball Tournament

28

National Clergy Retreat

Greek School 4:30 GOYA Basketball Girls 5:30 pm Boys 6:45 pm

29

Nat’l Clergy Retreat

Women’s study group 10 Golden Years 10:30 Greek School 4:30 Bible Study 6:30

30


Greek School

4:30 pm

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OCTOBER 2019

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PHILOPTOCHOS AGORA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The Philoptochos Society has a small market, the Ago-ra, 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. Please volunteer to help in the Agora on Sundays. The hours are ap-prox. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

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WORLD'S FINEST COFFEE

Roasters—Blenders—Packers Serving Hotels & Restaurants Since 1918

Phone: 622-3950 212 E 18th Street

Norfolk, Virginia 23517 18th & Monticello

In Memory of Our Grandparents and Parents Fragiskos G. & Irene M. Stephanitsis

Nicholas & Evangelia Stephanitsis

Gerasimos & Irene S. Stephanitsis

Dr. Christopher Nicholas Associate American College

Of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Podiatrist - Foot Specialist Accepting New Patients

Appointments Available Immediately

Most Insurances Accepted

Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group PC 4224 Holland Road - Suite 106

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

498-0202

Annunciation Cathedral Bookstore Come check out our Annunciation Bookstore open every Sun-day after divine Liturgy, or stop by during the week during office hours! Do not miss out on all the wonderful book selec-tions to widen and deepen your Orthodox Christian Faith!

Not Just a Bookstore:

Did you know that aside from the books the bookstore also carries:

Worship Items: You can purchase Communion wine for Artoklasia, prosphora seals, prayer ropes, incense and more.

Icons: There are many icons in stock, but you can special order hundreds more in different sizes for any occa-sion. (they do not take long to arrive.) We also sell hand painted icons at great prices! Norfolk Location: 7633 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505, 451-1220

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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 atten-tion.

Kollyva The Cathedral does NOT provide Kolyva 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 10th, 2019. Articles not submitted by October 10th will NOT BE IN THE Annunciation Observer. Please send all articles to Helen Manuel at [email protected] or Theo Lyketsos at [email protected]

John Boogades

Important Phone Numbers, & Email Addresses

Cathedral Office: 757-440-0500 Hellenic Center: 757-963-5634 Cathedral Fax: 757-423-6929

Father George Bessinas

Office: 757-440-0500 Home: 757-497-1192

[email protected]

Theo Lyketsos Office: 757-440-0500

[email protected]

Helen Manuel Office: 757-440-0500

[email protected]

Goran Todorovic - Bookkeeper Office: 757-440-0500

[email protected]

Bookstore: Corin Baker & John Mangus

[email protected]

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Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

7220 Granby Street

Norfolk, VA 23505-4119

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Norfolk, VA

PERMIT 23

Documents

September October 2019 - annunciation.va.goarch.org