Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
SEPTEMBER 2009
“In the Church are found all our blessings,
our hopes and expectations, our peace,
our joy, together with cleansing and
sanctification. It is there that the truth of
the future resurrection, of the victory over
death is so often announced. Who that
lives a blessed life would not love the
Church with all his heart! Everything that
is best, most exalted, most precious, holy,
wise, and blessed is found in the Church.”
A LIFE
ill and or has passed away; let answer to our prayers, but the
alone the possibility that our Lord hears the voice of our
own health might be in precar- prayers. Evidence of this Truth
ious state. Some people may can be found throughout the history
have lost their job, are afraid of
losing their job or feel trapped
in a job that is unrewarding,
WORTH of the human race and specifically
recorded in the Holy Scriptures.
The Bible is filled with examples
unsatisfactory, even unacceptable. of people who are in crisis or
Many may see in the new
month nothing more than the
tide of bills rising and options
LIVING afraid that sincerely wonder if life
their life is worth living. But
rather than succumb to despair,
becoming fewer. On top of all they turn themselves over to the
of this, there is the on going Lord and in the midst of turmoil,
debate on healthcare, concern come to the realization that come
over the national debt, the treat what may God is with them.
of tax increases, the threat of Time after time, case after case,
terrorism and evil despots threatening the world with Jesus Christ alone makes life worth living. Sick or
weapons of mass destruction. Life in the modern age healthy, wealthy or poor, happy or sad, only when we
is complicated. reach out to the Lord do we discover Who it is that
really makes our life worth living.
Such things and more, can easily generate within us a
feeling of fear and frustration that cripples our love As someone once said: “a man may go to Heaven:
and poisons our faith. Sadly such conditions are not without health, without wealth, without fame, without a
new. The troubles and concerns of mortal life do not great name, without learning, without big earning,
essentially change dramatically down through the without culture, without beauty, without friends.
ages. Circumstances evolve, problems develop new Without 10,000 other things. But no one truly lives and
names and causes, but the very basic threats to life goes to heaven without Christ.”
and the quality of life, (let alone fear and sin) are
remain from one generation to the other. Fortunately, Problem and needs may differ from person to person,
the fact of the matter is that at the same time the value
(Continued on page 4)
PAGE 2
THE PROMISE
THANK YOU
TYLER ALLEY, LEE BAILEY,
ANDREW HARB &
CHRISTOPHER MOUTOS!
The Annunciation Church family thanks and honors
four extremely dedicated servants of the Lord who
throughout the last few years embraced the great
responsibility as one of our Acolyte Leaders in order to
help ensure that we all are able worship the Lord
according to the good order and principles of the Holy
Orthodox Church. The time has come for these four
outstanding young men to head off to college and
thereby conclude their faithful service as Annunciation
Acolyte Leaders. As such, it was only fitting that our
Church family pause to honor them for their many
years of steadfast service. While this by no means sug-
gests that we will not see these fine gentlemen again or
that they will waver in their steadfast commitment to
serve Christ at the Annunciation, it is merely an oppor-
tunity to thank them for a job well done. On SUNDAY,
AUGUST 16TH, it was with great joy that our Church
family presented Tyler Alley, Lee Bailey, Andrew Harb
and Christopher Moutos with a plaque in appreciation
for their exemplary service. This occasion marked the
end of one chapter their life of service at the
Annunciation and in due time, we look forward to the
new and inspired paths of faithful service theses gentle-
men will embrace in the name of the Lord at this their
spiritual home in Little Rock. It was therefore with
bittersweet joy that we honor our four Acolyte Leaders
- we will be sorry to see them go off to school but at the
same time we look forward with eager anticipation to
the new ways that they will honor Christ and His
Church at the Annunciation in the years ahead.THANK
YOU TYLER, LEE, ANDREW & CHRISTOPHER!
PAGE 3
THE PROMISE
PASTORAL MESSAGE Regardless of whether we are financially secure or in a
tight circumstance, if we approach everyday of our life
(Continued from page 2)
as an opportunity to please the Lord in a meaningful
way according to His Will, make no mistake, He will
make our life worth living. Regardless of whether we are
in good health or our body is weak, if we set aside time
but the One who changes lives is not always the same. to pray to Him, worship Him and study His Holy
but His love for us is boundless. Problems will always Word, there is no doubt that He will make our life
be with us, but knowing God and making Him the worth living. And regardless of whether we are bubbling
center of our life is what always makes life worth living. over in joy or choking back a river of tears, if are willing
Coming into blessed contact with eternal and living to trust the Lord and participate in His Life through the
God through the services and sacraments of the Church, there is no question, He make our life worth
Church is what makes life worth living. Serving the living.
Lord through the generous offering of our personal
time talent and treasure to the Church is what helps Christ is the one who gives us life! Christ is the one who
get this Truth across and makes our own life, let gives our life meaning. Christ is the One who gives our
alone the life of others, worth living. life worth. While money cannot buy us a single extra
day of life, Christ provides us eternity. Whereas emo-
In good times or bad, every time we strive to know, tions change with circumstances, Christ is unchanging.
love, and serve the Lord our life is revealed in a new Where good health is fleeting, Christ is eternal.
light - the light of Christ. Only in the light of Jesus Popularity fades but God and His House perpetually
Christ can anyone know what it is to live. Only in the flourishes.
light of Christ can we appreciate the immeasurable
value of our Annunciation membership and our Ultimately, our life's worth depends on our perspective.
Orthodox Christian life. Proclaiming and believing If we hinge the hopes and dreams of life on what we
that “Christ is in our midst and shall always be”, is alone can accomplish…our life's worth is precarious at
what ultimately always makes all of the trials and best. If we value our life based on what we alone want
tribulations of life bearable. Reaching out to the Lord and or possess…our life's worth is subject to theft and
and clinging to His Church, changes who we are, decay. If we value our life based on our physical condi-
how we see the world and what we are capable of tion… then our life's worth is fleeting. If we value our life
doing or overcoming. People that trust in the Lord based on who we like and who likes us... then our life
and actively seek Him out inevitably recognize the will be disappointing. But if we truly appreciate what
power and presence of Christ; thereby discovering the Lord our God has done and IS doing for us and our
that He indeed makes life worth living. sake, there is nothing we need fear. Christ suffered,
died and rose on the third day, He knows and loves us,
No one that truly sees their life in the context of their HE makes our life worth living. Christ alone can guide
relationship with Christ and active membership in through every storm. He alone can deliver us from the
His Church are ever the same, or can ever be over- power of any enemy. God alone can breathe new life
come. Anyone who says that they are trying to lead a into every hopeless situation. He alone can heal when
Christian way of life but do not respond to His Word all other avenues of hope have disappeared. Our Lord
or come under the shelter of His House will find nei- and Savior alone, always makes our life worth living!
ther God’s will or means by which to effectively meet
the challenges and concerns of life. If we do not live As St. Paul wrote to the Romans 15: 13:
our life in accordance to His teachings and in relation
to Him and His flock, we are not willing or able to “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
reach out and touch “the fringe of God's garment”. in believing,, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit,,
Worshipping, loving, and serving the Lord in good you may abound in hope.”
times and bad is what makes life worth living and
assures us of eternal life in His Heavenly Kingdom. Rev. Dr. Nicholas J. Verdaris
PAGE 4
THE PROMISE
HOW TO PLEASE THE LORD
WELCOME IN THE NAME
OF THE LORD
Of the many ways we can show the Lord just how
important He is to us and our life, perhaps nothing is
as meaningful then when we meet at His Holy House to
worship Him at the appointed time. To do this regularly The Annunciation family congratulates Sawat &
is an expression of love that not only honors our Rommy Talbert on the
sacred obligation as Orthodox Christians, but it baptism of their son,
speaks volumes about the content of our heart and TRISTAN GEORGE, who was
the importance of Christ in our life. Just as when our baptized at the Annunciation
children do something we ask of them, not because on JUNE 13TH. George
they “have to” but because it will please us, so too will Khamis is Tristan’s proud
the Lord be moved by an ongoing commitment to godfather. May God bless
attend the services regularly and on time. our newest servant of the
Lord, together with all of
MATINS, 9:00AM / DIVINE LITURGY, 10:00AM his family and friends!
OUR CONDOLENCES
The Annunciation family notes with deep sadness the
passing of our brother in Christ, TONY CONGRATULATIONS!
HUCKABAY, the father of Christopher Huckabay,
who fell asleep in the Lord. The Annunciation family congratulates Raouf &
Tamara Kassissieh on the baptism of their son
DANIEL. He was baptized at Church of the
The Annunciation family Presentation of the Lord on July 5th in Amman
notes with deep sadness Jordan. Issa Kassissieh & Muna Kassis served as
the passing of our sister proud godparents. May the Lord bless the newest
in Christ, MARTHA servant of the Lord together with all of family and
HOPPER, the mother of friends here and around the world!
Paul Cantrell, who fell
asleep in the Lord.
The Annunciation family notes with deep sadness
the passing of our sister in Christ, OLGA JULIE
KAISER, the mother of Bek Kaiser, who fell asleep
in the Lord.
Let us keep these families in our prayers and
beseech the Lord to offer them His comfort and
strength.
PAGE 5
THE PROMISE
ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN
STEWARDSHIP: BOOOO!!!!
A WAY OF LIFE The GOYA Sponsored HALLOWEEN PARTY
by Fr James W Kordaris is scheduled for
HOW MUCH DO I OWE? Friday, October 30th
It was Sunday and the parish council members were
counting the Sunday offering in the church office as
at 6:00pm
the offering trays were being brought in from Divine
Liturgy. One faithful parishioner found his way back It s fun for all ages - See
to the church office and politely inquired, "How
much do I owe?"
you there!
This made practical sense at the time as we were (Remember: You must be a member of GOYA in good
beginning to establish local parishes. But when you standing to qualify for the Annunciation Scholarship and
think about it, the idea of dues is just bad theology. attend the 2010 Basketball Tournament. Participation in this
(Continued on page 9) retreat,, maintains one’s good standing in GOYA A.)
PAGE 6
THE PROMISE
A LUNCHEON DISCUSSION TIME FOR OUR YOUTH
MINISTRIES TO SHINE!
On SEPTEMBER 27TH
we are going to try It is that time of year to sign-up for the Annunciation’s
something new to youth ministries. Please take the time to register fill out
hopefully build the the forms during Fellowship Hour! By registering each
bonds of fellowship of your children you help the Church update its contact
within our Church information as well as maintain current vital medical and
family as well as expand our understanding of our permission forms!
Orthodox Christian faith.
GET INVOLVED IN JOY,
From September 13th until the 20th A QUESTION BOX JR. GOYA & GOYA TODAY!!!
will be set up for people to anonymously write down
question(s) about any aspect of our faith, morality, etc. JOY (JUNIOR ORTHODOX YOUTH): our youth ministry
that they have always wanted to ask and never could find for the youngest members of our Church family up to
an opportunity to ask. Then on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER age 9.
27TH after the Divine Liturgy we will share a lunch together,
and Fr. Nicholas will start to answer the anonymous JUNIOR GOYA: our youth ministry program geared for
questions that were submitted as well as any off the those youth to old for JOY and too young for GOYA!
floor. This will hopefully be an enjoyable opportunity
for our Church family get to know each other a little bet- GOYA (GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH OF AMERICA):
ter by breaking bread together, as well as discover a our youth ministry geared towards those young people
little bit more about the Church and faith that is so very in our Church family ages 12-18.
dear to us and our life. Please make plans to join us.
These three vital ministries strive to instill Orthodox
Christian principles and enhance our young people’s
Luncheon Discussion With relationship with Christ through their experiences at
Fr. Nicholas the Annunciation. These
ministries are guided by the
principles of: Faith,
When: Sunday, September 27th Service, Fellowship & Fun.
THE MORE OUR YOUTH
Where: Annunciation Ballroom PARTICIPATE, AND THE
MORE THEIR PARENTS
VOLUNTEER - THE BETTER
Food: Will be provided! THESE MINISTRIES FUNCTION.
PAGE 8
THE PROMISE
STEWARDSHIP: A WAY OF LIFE position. The system of dues however, gives us the false
idea that we are "all paid up" for this year if we just pay
(Continued from page 6)
this specified amount.
Summer Work
PAGE 10
THE PROMISE
Is
Fr. Nicholas
available for
lessons????
Summer Fun
PAGE 11
THE PROMISE
COLLEGE BOUND? CONGRATULATIONS!
ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS AND OR PARENTS
OF COLLEGE STUDENTS, the Church wants to stay The Annunciation family
in contact! Please provide the Church Office with joyously congratulates
a mailing and email address in order for the ELIAS ALLEY & AMANDA
Annunciation and the Office of Campus Ministry GRAY who were joined in
to keep the lines of communication going while far blessed matrimony at the
away from home. Annunciation on Saturday,
June 6th. Christopher
Alley served as their
NAME: ______________________________ sponsor.
EMAIL:_ _____________________________
The Annunciation family joyously congratu-
lates GREGORY ARMAN & MANAL KASSEES who
Cell: ________________________________ were joined in blessed matrimony at the
Annunciation on Saturday, June 14th. Jawan
Kassees served as their sponsor.
ADDRESS:____________________________
CITY :____________________S TATE :______
ZIP:________ MAY GOD GRANT YOU ALL MANY YEARS
OF LOVE & HAPPINESS !
EXPLORE THE
ORTHODOX CONGRATULATIONS
CHRISTIAN & WELCOME!
FAITH!
The Orthodox Study Class will be The Annunciation Church
meeting once again this month in order to further family joyously congratulates
explore our Orthodox Christian Faith in light of the Mr. & Mrs. Jeries & Rasha
Gospel according to Matthew - COME JOIN US! Horani who married in
We will use the Gospel as the cornerstone of our Amman, Jordan, on July
study, but questions and discussions will not be limit- 9th. We are also most
ed, they will be as broad as YOU want. Anyone & pleased to welcome Rasha
Everyone are invited to attend - no previous experi- into our Church family!!!
ence or expertise is necessary!
Congratulations
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD AT 6:30PM &
Through study and discussion,
Welcome to the Annunciation
we can expand our faith together! Rasha!
PAGE 12
THE PROMISE
PAGE 13
THE PROMISE
LOVE AND WORSHIP IN THE ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
DOMESTIC CHURCH – I have no doubt that many of those who call themselves
Christians will affirm that the Lord is God, and we are
OF GOD OR IDOLS? to worship and love Him alone, as quoted in the opening
of this essay. At the same time I do not doubt that, for
by Fr. George Morelli many, words alone mean nothing. These words merely
echo what St. Paul said of those without love: “If I speak
in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I am the Lord your God … You shall have no other
I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor 13:1).
gods before me (Exodus 20:2–3).
Now why do I say this? Is it mean-spirited on my part to
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord; and
claim that some Christians agree with the affirmation
you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
without putting it into practice? If my conclusion comes
and with all your soul, and with all your might. And
from a judgmental spirit, then yes, I have failed to live
these words which I command you this day shall be
up to Our Lord’s own command: "Judge not, that you
upon your heart; and you shall teach them diligently
be not judged.” (Mt 7:1) But the statement is not a
to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit
judgment, rather an observation, based on what modern
in your house … (Deuteronomy 6:4–7).
scientists might call empirical evidence.
PAGE 16
THE PROMISE
SUNDAY SCHOOL, 2009-2010 3. Visit the classroom and meet with the teacher to
see what lessons your child is learning so they can
by Medina Fugate be re-enforced at home; ask your child if they have
special handouts from the teacher.
In America today, we Orthodox are tempted to think
that we face brand-new problems. Many of us find it 4. Attend the Sunday School Open House, which is
hard to put the Church at the center of our lives, which scheduled for November 16th this year, immedi-
seem to us to be busier and more full of distractions ately following the Divine Liturgy. Each parent will
than the lives of our ancestors. Our children often feel be provided with an opportunity to speak with their
isolated as Orthodox in a largely secular and certainly child’s teacher and review the materials being used
non-Orthodox society. In reality these problems are in their child’s class.
not all new. We share them with our mothers and 5. See that your child comes to class prepared with
fathers in the faith. homework assignments, etc.
6. Practice the faith at home, observe fast days and
St. John Chrysostom wrote about the social isolation of schedule family prayer time. Children are imitators -
a child who is being raised as a Christian. He urged what they see you do, you will see them do.
parents to give such a child many special attentions, to 7. It is up to the parent, to guide, encourage and to
compensate for the feelings of separation from and direct your child into the arms of the Church. Of
even ostracism from the child’s peers. He also great importance is understanding that parents are
reminded parents not to become too busy to pray and the first and most predominant ROLE MODEL.
to take part in the celebrations of the Church. We can If your child sees you coming to church, then he/she
be comforted by the fact that our problems have been will understand that praying and going to Church
faced before. are things that you do together as a family. If you
fast properly, then so will your child. If you bring
We begin with a theme for each month of lessons that God into your home, then He will be more readily
will be covered. Students will have handouts of the known to your family.
feast days that were taught to bring home. This is
specifically designed for the parent to be able to follow-
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS OF YOUNGER CHILDREN
up on particular Sunday School lessons.
For the safety of the children in Pre-School through
The truth about the success of our teaching in the Second Grade, it is necessary for a parent to go to the
Church Sunday School is the support and follow-up by class and pick up your child personally.
the parents. The aim is always to show students that
the Church sees the life of Christ and the great works GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS OF TODDLERS
of God as being the center of our human life. And the
Church does not just “proclaim” them in some intel- It is important for parents to attend Church often with
lectual way, but makes her proclamation visible, touch- their infant or toddler before they become of Sunday
able, “smellable” and “singable.” Such is the richness School age. This helps the child become more com-
of Orthodox worship and such is our privilege to teach fortable being in Church and participating in the wor-
and show to our students. ship service. There is no doubt that attending Church
regularly with an infant or toddler takes commitment.
WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP STRENGTHEN It is also fair to say that, as a parent, you may be dis-
THE FOUNDATION OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION tracted during the worship service for the personal
attention to your child’s needs. It is very important to
1. Plan to be in Church at the beginning of the Divine have the little ones attend Church on a regular basis.
Liturgy - 10:00am. Attending the Divine Liturgy and receiving Holy
2. Be consistent. Attend Church regularly. Communion is a vital part of their young spiritual lives.
PAGE 17
THE PROMISE
THE DOMESTIC CHURCH •Ministering at the local parish church and in
(Continued from page 15) the community by participating in the parish
council, ladies’ society, youth organization,
church school, choir, adult ministry, and other
•Acknowledging everyday blessings by asking special ministries; parents encouraging and
Our Lord’s blessing before each activity; accompanying their children in parish activities
rather than saying ‘Good luck,’ saying ‘Thank such as church school, teen events, altar boys’
you Lord’ or ‘What a blessing’; asking the camp, and choir.
priest to bless home, cars, and other special •Dealing with non-C Christian values in news and
objects. media. Allowing only appropriate TV programs
•Participating in special church blessings: and music. Keeping the children’s computers in
- Water [Jan 6 — Theophany] an open space with a ‘net nanny’ or parental
- Candles [Feb 2 — Presentation] controls installed; engaging in what children are
- Flowers [Holy Cross Sunday & Great Friday] doing. When a program or ad appears in media
- Oil [Wednesday of Holy Week] or music which contradicts Our Lord’s teaching,
- Palms [Palm Sunday] immediately addressing it in a Godly manner
- Eggs [Pascha] Engaging children in discussing television programs
- Basil [Sept 14 — Holy Cross] and movies in terms of understanding God’s
love for us and the love we must have for each
•Bringing children into the spiritual family of other; when a newscast is viewed, parents engaging
the Church. Talking with the priest before the family in a discussion about the content in
the birth of the child and reflecting on the terms of Our Lord’s teachings regarding issues
mystery of co-creation. Having the priest bless such as:
the newborn in the hospital. Saying the - Abortion
prayers of naming a child on the eighth day - Capital punishment
after birth. Offering or “churching” (presenting) - Casual sex
the baby to God on or about the 40th day after - Criminal activity
birth. Conferring with the priest on the - Drugs and alcohol
meaning of baptism and preparing for it. - Environment
Choosing sponsors who are committed to - Euthanasia
Christ and His teaching and who will educate - Homelessness
the child in the faith and fear of God - Immodesty in dress, song, and speech
•Parents and older children practicing - Natural disasters
confessing sins privately on a daily basis and
sacramentally on a frequent basis; thanking According to the Premack Principle, the family that
God for His grace and gift of life; each person engages in the activities outlines above treasures Christ.
examining his or her conscience as to how he The members in such a family love God, having no
or she acted toward God and others and other gods before Him, and teach each other Godly
attributing to God any good done and any evil behavior with diligence.
to himself or herself; quickly resolving any
conflicts with others, forgiving all who have
offended and asking pardon of those have DISCLAIMER ON NARROWLY INTERPRETING CHRISTIAN
been offended. ACTIVITIES
•Availing of Holy Unction during illness or While the activities described above are exhibited by all
when it is offered at the parish (on Wednesday Godly families, we must remember that adhering to
of Holy Week and special unction services). external forms does not guarantee a relationship with
PAGE 18
THE PROMISE
God. Through synergy with God, we can engage in abortion, casual drug use, same sex marriage, sex
activities that build up the presence of God and avoid before marriage, and killing those in pain are either
those activities that divide us from His presence (such openly promoted or tolerated as non-issues. If pregnancy
as those discussed below). We can benefit from being is discussed at all, it is in the context of ‘don’t mess your
objective observers and asking for God’s mercy and life up you’re still young.’ The Godly love and care of
healing, while God alone is Judge. one’s spouse and children is completely absent.
PAGE 19
THE PROMISE
STEWARDSHIP: A WAY OF LIFE LESSONS FROM AN OYSTER
(Continued from page 9) by: Author Unknown
PAGE 21
THE PROMISE
THE DOMESTIC CHURCH Confirm any explanations by asking the child
to repeat back what they have understood.
(Continued from page 19)
•Demonstrate a concept by use of visual aids.
•Collaborate by letting students help students.
the conclusion that there is no true education which is
With teacher guidance, students can work on a
not education in Christ. Those who are to be educa-
project as a team. It is learning by teaching.
tors must base their teaching on the true meaning of
the existence of man, that is to say, they must know •Use role play (experiential learning). Students
why we were created. can play different roles in Scripture, the life of
Jesus or His parables, making use of age appropriate
The art — and science, I might add — of Christian edu- scripts.
cation was perhaps best articulated by an early and
•Apply Christ’s teaching to specific situations
esteemed Church Father, St. John Chrysostom, who
by stimulating discussion of how they should be
said: “And yet than this art there is not another
handled; for each situation, discuss what should
greater. For what is equal to training the soul, and
be said or done.
forming the mind of one that is young? For he that has
this art, ought to be more exactly observant than any •Catch the good answers. Use social reinforcement
painter and any sculptor” (Homily 59 on the Gospel to reward good, appropriate and correct
of St. Matthew). responses.
•Teach according to the child’s learning style.
A FEW PRACTICAL, PSYCHO-S
SPIRITUAL PRECEPTS Both children and adults learn best when they
can solve problems according to their distinctive
•Kindliness is next to Godliness. thinking style. For example, some individuals
represent problems in a verbal-propositional
•“He who is slow to anger has great manner, with others (such as me) think visually.
understanding, but he who has a hasty temper
exalts folly” (Prv 14:29). •Teach children to think about their own thinking
(metacognition). Every encounter with the
•Be prepared, know God’s teachings oneself. world is a choice, leading to the worship of God
•Live Christ, model Christ in all things. and following His Will or the worship of idols
and “pop” values and culture.
•Focus on motivation as the energy that fuels
learning and then points to its goal (Christ, and •Have children repeat back in their own words
why God made us). what they have learned and how it can be
applied in their lives.
•Keep it simple and short.
•Teach by asking. This is often called the
Socratic Method, named after the classical FULFILLING THE COMMISSION OF A BLESSED
Greek philosopher Socrates (470–399 BC). MARRIAGE
Simply put, it is asking a question to elicit an Teaching Christ is not merely important for the domes-
answer and then asking further questions tic church, the little church in the home, but extends to
regarding the implications of the answers each individual, in fact to all of society, and to all
already given. mankind. God is Beauty, Goodness and Truth.
Although, as divinely manifested, these characteristics
•Explain a specific topic — after finding out
of God are incomprehensible, we can nevertheless, with
what the child understands and using words
and concepts the child can understand. (Continued on page 25)
PAGE 22
THE PROMISE
STEWARDSHIP: A WAY OF LIFE gift - actually the greatest gift we could ever receive - the
(Continued from page 20) body and blood of Christ.
meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, PROPER STEWARDSHIP OF OUR GIFTS HAS
praising God and having favor with all the people. And THE ABILITY TO REVITALIZE OUR CHURCH.
the Lord was adding to their number day by day those
who were being saved." If our stewardship is not grounded in the Eucharist,
then it is only about paying the bills of the Church, with
everyone recruited to do their fair share. But when we
I DON'T GET ANYTHING OUT OF LITURGY understand the true meaning of the Holy Eucharist, we
How many times have you heard people say, "I don't bridge the gap between liturgy and life, between the love
get anything out of liturgy"? of Jesus on cross and our daily lives, between our beau-
tiful theology and spirituality and the practical steward-
The truth is that we don't come to church to get, but ship to which we are called.
rather to give - our whole being to God. We have to
give ourselves as an offering to God and what we get in As Orthodox Christians, we see the world as God's gift,
return is the presence of Jesus Christ within us. We as a sacrament of God's presence and a means of com-
become Christ-bearers - "Christophoroi" - bringing munion with Him. And so we are able to offer the
Him to others. world back to God in thanksgiving as we say in every
Divine Liturgy "Thine own of Thine own we offer to
thee…"
STEWARDSHIP - THE NEXT LEVEL
A young man had taken his girlfriend to a high-priced Fr Jim Kordaris serves the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of
America as Director of Stewardship, Outreach & Evangelism
restaurant. As the young couple looked over the menu
(FrJimK@goarch.org).
the young woman scanned the prices of the entrees,
and then turning to the young man she asked, "How
much do you love me?" Continuing to scan the menu,
the young man replied, "Probably more than the WORDS OF WISDOM
corned beef, but not as much as the broiled lobster."
If you can personally assist with this critical endeavor, please EMAIL:__________________________________
see Fr. Nicholas. Otherwise, please double check and or (please be specific; ie husband may have different one for
submit your contact information as well as make sure to wife or child please label each)
have your picture taken! With everyone’s cooperation __________________________________________
and support, the Annunciation Church family will __________________________________________
continue to grow closer to each other in Christ in 2010! __________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
PARISH DIRECTORY PHOTOS
will be taken on the
following dates:
HOME PHONE:__________________________
WORK PHONE:__________________________
(Please specify)
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Sunday, September 13th
Sunday September 20th
CELL PHONE:__________________________
Sunday September 27th (in case of Church closing, we may be able to send
Sunday, October 4th a text message)
PAGE 24
THE PROMISE
THE DOMESTIC CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HOUR AND YOU -
(Continued from page 22) PERFECT TOGETHER!
With the summer season coming to a close, the Church
still needs the help of its parishioners to extend our love
His grace, appreciate, emulate and teach these same
and hospitality through the Fellowship Hour. As a part of
divine qualities as far as is humanly possible.
our Christian commitment to welcome visitors and
embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ,
The domestic church builds up the kingdom of God
please consider hosting an upcoming Fellowship Hour
within. In the words of St. Isaac of Syria: “The sun
and thereby help maintain the bonds of love and serve
which shines within [the family] is the light of the Holy
the Outreach ministry of the Church. Hosting a
Trinity. The air which the inhabitants of that realm
Fellowship Hour does NOT mean putting together an
breathe is the strengthening and all Holy Spirit…
elaborate feast - just providing something light (cookies,
Christ, the light of the Father’s light, is their life, joy
snacks or fruit) so that people have the chance to greet
and happiness.” This is the fruit of diligent Christian
one another and have a little treat before heading home.
teaching. This fulfills the commission given by God to
Please help the Annunciation continue this loving tradition!
every male and female joined in one flesh to produce
flesh of their flesh by the mystery of Holy Marriage.
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
With the Fall season
underway, we are afforded
SAVE THE DATE: the opportunity to
expand the work of the
Lord through His
Church of the Annunciation.
T OGETHER , WE
MAKE IT S H I N E ! ! !
PAGE 26
THE PROMISE
A PAGE FOR KIDS...
Page 27
THE PROMISE
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
1100 NAPA VALLEY DRIVE, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72211
REV. DR. NICHOLAS J. VERDARIS, PASTOR
SEPTEMBER 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 2 4 5
Ecclesiastical
New Year
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13th Sunday of Matthew Labor Day Nativity of Theotokos
Matins 9:00 am Offices Closed Liturgy 9:30am GOYA & JRGOYA
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am CHRIST
JOY Mini– Retreat ENCOUNTER
Youth Ministry Registration
6:00—8:00pm RETREAT 9:00AM
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Sunday Before the Cross Elevation of Cross
Matins 9:00 am Liturgy 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Sunday After the Cross
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
27 28 29 30 Oct. 1 2 3
1st Sunday of Luke
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
2nd Sunday of Luke Metropolis of Metropolis of Metropolis of
Matins 9:00 am Metropolis of Detroit Detroit Clergy- Detroit Clergy-Laity Detroit Clergy-
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Clergy Meeting Laity Conference Conference Laity Conference
Westland, MI
Westland, MI Westland, MI Westland, MI
PAGE 28