Our Ministries

Parish life at Annunciation doesn’t end when the Divine Liturgy does. These are the ministries that keep our parish running and reach out to our neighbors. Newcomers are welcome to get involved.

Serving Others

Feeding the Hungry

St. Euphrosynos the Cook Ministry

Second Monday of each month

The second Monday of each month, a team of parishioners gathers in our church kitchen to prepare a warm meal for 100 residents of the nearby Willamette Shelter, run by the nonprofit Transition Projects. Other parish volunteers deliver the meal to the site and serve it to residents.

Funeral Team

This group helps with end-of-life planning, advance directives, selecting caskets and funeral homes, and planning for the funeral and burial. During a difficult time, the team can come alongside those who grieve to offer solace and practical help.

Worship

Choir

Singing in the Orthodox Church is a cappella (unaccompanied by instruments) and has been called an “auditory icon.” The choir, along with the clergy and congregation, propels the sacred services with both Western four-part arrangements and Byzantine-style settings of sacred hymns.

Bell Ringers

Sundays

In Orthodox Christianity, the ringing of bells is not merely a call to worship but a grace-filled rebuke of despair and danger. Our volunteer bell ringers, working in pairs to ring the set of five bells, announce the beginning of the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and punctuate important moments in the service.

Altar Guild

Since the revelation to Moses of the pattern of the Tabernacle, divine worship has been expressed with the careful use of colors, design, and craftsmanship. Our altar guild keeps vestments, altar cloths, and other liturgical items in the best working shape.

Prosphora Bakers

The art of prayerfully baking loaves for use in the celebration of Divine Liturgy is an ancient and enduring tradition. A team of parishioners supplies this need, also instructing newcomers who are interested in joining this important ministry.

III

Learning & Fellowship

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Sunday mornings · Ages 3–8

A Montessori-based program for the spiritual formation of children, this ministry gathers children aged 3–8 on Sunday mornings before Divine Liturgy, giving space to experience the love of God in a peaceful (often silent) room. First and foremost, they learn that Jesus loves them, that He knows their name, and that He will come to find them if they ever get lost.

An icon of Christ in progress beside brushes and pigments

Iconography Studio

Twice a week

Members of the parish with an interest in practicing the art of icon painting gather twice a week. Also, as part of the Sunday School curriculum, middle-school children are brought into the studio to learn about symbols, colors, and theological themes as they write icons of their own.

Young Adults

Monthly · 20s and 30s

Young adults (roughly in their 20s–30s) with an interest in Orthodox spirituality gather each month for a potluck and discussion at the home of Fr. John and Mat. Lori Jensen. This event is open to inquirers, catechumens, and church members alike, single or married.

St. Tikhon Brotherhood

Monthly · Weeknights

Men in the parish are invited to this monthly weeknight gathering downstairs in the church fellowship hall. It features a range of activities including teaching, discussion, fellowship, and food.

Way of a Pilgrim Bookstore

In the fellowship hall

Located in our fellowship hall, the bookstore features icons, prayer ropes, incense, prayer books, and myriads of other books on topics like theology, the lives of saints, and the ascetical life. Crosses, necklaces, calendars, and candles are also available for purchase.