JANUARY Newsletter - Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

The Messenger
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
JANUARY 2016
The Theophany of Our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ
January 6
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
January 2016
Rev. Fr. Matthew Carter, Proistamenos
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Church Website: www.annunciationgoc.org
Office Email: office@annunciationgoc.org
Office Phone: 850-433-2662
Office Fax: 850-549-4943
Fr. Matthew’s Contact Information:
Cell phone: 850-889-3919
Email: frmatthewcarter@gmail.com
2016 PARISH COUNCIL
George Apostle 850-433-6420
Gus Argeris 850-572-3669
Philip Brown 850-492-7218
Dr. Peter Kantrales 850-932-2067
James Mohamed 850-684-1282
Eli Pagonis 850-916-1246
Peter Roumbos 850-484-3723
Heidi Silivos 850-438-9756
Michael Stamitoles 850-432-5836
Gary Tringas 850-934-4321
Doug White 850-474-9072
CHURCH STAFF
Office Manger …………Kathy Hamilton
Webmaster……………..Kathy Hamilton
Altar Boy Director………..Philip Brown
Prosforo Coordinator……Phyllis Pagonis
Subdeacon…………..Emmanuel Zangas
Choir Director …….Vangie Anastopoulo
Choir Assistant Director……Eli Pagonis
Organis………………….Tina Varvouris
PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
Stewardship Committee…………Doug White
Ladies Philoptochos…..Vassiliki Montgomery
Community Outreach…………..Sissy Watson
SS Joachim & Anna……….Becky MacArthur
GOYA……Joe & Panayiota Whisler, Wilson White
HARA Dancers…………..……..……..Liz Gilmore
Glentzethes Dancers……..……..…Daphne Pagonis
AHEPA…………………..…Dr. Charles Stamitoles
Daughters of Penelope…….…Vangie Anastopoulo
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
January 2016
From the Desk of Fr. Matthew
My brothers and sisters in Christ, each year at the
beginning of the new year, we have the
opportunity to invite the priest into our homes and
have him bless our homes with the blessed waters
of Theophany (Epiphany). This is an important
tradition for us as Orthodox Christians and enables
us to begin the New Year by confirming that Jesus
Christ is the foundation of our lives.
The Feast of Theophany gives us
two opportunities to participate in
the Blessing of the Waters. On
January 5, the Eve of Theophany,
we celebrate a Vesperal Liturgy
with a blessing of the waters
immediately after the service, and
on January 6, we celebrate a
Divine Liturgy for the Feast of
Theophany with a second
blessing of the waters. This feast
day is important for us because it
commemorates our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ’s baptism in
the river Jordan by John the Baptist. Christ did not
need to be baptized because He was completely
without sin, but He permitted St. John the Baptist
to baptize Him in order to sanctify the waters for
eternity, and to give us the opportunity to have our
sins washed away and begin our journey, by God’s
grace, toward salvation.
Following this great feast, it is customary to invite
the priest into your home so he can bring the
blessed waters and sanctify your home and
everyone who lives in it through the grace of Jesus
Christ. The priest brings the blessed water, and
after saying the prayers, goes throughout the house
and sprinkles the water of Theophany in each
room. We do this in order to have God bless our
personal lives and our personal space. As
Orthodox Christians, we live our faith in all
aspects of our lives. We need God’s grace and
blessing in our homes so we can continue, as St.
Paul writes, to “Fight the good fight” against sin
and temptation. Having your house blessed is a
wonderful opportunity to renew your commitment
to Jesus Christ and His Church by receiving
sanctification through the blessed waters of
Theophany.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home
for a house blessing:
1. Contact the church office
(433-2662) to schedule a house
blessing. Fr. Matthew will be
advertising days he will be in
certain areas (Gulf Breeze, Pace/
Milton).
2. Make a list of first names of
those family members you wish
to pray for when Fr. Matthew
arrives, with the living and
deceased in separate columns.
3. On your dining room table (or
other designated area), place a
lighted candle, an icon of Theophany or of Jesus
Christ, a bowl of water, your prayer list, and a sprig
of basil. If you have a small censer with incense,
please place this on the table as well.
4. Turn on the lights in each room so Fr. Matthew
can see where he is going.
5. Turn off all TVs, stereos, and computers.
6. Secure any pets that might jump up, and let Fr.
Matthew know where they are so he can bless
them.
If you have children living at home, try to schedule
your house blessing at a time when they can be
present so they can participate in the blessing.
It’s a privilege for me to offer this blessing for your
home on behalf of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. I pray that this New Year be a spiritually
uplifting year for you and your families.
+Fr. Matthew
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
January 2016
From James Mohamed, Parish Council President
Happy New Year
Dear Fellow Parishioners:
Happy New Year to all. The holiday season is behind us and hopefully everyone was
able to spend quality time with family and friends. Parents are back to working full time
and students are once again trying to balance their busy schedules.
I would like to congratulate the five individuals who were elected to serve on the Parish
Council. They are, George Apostle, Gus Argeris, Phillip Brown, James R Mohamed, and
Eli Pagonis. All paperwork has been sent to Atlanta for final approval. As soon as the
approval notification is received the 2016 Parish Council will take the oath of office.
There are many projects that will be discussed throughout the coming year. We are
looking at starting Greek cooking classes so we can bring new members interested in
helping with the Greek Fest a better understanding and appreciation as to how they can
help. We will also be looking at holding social events once a quarter to bring family and
friends together. Please be sure to let your council members know any ideas that you
may have on how to strengthen and bring our church family together.
I look forward to serving on the Parish Council again this year. Working together with
the Lords help and guidance we can accomplish anything.
James R. Mohamed
President
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
January 2016
Sunday, January 3rd, Sunday before Theophany
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Epistle: II Timothy 4:5-8 / Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Martin Stephenson
Prosforo: Mahi Fotopoulos
Tuesday, January 5th, Eve of Theophany
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Prosforo: Anna Maria Gallaher
ALTAR BOYS
Yianni Whisler (Captain)
Pete Staviski (Co-Captain)
Christopher Astudillo
Jackson Barrineau
Garrett Cole
Zachary Verzwyvelt
Zachary Whisler
Joshua White
Altar Boys are asked to report
to the Altar by 9:45 a.m. on
Sunday mornings.
All young men, ages 9-18, are
encouraged to join our Altar
Boy Team. Please call Philip
Brown, Altar Boy Director, if
you are interested in joining.
JANUARY
NARTHEX USHERS
Dr. Peter Kantrales
Peter Roumbos
Heidi Silivos
Michael Stamitoles
Gary Tringas
Doug White
Wednesday, January 6th, Holy Theophany
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Prosforo: Anna Maria Gallaher
Thursday, January 7th, Synaxis of John the Baptist
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Prosforo: Anna Maria Gallaher
Saturday, January 9th, Saturday after Theophany (celebrated at
Ft. Walton)
9:00 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
12:00 pm Cross Dive & Luncheon
Sunday, January 10th, Sunday after Theophany
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Epistle: Ephesians 4:7-13 / Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17
Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Jason Callonas
Prosforo: Maria Thagouras
Sunday, January 17th, 12th Sunday of Luke, St. Anthony
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Epistle: Hebrews 13:17-21/ Gospel: Luke 17:12-19
Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Martin Stephenson
Prosforo: Sophia Katsaros
Monday, January 18th, Athanasios & Cyril
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Prosforo: Sophia Katsaros
Sunday, January 24th, 14th Sunday of Luke
8:30 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Epistle: Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2 / Gospel: Luke 18:35-43
Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Jason Callonas
Prosforo: Philip Brown
Saturday, January 30th, Three Hierarchs
8:45 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Prosforo: Kitty Randall
Sunday, January 31st, 15th Sunday of Luke
8:30 am Orthros / 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Epistle: I Corinthians 12:27-31; 13:1-8 / Gospel: Luke 19:1-10
Readers: Katherine Petrelis and Martin Stephenson
Prosforo: Kitty Randall
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
“I was sick and you visited me”
(Matthew 25:36)
If a family member is ill, in the hospital, or in a
rehabilitation center, please call the office, a Parish
Council Member or Fr. Matthew so Fr. Matthew can
make a pastoral visit to them.
January 2016
Also early in January the budget committee is going
to meet and make a proposal for the 2016 budget.
On Saturday the 16th there will be a general meeting
at 10:00 and on Saturday the 23rd Philoptochos’
annual membership luncheon is going to take place
in the hall at 11:00 a.m. All the ladies 18 years old
and above are welcome. Please come and join us.
Senior Luncheon
Parish Council
Congratulations to George Apostle, Gus Argeris,
Philip Brown, James Mohamed and Eli Pagonis who
were elected to serve on the parish council.
Thank you to Angelo Alexakos, Henry Bressack and
Sissy Watson for your years of service to the parish
council.
Bookstore
Letay Teclehaimanot
We now have a supply of icons, candles for baptisms
& weddings, adult and children books, incense,
charcoal, and cookbooks – anything you might need.
If we do not have what you are looking we will be
happy to order for you directly.
The January Senior Luncheon will be held on
Tuesday, January 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Bible Study
For the month of January Bible Study will held on
Tuesdays, January 12 and 19 at 10:30 am. The
current study is the Book of Genesis.
Sunday School
If you are interested in purchasing any items from the
bookstore please contact Letay, 850-475-7856.
Sunday School classes will not meet on January 3.
We will resume classes on Sunday, January 10.
PreK - K students are in the downstairs classroom
with Mrs. Liz Gilmore and Presv. Emily. 1st - 5th
graders are upstairs with Mrs. Paula Maria Brown.
6th - 12th graders (GOYAns) are in the upstairs
double classroom with Mr. Wilson White.
Philoptochos
Christmas Pageant
Vassiliki Montgomery
God's blessings and happy and healthy New Year
everyone. Hope you all had very good holidays. The
Philoptochos ladies are very excited about the New
Year as we embark on new adventures and activities.
January is going to be a busy month, starting with the
cutting of the vasilopita, which is going to take place
on Sunday, January 10th. The ladies are requested to
bake a vasilopita and bring it to the church so that it
can be blessed. The same day a tray will be passed
and the proceeds are going to St. Basil's Academy.
After church service Philoptochos is going to have a
board meeting.
Our annual Christmas pageant was held on Sunday,
December 13. Thank you to all of the children who
participated and to their parents and families for
bringing them to the practices. Thank you to the
GOYAns who helped - Nina Staviski and Rylie
White who served as narrators; Jackson Barrineau
and Josh White who participated in the pageant; and
Katie Rose Haley for all her help behind the scenes.
Thank you to all who helped out with practices,
costumes and assisted during the pageant: Presv.
Emily, Liz Gilmore, Deb-b Alexakos, Robin Culver,
Paula Maria Brown, Samantha Barrineau and all of
the parents, grandparents and family members who
helped get the children dressed and ready.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
January 2016
GOYA
Ft. Walton Cross Dive
Joe & Panayiota Whisler, Wilson White
The annual Cross Dive will be held on Saturday,
January 9th at SS Markella and Demetrios
Greek Orthodox Church. Orthros will be at 9:00
am and Liturgy at 10:00 am. The Cross Dive
and banquet will follow the Divine Liturgy.
There is a $10.00 registration fee for
participating youth. The Banquet fees are
$15.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 12
y e a r s a n d y o u n g e r. P l e a s e v i s i t
www.stmarkella.org for more information.
Happy New Year!!!
Our Goyan’s closed out 2015 with a busy
December. In the first week we had a Bake Sale
and then went Christmas caroling in a few assisted
living and hospital facilities. After Christmas we
will join Mobile and share a bus to Atlanta for the
Winter Youth Rally.
This month we will have a cook day the last week
of January to prepare for our annual “Taste of
Greece” lunch. Date and time to be announced
(more than likely Sat. 30th or Sun. 31st). Goyan’s
will be notified so that they can help with the prep.
The pick-up day is
on Monday Feb.
1st and we
welcome any
adult volunteers.
Please contact Joe
or Panayiota if
you would like to
help on Feb 1st.
while the kids are
in school.
Thank You
I’d like to thank everyone for their prayers,
phone calls, visits, cards and flowers after my
recent knee surgery. Your thoughtfulness was
very much appreciated. May God bless you all.
Sincerely,
Mahi Geeker!
Our Sympathy
We extend our deepest sympathy to Nina
Stamatelos and Greg and Athena Staviski and
family on the falling asleep of Peter Stamatelos
on November 21. May his memory be eternal!
Memorials
1/17
George Pallas, 1 year
Please Note
All articles for the monthly newsletter should
be submitted to the office by the 15th of each
month. Articles received after the 15th may
be included in the following month’s
newsletter. If you have any questions please
contact the Church office.
If you would like to sponsor Sunday coffee
hour in memory or honor of a loved one
(birthday, anniversary, etc), please contact the
office.
GOYA Christmas Caroling
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Parishioners Who Would Like a Visit or Phone Call
George Alexakos
Southern Oaks Rehabilitation
600 W. Gregory Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
437-3131
Thalia Silivos
Life Care Center, Rm. 238
3291 E. Olive Road
Pensacola, FL 32514
471-5400
Magda Chicouras
Bayside Manor
4343 Langley Avenue
Pensacola, FL 32504
477-4550
Rene Silivos-Tiblier
University Hills Health &
Rehabilitation Center,
Rm. 211
10040 Hillview Road
Pensacola, FL 32514
Mary Giouzelis
Specialty Care Center,
Rm. 358
6984 Pine Forest Road
Pensacola, FL 32526
430-6190
Christine Parliaris
Arcadia Health and
Rehabilitation Center,
Rm. 44
10095 Hillview Drive
Pensacola, FL 32514
479-4000
Angela Stamitoles
Pacifica Senior Living at
Creekside,
Cottage 7
9015 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL 32514
462-4563
Praying for the health of the servants of God:
Peter Adamopoulos
George Alexakos
Ellen Argeris
Perry Baniakas
Chris & Catina Bithos
Gregory Booros
Amanda Brown
Nathaniel Brown
Ethel Catranis
Magda Chicouras
Evie Dampier
Chris Fotopoulos
Mahi Geeker
Gregory Gill
Mary Giouzelis
Theodora Ionnidis
William Langford
Christine Parliaris
Harry Pieratos
Helen Bouth Propst
Thalia Silivos
Irene Silivos-Tiblier
Fr. Eusebius Stefanos
Rene Thames
Dorothy Zissis
January 2016
January Birthdays
Angelo Kantrales 1/1
Rebecca Pappas 1/2
Emmanuel (Buster) Zangas 1/2
Elizabeth Gilmore 1/3
Anthony Hulion 1/3
Jorge Astudillo 1/4
Arthur Anastopoulo 1/6
Constantine Georgiades 1/7
Mary Giouzelis 1/7
Alice Vatsolakis 1/7
Dan Cassidy 1/9
Meg Georgiades 1/11
A.J. Anastopoulo 1/13
Carson Gatzmeyer 1/13
Martin Stephenson 1/13
Bennie Goble 1/16
Gus Argeris 1/18
Nicolas Gikkas 1/18
Dimitri Makris 1/19
Maria Malamo 1/19
Gary Tringas 1/20
James Marks 1/22
Stella Malamo 1/23
Angelo Alexakos 1/24
Cleopatra Makris 1/24
Agnes Callonas 1/26
George Carmical 1/26
Peter Roumbos 1/26
Robin Culver 1/27
William Hall 1/29
Ephraim Brock 1/30
Maria Daughdrill 1/30
January Anniversaries
Dan & Connie Cassidy 1/10
Frank & Martha Hicks 1/10
Jack & Fran Barker 1/12
Phillip & Paula-Maria Brown 1/12
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
January 2016
Poinsettias in the Church
Fr. Matthew, Presvytera Emily,
Alex, Evan & Theo
David Blum
Charles Blum
Eileen Blum
Harry & Natalie Pieratos
Evie Dampier
Gloria Lind
Anna Sakellarios!
Gus Silivos & George Sakellarios!
Stamo Pieratos
Spiros Pieratos
Josephine Blum
Harry & Natalie Pieratos
Paul G. Silivos!
Heidi Silivos!
Are In Honor Of
Are In Memory Of
Alex P. Stamatelos
Peter A. Stamatelos
Maria Stamatelos
My Beloved Wife, Dorothea
My Daughter, Kathy
George Apostle
Nicholas P. Stamatelos
Peter Nicholas Stamatelos
Nina Stamatelos
Victor, Xanthe, John Bokas and
George Anetopoulos
The Bokas Family
Manuel & Nicky Stamitoles
Dr. Charles, Faye, Charles, Jr., &
Peter Stamitoles
Kostantino Dickson
Apiadris Kostantino
Nina Dickson
William (Bill) & Lulu Stamitoles
Michael & Martha Stamitoles
My Beloved Father, Michael Gavallas
Panayiota Gavallas
My beloved husband, Spyros Geeker
Mahi Geeker
Nicholas Katsaros
Sophia Katsaros
My Niece, Mary
Helen Milukas
James Kentroti
Jim & Kris Mohamed
Stephanie Pappas
Mark Pappas
The Pappas Ladies
John J. Tringas & Gary’s Grandparents
Eva J. Kypreos & Gia’s Grandparents
Gary, Gia & Ashley Tringas
John Tringas
Jim & Mary Tringas
Argirios & Marika Alexander
Phyllis Tringas
Granny & Papa
James, Elton & Leon
Yia Yia & Papou
Andy & Sissy Watson & Family
Bill & Barbara Agall
Nick & Katherine Agall
George & Deb-b Alexakos
Arthur & Vangie Anastopoulo
George Apostle
Constantine & Susie Argeris
Ellen Argeris
Speros & Maria Athanasios
Fran & Jack Barker
Christ & Catina Bithos
Peter & Megan Bithos
Mary Blanos
Fotios Bokas
George & Aspasia Bokas
Harry & Sia Booros
Henry & Christy Bressack
Giles & Marianthe Brown
Fr. Matthew & Emily Carter
Dan & Connie Cassidy
Bill & Sandy Cowling
Debby Dasinger
Bill & Maria Daughdrill
Nina Dickson
Georgine & John Ericsson
Chris & Mahi Fotopolous
Kyle & Angela Gatzmeyer
Patricia M. Gavallas
Sophia Gavallas
Mahi Geeker
Nick P. Geeker
Stasi Geeker
Tina Gill
Bennie & Dena Goble
Frank & Martha Hicks
Joanna Kaplanges
Mary Kastanos
Sophia Katsaros
Bill & Mache Langford
Gloria Lind
Dr. George & Sophia Lukes
Cleopatra Makris
Catherine Mitchell
James & Kris Mohamed
Jim & Vassiliki Montgomery
Demetra M. Morres
George & Linda Nikolopoulos
Magdalene Pappas
Patricia Pappas
Harry & Natalie Pieratos
William & Katherine Randall
Peter & Diane Roumbos
Cecil & Helen Sakalarios
Spero & Toula Sampanis
Hugo & Elena Sanchez
Georgia Scapin
John & Athalia Scott
Heidi Silivos
Maria Stamatelos
Nina Stamatelos
Giannoula Stamoulis
TrishAnna Ta
Jonathan & Eran Thames
Rose Thames
Gary & Gia Tringas
Phyllis Tringas
Styke & Margie Valmus
2016 STEWARDS
Stelios & Alice Vatsolakis
Lee & Mahi Watson
Bill & Maria Weisnicht
Wyatt Douglas & Rose Mary
White
Michael & Anna Wright
11
18 Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day
Office Closed
SS. Athanasios &
Cyril
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine
Liturgy
25
10
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Vasilopita Sunday
Philoptochos Board
Meeting
17
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
24
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Philoptochos Membership
Drive
31
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
4
MONDAY
3
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
SUNDAY
26 Fr. Matthew
attending Western
Conference Clergy
Meeting
11:30 am Senior
Luncheon
19
10:30 am Bible Study
12
10:30 am Bible Study
5
Eve of Theophany
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine
Liturgy
TUESDAY
28
21
14
7
Synaxis of St. John
the Baptist
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine
Liturgy
THURSDAY
FEED THE HUNGRY
Please bring non-perishable items to the
food donation basket located in the Narthex.
Thank you!
27
20
13
6
Theophany
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine
Liturgy
WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 2015
29
22
15
8
1 New Year’s Day
Office Closed
FRIDAY
30
Three Hierarchs
8:45 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine
Liturgy
23
11:00 Philoptochos
Membership Luncheon
16
10:00 am Philoptochos
General Meeting
9
Ft. Walton
9:00 am Orthros
10:00 Divine Liturgy
followed by Cross Dive
& Luncheon
2
SATURDAY
Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Church
1720 West Garden Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
Address service requested
Apolytikion of the
Annunciation
Today is the beginning of our salvation.
And the revelation of a mystery which
was hidden from eternity. The Son of
God becomes the Virgin’s Son. And
Gabriel announces the grace of this good
news. Let us also join with him, calling
to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O woman
full of grace. The Lord is with you.
Nonprofit Organ.
U.S. Postage
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