Благовещенский храм (Форт-Майерс)

* June 24, 1975 – Orthodox faithful meet at the offices of Paul N. Kotsalis. Ad hoc committee formed. Paul Kotsalis named chairman. John K. Kontinos named Building Fund Chairman
* July 20, 1975 – Vespers Service celebrated by visiting clergy at St. Michael Episcopal Church on Sanibel Island sponsored by Organizing Committee.
* July 28, 1975 – Organizing Committee holds meeting at Fort Myers Exhibition Hall in Fort Myers with Father Demosthenes J. Mckras representing Diocesan Bishop.
* October 19, 1975 – First weekly Divine Liturgy celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Sitaras of Fort Pierce at Cape Coral Yacht and Racquet Club from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. First Sunday School classes also begin; Helene Boucher, teacher.
* November 15, 1975 – First fund raising effort. A bake sale at Publix Supermarket, Cape Coral.
* January 9, 1976 – Services moved to larger location at
Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2300 Broadway in Fort Myers.
* February 11, 1976 – Building fund boosted by $1,500
donation received from entertainer Frank Sinatra.
* March 27, 1976 – First Grecian Ball held at Cape Coral Country Club. Donation $12.50 per person.
* April 24, 1976 – First Holy Week and Easter services celebrated at Redeemer Lutheran Church location by Fr. Sitaras.
* August 3, 1976 – Property on Cypress Lake Drive purchased as church building site.
* August 9, 1976 – First General Assembly held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bishop Iacovos of Catania presiding.
* September 10, 1976 – Preliminary plans for church drawn by William Frizzell and Associates, Architects and approved by Organizing Committee.
* October 1, 1976 – Archdiocese issues missionary status to parish and appoints Father Arthur K. Kontinos as permanent pastor.
* March 28, 1977 – Purchased mobile trailer for use as temporary chapel.
* April 3, 1977 – First services on church property in “mobile chapel.”
* September 11, 1977 – First church picnic with 200+ attending at the German American Club picnic grounds on Pine Island Road.
* October 4, 1977 – First children’s Greek Language classes begin at room donated by Cypress Lake High School. Taught by Father Kontinos.
* December 4, 1977 – First Parish Council elections. Paul Kotsalis elected President.
* January 14, 1978 – First Vasilopita Dinner Dance held at The Dunes on Sanibel.
* February 18, 1978 – First participation in the Edison Pageant Grand Parade of Light.
* May 6 & 7, 1978 – First Greek Week-End Fort Myers Exhibition Hall. May 6: Grecian Ball May 7: FIRST festival
* October 1, 1978 – Groundbreaking ceremonies for church’s construction. Reception following at the home of Father Arthur and Presbytera Aspasia Kontinos.
* April 15, 1979 – Palm Sunday — Naming and Thyranoixia Celebration. Banquet held at Cypress Lake Country Club. Bishop John of Atlanta officiating. Church named “Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.” Anne E. Kontinos, Anadochos.
* June, 1980 – Installation of Iconostasion and pews.
* October 2 & 3, 1980 – Icons installed by iconographer, Constantine Youssis.
* November 23, 1980 – Parish Council elections. John Kontinos elected President.
* March 29, 1981 – Name Day Celebration. Blessing of new church appointments and furniture following the Divine Liturgy. Reception followed at the home of Father Arthur and Presbytera Aspasia Kontinos.
* October 25, 1981 – Blessing service following the Divine Liturgy for new icons and furnishings.
* February 27, 1982 – First Apokreatiko Glendi. San Carlos Community Center.
* March 25, 1983 – Fund drive begins to retire mortgage and erect Social Hall.
* July 24, 1983 – Groundbreaking ceremonies for Social Hall.
* February 19, 1984 – Social Hall Dedication, Blessing and Banquet. Bishop John of Atlanta officiating.
* January 30, 1987 – Courtyard dedication. Acoltes Andrew Pappas, Gus Smith and Michael Boucher tonsured by Bishop John of Atlanta. Testimonial Banquet honoring Father Kontinos for ten years of service to this parish.
* November 20, 1988 – Mortgage Retirement. Burning Ceremonies and Banquet at the Sheraton Harbor Place, Fort Myers.
* May, 1989 – Formation of sister parish in Naples, Florida.
* January, 1990 – Two and one half acres additional property adjacent to church purchased for future use.
* June, 1990 – Sister parish in Port Charlotte established.
* September, 1990 – Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapter organized and Board of Directories appointed by Father Kontinos.
* October 14, 1990 – Blessing service of new modular building housing classrooms.
* December 10, 1990 – First Annual Golf and Tennis Tournament held at The Dunes on Sanibel.
* October 30, 1992 – Iconographer, John Filippakis installs new iconography in choir area of church.
* January 16 & 17, 1993 – CHURCH CONSECRATION – HIS GRACE PHILIP, BISHOP OF THE GREEK ORTHODOX DIOCESE OF ATLANTA OFFICIATING.fdg

Address:
8210 Cypress Lake Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33919-5116
Phone: (239) 481-2099
Fax: (239) 481-0504
E-Mail: info@orthodox-faith.com

Источник: www.orthodox-faith.com