January Church Bulletin 2016 - Greek Orthodox Church of the

January
Events
December 31
New Years Eve
Celebration
January 7
Adult Religious Ed.
January 8
MOMS
January 11
Youth Group
Meetings
January 14
Golden Circle
January 17
Vasilopita
January 21
TNT
Adult Religious Ed.
January 25
GOYA Fireside
Chat
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:

Letter from
Fr. Jon

Pilgrimage to
the Holy Lands

Youth
Update

JANUARY
Namedays
January 17
St. Anthony the Great
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
OF THE
ANNUNCIATION
313 TOKAY AVENUE
P.O. BOX 578128
MODESTO, CA 95357
Parish Website:
www.goannunciation.org
Parish E-Mail: annunciationoffice@gmail.com
Parish Telephone: (209) 522-7694
Greek Orthodox Church of the
Weekly
Services
Annunciation
313 Tokay Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
P.O. Box 578128, Modesto, CA 95357
Saturday
Great Vespers
5:00 p.m.
Office: 209-522-7694 Fax: 209-522-3926
Email: annunciationoffice@gmail.com
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Website: www.goannunciation.org
Facebook: www.facebook/goannunciation
Sunday
REV. FR. JON MAGOULIAS
Divine
Services
9:00 a.m.
PARISH PRIEST
ANNUNCIATION PARISH COUNCIL
JEFF BROWN
NICK FAKLIS
JAYLEN FRENCH
MARY GAVRILIS
TONY GAVRILIS
MICHAEL J. KORDAZAKIS
ANDREA MAYER
NICK PALLIOS
STEVE PALLIOS
MANOLI RODARAKIS
NICK STAVRIANOUDAKIS
STAMATIS TSATSARONIS
MITCHEAL WORD
PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
Parish
Organizations:
Please submit
your articles,
photos and
information
by the 15th of
each month
for inclusion
in
the next
month’s
bulletin.
Thank you!
ALTAR BOYS
MANOLI RODARAKIS
GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL
MANOLI RODARAKIS
CHANTER
ANDONIOS TSIRELAS
GREEK SCHOOL SUPERVISOR
DESPINA RODARAKIS
CHOIR DIRECTOR
MARKELLA TSATSARONIS
G.O.Y.A. PRESIDENT
JONATHAN WORD
CHURCH SCHOOL
SUPERVISOR
HELEN KATOTAKIS
H.O.P.E. PRESIDENT
NICHOLAS AFFHOLTER
DANCE GROUP PARENTS
ALIKI ALEXANDER
DYNAMIS CHOIR
DENNA TSATSARONIS
J.O.Y. PRESIDENT
KYLIE AFFHOLTER
Y.A.L. COORDINATOR
SOPHIA THYMAKIS
MOTHERS OF ORTHODOX
MINORS
DIANE HILLAS
PARISH BOOKSTORE
LINDA FOSTINIS
PARISH WEBSITE
MITCHEAL WORD
PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
PRESIDENT
GLORIA VINCENT
TOTS ‘N’ TODDLERS
HAYLEY KLEVMYR
LAURA PETRULAKIS
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
A.H.E.P.A
PAUL FORAKIS
APOGONI TIS KRITIS
CONNIE SIMVOULAKIS
DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
KAREN FORAKIS
LEFKA OREE
MICHAEL J. KORDAZAKIS
SISTERHOOD ELEFTHERIA
ARGIE THYMAKIS
OFFICE PERSONNEL
CAROL DUNN, MALINA KOKOLOGIANNAKIS & DIMITRA WILSON
Please remember your church in your will!
VASILOPITA
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016
Following the Divine Liturgy
FAMILY LUNCHEON
in the
VERY REV. EMMANUEL PAPAGEORGE
CULTURAL CENTER
The Annual Vasilopita Celebration is sponsored
by the Philoptochos Society to benefit:
ST. BASIL ACADEMY
HELLENIC COLLEGE – HOLY CROSS
-DONATIONAdults
-
$ 8. 0 0
Students - $5.00
For infor mation p leas e c ontact the
Chur ch Off ic e – 522-7694
Proceeds from the luncheon assist Philoptochos Ministries. 
Reverend
Protopresbyter
Jon Magoulias
JANUARY 2015
Dearly beloved in the Lord:
Entering the New Year, we must again understand that we are the
Body of Christ. This year, this very moment, is the time to accept Him
completely so that our future course may be firmly rooted in Him. Our
best means to make this a reality is to draw near to our Church and
become Her inseparable children.
Reverend
Protopresbyter
Jon Magoulias
“O Lord, Who blesses
those who bless You, and
sanctifies those, who put
their trust in You,
save Your people and
bless Your inheritance.
Protect the whole body
of Your Church,
and sanctify those, who
love the beauty of Your
House.
Do You glorify them by
Your Divine power, and
forsake not us, who set
our hope in You...”
(The Divine Liturgy)
The Parish Church is our spiritual center. In the Holy Spirit we
are sealed as Christians and with the same Holy Spirit, our Church is
consecrated and sanctified. We call the dwelling place of God
(naos=temple) the church; but in essence our Parish Church, the Body of
Christ, is you and me! There is no better icon to depict our Parish
Church as the Eucharistic Community.
Our church is our rampart and House of God in our Parish. It is
there that the Divine Liturgy is celebrated; it is there that Christians are
baptized; it is there that the faithful are joined in Holy Matrimony; when
God calls us, it is there that our funeral takes place; and it is there that
memorial prayers are offered. This is very important and we must be
attentive to these spiritual events that take place in our lives. We must be
attentive because there are some who have not taken the importance of
the Church to heart. This is also why they have little to do with the
church, know very few us, and are unaware of the work in our parish.
Just as we love our homes and the relationship we have with
others, as Christians we must come to know fellow parishioners and
support the sacred ministry of our church. No one should be unknown
to us in our parish, whether they serve the Parish Council; or as members
of the Philoptochos; and especially the events in our church should be a
concern. Our parish, our Church, is our home! I repeat this because we
must understand that in our Church, in Her surroundings, we feel the
warmth of our home.
Our Church is our home and whenever there, like one family, we
worship God and celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the remission of our
sins and life eternal. Let us turn, therefore, to our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ so that 2016 may be a truly blessed and Happy New Year.
With paternal love,
Rev. Fr. Jon Magoulias
PARISH PRIEST
SAINT
ANTHONY
THE
GREAT
FEAST DAY, JANUARY 17
The Time? The late 60s of the second century
A.D. The place? A small church in the little known
Egyptian town of Koma. The occasion? An ordinary
Sunday homily by the priest. The topic? The proper use
of wealth.
A young man, said the priest, had come to Jesus
and asked him what to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus,
after finding out that he had observed all the principal
commandments of the Law, added: “If you would be
perfect, go sell what you possess and give to the poor
and you will have treasures in heaven and come follow
me.”
These last words struck like lighting in the mind
of a young listener. His name was Anthony and only
some time before he had lost his parents. Their loss,
however, brought him no jeopardy since his parents had
left him with a substantial inheritance. Even if he
decided not to work a single day of his life, he had
enough money for a comfortable living.
Anthony would not live a life of luxury and ease.
Since his pious parents had raised him a true Christian,
Jesus’ commandments were the ultimate law to him.
Not long after he gave away his money and all
his belongings to the poor and needy of his town, he
drifted to the edge of the desert near the Red Sea and
there spent the remainder of his life as a monk.
here to stay. Moreover, with the passing of time, this
institution underwent new developments as its
monasteries did not remain only as places of prayer, but
evolved into centers of theological learning and
missionary activity. What’s more, throughout the
Middle Ages, they served as storehouses of the
intellectual achievements of classical antiquity to be
passed on during the Renaissance to recent generations.
Indeed, what unforeseen developments this
blessed movement had that its saintly and humble
pioneer could not have dreamed of.
REFLECTIONS:
“And he said to them, take heed and beware of all
covetousness, for a man’s life does not consist in the
abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:12)
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into
a snare, into many senseless and hurtful desires plunge
men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is
the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some
have wandered away form the faith and pierce their
hearts with many pangs” (1 Timothy 5:9-10).
Anthony had never learned to read and write.
His acute memory that had helped him retain so much
of the holy Scriptures read by his priest, plus his
admirable common sense, made him an invaluable
Christian counselor. He became so noted for this that
people by the hundreds came to his solitary place to seek
his advice.
Even Emperor Constantine sent a
representative for such a purpose, and when the other
monks were surprised to see imperial messengers at
their hermitage, Anthony calmly remarked: “Don’t
wonder that a king wrote to me, for he, too, is a mortal
man. Wonder rather that God gave us his Law and sent
us his Son to speak, to us.”
“But as for you, man of God, shun all this, aim at
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness,
gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith, take hold of
the eternal life to which you were called when you made
the good confession in the presence of many
witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
He died at the age of 105 revered by all for his
holiness and wise common sense. And so, the young
man who never hesitated to give away all his wealth to
live in solitude and prayer, eventually found himself
spiritually wealthy enjoying abundant respect and
sainthood --- gifts his inherited wealth would never
earn him.
PRAYER:
Since his death, countless Christian young men
and young women followed his example. Having
renounced the comforts of urban living, they took to the
monasteries and convents to spend their lives in chastity,
prayer and poverty.
Saint Anthony, without knowing, had become
the pioneer of a new ecclesiastical institution that was
“As for the right of this world, charge them not to be
haughty, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches but
on God who richly furnishes us with everything to
enjoy: (1 Timothy 6:17).
Lord Jesus, help me to see the true value of wealth,
namely, not to regard it as a medium of personal
materialistic aims and pleasures, but as a medium
to enrich the lives of my less fortunate fellowmen.
Amen.
 


:17-21
:12-19
 
 
 
:7-16
5:14-19
 

 



 






 
 
 

 
 
:26-28:1-2

 

 
 
:7-16
5:14-19


 
 
 
 

   

 


 
LITURGICAL CALENDAR
January 2016
Thursday,
December 31st
Evening Divine Liturgy for the
Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and Feast of
St. Basil the Great
Epistle
Gospel
James 1:19-27
Mark 11:27-33
EVENING DIVINE SERVICES
Saturday,
Great Vespers
6:00 p.m.
January 2nd
5:00 p.m.
Sunday,
January 3rd
SUNDAY BEFORE EPIPHANY
Epistle
2 Tim. 4:5-8
Gospel
Mark 1:1-8
Sunday Divine Services
9:00 a.m.
Tuesday,
January 5th
EPIPHANY EVE
Epistle
1 Cor. 9:19-27
Gospel
Luke
3:1-18
Royal Hours &
Divine Liturgy of St. Basil
8:30 a.m.
BLESSING OF THE WATERS
Wednesday,
January 6th
THEOPHANY
Epistle
Tit.
2:11-14, 3:4-7
Gospel
Matt. 3:13-17
Divine Services
8:30 a.m.
BLESSING OF THE WATERS
Thursday,
January 7th
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
Epistle
Acts 19:1-8
Gospel
John
1:29-34
Divine Services
8:30 a.m.
Saturday,
Great Vespers
January 9th
5:00 p.m.
Sunday,
January 10th
SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Epistle
Eph.
4:7-13
Gospel
Matt. 4:12-17
Sunday Divine Services
9:00 a.m.
Sunday,
January 17th
TH
12 SUNDAY OF LUKE
ST. ANTHONY THE GREAT
Epistle
Heb. 13:7-21
Gospel
Luke 17:12-19
Sunday Divine Services
9:00 a.m.
Monday,
January 18th
SS. ATHANASIOS & CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA
Epistle
Heb. 13:7-16
Gospel
Matt. 5:14-19
Divine Services
8:30 a.m.
Saturday,
Great Vespers
January 23rd
5:00 p.m.
Sunday,
January 24th
14TH SUNDAY OF LUKE
Epistle
Gal.
5:22-26; 6:1-2
Gospel
Luke 18:35-43
Sunday Divine Services
9:00 a.m.
Monday,
January 25th
ST. GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
Epistle
Heb. 7:26-28
Gospel
John 10:9-16
Divine Services
8:30 a.m.
Saturday,
January 30th
THE THREE HIERARCHS
Epistle
Heb. 13:7-16
Gospel
Matt. 5:14-19
Divine Services
8:30 a.m.
Great Vespers
5:00 a.m.
Sunday,
January 31st
15TH SUNDAY OF LUKE
Epistle
1 Cor 12:27-31; 13:1-8
Gospel
Luke 19:1-10
Sunday Divine Services
9:00 a.m.
HOUSE BLESSINGS
D u ri ng th e H oly S e a s on of
E pi ph a ny i t i s th e p ra cti c e of th e
O r th od ox C h u r ch t o b l es s h om es.
A nyon e d es i ri ng t h ei r h om e to b e
b l es s ed by F r. J on m ay c on t a c t th e
o f f i ce
A Yearlong Study of Responsible Stewardship
Church of the Annunciation:
“…they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good…”
(Psalm 34:10)
DO YOUR BEST
A traditional American proverb says, “God makes this
request of his children: Do the best you can – where you are,
with what you have, now.” The story of Jesus Christ feeding
the 5,000 illustrates this through the boy’s offering of all that he
had – five loaves and two fish (John 6:1-14). This boy did the
best with what he had, and Jesus used it to perform an
incredible miracle.
THE ECONOMY OF HEAVEN
The disciples had wanted to send the people away to get
something to eat, but Jesus responds, “They do not need to go
away. You give them something to eat.” The disciples approached the issue from the point of view of
earthly economics. To buy food for the people assembled would be too expensive – 200 days’ wages!
Jesus’ response is simple. He asks, “What do you have?” But the disciples don’t realize that they are
being called to participate in a miracle by simply giving what they had.
BRING THEM TO ME
Jesus’ disciples tell Him that all they have are five loaves and two small fish that a boy has offered.
Jesus’ response is the phrase, “Bring them to me.” Jesus then takes the loaves, blesses and breaks them,
and feeds 5,000 men plus women and children.
We also bring what we have to Jesus. We offer bread and wine. He returns it to us as His body and
blood in Holy Communion. We offer ourselves and we become the Church, His Body on earth. No
matter how much we give, He cannot be outdone. Just like the boy who offered the loaves and the fish, if
we offer what we have – however great or small our gift – with prayer and humility, God will receive our
gifts and multiply them to feed His people.
STEWARDSHIP IS ABOUT JOY
We don’t give out of fear of judgment in the afterlife. We give with joy as part of our spiritual growth,
putting the emphasis on experiencing heaven now. Stewardship of our gifts can help shape our world and
ourselves in such a way that we can experience God’s grace, love and communion in the present. This
perspective on Christian Stewardship emphasizes that which is possible for us as humans – now rather
than later. It shifts our focus from fear to the potential for experiencing joy.
Hard work may bring power and success. Only God can bring us joy, peace and love. American
writer, Frederick Buechner has written, “Greed is the mathematical truism that the more you get, the
more you have. The opposite of greed – the selfless love of God and neighbor – is based on the truth that
the more you give away in love, the more you are.”
PUT AWAY THE PIE CHART
Stewardship is not about calculations, portions or percentages. It cannot be reduced to a number of
hours of service or dollars offered. We cannot reduce our responsibilities as members of the Body of
Christ to paying the bills. Christian Stewardship is a mindset – The way of life. In true Stewardship, we
do not give to the Church for any specific purpose. We are giving back to God with joy in thanksgiving
for what He has done for us. God is never outdone in generosity.
GRACE
The true motivation for giving is grace. Giving is an act of worship in response to the generosity
of God. “You are to give,” says Saint Paul, “as God has prospered you.” His Second Letter to the
Corinthians teaches us clearly, “He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” God blesses those
who give with generosity.
THANKING GOD
The question is not, “How much do I give to stay in the club?” or “What are the dues?” The real
question we need to ask ourselves is “How do I thank God for my many blessings?”
As Orthodox Christians, we are called to a new way of seeing things – a new way of life.
Stewardship is obedience to the greatest commandment to “love the Lord with all your heart, soul,
mind and strength.” We are called to bring ourselves and others to commit our lives to Jesus Christ in
such a way that leads us to the joy of knowing Him personally and profoundly.
GOD’S GENEROSITY
St. Irenaeus of Lyons, in the early 3rd century of the Church wrote: “Therefore the offering of the
Church, which the Lord directed to be offered in the whole world, is accounted a pure sacrifice from
God, and is acceptable to Him, not that He needs a sacrifice from us, but because he who offers is
himself honored in his offering if his gift be accepted. By his offering, both honor and affection is
shown to the King. And our Lord taught us to offer this in all simplicity and innocence (Matt. 5:2324). Therefore we must offer to God the first fruits of His creation, as Moses said…The Saints of the
Old Testament offered their tithes; but those who have received liberty set apart everything they have
for the Lord’s use, cheerfully and freely giving them (2 Cor. 9:7), not as small things in the hope of
greater, but like that poor widow, who put her whole livelihood into the treasury of God (Luke 21:4).”
LEAVE THE REST TO GOD
You cannot do everything, but you can do something. God wants you to do your best and leave the
rest to Him! St. Theophan said, “Exert all your strength, but rest your concern for success on God.”
The Lord doesn’t expect any more from us than what we have to offer. But He does expect us to
be faithful and that we do our very best for Him…We do our best and leave the rest to Him!
HELP 2016 BECOME THE YEAR WE MEET ALL OF OUR STEWARDSHIP GOALS

Increase participation to 100%. Remember, the first $175.00 offered per steward supports
the ministry of our national Church.

Increase the average Stewardship offering by at least 10%. If you have not pledged in the
past we invite you to join us for 2016. If you have been a Steward in the past, we sincerely
thank you for your continued support and generosity! We prayerfully encourage you to
consider an increase in your Stewardship offering. How much is a 10% increase?
(Please refer to the chart below.)
PLEDGE GUIDELINES
INCOME
$25,000
2.5%
$625
3%
$750
4%
$1,000
$1,250
5.0%
10.0%
$2,500
$50,000
$1,250
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$75,000
$1,875
$2,250
$3,000
$3,750
$100,000
$2,500
$3,000
$4,000
$5,000
$150,000
$3,750
$4,500
$6,000
$7,500
$200,000
$5,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$5,000
$7,500
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
The above chart is to assist you calculate your offering. In supporting “Christ and His Ministries”
please consider what percentage of your gross income YOU are offering to Christ in support of His
Church. Please realize that we need an average of $1,500.00 per steward/family to meet our operating
costs…Please contact Fr. Jon if you have questions. Stewardship contributions may now be made online
at our Parish Website:
www.goannunciation.org
YOUTH UPDATE
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever…”
(Hebrews 13:8)
____________________________________________________
Questions and Answers
On a number of occasions, my friends have asked me about my
being a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. When I try to
explain our Faith to them, they seem to think it is “outdated.”
How do we, as Orthodox Christians, respond to this in today’s
world?
__________________________________________________________
THE CHANGELESS FAITH IN A CHANGING WORLD
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN:
THE ORTHODOX CHURCH AND PROTESTANTS
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ICONOCLAST CONTROVERSY
The Seventh Ecumenical Council was originally accepted by all, but
certain political events led to a distancing between the east and the
west which resulted in the Frankish kingdom questioning the
Orthodoxy of the Council. For many years, the Frankish court
towards the Greeks had been more than just unfavorable. There were
bad feelings and memories between Irene and the Frankish king
Charlemagne after Irene broke off an engagement between her son
and Charlemagne’s daughter. Pope Hadrian sent a copy of the Acts of
the 7th Ecumenical Council translated into Latin to Charlemagne in
order that he might show his acceptance of the Council. But the
translation was so badly done that either the translators were ignorant
of Latin as well as Greek or the translation was purposely changed to
discredit the Council. It contained such errors as using the word
“worship” instead of “venerate” and quotes from bishops meaning
exactly the opposite of what they actually said. Charlemagne had
serious grievances against Irene and with the false translation of the
Acts of the Council he found reasons to have her council rejected.
Charlemagne ordered a written reply to the Pope and the Council,
which have come to be known as the Caroline Books.
From the contents of the books, it is clear that the authors had never read the acts or decrees of the 7 th
Ecumenical Council of which they were writing about and were also ignorant of the “mock” council that
took place in 754. They quoted things that were apparently said at the 7th Council which were actually
said at the iconoclast “mock” council and made such serious mistakes as attributing to Constantius, the
Bishop of Cyprus, the monstrous statement that the sacred images were to be given the supreme adoration
YOUTH UPDATE
due to the Holy Trinity. The Caroline Books based on the false translation of the 7th Ecumenical Council
found the Greeks to be idol worshippers and totally rejected the 7th as being Ecumenical in character.
The Caroline Books led to a council being held at Frankfurt in 794. This council devoted its attention to
the question of veneration due to images and the claims of the Second Council of Nicaea (the Seventh) to
being an Ecumenical Synod. The second canon of this synod reads:
“The question was brought forward concerning the recent synod which the Greeks had held at Constantinople
concerning the adoration of images, that all should be judged as worthy of anathema who did not pay to the
images of the Saints service and adoration as to the Divine Trinity. Our most holy fathers rejected with scorn
and in every way such adoration and service, and unanimously condemned it.”
Now for a synod held to examine such important matters they should have done their homework
beforehand so that at least they would have got their facts right. The recent synod they are referring to
was not held at Constantinople but in Nicaea. What was held in Constantinople was the “mock” council.
It seems these two synods were completely mixed in their minds. Another grave mistake was that neither
of the synods decreed that the service and adoration due to the Holy Trinity was to be given to the images
of the saints. When the Pope received the Caroline Books and the acts of the Frankfurt Synod, he rejected
the condemnation of the 7th Ecumenical Council.
If Charlemagne had intended to discredit Irene and the Byzantine Church he only succeeded in showing
that the Franks lacked the sharpness and theological understandings of the Byzantines. They were not
aware of the Christological dimensions of the icon and this was probably due to the fact that they never
had to fight against the Monophysite heresies and Islamic influences. He also succeeded in worsening the
relations between east and west.
In 815, there was another iconoclast period until the
Empress Theodora came to the throne. In 843, she called
together a council, as had Irene before her, and once
again proved and proclaimed the legitimacy of venerating
Icons. A great feast to celebrate this victory took place on
the first Sunday of Lent, March 11, 843. This feast is still
celebrated by the Church on the First Sunday of Great
Lent each year, which is called the “Sunday of
Orthodoxy” or the “Sunday of the Triumph of
Orthodoxy.” The Church continues to celebrate this feast
because it was not only the icon that was being defended,
but also the dogma of the Incarnation [the Church’s
beliefs concerning God becoming man]. If the Church
was to oppose the icon, as did the iconoclasts, then it
would actually be denying that God became man and
therefore the means to man’s salvation is lost, because it would break the union between God and man
which Christ united in Himself. The iconoclasts also regarded all created matter as evil and despicable
and therefore incapable of representing something that is spiritual. This school of thought was in reality
saying that the incarnate body of Christ fell into the same category. It was to deny that His human body
had been deified and at the same time, it betrayed the belief that man’s body, as well as his soul, can and
must be saved. But if we accept that God became man and His flesh was deified, then in truth, God deified
matter, making it spirit bearing, and as the flesh was sanctified, then so could other matter, though in a
different way. God created nothing evil and despicable, for in all things that He created, He saw that “it
was good” (Genesis 1).
(To be continued)
Pilgrimage 2015: Saints Alive
Constantinople – Trabzon – Greece
DAY 2
CHURCH OF ST. IRENE
Located in between Hagia Sophia and
Topkapi Palace is this magnificent
church St. Irene. The original church
was built as the first church in
Constantinople over a pagan temple in
the fourth century and was destroyed
in 404 A.D. In 381 A.D. it was the site
of the Second Ecumenical Council of
Constantinople which formulated the
last 5 articles of the Creed. The second
church, we see today, was built in the
6th century.
This church was built at the same time as Hagia Sophia and opened two days before. The reason
why it was opened first was so that there could be a run through, a practice of the opening
ceremonies for Hagia Sophia.
Following the capture of Constantinople in 1453, it was included within the walls of Topkapi
Palace. At first, it was used as an armory. It later became a warehouse. Today, it is a concert hall.
We then entered the area of Topkapi Palace.
TOPKAPI PALACE
Topkapi Palace was the official and primary
residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans for
approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their
624-year reign. The palace was a setting for
state occasions and royal entertainments and is
a major tourist attraction today, containing the
most holy relics of the Muslim world such as the
Prophet Muhammed's cloak and sword. Initial
construction began in 1459, ordered by Sultan
Mehmed II, the conqueror of Byzantine
Constantinople. The palace is a complex made
up of four main courtyards and many smaller
buildings. At the height of its existence as a
Staff of Moses
royal residence, the palace was home to as many
as 4,000 people, formerly covering a larger area
with a long shoreline. The complex has been expanded over the centuries, with many renovations
such as after the 1509 earthquake and 1665 fire. It held mosques, a hospital, bakeries, and a mint.
The name directly translates as "Cannon gate
Palace", from the palace being named after a
nearby gate, which has since been destroyed.
Topkapı Palace gradually lost its importance at
the end of the 17th century, as the Sultans
preferred to spend more time in their new palaces
along the Bosporus. In 1856, Sultan Abdul Mecid
I decided to move the court to the newly built
Dolmabahçe Palace, the first European-style
palace in the city. Some functions, such as the
imperial treasury, the library, mosque and mint,
were retained though.
After the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1921,
Topkapı Palace was transformed by government decree on April 3, 1924 into a museum of the
imperial era. The palace is full of examples of Ottoman architecture and also contains large
collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic
manuscripts and murals, as well as a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.
Sacred items important to the Orthodox Christian are: The bowl of Abraham sharing hospitality
with the three angels at the Oaks of Mamre; the staff of Moses; the turban of Joseph the Righteous;
the hand and parts of the skull of St. John the Baptist; and other treasures of Constantinople taken
after the fall of the City.
Following our visit to Topkapi Palace we had a lunch break in the area of the Hippodrome.
Having finished our lunch
break, we continued on to our
visit to the Patriarchate of
Constantinople
and
our
audience with His All Holiness
Ecumenical
Patriarch
Bartholomew I.
We entered the sacred
grounds of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate and received an
explanation of the history of
the Patriarchate in the Phanar
district of Constantinople. We
were excited to have a private
audience with His All Holiness
Ecumenical
Patriarch
Bartholomew I.
It was truly a blessing an honor to have this time with His All Holiness and to hear his inspiring
message regarding our Christian Orthodox Faith, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and our Holy
Archdiocese of America.
(To be continued)
It is the practice of our Church to give the name of a Saint to the new born child. By assuming the name of a
Saint, we not only honor and express our gratitude to a Holy Person for his exceptional contribution to the
Orthodox Faith, but provide the new Christian with an example worthy of emulation. The Saint then becomes
the Patron of the child protecting it from all danger. Through his prayers, God will grant the child the necessary
illumination to become a zealous member of the Church and an ardent follower of Christ.
If by chance we accidentally miss someone's nameday, we ask that you please contact the Church Office so that
we may correct our records. We extend our prayers to all those celebrating January Namedays and beseech our
heavenly Father to grant them many years.
!
**************************************************************************************************************************************************
January 1
St. Basil the Great
Vicki Aja
Rosanda Amerine
William Amerine
Barkev Andriopoulos
William H. Christie
William M. Christie
William Davis
Ryan Durrer
Vasili Giahos
Bessie Grillos
Chet Jensen
William Kalfakis
William Katakis
Bill Kogeones
Bill Kokolas
Bill Kokologiannakis
Bessie Micheletos
Bill Micheletos
Vicki Patterakis
Kiki Shaw
Lea Simvoulakis
Bessie Stavrianoudakis
Ken Summers
Bessie Tavernas
Victoria Whitely
Valli Wigt
January 6
Holy Theophany
Jordan Aivaz
Frank Blanas
Emily Davis
Fotios Jordanoglou
Jordan Mayer
Jordan Normoyle
January 7
St. John the Baptist
Kylie Affholter
John Aretakis
Joanne Bouzeneris
Joanne Capous
John Capous
John Forakis
John Hallis
John Hallis
Janet Haskin
John Hillas
John Hillas
John A. Hillas
John Hillas Jr.
Fr. John Kocolas
John Kokologiannakis
Yianni Kokologiannakis
Joanne Korakas
John Kordazakis
John Lagos
John Lagos
Jennie Lallas
Walter Lemons
Fr. Jon Magoulias
John Mangelos
Giana McCoy
John Micheletos
John Myrtakis
Joan Nicholson
John D. Normoyle
John G. Pallios
Johnny Pallios
John Pappas
John Pronoitis
John Ramirez
Jan Ronson
JoAnn Sakaldasis
John Simvoulakis
John Stathoudakis
John Stavrakakis
Joanne Tavernas
Jonathan Word
John Zacharias
Jon Zagaris
John Zigounakis
January 9
St. Efstratios the Righteous
Strati Varvatakis
Efstratios ‘Yianni Magoulias
January 17
St. Anthony the Great
Adonia Alexander
Tony Angelo
Tony Gavrilis
Andoni Kocolas
Antonia Fanourgiakis
Tony Kokologiannakis
Anthony Myrtakis
Antonia Myrtakis
Tony Pallios
Andoni Petrulakis
Anthony Stavrianoudakis
Fred Thompson
Antonios Tsirelas
January 18
Sts. Athanasios & Cyril
Athan French
Athanasios Gianopoulos
Tom Mitsopoulos
January 20
St. Euthemios
Mike Stagakis
Efthemios Tzagarakis
January 21
St. Maximos the Confessor
Max Wigt
January 25
St. Gregory the Theologian
Gregg Giahos
Jaylen French
Gregory Merciadis
Greg Simvoulakis
Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos
January 2016 Newsletter
BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR PHILOPTOCHOS CHAPTER!! We are
starting our 2016 membership drive this month. Encourage all your
friends, men and women, to join. Whether you are an active member or a supporting
member, we need your assistance to reach our goals of helping the sick, the poor, the
elderly, the hungry, the lonely and the orphaned. Look for the Philoptochos table on
Sundays during Fellowship Hour.
You won’t want to miss the January meeting.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
7:00 P.M.
In the classroom building




A special thanks to those who helped shop for needy children at Kohl’s, for the
Soroptimist Community Christmas Tree.
Thanks to the members who contributed gift cards for the Christmas tree which was
raffled off at the Light the Path luncheon to benefit students at Holy Cross Seminary
and Hellenic College. Our tree, The Giving Tree, had $685 in gift cards. It was very
popular!
Thanks to Denise Zagaris for hosting our very successful Holiday Advent Tea in her
beautiful home and to Diane Pallios and Georgia Simvoulakis for chairing the tea.
The proceeds will be distributed to Make a Wish Foundation, IOCC, and other
Philoptochos ministries.
Thanks to Diane Hillas for chairing the collecting of items and distributing the
seminarian and shut-in baskets.
Our next big event is the Vasilopita Luncheon on January 17, 2016.
Annual
Holiday
Tea
GOLDEN CIRCLE IS BACK!!!!
Please join us to celebrate December Birthdays
and enjoy a wonderful luncheon
with all of your friends
on Thursday, January14 at Noon
In the
Very Rev. Fr. Papageorge
Cultural Center
All Parishioners over the age
of 55 are invited to join us!!
December Birthdays!
Philoptochos Shopping for Clothe-A-Child
A.R.E Adult Religious Education
A.R.E. YOU ready to participate and join in
the study of our precious Christian
Orthodox Faith? A.R.E. is the Adult
Religious Education forum for young adults
and adults interested in learning more about
our precious Christian Orthodox Faith.
We will be studying St. Paul’s First and
Second Epistles to the Corinthians. This forum will study Holy
Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers. Please bring
your Orthodox Study Bible and join us! Our next meetings will
be Thursdays, January 7 & January 21 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Classroom Building!
Invite you to their October gathering on
Friday, January 8th at 9:00 a.m.
At Plantation Coffee Shop
3020 Floyd Ave. Suite 101
Questions? Please contact
Diane at 523-6266
Our Parish Youth Ministry is designed to teach our Faith through fellowship
and service. The success of this ministry rests with the parents. We urge the
parents of our young people to support this ministry with enthusiasm and love.
Our Youth Ministry is comprised of young people in:
H.O.P.E. – Grade 3-5; J.O.Y. – Grades 6-8;
G.O.Y.A. - High School; Y.A.L. - College
Important Dates To Remember:
Monday, January 11
Monthly Meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, January 25
GOYA Fireside Chat at 7:00pm
Location to be announced later
Youth Groups Christmas Caroling 2015
A fun time for infant to preschool age kids to get together and play!
Thursday,
January 21 at
10:15 a.m.
In the Sunday School Building
Email Hayley if you have any questions. hayklevmyr@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE!
FEBRUARY 20, 2016
AHEPA &
DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
Annual Banquet and Fundraiser
DRAWINGS, MUSIC, LIBATIONS AND PRIZES
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!
 Menu
To Be Announced
Thank you to the Sunday School Program for hosting a beautiful Christmas Luncheon and to all of the Parishioners who helped with set up and
cooking the delicious meal.
PLEDGED STEWARDS 2015
(AS OF DECEMBER 29, 2015)
“YOU DID NOT CHOOSE ME, BUT I CHOSE YOU AND APPOINTED YOU THAT YOU SHOULD GO AND BEAR FRUIT…”
(JOHN 15:16)
T H A N K
Affholter, Mike & Anna
Aja, John & Vasiliki
Alexander, Aram & Aliki
Alfier, Frances
Amerine, Bill & Rosanda
Andriopoulos, Christos &
Hariklia
Angelo, Antonios
Angelo, Michael & Alicia
Angelo, Elizabeth
Angelo, Irene
Angelo, Maria
Aretakis, John & Galatia
Bazos, Alex & Effie
Berris, Gus & Maria
Birakos, Dimos & Allison
Bird, Charles & Connie
Blanas, George & Donna
Bollakis, Andrea
Bonanno, Robert and Maria
Boodrookas, George and Anna
Borden, Jeff & Tina
Borden, George
Boutsikakis, Arestides
Boutsikakis, Chris & Jacqueline
Bouzeneris, Anne
Bouzeneris, Mike & Joanne
Bouzeneris, Zabia
Bowren “Spyridon” Ron
Brown, Dean & Yianna
Brown, Jeff & Dena
Burge, Roberta
Burrage, Andrew & Catherine
Capous, Alex & Joanne
Castillo. Effie
Cerny, Ryan & Babia
Chilles, Chris & Megan
Chituras, Katharine
Christie, Chris Jr.
Christie, Harriet
Christie, Harry
Christie, Michael and Janelle
Christie, William M.
Christy, Steve
Christodulis, Stephen & Christina
Christoulakis, Mike & Kathy
Cocoles, Stamus & Mary
Conley, Jason and Ileana
Cooke, Brian & Elizabeth
Condor, Bogdan & Voica
Constantinou, Andy & Anthoula
Constantinou, Panayiota
Y O U
F O R
S U P P O R T I N G
Cougiamtzakis, Angelo
Daniel, Nicola and Lorena
Darpinian, Sherri
Davis, Brian & Anne
Despotakis, Janet
Doherty, Lia
Duerr, Troy
Durrer, Justin & Michelle
Durrer, Ted & Maria
Eranossian, Erina
Faklis, Nick & Holly
Fanourgiakis, John & Antonia
Fisher, David & Christina
Flesoras, Dean & Angie
Forakis, Irene
Forakis, John
Forakis, Dr. Paul & Karen
Fortin, Ryan & Kari
Fostinis, Mike & Linda
Fraioli, Tom & Vikki
French, Jaylen & Maria
Galas, Chris & Agatha
Garza, Raul
Gavrilis, Mary
Gavrilis, Tony & Jeannette
George-Pardini, Elaine
Georgeopulos, Leo & Panagiota
Giahos, Gregg & Stephanie
Giahos, Steve
Giahos, Tom
Gianopoulos, Tom & Tina
Gianulias, Chris & Pauline
Gikas, Michael & Wanda
Gionis, Argie S.
Gomez, Danny & Anna
Grillos, Dr. Steve & Bessie
Hallis, John & Katina
Hallis, Maria
Haskin, Brad & Janet
Hatzigeorgiou, Steve and Rachel
Hatton, Warren & Janelle
Haworth, Zoe
Hilladakis, Bruce & Emily
Hillas, John & Diane
Hillas, Mary
Hillas, Summer
Jaureguy, Elizabeth
Jaureguy, Michael & Irene
Jensen, Dr. Chet & Karen
Jordanoglou, Fotios
O U R
M I N I S T R Y !
Jordanoglou, Gus & Laurie
Kaimis, Michael
Kakridas, Peter & Petula
Kalfakis, William & Sharron
Kalmantis, Haroula
Kappas, Mary
Karam, Zeffie
Karaszi, Dena
Katakis, Andrew
Katakis, Argy
Katakis, Hope
Katakis, Ronald
Katakis, William
Katotakis, Andrea
Katotakis, Manuel & Helen
Katsufrakis, Peter & Marlene
Katzakis, Spiro
Kennedy, Susan
Khoury, Saliba & Dawn
Kiliveros, Kelly
Klabanos, Alex
Klevmyr, Erik & Hayley
Kokolas, Bill
Kocolas, Jim & Chryssi
Kokologiannakis, Bill & Malina
Kokologiannakis, Manoli & Danielle
Kokologiannakis, Martha
Kokologiannakis, Nick & Christina
Kokoris, Stan & Mary
Kondarakis, Nick & Zoi
Konstantelos, Nick & Evmorfia
Korakas, Nick & Joanne
Kordazakis, George & Angela
Kordazakis, John & Dimitra
Kordazakis, Mike & Eleni
Kordazakis, Stephen M.
Kordazakis, Stephen & Krystal
Kosmas, Matt & Kelsey
Kounias, George & Elizabeth
Kounias, Helen
Kounias, Stratos
Lagos, John & Marie
Lallas, Mike & Jennie
Lamatis, Jackie
Lamatis, Jim & Mary
Lambros, Pete
Lawson, Paul & Mary
Leffler, Duke
Leffler, Duke & Julia
Legatos, Dennis & Tula
Legatos, Maria
Lemons, Brian & Kelly
Lolonis, John & Anna
Lolonis, Voula
Louis, Dennis & Georgina
Machado, Robert & Eleni
Mahfoud, Ammar & Ranea
Malekos, Cindy
Malekos, Olivia
Mamalis, Peter
Mandarakas, Krystalo
Manganas, Dr. Antoun
Mangelos, Katherine
Manologlou, Tom & Anna
Marconi, Mark & Elaine
Markos, Harry
Maroudas, Dina
Maroudas, Maria
Mason, Jamie & Gina
Mastras, Chrissy
Mayer, Andrea
Mayer, Jordan
Mayer, Paul & Dr. Diana Demetrulias
McCoy, Jason & Niki
McMillen, David & Maria
Mellis, Ilene
Merciadis, Gregory
Metropoulos, Nick & Helen
Micheletos, Bill & Jennie
Micheletos, Greg & Dora
Micheletos, John & Bessie
Micheletti, Karen
Mitri, Jalil & Caroline
Mitri, Salim & Mervet
Mitri, Seri
Mitsopoulos, Andy & Tamra
Mitsopoulos, Leo & Voula
Mitsopoulos, Tom & Stella
Moore, Kevin & Maria
Moraitis, Steve & Peggy
Moraitis, Steve & Sarah
Mouzes, Gus & Lauretta
Munro, Dennis & Patti
Myrtakis, Manuel & Jennifer
Nicholson, Mark & Janet
Nicolacakis, Dean & Maria
Pagonis, Sophie
Pakas, Chris
Pallios, Aleta
Pallios, Diane
Pallios, George & Sophie
Pallios, Jim & Lindsay
Pallios, John & Judy
Pallios, Kylie
Pallios, Mike & Irene
Pallios, Nick & Nina
Pallios, Steve & Pam
Pallios, Tony & Joy
Papadogiannis, Yianni & Sara
Papadopoulos, Stelios
Papadoulis, Sophia
Paras, Andy
Paras, Gus & Carol
Paras, James & Koula
Parisis, Angelo & Thekla
Patterakis, Vicki
Pepelis, Beatrice
Pepelis, Collette
Peros, Irene
Peros, Paulette
Peros, Pete & Esther
Petrulakis, Anna
Petrulakis, Dean & Laura
Petrulakis, George & Karna
Poloynis, Mary
Poulos, Ted & Antonette
Prepoutse, Ted & Kiki
Price, Dan & Hilary Leffler
Pronoitis, John and Tamara
Pronoitis, Paul & Charlotte
Quick, Bob & Chris
Radcliff, Violetta
Reeder, John & Barbara
Roberts, Brian & Andrea
Robinson, Cheryl
Rodarakis, Georgette
Rodarakis, George and Mariana
Rodarakis, Manoli
Rodarakis, Michael & Rodo
Rodarakis, Pete & Despina
Roditis, Georgia
Rosso, Bob & Elaine
Saddik, Samir & Madlen
Sakaldasis, George & Joann
Saras, Andrea
Satriles, Kathi
Shaw, Mike and Kiki
Simvoulakis, Constance
Simvoulakis, George & Georgia
Simvoulakis, Greg & Valerie
Simvoulakis, John
Sirogiannis, George & Helen
Stamos, Jim & Dena
Stamos, Nick & Michelle
Stathoudakis, Stavros
Stavrakakis, John & Pat
Stavrakakis, Mike & Mary Jo
Stavrakakis, Steve
Stavrianoudakis, Darleen
Stavrianoudakis, Nick & Suzette
Stavrianoudakis, Peter & Katherine
Stavrianoudakis, Stephanie
Summers, Ken & Lynne
Swehla, Terry & Karen
Tasiopoulos, Gus & Loula
Tasiopoulos, Theodore
Tavernas, Bessie
Tavernas, Brian & Marcy
Tavernas, George & Doris
Tavernas, James & JoAnn
Thompson, Fred & Marianne
Thoukis, Gerard and Melisa
Thymakis, Argie
Thymakis, Sophia
Trabookis, Ann
Tsatsaronis, Denna & Stamati
Tsatsaronis, Markella
Tsirelas, Antonio
Tsompanas, Pres. Mary
Tsoulouhas, Theofanis, Dr.
Tzagarakis, Efthimios & Martina
Velthoen, Allen & Ella
Venierakis, Emmanouil & Eleni
Vincent, George & Gloria
Volk, Drew & Ashleigh
Wahl-Nicholson, Dr. Donald & Joan
Whitely, Evelyn
Wigt, Pete & Valli
Woods, Helen
Word, Mitcheal & Chrysi
Zacharias, George & Helen
Zagaris, Denise
Zagaris, Jon & Grace
Zagaris, Mike & Midge
Zagaris, Paula
Zagaris, Steven J. & Lena
Zigounakis, John and Arlene
Zigounakis, Stella
STEWARDSHIP
If we have mistakenly
left your name off the
STEWARDSHIP ROSTER,
please contact the
Church Office. God Bless You!
2015- 301
2014 - 273
2015 goal – 350
“We are commanded to worship, not on special days, but continuously All our life through, and in all possible ways”
(St. Clement of Alexandria)