2nd Sunday of Luke

Church Musicians Sunday

October 4, 2015

Hymns Following the Gospel (Small) Entrance

1.  Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode: 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.

  1. Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode: “Today is the Crown of our salvation, and the revelation of the mystery planned from eternity; the Son of God becomes the Virgin’s Son, and Gabriel announces the Grace. Wherefore, we along with him, cry out to the Theotokos “Hail O full of grace, the Lord is with you.”

3.  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.

Saints Commemorated today:

Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens, Domnina the Martyr and her daughters, John the Hermit

Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, Greek Orthodox Church, Woburn, MA

Phone (781) 935-2424

If you need to reach Fr. Demetre Mott please use the following contact information:

Cell - 857-225-3328 or Email

Parish News:

Sunday School Request

As we adjust to the new Sunday School schedule and program, we will be encountering some problems. One of those issues was the hall rental right after church. We are looking into adjusting the times of Sunday hall rentals to begin no earlier than 2 PM. While we make this transition, we are asking parents to wait for their children in Coffee Fellowship rather than in the lower hall. Parents of younger children can go downstairs at 11:15 to pick up their children from their classes. It is important that we notdisturbthe children's classrooms while in session.

Epistle Readers

One of the new ministries this year will be Epistle Reading on Sundays. We are seeking parishioners who will be willing to read the Epistle during the Liturgy. This may entail doing the reading a few times during the year. If you are interested, please sign up in the Pangari or let Father Demetre know. Thank you for your consideration in participating in this important ministry.

100th Anniversary Event Planning Committee Kick Off Meeting:

There is a lot to celebrate when you think that our Annunciation parish has been here for 100 years, touching people’s lives & making a difference. We want to run several major functions over the next few years to mark this milestone.

Some of the events we know we want to run include:

·  A tribute to all of the priests that have served here or started their ministry here.

·  We want to have a true Gala to commemorate the occasion.

·  We want to consecrate the chapel

We would like a large committee so that we can “divide and conquer” all of these major events!! Please join us for our kick-off meeting on Thursday, October 15th @ 7:00 at the church.

100th Anniversary: 100 Acts of Kindness Kick off Meeting:

As an Orthodox Christian community, we are called upon to show the Love of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ to all that we encounter. The purpose of this committee will be to proudly put our faith into action by making lots and lots of acts of kindness throughout our community.

This could include small things like visiting shut ins, volunteering for organizations that help people, or simply surprising a friend or loved one with some pastry & a coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

Or – it could be some large things, like running an event to support charities that mean a lot to us – like the Dwelling Place or the Woburn Council of Social Concern.


We have heard that in other communities, this has been the highlight of their celebrations… so please join us for our kick-off meeting on Thursday, October 22nd @ 7:00 at the church.

Receiving Holy Communion – We welcome to this celebration of the Divine Liturgy those Christians who are from other Christian Denominations and who are not fully united with us. Sadly, it is a consequence of the divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend to you an invitation to receive Holy Communion. Orthodox Christians believe that the Eucharist is the work or action of the celebrating community signifying a oneness of faith, life, and worship of the believing community. Reception of Holy Communion by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we must all pray. Visitors are welcome to receive the blessed bread (instead of communion) at the end of the Divine Liturgy.

When receiving Communion it is the practice of the Annunciation church to proceed in the following order; the newly baptized, Choir, and then the congregation under the direction of the ushers.

*If this bulletin is not going home with you please return it to the Pangari for recycling

Dear Annunciation Family,

Every year on the first Sunday in October we commemorate our church hymnographers and musicians. This Sunday the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America celebrates all who devotedly serve our church with their musical talents. The hymnologists of the Orthodox Church are Christians of virtue and great faith, having been endowed with musical talent as well as the power of religious inspiration. Their creations enrich our worship services and help turn our souls towards God. Perhaps the greatest of all hymnologists is St. Romanos the Melodist. Many other hymnologists wrote ecclesiastical hymns, but none of them inspired the Christians as much as St. Romanos. Romanos was a Syrian Christian who lived in the beginning of the 6th century. A convert to Orthodoxy from Judaism, he was ordained a deacon and served the Church of Beirut. His talent was great. Unlike others, he wrote his hymns in simple language and produced a pleasant meter in the verse by the way he accented words. The hymns he composed appealed to the hearts of the people, and are still sung today. Romanos has been called “Sweet Singer” (Glykophonos), “Melodist”(Melodhos), and “Righteous Chanter”(Psaltis Dhikeosinis). He wrote hundreds of hymns celebrating the mystery of the Incarnation, the Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the living of a Christian life. One of his most famous compositions is the hymn celebrating the Nativity of our Lord, “Today the Virgin gives birth to One who is above all living things…” (I Parthenos Simeron). St. Romanos is also said to have composed the Akathist Hymn, a kontakion that we still chant during the Friday evening Heretismoi services of Great Lent.

Have a blessed week,

+Fr. Demetre

Prayer for Church Musicians

O Heavenly Father, on this day proclaimed National Church Music Sunday by our Archdiocese, our parish recognizes the women, men, and youth in our parish who give their time and musical talent in service to You, our Lord, and to Your Church. Bless them, O Lord, as they sing praises to You, and glorify Your Name. Let their music be a witness to Your majesty and love, and remind us all of Your presence in our lives. Help them to bring the Word of God to our parish family through Your music, through chant and hymn singing. Help them to fulfill all the responsibilities this music ministry requires. Giving of time and talents to learn the hymns of our faith, teaching others these musical prayers, actively participating in the dialogue of our worship, and striving to enhance the beauty of our liturgical life. Help them to grow as disciples of the Lord by making every effort to hear the Word of God, integrate His teachings into our lives, and sharing it with others through hymns of praise.

Epistle Reading

St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11

Prokeimenon. Mode 1.
Psalm 32.22,1

Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

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.

Please pray for the following:

Irene P. Bobby Donna Dorrie Nathaniel Matthew

Vasiliki David Bob W. Mary Jim Alyssa

Fr. Nick Harry Mimi Chong Christina Elena Peter Kallie Steve Sylvia Eva Karen Katina

Joseph Peter O. Arthur O. Georgia Jean Greg

Paul Chris D George F. Chris Arthur P. Joseph Angelina Elaine Phil James Neil Nicky

John Elaine Elene Katerina Olympia Howard

Demetria Paul

Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke

The Gospel of Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "And 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."

Readings for October 11, 2015

Matins: John 20:11-18

Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15

Gospel: Luke 8:5-15

Hospital & Home Visits:

Fr. Demetre would like to visit all parishioners whenever they are in the hospital or home bound and the community would like to pray for their health. We kindly request, that you inform the church office at 781-935-2424 or Fr. Demetre at 857-225-3328 if you are planning to be hospitalized, or if a family member or friend is hospitalized or in need of visitation. Due to the Privacy Act, hospitals no longer inform the church about hospitalizations. The only way for us to know is through your kind notification.

Welcome to all who have entered this house of the Lord. We pray that you may find spiritual help and encouragement to face whatever may come in the week ahead.

*Please note there will be no fellowship today the HCC is rented.

Prosphoro Baker is Joy Rossettos.

Altar, Christ and Virgin Mary Candles are open to be offered.

The Weekly Bulletin is offered in loving memory of Lola Geraniotis and Kalipso Pappas.

In Pangari today are Jim Efstathiou, George Yeomelakis and Phil Spanos.

Altar Boys serving today are Stephen Klesaris, Arhtur Paleologos, John Bibilos, Vasili Georgountzos, John Peterson, Michael Damato, George Speros and Chis MaacInnis.

Memorials:

40-Day Memorial will be offered today for the repose of the soul of Charles Georgoulakos by his loving family.

May his memory be Eternal…

Philoptochos News:

Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, October 13th we will begin with fellowship at 6:30PM , then short a meeting at 7PM followed by making favors for the Teachers Luncheon. Please join us.

*Save the Dates:

October 6th Grape leave preparation 9:30AM

October 7th Baklava preparation 9:30 AM

October 9th Food Fair 11AM to 9PM

October 10th – Food Fair Taverna Night! 11AM to 11PM

October 13th – Philoptochos Meeting 7PM -

Over 50’s Trip same arrangements contact George Papadopoulos at 781-944-2187

October17th – Church Giant Yard Sale: Contact Venetia Mitropoulos or Bessie Meuse for rental space) Drop off donations to the church table on Friday October 16th.

October 24th Vendor Fair- Get you Christmas Gifts early!

October 25th Teachers Appreciation Luncheon after church.

November 14th “Seasons of Love” Tickets on sale soon!