THE PROMISE

JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2010

Christ is illumined;
let us shine forth with Him.
Christ is baptized;
let us descend with Him that
we may also ascend with Him.
- ST. GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN

DATES TO REMEMBER: INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

JUNE 24
THE NATIVITY OF JOHN BAPTIST
A Message from our Pastor.....................2
DIVINE LITURGY 9:30AM Congratulations........................................5
AUGUST 5 Thoughts on Stewardship........................6
GREAT VESPERS FOR THE TRANSFIGURATION
6:30PM Summer...................................................6

AUGUST 6 Role Models vs. Heroes..........................7

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION We Will Miss You!................................8
DIVINE LITURGY 9:30AM
Words Can Heal or Hurt.......................9
AUGUST 4, 9, 11, 13
SUPPLICATION SERVICES FOR THE DORMITION Sunday School Graduation...................12
6:30PM
Tribute to Fathers..................................14
AUGUST 14
GREAT VESPERS FOR THE DORMITION Conflict Between Church & Science....16
6:30PM
Festival Scenes.......................................18
AUGUST 15 June / July / August Calendars..............26
FEAST OF THE DORMITION
PAGE 1
THE PROMISE
PASTORAL MESSAGE
St. Lucian of Antioch (240 - 312 AD) is not a very
well known saint of the early Church and yet history
records that when the hour came for him to be tested,
he truly shined amidst the darkness and revealed the
core of his being. It is vividly recalled that when he
was brought before prosecutors for the crime of faith
in the Lord the following exchange took place.
First he was asked, “What country are you from?”
To which he answered sim-
ply, “I am a Christian.”
Then they asked him,
“What is your occupation?”
And again he replied “I am a
Now more than ever, when individuals are specifically
asked “what do you believe?” the answers are such that
even St. Lucian’s zealous prosecutors would easily dis-
miss the charges. Some people respond to the question
by simply referencing the Church that their parents
brought them to as children, but that now as adults they
neither attend, abide by or support - except for maybe
the occasional holiday or sacrament. Others respond
to the question of faith by speaking at length regarding
their individual spiritual and
moral philosophy or credo;
one that is typically so self-
interested, self-serving and

I AM
self-centered, that it is essentially
Christian.” Confounded by his independent of truth or God.
obstinance, they said, “Then And then again, many other
at least tell us what family people when asked about
are you descended from?” their faith will go so far as to
But once again he plainly
replied, “I am a Christian.”
AN say that “while they are not
religious in a traditional sense,”
they are gracious enough to
Even in the face of certain
death for believing in Jesus
Christ, St. Lucian's entire
ORTHODOX acknowledge the existence of
some sort of “higher power”
(typically of their own creation

CHRISTIAN
world view, his total perspective
of life, and the self-definition
of his being was centered
on being a Christian. He
refused to compartmentalize
his life, even if it meant losing
it. He rebuffed any attempt
to enter into a dialogue that might in any way overshadow
his Christian faith. No matter the cost or risk, his faith
in Christ was the very essence of his being. Period.
In this day and age, it is increasingly obvious that such a
passion for Christ is considered “foreign,” “dangerous,”
or “unseemly,” if it is not being routinely mocked. In
the haste to be “agreeable,” the very LAST way people
will use to describe themselves, are in terms of their
faith in Jesus Christ. This has reached the point where
even the local Church is being subtly redefined as a
place for likeminded people to associate and be satisfied;
rather than the House of God where sinners and saints
gather to worship the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
PAGE 2
and definition). Indeed, more
people are willing to say that
they believe in a god, rather
than call on Him by name,
and clearly identify themselves
with Him.
This in fact helps explain why more and more people will
choose their Church based on how many of their friends
go there or how much they like the other believers,
instead of the extent to which they come into contact with
the living Lord of heaven and earth. This also helps us to
understand why more people today tend to practice the
Christian faith in direct correlation to the degree to which
they feel better about themselves and their life, rather
than out of humble obedience to the Word of the Lord.
Saint Lucian would be saddened and amazed at the
turn of events. But he would not be alone. For the great
cloud of witnesses, the saints in every generation were
(Continued on page 4)
 THE PROMISE
THE ANNUNCIATION CONGRATULATIONS!
BOOKSTORE IS OPEN!
We are pleased to note that our very own Alex Miron
graduated this May from the UNIVERSITY OF
The Parish bookstore is ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE with a degree in
open during the Fellowship Accounting and has been accepted to the Masters
hour every Sunday after the Accounting Program at the University's School of
Divine Liturgy or by special Business. He will
appointment. continue his
graduate studies
WE ARE A ONE STOP SOURCE FOR ANY OF YOUR CHURCH in the Fall of 2010.
RELATED NEEDS. We can special order icons for specific
saints, events, or feast days. We can help with finding Alex is a wonderful
assistance in preparing kolyva for Memorial services or graduate of the
in obtaining wedding crowns or baptismal items. We Annunciation
can also help to find and order specific books or Sunday School &
Orthodox related gift items. Please refer any questions or GOYA ministries
needs to Christopher Huckabay at (501) 563-8726 or who now makes
at chiros116@hotmail.com. time to serve as an
Advisor for GOYA
HOMERUN FUN! events. We could
not be more proud
of him and look
forward to his
Annunciation GOYA
continued success,
& JR. GOYA, we are going
and perhaps helping
to an Arkansas Travelers
to “crunch some numbers” for the Annunciation in
Baseball Game!!!
the future!!!

WHEN: Sunday, June 27th

WHERE: Dickey-Stephens
Park, NLR The "Club
Car" Private Picnic Area
TIME: 5:00 pm

DINNER: All-You-Can-Eat Buffet: Hamburgers, SAVE THE DATE

Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, Chips, Popcorn, and
Drinks
Parish Assembly
Sunday,
SEE YOU THERE! August 29th, 2010
PAGE 3
THE PROMISE
PASTORAL MESSAGE
(Continued from page 2)
ALWAYS, unabashed, unashamed and unambiguous
Christians. These are indeed dangerous times. Though
prosecutors are not yet dragging us into court and
formally asking us to identify ourselves like they did so
many others in previous eras, the challenges are no less
consequential. For the most part, day after day, our
words and our deeds cross examine our soul.
It is therefore particularly important for us to keep in
mind the great prayer of the Lord in the Gospel accord-
ing to John Ch. 17:1-13. In it, Jesus clearly states that He
is NOT an important messenger, a gifted prophet, or a
magnificent angel. He definitively declares that He is the
Son of God and that He particularly cares for those who
know Him, serve Him and seek to be entirely His. Mere
hours before His crucifixion and glorious Resurrection,
Jesus prays in the most precise terms. Therefore, regard-
less of what we may or may not think about Him; regard-
less of what we may or may not like about the ark of His
salvation that is the Church; and regardless of whether we
may or may not like all those that strive to follow Him;
Jesus Christ is One with the Father, and He specifically
prays for those that keep His name.
It is true that we live in a fast paced world. We relish
change. We yearn for new ideas and we want many
things. But above and beyond everything else in our
life, we MUST treasure our Orthodox Christian faith.
For if it matters to God, it must matter to us. The
value we must place on our faith is not merely the
domain of priests, monks and nuns. It is the calling of
every man, woman and child to boldly declare, “I AM
a Christian,” and live accordingly.
A person can be a Christian engineer, a Christian doctor,
a Christian businessman, and a Christian homemaker.
But absolutely, positively NO ONE can please God
and only “happen” to be a Christian.
Accordingly every time we punctually attend the wor-
ship services of the Church, we make clear to God,
the world and ourselves, that it is more important to
PAGE 4
BE a Christian than to be worldly. Every time we support
the Church and its ministries with our time, talent and
treasure, we prove to God, the world and ourselves, that
our Christian faith is more important than personal opin-
ions or individual priorities. Our Church attendance and
our stewardship of the Church is a witness to the world
of exactly WHAT it is that we believe, WHO is the One
that we serve, and some of the lengths we will go to in
order to follow and serve Jesus Christ. Ultimately, our
worship in His Church, our support of His Church and
our service to His Church is nothing less than a window
into our soul, a demonstration of what is important to us,
and irrefutable evidence of exactly what we believe.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, there is no rhyme or reason
for us to consume ourselves with making sure that the
people know our name. Instead, let us make sure that
the world knows that we are Orthodox Christians and
that all are welcomed to follow Him. Let us not worry
about what we have or don't have. Instead, let us make
sure that Christ is in our heart, His name is on our lips,
His will is on our mind and our body is in His Church.
Let us not be anxious about what the future may or may
not bring. Instead, let us find comfort in the fact that as
long as being a Christian is our life's top priority, the
Lord God Himself promises that “none of us will be
lost... and our joy will be fulfilled" (Jn 17:12-13).
No matter what happens from this day forward, be it
good or bad, happy or distressing, frustrating or exhilarating,
make no mistake, when the day of Judgment comes and
we kneel before the Lord the only thing that will matter
is whether or not we kept the faith. God will NOT
consider how much money we did or did not make. He
will NOT ask what actions others did that we liked or
disliked. He will NOT care how powerful we were or
were not. All that will matter is what we believed and
the extent to which we made Christ the center of our life.
Mindful of Christ's prayer in John 17:1-13, let us never
lose sight of the fact that no cup of earthly delight is
worth trading for the eternal riches of our Orthodox
Christian faith.
Have a faithful Christian Summer!
Rev. Dr. Nicholas J. Verdaris

CONGRATULATIONS
ANNUNCIATION GRADUATES!
COLLEGE
KATHERINE I. PORFIRIS, the daughter of the late Spiro
Porfiris & Susan Ward, graduated in May from the
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a Bachelor
of Science in Interior Design.
HIGH SCHOOL
YAZAN (ZEE) AL-F FANEK, the son of Haitham & Majida
Al-Fanek, is graduating from Wilbur D. Mills University
Studies High School. He was a member of the Model
U.N., Beta Club, National Honor Society, King’s Club,
American Red Cross, Arkansas Youth Symphony, All
State Orchestra and GOYA. He is a two-time Envirothon
State Winner, Brain Bee State Winner and an Arkansas
Academic All-Star. He received the Bausch & Lomb
Honorary Science Award, the National Orchestra Award
and the Annunciation Spiritual Scholarship. Zee will
be attending the University of Rochester where he will
be majoring in Neuroscience. His hopes for the future
are to become a doctor, do research and Chant in an
Orthodox Church.
JOHN E. KHOURY, the son of Edison Khoury & Jean
Haider, is graduating from Little Rock Catholic High
School. He was a member of the Wrestling team,
AAU Basketball, Central High Chess Club, Little Rock
Chess Club, Theology of the Body, R.E.A.C.H. and
GOYA. He received the Virginia Achievement Grant
and the Annunciation Spiritual Scholarship. John will
be attending Virginia Commonwealth University,
where he will be majoring in Electrical Engineering.
His hopes for the future are to be successful in his
career as an engineer and to make a positive impact on
the world that he can be proud of.
THE PROMISE
HALLIE ELIZABETH RAMSER, the daughter of George
Ramser & Daphne Davenport, is graduating from Park-
view Magnet High School. She was a member of the
National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Camp Aldersgate,
Art Center, Girls State and GOYA. She received the
University of Arkansas Leadership Scholarship and the
Annunciation Spiritual Scholarship. Hallie will be attend-
ing the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she
will major in Psychology. Her hopes for the future are
to major in Psychology while finishing out the Pre-Med
requisites. Other than that, she is unsure what God has
planned for her.
OUTREACH COMMITTEE
MEET & GREET SCHEDULE
June 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick Newton
June 13th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Weatherly
June 20th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Hunter
June 27th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Jones
July 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Johnson
July 11th . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Huckabay
July 18th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carole Hawkins
July 25th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeannie Newton
August 1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick Newton
August 8th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Weatherly
August 15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Hunter
August 22nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Jones
August 29th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Johnson
 FELLOWSHIP HOUR 
If you or your family would like to commemorate
a special event, honor the memory of a loved one
or would simply like to offer a gift to the
Annunciation family. . . you too can sponsor a
Fellowship Hour!
PLEASE CHECK THE BULLETIN
B O A R D A N D S I G N U P T O D A Y!
PAGE 5
THE PROMISE
THOUGHTS ON
STEWARDSHIP
STEWARDSHIP – WHAT IS IT REALLY?
- Author Unknown
Stewardship is something that I hear a lot of talk
about, but not a lot of understanding. I truly believe
that understanding what stewardship is and how it applies
to our lives will change the way we make decisions
each day. If we really understand what it means to be
good stewards we will begin to not only see our lives
change, but also the world around us. Like all other
Biblical principles, tremendous benefit is gained by
following them.
THE DEFINITION OF CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
Lets look at the actual definition of stewardship.
Stewardship:
1: the office, duties, and obligations of a steward
2: the conducting, supervising, or managing
of something ; especially : the careful and
responsible management of something
entrusted to one’s care <stewardship of our
natural resources>
I like how it says “managing of something.” To me
this implies that we have decisions to make and are
responsible for that which we are stewards over. Just
like a manager of business is responsible for his/her
department and employees, so we are with all that has
been entrusted to us.
SO WHAT ARE WE ACTUALLY STEWARDS OVER?
Personally, I believe it applies to everything we have
been given. Our time, our money, our God given gifts
and abilities, our influence, it all comes from God.
There are lots of stewardship verses that show us how
(Continued on page 11)
PAGE 6
SETTING OUR MINDS ON
THINGS ABOVE IN SUMMER
by John Piper
If then you have been raised up with Christ,
keep seeking the things above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on the things above,
not on the things that are on earth.
(Colossians 3:1-2)
Every season is God’s season. But summer has its
special power.
Jesus Christ is refreshing, but flight from him into
Christless leisure makes the soul parched. At first it
may feel like freedom and fun to skimp on prayer, and
neglect the Word. But then we pay: shallowness,
powerlessness, vulnerability to sin, preoccupation with
trifles, superficial relationships, and a frightening loss of
interest in worship and the things of the Spirit.
Don't let summer make your soul shrivel. God made
summer as a foretaste of heaven, not a substitute. If the
mailman brings you a love letter from your fiancé, don’t
fall in love with the mailman. That’s what summer is:
God’s messenger with a sun-soaked, tree-green, flower-
blooming, lake-glistening letter of love to show us what
he is planning for us in the age to come—“things which
eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have
not entered into the heart of man, God has prepared
for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Don’t fall
in love with the video preview, and find yourself unable
to love the coming reality.
Jesus Christ is the refreshing center of summer. He is
preeminent in all things (Colossians 1:18), including
vacations and picnics and softball and long walks and
cookouts. He invites us in the summer: “Come to Me,
all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you
rest” (Matthew 11:28). This is serious summer refreshment.
(Continued on page 17)

ROLE MODELS VS. HEROES:
WAS TIGER WOODS EVER
REALLY ENOUGH?
by Scott Walter
Was Tiger Woods ever really enough? Put aside all
the agonizing over what to make of his fall from grace.
The more profound question is whether Woods in
his original nice persona could satisfy the deep
human longing for excellence. Certainly Tiger 1.0 was
a fine role model for athletes and young people in
general, but are "role models" enough? Or is essayist
Joseph Epstein right to insist that we need heroes to
remind us of what humans, at their peak, can be?
The origins of these two terms are significant. "Role
model" was coined in the first half of the twentieth
century by Columbia sociologist Robert K. Merton,
who also pioneered the techniques used in focus
groups. "Hero," by contrast, is an ancient term of poet-
ry and war. Let the question of whether "role models"
deserve mention in the same breath as "heroes" be set-
tled by two quotations, the first from an appreciation
of Merton by a Harvard historian of science:
The term "role model" first appeared in a
Columbia study of the socialization of medical
students, and was to become wildly popular.
Merton emphasized that, rather than
assuming one status and one role, a person
has a status set in the social structure to which
is attached a whole role-set of expected behavior
- and that, within those sets, ambiguities,
incompatibilities, and conflicts almost
inevitably lurk.
Compare that bit of prose with the words of Captain
George S. Patton - fresh from World War I and on
track to become, in that war's sequel, one of
America's greatest military heroes - as he lectured
junior officers on the responsibilities of leading men
into battle:
THE PROMISE
We have plenty of role
models today, but we need
more heroes. We need them
to avoid sinking too low,
and for inspiration to do
not the possible but the
well-nigh impossible, as the
young Patton knew. We
also need heroes to train
the young in virtue, to
stretch our imaginations,
and to understand
ourselves more deeply.
We, as officers of the army, are not only members
of the oldest of honorable professions, but are
also the modern representatives of the demi-gods
and heroes of antiquity. Back of us stretches a
line of men whose acts of valor, of self-sacrifice,
and of service have been the theme of song and
story since long before recorded history began.
These quotes show that the sociologist and the army
officer didn't differ simply in their occupational pursuits;
they inhabited different moral universes. Few people
today will hear such rhetoric as Patton's even once in
their lives. It has an antique ring because we live in an
age not of heroes but of role models. There is nothing
wrong with good role models. Robert K. Merton saw a
role model as a "person who serves as an example,
whose behavior is emulated by others." Remember the
shots of emulative young people peering into the cam-
era in a famous advertisement proclaiming, "I am Tiger
Woods"?
Tiger Woods, in his original persona, was an incomparable
athlete, a friendly fellow, and a happily married man.
These are all highly desirable qualities, all worthy of
emulation. But coming back to win a golf tournament
when you've been several strokes behind the leader
(Continued on page 25)
PAGE 7
THE PROMISE
WE WILL MISS YOU!
This summer, RICK &
"Whatever your task, work heartily as serving the JEANNIE NEWTON ,
Lord and not men, who served our parish
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the with zeal, are also leaving
inheritance as your reward; us as Rick begins a
you are serving the Lord Christ. new position out of
Colossians 3:23-24 state. Whether in the
choir, on the Parish
Council, the Festival
Outreach programs,
This summer the Annunciation Church family is in whatever way the
going to experience some transition as some precious Church needed faithful
members of our Church family will be moving to new Christians to answer the
vineyards outside of Arkansas. But these precious call, Rick & Jeannie responded with hearts bursting with
stewards of the Annunciation always found the man- faith and love. While they will be missed, we will be
ner and means to give their first fruits to Christ and comforted in knowing that we are forever united in
His Church, and as brothers and sisters in Christ it is Christ and the Holy Chalice and will eagerly look
only fitting and right to pause to honor them and bid forward to their visits back to Little Rock.
them a loving farewell.

 

As you know, our very own

MEDINA FUGATE will soon be JARROD RUSSELL, as you
moving away from Little Rock, all know, will be leaving
and the Annunciation will us this summer to begin
never be able to completely studying at the Holy
thank her enough for the Cross Greek Orthodox
decades of service and leadership Seminary. Thus we are
she provided our parish not really saying “good-
through her loving work in the bye” to Jarrod, but real-
Sunday School ministry. As ize that he is going to be
was highlighted during the sorely missed throughout
Sunday School Graduation in the year while he is away
May, because of Medina’s tireless service, generations studying. Jarrod has
of young people have been profoundly touched by her assisted with the mainte-
commitment to impart Christ, His Church and His nance and organization of the Holy Altar, taught
Wisdom to others. With every lesson and activity she Sunday School, worked with GOYA and offered his
prepared as a Sunday School Teacher and Director, time and talents to the parish in every other conceivable
the love of God was shared. As a treasured gift from manner. While he will be deeply missed, we can
the Lord our God to the Annunciation in Little Rock, happily look forward to bringing him back to our
she will never be far from our thoughts and prayers parish to serve during the holidays.
and we hope she will visit us often in the future.
 (Continued on page 9)

PAGE 8
 THE PROMISE
WE WILL MISS YOU! WORDS CAN HEAL OR HURT
(Continued from page 8) by Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews

FOFE GING VASQUEZ has

I love you. I forgive you. You are a wonderful person.
been an integral member of
When you hear these words, they sooth and warm the
our Church family for years
heart because they have the power to heal. On the other
who is now moving to
hand, when we say, “I hate you. I will never forgive you.
Connecticut to begin her new
You are a liar”, these words often hurt others, causing
life with her husband Dimitri.
them to feel uncomfortable, unloved or angry because
One would be hard pressed
these words have the power to destroy.
to mention a ministry or
program at the Annunciation
Jesus heals many times just by saying a word or phrase.
in which Fofe was not
For example, today, in the 4th Sunday of Pascha John
involved. With particular
5:1-15, Jesus heals the Paralytic by saying, “Stand up,
dedication towards youth
take your mat and walk” (John 5:8). Later in today’s
ministry, the Annunciation
passage, He says, “Sin no more” (Jn. 5:14). Jesus also
has been extraordinarily
said this to the Sinful Woman (John 8:11). Numerous
blessed to have her as a part of our Church family. A
times Christ said, “Your faith has made you well” (Mt.
deeply dedicated young woman, Fofe always looked
9:22; Mk. 5:34; Mk. 10:52; Lk. 8:48; Lk. 17:19; Lk.
for ways to help share the light and love of Christ in
18:42) and “Your sins are forgiven” (Mt. 9:2; Mk. 2:5;
our parish and she will be sorely missed. Here again,
Lk. 5:20; Lk. 7:48; See also Luke 13:12). Even the
the Annunciation’s loss will be the Church in
apostles accomplished healing through words only. In
Connecticut's gain; and for that reason we cannot have
today’s epistle (4th Sunday of Pascha; Acts 9:32-42)
regret but only gratitude to have had her with us. We
Peter said, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and
thank God for her faithful service and look forward to
make your bed” (Acts 9:34).
many visits back to Little Rock in the future.
Unfortunately, as much as words have the power to
 heal, they also have the power to hurt, injure, weaken
and destroy. It seems incomprehensible to us that any-
Our Church family has also been very blessed to enjoy one could have been against Jesus. If we saw Him heal
the fellowship and service of AYMAN & CHERINE and teach today, surely we would sing Jesus’ praises and
LEWIS AND THEIR DAUGHTERS CHRISTINE AND LINA. follow Him wherever He went. We would hope so.
This summer they will be leaving for Minnesota However, just as words can build up, they can also tear
where Dr. Ayman has accepted a new position. Their down. And instead of rejoicing at the paralytic’s healing,
daughters were smiling beacons of sunshine, while their (Continued on page 15)
parents were wonderful examples of faithful
dedication to Christ. We were especially blessed to
have Cherine working with the Pre-school children in
our Sunday School program. This faithful family was a REMEMBER
joy to have in our midst and we will always recall them
with much love. They may be moving out of Little FATHER’S DAY
Rock, but we hope they will always fondly think of the
Annunciation in Little Rock as their home away from JUNE 20, 2010
home.

PAGE 9
THE PROMISE
Happy Birthday
TO OUR PARISHIONERS CELEBRATING
DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS !
June
June 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Alley
June 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claire Cotros
Pierre Delfos
Alex Miron
June 7th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ed Kutait
June 8th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luke Alley
Adrianna Alley
June 10th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manuel Tsoukatos
June 11th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haitham Fanek
Pamela Speed
June 12th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Alley
June 13th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Layne Kaiser
David Sargent
June 15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Ging
June 16th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Simon Ramser
June 17th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bethany Townsend
June 19th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gus Vratsinas
June 21st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Spencer
June 23rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gracie Cotros
Ben Diggins
Alexander Hronas
June 27th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Harb
June 29th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Pearson
June 30th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samantha Townsend
July
July 1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narjis Meti
July 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander Haddad
Harry Hronas
July 7th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aleksey Boureiko
July 10th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennis Campbell
Zee Fanek
Matthew Harb
PAGE 10
July 11th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stefan Tudoreanu
July 13th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Zraick
July 14th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Bailey
July 15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yiannis Paslidis
July 16th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rami Alley
Amber Alley
Chris Alley
John Khoury
July 17th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samuel Wilcox
July 21st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phoebe Kutait
July 23rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ayman Matta
Marinna Tadros
July 25th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Bailey
July 26th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Pappas
July 27th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lea Ging
July 31st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alex Kassissieh
Abby Paslidis
August
August 3rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice Pappas
August 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lara Alley
August 5th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gunnar Burks
August 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lesya Melnyk
August 7th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Alley
August 11th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edward Onisei
George Tadros
August 12th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marena Farah
August 14th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eva Sargent
August 15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sammy Harb
August 16th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Hyde
August 17th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hayden Huckabay
August 19th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Anaissie
Anna Boureiko
August 21st. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeffrey Chacko
August 22nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Lewis
August 23rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nina Diggins
August 28th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Moutos
August 29th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Kassissieh
August 31st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Pappas
 THE PROMISE
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP
(continued from page 6) was even born. He was also not naive to think that he
would be the last to play the fine instrument. He under-
stood that it was just temporarily passing through his
we should act, but my favorite is the Parable of the hands.
Talents since it gives such a great illustration of what a
good steward does. Put simply, the good stewards The violinist’s outlook on his violin has really helped
were the ones who took “risks” and action in order to me get a better under-
multiply what they had been given. The bad steward standing of the role
was the one who out of fear decided not to take a risk possessions should have
and was called lazy as well. in my life. Changing my
thinking in this way has
This reminds me of another scripture, Luke 12:48: affected how I handle
“...From everyone who has been given much, much my money and even my
will be demanded; and from the one who has been weekly buying decisions.
entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” It’s not that having
possessions is a good or
bad thing, just that it
HOW SHOULD “STEWARDSHIP LIVING” needs to be in the
AFFECT OUR LIVES? proper perspective.

Our finances tend to be the key area that people refer

to when speaking of stewardship. I think the main
reason is that often money is one of the most difficult
things for people to give. At least for me that used to
be the case. I was okay giving my energy, time, or sharing SAVE THE DATE!!!
my abilities, but money was not something that I was
interested in giving away. That is probably why God
had to work on me for so long to help me lose my attitude!
THE 2010 ANNUNCIATION
One of the things that helped me was keeping focus
on the fact that I came into the world with nothing and GOYA
would leave with nothing. I began to look at all my
possessions as merely being “on loan.” This has
CHRIST ENCOUNTER RETREAT
helped me begin to see myself more as a “steward”
rather than a “possessor”.
O CTOBER 2, 2 010
STEWARDSHIP OF A VIOLIN - from morning till night!!!

I remember a friend of mine saying that he was talking THE JOY & JR. GOYA MINI-RETREAT will
to a well-known violinist about his violin. The violinist take place on Friday, October 1st.
had mentioned that the violin was a couple hundred
years old and worth many hundreds of thousands of
dollars. The interesting point I remember from the
conversation was the way the violinist viewed himself SAVE THE DATE!!!
as a steward of the instrument. He knew that many
great musicians had played the instrument before he

PAGE 11
THE PROMISE

PAGE 12
 THE PROMISE

Sunday School Shines!

PAGE 13
THE PROMISE
TRIBUTE TO FATHERS HOLY SERVICES IN AUGUST
COMMEMORATING
THE DORMITION OF THE
"Honor your father and mother.”
This is the first of the Ten Commandments that THEOTOKOS &
ends with a promise. And this is the promise: If
THE TRANSFIGURATION
you honor your father and mother,
"you will live a long life, full of blessing.”
And now a word to you fathers.
Don't make your children angry by the way you WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4TH
treat them. Supplication Service - 6:30pm
Rather, bring them up with the discipline and
instruction approved by the Lord.
(Ephesians Chapter 6 verses 2 - 4)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5TH
Great Vespers - 6:30pm
Fathers are the biggest source of strength for a child.
The innocent eyes of a child perceive father as the all-
powerful, most knowledge, truly affectionate and the FRIDAY, AUGUST 6TH
most important person in the family. For daughters, Divine Liturgy - 9:30am
fathers are the first men they adore and fall in love
with. While for sons their fathers are the strongest
person they know and someone they aspire to
emulate. Even for the grownups fathers are someone MONDAY, AUGUST 9TH
whom they look up to for the most experienced and Supplication Service - 6:30pm
honest advice that is always in the best of our interest.
For this great figure in our life that we know as father
- it becomes our utmost duty to pay our humblest WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11TH
tribute on the occasion of Father's Day. Supplication Service - 6:30pm

SAY THANKS TO DAD ON FATHER'S DAY

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13TH
Children blessed with a loving father should consider Supplication Service - 6:30pm
themselves fortunate. For, they have someone to take
care of their needs and interests. Someone to stop
them when they are diverting to a wrong path and SATURDAY, AUGUST 14TH
guide them on a road to success and virtue. For many Great Vespers -6:30pm
of us fathers have always been there to solve our innu-
merous mathematics and science problems and
explain the same formula hundredth time or better
still until it is understood by us. Fathers would never SUNDAY, AUGUST 15TH
ever give a smallest of hint to let us know how hard Matins - 9:00am
(Continued on page 23)
Divine Liturgy - 10:00am

PAGE 14

WORDS CAN HEAL OR HURT
(Continued from page 9)
some said to him, “It’s the Sabbath; it is not lawful for
you to carry your mat.” (Jn. 5:10).
How many times, after He performed a healing or a
miracle, did people, like the Pharisees, Sadducees
and scribes, criticize Jesus instead of praise Him or
praise His healings or praise the people He healed?
Sadly, this negative response occurred more often
than not. What effect did this have on others who
heard this joyless criticism? Well, it certainly must
have been discouraging and hurtful. We forget that it
also spread to others, infecting their attitudes to such
a level, that it created enough anger in others so that
they sought to kill Jesus (Mt. 26:4; Lk. 13:31; Lk. 22:2;
Jn. 5:16,18; 7:1).
In reflecting on the power that words can have to
injure or heal, I would like us to consider the wisdom
and guidance found in the Holy Scriptures and the
Church Fathers.
St. John Chrysostom: You are a man and yet you spit
the venom of a poisonous serpent. You are a man and
yet you become like a raging beast. You have been
given a mouth not to wound but to heal.
Shepherd of Hermas: Love truth and avoid anger or
slander. Let your mouth speak nothing but the truth
and uplifting words to each other. In the Lord there is
no falsehood. Liars and slanderers would the Lord,
they become like thieves who steal from the Lord
because they do not return to Him the gift in the same
way as they receive it, for they received a Spirit from
Him that does not lie.
Proverbs 10:18-19: Whoever hides hatred has lying
lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool. In the
multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who
restrains his lips is wise.
Psalm 141:3 : Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
THE PROMISE
Keep watch over the door of my lips. (Presanctified
Liturgy- Psalm verses as we chant “Let my prayer
arise…”)
Now, we know that at times we must offer words that
seek to guide and correct others. So, the question is,
“How do we offer critical words in a manner that will
heal and not destroy?” In my pre-marital counseling
with couples preparing for marriage in the Orthodox
Church, I teach some skills that may be helpful to
everyone.
First, we must remember the primary importance of
the relationship. Whether we are a spouse, parent,
child, parishioner, volunteer, co-worker, or supervisor
(and many of us have multiple roles simultaneously),
we are in a relationship with someone. When I say rela-
tionship, I’m not talking about a romantic one. Jesus’
teaching about loving our neighbor and our enemy
should help us remember the importance of the rela-
tionship itself. We do not exist as human beings in iso-
lation. Therefore, we must be careful not to isolate our-
selves and others through careless, hurtful words.
Second, we should speak assertively. This means using
“I” statements and avoid “You” statements. What do I
mean? Let’s take a simple example. What’s more effec-
tive, “Honey, I would like you to take out the trash” or
“Hey you, take out the trash right now”? A more sensi-
tive example could go one of two ways: “I know you
had good intentions, but I was hurt when you said this
and did that” versus “You are so mean and such a
jerk.” Speaking assertively helps us to own or feelings
and attitudes without imposing them on others.
Therefore, it is easier for the other person to accept
and receive what we are trying to say.
Third, the way we experience people and situations is
based on our perception. Sometimes, we do not see or
hear accurately. Thus, we may respond with hurt or
anger to words or actions that were not intended as
such. What helps avoid this is to practice
reflective/active listening. Here’s an example: someone
might say to us, “You are ignorant!” We then quickly
retort, “I know a lot more than you do!” Instead of this,
(Continued on page 17)
PAGE 15
THE PROMISE
WHEN YOUR CHILD BRINGS
UP A CONFLICT BETWEEN
CHURCH & SCIENCE
by Fr. George Morelli
The measure of all things is Christ.
PROBLEM: While on Christmas vacation from college,
my daughter told me that one of her professors said
that sex outside marriage was not against the "natural
law." In fact, there was no "natural law" - but "anything
goes." I have tried to bring up my children to be good
Orthodox Christians. What am I to do?
SOLUTION: By all means continue to proclaim the
Gospel teachings, but be sure not to base your moral
system on some so-called 'natural law' as described by
science. You see, your daughter's college professor is
correct. Extra-marital sex is not against the natural law
as defined by science. In science, when we speak of
natural we mean what is "in nature." In nature, many
types of behaviors exist. There are many varieties that
we see in our own culture and even more varieties that
we can see in cross cultural comparisons. Sociological
and anthropological studies lead the way here. Thus
monogamy, polygamy, war, murder, chastity, and
homosexuality, etc., are all equally "lawful in nature"
because they all exist. For example, we may observe
that in a certain culture, homosexual behavior occurs
and thereby deviates from what the average individual
does. The fact that it exists means it is natural, as
natural as a sunrise or an earthquake, a flower or a
flood. Scientists view such a behavior merely as a
statistic. A certain percentage of the population
engage in homosexual behavior and is thus natural.
Science has spoken! All varieties of sexual behavior
are "natural." But this view is entirely different from
the definition of what is natural to man that God has
revealed to us. Science and the Church are not
opposed, they are simply using two different
definitions of the term: natural.
PAGE 16
INNER CONSCIENCE
It is not uncommon to consider however that in the
depth of conscience, man detects a law which he does
not impose on himself but which holds him to
obedience. Christian ethics would imply that all
evolution of morals and every type of life must be kept
within the guidelines and boundaries imposed by the
immutable principal based on every person's inherent
sense of right and wrong.
In the course of history whenever the Roman Church
(or any other Church) has based its faith, dogma or
morals on science, she has been terribly embarrassed.
Copernicus, a 16th century churchman and scientist,
was considered a heretic for stating the sun was the cen-
ter of the universe, instead of the earth as the theolo-
gians taught. This earth-centered universe fit well with
the theological view of man as the greatest of God's
material creations, who thereby must reside at the cen-
ter or focal point of the universe. Galileo too, ran into
difficulty defending the Copernican position. But, as we
know, the earth is not the center of the universe, and
whether it is or not has nothing to do with commitment
to Christ, holding fast to His teachings or morality.
NATURAL AS UNDERSTOOD BY THE CHURCH
Mankind is meant for paradise, and paradise is
understood as life in and with God that lasts for all
eternity. The church fathers tell us what is "natural" for
man is his original purpose. St. John of Damascus tells
us:
As a golden seal to this plain homily, we will add
a brief account of the way in which that which is
most precious of all that God has created — the
noetic and intelligent creature, man — has been
made, alone among created beings, in God's
image and likeness (cf. Genesis 1:26). First,
every man is said to be made in the image of
God as regards the dignity of his intellect and
soul ... and endowed with free will...
Further, St. John of Damascus taught this dignity
natural to man carries with it a responsibility toward
holiness:
(Continued on page 21)

WORDS CAN HEAL OR
HURT
(Continued from page 15)
reflective listening would simply repeat back to the
person, using an “I” statement, what we heard.
“What I heard you say is that I am ignorant.” What
reflective listening accomplishes is twofold: 1) It con-
firms that indeed we heard the person accurately,
thus allowing us to respond more appropriately; 2) It
helps the other person to hear exactly what they said,
thus enabling them to confirm that indeed what they
said is what they intended. Considering this, the first
person might then respond, “No, I didn’t mean to
say you were ignorant. I meant to say that sometimes
I feel like you ignore me.”
Fourth, when we feel we must offer a criticism it
should be balanced with a compliment. In fact,
because critical comments are usually so sensitive,
many say that we should offer three compliments to
every criticism. Offering several compliments before
offering a criticism, communicates to the other per-
son that we do indeed see and value their positive
characteristics and behaviors. By doing this, we help
them be open to the criticism. If we constantly are
offering criticisms, and those of us who have children
know this well, then people begin to tune us out and
not take us seriously.
Fifth and finally, we must seek as best we can to be
aware of our inner world. We must be conscious of
our thoughts and feelings that constantly run through
our heart, mind and soul. This is very important
because often how we communicate with others is
affected by our inner world. For example, the need
to criticize may be driven more by our own thoughts
than by another person’s words and actions. If we are
self-aware, we can practice discernment better, deter-
mining if voicing our criticism is really necessary and
will ultimately be more helpful than hurtful.
THE PROMISE
ON THINGS ABOVE IN
SUMMER
(Continued on page 6)
Do we want it? That is the question. Christ gives himself
to us in proportion to how much we want his refreshment.
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with
all your heart” (Jeremiah 11:12). One of the reasons to
give the Lord special attention in the summer is to say
to him “We want all your refreshment. We really want
it.”
Peter’s word to us about this is: “Repent therefore and
return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that
times of refreshing may come from the presence of the
Lord” (Acts 3:19). Repentance is not just turning away
from sin, but also turning toward the Lord with hearts
open and expectant and submissive.
What sort of summer mindset is this? It is the mindset
of Colossians 3:1-2, "If then you have been raised up
with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ
is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the
things above, not on the things that are on earth."
In the summer the earth is very
much with us. And it is God’s
earth! But it is all prelude to the
real drama of heaven. It is a
foretaste of the real banquet. It
is a video preview of the reality
of what the eternal summer will
be like when “the city has no
need of sun or moon to shine
upon it, for the glory of God is
its light, and its lamp is the
Lamb” (Revelation 21:23). So,
you see, the summer sun is a
mere pointer to the sun that will
be: the glory of God. Summer is
for seeing and showing that.
Will we have eyes to see? Do
you want to have eyes to see?
Lord, let us see the Light
beyond the campfire.
PAGE 17
THE PROMISE

PAGE 18

THANKS BE TO GOD!
The Lord continues to bless the Annunciation in Little
Rock in our efforts to glorify Him and share His love with
our neighbors. Beginning with a new and improved Taste
of the Mediterranean & Greek Fest Golf Tournament
with Easter Seals, our Church not only shined as a beacon
of Christ’s light, but was able to help others in ways that
vastly exceed the size of our Church family. Not only did
the participants at these two events have a good time but
we were able to once again use our time and talents to
support others in the name of the Lord and present the
open doors of His Church to the broader Little Rock
community. Then later that same week, with an amazing
level of enthusiasm and joy, our Church family faced its
single greatest annual endeavor - the Festival - with a
strength and grace that can only come from an abiding
love for Christ. With a revamped and reinvigorated Festival,
the Annunciation and our local charities were well served.
We all did our best, put our trust in the Lord that His
Will would be done, and took a leap of faith as dedicated
stewards of the Annunciation and faithful Orthodox Christians
in Little Rock. And once again, He heard the voice of our
prayer and blessed us abundantly!
So as we recover from this year’s monumental task we
must above all thank the Lord our God for providing our
Church with another splendid opportunity to work
THE PROMISE
together as an Orthodox Christian family and glorify
Him through the work and mission of our Festival. With
God’s grace, our Church family truly put forth its best - and
our Festival shined brightly to the glory of God.
To Raouf Kassissieh & Tina Alley, our Festival co-chairs,
we say thank you! For months they gave the full measure
of their strength to the Festival. They arose at all hours of
the day and night to promote the Festival in the media,
receive deliveries and answer innumerable questions;
no task was too big or too small. Without such dedication,
our Festival would suffer!
To all those men and women in our Church family, both
young and old alike, who offered enormous portions of
their time and talent in order to empower the ministries
of our parish, assist many worthwhile charities, and
manifest the love of Christ through the 2010 Festival -
THANK YOU! You have certainly pleased the Lord and
brought honor to the Annunciation. Such endeavors cannot
possibly be accomplished without the whole hearted
commitment of our entire Church family. God has
blessed us with many stewards willing to give the first
portion of their time and talent to the Annunciation and
this is something that is particularly beautiful to behold.
And let us not overlook a hardy few in our Church family
who have been organizing, placing orders, repairing
things, calling vendors and/or cooking at the Church five
days a week for months and months at a time - without
pay, fame or complaint, but solely motivated by Christian
love and dedication to the Church. We cannot list all of
the names of these individuals, but the satisfaction of
honoring the Lord and supporting the Church by such an
extraordinary commitment of time and talent is well
known to God and a constant source of inspiration and
strength to the entire Annunciation Church family.
Parishioner’s fervent dedication to the wellbeing of the
Annunciation and joyful witness to the Good News of
Christ through tireless service at this year’s Festival was an
awe inspiring example of Orthodox Christian faith and love.
So with this amazing mission beautifully fulfilled to the
glory of God, and looking forward to the next year, let us
ceaselessly praise our gracious Lord and Savior for His
abundant grace and love for the Annunciation in Little
Rock.
Thanks be to God & Well Done Faithful
Stewards of the Annunciation!
PAGE 19
THE PROMISE

A Festival of Blessings

PAGE 20
THE PROMISE

PAGE 21
THE PROMISE

CONGRATULATIONS! OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES

The Annunciation family joyously congratulates

DIMITRIOS VASQUEZ & FOFE GING who were
joined in blessed matrimony
at the Annunciation on
Saturday, June 5th. Nektarios
Kalogridis served as their
sponsor.

MAY GOD GRANT YOU

MANY YEARS
OF LOVE & HAPPINESS!
WORDS OF WISDOM
“Do I possess the house in which I live?
No, it is only on loan to me from God
while I remain in that place. Do I
possess the clothes I wear? No, they are
on loan to me until they wear out, or
until I give them away to someone in
greater need. Do I possess this body that
you see before you? No, it was lent to me
by God when I was born, and he will take
it back when I die. Do I possess the mind
that is composing the words that I speak?
No, that too was lent by God at my birth
and will go when I die. So do I possess
anything? Yes, I possess the virtues which
during my life have grown and flourished
within my soul. Inasmuch as I have
grown in faith, I possess faith. Inasmuch
as I have grown in gentleness, I possess
gentleness. These things are immortal;
they are divine gifts which God will not
take away, because he wants heaven itself
to be filled with virtue. And, of course, I
possess my soul, in which these virtues
have their roots.”
St John Chrysostom from On Living Simply: The
Golden Voice of John Chrysostom

The Annunciation Church family notes with deep
sadness the passing of JIM RUTTER, the father of
Mike Rutter, who passed away in a car accident in
Missouri.
As our heavenly Father receives the soul of this His
servant, let us continue to pray that all those who
mourn will be comforted by the bountiful love of
our Savior.
“May his memory be eternal!”
WELCOME
The Annunciation family
joyously welcomes into our
Orthodox Christian Church
family LYNN & SUSAN
MCDOWELL who will be
Chrismated on Sunday, June
13th. Gordon & Martha Tyer
will serve as their sponsors.
May our gracious Lord bless
the Annunciation’s newest
Church family members!

PAGE 22

A THANK YOU NOTE
To My Annunciation
Parish Family:
Thank you for providing me with
a seminarian’s robe as I prepare
to go to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
School of Theology. The love and
support I have received from my
parish family, exemplified by this
very generous gift, has been a
source of great joy and comfort.
I look forward to wearing this
robe at the divine services at the
seminary and being constantly
reminded of my beloved Parish
Family.
Again, thank you.
In Christ,
Jarrod Russell
HINT:
Church is OPEN on Sundays
in June, July & August!
Divine
Liturgy,
10:00am
THE PROMISE
A TRIBUTE TO FATHERS
(Continued from page 14)
they work to take care of our needs and fulfill even the
most whimsical of demands... For all their adorable
scolding and affectionate punishments we all owe a big
thanks to our Dads.
APOLOGIZE TO DAD ON FATHER'S DAY
Father's Day also brings with it the wonderful opportunity
to apologize for all our rude and insensitive behavior.
We as children often take the love and affection of our
parents for granted and treat them with outright
contempt. We need to apologize. We must feel great to
have the presence of loving father in our lives and do
not disrespect the blessing of God on us. On Father's
Day we must says “Sorry” to our Dad and seek their
forgiveness for our wrong behavior.
CELEBRATE
FATHER'S DAY
WITH DAD
We must make all
efforts to celebrate
Father's Day with
our Dad. Children
staying away from
father must especially
strive to spend the
day with father and
show gratitude for all their support and love. We must
pamper father by spending the day in a manner he likes
most. It could be going out for a picnic or indulging him
with a gourmet meal. We can also express love with
thoughtful gifts accompanied by a bouquet of his favorite
flowers. The idea is to show our affection and tell
Daddy how much he is loved and appreciated not just
on Father's Day but every single day of our lives.
PAGE 23
THE PROMISE
A CONFLICT
BETWEEN CHURCH &
SCIENCE
(Continued from page 16)
Every man possesses that which is according
to the image of God, "for the gifts of God are
irrevocable" (cf. Romans 11:29). But only a
few — those who are virtuous and holy and
have imitated the goodness of God to the limit
of human powers — possess that which is
according to the likenesses of God" (Philokalia III).
The words of St. Simeon the New Theologian should
be kept in mind then as a guide to our behavior, not
as a scientific statistic, but looking to paradise, for
which we were originally created:
It is right for us to place the yoke of Christ's
commandments on our shoulders from the
start; and we should not resist or hang back.
On the contrary, we should walk straight ahead
wholeheartedly obedient to them in truth the
new paradise of God, until the Son comes to
dwell in us with the Father through the Holy
Spirit" (Philokalia IV).
THE PARENTAL OR PASTORAL RESPONSE
Well, for you as a parent or pastor, there would be
two important issues left. One would be concern for
the breakdown of society: indifference, moral rela-
tivism secularism and syncretism are the fruits of pro-
moting or condoning behavior based on the scientific
statistical definition of what is natural and therefore
acceptable, ethical and moral.
CHRIST OUR GUIDEPOST
Most important however, is the second issue. It is
really not an issue at all because it is at the apex of our
PAGE 21
lives - this is our Orthodox commitment to Christ. We
do not obey a proscription, sexual or otherwise, because
it conforms or does not conform to a scientific definition
of natural law. We obey according to the measure of
our commitment to Christ. The measure of this
commitment will be based of Christ indwelling the
depth of hearts and sincerity of our prayer. It would be
well to keep in mind what our holy fathers have taught
us - obedience leads to faith and prayer, and in turn,
faith and prayer lead to obedience. Being excellent
psychologists, the fathers tell us that the main pitfalls to
prayer and obedience to God's will are forgetfulness,
ignorance and laziness. Possibly we could sum up these
three categories into two: knowledge and perseverance
(or persistence). Real knowledge and perseverance in
living the Christian spiritual-moral life can only come
from the perspective of Christ and His Church.
So you see, your daughter may be getting a very valuable
college education, if she at least learns that the
Orthodox Christian life, sexual or otherwise, cannot be
proved by the 'natural law' as defined by science, but
what is 'natural' for us in terms of the purpose of which
God originally created us. You as her parent along with
her pastor, and the entire Church, can add to her
knowledge by teaching and witnessing the message of
the Gospels, the commandments, the beatitudes, what
Our Lord called the "narrow path" leading to our shar-
ing of the Light of Christ. It is by the illumination of
Christ that we will become as "little children"; that we
will find the Kingdom of God.
This kingdom , as the evangelists tell us, is found in our
hearts. I might add that it is not found in a science
textbook, unless the "laws of nature" God created are
illumined by His Divine light.
"The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge"
(PSALM 19: 1-2).

ROLE MODELS VS. HEROES
(Continued on page 7)
doesn't entail a great deal of risk or evoke awe, even
if you're smiling politely throughout. Nor would a
young person fear reprisals from "cool" peers or hip
professors if, before the scandal, he said he hoped to
be another Tiger Woods. By contrast, a student who
confessed to be inspired by, say, Patton or Sergeant
York, would not only be in danger of sneers, but on
certain college campuses he would be sternly discouraged
from meeting with those soldiers' successors to discuss
a career risking death in our country's uniform.
We have plenty of role models today, but we need
more heroes. We need them to avoid sinking too
low, and for inspiration to do not the possible but the
well-nigh impossible, as the young Patton knew. We
also need heroes to train the young in virtue, to
stretch our imaginations, and to understand ourselves
more deeply. As one wise mother of six has said, "We
need to see our own characteristics and aspirations
magnified, really big, bigger than life, in order to
absorb them into the pitiful little wrinkles of our
cerebellums."
Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that we need heroes in
order to appreciate freedom, even to believe in its
possibility. The Frenchman warned us of historians
who ignore the role of heroic individuals in shaping
history and focus instead on impersonal social forces.
Such historians "forge a close and enormous chain,
which girds and binds the human race." If their out-
look "gets possession of the public mind, it will soon
paralyze the activity of modern society and reduce
Christians to the level of the Turks," by which
Tocqueville meant the harsh tyranny of the caliphate.
To avoid that fate, we must recognize that individuals
can rise above the social forces shaping their times.
Nothing illustrates the possibility better than a
Churchill refusing, despite a lack of allies, to give up
the fight against the Nazis, or a Lincoln refusing to
allow Southern fire-eaters and Northern abolitionists
to split the Union over slavery, or a Washington
THE PROMISE
refusing to surrender to the vastly more powerful British
Empire.
But to ask if we need heroes is perhaps also the wrong
question. Better to ponder what heroes need, as it were.
To be remembered and revered from the past, and to
be cultivated in the future, heroes need citizens who
care for more than material comfort, who believe that
each of us has a free will, who do not expect perfection
from mortals but do long for excellence, who do not
make puritanical demands for "equality" in all things.
Heroes need a citizenry that has not had its horizons
flattened by tyrannous theories that deny the possibility
of virtue, much less of greatness, that quash wonder and
reverence and produce only world-weary irony in
youths who are naturally at the age to contemplate the
outermost limits of their own potential.
It seems that heroism cannot be separated from serious
risk. Does that mean that only those in hazardous jobs
are potential heroes? Not exactly. Instead, the question
points to the greatest value of heroes. By confronting
dangerous enemies, they keep our gaze from avoiding
the grandest horizon of all. As one sage put it, they help
us "come to terms with that last great enemy that lies in
wait at the end of every road: death." In this high-stakes
setting, each one of us is a potential hero, if we are
willing to sacrifice ourselves for others rather than
anesthetize ourselves and settle for easy banalities over
excellence and striving.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Pray for the forgiveness of the sins of
others as you pray for the forgiveness
of your own; pray for the
salvation of others as you pray for
your own, and you will receive from
God a wealth of spiritual gifts,
the gifts of the Holy Spirit,
who loves a soul which is concerned
with the salvation of others.
St. John of Kronstadt
PAGE 25
THE PROMISE
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
1100 NAPA VALLEY DRIVE, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72211
REV. DR. NICHOLAS J. VERDARIS, PASTOR

JUNE 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12
2nd Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Youth Branson Trip
10:00am Departure
for Youth Branson Return from
Trip Youth Branson Trip

13 14 15 16 17 18 19
3rd Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

20 21 22 23 24 25 26
4th Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am Nativity of St. John
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am the Baptist
Liturgy 9:30am
Happy Father’s Day

27 28 29 30
4th Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Youth Traveler’s Baseball

Game

PAGE 26
 THE PROMISE
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
1100 NAPA VALLEY DRIVE, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72211
REV. DR. NICHOLAS J. VERDARIS, PASTOR

JULY 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10
6th Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am 40th Biennial 40th Biennial 40th Biennial 40th Biennial
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Clergy-Laity Congress Clergy-Laity Congress Clergy-Laity Clergy-Laity
Congress Congress
Happy Independence Day
America!!!

11 12 13 14 15 16 17
7th Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Sunday of the Holy Fathers
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

25 26 27 28 29 30 31
9th Sunday of Matthew St. Paraskevi
Matins 9:00 am Liturgy 9:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

PAGE 27
THE PROMISE
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
1100 NAPA VALLEY DRIVE, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72211
REV. DR. NICHOLAS J. VERDARIS, PASTOR

AUGUST 2010
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
10th Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am Feast
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am of the Transfiguration
Great Vespers for Liturgy 9:30am
the Transfiguration
Supplication Service 6:30pm
6:30pm

8 9 10 11 12 13 14
11th Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Great Vespers for the
Supplication Service Supplication Service Supplication Service Dormition 6:30pm
6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm

15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Feast of the Dormition
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

22 23 24 25 26 27 28
13th Sunday of Matthew
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Youth Ministry Registration

Begins

29 30 31 Sept. 1 2 3 4
Beheading of St. John
Matins 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Parish Assembly
Youth Ministry Registration

5 6 7 8 9 10 11
15th Sunday of Matthew Labor Day Nativity of
Matins 9:00 am the Theotokos
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Offices Closed Liturgy 9:30am

PAGE 28