Dear fellow parishioners:

It is a great honor to thank the stewards of our beloved Annunciation Church for the generosity and support given at this year's Seminarian Scholarship Luncheon.  Held on Sunday, April 6th, we gathered as a family to show our respect and support to young men who pursue the Holy Priesthood.

In the last fifteen years we have had four young men graduate from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.  Today, three of them serve as priests: Fr. Christopher Flesoras; Fr. Simon Thomas; and Fr. George Gartelos (married to Katina nee Kiliveros); and Michael Pappas, who has served in various capacities in the Archdiocese of America and presently serves as the Director of St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. 

You, the stewards of the Annunciation, have participated in their journey to become priests.  We should be proud that we have been able to offer financial and spiritual support to these outstanding servants of our Church.  We should also be grateful to God that we have been able to participate in their pursuit of the Holy Priesthood.

This year, your support for the Seminarian Scholarship Fund equaled $6,875.00!   The entire amount will be given to assist seminary students from our parish in the coming academic year.  While it is necessary to support many of the CHurch's charitable activities, the Seminarian Scholarship Fund must be at the center of our efforts as we pray that more young men will pursue studies for the Holy Priesthood.
In addition, our Parish Ministry Budget commits another $2,000.00 per year per student from our parish.  

Permit me to thank Fr. Jon and the Parish Council for allowing me to chair this event.  I want to thank the Parish Council Vice-President, Michael Jaureguy for his support; Irene Jaureguy in the Parish Office, along with  Tom Fraioli and Dr. Paul Forakis.  Your generosity and commitment to our Faith is greatly appreciated and I believe it is having a significant impact on the education of our future priests.