The Epistle

February 2017 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Pastor

Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Pastor Emeritus

573 N. Highland St. / Memphis, TN 38122

(901) 327-8177 / fax (901) 327-4440

Email: annunciationmemphis@gmail.com/ http://www.goann.net

You Want Me to do What!?!

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate

you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your

Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).

Our Lord asks a lot of us, especially when it comes to love. “Love the Lord, your God…” (Matthew 22:37);

“Love one another…” (John 13:34); “Love you neighbor…” (Matthew 19:19); “Love your enemies…”

(Matthew 5:44).

Wait, what!? I was with Him up until that last part! It isn’t really a question of whether or not He has the right

to ask (I mean, He is God, and did take on flesh, died on the Cross, forgave those who crucified Him, and rose

from the dead offering us salvation), it is more of an issue of practicality. I may sometimes struggle with the

first three listed above, but how am I supposed to love my enemies?

I recently came across a line in the book, The Problem of Pain, by C. S. Lewis: “Love, by definition, seeks to

enjoy its object.” That struck a chord with me. Maybe it is my own struggle with love, or maybe it is what I

perceive currently to be a definite lack of love within society, but it helped clarify what it means to love my

enemies.

Don’t misunderstand, it isn’t as if I have a lot of enemies. In fact, I am not sure I could say I have any enemies

(at least no one specific). But there have been times in my life when I have been treated poorly, and there were

certainly people who didn’t like me (I know this because they told me), and then there are the people in society

who would lump me in with a group of people they generally do not like (Christians, clergy, males,

whatever…). Let’s just say, I do not enjoy being in the company of such people.

And yet, here is C. S. Lewis saying to me, “If you want to honor our Lord’s command to love your enemies,

you will need to seek to enjoy their company.”

I do not believe there is an emoji that depicts a “defeated sigh”, but if there is one, it should be inserted here. I

know Lewis is correct. Through sin, we became enemies with God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18), and God

not only sought to enjoy us, but He sent His Only-Begotten Son to be with us and save us.

How do I love my enemies? I must seek to enjoy them. I actually have to want to be with them, talk with them,

be reconciled to them, and be saved with them. I know this is correct, and I know that this is what our Lord has

asked of us. So as we enter the “month of love,” let us love God, one another, our neighbors, and even our

enemies!

With Love in Christ,

Father Simon

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest

Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Retired

ANNUNCIATION PARISH COUNCIL TED POPLOS - PRESIDENT

NAJI NASSIF – VICE-PRESIDENT

ENDY CARTER - SECRETARY

MARIA MOORE - TREASURER

CHRIS APALODIMAS

DEMIE BITINIS

BILL JOYNER

DIANE KAVELARAS

PETE RUBY

ROMULUS SALA-STOIAN

VASILI SEMOS

HARRY SINIS

PARISH MINISTRIES CHANTERS ANDREW HORVATH

CHOIR

DIRECTOR STEPHANIE POPLOS

GREEK FESTIVAL TODD BAGATELAS

GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER DESPINA KARAS

PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESIDENT CYNDI DETTY

ALTAR GUILD LAURA COULOUBARITSIS

ELPIS BOOKSTORE ANGELA TOBIAS

MAKARIA COORDINATOR MARIANTHE PILCHER

MORE THAN A MEAL CYNDI DETTY

PRAYER CIRCLE LUANE SEMOS

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE ZOE FUTRIS

VISITATION COMMITTEE KRISTINE WAGNER

REAL ALEXIS MOORE

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP NICHOLAS NELSON (Ole Miss)

YOUNG AT HEART KATHY ZAMBELIS

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES ACOLYTES TED POPLOS

ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE DIRECTORS LEAH & ANDREW HORVATH

GOYA TED POPLOS & MITCH OBRADOVIC

JOY PRESVYTERA STEPHANIE THOMAS

ORATORICAL FESTIVAL KATHY ZAMBELIS & PAUL VIERON

SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR ANNA PARIS

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AHEPA PRESIDENT JOHN KAY

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE PRESIDENT PHANI MITCHELL

OFFICE PERSONNEL ERIN BOBBITT DE PADILLA

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS MONDAY – THURSDAY * 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. – 12 NOON

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA * METROPOLIS OF DETROIT

President’s Message February 2017

I am honored to have been elected president for another year. The bad news is that I will be sending these

messages for another year. Don’t get me wrong, it is not that I don’t enjoy communicating with all of you, I am

just not a terrific writer. So allow me to try to do my best.

For those who were not able to attend the New Year’s Eve party, it was fantastic. About 120 people had a great

prime rib meal and danced their way into the New Year. What a great event, and with a little planning I think it

should remain an annual event here at Annunciation. I don’t know exactly what they teach at the seminary, but

Fr. Simon can cook with the best of them. As if cooking for 120 isn’t challenge enough, he added a Vesper

service about 2/3 of the way through to make it even more interesting. I guess the power of prayer really does

work because it went off without a hitch.

We will have a general assembly on February 5th

to discuss the fiscal year 2016 and appoint an audit committee

to review those books. We have finally received the blessings of Metropolitan Nicholas to bring forward our

proposal to replace the icon screen and bishop’s throne. You should have received that information in the mail.

If you haven’t, please contact the church office so that we can get you that information. I hope that you will

attend the assembly and hear about the project and let your vote be cast. This is an important step for us and we

should leave the meeting united in moving forward in the growth of our church.

We are in the process of accepting bids on tree work on the property. We are also in the process of having the

canvas awnings replaced with aluminum awnings and adding awnings where there are currently none. I guess

you will just have to come by to check out how it will look once the trees are pruned and cleaned up and the

new awnings are installed.

Finally, as we prepare for our annual festival (yes it is that time again) I hope that you will give very real and

serious consideration to volunteering a few hours for the many workshops and preparatory events that lead up to

the festival. For every volunteer that comes to help, we can avoid paying someone for their labor. Consider it

as an opportunity for stewardship. It is a tremendous feat to put this together and can be a lot of fun in the midst

of the actual work. Be looking for a workshop or two to attend in the near future.

In His Service

Ted Poplos

Annunciation Prayer List

“Pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Prayer is an important resource for those who

are in need. Please contact Father Simon or the Church Office to add/remove someone from the list.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Archbishop Demetrios of America

Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit

Father Simon & Presvytera Stephanie and children

Father Nicholas & Presvytera Bess and children

Parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox

Church

Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo

Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo

Nick, Edna, Helen, Diana, Bob, Alec, Katherine,

Maria, Zoe, Pat, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy,

Sophia, Cornelia

Volunteers for February

Acolytes: Lee Couloubaritsis

Austin Detty

Jackson Detty

Nick Douglas

John Eramo

Max Graves

Jonathan Holland

Vasili Johnson

Jonathan Mehrotra

Jack Shipman

Abiel Tesfazion

Demetri Thomas

David Wassef

Ushers 5 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner, Pete Ruby

12 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie

Bitinis

19 Team 3: Romulus Stoian, Chris Apalodimas

26 Team 4: Endy Carter, Vasili Semos

Coffee Fellowship Hosts:

5 Parish Assembly

12 Agape Godparent Luncheon hosted by DOP

19 Open

26 Open

Greeters

5 Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas

12 Andrew & Tina Douglas

19 Pete & Jan Futris

26 Anastasia Terranova &

Phani Mitchell

Prosphoro Bakers:

5 Enosis Touliatos

12 Enosis Touliatos

19 Enosis Touliatos

26 Enosis Touliatos

Epistle Readers:

5 Cathe Skefos

12 Scott McKee

19 Mitch Obradovic

26 Scout for Scout Sunday

January Notices

Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of)

Robin Duzane by: Pete & Jan Futris, Diane Kavelaras

Frances Stergios by: Diane Kavelaras

Gus & Carmela Tashie by: Paul Tashie

Jasper Hoover: by Ted and Stephanie Poplos

Deaths:

Dick Erskine: brother of Bruce Erskine and brother-in-law of Helen Erskine, Wednesday, January 11

William Umberson: father of Linda Farrell and grandfather to Matthew and Brian Farrell, December 21

40 Day Blessings:

Spiro Castellucci – infant son of Brianna & Conan Castellucci and grandson of John & Nancy Kay

40 Day Memorials:

Robin Duzane, January 15th

Saint Polycarp of Smyrna

February 23rd

Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who was “fruitful in every good work”

(Colossians 1:10), was born in the first century, and lived in Smyrna in Asia

Minor. He was orphaned at an early age, but at the direction of an angel, he

was raised by the pious widow Kallista. After the death of his adoptive mother,

Polycarp gave away his possessions and began to lead a chaste life, caring for

the sick and the infirm. He was very fond of and close to St Bucolus, Bishop of

Smyrna. He ordained Polycarp as deacon, entrusting to him to preach the Word

of God in church. He also later ordained him to the holy priesthood. The holy

Apostle John the Theologian was still alive at this time. St Polycarp was

especially close to St John, and sometimes accompanied him on his apostolic

journeys.

Shortly before his death, St Bucolus expressed his wish that Polycarp be made Bishop of Smyrna. When St

Polycarp was consecrated as a bishop, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him. St Polycarp guided his flock with

apostolic zeal, and he was also greatly loved by the clergy. St Ignatius the God-Bearer of Antioch also had a

high regard for him. Setting out for Rome where execution awaited him, he wrote to St Polycarp, “This age is in

need of you if it is to reach God, just as pilots need winds, and as a storm-tossed sailor needs a port.”

The emperor Marcus Aurelius came to the Roman throne and started up a most fierce persecution against

Christians. The pagans demanded that the judge search for St Polycarp, “the father of all the Christians” and

“the seducer of all Asia.” During this time St Polycarp, at the persistent urging of his flock, stayed in a small

village not far from Smyrna. When the soldiers came for him, he went out to them and invited them in to eat.

He asked for time to pray, in order to prepare himself for martyrdom. His suffering and death are recorded in

the “Epistle of the Christians of the Church of Smyrna to the Other Churches,” one of the most ancient

memorials of Christian literature.

Having been brought to trial, St Polycarp firmly confessed his faith in Christ, and was condemned to be burned

alive. The executioners wanted to nail him to a post, but he declared that God would give him the strength to

endure the flames, so they could merely tie him with ropes. The flames encircled the saint but did not touch

him, coming together over his head in the shape of a vault. Seeing that the fire did him no harm, the pagans

stabbed him with a dagger. So much blood flowed from this wound that it extinguished the flames. The body of

the priest-martyr Polycarp was then cremated. The Christians of Smyrna reverently gathered up what remained

of his holy relics, and each year they celebrated the day of his martyrdom.

A story has been preserved about St Polycarp by his disciple, St Irenaeus of Lyons, which Eusebius cites in his

Ecclesiastical History (V, 20): “I was still very young when I saw you in Asia Minor at Polycarp’s,” writes St Irenaeus to his friend Florinus, “but I would still be

able to point out the place where Blessed Polycarp sat and conversed, and be able to depict his walk, his mannerisms in life, his

outward appearance, his speaking to people, his companionable wandering with John, and how he himself related, together with other

eyewitnesses of the Lord, those things that he remembered from the words of others. He also told what he heard from them about the

Lord, His teachings and miracles … Through the mercy of God to me, I then already listened attentively to Polycarp and wrote down

his words, not on tablets, but in the depths of my heart. Therefore, I am able to bear witness before God, that if this blessed and

apostolic Elder heard something similar to your fallacy, he would immediately stop up his ears and express his indignation with his

usual phrase: ‘Good God! That You have permitted me to be alive at such a time!’”

During his life the holy bishop wrote several Epistles to the flock and letters to various individuals. The only

one that has survived to the present day is his Epistle to the Philippians which, St Jerome testifies, was read in

the churches of Asia Minor at divine services. It was written by the saint in response to the request of the

Philippians to send them some letters of the priest-martyr Ignatius which St Polycarp had in his possession.

Blessing of Homes for Theophany 2017

NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________

CITY: ____________________________________ TELEPHONE: ____________________________

WHAT IS A CONVENIENT TIME/DATE THAT YOU WILL BE HOME? ___________________________

(Please try to schedule times during the day)

(Fr. Simon will bring basil and Holy Water. Please have a bowl of water prepared for the service.)

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Liturgical Calendar for February

Thursday, February 2nd

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am

Sunday, February 5th

Sunday of the Publican and Phariseee

Triodion Begins

Orthros 8:45 am

Divine 10:00 am

Thursday, February 9th -

Orthros/Divine Liturgy – Feast of Saint Haralambos

6:00 pm

Sunday, February 12th

Sunday of the Prodigal Sun

Orthros 8:45 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Saturday, February 18th

Saturday of Souls

Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service 9:00 am

Sunday, February 19th

Sunday of Judgement (Meatfare)

Orthros 8:45 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Saturday, February 25th

Saturday of Souls

Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service 9:00 am

Sunday, February 26th

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare)

Orthros 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Monday, February 27th

Great Lent Begins

Clean Monday

Great Compline 6:30 pm

VISITATION COMMITTEE

The following parishioners have requested visitation.

Please contact them directly to schedule visitations.

For address &/or contact information please check

your parish directory or contact the office.

Alec Collis

Pat Bacopulos Cooper - contact Marianthe Pilcher for

visiting arrangements

Edna Nichopoulos

Zoe Nickas

Presvytera Bess Vieron

Kosta Taras – contact Loretta Taras for Visiting

arrangements

Visitation Committee Volunteers for 2017-2018

February: Vicki Hoover & family

March: Linda Nichols & family

April: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras

May: Demie Bitinis, Tricia Grantham & Emily Love

June: Despina Karas/Angela Tobias

July: Maria Moore & Diane Kavelaras

August: Stephanie Poplos & friend

September: Susanna Peters, Maria Apalodimas &

Cathe Skefos

October: Sophie Theodore & Kristine Wagner

November: Connie Cotros, Loretta Taras & Tasia

Vergos

December: Anastasia Terranova & Athena Jameson

January: Nancy Tashie, Jan Futris & Tina Liollio

Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to

volunteer to be on the visitation committee.

PARISH ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

Our Local St John’s Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church beginning at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Everyone is invited to come to

hear children speak on various topics they were given to choose from. We love supporting the children in our

community and this festival is an important event to offer them your love and support.

Parish Ministries

Philoptochos, Elpis Chapter #7041

More than a Meal - February 19 - Cooking Team We will be preparing and serving dinner to those in

need within the Memphis community. Join us on

February 19 from 3-5 pm at Grace St. Luke's

Church in Midtown. All are welcome to attend. We

plan to prepare most of the meal on February 18th.

If you are interested in participating, please contact

Linda Obradovic or Cyndi Detty.

Girls' Night Out - Painting with a Twist -

February 23 Please join us for an evening of painting, wine and

fellowship. Join us at Painting with a Twist (3116

Village Shops Dr #22, Germantown (near Target))

on February 23 at 7:00. All women in the church

are welcome to attend. Costs are $35 per person and

sign-ups are online. If you do not have internet

access, please contact Cyndi Detty.

http://www.paintingwithatwist.com/parties/manage

Party.aspx?eid=EB45780347

2017 Dues are now accepted We invite all women age 18 and older to join Elpis

Philoptochos. Our service-based organization

supports our church, provides help to those in need

within our church family, within our Memphis

community as well as those worldwide. You can be

as involved as you would like through a multiude of

committees and events. We encourage you to look

for our electronic montly newsletter to fine

opportunities to serve. Our organization also

provides an outlet for social events, learning and

networking.

Membership is $35 per year and includes both local

and national dues. Men are also welcome to join us

as associate members. We offer complimentary

honorary memberships to college-aged women (18-

22) and women age 80 and over.

For more information, please contact Cyndi Detty.

ELPIS Bookstore

Looking for new ways to volunteer this year? Work

at the bookstore! We are looking for volunteers to

help on Sundays from 11:30-12:30. Stop by and talk

to Angela Tobias and Connie Apalodimas for more

information.

Young at Heart

Join us for lunch to celebrate Valentine’s Day on

Thursday, February 16th

at 11:30 am in Cotros Hall.

Mike Miller will be here to entertain us!

All those age 50 and over are invited to join us!

*Organization Coordinators:

Kathy Zambelis: 901-359-1055,Anna Paris:

901-359-1918, Sophie Theodore: 901-268-0885

Hosting Coffee Fellowship after Liturgy The Parish Council invites members to volunteer to

host a Coffee Fellowship Hour in Cotros

Hall during this Ecclesiastical Year. The intent is to

offer refreshments of your choice that will

encourage social interaction among the

membership, and opportunities to meet and greet

visitors and new members. The coffee,

sugar/sweetener, napkins, plates, cups and utensils

are provided by the Church. Please bring creamer

and juice. This is a great opportunity to celebrate a

birthday, anniversary, or to honor a loved one.

Photos/memorabilia are encouraged for a table

display. Families or groups of individuals can co-

host as well. Please sign up on the Coffee Hour

Board in Cotros Hall or call the Church Office to

reserve your date. Diane Kavelaras will be your

coordinator for Sunday and can be reached at 901-

383-3343. Coffee will always be available when

there is no host. Thank you for your consideration

and hopeful participation.

Young Adult Ministries We are reviving the Young Adult Ministry here at Annunciation. The program has been re-branded and

reformatted as REAL (Representing Emerging Adult Leaders) . REAL is the Archdiocese’s new young adult

ministries program, the successor to YAL. It focuses on young adults ages 18-35. REAL offers programs and

resources based on education, fellowship, service and worship, challenging young adults to not simply be

passive participants in the Faith but to truly live Orthodoxy each and every day.

Join in the conversation! Check out the podcast, Pop Culture Coffee Hour on Ancient Faith Ministries Radio!

OCF’s Real Break is a one-of-a-kind alternative spring break program for Orthodox high school graduates

between 18-25 years old. The Real Break program provides young adults with the opportunity to understand the

true meaning of seeing Christ in the other – traveling to all parts of the world deepening their faith, serving

those in need, and cultivating relationships with like-minded peers. See the Flier and follow the link for more

details: http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2017/

On Facebook: GOA Young Adults

On Twitter: GOA_YoungAdults

On Instagram: GOA_YoungAdults

On Blogger: The Ladder

On Pinterest: GOA YoungAdults

On Tumblr: GOA Young Adults

On YouTube: YOUTUBE.COM/Y2AM

If you are interested in being a part of REAL, please contact Alexis Moore at 901-828-3982 or at

alexismoore419@gmail.com.

Youth Ministries

Sunday School

The Sunday School Program is for children from Pre-

K (age 4 by September 1) through 12th

grade.

We meet every Sunday immediately following Holy

Communion except during the Summer and

certain Holidays.

Note from Father Simon:

It is important that the children and their teachers

receive Holy Communion first, so they may have as

much time as possible to learn about our precious

Faith. Parents, since we are now saying the Prayers

Before Holy Communion together, please wait until

these prayers have been completed before taking your

children to the Narthex to line them up for Holy

Communion. Once our youth have received, the

ushers will dismiss the faithful row by row. Thank

you for your assistance!

HOPE/JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth)

Mark your calendar for upcoming events:

JOY

February 4th

- Service Activity - Making Valentines

for our Parish shut-ins 10am-12pm at Cotros Hall.

March 25th -Spiritual Education - Celebrate our

Parish Feast Day Together!

9:00 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy followed by an

Activity coordinated by Renee Graves.

April 14th - Spiritual Education- Holy Friday JOY

Lenten Youth Retreat

Royal Hours (morning service) + Lenten Youth

Retreat and Craft + Lunch + Removal of Christ from

the Cross (afternoon service)

~PLEASE see sign up genius to sign up to bring food

or craft supplies!!!

May 6th - Pool Party 2-4pm at Thomas Home

GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America)

The GOYA Ministry at Annunciation is for youth in

grades 6 through 12. We seek to provide

programming for the entire group and to provide

opportunities for our older youth to serve as role

models for younger participants. But, owing to the

developmental needs of different age groups in the

Ministry, certain activities and meetings will be sub-

divided into middle school and high school groups.

We meet the first and third Sundays of each month

at noon in the GOYA Room. Please forward any comments, suggestions for

activities, and preferred methods of communication

(or to be removed from the GOYA mailing list) to

Mitch Obradovic (mitch.obradovic@gmail.com).

GOYA Advisors:

Mitch Obradovic

Demetri Papastefan

Ted Poplos

Luane Semos

February GOYA News

Greetings GOYA Members and Families. We will

once again celebrate the Super Bowl with a party and

an opportunity to gather nonperishable foods items for

the Souper Bowl of Caring (food donations will go to

the Highland Heights Food Pantry). This year's party

is graciously being hosted by Father Simon and

Presvytera Stephanie. We will gather after 4:30 PM at

the Thomas home for the 5:30 PM kickoff. Father

Simon invites attendees to bring swim suits - youth

can swim if the game is not fun to watch.

GOYA will provide the main course. Please RSVP at

the SignUp Genius link to let us know how many will

attend, and sign up to bring a menu item.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4EAFA72DA

1FA7-souper

GOYA Activities 2016 – 2017

Activity Date

GOYA Super Bowl Party – Super

Bowl of Caring

February 5

More Than a Meal – Grace St.

Luke’s

February 19

Trivia Night March TBD

More Than a Meal – Grace St.

Luke’s

March 19

Lenten Lock-In April 14 - 15

Pascha – Lamb Roast April 15 - 16

More Than a Meal – Grace St.

Luke’s – Pascha

April 16

Year-End GOYA Pool Party May TBD

More Than a Meal – Grace St.

Luke’s

May 21

Other Volunteer/Service Opportunities:

1. Assist with serving and cleanup at luncheons

2. Greek Festival Workshops

3. Greek Festival Ice Cream and Frappe Booth

4. Food Pantry Drive

5. Starry Nights

6. Friends of the Metropolis

7. Project Haiti

8. Ionian Village Recovery Fundraiser

SCHOLARSHIPS

As it becomes available, scholarship information can be found at the following links:

On the Parish website at http://goann.net/education/scholarships

On our Facebook page at ¨ https://www.facebook.com/Annunciation-Greek-Orthodox-Church-

120815681264112/.

SCOUT SUNDAY February 26, 2017

All Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are welcome to participate in our

church’s Scout Sunday which will be held February 26. Our church

Scouts have Troops across the Mid-South but come together on Scout

Sunday in uniform serving as greeters and reading the Epistle. Any

member with a Boy Scout or Girl Scout wishing to participate in our

Scout Sunday service which will be held February 26, should contact the

church to submit the Scout's name.

Scouting has been recognized as an official youth program of the Orthodox Church since 1952 when the

Standing Conference of Canonical Bishops (SCOBA) approved it and created the Eastern Orthodox Committee

on Scouting (EOCS). The twelfth Boy Scout Law states, “A Scout is reverent, He is reverent to God, He is

faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.” Scout

Sunday gives Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts the opportunity to attend church and be recognized as a Scout.

ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE 2016-2017

The Athenian Dance Troupe's mission is to provide dancers with artistic education and immersion in the rich

tradition of Hellenic performing arts and dance. A key goal for The Athenian Dance Troupe is to instill in its

dancers an enthusiasm for and desire to share the art of Hellenic dance within the Memphis community.

We accept dancers into the program starting in 2nd grade. For older children and teenagers interested in joining,

no prior dance experience is required. All are welcome!

If you have any questions, would like more info, or would like to enroll your child(ren), please contact Father

Simon at the Church Office, or the Horvaths.

Andrew Horvath andrewmarkhorvath@gmail.com

Leah Apalodimas Horvath leahapalodimas@yahoo.com

Performances

Sunday March 19 – Greek Independence Day Luncheon 12:00 Noon

Memphis Greek Festival

Friday, May 12, 6:00 pm

Saturday, May 13, 12:00 Noon & 6:00 pm

Practice Schedule

Juniors:

Saturday March 4 – 11:30 am – 12:00 Noon

Saturday March 18 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Saturday April 22 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Saturday April 29 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Saturday May 6 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Thursday, May 11 – 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Seniors:

Saturday March 4 – 12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm

Saturday March 18 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Saturday April 8 – 12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm

Saturday April 22 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Saturday April 29 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Saturday May 6 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Thursday May 11 – 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Community Organizations

Men’s Group/AHEPA

The reorganized Men’s group of Annunciation will be cooking the Apokreas Dinner on February 19th

. Come

ready to eat, display your talent and show off your costume!

Daughters of Penelope

The Daughters of Penelope, was founded in 1929, in San Francisco, California. It was the realization of

Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld’s dream to create a women’s organization comparable to her husband’s

membership in AHEPA. The AHEPA Family share our objectives: To promote Hellenism, Education,

Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence. This year2017, the Daughters are

celebrating their 88th

Birthday!

We would like to thank you, our fellow parishioners who were so generous in supporting Penelope House at our

luncheon. We received a lovely thank you note from Kathryn Coumanis. She, with her Daughters group,

founded Penelope House in 1979.

From Kathryn: “Thank you for your generous donation of $1000 to Penelope House. Your gift enabled us to

bring a little joy and happiness to the women and children who spent their Christmas in our shelter and

transitional housing facility. Each year nearly 1000 women and children pass through our doors, usually

coming in with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Your love and support enable us to continue to

provide them with safety and comfort through these difficult times.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Wishing you each a very Happy and healthy New Year.

Love in Theta Pi,

Kathryn Coumanis”

Coming up in February is our Godparent Luncheon on the 12th

cooked by Connie and Chris Apalodimas. You

will find the flyer for the Godparent Luncheon in this epistle. AHEPA is cooking for the Apokreas on the 19th

with the Daughters sponsoring the Talent portion. So get out your dancing shoes, limber up those fingers, and

warm up your voices.

St John’s Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

Our LOCAL FESTIVAL

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

10:00 am

Registration begins at 9:30

All speakers are asked to please be on time for a

microphone check!

"Young at Heart"

Valentine’s Day Luncheon

Thursday, February 16th at 11:30am

in Cotros Hall

Join us for a delicious

Valentine’s Day lunch followed by

Music and Entertainment by Mike Miller

All those 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and

older are invited to join us!

Dinner – Sponsored by AHEPA

Talent Show - Sponsored by the Daughters of

Penelope. Warm up your voices

Share your talents!

Sunday, February 19, 2017

5:30 pm

Join us for an evening of delicious food, fun,

fellowship and entertainment!

MENU

Cooked by the Chefs of AHEPA

Gourmet meatballs

Roast Beef

Oven roasted potatoes

Salad

Rolls

Dessert

Drinks

TICKETS: Adults $12.00 Children 12 & Under: $6.00

Dinner begins at 6:00 pm

followed by the Talent Show

If you would like to participate in the Talent Show

Contact: Kathy Zambelis at 901-359-1055

or email at: kzambelis@gmail.com

to let her know what you will be performing

Painting with a Twist

3116 Village Shops Drive (Target plaza) Germantown

Join us for a fun evening of painting and fellowship for just

the girls! All ladies of the church are welcome to attend

(including our youth ladies). No painting experience (or

talent) required! Appetizers will be provided. Please bring

your choice of beverage (adult beverages are fine).

Thursday, February 23 7:00pm

Reservations and a $35 fee are required.

Please visit www.paintingwithatwist.com for more

information regarding the class. Please

contact Cyndi Detty 482-6397 or

cyndi.detty27@gmail.com for more

information and to place your reservation.

Thursday, February 23

7:00 pm

Metropolis of Detroit Partners in Philanthropy Program

Friends of the Metropolis

Metropolis of Detroit Scholarships

St. Nicholas Summer Camp

Metropolis of Detroit Emergency Relief Fund

Metropolis of Detroit St. Spyridon Fund

25th Anniversary of His Eminence Patriarch Bartholomew

St. Basil’s Academy

National Philoptochos Social Services Account

Autism Assistance Fund

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF)

St. Photios Shrine

Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)

Sisterhood of St. Basil’s Academy

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC)

75th Anniversary Founders Fund

Support a Mission Priest (SAMP)

Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Fund

Retired Clergy & Widowed Presvyteres Benevolent Fund

National Philoptochos Emergency Fund

Cancer Fund

National Sisterhood of Presvyteres

Hellenic College Holy Cross

General Medical Fund

UNICEF

Ecumenical Patriarch

National Philoptochos Philabundance – Feeding the Children Everywhere

St. Nicholas Shrine (completing a $6,000 donation from our local chapter)

AGOC Young at Heart

AGOC Altar Needs

AGOC Easter Flowers

AGOC Garden, sponsored by JOY

LeBonheur Children’s Hospital

Gift to an Orthodox St. Jude Patient

Sunny Meadows

Mid-South Therapy Dogs

More than a Meal, Grace St. Luke’s Church

Holy Trinity Church, Baton Rouge, LA (flood)

Two Scholarships for AGOC Youth

Our local Social Services Fund helps those within our church community. We paid $1,984.22 in

medical bills, rent, utilities and funeral expenses. If you or someone you know has a financial

need, please contact Father Simon.

2017 Membership Form

Greek Orthodox Ladies’ Philoptochos Society of Annunciation Church, Memphis, Tennessee (ELPIS Chapter)

Member Information (please print)

Name

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Home Phone

Cell Phone

Email

☐ I am an Honorary Member (ages 18-22 or 80 and over)

☐ I am a New Member

☐ I am a Returning Member

Attached are my dues for 2017:

☐Cash ☐Check ☐Honorary Member

Dues are $35 annually and include both national and local commitments. Our local chapter pays for all honorary members’ national dues. Please return your completed form and payment in the enclosed envelope or send to Joy Touliatos, Treasurer, 8200 N. Westbrook Road, Arlington, TN 38002.

This year, I would like to see Philoptochos…

This year, I would like to become involved in…

F R I E N D S O F T H E M E T R O P O L I SWhen you support the Friends of the Metropolis

campaign, you are part of a greater outreach that

proclaims with one universal voice that God is truly

our hope and our rock of salvation. Because of your

devotion to the Friends program, ministries and

programs are implemented on a Metropolis­wide

basis which strengthen and enhance our faith and

our joint ministry of service. I would like to invite

you to join forces with the faithful throughout the

Metropolis of Detroit in support of the ministries

which are part of the Office of the Metropolitan.

Thanking you for your kind and generous response,

I remain, with paternal blessings and prayers,

+NICHOLAS   

Metropolitan of Detroit

Name

Address

City State Zip

MORE INFO AT:WWW.DETROIT.GOARCH.ORG/FRIENDS

F R I E N D S I N F O R M A T I O N

Credit Card

Credit Card No.

Expiry CVC No.

P A Y M E N T I N F O R M A T I O N

Email Mobile No.

Signature

Total in $

Make checks payable to Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit.

Fill out this card and send it with payment to: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit - 2560 Crooks Road - Troy, MI 48084

Check Money Order

Clergy/Parish Support

 Fully fund the generalexpenses of the Metropolisoffice, including programs

and travels.

Enhance various scholarship opportunities,adult education programs,and support Metropolisstudents at HellenicCollege/Holy Cross.

Develop and provideinstructional seminars andservices for clergy and

parishes.

Support the youth & youngadult ministries, includingour summer camps, as well

as the activities of afull­time Metropolis Directorof Youth and Young Adult

Ministries.

Create opportunities tointroduce our faith tosociety. Participate in

inter­Christian and interfaithactivities. Provide quickresponses to national andinternational disasters.

Organize Clergy­LaityConferences, OratoricalFestivals, Youth Workerand Religious Education

Training, and AdultEducation Seminars.

Develop programs forHellenic Cultural Outreach,including language, history,

and arts.

Continued websitedevelopment, hospitality tovisiting dignitaries, charity

and philanthropy.

Parish Name City/State

Please print the following required details.

General Support

Outreach/Missions Youth Ministries

Education Leadership

Special ProgramsHellenism

Stewardship Report

Our Archdiocesan Regulations and Parish By-Laws define Stewards as those who participate regularly in the

life of the Parish, as well as contributing towards the financial well-being of the Parish by offering stewardship

and/or filling out a Stewardship Card. Below is a list of all Stewards of the Annunciation. Those denoted with

an (*) have submitted their Stewardship Card to the Stewardship Committee. If you have not submitted a

Stewardship Card, please contact the Stewardship Committee or the Church Office.

2017 List of Stewards

*Robert Allphin

Zoe Anaston

Chris & Connie Apalodimas

Maria Apalodimas

Michael & Annie Archamuzi & family

John & Diane Avgeris

*Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas & family

*Demetra Bitinis

*John & Deborah Bookas

*Janet Boosalis

*Shawn Branum

*Angela Buchanan

Claude Burdikoff

Jacoby & Michele Buring

*Endy Carter

*Mary Chagaris

*Cary Chiungos

* Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis & family

*Elaine Daniels

*Alexander & Sangeeta Deitz

*Chris Demopoulos

Chris & Shawn Demos

Anna Denton

Greg & Cyndi Detty & family

Andrew & Christina Douglas & family

*Vasilios & Georgia Douklias

Linda Farrell

*Nick & Marty Fox

Pete & Jan Futris

*Steve & Zoe Futris

*Evangelia Gallagher

Kalovan Getev

*Bill & Niki Gikas

*Joanne Gikas

*Alex Gogonelis

Ronald & Patricia Grantham & family

*Alan & Renee Graves & family

*Maria Hallas

*Sarantos & Catherine Hatzigeorgiou

*Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins & family

*Sandy E Herbert

Monica & Evan Hinson

Spence Holland

Nathan & Stephanie Hooker

*Ken & Vicki Hoover & family

Andrew & Leah Horvath & family

Dorothy Huston

*Athena Jameson

*Al & Tina Jennings

Bill & Denise Joyner

Jim & Despina Karas

*George Karkatsugas

Georgia Karris

*Diane Kavelaras

*John & Nancy Kay

*James Kennedy

Nader Khalaf

Sarkis & Jenny Kish

Regina Kolaitis

Bessue Kolapanas

*Marcy Kollias

Kevin & Alexia Loughman

Samya Louza

*Tom & Emily Love

Yolanta Matika

*Scott McKee & Weilin Xi & family

Emily Melonas

Peter & Kathryn Melonas

James & Susan Meng

Allen & Lydia Mims & family

*Alexis Moore

*Mike & Maria Moore

*Tommy & Kyndall Moore

*Robert & Kathy Morrison

Michael & Valerie Mosby

*Naji & Rebecca Nassif & family

*Mitch & Linda Obradovic & family

*Evangelia Panas

*Demetri Papastefan

Alexandra Pappas

*Anna Paris

*Evangeline Paris

Dennis & Odette Patrikios

Basil & Bethany Paulus

* Manual & Mary Beth Peters

Derek & Marianthe Pilcher

*Ted & Stephanie Poplos & family

John & Maria Poulos

*Chrysanthe Preza & Einir Valdimarsson & family

Elizabeth Ramage

Melissa Ramage

* Scott Reed

Pete Ruby

Albis Samonides

*Eric & Anne Schmitt & family

*Vasili & Luane Semos & family

Harry & Magda Sinis & family

Tom & Susan Sinis

Vasilios & Eleni Skoutakis

*Jimmy & Georgia Smith

*James & Sophie Sousoulas

Thomas & Stasia Spentzas & family

Pandora Stamson

Steve & Joy Steckler

Romulus & Camelia Stoian

Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras

*Kosta & Loretta Taras

*David & Christine Tashie

*George & Cecile Tashie

*James & Nancy Tashie

*John Tashie

Judd & Debbie Tashie

*Anastasia Terranova

Amanuel & Brur Tesfazion & family

*Lee & Yiota Theodore

*Sophie Theodore

*Fr. Simon & Presvytera Stephanie Thomas & family

Richard & Angela Tobias

Sarah Touliatos

*Alex Vergos

John & Ellen Vergos

*Tasia Vergos

Theodore Vergos

Nicholas & Bess Vieron

*Magdi & Amira Wassef & family

*Maria Wasserman

*Vasiliki Whitten

*Nick & Georgia Zaharopoulos

*Michael & Kathy Zambelis

As of January 31, 2016:

2017 Stewardship Cards – 70

Stewards - 129

Amount Pledged - $124,123.00

Amount Received - $26881.44

FEBRUARY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 Feast of the

Presentation

of the Lord

Orthros/Divi

ne Liturgy

9:00 am

Girl Scouts

4:15 pm

3 4

JOY – Making Valentines

for Parish Shut-Ins 10:00

am

5 Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee

Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am

Nursery Available 9:30 am

Sunday School 11:00 am

Parish Assembly 12:00 Noon

GOYA Souper Bowl of Caring 4:30 pm

6

Father Simon out

of office

Fr. Vieron’s Adult

Greek Class 6:30

pm

7

Father Simon out

of office

8

Father Simon

out of office

9

Orthros/Divi

ne Liturgy –

Feast of Saint

Haralambos

6:00 pm

10 Feast of Saint

Haralambos

11

DOP Monthly Meeting &

Set up for Agape

Godparent Luncheon 8:00

am

Parish Oratorical

Festival 9:30 am

12 Sunday of the Prodigal Sun

Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am

Nursery Available 9:30 am

Sunday School 11:00 am

Agape Godparent Luncheon hosted by DOP

12:00 Noon

13

Fr. Vieron’s Adult

Greek Class 6:30

pm

14 Bible Study 6:30

pm

15

16 Young at

Heart

Luncheon

11:30 am

Girl Scouts

4:15 pm

17

18 Saturday of Souls

Orthros/Divine

Liturgy/Memorial

Service 9:00 am

Girl Scout Thinking Day

12:00 Noon

19 Judgement Sunday (Meatfare)

Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am

Nursery Available 9:30 am

Sunday School 11:00 am

GOYA Meeting 12:00 Noon

More Than a Meal Serving Team 3:00 pm

Apokreas Dinner, Talent Show & Costume

Contest 5:30 pm

20

Parish Council

Meeting 6:15 pm

Fr. V Adult Greek

Class 6:30 pm

21

22

23 Festival

Workshop –

Koulourakia

8:30 am

Girls’ Night

Out 6:00 pm

24

Festival Workshop –

Koulourakia 8:30 am

25 Saturday of Souls

Orthros/Divine

Liturgy/Memorial

Service 9:00 am

26 Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)

Orthros 8:45 AM

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Nursery Available 9:30 am

Sunday School 11:00 am

Scout Sunday

27 Great Lent

Begins (Clean

Monday)

Great Compline

6:30 pm

Fr. V Adult Greek

Class 6:30 pm

28

Bible Study 6:30

pm