Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

The

EPISTLE

Annunciation

June/July 2018

Greek Orthodox Church 573 N Highland Street Memphis, TN 38122

Contact us at: (901) 327-8177 phone (901) 327-4440 fax www.goann.net [email protected]

Sunday Services: Orthros † 8:45 am Divine Liturgy † 10:00 am

Church Office Hours: Mon–Thurs † 8:30 am–4:30 pm Friday † 8:30 am–12:30 pm

Featured Activities This Month Health & Wellness Seminars

Monday, June 11th 5:00 pm—8:00 pm † Cotros Hall Dr. Alice Ceacareanu, Pharm.D., Ph.D., will offer three seminars on health & well-being free of charge: 5:00 pm—Anemia & Cancer 6:00 pm—Vitamin D 7:00 pm—Probiotics & Prebiotics

Father’s Day Brunch

Sunday, June 17th Following Liturgy † Cotros Hall The annual Father’s Day Pancake Brunch hosted by the AHEPA will take place today. Proceeds will go to the Scholarship Fund.

Parish Directories

Pilgrimage to Turkey & Greece

Father Simon Away

St. Nicholas Summer Camp

Deposit Due Monday, June 25th † See Flyers Inside Join Father Simon on an unforgettable Spiritual Odyssey from October Available Now † Church Office The new directory is ready and 1-15, 2018! Some of the cities and sites we will visit include: Constanavailable on Sundays in Cotros Hall, tinople, Mount Athos, Thessaloniki, Meteora, and Athens. See the flyor in the Church Office during busi- ers inside for details and more information. ness hours.

June 11th—June 30th † Vacation Father Simon and family will be vacationing in Greece. Father Nicholas Pathenos will celebrate Sunday Liturgy in his place.

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Summer Camp at Camp Loucon

Sunday, July 22nd—Saturday, July 28th † Leitchfield, KY Join us for summer camp! A bus will take us from the church to the camp on Sunday, and return on Saturday. Please see the flyer inside for more information.

Youth Section

July 1 —July 5 † Boston, MA GOYA End of Year Party The 44th Biennial Clergy-Laity Con- Sunday, June 3rd @ 2:00 pm † Douglas Home gress will be at the Marriott Copley Please visit the SignUpGenius page to RSVP. Bring your swimsuit and Place. Our Parish will send four rep- a towel, and some sunscreen! resentatives to participate in this important meeting. We will be sending two representatives to the National Philoptochos Convention as well.

Hierarchs of the Parish

Young Adult Ministries

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople Archbishop Elder Demetrios of America Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit

Young Adult League…………………..Alexis Moore OCF @ Ole Miss……………………..Blaise Brackett

Parish Clergy Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Pastor Emeritus

Office Personnel Erin Bobbitt de Padilla, Office Assistant

Parish Council Ted Poplos—President John Kay—Vice President Endy Carter—Secretary Naji Nassif—Treasurer Chris Apalodimas Demie Bitinis Madeleine Donnelly Bill Joyner Diane Kavaleras Vasili Semos Harry Sinis

Seniors Ministries Young at Heart………………………Kathy Zambelis

Elpis Philoptochos President…………………………..Elizabeth Hawkins Vice President……………………...Marianthe Pilcher Secretary………………………………..Joanne Gikas Treasurer……………………………….Anne Schmitt Committee Leaders: Altar Committee………………..Laura Couloubaritsis Cookbook…………………………………Elaine Otto Elpis Bookstore.Angela Tobias & Connie Apalodimas Food Pantry……………………………….Anna Paris Makaria Coordinator………………Marianthe Pilcher More Than a Meal……………………….Cyndi Detty Prayer Circle……………………………Luane Semos Sunshine Committee……………………….Zoe Futris Visitation Committee………………..Kristine Wagner

Memphis Greek Festival

Music Ministry

Festival Director……………………..Todd Bagatelas

Choir Director & Organist…………...DoraThea Barre Chanter Director…………………….Andrew Horvath

Greek Language

Youth Ministries Acolytes……………………………..Daniel Shipman Sunday School Director……………….….Anna Paris Pre-K/K…………………….. Anna Paris, Naji Nassif 1-2……………… Kristine Wagner, Christina George 3-4……………... Stephanie Johnson, Pannay Guigley 5-6……….………...Renee Graves, Alexia Loughman 7-8…………………. Ken Hoover, Gabriella Stroplos 9-12……………...Ted Poplos, Elizabeth Hawkins, Chris Apalodimas, and Brian Berretta GOYA Coordinators………..Andrew & Tina Douglas JOY Coordinator……..………………....Kellye Farris Oratorical Festival……………….…..Kathy Zambelis Athenian Dance Troupe……Andrew & Leah Horvath Christmas Program………………………Ken Hoover St. Nicholas Summer Camp……………Father Simon

Greek School Teacher…………………Despina Karas Adult Greek Class……………Father Nicholas Vieron

Organizations AHEPA……………………………………..John Kay DOP…………………………………..Phani Mitchell

Parish Library Docent…………………………………..Billy Benson

Gratitude and Thanksgiving Greetings in Christ! This past Sunday, the day of Pentecost, we celebrated services in the renovated sanctuary for the first time. It is hard to believe that everything was completed in less than a month, even with the Festival happening in the midst of the work. As with any construction project, there were a few bumps along the way, everything came together in the end. There are many people to thank for that … Thank you to the donors - Charles and Connie Cotros for their lead gift for the Icon Screen and Bishop’s Throne; the Gikas and Graves families for their gift for the Chanter’s Stand; the Douglas family for their gift for the Pulpit and the Tomb, in memory of their brother, Chris; and the Kay family for the Altar. Thank you to the Sanctuary Renovation Committee - Laura Couloubaritsis, Pete Futris, Elizabeth Hawkins, Andrew Horvath, John Kay, Naji Nassif, Demetri Papastefan, Derek Pilcher, Ted Poplos, Loretta Taras, and Mary Katherine Taras. Their vision and insights were invaluable to obtaining the finished product. Thank you to the Clean Out Crew on April 29th. There are too many to list—you know who you are. I was honestly blown away at how many people stayed after services to assist in preparing the sanctuary for the work to be done. Thank you to those who helped with the installation. Three young men did a tremendous amount of work all three days: Conan Castellucci, Paul Hoover, and Nicholas Poplos. Others who assisted at least one day, and some all three: Billy Benson, John Chulos, Pete Futris, Constance Poplos, Ted Poplos, Vasili Semos, and Paul Vieron. And a big thank you to John Kay, who took on the role of foreman, making sure everything was taken care of (how many trips to the hardware store?). Thank you to the Cleaning Crew - Alexis and Maria Moore jumped right in and began cleaning everything on Friday. Demie Bitinis and Laura Couloubaritsis followed up to ensure we were ready for Liturgy Saturday morning. Thank you to Scott McKee and Joseph Moynihan for helping move the Tomb into storage. Finally, thank you to all of you, our beloved parishioners. For your work prior to, during, and after the Greek Festival. For your support of the renovation. For your patience through the entire process of the construction. Presvytera and I will be taking the kids to Greece this month for vacation, then we will be in Boston for the National Clergy Laity Congress. Please welcome Father Nicholas Pathenos, who will be celebrating Sunday Liturgy for me. With Love in Christ,

“What, then, shall we give to the Lord in return for all the good things that have been given to us? He is so good that He does not demand anything in exchange, but it suffices Him merely to be loved by those to whom He has given gifts.” ~ Saint Basil the Great Long Rules

“We will say that the resurrection is the reconstitution of our nature in its original form. But in that form of life, of which God Himself was the Creator, it is reasonable to believe that there was neither age nor infancy nor any of the sufferings arising from our present various infirmities, nor any kind of bodily affliction whatever.” Saint Gregory of Nyssa

Rev. Father Simon Thomas Parish Priest

On the Soul and the Resurrection

President’s Message June 2018 WOW! As the Grateful Dead once said, “What a long strange trip it’s been”. I refer to the past few weeks. On April 29th, a crew of volunteers emptied the Altar and side rooms of everything that was not nailed down. For those items that were nailed down, we used hammer and pry bar to make them move. On Monday April 30 the demolition began. By the end of week one, there was no longer any tile or icon screen present. I really hope that you have been able to enjoy the beautiful iconography that is usually covered by the screen. You may have noticed that some of the lights haven’t been working and only half of the sound system works. They will be restored once the new icon screen is finished. And now that I think of it, by the time you are reading this, the project should be completed or at least 99% completed. To the many hands that have worked so hard to make this project a reality, I simply say thank you for a job well done. You can tell your children or grandchildren or both what part of the project you worked on. Better yet, bring them and show them. This is a historical event for our community and I hope that you have watched the progress and will be well pleased with the outcome. Oh yes, and for good measure, since the church under construction didn’t seem to be enough, the 60th annual Greek Festival took place. I cannot name each person that helped with a workshop, helped set up, helped run a booth, cooked in the kitchen or in the cook shed, provided meals in the drive thru, served up pastries or a cold beverage or worked in the count room or giving church tours. That would take too much time and too many pages. You all know who you are and those of us who say you know who you are. I say job well done. We had one of the best festivals in the past few years. The weather was fantastic and there were no major problems to speak of. The leftovers were few, so it looks like Anna will be able to close up shop soon. This is a monumental task for our community and each year I am amazed at the people who step up and get the job done. It simply would not or could not happen without you. To our graduates, I again say congratulations. Your school work has ended but your job is not yet done. You have more education in front of you, either in the form of higher education or that coveted job that you applied for. Please know that we at Annunciation will always be there to support you and assist you wherever you are. We hope that you will visit when you can and enlighten us with all the new things and experiences that you have learned. Plus, we need some new stories once in a while just to keep it fresh around here. I hope and pray that you all have a safe and restful vacation and that I will see you over the Summer at some point. 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 & family Parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo Nick, Helen, Alec, Maria, Zoe, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy, Cornelia, Kosta, George, Sarantos, Alex, Nicholas, Vicki, Marcy

Volunteers for June/July Acolytes:

Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty John Donnelly Nick Douglas John Eramo

Luke Farris Max Graves Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Eli Morris

Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef

June 24: July 1: July 8:

July 15: Patricia Grantham July 22: Andrew Douglas July 29: Scott McKee

Epistle Readers: June 3: Maryanna Couloubaritsis June 10: Patricia Grantham June 17: Scott McKee Prosphoro Maker: Enosis Touliatos Ushers: June 3: Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, & Demie Bitinis June 10: Team 3: Chris Apalodiams, John Kay & Harry Sinis June 17: Team 4: Endy Carter, Vasili Semos, & Ted Poplos June 24: Team 1: Madeleine Donnelly & Bill Joyner July 1: Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, & Demie Bitinis

July 8: Team 3: Chris Apalodiams, John Kay, & Harry Sinis July 15: Team 4: Endy Carter, Vasili Semos & Ted Poplos July 22: Team 1: Madeleine Donnelly & Bill Joyner July 29: Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie Bitinis

Coffee Fellowship Hosts: June 3: hosted by Skefos Family for 40 Day Memorial of Katherine Skefos June 10: hosted by the Bacopulos family for the 1 Year Memorial of Aspasia (Pat) Bacopulos Cooper June 17: Father’s Day Brunch hosted by AHEPA June 24:

July 1: hosted by Anca Chelsoi for the 1 Year Memorial of her father, John Muresan July 8: hosted by Daughters of Penelope July 15: July 22: July 29: hosted by the Nichols, Schmitt, & Hawkins families

Nativity of the Holy Prophet & Forerunner, John the BapJune 24th In Luke 1:5, the Gospel relates that the righteous parents of Saint John the Baptist, the Priest Zachariah and Elizabeth, lived in the ancient city of Hebron. They reached old age without having children, since Elizabeth was barren. Once, Saint Zachariah was serving in the Temple at Jerusalem and saw the Archangel Gabriel, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. He predicted that Saint Zachariah would father a son, who would announce the Savior, the Messiah, awaited by the Old Testament Church. Zachariah was troubled, and fear fell upon him. He had doubts that in old age it was possible to have a son, and he asked for a sign. It was given to him, and it was also a chastisement for his unbelief. Zachariah was struck speechless until the time of the fulfillment of the archangel’s words. Saint Elizabeth came to be with child, and fearing derision at being pregnant so late in life, she kept it secret for five months. Then her relative, the Virgin Mary, came to share her own joy. Elizabeth, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” was the first to greet the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. Saint John leaped in his mother’s womb at the visit of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and the Son of God incarnate within her. Soon Saint Elizabeth gave birth to a son, and all the relatives and acquaintances rejoiced together with her. On the eighth day, in accordance with the Law of Moses, he was circumcised and was called John. Everyone was amazed, since no one in the family had this name. When they asked Saint Zachariah about this, he motioned for a tablet and wrote on it: “His name is John,” which means, “God is gracious.” Immediately his tongue was loosed, and Saint Zachariah glorified God. He also prophesied about the Coming into the world of the Messiah, and of his own son John, the Forerunner of the Lord (Luke. 1:68-79). After the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ and the worship of the shepherds and the Magi, wicked king Herod gave orders to kill all male infants. Hearing about this, Saint Elizabeth fled into the wilderness and hid in a cave. Saint Zachariah was at Jerusalem and was doing his priestly service in the Temple. Herod sent soldiers to him to find out the abode of the infant John and his mother. Zachariah answered that their whereabouts were unknown to him, and he was killed right there in the Temple. Righteous Elizabeth continued to live in the wilderness with her son and she died there. The child John, protected by an angel, dwelt in the wilderness until the time when he came preaching repentance, and was accounted worthy to baptize the Lord. It should be noted that the Conception of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated on September 23rd, which makes his gestation period nine months plus one day. Further, we celebrate the Nativity of the holy Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary on September 8th, and her Conception on December 9th, making her gestation period nine months less one day. Contrasting this with the celebration of the Annunciation (conception of Christ) on March 25th, and Christ’s Nativity on December 25th, we see that it is Christ alone who is perfect in all things!

Church of Saint John the Baptist at his birthplace

Liturgical Calendar for June & July Sunday, June 3rd, Sunday of All Saints Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday, June 10th, Second Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am

Thursday, July 19th Orthros 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm

Sunday, July 22nd, Eighth Sunday of Matthew Sunday, June 17th, Third Sunday of Matthew, Fa- Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am ther’s Day Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday, July 29th, Ninth Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday, June 24th, Nativity of the Forerunner,

Saint John the Baptist Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am

Sunday, July 1st, Fifth Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday, July 7th, Sixth Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday, July 15th, Sunday of the Holy Fathers Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am

Visitation Committee June: Despina Karas & Angela Tobias July: Maria Moore & Diane Kavelaras August: NEED VOLUNTEERS September: Susanna Peters & Cathe Skefos October: Sophie Theodore & Kristine Wagner

November: Loretta Taras & Tasia Vergos

May: Demie Bitinis, Tricia Grantham, Emily Capadalis Love, Georgia Karris The following members of our parish family have requested visitation. For address and/or contact Alec Collis Maria Hetos

Stella Nichols Kosta Taras

information please check your parish directory or contact the Church Office.

December: Anastasia Terranova & Athena Jamison January: Nancy Tashie, Jan Futris & Tina Liollio February: Vicki Hoover & Family March: Linda Nichols, Anne Schmitt, & Debi Bookas April: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras

Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to volunteer to be on the 2018-2019 Visitation Committee, a ministry of the Elpis Philoptochos.

2018 CHURCH NAVE RENOVATION

Parish Ministries PHILOPTOCHOS, ELPIS CHAPTER #7041 June-July News and Announcements First of all, many thanks to our volunteers! We want to shout out the bookstore managers, Angela Tobias and Connie Apalodimas who worked so hard to prepare for the Festival. Everything looked lovely and we had a successful weekend. Remember, proceeds from the Bookstore support our scholarship fund. Our gratitude also goes to Laura Couloubaritsis and the altar committee! They did a great job around church for Pascha! These women represent just a few ways that our members are active in the community. If you’d like to get more involved with these or other activities, please contact our president, Elizabeth Hawkins or any Board member. Congratulations to our 2018 scholarship recipients: Maryanna Couloubaritsis and Nayla Nassif. We are very proud of their work and know that they are bound for wonderful things! General Meeting We will have a General Meeting on Sunday, June 10th following the Divine Liturgy. Please gather in the bookstore for a year-end recap and to hear what we have planned moving forward. I hope to see you there! More Than A Meal We continue our ministry on the third Sunday of the month. On June 17th we will meet at 3pm at Grace-St. Luke’s to serve food. On July 15th we will gather after the Divine Liturgy to cook in the kitchen, and then head to Grace-St. Luke’s later to cook. Please lend a hand at any part of this vital ministry to help those in our community. Save the Date! When: August 18th, 7pm What: “It Happens At Home: An Evening of Education and Action Surrounding Human Trafficking” It may be easy to relegate the issue of slavery to the history books, but the truth is it exists today in ways most of us don’t even realize. Human trafficking continues to plague our society, not only in the farthest reaches of the developing world but also here in America, and right here in the Mid-South. It has been described by our Ecumenical Patriarch as “Old Problems in A New World.” Join us for an evening of education with community members working alongside survivors of human trafficking. This event will be free; however, sponsorship opportunities are available to support local organizations. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Hawkins

YOUNG AT HEART Our wonderful Young at Heart group wil be taking a break over the summer months and will resume again in September. We had a Fantastic Luau and BBQ Luncheon in May. So many dressed in their favorite Hawaiian outfits and we all enjoyed delicious BBQ from the Rendezvous. Thanks SO much to the Vergos Family for providing our lunch. Vicki Whitten and Angela Tobias won the Costume Contest. See you all in September and have a GREAT SUMMER!!!

Book Review by Billy Benson Summer Reading Suggestions With Great Lent now behind us and summer on the horizon it is important to keep the light we received at Pascha burning within our home and lives. The Church recognized the difficulties of maintaining the growth developed during Great Lent and has provided bookends for the Summer with giving us two short yet important fasts: The Apostles Fast and the Dormition Fast. Both of these give us the ability to reset our lives during the often busy and even hectic times summer can provide. Another way to spend some quiet time is to include a reading program within our lives. I have listed below a few titles that might be of interest. Among the titles there are books that can help one better understand the faith, a few biographies, and some that focus on improving our understanding the importance of prayer and fasting. All of these books are written in an easy to read format and some have a short page count. These books may be found (or ordered) through your parish bookstore, your library, and online through Amazon. As in all readings, I encourage you to ask your father confessor questions that may arise during your reading. The Truth of Our Faith Elder Cleopa Uncut Mountain Press/Uncut Mountain Supply Saint Nectarios: Saint of Our Century Sotos Chondropoulos Kainourgia GE Publications/St Nectarios Press The Forgotten Medicine Fr. Seraphim Aleksiev St Xenia Skete/St Herman Press Tears of Repentance-true experiences in a Greek taxi cab by Athanasios Katigas St. Nicodemos Publications, Bethlehem PA Way of the Ascetics Tito Colliander St Vladimir Seminary Press

Beginning to Pray Met. Anthony Bloom Paulist Press The Mountain of Silence Kyriacos C. Markides DoubleDay publishers The Blessed Surgeon: The Life of Saint Luke of Simferopol Archdeacon Vasiliy Marushchak Divine Ascent Press

YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE Since 2013, we have been on the forefront of creating and shaping Christ-centered, Kingdom-oriented ministry that's been helping generations of Orthodox Christians around the world. Our Mission Y2AM helps introduce youth and young adults to Christ. Y2AM inspires them to live out their relationship with the Lord and His Church on a daily basis. We are a ministry team of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Take some time and listen to our Pop Culture Coffee Hour Podcasts at http://www.ancientfaith.com/ podcasts/popculture. Steven Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez talk about pop culture, theology, and whatever else is on their minds. They might even make you laugh. Maybe. “Pop Culture Coffee Hour” is a joint production of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Ancient Faith Radio. Other Y2AM great resources: The YouTube Channel series: The Trench https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbyQMR-_r8bLfaqiwxQ9sOpKhtHuiia0m The Ladder: a Blog https://www.y2am.org/web/blog/y2am/theladder Please check back here and on the YAL Memphis Facebook Page for future events for our Young Adults.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Connect Students to OCF

Click to hear from Y2AM Directory and OCF Board of Directors Member, Steve Christoforou about why the First Forty Days matter. You wouldn't send your kids off to college without a meal plan. Don't send them off to college without a spiritual plan. Help us help them find a home away from home as part of a local OCF chapter and in a local parish. Submit student contact information HERE by July 15, 2018 to ensure your college freshmen find their spiritual community. OCF Connect Kit A perfect graduation gift for your high school seniors! Help get them ready to find their home away from home in OCF. Includes:  Bible (New Testament & Psalms)  “Here Me” Prayer Book  Icon of Christ (4X6)  OCF drawstring bag  OCF Water Bottle  OCF swag (seasonal) Click here to order!

Summer Leadership Institute is a four-day leadership training institute for Orthodox Christian college students and young adults (ages 18-25). Learn what it means to be an Orthodox leader in OCF, the Church, and the world. Click here for more details on the curriculum and how to register.

YOUTH MINISTRIES Sunday School Reminder to parents: Our last day of Sunday School was April 29th this year in preparation for the festival. Sunday School registration for fall will be held at the beginning of August. Teachers Pre-K /KK 1st/2nd 3rd/4th 5th/6th 7th/8th 9th-12th

Anna Paris, Naji Nassif Kristine Wagner, Christina George Stephanie Johnson, Pannay Guigley Renee Graves, Alexia Loughman Ken Hoover, Gabriella Stroplos Ted Poplos , Elizabeth Hawkins, Chris Apalodimas, and Brian Berretta

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! We had an outstanding school year wth dedicated teachers and amazing students. The following students had Excellent Attendance. Abigal Moynihan Gracie Moynihan Kailey Moynihan Elpinike Thomas

Demetri Thomas David Wassef Katherine Hoover Austin Detty

Sunday School will resume in August. Have a terrific summer!

Nick Douglas Sophia Douglas Diana Popa Rachel Semos

Graduation Sunday and Youth Advisors/Teachers Recognition Day

What a special day we had May 20th when we honored all our Graduating Seniors from High School, College and those who received Master’s Degrees. Congratulations to you all for all your hard work and also to your families! We were so happy for all those who received Scholarship Awards: Daughters of Penelope: Maryanna Couloubaritsis Elpis: Maryanna Couloubaritsis and Nayla Nassif AHEPA: Nayla Nassif and Sarah Tashie Chris Douglas Scholarship: Nayla Nassif and Sophia Tashie We also recognized all the Sunday school teachers and Youth Advisors/Teachers. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to our children and to our church. Excellent Attendance awards were also giving out to Sunday school students with excellent attendance. A beautiful reception followed in the fellowship hall hosted by the Daughters of Penelope and Elpis. President of DOP Phani Mitchell presenting Maryanna Couloubaritsis with her scholarship President of Philoptochos Elizabeth Hawkins awarding Nayla Nassif & Maryanna Couloubaritsis with the Elpis Scholarship

President of AHEPA John Kay presents AHEPA Scholarships to Nayla Nassif & Sarah Tashie (not pictured). Kathy Zambelis on behalf of Andrew Douglas & Family presented the Chris Douglas Scholaships to Nayla Nassif for the Graduating High School Senior to Nayla Nassif and to Sophia Tashie for the Continuing College Student.

Father Simon recognizes Anna Paris for so many years of all her hard work and dedication to our children.

2018 GRADUATES & FAMILIES

THIS YEAR WE HAD 16 GRADUATES FROM HIGH SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY, MASTERS & DOCTORAL PROGRAMS.

High School Graduates Zephyr “Axios Barlow Patricia Bichi Maryanna Couloubaritsis Lee Jennings Yianni Karastamatis Nayla Nassif Franchesca Sarantidis Sarah Tashie University Elena Bagatelas Matthew Hoover Alexander Owen

Nicholas Poplos Alexander Preza Jana Zdancewicz Master’s Degree Christian Mitchell, MS Biology, Union University Professional Degree Corina Spanu , PharmD, UTHSC

GOYA Goyans and GOYAN familiesWe’ve had an incredible year full of field trips, faith and festival booth fun!! Let’s take a look back at all you’ve done… Y2AM : We began with our Y2AM Ministry about growing our love and kindness in this world and how we can do that through Orthodox faith. We specifically talked about carrying out good deeds no matter how small with a focus on serving Christ and doing our best to serve Him in our daily lives. Memphis Tigers Football game: We tailgated at the Tigers/ Southern Illinois football game with GOYANS making the food for the tailgate! We focused on fellowship as we provided food for each other while the Tigers won in convincing fashion. NCRM & Father V: We followed that up with a trip to the National Civil Rights Museum and reflected on how we can learn from our history and avoid the sins of the past (Our field trip made it into the Orthodox Observer) (See Attached). At our next GOYA meeting, Father Vieron gave his unique perspective of the civil rights movement in Memphis through his eyes. We also talked about what our Orthodox faith tells us about human rights. ELMWOOD : We paid a visit to the historic Elmwood Cemetery to understand the history of our community. We had a great group discussion about what we want our legacy to be and how will our Orthodox faith get us there. GIVING: In the season of giving we learned how to make Prosfora for the parish and made more than a dozen loaves. It was a small gift from GOYA to the Annunciation community. CAROLING: During the Christmas season GOYANS visited and sang Christmas carols at homes, nursing homes and communities through the Mid-South. The outing highlighted the focus of serving others as GOYANS. Singing carols and hymns of the church brought so much joy and emotion to everyone we visited. SUPER BOWL PARTY: One of the most exciting super bowls in recent memory and GOYA was watching it all at the Detty’s house participating in this very social event. Sunday of Orthodoxy : With other Orthodox youth in Memphis we had a great group discussion about faith through fasting during Lent and our challenges of putting our faith into action in our everyday lives. Mid-South Food Bank Fundraiser – Goyans made each dish and raised $500 after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday. That money was then donated to the Mid-South Food Bank and turned into 1,500 meals for needy families in more than 30 counties in 3 states across the Mid-South.(see attached). Grizzlies: We teamed up for a fellowship outing and watched the Grizzlies and the Lakers battle it out on the hardwood until the last second. LENTEN LOCK IN had nearly 100% attendance. The leadership and support of our youth during this lock in and during Holy Week was inspirational. We were so proud of this most popular event as GOYANS continued to grow in their service to Christ The lock-in was nonstop action with faith and service…games and movie time….even a fair amount of sleep too. GOYANS at the Greek Festival Thanks so all who made the Baklava Sundae booth a huge success! Giving back to the church is always important. Whether it’s making Prosfora or making Baklava Sundaes for the Greek Festival.. GOYANS worked the long hours to help the booth sell out of ice cream. People still kept coming back! Thank you for all the work in between dancing and working other places during the festival. MORE THAN A MEAL : Throughout the year we helped serving the homeless at Grace St Luke’s Church during More than a Meal. The need is great and thank you to all who lived their faith through action at this event. GOYA LUNCHES : Thank you to all the parents who supported our youth and brought lunches to the GOYANS this year. We appreciate you signing up! We will cap off our incredible year with an end of the year GOYA pool party at the Douglas house Sunday June 3ndfrom 2:30pm-5:30 pm. All you have to do is show up and celebrate the year with your fellow GOYANS as we look back and look ahead to what’s next. Look for a sign up email and please RSVP so we know how many can attend. Yours in Christ, Andrew, Tina & Demetri

HOPE/JOY Welcome to all the HOPE/OY families at Annunciation! HOPE & JOY are the children’s ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. HOPE is the ministry for the Kindergarten through 2nd grade children, & JOY, the Junior Orthodox Youth, is the ministry for the 3rd through 6th grade children. Since HOPE & JOY are ministries, the programs reflect the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life.

Members of JOY attended a relaxing cookout at the Schmitt's house in May. The children played together, blew bubbles, and painted rocks. A wonderful time was had by all. Thank you again to Eric and Anne for hosting this get together! JOY has no definite plans for the Summer months, but I may send out an occasional email with a fun event invitation. Please send me an email if you are not receiving messages from me about JOY events. ([email protected]) Have a great Summer! Thanks so much, Kellye Farris

May Notices Weddings: Vasiliki Ann Vieron & Richard Gaudet, May 31st Demetri Papastefan & Elleni Gavalas, May 19th, in Tallahassee, FL Baptisms: Shelby Krista Adams & Piper Deany Adams, May 19th, children of Jeremy & Tiffany Kay Adams Deaths: Katherine Fillon Skefos, May 2nd, Mother of Harry & Jimmy Skefos Maria Futris Griffin, daughter of Christine Futris Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of): Dorothy Blackwood by: Janie Paris Maria Futris Griffin by: Mary Katherine & Dimitri Taras Dorothy Paris by: William & Sylvia Sparkes Katherine Skefos by: Jimmy & Nancy Tashie, Sarkis & Jenny Kish, Cary Chiungos, Mike & Maria Moore, Anna Paris, Steve & Zoe Futris, Julie Zdancewicz, Al & Tina Jennings, Dennis & Odette Patrikios, Sarah Touliatos, Jim Kennedy, Jimmy & Georgia Smith, Julia Kapos & Mary Kapos, J Kapos & K Valelis, Alex Vergos, Manuel & Susanna Peters, Zoe Anaston, Maria Apalodimas, Eva Paris, Ed & Kathy Morrison, Gabriel & Enosis Touliatos, Tom & Emily Love, Thomas Rioniotis, Robert & Martha Jenkins, Anne Carter, Charles & Connie Cotros, Kosta & Loretta Taras, Demetra Bitinis, John & Dianne Avgeris, Frank Dyer III, Barry Maynard, John & Cornelia Koniditsiotis, George & Laura Couloubaritsis, Michael & Kathy Zambelis, Tina Liollio, Georgia Karris, Rioniotis Brothers, Albert & Meta Laabs, Janet Boosalis, Rhea Kardas, Julie & Jim Raines, Mr & Mrs. David Craig, Anne & Jim Warner, Albis Samonides, Mary Katherine & Dimitri Taras Chris & Connie Apalodimas, Tasia Vergos

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AHEPA/MEN’S GROUP

Welcome to AHEPA! AHEPA Mission statement: To promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, integrity, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. On Sunday, June 17th, AHEPA will host its annual scholarship fundraising breakfast for Father’s Day. Menu is scrambled eggs, pancakes and sausage. Donations will be accepted. What a great way to treat dad on his day! DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE The Daughters of Penelope would like to thank our community for such a wonderful year! The monies we raised helped us give to various charities both local and national. We are especially proud to give a $2000 scholarship to Maryanna Couloubaristsis. Congratulations!!

Also - we want to welcome our newest member - Konstadena Brown. We are so happy to have her as a part of our sisterhood! We had election of officers for 2018-2019 and they remain the same. PRESIDENT: Phani Mitchell V.PRESIDENT: Maria Moore SECRETARY: Anastasia Terranova TREASURER: Vicki Hoover CHAIR DECORATIONS and FLYERS: Penny Bichi BOARD OF GOVERNORS: Kathy Zambelis, Connie Apalodimas VICE PRESIDENTS OF SPECIAL EVENTS: EDUCATION/SCHOOLASHIP: Chrysanthe Preza, Angela Tobias, Toni Montgomery HELLENISM: Despina Karas, Chrysanthe Preza PHILANTHROPY: Vicki Hoover, Julia Couloubaritsis SUNSHINE: Athena Jameson CHURCH EPISTLE/HEAD OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE: Kathy Zambelis As we break during the summer months, we wish everyone a wonderful summer with family and friends - see you all in August.

PARISH NEWS & EVENTS Medication Safety Awareness Seminars

June 11th, 2018 in Cotros Hall Hosted by Annunciation & Sponsored by ROAKETIN Inc., & Dr. Alice Ceacareanu Anemia & Cancer 5:00 pm—6:00 pm Vitamin D 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Probiotics & Prebiotics 7:00 pm—8:00 pm See the flier pages for more information.

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival On April 21st, Nick Douglas, Sophia Douglas, & Rachel Semos won the St. John Oratorical Festival in Nashville and ascended to the Metropolis level for further competition. On May 19th, Rachel Semos & her family and Sophia & Nick Douglas & their family represented our Parish at the Metropolis level of the St. John Oratorical Festival, held in Sterling Heights, MI. They all spoke well and Sophia Douglas even won the top honor in the Junior Division. We wish Sophia all the best as she travels with her family to Chicago in June to represent the Parish & the Metropolis at the National St. John Oratorical Festival.

2018 MEMPHIS GREEK FESTIVAL

Preliminary Post-Festival Update Our 60th Anniversary Celebration of our Festival was such a wonderful success! We were blessed with two of the most beautiful days we had seen the entire year of 2018! The crowds were excited to get out to enjoy the weather and to attend our festival of all our delicious food, pastries, music, dancing an d fellowship. Our church tours were well attended. We are so proud to report that the entrance gate collected 6000 lbs of canned goods for the Mid-South Food Bank which will feed 8000-9000 meals to people in the Mid-South. Our gross sales exceeded $220,000 and our net profit is estimated at $90,000+.

To all those who spent tireless hours in workshops since the beginning of the year and to those who did other jobs throughout the year - we say "THANK YOU"!!!! Without your efforts, this would not be possible. We look forward to next year!

Monday, June 11th, 2018 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Social Hall 573 N Highland St., Memphis TN 38122

ANEMIA & CANCER Dr. Alice C. Ceacăreanu, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

There is an established and very complex relationship between anemia and cancer, with either of them holding the potential to becoming the cause or the consequence. More often than not, anemia is a preventable condition. Yet, its successful management depends on noticing early symptoms and approaching appropriate treatment. This presentation is a thought provoking information session regarding the options within our reach.

Hosted by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Sponsored by ROAKETIN Inc. & Dr Alice Talks



VITAMIN D Dr. Alice C. Ceacăreanu, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Besides its role in bone health and development, vitamin D continued to remark itself for many other benefits, some dramatically more interesting than bone formation. This discussion aims to introduce the audience to some less known vitamin D benefits, including improvement of diabetes mellitus and cancer outcomes.




PROBIOTICS & PREBIOTICS Dr. Alice C. Ceacăreanu, Pharm.D., Ph.D.

Every day, a healthy individual carries more colonizing bacteria than own human cells, each of us being a ginormous walking fermenter. The variety and the number of these organisms depends on the state of health of each respective individual. Disease, treatment, and diet, all determine changes that lead to specific changes in the composition of our bacterial load. These modifications further determine our susceptibility to allergies, autoimmune diseases, cancer, or depression. This seminar aims to evaluate the current evidence supporting these statements.


PILGRIMAGE TO TURKEY & GREECE Including a day trip to Aegina Join Reverend Father Simon Thomas of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis, Tennessee on an unforgettable Spiritual Odyssey! October 01-15, 2018 15 Days/13 Nights

Constantinople-Salonika-Philippi-Kavala-Mt Athos-Kalambaka-Meteora-Athens-Corinth-Aegina CONSTANTINOPLE: Our Pilgrimage will take us to Constantinople, the heart of Orthodoxy. Visit the 17th century Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate. Pray at the St George Cathedral and venerate the Holy Relics of Saints Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. Participate in a private audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (subject to his availability). Visit the most important sites for the Greek Orthodox in Constantinople: Agia Sophia, the Church of the Holy Savior of Chora, Topkapi Palace housing the relics of St John the Baptist, and Panagia Blacherna where the beautiful hymn, “Te Ypermacho” was chanted over 1,400 years ago, and the Grand Bazaar. GREECE: Visit the most important sites from Northern Greece to Athens. Visit Philippi and Kavala or Ancient Neopolis. Continue on to Ouranoupolis and sail around the legendary Byzantine monasteries of Mt Athos. Visit Agiou Ioannis Theologou Monastery. Enjoy a tour of Thessaloniki including the Cathedral of St Demetrios, Moni Vlatadon, Osios David and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Visit Kalambaka and attend Liturgy at the Meteora Monasteries. You will receive a very warm welcome at the Monasteries and venerate relics and icons usually not brought forth. Visit Veria/Bema where St Paul visited. Take a day trip to the island of Aegina including a visit to the Holy Trinity Monastery to venerate the relics of St Nektarios and the colorful sea-side village of Perdika. While in Athens, visit the Acropolis and its new museum and Corinth and its museum. Visit the famous Corinth Canal and the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion and enjoy lamb on the spit in a typical Greek taverna.

Rates: Air & Land: Double occupancy, per person: $3585* & Single Occupancy: $4480* *All rates reflect a 4% check discount which does not apply if payment is made in any other way. Air tax/fuel surcharge of $425 are included and not guaranteed until ticketing takes place.

SPACE IS LIMITED and on a FIRST COME BASIS Deposit of $500 due by June 25th, 2018 or late booking fee of $50 per person will apply! TOUR INCLUDES: *International air ORD/IST/ & ATH/IST/ORD on Turkish Airlines *First class hotel accommodations in Turkey: 3 nights in Constantinople *First class hotel accommodations in Greece: 1 night Kavala, 2 nights Ouanoupolis, 3 nights Thessaloniki, 1 night Kalambaka & 3 nights Athens *All hotel taxes, service fees and daily breakfast & seven dinners *12 days of sightseeing in air-conditioned motorcoach with English/Greek speaking Orthodox guides (subject to confirmation) & all entrance fees *Roundtrip hydrofoil tickets to Aegina including half day tour and visit to Holy Trinity Monastery & Perdika Village *Cruise around Mt Athos *Private audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch (subject to confirmation) *All private arrival and departure transfers with English speaking escort

Cloud Tours Inc. 31-09 Newtown Ave. Long Island City, NY 11102 Tel: 718-721-3808 Toll Free 800-223-7880 Fax: 718-795-4356 Email: [email protected]

Itinerary for the Pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece Day 1: Monday, October 01 - CHICAGO / CONSTANTINOPLE Depart Chicago O’Hare on Turkish Airlines, nonstop to Istanbul. Day 2: Tuesday, October 02 - CONSTANTINOPLE Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. (D) Day 3: Wednesday, October 03 - CONSTANTINOPLE Full day tour to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Private audience with His All Holiness (subject to his availability), Panagia Blacherna, Grand Bazaar. Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. (B) Day 4: Thursday, October 04 - CONSTANTINOPLE Full day tour to Chora, Agia Sophia, Underground Cisterns, the Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace. Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. (B) Day 5: Friday, October 05 - CONSTANTINOPLE / ALEXANDROPOULIS / KAVALA Drive from Constantinople to the Turkish/Greece border. Change buses in Alexandropoulos and proceed to Kavala with a stop in Philippi (time permitting or will be visited the next morning). Visit the site in Philippi. Drive to Kavala. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kavala. (B, D) Day 6: Saturday, October 06 - KAVALA / AMFIPOLIS / OURANOUPOLIS After, depart Kavala for Ouranoupolis with an en route stop in Amfipolis. Drive to Ouranoupolis. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Ouranoupolis. (B, D) Day 7: Sunday, October 07 – OURANOUPOLIS / MOUNT ATHOS AM Liturgy followed by a scheduled boat cruise around Mt Athos. Dinner and overnight in Ouranoupolis. (B, D) Day 8: Monday, October 08 - OURANOUPOLIS / SOUROTI / THESSALONIKI Depart for Thessaloniki with en route stop in St John’s Monastery in Souroti. Full day tour of Thessaloniki including visits to the Castle of Thessaloniki, St. Demetrios and the crypt, Roman Agora, Moni Vlatadon, Osios David and the Archeological Museum. Overnight at the hotel in Thessaloniki. (B) Day 9: Tuesday, October 09 - THESSALONIKI Half day tour of Thessaloniki including visits to the Rotunda, Kamara, Arch of Galerious, Lefkos Pyrgos, Agia Sofia, Panagia Achaion and Agios Nikolaos Orfanos. Overnight at the hotel in Thessaloniki. (B) Day 10: Wednesday, October 10 - THESSALONIKI / KALAMBAKA Drive to Kalambaka with and en route stop in Vergina and Veria. Drive to Kalambaka. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kalambaka. (B, D) Day 11: Thursday, October 11 - KALAMBAKA / ATHENS Visit Meteora Monasteries. Drive to Athens. Overnight at the hotel in Athens. (D) Day 12: Friday, October 12 - ATHENS Morning half day Athens City tour including the Acropolis and its museum. After tour of Corinth. Overnight at the hotel in Athens. (B) Day 13: Saturday, October 13 - ATHENS / AEGINA / ATHENS Drive to Piraeus for hydrofoil to Aegina. Visit St. Nektarios, Temple of Aphaaia, Agios Minas and Perdika Village. Return to Athens. Dinner at hotel or local restaurant. Overnight in Athens. (B, D) Day 14: Sunday, October 14 - ATHENS / SOUNION / ATHENS AM Liturgy. Afternoon visit to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. Typical Greek taverna dinner in the town of Kalyvia (B, D) Day 14: Monday, October 15 - ATHENS / ISTANBUL / CHICAGO Depart for the airport for you flight back to Chicago via IST on Turkish Airlines. (B)

PILGRIMAGE TO TURKEY & GREECE Including a day trip to Aegina Join Reverend Fr. Simon Thomas of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis, Tennessee on an unforgettable Spiritual Odyssey! October 01-15, 2018 15 Days/13 Nights I am requesting services for ________ people. The exact name on the passport (s) is/are: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Tel: ____________________ Evening Tel: __________________________Cell: ____________________________ Email: _______________________________Special Requests: Meals (Diabetic, vegetarian etc.): ______________________ Rooming with: ________________________Wheelchair: Yes___ No___Star Alliance #______________________________ SELECT BETWEEN OPTIONS I, II: OPTION I: Select either double or single occupancy inclusive of air from ORD/IST & ATH/IST/ORD Per person double occupancy $3585* x 2 $____________ Single occupancy $4480* x 1 $____________ *Air tax/fuel of approximately $425 is include in the above prices and not guaranteed until ticketed and subject to change OPTION II: Select either double or single occupancy land only in Turkey/Greece (No flights included) Land only rate per person double occupancy $2635* x 2 $____________ Land only rate single occupancy $3530* x 1 $____________ Departure/Arrival transfers may not be included in Land Only rates ALL OPTIONS: Please add: Gratuities per person (not optional) $ 180 x _ $____________ Delivery of documents (not optional) $ 25 x 1 $ 25.00 *Rates reflect a 4% check discount which does not apply if payment is made in any other way. OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION: Premium is based on the value of your trip and is per person: For trip value: $2,001- $3,000 $187 x _______ $___________ For trip value: $3,001- $4,000 $248 x _______ $___________ For trip value: $4,001- $5,000 $313 x _______ $___________ TOTAL CHARGES: $___________ Please mail this reservation form, a copy of your passport and a deposit of $500 per person payable to Cloud Tours Inc. SPACE IS LIMITED! RESERVE NOW! DEADLINE: June 25, 2018 or late booking fee, $50 applies. TOUR INCLUDES: *International air ORD/IST/ & ATH/IST/ORD on Turkish Airlines *First class hotel accommodations in Turkey: 3 nights in Constantinople *First class hotel accommodations in Greece: 1 nt. Kavala, 2 nts. Ouanoupolis, 3nts. Thessaloniki, 1 nt. Kalambaka & 3 nts. Athens *All hotel taxes, service fees and daily breakfast & seven dinners *Twelve days of sightseeing in air-conditioned motor coach with English/Greek speaking Orthodox guides (subject to confirmation) & all entrance fees *Roundtrip hydrofoil tickets to Aegina including half day tour and visit to Holy Trinity Monastery & Perdika Village *Cruise around Mt. Athos * Private audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch (subject to confirmation) *All private arrival and departure transfers with English speaking escort CONDITIONS: Confirmation is subject to receipt of deposit with reservation form and a copy of your passport no later than June 25, 2018. Deposits received June 26 and later are subject to a $50 late booking fee & applicable air surcharges. Final balance due July 25, 2018. Air taxes / fuel surcharges are not guaranteed unless ticketed. Ticketing must occur for the group at the same time. A minimum of 25 people required or additional fees will apply. Cancellation fees: Once deposit is received, an administration fee of $150 per person applies in cases of all cancellations. Additional fees for cancellations received between Aug 1 –Aug 12, $500 per person and between Aug 13-Sept 9, 75% of the tour price and between Sept 10– day of departure, non-refundable. No refund for no-shows or unused portions of tour. Additional cancellation fees may be imposed by suppliers subject to date of cancellation. Should the group cancel for any reason, including political strife, Cloud Tours reserves the right to charge a $100 per person administration fee. Travel protection is recommended & must be paid with deposit to waive the pre-existing medical conditions exclusion. Travel protection is nonrefundable. You may request a copy of the Description of Coverage, prior to purchase, which includes the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions. This plan provides insurance coverage for your trip that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailer”. Cloud Tours reserves the right to deny service to any person based upon its discretion and/or the particular needs or circumstances of a given group. CLOUD TOURS INC. 31-09 Newtown Ave. L.I.C., N.Y. 11102 Tel: 718 721 3808 / 800 223 7880 Fax: 718 795 4356 Email: [email protected]

FRIENDS OF THE METROPOLIS

When you support the Friends of the Metropolis

pray

give

grow

General Support

Clergy/Parish Support

Fully fund the general expenses of the Metropolis office, including programs and travels.

Develop and provide instructional seminars and services for clergy and parishes.

Outreach/Missions

Youth Ministries

Create opportunities to introduce our faith to society. Participate in inter-Christian and interfaith activities. Provide quick responses to national and international disasters.

Support the youth & young adult ministries, including our summer camps, as well as the activities of a full-time Metropolis Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

Education

Leadership

Enhance various scholarship opportunities, adult education programs, and support Metropolis students at Hellenic College/Holy Cross.

Organize Clergy-Laity Conferences, Oratorical Festivals, Youth Worker and Religious Education Training, and Adult Education Seminars.

Hellenism

Special Programs

Develop programs for Hellenic Cultural Outreach, including language, history, and arts.

Continued website development, hospitality to visiting dignitaries, charity and philanthropy.

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 Metropolis-wide 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

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

Credit Card

Name

Address

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Money Order

Credit Card No.

Zip

Exp. Date

City

State

Email

Mobile No.

Total in $

Parish Name

City/State

Signature

CVC No.

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

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.

2018 List of Stewards Katherine Abraham Tiffany Adams *George & Theodora Alekos Zoe Anaston Speros Angelakis *Chris & Connie Apalodimas *Maria Apalodimas Michael & Annie Arcamuzi Nick & Anne Argol *John & Diane Avgeris Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas *Steven & Anastasia Barlow James & Olivia Beard, II Frank & Penelope Bennett *Billy & Carri Benson *Demetra Bitinis *John & Deborah Bookas Janet Boosalis *Shawn Branum *Angela Buchanan Claude Burdikoff Jacob & Michele Buring *Richard Caldwell Dean Carayiannis *Endy Carter *Mary Chagaris Catalin & Anca Chelsoi Cary Chiungos *John Chulos *Charles & Connie Cotros George & Laura Couloubaritsis Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis *Elaine Daniels George Deitz & Kristine Wagner *Helen Demas Chris & Shawn Demos Alexander Denton Anna Denton *Greg & Cyndi Detty *John & Madeleine Donnelly Andrew & Christina Douglas *Vasilios & Georgia Douklias Ioiannis Drosos & Regina Kolaitis Bruce & Helen Erskine Phillip & Kellye Farris *Nick & Marty Fox *Pete & Jan Futris Steve & Zoe Futris

*Evangelia Gallagher *Christina George *Bill & Niki Gikas Joanne Gikas Ronald & Patricia Grantham Alan & Renee Graves Kevin & Pannayiota Guigley Sarantos & Catherine Hatzigeorgiou Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins Laurentiu & Mihaela Herbei *Sandy E Herbert *Maria Hetos Spence Holland Nathan & Stephanie Hooker Ken & Vicki Hoover *Andrew & Leah Horvath Ann Alexander Howard Koula Hristopoulou *Cristina Hunter Dorothy Huston *Athena Jameson Al & Tina Jennings *Bill & Denise Joyner George & Dimitra Kakales Vasilios & Stavroula Kakales *Mary Kapos Jim & Despina Karas Antonios Karaziotis & Beverly Sanderson *Georgia Karris *Diane Kavelaras Erin Kay *John & Nancy Kay Maureen Kay *James Kennedy Nadar & Toni Khalaf Sarkis & Jenny Kish Bessie Kolapanas Harry & Jenny Koniditsiotis John & Cornelia Koniditsiotis *Kalliope Lefes *Tina Liollio Kevin & Alexia Loughman Samya Louza Tom & Emily Love *Aklilu Maasho & Nigisti Amdetsion Irini Manousakis Pete & Amelia Maragos *Yolanta Matika

Gus Mavraganis *James Scott McKee & Weilin XI *Bobby & Nicole McNulty *Emily Melonas Peter & Kathryn Melonas *James & Susan Meng *Gus Michalas *Michael & Madeline Michalopulos Allen & Lydia Mims Tom & Phani Mitchell Mary “Toni” Montgomery *Alexis Moore *Mike & Maria Moore *Tommy & Kyndall Moore *Steven & Jennifer Morris Robert & Kathy Morrison Michael & Valerie Mosby Naji & Rebecca Nassif *Nick & Linda Nichols Michael & Linda Nix Mitch & Linda Obradovic Abraham Ogbasion Asmelash & Asmeret Ogbasion *Stefan & Mary Osborn Greg & Elaine Otto Demetri Papastefan Maria & John Papastefan Alexandra Pappas Andrew & Jenny Pappas Maria Pappas *Anna Paris *Dorothy Paris *Evangeline Paris Dennis & Odette Patrikios Basil & Bethany Paulus *Manual & Mary Beth Peters Manuel & Susanna Peters Spero & Elena Peters Derek & Marianthe Pilcher *Vasile & Maria Popa *Ted & Stephanie Poplos John & Maria Poulos *Chrysanthe Preza & Einir Valdimarsson Elizabeth Ramage *Scott & Nancy Reed Patrick & Katherine Riederer Alex Roiniotis James “Pete” Ruby Roxanna Sabghi Terri Sarantidis *Eric & Anne Schmitt

Theresa Schnepf Vasili & Luane Semos *Daniel Shipman Harry & Magda Sinis Tom & Susan Sinis *Harry & Catherine Skefos Vasilios & Eleni Skoutakis *Jimmy & Georgia Smith *James & Sophia Sousoulas *Thomas & Stasia Spentzas Pandora Stamson Steve & Joy Steckler Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras James Taras *Kosta & Loretta Taras *David & Christine Tashie George & Cecile Tashie *James & Nancy Tashie John Tashie Judd & Debbie Tashie Anastasia Terranova Amanuel & Brur Tesfazion *Lee & Yiota Theodore *Sophie Theodore *Fr. Simon & Presvytera Stephanie Thomas Gregg & Lorrie Tingle Andrew Tobias *Richard & Angela Tobias *Gabriel & Enosis Touliatos Sarah Touliatos Maria Trif Millicent Underwood *Konstantine & Julia Valelis Mary Verges *Alex Vergos John & Ellen Vergos *Tasia Vergos Theodore Vergos Lee Vieron *Fr. Nicholas Vieron *Paul Vieron *Stephanie Walker *Magdi & Amira Wassef Maria Wasserman *Vasiliki Whitten Jeanne Ybos *Nick & Georgia Zaharopoulos *Chris Zambelis *John Michael Zambelis *Michael & Kathy Zambelis William & Julie Zdancewicz

As of May 27, 2018: 2018 Stewardship Cards: 86 Stewards: 200 2018 Amount Pledged: $ 225,405.00 Amount Received to date: $116,574.50 Amount Received from April 29, 2018 to date: $20,930.00

As of May 31, 2017: 2017 Stewardship Cards: 91 Stewards: 191 Amount Pledged: $191,228.00 Amount Received to Date: $108,940.44 Amount Received in May: $20,088.00

JUNE 2018 SUNDAY

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4 APOSTLES FAST BEGINS 3 SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am 40 Day Memorial for Katherine Skefos Nursery Available 10:00 am—!2:00 Noon Coffee Hour hosted by Skefos Family for the 40 Day Memorial of Katherine Skefos 12:00 Noon Fundamentals of Financial Well-Being 12:00 Noon GOYA—End of Year Party at home of Andrew & Tina Douglas 2:30 pm—5:30 pm

5 6 Library Open 10:00 am—2:00 pm

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10 SECOND SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am 1 Year Memorials for Aspasia (Pat) Bacopulos Cooper & Morphi Samonides Nursery Available 10:00 am—!2:00 Noon Coffee Fellowship hosted by the Bacopulos family for the 1 Year Memorial of Pat Bacopulos Cooper 12:00 Noon Elpis General Meeting 12:0 Noon 17 THIRD SUNDAY OF MATTHEW FATHER’S DAY Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 10:00 am—12:00 Noon Father’s Day Brunch hosted by AHEPA Father Simon Away

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Father Simon Father Simon Away Away 19 20 Library Open 10:00 am—2:00 pm Father Simon Father Simon Away Away

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24 NATIVITY OF THE FORERUNNER, ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 10:00 am—12:00 Noon Coffee Fellowship—OPEN Father Simon Away

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26 27 Library Open 10:00 am—2:00 pm Father Simon Father Simon Away Away

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30 SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES

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29 FEAST OF THE APOSTLES PETER & PAUL

Father SiFather Simon mon Away Away

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JULY 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY 1 FITFTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW 2 Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am 1 Year Memorial for John Muresan, father of Anca Chelsoi Nursery Available 10:00 am—!2:00 Noon Coffee Fellowship hosted by Anca Chelsoi for the 1 Year Memorial of John Muresan Father Simon Away Father Simon Away

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 3 4 Independence 5 Library Open Day 10:00 am—2:00 Office Closed pm

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FRIDAY

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8 SIXTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 10:00 am—!2:00 Noon Coffee Fellowship hosted by DOP 12:00 Noon

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15 SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 10:00 am—!2:00 Noon

16 17 18 Parish Council Library Open Meeting 6:15 pm 10:00 am—2:00 pm

19 20 Feast of the Orthros 6:00 pm Prophet Elijah Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm

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22 EIGHTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 10:00 am—12:00 Noon St. Nicholas Summer Camp

24 25 23 St. Nicholas Sum- St. Nicholas St. Nicholas Summer Camp Summer Camp mer Camp Library Open 10:00 am—2:00 pm Father Simon Father Simon Father Simon Away Away Away

26 27 St. Nicholas St. Nicholas Summer Camp Summer Camp

28 St. Nicholas Summer Camp

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29 NINTH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 10:00 am—12:00 Noon Coffee Fellowship hosted by the Nichols, Schmitt, & Hawkins families 12:00 Noon

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THURSDAY

31 Library Open 10:00 am—2:00 pm

Father Simon Away

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 573 N. Highland St. Memphis, TN 38122-5107