Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

8210 Cypress Lake Drive Fort Myers, Florida 33919 Metropolis

of Atlanta

TO:

Current Resident or

FLAGS & FOOD in FELLOWSHIP

On SUNDAY June 8th we celebrate Pentecost. With that, we want you to share/bring an ethnic dish for a Community Potluck following Liturgy. A dish to feed at least 10 people. Bring a flag of your countries heritage, big or small to the hall with your dish. Sign up by calling the office @ 239-481-2099.

VOICE THE

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

June 2014

Pentecost

June 8th

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 8210 Cypress Lake Drive ~ Fort Myers, Florida 33919-5116

Ch. Phone: (239) 481-2099 Fax: (239)-481-0504 email: officeagoc@gmail.com Fr. Dean’s cell: (239) 322-7553 email: revfrdean@gmail.com

www.annunciation.fl.goarch.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday ~ 9:30 am-3 pm

Administrative Assistant: Kelsie Gregware

MINISTRIES

GOYA Heidi Kubiak

Dance Troupe Bridget Stilian Dr. Doug Stilian

Sunday School Jen-Hope Belis

Circle of Friends Joan Simon

Ladies Philoptochos Ginny Amend, President

Bookstore Virginia Headley Dr. Theodor Bonstedt _____________

Organizations: Hellenic American Social Club of S.W. FL Barbara Dionysopoulos, President

VISIT US ON

FACEBOOK

Annunciation GOC Fort Myers

June VOICE 2014

PARISH COUNCIL

Rev. Fr. Dean Nastos, Proistamenos

Fr. Deacon John Howard _________________________

Executive Officers:

Nick Karras President

Maria Mourgis Vice-President

Virginia Headley Treasurer

Michael Peceri Assistant Treasurer

Heidi Kubiak Secretary

Board Members: Angelo Constan Tom Haley Les Haynes Marilyn Necak John Simon Doug Stilian Peter Wouralis

Council Committees:

Stewardship Michael Peceri

Construction/Maintenance John Simon

Welcome/Ushering Effie Kapetan All Council Members

Festival Jen-Hope Belis

Car Raffle Nick Karras Stella Karras _____________________________

VOICE Editor Fr. Dean Nastos

Altar Don Headley

Choir Adam Krotov, Director Heidi Kubiak, Organist

Cantor Theo Palis

Prosphoro Polly Margaritis:(239) 634-6460

27 02/01/2015

Our 4th decade of service to our community.

239-542-4733

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08/01/2014 3

From the Desk of Our Proistamenos...

JUNE 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“A believer is the benevolent and unfailing guardian Of the righteous principles entrusted to him by God.”

St. John of Karpathos There is a basic question, yet meaningful one people ask: “Why is the Lord so positive when dealing with the theme of toleration and forgiveness? The answer is simple. The heart of our Christian belief expects us to be forgiving. We say that we are Christians. But, what does this really mean? Simply stated, one might say, tis that we believe in Jesus Christ. Good answer. Belief in the divinity of our Lord is a necessary truth. Is it enough, however? As St. James the Apostle writes: “…even the demons believe – and tremble! (James 2:19). Some other characteristic is needed in order to distinguish the Christian. The Lord Himself has defined this characteristic: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). How do we become followers of the Heavenly Teacher, Who through His life and word exemplified love as the first and greatest commandment, if we do not have love? St. Paul writes, “…the greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13). It is therefore, through agape(love) that the Christian is known. In love we become the imitators of Christ. St. John Chrysostom beautifully presents this theme; turning our attention to the essence of Christianity, when he writes: let us emulate Christ, and possess ourselves of the love which is above all gifts…” The history of the early Church offers us an example of the Lord’s teaching. Without exception, the love that the early Christians expressed was recognized even by the pagans for they helped all people, including their enemies. What will, therefore, be the means by which we are known? Not by casting out evil spirits; and not by raising the dead. Agape! Only by love! Love expressed and shared

among us is the greatest miracle! In Christ’s Service,

Fr. Dean

A Message from the President , Nick Karras

Xristos Anesti! Christ Is Risen! As we approach, the "dog days" of summer are upon us. Schools are out, but our church is still open all year round. Please make every effort to set a good example by bringing your children and yourselves to church every Sunday. The Archdiocese Clergy Laity conference begins July 6-9. Father Dean, Presbytera Carolyn, Michael Peceri, myself and my wife will be representing our church of Annunciation by attending along with LPS President, Ginny Amend and Father Al. I feel it is imperative to show representation from our parish on a yearly bases. There are various meetings covering important topics to benefit and better the different organizations in our church. Hopefully new motivated delegates from our parish will step up and volunteer to attend next year and in the future. As we are all aware, our classroom, new office and meeting room complex will begin shortly which is so exciting for our community. Our ground breaking ceremony presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta was a memorable day for our families of Annunciation. A great picture of this special day was captured in the May Orthodox Observer featuring some of our youth...the future of our church! Please feel free to participate in this important project financially and in kind. Keep in mind that we will be hosting a luncheon after Divine Liturgy on August 15th commemorating our blessed Virgin Mary. Lets all show our support by calling the church today to make your reservations. I am very aware that many of us will be taking well deserved vacations or have already gone up North for the summer. Keep in touch with your home church here in Fort Myers. We will always be here to serve you. May we all be well in Christ's Service, Nick Karras Parish Council President

25

14131 Metropolis Ave.,

Ste. 104 Near Gulf Coast

Phone (239) 332-

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT 15271-27 McGREGOR BLVD.

FORT MYERS, FL 33908 (IN THE K-MART PLAZA) 239-689-1211

WWW.PLAKA2.ORG

AUTHENTIC GREEK FOOD!!!!!

DINE –IN **GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE**

CARRY-OUT **PARTY RESERVATIONS**

ONLINE ORDERING

DELIVERY 12/01/2014

02/01/2015 04/01/2015

10/01/2014 02/01/2015

04/01/2015

5

“No work…which lacks pain or effort ever produces fruit.”

--Saint Gregory of Sinai

OUR COMMITMENT Many of our Parishioners have asked me why Father Dean continues to raise the need of financial support for the Classroom building fund and Stewardship. It is a new phenomena that we, as Parishioners, have not really experienced during the tenures of our past priests since Father Arthur Kontinos retired. My answer has always been that the past eight priests did not make the same financial commitment to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church that has been made by Father Dean. Father Dean understands the continuing importance of our Stewardship Program but more importantly he is supporting our commitments expressed at the Parish Assembly held in November 2013. At that Parish Assembly we, the Parishioners, approved a bank loan of $600,000 to partially fund the construction of the new classroom building. This was a commitment made by you, and the Parishioners of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Father Dean’s entreaties for financial support are a commitment made by him carry out a pledge made by you and me. That commitment has several dimensions and is perhaps best defined as a voluntary action for the good of our Parish. Therefore, you as a Parishioner pledged to be engaged in a fund raising project by reason of your commitment made at the fall 2013 Parish Assembly. Fund raising is easiest when you take the time to discover that other Parishioners think and share the same values as you do and want to join with you in meeting that compelling need to support the classroom project. Fund raising uncovers those shared values between you, your friends and our Church. Fund raising must also be deliberate through direct pledges and contributions to the Building Fund, meaningful contributions to Sunday’s second tray and by participating in supporting the various building fund raising programs of the Ministries of our Church. As much as you may shudder when Father Dean asks for money you should realize he is supporting your decisions. Ask your friends and fellow Parishioners if they have pledged or given money to support the classroom project. The end result of the process is supportive and revealing of values. It will feel natural and right and the thing to do. Together we all must all participate. Finally, the Classroom Building Fund campaign will and must be successful. It will raise the $300,000 goal of the campaign and hopefully exceed it. Join Father Dean and accept your responsibility to identify, cultivate and ask your fellow Parishioners to join with you in fulfilling the commitment made at the fall 2013 Parish Assembly. Working together we can all enjoy the satisfaction of our efforts producing fruit!

Classroom Capital Fund Campaign -Chairman, Michael B. Peceri

ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

2014 STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM PLEDGES

This listing contains the names of those Stewards of the Church who have signed the, blue, pledge cards for 2014. Pledge cards are available in the Church Narthex or Church office. If you feel your name has been omitted please contact: Kelsie Gregware, Administrative Assistant in the Church Office (481-2099) or Michael Peceri, Stewardship Committee Chairman.

Jimmy & Jennifer Achkar

Nicholas & Varvara Alexiou

Eve & Alex Alves

Michael & Popi Ambazis

Rev. Albert & Ginny Amend Dr. Paula Apostolou

James & Katie Avtges

Dr. Andrew & Jen-Hope Belis

Athena Belis

Angelo Bitsis

Golfo Bitsis

Joseph Boisvert

Dr. Theodor & Dorothy Bonstedt

Robert & Helene Boucher

Victor Brust

George & Elaine Chakonas

Donald & Irene Cheek

Jodi Chupak & James Anderson

Penny Churchman

Lois Colagrossi

Elwood & Lea Collier

Angelo & Anastasia Constan

Kristin Cooper

George & Georgia Copulos

Katerina Coumbos

Katherine Del Monico

Johanna DiMartino

Constantinos & Barbara

Dionysopoulos

John & Caken Dopoulos

Dr. Thomas & Frances Drakos

Jurijus & Rita Dukinas

Charles Eliopoulos

Niki Fagerline

Robert & Aileen Fenton

Anastasia Frangakis

Helen & Tom Gallian

Joyce Gladis

Mary Sue Gladis

Maria Gorrell

John & Elaine Green

Paul & Roda Guenther

Thomas & Marlene Haley

Danny & Ann Halvatzis

Ed & Mimi Hardgrove

Richard & Matia Hawks

Les & Emily Haynes

Donald & Virginia Headley

Peter Hernandez & Poly Mavridou

James & Bess Hord

Deacon John & Lanette Howard

Demetria Hughes

Alexander & Hope Hunter

Charles Johnson

Eleni Kaklis

James & Theresa Kalogridis

William & Helen Kaltsas

George & Dorothy Kantarze

Effie Kapetan

Elizabeth (Bess) Karabetsos

Jimmy & Despina Karras

Nick & Stella Karras

Apostolos Karydas

William & Sophia Katsaris

Marianthi Kazakos

Dale & Helen Keating

Richard & Barbara Keene

Patricia Kemp

Panos Klentzeris

Richard & Georgia Kline

Nikos & Anna Kontakos

Presb. Aspasia Kontinos

John & Bella Kontinos

Nicholas & Penelope Kontinos

Thomas & Chandra Kontinos

Konstantinos & Marie Kostouros

Ann Kotsalis

Nicholas & Mary Koukos

Theo & Nancy Koupelis

Michael & Christine Kouvelis

Ann Kratsios

Adam & Sandra Krotov

Joseph & Heidi Kubiak

Doug & Tina Kucera

Cynthia Kyriacou

John Lampiris

Michael & Evangeline Lemonakis

Continued on Next Page

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Total Stewardship Pledged:

$125,541 (as of April 28th, 2014)

How many possible Stewards:

290

Total # of Stewards Pledged:

197

2014 Stewardship Goal: $200,000

Total amount given (recorded): $51,934 through April 28th, 2014.

Some of this charged to Stewardship but given by Parishioners who have not signed Pledge Cards.

STEWARDSHIP DATA

Emanuel & Rana Levenderis

Dino & Jennifer Magas

Jimmy & Valerie Magas

Mikes & Minna Mailakakis

Steven & Jennifer Maillakakis

Stravos & Francine Maillakakis

Maria Makrynakis

Theodore & Mary Makrynakis

Helen Mamukari

Anthony & Marie Mankus

Pauline Margaritis

Maria Mason

Ellen Matic

Victoria Matic

Helen Mavrelis

Helen Messerotes

Marilena Midgley

George & Maria Mourgis

Rev. Fr. Dean & Pres. Carolyn Nastos

Marilyn Necak

Emmanuel & Nomiki Neskes

Thomas & Celeste Niarchos

Frieda Nicholas

George & Helen Nicolaidis

Donald & Dorothea Nicholson

John Noufrios

Rich & Carol Palatine

Theodosios & Margaret Palis

Basil & Linda Pappas

Presvytera Evangeline Pappas

John & Amelia Pappas

Phillip & Petronia Pappas

Patricia Pavis

Michael B. Peceri

William & Phyllis Photinos

Hrisovalantis & Kaliopi Pilatos

John & Ottilie Pistolis

Kleopas & Irene Polyviou

Pauline Poulos

Peggy Poulsen

Patricia Reardon

Michael & Nikoletta Reynolds

Lyudmyla Robinson

Albert & Darlene Romanosky

Tony & Cathy Rubinski

John & Olympia Ruppe

Mitchell & Christina Samuels

Jamie & Anastasia Scime

Jon & Roman Shannon

Roger & Maria Shields

John & Joanie Simon

Helen Sotiropoulos

Bessie Spiridakis

Mary Spiropoulos

Spero & Ruth Stergiotis

Dr. Douglas & Bridget Stilian

Thomas & Pamela Strikis

Cornelia Talabac

George & Lourdes Taliforos

Michael Thomas, Jr.

William & Katherine Thomas

John & Corgette Troutman

Thomas & Nina Verios

Effie Vlahos

James & Vanthea Vouros

Tyler & Ageliki Wainright

Angie & Jack Weaver

Artemis Welsh

William & Andrea Wolfe

Peter & Sia Wouralis

Grammati Xiromeritis

Marion Zachariades

Sue Zatezalo

JUNE

As of

1st

288 DAYS

TILL Greek Fest

Save the Dates for February 20, 21 & 22! Greek Fest planning has already begun! We are looking into bands, billboards and other items for next year’s festival. There will be at least one meeting over the summer with the committee to get the ball rolling. DO YOU KNOW A GREEK BAND??? Pass along their information to me and we will contact them for a quote! The Greek Company has been very cost effective plus a parishion-er is in the band so we love supporting them! However, I would like the committee to see a few bids before we make a final decision.

DO YOU WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED??? We would love to have you! There are holes that we need to fill and would love to see new faces get more involved with the planning.

We are looking for people to fill these roles…. Paper Product Lead: They would make sure outlets have what they need and that they don’t use products they are not supposed to. For example, saganaki should not use silverware packages but simply knife & fork. They would also start combining boxes for return on SUNDAY so that Tom & Marlene are not doing this on Monday morning by themselves.

Vendor Lead: Confirm repeat vendors over the summer. Fill in empty holes. Confirm payment. Not an overly hard job but it would help if someone else did this instead of me.

Carnival Lead: Nancy & Theo did a great job working the booth all weekend. Would love to find someone to help with the presales. Doing it all online via Paypal made it simple but there is still some emails that have to be sent and vouchers to mail too.

Greek Coffee Lead: People asked for this again. Maybe next year with a slightly different set up, it will work.

Greek Fest by Jen-Hope Belis

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04/01/2015

BONDED CBC125950 INSURED

06/01/2015

St. Marcella of Chios—July 22

On the small but pleasant island of Chi-os a chapel marks the sacred spot where a pretty Greek maiden, who saw no visions nor felt any divine presence, met a martyr’s death in a most bizarre fashion. The divine nature of her life devoted to Christ came to light only after she had been slain not by enemies of the Church, but by the hand of her own irreligious and demented father. However, the tragic cir-cumstances of her brutal end are overshad-owed by the miraculous manifestations that ensued thereafter.

Born in the 16th century, Marcella of Chios possessed great physical beauty, exceed-ed only by the purity of her spirit and sweet soul. Her family was one of prominence on the island and she was given every advantage, in-cluding that available to anyone—a place in the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. The entore island soon came to know the intensity of her religious beliefs, but no one was the least bit aware of the divine spark in this pret-ty Greek girl. Her closeness to God went unde-tected as she prayed with the townspeople in Church and in her daily meditations in con-templation of the Holy Spirit.

After the death of her devout mother, Marcella withdrew from social pursuits in or-der to completely devote herself to the service of Christ, choosing to emerge from seclusion only for Church attendance and for whatever charitable work she could do for the commu-nity. It can be concluded that she did not seek the sanctity of a nunnery out of great fear of her father, who had become increasingly irri-tated by her complete devotion to Christ. An avowed agnostic, her father’s mental state worsened gradually until he was socially un-acceptable because of his aberrations. He vent-ed his feelings of anger and frustration by heaping abuse upon his daughter, whom he came to see as the cause of all his troubles.

The deteriorating mental condition of Marcella’s father caused her as much concern for his health as for her own safety. In trying to reason him into a relatively calm demeanor,

she found herself threatened with dire punish-ment. Given over to complete madness, the father raged at the daughter in such torrent of abuse that she fled from the house, taking to the hills. This action so enraged the madman that he followed in hot pursuit. While seeking a hiding place, Marcella fell between two rocks and became wedged between them, helpless before the vengeful maniac who killed his own child on the spot.

While still mourning the death of the pious Marcella, an islander visited the site of the fateful rocks where she died. There he made the startling discovery that water was exuding from between these rocks where there had been none before. Soon the entire island came to know that not only was there water coming from the spot but that it contained mi-raculous powers of healing. The community then reassessed the piety of the beautiful Mar-cella and with the conviction that she was a true martyr, they erected a chapel as a shrine to her loving memory.

Islanders tell the story that the rocks in the immediate area of the sacred site have turned blood red, and in some instances quite black, as though symbolic of the blood of the martyrs of Christianity. Pilgrimages to this site have continued unabated ever since the dis-covery; particularly on July 22nd, the day on which Marcella met death, are pilgrimages made to this shrine. This divine manifestation is unique principally because Marcella was not the typical homespun, poor peasant girl, but rather a beautiful, aristocratic, and highly in-telligent girl. Furthermore, although her Chris-tian zeal was made evident through various overt acts of Christian charity and belief, she was of no religious order nor the favorite of any recognized religious authority. But there is no question that his girl had an intimacy with God which is evidenced by the miraculous oc-currence at the site where she was murdered by a father whom she might have placated with a disavowal of Christ.

9

2014 Flowers for Feast Day Icons

Flowers for Nymphios Icon – Apr. 13th Donated by Angelo & Ann Constan

Cotton for Holy Unction Service – Apr. 16th Donated by Pamela Strikis

Flowers for Last Supper Icon - Apr. 17th Donated by Don & Virginia Headley

Flowers for Crucifixion Icon – Apr. 17th Donated by Poly Margaritis

Rose Petals – Apr. 18th Donated by Pamela Strikis

Rose Water – Apr. 18th Donated by Pamela Strikis Flowers for Apokathelosis Icon – Apr. 18th Donated by Pamela Strikis

Flowers for Resurrection Icon – Apr. 19th Donated by Peter & Sia Wouralis in memory of their son: Timothy Wouralis

Resurrection Candle for Priest – Apr. 19th Donated by Pamela Strikis

Pascha Red Eggs – Apr. 19th & 20th Donated by Walmart

SILK LILLIES FOR PASCHA – Apr. 19th - 20th Donated by Ginny & Al Amend

Top Wreath Crucifixion Cross- Donated by Bess Hord

Bottom Wreath Crucifixion Cross- Donated by Michael Peceri

Burial Sheet- Donated by Helen Messerotes

Samaritan Woman Icon– May 8th Donated by Phillip & Petronia Pappas

SS. Constantine & Helen Icon– May 21st Barbara & Constantinos Dionysopoulos

Palm Sunday Palm Leaves - Donated by Joyce Gladis

2014 Great Lent, Holy Week & Feast Day Flowers Donated

Flowers always add beauty to whatever they adorn. It has always been a tradition among our Orthodox Churches to decorate Holy Icons with flowers when the Feast Day is being celebrated.

Please contact the Church Office and donate towards the flowers you would like as soon as possible. As always, this will be done on a first come, first serve basis. The names of those who donate the flowers will be listed in the “VOICE” Newsletter the month after the Feast Day is celebrated. Thank you for your support in this project and may our Lord continue to bless you. Please make your check payable to: ANNUNCIATION CHURCH

Flowers for Sunday of 1st Ecu. Council Icon - June 1st $45.00

Flowers for Pentecost Icon - June 8th $45.00

Flowers for All Saints Icon - June 15th $45.00

Flowers for Holy Apostles Icon - June 30th $45.00

Flowers for St. Kyriaki Icon - July 6th $45.00—TAKEN

Flowers for St. Euphemia Icon - July 13th $45.00—TAKEN

Flowers for Prophet Elias Icon - July 20th $45.00—TAKEN

Flowers for St. Panteleimon Icon - July 27th $45.00—TAKEN

19

What is a Father?

A father is a thing that is forced to endure child-birth without an anesthetic. A father is a thing that growls when he feels good... and laughs very loud when he is scared

half to death.

A father never feels entirely worthy of the worship in a child’s eyes. He is never quite the hero his daughter thinks... never quite the man his son believe him to be... and this worries him, sometimes. So he works too hard to try to smooth the rough places in the road for those of his own who will follow him.

A father is a thing that gets very angry when the first grades in school are not as good as he thinks they should be. He scolds his son... though he knows it is the teacher’s fault.

Fathers grow old faster than people. Because they, in other wars, have to stand at the train station and wave goodbye to the uniformed son that climbs aboard. And while mothers can cry where it shows, fathers have to stand there and beam outside... and die in-side.

Fathers have very stout hearts; so they have to be broken sometimes or no one would know what’s inside. Fathers are what give daughters away to other men who are not nearly good enough... so they can have grand-children that are smarter than anybody’s.

Father’s fight dragons... almost daily. They hurry away from the breakfast table... Off to the arena which is sometimes called an office or a workshop. There, with calloused, practiced hand, they tackle the dragon with three heads: weariness, work, and monotony. They never quite win the fight, but they never give up. Knights in shining armor– fathers in shiny trousers: there is little difference, as they march away to each workday.

And when a father dies, I have an idea that after a good rest he will not be happy un-less there is work to do. He will not just sit on a cloud and wait for the girl he has loved and the children she bore. He will be busy there, too—repairing the stairs... Oiling the gates, improving the streets... smoothing the way.

Hospital Visitations

Not only is the spiritual health of our members important but also their physical health. When a member enters into the Hospital it is important that Fr. Dean be notified. If a member himself/herself is entering the Hospital (at least over night), he/she should contact Fr. Dean beforehand if they know the day they will be entering. If a family member is entering the Hospital (at least overnight), another family member should contact Fr. Dean beforehand if they know the day they will be entering. Obviously, in the case of an emergency, Fr. Dean should be notified immediately. Hospitals today no longer notify the Parish when a member enters into the Hospital. So, if someone is in the Hospital and Fr. Dean is NOT notified, don’t blame him for not coming to see that member. Remember, Fr. Dean’s ESP has been down for years.

Thank you letters from The Guadalupe Center for Children for their Easter Baskets from Hellenic-American Social Club

11

Sunday School News by Jen-Hope Belis

Thank you to Mary Sue Chupak and Olympia Ruppe for coordinating readers and myrrh bearers for Holy Week. I would also like to say THANK YOU to ALL the Sunday School teachers who devote many hours in preparation for their weekly classes. Their passion and dedication to the youth of our church will give them a solid foundation in Orthodoxy and life. I can not thank you enough for sharing your time and talent with our children. We are blessed to have you! As a reminder, our Sunday School program runs from the 3rd Sunday in September until the 3rd Sunday in May.

Our program ended on May 18th with an Award Ceremony & Ice Cream Social. We will begin the Sunday School year on September 21st by having Liturgy at Lakes Park followed by a picnic. The entire church is invited! Be on the look out for more details in September. If you would like to teach or assist in Sunday School, please contact Jen-Hope Belis.

Sunday School Ministry Contact Name

Sunday School Director Jen-Hope Belis

Religious Education Teachers Contact Name

PreK Grade Teacher Jen-Hope Belis

PreK Grade Assistant Elaine Greene

K-2 Grade Teacher Dorothy Bonstedt

K-2 Grade Assistant Paula Apostolou

3-6 Grade Teacher Mary Sue Chupak

3-6 Grade Assistant Poly Mavridou-Hernandez

7-12 Grade Teacher Tina Kucera

7-12 Grade Assistant Faith Miller

Floater Assistant (PreK-6) Olympia Ruppe

Substitue Teacher (PreK - 6) Christina Samuels

GOYA Advisor Heidi Kubiak

Pictured to the left: Sunday School Teachers pictured - Dorothy Bonstedt, Tina Kucera, Paula Apostolou, Poly Mavridou-Hernandez, Olympia Ruppe, Jen-Hope Belis, (not pictured) MarySue Gladis, Elaine Green and Faith Miller.

Pictured above: Jen-Hope Belis, Fr. Dean and the Pre-K Sunday School Class.

Pictured to the right: Tina Kucera, Fr. Dean and the 7th-12th Grade Sunday School Class.

Pictured to the left: Dorothy Bonstedt, Fr. Dean, Paula Apostolou and the Kindergarten—2nd grade Sunday School Class.

Pictured below: Fr. Dean, Poly Mavridou-Hernandez and the 3rd– 6th Grade Sunday School Class.

17

Hellenic-American Social Club of S.W. Florida, Inc.

By Barbara Dionysopoulos

The Hellenic American Social Club of Fort Myers had their final meeting of the season at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11th at Perkins Restaurant on Cape Coral Pkwy in Cape Coral. A short informal meeting was held to update our Calendar of Events for the remainder of the year and beyond. The Club treated members to dessert & beverages following the meeting.

Vice President, Phyllis Mino, was Chairperson of our Easter charity event. The Guadalupe Center for Children in Immokalee received 36 Easter baskets filled with toys and candy. At the meeting Phyllis showed our members letters and pictures of “Thank You” from the children. Pictures were taken and the excitement and joy of the children warmed the hearts of all members. Phyllis hand delivered the basket just a few days before Easter. A special thank you goes to Rana & Emanuel Levenderis who purchased all the Easter baskets. And a special thanks to all members who so generously donated toys and candies for the poorest-of- the- poor children of Immokalee.

The club acknowledged the passing away of one of our members, Dr. Mitch Wolak. by offering a cash donation to the New England Organ Bank in Waltham MA. Elaine Grevelis, long time partner and friend of Dr. Mitch selected the charity. We will miss him. May he rest in peace.

At the meeting President, Barbara Dionysopoulos asked the membership to finalize the events we planned, starting in October and going well into the New Year. She reminded everyone that events need to be reserved and paid for in advance. Some events will be opened to non-members, but all events will be on a first come first served bases.

Schedule of Upcoming Events: Hellenic American Social Club of Fort Myers

•Tuesday, Oct 14th –“Club Monthly Meeting”, at the Community Center, 7 p.m. Guest Speaker.

•Tuesday, Oct 28th - “OHI DAY” Picnic at Jay-Cee Park, Cape Coral, 11:30- 3:30 p.m.

•Tuesday, Nov. 11th – “Club Monthly Meeting” at the Community Center, 7 p.m.

•Tuesday, Nov. 18th - “The Singing Christmas Tree”, Orlando, FL., 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Guest Invited

•Tuesday, Dec. 9th – “Club Christmas Party” 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Restaurant to be determined.

•Tuesday, Jan 13th – “Club Monthly Meeting” at the Community Center, 7 p.m.

•Tuesday, Jan. 20th - “The Holy Land”, Orlando, FL 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Guests Invited

•Thursday, Feb. 5th –“Our Greek Picnic” (Panayeri) Lakeside Park 11:30 – 3p.m. Guest Invited

•Tuesday, Feb 9th –“Club Monthly Meeting”, at the Community Center, 7 p.m.

•Tuesday, Mar. 10th –“Club Monthly Meeting”, Community Center 7 p.m.

•Wednesday, Mar. 18th – Event day still open. A Day trip to be determined.

•Tuesday, Apr. 7th –“Club Monthly Meeting”, Community Center 7 p.m.

•Wednesday, Apr. 22nd – “Big M Boat Trip”, Fort Myers Beach, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.- Guests Invited

•Tuesday, May 12th –“Final Meeting of the Season” Perkins Restaurant, in Cape Coral 7p.m.

Circle of Friends - Κύκλον τον ϕίλον by Joan Simon

The Circle of Friends is the social community of your church. If you are a member of the church, you are automatically a member of the Circle of Friends. Come fellowship with us @ 6pm in the Church Hall on the 2nd Thursday of every month for our $5.00 Movie & Pizza Night -- JUNE 12th (Elia Kazan's "America, America," an inspiring story of one immigrant's journey to fulfill his dream); JULY 10th; AUGUST 14th; SEPT 11th; OCT 9th; NOV 13th & DEC 11th. Our General Meetings (light lunch served) are on the 3rd Thursday of every OTHER month @noon in the Church Hall-- JULY 17th; SEPT 18th & NOV 20th. MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! Watch for important announcements regarding upcoming film titles, guest speakers, special events, outings & picnics. Remember, this is your Circle of Friends. Please join us!

The grill master for our luncheon, John Simon! George Copulos and Anthony Mankus enjoying some of the wonderful food.

The ladies, Marianthi Kazakos, Effie Kapetan and Marion Zachariades enjoying each others company.

Right to Left: Helen Nicolaidis and Katherine Del Monico.

Left to right: Lordes & George Taliforos with Marie Mankus.

Left to right: Margaret Palis, Ginny Amend and Ann Kratsios enjoying the beautiful day.

Left to right: George Chakonas, Jim & Terry Kalogridis, Elaine Chakonas, Jimmy & Nancy Vouros.

Al Amend– relaxing after having some of the yummy food!

Theo & Margaret Palis participating in the Picnic.

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Congratulations to our High School & College Graduates!!!

Philoptochos President Ginny Amend and Fr. Dean with High School Grads- Alex Hall, Billy Koupelis and George Yusin, (not pictured) Victoria Todd.

Congratulations to the following for their graduation from high school:

Billy Koupelis, Victoria Todd, Alex Hall & George Yusin

Congratulations to the following for their graduation from college:

Alaina Todd, Amanda Howard, Kalianna Karras & Charles Nastos

To Our Annunciation Family,

Al and I would like to thank every-one for your prayers, visits and cards. A special thanks to Father Dean and Deacon John for their visits and prayers.

God Bless.

Love to all,

Al and Hope Hunter

The family of Elaine Chakonas,

wishes to thank all of the wonderful people who prayed and sent

beautiful cards.

God Bless You!

Thank You Notes

Effective April 1st, before you come to the Parish Office in order to speak with our Parish Secre-tary, Kelsie, you must make an appointment with her for a specific day and time. This is also the same for Ministry leaders who wish to have Kelsie do something for their particular Minis-try. It would be more beneficial if Ministry leaders would email or call for whatever they would like Kelsie to do for them. Remember, even if you speak with Kelsie about something, it does not mean she will be able to fulfill your request immediately. You also may not be able to meet with her if she has other priorities to complete. Please understand that Kelsie has numer-ous priorities to complete each week and then, if able will fulfill other requests by individuals or Ministries. The preferred method for Ministries’ is that the Ministry responsible person give Kelsie the already prepared information so she completes the task at hand. If you just simply stop by the Parish Office and want to speak with Kelsie, you may not be able to or may have to wait until an appropriate time. We ask for your understanding. Do not call her cell phone.

NEW Parish Procedure

GOYA by Heidi Kubiak

From the desk of the GOYA advisor:

Dear GOYAn’s,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the year that we’ve just had. It was busy with events and activities, starting with a Community Yard sale, a Chick Fil A night, and then another Community Yard sale- where you all had an opportunity to send a message to our military, thanking them for their service. Along with these sales, the car washes, the Bake/Plato Pavis Art sale and the gyro sales, we were successful in supporting the various activities that we participated in through the year. We went to Tampa, had some fun and exercise at Skyzone, we ice skated, we shopped and certainly we were successful at the Volleyball tournament in St. Pete. We met and ate with His Eminence, Bishop Alexios, not once, but twice. We invited other young people to experience our faith. During the fall Parish Assembly meeting, Zack Magas spoke about his goals as President of GOYA. One was that we would all come together, with one heart. I believe that was accomplished, thanks to the heart and spirit of you, our GOYAN’s. When asked to step up, you did. When asked to reach out, you did. When asked for help, you gave. Thank you.

Now along with the thank you to the GOYAn’s, I would also like to give a special thank you to Nick and Stella Karras. They arranged at the beginning of this year for a fund-raiser, specifically to go towards our youth programs. Thank you, Nick and Stella! Also, a thank you to Nomiki Neskes for her donations- freshly made baklava and galaktoboureko at our various sales.

Thank you to those of our Church family who helped at each Community Yard sale, and for those who supported us at the Bake/Art sale we held in December. Thank you to those parents who came as well and helped out on Gyro sales day. Thank you to Macy Magas and Athena Rose Belis, for serving at the coffee/bake sale table at the Yard sales. What great sales people they were, and I think they liked what they were doing!

Last but not least, I would like to thank the Parents. You allowed me to share in your young person’s life and time, and please know that I pray for them, just as I hope we are all praying for each other!

To Father Dean, Presbytera Carolyn and Deacon John, thank you for your time and support. We appreciate you.

Again, thank you!

Heidi Kubiak

15

Ladies Philoptochos Society by Carol Palatine

Once again it's time to say have a blessed and safe summer. On behalf of the LPS,we look forward to next season. Thank you to all who have helped with various fund raisers, bake sales, antiques auction and various affairs sponsored by the LPS. We look forward to your help and new ideas this coming season. A reminder to all our friends going North ,please look for some Antiques for our next Antique Auction. (jewelry, china, glass, linens, copper, brass, clocks, etc.) Contact :Ginny Amend 239-656-4890. We need your donations. Our coffee hour hostess for the month of May is Marlene and Marilena. June coffee hour hostess will be Ginny and Barbara. July coffee hour hostess will be Pat Kemp and Marianthe August coffee hour will be Darlene and Pat Kemp. Have a great summer, see you in the fall with new ideas, more volunteers and more fundraisers for our Building Fund

DON'T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE TO WIN $2K CASH OR $2K TRAVEL CERTIFICATE FROM A LOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY.

PLEASE SEE JOAN SIMON at 201-826-8991 OR AN LPS REPRESENTATIVE FOR YOUR $25 DONATION TOWARDS A TICKET PURCHASE TODAY. WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED

IN CHURCH ON SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH. WINNER NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN.