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St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-08-20
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Theway
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St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (908) 968-4004
  • Fax:
  • (908) 968-4002
  • Street Address:

  • 85 Voorhees Corner Road,

  • Flemington, NJ 08822


Contact Information






Services Schedule

Weekly Services

(Please note schedule subject to change.  Please call church office to confirm times.)

Sunday Services:  Orthros 8:15 am; Divine Liturgy 9:15  am.  Followed by Sunday School and Fellowship Hour in our Community Center.

Weekly Feastday / Major Saint Day Liturgies:  9 am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy.


Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

Theway
August 20

11th Sunday of Matthew


Samuel
August 20

Samuel the Prophet

This most holy man, a Prophet of God from childhood, was the last judge of the Israelite people, and anointed the first two Kings of Israel. He was born in the twelfth century before Christ, in the city of Armathaim Sipha, from the tribe of Levi, the son of Elkanah and Hannah (Anna). He was the fruit of prayer, for his mother, being barren, conceived him only after she had supplicated the Lord with many tears; wherefore she called him Samuel, that is, "heard by God." As soon as Hannah had weaned him, she brought him to the city of Silom (Shiloh), where the Ark was kept, and she consecrated him, though yet a babe, to the service of God, giving thanks to Him with the hymn found in the Third Ode of the Psalter: "My heart hath been established in the Lord . . ." Samuel remained in Silom under the protection of Eli the priest. He served in the Tabernacle of God, and through his most venerable way of life became well-pleasing to God and man (I Kings 2: 26). While yet a child, sleeping in the tabernacle near the Ark of God, he heard the voice of God calling his name, and foretelling the downfall of Eli; for although Eli's two sons, Ophni and Phineas, were most lawless, and despisers of God, Eli did not correct them. Even after Samuel had told Eli of the divine warning, Eli did not properly chastise his sons, and afterwards, through various misfortunes, his whole house was blotted out in one day.

After these things came to pass, Samuel was chosen to be the protector of the people, and he judged them with holiness and righteousness. He became for them an example of all goodness, and their compassionate intercessor before God: "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; yea, I will serve the Lord, and show you the good and the right way" (ibid. 12:23). When he asked them -- having God as witness -- if he ever wronged anyone, or took anyone's possessions, or any gift, even so much as a sandal, they answered with one voice: "Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, nor afflicted us, neither hast thou taken anything from anyone's hand" (ibid. 12:4). When Samuel was old, the people asked him for a king, but he was displeased with this, knowing that God Himself was their King. But when they persisted, the Lord commanded him to anoint them a king, saying, "They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me from reigning over them" (ibid. 8:7); so Samuel anointed Saul. But Saul transgressed the command of God repeatedly, so Samuel anointed David. Yet, since Samuel was a man of God, full of tender mercy, when the Lord told him that He had rejected Saul, Samuel wept for him the whole night long (ibid. 15:11); and later, since he continued to grieve, the Lord said to him, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?" (ibid. 16:1). Having lived blamelessly some ninety-eight years, and become an example to all of a God-pleasing life, he reposed in the eleventh century before Christ. Many ascribe to him the authorship of the Books of judges, and of Ruth, and of the first twenty-four chapters of the First Book of Kings (I Samuel).


Allsaint
August 20

Holy Martyr Luke of Bouleutos


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Dormition in the First Mode

In giving birth you retained your virginity, and in dormition you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. You were translated unto life, being the Mother of Life. And thus by virtue of your intercessions you deliver our souls from death.

Apolytikion for St. Anna (Dec. 9) in the Fourth Mode

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed; for God hearkened to Joachim and Anna. And though it was beyond hope, He clearly promised them that they should bear a divine child, from whom was born the Uncircumscribable One Himself Who became a mortal, and through an Angel commanded them to cry unto her: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, the Lord is with thee."

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12.

Brethren, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a sister as wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.


Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 18:23-35

The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the torturers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Wherefore then did He not do this, nor forgive the debt before the account? Desiring to teach him, from how many obligations He is delivering him, that in this way at least he might become more mild towards his fellow servant .... He gave more than he asked, remission and forgiveness of the entire debt.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

When then you are minded to be revengeful, consider that against yourself are you revengeful, not against another; that you art binding up your own sins, not your neighbors ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century

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Ministry News

Agia_anna
OPA " Up-a-date" 
13 days to OPA...
 
It's Opa time again and we need everyone's help to make it a success. In an effort to improve the volunteer sign up process for everyone we have an 'Volunteer availability form' that is simple to fill out.  The form is attached to this e-bulletin and can be printed out and returned in person or by email. Simply fill it out,  snap a picture (or scan) and send it back using the contact info on the form. 
 
Questions? email Dianakg2003@yahoo.com

Marketing Field Team Needed: We need volunteers to help put these up in key locations. Contact Dianakg2003@yahoo.com ASAP to help.

SAVE THE DATES: FOOD PREP BEGINS WEEKEND OF AUGUST 26TH… STAY TUNED.

Food Donations: Great progress on the donations already. We will outreach to our prior ‘food procurement’ team for donations from their contacts as before. A separate email will detail the updated needs list.

Volunteer Signups: We need everyone’s help to make this most important fundraiser a success. Over the next 2 weeks, please fill out the attached availability form and return to the church or email dianakg2003@yahoo.com with your availability.

Community Service for Youth: Check www.opafestival.com/Volunteers for the community service form.

Amusement Games: Staffing will be handled directly by Maria Tattoli: mtattoli@gmail.com

Sponsors: We need your help to reach our goal. Please consider becoming a ‘Opa Friend’ sponsor. Please See the new “Opa Friends” flyer with this email. We have made tremendous progress but are still behind last year’s $21,000 in sponsorships. We are also looking for new business sponsors.

Food PIckup: We are looking for a few people who can be ‘on call’ to pick up food donations starting August 21st. A minivan or truck and some ‘muscles’ are required! Contact Dianakg2003@yahoo.com.

Check for OPA updates:  www.opafestival.com 

Like us on Facebook:  www.facebook/opafestival

Festival Chair: Diana Grina: 908-392-7449; dianakg2003@yahoo.com

Festival Co-Chairs: Dr. John Douvris, Dr. Nick Kritharis

Committee Co-Chairs

 Sponsors:  Elaine Markos, Dr. Nik Kritharis

 Vendors:   Sofia Manoussakis, Kristen Diagelakis

 Food & Menu:   John Kaldes, Costa Tsatsos

 Food Donations:   Bill Panageas

 Food Pickup:   Dan Roupas

 Pastries:   Zoi Kaldes

 Beverages/Alcohol Procurement:   Peter Zannikos, George Staikos, Sofia Rudy

 Site Planning, Rentals, Setup:    Stephen Kehayes, Jorge Ferreira

 Grill:    John Kaldes

 Sign Committee:    Maria Sfondouras, Arge Mardakis, Zoi Kaldes

 Carnival Games:    Maria Tattoli

 Dancers:      Lisa Soteropoulos

 Volunteer sign up:     Anna Fallon

Our award winning Opa! has become a flagship foodie event for the county which is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers, excellent food and fun atmosphere. We need you once again to keep the tradition going. 
Please find attached to this bulletin: 
"Festival Friends" Sponsor Form to help us reach our fundraising goal
Festival Volunteer Form- to help us with volunteer planning. 
 
Many thanks to all of the  various committees working behind the scenes with the planning, food prep, procurement, sponsors, vendors etc. This year promises to be another great OPA!
 
 

 

Church Calendar

St. Anna will be conducting its “Pave the Way” Fundraiser all summer long.  You can become a part of our legacy by purchasing commemorative pavers to line the walkway to our Church.  The brochure with all details can be found at the Pangari.  Deadline for orders is September 30, so that we can install them before the winter months.  Contacts:  Evan Sakellos and John Douvris.

 

Byzantine Music Workshop and Choir:  For confirmation of meeting times, please contact our cantor Stathis directly or through email (stathisleon@gmail.com) with subject matter "Byzantine Choir.”

 

Education Programs:    Registration forms for the next school year are now available at the Pangari or can be downloaded from this bulletin.

Sunday School:   Please register early.  First class:  Sunday, September 24.

We are in need of Sunday School teachers for next year - please consider taking part in this very important ministry!   Any interested parties can contact Father A or Joanne Diver at sjdiver@verizon.net.

Greek School:  Please register early.  First class:  Monday, September 25.

We are also in need of Greek School teachers for the next school year.  If anyone knows of any potential Greek School teachers in the area who may be interested in teaching at our school, please let Fr. A or Joanne Diver know.  

 

Fellowship Hour sponsors needed for the fall!   Please sign up outside the Church office, or contact Dr. Nikolaos Kritharis at nikolaos.kritharis.dmd@gmail.com or 201-572-3420. 

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Bulletin Inserts

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Stewardship

STEWARDSHIP:  Stewardship is the sharing of the talents and treasures that God has provided for us.  An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards.

2017 Stewardship Status: We have 123 Pledges totaling $154,210 for an average of $1,254 and $117,863 received to date.  We also have 9 families who have contributed $4,535 to date but have not submitted a stewardship card.  It is important that all families complete a stewardship card to be considered a steward.  Current Stewardship List and other stewardship information is posted in bulletin board by water cooler.

 
 
 
 

We need everyone’s participation to exceed this year’s stewardship pledge target of $175,000.  If the remaining 2016 stewards give at the same level as last year we could exceed our budget and reach a record high number of stewards.

 
 
 

If you have not done so already, we ask that you prayerfully consider your stewardship commitment and submit a 2017 pledge card as soon as you can.

…Remember a rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much…..

      2017 Stewards
    1. Agrapides, Peter & Stella
    2. Joanna Adrianopoulos
    3. Argiropoulos, Anthony & Amy
    4. Arpastean, Lucian & Liliana           
    5. Athanasiou, Nicholas & Heather           
    6. Balios, Efthimia                                   
    7. Biagini, Maurice & Silvia
    8. Biel, Mark & Irene                                   
    9. Bulzacchelli, Thomas & Valerie *           
    10. Bunce, Daniel & Marianne                       
    11. Bygonaise, Chris
    12. Collett, Martin & Adriane                       
    13. Connell, William & Nikki           
    14. Contos, Constantine & Gary           
    15. Cooper, Ian & Anastasia                       
    16. Costalas, Paul & Josephine
    17. Coutros, George & Lana                       
    18. Coutsouridis, Alexia
    19. Coutsouridis, John & Denise
    20. Diagelakis, Gerasimos & Kristen           
    21. Diamantis, Ioannis & Gerasimoula
    22. DiAndrea, Gerald & Leoni
    23. Diver, Sean & Joanne                       
    24. Doty, James & Kathy                       
    25. Douvris, John & Aimee                       
    26. Fania, Michael & Vicky                       
    27. Ferreira, Jorge & Angela                       
    28. Gacos, Chris & Frances                       
    29. Georgeles, George & Maria                       
    30. Giannouris, John & Tracey                       
    31. Gianos, Irene
    32. Gilman, Cliff & Karen
    33. Giotis, John & Karen                       
    34. Glynos, Kostas & Argie                       
    35. Grina, Peter & Diana                       
    36. Hawes, Brian & Allison Faches                       
    37. Heinke, Michael & Simone
    38. Iliopoulos, Christos & Anna                       
    39. Isaac, Fikry & Irene           
    40. Jimenez, Lee & Deanne                       
    41. Kalamaras, Stella
    42. Kaldes, John & Zoi
    43. Kamnitsis, Christopher & Heather
    44. Kamnitsis, Constantine & Nancy
    45. Kapetanakis, Don & Betsy
    46. Karavidas, Philaretos & Ruth
    47. Katsaros, Peter & Katherine*
    48. Katsiaficas, John & Soula
    49. Kazantzis, Sava & Nancy
    50. Kefalos, John & Jacqueline
    51. Kehayes, Peter & Helen
    52. Kehayes, Stephen & Beth
    53. Kontos, Adamantia*
    54. Kosoglou, Teddy & Roula*
    55. Kouretas, Stephen & Tanya
    56. Kousoulas, Constantine
    57. Kousoulas,Fr. Anastasios & Presv. Nektaria
    58. Kritharis, Nikolaos & Vicmary
    59. Kypridakes, Michael & Asimina
    60. Lambrianakos, George & Helen
    61. Lane, Elizabeth
    62. Lazos, Nikolas & Cindy
    63. Ledgin-Toskos, Stephanie*
    64. Logothetis, Nikita & Sophia
    65. Loukedis, Alexander & Jennifer
    66. Loukos, Maria
    67. Lutkus, Anthony & Vasiliki
    68. Manoussakis, Stamatis & Sofia
    69. Mardakis, Arge
    70. Markos, Peter & Elaine*
    71. Martin, Stephen & Despina
    72. Mavrode, Michael & Demetra
    73. Mazza, Emily & Costa & Poulis, Renee
    74. McElroy, Stephanie
    75. Millett, Matthew & Maria
    76. Montalvo, Maria
    77. Mulcahy, Dr. Wayne and Mary
    78. Nation, Andrew & Sofia
    79. Nelson, Stephanie
    80. Orginos, Helen
    81. Orginos, Irene
    82. Paitakes, John & Linda
    83. Paliatsos, Mary
    84. Panageas, Bill & Margaret
    85. Panayote, William & Deborah
    86. Pappas, Helen
    87. Pappas, Kostas & Lisa
    88. Pelios, Georgia
    89. Peppe, George & Demetra
    90. Pirres, Mary*
    91. Potamis, Steven & Nonna Akopyan
    92. Procyk, Eugenia
    93. Puckett, Brian & Juliana
    94. Rentoulis, Dino & Chrisa
    95. Rentoulis, Nikolaos
    96. Roupas, Daniel & Mary
    97. Rudy, George & Sofia
    98. Sacalis, John & Anna
    99. Sakellos, Evan & Catherine
    100. Sakellos, George
    101. Samouhos, Evan & Melanie
    102. Sfondouris, John & Maria
    103. Shepardson, Lilyan
    104. Sideris, Leonidas & Elizabeth
    105. Skunakis, Steven & Melissa
    106. Soteropoulos, Dean & Elizabeth
    107. Soteropoulos, Marisa
    108. Sotiropoulos, Georgia
    109. Sotiropoulos, Thelma
    110. Staikos, Anthony
    111. Staikos, George & Christi
    112. Stathopulos, Peter & Adriana Julan
    113. Stieglitz, Robert & Katerina
    114. Sutherland, David & Christina
    115. Tattoli, Larry & Maria
    116. Trumpy, Fred & Larisa
    117. Tsatsos, Costa & Maria
    118. Twitchell, Eric & Effie
    119. Tzovolos, Demetri & Arete
    120. Tzovolos, Olympia
    121. Vaporakis, John & Kim
    122. Varas, Michael & Elaine
    123. Vespa, Paul & Fay
    124. Vlahakes, Louis & Anastasia
    125. Wolfe, Richard & Penelope
    126. Wygera, Walter & Constance
    127. Xenakis, Matthew & Viki
    128. Ypsilantis, Peter & Antonia *
    129. Zajac, John & Pegi
    130. Zanidakis, Theodore & Charlotte *
    131. Zannikos, Peter & Amy
    132. Zapantis, Melanie

 

 

 

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