Christos Anesti! - St. Sophia Cathedral

May, 2009
Saint Sop hia Cathe dra l
HERALD
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
OF GREEK ORTHODOY
IN LOS ANGELES
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Dean’s Message
2
President’s Message
3
Philoptohos Message
4
Camp Zoe
5
Sacraments
7
Youth News
6
Community
8-9
Ministries
10
Calendar
11
Paschal Thanks
12
Memorials
13
Due Date for June Herald
Monday, June 8
Saint Sophia
Greek Orthodox
Cathedral
V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas,
Dean
Fr. Bill Tragus,
Assiociate
1324 S. Normandie
Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Tel. 323-737-2424
Fax. 323-737-7029
www.stsophia.org
Christ is in our midst.
Christos Anesti!
Page 2
Herald
DEAN’S MESSAGE
Agape...Sacrificial Love
“Agape is
sacrificial.” It
says, I love you
when you are not
very lovable.
Agape is the cross,
extending its arms
to embrace all
humanity.
Christos Anesti!
It is the day of the Resurrection;
let us then make ourselves
resplendent for the festival and
embrace one another. Let us say,
brethren, even to those who do
not love us: “Let all be forgiven
in the Resurrection, and so
exclaim: Christ is risen from the
dead, trampling death by death,
and bestowing life on those in
the graves” (Hymn of Easter)
Love is the eternal message of
Easter. It is to be loving and
sacrificially reconciled to our
brothers and sisters. Easter is a
festival where we can embrace
one another and experience the
forgiveness of Christ as we
forgive one another.
The most powerful word in the
New Testament is AGAPE…the
Greek word for love. It is the
sacrificial seeking to serve. The
word agape is rarely found in
ancient Greek literature. Only
ten times it appears in Homer.
Three times it appears in
Euripides. But it appears 320
times in the New Testament.
Agape is sacrificial. It says, I
love you when you are not very
lovable. Agape is the cross,
extending its arms to embrace all
humanity. Agape loves when it is
not always convenient and when
it is not reciprocated. It extends
to both the deserving and the
undeserving.
One of the great examples of
this type of agape love is taken
from my favorite author, Nikos
Kazantzakis who in his memoir,
wrote an account of an incident
in his life which I think truly
defines Christ-like sacrificial
love. I pray it touches you as it
has touched me. I spoke about
this in church several weeks ago.
From his book…A Report to
Greco: “I knew that no matter
what door you knock on in a
Cretan village, it will be opened
for you. A meal will be served in
your honor and you will sleep
between the best sheets in
the house. In Crete the
stranger is still the unknown
god. Before him all doors and
all hearts are opened.
Night had begun to descend
as I entered the village. The
doors were shut in the
courtyards of all the homes.
At which door should I
knock? At the priest’s home,
where all strangers find
refuge. The priests in our
village have meager
education; they are incapable
of any theoretical discussion
of Christian doctrine. But
Christ lives in their hearts,
and sometimes they see Him
with their eyes, if not by the
pillow of a wartime casualty,
then sitting beneath a
flowering almond tree in
springtime.
A door opened. An old
woman came out with a lamp
in her hand to see who the
stranger was. I stopped. “I
am a stranger and have
nowhere to sleep. Would you
be so kind as to direct me to
the priest’s house?” “Gladly.
I’ll hold the lamp so you
won’t stumble. She led the
way with the lamp and said,
“This is the priest’s house,”
said the old woman.
Lifting the lamp, she sighed
as if to say something but
changed her mind. “Thank
you, my fine woman,” I said.
I knocked on the priest’s
door. I heard heavy steps in
the yard. The door opened.
Standing in front of me was
an old man with a snowwhite beard and long hair
flowing down over his
shoulders. Without asking me
who I was or what I wanted,
he extended his hand.
“Welcome. Are you a
stranger? Come in.” I heard
voices as I entered. Doors
opened and closed, and
several women slipped down
hastily into the adjoining
room and vanished. “My
wife, the papadhiá, is
indisposed, but I myself will
cook for you, and prepare a
bed so that you can sleep.”
His voice was heavy and
afflicted. He was extremely
pale, and his eyes were
swollen and inflamed, as
though from weeping. In the
morning the priest brought
me bread, cheese and milk. I
thanked him, and said
goodbye. “God bless you, my
son,” he said. “Christ be with
you.” I left. At the edge of
the village an old man
appeared. “Where did you
spend the night, son?’ he
asked. “At the priest’s
house.” The old man sighed.
“Ah, the poor fellow. You
didn’t catch wind of
anything?” “What was there
to catch wind of?” “His only
son died yesterday morning.
Didn’t you hear the women
lamenting?” “I heard nothing.
Nothing.” “They had him in
the inner room. They must
have muffled their laments to
keep you from being
disturbed…Pleasant
journey!” “My eyes filled with
tears.. “What are you crying
for!” exclaimed the old man.
“Oh, I see: you’re young, you
haven’t gotten used to death
yet. Pleasant journey!”
May the sacrificial love
proclaimed by our Lord at
Easter fill you always…for
He is indeed always in our
midst.
Page 3
Herald
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
“I have become all things to
all men, that I might by all
means save some. Now this I
do for the Gospel’s sake ,
that I may be partaker of it
with you.” I Cor. 9:22-23
Easter week was, as always, a
spiritual and blessed experience
for all. On Saturday of Lazarus,
after Liturgy, the Sunday school
sponsors served the annual
Community luncheon in the
patio, followed by the Cross
making for Palm Sunday.
Jimmy Karatsikis for
preparing the Cathedral daily
for the Services, and to our
custodial staff, Keith,
Leonard, Gambino and
Miguel, for cleaning and
maintaining the Cathedral in
such a great shape.
and fellowship.
May I take this opportunity to
thank all those who made the
picnic possible and everyone
who came to the park and kept
the tradition alive.
My appreciation to Van
Ambatielos and Jim Zaferis
Special thanks to our Office
for providing the truck and the
Manager, Stella Kontes and
our Receptionist, Lauren Cruz personnel, to transport product
and supplies to the park.
for their hard work keeping
Special thank you to Chris
everyone happy in the most
demanding season of the year. Julias of Café D’Amore for his
usual generous contribution to
On Palm Sunday after Liturgy, My appreciation to Diane
the Easter Picnic.
we welcomed Holy Week with Lapa for assisting our invited
the unique Ministry Fair, on
guests and officials who came Thanks to Kosta Sotirhos –
Grecian Farms- for his
our first outdoor setting. Over to celebrate the Holy Week
donation of 50% of all gyro
twenty different Ministries of
services with us.
sales.
our Cathedral were represented
Thanks
to
Katie
Eagar
and
her
and our parishioners had the
My gratitude to the Ladies
talented committee for the
opportunity to ask questions
Philoptohos for their tireless
design and beauty of the
and participate in fellowship.
magnificent Epitaphio this year. work in baking and selling the
delicious pastries that everyone
Sincere thank you to Timi
Thank
you
to
the
Archie
enjoyed so much.
Loomos-Freshman and
Defterios
and
Nick
Bissias
Stephanie CaiopoulosA big salute to the unsung
families for their generous
Lubian for organizing the
donation of flowers, and to the heroes: John T. Pappas, Dean
event.
Triantafeles, Ted Pappas and
Ladies Philoptohos for
I wish to thank His Eminence coloring the traditional red eggs Tony Dres, who worked
endless hours to prepare the
Metropolitan Gerasimos for that were given out by the
park for our celebration. We
visiting our Cathedral and
Fathers after the Anastasi.
could NOT have a picnic
officiating the services of the
Thank
you
to
Nicholas
without YOU!! EFHARISTO
Epitaphio.
Kontes
for
the
eggs
used
by
kai tou xronou!!!!
“Eis polla ta etoi Despota”
Philoptohos
for
coloring.
Our gratitude to Father John,
My thank you to Ann Pappas,
Father Bill and Father Peter Following the uplifting Services the Foundation, the Board of
for the solemn Services of the of the Anastasi, we all gathered Directors-Parish CouncilHoly Week and for uplifting
at Brookside Park in Pasadena and all the volunteers who
our spirits and preparing us to to celebrate our traditional
made all possible.
receive the Light of the
Pascha.
Thank you for your support.
Resurrected Lord.
The weather was great for a
Once again, our Choir sounded picnic. More than two thousand In His Service,
magnificent as did Menelaos, parishioners flocked to
Panos A. Angels
our Cantor, with his unique
Brookside Park and enjoyed a Board of Directors
Byzantine style of chanting.
very festive picnic filled with
Parish Council President
fun, games, dancing, great food,
Sincere thanks to our Sexton
“I have become
all things to all
men, that I might
by all means save
some. Now this I
do for the
Gospel’s sake,
that I may be
partaker of it
with you.”
I Cor. 9:22-23
Page 4
Herald
PHILOPTOHOS NEWS
ELECTION NOTICE
TO ALL ELIGIBLE MEMBERS
DATE:THURSDAY, MAY 21 2009
TIME:10:30 A.M.
PLACE: SAINT SOPHIA
CATHEDRAL FELLOWSHIP HALL
This is to notify you that Elections for
the New Board of Directors will be held
at the date, time and place mentioned
above. In order to vote in this election,
you must be a member in good standing
in accordance with the Bylaws of
Philoptohos as follows:
Eligibility to Vote: Members who have
fulfilled financial commitment to the
Chapter for the current year, prior to the
election, are eligible to vote. New
members may vote if enrolled at least
three (3) months prior to the election
meeting. All candidates seeking election
to the Board of Directors must qualify in
accordance with the Bylaws as follows:
In order to be a candidate for election to
the Board of Directors, the full member
must have been a member in good
standing with the parish and chapter for
a period of at least one full year prior to
the date of the election to the Chapter
Board and must have attended a
minimum of four (4) meetings held in
the previous year. All candidates must be
present at the election meeting unless
reasonable cause for such absence is
provided. A member is qualified to serve
on the Board of directors of one chapter
only.
Please make every effort to attend this
meeting. The future of your Philoptohos
Chapter depends on you.
Dear Ladies,
Our Saint Sophia Chapter is doing
great work with the outreach
program. The partnership that we
formed with the Sophia T. Salvin
School, serving children with special
needs, continued with the first
annual Camp Zoe that took place
on the weekend of March 27 on the
grounds of Camp Paivika, in Cedar
Pines Park, California. Twenty-two
special needs children from the
school participated. Volunteers
from the Salvin School staff and
from Saint Sophia Cathedral served
as camp counselors. This activity
provided a wonderful experience for
the children and a much-needed
respite for their families.
We have received a lovely thank you
letter from a lady we helped and we
want to share it with you:
Everyday we receive many
requests at our church door,
Philoptohos has given money to
the office so we can help the less
fortunate by giving them food
cards from Ralphs. Everyone is
trying to help as best as we can.
By now you have already received
your invitations for the Mother’s
Day Luncheon and we are looking
forward to a very lovely and
entertaining afternoon at the
Sheraton Universal Hotel,
Saturday May 9. Come and bring
your wonderful families for an
unforgettable Mother’s Day
Celebration.
Dear Saint Sophia Philoptohos:
Please remember:
You have no idea how much your love and Kids & Cancer on May 17 at the
prayers mean to me. Great to know that Talega Golf Club in San
somebody cares enough to include me in
Clemente.
their thoughts and prayers and your so
We will see you at the General
generous gift has saved my life and gave me Assembly meeting on Sunday,
strength and courage.
May 3, immediately following
In my deepest despair I called our Church Church services in Saint Basil’s
and asked for help and sure enough you
Room.
answered my cry for help instantly! You
truly are a Philoptohos Society in all sense In His Service,
Dina Skouras Oldknow
of the word.
I have never thought to find myself sick
IMPORTANT REMINDER: If
with ovarian cancer. Homeless and
you have not yet paid your 2009
Membership dues ($40 or more)
without food, an orphan of society.
What humbling experience it is to know please do so now in order to be
that God’s love is infinite and his Angels eligible to vote in the upcoming
here on earth, have shown me so much love Philoptohos Board Elections on May
21, 2009.
and compassion.
Please send to CONNIE
I have not much to give but my love and
COOPER,
gratitude, please accept that it comes with 5117 CAROLI LANE, LA
all my heart.
CANADA, CA 91011
Page 5
Herald
CAMP ZOE’S FIRST YEAR
Camp Zoe, a weekend camping program
for children with physical & mental challenges, had a successful first session on
March 27-29, 2009 and was held at Camp
Pavica in Crestline, a camping facility that
caters to children with specific needs.
Camp Zoe focuses on giving children wonderful “life” experiences through a specialized outdoor program. This is how we
came to name this unique program "Camp
Zoe"(Zoe means life). This idea was initiated and financially supported by the Saint
Sophia Ladies of Philoptohos with encouragement from Fr. John Bakas and Fr. Bill
Tragus and assistance from Dr. Maria
Toczek. We also had other generous donors who gave financial gifts to the camp.
We want to thank the Philoptohos and everyone else who donated to Camp Zoe
which is a new outreach ministry of Saint
Sophia Cathedral. It has the ability to serve
approximately 30 campers each year with a
staff to camper ratio of 1 to 1.
The camp was staffed by 12 Greek Orthodox young adults and teens in combination
with medically trained staff, nurses and a
behavior specialist from the Salvin School,
which is only a few miles from the Cathedral. The staff was Michael Hudson
(Director), Eraclis Pelagros (Boys Direc-
tor), Panayioti Pelagros (Logistical Coordinator), Tina Fine (Program Director),
Teresa Vorgias (Girl’s Director), Daniel
Fine (Activity Director), Doretha Murphy
(Nurse), Dean Spizzirri (Zoe Board V.P.),
Fr. Bill Tragus (Coordinator). The volunteer counselors were Corina Elam, Sara
Chistolini, Christina Begakis, Kristen
Begakis, Chris Daskalos, Lenonti
Ohanisian, Kendra Haralambus, Christianna Kyriacou, Chris Vagenas, and
Anthony Vagenas.
Teresa Vorgias, one of the staff members,
said the following after this year's camping
experience: "I am saddened at the fact that
we are not with the kids from Camp Zoe. I
wanted to say that being there with all the
campers and staff was a wonderful experience.
Everybody brought their talents and personality in a unique and marvelous way,
and I am grateful to have been there.
Thanks to everyone for making it a wonderful place to spend a weekend. Most importantly, I know that the kids enjoyed
themselves, and now truly understand that
they need and deserve Camp Zoe more
than anyone I could imagine." For more
information, go to: www.campzoe.org
18 - 29 Fellowship
Please join me the first Sunday of the month from 6:30
to 8:30 p.m. for dinner, fellowship and a study and discussion of our Holy Orthodox Faith and discover how it
can impact your life as an
Orthodox Christian young
adult. This class is for those
young adults that are between
the ages of 18 - 29 years old.
We will meet on May 3rd.
We will follow the following
schedule:
6:30 p.m. Dinner & fellowship
7:30 p.m. Discussion and
presentation
8:30 p.m. Dessert
Each month will be a new
topic or theme. We will be
meeting in St. Basil's room.
Please confirm your attendance with Fr. Bill at
frbill@stsophia.org or (323)
868 – 0596.
Page 6
Herald
YOUTH NEWS
GODPARENTS SUNDAY
IN –N– OUT BURGER
END OF THE YEAR FESTIVAL/PANIYIRI
JUNE 14th following Liturgy at St. Sophia
Sunday, May 3rd
Please plan to attend the Divine
Liturgy and Sunday School with your
godparent(s).
•
IN & OUT BURGER Mobile Restaurant
•
Games and Activities for the Youth
•
Don’t forget everyone gets to play in
the annual Bible Jeopardy Game!
•
Wonderful Desserts
•
Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM
•
Tables & Umbrellas
•
Must have Prepaid Ticket (No Cash Purchases)
•
Purchase Tickets from Sunday School Teachers,
Bookstore or Office.
•
Everybody Welcome!!!
•
Sunday School is in St. Basil’s room
following Holy Communion.
For more info contact: Eleni Yokas at
eyokas@usc.edu
•
Check out our new Jr. Goya &
Sr. Goya Website / Calendar at
YOUTH CALENDAR
www.stsophiagoya.org
Girls & Boys 7 - 18 Altar Boy Training / Readers & Narthex Training
Training, Lunch & Bowling
Saturday, June 27th
We will be having an altar boy training
along with a training for those girls and
boys who want to be readers or help in the
Narthex. We will meet on Saturday, June
27th from 9:45 am-12:00 pm. We will be
going bowling and have lunch afterwards.
Parents are invited as well. Lunch for all
the kids & teens will be taken care of by St.
Sophia. This is also an opportunity to
bring any boys or girls interested in helping
out by serving on Sundays. The ages are 7
years old to 18 years old for altar boys and
7-18 girls & boys for those working in the
narthex, and 10 years old and up for readers. Please RSVP with Fr. Bill at
frbill@stsophia.org We are looking forward to seeing you here!
MAY
Sunday 3
Godparents’ Sunday – attend church with Godparents &
then Bible Jeopardy
Saturday 9
Basketball Quarter Finals
Sunday 10
Mother’s Day
Basketball Semi-Finals
Sunday 17
Basketball Finals & Banquet
JUNE
Sunday 14
Family Picnic/Panayiri (Celebration Picnic) at St. Sophia
Last Day of Sunday School
Saturday 27
Altar Boy/Readers/Narthex Training and Bowling
Saturday 27
Camp Axios Week 1 14 years old and up are counselors
JULY
Monday 6
Camp Axios Week 2 14 years old and up are counselors
Sunday 19
St. Sophia Camp Week 1
Saturday 25
St. Sophia Camp Week 2
Page 7
Herald
MAY SACRAMENTS
BAPTISMS
Saturday, May 2
Carson, son of
Eva and Peter Caras
Godparents: Christie and William Caras
Sunday, May 3
Joao Pedro, son of
Daniela Kelly and Dr. George Boris
Godparent: Helene Ballas
WEDDINGS
Saturday, May 16
Tony Eager and Ambrie Aguila
Sponsor: Ourania Pappas
Saturday, May 30
Dennis Mouzakis and Courtny Feller
Sponsor: Stephanie Chones Hennrietta
MAY READERS AND USHERS
Sunday, May 3
Reader: Robert Otis
Ushers: Niki Korbakis, Maria Pelargos, Dina Demetrius
BIRTHDAYS
Kathleen Kyriacou
Antonia Opffer
Evangelos Rodinos
Jennie Themelis
Thomas Martin
Pamela Peterson
Bill Sandstrom
Tashi Zouras
Alek Haidos
Electra Koutsoukos
Cecelia Peters
Angelo Pappas
Peter Manos
Mary Begakis
Sophia Helm
Christine Haidos
Irene Pappas
Melina Pyle
David Spirus
Donna Alex
John Sakellaris
Sia Alexopoulos
Elena Dascalu
James Donovan
Faye Demetriou
Loula Moschonas
Olga Jordan
Sunday, May 10
Reader: Dimitri Camperos
Ushers: Alexandra Guirguis, Dinah Wellington,
Shelmadine Wellington
Sunday, May 17
Reader: Dina Demetrius
Ushers: John L. Stamatiades, Electra Koutsoukos, George Baln
Sunday, May 24
Reader: John L. Stamatiades
Ushers: Gene Chronopoulos, Alexandra Georgiou,
Christina Georgiou, Rosemary Georgiou
Sunday, May 31
Reader: Robert Otis
Ushers: Niki Korbakis, Maria Pelargos, Dina Demetrius
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
Susan and James Caiopoulos
Barbara and David Matty
Alexandra and Bruce Chistolini
Debbie and Matthew Flowers
Eugenia and Constantine Boukidis
Ellie and Louis Flokas
Bessie and James Bornino
Aileen and George Preonas
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Ananias
Page 8
Herald
COMMUNITY NEWS
PHILOPTOHOS
VIP NEWS
PHILANTHROPIA
MINISTRY NEWS
On Thursday May 28, the Philoptohos VIP’s will honor Aspasia
& Russ Kitchens as the “Senior
Citizens of the Year 2009.” Come
celebrate with us two lives full of
service to their church and community. A luncheon will be served
in the Fellowship Hall at 12 noon.
Reservations are a must. Donation
is $16. Please either call Mary
Morrison at 818-500-0904 or
Electra Koutsoukos at 323-4665355 to confirm your attendance.
Hope to see you all soon.
A beautiful VIP outing is waiting
for you on Thursday, June 18. We
will visit St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Chapel and the beautiful
Rose Gardens at Rose Hills Memorial Park and will then go to
the Garden Buffet Restaurant for
a delicious buffet lunch. After
lunch we will visit the beautiful St.
George Greek Orthodox Church
in Downey. Come; spend a wonderful day with us. We will gather
in St. Basil’s Room by 8:30 am, so
that we can leave the Cathedral
parking lot at 9:00 am and return
at approximately 4:30 pm. The
cost for the bus and lunch is $15
per person. For information,
please call Mary Kezios at 562923-7110
CHRIST IS RISEN!
Used Clothing and Canned Goods:
Your used clothing can be a major help
to homeless and those who live in
downtown missions. Clothing for
women and children are always needed
in the shelters for battered women, and
your donations of canned goods, as
well, are a major contribution to the
various rehabilitation centers we support.
“Get On The Bus”
On Mothers’ Day, we will again be supporting the program called “Get On
The Bus.” This program is initiated by
the Catholic Sisters who take children to
visit their Moms that are incarcerated.
(This year, they are also planning to take
children to visit their Dads, that are incarcerated, on Father’s Day.) Thank you
so much for your past support to this
project…with your help we were able to
send $1,500.00 to help sponsor a bus
last year taking children to visit with
their moms that are incarcerated on
Mothers’ Day. If you so desire, you may
send your contribution to PHILANTHROPIA and indicate on the memo
of the check that it is for “Get On The
Bus” and mail your check to:
PHILANTHROPIA Ministry,
6357 Crebs Avenue, Tarzana, CA 91335.
Dorothea P. Stamatiades,
President
Thank you! God bless you.
Father Peter V. Lambert
LEONIDAS POST SPONSORS COFFEE HOUR
Leonidas Post 285 of The American Legion, will sponsor the Coffee Hour on Sunday,
May 24th in remembrance of ALL departed Veterans. The 24th is the National observance of Memorial Day. Post Members and all Veterans, together with their family, are
invited to sit at tables that will be reserved for Veterans. Since last Memorial Day,
Leonidas Post has lost the following Members: Jerry Dres, William L. Kokenes,
William M. Stumpus. Although Comrade George A. Lambros was not a member of
our Post, he was a Korean War Veteran who made many memorable contributions to
Saint Sophia Cathedral. He was the Principal and teacher of our Greek School and an
organizer of the Sunday School. May their Memory be Eternal.
HONOR ROLL
(additions as of 4-10-09)
Other
Daniel, Mrs. Helen
Dr. Mark Karadenes
Lazo, Mr. and Mrs. Octavio
Murchison, Nicholas Twister
Rinks, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney E.
Peter and Patricia Sorley
Soulimiotis, Ms. Sophia
$500-$999
Anonymous
Athans, Ms. Artie
Colovos, Dr. and Mrs. George
Constantine, Ms. Eleni
Galanakis, Mr. and Mrs. Apostolos
Garrity, Mrs. Sophia
Kades, Ms. Christine
Nikos Linardakis, M.D.
McDemas Family
Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen
Psaltiras, Mr. and Mrs. Eftychios
Stathes, Mr. Margus E.
Schwartz, Mrs. Petsa
Tripodes, Mr. Dean
Zaharopoulos, Mr. Konstadinos
Zarras, Dr. Peter
$1,000-$1,499
Anast, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W.
Andrews, Mr. and Mrs. George
Boris, Dr. George
Columbus, Mr. Peter
Kargas, Dr. Steve
Tsapatsuris, Ms. Melinda
$1,500-$1,999
Ledbetter, Mr. and Mrs. Mark
Papadopoulos, Mr. Alek
$2,000-$2,499
Callas, Mr. and Mrs. Steven J.
Mellos, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony
$2,500-$3,499
Kyriacou, Mr. and Mrs. Gig
Poulos, Mrs. Rena
Zarocostas, Mr. Peter
$3,500-$4,999
Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. John S.
$5,000-$5,999
* Boltinghouse, Mr. and Mrs. James
Miserlis, Mr. and Mrs. George
$6,000-$7,499
Soteropoulos, Mr. and Mrs. Gus
* A Life Member and active Steward
for the current year.
Page 9
Herald
COMMUNITY NEWS
Hellenic Academy News
Our school celebrated the 188th Anniversary of the Greek War
of Independence on March 29th with great success and unprecedented participation. Warm thank you to all the parents
who organized the event, especially Soula-Marie Perdis, Margaret Gillespie and Maria Tsilimidos. Congratulations to our
students for their lively performance.
We are starting to buy books for our newly founded Children's
Library thanks to a generous $3,000 donation from the AHEPA
Foundation. Any other contributions of books or funds to this
worthy cause are thankfully welcomed.
MINISTRY DAY– SUNDAY, APRIL 12
ATTENTION
On the Walk of The Blessing Hand there are only a few
remaining plaques available. This is an opportunity to
“Immortalize your faith with a biblical quote in stone.”
For information please call the Church office:
323-737-2424 Ext. 119.
BOOKSTORE NEWS
The St. Sophia Bookstore is thriving!
Find all you need to create an Orthodox presence in your home.
Antique icon cases - 40% off this spring
Icons - 10% off this spring
Censers, Incense, Charcoal
Bibles
Liturgy books
Byzantine music in Greek & English on CD
Also for sale are items handmade by the nuns of the Life
Giving Spring Monastery including olives, pickles, vinegar,
jams and candles. LA Greek Fest cookbooks and T-shirts
are in stock. The bookstore is open on Sundays after Divine
Liturgy. Credit cards are now accepted. We look forward to
your visit! Christos Anesti!
Bill Striglos & Andrea Bakas
GREEK
INDEPENDENCE
DAY PHOTOS
For those who would like to
order photos of the children
at the Greek Independence
Day Celebration taken by
George Themelis, photographer, go to
www.gtfocus.printroom.com
then click on Saint Sophia
Cathedral, then click on Special Days, then Greek Independence Day, then put in
password “OXI” to view the
photos and to purchase them
at very reasonable prices.
Page 10
Herald
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Very Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean
Constance Callinicos
Choir Director
Menelaos Trigonis
Protopsaltis
PARISH COUNCIL
Panos A. Angels, President
Tom Martin, 1st Vice President
Loula B. Moschonas,
2nd V. P. /Chief Financial Officer
Sam Konugres, Recording Secretary
Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian,
Corresponding Secretary
MEMBERS
Luke Richard Curren
Sebastian Opffer
Karen Sarames
Toula Kalatzis
Peter Pallas
Ted Pastras
ASSOCIATES
Eleni Constantine
Mark Gorgal
Angela Karavedas
Alexa Pagonas
Aileen Strike Preonas
Peter Triantafyllos
AUDITING COMMITTEE
Tom Moore
Anthony Demetriou
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
John S. Sakellaris, President
Angelo L. Pappas, Exec.Vice President
Andrew Evangelatos, Vice President
Dr. James A. Demetriou, Treasurer
Constantine Boukidis, Secretary
MEMBERS
V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas
Gig Kyriacou, John T. Pappas,
Nicholas Bissias, Panos A. Angels,
George Preonas, Alek Haidos
William H. Oldknow
Harry C. Vournas, Trustee Emeritus
Peter C. Latsis, Honorary
PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS
John G. Marakas III, 1st V. P.
Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor
Anthony A. Demetriou,
Assistant to the President
Tina Callas, Administrative Assistant
Timi Loomos Freshman, Administrative Assistant
Susan Patzakis, Administrative Assistant
Rev. Fr. Bill Tragus, Assistant
Christopher Yokas
Organist
James Karatsikis
Sexton
PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY
Dina Skouras Oldknow, President
Dianne Pruett, 1st Vice President
Dr. Maria Toczek, 2nd Vice President
Virginia Noyes, Recording Secretary
Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary
Mary Gallanis, Treasurer
Scarlett Billis, Assistant Treasurer
Connie Cooper, Advisor
MEMBERS
Dorothea Ales
Helene Ballas
Frances Bissias
Pauline Evangelatos
Olga Jordan
A. Electra Koutsoukos
Tricia Kremer
Pauline Ladicos
Sophie Mastor
Mariana Politis
Sonia Stathes
OTHER MINISTRIES
ALTAR BOYS
Father Bill Tragus & Chris
Halekakis
BASKETBALL
Chris Markos & Paul Cooper
BIBLE STUDY
Father John & Father Bill
BOOK STORE
William Striglos
CAMP AXIOS
Andrea Boerger
CAMP ZOE
Father Bill Tragus
CHURCH SCHOOL
Eleni Yokas
COFFEE HOUR
Georgia Vasila
DANCE GROUPS
Barbara Kappos
DOCENTS
Mrs. Faye Demetriou
EASTER PICNIC
John T. Pappas
FESTIVAL
Jan & Ted Pastras
G.O.Y.A.
Father Bill Tragus
HELLENIC ACADEMY
Helen Dumas, Director
Margaret Gillespie, Principal
HOSPITALITY
Niki Korbakis & Maria Pelargos
MR. & MRS. CLUB
Christine & Dean Peratsakis
PARENTING
Nick Stephanidis & Barbara Kappos
PHILANTHROPIA
Father Peter Lambert
PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P.
Dorothea P. Stamatiades, President
SAINT SOPHIA CAMP
Vicki Kades
Melanie O’Regan
YOUTH
Father Bill Tragus
EDITOR IN CHIEF Timi Loomos Freshman
Page 11
Herald
MAY 2009
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
Sat
2
9:30 am
Hellenic Academy
3
4
8:00 am Orthros
9:15 am Studies in Faith
9:45 am Memorials
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
12:00 pm Philoptohos
General Assembly in St.
Basils
10:00am
Women’s Bible Studies
12:30 pm
Men’s Bible Class
7:30pm
Bible Study w/ Fr.
John
5
6
7
10
11
12
13
8:00 am Orthros
9:15 am Studies in Faith
9:45 am Memorials
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
10:00am
Women’s Bible Studies
12:30 pm
Men’s Bible Class
7:30pm
Bible Study w/ Fr.
John
7:00 pm Trustees
10:30 am
Philoptohos VIP Board
7:00pm
Parish Council
17
18
19
20
8:00 am Orthros
9:15 am Studies in Faith
9:45 am Memorials
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
10:00am
Women’s Bible Studies
12:30 pm
Men’s Bible Class
7:30pm
Bible Study w/ Fr.
John
24
25
8:00 am Orthros
9:15 am Studies in Faith
9:45 am Memorials
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
10:00am
Women’s Bible Studies
12:30 pm
Men’s Bible Class
7:30pm
Bible Study w/ Fr.
John
14
8
9
EVANGELIST AND
APOSTLE JOHN
8:30AM Orthros
9:30am Liturgy
9:30 am
Hellenic Academy
15
16
9:30 am
Hellenic Academy
21 SAINTS
22
CONSTANTINE &
HELEN
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Liturgy
26
27
28
FAST FREE
ASCENSION
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Liturgy
11:00am
Philoptohos VIP
Annual Luncheon
“Senior of the Year”
Strict Fast
Fish Allowed
Wine and Oil
Allowed
23
9:30 am
Hellenic Academy
29
30
9:30 am
Hellenic Academy
31
8:00 am Orthros
9:15 am Studies in Faith
9:45 am Memorials
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
11:30 am
Philoptohos Mother’s
Day Luncheon
Dairy, Eggs,
and Fish
Allowed
Page 12
Herald
WITH PASCHAL THANKS
The following individuals
lovingly contributed to the
beauty, spirituality and drama
of Holy Week and Easter.
Their donations not only
filled us with the joy of the
season, but also glorified our
Lord Jesus Christ with color,
fragrance, flavor and service.
God bless you and Hronia
Polla.
A special thank you to Mr.
and Mrs. Nicholas Bissias
who each year donate the
flowers and decoration of our
Kouvouklion (Epitaphio).
The annual contribution is
made in loving memory of
Demetra and Panagiotis Bissias.
Altar Candles on Palm Sunday offered in loving memory
of beloved family, friends and
little Jasper.
Chancel Candles (1 side) offered by Mr. and Mrs. Steve
Halekakis for the good health
of the family.
One side of Altar Flowers on
Palm Sunday offered by Mr.
and Mrs. Nickolas W. Edwards in loving memory of
Aleck Edwards II.
One side of Altar Flowers on
Palm Sunday offered by Lola
Gialketsis for the good health
of the family.
Flower decoration for the
Icon of Palm Sunday offered
by Mr. and Mrs. George Varentges and family for the
good health of the family.
The Icon of The Nymphios
on Palm Sunday evening and
Holy Monday evening was
donated and decorated with
flowers by Mr. and Mrs.
Brent Noyes in loving memory of Aleck Edwards II.
HOLY TUESDAY
Flower decoration for the
Icon of The Nymphios offered in loving memory of
George Poulos by his wife
Rena Poulos and family.
HOLY WEDNESDAY
Altar Candles (1 side) offered
for the good health of Carl
Nicholas Rhoads by his wife
Anna Rhoads.
Altar Candles (1 side) offered
for the good health of Demetre Martin by Eleftheria Martin.
Chancel Candles (both sides)
offered in loving memory of
Dr. William Evangelatos by
his wife Helen Evangelatos
and family.
HOLY THURSDAY
Altar Candles (both sides)
offered by Christine Peratis
for the good health of the
family.
Chancel Candles (both sides)
offered in loving memory of
Sam Sogas by the Duncan
family.
Flower arrangements for the
base of the Holy Cross offered in loving remembrance
of Lea Evangeline Sakellaris,
and Despina and Evagoras
Gialketsis by their children,
grandchildren and greatgrandchildren Diane, Donald,
Ryan, Damon, Melanie,
Braden Reece and Dylan
John Lapa.
The wreath of the Holy
Cross was offered by Mr. and
Mrs. George Glavas.
Decoration of the Icon of the
Crucifixion offered by Dr.
and Mrs. John Rom for the
good health of the family.
One Large Flower arrangement offered by Mr. and Mrs.
Andrew Gallanis for the
good health of the family.
One Large Flower arrangement offered by Mr. and Mrs.
Alek Haidos in loving memory of their parents and their
sisters.
1 side Candelabra decoration
bouquet offered by Mr. and
Mrs. John T. Pappas.
1 side Candelabra decoration
bouquet offered in loving
memory of Dina and Louis
Flokas and Dino Flokas byVergie and Bill Papalexis and
family.
HOLY FRIDAY
Altar Candles (both sides)
offered by Harry and Voula
Siafaris in loving memory of
his parents Georgios Siafaris
and Maritsa and Georgios
Korizis, her parents Demetrios and Aphroditi Bartzilas and her brother Elias
Bartzilas.
Flower decoration of the
Icon of Extreme Humility
was offered for the good
health of the family by Anna
Rhoads.
Rose petals for the Epitaphio
were offered by Diane and
Donald Lapa for the health
Of the family.
The hand decorated white
floral wreaths for the Myrrophores were offered in loving
tribute and memory to the
Very Reverend Father
George J. Venetos by George
Poullos and Jayne Poullos
Mosqueda.
The beautifully hand decorated floral baskets for the
Myrrophores were offered in
loving memory of Gerasimos
Mosqueda by Jayne Poullos
Mosqueda.
HOLY SATURDAY
The flower decoration for the
Ressurection banner offered
by the Oldknow family.
Altar Candles (both sides)
offered by Dr. and Mrs. John
Rom for the good health of
the family.
Chancel Candles (both sides)
offered by Virginia and Brent
Noyes in loving memory of
Mary Edwards.
One Large Flower Arrangement offered by Mr. and Mrs.
Andrew Gallanis for the
good health of the family.
One Large Flower Arrangement offered by Pauline and
Andrew Evangelatos for the
good health of Andrew,
Pauline, Patricia and Gregory
Evangelatos, Michael, Annette, Andrew and Paulina
Contois.
Two Large Flower Arrangements offered by Mr. and
Mrs. Ted Zonos.
The two decorated Resurrection candles for the Clergy
offered by Dorothea P. and
John L. Stamatiades in loving
memory of Lambros J. and
Marigo Stamatiades and
Vasili and Johanna Golf.
Flower decoration for the
Icon of the Resurrection offered by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gallanis for the good
health of the family.
EASTER SUNDAY
Altar Candles (both sides)
offered by Anna Rhoads for
the good health of the family.
Sanctuary Candles (both
sides) offered for the good
health of our dear friends
Bessie and Jim Bornino by
Saint Sophia staff.
Donations for Easter Lilies
were made by the following:
Ms. Helene Ballas
Mrs. Helen Daniel
Elaina and George Dascalu
Mrs. Jennie Doumak in loving memory of her husband,
Alek Doumak
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gallanis
Offered anonymously in loving memory of Antonios and
Yiannoula Kalatzis
Dr. Theodore Mc Evoy
Offered for the good health
of Bessie and Jim Bornino by
their friend, Stella Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Brent Noyes
Simona and Julian Rebiga
The O’Regan family
Page 13
Herald
MEMORIALS
SUNDAY, MAY 3
Euphrosyne & Demetrios Limneos, George
Christ, Kostandina Christ, Victoria Eckert,
Aleck Edwards II, Peter Ellis, Tasia &
Yiannis Kouvelakis, Theodoris & Angeliki
Kouvelakis, Theophanis Stavropoulos,
Anastos & Eleni Eliopoulos, Sofia &
Panayiotis Georgeson, Daniel Campbell,
Michael Zahos, John Kotinopoulos, Mary K.
Starros, Trifon Sellis, Takis Bertsos and
George A. Lambros
COFFEE HOUR
Offered in loving memory of Peter Ellis,
Tasia & Yiannis Kouvelakis, Theodoris &
Angeliki Kouvelakis and Anastos & Eleni
Eliopoulos by Vasiliki Ellis and family.
SUNDAY, MAY 10
Constantine A. Balafas and Sam Metevelis
SUNDAY, MAY 17
Michael Michaelides, Sophia Michaelides,
Aspasia Michaelides, Steve Cosfol, Maria
Cosfol and Panayiotis Cosfol.
SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL
In July of 1998, I was asked by
Fr. John Bakas to recruit
twenty volunteers to form a
new ministry for our Cathedral,
the Saint Sophia Cathedral Docents. Our purpose was to
form a new ministry for our
Cathedral during week days, to
greet and welcome the many
visitors who came to visit our
magnificent church. A hand
book of information was prepared and with Father’s encouragement, we began our
work. It has been a very rewarding service for all of us.
Each year the Cathedral averages 1,500 to 2,000 visitors on
week days, and many more
thousands who visit on Sundays and during the Greek
Fest. Because the Cathedral has
been designated as a California
Historical Monument, it is visited by many local residents,
tour groups, and school children. But its fame has also
spread world-wide. We know
this from the many visitors, not
only Greeks, who come from
faraway countries where they
are told that “If you go to Los
Angeles, you must see Saint
Sophia Cathedral.” During the
past eleven years, we have had
many volunteers serve as docents. On Sunday, May 24th, in
recognition of five or more
years of service, the following
individuals will be thanked for
their devotion and dedication
to Orthodoxy and to our Cathedral, and will be awarded
the Saint Sophia Cathedral
Christian Service pin:
11 YEARS
Fay Demetriou, Virginia
Kostos, Electra Koutsoukos,
Jeanne Lambros
9 YEARS
Georgia Vasila,
Vergie Papalexis
7 YEARS
Zoye Fidler, John
Papanicolau, Dorothea Stamatiades, Mary Tangalakis
6 YEARS
*Pitsa Bonorris, Helen Cappos, *Dino Flokas. Connie
Flokas, Lola Gialketsis, Bill
Striglos
5 YEARS
Dean Aronis, Peggy Aronis,
Helen Boltinghouse,
Kathy Manolopoulos, Ann
Moore, Fotine O’Connor,
Marge Xanthos, Nia Zaferis
*Of Blessed Memory
We welcome anyone wishing to join us. The only
qualification needed is your
willingness to give a few
hours one day per month.
We have written materials
for you to become more
informed about Orthodoxy
and the iconography and
history of our Cathedral.
Please join us. Call Faye
Demetriou at 818-9816088.
Page 14
Herald
Page 15
Herald
St. Sophia Camp is now accepting applications
for Staff and Counselors for Summer 2009
Session I July 19-25, 2009
Session II July 25-August 1, 2009
Applications available at www.SaintSophiaCamp.org
Staff positions pay is $900 for two weeks
and $100 per week for counselors.
B&W - $1,270
Color - $1,370
One Space Ad
B&W - $345
Color -$445
* Advertising rate is for a full year
* Advertising rate is
for a full year
Two Space Ad
B&W - $655
Color - $755
* Advertising rate is for a full year
For information about ad sponsorship, please call St. George Publishing at 262-650-0030 or 1-800-447-0030. ©St. George Publishing, Inc. N0196 4c LP
www.stgeorgepublishing.com
Four Space Ad
www.stgeorgepublishing.com
For information about ad sponsorship, please call St. George Publishing at 262-650-0030 or 1-800-447-0030. ©St. George Publishing, Inc. N0196 4c LP
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
E
1324 S. Normandie Ave
IV E
T
Los Angeles, CA, 90006
SI
IC
PRSRT STD
U S POSTAGE PAID
ARCADIA, CA
PERMIT 777
V
N
SE SER D
E
M ESS STE
I
T
E
DR QU
D
A RE
Phone
323 737 2424
Fax
323 737 7029
E-mail
office@stsophia.org
We’re on the Web!
www.stsophia.org
CAMP ZOE 2009