Cathedral News
May
2012-Annunciation Cathedral's Greek Festival-Another Successful
Turnout
We were blessed with four days of good weather again this year. The 2012 Annunciation Greek Festival, held
in May 10 to May 13 on the grounds of the Annunciation Cathedral, was another huge success thanks to our
many wonderful "returning and first timer" visitors, friends and guests who attended this great event.
The goal of the Greek Festival is to share with al our neighbors, friends and guests, our Greek Orthodox faith,
Greek culture, customs and traditions, and many of the popular Greek food specialties. Throughout the four days,
our Annunciation Dancers entertained our guests by performing dances from all parts of mainland Greece and from
the Greek Islands.
The Festival Committee wishes to thank this year's festival co-chairmen of Evan Almyrantis, Tony Damalas and
Royall Ferguson for their hard work and commitment. They in-turn wish to thank all the volunteers and especially those
individuals in the background, for their dedication and countless hours performing service work
in so many crucial areas of the festival.
As we are sad the festival has to come to an end, we are already thinking and planning next year's festival.
Many of us are tired and sore from the festival events and we will need some time to recover (some more than
others) but be assured the festival will return again next year after Mother's Day!
December
2010-Special Prayer Service For St.
Nicholas Church at Ground Zero
On Sunday, December 5th at 2:00pm, on the eve of of the Feast Day of St. Nicholas
a special prayer service at Ground Zero will take place. On this solemn day we
will join the parishioners of St. Nicholas in New York City, not simply in observing
the Feast Day of the Wonderworking Saint and the Name Day of the church, but
we will intensify our prayers and supplications that the church dedicated to
him, the only house of worship destroyed on 9/11, be re-built at Ground Zero,
and soon!
CLICK HERE to read the entire document.
November 2010-Special Need Fundraising Drive to Assist Little 9 Month Old Sam Zarpas
Under the leadership of the Parish Council, we
ask you, members and friends of the Annunciation Greek
Orthodox Cathedral, to participate in a special fundraising
drive in assisting 9 month old Sam Zarpas who is battling
an extremely rare immune disorder that is attacking
his platelets and liver. Sam is
the son of Cindi and Steve Zarpas, a faithful family
of our Parish.
During the past six months, the family has made significant
sacrifices in order to address Sam's illness, which
is a disease known as ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic
Purpura).
In the process the family has incurred considerable
medical costs and expenses with various medical specialists
and hospitals in order to find a cure for Sam's ailing
condition. It is our wish to assist our brethren
who are reeling from this difficult moment of their
lives, and we exhort all of you to pray fervently,
for Sam and his family, for his health and well being.
If you wish to assist and participate in this worthwhile
fundraising drive, please send a tax deductible
contribution to the "Annunciation Cathedral Medical
Assistance Fund" at 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk,
VA 23505. Your generous donation will be directed
to defray Sam's medical related costs and expenses.
If you wish further information, please call the
Church Office, (757) 440-0500.
CLICK
HERE To read Fr. Ambrose's entire Fundraising
Drive letter for Sam Zarpas.
May 2010-Annunciation
Cathedral's 2010 Greek Festival Draws Record
Crowds
With some of the best weather and record crowds,
Hampton Road's largest ethnic festival, the Annunciation
Cathedral's Greek Festival, wrapped up four days
of fellowship, religious tours, food and entertainment.
After last year's bad weather and low attendance,
this year's festival was perfect. "This is definitely
the largest crowds we've ever seen." noted Festival
Chairman Nick Harrison.
Congratulations to the entire Festival Committee,
chaired by Nick Harrison and his right hand man,
Ted Maroulis and to Father Ambrose for his guidance.
We especially wish to thank each of the Chairpeople
of the different booths for making this year's festival
one of the best ever. A special thank you to all
of our generous parishioners who donated countless
hours and to all of our sponsors. All proceeds of
the festival benefit the Cathedral and it's ministries
as well as local community charities.
CLICK
HERE To read Fr. Ambrose's Festival
Thank You letter to the Community.
November 2009-The
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Community
Welcomes the Very Reverend Ambrose Bitziadis-Bowers
as our new Proistamenos
On Sunday November 1, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox
Cathedral welcomed the Very Reverend Ambrose Bitziadis-Bowers
to the community as he celebrated his first Divine
Liturgy as the new Proistamenos.
Archimandrite Ambrose Bitziadis-Bowers was born in
Thessaloniki-Greece. He finished his elementary, high
school and undergraduate college education in Greece
as well as the post-graduate studies - Master in Theology
- at the Theological School of the Aristotle University
of Thessaloniki. During his theological studies, he
was ordained deacon on November of 1985 and Archimandrite
on February of 1991.
...Read
Full Text >
September 2009-His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to visit Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey
His Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey,
joyfully and with profound sentiments of gratitude
to Almighty God announces the forthcoming Patriarchal
visit of His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey and
specifically to the STS. Constantine and Helen Greek
Orthodox Church in Annapolis, Maryland, on Monday,
November 2, 2009.
Click
here to view full media release
May
2009-Annunciation's
2009 Greek
Festival
Annunciation's 2009 Greek Festival is now officially
over. The festival was held on the church grounds
on Thursday, May 14 through Sunday, May 17. The Greek
Festival, Tidewater’s oldest and largest ethnic festival, included the
traditional Greek cuisine, exciting dancing, Greek music, crafts, beautiful
jewelry, a cooking school, and the very popular drive-thru!
The Fesival Committee wishes to thank this year's Chairwoman, Maria Maroulis.
Her endless energy, time and dedication ensured the success of this year's
festival. A special thank you to the Youth Challenge Program and to all our
volunteers for their generous and continued support they give to the festival.
Your efforts and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated.
December
2008-Annunciation's New Year's Eve Dance Celebration
On Wednesday evening, December 31, 2008, our Cathedral
brought it in the new year with a New Year's Eve Dance.
A family-oriented
night of of fellowship, dance, music, great food and celebration
was enjoyed by all ages.
The Parish Council thanks all those hard working members
of our church who promoted, sold tickets and for the beautiful
decorations. A special
"Thank You" and
sincere
appreciation
to
John
Pouloutides
for chairing the event and for the many hours of work he
devoted to ensure it's success.
September
2008-Annunciation's Community Outreach Sunday
On Sunday, September 14, 2008 our Cathedral celebrated
Community Outreach Sunday. The event was well attended
and everyone enjoyed the fellowship and the offerings of
our Church's Ministries and organizations.
Many thanks to all who helped set up, attended a
table, mingled with parishioners, answered questions, greeted
new members of our church, and provided refreshments! It
was a splendid event because of the coming together of
us all!
A special "Thank You!" and sincere appreciation for a job
well done to Meredyth Houpos and Lynne Eklund. Together,
they
accomplished one of the many tasks that we as Stewards of
our faith are called to do, which is “Outreach”.
Please visit the Picture
Gallery to view pictures
of the event.
This year’s Greek Festival is now over and we’d
like to extend a big thanks to everyone involved.
To our guests and friends who attended the Festival,
all the vendors and sponsors, the band and our dancers
that performed and the many Festival volunteers,
workers, and contributors. THANK YOU!!
The Greek Festival began Thursday, May 15 and ended on Sunday, May 18. The Greek
Festival, Tidewater’s oldest and largest ethnic festival, included the traditional
Greek cuisine, exciting entertainment, arts and crafts, beautiful jewelry, a
cooking school, and the very popular drive-thru!
A wide variety of artwork, gold, and fine jewelry was on display for purchase
in the Hellenic Center in the Agora (Marketplace), with internationally known
artists highlighting the art exhibit.
The Cathedral and Chapel was opened throughout the festival, and a special choir
concert was held on Sunday afternoon in the Cathedral.
Visit
2008 Greek Festival
March 2008-Visit from Dr. Maria
Khoury from our Sister Church in Taybeh, Palestine
Dr. Maria Khoury visited our Cathedral on Sunday
March 2, 2008. During her visit, Dr. Khoury spoke
with all Sunday School students and parents in the
Chapel during regular Sunday School times. Everyone
listened with admiration as she shared her experiences
of life in the Holy Land as an Orthodox Christian.A
collection tray was passed in the Cathedral during
her visit for the Taybeh Education Fund and the donations
totaled $1,500. The Taybeh Education Fund is a special
endowment fund of St. George Greek Orthodox Church
of Taybeh, Palestine in cooperation with our Annunciation
Cathedral to assist Palestinian Christian families
meet tuition needs in local universities in Palestine
(the occupied Palestinian Territories).
Born in Tripoli, Greece, and raised in Denver, Colorado,
Dr. Khoury now lives in Taybeh, Palestine, with her husband
and three teenage children. Her newest book "Coloring with
Christina", based on "Christina Goes to the Holy Land", will encourage
the very young to one day make the journey of a life-time by coloring the holy
places. With quotes from
the Bible, it is educational for all but created for the
very young- what a great gift for Pascha!
February 2008-Ieronymos of Thebes and Levadeia elected Archbishop of Athens and All Greece
ATHENS-2/7/08 –
Metropolitan Ieronymos of Thebes and Livadia was elected by the Holy Synod as the new Archbishop of Athens and All Greece and as the Prelate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece.
Ieronymos, born Ioannis Liapis in 1938, is a graduate of the School of Philosophy and the School of Theology of the University of Athens, followed by Byzantine studies on a nationwide state scholarship, and post-graduate studies in Austria and Germany.
He was academic assistant to the great archeologist Anastasios Orlandos, founding member and later president of the Archaeological Society of Athens, and as a teacher of literature at the Leontios School in the Nea Smyrni suburb of Athens, as well as at high schools in Athens and Avlona.
He abandoned his academic career after entering the clergy.
Ieronymos served as Coadjutor Metropolitan of Thebes & Livadia from 1967-78, where he was unanimously elected Metropolitan in 1981, after serving as Hegoymen of two monasteries (1971-1981) and as secretary and later Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece (1978-81).
The overwhelming majority (82 of the 110) priests in his Metropolis are degree-holders in Theology with a second degree (in literature, architecture, medicine, informatics teachers, teachers, economic sciences, etc.) making it the first Metropolis of the Church of Greece to have a clergy of such a high level of education.
Under his term as Metropolitan and his guidance, six monasteries (with a total of 45 monks) and 17 convents (with a total of 110 nuns) were renovated and staffed, while he has also written numerous articles, studies and books on theological, social and historical topics, while his book "Medieval Monuments of Evia" received the Athens Academy's top award in 1970.
His social work also includes the founding of boarding schools, orphanages and introduction of the institution of foster families, shelters for the elderly, rehabilitation centres for the mentally challenged, a training centre for the creative occupation of children with special needs in cooperation with prefectural agencies, a drug prevention centre, food kitchens for the poor, including economic immigrants, consulting centres, and a Centre of Historical and Archaeological Studies, while, as a former academic, he had developed a special relationship with the teaching community in Viotia.
Other accomplishments in his Metropolis include a model camping facility on Mt. Parnassos, while at his initiative the Viotia History and Culture Research Centre was founded, which collaborates with the universities of Durham and Cambridge.
Ieronymos was also a protagonist in the creation, in his home town of Oinofyta, of a Population Awareness Centre on environmental and economic immigrants' issues.
He has also been awarded an honorary PhD from the University of Craiova, in Romania, and is also president of the Hellenic Heart Foundation (ELIKAR), a public benefit foundation.
(based on ANA)
NEW YORK – With great sorrow and deep heartfelt emotion the entire flock of the Holy Archdiocese of America learned of the passing of the late Archbishop of Athens and all Greece, Christodoulos of blessed memory.
The late Archbishop Christodoulos reposed in the peace of God at 5:15 a.m. (Greek time), today, Monday, January 28, 2008, at his residence, after battling with a disease that lasted many months and which required lengthy medical treatments administered to him at home, which is where he desired to be, despite the swift deterioration of his health.
His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America, as soon as he was informed of the passing of the late Archbishop Christodoulos, issued this statement:
The passing of the late Archbishop of Athens and all Greece, Christodoulos of blessed memory, saddens us deeply, for with his departure from this world the Church has lost an exceptional and highly esteemed Hierarch, as well as a brilliant champion of Orthodoxy and of the universal values of the Hellenic cultural tradition. I had the special honor to know him from the time he attended high school, and afterwards, to appreciate his dynamism, his kindness, his intellect and his great offering to the Church in important areas such as the divine worship, pastoral and social care, as well as inter-Orthodox and inter-Christian relations. I pray fervently to the Lord for the repose of the soul of the distinguished and ever-memorable brother and concelebrant, the late Archbishop Christodoulos, in the tabernacles of the saints and of the righteous.
The illness of the late Archbishop was diagnosed on June 9, 2007, when he was admitted to the “Aretaio” Hospital of Athens. On August 18, 2007, the Archbishop traveled to Miami, Florida, with the prospect to receive a liver transplant, which in the end was not possible, and for which reason he returned to Greece on October 26.
Immediately after the announcement of the passing of the late Archbishop Christodoulos, a four day mourning period was declared. The funeral service will take place in the Cathedral of Athens on Thursday, January 31, 2008.
Archbishop Demetrios of America will depart for Athens tomorrow, Tuesday January 29th, in order to accompany His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the funeral services of the late Archbishop Christodoulos.
September 2007- AGOC Youth Camp Blankets Sent to Fire Victims in Greece
Children of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral donated their homemade blankets to the victims of the devasting fires in Greece. The blankets were a service project during the 2007 Summer Youth Camp that accompanied a lesson about God’s loving protection to the three Hebrew children Shadrach, Mishach and Abednago who were thrown into a fiery furnace because of their faith.
Layers of orange and red fleece were distributed and tied together around the edges by the 100 children ages 3 to 18. A total of 15 blankets were assembled.
We hope our fellow brothers and sisters in Greece will find comfort in the warmth of these blankets as the cold weather approaches.
May 2007- Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral's 2007 Greek FestivalThe 2007 Greek Festival, Tidewater's oldest and largest ethnic festival, was held on May 17-May 20. This year's festival was a huge success thanks to the leadership of festival chairman Chris Stephanitsis, the festival committee, the clergy, and especially to the 250+ volunteers who worked so diligently and tirelessly. A special thanks goes out to Patty Giannoutsos who had the daunting task of getting all the volunteers together.
April 2007- Condolences of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for Virginia Tech University Family
New York, NY - In response to the unfathomed tragedy and senseless loss of life at Virginia Tech University on Monday, April 16, 2007, Archbishop Demetrios of America has offered the fervent prayers and deepest sympathy of the Greek Orthodox faithful in America.
In a letter yesterday to Dr. Charles W. Steger, President of Virginia Tech University, Archbishop Demetrios wrote,
“This horrific incident has shattered our thoughts and hearts while we are still journeying in the period which celebrates our Lord’s victory over death and His granting to us eternal life and salvation. May the ‘Father of mercies and God of all comfort’ (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) give you, your faculty, the students and their parents the strength today and the days ahead to bear the heavy burden of this enormous loss. God promises to be with us always in times of grief and unbearable pain, even in the shadow of death.
We, at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, offer our fervent prayer for the comforting of everyone who has been affected by this act of violence. May the Lord, the Divine Comforter and Savior of humankind, grant life to all and eternal memory to those who perished.”
Archbishop Demetrios also affirms the ministry of Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF), its Virginia Tech Chapter, and International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), who are working to provide traumatic incident counseling to those who have been affected. OCF and IOCC are endorsed agencies of SCOBA, the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas. For more information please log onto www.ocf.net.
Annunciation Cathedral commences the 2006-2007 Youth Religious Education ProgramSeptember 26, 2006 - Our 2006-2007 Youth Religious Education Program is off to a great start! We have 263 registered students and a support staff of 50 adults. A continuing education program has been provided to our teachers/assistants as a motivational tool to better support the Mission of our Church. A new Orientation Seminar was offered for all parents/students to give an overview of educational goals. Feedback surveys are available for teachers/students/parents.
Our program has adopted a theme for this school year - "Celebrating the Gift of Teaching - Turning Water into Wine". This theme is inspired by Father Frank Marangos, acting Director of the Archdiocese Dept. of Religious Education. Our model is the story of Jesus' first miracle at the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). As Jesus turned just 6 pots of water into an abundance of Wine, our teachers will quench the thirst of our students with the Wisdom of the Lord. Through the curriculum, students will understand how God's perfection influences our direction in six areas (6 waterpots): Worship, Love, Family, Truth, Obedience and Servanthood.
Our teachers and students look forward to a spiritually fulfilling year. Please observe the Sunday School bulletin board and classrooms as our theme and learning process comes alive!
Annunciation Cathedral announces the new Director of Youth Ministries
September 5, 2006 - The Annunciation Cathedral is pleased to announce that Ms. Elenie Poulos, a 2006 graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School, Brookline, Mass. has joined us as our new Director of Youth Ministries. Eleni is a native of Canton, Ohio. She joined our Annunciation family on September 5, 2006. Her graduation from the Greek Orthodox School of Theology was on May 20, 2006 where she received her Masters in Divinity degree. She will be a great asset to our youth ministry team!!
Annunciation Cathedral Adopts Sister Parish in Taybeh
July 24, 2006 - At the July parish council meeting, the council voted unanimously upon the recommendation of Father Seraphim that we adopt the Palestinian Orthodox Christian community of Taybey in Israel as our "Sister Parish." Maria Khoury who works tirelessly there for the Christian community was deeply moved when she was informed of our adoption program. Maria will be with us in October to speak on what it is like to live as a Christian in Israel. Blessing of the Animals sponsored by the Youth Groups of our Community.
New Religious Education Director Appointed
July 12, 2006 - Irene Clare, a member of our Cathedral has been appointed the new religious Education director and will begin her duties with the beginning of the Sunday school year 2006-2007. Irene succeeds Lynn Robbins who has served as director the past five years with distinction. Irene is the wife of Dr. Robert Clare. They have four children, Eleni, John, Michael and Matthew.
Lynn Robbins and her assistant Lynne Ecklund will continue to serve in new capacities. Lynn will assist Father Seraphim as Retreat and Seminar director and Lynne Eklund will serve on the Stewardship Committee on the Welcoming Committee.
We wish to thank Lynn and Lynne for their zeal and dedication to the Religious Education program and wish Irene God's blessings as she begins her service to this most vital program of the Church.
Annunciation Parish Responds to Palestinian Orthodox Distress Call
September 11, 2005 - Answering a distress call from Orthodox Christian families in Palestine, the Annunciation Cathedral Parish Council approved the Outreach/Evangelism/Missions Committee recommendation to send $1,000 to help alleviate the tragic event. Outreach/Evangelism/Missions Committee is an arm of the Stewardship Committee.
Muslim fanatics burned the homes of 14 Orthodox Christian families in Taybeh. All their belongings, furniture, clothing and schoolbooks were destroyed while 75 Palestinian police officers available to help were detained at a checkpoint by the Israeli army. It was not until the American Consul intervened that the officers were permitted to assist the victims.
The funds being sent are from the second tray for missions. Parishioners can be proud of their support at tragic times such as this.
ANNUNCIATION HAS DRIVE FOR KATRINA VICTIMS
September 9, 2005 - The parish is conducting a dual drive to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In cooperation with the Southeastern Virginia Foodbank, parishioners are asked to fill shopping bags with non-perishable foods and paper products. The Foodbank will take truckloads to the victims, and asked that those donations specifically meant for the Katrina victims be marked so as not to be co-mingled with the regular supply.
Health Kits are also being requested by the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities), that will be filled with such essentials as a hand towel, wash cloth, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, band aids, etc. These Health Kits were also donated after the Tsunami disaster and a very successful drive resulted at that time.
The Outreach/Evangelism/Missions committee, an arm of the Stewardship Committee, initiated and is coordinating the effort with the cooperation of the Hellenic Women's Club, Philoptochos and GOYA.
THE 94th "ANNUCIATION OF THETHEOTOKOS" BALL A SUCCESS!!!
March 20, 2005 - 300 guests got to witness, NO DIAS! And NO SPEECHES! Well… Almost! However, this event was definitely the social high point of this season. Introduced to the community with their family were our honored guests from Greece for the evening, the ten NATO Allied Command Transformation Group officers. We are excited and blessed to have them with us in Norfolk. Nick Trivelas with his newly formed "A Night In Athens" showcasing the raw high energy talent of George Antonopoulos that mesmerized our audience from his first note to his last. The music was authentic and gutsy. The atmosphere charged. George's exhilaration was infectious. Joanna added her voice to George's and Nick's rounding out the trio, as they performed the current Tsiftetelia, Zebekika, and Syrta; the well-known Dimotika, (Kalamatiana, Tsamika, Nisiotika); and Rebetica. In addition, unbelievably our Hope/Joy children immediately got up formed lines and started dancing. Joined quickly by their moms and dads yayas and popous. The dancing was none stop except for a special pre-festival treat by our own Annunciation Dance Troop! Our appreciation goes to our fellow parishioners who gave of their time and resources to help make this joyous event A SMASHING SUCCESS!
