holy unction...chased the delicious tsourekia that were baked this year by lisa housiani-tis....

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 1 Lordwillraisehimup. Andifhehascommittedsins,hewillbeforgiv- en.”(idem, p. 128) Alltheessentialelementsarehere: theprayerofthepresbyters,repre- sentingthewholeBodyofChrist,andembodyingtheFaith,theanoint- ingintheNameofJesusChrist,andtheactionoftheLord,whoraises upthefaithfulfromthebedofsufferingortheabyssofdespairanddys- functionality. Overtime,theservicewasexpandedtoincludedsevengroupsofepis- tles,gospelsandprayers,allcenteredaroundthethemeofcompassion andhealing. ThegospelreadingsincludetheGoodSamaritan,Zac- chaeus,theTenLepers,theHealingofPeter’smother-in-law,theTen Virgins, theCanaanitewomanandtheConversionofMatthew. They areprecededbyabouquetofdismissalhymns(apolytikia )dedicatedto miraclesandmiracleworkers: thehealingsoftheblindmanandthe paralytic,St.James,St.Nicholas,St.Demetrios,St.Panteleimonand theUnmercenaryPhysicians,St.JohntheTheologianandtheMotherof God. Thisgoestoshowthatwhenthepriestslaytheirhandsoverthe faithfulandanointthem,thewholechurchispresent,andofcoursethe HeadoftheChurch,ourLordJesusChrist. WealsoseefromSt.James’sdescriptionthatHolyUnctionalsocleans- esusfromsin. Infact,thereisawholecycleofsacramentsbeginning withHolyBaptismandChrismation,continuingwiththeHolyEucha- rist,HolyUnctionandHolyConfessionthatkeeppurgingusfromthe stainsofsinandrestoreustothestateofgrace. Thestainofsinisnot limitedtotheactitselfthatneedstobeconfessedtoGodandforgiven (inthesacramentofConfession),butitleadstoacorruptednaturethat needstoberestoredandhealed;thishappensconstantlyintheMysteries ofEucharistandUnction,hencetheneedtopartakeoftheseregularly. Onceayearishardlyenough - infact,notsolongagomanywereargu- ingthatthefaithfulshouldonlypartakeofHolyCommunionfourtimes ayear,orevenonce. Thisisliketellingastarvingmanthatifhehasa goodbreakfastonMondaythereisnoneedforanothermealtherestof theweek. TheMysteryoftheHolyUnctionisalsoadministeredtothesickatthe bedside,andevenonthedeathbed. Itisnot,however,anobligatory componentofthelastrites,asonceunderstoodintheRomanCatholic Church. ItalwaysretainsitsconnotationofhealingandinvokingGod’s mercy. AproperlypreparedOrthodoxChristianshouldconsidermak- ingtheirConfessionandreceivingHolyCommunion. Ifweleadan OrthodoxChristianlife,weneedtobepreparedinthisfashionatall times,youngorold,healthyorsick. Wedonotknowthetimewhen GodcallsustoHim,butwecanleadourlifeasiftodayisthatday. The periodicparticipationintheSacramentofHolyUnctionhelpsusto makethisaReality,bybringingeverythingintobalanceand cleansingall. ChristisRisen! TrulyHeisRisen! Throughoutourservices,ourmostcommon responseisthe“Kyrie Eleison,”thatis“Lord havemercy.” Thatshowshowmuchim- portanceweattachtoGod’s endlessmercy. Weconstantlyremindourselves thatwithout God’smercywecannotgetanywhere. There is,however,oneservicethatallowsustobe envelopedbythismysteryinasacramental sense,andthatistheserviceofHolyUnction. Thisisperfectlysummarizedby thesecondstanzaofthefirst odeoftheHolyUnctionCanon. Thestanza,whichissignifi- cantlyintroducedbytheinvocation“MasterJesus,havemercy onyourservants”reads: The whole earth is full of Your mercy, O Master. Therefore, we in faith do implore You, that You bestow upon us, who today shall be anointed mystically by Your Divine and precious Oil, Your mercy, which surpasses understanding.” (Holy Week Book, Papadeas edition, page 113) Thehealingofsoul,mindandbodythatoccursthroughpartici- pationinthissacramentisadirectandmiraculousconsequence ofGod’smercy: Being a Divine river of mercy, like a fathomless gulg of great loving-kindness, O Merciful One, show forth the Divine streams of Your mercy, and heal all. Let the fountains of miracles gush forth abundantly, and cleanse all; for ever resorting unto You, we fervently implore Your Grace (idem, p. 115) AsinallotherholyMysteries,thereisamaterialcomponent: theHolyOil,blessedthroughthedescentoftheHolySpirit, andadministeredbythepriests. ThistraditiongoesbacktoSt. James,thebrotheroftheLord,whowrote: “Isanyoneamong yousick? Lethimcalltheelders(presbyters)oftheChurch, andletthemprayoverhim,anointinghimwithoilinthename oftheLord. Andtheprayeroffaithwillsavethesick,andthe S H I N I N G F O R T H T H E G O S H I N I N G F O R T H T H E G O S H I N I N G F O R T H T H E G O S H I N I N G F O R T H T H E G O O D N E W S O D N E W S O D N E W S O D N E W S THE BEACON Holy Unction ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS MAY/JUNE2017 IN THIS ISSUE Parish Directories 2 Prosforo Schedule 3 GLAS Update/Members 5 Stewardship Report 6-9 Parish News & Notes 10-15 May/June Calendars 16-17 Sponsors 18

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Page 1: Holy Unction...chased the delicious tsourekia that were baked this year by Lisa Housiani-tis. Donations from these collections will go toward the Greek Ladies Aid Society's annual

MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 1

Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiv-en.” (idem, p. 128)

All the essential elements are here: the prayer of the presbyters, repre-senting the whole Body of Christ, and embodying the Faith, the anoint-ing in the Name of Jesus Christ, and the action of the Lord, who raises up the faithful from the bed of suffering or the abyss of despair and dys-functionality.

Over time, the service was expanded to included seven groups of epis-tles, gospels and prayers, all centered around the theme of compassion and healing. The gospel readings include the Good Samaritan, Zac-chaeus, the Ten Lepers, the Healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, the Ten Virgins, the Canaanite woman and the Conversion of Matthew. They are preceded by a bouquet of dismissal hymns (apolytikia) dedicated to miracles and miracle workers: the healings of the blind man and the paralytic, St. James, St. Nicholas, St. Demetrios, St. Panteleimon and the Unmercenary Physicians, St. John the Theologian and the Mother of God. This goes to show that when the priests lay their hands over the faithful and anoint them, the whole church is present, and of course the Head of the Church, our Lord Jesus Christ.

We also see from St. James’s description that Holy Unction also cleans-es us from sin. In fact, there is a whole cycle of sacraments beginning with Holy Baptism and Chrismation, continuing with the Holy Eucha-rist, Holy Unction and Holy Confession that keep purging us from the stains of sin and restore us to the state of grace. The stain of sin is not limited to the act itself that needs to be confessed to God and forgiven (in the sacrament of Confession), but it leads to a corrupted nature that needs to be restored and healed; this happens constantly in the Mysteries of Eucharist and Unction, hence the need to partake of these regularly. Once a year is hardly enough - in fact, not so long ago many were argu-ing that the faithful should only partake of Holy Communion four times a year, or even once. This is like telling a starving man that if he has a good breakfast on Monday there is no need for another meal the rest of the week.

The Mystery of the Holy Unction is also administered to the sick at the bedside, and even on the deathbed. It is not, however, an obligatory component of the last rites, as once understood in the Roman Catholic Church. It always retains its connotation of healing and invoking God’s mercy. A properly prepared Orthodox Christian should consider mak-ing their Confession and receiving Holy Communion. If we lead an Orthodox Christian life, we need to be prepared in this fashion at all times, young or old, healthy or sick. We do not know the time when God calls us to Him, but we can lead our life as if today is that day. The periodic participation in the Sacrament of Holy Unction helps us to make this a Reality, by bringing everything into balance and cleansing all.

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

Throughout our services, our most common response is the “Kyrie Eleison,” that is “Lord have mercy.” That shows how much im-portance we attach to God’s endless mercy. We constantly remind ourselves that without God’s mercy we cannot get anywhere. There is, however, one service that allows us to be enveloped by this mystery in a sacramental sense, and that is the service of Holy Unction.

This is perfectly summarized by the second stanza of the first ode of the Holy Unction Canon. The stanza, which is signifi-cantly introduced by the invocation “Master Jesus, have mercy on your servants” reads:

The whole earth is full of Your mercy, O Master. Therefore, we in faith do implore You, that You bestow upon us, who today shall be anointed mystically by Your Divine and precious Oil, Your mercy, which surpasses understanding.” (Holy Week Book, Papadeas edition, page 113)

The healing of soul, mind and body that occurs through partici-pation in this sacrament is a direct and miraculous consequence of God’s mercy:

Being a Divine river of mercy, like a fathomless gulg of great loving-kindness, O Merciful One, show forth the Divine streams of Your mercy, and heal all. Let the fountains of miracles gush forth abundantly, and cleanse all; for ever resorting unto You, we fervently implore Your Grace (idem, p. 115)

As in all other holy Mysteries, there is a material component: the Holy Oil, blessed through the descent of the Holy Spirit, and administered by the priests. This tradition goes back to St. James, the brother of the Lord, who wrote: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call the elders (presbyters) of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the

S H I N I N G F O R T H T H E G OS H I N I N G F O R T H T H E G OS H I N I N G F O R T H T H E G OS H I N I N G F O R T H T H E G O O D N E W SO D N E W SO D N E W SO D N E W S

THE BEACON

Holy Unction

ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS

MAY/JUNE 2017

I N T H I S I S S U E

Parish Directories 2

Prosforo Schedule 3

GLAS Update/Members 5

Stewardship Report 6-9

Parish News & Notes 10-15

May/June Calendars 16-17

Sponsors 18

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 2

THE BEACON

is an official monthly publication of the

ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7 Harris Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 * (978)465-5757

Website: http://annunciation.ma.goarch.org/ email: [email protected]

REV. DR. COSTIN POPESCU, PROISTAMENOS

email: [email protected]

**********

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is under the spiritual and ecclesiastical oversight of

His Eminence, Metropolitan Methodios, Metropolis of Boston;

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America;

and is under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Deadline for material is the 20th of each month.

PARISH COUNCIL 2017

Jim Sperelakis - president [email protected] • (978) 479-6372 or [email protected] Eric Hansen – co-vice-president [email protected]

[email protected] • (978) 914-1270

Tina Papadopoulos - co-vice-president [email protected] Gina Dussi - treasurer [email protected] Jim Georgopoulos - co-secretary

[email protected]

Joanne Perrault - co-secretary

[email protected]

Louis Andriotakis • (978) 465-0038 [email protected] Maria Andriotakis Connor [email protected] • (978) 270-9121 John Housiantis [email protected] Charlie Neos [email protected] • (617) 240-8313 Melinda Patrick [email protected]

PARISH MINISTRIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Choir Director Don Argyrople • [email protected] • (978) 363-5377 Ladies Aid Society Irene Falite • [email protected] • (978) 270-6317 Men’s Club Arthur Housianitis • [email protected] John Housianitis • [email protected] Nicholson Hall Sandy Gearhart • (617) 974-1580 Sunday School Jill Argyrople •[email protected] • (978) 363-5377 JOY Program (Junior Orthodox Youth) Maria Connor • [email protected] • (978) 465–2554 GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) Katerina Connor • [email protected] St. Basil’s Ministries Don Argyrople • [email protected] • (978) 363-5377 Stewardship Cathleen Chadwick • [email protected]

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 3

Prosforo: An Offering of Faith

Of the many ways of supporting our Church, there are few which stand out as

uniquely personal offerings of faith. The offering of Prosforo bread for the Divine

Liturgy is one of them. We are thankful to all who have faithfully fulfilled this

responsibility and invite more of our faithful to make this a part of their lives as well.

Prosforo Schedule

May 7 Kathy Tsiantas June 4 Melinda Patrick July 2 Anna Chetsas

May 14 Anna Chetsas June 11 Freezer July 9 Lisa Housianitis

May 21 Lisa Housianitis June 18 Andrea Jones July 16 Tina Klidaras

May 28 Tina Klidaras June 25 Kathy Tsiantas July 23 Melinda Patrick

July 30 Freezer

Joanna Tsiantas is responsible for the Prosforo Schedule. If you have any scheduling conflicts or requests, need to have the Prosforo brought to the church Saturday evening or wish to add your name to the schedule,

please contact Joanna at (978) 465–1405 or at [email protected].

2017 Parishioners of the Year

Irene and Daphne, two loving sisters and life-long Parishioners, came to the Annunciation Church in Newburyport as children, with their parents and grandparents – a revered founding family of the Annunciation Parish, which was established nearly 100 years ago.

They started in Sunday School, Greek School, GOYA, became Sunday School teachers themselves, as well as long-time, passionate members of the Greek Ladies Aid Society, eventually holding the office of President, VP, and others.

Daphne served two terms on the Parish Council, co-

chaired the Greek Food Festival for two years, spent over 15 years beautifully decorating the Church and Epitaphion during Holy Week, and also volunteered her time serving the less fortunate in our community, through our Parish’s philanthropic St. Basil’s soup kitchen and ministry.

When their beloved Church building burned to the ground 30 years ago, Irene and Daphne organized raffles and other fundraisers – to raise money, which helped the committed Annunciation community construct a new Church building in the same spot in downtown Newburyport.

Irene, married at the Annunciation Church, is the proud mother of two children, Nicholas, Jr. and Jason – and the loving Yia-Yia of two grandchildren, Alexis and Nicholas III.

Both Irene and Daphne remain highly involved in the running of our Church – including active participation in the 100th Anniversary planning committee. On top of that – they help prepare food, and spend long hours, for 9 days in the hot summer sun, selling those delicacies at our “gyro cart”, with all proceeds going directly to the reduction of our Church mortgage debt.

Their grandparents, Harry & Panayiota Fotos, forefathers of the Annunciation Church in Newburyport, helped to establish their strong faith. I think you will all agree – Irene and Daphne built on their ancestors’ legacy. These two pillars of our Church – are extremely worthy recipients of our 2017 Laity Ministry Award.

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 4

Dear Parishioners,

Everyone is hungry for warm spring weather. I trust that the planning and anticipation for our beautiful

Pascha celebrations give us the warmth, both inside and out, that we seek.

As we all know, our beloved Church will be celebrating our 100th Anniversary, beginning at the end of this

year, and throughout 2018. We want to “do it right”, and as you can imagine, this takes a significant amount

of planning and hard work. This is one of your best opportunities to give your time and talents to our Church

– we are planning monthly activities – beginning with a “Founders Day” celebration this Dec. Please reach-

out to our ever dedicated 100th Anniversary co-chairs of Andrea Jones and Charlie Neos. In addition, each

monthly event will have a team of people to lead and coordinate. We are all capable of contributing, in ways

large and small. Please come to a 100th Anniversary meeting (they are listed in the Bulletin and this Beacon),

or reach out to Andrea, Charlie, or a lead of an individual event – and offer your time, energy and talent.

Thank you.

We are also getting an early jump on planning for the Greek Food Festival (GFF) this year. No exaggeration

to state that a successful GFF is crucial to the financial well-being of our Church. This year, we are combin-

ing/coordinating, as best as possible - the pre-planning, workshops, purchases, and efforts - of the actual 3

day GFF and the highly successful “gyro cart”, during Yankee Homecoming. There are many ways you can

contribute, and we are always looking for volunteers, new ideas, fresh perspectives, and people that are will-

ing to “roll up their sleeves” and participate in workshops - preparing food, setting up, and of course, actually

working during the GFF (July 28-30) and Gyro Cart (July 29-Aug. 6). Please see John Tsakirgis, or me, to

offer your early assistance. We always appreciate it.

I am often inspired by the energy, creativity and passion of our Parishioners, and what we are able to accom-

plish as a relatively small Parish. As we all “painfully” remember, our area was hit by several major snow-

storms, esp. in Feb.-March (even April!). But our Church did not skip a beat, as Eric Hansen, Ron Ram-

seur, and other volunteers, cleared the sidewalks and all entrances to our Church. Needless to say, this

was a significant effort, and saved our Parish thousands of dollars, versus hiring a snow removal service. As

we approach Holy Week, my favorite evening is Holy Tuesday, with the wonderfully moving hymns sang by

the Choir and Chanters. We are blessed to have a deeply committed Choir Director in Don Argyrople, and

equally committed Choir members, under the spiritual and musical guidance of Father Costin, who make all

the services richer and more meaningful with the beautiful choral/chant accompaniment. As witnessed

above, the love for our Parish abounds.

On behalf of the 2017 Parish Council, we offer our continued love and service to our Parish family, Father

Costin, the Boston Metropolis, and the Archdiocese of America.

Louis Andriotakis, Maria Connor, Gina Dussi (treasurer ), Eric Hansen (co-VP), Arthur Housianitis,

John Housianitis, Jim Georgopoulos (co-secretary), Charlie Neos, Tina Papadopolous (co-VP), Melinda

Patrick and Joanne Perreault (co-secretary).

My thanks to all for making the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church a wonderful place to worship.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Sperelakis – on behalf of the 2017 Parish Council

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 5

GLAS Update The Greek Ladies Aid Society wants to wish Christos Anesti to all and to dedicate this latest Beacon blurb to our beloved brother in Christ, Leon Chetsas. May his memory be eternal.

This winter donations were made to various charities. In February the yearly donation to the Hellenic Cardiac Children's Hospital Fund was made as well as one to our local community Opportunity Works. Also, a donation for $150 was made to one of our Merrimack College students, Daniel Hansen, to assist in paying for his mission trip to the Dominic Republic which will take place in May.

In March, donations were made to the Horizon Club and also a special collection was taken up for the theological students of Holy Cross Col-lege/Seminary in Brookline on the feast day of the Veneration of the Ho-ly Cross. Thank you to all who contributed.

During Holy Week in April, the Sunshine Committee of the Greek La-dies Aid Society brought gift bags including flowers, chocolates and tsou-reki to five individuals that are unable to get to church. Please be aware that home visits are done at the holidays by this committee and that Irene Katsoulis and Maria Connor should be notified if anyone should be add-ed to the list.

The Greek Ladies Aid Society was very happy to see so many faces at its annual Palm Sunday Luncheon. Hopefully it was enjoyed by all and gave a chance for some fellowship before the celebration of Pascha.

Thank you to all of the Ladies who dyed and donated red eggs and helped to wrap them in toile for the Anastasi Service. Thank you to those who donated to the Easter Lilly Collection as well and to those who pur-chased the delicious tsourekia that were baked this year by Lisa Housiani-tis.

Donations from these collections will go toward the Greek Ladies Aid Society's annual charitable Spring donations to places such as the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, our beloved Philoxenia house and the Pelican Inter-vention Fund which was established to help those afflicted by Drug Ad-diction.

Also GLAS collections received will aid the group to give a gift of $100 to each graduating senior student from the our Parish. These gifts will be given out on June 11th.

Please note that the end of year outing will be held at the Old Salt in Hampton, NH June 25th at 12:30. The cost is $24.00 which in-cludes tax and tip. Please RSVP to Irene Falite by June 18th.

Finally, if you have not yet paid your yearly Greek Ladies Aid Society dues of $15.00 for 2017 please see Dorothy Davis, or Irene Falite.

Thank you, and our best wishes for a wonderful Spring and upcoming Summer!

The Greek Ladies Aid Society

2017 Members

Stella Andriotakis

Cathleen Chadwick

Anna Chetsas

Julie Christo

Maria Connor

Jennifer Cooper

Dorothy Davis

Mary Dollas

Gina Dussi

Irene Frangos Falite

Elaine Fiasconaro

Stella Gigis

Diane Hansen

Ekaterini Haraktsis

Joanne Hight

Lisa Housianitis

Irene Katsoulis

Ellie Kipe

Laura Klidaris

Tina Klidaris

Chrysanthe Machiros

Mary Malonis

Anna Mamakos

Kara Mamakos

Connie Mathieu

Rose McGrath

Rena Monoxelos

Joanna Panas

Melinda Patrick

Ann Peralta

Pauline Rallis

Ruth Riley

Faye Robertson

Mary Spaneas

Kalliope Stickney

Daphne Tikellis

Joanna Tsiantas

Kathy Tsiantas

Angela Tsopelas

Joanne Varoudakis

Bunny Wescott If your name is not listed, please consider joining and/or renewing your member-ship. 100% of the $15.00 dues goes towards helping those less fortunate. Please see Irene Falite or Dorothy Davis to sign up.

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 6

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE STEWARDSHIP UPDATE STEWARDSHIP UPDATE STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

TheChristiande initionofstewardshipinvolvesourresponsibilitytoGodofourtime,talents,

treasure,andsel lessactsofgiving.WemuststrivetoberesponsibletoGodinmanagingthegifts

entrustedtous.Unfortunately,wemaygiveGodandHisChurchaminimumofourtime,talents,

andmoneyleavingtheresttodoasweplease.ThisdistancesourselvesfromGod,pushinghimto

theouteraspectsofourdailyliving.StewardshipallowsustomoveGodtothecenterofourlife

withthegoaltofollowthewordsofJesus:"Whereyourtreasureis,therewillyourheartbe

also".Bygivingfromourheart,weareabletoexpressourgratitudetoGodforHiscountless

blessings.

Pleaseconsidermakinga2017pledgetoAnnunciationChurchifyouhaveyettodoso.Springis

theperfecttimetore lectonourfaithandconsiderhowwecanputGod irstinourlivesand

investourtreasureinHim.PledgeCardsareavailableatthecandlestandintheNarthex.

CompletedcardscanbedepositedintheStewardshipboxatthecandlestand,oryoumaymailitto

thechurchat7HarrisStreet,Newburyport,MA01950.Wesincerelythankyouforyour

consideration.

YoursinChrist,

TheStewardshipCommittee

AsofMay18,2017-ByTheNumbers…

2016 120Stewards* 2017 85Stewards

Pledge Goal $80,000 Pledge Goal $81,000

Pledged $83,182 Pledged $66,860

Paid $79,654 Paid $33,753

Average Pledge $693 Average Pledge $786

*There are still 14 outstanding pledges for 2016

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 7

2017 Stewards as of 05/05/172017 Stewards as of 05/05/172017 Stewards as of 05/05/172017 Stewards as of 05/05/17

Anderson, George and Sharon Andriotakis, Louis and Stella Argyrople, Anita (Dido) Argyrople, Don and Jill Chadwick, Cathleen Chetsas, �Leon and Anna Connor, Edmund & Joanna Tsiantas Connor, Kevin and Maria Cooper, Brendon and Jennifer Cusack, Michael Dollas, Christopher and Mary Dollas, Mary Driscoll, Dan and Carla Dubus, Andre and Fontaine Dussi, John and Gina Falite, Irene Faskianos, Mrs. James Fountis, Steve George, Barbara George, Emery and Susan Georgopoulos, Jim and Tracy Gigis, Stella Ginieres, Peter GLAS Gogolos, John and Patricia Gravel, Elaine Halkiotis, Penelope Hansen, Eric and Diane

Haraktsis, Anastasios & Aikaterini Healy, Tom Herranen, Inkeri Housianitis, Arthur and Lisa Housianitis, John Irish, Gayle Janos, Mark and MaryAnn Jitianu, Christian & Paula Voinescu �Kacher, Bill and Andrea Jones Katsoulis, Irene Kevorkian, Jeff and Stacey Kipe, Ellie Koukkos, Gabriel Kouklamanis, Ernest & Debbie Lagasse, Nikki Malonis, Chris and Mary Mamakos, Peter and Anna Markos, T. Sammy Markos, Frank and Suzanne Mathieu, Connie Matthews, Byron and Helen Matthews, John and Christina Matthews, Paul and Christine Matthews, Peter and Teri Micu, Marius and Ileana Mihailescu, Alexandru and Lucia Monoxelos, Milton and Rena

+ Deceased Stewardship = 3 T’s… Time, Talent & Treasure

Nabhan, Amin and Sarah Neos, Charles & Patricia Yanakakis Panas, Ann Panas, Joanna Panas, Peter Papanickolas-McGrath, Rose Patriakeas, John and Joan Patrick, Jim and Melinda Perreault, Chris and Joanne Petrakis, Nikki Popescu, Corneliu and Veronica Popescu, Fr. Costin & Pres. Irina Preftes, Katherine & Chris Field Ramseur, Ronald Riley, Peter and Ruth Robertson, Stephen and Faye Sawyer, Tepsie Schaeffer, Frank and Genie Spaneas, Mary Sperelakis, Jim Stickney, Raymond and Cleo Tickellis, Daphne Tsakirgis, John and Nancy Tsiantas, Kathy Tsiplakis, Ioannis and Rhonda Varoudakis, Joanne

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 8

We wish to thank those who made recent dona.ons to the Annuncia.on Church:

Dona.ons Report

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not

reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver"

"But this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap spar-

ingly;

and he who reaps boun.fully will also reap boun.fully"

Lent, Holy Week and Easter Donations

Anderson, Sharon

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

Argyrople, Dido

Argyrople, Don and Jill

Braun, Wm & Siroun

Chadwick, Cathy

Christo, Julia

Cooper, Brendan and Jen

Connor/Tsiantas Family

Connor/Andriotakis Family

Dollas, Mary

Dubus, Fontaine

Dussi, John and Gina

Falite, Irene

George, Barbara

George, Emery and Susan

Gigis, Stella

Gilbert, Warren and Marion

Gilman, Euthemia

Ginieres,Peter and Mary

Gogolos, John

Gravel, Elaine

Hansen, Daniel

Hansen, Eric and Diane

Haraktis, Taso and Katerina

Heath, Warren & Patricia

Herranen, Helja Inkeri

Hight, Joanne and Stephen

Housianitis, John

Housianitis, Arthur and Lisa

Janos, Mark and Mary Ann

Katsoulis, Irene

Kevorkian, Stacey

Kipe, Ellie

Klibansky, Diane and John

Koukkos, Gabriel

Malonis, Chris and Mary

Mamakos, Peter and Anna

Mathieu, Cornelia

Matthews, Paul & Christine

Monoxelos, Milton and Rena

Mountzuris, Ted and Anna

Nabhan, Sarah and Amin

Nahatis, Chris and Alice

Neos, Charlie and Patricia

Yanakakis Papanicholas-McGrath, Rose

Papoulias, Charles

Patriakeas, John and Joan

Petrakis Family

Popescu, Fr. Costin and Irina

Riley, Ruth

Smith, Don and Gladys

Synodinos, Christos

Tsiantas, Kathy

Tsakirgis, John & Nancy

Tsopelas, Angela

Uttley, Diana & Will

Varoudakis, Joanne

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 9

Dona.ons Report

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not

reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver"

"But this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap spar-

ingly;

and he who reaps boun.fully will also reap boun.fully"

We wish to thank those who made recent dona.ons to the Annuncia.on Church:

In Memory of Leon Chetsas

Allesandro, Nicoletta/Cassell, Sandra

Amato, Teresa

Argyrople, Don and Jill

Catandella Funeral Home

Chetsas, Stephen and Tonya

Cody, Gerard and Patricia

Davis, Peter and Dorothy

Dollas, Mary

Donati, Marisa/Dardagiannapoulous, Angelos

Donati, Paul and Maria

Dussi, John and Gina

GLAS –Greek Ladies Aid Society

Gigis, Stella

Housianitis, Arthur and Lisa

Jancewicz, Stanley and Jennie

Jones, Andrea and Eleni and Georgia Kacher

Juris, Charles and Anastasia

Kaklamanos, Kathy

Kallan, Nicholas and Victoria

Kapetanakis, James and Elsie and Family

In Memory of Bill Kacher

GLAS –Greek Ladies Aid Society

Dorothy and Peter Davis

General Donations to the Church:

Anne Nichols

Kouchalakos, Samuel DDS and Elizabeth

Krommydas, Fr. Nicholas and Presbytera Elaine

Mamakos, Peter and Anna

Mathieu, Connie

Matthews, John

Matthews, Paul and Christine

McSWiggin, John and Geraldine

Morris, Thelma

Neos, Charlie/Yanakakis, Patricia

Niketic, Stephanie and Novak

Norris, Stephen and Stephanie & Family

Palavras, James and Joan

Patrick, Jim and Melinda

Petren, Arthur and Cheryl

Pomerleau, Bruce and Viki

Pramberg, Noreen and Jay

Reardon, Nancy

Riley, Ruth

Saravelas, Rev Kerry and Sophia

St Philip Church Parish Council

Yavorski, Jim, Stacy and Family

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 10

Sunday School Updates

The Sunday School Students had a blessed Great and Holy Re-treat on Friday, April 14. The children made Prosfora and partic-ipated in many religious activities around the theme of “The Last Days of Jesus.” All the students had a blessed day and the retreat ended with the Service of the Unnailing at 3 pm. A special thanks to our Sunday School teachers for making this day a huge success and to our high school and college students who also assisted with the many activities and arts and crafts.

The last day of Sunday School is Sunday, June 11th. We wish all the students and teachers a safe and blessed summer and we look forward to seeing you during the summer .

Church Building Issues

Please contact Eric Hansen with any building and

grounds issues at the Church and or at Nicholson

Hall or the small hall. He can be reached at han-

[email protected] or cell (978) 914-1270.

Greek Food Festival Meetings

Festival meetings are underway and meetings are

held Monday evenings at 7pm. Everyone is wel-

come. Many hands make light work. Please check

the Sunday Bulletin for workshop dates and times.

The GFF dates are Friday, July 28th, Saturday, July

29th, and Sunday, July 30th.

Festival Workshops Check bulletin for updates

Vegetarian Dolmathes: May 28 11:45 am and June 4 11:45 am (Andrea Jones)

Kataifi: 5/31 (Stacy Kevorkian, Jen Cooper and Susan George);

Kourambethes: 6/9 at 10:00 a.m. (Gina Dussi);

Baklava: 6/12, 6/13 and 6/14 (Diane Han-sen and Maria Andriotakis Connor);

Pastichio: 6/15, 6/16 and 6/17 (Stacey Kevorkian, Jen Cooper and Susan George);

Spanakopita: 6/21 6 pm, 6/22 6 pm and 6/23 10 am as needed to finish (Gina Dussi);

Meatballs: 6/28 prep 5 pm; 6/29 rolling 5 pm (Eddie Connor and Joanna Tsiantas)

Karithopita: 7/19 5pm (Gina Dussi and Joan-na Tsiantas);

Rice Pudding: 7/26 (Eric Hansen);

Galaktoboureko: 7/27 during the day (Andrea Jones and Maria Andriotakis Connor);

Plaki: 7/27 5 pm (Gina Dussi and

Melinda Patrick).

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 11

Prayer List

Please pray for our brothers and sisters: Gloria, Niko, Christina, Kostas, Malina, John, Simona, Louise, Pete, Vincent, Rose.

If you or a loved one is going through a difficult time and would like the community to pray for you, please call the office and request to be added on the prayer list. We will list the first names only in the weekly bulletin for six months, or until you ask to be removed from the list. I will also make a special mention of these names at the Proskomede.

Annunciation Meals Ministry

Jen Jansen is our meals ministry coordinator. This program helps us feed our own parish families when unusual needs arise. All details are on the website sign up. By using the website we are able to keep track of when meals will be pro-vided with no overlapping deliveries of meals. This really helps the receiving family so they don't get an overload one day and nothing on another day. If you have questions, please contact Jen Jansen. Contact info and the website

address: Jennifer Jansen 978-270-9389 [email protected]

Here is a link to your new meal schedule: http://www.TakeThemAMeal.com/meals.php?t=VFHC1366

Saint Basil’s Ministries

We Need YOU. Our Home Cooks program has resumed one or two Sundays a month. Home Cooks prepare one pan of the entrée of the week. We usually look for 8 people to each take a pan and that will create a meal that will be served to anyone who comes to our free Monday Meal in St. Basil’s Hall. Ruth Riley will have a recipe and a pan so each home cook can participate in preparing the following week’s meal. If you would like to help occasionally with this ministry, please see Ruth Riley.

Got Koliva?

It seems that everyone is so busy these days. So many tasks, so many obligations and then you remember the need to have a tray of koliva for the memorial service of a loved one. You can make it yourself. There are recipes available to teach you how. But maybe you don’t want to take this on. Daphne Tikellis is now available to make the koliva for you. You can call Daphne at 978-270-6089 to arrange for your koliva tray. The cost is $100 per tray.

Fellowship Hour AKA Coffee Hour

A big THANK YOU goes out to those who have spon-sored our Fellowship hour providing refreshments this year.

Please consider hosting a Fellowship hour with your family and friends. Please contact Andrea Jones to host a coffee hour.

Respectfully submitted by Andrea Jones

Contact/Mail: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

7 Harris St. Newburyport, MA 01950

Tel. (978) 465-5757 [email protected]

Fax (978) 465-1793 www.annunciation.ma.goarch.org

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Summer2016

College Connection

The Annunciation Parish College Graduates this year are:

EJ Connor,

graduating from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore with a Major in Computer Engineering and Minor in History.

Ariadne Dubus,

graduated from UMass Lowell with Honors with a Major in Philosophy.

Joey Dussi,

graduated from George Mason University in Virginia with a BA in Organizational Administration with a Concentration in Business Management.

Marina Gearhart,

graduated from Connecticut College with a double major in Psychology and Dance.

The Annunciation Parish High School Graduates this year are:

Katerina Connor,

graduating from Newburyport High School, and going to the University of Rochester in New York in the Fall.

Max George,

graduating from St. Johns Prep, and going to Holy Cross College in Worchester, MA in the Fall.

Congratulations!

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 13

CHRONIA POLLA!

Happy Birthday!

CHRONIA POLLA!

Happy Birthday!

June June Dates

Joanna Tsiantas Jun 01

Don Smith Jun 05

Stella Andriotakis Jun 06

Lauren Karipis Jun 06

Marius Micu Jun 12

Steven Pazar Jun 12

Euthemia Gilman Jun 15

Evan Karipis Jun 16

Roseanne Bruno Jun 19

Stephen Davis Jun 28

Rose Papanickolas-

McGrath Jun 28

Cathy Chadwick June 10

May May Dates

Max George May 02

Connie Mathieu May 03

James Pentelakis May 04

Ellie Kipe May 05

Marianthe May 06

Demetri Connor May 07

Anya Housiani5s May 07

Peter Panas May 10

Romain Tsiplakis May 11

Peter Pantelis May 13

Tina Papadopoulos May 13

Anthony Bruno May 14

Ileana Micu May 15

Joanne Varoudakis May 16

Angela Patriakeas May 17

Michael Falite May 18

Kevin Connor May 19

Sandra Theodorou May 21

Kara Mamakos May 22

Genie Schaeffer May 24

Emory George May 25

Georgia Kacher May 26

Ma:hew Mountzuris May 26

Sophia Yavorski May 26

Melinda Patrick May 27

Diana U:ley May 27

MaryAnn Janos May 28

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 14

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Parish Scholarship Application

Name_______________________________________________

Home Address________________________________________

Parent Names_________________________________________

• Briefly identify the post high school education program you will be attending (college students please write about the program you are attending) and tell us why you have chosen to enroll in this program. If you are currently a college student, tell us about your major(s) and goals.

• As an Orthodox Christian, Jesus gives us a mandate to preach the gospel to all people. Write an essay ex-plaining how you do this in your daily life. Explain how people know you are an Orthodox Christian. Please include specific examples that illustrate and support your essay.

• Active participation in both Sunday School and GOYA during your high school years is a requirement of this scholarship for current high school students. Write an essay that tells about your participation in both Sun-day School and GOYA during your 4 years of high school. Explain how you set your priorities when faced with conflicts between church involvement and school or sports activities.

• Current college student applicants, please write an essay that tells us how you live your Orthodox faith within the prayer life of the Church and on campus. How do you set your priorities when faced with conflicts be-tween church involvement and college life.

• Write an essay summarizing your record of community service in the church community and your school or home community. Select one experience to explain in detail how this has had an impact on your life.

Responses to the above questions should be typed and attached to this application

Please submit at least one letter of reference. People at church already know you; the scholarship committee will be interested to see what your teachers say about you.

Please submit this completed application to Fr. Costin Popescu by Sunday May 21, 2017.

____________________________________ ______________________

signature date

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 15

The Jamile and Mariam Nabhan Memorial Scholarship

$500 Award

The Jamile and Mariam Nabhan Memorial Scholarship was established by their loving family to honor their

memory. Jamile and Mariam will forever be remembered for their commitment to their faith, unconditional love

of their family, their incredibly work ethic and the tremendous value they placed on education.

Scholarship Value: $500

Eligibility:

This scholarship is open to any college-bound, high school senior who embodies the values that Jamile and Mari-

am held dear:

1) Faith - Actively involved in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church community

2) Love of Family - Devotion to creating positive environment within family

3) Hard Work - Demonstrated commitment to hard work, whether through academics and/or employment

4) Education - Accepted and enrolling in a college degree program at an accredited community college or 4-year

college or university.

Application Process:

Please submit a 1-page essay describing how the applicant embodies the values of faith, love of family, hard work

and education.

Name:

Address:

Name of High School:

Name of intended College/University:

Please submit both this form and your essay to Fr. Costin Popescu at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox

Church, P.O. Box 575, Newburyport, MA 01950 no later than May 21, 2017

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 16

The Michael P. Klidaras Memorial Scholarship

$500 Award

The Michael P. Klidaras Scholarship has been established by the loving family of Michael P. Klidaras to honor his

memory. Michael was a long time member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Newburyport until his

untimely death in a tragic automobile accident. He is remembered for hisc commitment to both faith and

family; this scholarship is to preserve his memory and to promote Orthodox values in daily life.

The Michael P. Klidaras Scholarship is to be awarded to a graduating high school senior who meets the following

qualifications:

• has a demonstrated record of active involvement in the religious and cultural life of Annunciation

Church during middle and high school years

• is routinely present at Divine Liturgy and other worship services of the parish

• regularly receives the Holy Eucharist

• is enrolling in a 4 year degree granting program at an accredited college or university

• whose family are stewards (giving of time, talent and treasure) in good standing for at least the most

recent 2 years

Name ___________________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________

Name of High School _______________________________________________________________

Name of intended College/University _________________________________________________

On a separate piece of paper, please submit an essay of approximately 500 words detailing how growing into

adulthood as an Orthodox Christian at Annunciation Church has helped shape you into the person you are and

how to you plan to keep your Orthodox faith a vital part of your life in college and the years beyond.

Please submit both this form and your essay to Fr. Costin Popescu at Annunciation Greek

Orthodox Church, PO Box 575, Newburyport, MA no later than Sunday May 21, 2017.

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 17

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

6pm Chant Class 7pm Festival Mtg

2

GLAS Mtg 7pm

3 4

5

6

7

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

8

St. Basil’s Kitchen

6pm Chant Class 7pm Festival Mtg

9

10

11

5:30 Bible Study

12

13

14

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

Mother’s Day

15

St. Basil’s Kitchen

6pm Chant Class 7pm Festival Mtg

16

17

18

19

20

20

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

22

St. Basil’s Kitchen 6pm Chant Class 7pm Festival Mtg

23

24

25

9:30 am Divine Liturgy

Ascension

5:30 Bible Study

26

27

28

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

Cemetery Visits

29

St. Basil’s Kitchen Memorial Day

30

31

Kataifi

MAY 2017

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 18

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

4

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

11:45am Vegetarian Dolmathes

5

St. Basil’s Kitchen

6pm Chant Class 7pm Festival Mtg

6

GLAS Mtg 7pm

7

8

5:30 Bible Study

9

10am Kourambethes

10

11

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

General Assem-bly Clergy Laity Dinner/Awards Banquet

12

St. Basil’s Kitchen

Baklava 6pm Chant Class 7pm Festival Mtg

13

Baklava

14

Baklava

15

Pastichio

16

Pastichio

17

Pastichio

18

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

Father’s Day

19

St. Basil’s Kitchen 6pm Chant Class 7pm Festival Mtg

20

6pm Spanakopita

21

6pm Spanakopita

22

10am Spanakopita

5:30 Bible Study

23

24

25

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

26

St. Basil’s Kitchen 6pm Chant Class 7pm Festival Mtg

27

28

5pm Meatballs

29

9:30 am Divine Liturgy

Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

5pm Meatballs

30

JUNE 2017

Apostles Fast begins

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 19

Many thanks to our Sponsors for their con.nued support!

Please patronize these friends of The Annunciation Church Newburyport;

they help to make The Beacon possible. To become a Sponsor, contact Joanna Tsiantas @ [email protected] , t: (978) 270-6212.

The sponsorship rate includes placement in The Beacon for a period of one year, and renewed annually.

Please submit artwork to Joanna Tsiantas.

BEACON SPONSORS

DANIEL L. LYNCH PHARMACY

173 High Street

Newburyport, MA 01950

Louis Andriotakis, Pharmacist

t: (978) 462–2232

GREEK ORTHODOX MEN’S CLUB

P.O. Box 575

Newburyport, MA 01950

Arthur Housiani5s & John Housiani5s, Co-Presidents

CHARLES NEOS

Realtor, KELLER WILLIAMS

1 Merrimac St., Unit 6

Newburyport, MA 01950

Office 978-992-4050

Cell 617-240-8311

[email protected]

ANNUNCIATION LADIES AID SOCIETY

5 Harris Street

Newburyport, MA 01950

Dorothy Davis, President

t: (978) 463–0024

CLIPPER CITY TOUCH FREE CARWASH

104B State Street

Newburyport, MA 01950

Armie Sancar5er, President

t: (978) 697–8291 / f: (978) 462–2348

e: [email protected]

MARK L. JANOS

A�orney At Law

6 Harris Street

Newburyport, MA 01950

t: (978) 465–2043

f: (978) 465–6321

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MAY/JUNE 2017 Page 20

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

7 Harris Street

Newburyport, MA 01950