ANNUNCIATION OBSERVER November-December 2015 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 7220 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Saints and Dragons: Icons from Byzantium to Russia (Orthodox Christian Iconography Exhibit open at the Chrysler Museum from October 2-January 10, 2016) Blessing at Exhibit Opening Ceremony Greek School Visits the Chrysler Museum In Orthodox Tradition, we are blessed Museum in downtown Norfolk an exhibit to not only have the Gospel in a written form dedicated to the iconography of our Church. contained within the pages of the New Testa- The exhibit runs up to January 10, 2016 and ment, but we also have a visual medium to is free admission to all visitors. This is a won- proclaim the Gospel through Iconography. derful opportunity for our Annunciation Ca- Icons have been used extensively in Christi- thedral community and the wider Tidewater anity since St. Luke the Evangelist painted area to learn more and to experience more of the first icon according to tradition. Since our beloved Orthodox Christian faith. Do not then iconography has become an integral part miss out on this opportunity to delve deeper of Orthodox Christian spiritual life through into our faith, and to see what these powerful our worship, instruction and education, per- stories have to tell. They not only tell stories sonal prayer and even through miracles of the past, but they also illumine the holy of wrought through icons. today. We are blessed to have at the Chrysler Fr. George Bessinas Page 2 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL Rev. Father George Bessinas, M.Div. Rev. Protopresbyter Constantine P. Rogakos, PhD Presiding Priest Associate Priest Thomas Manuel, M.Div. Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director SUNDAY SERVICES GOYA Advisors ORTHROS: 8:45 am DIVINE LITURGY: 10:00 am Linda Meares, Phil Roussis, Katherine P. Milonas WEEKDAYS: ORTHROS: 8:30 am DIVINE LITURGY: 9:30 am Stephanie Milonas, GOYA President PARISH COUNCIL Young Adult League Choir Director Thomas Manuel Officers Christopher Kypros President Orthodox Campus Ministry John Stepanovich Head Chanter Yianni Manuel, President Efthimios (Tim) Dermanis Dance Director 1st Vice President Altar Servers Yiannis Papelis Anna Manning John Mangus, Jr., Coordinator 2nd Vice President Stewards of the Altar Dance Instructors George Neskis Presvytera Eleni Rogakos Alyki Pantas Secretary Bible Study Anna Manning & Christiana Vastardis Cindy Dragas Jane Williams, Coordinator Charlene Karalis & Gina Loucas Library Treasurer Kelly Pedos Bredologos & Pari Smith Presvytera Eleni Rogakos Kathy Stephanitsis Cathedral Office Irene Pahno Members Helen Manuel, Administrator Cultural Committee Tony Damalas Bonnie Winstead, Bookkeeper Jane Williams Lynne Eklund Annunciation Observer Golden Years Nick Harrison Layout Editor: Thomas Manuel John Katsias Virginia Elliott, President Editor in Chief: Fr. George Bessinas Lona Liosatos Philoptochos Society Mailing Volunteers Martha Pantelides JoAnna Goumenis, President Chris Bachas, Donnell Catherines, Mary O.C.M.C. Gretes, Dwight and Pela Jenkins, Toulla Stewardship Committee Des Dandalides Koyzis, Irene Mathas, Tasos Christ Sunday School I.O.C.C. Martha Pantelides, Director Check out the following links: Maria Herring Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Greek School Hellenic Woman’s Club www.goarch.org George Pantas, Director Elizabeth Woods Metropolis of New Jersey Emilia Simmons, Deputy Director www.nj.goarch.org HOPE/JOY Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Stavroula Marshall, Teacher Kelly Bredologos www.annunciationva.org Dr. Maria Mendrinos, PTO Annunciation Cathedral Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31428115532853 The Annunciation Observer: Published bi-monthly. Distributed to Parish Families. The Annunciation Observer is published by The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505. Celebrated Saints of our Church: Page 3 Holy men and women who lived the narrow path to salvation St. John Chrysostom: The Golden Mouth (347-407 AD) Celebrated November 13 times daily. Not only did John’s fame and no- toriety spread because of his oratorical skills, but also for his philanthropy. Under John, the Antiochain Church provided sustenance each day to as many as 3,ooo virgins and widows, not including in this number the shut-ins, wan- derers and the sick. In 397, John was taken from his home in Antioch and brought to the Capital of the empire, Constantinople, to become the Archbishop of that city. During his time as Archbishop John continued in his preaching “The present life is an arena: in the arena and and his philanthropy. Also during his time as Archbishop he sent missionaries to many re- in athletic contests the man who expects to be gions of the world, compiled a Liturgy we use crowned cannot enjoy relaxation. So if anyone today, introduced antiphonal singing into wishes to win a crown, let him choose the hard Church, wrote many prayers for services and and laborious life, in order that after he has much more. He began to run into troubles striven a short time here he may enjoy lasting when he denounced the dissolute morals of people in the capital, especially at the imperial honor hereafter.” court. He was unafraid to speak open and hon- (3rd sermon on Lazarus and the rich man, 68) estly about abuses and corruption within the Church and empire. Eventually for all his Life rhetoric John was deposed by the emperor and The above quote by St. John Chry- in 404 was exiled to Armenia. Enduring the sostom is a perfect reflection of how in fact he harsh conditions in his Armenian exile, John lived his own life. His life is a story on con- fell asleep in the Lord in 407 with his last tests and struggle for Christ and His Gospel. words being, “Glory to God for all things.” He came from the region of Antioch in Eventually John’s exile and disfavor in the Syria where he served that great church and empire were restored in 438. was educated by some of the best minds of St. John Chrysostom is a giant of a saint that age, including St. Meletius of Antioch and of our Church. His work in theology, preach- Diodorus of Tarsus. John also spent many ing, the Liturgy, philanthropy and more serve years struggling in the wilderness and living as a model for all Christians today. Most im- the ascetic life in order to get closer to God. portantly though is the example of his life. He He was ordained a deacon in 381 and then a served Christ first and foremost in all things, presbyter in 386 to the church in Antioch. In even unto his exile and death, and never these years after becoming a presbyter he ceased praising God for all things. His persis- earned the nickname “Golden-Mouthed” for tence and dedication to Christ throughout his his splendid preaching and inspiring, deeply life serves as a prime example of what it stirring words. For twelve years he preached in means to “walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) the church, usually twice a week, but some- Page 4 EVENTS IN PICTURES St. Gerrasimnos of Kefalonia Greek School trip to Chrysler Mu- KEFALOS Celebration seum Icon Exhibit Feast of St. Demetrios in Williamsburg Mission Sunday with OCMC participants Ministry Fair and Cathedral Picnic HOPE/JOY Page 5 Hello Hope/Joy families. Hope/Joy is the group for our youth ages 4 to 12 -Saturday, December 5th, 10:00 am - where children can enjoy fellowship while 1:00 pm. St. Nicholas workshop. Let your witnessing our faith. We are off to a busy children enjoy crafts, songs, and activities start for the ecclesiastical year. while you enjoy the Hellenic Woman's Bake Sale and some shopping time. $5.00 The HarvestFest was a success and we charge for lunch. thank all families who participated and helped. -Saturday, January 16th. 12:00 Join us for the following dates: pm. Dive for the Cross. 35th St. Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Then head to Northend Pizza for lunch, ice cream, and fellow- -Saturday, November 14th, 5:00 pm. ship. Thanksgiving Family Dinner with our Golden Years Club at the Hellenic Center. See you there! Hope/Joy St. Nicholas Christmas Workshop December 5th from 10am to 1pm All are invited to join the Hope/Joy for their annual St. Nicholas/Christmas workshop. This is a drop off event open to all children 3 and older who are potty trained and separate easily. The children will make Christmas crafts, play games, decorate cookies, sing and enjoy story time. The cost of this event is $5 per child and a canned item for the FoodBank. A pizza lunch will be provided. If your child has allergies please feel free to being a bagged lunch. We will also be making Salvation Army Stockings as our mission project for this season. Empty stocking can be picked up in the So- cial Hall and returned there as well by December 5th. Page 6 GOYA First GOYA basketball Tournament in Bethesda Maryland November December -November 6-8 Norfolk December 4-5 Ionian Vil- GOYA Kickoff at the Clare residence Basketball Tournament lage on the Go Lockin in Williamsburg -November 16 Monthly Upcoming Schedule GOYA meeting -December 5 St. Nicholas Workshop -Basketball practice every Monday evening -November 22 Chrysler Ico- (Girls 5:30, Boys 6:30 PM nography Visit following -December 12– Ice Skating Church and dinner outing every Monday Night) -November 24 Hunt Club -December 27 Christmas Farm Hay Ride Party/Meeting Food For Thought: Love of Neighbor Christ responds to a lawyer inquiry over the greatest commandment by to first Love God and then “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:31) The “love” Christ mentions here though is unlike what the world has seen before. Christians are to love their neighbor simply because they are their neighbor. Many times we “love” someone because of how they act, who they are or what they can do for us.