Parish News

Schedule of Services for Week of October 27, 2024

Sunday, 10/27 8:30 a.m. Orthros / Liturgy - 7th Sunday of Luke
40 day baby blessing

GOYA Fall Festival: All children in Grades K-6 are invited to a Fall Festival, hosted by St. Anna GOYA, today, October 27th from 12-2. Children in Sunday School and Greek School are invited. You may wear a church appropriate Halloween costume or festive attire!

Parish Council Updates:

Save the date for the Fall Parish Assembly - November 24th. During this Assembly, we will focus on the financial budget for 2025 and nominations for Parish Council. The full agenda will be provided in early November.

Save the date: His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey will be visiting our parish to celebrate the Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos with Hierarchical Great Vespers on Sunday, December 8, 2024 and Orthros and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Monday, December 9, 2024. A flyer is attached to this bulletin.

Our new senior Parea ministry will host its first luncheon on November 5th from 12-2:30ish. We will meet the first Tuesday of the month in the middle classroom/fellowship hall. Please RSVP to Olympia Tzovolos (908) 285-3983 OR Aimee Douvris (908) 339-2511, [email protected]. We look forward to hosting our Senior parishioners. Look for the sign up in the fellowship hall after the liturgy

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS CORNER:

Thank you everyone for visiting our Ministry Fair Philoptochos table and learning all about what we do and who we are and how YOU can help! If you haven't already done so, please sign up for our 2nd Annual Paint & Sip!!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

The 2nd Annual Paint & Sip is this COMING WEEKEND!! Don't let yourself miss the fun at this year's event! Join us on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 6:30 to 9:30 to paint your masterpiece, have some wine, and join in the fellowship with family and friends! Our own Lisa Soteropoulos will entertain us with her magical voice!! Bid on some awesome Auction Items including an Electric Guitar valued at $375, Original Box "Cabbage Patch Dolls" each valued at $200, an amazing "Date Night" package with 2 great local restaurants and 2 bottles of wine, valued at $250, and much more! Cost is $35/person which includes all supplies and a glass of wine, appetizers and dessert. Cash, Credit Card, and Zelle (to St. Anna Philoptochos) accepted! Bring your talent and enthusiasm and take home a beautiful painting made by YOU! Be sure to sign up at the Philoptochos Table during Fellowship or contact Fay Vespa at: [email protected] or Katina Foglia at: [email protected] to sign up or for more information!
**Paint & Sip Flyer" is attached at the bottom of this bulletin.

Community Christmas Card - The St. Anna Ladies Philoptochos, on behalf of Father Jimmy and the Parish Council, is again sponsoring the St. Anna Community Christmas Card. This beautiful Orthodox Icon Card will allow us to wish each other the joys and blessings of Christmas through the love of Christ, and at the same time, support Philoptochos in our fundraising efforts. Please see Aimee Douvris at the Philoptochos table to include your family in the Christmas Card. Cost to participate is $10 or as much as you'd like to donate.

Christmas Bake Sale! Order your Christmas treats from Philoptochos from October 27 to December 15. Pick up your orders on Sunday, December 22, 2024 after the Christmas Pageant.

‘There is nothing impossible to him who will try.’ – Alexander the Great
Come "Try" with us! No THING is impossible! Make a difference with us!!!
St. Anna Philoptochos

Veterans Day Program: On Sunday, November 10, 2024, Saint Anna will be honoring our Veterans who served their country with courage and strength. Please join us for this special program for our Veterans and thank them for their service. RSVP: Veterans, by November 4, 2024, please confirm your attendance plans for the Veterans Day Program. Pews for Veterans and their families will be reserved for their place of honor. Please submit to [email protected].
ATTENTION ALL VETERANS: If you are new to Saint Anna and are a Veteran, please notify Denise Coutsouridis as soon as possible regarding your branch of the military, years served, and era of service so that you can be acknowledged during the program. Please email to Denise at [email protected].

Please join Saint Anna Philoptochos for St. Anna's "Veteran's Day Fellowship" by signing up to bring a treat for all to share with our Sign-Up Genius form at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090D4BAAA629A1F49-52598420-veterans/169265462.
Donations for Veterans’ Cause: For the month of November, Philoptochos will donate all funds collected from the donation box located on the Pangari/candle station to a Veterans’ organization.

First Sundays are Youth Sundays at St. Anna. GOYA, HOPE & JOY (grades K-6th), and our Little Blessings (Pre-K and under) ministries will meet on the First Sunday of the month. Our next meeting is November 3rd. Register Now.
GOYA (Grades 7-12) https://forms.gle/JKECwBdrma3bUTu69
HOPE & JOY (Grades K-6) https://forms.gle/CJWRD3rfdRxnfDbd6
Little Blessings (Pre-K & Under) https://forms.gle/r1hZ7kDa6uDdj1Vr7

YOUTH MINISTRY CONTACTS:

Sunday School Director: Nikol Toulatos [email protected]
Greek School Director: Maria Sfondouris [email protected]
GOYA Head Advisor: Larisa Trumpy [email protected]
Hope & Joy Advisor: Kristen Diagelakis [email protected]
Little Blessings: Lucy Pavlow [email protected]
Greek Dance Lead: Larisa Trumpy [email protected]
Young Adult League (YAL): Nikol Toulatos [email protected]
College Care Package Ministry: Maria Tattoli [email protected]
Parent Advisory Council (PAC): Lisa Soteropoulos [email protected]

GOYA Service Project: In honor of our Veterans, the St. Anna GOYA will be collecting donations for the charity Operation Jersey Cares which sends care packages to our troops deployed overseas. They will be packing the care packages on November 10th. A donation box will be placed in the hall to collect items. See flyer for the current needs list.

HOPE & JOY: Our next meeting is November 3rd. If you have any questions or you are interested in becoming a HOPE & JOY advisor please contact Kristen Diagelakis at [email protected].

Little Blessings: Thank you for the families who came out and supported our first Little Blessings Meeting! It was a great success!
Our 'Little Blessings' ministry invites our children from ages 1 to 4 on November 3rd, after Divine Liturgy. Join us for a 'Friends Giving' gathering to play, create a holiday craft and enjoy savory snack. Please see the attached Flyer.

Greek School: If you are interested in registering your child for Greek school or if you would like to find out more about our Greek school program please email Maria Sfondouris at [email protected].

Adult Greek School: New adult Greek class is beginning Monday, November 11th. The class will be in person on Mondays from 7:15pm- 8-15pm. Please email Maria Sfondouris with interest [email protected]

Sunday School: Please email Nikol Toulatos to register your children for the 2024-25 school year. Parents interested in volunteering for Sunday School teaching / aiding please reach out to Nikol Toulatos.

College Ministry SAVE THE DATE: All college students and YAL members are invited to St. Anna’s Annual College Reunion scheduled for Saturday, November 30 from 4:00-7:00 PM. Pizza and dessert will be served. Come hangout with your St. Anna friends and play a friendly volleyball match "College Students vs YAL". RSVP by 11/22 to Maria Tattoli @ [email protected]. See attached flyer.

ST. ANNA BOOKSTORE. FALL RECOMMENDATIONS:

FOR CHILDREN:
---- Variety of Saint books by Potamitis publishing.

FOR ADULTS:
---- "Gratitude in Life's Trenches: How to Experience the Good Life...Even When Everything Is Going Wrong".

If there is something in particular you are looking for, we can assist. Contact Angela Ferreira ([email protected]) or Aimee Douvris ([email protected]).

Saint Anna will offer an iconography class November 18-22. The class will be held at the church for 3 hours each evening, from 6 to 9 p.m. The instructor is Maria Athanasiou, author and illustrator of six published children's books. The icon subject will be an 8"x10" image of Christ Emmanuel (Christ as a child), focusing on His face, and the class will be suitable for students of all artistic skill levels... no previous art experience is needed to take it. We have designed it to use acrylic paints (easier for beginners than the traditional egg tempera medium), and all but the most commonly needed materials will be provided. The cost will be $300 per student. For more information, or to register, please call, text, or email Maria (631-235-6956, [email protected]) or Gerard A. Pelletier (609-917-0990, [email protected]).

Procedure for Holy Communion:
Our new procedure for receiving Holy Communion from the center aisle minimizes waiting on line and congestion. Please wait in your pew until a member of the Parish Council calls your pew. The order is as follows:
-Any Newly illumined (newly Baptized, Chrismated)
- Choir
-Sunday School students and Teachers
-Pew by pew per PC direction. Please wait until your pew is called.
-Those remaining in the narthex.

Sunday Fellowship Hour Sponsors: The Parish Council would like to make an appeal for sponsors of our Sunday Fellowship Hour for the Ecclesiastical year. Please consider sponsoring a fellowship hour to honor a friend or family member (perhaps a birthday or graduation), for the memory of a deceased loved one, or as a donation to support the Saint Anna parish. The requested fellowship hour sponsorship donations is $50 which covers the cost of bagels, all the spreads, coffee and condiments.

STEWARDSHIP: Stewardship is a practice that can help shape our world and lives so that we can more fully and gratefully experience God's grace, love, and communion. Inspired by our love of God, stewardship is expressed through the many ways we support and engage in the life of our beloved Parish. Parish engagement in the form of time, talent and treasure supports the mission and programs of our Church. As we embark on our Church’s future and continued progress, we recognize the incredible efforts of so many individuals over the past 20+ years that have led to remarkable accomplishments for our humble Community. To continue to build and maintain our momentum, and achieve our vision for Saint Anna, we depend heavily on parish engagement and stewardship. With your heartfelt pledges, we can maintain our church facilities, do God's work, and grow in Christ together. If you haven’t submitted your annual stewardship pledge card for 2024, we ask that you take the time to download and complete the card attached to this message. Kindly hand in your card when you come to Church or send it via email or the postal service by September 30. Thank you again for your support and may God bless you!

2024 Stewardship Status: Growth in the number of stewards is annually assessed by the Archdiocese and the New Jersey Metropolis and is a key indicator of stability and progress. All families and individuals must complete a stewardship card to be considered a steward. We have 165 Pledges totaling $214,336 and $187,320 received to date. We also have 4 families who have contributed $540 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. Please verify that you are current with your stewardship prior to the Fall General Assembly.

KIDNEY DONOR NEEDED: National Philoptochos Board Member Joanne Kakoyiannis, a long-standing National Philoptochos Board member is currently facing stage 5 chronic kidney disease and urgently requires a kidney transplant, preferably from a suitable living donor. It should be noted that Joanne’s blood type is O-positive. Joanne is working with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Kidney Transplant Program. They are available at (215) 662-6200 for confidential discussions to provide information about the living donation process and address your concerns. There is no financial burden on the donor. If you know someone who may be open to donating a kidney, please let them know about Joanne’s situation. The following website tells Joanne’s story: http://www.helpingjoannefindakidney.com/. If you need more information, please feel free to reach out to Penn (tel 215-662-6200), Peter Kakoyiannis (tel 215-715-5378; email [email protected]) and/or Jason Kakoyiannis (213-590-9125; [email protected]). Thank you!

PARISH LINKS:

St Anna Website: https://www.stannagoc.org/

St Anna Greek Orthodox Church Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/[email protected]&ctz=America/New_York

For questions to the parish council: [email protected]

To be added to the weekly bulletin email or for general questions: [email protected]

Saints and Feasts

October 27

Nestor the Martyr of Thessaloniki

As mentioned in the account concerning Saint Demetrius (October 26), this Saint contested during the reign of Maximian, in the year 290.

November 01

Cosmas and Damianos the Holy Unmercenaries and their mother Theodota

These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father, their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace.

November 02

Bishop Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn

Saint Raphael Hawaweeny was born on November 8, 1860 A.D., in Damascus, Syria, to pious Christian parents. He studied Arabic grammar and mathematics at the Antiochian Patriarchate parochial school where he was tonsured a reader in 1874. His strong academics served him well throughout his life, providing for him numerous opportunities to succeed and grow. He accepted a position in 1877 as an assistant teacher of Arabic and Turkish, which became full time in 1879. In 1879 he was tonsured a monk while working with Patriarch Hierotheos at the patriarchate, traveling with him on pastoral visits and serving as his personal assistant.

Longing to continue his theological studies, Raphael petitioned the Patriarch for permission to study at Halki Theological School, which was the only option for students of the Antiochian Patriarchate as the Balamand Seminary in Lebanon had been closed since 1840. After much persistence, Raphael received the blessing of the Patriarch and enrolled in Halki Seminary where he was ordained a deacon in 1885. After completing his degree at Halki, the young Deacon Raphael studied at the Kiev Theological Academy, working as a liaison between the Moscow and Antiochian patriarchates. Deacon Raphael was ordained to the holy priesthood in 1889 while in Kiev, continuing to serve that community for many years.

The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 led to the subsequent collapse of the silk industry in the Middle East, causing many Syrians and others to immigrate to the United States. These new citizens desired to have their religion present in their new homeland and sent letters to their mother churches for pastoral help. A few priests were sent, but none lasted, and so the people asked for Father Raphael Hawaweeny to come to America and serve. Both the Antiochian and Moscow Patriarchs agreed to this idea, and Father Raphael left for America where the people greeted him with great love. Father Raphael then spent many years serving the Syrians in Brooklyn, New York, but he desired to scan the continent for Syrians and other Orthodox Christians who were without spiritual leadership. He traveled by train and carriage across the nation, finding Orthodox Christians, recording their location, and performing liturgies, baptisms, and weddings. Upon his return to Brooklyn, Father Raphael worked to find clergy to send to these dispersed communities, giving them a full time pastor to minister to their needs.

In 1909, by the hands of Bishops Tikhon and Innocent of the Moscow Patriarchate, he was the first bishop consecrated in the New World. The now Bishop Raphael continued his ministry to the Christians throughout America. Bishop Raphael worked tirelessly in Brooklyn to mediate disputes between the Orthodox Christians from Syria and Maronite Catholic Christians who often fought violently with one another. Despite numerous outbursts and setbacks, Bishop Raphael continued his ministry serving the Orthodox throughout his vast diocese. One such incident was when an influential leader of the Maronite group was killed and many people accused Bishop Raphael of ordering his murder. This led to many people attempting to harm the bishop, but he endured it all willingly. He was arrested under attempted murder charges, but was eventually cleared and let go after much time and money was spent in his defense.

Throughout his time in North America, Bishop Raphael founded 36 parishes to bring the Church to the faithful who were without a priest to guide them. Bishop Raphael truly lived out the Gospel in all aspects of his life, striving tirelessly for the people in his care, even to the point of sacrificing his own physical health in order to maintain the spiritual health of his people. Bishop Raphael died on February 27, 1915, at his home in Brooklyn. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including clergy from all ethnic backgrounds, illustrating his love for all of the people of God regardless of where they came from. The sacred relics of Saint Raphael, “the good shepherd of the lost sheep in North America,” were first interred in a crypt beneath the holy table at his Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn on March 7, 1915, before being moved to the Syrian section of Mount Olivet Cemetery in Brooklyn on April 2, 1922. They were finally translated to the Holy Resurrection Cemetery at the Antiochian Village near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, on August 15, 1988. His sanctity was officially proclaimed by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America on March 29, 2000, and his glorification was celebrated on May 29 of that year at the Monastery of Saint Tikhon in Pennsylvania.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 1st Tone. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11.

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Tone

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

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.

Wisdom of the Fathers

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.

St. Ambrose of Milan

Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

Bulletin Inserts:

Archpastoral Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos

Save the date: His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey will be visiting our parish to celebrate the Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos with Hierarchical Great Vespers on Sunday, December 8, 2024 and Orthros and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Monday, December 9, 2024.

2024 St Anna Stewardship Pledge Card

PDF copy of 2024 St Anna Stewardship Pledge Card

Iconography Workshop Flyer

2nd Annual Paint & Sip Flyer

2nd Annual Paint & Sip! Join us on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 6:30 to 9:30

Little Blessings' Friends Giving

Our 'Little Blessings' ministry invites our children from ages 1 to 4 on November 3rd, after Liturgy.

Operation Jersey Cares Needs List

In honor of our Veterans, the St. Anna GOYA will be collecting donations for the charity Operation Jersey Cares which sends care packages to our troops deployed overseas. They will be packing the care packages on November 10th. A donation box will be placed in the hall to collect items.

09-2024 Memorial Koliva Order Form

St. Anna Ladies Philoptochos is offering the service of preparing Koliva, the boiled and sweetened wheat berries, for any memorial service needed. All requests should be made 2-3 weeks in advance to allow time for proper preparation of Koliva. If you would like to place an order, please complete the form.

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