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ANNUNCIATION OBSERVER September-October 2015 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
7220 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505
Camp Good Shepherd Virginia
Metropolis of New Jersey
Glory to God for all things!
This past summer we successfully hosted the very first Metropolis of New Jersey Camp Good Shepherd Virginia right here in our own backyard! It has been a dream of many to have a local summer camp, and thanks to the effort of many dedi-cated and faithful people we were able to do. In total we had forty-two campers from across Virginia and seventeen of them were from our own parish. The campsite was at a beautiful sce-nic location called Camp Piankatank, named for the river the camp sits next to. Children, counselors and clergy from across Virginia came together for a wonderful week of worship, prayer, fellowship and all around fun.
The theme of this year’s camp was “The Beatitudes: Living the Good Life,” where the children learned about the Lord’s teachings from His Sermon on the Mount on how to live a Christian life. The campers were also able to participate in the Sacrament of Confession, to learn the inner workings of the Divine Liturgy and to even have a late night Paraklesis Ser-vice on the beach. Their days were not only full of religious and spiritual edification, but they also had a lot of social activi-ties. One night we hosted a skit night where each cabin put on a short play on the life of their cabin’s Patron Saint. We had good old campfires with songs and s’mores, canoeing, archery, rock climbing, scavenger hunts, many sports and all the trap-pings of a summer camp. We thank God for the many blessings of this year’s summer camp and pray that He may multiply them in the years to come.
In Christ, Fr. George
Rev. Father George Bessinas, M.Div. Rev. Protopresbyter Constantine P. Rogakos, PhD Presiding Priest Associate Priest Thomas Manuel, M.Div.
Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director
SUNDAY SERVICES
ORTHROS: 8:45 am DIVINE LITURGY: 10:00 am
WEEKDAYS: ORTHROS: 8:30 am DIVINE LITURGY: 9:30 am
Page 2
PARISH COUNCIL
Officers
President
John Stepanovich
1st Vice President
Yiannis Papelis
2nd Vice President
George Neskis
Secretary
Cindy Dragas
Treasurer
Kathy Stephanitsis
Members
Tony Damalas
Lynne Eklund
Nick Harrison
John Katsias
Lona Liosatos
Martha Pantelides
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
Check out the following links:
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
www.goarch.org
Metropolis of New Jersey
www.nj.goarch.org
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
www.annunciationva.org
Annunciation Cathedral Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/31428115532853
Stewardship Committee
Sunday School
Martha Pantelides, Director
Greek School
George Pantas, Director
Emilia Simmons, Deputy Director
Stavroula Marshall, Teacher
Dr. Maria Mendrinos, PTO
Choir Director
Christopher Kypros
Head Chanter
Efthimios (Tim) Dermanis
Altar Servers
John Mangus, Jr., Coordinator
Stewards of the Altar
Presvytera Eleni Rogakos
Bible Study
Jane Williams, Coordinator
Library
Presvytera Eleni Rogakos
Irene Pahno
Cultural Committee
Jane Williams
Golden Years
Virginia Elliott, President
Philoptochos Society
JoAnna Goumenis, President
O.C.M.C.
Des Dandalides
I.O.C.C.
Maria Herring
Hellenic Woman’s Club
Elizabeth Woods
HOPE/JOY
Kelly Bredologos
GOYA Advisors
Linda Meares, Phil Roussis,
Katherine P. Milonas
Stephanie Milonas, GOYA President
Young Adult League
Thomas Manuel
Orthodox Campus Ministry
Yianni Manuel, President
Dance Director
Anna Manning
Dance Instructors
Alyki Pantas
Anna Manning & Christiana Vastardis
Charlene Karalis & Gina Loucas
Kelly Pedos Bredologos & Pari Smith
Cathedral Office
Helen Manuel, Administrator
Bonnie Winstead, Bookkeeper
Annunciation Observer
Layout Editor: Thomas Manuel
Editor in Chief: Fr. George Bessinas
Mailing Volunteers
Chris Bachas, Donnell Catherines, Mary Gretes, Dwight and Pela Jenkins, Toulla Koyzis, Irene Mathas, Tasos Christ
The Annunciation Observer: Published bi-monthly. Distributed to Parish Families. The Annunciation Observer is published by The
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.
Page 3 Annunciation Youth Day Camp 2015
Page 4
Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Guatemala Teaching Mission
Dear fellow parishioners of Annunciation Cathedral,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20) About 2 years ago, this verse really stuck
out to me. When his Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of Mexico spoke about Mayan Orthodoxy during his
visit to our parish last March, my desire to answer The Great Commission became much more affirmed.
From July 26-August 8th 2015, I was fortunate enough to join eight other Orthodox Christians from
throughout North America as part of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) short term mission team
to Guatemala. We were able work with the community Nueva Concepcion to offer outreach to the Church of
the indigenous Mayan communities, as well as assist in renovating a building for use as the second medical
clinic run by the Orthodox Church of Guatemala. This was accomplished under the spiritual guidance of Fr.
John Chakos, and four of the local priests of Guatemala.
Much of our days consisted of morning prayers and evening vespers in the San Jose chapel at the “pre-
seminario,” where we stayed. In the mornings we would work on our construction project, sometimes working
side by side with the faithful of local communities, and other times we had our separate assignments. In the
evenings we made parish visits to nearby village communities, where we presented Orthodox themed stories
and testimonies, and introduced teachings of the Orthodox faith, such as hymns and the use of icons and saints.
One of my favorite parts of our visits was getting to play with the beautiful children. The people of Guatemala
are so faithful and so full of life and joy, and their hospitality was unbelievable. They are very open to Ortho-
doxy and learning more about the faith.
As St. Dorotheos says, “the closer we are to God, the closer we are to each other, and the closer we are
to each other, the closer we are to God.” During my time in Guatemala, not only did I become close with my
team members but with the people of Guatemala. With that, I felt the presence of God and was able to see
more clearly the work He is doing in Guatemala. Glory to God! Δόξα τῲ Θεό! Gloria a Dios!
Elizabeth Marshall
Page 5 EVENTS IN PICTURES
Camp Good Shepherd Virginia
GOYAns at Ionian Village, Greece
Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos followed by Potluck Fellowship
Page 6 Youth Ministry
Upcoming Schedule
-Monday, August 31, Basketball Season Begins
(Girls 5:30, Boys 6:30 PM every Monday Night)
-September 12, Beach Day Year Kick Off.
-September 24, GOYA Hosted Community Dinner
-October 17-18, Bethesda Basketball Tournament
-October 31, Harvest Festival
November 6-8 Norfolk Basketball Tournament
GOYA
Christian Education-Sunday School
“Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.” (Proverbs 9:9)
A new year of learning begins!
Sign up your child for
Sunday School!
Agiasmos Service:
Sunday, September 13th
Classes Begin:
September 20th
Page 7
HOPE and JOY
Hello Hope and Joy families.
We hope you all had a restful and wonderful summer. As always, we have a wonderful year planned. Remember, Hope/Joy is the group for our children ages 3-12 where they unite to learn about our faith and culture in a social setting. Please join us for these following fall dates.
9/26/15- Saturday,
Fr. Sav Memorial Mission Walk
Join us as we walk in memory of our beloved
Fr. Sav to help the work of missions
10/31/15 - Saturday, Harvest Festival
Join us for games, games, and more games!
If you are a parent and would like to help, please
contact us. Thank you!
Annunciation Cathedral Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 31st
Come Join us for family fun,
games, Costumes and much
much more!
Details to come!
Youth Ministry
COME SUPPORT OUR YOUTH
Page 8
~ September 2015 ~
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Ecclestical New
Year
2 3 4 5
6 Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am
7
Labor Day
Office Closed
GOYA
Basketball
8 Nativity of the
Theotokos
Orthros 8:30
Divine Liturgy
9:30
Golden Years
9
10
Community Dinner
6:00pm
11 12
GOYA Kick
Off
13
Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am Agiasmos for beginning of church year
14 Feast of the
Elevation of the
Cross
Orthros 8:30
am
Divine Liturgy
9:30 am
GOYA
Basketball
Chant Class
15
Golden Years 10:30 am Greek School 4:30
pm
Bible Study 6:30
16
Greek School
4:30 pm
HWC Spaghetti
Dinner 6:30
17
Greek School 4:30
pm
Community Dinner 6:00pm
18
19
Cultural Committee D.C. Trip
20
Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am Ministry Fair and Picnic
21
Greek School
4:30 pm
GOYA
Basketball
Chant Class
22
Golden Years 10:30 am Greek School 4:30
Bible Study 6:30
23
Greek School
4:30 pm
24
Greek School 4:30
pm
Community Dinner
6:00pm
25 26
Fr. Sav
Mission
Walk
27
Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am
28
Greek School
4:30 pm
GOYA
Basketball
Chant Class
29
Golden Years 10:30 am Greek School 4:30
Bible Study 6:30
30
Greek School
4:30 pm
Notes:
Page 9
~ October 2015 ~
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Greek School
4:30 pm
GOYA
Basketball
Golden Years, 10:30
Greek School 4:30
Bible Study 6:30
Greek School
4:30 pm
1
Greek School
4:30 pm
Community Dinner
6:00pm
Choir Conference
2
Choir Conference Saints and Dragons Museum Exhibit opens
3
Choir Conference
4
Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am
Choir Conference
5
Greek School
4:30 pm
GOYA
Basketball
Chant Class
6
Golden Years, 10:30
Greek School 4:30
Bible Study 6:30
7
Greek School
4:30 pm
8
Greek School
4:30 pm
Community Dinner
6:00pm
9
10
11
Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am
12 Greek School
4:30 pm
GOYA
Basketball
Chant Class
13 Golden Years, 10:30 Greek School 4:30
Bible Study 6:30
14
Greek School
4:30 pm
15
Greek School
4:30 pm
Community Dinner
6:00pm
16
17
Bethesda GOYA Basketball Tournament
18
Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am Philoptochos memo-rial luncheon Bethesda Bball Tournament
19
Greek School
4:30 pm GOYA
Basketball
Chant Class
20
Golden Years, 10:30
Greek School 4:30
Bible Study 6:30
21
Greek School
4:30 pm
22
Greek School
4:30 pm
Community Dinner
6:00pm
23
24
Health Fair and
Blood Drive
25
Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10 am
OXI Day Celebration
St. Demetrios
Vespers at
Williamsburg
26
St. Demetrios Orthros 8:30 am Liturgy 9:30 am Greek School
4:30
GOYA
Basketball
Chant Class
27
Golden Years, 10:30
Greek School 4:30
Bible Study 6:30
28
Holy Protection Orthros 8:30 am Liturgy 9:30 am
Greek School
4:30 pm
29
Greek School
4:30 pm
Community Dinner
6:00pm
30
31
Harvest
Festival
Page 10
• We will hold our first meeting of the new term after church
services Sunday, on Sept. 13, in the Hellenic Center. Our
theme will be "Back to School.” Lunch will be provided by
Philoptochos and free will donations will benefit the St. Nicho-
las National Shrine. Prospective members are welcome to
attend and learn more about our philanthropic organization.
• The Philoptochos project for the year is to help ForKids Inc.,
a nonprofit organization based in Norfolk, which provides as-
sistance to homeless families and children. Philoptochos
members will collect donations August through Sept 13.
• Philoptochos members are asked to bring school supplies
to the first upcoming meeting to donate to ForKids. Preferred
items include backpacks, pens, pencils, glue sticks, note-
books, binders, hand sanitizer, lunch bags and loose-leaf pa-
per.
• Our chapter will host the Sunday luncheon for the choir con-
ference held on Oct. 4th this fall, so please keep that date in
mind to help.
Philoptochos is looking forward to a busy and fulfilling
year. Anyone who would like to volunteer to help with any of
our projects, please contact any board member for information. Assistance is always appreciated.
The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is a duly accredited women's philanthropic society of
the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Our mission statement includes aiding the needy and sick, promoting
the charitable purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese through educational resources, perpetuating Orthodox
Christian traditions, and promoting participation in the Greek Orthodox community. New members are always wel-
come!
Sincerely, Lia Russell Publicity Chairman
Ladies Philoptochos Society News
JoAnna Goumenis President
Penny Tzavellas lst Vice President
Maria Harless 2nd Vice President
Nicky Schoen Recording Secretary
Helen Manuel Corresponding Secretary
Brenda Stevens Treasurer
Effie Michaels Assistant Treasurer
Maria Makridakis Social Service
Lia Russell Publicity
Toulla Koyzis Sick & Shut-ins
Helen Pratsi Membership
Shelley Almyrantis Scholarships/ForKids
Andrea Mills Fundraising
As the summer winds down, your Philoptochos chapter is revving up for a number of fall activities.
Newly Elected Board Members for 2015-16
PARISH LIBRARY It is just as important to pray at home as a family as it is to pray together in church. Therefore, available in the
Annunciation Library are two table-top guides that provide simple explanations and beautiful prayers. Each page teaches
knowledge in order to become a healthy, loving family that lives with faith.
Both guides include a table of contents that divides the prayers into the following topics: daily, evening, meal-
time, marriage, special occasions, times of need, and family.
Below are the last few lines of a prayer to help all ages before undertaking a task:
My Lord and Savior, Bless me as I begin this work. Help me to bring it to completion. Lord, enlighten my mind
and strengthen my body, that I may accomplish my task according to your will. Amen.
What meaningful words to give us the power needed, whether at our job, at school, or at home!
NEW TITLES IN THE LIBRARY:
Witness in the Holy Land, First Fruits of Prayer, The Orthodox Study Bible, Finding God in Times of
Sorrow and Despair, The Spirituality of Imperfection, Guide to Byzantine Iconography, Elements of Faith,
Come Before God.
The Library staff wishes our parishioners a blessed autumn!
Page 11
Annual Ministry Fair & Cathedral Family Picnic
Check out our Ministries
and our Organizations
Connect to get involved
Enjoy food and fellowship
with old and new friends
Sunday, September 20, 2015
On our cathedral Grounds Following the Divine Liturgy
Ministry Fair
2015 Father Savas Constantinou Memorial Family Mission Walk
and Pan-Orthodox Picnic Saturday, September 26
Sponsored by St. Nicholas & Annunciation Cathedral
Time: 9:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
Where: First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach
The Mission Walk benefits OCMC, IOCC,
Virginia Holy Cross Seminarians, Camp Good
Shepherd (VA) & Virginia Beach Public Schools
“Beach Bag” Program.
This is an event for all Orthodox
Churches in Tidewater! Please plan to attend
and support these worthy causes.
Registration and pledge forms will be
available soon. Watch annunciationva.org for
details!
Program:
-Opening Ceremony
-Orthodox Mission
Fund-Raising Walk
-Complimentary
Pan-Orthodox Picnic
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and more!!
Games
Egg Relay Race
Potato Sack Race
Corn hole
Tug of War
And more!
Food donated in memory of Nicholas Papafil and Tommy Arakas
Page 12
CHOIR SCHOLARSHIP: At-
tention High School & College Stu-
dents
A $2,500 annual scholarship
has been endowed with a starting
fund of $25,000 to encourage our
youth to join the Annunciation Cathe-
dral choir. New voices are needed to
ensure our choir will continue to bless
us on Sundays and holidays through-
out the year.
In order to qualify for this
scholarship, a student entering col-
lege must have participated in re-
hearsals and on Sunday for two
years. The first scholarship will be
awarded in the spring of 2017.
E-mail Chris Kypros at
[email protected] or call 617-1484 to
become a member of the Annuncia-
tion Cathedral choir ministry.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTRY
FUNERALS
Marika Campbell June 27 Andreas Ioanou July 31 Charalambos Kolantis August 11
BAPTISMS
Alexander Apostolakis June 27 Sponsor: Chris Nicholas Kyrus
Zephyrus Apostolakis June 27 Sponsor: Katherine Kyrus Sophia Howlin July 11 Sponsor: Nikolaos & Lianna Kopassis
Nicholas, Hawkins Nick Davis July 18 Sponsor: Victoria Vourlas Eavers
Ariana Easterline Aug. 23 Sponsor: Evdokia Dourdoumis Ivan Fonotov Aug. 30 Sponsor: Elena Nechaeva
Eastern Federation
of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians
Choir Conference 2015
Our Cathedral Choir will host the annual conference of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians from October 1-October 4, 2015. Over 100 members from churches throughout our Metropolis, as well as representatives from other Metropolises, will gather in our city during that week end to rehearse the Liturgy of Hope which has been written by our own Christopher Kypros. We are requesting donations from the community to support this wonderful event. Donations should be made to the Annunciation Choir and mailed to our Cathedral.
Page 13 CULTURAL COMMITTEE
Day Excursion to Washington D.C.
Where: Washington National
Cathedral and the Basilica of the
National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception.
When
Saturday, September 19th
How Much
$110.00 per person
For more information contact: Chris Bachas at 233-9302 or Elizabeth Woods at 410-3612
OXI Day
October 28th
1940
Mark your Calendar
And Join us
For the
OXI DAY
Community Celebration
Sunday,
October 25th
following the Divine Liturgy Luncheon and Program
Page 14 Newsletter Title
Byzantine Chant Workshop
“Those who sing pray twice!”
Introduction course to learn the hymns
of our Church!
Everyone is welcome! All Ages!
No experience required
Weekly starting on September 14th
From 7:15-8:15 PM
St. Theodore the Commander Chapel
Lessons Provided by Thomas Manuel
For any questions please Thomas at [email protected].
The Book of Genesis
Join us for
Bible Study Fellowship
Tuesday Evenings at 6:30 PM
In the Meeting Room
No prior knowledge of the
Holy Scriptures is Required!
Bring your Bible and your Friends
Page 15 Annual Ministry Fair & Cathedral Family Picnic
GREEK SCHOOL
Καλως Ηρθατε
We welcome everyone back to the
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Greek School.
The 2015-2016 School year will begin the week of September 14th, 2015.
We offer classes from Kindergarten up to the 7th grade. Registration will take place after
the Divine Liturgy on Sunday Sept 13th. The Greek School Agiasmos Service will take
place on Sunday Sept 13th. Visit us at the Ministry Fair, Sunday, September 20, where
you can find out more about out School.
Page 16
Page 17
HEALTH FAIR Sponsored by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Blood Drive and Health Screening:
Diabetes, Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure,
Body Mass Index, Skin Cancer, Bone Marrow Registry
NORFOLK COFFEE & TEA
WORLD'S FINEST COFFEE
Roasters—Blenders—Packers
Serving Hotels & Restaurants Since 1918
Phone: 622-3950 18th & Monticello
212 E 18th Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23517
Norfolk Catering Company
One stop for all business and personal catering needs
Party Room Available
Business Meetings: platters, buffets, box lunches
Baptisms, Wedding Receptions (You can find us on
wedding wire as well)
Funerals—Makaria/Memorial Needs
Graduation/Birthday/Anniversary Parties, Retirement
Dinners
Family Reunions
www.norfolkcateringcompany.com
Call today to discuss your special event:
757.288.2881
The Norfolk Grille
142 W. York Street Norfolk, VA 23510
In Memory of Our Grandparents and Parents
Fragiskos G. & Irene M. Stephanitsis
Nicholas & Evangelia Stephanitsis
Gerasimos & Irene S. Stephanitsis
Page 18
Dr. Christopher Nicholas
Fellow American College of Foot
and Angle Surgeons
Podiatric Surgery
Accepting New Patients. Appointments Available Immediately
Most Insurances Accepted
3509 Granby Street 4224 Holland Rd. Ste. 106 Norfolk, VA 23504 Virginia Beach, VA 23452
757-451-1220 757-498-0202
Page 19
Change of Address?
If you have recently moved or are vacationing long term, please let the Cathedral Office know, 757-440-0500.
Services
To schedule all services such as memorials, 40 day blessings, baptisms, and weddings, please call the Cathedral Office, 757-440-0500.
Hospital and Shut-In Visitations
When parishioners of the Annunciation are admit-ted into a hospital or recovering at home and wish to have a priest visit them, it is imperative that a family member contact the Cathedral Office, 757-440-0500, immediately. Hospitals do not notify the Church when Orthodox patients seek medical at-tention.
Kollyva
The Cathedral does NOT provide Kolyva for Me-morial Services. Parishioners in need of Kollyva may call Drucie Papafil, 757-489-4313 or Tasy Penner, 752-1294.
Artoklasia
For anyone interested in having Artoklasia made, please contact Emilia Simmons, 757-481-1509.
Annunciation Observer Deadline
The deadline for submitting articles for the Novem-ber/December 2015 Annunciation Observer is Oc-tober 13th, 2015. Articles not submitted by Octo-ber 13 will NOT BE IN THE Annunciation Ob-server. Please send all articles to Helen
Manuel,
Important Phone Numbers,
& Email Addresses
Father George Bessinas
Office: 757-440-0500
Home: 757-497-1192
Email: [email protected]
Father Constantine Rogakos
Office: 757-440-0500
Cell: 757-617-0773 EMERGENCY ONLY
Email: [email protected]
Thomas Manuel
Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director
Office: 757-440-0500
Email: [email protected]
Helen Manuel - Office Administrator
Office: 757-440-0500
Email: [email protected]
Bonnie Winstead - Bookkeeper
Office: 757-440-0500 Email: [email protected]
Bookstore
Corin Baker and John Mangus
Email: [email protected]
Hellenic Center: 757-963-5634
Cathedral Fax: 757-423-6929
Williamsburg Dinner Theatre GRAND OPENING
Williamsburg Dinner Theatre
Friday Nights July 3rd
–Sept, 11th @ 7:30 p.m.
Quality Inn,
5351 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
For reservations call: 1-844-8-My Show
“My Big Fat Greek Murder”
a killer comedy written by Nita Hardy
Directed by Aliki Pantas
Produced by George & JoAnn Pantas LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
7220 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23505-4119
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Norfolk, VA
PERMIT 23
