Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Proto-Cathedral of the Denver Metropolis

3511 Yoakum Boulevard Houston 77006 + 713.526.5377 agoc.org + find us on facebook: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Rev. Economos Michael J. Lambakis, Dean Rev. Economos Demetrios Tagaropulos, Associate Priest Rev. Presbyter Christopher Xanthos, Associate Priest Rev. Presbyter Gabriel Gadah, Associate Priest Rev. Deacon Iakovos Varcados

Sunday Bulletin February 5, 2017

SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE: Triodion Begins Today

Agatha the Martyr; Polyeuktos, Partriarch Of Constantinople; Antonios the New Martyr of Athens; Theodosios, Archbishop of Chernigov; Afterfeast of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple; Theodosios of Antioch

Plagal Fourth Mode

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Eleventh Eothinon Sunday Service Schedule Orthros 7:45 am

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Divine Liturgies 9:00 & 11:00 am Sunday Church School immediately following the 9:00 am Divine Liturgy, until 12:00 pm

Welcome to all our visitors worshipping with us today!

We’re glad you’re here! Please join us at our Fellowship Coffee immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Visit the Welcoming Committee table to meet fellow parishioners and learn more about our community.

Please silence all mobile devices while in the Holy Sanctuary. Thank you.

Special Hymns at Liturgy:

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee. Ἐ ξ ὕ ψους κατ ῆ λθες ὁ ε ὔ σπλαγχνος, ταφ ὴ ν καταδ έ ξω τρι ή μερον, ἵ να ἡ μ ᾶ ς ἐ λευθερ ώ σ ῃ ς τ ῶ ν παθ ῶ ν. Ἡ ζω ὴ κα ὶ ἡ Ἀ ν ά στασις ἡ μ ῶ ν, Κ ύ ριε δ ό ξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Presentation in the First Mode

Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee hath risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, thou also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also granteth unto us the Resurrection. Χα ῖ ρε κεχαριτωμ έ νη Θεοτ ό κε Παρθ έ νε, ἐ κ σο ῦ γ ὰ ρ ἀ ν έ τειλεν ὁ Ἥ λιος τ ῆ ς δικαιοσ ύ νης, Χριστ ὸ ς ὁ Θε ὸ ς ἡ μ ῶ ν, φωτ ί ζων το ὺ ς ἐ ν σκ ό τει. Ε ὐ φρα ί νου κα ὶ σ ὺ Πρεσβ ύ τα δ ί καιε, δεξ ά μενος ἐ ν ἀ γκ ά λαις τ ὸ ν ἐ λευθερωτ ὴ ν τ ῶ ν ψυχ ῶ ν ἡ μ ῶ ν, χαριζ ό μενος ἡ μ ῖ ν κα ὶ τ ὴ ν Ἀ ν ά στασιν.

Apolytikion of the Church

On this day when our salvation is crowned for eternity and the revelation of the mystery of the ages. The Son of God becomes on this day the Virgin’s Son, with Gabriel proclaiming the tidings of God’s Grace. And we also join in the cry unto the Theotokos singing: Hail to You who are filled with grace; the Lord is with You. Σήμερον τ ῆ ς σωτηρίας ἡ μ ῶ ν τ ὸ Κεφάλαιον, κα ὶ το ῦ ἀ π' α ἰῶ νος Μυστηρίου ἡ φανέρωσις, ὁ Υ ἱὸ ς το ῦ Θεο ῦ , Υ ἱὸ ς τ ῆ ς Παρθένου γίνεται, κα ὶ Γαβρι ὴ λ τ ὴ ν χάριν ε ὐ αγγελίζεται. Δι ὸ κα ὶ ἡ με ῖ ς σ ὺ ν α ὐ τ ῷ τ ὴ Θεοτόκω βοήσωμεν, Χα ῖ ρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετ ὰ σο ῦ .

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. Let us cry out to the Savior, "Have mercy on us, for through You alone are we reconciled." Φαρισα ί ου φ ύ γωμεν ὑ ψηγορ ί αν, κα ὶ Τελ ώ νου μ ά θωμεν, τ ὸ ταπειν ὸ ν ἐ ν στεναγμο ῖ ς, πρ ὸ ς τ ὸ ν Σωτ ῆ ρα κραυγ ά ζοντες· Ἵ λαθι μ ό νε ἡ μ ῖ ν ε ὐ δι ά λλακτε.

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Appointed Scripture Readings: Matins (Orthros) Gospel

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τ ὸ Ἀ νάγνωσμα Πρ ὸ ς Τιμόθεον β' 3:10-15.

έκνον Τιμόθεε, παρηκολούθηκάς μου τ ῇ διδασκαλί ᾳ , τ ῇ ἀ γωγ ῇ , τ ῇ προθέσει, τ ῇ πίστει, τ ῇ μακροθυμί ᾳ , τ ῇ ἀ γάπ ῃ , τ ῇ ὑ πομον ῇ , το ῖ ς διωγμο ῖ ς, το ῖ ς παθήμασιν, ο ἷ ά μοι ἐ γένετο ἐ ν Ἀ ντιοχεί ᾳ , ἐ ν Ἰ κονί ῳ , ἐ ν Λύστροις, ο ἵ ους διωγμο ὺ ς ὑ πήνεγκα· κα ὶ ἐ κ πάντων με ἐ ρρύσατο ὁ κύριος. Κα ὶ πάντες δ ὲ ο ἱ θέλοντες ε ὐ σεβ ῶ ς ζ ῇ ν ἐ ν Χριστ ῷ Ἰ ησο ῦ διωχθήσονται. Πονηρο ὶ δ ὲ ἄ νθρωποι κα ὶ γόητες προκόψουσιν ἐ π ὶ τ ὸ χε ῖ ρον, πλαν ῶ ντες κα ὶ πλανώμενοι. Σ ὺ δ ὲ μένε ἐ ν ο ἷ ς ἔ μαθες κα ὶ ἐ πιστώθης, ε ἰ δ ὼ ς παρ ὰ τίνος ἔ μαθες, κα ὶ ὅ τι ἀ π ὸ βρέφους τ ὰ ἱ ερ ὰ γράμματα ο ἶ δας, τ ὰ δυνάμενά σε σοφίσαι ε ἰ ς σωτηρίαν δι ὰ πίστεως τ ῆ ς ἐ ν Χριστ ῷ Ἰ ησο ῦ .

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee T

Κατ ὰ Λουκ ᾶ ν 18:10-14

E ἶ πεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολ ὴ ν ταύτην· Ἄ νθρωποι δ ύ ο ἀ ν έ βησαν ε ἰ ς τ ὸ ἱ ερ ὸ ν προσε ύ ξασθαι, ὁ ε ἷ ς Φαρισα ῖ ος κα ὶ ὁ ἕ τερος τελ ώ νης. ὁ Φαρισα ῖ ος σταθε ὶ ς πρ ὸ ς ἑ αυτ ὸ ν τα ῦ τα προση ύ χετο· ὁ Θε ό ς, ε ὐ χαριστ ῶ σοι ὅ τι ο ὐ κ ε ἰ μ ὶ ὥ σπερ ο ἱ λοιπο ὶ τ ῶ ν ἀ νθρ ώ πων, ἅ ρπαγες, ἄ δικοι, μοιχο ί , ἢ κα ὶ ὡ ς ο ὗ τος ὁ τελ ώ νης· νηστε ύ ω δ ὶ ς το ῦ σαββ ά του, ἀ ποδεκατ ῶ π ά ντα ὅ σα κτ ῶ μαι. κα ὶ ὁ τελ ώ νης μακρ ό θεν ἑ στ ὼ ς ο ὐ κ ἤ θελεν ο ὐ δ ὲ το ὺ ς ὀ φθαλμο ὺ ς ε ἰ ς τ ὸ ν ο ὐ ραν ὸ ν ἐ π ᾶ ραι, ἀ λλ ᾿ ἔ τυπτεν ε ἰ ς τ ὸ στ ῆ θος α ὐ το ῦ λ έ γων· ὁ Θε ό ς, ἱ λ ά σθητ ί μοι τ ῷ ἁ μαρτωλ ῷ . λ έ γω ὑ μ ῖ ν, κατ έ βη ο ὗ τος δεδικαιωμ έ νος ε ἰ ς τ ὸ ν ο ἶ κον α ὐ το ῦ ἢ γ ὰ ρ ἐ κε ῖ νος· ὅ τι π ᾶ ς ὁ ὑ ψ ῶ ν ἑ αυτ ὸ ν ταπεινωθ ή σεται, ὁ δ ὲ ταπειν ῶ ν ἑ αυτ ὸ ν ὑ ψωθ ή σεται.

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Agatha the Martyr (February 5)

This Martyr, who was from Panormus (that is, Palermo) or perhaps Catania of Sicily, was a most comely and chaste virgin. After many exceedingly harsh torments, she gave up her spirit in prison at Catania in 251, because she did not consent to the seductions of Quintian, the Governor of Sicily. At her burial, an Angel placed a stone tablet on her grave inscribed with the words, "A righteous mind, self-determining, honor from God, the deliverance of her father-land." The following year this was fulfilled when Mount Etna erupted, spewing forth violent fire from which Catania was manifestly saved by Saint Agatha's prayers. The holy Martyr Agatha, the protectress and chief patroness of Sicily, is, with perhaps the exception of Saint Agnes of Rome, the most highly venerated Virgin Martyr of the West. Saint Damasus, Pope of Rome, and Saint Ambrose of Milan both wrote in praise of her.

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today (February 5)

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness. Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.

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Holy Communion is reserved for those who have been Baptized and/or Chrismated in the Eastern Orthodox Faith. The Communion Prayers are our final preparation to receive the Sacrament, along with fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays each week, and in the morning prior to the Divine Liturgy. (We, of course, continue to take prescribed medications.) We also prepare ourselves through regular confession. Please follow the directions of an usher to invite you to join the Communion line. When you approach the chalice, please give your Baptismal name to the priest. The order of communion is the newly baptized (with lit candles) and the congregation, pew by pew, beginning from the front of the nave.

Altar Group for February 5 - Saint Savas

Nicholas Bogott, Alexander Demeris, Fote Demeris, Nicholas Kyriakides-Crowe, Andrew Lambakis, Nicholas Lambakis, Thomas Lorentzatos, Anthony Mickelis, Matthew Mickelis, Gregory Rubio, Luke Sullo, Jonathan Vardados

Altar Group for February 12 - Saint Gerasimos

Jacob Bass, Luke Bass, Charles Butta, Stavros Cotsoradis, Stephano Cotsoradis, Vasilis Germanides, Nicholas Krasnosky, Andreas Nicolaou, Aidan Paek, Plato Pappas, Nicholas Payavla, Nicholas Strickler, Nicholas Sullo, Diamantis Zavitsanos

Parish News And Events

Inquirer’s Class, Orthodoxy 101, Room 224,

meet weekly on Sunday, immediately following the 9 am Divine Liturgy, ending 12 pm. These classes are mandatory for those who are seeking to become Orthodox; however, Orthodox Christians who would like to know more about their faith may also attend this class. Fr. Michael will be part of the discussions the following class: March 19.

For those who are seeking to become Orthodox, please register on the Church website:

http://agoc.org/ministries/religiouseducation/registration.

Inquirer’s Classes, Orthodoxy 101 books available at the AGOC Bookstore:

1)

“Introducing the Orthodox Church Its Faith and Life”

by Anthony M. Coniaris 2) “The Orthodox Study Bible.” Available at the AGOC Bookstore.

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What’s Being Taught in the Adult Sunday Church School Classes, that begin immediately following the 9 am Divine Liturgy and end at 12 pm?

Adult Bible Study. Facilitator: Fr. Gabriel Gadah, ([email protected]), Room 243.

Please join us as we review and discuss the Old Testament Book of Judith. The story revolves around Judith, a daring and beautiful widow, who is upset with her Jewish countrymen for not trusting God to deliver them from their foreign conquerors. Judith teaches the Jews to put all their trust in God.

Inquirer’s

2Tim 3:16.

Theology Class, Orthodoxy

([email protected]), Room 224. Topic: The Holy Bible. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness— The bible is at the core of our Orthodox faith, and “occupies a position of great prominence in Orthodox worship.” (Orthodox Study Bible) It is a collection of books written by humans but inspired by God, expressing God’s revelation to humanity. The Holy Scriptures, then, are a witness to God’s revelation and represent the history of salvation.

through the 101, Fathers’ Facilitator: Eyes. Fr. Facilitator: Demetrios Dr. Tagaropulos Jonathan Zecher

([email protected]), Room 228. We continue our time with St. Silouan the Athonite, for whom love of God means love of the entire world--not just our fellow Christians--and all of creation- right down to the grass and insects. St. Silouan has brought us to recognize our need for humility and unyielding love for friend and enemy alike. This week we will discuss "The Soul's Yearning For God," and will ask how we too can love God completely and our neighbor (whoever they may be) as ourselves .

No Bible Studies on February 8 There will be no Bible Studies on February 8 due to the Clergy Retreat. Wednesday Bible Studies will resume on February 15. Philoptochos General Meeting Philoptochos welcomes Dean Triantafilou, Executive Director of International Orthodox Christian Charities, to its February 11th meeting. All parishioners are welcome to join us at 11AM in the Small Martel Hall to learn about the work of IOCC. Sunday Service Schedule for February 12, 2017 Orthros 7:45 am / Divine Liturgies 9:00 am & 11:00 am Sunday Church School following 9:00 am Liturgy, until 12:00 pm HOPE and JOY (Future Events)

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February 12 – after Sunday School. Valentine’s Day Project, Teen Room 232

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February 24 – Parents Night Out – with Sr. Vassa hosted by Joni and John Zavitsanos

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April 7 – GOYA to help make Palm Sunday Crosses GOYA (Upcoming Events)

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February 19 - GOYA Bake Sale, proceeds to go to the building expansion

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With Sr. Vassa hosted by Joni and John Zavitsanos

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February 24 – Parents Night Out – March 3-5 – GOYA Southern Lenten Retreat

(see flyer in Bulletin)

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April 7 – GOYA to help make Palm Sunday Crosses

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Camp Emmanuel Dates o Senior Session: June 11-17, 2017 (Ages 15-18)

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Junior Session: June 18-24, 2017 (Ages 11-14)

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Dear Cathedral Family:

Many thanks to all of you who completed a pledge card or made a contribution to support the daily operations of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

As of February 2, 2017 the Stewardship Campaign for 2017 has received pledges of $605,647 from 365 families towards our goal of $1,600,000.

Your contribution helps fund the following integral needs:  Our incredible team of priests and committed support staff.  Ministry programs such as Family Night, Religious Education for all ages, GOYA and other youth programs, Greek School, hospital visitations, Senior Citizen fellowship, choir, college ministries, and so much more. 

There are three ways to make your donation:

 Maintaining our church grounds and facilities, repairs, along with security and utilities. Pledge cards are available in the Narthex of the Sanctuary.   Make your commitment online at www.agoc.org/stewardship. Make a pledge by calling Betti Self, our Administrator, at 832-242-9272. Father Michael and the two of us are always available to provide you with additional details that might help you determine your gift. Through our collective community support, we look forward to exceeding our fundraising goal. With grateful thanks, Ellen and Paige M. Cokinos, 2017 Stewardship Chairs

AGOC Online Giving Update

Our online giving program is well underway and we want to give a big THANK YOU for those of you who have registered. Giving online means that the Cathedral saves money on offertory envelopes and that your donations can be received year round, even when you’re on vacation in the summer. It’s safe and secure, and you decide exactly when your gift is made and parish office with any questions. where it goes. Please visit us at: http://www.agoc.org/donate/stewardship and click the Donate/Pledge Online on the right hand side to get started or access your existing account. As a new user you will need to CREATE PROFILE; as an existing user you can just log in. Thank you for your generosity and as always, please contact Betti Self ([email protected]) in the

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ciation Caheral 2017 Preserving our

Annunciation Cathedral 2017 Preserving Our Past While Expanding our Future Fundraising Update – 2/5/2017 We are happy to announce that we have received over $11.33 million in pledges, leaving $1.17 million needed to reach our goal of $12.5 million. We are excited by the response we have received and we want to continue to build on the momentum generated by the Matching Fund Challenge. We currently have pledges from 316 families and as with our last redevelopment in 2000, we would like to have 500+ families contribute. Now is the time to get involved. For more information about the expansion and to learn how to make your pledge, visit us at www.AGOC2017.org Pledge today at

AGOC2017.org

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ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL 2017

FAITH RAISING GOAL OF 500+ FAMILIES - $12.5 MILLION PLEDGED AS OF February 1, 2017 - 316 FAMILIES - $11.33 MILLION

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ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL 2017

FAITH RAISING GOAL OF 500+ FAMILIES - $12.5 MILLION PLEDGED AS OF February 1, 2017 - 316 FAMILIES - $11.33 MILLION

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Today at the Cathedral:

Memorial Service is offered at the 11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy for Mary Sabuncaki Yuanidis (1 year) and the Departed Members of the

Annunciation Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos Society.

Join us for the Fellowship Coffee in the Martel Hall following each Divine Liturgy. The Coffee following the 11 a.m. Liturgy is sponsored by the Family of Mary Sabuncaki Yuanidis and the Ladies Philoptochos Society.

This week at the Cathedral:

Tuesday, February 7 Wednesday, February 8 Friday, February 10 Saturday, February 11 10:15 am – Sr. Citizens Meeting & Lunch NO BIBLE STUDIES on February 8 5:00 pm – Greek School 11:00 am – Philoptochos General Meeting, Small Martel Hall 6:00 pm – IOCC Dinner, at St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Eldridge Pkwy.

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