Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

When the angelic powers appeared at your tomb and those who guarded You became as though dead, and standing by Your sepulchre was Mary seeking Your pure and sacred body. For You did vanquish Hades and uncorrupted by its touch You came unto the virgin woman, bestowing the gift of life O You who rose from the dead. Lord we give glory to You.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas in the Fourth Mode

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Phocas. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O unfailing protection of Christians, and our faithful advocate before the Creator: though we are sinners, do not ignore our entreaty; but in your goodness, grant your timely help to us who appeal to you in faith. Quickly make intercession; on our behalf make speedy supplication, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.

Saints and Feasts

July 23

The Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos of Pochaev

The Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev - Metropolitan Neophytus, a bishop belonging to the see of Constantinople, was traveling through Volhynia in Ukraine where he was given hospitality by a pious woman, Anna Goyskaya. The bishop gave this woman an icon of the holy Theotokos, which began to work miracles, including the healing of her blind brother. In 1597 the icon was given to the monks residing in Pochaev near the border of Galicia, where the Mother of God had appeared in 1340, leaving an imprint of her footprint in the rock, from which a stream gushed forth. In 1675 when the Lavra of Pochaev was besieged by the Moslem Turks, it was saved by the miraculous intervention of the Mother of God through her wonderworking icon. Even though the Lavra of Pochaev came into Uniate hands for over a century, miracles continued to be worked through the holy icon. Since its return to the Orthodox Catholic Church in 1831, the icon has been a grace-bestowing support for Orthodox Christians, especially those in western Ukraine and the Carpathian region.

July 23

Phocas the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.

July 24

Christina the Great Martyr of Tyre

Saint Christina was from Tyre in Syria, the daughter of a pagan named Urban. Enlightened in her heart to believe in Christ, she broke her father's idols, made of gold and silver, and distributed the pieces to the poor. When her father learned this, he punished her ruthlessly, then cast her into prison. The rulers subjected her to imprisonments, hunger, torments, the cutting off of her breasts and tongue, and finally impalement, in the year 200, during the reign of the Emperor Septimius Severus.

July 25

Olympias the Deaconess

July 28

Irene the Righteous of Chrysovalantou

Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael (842-867); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons; while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her. She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of 103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the present day.

July 27

Panteleimon the Great Martyr & Healer

This Saint, who had Nicomedia as his homeland, was the son of Eustorgius and Eubula. His father was an idolater, but his mother was a Christian from her ancestors. It was through her that he was instructed in piety, and still later, he was catechized in the Faith of Christ by Saint Hermolaus (see July 26) and baptized by him. Being proficient in the physician's vocation, he practiced it in a philanthropic manner, healing every illness more by the grace of Christ than by medicines. Thus, although his parents had named him Pantoleon ("in all things a lion"), because of the compassion he showed for the souls and bodies of all, he was worthily renamed Panteleimon, meaning "all-merciful." On one occasion, when he restored the sight of a certain blind man by calling on the Divine Name, he enlightened also the eyes of this man's soul to the knowledge of the truth. This also became the cause for the martyrdom of him who had been blind, since when he was asked by whom and in what manner his eyes had been opened, in imitation of that blind man of the Gospel he confessed with boldness both who the physician was and the manner of his healing. For this he was put to death immediately. Panteleimon was arrested also, and having endured many wounds, he was finally beheaded in the year 305, during the reign of Maximian. Saint Panteleimon is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is held in special honor among them, even as Saint George is among the Martyrs.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7.

BRETHREN, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.

Parish News and Events

Trisagion Today: 9 months Christopher Genna, son of Joseph and Leslie Genna. May his memory be eternal.

Prayer List:

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

Liturgy times: Summer services will start promptly at 9:30 a.m. in order to finish by 11:00 a.m. Please plan accordingly.

Council Members on duty today: Jim Georgopoulos and Jim Sperelakis

Prosphoro baking suspended until further notice in order to make space in the freezer. Thank you to all the volunteers who did such a wonderful job since Easter!!!!

Food Festival Committee Meeting: Monday, July 24th 7:00 pm. Volunteers needed at 5:30pm for organizing freezer.

All Hands on Deck! We are just days away from our annual Greek Food Festival and our second annual Greek Gyro Cart on Inn Street and we need your help! Please take a moment to click on the links below and choose a couple of spots to volunteer. Many hands make for light work and there is much to do! Our success relies deeply on the participation of both our parishioners and friends. Please share the link and invite your friends to join you and help us make this year's biggest fundraiser the best ever!

Greek Food Festival Sign-Up:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044da5ab2aabf58-greek

Greek Gyro Cart Sign-Up:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f044da5ab2aabf58-gyro

Sunset Boat Cruise scheduled for Sun. August 13, 6 – 8 pm, boat ramp at end of Plum Island point (near lighthouse). The boat cruise is kindly donated by the Charos family, and meant as a “Thank You” for all those that assist in the GFF and Inn St. efforts. All are welcome!

The Giving Tree – Can you help our tree grow? The Giving Tree is a way to raise money needed to cover the many costs of our very successful Greek Food Festival. A donation sheet and list of needed items is located in the Narthex. Once you make your donation, be sure to place your name on a flower or butterfly from the Narthex display and attach it to the tree found there. If mailed, we will do this part for you. Watch our tree grow with your generosity! We are grateful for any donation large or small.

UPCOMING FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS:

Rice Pudding: 7/26 (Eric Hansen)

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

Plaki: 7/27 5:00 pm (Gina Dussi and Melinda Patrick)

The dates for the 2017 Greek Food Festival are Friday, July 28th--Sunday, July 30th.

Remember to visit our Gyro Cart on Inn Street!

“GREEK NIGHT ON INN STREET”

Thursday, August 3, 6-8 PM

Greek Music, Dance & Food

Come one, come all!

The 100th Anniversary Cookbook Committee needs your recipes! Please fill out a recipe form found in the Narthex OR go to www.typensave.com to type in your recipe following the simple instructions. User name is AGOC and the password is eggnog847. Questions should be directed toward Andrea Jones (andreajones1@comcast.net) or Ruth Riley (rsrileyfineart@gmail.com). We hope to have one recipe for every parishioner. Thank you!

100th Anniversary Committee: Our next meeting will be Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 pm in the Klidaras Conference Room.

Summer at St. Basil’s Ministries: Saint Basil’s Ministries offers its Monday Meal to all those who enter our church doors. The need for a hot meal or for companionship is constant; it knows no season. This ministry belongs to everyone at Annunciation Church. Consider coming just one Monday to help out. The children of the parish are welcome to come and help too. Cleaning out those closets? Saint Basil’s Ministries works directly with the Lighthouse Thrift Shop in Salisbury. We will take any bags of clothing or household items you bring to church to the thrift shop for you. The proceeds go to local charities.

Food Pantry Needs: We do operate a small food pantry for our guests or anyone in need. Most of the food in the pantry comes from donations we receive from the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. Our great need is for small personal items like wrapped bars of soap, shampoo, tooth paste, deodorants and other personal care items. Of course, we are grateful for food donations also.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care: Our archdiocese has developed a family program called SOAK UP the SON. Each week a new activity is presented so you and your family can stay in contact with God. This is especially important during the summer months when there are no Sunday School classes. You can access SOAK UP the SON at this web address: www.family.goarch.org.

Annunciation Online: Please "Like" our Facebook page so that you may be kept up on services, events and activities: https://www.facebook.com/AnnunciationGreekOrthodoxChurch/

Thermostat settings: The Parish Council has determined an acceptable temperature range for the thermostats in the building complex. 60-75 in winter, 65-80 in summer. Please respect these settings!

Parish Events of the Week

This week at Annunciation:

Monday, July 24: 11:00 am: St. Basil's Lunch, all are welcome!

6:00 pm: Chant class

7:00 pm: Festival meeting

Tuesday, July 25: 10:00am-6pm Pastry Set-up

Wednesday, July 26: Rice Pudding Workshop (Eric Hansen)

10:00am-6pm Pastry Set-up

Thursday, July 27: 9:00 am: Galatoboureko Workshop (Andrea Jones & Maria Connor)

5:00 pm: Plaki Workshop (Gina Dussi & Melinda Patrick)

Friday, July 28: 11:00 am-9:00 pm: Greek Food Festival

Saturday, July 29: 11:00 am-9:00 pm: Greek Food Festival

Fellowship Hour Hosts

Fellowship Hour:

We enjoy visiting with our Church Family over a cup of coffee and treats following Sunday Liturgy. Please sign up to host a Fellowship/Coffee Hour and keep the coffee brewing every Sunday.

We are in need of hosts! The Fellowship Hour Coordinator has prepared a calendar scheduling out though the end of the summer of 2017. Please email AndreaJones1@Comcast.net, phone at home 978 465-1021or text cell 978 621-6123 to schedule your coffee hour.

Sunday, July 23: Open

Sunday, July 30: Greek Food Festival (no coffee hour)

Bulletin Inserts

Creed and Lord's prayer in Greek with English transliteration

Card used in the pews to recite the Creed in Greek on the first Sunday of the month

Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council - Family Connections (Half-Legal)

Bulletin Insert in half-legal format on the Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council with Resources for Couples and Families provided by the Center for Family Care of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Giving Tree

request for donations for Greek Food Festival.

100th year celebration schedule

Events and persons in charge, monthly calendar

GFF flyer

information about the Food Festival

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Archbishop Demetrios Makes Annual Pastoral Visit to Camp Saint Paul

07/18/2017

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios made a pastoral visit July 11, 2017, to Camp Saint Paul of the Direct Archdiocesan District. He was received with enthusiasm by the campers, spent the day with them, observed their activities heard and answered their questions, had lunch with them and gave them a pocket edition of the New Testament, a prayer bracelet with a small cross along with his blessings.

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-demetrios-makes-annual-pastoral-visit-ot-camp-saint-paul

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