June / July 2016 - the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Annunciation

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation
July 2016
Volume 43 Issue 3
MESSAGE OF THE HOLY AND GREAT COUNCIL
OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH
To the Orthodox people and to all people of good will
To God, "the Father of mercies and all comfort," we address a
hymn of thanksgiving and praise for having enabled us to
gather during the week of Pentecost (18-26 June 2016) on
Crete, where the Apostle Paul and his disciple Titus preached
the Gospel in the early years of the life of the Church. We give
thanks to the Triune God who was well pleased that in one
accord we should bring to a conclusion the work of the Holy
and Great Council that was convoked by His All Holiness
Ecumenical Patriarch. Bartholomew by the common will of
their Beatitudes the Primates of the local Orthodox
Autocephalous Churches.
sacramental life, with the Holy Eucharist at its center.
The Orthodox Church expresses her unity and catholicity "in
Council". Conciliarity pervades her organization, the way
decisions are taken and determines her path. The Orthodox
Autocephalous Churches do not constitute a federation of
Churches, but the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Each local Church as she offers the holy Eucharist is the local
presence and manifestation of the One Holy Catholic and
Apostolic Church. In regard to the Orthodox Diaspora in
various countries of the world, it was decided to continue with
the institution of Episcopal Assemblies until such time as
canonical rigor can be implemented. These assemblies are
composed of the canonical bishops appointed by each
Autocephalous Church and these bishops continue to remain
subject to their respective Churches. The due function of these
Episcopal Assemblies guarantees respect for the Orthodox
principle of conciliarity.
Faithfully following the example of the Apostles and our
god-bearing Fathers we have once again studied the Gospel of
freedom "for which Christ has set us free" (Gal. 5: 1). The
foundation of our theological discussions was the certainty that
the Church does not live for herself. She transmits the witness
of the Gospel of grace and truth and offers to the whole world
the gifts of God: love, peace, justice, reconciliation, the power
During the deliberations of the Holy and Great Council the
of the Cross and of the Resurrection and the expectation of
importance of the Synaxes of the Primates which had taken
eternal life.
place was emphasized and the proposal was made for the Holy
1) The key priority of the Council was to proclaim the unity of and Great Council to become a regular Institution to be conthe Orthodox Church. Founded on the Eucharist and the vened every seven or ten years.
Apostolic Succession of her Bishops, the existing unity needs
2) Participating in the Holy Eucharist and praying for the
to be strengthened and to bear new fruits. The One Holy
whole world, we must continue the 'liturgy after the Divine
Catholic and Apostolic Church is a divine-human communion,
Liturgy' and give the witness of faith to those near and those
a foretaste and experience of the eschaton within the Holy
far off, in accordance with the Lord's clear command before
Eucharist. As a continuous Pentecost, she is a prophetic voice
His ascension, "And you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem
that cannot be silenced, the presence of and witness to the
and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth
Kingdom of the God of love. The Orthodox Church, faithful to
(Ac. 1: 8). The re-evangelization of God's people in modern,
the unanimous Apostolic Tradition and her sacramental
secularized societies and the evangelization of those who have
experience, is the authentic continuation of the one Holy
still not come to know Christ remain an unceasing obligation
Catholic and Apostolic Church as confessed in the Creed and
for the Church.
confirmed by the teaching of the Church Fathers. Our Church
lives out the mystery of the Divine Economy in her 3) In response to her obligation to witness to the truth and her
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Continues on page 2
apostolic faith, our Church attaches great importance to
dialogue, pr imar ily with non Or thodox Chr istians. In this
way the remainder of the Christian world comes to know more
precisely the authenticity of the Orthodox Tradition, the value
of patristic teaching and the liturgical life and faith of the
Orthodox. The dialogues conducted by the Orthodox Church
never imply a compromise in matters of faith.
cetic ethos is a characteristic of Christian life in all its
manifestations.
Apart from the specific topics about which it decided, the
Holy and Great Council notes in brief the following important
contemporary issues:
7) In regard to the matter of the relations between Christian
faith and the natural sciences, the Orthodox Church avoids
placing scientific investigation under tutelage and does not
adopt a position on every scientific question. She thanks God
who gives to scientists the gift of uncovering unknown
dimensions of divine creation. The modern development of the
natural sciences and of technology is br inging r adical
changes to our life. It brings significant benefits, such as the
facilitation of everyday life, the treatment of serious diseases,
easier communications and space exploration, and so on. In
spite of this, however, there are many negative consequences
such as the manipulation of freedom, the gradual loss of
precious traditions, the destruction of the natural environment
and the questioning of moral values. Scientific knowledge,
however swiftly it may be advancing, does not motivate man's
will, nor does it give answers to serious moral and existential
issues and to the search for the meaning of life and of the
world. These matters demand a spiritual approach, which the
Orthodox Church attempts to provide through a bioethics
which is founded on Christian ethics and Patristic teaching.
Along with her respect for the freedom of scientific
investigation, the Orthodox Church at the same time points out
the dangers concealed in certain scientific achievements and
emphasizes man's dignity and his divine destiny.
4) The explosions of fundamentalism observed within various
religions represent an expression of morbid religiosity. Sober
inter-religious dialogue helps significantly to pr omote
mutual trust, peace and reconciliation. The oil of religious experience must be used to heal wounds and not to rekindle the
fire of military conflicts. The Orthodox Church unequivocally
condemns the extension of military violence, persecutions, the
expulsion and murder of members of religious minorities,
forced conversions, the trafficking of refugees, the abductions,
torture and abhorrent executions. She denounces the destruction of churches, religious symbols and cultural monuments.
Very particularly, she expresses her deep concern about the
situation of Christians and of all the persecuted minorities in
the Middle East. She calls on the governments in the region to
protect the indigenous Orthodox and other Christians and all
the populations who have an inalienable right to remain in
their countries as citizens with equal rights. Our Council
appeals to all parties involved to make systematic efforts
without delay to bring to an end the military conflicts in the
Middle East and wherever armed hostilities persist and to
enable all those displaced to return to their homes.
We address our appeal particularly to those in positions of
power to act so that peace and justice may prevail in the
countries of origin of the refugees. We urge the civil
authorities, the citizens and the Orthodox Christians in the
countries in which the persecuted are taking refuge to continue
to offer help to the limit or even beyond the limit of their
abilities.
8) It is clear that the present-day ecological crisis is due to
spiritual and moral causes. Its roots are connected with greed,
avarice and egoism, which lead to the thoughtless use of
natural resources, the filling of the atmosphere with damaging
pollutants, and to climate change. The Christian response to
the problem demands repentance for the abuses, an ascetic
frame of mind as an antidote to overconsumption, and at the
same time a cultivation of the consciousness that man is a
"steward " and not a possessor of creation. The Church never
ceases to emphasize that future generations also have a right to
the natural resources that the Creator has given us. For this
reason, the Orthodox Church takes an active part in the
various international ecological initiatives and has ordained
the 1st September as a day of prayer for the protection of the
natural environment.
5) Modern secularisation seeks the autonomy of man
(anthropos) from Christ and from the spiritual influence of the
Church, which it arbitrarily identifies with conservatism.
Western civilization, however, bears the indelible mark of the
diachronic contribution of Christianity. The Church,
moreover, highlights the saving significance of Christ, the God
-man, and of His Body, as the place and mode of life in
freedom.
6) In contrast to the contemporary approach to marriage, the
Orthodox Church regards the indissoluble loving relationship
of man and woman as "a great mystery... of Christ and the
Church". Similarly, she calls the family which springs from
this and which constitutes the only guarantee for the
upbringing of children a "little church".
9) Against the levelling and impersonal standardization that is
promoted in so many ways, Orthodoxy proposes respect for
the particular characteristics of individuals peoples. It is
also opposed the making of the economy into something
autonomous from basic human needs and turning it into an end
in itself. The progress of mankind is not connected only with
The Church has always emphasized the value of
an increase in living standards or with economic development
self-restraint. Chr istian asceticism, however , differ s
at the expense of spiritual values.
radically from every dualistic asceticism which severs man
from life and from his fellow man. On the contrary, she 10) The Orthodox Church does not involve herself in politics.
connects this with the sacramental life of the Church. Her voice remains distinct, but also prophetic, as a beneficial
Self-restraint does not concern only the monastic life. The as- intervention for the sake of man. Human rights today are at the
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center of politics as a response to the social and political crises † Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All Albania
and upheavals, and seek to protect the citizen from the
† Rastislav of Presov, the Czech Lands and Slovakia
arbitrary power of the state. Our Church also adds to this the
obligations and responsibilities of the citizens and the need for
constant self-criticism on the part of both politicians and
Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
citizens for the improvement of society. And above all she
emphasizes that the Orthodox ideal in respect of man † Leo of Karelia and All Finland
transcends the horizon of established human rights and that † Stephanos of Tallinn and All Estonia
"greatest of all is love", as Christ revealed and as all the faithful who follow him have experienced. She insists also that a † Elder Metropolitan John of Pergamon
fundamental human right is the protection of religious freedom † Elder Archbishop Demetrios of America
--namely, freedom of conscience, belief, and religion,
including, alone and in community, in private and in public, † Augustinos of Germany
the right to freedom of worship and practice, the right to † Irenaios of Crete
manifest one's religion, as well as the right of religious
communities to religious education and to the full function and † Isaiah of Denver
exercise of their religious duties, without any form of direct or † Alexios of Atlanta
indirect interference by the state.
† Iakovos of the Princes’ Islands
11) The Orthodox Church addresses herself to young people
who seek for a plenitude of life replete with freedom, justice, † Joseph of Proikonnisos
creativity and also love. She invites them to join themselves † Meliton of Philadelphia
consciously with the Church of Him who is Truth and Life. To
come, offering to the ecclesial body their vitality, their † Emmanuel of France
anxieties, their concerns and their expectations. Young people † Nikitas of the Dardanelles
are not only the future, but also the dynamic and creative
present of the Church, both on a local and on a world-wide † Nicholas of Detroit
level.
† Gerasimos of San Francisco
12) The Holy and Great Council has opened our horizon
towards the contemporary diverse and multifarious world. It
has emphasized our responsibility in place and in time, ever
with the perspective of eternity. The Orthodox Church,
preserving intact her Sacramental and Soteriological character,
is sensitive to the pain, the distress and the cry for justice and
peace of the peoples of the world. She "proclaims day after
day the good tidings of His salvation, announcing His glory
among the nations and His wonders among all
peoples" (Psalm 95).
† Amphilochios of Kisamos and Selinos
† Amvrosios of Korea
† Maximos of Selyvria
† Amphilochios of Adrianopolis
† Kallistos of Diokleia
† Antony of Hierapolis, Head of the Ukrainian Orthodox in
the USA
† Job of Telmessos
Let us pray that "the God of all grace, who has called us to his
eternal glory in Christ, will, after we have suffered a little,
Himself restore, establish, and strengthen and settle us. To him
be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 5.1011).
† Jean of Charioupolis, Head of the Patriarchal Exarchate for
Orthodox Parishes of the Russian Tradition in Western Europe
† Gregory of Nyssa, Head of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox in the USA
† Bartholomew of Constantinople, Chairman
A complete list of all the Hierarchs attending the Great and
Holy Council and all those who signed the documents can be
found at: www.holycouncil.org
† Theodoros of Alexandria
† Theophilos of Jerusalem
† Irinej of Serbia
†Daniel of Romania
† Chrysostomos of Cyprus
† Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece
† Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland
3
Feast of the Procession
of the Venerable Wood of the Cross from August 1-14
By Rev. Father Christos P. Mars
In the Greek Horologion of 1897, the origin of this feast
is explained:
"Because of the illnesses that occur in August, it was
customary, in former times, to carry the Venerable Wood
of the Cross through the streets and squares of Constantinople for the sanctification of the city, and for relief
from sickness. On the eve (July 31), it was taken out of
the imperial treasury, and laid upon the altar of the
Great Church of Hagia Sophia (the Wisdom of God).
From this Feast until the Dormition of the Most Holy
Theotokos, they carried the Cross throughout the city in
procession, offering it to the people to venerate. This is
the Procession of the Venerable Cross."
Throughout the period of the Dormition Fast
beginning on August 1st through the 14th we
simultaneously celebrate the Feast of the Procession of
the Venerable Wood of the Cross. Unlike the September
14th, observance, this commemoration is considered to be
a minor feast in comparison and significance, but it does
have the bringing out of the Cross and veneration by the
faithful like the September feast. It is the first of three
"Feasts of the Lord" in the month of August, the other
two being the Transfiguration (August 6) and the Icon of
Christ "Not Made by Hands" otherwise known as the
Holy Mandylion (August 16).
It should be noted that in the Russian Orthodox
Church, this feast also celebrates the Baptism of Russia
which occurred on August 1, 988. In the "Account of the
Order of Services in the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
Great Church of the Dormition," compiled in 1627 by
order of Patriarch Philaret of Moscow and All Rus, there
is the following explanation of the feast: "On the day of
the Procession of the Venerable Cross there is a church
procession for the sanctification of water and for the enlightenment of the people, throughout all the towns and
places."Knowledge of the day of the actual Baptism of
Rus was preserved in the Chronicles of the 16th century:
"The Baptism of the Great Prince Vladimir of Kiev and all
Rus was on August 1."
It is customary to have a crucession (a procession
headed by the Cross) and celebrate the Lesser Blessing of
Water on August 1st. Because of the blessing of holy
water, this holy day is sometimes called "Savior of the
Water." The Greeks perform this ceremony on the first of
every month, but the Russians do it on August 1st,
specifically to commemorate the baptism of the Russian
people. There may also be celebrated on this day the Rite
of Blessing New Honey, for which reason the day is also
referred to as "Savior of the Honey."
According to Saint Nikolai Velimirovich in his
Prologue explanation of this feast, he adds a few additional significant meanings to this feast:
"This feast was instituted by a mutual agreement of the
Greeks and Russians at the time of the Greek Emperor
Manuel and the Russian Prince Andrew in
commemoration of the simultaneous victories of the
Russians over the Bulgarians and the Greeks over the
Saracens [in 1164]. In both of these battles, crosses
were carried by the armies from which heavenly rays
shone. It was therefore instituted that, on August 1st, the
Cross be carried first to the middle of the Church of the
Divine Wisdom [Hagia Sophia] and after that, along the
streets for the people to venerate as a commemoration of
the miraculous help of the Cross in previous battles. This
was not an ordinary cross but the true Honorable Cross
which was kept in the church of the imperial court. On
July 31st, the Honorable Cross was carried from the
imperial court to the Church of the Holy Wisdom of God
and from there it was carried along the streets for the
consecration of the earth and the air. Finally, on August
14, it was again returned to the church of the imperial
palace."
Though there is some truth to the words of St. Nikolai
concerning the origins of this feast in Russia, in actuality
this feast dates back much earlier for the Romans of
Constantinople. This is clarified by Bulgakov, who
describes this miraculous event that happened at the same
time between two Orthodox armies as a separate feast
from the older Procession of the Venerable Cross. In
fact, we know that the origin of the Feast of the
Procession of the Venerable Cross goes back to the ninth
century or earlier. Russia began to celebrate it at the
beginning of the 15th century. The commemoration of
the mutual victories of the Russian and Roman armies
with the aid of the Cross dates back to the date of the
actual battle in 1164.
To better understand the origins and rubrics of the
celebration of this feast among the Romans of
Constantinople, I refer you to the following information
provided within the excellent article by Holger A. Klein
titled "Sacred Relics and Imperial Ceremonies at the
Great Palace of Constantinople." He writes:
"The Persian invasion of Syria-Palestine in 614 and
the Arab conquest of Jerusalem in 637/38 resulted in a
number of important relic translations during the reign
of Emperor Herakleios (610-641) and changed
Constantinople’s status as a repository of sacred relics
for centuries. As suggested by the Chronicon Paschale,
the relic of the Holy Lance, Sponge, and the True Cross
from Jerusalem were recovered from the Persians during
the fall of 629, transferred to the capital, and exhibited
for public veneration in the church of Hagia Sophia for
several days. While Emperor Herakleios, according to
some sources, triumphantly returned the relic of the True
Cross from Constantinople to Jerusalem and exalted it in
the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on 21 March of the
following year, the unexpected loss of the Holy City to
the Arabs soon necessitated the relic’s transfer back into
the capital, where it was now safeguarded by the emperor
and kept inside the confines of the imperial palace.”
4
The forced relocation of the ‘larger part’ of the relic
of the True Cross from Jerusalem to Constantinople and
its presumed deposition in the imperial palace not only
ensured the Empire’s safety and prosperity for the future,
it also re-affirmed the emperor’s role as the guardian and
protector of Christianity’s most sacred treasure. While a
smaller portion of the relic, associated with Constantine
the Great and set in a bejeweled processional Cross, had
already been used in imperial processions in the
beginning of the sixth century, and is known to have
preceded the imperial army on military campaigns during
the reign of Emperor Maurice, it was the alleged return of
the True Cross from Jerusalem that effectively
transformed Constantinople into a ‘New Jerusalem’ and
the imperial palace into a locus sanctus at the heart of the
Empire. The possession of the True Cross not only
reinforced the emperor’s divine mandate but also rendered him the most important distributor of relics of the
True Cross in the Christian world, a position future
emperors would eagerly exploit in building political
alliances with Christian rulers and potentates in Western
Europe.
Where the relic of the True Cross from Jerusalem was
originally kept cannot be determined with certainty. In
the second half of the seventh century, when Bishop
Arkulf visited Constantinople on his way back from the
Holy Land, a portion of the relic was, at least for the time
of its public veneration during Holy Week, kept inside
Hagia Sophia in a 'very large and beautiful chest [...] to
the north of the interior of the building.' Arkulf’s
testimony has often been considered as an indication that
the main relic of the True Cross had, by the seventh
century, been entrusted to the care of the Patriarch.
Judging from later accounts, however, it is more likely
that the relic of the True Cross from Jerusalem and the so
-called ‘Cross of Constantine,’ first mentioned by
Theodore Anagnostes, were both safeguarded inside the
imperial palace, presumably in the skeuophylakion, and
removed only temporarily for specific liturgical and ceremonial functions. As recorded in Constantine VII
Porphyrogennetos’ Book of Ceremonies [10th cent.],
important relics of the True Cross were still kept in the
skeuophylakion of the imperial palace during the tenth
century and taken out on specific feasts and occasions.
One such feast was a six-day-long festival celebrated in
mid-Lent that included a public display and veneration of
the relic of the True Cross inside Hagia Sophia and a
related imperial ceremony performed in the palace.
According to the Book of Ceremonies, celebrations
started on the third Sunday of Lent in the skeuophylakion
of the imperial palace. Between the third and sixth ode of
Orthros [Matins], the 'three glorious and life-giving
Crosses', were removed from the treasury, embalmed by
the protopapas and taken to the Nea Ekklesia to be
venerated by all. After Orthros was concluded, the
Crosses were taken to the gallery of the church, where
the clergies of the Nea and the imperial palace jointly
intoned the Troparia of the Crucifixion. At this time, the
emperor and his co-emperors were given the opportunity
to venerate and kiss the precious and life-giving relics.
Then, the three Crosses were separated from each other.
Accompanied by the clergy of the Nea, a deacon carried
one of them back down to the main level of the church to
be displayed for further veneration. The second Cross
was taken over by the papias of the Great Palace, who,
accompanied by the palace clergy, the protopapas of the
church of St. Stephen and the diaitarioi of the palace,
carried it in festive procession through the Heliakon [of
the Chrysotriklinos] and from the Chrysotriklinos into the
Lausiakos, where it was displayed for the veneration by
members of the senate. The Cross was then taken to the
Church of the Protomartyr Stephen in the Daphne palace,
where it remained overnight. On the following day, the
papias took the relic to Hagia Sophia, where it was
displayed for veneration by the faithful during the rest of
the week. The third Cross never left the gallery of the
Nea. After noon on Friday, when public venerations had
ended at Hagia Sophia, the papias and the clergy of the
Nea brought the respective Crosses back into the palace.
Finally, between the third and sixth ode of Orthros on
Sunday, the protopapas and the skeuophylax returned all
Crosses to the skeuophylakion.
What is striking about this description is not only the
fact that, by the tenth century, three Crosses of the
glorious and life-giving Wood were kept in the
skeuophylakion of the imperial palace, but also that these
relics were employed in a complex ceremony that
involved their display in three distinct locations within
the imperial palace – the Nea Ekklesia, the Lausiakos and
the Church of St. Stephen – as well as in the church of
Hagia Sophia.
Another closely related ceremony involving the True
Cross is described in the Book of Ceremonies for the
week before and the two weeks following August 1st.
Once again, the ceremony started between the third and
sixth ode of Orthros in the skeuophylakion of the palace.
After the relic was embalmed, it was taken to an
unspecified church within the imperial palace, where it
was displayed for veneration by the emperors. The relic
was then taken to the Lausiakos, where it was set up to be
venerated by the members of the senate. Afterwards, the
Cross was taken to the church of St. Stephen, from where
it was carried through each of the quarters of the capital
to 'cleanse and sanctify all places and houses of the
God-guarded and imperial city; and not only the
buildings, but also the walls of the city and its suburbs.'
When the relic returned from its journey on August 13th,
it was first brought to the Chrysotriklinos and placed on
the imperial throne. Then, the papias, accompanied by
the protopapas and the clergy, took the relic through the
rooms of the imperial palace to cleanse and sanctify them
as well. For a short while thereafter, the relic was kept in
the oratory of St. Theodore before the papias carried it
back to the Church of the Virgin of the Pharos after
Vespers. Here, the relic was received by the skeuophylax
of the palace and returned to the treasury between the
third and sixth ode of Orthros.
5
Abba Sisoes the Great
by Elias Lampropoulos
As we look in the Ecclesiastical Calendar we
often find feasts of saints whose names are unfamiliar.
Some of these rare names are accompanied by notable
titles, among which the most frequent is “Great”. Fathers
of the Church, Hierarchs, Martyrs, Hieromartyrs,
Apologists and Ascetics are distinguished as “Great”
among the saints. Yet, regardless of how many “Great”
saints there might be, most of the time we do not bother
to discover how the greatness of one or the other saint has
impacted and is still impacting our Orthodox Piety, and
what their contribution have to do or
should have to do with our lives.
Among the Greats of the
Church,
on
July
6th
we
commemorate Abba Sisoes, a
humble ascetic of the Fourth
century, who fled the world and
lived in the desert for over 80 years.
Although his name does not sound
familiar to us, in the monastic
tradition he has a significant place as
one of the most eminent teachers of
the desert, despite the fact that he
did not leave behind theological
treatises, canons, commentaries,
sermons or any other writings. His
greatest lesson is derived from his life itself, or better,
from his encounter with death.
Abba Sisoes was born in Egypt at the beginning
of the Fourth century. While still very young, he
expressed his desire to flee the world, go to the desert and
live the rest of his life, in submission to the one and only
love of his heart, which is Christ. Thus, he left his
parents’ house and sought to find the angelic way of
living in the noted monastic center of Nitria in Egypt.
There he practiced obedience, the highest of the monastic
virtues, under the guidance of well-respected elders.
However, he yearned to travel into the deeper part of the
Egyptian desert and meet St. Anthony the Great, who at
that time was a living legend among the monastics. After
begging his elders for a long time, Sisoes finally received
the blessing to leave Nitria and go visit St. Anthony. He
happily traveled to the deepest ends of the desert, far
away from any comfort and ease. Sadly, by the time he
arrived at St. Anthony’s mountain, St. Anthony had
already reposed in the Lord. After venerating at
St. Anthony’s tomb, the young Sisoes realized there was
only one way to receive a lesson from St. Anthony; he
would spend of his life on the same
mountain exercising himself with
prayer, enduring the same hardships
that St. Anthony endured and
completing
his earthly course.
Hence, for 72 years Sisoes remained
on that very mountain upon which
St. Anthony had lived.
In the “Desert Fathers” collection we
find few of Abba Sisoes’ sayings,
along with
some fragmental
incidents of his life. He exhausted
himself in prayer and fasting, asking
God for one single thing: Humility.
For him who had reached a higher
level of virtue, Humility was not just
the mean to enable the advancement of his monastic
struggle, it was the goal. It is really hard, I have to
confess, for some earthly-minded persons like the author
of this article, to understand this concept. Abba Sisoes
never prayed for the winning lottery numbers or such,
but rather to be granted humility, a precious gift so often
and so easily neglected by us. He used to say: “The way
that leads to humility is chastity first, prayer second and
third to struggle with all your strengths to reach God.” In
other words, Abba Sisoes’ lesson was that we will
encounter God’s mercy only if we are eager to be
merciless with ourselves. This is a hard concept for us to
6
understand indeed, as we live in a world where the
“Gospel of Prosperity” and the “Loving God no matter
what” have cast the Crucified Christ away from our
society.
Even more eloquent than his words is the
depiction of Abba Sisoes before the tomb of Alexander
the Great, a depiction very popular in monasteries. Abba
Sisoes kneels before the tomb of one of the greater kings
and conquerors in the history of mankind, encountering
nothing of Alexander’s earthly glory, only humbled
bones lying in the tomb, and he meditates as we read on
his icon’s inscription: “Sisoes, great among the ascetics,
stood before the tomb of Alexander, Emperor of the
Greeks, who in ancient times shone with glory, was
horrified by the instability of the passing of time and was
saddened by transient glory, cried aloud: Beholding you,
O grave, I am afraid of your view and a tear runs down
from my heart as I meditate the common debt (destiny) of
all mankind. How can I ever avoid this fate? Alas, alas,
O death, who can escape you?” The mystery of death for
this great ascetic was a tragedy which haunts all human
life, whether we acknowledge it or not. Even though
Christ abolished death through His Sacrifice and
Resurrection every human being still risks the danger of
being trapped by vanity or other transient desires and
falling into this terrible fate, like Alexander the Great. St.
Sisoes kneels with awe before death, as he realizes that
the struggle against this great mystery is a lifetime battle.
Only a life which is completely overshadowed by
Christ’s Grace can overcome death, but still death
remains fearsome for the human mind.
Thus, Abba Sisoes spent his life meditating and
worrying more about his death than his life. When he
grew very old, his followers transferred him from
St. Anthony’s mountain closer to the city in order to
provide him with more comfort, as he was becoming
weaker day by day. However, this transfer saddened the
Elder, who insisted he be brought back to the desert -“the
only place that made him think as a free man”- as he
used to say to his students. Eventually, Abba’s will was
respected by his novices and he returned to St. Anthony’s
mountain. When it was the time for Abba Sisoes to
depart from this world, he gathered the entire
brotherhood of ascetics, blessed them and asked them to
pray for him as his soul would be departing from his
body. While the brotherhood prayed gathered in Abba
Sisoes’ monastic cell, his face became bright, and the
Abba began to whisper, “Behold A bba A nthony has
come to receive my soul”, and then continued, “Behold
the Archangels have come”, and then, “behold the Holy
Apostles have come”. Every time he whispered the
coming of each saint, his face became brighter and
brighter, until his face had become so bright that the
monks could not look at it. Then, the Abba said: “Behold
my Lord and my Creator has come”, and by saying this,
he breathed his last breath.
In the Psalter we read: “Precious in the sight of
the LORD is the death of His saints.” (Ps. 115:6) Indeed,
Abba Sisoes, with his righteous life and his hard exercise
escaped the terrible curse of mankind. By living his life
fully committed to Christ, he defeated death, and
when his soul was leaving his body, he did not encounter
darkness but light.
May Abba Sisoes the Great always intercede
for us who look at the calendar without even bothering
to learn the story of this oddly named saint.
7
n
PARISH REGISTRY
PARISH REGISTRY CONTINUED
As of 7/18/2016
BIRTHS
Baby Girl Born to Jimmy & Leah Economos
Baby Girl Born to John & Angelina (Papandreou) Lawrence
Baby Girl Born to Alexandros & Kelly Demestihas
Baby Boy Born to George & Kate Koulouris
Baby Boy Born to Christos & Nicole Adams
Baby Boy Born to Douglas & Julia Lott
Baby Boy Born to Panayiotis & Panagiota Damianeas
Baby Boy Born to Andrew & Katherine Ladikos
George Simitses
Angelo Angelato
Barbara Bailey
Olga Lawandales
Betty Plithides
Bill Vasilas
John Anander
Spiros Stavros Lazos
Harriet Angel Burks
Eleni Couvaras
WEDDINGS
Santiago Gallo & Alexia Skouteris
George Deleanides & Taylor Sestak
Eli Locicero & Courtney Henfield
Robert Halpin & Maria Snider
Alex Reeves & Alexis Georgeson
Speros Kokenes & Katie Daugherty
Nabil Mansour & Amira Hanna
(Mother of Jerry, Basil and Tassie, in Johannesburg, South Africa)
WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH US
BAPTISMS
Facebook
Parents: Don & Katerina Pottinger
Baby: Zoe Penelope
Godparent: Stella Hondros
Baby: Dahlia Magdalini
Godparent: Stacey Ehmer
Parents: Evangelos & Maria Hadjisimos
Baby: Anastasia Demetra
Godparents: Ryan & Maria Starks
Parents: Vasili & Maria Katsadouros
Baby: Pantelis Raphael
Godparents: Ari & Katina Zachas
Parents: Angeliki Karamberis & Georgios Tziallas
Baby: Anastasia Maria Karamberis
Godparent: Dina Papadakis
Parents: Stephen & Alyssa Hallick
Baby: Mila Isabelle
Godparent: Christine Hallick
Parents: Corey & Lydia Marcum
Baby: Ezra
Godparents: Cameron Baxter, Abeba Cherinet
& Galilea Malede
Parents: Ashraf & Anna Attalla
Twin Babies: Alexander & Milasha
Godparent: Maria Starostova
Parents: Vasilis & Katherine Babaliaros
Baby: Leonidas Vasilis
Godparent: Georgios Tarasidis
Twitter
YouTube
Tout
Instagram
“Like”, “Follow”, “Subscribe”, Watch and See
www.facebook.com/atlgoc
www.twitter.com/atlgoc www.youtube.com/atlgoc and
our website www.atlgoc.org
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Now Accepting Online Donations!
Click HERE for instructions on Guest Donations or click on
one of the links below to Donate now.
(Above is an example of what to look for on our Cathedral
website, www.atlgoc.org)
GOOFS BREAKFAST
Every other THURSDAY at 9:00 a.m. in the
Kafenion. Open to everyone!!! Come join us
for a full breakfast and great fellowship!
Full breakfast includes fruit,
waffles, bacon, sausage and much more!
Donation $5 per person.
Contact the Cathedral office at 404-633-5870
for the date of the next gathering.
Hope to see you there!
Parents: Andrea & Katherine Ladikos
Baby: Stefanos
Godparents: Kosta Ntonas & Maria Kappis
Parents: Panagiotis & Jenny Poulopoulos
Baby: Anastasia
Godparents: Evangelos Evangelinos &
Aspasina Nikolatos Patrikakis
SPECIAL CELEBRATION
Congratulations to Arthur and Connie Pappas
who celebrated their 50th Anniversary at Petite
Auberge Restaurant with many relatives
and friends.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Lori Thompson Pappas who
received her Master’s degree in Anthropology
from Georgia State University with a 4.07 GPA!
8
Cathy Goumenis Day
Needs Your Help
Cathy, who has been suffering with leukemia, underwent a blood and marrow transplant a few
months ago. She has been in remission, however is now fighting many other medical issues including
graft vs. host disease and adult onset diabetes.
These conditions require numerous medications, mainly immune suppressant drugs, which are only
partially covered by insurance. The monthly out of pocket costs are staggering and the family is in
need of our assistance.
If you would like to make a donation, please make your checks payable to the Cathedral’s Benevolent
Fund or the Philoptochos Social Services Fund, earmarked for Cathy Goumenis Day. Donations can be
mailed to the Cathedral at 2500 Clairmont Rd. NE; Atlanta, GA 30329.
Please pray for Cathy, her husband Frank, sons Cole and Christopher, and her brother David. May
our Lord give them strength and comfort during this challenging time toward her complete recovery .
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9
2016 Atlanta Greek Festival Hours:
Thursday, September 22nd – Drive Thru Only
Friday, September 23rd – 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday, September 24th – 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday, September 25th – 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Festival Baklava Baking!!
Beginning Monday, July 25 – Friday, July 29th
Continues Monday, August 1st- Wednesday, August 3rd
It’s that time of year when our wonderful Cathedral volunteers prepare the delicious baklava
sold at our Greek Festival!
All baklava baking will take place in the HCC kitchen.
Baking begins at 10:00 a.m.
Please bring your apron and your lunch. Soft drinks provided.
This is always a fun tradition & our bakers (both women & men) have a great time!
No experience necessary to join this group!
Let’s continue our legacy of homemade baklava!
Car of Your Dreams
CHARITY “DRIVE”
DONATION $100
Only 1000 tickets will be sold so act fast!
Drawing will take place on Sunday, September 25 at the Atlanta Greek Festival
th
Tickets available every Sunday in Carlos Hall or by calling the Cathedral Office at 404-633-5870
10
Save Date
z
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Annual Gala
y
Auction
Benefitting The Annunciation Day School
Highlighting the needs of the science department You are an important element of our success!
103 West - Buckhead
Formal Invitation to follow
Did
Know?
• 100% of funding for the Annunciation Day School comes from tuition, parent
•
•
•
•
•
•
fundraisers, and individual donations.
The Gala is an annual opportunity for the Annunciation Cathedral parish family to
support ADS.
ADS holds the highest possible accreditation. Students consistently score in the
97th percentile nationwide on standardized tests.
ADS students, in addition to standard curricula, are taught the Orthodox Christian
Faith, Greek language, music, art, and P.E.
Since its inception in 2002, ADS has catalyzed many conversions to the Orthodox
Christian faith.
Families transferring internationally to the Atlanta area seek out ADS by name for
their children’s education.
Parents, it’s not too late to enroll your Pre-K through 7th grade child for the 2016-2017
year!
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It was truly a blessing to have our Sunday School families and our Day School families
enjoying camp together.
Campers, counselors and parents start asking about dates, field trips, etc. beginning in
February. The ADS teachers say that their non-Orthodox students are excited about camp in the
spring and start asking them the same things.
It is very heartwarming to see our counselors in training, our counselors and our teachers
bonding with all of our children.
This year was so much fun! We had a busy two weeks filled with memorable activities
including Opening & Closing Prayer, Orthodox Life, Dance, Sports & Arts & Crafts each day.
Overall 74 families registered their children, which totaled 110 campers. 53 campers came to
camp for both weeks, and the other 57 only came either week one or week two.
During Week 1, there were 77 registered campers. Our Adventure Campers, ages 13 & 14, learned
some aerial moves at the Circus Arts Institute. Our youngest campers, ages 3-7, went to Hippo
Hop and our campers, ages 8-14, went to White Water. Everyone attended the Divine Liturgy on
Ascension Thursday.
During Week 2, there were 88 registered campers. Our Adventure Campers went white water
rafting on the Middle Ocoee. Everyone attended the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday. Our entire
camp, all ages, went to SkyZone trampoline park.
On Thursday, June 16th, Family Night was held in the Kartos Ballroom with over 250
attending. After dinner, campers danced and sang to entertain their parents. The evening ended
with a slideshow of both weeks.
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Week 1
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Week 2
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Lenten Season Sunday School teachers and students were very busy during the Lenten Season.
Heretismi Services On each of the five Fridays of Great Lent, students participated in the Heretismi Services and the Akathistos Hymn by presenting flowers to the Theotokos. Students in 6 th-12th
Grades also read the Psalms and chanted hymns to the Theotokos and
Christ.
Sunday of Orthodoxy-March 20th: 6th-12th Grade students
participated in the procession by bringing their favorite icons and
walking in the procession.
Sunday of the Holy Cross- April 3rd: PreK C-5th Grade
students participated in the procession by bringing a cross from home
or carrying a daffodil (a symbol of the Resurrection) and walking in
the procession.
Saturday, April 23rd- Lazarus Saturday: This Saturday
is traditionally a day for Group
Communion where families attend Church together, receive Communion, then go to Carlos Hall to make
palm crosses for Palm Sunday. Breakfast is also served in Carlos Hall. This
year, there were several generations teaching each other how to make the
crosses. It was a beautiful Saturday morning.
Sunday, April 24th- Palm Sunday: 8th Grade Sunday School students joined the altar boys and handmaidens in the procession of palms.
Friday, April 29th – Great Friday: 4th & 5th grade girls participated in
the afternoon and evening service as
Myrrophores. The 12th Grade boys participated as Kouvouklion carriers in the
evening service.
A Special Thank you to…
Stacie Nefos for getting the rose petals ready for the Myrrophores.
Voula Giannakopoulos for making all of the corsages for the Kouvouklion carriers.
Sunday, May 8th – 1st Grade Bibles:
The
Kliossis family ( Angelo, Sheri, Kolin & Elliot) presented
Bibles to the 1st Grade students. Each year, they give a
Bible to each 1st grader in memory of their daughter and
sister, Carolyn, who passed away almost 25 years ago,
when she was a 1st grader.
We are blessed to have a family honor their daughter and
sister by giving our children their own Bibles.
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Sunday, May 22nd – Graduation & Attendance Recognition: Sunday School classes
ended on Sunday, May 22nd.
Perfect
Attendance: Fourteen students were
recognized for Perfect Attendance: Arthur Lamas &
Stella Hadjisimos- 1st year; Eleni Hadjisimos- 2nd year;
Juliana Lamas, Anastasia Lamas, Sophia Pappadakis &
Angela Pappadakis- 4th year; Robby Keenan- 5th year;
Katy Rhena Constantinides, Nicolas Keenan & Elizabeth
Keenan- 6th year; Nikolaos Constantinides & Phaethon
Constantinides- 7th year. One more student also had
perfect attendance for his first year- Andrei Mudrenko.
Graduation: Zoe McClure gave a speech on behalf of the graduating class, then all of the 12th Grade graduates received their diplomas before all of the students went to class.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL GRADUATES!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Agiasmo for the 2016-2017 school year will be held on Sunday, August 7th.
Registration forms are available in the Church Office,
outside the Sunday School Office and on the Cathedral website.
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Arcadian Society of Atlanta
The Arcadian Society of Atlanta held its annual Picnic at the Cathedral Picnic Pavilion on Sunday,
June 5, 2016. The Picnic has always been a special time for us to get together and to enjoy our
family and friends. Thank you to the Chairmen and head chef Spyros Kontoes and to his
co-chairman George Skoufis. Tony Yialamas, Spyros Soteres, Pete Giannakopoulos, John and
Dimitra Pavlopoulos were also helping to prepare the food. Gus Plagianis managed the entrance,
Nick Vasilakis was in charge of the music and they do a great job and many others are there
helping with the food and the set up.
Our annual tradition of honoring the High School Graduates of our members Children and
Grandchildren is always the highlight of the evening. Christopher Bilson, Leo Frangis,
Charles Nastopoulos, and Taylor Smallwood were our 2016 Graduates. We are so proud of them!
We appreciate the support of everyone who attended this relaxing community family day!
We are looking forward to our Fall schedule of events with our members and our Church
community.
On Thursday, September 8, 2016 we are sponsoring and cooking for the Golden Group Luncheon.
On Sunday, September18, 2016 we will have a Memorial Service to commemorate the brave
people who lost their lives fighting for their freedom against the Turkish oppression. We will also
be sponsoring the Coffee Hour after Liturgy.
On Sunday, November 13, 2016 we are having our Annual Bake Sale in Carlos Hall.
Elaine P. Tissura, President
Danaos Agios Petros Picnic
The Danaos Society, Atlanta's oldest organization for
Greek-Americans, celebrated the name day of its
Patron Saint (Agios Petros of Argos)
on May 15th. About fifty members
enjoyed the festivities,
food and camaraderie!
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THANK YOU TO OUR 2016
EPITAPHION CONTRIBUTORS!
Christopher & Nicole Adams
Mark & Sophia Adams & Family
Van & Becky Aggelakos
George Alexander
Thomas Alexander
Pete & Catherine Alexander
Alec Alexander
Mrs. Lula Alexander
Patricia Alexander
Janet Algers
Johnny Ambrocio
Patricia Anagnostakis
Anastasiades Family
Elaine B Andrews
Georgia Andros
Vickie Andros
Bill & Nichole Androutsopoulos
Anonymous
Nicholas & Catherine Argendeli
Costa & Fotini Babaliaros
Mike & Mary Balsamides
Mark & Rose Barton
Maryanne Beverly
Biehler Family
Karen & John Boosalis
Van Botsaris
James & Vasiliki-Bouras Boudouris
Mary Bougas
Niki Bouras
Helen Burleigh
Chris & Maria Callas
Theodora Campbell
Mary J. Campbell
Ron & Vicki Canakaris
Connie & Voula Caras
William & Betty Caras
Maria Caras
Chris G. Carlos
John & Elaine Carlos
Ron Hilliard & Helen A. Carlos
Jimmy & Georgia Carras
Manuel & Deidre Chaknis
Harriet Chaknis
James & Georgia Coclin
In Memory of Pres. Eurydice Constantinides
Criton & Jennifer Constantinides
Doty Constantinides
In Memory of Pres. Kathryn Constantinides
Irene Constantinides & Family
Bo & Dina Cook
Demetrios & Eugenia Costarides
Mr. & Mrs. John Costopoulos
Vickie Costopoulos
In Memory of Mary Coumanis
Nick & George Coumanis
Jerry & Helen Couvaras & Family
Mike & Norma Creety
Doug & Christina Cullinan & Family
Dallis Children
Scott & Lisa Davenport
Read & Diane Davis
George Demas
George Demetriades
Nick & Mary Demos
Evangeline & Richard Dennis Jr
Bess Dimos
Eleni Dodys
Nick A. Dodys Family
Joyce Dove
Nick & MaryAnn Economos
Nick & Angela Economy
John & Jean Economy
George & Christina Evagoris
Pauline Fermanis
Athina Fili
Christo Fotopoulos
James & Irene Fotos
Thomas & Joan Frangos
Franklin Family
Mike & Frances Galifianakis
Les & Mary Alice George & Family
Stephen & Valine Georgeson
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Giannakopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Giannakopoulos
Voula J. Giannakopoulos
John & Theoni Giannakopoulos
Helen Giannopoulos
James & Lia Gilmer
James & Claire Gilmore Jr
Ellie Giovinazzo
Evangeline M. Gouvas
Maria Grasso
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Peter & Linda Grivas
Demetrios & Glykeria Hadjisimos
Alex & Penny Halkos
Barbara Hall
Butch & Margaret Hansen
Bobby, Olga & Melina Haralambakis
Polly Hassos
Evangelos & Maria Hadjisimos
Christopher, Katherine & Ruby Holmes
Eleftheria & Stella Hondros
Victoria Hurst
Anna Johnson
Mary L. Jones
Nick & Beverly Jones
Costa & Kiki Kacur
Mr. & Mrs. John Kalinoglou
Tom, Stephanie, Emily & William Kantsios
Rev. Fr. Paul & Presbytera Evi Kaplanis
Karampelas Family
Dorothy Karandanis
I. Panos Karatassos Family
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Kardaras
Karolis Family
Harry & Tasia Katapodis
Nick & Frances Katapodis
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Katapodis & Family
Xarilaos & Helen Katsoudas
George & Eleny Katsoudas & Family
Chris, Evie & Maria Kemp
Alex & Athena Kourtis Kessler
Jessica L. Killgore
Ted & Vickie Kipreos
Eva Kitromelides
Vickie Klemis
George & Metaxia Kleris
Angelo & Sherry Kliossis & Family
Lazaros Kochilas & Androniki Kokkali
Dimitri &Maria Konidaris
Effie & Niki Kosmetatos
Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Kostopoulos
Andy & Anna Kostopoulos
Vickie Kouloumberis Family
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Koulouris
Augustina Kouros
Greg Koutrelakos
Marina Kuluberis
Andreas & Maria Ladikos
Art & Tassie Lamas
Dick Larry
Stephen & Kalliopie Lawandales
Thomas & Paula Lekas
Lea Leng & Family
Maria Linardakis
Chris Loumakis
Catherine Macris
Cleo Malires
Gigi & Michael Marinos
Pat, Susan & Ryan Marinos
Terisa Marinos
Fr. Christos & Pres. Mari Mars & John
David & Evie Merrillopoulos
Joanne & Michael Mertzanis
Zaharoula Millas & Family
Nick & Effie Moraitakis
Mark & Dimitra Moraitakis & Family
Constance Nagle
Jimmy Nakos
Mr. & Mrs. Pete Nassos & Family
Kay, Charles & Christina Nastopoulos
George Nastopoulos
Charles Nastopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. James Natsios
Stacie Nefos
Vanya V. Nourachi
Jerry & Golfo Odenwelder & Family
Katherine Olympiadis
Michelle Olympiadis
Lou & Evangelia Pahountis
Harry N. Palles
Johnny & Leigh Ann Panos
Helen Panos
Pete Pantazopoulos
Eleni Pantazopoulos
Helen Pantelis
John & Kiki Papadimitriou
Diamondis & Evie Papadopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Tony Pappadakis
Chris & Maria Pappadakis & Family
Chris & Vivian Pappas
Penelope & Helen Pappas
Golfo Pappas & Family
Louis & Katina Pataki
Nick, Patti & Errica Patellis
Costa & Athanasia Patronis
Catherine Patronis
Mr. & Mrs. John G Patronis & Mary Katherine
George & Dale Patterson
Mr. & Mrs. Solon Patterson
Spyros & Joann Pavlostathis
Josee Penot
Spero & Stephanie Peppas
Nick & Lynn Petkas
Mr. & Mrs. George Petrakopoulos
Ted & Betty Petrides
Gus & Anna Plagianis
Victor & Christina Polizos
Mrs. Raleigh Poulos
Audrey A. Poulos
Aristides & Mary Poulos
Nella Poulos
Mr. & Mrs. John Poulos & Family
George & Kerasia Pribas
Ioana Rican
Richard & Stacey Sapp
Greg & Pam Saunders
Mimi Scaljon
Bill & Vickie Scaljon
Gunter & Maria Sharp & Family
Artemios Sideridis
Ric & Argie Sirmans & Family
Thomas Skafidas
Dr. George Skardasis
George & Calliope Skoufis
Mary Slay
Andrew, Jennifer, Eleni & Connor Smith
Spero & Nota Soteres
Argyris & Maria Soublis
Pete Soulimiotis
Terry & Shelly Sudia Spahr
Larissa Spears
Karen & Becky Stamatiades
Mike Stamos
Jimmy & Angelo Stappis
Anthony & Lottie Stefanis
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Stewart & Family
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Syribeys & Family
Jorge Trujillo
Eva C. Tsangarides
Kirin Tsirsiliasos
Jim & Fran Tucker
Nickolas & Jane C. Tucker-Sigalos
Vasilios Tzamos
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Vallianatos
In Memory of Stavros & Nikolaos Varvouris
Spero & Demetra Vasilakis
Mrs. Georgia P. Vasilos
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Georgia Vastakis
Patty Vastakis
Paul & Ethel Winegar
Mr. & Mrs. Tony Yialamas
Magda Yiannopoulos
Sotiris & Lea Zervoulias
Zukerino Pastry Shop
Sandra Zuniga
Paid Advertising:
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KOLIVA & PROSFORON
(sizes may vary)
For orders contact
Marina Kuluberis
Cell: 678-488-0810
Home: 770-923-8016
PLACE YOUR AD HERE!
SPOT AVAILABLE
Contact the Cathedral office today
at 404-633-5870 for a price list.
Your favorite Greek-American radio program now on the internet with your mistress of ceremonies
Miss Vickie Henson
Tune in to Echoes of Athens every Sunday 2:00-3:00 pm on WATB 1420 am on your radio dial
just like the old days or listen at www.echoesofathens.com on demand : Όποτε Θέλετε!
706-962-3246
requests@echoesofathens.com
Currently accepting sponsors & Advertisers
TUNE IN NOW
ECHOESOFATHENS.COM
All news can be e-mailed to office@atlgoc.org or put on a disk
and brought to the Cathedral office during office hours
(Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
EDITOR: Rev. Fr. Paul A. Kaplanis, Dean (frpaulk@atlgoc.org)
MANAGING EDITOR: Rev. Fr. Christos P. Mars
(frchristos@atlgoc.org)
DESIGN: Andrea Koulouris (andrea@atlgoc.org)
All Cathedral mail goes to the post office on the same day.
If you do not receive your Annunciator in a timely manner,
please call your post office and notify them.
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