29
ANNUNCIATION OBSERVER March- April 2020 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral 7220 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505
ANNUNCIATION OBSERVER March-April 2020
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
7220 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505
2
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/314281155328536/
Rev. Father George Bessinas, Presiding Priest
Theo Lyketsos, Pastoral Assistant/Youth Director
SUNDAY SERVICES : ORTHROS: 8:45 am DIVINE LITURGY: 10:00 am
WEEKDAY SERVICES: ORTHROS: 8:30 am DIVINE LITURGY: 9:30 am
• Stewardship Committee
Yiannis Papelis, Kathy Stephanitsis, Cindy Dragas
• 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
• Coffee Fellowship
Chrissy Damalas
• Library
Presvytera Eleni Rogakos
Irene Pahno
• Cultural Committee
Jane Williams
• Golden Years
Lona Liosatos, President
• O.C.M.C.
Maria Marshall
• I.O.C.C.
Maria Herring
• Agape /Hope/Joy
Maria Achilleos , Katina Johnson, Maria Ellmer
• Community Dinner
Yiannis Papelis
• Young Adult Ministry
Theo Lyketsos
• St. Lydia Womens Study Group
Presvytera Chrysanthie Bessinas
• GOYA
Theo Lyketsos
Advisors
Linda Meares, Phil Roussis,
Katherine P. Milonas
• Cathedral Office
Helen Manuel, Office Administrator
Goran Todorovic, Bookkeeper
Angelo Neskis, Facilities Manager
Carlos Potter, Custodian
• Annunciation Observer
Layout Editor: Theo Lyketsos
Editor in Chief: Fr. George Bessinas
Mailing Volunteers
Fred & Diana Roybal, Dwight and Pela Jen-
kins, Toulla Koyzis
The Annunciation Observer: Bi-Monthly Newsletter. Distributed to Parish Families.
The Annunciation Observer is published by The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.
PARISH COUNCIL 2019
Officers
President
Cindy Dragas
1st Vice President
Yiannis Papelis
2nd Vice President
Martha Pantelides
Secretary
Diana Roybal
Treasurer
Beryl Love
Members:
• Helen Hahn
• Tony Damalas
• George Neskis
• Mike Zarpas
• John Stepanovich
• Chris Stephanitsis
• Orthodox Campus Ministry (OCF)
Theo Lyketsos
• Dance Directors
Dr. Maria Mendrinos, Bessie Piperides
• Ladies Philoptochos Society
Maria Harless, President
• Hellenic Woman’s Club
Elizabeth Woods and Heather Karangelen, Co-Presidents
3
4
PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
Philoptochos Society of the Annunciation Greek Or-thodox Cathedral
If you are not a Philoptochos member, please join our chapter and become involved in making a difference in our community, nation and world through our ministry’s efforts. It’s up to us to keep this wonderful organization viable for the next genera-tion.
JANUARY VASILOPITA LUNCHEON
The Philoptochos Society’s Annual Vasilopita Luncheon on Jan. 12 was a tremendous success and we raised nearly $2,000 to benefit St. Basil Academy. A special thank you to guest speaker Fay Missailidis for her insights and information about St. Basil’s!
SOUPER-BOWL SUNDAY
Our Third Annual Souper-Bowl Sunday fundraiser supporting GOYA’s efforts to donate to In-ternational Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) was once again a success. Parishioners enjoyed chicken vegetable and vegetari-an vegetable soup and bread for a donation to IOCC. Thanks to all Philoptochos members who helped cook and serve for this event!
RECEPTION FOR METROPOLITAN EVANGELOS
Philoptochos and the Hellenic Woman’s Club co-hosted a re-ception for our visiting Metro-politan Evangelos on Sunday, Feb. 9 in the Hellenic Center after church. Thanks to all who helped and provided a warm welcome to the Metropolitan!
MARCH OUTREACH MINISTRY
In March, our outreach effort will be to collect cleaning sup-plies for the Help and Emergency Relief (H.E.R.) Shelter. Please take your donations to the box located in the Social Hall. Philoptochos collected diapers, wipes and other baby items for the shelter during the month of February.
MARCH 20 SALUTATIONS RECEPTION Philoptochos will host a reception after the 3rd Salutations to the Theotokos (Heretismi), which are scheduled from 6:30-8 p.m. on March 20. Please volunteer to help with this event. We need all members, not just board members, to participate. Please call Nitsa Pratsi to sign up, 757-497-4185.
MARCH 24 VESPERS RECEPTION
All community members, including Philoptochos, are asked to assist with a reception following Vespers on March 24. The Cathedral office will be sending out a Sign-up Genius email to everyone so you can sign up to bring something.
SPRING PLANT SALE APRIL 4-5! Our second Annual Spring Plant Sale will be held April 4 and 5 at the Hellenic Center. We will need volunteers to help unload, set up and sell plants on Saturday morning, April 4 and inside the Hellenic Center on Sunday, April 5. Please call Lia Kopassis at 757-735-1070 to sign up to assist with this effort. We need a lot of help to be able to do this, but we have a lot of fun on those days, so please volunteer for at least a few hours that weekend.
CHILDREN’S RETREAT LUNCHEON APRIL 17
As in past years, Philoptochos will prepare and serve lunch to children participating in the Len-ten Retreat at the Cathedral on Good Friday, April 17. We need a few volunteers to help prepare and serve a simple lunch that day. Please contact Helen Manu-al to sign up at 757-440-0500.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO VISIT THE SICK AND HOME-BOUND
Volunteers are needed to visit those who are sick or home-bound. This very rewarding ac-tivity is part of Philoptochos’ mission in our community, and you can volunteer to do this
once or on a regular basis. Please contact Toulla Koyzis at 621-4091 to volunteer.
JOIN OUR MISSION – BECOME A PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBER
Be part of the Philoptochos sisterhood and mission. The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., is a duly accredited women's philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdio-cese 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. Join today and help make a difference in our community, state, country and world.
GIVE THE GIFT OF PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP TO A LOVED ONE
Are you looking for an inspiring gift for a friend or loved one? Gift them a Philoptochos membership! This is a wonderful way
5
PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
PHILOPTOCHOS OFFERS MAKARIA LUNCHEONS
To assist families in mourning who need to plan a Ma-karia following a funeral service, Philoptochos offers the following Basic Makaria for $12 per person: Fried Fish, rice, dolmades, Greek salad, cheese, wine and sodas with bread and desserts usually donated by friends and family We can also accommodate special requests for different menus at adjusted pricing.
to grow our chapter and inspire new and young women to be-come part of our church’s philanthropic organization.
PHILOPTOCHOS COMMUNICATIONS ARE GOING GREEN! Philoptochos newsletters and communications are emailed to all members who have an email address on file. If you don’t have an email address, we will continue to send your commu-nications through the Postal Service. Please email Helen Ma-nuel at [email protected] or Maria Makridakis at [email protected] with your email address(es) so we can add you to the list.
DUES
Philoptochos annual dues of $30 are now due for the 2020 cal-endar year, which covers January through December. Prompt payment of your dues is greatly appreciated. Please see Maria Makridakis or Effie Michaels to make your payments.
OTHER PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
• Philoptochos members are needed to help set up and serve during Makarias and with meetings. Please plan to help when you see such an event is upcoming. • If you know of someone who is in financial or other need, call Maria Makridakis, social services chair, at 636-3649. • If you know of someone who is sick, home-bound, or in need of a card or visit, please contact Toulla Koyzis at 621-4091.
AGORA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Philoptochos Society has a small market, the Agora, in the Hellenic Center, where we sell some traditional Greek foods and items. Please support our Agora – it’s a great place to pick up hard-to-find items and even has some good gift ideas. Pro-ceeds from the Agora help fund Philoptochos projects. If there is something you would like to see in the Agora, con-tact Penny Tzavelas at [email protected] or 636-1121.
As always, anyone who would like to volunteer to help with any of our projects, please contact any board member for in-formation. Assistance is always appreciated.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
March Liturgical Schedule
1-–Forgiveness Sunday 8:45/10:00 am
2-–Clean Monday, Great Compline (Chapel)6:30 pm
4–Presanctified Liturgy (Chapel) 6:30 pm
6–1st Salutations Service (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
7–3rd Saturday of Souls 8:30/9:30 am
8–Sunday of Orthodoxy 8:45/10:00 am
8–Pan-Orthodox Vespers (Cathedral) 6:00 pm
9–Great Compline (Chapel) 6:30 pm
11–Presanctified Liturgy (Chapel) 6:30 pm
13–2nd Salutations Service (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
15–Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas 8:45/10:00 am
16–Great Compline Service (Chapel) 6:30 pm
18–Presanctified Liturgy (Chapel) 6:30 pm
20–3rd Salutations Service (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
22–Sunday of the Holy Cross 8:45/10:00 am
23–Great Compline Service (Chapel) 6:30 pm
24–Vespers of the Feast of Annunciation 6:00 pm
25–Annunciation of the Theotokos 8:30/9:30 am
27–4th Salutations Service (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
29–Sunday of St. John Climacos 8:45/10:00 am
30–Great Compline Service (Chapel) 6:30 pm
April Liturgical Schedule
1–Presanctified Liturgy (Chapel) 6:30 pm
3-–The Akathist Hymn (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
5–Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt 8:45/10:00 am
6–Great Compline Service (Chapel) 6:30 pm
8–Presanctified Liturgy (Chapel) 6:30 pm
11–Saturday of Lazarus (Cathedral) 8:30/9:30 am
LENT AND HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Holy Week (April)
12–Palm Sunday 8:45/10:00 am
12–Bridegroom Service (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
13–Presanctified Liturgy (Chapel) 9:00 am
13–Bridegroom Service (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
14–Presanctified Liturgy (Chapel) 9:00 am
14–Bridegroom/Hymn of Kassiane (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
15–Presanctified Liturgy (Chapel) 9:00 am
15–Holy Unction Service (Cathedral) 4:00 pm
15–Bridegroom and Anointing/Holy Unction 6:30 pm
16–Mystical Supper– Lit. of St. Basil (Chapel) 9:00 am
16–12 Gospels/Passion of Christ (Cathedral) 6:30 pm
17–Royal Hours (Chapel) 9:00 am
17–Vespers of Apokathelosis (Cathedral) 3:00 pm
17–Lamentations and Epitaphios Procession 6:30 pm
18–Divine Liturgy of St. Basil (Cathedral) 9:00 am
18–Orthros of Pascha (Cathedral) 11:00 pm
Holy Pascha-Resurrection/Divine Liturgy 12:00 am
19–Holy Pascha-Agape Vespers (Cathedral) 12:00 pm
23–Feast of St. George & The Life-giving Spring 6:00/7:00 pm (Cathedral)
26–Sunday of Thomas 8:45/10:00 am
13
Sunday School - Saturday of Lazarus
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Parents are encouraged to bring their children to Holy Communion. Following the Divine
Liturgy we will fold Palm Crosses in the social hall and decorate the Cathedral with palms.
A light brunch will be provided
for all students and adults.
Orthros 8:45am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Cathedral
Anastasi Dinner
The Parish Council Invites you
To Celebrate The Resurrection of Our Lord
Sunday, April 19, 2019
at the Hellenic Center following the
Divine Liturgy of the Anastasis at 2:00 am
Magheritsa or Avgolemeno Soup; Tsoureki, Easter Egg & Coffee
Compliments
of Your Parish Council
14
holy and great friday retreat
Friday, April 17, 2020
10:00 am Registration
10:15-2:55 Retreat
3:00 pm Apokathelosis (Un-nailing) Service
Ages 3 and up are welcome!
There will be short lessons, crafts,
music, activities, and free time!
Lenten Lunch & Refreshments provided
Pascha Sunday
April 19, 2020
Agape Vespers 12 noon
followed by egg hunt!
15
16
17
CULTURAL COMMITTEE Happy Easter to everyone! Kali Anastasi! Book Club Tuesday, Mar. 17, 11 a.m. in the Cathedral Li-brary: “Finding Chika,” By Mitch Albom. This is the true story of a Haitian child, Chika Jeune, who lived at the Have Faith Haiti Orphanage in Port-au-Prince. Born in 2010, just three days before the 7.0 magnitude earthquake annihilated much of the country, she eventually came to live with Mitch and Janine Albom as they sought a cure for the brain tumor threatening the life of the five-year-old girl. There will be no book club meeting in April. Tuesday, May 19, 11 a.m. at Joanie Michalos’ cottage: “A Gentleman in Moscow,” by Amor Towels. A Russian aristocrat is sentenced by the Soviets to permanent house arrest in a luxury hotel. The book club meets the third Tuesday of each month in the Cathedral Library and is open to all who like to read. Movie Nights Movie Nights will be announced in the Weekly Bulletin and via email, so please look for those announcements and join us! “Pharos” Concert May 1, 2020 – Get Your Tickets Now! The Cultural Committee is hosting a concert with Pharos Ensem-ble, a four-piece band from Boston that plays Byzantine Music, at 7:30 p.m. May 1, 2020, (doors open at 7 p.m.) at the Meredith Center for the Arts at Norfolk Collegiate School, 7336 Gran-by St., Norfolk. This event is dedicated to the loving memory of Father Constan-tine Rogakos and will include music commemorating the fall of Constantinople as well as popular Greek music. Songs will repre-sent the diverse traditions from different regions of Greece, in-cluding Epirus, Crete, Macedonia, Thrace, the Aegean and Ionian islands, Asia Minor and Cyprus. Tickets are now available, $25 adults, $10 students. A Saturday morning Byzantine Music Workshop will also be offered to GOYAns and all parishioners that would like to attend from 10 a.m. to noon, May 2, in the Social Hall. A continental breakfast will be included. This workshop is free of charge. Pharos Ensemble is named after “φάρος” the Greek word mean-ing “lighthouse.” The ensemble shines light on the rich heritage of Greek traditional music. It consists of five highly acclaimed musicians and educators, who study their musical traditions in depth and present them in the United States and around the world. The ensemble’s goal, besides performing this music, is to reach, inspire and educate the youth about the values carried by Greek traditional music.
18
19
HELLENIC WOMEN’S CLUB
Happy New Year to our members, friends and Cathedral family! On January 25th we were privileged to install our newly elected board at Broad Bay Country Club. Approximately 40 ladies attended to witness the installation, enjoy a delicious lunch as well as socialize. A great time was had by all. The newly elected board for 2020-2022 are: Co-Presidents: Heather Karangelen & Elizabeth Woods First VP: Jane Williams Second VP: Patty Leondaridis & Kathy Valianos Treasurer: Stephanie Catherines Recording Secretary: Anna Manning Corresponding Secretary: Diana Roybal Membership: Chris Bachas Hospitality: Roxie Skendaris & Eva Kyrus Publicity & Advertising: Bobbie Galiotos & Maria Achilleos Sick Committee: Andrianne Vastardis Welfare: Helen Kalesperides Phone Committee: Hope Demergis Alternate: Stella Brangan Advisor: Helen James Congratulations to ALL!!! The new board is eager and enthusiastic to get to work for the Mission of the Hellenic Woman’s Club, to support Philanthropic, Scholas-tic, and charitable objectives. In addition, to give assistance to our church and Orthodox faith as well as the Community at large. The total donations to our Cathedral and Welfare for 2018-2019 was $73,734.91! We couldn’t have done it without the continued support of our members and
community. Currently, the Hellenic Woman’s Club has 195 paid Members! If you are not a member yet, please join us in this worthy organization by contacting our Member-ship Chair, Chris Bachas, and pay you $20 annual dues. Baking has resumed (dates Jan 22, 29, Feb 12, 17, 26, March 4) for our upcoming Easter Bake Sale. This is not a full item bake sale just bread, Pastichio and kou-lourakia pre-order and pick-up April 10 & 11. If you are a student entering college, in college or graduate school, please visit the church website for Scholarship Application information, or you can pick up printed copies in the church office or on the small table in the exit hallway. PLEASE note the strict deadline of March 20. Once again, we are privileged to be hosting our Annual Palm Sunday Scholar-ship luncheon April 12, 2020 immediately following the Divine Liturgy. We will be awarding numerous Scholarships to many of worthy students in our communi-ty. April 19 Happy Pascha!!!! May the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all!! Our next General Meeting will be March 14, 2020 from 11:30-1:30 at the Black Pelican, 1625 Mall Ring Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320. The all inclusive lunch cost is $20. Please call Jane Williams to RSVP h: (757)410-9299 or c: (757)613-5900. We will have a meeting with a short program to follow with Dr. Noelle Gabriel as the guest speaker.
Hellenic Woman’s Club
64th Annual Palm
Scholarship
Sunday
Luncheon
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Fried Fish, Marinated Beets, Rice, Skordalia, Salad, Rolls, Dessert, Coffee
and Tea
$10 Per Person
ALL ARE WELCOME!
20
21
March 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Cheese Fare Sunday Orthros 8:45 Liturgy 10 Godparent Sunday Women’s
2
Lent Begins Pure Monday Compline & Bible Study 6:30 GOYA Basketball Girls 5:00 Boys 7:30
3
Golden Years 10:30am
4
Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm
5
Community Dinner 5pm
6
1st Salutations 6:30
7 3rd Saturday of Souls Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 9:30
8 Sunday of Orthodoxy Orthros 8:45 Liturgy 10 Pan-Orthodox Vespers 6pm
9 GOYA Basketball Girls 5:00 Boys 7:30
Compline & Bible Study 6:30
10
Golden Years 10:30am
11
Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm
12
Community Dinner 5pm
13
2nd Salutations 6:30 GOYA Lenten Retreat
14
GOYA Lenten Retreat HWC Luncheon Meeting 11:30
15
St. Gregory Palamas Orthros 8:45 Liturgy 10 GOYA Lenten Retreat
16 GOYA Basketball Girls 5:00 Boys 7:30
Compline & Bible Study 6:30
17
Golden Years 10:30am
18
Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm
19
Community Dinner 5pm Parish Council Meeting 6:30
20
3rd Salutations 6:30
21
GOYA Tournament Bethesda
22 Veneration of the Holy Cross Orthros 8:45 Liturgy 10 Spring Assembly GOYA Tournament Bethesda
23 GOYA Basketball Girls 5:00 Boys 7:30
Compline & Bible Study 6:30
24
Golden Years 10:30am
Annunciation Great Vespers 6pm followed by reception
25 Annunciation Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am Followed by luncheon
26
Community Dinner 5pm
27
4th Salutations 6:30
28
29 St. John Climacus
Orthros 8:45 Liturgy 10 March 25 Celebration
30 Parish Oratorical Festival Compline 5:30 Presentations 6:30 No Bible Study
31
Golden Years 10:30am
22
April 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm
2
Community Dinner 5pm
3
Akathist 6:30
4 Regional Oratorical Festival Richmond Philoptochos Plant Sale
5 St. Mary of Egypt Orthros 8:45 Liturgy 10 Philoptochos Plant Sale GOYA Gathering 7pm
6 GOYA Basketball Girls 5:00 Boys 7:30
Compline & Bible Study 6:30
7
Golden Years 10:30am
8
Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm
9
Community Dinner 5pm
10 11 Saturday of Lazarus Orthros 9am Liturgy 10am
12 Palm Sunday Orthros 8:45 Liturgy 10 HWC Scholarships Bridegroom Service 6:30 pm
13 Holy Monday Presanctified Lit-urgy 9am Bridegroom Service 6:30pm
14 Holy Tuesday Presanctified Liturgy 9am Bridegroom Service 6:30pm
15 Holy Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy 9am Holy Unction 4pm Bridegroom/Anointing 6:30pm
16 Holy Thursday Mystical Supper Liturgy 9am Community Dinner 5pm 12 Gospels 6:30pm
17 Holy Friday Royal Hours 9am Apokathelosis 3pm Lamentations/Epitaphios 6:30pm
18 Holy Saturday Liturgy of St. Basil 9am Orthros of Pascha 11pm Resurrection Liturgy 12am
19
HOLY PASCHA CHRIST IS RISEN! Agape Vespers
20
Office Closed
21
No Bible Study
22 23 St. George & Life-Giving Spring Orthros 6pm Liturgy 7pm
Community Dinner 5pm
24
25
26 Sunday of Thomas Orthros 8:45 Liturgy 10
27
GOYA Basketball Girls 5:30 Boys 6:30
28
Golden Years 10:30am
Bible Study 6:30
29 30
Community Dinner 5pm
23
PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Parish Council Meeting Minutes, December 19, 2019
Meeting called to order: Fr. George Bessinas offered a prayer and President John Katsias called to order the regu-lar monthly meeting of the Parish Council at 6:30 pm, De-cember 19, 2019 in the library. Attendees present: Father George, John Katsias, Cindy Dragas, Ron Russell, Diana Roybal, Jim Milonas, Evan Almyrantis and Kathy Stephanitsis. Members Absent: Martha Pantelides, Steve Webb, Yian-nis Papelis. Guests Present: Newly elected Parish Council members Beryl Love, Helen Hahn, Tony Damalas, John Stepa-novich, and Mike Zarpas. Guest presentations: Elizabeth Woods proposed a plan to replace steps to the loft on right side of the stage, in Hel-lenic Center, to be donated by the Hellenic Woman’s Club. Design to be approved by Building and Grounds Commit-tee. Lia Kopassis and Maria Harless suggesting an outline of duties and responsibilities of the Facilities Manager for ministry programs and outside rentals. They suggested a survey or questionnaire be completed, following an event, for feedback. Minutes of the last Parish Council Meeting: Motion to approve the minutes by Cindy Dragas, second by Ron Rus-sell. Motion passed unanimously. Correspondence: Christmas card from EVMS. Donations from the Hellenic Woman’s Club: $300 for the Women’s Retreat; $1,500 for the use of the kitchen: $200 for the use of left-over Festival supplies for their Christmas Bake Sale. Presiding Priest’s Comments: Welcome to the members-elect of the Parish Council. Many thanks and appreciation for all the prayers, cards and well wishes for Presvytera Chrysanthie’s speedy recovery from back surgery. The Ad-vent Season is upon us, with less than a week away from Christmas. The Christmas fast began November 15th, at which time the sacrament of Holy Unction was offered. Several activities included AHEPA hosting the the Golden Years for a Thanksgiving Dinner, the Hellenic Woman’s Club hosting the the GoldenYears for a Christmas Dinner, a joint Christmas luncheon was held with Philoptochos and Hellenic Woman’s Club at the Founders Inn, St. Nicholas workshop was held for the youth, where they made orna-ments displayed on Christmas trees around the Church. This Sunday, the Sunday School Children will perform the Christmas Program, following the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral. Many people have donated items to beautify our Cathedral through Theophany. The Worship Services have been publicized which include services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Parish Council members are re-minded to greet and welcome any new parishioners and visitors to the holiday services. Father David will be out of town during the holidays. Looking ahead: New Year’s
services this year will include a New Year’s Eve service, 7:00pm. The Great Blessing of the Waters on Sunday Jan-uary 5, 2020 and on Holy Theophany Monday January 6, 2020. Parish-Wide Philoptochos Vasilopita Celebration is January 12, 2020. Stewardship “Sundae” 2020 is Sunday January 26, 2020. Presiding Parish Council President’s Comments: I want to express how proud I am to have served as your Parish Council President. I want to thank Father George and my fellow board members for their support this year. As Presi-dent, I had several goals I wanted to accomplish for our Parish moving forward for our future. First, I wanted to establish a Legacy committee to assist in the future of our Parish moving forward through Planned Giving. I took a poll of other parishes in our Metropolis (via email) to see who has a Legacy/Planned Giving program in place. I took some of these ideas and formed our new committee. I will continue to be actively involved with this committee mov-ing forward. Second, I wanted to restructure our Greek Fes-tival to mirror our other committees. We have moved from a three Chairperson template to a seven committee-member structure. I look forward to continuing to work on the festi-val committee to make this big transition with the ultimate goal of making the festival more profitable and getting more of our parishioners involved in the decision making and of the operation of the Festival. We need to minimize our outside labor costs and have more of our people work-ing! Lastly, I wanted to expand the footprint of our church property and facilities and look closer at creating a Master Plan of how we expand our facilities and adding new ones as well. We now have a survey of our holdings. And I will continue to work tirelessly on our property assemblage. We are currently taking steps to acquire another parcel. Treasurer’s report: Kathy Stephanitsis reviewed financial printouts. Projected Stewardships are down from last year, but there are still a few weeks left before the end of the year. Even with the shortfall, the budget can support the 10% donation of Festival profits to charities. There are several Greek school tuition accounts that not been paid over the last two years, despite repeated attempts to do so. The Treasurer recommends writing off those old accounts and start with a clean slate for this school year. New proce-dures are in place for monthly invoicing of Greek School tuition payments. Jim Milonas made a motion to write off uncollectable old Greek School tuition accounts with an outstanding balance as of June 2019. Cindy Dragas se-conded. Motion passed. Stewardship report: Father George reported Stewardship totals have increased since last meeting, partly in response to the letters that went out to the Community early Decem-ber. The letters included a statement and showed compari-son from last year’s contributions to this year. Father George suggested publicizing the financial Stewards of the Church in 2020, by posting names monthly of people who turn in their pledge cards, as a thank-you for being a stew-
24
PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES ard of the Church. Discussion followed, in support of the suggestion. 217 stewardship cards have been turned in with $204,596 pledged. Thus far $210,804 has been re-ceived from pledges and $160,282 non-pledged received. Total received is $371,086. Festival Report: John Katsias reported the first meeting with all Booth Captains and Committee Chairmen went well and had a good turnout. Kathy Milonas, John Geor-ghiou, Royall Ferguson, and John Katsias met to review food pricing for the Festival and are actively shopping pric-es for possible savings. John Katsias encouraged all Parish Council members to not only work the Festival, but to also be a Captain and be responsible for a booth. One vendor hasn’t paid for table rental for 2019. John Katsias called and sent a certified letter, with no payment to date. He will talk with George Neskis of Decker Law Firm, before send-ing out second certified letter. Charity donations need to be decided on tonight. Jim Milonas made a motion to donate 10% of Festival profits to the same charities and criteria as last year but reduce Youth Challenge donation from $5,000 to $3,000 with the difference to be divided evenly among the remaining charities. Cindy Dragas seconded. Motion passed. 2019 Charitable Donations – Festival Youth Challenge $3,000; Youth Challenge Fundraiser Ex-penses $472; Food Bank $4,400; Annunciation Community Dinner $3,800; ForKids $1,900; EVMS $1,900; CHKD $1,900; Union Mission $1,900; Salvation Army $1,900; Habitat for Humanity $1,900; Samaritan House $1,900; Lee’s Friends $1,700; OCMC $2,800; Annunciation Dancers/Festival $,1700. Total: $31,172 Personnel/Facilities Committee: 2019 Annual Employee Reviews need to be scheduled in January for all non-liturgical employees, including Greek School teachers, to be conducted by the Personnel Committee. Discussion fol-lowed, regarding Lia Kopassis presentation on guidelines and responsibilities of Facility Manager for ministry pro-grams. A suggestion was made that each ministry which uses the kitchen goes through an annual orientation of how to use the equipment and expectations of clean-up, etc., which is all written down. Failure to do so results in kitch-en use privileges being revoked. Building and Grounds Committee: John Katsias reported on new LED lighting in the Hellenic Center. He has or-dered one fixture, as a trial to test it out. If approved, John Katsias will get a quote to upgrade the remaining light fix-tures in Hellenic Center. Elizabeth Woods’ request from Hellenic Woman’s Club will be handled by Building and Grounds Committee, who will contact her with their deci-sion. Legacy Committee (Planned Giving): Tom Mathas to send a notice to the Committee, to finalize our own brochure. Pending approval of the brochure from the Parish Council, they will be placed in Narthex in order to promote and edu-cate our parishioners. It was suggested to have an event,
with guest speakers and professional presentations, once it is all packaged. Old Business: George Neskis is contacting individuals to procure dona-tions towards the remaining balance of the renovation of the Social Hall Kitchen. John Katsias to meet with Mike Douklias and Mike Zarpas, to clarify and finalize the AHEPA House Agreement. Parish Council Elections held December 1, 2019 for six open positions. George Neskis, Beryl Love, Helen Hahn, Tony Damalas, John Stepa-novich, and Mike Zarpas were elected. The Oath of Office will take place January 5th or 12th, once approval from Me-tropolis has been received. There will be a short meeting afterwards to elect Officers. Parish Council Vacancy: Fa-ther George asked for suggestions of names to fill the va-cant position that has one-year term remaining, following resignation of Tony Meares. Health Fair is scheduled for this Saturday, from 10-2pm, chaired by Jim Milonas. He encouraged all to come and give blood. Security Committee: John Katsias reported that a guard is on duty during Sunday service. A committee needs to be formed to put procedures in place, in the event an incident should occur. Parish By-laws – on-going New Business: Two guest presentations. Special General Parish Assembly, December 22, 2019. John Katsias will be out-of-town, so Cindy Dragas will chair the meeting and read a prepared statement from the President, addressed to Father George, fellow Parish Council members and Parishioners, regarding the purchase of 7231 Midfield Street, Norfolk VA 23505 which is a two-story duplex on the corner of Midfield Street and Glen Echo Drive, adjacent to our Cathedral property. We have an opportunity to acquire this property and to own it free and clear with a monetary donation spe-cific for this purchase. The purpose of the brief Special Assembly meeting is to accept this monetary donation and to approve the purchase of the property. Site plans will be available at the meeting. Jim Milonas made a motion for the Parish Council to accept funds to purchase this property subject to General Assembly approval and subject to the ratification of the Metropolis of New Jersey. Second by Kathy Stephanitsis. Motion passed. Greek Letters Celebration, Saturday February 8, 2020: His Eminence is coming to visit our community to celebrate Greek Letters. This is the date of his choosing. There will be a sit-down dinner Saturday night, with Greek School students from neighboring communities doing a presenta-tion on the Three Hierarchs, a keynote speaker to speak about the Greek Letters, and remarks from our Metropoli-tan. We are looking for sponsorship for the food. Reserva-tions will be required, with table assignments. The Metro-politan will stay the night and serve Sunday morning, with a coffee hour reception to follow. If he wishes to stay, the Parish Council will take him out to lunch. For the Good of the Parish: John Katsias suggested giv-
25
PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES ing Father David a card and a $300 gift for Christmas. Fa-ther David will be leaving next Tuesday, to spend the holi-days with his family. Father George reported the icon of the Baptism of Christ, ordered in memory of John Maroulis, is ready and will be offered for veneration on Theophany. Cindy Dragas reported that the Archdiocese will require background checks for everyone involved with the Youth, as a safety protocol. This program has been in place for Summer Camp staff, but now will be required for Parish use and will be updated every two years. The Archdiocese will pay for on-line training and the background checks. The Parish will be notified confidentially of any issues. Diana Roybal reminded the Parish Council that prospective candidates are needed for the Audit Committee. Cindy Dra-gas reported that Tony Damalas is working on the Giving Kiosk project. He will meet with Kathy Stephanitsis for a sample of what needs to be on it. Jim Milonas suggested researching an on-line Organizational and Procedural Ma-nuel for the Parish Council, that can be passed on to new members and can be accessed either chronologically or by categories.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Parish Council Meeting Minutes, January 16, 2020
Meeting called to order: Fr. George Bessinas offered a prayer and President Cindy Dragas called to order the regu-lar monthly meeting of the Parish Council at 6:30 pm, Jan-uary 16, 2019 in the library. Attendees present: Father George, Cindy Dragas, Diana Roybal, Mike Zarpas, Beryl Love, Helen Hahn, Tony Da-malas, Martha Pantelides, Yiannis Papelis. Members Ab-sent: John Stepanovich, and George Neskis. Guests Present: Newly appointed member Chris Stepha-nitsis. Guest presentations: 1. Jim Milonas presented a handout outlining results of Blood Drive/ Health Fair. The event was successful by exceeding the Red Cross goal and he thanked all that participated in the event. He proposed an-other event in the Fall. 2. John Koubaroulis asked for a do-nation for a friend’s medical expenses and storage facility. Minutes of the last Parish Council Meeting: Motion to ap-prove the minutes by Martha Pantelides, second by Beryl Love. Motion passed unanimously. Beryl Love suggested that motions should be in bold in the minutes. Correspondence: Thank you letters from the Salvation Army and Lee’s Friends for donations from 2019 Festival proceeds. Thank you letter from Red Cross for coordinating December 2019 Blood Drive and Health Fair. Thank you letter from OCMC for collecting $135.27 in coin boxes in Sunday School. Letter from our Metropolis ratifying 2020 Parish Council Members. Letter from our Metropolis ap-proving December 22, 2019 Special General Assembly meeting motion regarding the purchases of the duplex. To-
ny Damalas made a motion to present a Certificate of Appreciation to the donors for providing the funds to purchase the duplex, seconded by Mike Zarpas. Discus-sion followed. Motion passed unanimously. Diana Roybal suggested presenting the Certificate in conjunction with a Parish Council sponsored coffee hour, currently planned for February 23, 2020. Presiding Priest’s Comments: Welcome to the new mem-bers of the Parish Council. Recent events include the Christmas Program, Worship services on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Eve Dance (held in Newport News), the Great Blessing of the Waters and Holy Theophany, Installation of the 2020 Par-ish Council, and the Parish-Wide Philoptochos Vasilopita Celebration, which raised money for St. Basil’s Academy. Special General Assembly to purchase the duplex, expected closing is January 30th. Looking ahead: The Dance Group is going to Annapolis this weekend for Annual Folk-Dance Festival. Stewardship “Sundae” 2020 is Sunday January 26th. “Souper” Bowl of Caring by GOYA and Philopto-chos, February 2, 2020, which is also Father George’s 6th year anniversary serving our Cathedral. Greek Letters Cel-ebration with a visit from His Eminence, February 8/9. Me-tropolis Clergy Retreat in Ocean City, Maryland February 9, 2020. Parish Women’s Retreat February 28-March 1, 2020. Parish Council President’s Comments: Cindy Dragas stated her focus this year is outreach, to each other for com-fort and care, to family and friends and to all those who have been absent from our Community. Treasurer’s report: Beryl Love recommended starting a Cash Flow Report and identifying restricted funds. Printouts as of December 31st were reviewed. Tony Dama-las recommended Parish Council receive financial reports electronically before the Parish Council meetings, to allow time for review. A letter from Archdiocese was received, offering 2% discount on full payment of our commitment. The Treasurer recommends not doing it at this time and to revisit the offer after the Festival, which would be a 1% discount. Stewardship report: Year 2018 (Goal: $410,000; Re-ceived: $437,519 from 444 households; Funerals: 27). Year 2019 (Goal: $420,000; Received: $408,274 from 431 households; Funerals: 13). January of 2020 (Goal: $420,000; Received: 79,281 from 258 households). Tony Damalas asked about Sunday School numbers and Martha Pantelides reported numbers are down. There are many teens and many babies, with a gap in the middle. Mike Zarpas reported Travel League games are scheduled on Sundays and suggested better educating our elders on the Legacy Planned Giving Program. Tony Damalas suggested designing a strategy for our commitment to long-time growth. Beryl Love reported on survey from Archdiocese
26
PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES of top four concerns, Stewardships was #2. Stewardship “Sundae” 2020 is January 26th. John Katsias is getting ice cream donated, along with cones and cups. Toppings are being donated. All Parish Council members are needed to scoop the ice cream. Festival Report: Tony Damalas reported the three Chair-men structure of the Festival has been changed to a Com-mittee of seven members, each having their own areas of focus. Next meeting of the Festival Committee is this Tuesday. Personnel/Facilities Committee: Yiannis Papelis reported 2019 Annual Employee Reviews for all non-liturgical em-ployees, including Greek School teachers, will be sched-uled by the Personnel Committee and asked for Parish Council to submit positive and negative observa-tions/comments. Building and Grounds Committee: no report. Legacy Committee (Planned Giving): Pending approval from the Parish Council, the brochure will be available at the March General Assembly. Old Business: -Special General Parish Assembly, December 22, 2019 re-garding purchase of 7231 Midfield Street Duplex. The mo-tion passed unanimously, and approval letter has been re-ceived from the Metropolis. -Metropolitan Evangelos Visit, February 8/9, 2020 for Greek Letters Celebration, Saturday February 8, 2020. Cin-dy Dragas and Kathy Stephanitsis to chair the event. There will be a sit-down dinner and program Saturday night, 5:00pm in the Hellenic Center, free admission. Roxie Sken-daris is chairing decorations. Cindy Dragas is organizing servers. Mike Georghiou is cooking. Greek School stu-dents from neighboring communities doing a presentation on the Three Hierarchs, a keynote speaker to speak about the Hellenic Letters, an MC to host the event, and then the Metropolitan will offer a few remarks. Reservations will be required, with table assignments. The Metropolitan will stay the night and serve Sunday morning, with a coffee hour reception to follow, graciously hosted by Hellenic Woman’s Club and Philoptochos Society. Norfolk and Virginia Beach Parish Council will take him out to lunch, details to follow through emails. -Small Hall Kitchen Renovation: George Neskis is contact-ing individuals to procure donations towards the remaining balance of the renovation of the Social Hall Kitchen. -AHEPA House Agreement: John Katsias to meet with Mike Douklias and Mike Zarpas, to clarify and finalize it. -Parish Council Elections December 1, 2019 Results: 2020 Parish Council Officers: President – Cindy Dragas, 1st Vice President - Yiannis Papelis, 2nd Vice President - Mar-tha Pantelides, Secretary – Diana Roybal, Treasurer - Beryl Love. Members: Helen Hahn, Tony Damalas, George Neskis, Mike Zarpas, John Stepanovich
-Parish Council Vacancy: Chris Stephanitsis to fill the va-cant position that has one-year term remaining. -Health Fair, Saturday, December 21, 2019 chaired by Jim Milonas, who suggested having this event again in the Fall. Budget was discussed which would require a proposal in advance. -Security Committee: A guard is on duty during Sunday service. Committee needs to put procedures in place, in the event an incident should occur. -Tony Damalas is working on the demo from First Data for the Giving Kiosk project. -Hellenic Woman’s Club proposal for installing new steps to the loft on the stage was not to code. Buildings and Grounds are contacting the contractor. -Parish By-laws – on-going project. New Business: 2020 Committee Assignments – see attached. John Koubaroulis presentation – after discussion, the Parish Council decided to take no action. For the Good of the Parish, Announcement, etc.: -Diana Roybal reported Parish Council is signed up for Coffee Hour February 23, 2020. -Cretan Society Dance, January 25, 2020. -Mike Zarpas reported AHEPA would like to have a Car Show Fund Raiser this summer and would need parking.
BAPTISMS
Nicholas Zinas January 4, 2020
Sponsors– Christopher and Ioanna Nicholas
FUNERALS
Clayton Homer Elliot January 2, 2020
Mildred Kartis January 10, 2020
Thomas Kyrus
January 20, 2020
MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL! ΑΙΩΝΙΑ ΑΥΤΩΝ Η ΜΝΗMΗ!
CHRISMATIONS
Nicholas Ford February 23, 2020
Sponsors– Greg and Cindy Dragas
PARISH REGISTRY
27
PHILOPTOCHOS AGORA
IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Philoptochos Society has a small market, the Ago-
ra, in the Hellenic Center, where we sell some traditional Greek
foods and items. Please support our Agora – it’s a great place to
pick up hard-to-find items and even has some good gift ideas.
Proceeds from the Agora help fund Philoptochos projects. Please
volunteer to help in the Agora on Sundays. The hours are ap-
prox. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
NORFOLK COFFEE & TEA
WORLD'S FINEST COFFEE
Roasters—Blenders—Packers
Serving Hotels & Restaurants Since 1918
Phone: 622-3950
212 E 18th Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23517 18th & Monticello
In Memory of Our Grandparents and Parents
Fragiskos G. & Irene M. Stephanitsis
Nicholas & Evangelia Stephanitsis
Gerasimos & Irene S. Stephanitsis
Dr. Christopher Nicholas
Associate American College
Of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Podiatrist - Foot Specialist
Accepting New Patients
Appointments Available Immediately
Most Insurances Accepted
Norfolk Foot & Ankle Group PC 4224 Holland Road - Suite 106
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
498-0202
Annunciation Cathedral Bookstore
Come check out our Annunciation Bookstore open every Sun-
day after divine Liturgy, or stop by during the week during
office hours! Do not miss out on all the wonderful book selec-
tions to widen and deepen your Orthodox Christian Faith!
Not Just a Bookstore:
Did you know that aside from the
books the bookstore also carries:
Worship Items: You can purchase
Communion wine for Artoklasia,
prosphora seals, prayer ropes, incense
and more.
Icons: There are many icons in stock,
but you can special order hundreds
more in different sizes for any occa-
sion. (they do not take long to arrive.)
We also sell hand painted icons at
great prices! Norfolk Location: 7633 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505, 451-1220
28
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 Homebound Visitations
When parishioners of the Annunciation are admitted
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 atten-
tion.
Kollyva
The Cathedral does NOT provide Kolyva for Memo-
rial Services. Parishioners in need of Kollyva may
call Tasy Penner, 752-1294, or Drucie Papafil, 757-
489-4313.
Artoklasia
For anyone interested in having Artoclasia made,
please contact Emilia Simmons, 757-481-1509.
Annunciation Observer Deadline
The deadline for submitting articles for the
January/February Annunciation Observer is
April 10th, 2020. Articles not submitted by April
10th will NOT BE IN THE Annunciation Observer.
Please send all articles to Helen Manuel at Of-
Theo Lyketsos at [email protected]
John Boogades
Important Phone Numbers,
& Email Addresses
Cathedral Office: 757-440-0500
Hellenic Center: 757-963-5634
Cathedral Fax: 757-423-6929
Father George Bessinas
Office: 757-440-0500
Home: 757-497-1192
Theo Lyketsos
Office: 757-440-0500
Helen Manuel
Office: 757-440-0500
Goran Todorovic - Bookkeeper
Office: 757-440-0500
Bookstore: Corin Baker
& John Mangus
29
Annunciation
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
7220 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23505-4119
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Norfolk, VA
PERMIT 23
