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Welcome to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
2187 W. 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113 email: office@annunciationcleveland.net
Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is risen!
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.
We extend our deepest gratitude to His Eminence, Metropolitan Sava, and Archdeacon Ryan for participating in and celebrating with us over three days during Holy Week and the Anastasi Service. We are truly honored and thankful for your presence among us.
Thank you to all our Parish Council members for helping everything come together beautifully. We sincerely thank all our parishioners for their generous donations toward the many needs of Holy Week and Pascha. Your contributions enabled us to beautifully prepare our church, including:
- Flowers for the holy icons
- The Paschal Candle and oil for the Kandeli (Holy Wednesday)
- Candles for the Cross (Randisterion/Myrrh container sprinkler) on Holy Thursday
- Epitaphio flowers
- The white sheet for the Crucifix
- Red Eggs
- The Icon of the Nymphios
- Anastasis flowers
We also extend our gratitude to all our ministries and everyone who assisted in making the Palm Crosses. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated.
A special thank you goes to Vivi Kyriazis and Metaxia Skantzos for baking all the Prosfora for Holy Week in their home. This sacred offering, crafted with care and devotion, beautifully reflects our faith, and we are deeply grateful.
We are thankful to our Hope/Joy Ladies: Kelly Provenzano, Nicki Difiore, and Evangelia Koukouras for organizing the youth retreat on Lazarus Saturday and the joyful Easter egg activities in the church parking lot.
Our appreciation also goes to Metaxia Skantzos and Ourania Stefanopoulos for preparing the Holy Friday Lenten Meal, along with all the other ministries that supported the youth retreats potluck.
Additionally, thank you to Kelly Provenzano and the Scordos Family for the beautiful decorations of our church for Palm Sunday. We are grateful to Nick Semertsidis for preparing the delicious soup and to the Ladies of Philoptochos for dyeing the red eggs and preparing for the Anastasi Meal.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the ladies who assisted in decorating the Epitaphio. Your efforts made our Pascha more meaningful and uplifting. Wishing everyone a blessed Pascha, filled with the light, life, and joy of our Lord!
Εκφράζουμε τη βαθύτατη ευγνωμοσύνη μας προς τον Σεβασμιότατο Μητροπολίτη Σάββα και τον Αρχιδιάκονο Ράιαν για την παρουσία και τη συμμετοχή τους στον εορτασμό της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας και της Αναστάσιμης Θείας Λειτουργίας επί τρεις ημέρες. Αποτελεί για εμάς ιδιαίτερη τιμή και ευλογία η παρουσία τους ανάμεσά μας.
Ευχαριστούμε θερμά όλα τα μέλη του Ενοριακού Συμβουλίου για τη συμβολή τους στην άρτια προετοιμασία και την όμορφη διεξαγωγή των ημερών.
Ειλικρινείς ευχαριστίες απευθύνουμε σε όλους τους ενορίτες μας για τις γενναιόδωρες δωρεές τους, που κάλυψαν τις πολλαπλές ανάγκες της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας και του Πάσχα. Χάρη στη στήριξή σας, κατέστη δυνατός ο ευπρεπισμός του ναού μας, συμπεριλαμβανομένων:
- Λουλουδιών για τις ιερές εικόνες
- Πασχαλινού κεριού και ελαίου για το καντήλι (Μεγάλη Τετάρτη)
- Κεριών για τον Σταυρό (Μεγάλη Πέμπτη)
- Λουλουδιών για τον Επιτάφιο
- Λευκού σεντονιού για τον Σταυρό
- Κόκκινων αυγών
- Της εικόνας του Νυμφίου
- Αναστάσιμων λουλουδιών
Επιπλέον, εκφράζουμε την ευγνωμοσύνη μας σε όλα τα διακονήματα και σε όσους συνέβαλαν στην κατασκευή των σταυρών από βάγια. Η αφοσίωση και η προσφορά σας είναι πραγματικά αξιέπαινες.
Ιδιαίτερες ευχαριστίες στη Βίβη Κυριαζή και τη Μεταξία Σκαντζού για την παρασκευή των προσφορών της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας. Η ιερή αυτή προσφορά, φτιαγμένη με φροντίδα και ευλάβεια, αντικατοπτρίζει βαθιά την πίστη μας.
Ευχαριστούμε τις κυρίες του Hope/Joy Κέλλυ Προβεντζάνο, Νίκη Ντιφιόρε και Ευαγγελία Κούκουρα για τη διοργάνωση της συνάντησης νέων το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου και τις χαρούμενες πασχαλινές δραστηριότητες.
Η εκτίμησή μας απευθύνεται επίσης στη Μεταξία Σκαντζού και την Ουρανία Στεφανόπουλου για την προετοιμασία του νηστίσιμου γεύματος της Μεγάλης Παρασκευής, καθώς και σε όλα τα διακονήματα που στήριξαν τα κοινά γεύματα των νέων.
Ευχαριστούμε θερμά την Κέλλυ Προβεντζάνο και την οικογένεια Σκόρδου για τον όμορφο στολισμό του ναού κατά την Κυριακή των Βαΐων και την Ανάσταση.
Είμαστε επίσης ευγνώμονες στον Νίκο Σεμερτζίδηγια την προετοιμασία της σούπας, καθώς και στις κυρίες της Φιλοπτώχου για το βάψιμο των κόκκινων αυγών και την προετοιμασία του Αναστάσιμου γεύματος.
Τέλος, εκφράζουμε τις θερμές μας ευχαριστίες σε όλες τις κυρίες που συνέβαλαν στον στολισμό του Επιταφίου. Η προσφορά σας κατέστησε τον εορτασμό του Πάσχα ιδιαίτερα κατανυκτικό και πνευματικά ανυψωτικό.
Ευχόμαστε σε όλους ένα ευλογημένο Πάσχα, γεμάτο φως, ζωή και τη χαρά της Αναστάσεως του Κυρίου μας.
Sunday, April 19 – Sunday of Thomas Priest: Fr Anastasios
Thursday, April 23 - St George Priest: Fr Ivan
Sunday, April 26 – Myrrh Bearing Women Priest: Fr Stephen
HOLY FRIDAY LUMINARY ORDER - GOYA is selling luminary bags that will be lit and displayed in front of the church doors on the evening of Holy Friday service on April 18, 2025. Luminary is either in Honor of, In Memory of or For the Health of Please display the Name the cost is $10 per luminary. Orders must be received by April 5, 2026, email questions to clegoya@gmail.com Cash or check payable to Annunciation Cleveland GOYA or pay on church website in Realm .
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:
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 Memorial Discuss May's Pan Orthodox Luncheon Festival of Nations.
Metropolis of Pittsburgh Ladies Philoptochos Society Virtual Daffodil Fundraiser March 15th ~ April 18th Proceeds to benefit Metropolis Social Service Fund our Seminars our Future Fund. Join us in almsgiving this Lenten Season and help make this year's Virtual Daffodil Fundraiser a true blessing to others! Donation can be made by check payable to: The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos c/o Paula Yakoumas 220 Littell Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.
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.
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Online Chapel
Renewal Tuesday: The Commemoration of Saints Raphael, Nicholas, Irene, and the Other Newly-revealed Martyrs of Lesbos
Visit the Online Chapel for more daily readings, hymns, a monthly calendar of saints and feasts, and more.