The Messenger - Our Sunday Bulletin

Sunday, December 14, 2025

11th Sunday of Luke

- https://facebook.com/annunciationchurch/videos/ (stream services online)

- https://dcs.goarch.org/goa/dcs/indexes/20251214.html (follow liturgical text online)

• Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius, and Callinicus of Asia Minor
• Mode: 2^nd  |  Matins Gospel: 5^th    
• Matins Gospel Reading : Luke 24:12-35
• Epistle Reading : St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11
• Gospel Reading: Luke 14:16-24

- Matins: George Papachristou  |  Divine Liturgy: Choir  |  Greeter: Lynn Knutson

- Epistle Reader: Grace Busse  |   Prosphora: Dorothaya Sarandos

- 8:00am Matins & 9:00am Divine Liturgy

- Coffee Social in the Foyer: Anonymous  

- 10:45am – 11:45pm Parish Council Elections will be in the Media Room during Coffee Social (Foyer). Our Board of Elections (Ellen D., Peter G., and Lynn K.) invites all parishioners in good standing to vote. Pictures and Bios of all 7 candidates are in the Media Room as well.  

- JOY Basketball Practice immediately following Sunday School (Contact: Greg Papachristou)

- 4:00pm-7pm --- Christmas Open House Metropolis of Chicago at The Carlisle Banquets in Chicago. Speak to Fr. Ciprian or George Papachristou if interested in a ride.

Altar Candle in Loving Memory of:

- Peter Tsounis (10-yrs) offered by his loving family.

- James Domoras missing you on what would have been your 90th Birthday (Dec. 15th). Offered by Cally Domoras, Bob, Kathy, Cally, and Robert Kobza

Altar Candle for Health and Salvation of:

- Spiro Galanis on the occasion of his 85th Birthday and Namesday. Offered by Dennis and Joanna Galanis, along with his loving grandchildren, Evi and Spiro.  

+++ UPCOMING EVENTS

JOY BASKETBALL PRACTICE --- JOY Basketball weekly practice continues after Sunday School. The tournament is Fri-Sun, Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2026. (Contact: Greg Papachristou 262-391-0867)

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Rehearsal & CAROLING at The Greek Manor --- Sat, Dec. 20 - 9:00am Rehearsal & Brunch; Caroling at the Manor will be at 12:00pm. (Contact: Kim Mamalakis)

CHRISTMAS CONCERT --- Dec. 21^st --- Join us in the Cultural Center after Liturgy for a Christmas Program. All parishioners with musical abilities (voice & instruments) are welcome to participate. Reach out to Erica Edquist if you would like to perform reed0319@gmail.com

 +++ PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHRISTMAS ADORNMENTS --- Help decorate our Church for Christmas! Donate towards a poinsettia, 1 left ($45). Call the office if you would like to donate.

BECOME A 2026 KOINONIA DONOR --- Renew or become a donor by December 15th, 2025.

JANUARY KOINONIA --- The deadline to send in flyers and photos is Mon, December 15th.

WANT TO SCHEUDLE A CONFESSION BEFORE CHRISTMAS? --- www.tinyurl.com/bookfather

HOST A COFFEE SOCIAL ---- Create Community --- Available dates: 12/21 & 1/4

BOOKSTORE NEWS --- The Church bookstore is the perfect place to shop this holiday season. The church bookstore carries a wide variety of books, icons, jewelry, prayer ropes, t-shirts and beautiful seasonal gifts. NEW! Buy a bookstore gift card for your friends and family! You can place order after Liturgy or email lorettakrenitsky@gmail.com.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE FAITH (for adults) --- Everyone is invited!

Tuesday Mornings (10:30am-11:30am) Orthodox Life Class – broad range of topics

Wednesday Evenings (7:00pm-8:00pm) Bible Study – Epistle Readings lessons & teachings

Wednesday, Dec. 17^th at 5:30pm Orthodox Christianity: History, Theology, and Practice

To access the archive of materials used, visit tinyurl.com/agoc-orthodox-education

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS --- The church office will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

STEWARDSHIP --- As of Thursday, December 11^th, we have received 284 Stewardship Pledges totaling $413,544.80. To date, we received $424,971.92 from Pledged Households and $41,000.50 from non-pledged households and donors. 2025 Goal: 400+ Pledged Households ($450,000) – Submit your Pledge Now! The 2025 Stewardship Pledge Form is available ONLINE on our website www.annunciationwi.org.

+++ BEYOND OUR PARISH

METROPOLIS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION --- Dec. 14^th --- Join the Chicago Metropolis at The Carlisle. Open house from 4pm-7pm. Contact Fr. Ciprian about carpooling. 

Daughters of Penelope Scholarships --- The annual scholarships to high school seniors looking to advance their education is open! Please submit your name to Cathy Spyres at spycath@aol.com.

Parent University --- Parent University sessions focus on helping the Church’s faith move from one generation to the next. Run by OYM, Family Synaxis, and St. Athanasios Church. Three sessions: December 3, March 12, May 2. Register online at: www.saintathanasios.com/parent-university

CrossRoad Summer Applications Are Open! --- For students in 11^th & 12^th grade. Join CrossRoad for an unforgettable summer as you dive into your faith. crossroadinstitute.org/crossroad-summer-program/

The Encounter App --- Daily prayers, Scripture, Psalms, and Saints lives. Free on all mobile devices in the app store.