Welcome | Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Welcome to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." - Romans 15:7

2187 W. 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 email: office@annunciationcleveland.net

Annunciation Cleveland Greek Orthodox Church

To make a donation click=> Give Now (onrealm.org)

Our church is moving to a new record-keeping software called Realm, which will improve administrative tasks and enhance connectivity within our church community. The Realm Connect App. All current members with an email on file will receive an invitation from Realm. After creating your account, please update your profile to ensure all your information is correct. Reach out to Niko Semertsidis or Linda Karadimas if you have any questions. Let's embrace this exciting change together! Click on the link above.

FISH FRY FRIDAYS FROM FEBRUARY 20TH THROUGH APRIL 3

5:00 PM TO 8:00PM

The community of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church invites you to our homestyle Lenten Fish Fries every Friday from February 20th through April 3rd. All proceeds support the ministries of the church and its community.

Menu Highlights:

Fried Fish Dinner - $18 Beer-Battered White Fish, French fries, Coleslaw, Hush Puppies
Baked Fish Dinner - $15 Baked Atlantic Cod, Rice, Green Beans, Dinner Roll
Homemade Mac & Cheese, Homemade Clam Chowder, Fried Shrimp, Pierogies or Fish Tacos
Drinks and Desserts are also available

All Sunday Services begin - Orthros 8:30AM Liturgy 9:30AM

This week:

March 1 Sunday of Orthodoxy with Fr. Stephen Callos - We invite all our youth to join the festive processions during the service and the GOYA will present their trophies as we celebrate this amazing season. We would like to thank all the coaches, chaperones, and parents for their support and all that you do!

Monday, March 2, 2026, Greek School Lessons Great Compline begins at 6pm with Fr. Ivan & Dcn. John

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Greek School Lessons 5:30pm until 7:30 pm, PTA Meeting/Parent Teacher Conference 6PM Pre Sanctified Liturgy with Fr. Savas and Fr. Ivan

Friday, March 6, 2026, 2nd Salutations to the Theotokos 7PM - Fish Fry 5PM until 8PM

Sunday, March 8, 2026, St. Gregory Palamas 2nd Sunday of Great with Fr. Sava & Fr. Ivan GOYA will assist in the Pangari, candles, passing the tray & ushers. Daylight Savings Time Starts (Spring forward set your clocks 1 hour ahead) Memorials: 40 Day George Yannaras, 40 Day Fani Bratsis, 1 Year Bessie Pappas, 2 Year George Spanakis, GOYA Meeting & Philoptochos General Meeting.

March/April Liturgical Schedule

Sunday, March 1, 2026 Sunday of Orthodoxy with Fr. Stephen Callos

Monday, March 2, 2026 Great Compline 6PM with Fr. Ivan

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Pre Sanctified Liturgy 6PM Priest: Fr Savas

Friday, March 6, 2026 2nd Salutations to the Theotokos 7PM Priest: Fr Savas

Sunday, March 8, 2026 St. Gregory Palamas Priest: Fr Savas

Monday, March 9, 2026 Great Compline 6PM Priest: Fr Ivan

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Pre Sanctified Liturgy 6PM Priest: Fr Anastasios

Friday, March 13, 2026 3rd Salutations to the Theotokos 7PM Priest: Fr Savas

Sunday, March 15, 2026 Sunday of the Holy Cross Priest: Fr Tom

Monday, March 16, 2026 Great Compline 6PM Priest: Fr Ivan

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 Pre Sanctified Liturgy 6PM Priest: Fr Costas K

Friday, March 20 4th Salutations to the Theotokos Priest: Fr Savas

Saturday, March 21 Greek Independence Day Parade Doxology 12 Noon Priest: Fr Stephen

Sunday, March 22 St. John Climacus Priest: Fr Savas

Monday, March 23 Great Compline 6PM Priest: Fr Ivan

Tuesday, March 24 Great Vespers of the Annunciation 7PM Priest: Fr. Stephen

Wednesday, March 25 Feast day of the Annunciation Priest: Fr Stephen

Friday, March 27 4th Salutations to the Theotokos Priest: Fr Savas

Sunday, March 29 St Mary of Egypt Priest: Fr Savas

April Liturgical Schedule

Saturday, April 4 Saturday of Lazarus Priest: Fr Ivan

Sunday, April 5 Palm Sunday Priest: Fr Tom Nymphios Service – 7PM Priest: Fr Stephen

HOLY MONDAY, April 6 Nymphios -7PM Priest: Fr Ivan

HOLY TUESDAY, April 7 Nymphios 7PM Priest: Fr Ivan

HOLY WEDNESDAY April 8

3:30 PM Holy Unction Priest: Fr Stephen - 6:30 PM Holy Matins Priest: Fr Ivan

HOLY THURSDAY, April 9

7a.m. Holy Communion for the Workers Priest: Fr Ivan

9 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil Celebrant: His Eminence Metropolitan Savas

7pm Holy Passion of our Lord- 12 Gospels Celebrant: His Eminence Metropolitan Savas

HOLY FRIDAY, April 10 9 a.m. Holy Passion Priest: Fr Ivan

12 pm Youth Retreat

3pm Apokathelosis Celebrant: His Eminence Metropolitan Savas

7pm Lamentations Celebrant: His Eminence Metropolitan Savas

HOLY SATURDAY, April 11 7am Communion for workers Priest: Fr Ivan

9 am Vesperal Divine Liturgy Celebrant: His Eminence Metropolitan Savas

11pm Orthros of the Resurrection 12 AM Divine Liturgy Celebrant: His Eminence Metropolitan Savas

GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA, April 12 12 (Noon) Agape Service Priest: Fr Tom

Sunday, April 19 Sunday of Thomas Priest: Fr Savas

Thursday, April 23 - St George Priest: Fr Ivan Fr Savas

Sunday, April 26 Myrrh Bearing Women Priest: Fr Stephen

The Great Lent and Easter Season are approaching quickly, and we are once again requesting your contributions and donations for the adornment of our Mother Church of the Annunciation during this special time. Please remember that Great Lent begins on Monday, February 23rd. If you are interested in donating any items, please call the Church Office or see a Parish Council Member for more information.

Flowers for the 5 Icons
1st Salutations
2nd Salutations
3rd Salutations
4th Salutations
Akathyst Hymn
Daffodils for the Veneration of the Holy Cross
Palms and Vaia for Palm Sunday
Purple Flowers and Palm Trees
Flowers for the Icon of the Nymphios (Bridegroom)
Holy Wednesday, Holy Unction Items
Flowers for the Icon of the Last Supper
12 Candles for the 12 Gospels
Purple Candles for Cross, Holy Thursday
Wreath of flowers for the Cross, Holy Thursday
1 White Single Flat Sheet for Good Friday
Flowers for the Epitaphio
Rosewater for the Epitaphio
Priest Lambatha
Flowers for Resurrection Icon
Wreath for the Resurrection Cross
Easter Lily & Easter plants

Tremont Festival

Weekly Baking Schedule Wednesday: 9:00AM– 1:30PM (Small Social Hall) Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Small Social Hall)

Prep Days: Dates will be announced via One Call.

We are seeking dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers to:

Sign up for our cooking schedule
Lead one of many prep days available

If you are interested in leading a prep day for a specific recipe, please reach out to Aphrodite or the Church office to sign up.

Aphrodite: tsardoulias@sbcglobal.net OR Church office: office@annunciationcleveland.net

This is a great way to contribute your skills and be part of our festival team!

Urgent Request- St. Mary of Egypt Food Distribution is in urgent need of dry goods due to an increase in the number of new families they are serving. They are currently seeking donations of the following items: Cereal, Oatmeal, Instant mashed potatoes, Brown or White Rice (Boxed or Bagged), Pasta (Boxed or bagged), Egg Noodles, Dry Beans (Any Variety), and any variety of dry or canned goods. Please note: No Glass Jars- plastic containers only. Your generosity makes a real difference. Thank you and may God bless you and your families for your continued support!

Events Elsewhere: Parish Lenten Retreat - The missing piece: Reclaiming the importance of Service March 7th at 10AM Guest Speaker Steven Christoforou Executive Director - Focus North American (creator of "be the Bee" video series) $10 Refreshment & Lunch Included RSVP Required at: https://tinyurl.com/ParishRetreatSTP St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church 4548 Wallings Rd. N. Royalton, OH 44133.

St. Gregory Palamas March Pilgrimage - We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating St. Gregory Palamas with Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh. come and be part of this special day filled with gratitude, worship, and fellowship. Saturday March 7, 2026, at 9:30 AM 9:30 a.m. entrance of Metropolitan Savas, 10AM Hierarchal Divine Liturgy Lenten Meal at Conclusion St. Gregory Palamas Monastery 934 Co Rd 2256, Perrysville, OH 44864 for more information call Niko 440-241-5325.

Eastern Orthodox women's Guild of Greater Cleveland unity through Participation Memorial Service Saturday, March 14 at 10AM at the Archangel Michael Orthodox Church, 5025 E. Mill Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147. Divine Liturgy with Fr. John Memorich Discuss May's Pan Orthodox Luncheon Festival of Nations.

Greek Independence Day Dance: Saturday, March 21 at the Tremont Cityside Ballroom, Doors Open at 7PM following cocktail hour till 8PM Dinner 8PM $65 Children: 12 and under $40 for more information call 216.513.2670, 440.223.9380.

48th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress Save the Date! June 30 - July 2, in Cleveland, OH at the Huntington Convention Center

Scholarship Information:

The John M. Manos AHEPA Chapter #36 is offering college scholarships to graduating high school seniors of Greek descent based upon merit. Scholarship applications may be obtained by contacting Alex Rokakis via email at clevelandahepascholarship@gmail.com. I have attached it here also. All scholarship applications must be completed and delivered by May 2, 2026.

Greek School Upcoming Events:

Greek Independence March 22nd Day Program

Graduation May 17th Celebration

Confessions:

SIMPLE GUIDE FOR ORTHODOX CONFESSION by — † Fr. George Popovich. “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” (Matthew 9:12) Confession is not something to fear. It is something to run toward. In the Orthodox Church, confession is not about shame or punishment—it is about healing, restoration, and coming home to God. What Is Orthodox Confession? Orthodox Confession is a holy encounter with Christ Himself. The priest stands before you not as a judge, but as a witness and physician of the soul. Christ stands invisibly present, receiving your confession and granting forgiveness.

Confession is: • Not therapy, • Not a courtroom, • Not a formality, it is the place where truth meets mercy. We do not confess because God does not know our sins. We confess so that our hearts may be opened and healed by grace.

Why Do We Confess? We confess because sin is not merely a mistake- it is a wound. Sin: • Clouds the heart, • Weakens the will, • Breaks communion with God and others, Confession restores what was broken. It renews baptismal grace. It prepares us to receive Holy Communion with peace, not fear. Christ gave this gift to the Church because He knows that we fall, and He desires that we rise again.

When Is the Right Time to Confess? Confession should never be rushed or treated as a last-minute obligation. It should not normally be done hastily right before the Divine Liturgy, when there is no time for reflection, stillness, or spiritual guidance. The Traditional Time: Saturday Evening In the Orthodox tradition, one of the most fitting and natural times for confession is Saturday evening, after Vespers or the Vigil service, according to each parish’s schedule. Why Saturday evening? • You have lived the full week • You have struggled, prayed, and examined your heart • You approach Sunday already reconciled with God This allows the faithful to receive Holy Communion peacefully and reverently, without anxiety or haste.

How Often Should We Confess? There is no strict numerical rule in the Orthodox Church. Confession is not governed by legalism, but by spiritual need. The Basic Orthodox Principle You should confess whenever you feel the need to confess - when your conscience is burdened, when sin disturbs your peace, or when you feel distant from God. The Minimum: Four Times Per Year Traditionally, the minimum expectation for an Orthodox Christian is four confessions and four communions per year, connected to the major fasting seasons and feasts of the Church: • Nativity (Christmas) Fast • Great Lent and Pascha • Apostles’ Fast • Dormition (Theotokos) Fast These four moments correspond to the liturgical and Eucharistic rhythm of the year, reminding us that repentance and communion are woven into the Church’s life.

The Ideal: Monthly Confession for Christians who are actively living the Orthodox life, a monthly confession is highly beneficial and often ideal. Monthly confession: • Keeps the conscience sensitive • Prevents sins from becoming habits • Allows steady spiritual growth • Strengthens preparation for frequent Communion As a pastoral recommendation: Once per month is a healthy and balanced rhythm for serious Christian life.

The Importance of the Spiritual Father Confession is inseparable from spiritual fatherhood. A spiritual father: • Knows your soul over time • Discerns patterns, not just individual sins • Applies the Church’s canons with mercy and wisdom • Helps heal without crushing the spirit Spiritual obedience is not control it is medicine. Growth comes through trust, stability, and humility. How Do We Confess? Confession is simple and honest. You do not need beautiful words. You do not need explanations. You do not need to blame anyone. You simply say: "I have sinned…” Confess clearly. Speak plainly. Take responsibility.

Desire repentance. Truth spoken humbly opens the door to grace. Preparing the Heart for Confession Before confession: • Pray quietly • Ask God to show you your sins • Examine your conscience honestly Do not try to remember everything. Confess what weighs most heavily on your heart. A Gentle Reminder of Sins Sins Against God: • Neglect of prayer • Forgetting God in daily life • Doubt, fear, or lack of trust • Complaining against God • Taking God’s mercy for granted Sins Against Faith and the Church: • Irregular church attendance • Neglect of fasting • Disrespect toward holy things • Judgment of the Church • Receiving Holy Communion unworthily Sins of Pride: • Pride and self-righteousness • Judging others • Vanity • Refusal to admit fault •

Spiritual arrogance Sins of Thoughts and the Heart: • Impure thoughts • Hatred and resentment • Envy and jealousy • Fantasies of revenge •

Despair and hopelessness Sins of Words: • Lying • Gossip • Slander • Harsh or cruel speech • Cursing Sins in Relationships: • Lack of forgiveness • Anger toward family members • Neglect of spouse or children • Disrespect toward parents • Indifference to others’ suffering Sins of the Body: • Sexual impurity • Lack of self-control • Addiction or excess • Laziness Sins Against Love and Mercy; • Indifference to the poor • Hardness of heart • Selfishness • Refusal to reconcile What Confession Is - and What It Is Not -Confession is not about perfection. -It is about honesty. -Confession is not about humiliation. -It is about freedom. -Confession is not the end. It is the beginning of healing. Come Without Fear Do not fear confession. Fear remaining wounded. Christ does not wait to accuse you. He waits to heal you. One sincere tear, one honest word, one humble confession is enough to open heaven. Fr. Ivan is available for confessions on Saturdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM We kindly ask that you schedule an appointment with the Church office so that Fr. Ivan can be available for you.