2026 Three Hierarchs Academic Lecture & A session for Philanthropic ORganizations Announced

We will welcome Rev. Dr. Peter J. Spiro to our parish on January 17 for our annual Three Hierarchs Academic Lecture Series and a session for philanthropic organizations and churches focused on preventing human trafficking and supporting victims.

Presentation 1- “The Freedom Human Trafficking Awareness” (scheduled for 11-1 on January 17). Training will offer a faith-based approach to confronting one of today’s most devastating human rights crises. Rooted in the Church’s call to defend the image of God in every person, the program educates clergy, ministry leaders, and parishioners on recognizing the signs of exploitation, understanding the spiritual and psychological trauma survivors endure, and learning how to respond safely and compassionately. Through prayer, theological reflection, survivor-informed testimony, and practical instruction, participants are equipped to become advocates of freedom and healing within their communities. The training unites Orthodox Christian teaching with real-world action—transforming awareness into a ministry of protection, restoration, and hope.

Presentation 2-“What You Did for the Least of These: A Theological Response to Human Trafficking” (Scheduled for after Vespers on January 17) — This presentation explores the profound moral and spiritual responsibility of the Church in the face of human trafficking through the lens of Christ’s words in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did for me.” It examines how Orthodox theology calls believers to see the image of Christ in every victim of exploitation and to respond not with silence or distance, but with mercy, advocacy, and action. The discussion bridges Scripture, patristic teaching, and modern ministry, urging the faithful to transform compassion into concrete outreach—providing refuge, restoration, and dignity to those who have suffered. In serving the trafficked and the broken, the Church fulfills its sacred calling to serve Christ Himself.

About Rev. Dr. Fr. Peter J. Spiro (Padre)

Father Peter is a Greek Orthodox priest of 28 years and has worked in law enforcement agencies for over 20 years as an Aux. Deputy Sheriff, Chaplain, and Chief Chaplain. His doctoral work on “Theology of Lethal Force for Law Enforcement and Military” was used overseas during the Iraq war and earned Father Peter the title of Honorary Colonel in the U.S. Army’s 75th Division. Father is the Chief Chaplain for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which is analogous to the FBI on the state level. In addition to overseeing all the TBI chaplains statewide and over 700 Bureau personnel, he is part of TBI’s Human Trafficking Unit, serving as a trainer. He is the Director of the TBI PROTECT program- a Human Trafficking awareness educational program for faith-based organizations within Tennessee.  

In addition, Father Peter is the Director of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese FREEDOM Ministry, which is the National Human Trafficking Awareness Ministry.  He trains clergy and parishes on Human Trafficking, offering mitigation techniques within the Greek Orthodox Parishes.  He also represents the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with other governmental, NGO, and faith-based organizations- nationally and internationally. In the past several months, Father has represented the Archdiocese as a panelist on Human Trafficking for the United Nations Church Center in New York, the World Council of Churches Human Rights Advocacy Training, the United Nations Convention on the Eradication of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva Switzerland, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington DC. He has conducted training for the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators in Atlanta, Georgia. He has trained several parishes in the United States and the Bahamas, and has participated in conferences in the United States, Bahamas, Switzerland, and Greece. He was appointed by Patriarch Bartholomew to the Patriarchal Task Force on Modern Day Slavery, with a focus on Human Trafficking.  He recently presented at the Virginia Attorney General's Summit as well as the  US Chamber of Commerce Summit on Human Trafficking in Washington DC.

Additionally, Father Peter is the Founder, Vice President, and Director of the ARISTEVI Foundation www.ARISTEVI.org which offers Human Trafficking survivors educational and vocational financial support, religious and spiritual guidance, free salon services, free clothing, and apartment furnishing services. He is also developing a free medical clinic for Human Trafficking survivors. This one-of-a-kind Foundation, located in Nashville Tennessee, services the many trafficked survivors in Tennessee and across the United States. Currently ARISTEVI is servicing and supporting over 100 survivors of Human Trafficking and interpersonal violence.  

Father Peter’s Chapel of Saint Barbara which offers spiritual care and religious services to TBI personnel and Human survivors, has been deemed the "Shrine for Human Freedom” by The Holy Eparchial Synod (All Greek Orthodox Bishops in the United States), and is under the direct supervision of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

In addition to assisting the Nashville Metro Office of Family Safety and the Nashville diversionary court with high-risk cases, Father Peter is a member of the Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force, Tennessee Human Trafficking Advisory Council, Nashville Court System (Human Trafficking Court-Athena's Court), Middle Tennessee Law Enforcement Task Force on Human Trafficking, Middle Tennessee NGO Human Trafficking Task Force, International Association of Human Trafficking Investigator, and Metro Nashville Task Force on Interpersonal Violence.  

Father has been a guest on the Sean Hannity Show, and Ancient Faith Radio speaking about Human Trafficking. His life and ministry were also featured in a television interview on PBS in the greater Nashville area.  In 2025, he was awarded the inaugural Warrior Award from the General Sessions Court -Athena's Court in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Father Peter is married with three children 27, 23, and 17.  He is an accomplished guitarist and has played “live” and recorded with recording artists in the Nashville area. 

www.freedom.goarch.org

www.TBi.tn.gov

www.ARISTEVI.org

www.YouTube.com/fatherpeterspiro


Fall General Assembly (Agenda, Spring Minutes, Proposed Budget and Ministry Reports)

Art and Craft Women’s Fellowship - Fall Report, submitted by Veronika Anysenko

This fall, our Art and Craft Women’s Fellowship continued to grow as a warm and supportive space for women of our parish to connect, create, and deepen their spiritual lives together. Through simple art projects, reflective conversation, and shared prayer, we aim to help participants explore their inner life, strengthen community bonds, and find peace and inspiration through creativity.

Our gatherings offer women an opportunity not only to learn new artistic skills, but also to experience fellowship in an encouraging, faith-centered environment. Each meeting includes a short spiritual reflection, a guided creative activity, and time for open sharing and connection.

We look forward to continuing this ministry throughout the year and welcoming more women into this circle of creativity, faith, and friendship.

November Update from Saint Innocent Orphanage

Prayer Shawl Ministry

The Saint Anna Prayer Shawl Ministry gathers for prayerful fellowship to knit and crochet prayer shawls that will be blessed and given to those in need of healing. We have been meeting on the first Saturday of select months and continue to welcome new volunteers. Starting in December, we will plan to gather on the second Saturdays and may alternate our meeting times to be close to a Liturgy or Vespers. Please refer to the weekly bulletin and church calendar for dates and times. Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th, following Liturgy, approximately 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Prayer Shawls are sent throughout the United States and even internationally, whenever a need is identified, and are packaged with prayer cards and holy oil. The ministry of St. Anna Philoptochos is sustained through donations.

How to Request a Shawl:

When an individual needs spiritual, physical, and emotional prayers and healing, he/she may benefit from a Prayer Shawl. To request a Prayer Shawl, please don't hesitate to contact the church office at (916) 772-9372 or a member of the contact team listed below.

Prayer Shawl Contact Team:

Vassie Kyritsis, kyritv2@gmail.com

Stella Sideris, stellasideris@yahoo.com

Angeliki Rosenberg, rosenberg369@msn.com

St. Anna’s Young Adult Ministry | Presented by: Natali Avelino

Over the past several months, the Young Adult Ministry at St. Anna’s has experienced steady growth in attendance, spiritual engagement, and parish participation. Our primary focus has been cultivating a community where young adults are integrated into the liturgical, sacramental, and social life of the parish.

Key Developments

  • Consistent Growth: Average monthly attendance has increased since July 2025, with both cradle Orthodox and converts represented.

  • Strengthened Spiritual Engagement: Members are regularly participating in parish worship, feast days, and fasting seasons. Many have begun seeking confession and spiritual guidance more frequently.

  • Major Events:

    • Participation in the Archdiocesan Young Adult Retreat, with additional attendance planned for the upcoming December retreat.

    • Local fellowship gatherings (coffee shops, restaurants, parks) encouraging connection outside Sunday services.

    • Visits to monasteries, parish feast days, and diocesan events that reinforce Orthodox identity and community life.

  • Community Integration: Young adults are volunteering at parish events, assisting with hospitality, helping during festal seasons, and inviting friends and newcomers to attend services.

Current Needs & Opportunities

  • Stronger Parish Visibility: A dedicated announcement schedule and bulletin presence would help sustain momentum.

  • Structured Leadership Support: A small leadership team would allow for more consistent planning and delegation.

  • Facility & Resource Support: Occasional use of parish space for meetings, plus modest hospitality funds, will enable regular programming. Priestly presence is needed as well. 

  • Long-Term Goal: Develop a rhythm of quarterly retreats, monthly spiritual discussions, and regular social fellowship to form a stable ministry foundation.

The Young Adult Ministry continues to grow in depth and reach, contributing meaningfully to the life of St. Anna’s. With continued parish support and pastoral guidance, we are positioned to strengthen the spiritual formation of our young adults and further integrate them into the life and mission of the Church.

Men’s Fellowship (submitted by Keaton Landenberger)

The Men’s Group meets weekly as a space for young Orthodox men to strengthen their stability, community, and faithfulness to the Church’s way of life. Each gathering focuses on the Scripture readings from the previous week, reflecting together on how the Church understands these passages through worship, teaching, and practice. The environment is warm and welcoming, providing men with the freedom to speak openly, ask questions, and support each other as they learn to live out the Gospel in their daily lives.

The conversations develop naturally, meeting each man where he is, while still keeping Scripture at the center. Once a month, a priest or deacon joins the group to offer guidance and help connect what the men are learning to the larger tradition of Orthodoxy. The goal is to create a steady, welcoming space for young men to continue their formation after catechism—strengthening their connection to Christ, His Church, and to each other.

Fall General Assembly

2025 Greek Food Festival

Submitted by Paul Pegadiotes 

The 2025 Greek Food Festival was a beautiful weekend event where we enjoyed a terrific turnout from the Saint Anna Church community and our friends and family.

The festival gross income was $274,070.96, expenses $145,581.17, for a net income of $128,489.79. As always 10% of our net income was donated to charities. A more complete breakdown is available for those interested.

We welcomed thousands of folks to our Church grounds, and they got to experience our faith, hospitality, and great food.

Mark your calendars, the 2026 Greek Food Festival will take place on September 5th and 6th.

The 2026 festival planning committee members are Jason Huls, Jerry Mathew, Phillip Moldoff, Rick Rosenberg, Zach Stamas, and Mitch Word. Please be ready to support them and this event.

May our Lord, through the intercessions of Saints Joachim and Anna, continue to bless us and this event.

Stewardship Report

Respectfully submitted by Hannah Lorenz 

It has been my pleasure to continue the work of the stewardship committee, inspired by the work of Gary Arnold of blessed memory and our very own Marci Pelka. Gary inspired us to be faithful stewards of all the gifts that God provides: our time, talent, and treasure. We give and serve because of the joy that giving brings. Our community at Saint Anna’s is blessed with 225 regular financial donors who have made it possible for us to exceed our $500k stewardship budget by $67,938 as of the end of November. These donations not only provide for the day-to-day needs of this parish, but importantly, we are also able to offer financial support to the greater community locally and abroad. 

Many of our stewards also give of their time and talent, whether it’s cooking for a fundraiser, making coffee for coffee hour, cleaning the church, working at the bookstore, chanting, pruning the roses, tending the bees, visiting the sick or homebound, serving at St. Vincent de Paul, arranging flowers, the list is endless. Each person’s unique contribution makes our parish a joyful and dynamic community.

In an effort to make giving as simple as possible, we have expanded access to the Church Center app via a QR code at the candle stand. The drop-down menu on the app makes stewardship the default donation, but also candles and many other giving opportunities can be accessed through the app.

I want to thank the members of the stewardship team for all their efforts this year, Marci Pelka, Renie Carr, Ava Romero, Christine Lovett, and Chrysi Word (thanks for the Post Office run!).

CrossRoad Summer 2026 (11th and 12th-grade high school students). Apply Now!

The link below provides information about the 2026 CrossRoad Program. CrossRoad Summer is a 10-day experience for 11th- and 12th-grade high school students to join youth from across the country in exploring their faith, purpose, and the Orthodox tradition. Our parish has consistently sent students to participate in the program since its inception in 2004. More than 1,300 alumni have attended from 440 parishes across various jurisdictions in the US!

Please refer to the link below to learn more or apply. I strongly encourage our youth to apply as soon as possible; the final deadline is February 20, 2026. It would be a privilege to recommend students from our parish again. 

Tommy Apostolos Shopping Day - 1,000 Volunteers Needed (December 6)

We’re preparing for this year’s Tommy Apostolos Shopping Day, and we need your help to ensure its success. With 500 kids expected to shop, we’ll require nearly 1,000 volunteers to keep the morning running smoothly.

Start the holidays with a smile — and create a lasting impact in a child’s life. Volunteers will assist children in shopping for warm clothing, shoes, and essentials. It only takes about an hour of your time to make a difference.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Kohl’s on Fairway Drive, Roseville

Click below to sign up and join this incredible community tradition. Closer to the event, you’ll receive a release form and shopping instructions. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Volunteer for Shopping Day 2025: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BA4AE22ABF8C25-58519035-tommy

Women’s Art and Fellowship Gathering (First Evenign of Fellowship - November 7)

Women’s Art and Fellowship Gathering

You are warmly invited to join a new women’s fellowship at our parish—a time for prayer, creative expression, and connection. Each month, we will gather to create simple art projects while sharing conversation, reflection, and encouragement in faith. Our first gathering will be on Friday, November 7th, at 5:00 p.m. in Founders’ Hall. All materials will be provided. A small donation of $10 is appreciated to help cover the cost of supplies.

Join us for a peaceful and creative evening with fellow Orthodox women! For questions, please contact Veronika at veronika_anysenko@yahoo.com or 916-952-6683. Please mark your calendar for our winter and spring meetings: December 3 (after Akathist at 6:30), January 9, February 6, March 6, April 3, and May 8.

Mission's Meeting scheduled for November 1 following Great Vespers

Following Great Vespers on Saturday, November 1, the St. Anna Missions Committee will hold its first meeting in our fellowship hall. We will spend time getting to know each other, briefly sharing our journeys in and with Christ, discussing  Matthew 28:19-20, and then introducing our ministry goals. Our regular meetings will be held on the first Saturday of each month after Vespers. We will serve as channels for information with OCMC and between our parish and those we support abroad—Kenya, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and other regions worldwide. We will also collaborate with the Metropolis of San Francisco’s mission and evangelism committee to continue growing Orthodoxy here in the West.

Additionally, the Dinner and Movie night we hosted earlier this month was very well attended and provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about the early missionary efforts that brought Orthodoxy to the West Coast. Thank you to everyone who contributed food items and attended the evening. On November 8th, we plan to show the movie, "Man of God," about the life of Saint Nectarios, after the Great Vespers, in celebration of his feast day on Sunday, November 9th.  More information is forthcoming.  

Please RSVP to Pamela Barksdale at a.barksdale@ocmc.org for either evening.  May the Lord continue to bless our efforts both here and abroad.

Luncheon hosted by Mario's Early Toast - this Sunday - benefiting our Philoptochos' "Feed the Hungry"

Please join us this Sunday, November 2nd, after services for a Philoptochos luncheon hosted by Mario’s Early Toast featuring steak and chicken fajitas, rice, beans, and salad. Proceeds from the goodwill offering luncheon will provide Thanksgiving meals for 75 local families in need. The goal of our Philoptochos is to raise $10,000 again, which is approximately $130 per family. We are grateful to Mario, Amanda, Andrea, and their entire staff for their generosity! 

Our Philoptochos will also be conducting a Membership Drive. If you have questions about joining Philoptochos or renewing your membership, please stop by to see Vivian, Jana, or Carmen. You are also invited to contact Sara Jurrens at sarajurrens@gmail.com

Looking forward to a praying service with you, enjoying a great luncheon, and supporting the work of our Philoptochos (feeding those in need this holiday season).  If you would like to donate toward  "Feed the Hungry”, please visit https://saintanna.churchcenter.com/giving/to/philoptochos and scroll through the drop-down menu, selecting “Philoptochos- Feed the Hungry.”

Register for Youth Religious Education Classes (Sunday School)

Sunday school will begin on September 14th!  Please help our teachers prepare by registering your child(ren).  We’ll have some assistants ready at the classrooms to help non-registered folks find the Google form, but it’s easier for everyone to do it from home.  Please register students even if they were also students last year. We use our Sunday school registration lists when inviting young parishioners to other parish events.