St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-04-09
Bulletin Contents
Parish News
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Bulletin inserts

Organization Icon
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

St. Anna Office
staff

[email protected] | (908) 968-4004

Clergy
Father Jimmy Pavlow

[email protected] | (609) 498-4672

Corresponding Secretary
Paul Vespa

[email protected]

Services Schedule

Sunday Services:  Orthros 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy 9:30  am.  

Weekday Services:  See parish website calendar link for updates.

 

Past Bulletins


Parish News

Today is Palm Sunday.  Palms will be distributed after the Holy Gospel reading so that all can hold the palms as symbols of Christ's victory over death during the Divine Liturgy.  Thanks to all who help fold the Palms on Lazaurus Saturday.

New Red Velvet Stanchion: The order ("taxis") of the church for Holy services is that all should enter from the side doors and aisles and leave from the middle when departing.  With this in mind, please respect the direction of the Parish Council and the use of the new red velvet stanchion across the aisle in the back.  All are asked to take their seats and move toward the middle to allow for maximum seating, especially on busy days like Palm Sunday.  Thank you.

PALM SUNDAY FISH LUNCHEON: Thank you to all those who signed up in advance for today's luncheon.  Thanks to John Kaldes and the kitchen crew for offering this wonderful meal as we enjoy fellowship together on this blessed day.

MYROPHORES:  Kristen Diagelakis will be coordinating the Myrrh-bearers (Myrophores) during the Holy Friday evening service this year. Girls between ages 5-12 are welcome. Contact Kristen via email at [email protected] if interested.

HOPE & JOY: The St. Anna Youth Committee is happy to announce the relaunch of our Hope and Joy ministry for children grades K - 6. Starting April 23rd we will have an Open Gym after church for the kids to interact, play games, and have a good time. For more information, please contact Kristen Diagelakis via email [email protected].

Junior GREEK DANCE: If your child is in grades K-6 and interested in Greek Dancing, they will be meeting on Mondays from 6:15-7:00PM. Please email Larisa Trumpy at [email protected]  to register. We'd love to get kids together to perform for our June Festival!

IOCC PRESENTATION:  Save the date...On May 14th, Mr Lou Zagami from IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) will be visiting our parish to speak about the impact of IOCC's work in the Ukraine, Ethiopia, Greece. the Middle East and here in the US. After the presentation, Mr. Zagami will join us during Fellowship Hour to answer your questions.

Senior GREEK DANCE:  The senior dance troupe has been hard at work learning new dances for our OPA festival.  Due to the complexity of the choreography, this is the LAST CALL for any new dancers to join the group for this year.  If interested, please come to tomorrow’s practice at 7:00 PM. 

The bus for the Philadelphia parade will leave by 12 pm today.  If you have not paid $20 per person yet, please see Jorge Ferreira (Payments online - see our website and click the "DONATE" button.  Please make a "General Donation" and note "Parade Bus" in the note.)  Thank you.

Holy Week Services:  PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR WEBSITE IS THE BEST REFERENCE FOR UPDATED SERVICE SCHEDULE TIMES:

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/[email protected]&ctz=America/New_York&gsessionid=OK&pli=1

The Bulletin Inserts tab includes the schedule for Holy Week.  There are also several hard copies printed in the narthex.  Please note that Holy Unction times this year on Holy Wednesday are at 3 PM and 7 PM (pick one).  While evening services are typically at 7 PM, on Holy Thursday we begin at 6:30 PM for this beautiful service with the 12 Gospels. Thank you.

TRIVIA NIGHT  See the Uploaded Flyer in the "Bulletin Inserts" tab.  Back by popular demand, a fun-filled Trivia Night has been scheduled for April 21, 2023.   $25 Per Person.  Advanced Online Registration. Must be 21 and older to attend. Please bring appetizers and snacks for your table. Coffee, tea, water, sodas, and desserts will be served. Teams of 8 are being assembled. See Arge Mardakis or a member of the PC for more information on this fun parish event.

Virtual Bible Study with Fr. A: will resume after Pascha/ Easter.  If interested, please inform Fr. A.  Thank you.
 
Festival baking is underway. (Our OPA! FESTIVAL is June 9 -11). Please consider donating your time to prepare for OPA '23. We need help in the kitchen on:
April 18th-Pasta flora 10:00 AM
April 25th-Koulourakia 4:00 PM
 
Please let us know if you can come and help.  Your help is appreciated. Email:  [email protected]   or  908-339-2511 (m) to contact Aimee.  Thank you.
  
PARISH COUNCIL: In addition to tending to the daily operating needs of the church, the Parish Council has been working diligently to develop a long-term vision and strategic plan for the parish.  We will be updating the parish on our progress at the Spring Parish General Assembly, scheduled for Sunday, May 7. The session will start at 11:30 am and will end promptly at 12:30 pm. Lunch will be provided at the end of the assembly for those who would like to gather in fellowship. This will provide a further opportunity for you to meet parish council members, ask additional questions and share your thoughts. Please make every effort to attend so that you are well-informed and have an opportunity to provide feedback to help shape the future of our parish.
 
PHILOPTOCHOS
Philoptochos – Palm Cross Sale If you would like to purchase a Palm Cross, Philoptochos will be selling them during coffee hour after Liturgy.  The cost is $10.  If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
 
Philoptochos Board Upcoming Elections Philoptochos Board Elections will be held in May for the 2023 – 2025 term.  To be a member of Philoptochos and have the opportunity to serve in philanthropic ways is a great joy.  To serve on the Philoptochos Board enhances the joy by collaborating with the membership to implement new ideas as well as maintaining our long-standing programs to serve our St. Anna parishioners as well as our Flemington community.   Also, our efforts have positive impacts throughout the world in times of crisis and despair.  Those who have previously served will always remember having this opportunity in their lives.  If you are a Philoptochos member, consider running for the Board during this election cycle.  More information will follow in future bulletins, and if you have any questions, reach out to the current Executive Board members (Arge Mardakis, Maria Tattoli, Zoi Kaldes, Aimee Douvris) during Fellowship hour on Sundays.
St. Anna's Philoptochos kindly asks that all members renew their memberships for the 2023 calendar year so that we can continue to support the many important philanthropic efforts of our organization from the National, Metropolis, and local parish levels.  We welcome NEW members!  Please go to the Philoptochos table during Fellowship today to complete an application and submit a requested donation of $30.  Please make your checks payable to St. Anna Philoptochos.
 
SOCIAL SERVICES:
If any member of our community is struggling financially or otherwise, please turn to Philoptochos.  We are here for you.  Our Social Services fund has been set up for that very purpose.  Please rest assured that your request will remain confidential.  If you or someone you know is struggling, kindly contact Father Anastasios. 
 
Choir NEWS:  As always, the choir looks forward to growing participation. Anyone interested in singing with the choir on Christmas or joining the choir- please contact Choir Director Diana Grina- 908-392-7449, [email protected]
  
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at World Trade Center is now open for visitors.  Fr. Anastasios will be offering tours and prayer services there on Friday, April 28 from 11 AM to 3 PM.  If you would like to join him that day, please see Fr. A now so that we can make plans to attend together. We will be carpooling to Jersey City to take the PATH train to World Trade Center. Thank you.
  
OPA! Festival is scheduled for Friday, June 9 - Sunday, June 11.  Please note the early date as we fundraise before summer vacations and while we have the help of our college students.  So many opportunities to help with preparations in the months ahead.  See Diana Grina, Festival Chair, Dean Soteropoulos, PC President, or Fr. A to express your interest in helping. 
 
Sunday School
Sunday School Registration (Google form) is available online.   
All students will be excused after the distribution of Holy Communion (at about 10:30 AM).  Thanks to the dedicated teachers who serve our youth with faith and love.  God bless all the parents who are committed to keeping their children close to the faith.  Let us all continue to work hard to keep our youth engaged.  Thank you to all. 
 
Greek School: The class is in session this week on Monday.
A new Greek conversational class for adults began on Monday, Feb. 20! The class runs Mondays from 7:00-7:45 pm. Please email Maria Sfondouris [email protected] or Father Anastasios [email protected] with interest. We are fortunate to have three wonderful teachers, Kyria Anastasia, Kyria Lisa, and Despinis Nikoleta.
 
Young Adults - Fr. A is helping to organize the Young Adult ministry in the region.  Many events are being planned for our region! Please be sure that Fr. A has the email and cell numbers of all our 18-35-year-olds so that he can reach out to them. 
 

***************************************************************************

STEWARDSHIP: Stewardship is the sharing of the talents and treasures that God has provided for us. Remember a rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much…..

Please consider being a part of our Stewardship committee. We are looking for driven individuals to assist us with growing our parish and ensuring we have the resources to maintain St. Anna's for generations to come. Please see Bill Johnson, our Stewardship Chair, if you are interested in joining. Further details regarding our first meeting will be announced soon. 

2023 Stewardship Status: we have 88 Pledges totaling $133,070 and $74,339 received to date.  We also have 6 families who have contributed $2,650 to date but have not submitted a stewardship card.  It is important that all families complete a stewardship card to be considered a steward.  The current Stewardship List and other stewardship information are posted on the bulletin board by the water cooler.
 
2023 Stewardship List
* Contributed but have not submitted stewardship card Report Date: Apr 7, 2023
1 Archimedes, Alexander & Debbie 34 Jimenez, Lee&Deanne 67 Roros, Constantine (Dean)
2 Arvanitidou, Evangelia 35 Johnson, Bill 68 Rudy, George & Sofia
3 Balios, Efthimia 36 Johnson, Gloria 69 Sakellos, Alexandra
4 Bulzacchelli, Thomas & Valerie 37 Kaldes, John & Zoi 70 Sakellos, Evan & Catherine
5 Bunce, Daniel & Marianne 38 Karazoupis, Vasilios & Panayiota 71 Sauma, Abdo & Gladys
6 Collett, Martin & Adriane 39 Kazantzis, Sava & Nancy 72 Shepardson, Lilyan *
7 Connell, William & Nikki 40 Kefalas, Carrie 73 Sideris, Leonidas & Elizabeth
8 Costalas, Paul & Josephine 41 Kosoglou, Teddy and Roula 74 Soteropoulos, Dean & Elizabeth
9 Coutros, George & Lana 42 Kousoulas, Constantine 75 Soteropoulos, Marisa
10 Coutros, Peter 43 Kousoulas, Fr. Anastasios & Presv. Nektaria 76 Staikos, George & Christi
11 Diagelakis, Gerasimos & Kristen 44 Kousoulas, Panayiotis 77 Staikos, Nicholas, Eirini Daskalakis
12 Diamantis, Ioannis & Gerasimoula 45 Kypridakes, Michael & Asimina 78 Stathopulos, Peter&Julan, Adriana
13 Diver, Sean & Joanne 46 Lappen, Justin&Danielle 79 Stellakis, Eileen
14 Douvris, John & Aimee 47 Logothetis, Nikita & Sophia 80 Stier, Benjamin & Eleftheria Tsatsos
15 Fallon, Tom & Anna 48 Loukedis, Alexander & Jennifer 81 Tattoli, Larry & Maria
16 Ferreira, Jorge & Angela 49 Manoussakis, Stamati & Sofia 82 Tattoli, Steven
17 Finley, Thomas & Antoinette 50 Manteo, Michael & Gramatiki 83 Ticas, Cesar & Areti
18 Foglia, Katina 51 Mardakis, Arge 84 Toulatos, Nikoleta
19 Gabriel & Ioana Patuleanu Swift 52 Mariani, Anthony & Kristen 85 Toulatos, Polixenia
20 Gatanis, Michael & Angela * 53 Martin, Stephen & Despina 86 Tsokas, Lorraine
21 Georgeles, George & Maria 54 Mavrode, William & Ouania (Ronnie) 87 Tzovolos, Olympia
22 Giambrone, Charles J 55 McElroy, Stephanie 88 Vaporakis, Kaliope
23 Gianakos, Michael & Dianne 56 Millett, Matthew & Maria 89 Vlahakes, Louis & Anastasia
24 Giannouris, John & Tracey 57 Missios, Michael & Popi 90 Vlahakis, Dan
25 Gianos, Irene 58 Montalvo, Alex&Maria 91 Wolf, Chad and Jennifer
26 Giotis, John & Karen 59 Mulcahy, Dr. Wayne and Mary * 92 Wolfe, Richard & Penelope
27 Glynos, Peter & Cindy 60 Olsen, Richard & Kattia * 93 Wygera, Walter & Constance
28 Hawes, Ashlynn 61 Paitakes, John&Linda 94 Zajac, Pegi *
29 Hawes, Brian & Allison Faches 62 Pelios, Georgia 95  
30 Hawes, Teagan 63 Peppe, George & Demetra 96  
31 Hindle, Irene * 64 Petromelis, Christopher & Georgette 97  
32 Iliopoulos, Christos & Anna 65 Petromelis, Phyllis 98  
33 Jaghab, Danny & Delmy 66 Procyk, Eugenia 99  
 

                                                                                                                                                                            

*******************
 
Camp Good Shepherd - registration opens soon for the July 16-22 session at the Linwood McDonald YMCA in Sandystone, NJ (same location as last year).  Fr. A. will be there and he hopes our youth ages 8 - 18 will join him for a great week of summer camp!  Registration is now open for staff (counselors and counselors in training).  See Fr. A for more info.
Ionian Village 2023 Registration is now open.  The registration link is: https://www.ionianvillage.org/register
 
CrossRoad Institute Applications are also open for the June sessions in Boston: https://www.crossroadinstitute.org/ (CrossRoad is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and invites them to connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition in a deep and meaningful way. CrossRoad offers a space for young people to form authentic and lifelong friendships, ask hard questions, and explore their calling as an Orthodox Christian in the 21st century.)
 
Andrea Kalliaras is a parishioner within our Metropolis who has a health need. She has been diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia that can only be cured by a stem cell transplant. We have an opportunity to help Andrea by volunteering to take a test to determine donor suitability. This 10-second cheek swab test can be done in the convenience of one's home and is free of charge. We ask that you please include Andrea in your prayers and consider participating in the donor process.

Please use the following link to learn more about Andrea's situation and to find the instructions for ordering a test kit. www.swab4andrea.com.
(See Fr. A for more info). Thank you.
 
Nanny needed in Branchburg: "My husband and I are in search of a loving nanny for our 11-month-old daughter.  We just moved to Branchburg, NJ...either full-time or part-time.  Ella is 11 months old. Either 4 or 3 days a week. My phone number is 315-420-6523. We live in Branchburg, NJ... Thank you."   - Anna Badalian 

Kidney Donor Needed for 18-year-old: Melina Galias of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Egg Harbor Township, NJ has been on dialysis since June 2021.  She has been accepted to Drexel University but needs a kidney transplant.  Please register with VirtualHealth Kidney Donor Program on behalf of Melina.  A donor must be older than 18 and in good overall health.  A living donor is sought with O or B blood types. For more info re: registration --> virtua.org/KidneyDonation or call Jennie Roggio at 856-796-9376.  Thank you.

Area Diners/Restaurants are hiring.  Hostess position.  Various hours. See Fr. A for more information.

 

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

April 09

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.

April 09

The Holy Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea

This holy Martyr was from the parts of Cappadocia, and lived a blameless life with his wife. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, this blessed one was filled with divine zeal and, with other Christians, destroyed the pagan temple dedicated to Fortune. Because of this he received the crown of martyrdom by beheading in the year 362.

April 09

Raphael, Nicholas, Irene, & Olympias of Mytilene

For more on these saints, see Renewal (Bright) Tuesday.

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Tone. Psalm 117.26,1.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9.

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the 1st Tone

In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children, bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee, the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the 4th Tone

As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 2nd Tone

In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam."
BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Bulletin inserts

BACK TO TOP