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Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2020-10-04
Bulletin Contents
Parish Calendar
Sunday School Games
Parish News & Events
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hierotheos
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Annunciation Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (231) 799-0185
  • Street Address:

  • 185 East Pontaluna Road

  • Muskegon, MI 49444

Contact Information

Fr. John Sakellariou


frjohn@orthodoxmuskegon.church | 716-730-1982

Fr. Basil Aden



Services Schedule

Orthros/Matins: Sunday, 9:00 AM
Divine Liturgy: Sunday, 10:00 AM

 

 

Past Bulletins


Parish Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    October 4 to October 11, 2020

    Sunday, October 4

    Outdoor Coffee Hour hosted by Donna & Shane Miller

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Sunday, October 11

    Outdoor Coffee Hour hosted by Mike & Katy Kulkarni

    9:00AM Matins Service (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

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Sunday School Games

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Parish News & Events

Update from Fr. John

Dear parishioners,

I wanted to inform you that I will not serve this Sunday's Divine Liturgy due to mild cold symptoms that Pres. Pavlina and I are experiencing. Other than this we are quite well and in good spirits as we try to catch up on things around the house from our busy schedules. With the recommendations of our doctor, COVID testing has been done as a precaution and we are currently awaiting the results as we quarantine at home. Once we receive these results, we will let you know the outcome. As mentioned, we feel, hope, and pray that this is the common cold that we sometimes catch with the change of the season.  My thanks to Fr. Basil and the chanters who have graciously offered to lead us in prayer this Sunday on the Lord's day. We look forward to seeing you all soon, and if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me via email or cell @ 716-730-1982.

In Christ,

 

Fr. John


Sacrament Update

The Baptism of Michael Kulkarni will be moved to a later date in October and will be shared with our community once it is available. 


Sunday Coffee Hour

This Sunday's Outdoor Coffee Hour will be hosted by Donna & Shane Miller.  

We are looking for volunteers who would be willing to host future coffee hours. If you would like to sign up for a coffee hour, click here.


Parish Website

We are excited to announce that www.orthodoxmuskegon.church has a new look thanks to the Archdiocese's Department of Internet Ministries.


Philoptochos- Gaffney Jersey Raffle

See Kristi Karis if you would like to purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two jerseys autographed by Alex Gaffney.  All proceeds will go to the philanthropic outreach of Philoptochos.

Drawing to be held this fall!
Tickets: $5 each OR 5 tickets for $20


Philoptochos - Kids' Food Basket

Philoptochos is seeking food and or monetary donations in support of Kids' Food Basket.  The following items are in need: 

  • Fruit, applesauce, or pudding cups
  • Slim Jims (or similar meat stick)
  • Nutrigrain Bars
  • Individual portions of healthy snacks such as Cheese-Its, pretzels, etc. 
  • Decorated Bags

All food donations can be dropped off in the basket that is located at the candle stand of the Church. Monetary donations can be given or mailed to Kristi Karis:

3734 Highgate Rd
Muskegon, MI 49441

If you need assistance or know of anyone who may need assistance in obtaining groceries, medication, transportation, or any other assistance due to the current restrictions, please contact Fr John (716-730-1982) or Kristi Karis (231-750-7291).


Live Streaming

The Orthros and Divine Liturgy for Sunday will be streamed live around  8:40 AM. To access the stream please click here.

If you would like to pray along, click on the links below for the Sunday's service:


Fall Zoom Book Discussion

We will hold our first Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, October 14th @ 7 PM as we explore "Gifts of the Desert".  Here's the schedule of our weekly meetings & readings: 

  • October 14: Chapters 1-4
  • October 21: Chapters 5-8
  • October 28: Chapters 9-11
  • November 4: Chapters 12-14
  • November 11: Chapters 15-17 
  • November 18: Final thoughts and a guest appearance with the author, Dr. Kyriacos C. Markides.

Divine Liturgy for Saint Demetrius the Great Martyr: Monday, October 26th

  • 9:00 AM Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy @ 10 AM.

Updated Guidelines

  • Anyone who is currently experiencing any symptoms of illness must stay at home.
  • Pews will be taped off to allow for distancing between individuals/families. Chairs will also be added around the walls of the Church.
  • Parishioners are required to wear masks.  It is recommended that parishioners bring their own masks. Mask will be provided at the candle stand for those who need one.
  • Please reverence icons by making the sign of the Cross and bowing instead of kissing them.
  • Parishes are not to have choirs until further notice.
  • There will be no liturgical books in the pews.
  • Parishioners are welcomed to receive andithiron after Holy Communion and at the dismissal of the Liturgy. Waxpaper will be provided.
  • Traditional trays/baskets will not be passed. A wooden donation box will be set up for parishioners who wish to make a Sunday offering as they exit the Church.
  • Coffee Hours and other gathers are allowed but are required to meet outdoors following CDC guidelines.
  • If you have any questions, please see a parish council member.
Holy Communion Guidelines
It is clearly understood that Holy Communion is the very Body and Blood of Christ which cannot be tainted by any harmful thing and that those who receive it with proper intent of mind and heart cannot be harmed by it. Clergy will follow the following guidelines so that the Holy Sacrament is safely administered:
  • Since there will be no Choir, we ask chantors to proceed for Holy Communion first followed by parishioners who be directed by a member of the parish council.
  • Please allow for at least 6 feet per parishioner. The center aisle of the Church will be marked with tape to help in keeping the appropriate distance between parishioners.
  • To receive communion, parishioners are asked to tilt their heads back so that the Holy Sacrament can be dropped into the mouth. It has been allowed that those receiving the Holy Eucharist can stay seated to make the above recommendations easer. 
  • Parishioners are asked not to touch or direct the communion cloth. An altar boy will hold the communion cloth under the chin.
  • Further instructions will be given in Church.

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Saints and Feasts

Hierotheos
October 04

Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus' concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.

Charitine
October 05

Charitina the Martyr

Saint Charitina contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 290. The handmaid of a certain Claudius, she was betrayed as a Christian to Dometian, the Count, before whom she fearlessly confessed Christ. After suffering the most terrible tortures, including the uprooting of her teeth and nails, she gave up her soul into the hands of the Lord.

Thomas
October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.

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October 07

Sergius & Bacchus the Great Martyrs of Syria

These holy Martyrs were Romans of high rank in the service of the Emperor Maximian, to whom it was reported that they did not take part in the festivals of the idols. When he called them into his presence, they confessed their Faith in the one God. He had them arrayed in women's clothes and paraded through the streets in mockery. They were afterwards scourged, from which Saint Bacchus died. This was about the year 296. Saint Sergius was then taken to Resapha in Syria, where he was tortured and beheaded. His tomb in Resapha became a very famous shrine, to which pilgrims came from as far away as Western Europe; Resapha was later renamed Sergiopolis in his honour.

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October 08

Pelagia the Righteous

This Saint was a prominent actress of the city of Antioch, and a pagan, who lived a life of unrestrained prodigality and led many to perdition. Instructed and baptized by a certain bishop named Nonnus (Saint Nonnus is commemorated Nov. 10), she departed for the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem, where she lived as a recluse, feigning to be a eunuch called Pelagia. She lived in such holiness and repentance that within three or four years she was deemed worthy to repose in an odour of sanctity, in the middle of the fifth century. Her tomb on the Mount of Olives has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

Jamesalphaeus
October 09

James the Apostle, son of Alphaeus

The holy Apostle James was one of the Twelve, and preached Christ to many nations, and finally suffered death by crucifixion.

Menologion_of_basil_009
October 10

Eulampius & Eulampia the Martyrs

The Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia were from Nicomedia, and contested for Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 296.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, Jesus, having risen from the dead, stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1.

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

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