September 2012 - St. Sophia Cathedral

September 2012
Saint Sophia Cathedral
HERALD
Page
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS
OF GREEK ORTHODOXY
IN LOS ANGELES
September 2012
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
Dean’s Message
President’s Message
Stewardship
Foundation News
Philoptohos News
Choir News
Philoptohos VIP
Philanthropia News
Youth News
Bookstore News
Greek School
Greek Folk Dance
Sacraments/Memorials
Ministries List
Community News
Orthodox Calendar
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Deadline for
October Herald
Friday 14 September
Saint Sophia
Greek Orthodox
Cathedral
V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas,
Dean
Rev. Fr. Allan Boyd,
Assistant
1324 S. Normandie Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Tel. 323-737-2424
Fax. 323-737-7029
www.stsophia.org
The Elevation of the Holy Cross - September 14th
September 2012
Page 2
DEAN’S MESSAGE
“OPA…The 2012 L.A. Greek Fest”
The other day, I asked Fr. Allan if he knew the
meaning of the word “Opa.” He said that he once
heard a Greek-American comedian explain
“Opa” as Greek for “Yee-Haw!” Actually he said, “I
think it’s a Greek exclamation celebrating life
itself.” Fr. Allan is right. It is a form of the countrywestern “Yee-Haw” and a joyous celebration of
life.
Think about this for a moment. Besides the
Orthodox Church (and especially Saint Sophia
Cathedral), how many other Christian faiths can
hold festivals that bring the numbers of the general
public into their holy space as ours does? Above
all others, the Greek Orthodox have the benefit of
the best foods and a rich culture that can draw
the public in to see the essential part of who we
really are… a people whose ethos of Faith and
Theology have the most ancient and dynamic
connection to Jesus Christ. Now if there was ever
something to celebrate… if there was ever a
reason to “Opa!”… if there was ever something
about which to feel a great anticipation of joy, it’s
the many opportunities that this kind of festival
affords us... to share our Faith and culture with our
surrounding community.
Our L.A. Greek Fest is truly unique because it is
held and celebrated on gorgeous grounds and
facilities that are located in the middle of a large
urban L.A. setting. Years ago, before the Byzantine
-Latino Quarter was established, it was unthinkable
to hold a three night, two day event in an area
that had such a “negative reputation” for crime
and social decay. Many people avoided our now
revitalized neighborhood, especially at night. That
is all changed. The L.A. Greek Fest has proved this
over the last 13 years. As a matter of fact, the L.A.
Greek Fest has vastly contributed to the area
renewal and revitalization. With the help of the Los
Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) our Fest
has contributed to the B.L.Q. area with the
establishment of a Business Improvement District
(BID) and the founding of a charter middle school
one block west of the Cathedral on 15th Street. This
school will open next year.
Now here’s how you can help!
Clear your calendar next weekend—Sept. 7-8-9
Volunteer your time and service to the Fest in
whatever capacity you choose.
Be a financial sponsor
Tell friends and neighbors about this great fun
event. Tweet them, email them, use Facebook,
etc. Help us promote the L.A. Greek Fest.
Encourage your friends to visit the Cathedral
and participate in the tours which are held on
the hour. Witness our Faith. There are so many
un-churched people seeking to find a deep
structured and loving relationship with God.
Orthodox Christianity may be what they are
looking for.
Our L.A. Fest co-chairs Ted and Jan Pastras, along
with our parish council and Fest committee have a
wonderful program prepared for al!
Let’s celebrate the Lord’s presence in our midst
and celebrate the gift of life itself.
While celebrating the Divine we say AMEN...
When celebrating our cultural heritage we say
“OPA!”
God Bless you!
See you at the L.A. Greek Fest!
September 2012
Page 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
“Let the LA Greek Fest Begin - Come One .. Come All”
WELCOME BACK to all of you! I hope you had a
wonderful summer vacation. One of our most
important projects for the year is the LA Greek
Fest. An event we hope to enrich and grow every
year. It is one of the events that brings all of our
community together as we all pitch in to “man”
booths and serve up some wonderful Greek
hospitality and culture. We do need additional
volunteers, as well as more sponsors for food items.
If you would like to volunteer your time or underwrite a food item, please contact Stephanie
Caiopoulos Lubian, our Volunteer Coordinator.
Congratulations to our St. Sophia Camp Program.
We had a full contingent of local Orthodox youth
go to Camp Seely this August. Two weeks filled
with faith and fellowship was run smoothly by our
Saint Sophia counselors and led by Fr. Allan Boyd
and Perry Skaggs. Special thanks to our St. Sophia
Camp Committee led by Melanie O'Regan for
organizing and nurturing this wonderful youth
ministry that serves not only St. Sophia youth but all
of our youth from the surrounding Orthodox
parishes of Southern California. Bravo!
September is not only the month for our Festival,
but it is also the start of a new Ecclesiastical year.
The Ecclesiastical year according to Byzantine
practice begins on the first of September. This
month, Orthodox Christians will celebrate the Feast
of the Nativity of the Theotokos on the 8th, and the
Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on the 14th (a
strict Fast Day).
This month will also mark the beginning of a new
year for many of our Cathedral Programs, especially the ones concerning our Youth. Sunday
School and Greek School will begin their new year
the weekend after the LA Greek Fest. Registration
for Sunday School will be on Sunday, September
16 and registration for Greek School is done online
at www.stsophia.org/ministries/hellenic_academy.
In addition, registration for Greek Folk Dancing will
also be on those days. This year promises to be
wonderful as our youth continue their Service and
Outreach Ministries to the surrounding community
(Brown Bag Sundays, Canned Food drives, and
much more). These ministries will continue to be
nurtured by our associate priest, Fr. Allan.
Also, this year, on Saturday, November 3, we will be
celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Saint Sophia
Cathedral at the Huffington Center. It promises to
be a grand soiree. Please save the date as
invitations will be forthcoming
In closing, I want to take a moment to thank-you
all for your support of our Cathedral especially
during our summer months. Even though we all
had vacations to take and the heat was a little
warmer than normal, it was heartening to see that
people made time in their schedules to come to
church. Your dedication and stewardship help to
keep our church operations running smoothly.
Thank-you.
In Christ’s Service and Love,
Loula B. Moschonas - Saint Sophia Parish Council
September 2012
Page 4
STEWARDSHIP
Believe and Belong
through
Christian Stewardship
We hope your summer was restful and joyous and look forward to welcoming you as we begin an exciting new Ecclesiastical
Year.
September is when we celebrate our most anticipated L.A. Greek Fest and begin our annual participation in the many
ministries, which offer spiritual, educational and cultural programs for all ages. In order to be able to faithfully serve our
community, the work of our ministries to implement and maintain these programs never stops.
We are deeply grateful to our Active Stewards who sustain and manage this vibrant community of faith through their
offerings of time, talent and money to support our operating and financial needs. They provide for our spiritual and cultural
growth, and ensure the transition of faith and culture to future generations. THANK YOU for believing and belonging.
As the work of the Church never stops so are our efforts to meet our financial obligations. Through July of this year, 599
families have pledged, reaching 65% of our $1,000,000 stewardship goal. We prayerfully hope that we can reach our goal by
kindly asking all Parishioners for their support.
Wishing you an enlightening and fulfilling Ecclesiastical Year,
Irene Frankos
STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES for JUNE and JULY 2012
$4,000 To $5,999
Bartzokis, Drs. George & Kelly
Stathatos, Mr. & Mrs. Dan
$2,000 To $3,999
Gallanis, Mr. & Mrs. Andreas*
Danelian, Mrs. Louise
$1,000 To $1,999
Anastasatos, Dr. John M.
Bargeliotes, Mr. Costa
Bornstein, Dr. & Mrs. Robert
Bouras, Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios
Daskalos, Ms. Michelle
Demopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter
Drakos, Mrs. Eugenia
Karg, Mr. & Mrs. Markus
Koukis, Mr. & Mrs. Pandelis
Menzelos, Mr. & Mrs. Soterios
Stevens, Mr. Robert
Zouras, Mr. & Mrs. Tashi
Anonymous
$500 To $999
Azra, Mr. Benjamin &
Mrs. Marisa Theodoratos-Azra
Boris, Dr. George
Boukidis, Mr. George
Carvaines, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Erwin, Mrs. Catherine
Gaskins, Mr. & Mrs. Chris
Georgiadis, Mr.& Mrs. Cludo
Georgiadis, Mr. Constantinos
Georgiadis, Mr. Georgios
Gourgouliatos, Mr. Zafiris
Hawkey, Mr. & Mrs. Aaron
Houndalas, Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios
Jones, Ms. Laura
June, Mr. & Mrs. Rod
Karabatos, Mr. Tere
Metini, Mr. & Mrs. Metini, Mr. & Mrs. aORDERED.BY auro
Nicandros, Mr. & Mrs. Constantine
Rico, Mr. Carlos
Sarames, Ms. Karen
Skaggs, Mr. & Mrs. Perry
Solomonides, Mrs. Pochana
Speliopoulos, Ms. Stephanie
Tsambunieris, Mr. & Mrs. Kosta
Vournas, Mr. & Mrs. George
Zampas, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry
Anonymous (2)
OTHER
Coroneus, Mrs. Thalia
Dardov, Mrs. Elizabeth &
Merzel, Mr. Maksim
Jankosky, Ms. Eleni
Lam, Mr. Joshua &
Mrs. Papanikolaou, Aphrodite
Melko, Ms. Eugenia
Parlapanides, Mr. & Mrs. Charles
Stamas, Ms. Alexia & Ms. Laurie
Tassop, Mrs. Gus
* Life Members Endowment Fund
September 2012
Page 5
SAINT SOPHIA FOUNDATION NEWS
The Saint Sophia Foundation and Building Fund Committee
extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed
to the Huffington Center. Indeed, with faith, dreams do come true!
Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our community,
we are thrilled to announce that we have reached our fund raising goal!
NAMES AS THEY WILL APPEAR ON OUR DONOR HONOR WALL
GRAND BENEFACTORS
The Honorable Michael Huffington and
The Archangel Michael Foundation
Ted and Maria Maniatakos
Saint Sophia Foundation
Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks
BENEFACTORS
John and Mary Lynn Rallis
FOUNDERS
The Ahmanson Foundation
Saint Sophia Parish Council
VISIONAIRES
James and Ann Gianopulos
Saint Sophia Cathedral’s 50th Anniversary
LEADERS
100th Anniversary of Los Angeles
Greek Orthodox Community
Father John Bakas 10th Anniversary
Frances and Nicholas Bissias Family
Chris W. and Joan Caras
Hesperia-Alkandre Home Foundation, Inc.
The Julias Family
James and Carolyn Kolokotrones and Family
Helen Liacouras and Vasilios S. Lambros, MD
Sophie and Anthony Mastor, Ph.D. and Family
Peter G. Mellos
The William and Dina Skouras Oldknow Family
Bill and Vergie Papalexis and Family
Greg and Nadine Parkos
Dr. Michael J. and Susan G. Patzakis
Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptohos Society,
Saint Sophia Cathedral
Saint Sophia Camp
Dan and Beatrice Stathatos
Nikiforos and Georgia Valaskantjis and Family
Jeannette and Dante Webster
Ernest James and Nia Peterson Zaferis
AMBASSADORS
AHEPA Home Foundation, Inc.
AHEPA Chapter 318, DOP Melita Chapter 119
Mr. and Mrs. Hugo F. Aviles and Family
Athanasios C. and Eleni Lambridis Boukidis
Tykye and Elaine Camaras
Chris and Alice Daglas
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Demetriou
Dr. James A. and Faye K. Demetriou
Stephanie and Dr. Jan W. Duncan
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Fettis
Alek and Christine Haidos and Family
Dr. James and Virginia Kallins and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Peter G. Kokkinides and Family
Gig and Kathleen Kyriacou
Fotine Drulias O'Connor
Harry and Agopie Pappas
John and Pamela Peterson and Family
Aileen and George Preonas
John S. Sakellaris
Gregg Schneider
Jerry and Helen Stathatos
SUPPORTERS
Genna Ambatielos
Vicky and Van Ambatielos
The American Legion Leonidas Post 285
Anonymous
Aris Anagnos
Dr. Constantine and Peggy Aronis
The Boltinghouse Family
Steve G. and Coula Bonorris
Penelope A. Boukidis
Jackie and Greg Callas
Tina and Steve Callas
Gus and Judie Christopoulos and Family
John and Anne Antonia Dalis
The James Econn and Killian Families
Andrew and Pauline Evangelatos
Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Gallanis
Dr. Michael and Rosalind Halikis and Family
Dr. Sam Harkiss
George and Tina Kolovos and Family
Donald J. and Diane Sakellaris Lapa
John and Stacy Marakas
George P. Mellos and Orsalen Picoulas Mellos
Tony, Donna and Tyler Mellos
John and Donna Papadakis
Angelo and Ann Pappas
Angelo and Billie Revels
Nick and Sonia Stathes
The Stavaridis Family
Harry C. Vournas Family
Drs. Stephen and Anna Yallourakis
James E. and Joanna Zaferis
Dr. Charalampos Zalavras
SPONSORS
Achilles Z. and Penelope Vlamos Achilles
V. Rev. John and Presvytera Maria Bakas
Dr. and Mrs. Aristid D. Berk
Steve and Helen Callas
Georgia K. and Chris T. Caras
Jennifer and Chris W. Caras, Jr.
Stacy Caras-Tempereau Family
Kathleen and Gerald Chamales
Nick and Connie Christy
Chrys Chrys Family
Peter and Helene Dameris and Family
September 2012
Page 6
SAINT SOPHIA FOUNDATION NEWS
Peter and Vivi Demopoulos
Andre C. Dimitriadis
Jennie P. Doumak and Family
Loula Moschonas and James Edgerton
Dr. and Mrs. William D. Evangelatos and Family
Steve and Jeanine Hanna
George, Cameron, Alex and Kyle Harros
The Hellenic Society of Constantinople
The Kontes and Helm Families
Dr. and Mrs. John P. Korbakis Family
The Loomos, Freshman, Tsircou Family
Daniel and Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian
Mel, Patricia and Jennifer Marchbanks
Stella Nicholas Morris
Brent and Virginia Noyes and Family
Sophia Dagres Palomares
Peter M. Patzakis
Patrick and Rhea Caras Rendon
Dr. and Mrs. John Romm
Harry and Voula Siafaris
James and Marina Spiropoulos
George Stamos
Georgia Caras Vasila
PATRONS
AHEPA, Washington D.C.
AKT Communities Fund of the Sacramento
Region Community Foundation
George and Cleo Andrews
Panos and Bertha Angels and Family
Helene Kezas Ballas and Family
James Bornino
Constantine and Eugenia Boukidis and Family
Demetrios A. Boukidis
George A. and Demetra Boukidis
Michael A. and Frances Boukidis
Peter A. and Caleroi Boukidis
Pete Cazacus
Dr. Collin E. and Connie Desby Cooper
Joseph A. George
Christo John Halekakis
Lawrence and Alexandra Hughes
The Kalionzes Family
Penny and Lou Karagianis
Damian, Marcella and Lucia Lambros
Eleni Lambros
Dr. Val and Deborah Lambros
Eugenia Lyons
Ted Maniatakos, Jr.
Thomas and Ann Martin
Nepsis Foundation
Newport Real Estate Services, Inc.
Charles and Melanie O'Regan Family
Basil and Maria Papahronis
Mr. and Mrs. John T. Pappas
Alexandra, Michaela and Michael Patzakis
Christine and Paul M. Peratis and Family
Rena Poulos and Family
Evangelia, Ariana and Michael Prappas
Vern and Diane Pruett and Family
Saint Sophia Choir
Saint Sophia Young Adults League
Dr. and Mrs. James Selimos
Sophia, Athena and Nicoletta Stamus
Maria Tekla Toczek, M.D.
George and Helen Varentges and Family
Jean Paul and Marianna Wardy and Family
Wells Fargo Advisors
Eleni and Christopher Yokas
Mr. and Mrs. Panagiotis and Lambrini Zinelis
FRIENDS
Thecla and Nick Ananias
Anonymous
Bank of America
Stephen, Scarlett and Katrina Billis
Jeffrey J. Bosten and Karen Pappas Bosten
Peter C. and Eugenia Drakos and Family
Corina Tsopei Fields
Chris and Mary Fondas
Kyriakos and Irene Frankos
Sophia and James Gekas
George and Lola Gialketsis and Family
Panayiotis Kakkavas
Evangeline and Dan Karavas
Jerry D. and Roula Kostas and Family
Linda Koulisis
Mr. and Mrs. Anastasios Lolonis and Family
Katherine and Peter H. Manolopoulos
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Moore
Vasilis, Constance and Andreas Papoutsis
Ted and Jan Pastras
Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Pelargos Family
Napoleon and Soula-Marie Perdis
William and Heidi Sandstrom
William M. and Elizabeth Stumpus and Family
Sam and Bertha Zagorianos and Family
COMMUNITY
Peter and Virginia Adamopoulos
Mr. and Mrs. Athan and Anna Aronis
Mr. and Mrs. Vasilios and Patricia Aronis
Mr. and Mrs. George Bicos
Maria J. Bougioukos
Anastasia A. Boukidis-Michas
Chris A. and Frances Boukidis
Nicholas A. and Elizabeth Boukidis
William G. Boukidis
Mr. and Mrs. Sotirios Bouras
Barbara Vera Brotsis
Annie Chrys
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Clute
Zoe and Karina Constantinides
Paul Cooper
William and Anne Dres
Dorothy Evergates
Milton J. and Basilia Fagan
The Georg J. Fenady Family
The Dino Flokas Family
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond and Faye Fouad
Brian and Suzanne Gilman
Mr. and Mrs. George and Angie Glavas
Grafos Family
Maureen K. Halikis
Valerie Lyons Judson
George, Polly and Lewis Kastas
Laszlo and Jeanine Dalis Klima
Aristotle Klima and Antonia Klima
Jim and Doris Kollias and Family
Demetrios Koukis and Marina Koukis
A. Electra Koutsoukos
Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Latsis
Mark and Phaedra Ledbetter
Marlene S. Martin
G. Paul and Panayiota Boukidis Martin
George and Penny Mavrakis and Family
Tony and Mary McDemas and Family
Thomas and Cleopatra Boukidis McWeeney
Michael, Tina and Charles Mike
Charlotte and George Miserlis
Dina Nichols and Family
Tricia and Jim O’Donnell
Tonifaye Palomares and Family
Elias J. and Vasso D. Papachristos
Alek Papadopoulos
George and Laura Papageorge
George and Patty Pappas
Leila and James Pappas and Family
Dr. Sofia Pappatheodorou
George W. Psaros and Helen S. Psaros
Mara and Mark Saigh and Family
Saint Sophia Philtophos VIP
Diana N. Savas, Ph.D.
Georgia Stavropoulou and James Saltmar
Theodore and Cynthia Spears and Family
Jimmy and Doraly Spiropoulos
Rita and Stephen Stephanou, Ph.D.
Jack W. Stumpus
Profs. Raymond W. & Gregoria Karides Suchy
Mary M. Tassop
Mrs. Chris T. Tasulis and Family
Dean S. Tripodes
Zafiris and Helene Liatsos Tsimahides
Dina Demetrius Tsitsis
The Vackrinos Family
George and Georgia Valaskantjis and Family
Perry and Christy Valaskantjis and Family
Tula Karatzas Van Alstine
The Vardalos Gomez Family
Isaiah Wellington
Kenyatta Smith-Wellington
Shelmadine Wellington
Sophie Xilas
Ara Zenobians
Please notify the Foundation Office of
corrections in your name listing.
September 2012
Page 7
SAINT SOPHIA FOUNDATION NEWS
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS TO THE BUILDING CAMPAIGN
Dorothea Dakis Ales
Anonymous
Paul M. Attyah
Bessie Bicos
Tasia and Elias Chimarios
Bruce and Alex Chistolini
Pantele Dembegiotes
Nickolas and Pamela Edwards
Mr. and Mrs. Louis D. Flokas
and Family
Philip Gassoulis
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Greco
G. Menel Laros
Demetrios Marentes
Amber and Mauro Metini
Helen Mikirelos
Ikca Moskos
Drs. Kouji and Mary Nakata
Charles and Elenie Parlapanides
Carrie E. Lambert Petronis
John and Margo Petros
Laura Pieptea
Dale E Manolakas Shults and Roy L.
Shults
Pochana Solomonides
Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Stamatis
Theoni A. Trangus
Peter and Tina Vasilion
Daisy and Debra Vasilovich
Dino Williams
Dr. and Mrs. Peter Zarras
Anthony and Kari Zoolakis
Liberty Kavalis
Petros Kokkinides
Stella Kontes
Fr. Anthony Kosturos
Harry Koulos
Pauline Ladicos
Ponti Lambros
Dr. Vasilios Lambros
Peter Latsis
Cleo Lee
Marion Maniatakos
Peter G. Mellos
Eftihia Metzidis
Charlie Moskos
Virginia Musey
William H. Oldknow II
Charles Patrick O’Regan
George and Venetia Pallis
Sophia Dagres Palomares
Bea Papadopoulos
Mena Pappas
Michael Pappas
Dina Pappas
Christian Pastras
Thanos Peratis
Paul Peratis
Demitrios Perris
Dean S. Phillips
Anthony Psaltis
Billie Revels
Rania Roosakos
John S. Sakellaris
Howard Schneider
James G. Selimos
Ernest Serfas
Evdoxia Singas
Georgia Spiropoulos
Peter Anthony Starros
Stella Stavrou
Helen Stratos
William Stumpus
Peter Stumpus
Mollie Stylianides
Helen Svymbersky
Steven Tangalakis
Ernest John Tassop
George W. Tassop
John Tassop
Nicholas John Tassop
Pauline Tassop
Dr. Chris Tasulis
Mary Vackrinos
Antonia Vamvas
Elizabeth Vidalis
MEMORIAL DONATIONS WERE MADE IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Nick Ananias
Thecla Ananias
Panos Angels
Dimitra Arliss
Avram Avramidis
Sevasti Bakas
Christina Balitsoris
Marika Begakis
George Bonorris
Kyriakoula Bonorris
Pitsa Bonorris
Bessie Bornino
James Bornino
Frances Boukidis
Michael Boukidis
Penelope Boukidis
Peter Boukidis
Caleroi Boukidis
Kay Brotsis
Mary Brown
Perry D. Caiopoulos
John Callas
John Caras
Olympia Caras
James P. Cazacus
Pearl Cazacus
George Chapralis
Lolonis Chenos
Mary Chester
Nick Daniel Christy
Chris Daly
Archie Defterios
Dino Desby
Dora Divris
Peter Doomanis
Wyla Dorn
James Econn
Dr. William Evangelatos
Chris Fotinakes
Basil Fovos
Pete Gallanis
James Gekas
Sophia Gekas
Helen Gerasimou
Despina Gialketsis
Nancy Gjorik
Ann Goucher
Dr. Michael N. Halikis
Catherine Javares
Ted Kamas
Athan Karas
Angela Frances Karavedas
Lewis G. Kastas
DONATIONS WERE MADE IN HONOR OF
Nick and Frances Bissias - 50th Wedding Anniversary
Rena Poulos - Birthday
Tonifaye Chassman - Birthday
Mr. and Mrs. Evangelos Rodinos - 50th Wedding Anniversary
Alek and Christine Haidos -50th Wedding Anniversary
John S. Sakellaris - 90th Birthday
Michael John Kyriacou - Baptism
Nick and Sonia Stathes - 50th Wedding Anniversary
Ted and Maria Maniatakos - Wedding
George and Dina Williams - 40th Anniversary
September 2012
Page 8
PHILOPTOHOS NEWS
The new church year is beginning! Here is our upcoming
meeting schedule for 2012-2013. All meetings are
announced in the weekly bulletins on Sundays well in
advance of the meeting date.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS begin in September
2012, in the General Assembly room of the Huffington
Center immediately after liturgy:
Sunday, September 23rd
Sunday, October 21st
Sunday, November 18th – Thanksgiving Luncheon
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Sunday, March 17
Thursday, May 23
2013 is an ‘election year’. In order to run for the Board of
Directors, a member must be in good standing with the
church and have attended 4 general meetings within the
year before elections, from May 2012 through April 2013.
Elections will be in May 2013.
Tina Russek from the Los Angeles Mission will be joining
us at our September meeting to update us on the Mission.
In October, Maria Kootsikas, Pharm. D. will be speaking
about the upcoming flu season – yes, it’s almost here
again – and she will discuss vaccines, what to do if you
get the flu, over the counter medicines, etc. Please join us
and listen to these wonderful speakers who are giving
their time to Philoptohos and to you!
Please note – Thanksgiving luncheon reservation
order forms will be out shortly. Reservations must be
pre-paid with your order. When we reach capacity,
reservations will be closed.
DEBUTANTE BALL: Plans are underway for our next big
event! Chairman Katrina Beers is preparing for the St.
Sophia Debutante Presentation Ball on Sunday, January
20, 2013. Please mark your calendars and join us at the
Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel for this spectacular
evening!
With love in Christ’s service,
Virginia Noyes and the Philoptohos Board of Directors
Please join the
ST. SOPHIA PHILOPTOHOS
for our annual
THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON
and
GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Beginning at 12:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2012
Huffington Center at St Sophia Cathedral
Immediately following our brief meeting, you will
visit with your friends and family and enjoy a
Complete Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner
$30.00 Per Person
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND
MUST BE RECEIVED BY
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12th!
(You must have a reservation for the Luncheon!)
Please call 310/214-6711 -- for more information
Please send check in advance to:
SCARLETT BILLIS – 4026 West 179th Street,
Torrance, CA 90504 - 3733
Include names of those paid for @ $30.00 / person
Please make check payable to:
Philoptohos Society’
‘Saint Sophia
Reservations not guaranteed after November 12th.
Thank you for your cooperation!
You will be notified when payment is received.
September 2012
Page 9
CHOIR NEWS
CHOIR OPEN HOUSE
The Choir will be having an Open House on Sunday, September 30th. We will be singing a unison liturgy
that day, so all are welcome. Kids are welcome! High school kids that sing in their high school choirs are
welcome! If you used to sing, you are welcome! If you catch yourself singing along with the choir on
Sunday, you are welcome! We will get together for a rehearsal at 8am if you would like to brush up on your
vocal skills, otherwise, please "come as you are" to the choir loft and sing with us.
Contact Choir Director Jim Kollias [email protected] 714-337-7352 if you have any questions.
Save the date! For our 15th Annual Christmas Music Concert to be held on Sunday, December 9, at 7pm.
Jim Kollias, Choir Director
There's a literal Mother-Lode of Spiritual Gold to be found in the depths of our
Faith. So in gratitude to our merciful King who put us in charge of the gold mine,
let's go to work together for the sake of your families, so that we may lavishly
spend this gold upon those who are in spiritual poverty around us.
Classes resume in September:
Fr John's Classes
Tuesday, September 11th:
Womens' Bible Study
Mens' Bible Study
Evening Bible Study
10-11AM
11:30AM-12:30 PM
7:30 PM
Fr Allan's Classes
Monday, September 17th: Catechism
Thursday, September 20th: Old Testament Bible Study
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
September 2012
Page 10
PHILOPTOHOS VIP
It is hard to believe that we are in the final days of
summer and almost ready to welcome autumn. I hope you all
had a very pleasant summer and that you will join us as we
resume our monthly VIP activities.
September 7, 8 & 9 is dedicated to our L.A. Greek Festival.
Thursday, October 4 - Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens,
San Marino. We'll be starting our trip by having brunch at a
local restaurant followed by a visit to the beautiful Botanical
Gardens and Library. Paid reservations are a must. Please call
our chairpeople Mersy Loukaris (323)661-1592 or Athina Lolonis
(818)846-1357. Make checks payable to Philoptohos VIP c/o
Mersy Loukaris 3841 Edenhurst Ave, Los Angeles, 90039. Deadline: September 27th. The cost of the trip is $ 27.00 which
includes bus, visit of library and gardens and brunch. The bus
will depart from church at 10:30am. Please be half an hour
early. We will return to church at 4:30pm
Sunday, November 4 - Our Annual Artoklasia which is offered
for the health of the Philoptohos VIP members (senior citizens)
and their families.
Thursday, December 13 - VIP Christmas Party & 41st Anniversary
of Philoptohos VIPs. Save the date– more information will follow.
In His Service,
Mary Morrison, Philoptohos VIP President
PHILANTHROPIA NEWS
28TH AIDS WALK LOS ANGELES – October TBA: We will be
sponsoring walkers…for further information, please
contact Barbara Kappos [email protected]
STREET OUTREACH: For many decades the Children’s
Hospital of Los Angeles has reached out to help
abandoned children. Father Peter and Dr. McEvoy, of
blessed memory, had gone many a Thursday night to
connect with these children. This was headed up by our
Vice-President, Dr. Nikos Stefanidis, Ph.D. a Staff
Psychologist at Children’s Hospital, L.A., and the Clinical
Director of this High Risk Program. The Philoptochos of
St. Nectarios has now stepped forward to help Dr. Nikos
by purchasing new items such as: T-Shirts (M-L); Boxers
(M-L); White Socks; Blankets; Sleeping Bags; Sweatshirts;
Snacks; Water/Juices; Bus Tokens; Sneakers; Hygiene
Items (Travel Size); Tooth Brushes & Toothpaste; Shampoo; Deodorant; Sun Screen. If you would like to help,
please purchase any of these items and be sure to label
them for DR. NIKOS STEFANIDIS. Please leave them by
our clothing bins so he may pick them up.
CITY OF HOPE PEDIATRIC MEMORIAL SERVICE & BOOKLET
-November: This is our 10th year sponsoring the
Memorial Service and Booklet for the City of Hope
Medical Center Pediatric Unit. The service will take
place on Thursday, November 8, 2012. Our liaison, Dr.
Randi McAllister, on the Pediatric staff, together with a
team of doctors and nurses, will host the parents and
families to remember their children who were victims to
cancer. Dr. McAllister says that, “Our theme this year is
based on the children’s book about death, “The Next
Place” and we are calling it “Celebration of Life: The
Next Journey.” “We have found some beautiful snow
globes that can be personalized with a picture of each
child for the families, and plan to give those out along
with the Book of Remembrance.” Each parent and
family have a page dedicated to their child with
pictures, love notes, poems, etc. - a way of helping the
family deal with their loss. Please mail your donations to
the PHILANTHROPIA, INC. Office - 6357 Crebs Avenue,
Tarzana, 91335. As always, thank you so much for your
continued concern and support.
WORLD AIDS DAY, Saturday, December 1, 2012:
to be announced.
Details
PHILANTHROPIA TEAM BOARD MEETING : Coming up on
Sunday, October 21st, immediately following the Divine
Liturgy, we will have our annual meeting,. A specific
time and place on the church grounds will be
forthcoming. Please plan to attend this very important
meeting. Thank you.
USED CLOTHING and CANNED GOODS : Please identify
all clothing donations on the outside of the bags by
indicating whether they are for men, women or
children. The two new receptacles for "used clothing"
and "canned goods" are located side by side, in the
general area of the chapel. Thank you!
As we begin this new church year, the following are
some of our scheduled projects:
PHILANTHROPIA WEBSITE: The “Summer” issue of the
PHILANTHROPIA Newsletter is now on the website at:
www.philanthropiaministry.org We thank Perry Lambert
who is coordinating our website.
NAMIWALKS - October TBA: National Alliance on Mental
Illness…we will be sponsoring walkers…follow-up pictures and an article in the next issue of Philanthropia.
Take care and God Bless.
With love, Father Peter
September 2012
Page 11
YOUTH NEWS
Youth Program Contacts
Youth Calendar of events
SEPTEMBER ACTIVITIES
ALTAR BOYS
Chris Halekakis
[email protected]
HELLENIC ACADEMY
Andri Christodoulidou,
Director
[email protected]
BASKETBALL
Paul Cooper
[email protected]
ODOS “The Way”
Helen Lambros
[email protected]
CAMP ZOE
Fr. John Bakas
[email protected]
GREEK DANCE
Barbara Kappos
[email protected]
SAINT SOPHIA CAMP
Melanie O’Regan
[email protected]
saintsophiacamp.org
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Eleni Yokas
[email protected]
Sunday, Sept 16
Ice Cream Social
Sunday School Registration in the Gym
Parents Meeting for Greek Folk Dance Ministry
Sunday, Sept 23
First day of Sunday School
Dodge Ball tournament after Church
for Middle & Sr High
BOOKSTORE NEWS
Saint Sophia Book Club
Next selection: The Screwtape Letters
Letters from a Senior to a Junior Devil by C.S. Lewis
In this humorous and perceptive exchange between two devils, C. S. Lewis delves into moral questions
about good vs. evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. Through this wonderful tale, the
reader emerges with a better understanding of what it means to live a faithful life.
Meeting & Discussion: Thursday September 27th 7:30pm Bookstore.
November Book Club selection: Healer's Light - Achieving the Impossible - by Gudata S. Hinika, MD, FACS
Demonstrates the difference one person can make in the lives of thousands. One does not expect a boy
from a tiny village in the hinterlands of Southern Ethiopia to put himself through two bachelor’s degrees,
medical school, and become a surgeon; much less become an instrumental force in the establishment of
a prestigious Trauma Center; and to be appointed as its leader at a young age. All these pale in
comparison to the path he takes as he returns to his roots in rural Ethiopia. He establishes a school system
where none existed for fifty years and goes on to build a health village in a shantytown that time and
commerce forgot.
Date and time to be announced.
Dr. Hinika, a fellow Orthodox Christian and the head of Ethiopian Health Aid, will be in attendance.
September 2012
Page 12
HELLENIC ACADEMY NEWS
Each August, my grandmother used to say «ήρθε η μέρα της Παναγιάς, βάλτε ξύλα στη φωτιά» (the Day of the Holy
Mother has arrived, get the firewood). Coming from an island where the heat continues to early October, I would
think as a child that this particular proverb was exaggerated. Yet, with time, I grew up to acknowledge that as with
almost every proverb, it entailed wisdom and deeper truth.
As we leave August behind us and enter the Fall, the nature changes its ways. The colors, the smells and the sounds
become palpably different to what was a couple of months ago. Yet, they are familiar and comfortable to be
around, as if reconnecting with a very dear friend or reusing an old sofa. More and more waves of the pleasant
breeze come though the open windows and by the time one returns home from the neighborhood walk the sun has
set. In certain areas of Los Angeles, it is very likely to come across thousands of small migratory birds as they make
their way from the North to Southern warmer places. It is not summer anymore. We are at the beginning of a new
season!
And as those little birds take the migration route to return to their warmer nest, children all around the world come
back to school, hopefully rested, refreshed and happy to reconnect with familiar people and grounds. They are excited at the new academic year that lies ahead, by the Grace of God. In the same way we are happily anticipating
the sounds of the first drizzle tapping at our windows. We are so looking forward to hearing the giggles, the laughter,
and the children’s footsteps while entering the Huffington Center and classrooms. We know well that, as it happens
with the migratory birds, our school is only a nourishing stopping point in the way to a longer, bigger journey. As the
new academic year begins, our wish is that the Saint Sophia Cathedral’s academy will keep them warm enough to
fly away and thrive.
Dr. Andri Christodoulidou, Director of the Hellenic Academy
September 2012
Page 13
GREEK FOLK DANCE NEWS
Please join us on Sunday, September 16th @ 1pm - Huffington Center General Assembly Room
The Greek Folk Dance Ministry will hold their Annual Orientation and Registration Meeting on Sunday, September
16, 2012. In order for you to complete your registration forms, pay your fees, and receive updated information on the
program, it is critical that you attend this meeting. You may also access the registration forms on Saint Sophia
Cathedral’s website.
This ministry will have 5 groups this year with over 70 participants. If your child is 5 years old by December 1st they
are eligible to join our youngest group. Please plan to attend the meeting if you are 18 years old or older.
The goal of our Saint Sophia Dance Ministry is to connect our children to a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ
as expressed through our Orthodox Faith and as celebrated by our rich culture and heritage of dance and song.
Dance Practices will begin the weekend of September 22nd. Please check with your directors for the time and
location. If you are new, please contact the people listed below for more information.
Please Note: It is mandatory that each dancer attend Sunday School, on time, at least 10 times from the
beginning of the Fall Semester through January 27th. If your child does not have at least 10 on-time Sunday
School attendances by that date, their paperwork will not be signed and they will not be able to dance at FDF.
We look forward to seeing you at the meeting on September 16th ...
Your attendance is mandatory
For further information please contact: Eleni Constantine Manolelis - 310 420-8374 Barbara Kappos - 626 695-4742
Demitra Koutsos - 818 903-7059 or you may also e-mail us: [email protected]
September 2012
Page 14
SEPTEMBER SACRAMENTS & MEMORIALS
WEDDINGS
Sunday 2
Maria Sellis & Jamin Carl Hrebenuik
Sponsor Vasiliki Sellis
Saturday 29 Maria Dimakos & Jason Towner
Sponsor Panayoti Adamopoulos
Sunday 30
Angela Stetson & James Pulli
Sponsor Steven George
BAPTISMS
Saturday 22 Stella Anagnostou
Daughter of Panayiotis & Yolanda Patricia
Godparents Konstantino Anagnostou &
Stavroula Anagnostou
Saturday 29 Luke Pappas
Son of Gus & Elizabeth Pappas
Godparent Stella Pappas
Sunday 30
Theodore Azra
Son of Benjamin & Marisa Azra
Godparent Aphrodite Frangos
MEMORIALS
September 2
Panayiota Zagorianos
William Minford
Liberty Kavalis
George Kavalis
May their memory be eternal….
EPISTLE READERS
September 2
Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian
September 9
Nicholas Perdaris
September 16
Jeanine Hanna
September 23
Jim Boltinghouse
September 30
Estelle Skouras
BIRTHDAYS
Begakis, Christina
Matty, David
Billis, Stephen
Morrison, Mary
Bissias, Nicholas
Noyes, Kellie
Callas, Joanna
O'Connor, Fotine
Camperos, Suzanne
Pallas, Peter
Chronopoulos, Gene
Patzakis, Susan
Contois, Michael
Scholler, Elennie
Demetriou, Anthony
Soulimiotis, Sophia
Demetriou, Kathy
Spyrs, Pamela
Freshman, Timi
Stamatis, Chrys
Fuller, Fred
Striglos, William
Kades, Vicky
Subova, Nina
Koch, Vasso
Themelis, Anastasios
Kontes, Nicholas
Tsircou, Kyriacos
Margetis, Sophia
Veacka, Virginia
Markos, Alexandra
Zaferis, Nia
ANNIVERSARIES
Amini, Sambiz & Victoria
Clute, Paul & Lyn
Daglas, Chris & Alice
French, William & Nicole
Helm, Michael & Sophia
James, Nicolas & Hilda
Kades, Louis & Vicki
Kiapos, Theodore J & Aspasia
Kirages, Daniel & Kassandra
Kyriacou, Gig & Kathleen
Lapa, Donald J & Diane
Moore, Tom & Ann
Papalexis, Bill & Vergie
Rangel, Armando & Christina
Spears, Ted & Cynthia
September 2012
Page 15
MINISTRIES
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Very Reverend Father John S. Bakas, Dean
Reverend Father Allan (Gabriel) Boyd
Jim Kollias, Choir Director
Dimitris Liogris , Protopsaltis
Christopher Yokas, Organist
James Karatsikis, Sexton
FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Executive Officers
PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Officers
Angelo L. Pappas, President
Andrew Evangelatos, Vice President
Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O.
George Preonas, Vice President
Constantine Boukidis, Secretary
Tina Callas, Treasurer
Loula Moschonas, President
Ted Pastras, Vice President
Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian, Recording Secretary
Brent Noyes, Corresponding Secretary
Michael Kraios, Treasurer & C.F.O.
Members
Dina Demetrius Eleni Constantine Manolelis
Jeanine Hanna Karen Sarames
Tom Martin
Alex Oxyzolou Sebastian Opffer Peter Pallas
Dean Peratsakis Zafiris (Zaf) Tsimahides
V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Nicholas Bissias
Timi Loomos Freshman Alek Haidos Steve Hanna
Michael Huffington Gig Kyriacou Loula Moschonas
John T. Pappas Jim Zaferis
Presidential Appointments
Anthony A. Demetriou, Presidential Assistant
John G. Marakas III, Sr. V. P. of Wells Fargo,
Advisor to the Board
PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY
Executive Officers
Virginia Noyes, President
Marianna Politis, 1st Vice President
Helene Ballas, 2nd Vice President
Mary Gallanis, Recording Secretary
Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary
Scarlett Billis, Treasurer
Dina Oldknow, Advisor
Honorary Life Members
Jennie Doumak
Christine Peratis
Members
Frances Bissias Judith Christopoulos Connie Cooper
Pauline Evangelatos Olga Jordan Tricia Ballas Kremer
Constance Manders Sophie Mastor Jan Pastras
Christina Peratsakis Diane Pruett Sonia Stathes
Mary Tassop Maria Toczek
OFFICE STAFF
Helen Ellis, Office Administrator
Cindy Celis, Events Director
Ann Pappas, Events Administrator Dimey Angels, Accounting
Chris Halekakis, Facilities Director
Leonard Hart
CUSTODIAL STAFF
Miguel Rosales
Mauricio Mira
Members
Associates
Irene Frankos, Stewardship Chairperson
Bertha Angels
Auditing Committee
Tom Moore
Anthony Demetriou
ALTAR BOYS
Chris Halekakis
BASKETBALL
Gig Kyriacou & Paul Cooper
BIBLE STUDY
Very Rev. Father John Bakas
Rev. Father Allan Boyd
BOOK STORE
William Striglos
CAMP ZOE
Very Rev. Father John Bakas
CHILD CARE
Kathy & Marsha Zagorianos
CHOIR
Jim Kollias
COFFEE HOUR
Ann Pappas
Georgia Vasila
DOCENTS
Faye Demetriou
EASTER PICNIC
Ted Pappas
GREEK DANCE GROUPS
Barbara Kappos
GREEKS in HOLLYWOOD
Dina Demetrius
HELLENIC ACADEMY
Andri Christodoulidou
HOSPITALITY
Niki Korbakis
Maria Pelargos
L.A. GREEK FEST
Ted & Jan Pastras
MR. & MRS. CLUB
Dean & Christine Peratsakis
ODOS “The Way”
Helen Lambros
PARENTING
Nick Stefanidis
Barbara Kappos
PHILANTHROPIA
Rev. Father Peter Lambert
PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P.
Mary Morrison, President
SAINT SOPHIA CAMP
Melanie O’Regan
Kathleen Kyriacou
Jack Stumpus (Golf Event)
Tony Mastor (Tennis Event)
Mary-Kay Demetriou (Tennis Event)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Eleni Yokas
YOUTH
Rev. Father Allan Boyd
September 2012
Page 16
COMMUNITY NEWS
19th ANNUAL
ST. SOPHIA CAMP TENNIS MIXER
Mixed Doubles Tennis and Dinner
St. Sophia Camp Fundraiser
Sunday, September 23, 2012
The Riviera Country Club
1250 Capri Drive, Pacific Palisades (Sunset Blvd. & Capri Drive)
Registration and warm-up: 3:30pm
Mixed-doubles tennis:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Dinner in the Clubhouse:
7:00pm
Dress Code for dinner: Jeans and shorts are not permitted in the Clubhouse; warm-up suits are acceptable
Club Facilities: Shower and changing facilities are available
More information & questions, please contact: Mary-Kay at 310-451-2000; [email protected]
Saint Sophia Moms & Tots
St. Sophia Moms & Tots Program is a Faith, Music and
Movement infant and toddler program designed for Moms
and/or Dad's with young children between the ages of 6
months - 3 years old. If you are a parent or caregiver with a
little one, please join us!
WHEN: Beginning on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
through May, 2013 @ 10:30am -11:30am
WHERE: Huffington Center at Saint Sophia, Nursery Room
COST:
$60 registration fee per child
If you and your little one enjoy singing, dancing and spending time with friends, then you will love what we have in
store for you!
Our weekly gathering will consist of singing, dancing and
movement activities, followed by story time and a craft activity based on our church calendar (be it a Feast Day or a
Saints day, etc.). We will learn how to do our cross, say our
prayers, and much more!
If you are interested in participating or have any questions
please contact the St. Sophia Moms & Tots coordinator,
Katia Boudouvas at [email protected]
Festival Baking
We are making Galatobouriko on Wednesday,
September 5th beginning at 9:00 a.m.
We need people to help all throughout the
day. We would appreciate your help, even if it is
just for a couple hours.
If you don’t know how to bake, we will teach
you. Learn how to make it just like Yiayia!
Please call Scarlett Billis at (310) 214-6711 to
schedule your work time.
September 2012
Page 17
With the L. A. GREEK FEST “14th Annual Celebration” just days away, we wanted to alert you to some special
notices….along with the promotions & advertising that are now underway.
Special Note
We’re proud and delighted to have TOM HANKS & RITA WILSON returning as our celebrity guest hosts, along
with having special guest star THANOS PETRELIS performing on Saturday and Sunday evening at the FEST. We
anticipate that each night will be jam-packed with lots of extra visitors so we encourage you to come early, eat
hearty and be ready for a fun time.
> This year we’re welcoming back ALEX GALAS and “OMEGA” who will be providing the live music and stage
shows for the weekend’s festivities. Alex and his group are exceptional musicians and performers and will excite
and delight you with the very best in Greek music.
> We have a terrific RAFFLE this year—so remember to turn in your tickets included in last month’s HERALD or
purchase RAFFLE tickets at the FEST.
PROMOS
FEST WEBSITE - Newly revamped & very exciting…..attracting hundreds of “inquiry” hits each day.
haven’t seen it yet, please visit www.LAGreekFest.com & have a look.
If you
TV Commercials will be running on TimeWarner Cable Food & Travel channels and KCBS & KCAL beginning
Labor Day weekend and running through the FEST weekend .
PRINT Ads - Newspaper ads placed in the L.A. TIMES, Beverly Hills Courier, Beverly Press, Larchmont
Chronicle, the Hellenic Journal & the cover of the Tolucan Times with by-line article; and web-banner marquees
on internet sites of the L.A. Times, Beverly Press; Valley Scene & WHERE Magazines.
KABC & KNBC - PSA Event Advisories featured on air ( Streaming Bulletin notices).
METRO Transit - FEST alerts will be featured on METRO transport & light-rail vehicles and the METRO internet
website.
Time Warner Cable - PSA Community Alerts will be featured on the TWC streaming website.
E-mail blasts (on-line notices) are being provided on the promo websites of Gus Sverkos (GoodtimeEvents) &
Chris Marcovicci (CaliforniaGreeks).
Los Angeles has come to expect the best from the L.A. GREEK FEST—& we promise you that this year’s festival
event will be truly spectacular in every way. Please join us with family and friends for the FEST”S “return debut” and help us celebrate the magic of Greece !!
Ted & Jan Pastras
FEST Directors
Page 18
September 2012
To help make your FEST experience easier and more enjoyable, we’ve provided an area Parking
Map for your reference and convenience. Please familiarize yourself with the FEST entry points
and the major lots assigned for parking — including the reserved area all along Venice Blvd. FEST
Courtesy Shuttles will run continuously to-and-from all parking areas throughout the FEST
weekend. LAPD officers and security guards will be present to coordinate operations and offer
directions & assistance as needed.
September 2012
Page 19
FEST WEEK—Because of equipment deliveries and contractor schedules involved in setting up the
Cathedral grounds for the L A GREEK FEST, the main parking plaza will be closed to all normal business
activity from Tues., Sept. 4 to Tues., Sept. 11. The Mariposa Ave. parking area (east side of the Main
grounds) will be partially available for visitor use until Thurs. afternoon, Sept. 6. Thereafter, all of the parking
area on the main Cathedral grounds will be closed to any and all traffic until Tues. morning, Sept. 11.
SUNDAY SERVICE — Church services on Sunday, Sept. 2 and FEST Sunday, Sept. 9 will maintain a
normal schedule of hours: Othros at 8:00 am; Studies in Faith at 9:15 am; Memorials at 9:45 am; and Divine
Liturgy at 10:00 am. Services will conclude by 12:00 noon or before.
SPECIAL PARKING ON FEST SUNDAY — The Normandie lot (across from the Cathedral) is normally
used for Valet Parking during FEST weekend hours. However, the lot will be open to parishioner use—free
of charge—for Sunday morning church services only. By way of a special courtesy arrangement we’ve made
with the Valet Service provider, when you arrive for church in the morning & park in the lot, you will be
issued a color-coded, time-stamped ticket that will allow you to park at no charge until 1 pm. Since services
will conclude by 12:00 noon, you will have more than enough time to relax a bit with friends or relatives
following dismissal and then leave without incurring a charge for parking. If you should decide to stay for the
FEST, and your car is still in the lot after 1:00 pm, the full parking fee of $10.00 will automatically be applied.
FEST ENTRY WAIVER FOR CHURCH SERVICE ATTENDEES — In special consideration to those
parishioners who attend service on FEST Sunday, you will be accorded free access to the FEST grounds
upon dismissal from the church. Keep in mind that should you leave the grounds after dismissal from
church, (to move your car, for example), please be sure to get your hand stamped at the main FEST
admission gate to avoid having to pay the regular admission fee upon your return. Once you’ve left the FEST
& church grounds—and do not have a hand stamp to verify your earlier attendance—you cannot be allowed
entry without being assessed the regular FEST admission fee. (Those who are working as FEST Volunteers
will not be affected with this concern as your FEST Volunteer Badge provides you free entry access throughout the day).
Kindly understand that we make every effort to accommodate parishioners and FEST visitors alike, and we
believe these arrangements are practical & fair and should not inconvenience anyone in any way. We thank
you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
The FEST Committee
Page 20
September 2012
September 2012
Page 21
COMMUNITY NEWS (continued)
Dear Saint Sophia Family,
During the past several years, our awareness has increased on the impact our actions leave behind on the environment and the
consequences there are for future generations. Efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle have become mainstream for most of us.
Our own Patriarch Bartholomew is considered the ‘Green Patriarch’ because of his devotion and love to God’s creation and his
emphasis on how our care of it actually impacts our spiritual health. His writing and teaching on environmental stewardship are
numerous and inspiring. He calls us all to be good stewards of the earth, which is a gift from God our Father, and to partake in
protecting it for future generations.
“For human beings to destroy the biological diversity in God’s creation... to contaminate the earth’s waters, land and air – all of
these are sins.” ~ His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Each year in prayer, during our times of reverence and reflection, we Saint Sophia Parishioners light several thousand candles,
celebrating the light of Christ amidst our many needs and struggles. They beautifully symbolize our hopes taking the physical
element of Christ’s light to vanquish darkness. We pray for our families, we pray for our friends, we pray for ourselves seeking
guidance from our Lord and Savior, hoping to transmute our struggles into something useful and meaningful.
During the long history of St Sophia Cathedral, thousands of our candles have been extinguished and this image of our prayers
has been discarded into the rubbish heap. Incalculable thousands of pounds of paraffin, a petroleum byproduct, have been
added to the landfill.
Out of concern for these issues ‘Lights of Life’ was born - the transformation of the physical representation of our prayers into
beautiful candles for home use. Each candle contains the wax of multiple candles lit in prayer and is hand-made by my
Presvytera, Danita Boyd, and her joy-filled volunteers with care; sparing the earth from degradation of added waste.
For the first time, ‘Lights of Life’ will be available for sale at this year’s festival. They will be in a booth next to the Saint Sophia
Gift booth.
The proceeds from the candle sales this year will benefit Camp Zoe, further transforming our prayers into hope for
economically disadvantaged children living with physical and developmental disabilities in the Los Angeles School District and
giving them the experience of camp for the first time in their lives. After all, Camp Zoe was created to ‘celebrate life,’ in the
fullest embodiment of Greek philoxenia and philoptochos (‘love of the stranger’ and ‘love of the poor’).
Thus, Presvytera Danita and I hope that you will make every effort to stop by the ‘Lights of Life’ booth at the Greek Festival
next weekend and purchase enough of these prayers to fill your entire home with the blessed light of continued prayer and the
sweet fragrance of hope for these beloved children.
Much love,
Fr Allan
September 2012
Page 22
COMMUNITY NEWS (continued)
Saint Sophia Cathedral and
It is time to renew your Ralphs Card Donation for
Saint Sophia Camp Zoe!
Every September all participants are asked to re-register.
By registering your Ralph’s Card online or in person you will be donating a percentage of your spending to Camp Zoe to further
the mission of providing a camping program structured to meet the needs of children with severe physical and developmental
disabilities from families living with economic challenges within the city of Los Angeles.
Without Camp Zoe these children would likely never experience the joys of Camp. Camp Zoe was founded and is run by
dedicated volunteers and Clergy of Saint Sophia. Camp Zoe is designed to help these much deserving campers develop a
"sense of self”.
By registering your card for Saint Sophia your own rewards will not be affected. 100% of the money received from Ralphs will
go directly to Camp Zoe.
Register by one of three ways:
1. Online at www.ralphs.com Our NPO is 82038. If you have not registered your card before with Ralphs you will have to
register it at this time.
2. By taking this letter to Customer Service of your local Ralphs Grocery Store.
3. By taking this letter into Ralphs the next time you shop and asking the cashier to scan the BarCode with your Rewards Card.
RALPH’S CASHIER OR MANAGEMENT TEAM MEMBER:
Please scan the bar code below along with the customer’s rewards card or alt ID within their order.
A purchase is required in order for the link between their card and the organization to work.
This procedure is successful when you hear the audible beep & see the words LOYALTY DIV on the receipt.
For more information please log into: http://www.ralphs.com/myralphs/703/Pages/community_contribution.aspx
Thank you for your involvement in helping us at Camp Zoe!
The Camp Zoe Team
September 2012
Page 23
SEPTEMBER 2012
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Ecclesiastical
New Year
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Liturgy
2
3
4
5
6
7
8:30am Orthros
9:30am StudiesFaith
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
8
Nativity of our
Most Holy Theotokos & Virgin Mary
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Liturgy
13th Sunday of
Matthew
9
10
16
11:30pm Bible
Study w/Fr. John
17
8:15am Orthros
7:30pm Cate9:15am StudiesFaith
chism w/Fr. Allan
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
Sunday after the
Holy Cross
23
11
10:00am Bible
Study w/Fr. John
8:15am Orthros
9:15am StudiesFaith
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
Sunday before the
Holy Cross
18
8:30am Orthros
9:30am StudiesFaith
2nd Sunday of
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy Luke
19
14
15
Elevation of the
Venerable and
Life-giving
Cross
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Liturgy
20
21
22
28
29
7:30pm OT Bible
Study w/Fr. Allan
11:30pm Bible
Study w/Fr. John
25
10:00am Bible
Study w/Fr. John
11:30pm Bible
Study w/Fr. John
1st Sunday of
Luke
30
13
Philoptohos VIP
Board Mtg 10am
10:00am Bible
Study w/Fr. John
24
8:15am Orthros
9:15am StudiesFaith 7:30pm Catechism w/Fr. Allan
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
12
Strict Fast
26
Falling Asleep
of Saint John
the Evangelist
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Liturgy
Fish Allowed
27
7:30pm OT Bible
Study w/Fr. Allan
Wine and Oil
Allowed
Dairy, Eggs,
and Fish
Allowed
Fast Free
September 2012
Page
24 Greek Cathedral
Saint Sophia
Greek Orthodox Community
1324 South Normandie Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90006
VE
NS
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I
IT
SE
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Phone
323 737 2424
Fax
323 737 7029
E-mail
[email protected]
We’re on the Web!
www.stsophia.org
Save the Date !
Saint Sophia Cathedral
60th Anniversary Gala
Pleas
e not
e
date
chan
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Ple
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Saturday, November 3rd