The Epistle - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

The Epistle May 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: [email protected]/ http://www.goann.net

The Miracle of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem -by Niels Christian Hvidt, a Danish Professor at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich “On Holy Saturday believers gather in great crowds in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For on this day fire comes down from Heaven and puts fire on lamps in the Church.” Thus one reads in one of the many Easter itineraries to the Holy Land. “The Miracle of the Holy Fire” by Christians from the Orthodox Churches is known as “The greatest of all Christian miracles”. It takes place every single year, on the same time, in the same manner, and on the same spot. No other miracle is known to occur so regularly and for such an extensive period of time; one can read about it in sources as old as from the eighth Century AD. The miracle happens in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, to millions of believers the holiest place on earth. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre itself is an enigmatic place. Theologians, historians and archaeologists consider the church to contain both Golgatha, the little hill on which Jesus Christ was crucified, as well as the “new tomb” close to Golgatha that received his dead body, as one reads in the Gospels. It is on this same spot that Christians believe he rose from the dead. One can trace the miracle throughout the centuries in the many itineraries to the Holy Land. The Russian abbot Daniel, in his itinerary, written in the years 1106-07, in very detailed manners presents the “Miracle of the Holy Light” and the ceremonies that frame it. He recalls how the Patriarch goes into the Sepulchre-chapel (the Anastasis) with two closed candles. The Patriarch kneels in front of the stone on which Christ was laid after his death and says certain prayers, upon which the miracle occurs. Light proceeds from the core of the stone a blue, indefinable light which after some time kindles closed oil lamps as well as the two candles of the Patriarch. This light is “The Holy Fire”, and it spreads to all people present in the Church. The ceremony surrounding “The Miracle of the Holy Fire” may be the oldest unbroken Christian ceremony in the world. From the fourth century AD all the way up to our own time, sources recall the awe-awakening potent. From these sources it becomes clear that the miracle has been celebrated on the same spot, on the same feast day, and in the same liturgical frames throughout all these centuries. One can ask, if it would happen also in the year 1998. In order to find out, I travelled to Jerusalem to be present at the ceremony in which the Miracle of the Holy Fire occurs, and I can testify that it did not only happen in the ancient Church and throughout the Middle Ages but also on the 18th of April, 1998. The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Diodorus I, is the man who every year enters the tomb to receive the Holy Fire. He has been the Patriarch of Jerusalem since 1982 and thereby is the key-witness to the miracle. Prior to the ceremony of this year the Patriarch received us in private audience, where I had the opportunity to speak with him about the miracle in order to know exactly what happens in the tomb and what the

miracle means for him personally in his spiritual life. Furthermore I was through his intervention admitted to the balconies in the dome of the Holy Sepulchre Church, from where I had a fine view over the masses that had gathered around the tomb in anticipation of the “Great Miracle of the Holy Fire”. (Continued from page 1) But what exactly happens in the Holy Sepulchre Church on Easter Saturday? Why does it have such an impact on the Orthodox Tradition? Why does it seem as if nobody has heard anything about the miracle in the Protestant and Catholic countries? One of the Most Famous Ceremonies in the Orthodox Church The miracle occurs every year on the Orthodox Easter Saturday. There are many types of Orthodox Christians: Syrian, Armenian, Russian and Greek Orthodox as well as Copts. In the Holy Sepulchre Church alone there are 7 different Christian Denominations. The Orthodox Easter-date is fixed according to the Julian calendar, and not the usual Western European Gregorian calendar, which means that their Easter normally falls on a different date than the Protestant and Catholic Easter. Since Constantine the Great built The Holy Sepulchre Church in the middle of the fourth century it has been destroyed many times. The Crusaders constructed the Church that we see today. Around Jesus tomb was erected a little chapel with two rooms, one little room in front of the tomb and the tomb itself, which holds no more than five people. This chapel is the centre of the miraculous events, and being present at the celebration fully justifies the term “event” for on no other day of the year is the Holy Sepulchre Church so packed than on Easter Saturday. If one wishes to enter it, one has to reckon with six hours of cueing. Each year hundreds of people are not able to enter due to the crowds. Pilgrims come from all over the world, the majority from Greece but in recent years increasing numbers from Russia and the former Eastern European Countries. In order to be as close to the tomb as possible, pilgrims camp around the tomb-chapel, waiting from Holy Friday afternoon in anticipation of the wonder on Holy Saturday. The miracle happens at 2:00 PM, but already around 11:00 AM the Church is a boiling pot. Festival From around 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM the Christian Arabs sing traditional songs with loud voices. These songs date back to the Turkish occupation of Jerusalem in the 13th Century, a period in which the Christians were not allowed to sing their songs anywhere but in the Churches. “We are the Christians, this we have been for centuries and this we shall be for ever and ever. Amen!” they sing at the top of their voices accompanied by the sound of drums. The drum-players sit on the shoulders of others who ferociously dance around the Sepulchre Chapel. But at 1:00 PM the songs fade out and after there is silence, a tense and loaded silence electrified by the anticipation of the great manifestation of the Power of God that all are about to witness. At 1:00 PM a delegation of the local authorities elbows through the crowds. Even though these officials are not Christian, they are part of the ceremonies. In the times of the Turkish occupation of Palestine they were Moslem Turks; today they are Israelis. For centuries the presence of these officials has been an integrated part of the ceremony. Their function is to represent the Romans in the time of Jesus. The Gospels speak of Romans that went to seal the tomb of Jesus, so his disciples would not steal his body and claim he had risen. In the same way the Israeli authorities on this Easter Saturday come and seal the tomb with wax. Before they seal the door it is customary that they enter the tomb to check for any hidden source of fire, which could produce the miracle through fraud. Just as the Romans were to guarantee that there was no manipulation after the death of Jesus, likewise the Israeli Local Authorities are to guarantee that there be no trickery in 1998. The Testimony of the Patriarch When the tomb has been checked and sealed, the whole Church chants the Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy). At 1:45 PM the Patriarch enters the scene. In the wake of a large procession he encircles the Tomb three times, whereupon he is stripped of his royal liturgical vestments, carrying only his white alba, a sign of humility in front of the great potent of God, to which he is about to be the key witness. All the oil lamps have been blown out the preceding night, and now all remains of artificial light are extinguished, so that most of the Church is enveloped in darkness. With two big candles the patriarch enters the Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre first into the small room in front of the tomb and from there into the tomb itself.

It is not possible to follow the events inside the tomb, so I asked the patriarch of Jerusalem, Diodorus, about the center of the events. “Your Beatitude, what happens when you enter the Holy Sepulchre?” “I enter the tomb and kneel in holy fear in front of the place where Christ lay after his death and where he rose again from the dead. Praying in the Holy Sepulchre in itself is for me always a very holy moment in a very holy place. It is from here that he rose again in glory, and it is from there that he spread his light to the world. John the Evangelist writes in the first chapter of his gospel that Jesus is the Light of the world. Kneeling in front of the place where he rose from the dead, we are brought within the immediate closeness of his glorious resurrection. Catholics and Protestants call this Church “The Church of the Holy Sepulchre”. We call it “The Church of the Resurrection”. The Resurrection of Christ for us Orthodox is the center of our faith. In his resurrection Christ has gained the final victory over death, not just his own death but the death of all those who will stay close to him. “I believe it to be no coincidence that the Holy Fire comes on exactly this spot. In Matthew 28:3, it says that when Christ rose from the dead, an angel came, dressed all in a fearful light. I believe that the striking light that enveloped the angel at the Lord’s resurrection is the same light that appears miraculously every Easter Saturday. Christ wants to remind us that his resurrection is a reality and not just a myth; he really came to the world in order to give the necessary sacrifice through his death and resurrection so that man could be re-united with his creator. Blue Light “I find my way through the darkness towards the inner chamber in which I fall on my knees. Here I say certain prayers that have been handed down to us through the centuries and, having said them, I wait. Sometimes I may wait a few minutes, but normally the miracle happens immediately after I have said the prayers. From the core of the very stone on which Jesus lay an indefinable light pours forth. It usually has a blue tint, but the color may change and take many different hues. It cannot be described in human terms. The light rises out of the stone as mist may rise out of a lake it almost looks as if the stone is covered by a moist cloud, but it is light. This light each year behaves differently. Sometimes it covers just the stone, while other times it gives light to the whole sepulchre, so that people who stand outside the tomb and look into it will see it filled with light. The light does not burn I have never had my beard burnt in all the sixteen years I have been Patriarch in Jerusalem and have received the Holy Fire. The light is of a different consistency than normal fire that burns in an oil lamp. “At a certain point the light rises and forms a column in which the fire is of a different nature, so that I am able to light my candles from it. When I thus have received the flame on my candles, I go out and give the fire first to the Armenian Patriarch and then to the Coptic. Hereafter I give the flame to all people present in the Church.” The Symbolic Meaning of the Miracle “How do you yourself experience the miracle and what does it mean to your spiritual life?” “The miracle touches me just as deeply every single year. Every time it is another step towards conversion for me. For me personally it is of great comfort to consider Christ’s faithfulness towards us, which he displays by giving us the holy flame every year in spite of our human frailties and failures. We experience many wonders in our Churches, and miracles are nothing strange to us. It happens often that icons cry, when Heaven wants to display its closeness to us; also we have saints, to whom God gives many spiritual gifts. But none of these miracles have such a penetrating and symbolic meaning for us as the miracle of the Holy Fire. The miracle is almost like a sacrament. It makes the resurrection of Christ present to us as if he had died only a few years ago.” While the patriarch is inside the chapel kneeling in front of the stone, there is darkness but far from silence outside. One hears a rather loud mumbling, and the atmosphere is very tense. When the Patriarch comes out with the two candles lit and shining brightly in the darkness, a roar of jubilee resounds in the Church, comparable only to a goal at a soccer-match. The Miracle Leads to Faith The miracle is not confined to what actually happens inside the little tomb, where the Patriarch prays. What may be even more significant is that the blue light is reported to appear and be active outside the tomb. Every year many believers claim that this miraculous light ignites candles, which they hold in their hands, of its own initiative. All in the church wait with candles in the hope that they may ignite spontaneously. Often closed oil lamps take fire by themselves before the eyes of the pilgrims. The blue flame is seen to move in different places in the Church. A

number of signed testimonies by pilgrims, whose candles lit spontaneously, attest to the validity of these ignitions. The person who experiences the miracle from a close distance by having the fire on the candle or seeing the blue light usually leaves Jerusalem changed, and for everyone having attended the ceremony, there is always a “before and after” the Miracle of the Holy Fire in Jerusalem. Unknown in the West One can ask the question why the Miracle of the Holy Fire is hardly known in Western Europe. In the Protestant areas it may to a certain extent be explained by the fact that there is no real tradition for miracles; people don’t really know in which box to place the miracles, and they don’t take up much space in newspapers. But in the Catholic tradition there is vast interest for miracles. Thus, why is it not more known? For this only one explanation suffices: Church politics. Only the Orthodox Churches attend the ceremony framing the miracle. It only occurs on the Orthodox Easter date and without the presence of any Catholic authorities. By certain Orthodox this evidence proves the notion that the Orthodox Church is the only legitimate Church of Christ in the world, and this assertion obviously may cause certain apprehensions in Catholic circles. The Question of the Authenticity of the Miracle As with any other miracle there are people who believe it is fraud and nothing but a masterpiece of Orthodox propaganda. They believe the Patriarch has a lighter inside of the tomb. These critics, however, are confronted with a number of problems. Matches and other means of ignition are recent inventions. Only a few hundred years ago lighting a fire was an undertaking that lasted much longer than the few minutes during which the Patriarch is inside the tomb. One then could perhaps say, he had an oil lamp burning inside, from which he kindled the candles, but the local authorities confirm to have checked the tomb and found no light inside it. The biggest arguments against a fraud, however, are not the testimonies of the shifting patriarchs. The biggest challenges confronting the critics are the thousands of independent testimonies by pilgrims whose candles were lit spontaneously in front of their eyes without any possible explanation. According to our investigations, it has never been possible to film any of the candles or oil lamps igniting by themselves. However, I am in the possession of a video filmed by a young engineer from Bethlehem, Souhel Nabdiel. Mr. Nabdiel has been present at the ceremony of the Holy Fire since his early childhood. In 1996 he was asked to film the ceremony from the balcony of the dome of the Church. Present with him on the balcony were a nun and four other believers. The nun stood at the right hand of Nabdiel. On the video one can see how he films down on the crowds. At a certain point, all lights are turned off, it is time for the Patriarch to enter the tomb and take the Holy Fire. While he is still inside the tomb one suddenly hears a scream of surprise and wonder originating from the nun standing next to Nabdiel. The camera begins to shake, as one hears the excited voices of the other people present on the balcony. The camera now turns to the right, whereby it is possible to contemplate the cause of the emotion. A big candle, held in the hand of the Russian nun, takes fire in front of all people present before the patriarch comes out of the tomb. With shaking hands she holds the candle while over and over making the sign of the Cross in awe of the potent she has witnessed. This video appears to be the closest one gets to an actual filming of the miracle. Miracles cannot be proved The miracle is, as most miracles are, surrounded by unexplainable factors. As Archbishop of Tiberias Alexios said when I met him in Jerusalem: “The miracle has never been filmed and most probably never will be. Miracles cannot be proved. Faith is required for a miracle to bear fruit in the life of a person and without this act of faith there is no miracle in the strict sense. The true miracle in the Christian tradition has only one purpose: to extend the Grace of God in creation, and God cannot extend his Grace without the faith on behalf of his creatures. Therefore there can be no miracle without faith.”

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 CHOIR  DIRECTOR GREEK FESTIVAL GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESIDENT  ALTAR GUILD  ELPIS BOOKSTORE  MAKARIA COORDINATOR  MORE THAN A MEAL  PRAYER CIRCLE  SUNSHINE COMMITTEE  VISITATION COMMITTEE REAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP YOUNG AT HEART

ANDREW HORVATH DORATHEA KASTANAS TODD BAGATELAS DESPINA KARAS CYNDI DETTY LAURA COULOUBARITSIS ANGELA TOBIAS MARIANTHE PILCHER CYNDI DETTY LUANE SEMOS ZOE FUTRIS KRISTINE WAGNER ALEXIS MOORE NICHOLAS NELSON (Ole Miss) KATHY ZAMBELIS

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES ACOLYTES ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE DIRECTORS GOYA JOY ORATORICAL FESTIVAL SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

TED POPLOS LEAH & ANDREW HORVATH TED POPLOS & MITCH OBRADOVIC PRESVYTERA STEPHANIE THOMAS KATHY ZAMBELIS & PAUL VIERON ANNA PARIS

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AHEPA PRESIDENT DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE PRESIDENT

JOHN KAY 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 My Friends at Annunciation, Christ Has Risen! Wow, what a week we had during Holy Week. It was tiring and beautiful all at the same time. It also showed what we as a community can accomplish when we all work together for a common cause. I would like to thank everyone who participated in any way. I will not try to name individuals as there are many and I am sure that I would forget some names. But I will try to call attention to the tasks that were done. First I must thank Fr. Simon who led us tirelessly throughout the week. I don’t know where he gets his energy but somehow he kept going. To the Acolytes who went above and beyond, some to the point of exhaustion and sleep behind the icon screen. The Parish council who covered windows, managed candles, light candles, made sure people were seated and always seemed to be there when needed to do anything. To the choir and chanters who worked for many months prior to be prepared to respond and chant so beautifully. To our young readers who stepped out of their comfort zone and read the epistle readings so well. To our 3 music students from Rhodes College who experienced a Pascha that they won’t forget. To one individual who always has oil ready for Holy Unction, a white sheet ready for Holy Friday and the removal of Christ from the cross and enough bread to feed the masses. To the ladies who decorated the tomb of Christ preparing it for His burial. To the young man who cooked and dyed all of the red eggs. To the family of restauranteurs who each year prepare the soup that we eat after the Resurrection. To the cooking crew who prepare the delicious lamb meal that we enjoy after the Agape Vespers. To all of the readers who proclaim the news of the Resurrection in so many languages. And I am sure that I have overlooked something and if I have, I want to thank you as well. So you see, there are many things that happen behind the scenes and many people who make them happen. As I said, when we all work together, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish as a community. Speaking of working together, please consider joining us as a volunteer at our 59th annual Greek Festival on May 12 and 13. As in Holy Week, there are many things that must happen before hand and behind the scenes to make this happen. There is room for you somewhere. There is a need for your skill. There is a need for your strength and smile. See you at the festival. Congratulations to Katherine Hoover who was a finalist at the district level St. John Chrysostom Oratorical festival and to Margaret Couloubaritsis who was an alternate. Great job! May the light of the Risen Christ be with you always. Ted Poplos

Announcing a NEW 2017 Church Directory! 1. After church on Sundays through the month of May please see Diane Kavelaras and her Directory Team in Cotros Hall to check spelling, update address(es), add/or change listings. 2. Sign up for a time slot for your family to get their picture taken! Don't wait until the last min or we will run out of time slots. 3. We need about 15-20 families to be ready to take pictures every Sunday! If you are interested in a time slot for this Sunday please email Presvytera Stephanie Thomas: [email protected] or call 209-640-1301. 4. If you like your family's picture, you may purchase it and the digital file will be emailed to you. Thank you, Directory Team

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, Helen, Diana, Alec, Katherine, Maria, Zoe, Pat, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy, Sophia, Cornelia, Kosta, George

Volunteers for May Acolytes: Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty

Nick Douglas John Eramo Max Graves

Ushers 7 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie Bitinis 14 Team 3: Romulus Stoian & Chris Apalodimas 21 Team 4: Endy Carter & Vasili Semos 28 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner & Pete Ruby Greeters 7 Andrew & Tina Douglas 14 21 Angie Buchanan & Friend 28

Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra

Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef

Coffee Fellowship Hosts: 7 Lunch for Pre-pack Workshop Volunteers 14 Post Festival Sales 21 Graduation Sunday 28 Tina Douglas in memory of her parents’ 50th anniversary

Prosphoro Bakers: 7 Enosis Touliatos 14 Enosis Touliatos 21 Enosis Touliatos 28 Enosis Touliatos

Epistle Readers: 7 Paul Vieron 14 Cathe Skefos 21 Maria Moore 28

April Notices Marriages: Nicole Fox & John Robert “Bobby” McNulty, April 29th Baptisms: Charli Victoria Hunter, Marely Cristian Hunter, Kyliel Marcus Hunter, Children of Cristina & Marcus Hunter April 30 Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of): George R Abraham II by Katherine Abraham Robert Allphin by Diane Kavelaras, Ted & Stephanie Poplos, Ed & Kathy Morrison, Angeliki & Anastasia Couloubaritsis by Mrs. Don Evans Fran Diedrich by Athena Jameson Edna Nichopoulos by Evangeline Paris, Katherine Skefos, Tasia Vergos, Evangeline Semos by Evangeline Paris Espie Speliopoulos by Anna Paris, Demetra Bitinis 40 Day Memorials: Robert Allphin, April 2 1Year Memorials: Evangelia Semos, April 2

The Holy Prophet Isaiah May 9th The Holy Prophet Isaiah lived 700 years before the birth of Christ, and was of royal lineage. Isaiah’s father Amos raised his son in the fear of God and in the law of the Lord. Having attained the age of maturity, the Prophet Isaiah entered into marriage with a pious prophetess and had a son Jashub. St Isaiah was called to prophetic service during the reign of Uzziah, king of Judea, and he prophesied for 60 years during the reign of kings Joatham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, and Manasseh. The start of his service was marked by the following vision: he beheld the Lord God, sitting in a majestic heavenly temple upon a high throne. Six-winged Seraphim encircled Him. With two wings they covered their faces, and with two wings they covered their feet, and with two wings they flew about crying out one to another, “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Sabbaoth, heaven and earth are filled with His glory!” The pillars of the heavenly temple shook from their shouts, and in the temple arose the smoke of incense. The prophet cried out in terror, “Oh, an accursed man am I, granted to behold the Lord Sabbaoth, and having impure lips and living amidst an impure people!” Then was sent him one of the Seraphim, having in hand a red-hot coal, which he took with tongs from the altar of the Lord. He touched it to the mouth of the Prophet Isaiah and said, “Lo, this has touched your lips, your iniquities will be taken away, and your sins cleansed.” After this Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord, directed towards him, “Whom shall I send, and who will go to this people?” Isaiah answered, “Here am I, send me” (Is 6:1 ff). And the Lord sent him to the Jews to exhort them to turn from the ways of impiety and idol worship, and to offer repentance. To those that repent and turn to the true God, the Lord promised mercy and forgiveness, but punishment and the judgment of God are appointed for the unrepentant. Then Isaiah asked the Lord, how long would the falling away of the Jewish nation from God continue. The Lord answered, “Until the cities be deserted, by reason of there being no people, and the land shall be made desolate. Just as when a tree is felled and from the stump come forth new shoots, so also from the destruction of the nation a holy remnant will remain, from which will emerge a new tribe.” Isaiah left behind him a book of prophecy in which he denounces the Jews for their unfaithfulness to the God of their Fathers. He predicted the captivity of the Jews and their return from captivity during the time of the emperor Cyrus, the destruction and renewal of Jerusalem and of the Temple. Together with this he predicts the historical fate of the other nations bordering the Jews. What is most important of all for us, the Prophet Isaiah with particular clarity and detail prophesies about the coming of the Messiah, Christ the Savior. The prophet names the Messiah as God and Man, teacher of all the nations, founder of the Kingdom of peace and love. The prophet foretells the birth of the Messiah from a Virgin, and with particular clarity he describes the Suffering of the Messiah for the sins of the world. He foresees His Resurrection and the universal spreading of His Church. By his clear foretelling of Christ the Savior, the Prophet Isaiah deserves to be called an Old Testament Evangelist. To him belong the words, “He bears our sins and is smitten for us … He was wounded for our sins and tortured for our transgressions. The chastisement of our world was upon Him, and by His wounds we were healed…” (Is 53:4-5. Vide Isaiah: 7:14, 11:1, 9:6, 53:4, 60:13, etc.). The holy Prophet Isaiah had also a gift of wonderworking. And so, when during the time of a siege of Jerusalem by enemies the besieged had become exhausted with thirst, he by his prayer drew out from beneath Mount Sion a spring of water, which was called Siloam, i.e. “sent from God.” It was to this spring afterwards that the Savior sent the man blind from birth to wash, and He restored his sight. By the prayer of the Prophet Isaiah, the Lord prolonged the life of Hezekiah for 15 years. The Prophet Isaiah died a martyr’s death. By order of the Jewish king Manasseh he was sawn through by a wood-saw. The prophet was buried not far from the Pool of Siloam. The relics of the holy Prophet Isaiah were afterwards transferred by the emperor Theodosius the Younger to Constantinople and installed in the church of St Laurence at Blachernae. At the present time part of the head of the Prophet Isaiah is preserved at Athos in the Hilandar monastery. For the times and the events which occurred during the life of the Prophet Isa iah, see the 4th Book of Kings [alt. 2 Kings] (Ch 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, etc.), and likewise (2 Chronicles 26-32).

Liturgical Calendar for May Wednesday, May 24th Orthros/Divine Liturgy – Feast of the Ascension 6:00 pm

Sunday, May 7th Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am th

Sunday, May 14 Sunday of the Samaritan Woman Mothers Day Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Sunday, May 28th Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Sunday, May 21st Sunday of the Blind Woman Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 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 Zoe Nickas Presvytera Bess Vieron Kosta Taras – contact Loretta Taras for Visiting arrangements

Visitation Committee Volunteers for 2017-2018 May: Demie Bitinis, Tricia Grantham, Emily Love & Georgia Karris 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 February: Vicki Hoover & family March: Linda Nichols & family April: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras

Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to volunteer to be on the visitation committee.

Holy Week Volunteers Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and talents to make Holy Week & Pascha such a wonderful experience this year! While we endeavor to include everyone, if we have mistakenly left your name off any of these lists, please contact us in the Church Office. AcolytesLee Couloubaritsis, Austin Detty, Jackson Detty, Nick Douglas, John Eramo, Luke Farris, Max Graves, Jonathan Holland, Vasili Johnson, Jack Shipman, Abiel Tesfazion, Demetri Thomas, David Wassef Adults: Ted Poplos, Daniel Shipman, Paul Vieron ChantersAndrew Horvath – Leader Bill Gikas, Evan Hoover, Matthew Hoover, Vicki Hoover, Nicholas Nelson, Evangelia Panas, Constance Poplos, and Stephanie Poplos; Camila Zimmerman, Angela Nelson and Wesley Parker Choir Members – DoraThea Kastanas – Director Youth: Sophia Douglas, Katherine Hoover, Zoe Johnson, Nylah Nassif, Mia Obradovic, Rachel Semos, Elpinike Thomas, Megan Wassef Adults: Zoe Anaston, Demie Bitinis, Bill Gikas, Evan Hoover, Ken Hoover, Matt Hoover, Vicki Hoover, John Kay, Toni Montgomery, Maria Moore, Constance Poplos, Nicholas Poplos, Stephanie Poplos, Luane Semos, Georgia Smith, Theo Vergos, and Kathy Zambelis ReadersLoretta Taras - Coordinator Andrew Douglas, Pete Futris, Patricia Grantham, Evan Hoover, Katherine Hoover, Matt Hoover, Vicki Hoover, Dorothy Huston, Tina Liollio, Maria Moore, Nicholas Nelson, Mitch Obradovich, Constance Poplos, Stephanie Poplos, Luann Semos, Rachel Semos, Vasili Semos, Cathe Skefos, Mary Katherine Taras, Elpinike Thomas, Paul Vieron, and Kathy Zambelis Decorating the Tomb of ChristDemie Bitnis, Renee Graves, Despina Karas, Marianthe Pilcher, Maria Wasserman, Emily Love, Cyndi Detty, Laura Couloubaritsis PallbearersJohnny Donnelly, Jay Jayaraman, Tommy Moore, & Harry Sinis Agape Vespers ReadersFather Simon - Greek Jim Karas – Latin Harry Skefos – Spanish Mitch Obradovic – Serbian Romulus Stoian – Romanian

Nayla Nassif - French Nicholas Nelson – German Naji Nassif – Arabic Despina Karas – Modern Greek Lucy Nassif - English

Parish Ministries Philoptochos, Elpis Chapter #7041 Board Elections Congratulations to the newly elected 2015-2017 Elpis Board! We wish these ladies the very best as they serve our church and community. Connie Apalodimas Melissa Berretta Angela Buchannan Laura Coularbaritsis Cyndi Detty Elizabeth Hawkins Georgia Karris Jan Futris Joanne Gikas Emily Love Marianthe Pilcher Stephanie Poplos Anne Schmitt Sophie Theodore Angela Tobias Joy Touliatos Kristine Wagner Greek Festival May 12 & 13 As members of Philoptochos, it is our responsibility to help those in need as well as serve our church. Our annual festival is a wonderful opportunity to show our loyalty and dedication to both our organization and church. There are so many ways we can volunteer our time during the festival. I encourage each of you to volunteer your and the members of your families' time - particularly your children. Teaching our children to serve is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. This year, the festival committee has established an online sign up for each area of the festival as well as the workshops. Please take a few moments to browse the options and sign up as often as you can. Click here to review the sign up: www.signupgenius.com/tabs/33774DE0FA2C3EB7 -2017festival

Graduation Sunday, May 21 Join us as we honor our high school and college graduates! We will be hosting the coffee hour with the ladies of the Daughters of Penelope. If you are able to help cut and serve cake, please stop by the kitchen after Liturgy. Now is a great time to get involved! As we transition to new leadership in our organization, now is the perfect time to get involved! Have an idea? Want to meet new people? Try something new? Join us! We email a monthly newsletter with information regarding our events and volunteer opportunities. Interested in receiving the newsletter, contact Cyndi Detty ([email protected])

ELPIS Bookstore Inside the Elpis Bookstore Summer is a great time to volunteer your time in the Elpis Bookstore! For more information, see Angela Tobias or Connie Apalodimas. Stop by the bookstore and see our new items, including our "Serving the Lord" apron ($15). 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 Luau Luncheon and Steppin Out Dancers Come join in the fun for our last gathering until the fall on TUESDAY, May 23rd at 11:30 am in Cotros Hall. Wear your BEST Hawaiian Luau outfit and you might win a door prize. Enjoy a delicious Barbecue luncheon followed by entertainment from the Steppin Out Dancers! Such a fun afternoon for all those 50 and above. Why don't you 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 cohost 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 901383-3343. 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! On Facebook: GOA Young Adults On Twitter: GOA_YoungAdults On Instagram: GOA_YoungAdults

On Blogger: The Ladder 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 [email protected].

Youth Ministries Sunday School The Sunday School Program is for children from PreK (age 4 by September 1) through 12th grade. We meet every Sunday immediately following Holy Communion except during the Summer and certain Holidays.

May Sunday School News The last Sunday of Sunday School until Fall will be May 7th. Graduation Sunday/Attendance Recognition will be May 21st.

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!

The Sunday School Department has immediatel openings for several co-teachers next year. Please contact Anna Paris (359-1918) if you are interested in serving our children. I would like to give a sincere “Thank You” to all of the Sunday School teachers who have dedicated their time for the students this year. ~ Anna Paris ~ HOPE/JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) Mark your calendar for upcoming events: JOY May 6th - Pool Party 2-4pm at Thomas Home *Parents don't forget to register for St. Nicholas summer camp before the rate increase!

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 subdivided into middle school and high school groups. We meet the first and third Sundays of each month at noon in the GOYA Room.

GOYA End-of-Year Pool Party Another year of GOYA activities is coming to a close. We have had a great group of engaged Youth who have shown the Annunciation community that the future is in good hands! We will celebrate with our GOYA End-of-Year Pool Party on Saturday June 3 at the Douglas home. More details will be provided directly to GOYA participants.

Please forward any comments, suggestions for activities, and preferred methods of communication (or to be removed from the GOYA mailing list) to Mitch Obradovic ([email protected]).

GOYA Activities 2016 – 2017 Activity Date Year-End GOYA Pool Party May TBD More Than a Meal – Grace St. May 21 Luke’s

GOYA Advisors: Mitch Obradovic Demetri Papastefan Ted Poplos Luane Semos

May GOYA News

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 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-Church120815681264112/. SOUTHERN DISTRICT ORATORICAL Saturday, April 22nd Junior Division (Grades 7-9) Stephen Hohnholt, Holy Trinity of Nashville *Thomas Hohnholt, Holy Trinity of Nashville Margaret Couloubaritsis, Memphis (selected as alternate) Senior Division (Grades 10-12) *Grace Malakelis, Holy Trinity of Nashville *Aubrie Harman, Holy Trinity of Nashville *Finalists selected to represent our Southern District at the Metropolis Festival, May 13th, at Annunciation Church of Buffalo, NY

ST. NICHOLAS SUMMER CAMP REGISTER NOW for the 2017 St. Nicholas Summer Camp season and take advantage of the Early Bird Registration Discount (valid until May 15th). All youth ages 8-18 are invited to join us for a week of faith, fellowship, and fun! Also, stay tuned! Mrs. Eva will be sharing photos and video on the website of our new camp home, Camp Loucon!

St. Nicholas Camp Staff Needed: CHRIST IS RISEN! First of all, I want to thank all those who've already contacted me and have started your online application! 1) If you've already spoken to me and/or plan on applying, please do so ASAP. 2) If you've started your application, please finish it ASAP. I cannot begin reviewing your application until it's completed (minus medical information which can be submitted later). 3) If you are unable to join us this year, please let me know so that I can stop pestering you... at least for this year. Please email me at [email protected] and let me know either way regarding your intentions to apply for SNC Staff 2017. A few things you should know... 1) NEW FACILITY: As you might have heard by now. St. Nicholas Summer Camp has a new home. We will now be holding our program at Loucon Training and Retreat Center (www.loucon.org), located in Leitchfield, KY (1.5 hrs SW of Louisville). Loucon is pretty amazing. Huge facility, many of the same amenities we've come to enjoy at NaCoMe, and a few new/exciting things. 2) WE NEED EARLY COMMITMENT AND MORE STAFF: We are anticipating 100 campers this year. We had 75 last year and could easily go up by 15-25 more. We already have almost 30 registered for camp this year... nearly half are NEW campers! So we need you all to make an EARLY commitment to be on staff. I know that many of you work. However, we cannot do this without you. Especially in this transitional year, it is crucial to have plenty of staff. Please do what you can to make yourselves available, and to recruit quality individuals to apply. The online staff application system is up and running! 3) STFF TRAINING - ONLINE AND ON SITE: - Mandatory Onsite Staff Orientation on Saturday, July 22, 2017 to familiarize ourselves with our new campsite AND their policies/procedures. - Mandatory Video Staff Meetings to review policies and staff assignments at least a week prior to camp. All staff will be required to attend one of the two meetings. Dates TBD. In Christ, Eva

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 [email protected] Leah Apalodimas Horvath [email protected] Performances Memphis Greek Festival Friday, May 12, 6:00 pm Saturday, May 13, 12:00 Noon & 6:00 pm All dancers who wish to perform at Greek Fest must attend the last two rehearsals on 5/6 and 5/11. Volunteer Needs: 2 parents to assist at dress rehearsal and with line-ups during performances 2 parents to assist with dressing room supervision at the festival 1 parent to assist with music at dress rehearsal and during performances 1 parent to assist Renee with costumes after the festival

Practice Schedule Juniors: Saturday May 6 – 10:00 am – 10:45 am Thursday, May 11 – 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Seniors: Saturday May 6 – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Thursday May 11 – 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm (Dress Rehearsal)

Graduation Sunday On Sunday, May 21 we will be honoring all our High school & College Graduates. Please send in your information along with a photo for our Graduation Program no later than Wednesday, May 10th ( or whatever day works best for you, Erin) to Erin at: [email protected] and copy Kathy Zambelis at [email protected]. Information should include: 1) Name of graduate 2) Parent's names 3) Name of school 4) Any notes of interest (recognitions, awards, area of study, future plans, and future school attending, etc). A reception will be held in honor of the Graduates following the ceremony hosted by Philoptochos and Daughters of Penelope. We look forward in honoring your graduate, so please send your information in on time!

Community Organizations Men’s Group/AHEPA We will award a scholarship on Graduation Sunday, May 21st and on Sunday, June 18th, we will also have our Fathers’ Day Pancake Brunch. Donations will go towards scholarship fund. 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 Daughters is the women’s organization of AHEPA. We share our Mission Statement: To promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence. CHRISTOS ANESTI!!! ALITHOS ANESTI!!!! CHRIST HAS RISEN!!! TRULY HE HAS RISEN!!! This is our favorite time of year. We are still enjoying our Pascha celebration. We hope you were able to participate in the majority of the services. They are all so beautiful and inspiring, especially Holy Week. We still be singing our beautiful Easter hymn in church until May 25 (Ascension Thursday). We do want to thank you, our parishioners, for your support in our koulourakia sale on Palm Sunday. With your generous support, we were able to raise $450 so thank you so very much. All this money will go to our scholarship fund. Added to our previous fund raisers for the scholarship, the Daughters will be awarding a $2000.00 scholarship to one of our seniors. On Saturday, August 26, our Athenian Dancers will be participating in the Germantown International Festival, as they have for the past 5 years. We will let you know when their performance time has been set so you can come and support our dancers. Though you would want to see the Parade of Countries at approximately 11:30 very inspiring. The Daughters will also have our “Greek Suitcase” items on display. This year, the International Festival will be held at the Agri-Center as there will be at least 30 countries participating. The Great Hall in Germantown is too small to accommodate the large crowds, which grow every year. Due to the additional expenses at the Agri-Center, they are asking for people to make contributions so this wonderful event can continue as a free admission. If you enjoyed attending in the past, this year it will be even larger and better. They are asking that you consider making a donation – a “Go Fund Me” page has been set up: www.gofundme.com/ germantown- international-festival. They will be grateful for any donation large or small. If you have any questions, comments, please contact Anastasia Terranova. In the meantime, we will be keeping ourselves busy with helping out at the last of the festival workshops and of course, also working at the festival. We hope you will take the time to also participate in these workshops and volunteering at the festival. The Daughters will be taking a break from meeting during summer so we can renew our energy. Though, that is not 100% true as we will be working on our upcoming Fashion Show and luncheon being held in September. Watch for more information on the Fashion Show in the near future.

Our Memphis Greek Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 12 th & 13th and we’ve got lots of work to get done before then. If you can help out at any of the workshops, bring your apron and come right on. The Workshop Schedule is listed below. Please check the parish calendar at www.goann.net/index/calendar for up to date information about the festival. To volunteer to help out during the Festival please sign up under one of the tabs at http://bit.ly/2mbMNoA or in Cotros Hall on Sunday during Coffee Hour.

Workshop Schedule May 5-6 Friday & Saturday Sweet Bread 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

May 9 Tuesday Syrup for Galaktoboureko 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

May 7-8 Sunday & Monday Pre-Pack Days • Sunday 12:00 Noon – 5:00 pm • Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

May 10 Wednesday Chicken Prep 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Meat Skewering 3:00 – until… May 11 Thursday Galaktoboureko Assembly 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Festival Pre Sale Tickets On Sale Now This is a wonderful opportunity to $AVE money! The presale ticket for the Dining Hall includes: Admission to the festival ($3.00 value), Dinner meal ($15 value) Small Greek Salad ($3.00 value) Total Value is $21.00. (If used elsewhere, Free admission to the festival ($3.00 value) and $15.00 to use for food or pastries.) PRESALE TICKET PRICE is $15.00. ALL PRESALE TICKETS MUST BE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE! Great gifts for teachers, co-workers, friends, neighbors and family! Can be used in the Drive-thru! Tickets can be purchased on Sundays after Divine Liturgy during Coffee Hour in the Parish Office during normal office hours and will be available until Noon on Friday, May 5th. Parking Arrangements Please park at CHICKASAW COUNTRY CLUB or use Shuttles from: St Michael's Church, Life Church or Poplar Plaza Shopping Center. If you are working Saturday evening - wrist bands will be required after closing. Pick up your wrist band at the Welcome Center when you arrive.

LENTEN ACTIVITIES ELPIS LENTEN LECTURE DINNER VOLUNTEERS

GOYA LOCK-IN

HOLY WEEK

YOUNG AT HEART LUAU LUNCHEON AND ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY, MAY 23rd 11:30 am in COTROS HALL Come enjoy a delicious Barbeque luncheon and then be entertained by the Steppin’ Out Dancers!

Come dressed in your BEST Hawaiian attire and you may win a door prize! This will be our last gathering until the Fall, so don’t miss out on the fun!

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 *Nigisti Amdetsion & Aklilu Maasho & family Zoe Anaston Chris & Connie Apalodimas Maria Apalodimas Michael & Annie Arcamuzi & family John & Diane Avgeris *Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas & family Steven & Anastasia Barlow & family *Demetra Bitinis *John & Deborah Bookas *Janet Boosalis *Shawn Branum *Angela Buchanan Claude Burdikoff Jacob & Michele Buring Dean & Vickie Carayiannis & family *Endy Carter Brianna & Conan Castellucci *Mary Chagaris *Cary Chiungos *John Chulos Pat Cooper *Charles & Connie Cotros * Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis & family *Elaine Daniels *Alexander & Sangeeta Deitz *George Deitz & Kristine Wagner *Helen Demas *Chris Demopoulos Chris & Shawn Demos George & Bonita Dendrinos Anna Denton

Greg & Cyndi Detty & family Andrew & Christina Douglas & family *Vasilios & Georgia Douklias Yiannis Drosos *Bruce & Helen Erskine Linda Farrell Phillip & Kellye Farris & family *Nick & Marty Fox *Pete & Jan Futris *Steve & Zoe Futris *Evangelia Gallagher *Christina George Kalovan Getev *Bill & Niki Gikas *Joanne Gikas *Alex Gogonelis Ronald & Patricia Grantham & family *Alan & Renee Graves & family Kevin & Pannayiota Guigley & family *Maria Hallas *Sarantos & Catherine Hatzigeorgiou *Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins & family Laurentiu & Mihaela Herbei & family *Sandy E Herbert *Maria Hetos Monica & Evan Hinson Spence Holland & family Nathan & Stephanie Hooker & family *Ken & Vicki Hoover & family Tina Horne Andrew & Leah Horvath & family Koula Hristopoulou

*Marcus & Cristina Hunter & family Dorothy Huston *Athena Jameson *Al & Tina Jennings *Bill & Denise Joyner Vasilios & Stavroula Kakales Jim & Despina Karas *George Karkatsugas Georgia Karris *Diane Kavelaras *John & Nancy Kay John & Jennifer Kay, Jr. Maureen Kay *James Kennedy Nader Khalaf *Sarkis & Jenny Kish Regina Kolaitis Bessie Kolapanas *Marcy Kollias *Kalliope G Lefes George Limberakis *Tina Liollio Kevin & Alexia Loughman Samya Louza *Tom & Emily Love Irini Manousakis Pete & Amelia Maragos & family Yolanta Matika *Gus & Helen Mavraganis *Scott McKee & Weilin Xi & family *Bobby & Nicole McNulty *Emily Melonas Peter & Kathryn Melonas James & Susan Meng Tamara Miller Allen & Lydia Mims & family

Mary “Toni” Montgomery & family *Alexis Moore *Mike & Maria Moore *Tommy & Kyndall Moore *Robert & Kathy Morrison Michael & Valerie Mosby *Naji & Rebecca Nassif & family Nick & Linda Nichols Michael & Linda Nix *Mitch & Linda Obradovic & family Asmelash & Asmeret Ogbasion & family Gregory & Elaine Otto *Evangelia Panas *Demetri Papastefan Alexandra Pappas Maria Pappas *Anna Paris Dorothy Paris *Evangeline Paris Dennis & Odette Patrikios Steve & Nancy Patterson Basil & Bethany Paulus * Manual & Mary Beth Peters Manuel & Susanna 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 Daniel Shipman & family Ala Simonchyk & Stephen Fafulas Harry & Magda Sinis & family Tom & Susan Sinis *Harry & Cathe Skefos *Katherine Skefos 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 James Taras *Kosta & Loretta Taras *David & Christine Tashie *George & Cecile Tashie *James & Nancy Tashie *John Tashie Judd & Debbie Tashie Rick Taylor *Anastasia Terranova

Amanuel & Brur Tesfazion & family *Lee & Yiota Theodore *Sophie Theodore *Fr. Simon & Presvytera Stephanie Thomas & family John & Helen Thompson Gregg & Lorrie Tingle Richard & Angela Tobias Kimberly Topolewski Sarah Touliatos Maria Trif Petrisor & Angelita Tudor & family Cornelia Varnavas *Alex Vergos *Annie Vergos John & Ellen Vergos *Tasia Vergos Theodore Vergos Lee Vieron Fr. Nicholas & Bess Vieron *Magdi & Amira Wassef & family *Maria Wasserman *Vasiliki Whitten James & Melinda Williams & family *Nick & Georgia Zaharopoulos *Michael & Kathy Zambelis William & Julie Zdancewicz & family

As of April 30, 2017: 2017 Stewardship Cards – 90 Stewards – 185

As of April 30, 2016 2016 Stewardship Cards – 83 Stewards – 166

Amount Pledged – $190,128.00 Amount Received to date – $88,852.44 Amount Received in April – $24,609.00

Amount Pledged – $145,880.00 Amount Received to date – $90.616.51 Amount Received in April - $22,476.00

MAY 2017 SUNDAY

MONDAY 1

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

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3

THURSDAY 4

7 Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Last day of Sunday School 11:00 am GOYA Meeting 12:00 DOP Election of Officers 12:00Noon Festival Pre-pack Workshop 12:00 Noon Workshop Volunteers Lunch 12:00 Noon

8 Festival Workshop – Pre-packs 9:00 am

9 Syrup making 9:00 am Bible Study 6:30 pm

10 Festival Workshops – - Chicken Prep – 9:00 am - Meat Skewering 3:00 pm

11 Festival Workshop – Galaktoboureko 8:00 am Athenian Dance Troupe Practice Juniors & Seniors 5:00 pm

14 Sunday of the Samaritan Woman Mother’s Day Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am More Than a Meal Serving Team 3:00 pm

15 Parish Council Meeting 6:15 pm

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21 Sunday of the Blind Man Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am – 12:00 Noon Graduation Sunday 11:00 am Coffee Hour to Honor Graduates hosted by Elpis & DOP 12:00 Noon Special Parish Assembly 12:00 Noon

22 Church Tour Dinner 5:30 pm

23 Young at Heart Luncheon 11:30 am

24 Orthros/Divine Liturgy – Feast of the Ascension 6:00 pm

25 Feast of the Ascension Fr. Vieron’s Adult Greek Class Graduation 6:00 pm

28 Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 AM Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour hosted by Tina Douglas in Memory of her parents’ 50th anniversary

29 Memorial Day – Parish will be closed

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FRIDAY 5 Festival Workshop – Sweet Bread 9:00 am Last day to purchase Pre-Sale Tickets 12:00 Noon 12 Memphis Greek Festival 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Athenian Dance Troupe Performance 6:00 pm Sanctuary Tours at 1pm, 4pm, 7 pm 19

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SATURDAY 6 Festival Workshop – Sweet Bread 9:00 am Athenian Dance Troupe Practice  

Juniors – 10:00 am Seniors – 11:00 am

JOY Pool Party 2:00 pm 13 Memphis Greek Festival 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Athenian Dance Troupe Performances @ 12:00 Noon and 6:00 pm Sanctuary Tours at 1pm, 4pm, 7 pm 20

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