My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Our beloved parish of Saint Andrew will be celebrating two great events, the Feast-Day of the Annunciation and the Greek Independence Day on Sunday, March 26th immediately following the Divine Liturgy. The celebration is hosted by the St. Andrew Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapter under the chairmanship of Mary Jo Tirikos.
THE HOLY FEAST-DAY OF THE ANNUNCIATION TO THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY
Six months after the appearance of the Angel to Zacharias, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to the city of Nazareth to the Holy Virgin Mary with the glorious news that the Lord had chosen Her to be the Mother of the Savior of the world.
The Archangel appeared in the home of the righteous Joseph while Mary was reading the Holy Scripture. He came to Her and said, "Rejoice, who art full of grace (that is, filled with the grace of God--the gift of the Holy Spirit) the Lord is with Thee: blessed art Thou among women."
Mary was troubled by the words of the Angel and thought: what manner of salutation could this be?
The Archangel said to Her, "Fear not, Mary; for Thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, Thou shalt conceive in Thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and He shall reign forever."
The Feast of the Annunciation of the Holy Virgin is celebrated by the Holy Orthodox Church on the 25th of March. The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the greatest feasts of the Church. The word annunciation (Gk. Evaggelismos tis Theotokou) means "Good News" or "Joyful Tidings," news that the emancipation of man from sin and eternal death has begun.
History of Greek Independence Day
In 1821, Hellenes (Greeks) vigorously rose up against the Ottoman Muslim Empire that had enslaved them and their country for 400 years. A great hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Church, Bishop Germanos of Patras boldly raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Aghia Lavra, encouraging the people of the Peloponnese to rise against the Turkish oppressors. The Greek nation and people celebrate both these great events together on March 25th.
For all Greek Orthodox Christians throughout the world these two events are celebrated with great joy, thanksgiving and pride.
I encourage all of our parishioners to celebrate together these two most important historic events, and to enjoy the fellowship, and the good food, provided by our caterer Mr. Sam Tsiumas.
Please join us.
With sincere agape,
+Father George