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

THE HOLY MANDYLION One of the earliest Icons witnessed to by Church Tradi- tion, is the Icon of the Savior Not-Made-By-Hands [AKA the Holy Mandylion]. According to Tradition, during the time of the earthly ministry of the Savior, King Abgar ruled in the Syrian city of Edessa. He was afflicted with leprosy over his whole body. At this time report of the great miracles performed by the Lord extended throughout Syria (Matt. 4:24) and as far as Arabia. Although not having seen the Lord, Abgar believed in Him as the Son of God and wrote a letter requesting Him to come and heal him. With this letter he sent to Palestine his court-painter Anani- as, entrusting him to paint an image of the Divine Teacher. Ananias went to Jerusalem and saw the Lord surrounded by people. He was not able to reach Him because of the great throng of people listening to His preaching; so he stood on a huge rock and attempted to produce a painting of the image of the Lord Jesus Christ, but he was unable to succeed. The Savior Himself called him by name and gave for Abgar a beautiful letter in which, having glorified the faith of the ruler, He promised to send His disciple in order to heal him from the leprosy and instruct him in salvation. After this, the Lord called for water and a towel. He wiped His face, rubbing with the towel, and on it was impressed His Divine Image. The towel and the letter the Savior sent with Ananias to Edessa. With thanksgiving Abgar received the sacred An icon representing the original Holy Mandylion object and received healing, but a small portion, only a trace, remained of the terrible disease on his face until the arrival of the promised Disciple of the Lord. brought to the Capital of the Orthodox. With great honor the Im- The Apostle of the 70, Thaddeus, came to them and age of the Savior Not-Made-By-Hands and the letter which He preached the Gospel, baptizing the believing Abgar and all living wrote to Abgar, were brought by the clergy to . On in Edessa. Having written on the Image Not-Made-By-Hands the Aug. 16 the Image of the Savior was placed in the Pharos Church words, Christ-God, everyone trusting in Thee of the Most-Holy Theotokos. will not be put to shame, Abgar adorned it "The Son is the image of the invisible Concerning the subsequent fate of and placed it in a niche over the city gates. God, the firstborn over all creation.” the Image Not-Made-By-Hands, there exists For many years the inhabitants pre- several traditions. According to one, it was served a pious custom of venerating the Im- (Colossians 1:15) carried away by Crusaders during the time of age Not-Made-By-Hands whenever passing their dominion over Constantinople (1204- through the gates. But a great-grandson of 61), but the ship on which the Holy Objects Abgar, ruling Edessa, fell into idolatry and resolved to take the had been taken, sank in the Sea of Marmora. According to anoth- Image away from the city walls. In a vision, the Lord ordered the er, the Image Not-Made-By-Hands was taken about 1362 to Gen- Bishop of Edessa to conceal His Image. The Bishop, coming at oa, where it was presented to and preserved in a monastery dedi- night with his clergy, lit before the Image a lampada and then cated to the Apostle Bartholomew. blocked up the niche with clay tablets and bricks. In the time of the iconoclastic heresy, the defenders of Many years passed by and the inhabitants forgot about icon-veneration, shedding their blood for the Holy Icons, sang the the Holy Object. But then, when in 545 the Persian King Chroses Troparion to the Image Not-Made-By-Hands. The Image (the I besieged Edessa, the position of the city seemed hopeless. But Holy Face) was put up as an emblem of the Russian armies, de- the Most-Holy Sovereign Lady manifested Herself to Bishop fending them from the enemy; and in the Russian Orthodox Evlavios and commanded him to get from the enclosed niche the Church there is a pious custom that before entering a church, the Image with which to save the city from the adversaries. Disman- faithful read together the prayers and the Troparion to the Image tling the niche, the Bishop found the Holy Image; before it Not-Made-By-Hands. The Feast of this Icon is celebrated on burned the lampada and on the clay tablets, with which the niche Aug. 16, during the Afterfeast period of the Feast of the Dormi- had been enclosed, was a similar image. After preceding with the tion, and is popularly called the Third Feast-of-the-Savior in Au- Cross and the Image Not-Made-By-Hands around the walls of the gust. city, the Persian army miraculously departed. Source: These Truths We Hold, compiled and edited In 630, Edessa was seized by the Arabs; but they did not by A of St. Tikhon’s Monastery, available on Ama- impede veneration of the Image Not-Made-By-Hands, glory of zon.com which extended out into all the East. In 944 the Emperor Con- stantine Porphyrogenitus (912-59) requested that the Image be redeemed from the Emir the ruler of the city of Edessa and 1 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL Rev. Father Bessinas, Presiding Priest Theo Lyketsos, Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director

SUNDAY SERVICES : ORTHROS: 8:45 am DIVINE LITURGY: 10:00 am • Orthodox Campus Ministry (OCF) WEEKDAY SERVICES: ORTHROS: 8:30 am DIVINE LITURGY: 9:30 am Theo Lyketsos • Dance Directors Dr. Maria Mendrinos, Bessie Piperides PARISH COUNCIL 2019 • Altar Servers Officers John Mangus, Jr., Coordinator President • Ladies Philoptochos Society • Stewards of the Altar John Katsias Maria Harless, President 1st Vice President Presvytera Eleni Rogakos • Hellenic Woman’s Club Evan Almyrantis • Coffee Fellowship 2nd Vice President Elizabeth Woods and Heather Karangelen, Chrissy Damalas Co-Presidents Cindy Dragas Secretary • Library Diana Roybal Presvytera Eleni Rogakos • Cathedral Office Treasurer Irene Pahno Tony Meares Helen Manuel, Office Administrator • Cultural Committee Members: Goran Todorovic, Bookkeeper Jane Williams • Kathy Stephanitsis Angelo Neskis, Facilities Manager • Golden Years • Jim Milonas • Annunciation Observer Lona Liosatos, President • Martha Pantelides Layout Editor: Theo Lyketsos • O.C.M.C. • Yiannis Papelis Editor in Chief: Fr. George Bessinas Maria Marshall • Ron Russell Mailing Volunteers • Steve Webb • I.O.C.C. Fred & Diana Roybal, Dwight and Pela Jen- Maria Herring kins, Toulla Koyzis

• Stewardship Committee • Agape /Hope/Joy Yiannis Papelis, Kathy Stephanitsis, Maria Achilleos , Katina Johnson, Cindy Dragas Denise Wessler Check out the following links: • Community Dinner • Sunday School • Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Martha Pantelides, Director Debbie Woodell www.goarch.org Andriani Vastardis • Young Adult Ministry • Metropolis of New Jersey • Greek School Theo Lyketsos www.nj.goarch.org George Pantas, Director • St. Lydia Womens Study • Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Group Emilia Simmons, Deputy Director www.annunciationva.org Presvytera Chrysanthie Bessinas Stavroula Marshall, Teacher • Annunciation Cathedral Facebook Page: • GOYA Dr. Maria Mendrinos, PTO https://www.facebook.com/groups/31428115 Theo Lyketsos • Choir Director 5328536/ Advisors Christopher Kypros Linda Meares, Phil Roussis, • Head Chanter Katherine P. Milonas Efthimios (Tim) Dermanis

The Annunciation Observer: Bi-Monthly Newsletter. Distributed to Parish Families. The Annunciation Observer is published by The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.

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3 NEW ICONS — TWO SAINTS TO GET TO KNOW! As you may have noticed, we have two brand new known throughout ; those who could not come to icons mounted on the left and right side in the back of the see him would sometimes send articles of clothing for him to cathedral. These icons are the generous gift of Kostas and pray over. Maria Anastasopoulos, and they depict St. Arsenios the Cap- He became known as Hadjiefendis, a Muslim term of padocian and St. Paisios the Athonite, two of the greatest honor for pilgrims, because he made pilgrimage to the Holy saints of the 20th century. These icons are a great blessing, Land every ten years on foot. He never accepted any gifts in as they both help us pray to two powerful intercessors, and return for his prayers and healings, saying: "Our faith is not for remind us to reflect on the great lives of the Orthodox Chris- sale!" He concealed his holiness as much as he could beneath tians who went before us. No doubt our donors were inspired a rough and sharp-tempered exterior. If anyone expressed by the incredible life and witness of these two spiritual giants, admiration for him, he would reply: "So you think I'm a saint? and for that reason sought both to I'm only a sinner worse than you. honor them and seek their interces- Don't you see that I even lose my sion through these icons. temper? The miracles you see are Those who are not familiar done by Christ. I do no more than with these two “mega-saints” (as my lift up my hands and pray to him." friend from seminary once called But as the Scriptures say, "the pray- them) would benefit greatly from ers of a righteous man avail much", learning about them. Those who and when St Arsenios lifted up his already know SS. Arsenios and hands, wonders often followed. He Paisios would do well to re-read lived in a small cell with an earthen their stories, as they are filled with floor, fasted often and was in the inspiration and reminders that God habit of shutting himself in his cell is very much active in the life of His for at least two whole days every Church. For this reason we have week to devote himself entirely to included abridged lives of these two prayer. saints in this issue of the Observer. Father Arsenios predicted But first, a little background: the expulsion of the Greeks from St. Arsenios was the village Asia Minor before it happened, and priest of a small Greek town in Asia organized his flock for departure. Minor during the Tourkokratia. His When the expulsion order came in reputation as a miracle worker was 1924, the aged Saint led his faithful so widespread that even the local on a 400-mile journey across Turkey Muslim population revered him and on foot. He had foretold that he came to him for help. His story would only live forty days after mostly comes to us through St. reaching , and this came to Paisios, who was his spiritual child pass. The Theotokos appeared to who compiled a book about his life St. Arsenios three days prior to his based on eyewitness testimony. St. St. Arsenios, on the left as you enter the nave. repose and took him to all the mon- Paisios in turn developed his own asteries and churches of Mount reputation for sanctity as a monk on Athos, which he had longed to visit the Holy Mountain, and after his death in 1994 his own disci- and see. His last words were: "The soul, the soul, take care of ples compiled a book about his life and miracles based on it more than the flesh, which will return to earth and be eaten interviews with eyewitnesses (many of whom are still alive by worms!" Two days later, on November 10th 1924, he died today). In the following pages, you can find shortened versions in peace at the age of eighty-three on the island of Kerkyra. of these accounts. These stories serve as excellent reminders In 1958 Elder Paisios transferred the of St. Ar- that God lives, and that the life of spiritual discipline in the senios from Kerkyra to his village in , and the same Orthodox Church pays unimaginable rewards. once again transferred the holy relics to the Monastery of St. ST. +1924 John the Theologian in Souroti near . Since 1970, The life of Saint Arsenios of Cappadocia was written many apparitions and miracles have occurred near his holy by Elder Paisios the Athonite, who was baptized by St. Arseni- relics, which reside in the Monastery of Souroti near Thessalo- os prior to the Saint's death, and who safekept the sacred niki. He was officially glorified by the Patriarchate of Constanti- skull of the Saint in his Cell. nople on 11 February 1986. Cappadocia (in eastern Turkey) is virtually devoid of now, but in 1840, when St Arsenios was born there, Source: www.johnsanidopoulos.com there were still vital Orthodox communities. He became a For more information, see Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian by monk and was sent to his native town, Farasa, to serve the Elder Paisios of , available on Amazon.com people as a priest. He became known as a mighty intercessor before God, praying for all who came to him, as well as Christians. His countless miracles of healing became

4 ST. +1994 brothers greatly and without distinction. In addition to his as- On July 25, 1924, the future Elder Paisios (Eznepidis) cetic struggles and the common life in the monastery, he was was born to pious parents in the town of Farasa, Cappadocia spiritually enriched through the reading of soul-profiting of Asia Minor. The family’s spiritual father, the priest-monk books. In particular, he read the Lives of the Saints, the Ger- Arsenios (the now canonized St. Arsenios of Cappadocia), bap- ontikon, and especially the Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the tized the babe with his own name, prophesying his future pro- Syrian. fession as a monk. A week after the baptism (and barely a Soon after his tonsure, Monk Averkios left Es- month after his birth) Arsenios was driven, along with his fami- phigmenou and joined the (then) idiorrhythmic brotherhood of ly, out of Asia Minor by the Turks. St. Arsenios guided his flock , where his uncle was a monk. He put along their four-hundred-mile trek to Greece. After a number himself under obedience to the virtuous Elder Symeon, who of stops along the way, Arsenios’ family finally ended up in the gave him the Small Schema in 1956, along with the new town of Konitsa in Epiros (north- name Paisios. Fr. Paisios dwelt deep- western Greece). St. Arsenios had ly on the thought that his own spiritu- reposed, as he had prophesied, for- al failures and lack of love were the ty days after their establishment in cause of his neighbor’s shortcom- Greece, and he left as his spiritual ings, as well as of the world’s ills. He harshly accused himself, pushing heir the infant Arsenios. himself to greater self-denial and The young Arsenios was more fervent prayer for his soul and wholly given over to God and spent for the whole world. Furthermore, he his free time in the silence of na- cultivated the habit of always seek- ture, where he would pray for hours ing the “good reason” for a potential- on end. Having completed his ele- ly scandalous event and for people’s mentary education, he learned the actions, and in this way, he pre- trade of carpentry. He worked as a served himself from judging others. carpenter until his mandatory mili- For example, pilgrims to Mount Ath- tary service. He served in the army os had been scandalized by the during the dangerous days of the strange behavior and stories told by end of World War II. Arsenios was a certain monk, and, when they met brave and self-sacrificing, always Elder Paisios, they asked him what desiring to put his own life at risk so was wrong with the monk. He as to spare his brother. He was par- warned them not to judge others, ticularly concerned about his fellow and that this monk was actually vir- soldiers who had left wives and chil- tuous and was simply pretending to dren to serve. be a fool when visitors would come, Having completed his obli- so as to preserve his silence. Saint Paisios, on the right as you enter the nave. gation to his country, Arsenios re- In 1958 Elder Paisios was asked to ceived his discharge in 1949 and spend some time in and around his greatly desired to begin his monastic life on the Holy Moun- home village of Konitsa so as to support the faithful against tain. Before being able to settle there, however, he had to fulfil the proselytism of Protestant groups. He greatly encouraged his responsibility to his family, to look after his sisters, who the faithful there, helping many people. Afterwards, in 1962, were as yet unmarried. Having provided for his sisters’ future, he left to visit Sinai where he stayed for two years. During this he was free to begin his monastic vocation with a clean con- time, he became beloved of the Bedouins, who benefitted science. In 1950 he arrived on Mount Athos, where he learned both spiritually as well as materially from his presence. The his first lessons in the monastic way from the virtuous ascetic Elder used the money he received from the sale of his carved wooden handicrafts to buy them food. Fr. Kyril (the future abbot of ); but On his return to Mount Athos in 1964, Elder Paisios he was unable to stay at his side as he had hoped, and so was took up residence at the Skete of before moving to sent to the Monastery of [note: Esphigmenou Katounakia at the southernmost tip of Mount Athos for a short monastery was not in schism at that time]. He was a novice stay in the desert there. The Elder’s failing health may have there for four years, after which he was tonsured a monk in been part of the reason for his departure from the desert. In 1954 with the name Averkios. He was a conscientious monk, 1966, he was operated on and had part of his lungs removed. finding ways to both complete his obedience (which required It was during this time of hospitalization that his long friend- contact with others) and to preserve his silence, so as to pro- ship with the then young sisterhood of St. John the Theologian gress in the art of prayer. He was always selfless in helping his in Souroti, just outside of Thessaloniki, began. brethren, unwilling to rest while others worked (though he may have already completed his own obedience), as he loved his

5 During his operation he greatly needed blood and it was then that a group of novices from the monastery donated blood to save him. Elder Paisios was most grateful, and after his recovery did whatever he could, materially and spiritually, to help them build their monastery. In 1968 he spent time at the Monastery of Stavroniki- ta helping with its spiritual as well as material renovation. While there he had the blessing of being in contact with the ascetic Elder Tychon who lived in the hermitage of the Holy Cross, near . Elder Paisios stayed by his side until his repose, serving him selflessly as his disciple. It was during this time that Elder Tychon clothed Fr. Paisios in the Great Schema. According to the wishes of the Elder, Fr. Paisios re- mained in his hermitage after his repose. He stayed there until 1979, when he moved on to his final home on the Holy Moun- tain, the hermitage Panagouda, which belongs to the Monas- tery of Koutloumousiou. It was here at Panagouda that Elder Paisios’ fame as a God-bearing elder grew, drawing to him the sick and suffer- ing people of God. He received them all day long, dedicating the night to God in prayer, vigil and spiritual struggle. His re- gime of prayer and with which he served God and his fellow man, his strictness with himself, the austerity of his regime, and his sensitive nature made him increasingly prone to sickness. In addition to respiratory problems, in his later days he suffered from a serious hernia that made life very painful. When he was forced to leave the Holy Mountain for various reasons (often due to his illness), he would receive pilgrims for hours on end at the women’s monastery at Souroti, and the physical effort which this entailed in his weak- ened state caused him such pain that he would turn pale. He Even photographs demonstrate St. Paisios’ bore his suffering with much grace, however, confident that, simplicity and humility. as God knows what is best for us, it could not be otherwise. He would say that God is greatly touched when someone who is in great suffering does not complain, but rather uses his energy to pray for others. In addition to his other illness he suffered from hem- orrhaging which left him very weak. In his final weeks before leaving the Holy Mountain, he would often fall unconscious. On October 5, 1993 the Elder left his beloved Holy Mountain for the last time. Though he had planned on being off the mountain for just a few days, while in Thessaloniki he was diagnosed with cancer that needed immediate treatment. Af- ter the operation he spent some time recovering in the hospi- tal and was then transferred to the monastery at Souroti. De- spite his critical state he received people, listening to their sorrow and counselling them. After his operation, Elder Paisios had his heart set on returning to Mount Athos. His attempts to do so, however, were hinderer by his failing health. His last days were full of suffering, but also of the joy of the martyrs. On July 11, 1994, he received Holy Communion for St. Paisios took great pains to care for the needs of his many the last time. The next day, Elder Paisios gave his soul into spiritual children — even at the cost of his own health! God’s keeping. He was buried, according to his wishes, at the Monastery of St. John the Theologian in Souroti. Elder Paisios, memory. Thousands of pilgrims visit his grave each year, so as perhaps more than any other contemporary elder, has cap- to receive his blessing. tured the minds and hearts of the Greek people. Many books of his counsels have been published, and the monastery at Source: Precious Vessels of the Holy Spirit: The Lives and Souroti has undertaken a great work, organizing the Elder’s Counsels of Contemporary Elders of Greece, Dr. Herman A. writings and counsels into impressive volumes benefitting his Middleton, Dr. Georgios Mantzaridis For more information, see Saint Paisios of Mount Athos by

6 7 8 YOUTH DAY CAMP 2019

The 2019 Youth Day Camp participants and volunteers.

Dear Annunciation Cathedral Family, Christ did for us in His Incarnation. From June 24-28th we held our Annual Youth Each afternoon had a fun activity in keeping Day Camp right here at the Cathedral. This exciting with the theme of the week: there were animal exhibi- event was a bit of a “trial by fire” for me — my first tions, pony rides, and on Friday a trip to the Norfolk major task as Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director. With Zoo! These encounters were a treat for the adults as over 75 energetic and enthusiastic campers it would well as the kids, an opportunity to marvel at God’s have been easy to feel overwhelmed, but thanks to creation. the excellent leadership of Linda Meares, Maria Babb, The teens followed a somewhat different Katina Johnson, Anna Feliberti, and Kelly Bredologos, schedule, which was focused more on service. Each everything went off without a hitch, and everyone en- day we engaged with a different project, visiting a re- joyed a fun and exciting week learning about our faith. tirement home, making sandwiches for the needy, The theme of the week was “In the Wild: and also cleaning up our own Cathedral. On Thursday Amazing Encounters with Jesus”. Through the image- they helped clean up Virginia Beach and were re- ry of a safari, where we follow tracks and search for warded with a pool party! They learned that to be a clues that lead us to wild animals, campers learned to Christian is to live a life of service to both our fellow follow “tracks” and look for clues in their lives and in men and God’s earth. the Scriptures that lead them to Christ — Who is al- After such an edifying and fun experience, I ways present but must be sought to be found. This can easily understand why this camp has continued topic proved to be an excellent learning tool as well as every year for decades! I look forward eagerly to next a fun theme which added flavor to all of our activities. summer! Each morning Father George lead us in prayer Faithfully, and gave a brief talk about the subject of the day — always a different event in the life of Christ. This pro- Theo Lyketsos vided us an opportunity to focus spiritually and men- Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director tally on our reason for being at camp. Afterwards, the younger children practiced singing in preparation for a beautiful children’s choir singing the hymns for Sun- day’s Liturgy. This is something I would like to hear more often! Then they went to their classrooms to study and discuss Scripture, specifically what Jesus

9 YOUTH DAY CAMP 2019

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

The Kitchen crew provided us with delicious fasting meals for the Campers show off their stuffed animals. It really felt like a jungle Apostles’ fast! sometimes!

The teens demonstrate their culinary skills, making sandwiches Getting ready for an afternoon at the zoo! for those in need!

10 YOUTH DAY CAMP 2019

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

Tie-dying t-shirts was just one of many cool crafts! Zookeepers brought in a Tegu lizard. Reactions ranged from delight to terror!

A “mad science” experiment blasted us with toilet paper! So many free time activities to choose from!

11 CAMP GOODWOMEN SHEPHERD’S RETREAT — VIRGINIA

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

Dear Annunciation Cathedral Family, personal favorite was “bazooka ball”, a modified From July 7th–13th I had the privilege of game of paintball using foam balls. The afternoon returning to Camp Good Shepherd-Virginia for schedule was open and relaxed, with free time the second year in a row with many of our own for campers to swim and play organized games GOYAns. For six days we prayed together, or paint and do crafts. played together, and strengthened our bonds Each evening after dinner there was a with the Lord and each other. We enjoyed an ac- unique event. There were campfires, a scavenger tion-packed schedule of worship, activities, and hunt, a “mission impossible” challenge, Saint games that left us exhausted, but very satisfied! skits, dance-offs and more. There was truly never Our days revolved around the liturgical cy- a dull moment! In this issue of the Annunciation cle, with Orthros every morning and Vespers eve- Observer you can see just a few snapshots of our ry evening, as well as a candle-lit evening Liturgy very exciting and eventful week. on Wednesday and Paraklesis on Friday. We Considering the great spiritual benefit and experienced the peace and joy that comes from fun we received from our time at CGS-VA, I aligning our lives’ rhythm with the heartbeat of strongly encourage anyone reading this to sign the Church! In the mornings after prayer we had themselves/their children up for next year. There a chance to discuss our personal and spiritual are so many friendships, memories, and experi- lives in light of Orthodox teaching in “Orthodox ences to be gained. Life” sessions. Every camper got the opportunity Faithfully, to take ownership of their faith and reflect on the important things in life. Theo Lyketsos In the late morning we got to enjoy all of Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director the typical activities of camp from canoeing to ropes courses and everything in between. My

12 CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD — VIRGINIA

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

Above: Campers chant the Divine Liturgy. Below: Campers weave bracelets and decorate crosses.

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

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

13 CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD — VIRGINIA

Fr John leads us in hymns before bedtime.

Fierce but friendly competition in the water Olympics!

What happens when you mix mentos and diet St. Maria of Paris cabin and their beautiful flag! coke?

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

14 GOYA NEWS Dear Annunciation Cathedral Family, Gardens. It was nice to stay connected! While most of the events GOYA is known for hap- Amidst all the activities and socializing, we did not pen during the school year, this summer has been anything neglect our spiritual lives! We remembered that we are first but dull! In addition to our two wonderful camps where we and foremost brought together as Orthodox Christians. engaged with our faith and friends, we’ve had a number of During the Dormition fast we prayed Paraklesis together to other opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship. give honor to the Mother of God, and on the day of Dormi- tion we attended Liturgy and had lunch together afterwards. On June 15th we celebrated our end of the year party at the Tryphonas home. We enjoyed tasty food, Now that our Summer has come to a close, and I swam in the pool, and I got to connect with GOYAns whom have gotten to know everyone who participated in camps I hadn’t yet met. In the evening, the GOYAns held an elec- and our summer activities, I look forward to my first full year tion for next year’s board, the results of which are posted of GOYA! below. Faithfully, Throughout the Summer when we didn’t have Theo Lyketsos camp we regularly got together to play games, eat food, and just hang out. We played laser tag and mini-golf, had Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director free-time at the gym, and even got to spend a day at Busch

GOYA 2019-2020 Board: President: Matthew Clare 1st Vice President: Tommy Dixon 2nd Vice President: Sotiria Bessinas Treasurer: Marilena Tryphonas Corresponding Secretary: Demetri Cain Historians: Costas Delidakis & Alex Mendrinos Community Service: Katerina Narlis & Nicholas English

Busch Gardens!

Laser Quest!

Four GOYAns pooled their money to split Dinner at Panera Bread! one overpriced refreshment. Very Acts 2:44!

15 GOYA FALL SCHEDULE

2019 November 9-10, 2019

(for Basketball practice dates, see general calendar) September 8th meeting at 7pm location TBD GOYA Ministry is for children from 22nd meeting at 7pm location TBD 7th grade (12 and a half years old) through 30th parents’ meeting at 5:30pm during basketball practice High School. They participate in a series of October activities throughout the year including: over- 6th meeting at 7pm location TBD night retreats, bible studies, social events, ser- 11th Lock-in at St. Nicholas in Virginia Beach 6pm vice projects, basketball and tournaments, 12th Fr. Savas Mission Walk 9am lock-ins, summer camp at Camp Good Shep- 14th parents’ meeting at 5:30pm during basketball practice Money due for St. Sophia tournament! herd Virginia and short-term mission trips. 18th Harvest festival at 6pm in social hall 20th meeting at 7pm location TBD 26th & 27th St. Sophia basketball tournament in DC If you would like to join GOYA please November 9th & 10th Norfolk basketball tournament contact: 17th meeting at 7pm location TBD Theo Lyketsos (Youth Director) December 7th & 8th Lock-in at SS. Constantine & Helen in Newport News 757-440-0500, [email protected] 8th meeting at 7pm location TBD

27th Christmas party 31st New Years dance at SS. Constantine & Helen National Church Musician Sunday October 6, 2019 Honoring church musicians across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Troparion of St. Romanos the Melodist

You gladdened Christ's Church by your melodies, like an inspired heavenly trumpet. You were enlight- ened by the Mother of God, and shone on the world as God's poet. We lovingly hon- or you, righteous Romanos. www.churchmusic.goarch.org

16 SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION Annunciation Cathedral Church School Registration Form 2019-2020 (Please fill out one per family & print neatly)

Parents Information:

Family Name:

Parent/Guardian First Names:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Home number: 2nd email address:

Email address:

Mother’s Cell #: Father’s Cell #: Student Information: First Student

Name:

Date of Birth:

Grade in regular school: Allergies: Second Student

Name:

Date of Birth:

Grade in regular school: Allergies: Third Student

Name:

Date of Birth:

Grade in regular school: Allergies: Fourth Student

Name:

Date of Birth:

Grade in regular school: Allergies:

X______Parent/Guardian’s Signature

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

17 SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR END JUNE 2019

SUNDAY SCHOOL FALL CALENDAR 2019 Church, all Others Normal Class September 15-Natvity Fast Begins 1-Labor Day weekend. Agiasmos Service 17-Normal Class 8-Ministry Fair. First Day of Class 24-Normal Class 15-Normal Class 22-Normal Class December 29-Normal Class 1-Thanksgiving Weekend. Family Worship, Teach- ers and Students Remain in Church October 8-Pageant Practce 6-Normal Class 15-Pageant Practce 13-Normal Class 21-Pagent Dress Rehearsal 20-Normal Class 22-Christmas Pageant. No Class 26-27, St. Sophia D.C., GOYA Tournament 29-Sunday afer Christmas, Family Worship, 27-OXI Day. Family Worship, Teachers and Stu- Teachers and Students Remain in Church dents Remain in Church

November 3-Sunday School as normal 10-Norfolk GOYA Tournament, 7-12 remain in

18 IOCC RACE TO RESPOND 2019

GREEK SCHOOL GRADUATION

19 GREEK SCHOOL

A Message from the Greek School Staff... or after-school activates because of Greek School- only the A Head Start degree of participation will be affected. Each September, opportunity knocks for every Today's children must learn to discriminate and Greek Orthodox child, the opportunity of learning a second choose wisely for the multitude of activities available to them language, Greek history and the rudiments of the Orthodox and in helping to make such choices, parents must ask them- faith. selves on simple questions, "Of all the opportunities available Our fast-moving world is demanding the knowledge to my children, which ones will contribute most to their fu- of two and three languages and public education is even now ture success and happiness?" The easiest choice is not neces- initiating language courses in the elementary grades. sarily the best choice, for nothing worthwhile comes easily How fortunate and advanced our youngsters are and easy things are seldom worthwhile. when they have the head start that attendance at Greek Moreover, it has become clear over the years, that School can give them. No other language offers comparable those children who are exposed to Greek School usually mi- fundamental training to all tongues as does Greek. Even more grate to junior choirs, JOY, GOYA, and subsequently the important is the fact that both in high school and college, a senior groups of these organizations and remain active mem- knowledge of Greek will be a decidedly strong asset in the bers of their parishes as adults. Through Greek School, Greek mastery of English vocabulary, for over 35 percent of the Orthodox youngsters can find friends of similar backgrounds, English language has Greek derivatives. interests, and aspirations. Such associations benefit Ortho- Unfortunately however, we live in a world of materi- doxy and enhance the all important drive to perpetuate our al and superficial values that often lure us into believing that ethnic Greek culture in this country. other activities are more important. Music and dance lessons, No child will ever regret attending Greek School, but baton twirling, TV, athletics, school clubs, etc. compete with those who do not attend may in the future years bitterly regret Greek School for valuable time. They are all feeble excuses the choice their parents made in denying them this privilege. for non-Greek learning and when stripped of their glamour Every Greek Orthodox home with school age children must really offer very little in comparison to the lifelong contribu- make the important decision within coming weeks, as parish- tion given to each child by the Greek School curriculum. No es across this country begin registration for the fall and win- child need be deprived of music lessons, athletic participation ter sessions.

Annunciation Cathedral Greek School Registration Form 2019-2020 (Please fill out one per family & print neatly) Classes will begin on Monday, September 9th For more information please contact Maria Mendrinos [email protected]

Or Artemis Tryphonas [email protected] Parent Information: Family Name:---______-______Parent/Guardian First Name:______Addresss:______City:______State:______Zip Code:______Home Number:______Work Number:______Email Address:______Mother’s Cell #:______Fathers Cell #______Student Information: Name:______Date Of Birth:______Saint’s Name Date Celebrated:______

20 2019 Father Savas Constantinou Memorial Family Mission Walk and Pan-Orthodox Picnic Saturday, October 12th from 9 am– 2 pm at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach

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

REGISTRATION FORM (turn this form into the Church office or

contact the Church Office to register) I/WE will participate in the following activities: ______Picnic/Lunch (____ number attending) ______Mission Walk (____ number attending) Complimentary T-shirts: XXL ___ XL ___ LG ___ MED ___ SM ___ Adult sizes only. Please indicate number/sizes for pre-order. 1 per participant please. NAME: ______

CHURCH: ______

E-MAIL ADDRESS: ______

PHONE NUMBER: ______The Father Sav Mission walk is named in honor of Father Savas Constantinou. Our hope is that this walk carries on his legacy of selfless service and charity. The Prayer Service and Picnic will be held in the pavilion inside the park entrance (off Shore Drive). Carpooling is encouraged. The Mission Walk and picnic are free. The entrance fee to the park is required. All ages are welcome and encouraged to participate. If you are unable to walk, join us for the Prayer Service and the Picnic. Please make donation checks payable to the Father Sav Mission Walk Fund. Please send completed registration forms to St. Nicholas GOC, 621 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach VA 23454 or

21 Friday, October 18th Annunciation Cathedral Harvest Festival

(At the Hellenic Center Annunciation Cathedral, Norfolk)

Join us for the fun! Come dressed in Church friendly costumes

There will be indoor games, activities and lots of treats! Annunciation Cathedral Candy galore! 7220 Granby Street Donations accepted Norfolk, VA 23505 COME SUPPORT OUR YOUTH!

RSVP for the Harvest Festival at [email protected]

22 The Annunciation Dance Ministry cordially invites you to join us for a

~ Glendi ~

Saturday, October 19th

Dinner and all you can Dance

Tickets:

$20 for adults

$10 for students

Cash Bar—Music Provided by DJ

Featuring: A Performance

by the award winning

Annunciation Hellenic Dancers

All Proceeds & Donations

will benefit the Annunciation Dance Ministry

Tickets sold on Sundays

or by contacting Bessie Piperidis [email protected]

23 24 25 26 PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY SEPTEMBER GENERAL MEETING – DRESS FOR SUC- Philoptochos Society of the Annunciaton Greek Ortho- CESS HAMPTON ROADS dox Cathedral A General Meetng will be held in the Hellenic Center If you are not a Philoptochos member, please join afer church on Sept. 15. Please come and enjoy a our chapter and become involved in making a difer- complimentary luncheon and help us kick of our fall ence in our community, naton and world through actvites. We will learn about “Dress for Success our ministry’s eforts. It’s up to us to keep this won- Hampton Roads” a community organizaton whose derful organizaton viable for the next generaton. purpose is to ofer long-lastng solutons that enable women to break the cycle of poverty by ofering MAY ELECTION LUNCHEON RECAP them professional atre to gain employment. Dress We had a wonderful turnout for our May 5th electon meetng/ for Success is part of a global movement for change, empower- luncheon, held in the Social Hall. A delicious BBQ meal was en- ing women to obtain safer and beter futures. joyed while we elected our local chapter board. Thank you to all We are asking Philoptochos and all church members to donate who atended and to all who are willing to serve in leadership gently used professional women’s SHOES only that we can ofer roles. to Dress for Success. Shoes can be pumps, sling-backs, peek-toe, The Executve Board for 2019-2021 is as follows: wedges – but no open-toed sandals. Preferred colors are black, navy blue, gray and brown and most needed sizes are 8-10. President Maria Pratsi Harless Please bring your donatons to the meetng. st 1 Vice President Lia Rogakos-Russell OCTOBER GENERAL MEETING nd 2 Vice President Penny Tzavellas A General Meetng will be held in the Hellenic Center afer Treasurer Michelle Kastner church on October 13. The cost of the lunch will be $10 per per- son. We will be co-hostng a coat drive in October with the St. Asst. Treasurer Maria Makridakis Maria of Paris Community Outreach Ministry, so please bring Corresponding Secretary Helen Manuel new or gently used coats and outerwear in all sizes for children, men and women. Collecton boxes will be located in the Social Recording Secretary Lia Kopassis Hall beginning in early October. Advisor/Immediate Past President JoAnne Goumenis THIS AND THAT: • Our 2nd Annual Fall Pansy Sale is currently being veted. We At-Large Board Members: hope to hold it Sept. 28 and 29 outside the Hellenic Center on the church grounds. If you are a member of Philoptochos, please Efe Michaels Nitsa Pratsi plan to assist with the sale, as many hands are needed. Contact Toulla Koyzis Andrea Mills Lia Kopassis at 735-1070 to volunteer or for more informaton. Charlene Karalis Cindy Dragas • Philoptochos members routnely visit people who are home- bound or ill. This is a very rewarding enterprise and we need Anna Maria Stepanovich more volunteers for this commitee. If you are interested in WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! helping, contact Helen Manuel at 289-5391, Maria Makridakis at 636-3649 or Cindy Dragas at 650-9766. A very warm welcome is extended to members who have joined Philoptochos since January 2019: PLEASE PAY YOUR 2019 PHILOPTOCHOS STEWARDSHIP Anna Andreopoulos Kelly Bredologos Philoptochos annual stewardship of $30 for 2019 is now being collected. The stewardship covers January through December Rafaella Honderich Maria Hunter 2019. Please pay promptly and encourage a friend to join or buy Alexis James Gina Loucas a membership for someone you love! Alexandra Nassar Elizabeth Pugliese LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! Kathy Stephanitsis Anna Maria Stepanovich recently created and is the admin for the Annunciaton Cathedral Philoptochos Society’s Facebook If you are not a member, but would like to join our chapter and page! Visit the page at htps://www.facebook.com/ help fulfll Philoptochos’ mission of philanthropy, please call one groups/1014516962054319/. It is a closed group, so you’ll have of our membership commitee members, Maria Makridakis 636- to ask to join. This is a great way to keep members updated on 3649 or Efe Michaels 739-1133. Philoptochos doings and a nice way to share ideas.

27 PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

MAKE DONATIONS TO PHILOPTOCHOS IN MEMORY OF A • If you know of someone who is in fnancial or other need, call LOVED ONE Maria Makridakis, social services chair, at 636-3649. If you have lost a loved one who was a member of Philoptochos • If you know of someone who is sick, shut-in or in need of a or believed in our mission, honor them with a memorial dona- card or visit, please contact Toulla Koyzis at 621-4091. ton to our chapter. Call Efe Michaels, 739-1133. As always, anyone who would like to volunteer to help with any JOIN OUR MISSION – BECOME A PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBER of our projects, please contact any board member for infor- maton. Assistance is always appreciated. Be part of the Philoptochos sisterhood and mission. The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is a duly accredited AGORA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdio- The Philoptochos Society has a small market, the Agora, in the cese of America. Our mission statement includes aiding the Hellenic Center, where we sell some traditonal Greek foods and needy and sick, promotng the charitable purposes of the Greek items. Please support our Agora – it’s a great place to pick up Orthodox Archdiocese through educatonal resources, perpetu- hard-to-fnd items and even has some good gif ideas. Proceeds atng Orthodox Christan traditons, and promotng partcipaton from the Agora help fund Philoptochos projects. Please volun- in the Greek Orthodox community. Join today and help make a teer to help in the Agora on Sundays. The hours are approx. diference in our community, state, country and world. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. GIVE THE GIFT OF PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP TO A LOVED If there is something you would like to see in the Agora, contact ONE Penny Tzavelas at [email protected] or 636-1121, or Niki Schoen Are you looking for an inspiring gif for a friend or loved one? at [email protected]. Gif them a Philoptochos membership! This is a wonderful way to grow our chapter and inspire new and young women to be- come part of our church’s philanthropic organizaton. PHILOPTOCHOS COMMUNICATIONS ARE GOING GREEN! Philoptochos newsleters and communicatons will now be emailed to all members who have an email address on fle. If you don’t have an email address, we will contnue to send your com- municatons through the Postal Service. This process will also help our organizaton save money that can be beter spent on fulflling our mission of helping those in need. Please email Helen Manuel at [email protected] or Maria Makridakis at [email protected] with your email address (es) so we can add you to the list to facilitate beter communica- tons. OTHER PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS • Philoptochos members are needed to help set up and serve during Makarias and with meetngs. Please plan to help when you see such an event is upcoming.

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

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

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

28 COMMUNITY DINNER St. Maria of Paris Community Outreach Ministry

Thanks to our 2019 Donors and 2018 Volunteers!

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Matthew 25:35

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

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

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

Dear Community Dinner Workers,

Our family wants to thank you for all the delicious dinners on Thursday nights that our Dad enjoyed there. Our Dad passed away in January. He loved the food you prepared and he loved spending tme with neighbors and friends there. Other than warming food in the microwave, he never learned to cook and in the last year or two he wasn’t driving at night, so your dinners were a real bless- ing. Thank you again and God bless you! The Family of ……. 2019 Community Dinner Donors AGOC Festival Cindy & Greg Dragas Marie Macdisi Dr. & Mrs. Vasilios Roussis AGOC Hellenic Women’s Club Virginia Elliott Makridakis Fmaily Diana & Fred Roybal AGOC Philoptochos Mike Georghiu Helen & Angelo Manuel Chris Rudloff AGOC Stewardship Sunday Sophia & Chris Gilbert Susan Matiatos Bonnie Samuel AGOC Youth Camp Alexander Girevendulis Fay & Stephen Missalidis Roxie & Bill Skenderis Anonymous Mike Griffith Jane Orr Stephanitsis Family Fr. Sav Mission Walk Joanne Grindstaff Joseph Pace Debbie Woodell Old Dominion U Aramark Maria Hunter Yiannis Papelis St. Nicholas Philoptochos Society Helen James Iris Pappas Christos Aspioti Kathleen & Paul Kuritz George Pappas Voulle Caravas Chris Kypros Pappas Family Geoffrey Clark Elaine & Tommy Kyrus Dr. Spyros & Rose Philippakis Helen Clark Raul Leondaridis-Menas Jaye Pulley Robert Clark Lona Liosatos Sherman Reece

29 COMMUNITY DINNER 2018 Community Dinner Volunteers

Aboud Family Caitlin Hagerty Mia Mathas Peppy & Anna Stepanovich Allen Family Helen & Kym Hahn Christian McCoy-Davenport Kathy Stephanitsis Dora & Niki Araboglu Peggy & Terry Hardee Meares (Tony) Family Stephanitsis (Nick) Family Litsa Bakogeorge Maria Harless Meares (Jim) Family Chris Sternberg Cori Belliares Nick Harrison Michael Micros Maha Tadros Zachary & Kristen Bernier Ellen Howlin Zoe & Mina Miller Tryphonas Family Bessinas Family Jacovides Family Andrea & Bruce Mills Anna Tsivourakis Michelle Boogades Zachary & Jack Johnson Jim Milonas Cheryl Tutko Natalie & Bob Bradford Andrew & Heather Kalina Mark Mousouris Vastardis Family Stella & John Brangan Heather & Vassilios Karangelen Katerina & Sophia Narlis Tisa & Ted Vergakis Cain Family Takis Katsanos Angelo Neskis Chris Votsis Stephanie Cathrines Kathy & Staci Katsias George Neskis Nikki Webb John Catravas Amy & Jamie Kenny Maria O’Hearn Kylie Wheeler Persi Charalambous Toni King Judy Pantelides Sam Williams Myroulla Chrysostomides Carrie Knott Yiannis & Ginger Papelis Tina Williams Diane Clay Mager Korombas Iris Pappas Irene & Keith Wolff Pres. Athena Constantinou Toulas Koyzis Maria Parker Debbie Woodell Cynthia & Chris Coureas Elaine & Tommy Kyrus Anna Pedos-Lazanas Despina Zakos Hope & George Damergis Takrim & Basil Labib Spyro & Rose Philippakis DD Darling Nicholas Lambakis Nitsa Pratsis Costas & Katerina Deladakis Marian Leavette Jaye & Taylor Pulley George Dimas Patty & Antonis Leondarides Brady Purkiss Mike Douklias Lona Liosatos Michael Rea Cindy & Greg Dragas Irene & Beryl Love Andrew & Emily Robinson Jimmy Dragas Marie Macdisi John Roussis Lynne Eklund Mary MacDougall Athena Roussis Feliberti Family Derek Mackley Diane & Fred Roybal Ferguson Family Manoli & Maria Makridakis Maclovia Roybal Emily & Ben Franks Ariana Mandros Chris Rudloff Melanie Georges Jimmy Manning Diane Ruhl Mike Georgiou Krystina Mantzouranis Diane Samaras Mona Ghobrial Elizabeth & Thomas Manuel Jaren Sams Sophia & Chris Gilbakis Fr. John Manuel Cindy Shakallis Maggie Goumenis Helen & Angelo Manuel Sarah Simesick Mike Griffith Andrew Marlowe-Cremidas Skenderis Family Fanoula Gulas John Maroulis Despina Sophroniou Karla Guthrie Maria Marshall John Stefanou

30 CULTURAL COMMITTEE CULTURAL COMMITTEE NEWS Movies will begin again in October and will be announced in the weekly bulletn and via email. We hope everyone had a wonderful and restful summer! Please join the Cultural Committee for the following upcoming events. Remember, the Cultural Committee is a ministry of the church, Cultural Commitee and AHEPA Partner for Cemetery Project and everyone is invited to participate. The Cultural Commitee and AHEPA will partner in a new

Book Club project to take care of former parishioners’ graves that are neglected in Forest Lawn Cemetery because there are no Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. in the Cathedral Library: We living relatves to care for them. This project will take place are going to discuss “My Brilliant Friend” series by Italian late September or October. Everyone that would like to author Elena Ferrante. The series is a collecton of four give us a hand by personal labor or a fnancial donaton is books: “My Brilliant Friend,” “The Story of a New Name,” welcome. “Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay” and “The Story of Concert Slated for May 2020 the Lost Child.” The book club is open to all who like to read. Save the date! The Cultural Commitee is planning a con- cert with Pharos Ensemble, a four-piece band from Boston Movie Nights Resume in October that plays Byzantne Music, for May 1, 2020, to be held at The Cultural Club recently purchased a new movie projec- the Meredith Center for the Arts at Norfolk Collegiate tor to enhance our movie night experiences. School. More informaton will be forthcoming.

PARISH REGISTRY

FUNERALS WEDDINGS BAPTISMS (cont.) Hope Mihalap Sebastian Mot and Nicole Marshall Jan. 7, 2019 July 20, 2019 Emmanuel Delidakis Sponsor- Angela Tsarouhis June 1, 2019 Vassilia Lazaridou Sponsor- Panagiota Taglis March 15, 2019

Natalie Hale Panagiotis Kapos July 7, 2019 March 20, 2019 BAPTISMS Sponsor- Dr. John Whitley Gregory William Gretes Garrett (Demetrios) Driggers Elizabeth Bouley April 6, 2019 March 2, 2019 July 21, 2019 Sponsor-Allison Lynne Melick Sponsor- Alexander Dakoglou John Maroulis April 12, 2019 Gavin (James) Gabriel Emmanuel Komis April 6, 2019 July 28, 2019 Panayota Smigel Sponsor- Courtney Allen Sponsor- Joseph Marousas May 9, 2019

Nicholas Choutris Alexandra Pitsieli May 11, 2019 May 5, 2019 CHRISMATIONS Sponsor- Yiannis and Christiana Catravas Richard (Peter) Anoia Bethany (Elizabeth) Papacostas John Stepanovich July 25, 2019 June 2, 2019 May 25, 2019 Sponsor- Andriani Vastardis Sponsor- Peter and Katina Vassiliou MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL! Richard (Peter) Anoia George Lambros July 5, 2019 ΑΙΩΝΙΑ ΑΥΤΩΝ Η ΜΝΗMΗ! May 26, 2019 Thomas and Elaine Kyrus Sponsor- Panagiotis Logothetis

31 HELLENIC WOMEN’S CLUB

We hope everyone has had a restul and enjoyable November 1, 2019. More informaton to follow and tcket sale summer. The Hellenic Woman’s Club had a very busy year and dates will be forthcoming. It will be the event to atend to help ended the season with a delightul event at the Chrysler Muse- us fundraise for a local charity to be announced. Gather your um of Art Glass Studio on June 1. Our very own Staci Katsias pre- friends and family and buy a table or buy a tcket, it will be a sented an Introducton and discussion on “The spirituality of art wonderful event! and glass” followed by a demonstraton of glass blowing at the studio. It was enlightening and very informatve, and we found Our Holiday Bake Sale and Craf Bazaar is scheduled for Decem- out that we have a “hidden gem” at the Chrysler Museum. We ber 6 & 7 is looking for crafers and vendors, but keep in mind ended our day with a delicious lunch at Wisteria Café. there is limited space available. The applicaton deadline Sept. 1, 2019. If you are interested, please contact Heather Karangelen During the summer our work contnued. Our project to give back at [email protected] for more info. to our beloved Cathedral main kitchen was completed, and we now have a brand new refrigerator and freezer. Drop by the We are looking forward to another busy and fun season with the main kitchen and take a look! Hellenic Woman’s Club. We are a noteworthy philanthropic group of women who are spiritually devoted to our Church and We welcome new members and members that would like to community. We strongly encourage anyone interested in joining “get busy and have fun” with us at our Annual Welcome Back to contact either of our co-presidents: Spaghet dinner September 11, 2019 6:30 pm in the Hellenic Center. Mark your calendars our special event of the year! Heather Karangelen [email protected]

Other dates to remember include: Elizabeth Woods [email protected]

The Hellenic Woman’s Club Fashion Show and luncheon Friday Have a blessed year!

32 VASILOPITA 2019

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAE

33 METROPOLIS OF NEW JERSEY FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL

34 SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

GOYA LENTEN RETREAT 2019

35 SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

WOMEN’S RETREAT

36 ANNUNCIATION & MARCH 25th 1821

37 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

SATURDAY OF LAZARUS

38 HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT AND HOLY PASCHA

Children decorate their own Kouvouklion.

Greek and US servicemen carry the Kouvoklion .

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

On Pascha we read the Gospel in many languages, because We hear the Good News of Christ’s Resurrection — the Good News of the Resurrection is Universal! Then proclaim it ourselves with “Christ is risen”! 39 GREEK FESTIVAL 2019

40 GREEK FESTIVAL 2019

41 HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE 2019

42 HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE 2019

43 HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE 2019

TENTATIVE PILGRIMAGE TO CONSTANTINOPLE AND JERUSALEM FALL 2020 If you are interested, please contact the Cathedral Office. More information forthcoming.

44 SEPTEMBER 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Orthros 8:45 Happy Labor Women’s study Day! group 10 am Community Divine Liturgy 10 Dinner

5:00 pm Ecclesiastical New GOYA Year Agiasmos Basketball Service Girls 5:30 pm Boys 6:45 pm

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Nativity of the Greek School Exaltation of the Theotokos Greek School Women’s study Greek School Agape/Hope/Joy 4:30 pm Holy Cross Orthros 8:45 am 4:30 pm group 10 am 4:30 pm 6:00 pm Orthros 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 10 GOYA Greek School Community Dinner Divine Liturgy 9:30 Sunday School 5:00 pm Chapel Begins Basketball 4:30 pm Girls 5:30 pm Hellenic Women’s Stewardship Award Club Dinner/Mtg Parish Council Altar Boy Workshop Boys 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:30 pm Ministry Fair following Liturgy 6:30 pm 6:30 pm GOYA meeting 7pm

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Orthros 8:45 am Greek School Women’s study Greek School Greek School Divine Liturgy 4:30 pm group 10 4:30 pm 4:30 pm 10:00 am Golden Years 10:30 GOYA Community Festival Award Basketball Greek School Dinner Girls 5:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm

Philoptochos Boys 6:45 pm Bible Study General mtg 6:30 pm

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Greek School Women’s study Greek School Greek School Philoptochos Orthros 8:45 am 4:30 pm Divine Liturgy group 10 4:30 pm 4:30 pm Fall Pansy Sale

10:00 am GOYA Golden Years 10:30 Community Basketball Book Club 11 Dinner GOYA meeting Girls 5:30 pm Beachside 5:00 pm 7pm Boys 6:45 pm Greek School Social 7-10 pm 4:30 pm

Bible Study 6:30

29 30 Greek School Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 4:30 pm 10:00 am GOYA Philoptochos Basketball Fall Pansy Sale Girls 5:30 pm Boys 6:45 pm

45 OCTOBER 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 Women’s study Greek School Greek School group 10 4:30 pm 4:30 pm Golden Years 10:30 Community Greek School Dinner 4:30 pm 5:00 pm

Bible Study 6:30 pm

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Women’s study Orthros 8:45 am Greek School Greek School Greek School GOYA Lock-in Fr. Sav Mission Divine Liturgy 4:30 pm group 10 4:30 pm 4:30 pm St. Nicholas Walk 10:00 am Golden Years 10:30 9:00 am GOYA Community 6:00 pm Greek School National Church Basketball Dinner Girls 5:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm Music Sunday Boys 6:45 pm Bible Study GOYA mtg 7pm 6:30 pm

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Orthros 8:45 am Greek School Women’s study Greek School EFGOCM EFGOCM EFGOCM Divine Liturgy 4:30 pm group 10 4:30 pm Greek School 4:30 Hellenic Women’s 10:00 am Golden Years 10:30 Agape/Hope/Joy Club Meeting 11:30 GOYA 6:00 pm Basketball Greek School Community Dinner Philoptochos (Harvest Fest) Girls 5:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm Genealogy Seminar General mtg St. Nicholas Boys 6:45 pm Bible Study Parish Council 6:30 pm 6:30 pm Greek Dance Glendi

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Orthros 8:45 am Greek School Women’s study Greek School Greek School Vespers St. Demetrios Divine Liturgy 10:00 4:30 pm group 10 4:30 pm St. Demetrios 4:30 pm Orthros 8:30 am Golden Years 10:30 Williamsburg EFGOCM GOYA Community Divine Liturgy 9:30 Basketball Greek School Dinner Chapel Fall Assembly Girls 5:30 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm

GOYA meeting 7pm Boys 6:45 pm Bible Study St. Sophia Basket- 6:30 pm ball Tournament

27 28 29 30 31 Orthros 8:45 am National Clergy Nat’l Clergy Retreat National Clergy National Clergy Divine Liturgy 10 am Retreat Retreat Retreat

Greek School Women’s study OXI Day Celebration Greek School Greek School 4:30 group 10 4:30 pm

St. Sophia Basket- Golden Years 10:30 4:30 pm Community GOYA ball Tournament Dinner Basketball Greek School 4:30 5:00 pm Girls 5:30 pm 46 Boys 6:45 pm Bible Study 6:30 Dr. Christopher Nicholas Annunciation Cathedral Bookstore Associate American College Come check out our Annunciation Bookstore open every Sun- Of Foot and Ankle Surgeons day after divine Liturgy, or stop by during the week during Podiatrist - Foot Specialist office hours! Do not miss out on all the wonderful book selec- tions to widen and deepen your Orthodox Christian Faith! Accepting New Patients Not Just a Bookstore: Appointments Available Immediately Did you know that aside from the Most Insurances Accepted books the bookstore also carries: Worship Items: You can purchase Communion wine for Artoklasia, Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group PC prosphora seals, prayer ropes, incense and more. 4224 Holland Road - Suite 106 Icons: There are many icons in stock, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 but you can special order hundreds 498-0202 more in different sizes for any occa- sion. (they do not take long to arrive.) We also sell hand painted icons at Norfolk Location: 7633 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505, 451-1220 great prices!

PHILOPTOCHOS AGORA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS The Philoptochos Society has a small market, the Ago- ra, in the Hellenic Center, where we sell some traditional Greek foods and items. Please support our Agora – it’s a great place to pick up hard-to-find items and even has some good gift ideas. Proceeds from the Agora help fund Philoptochos projects. Please volunteer to help in the Agora on Sundays. The hours are ap- NORFOLK COFFEE & TEA prox. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. WORLD'S FINEST COFFEE Roasters—Blenders—Packers

Serving Hotels & Restaurants Since 1918 Phone: 622-3950 212 E 18th Street Norfolk, Virginia 23517 18th & Monticello In Memory of Our Grandparents and Parents Fragiskos G. & Irene M. Stephanitsis Nicholas & Evangelia Stephanitsis Gerasimos & Irene S. Stephanitsis

47 Change of Address? Important Phone Numbers, If you have recently moved or are vacationing long & Email Addresses term, please let the Cathedral Office know, 757-440- 0500. Cathedral Office: 757-440-0500 Services Hellenic Center: 757-963-5634 To schedule all services such as memorials, 40 day Cathedral Fax: 757-423-6929 blessings, baptisms, and weddings, please call the Cathedral Office, 757-440-0500. Father George Bessinas Hospital and Shut-In Visitations Office: 757-440-0500 When parishioners of the Annunciation are admitted Home: 757-497-1192 into a hospital or recovering at home and wish to have a priest visit them, it is imperative that a family [email protected] member contact the Cathedral Office, 757-440- 0500, immediately. Hospitals do not notify the Theo Lyketsos Church when Orthodox patients seek medical atten- tion. Office: 757-440-0500 Kollyva [email protected]

The Cathedral does NOT provide Kolyva for Memo- rial Services. Parishioners in need of Kollyva may Helen Manuel call Drucie Papafil, 757-489-4313 or Tasy Penner, Office: 757-440-0500 752-1294. [email protected] Artoklasia For anyone interested in having Artoclasia made, Goran Todorovic - Bookkeeper please contact Emilia Simmons, 757-481-1509. Office: 757-440-0500 Annunciation Observer Deadline [email protected] The deadline for submitting articles for the Novem- ber/December Annunciation Observer is October Bookstore: Corin Baker & John 10th, 2019. Articles not submitted by October 10th will NOT BE IN THE Annunciation Observer. Mangus Please send all articles to Helen Manuel at [email protected] [email protected] or Theo Lyketsos at [email protected]

John Boogades

48 Annunciation NON-PROFIT ORG. Greek Orthodox Cathedral U.S. POSTAGE 7220 Granby Street PAID Norfolk, VA 23505-4119 Norfolk, VA PERMIT 23

49