Annunciation Calendar

June 2003

We have had a busy school year and we concluded Sunday, June 8th with a final lesson. After the Divine Liturgy, we celebrated our children’s achievements with a graduation ceremony and a special surprise. The students were awarded special pins based on attendance and number of years. They also received promotional slips and a special free luncheon immediately following graduation and the awarding of certificates.

Currently, plans are underway for the upcoming school year. We begin Sunday, September 7, 2003. At this time, discussion is going on (discussion only) about perhaps beginning Sunday School at 11:30 a.m., immediately following communion, rather than at 10:30 a.m., before communion and during Liturgy. Classes would conclude at 12:30, giving both parents and children the opportunity to participate in coffee hour. This will enable families to participate in the Divine Liturgy together as families. It will benefit both the children, who will now be involved in the Liturgy, as well as in Sunday School, and will give the adults who teach our youth the opportunity to go to church, be a part of the Liturgy, and to be in church for the sermon. Do you have an opinion one way or the other? We would like to hear from you. Please contact Denise Yeilding, our principal, with your comments.

At this time, we are in NEED of filling three (3) positions (last month it was four, so we’re getting there!). These positions are for two assistants and one co-teacher. Let me assure you, nothing is more fulfilling than spreading the Word of God by teaching our young. Search within and see whether you have that special gift of teaching. Please step up and avail yourselves of this opportunity. Contact Denise Yeilding, or Father Stephen.

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday School will sponsor an Appreciation Luncheon for Effie and Andrew Vellis on Sunday, September 7, 2003 (opening day of Sunday School). Proceeds from this event will benefit the Building Fund.

KUDOS TO OUR GRADUATES

The word “kudos” is--you got it--a Greek word. In Greek, it is pronounced kee-dos. It means praise in the sense of congratulations. And, so, kudos to our high school graduates. We have nine of them, so far as we can deterime, and they are as follows:

Curtis Crittendon, graduating from Terra Nova Hi School
Michael Garibaldi, graduating from Serra High School
Clarence Hagos, graduating from Galileo High School
Maria Kalligeros, graduating from Wallenberg High School
Christina Ketchum, graduating from Mercy High School
Musfin Kristian, graduating from Galileo High School
Dinelo Ramos, graduating from Terra Nova High School
Suzy Soloman, graduating from Galileo High School
Lea Stavrakaras, graduating fromTerra Nova High School

There are also a number of others, who have graduated from primary or other schools. We congratulate them as well. Kudos, kali proodo, kai o Theos mazi sas. (Congratulations, to a good future (literally good progress), and may God be with you.)

ANNUNCIATION SUMMER CAMP

Annunciation Cathedral’s 4th Annual Family Camping Trip will take place August 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2003 at the Casini Ranch Family Campground on the Russian River. As in past years, campers and their families will experience the beauty and excitement of California’s north coast at this camp site, nestled on the historic Russian River. Here, hiking, bicycling, volleyball, softball, horseshoes and fishing will be enjoyed, as well as relaxation along the river in a canoe or by the beach.

Because the camp is taking place in August, Father Stephen will be able to visit on one or more occasions. Following the celebration of the Paraclesis, or Service of Consolation, at the Cathedral (this service is celebrated Monday through Friday, during the first 15 days of August, at 10 a.m.), Father Stephen will visit the camp site and celebrate the service there.

Space is, of course, limited. Reservations, therefore, are on a first come, first serve basis. For a family of 2 persons, the cost is $220; for 3 persons it is $240; for 4 persons it is $260; and for 5 persons it is $280. There is a 1 tent limit per family. The above prices include all meals, but not the tent. Reservations and fees are due by July 11, 2003. For reservations and information, please contact Ari Stratakis.

SUMMER CAMP AT ST. NICHOLAS

There will be two sessions of summer camp at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center: July 13-19 and July 20-26. For information and to download application forms, log onto the Ranch’s website, www.stnicholasranch.org. Or, contact the Ranch at 559 338-2103.

IONIAN VILLAGE-FAR BUT NOT-SO-FAR

Ionian Village is a summer camp setting along the Ionian Sea, owned and operated by the Archdiocese of America. Its summer programs are usually sold-out well in advance. Therefore, if you are interested in considering Ionian Village for your children, or for yourself, we recommend that you inquire early.
Ionian Village operates three programs:

1. A Summer Travel Camp, for 7th-9th grades, June 30 - July 17
2. Byzantine Adventure, 10th-12th grades, July 23 - August 9
3. Spiritual Odyssey, Ages 19-30, July 13 - July 28.

Each of these programs affords the participant the opportunity of visiting historical sites throughout Greece, in addition to the program at the Village itself. The Cathedral office has some brochures describing these programs in detail. Or, if you prefer, visit the web site at www.ionianvillage.org, or contact Ionian Village at (646) 519-6190 or via email at ionianvillage@goarch.org.