March 2015 - St. Sophia Cathedral

March 2015
Page
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
HERALD
MARCH 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Dean’s Message
2
President’s Message
3
Philoptochos News
4
Stewardship
5
Announcements
11
Ministries List
12
Sacraments/Memorials
13
Philoptochos VIP
13
Philanthropia News
13
Community News
14
Feast Day Article
18
Orthodox Calendar
19
V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas
Dean
Rev. Fr. Allan Boyd
Assistant Priest
1324 S. Normandie Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Tel. 323-737-2424
Fax. 323-737-7029
www.stsophia.org
March 8, Sunday of Saint
Gregory Palamas
March 15, Sunday of the
Holy Cross
March 22, Sunday of Saint
John Climacus
March 25, Annunciation of
the Theotokos
The Ladder of Divine Ascent Icon, 12th Century A.D.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai
March 2015
Page 2
DEAN’S MESSAGE
Fasting and Feasting
Our culture does not know what to do with fasting and lent.
We do a pretty good job with the feasting right before lent,
mind you - more and more people even outside of New
Orleans celebrate Mardi Grass with beads and floats, and
more and more people devour sausages, pancakes and
waffles at pre-lenten celebrations. Any excuse for a feast is
welcome! But what to do with the subdued penitential
meaning of lent. A few years ago I saw a restaurant sign that
summed up our cultural uncertainty about this 40 day season
on the Christian calendar: Lent Seafood Buffet: All You Can
Eat!
We as Orthodox Christians who come out of a highly
developed theology of fasting are confused by the rules and
guidelines of what we should or should not eat during the fast
of Great Lent. Orthodox calendars and resource guides
indicate all the days for fasting with symbols for appropriate
foods permitted.
It never fails. Every year in anticipation of lent the same
people ask the same questions about food. "May I eat veggie
burgers?" "Do I use cremora or cream in my coffee?" "I'm told
I can eat olives but not olive oil." "I can eat shrimp, oysters
and lobster, but not fish." What's the difference and why?
I chuckle to myself when I hear parishioners wishing each
other "kali dymani" as a way to really encourage each other in
the sacrifices of lent and then down two bowls of lentils and
half a loaf of french bread smothered with tarama and finished
off by "nistisimo baklava or karidopita."
There is no "dynami" required when all we have is food
substitutions and not real fasting where the stomach is
disciplined and subdued with less, so that our higher spiritual
nature can be fed. True fasting is not substituting one food for
another only. It is not just replacing pork chops with platefuls
of spaghetti or teaching our children to gorge themselves on
french fries and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Fasting is
marked by bodily sacrifices, a taming of our passions for the
purpose of purifying and sanctifying our souls. If fasting was
marked just by food contents, then vegetarians and vegans
especially, would have it made according to our rules. A
person needs to experience God and God's love first. Fasting
and other ascetic practices is the response that naturally
follows.
Fasting should not be a public "show of piety" but rather a
personal experience that is filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, "Moreover when you
fast, do not be like the Hypocrites, with a sad continence. For
they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be
fasting. Assuredly, I say to you they have their reward but you,
when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that
you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your father who
is in the secret place; and your Father will reward you openly."
Matt. 6:18
It is not my intent to make this message a full commentary on
the discipline of our Orthodox fasting, but rather to encourage
the reader to seek a deeper meaning that transcends just the
recognizable formulas.
The paradox of Great Lent is that we also take on other
particular spiritual disciplines in addition to fasting. Prayer and
service are crucial in conforming ourselves more closely to the
life and death of Christ, all the while recognizing that Christ
has already come to us before we sought Him. This is the
paradox of the baptized life. We have been joined to Christ
once, but we spend the rest of our lives trying to live into that
union.
St. John Chrysostom says: "This is the rule of the most
perfect Christianity ... CARING FOR YOUR NEIGHBOR.
Indeed, even though you fast, or sleep on hard ground, or
even suffer unto death, yet take no thought for your neighbor,
you have done nothing great; despite what you have done,
you will still stand far from this model of a perfect Christian."
Several businessmen in our parish put St. John's words into
practice by missing one meal a day during their fasting
periods and giving the money they would have paid for the
meals to the local centers feeding the hungry and homeless.
Imagine what a regular 40 day fast and Holy Week fast of
missing one meal a day can do for those who are hungry not
by choice but by circumstance. If more and more of us would
do this as well, imagine how much good we can do for
ourselves and for the needy around us.
So fasting and feasting can be harnessed as enhanced
spiritual disciplines that once again transcend just what goes
in and out of the stomach. Consider the following as well:
Fast from criticism, and feast on praise.
Fast from self-pity, and feast on joy.
Fast from ill-temper, and feast on peace.
Fast from resentment, and feast on contentment.
Fast from jealousy, and feast on humility.
Fast from selfishness, and feast on service.
Fast from fear, and feast on faith.
Fast from bitterness and feast on forgiveness.
Fast from discontent and feast on gratitude.
Delight in fasting and feasting for the right reasons.
Have a truly spiritual Lent in Christ
V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean
March 2015
Page 3
PARISH COUNCIL MESSAGE
The Mission of the Parish Council
On our recent trip to Saint Nicholas Ranch and Monastery,
Father John, Parish Council Members and I discussed the
best practices for Parish Council Governance, being, making
and growing disciples, entering a journey as Christ’s disciples
and immersing ourselves in His teachings and in His Church
as we become participants in His miraculous works. Through
discussions, prayers, meditation using the Jesus Prayer and
participation (individually and collectively), we became
transformed in experiencing joy, even in difficult
circumstances; our eyes were opened to an eternal
perspective of things on earth; our hearts were healed from
past wounds; we became freed from the things in life that
enslave us; our families and other relationships became
healed, stronger and more loving; and we were shown and
given the tools to equip our children to deal with the difficulties
of life. All in all, we experienced the blessing of living Heaven
on Earth. Our lessons and practices are now a vital part of
everything we do!
Our Parish Council Members are utilizing the eight successful
purposes: 1. Adhering to the teaching and mission of the
Church 2. Advocating for the mission of the parish 3.
Supporting the work of the priest 4. Always in the process of
board development 5. Formulateing policy 6. Strategically
plans 7. Oversees finances 8. Fundraises.
As active and participating members in the Church, we accept
responsibility for the maintenance of our own spiritual
condition, Worship and sacramental life, personal prayer life,
Relationship with God and others.
Our Parish Council focuses on the mission of the Church and
advocates for the mission of the parish, periodically reviews
the mission, vision and values statements, and maintain
consistency with the mission in decisions, values, policies and
actions. We should always relate the vision to the mission
which is derived from the life and teachings of Our Lord Jesus
Christ. Therefore we must articulate and explain the vision of
the future of the parish to the community and during our terms
of service, seek to implement the vision.
Our Community members and Parish Council members must
support our Priests. We need to respect the sacrament of
ordination and the efforts of the priests to fulfill their calling
despite human limitations. We understand that the priest
manages the parish office and sometimes needs help. We
need to accept the Priests’ role to lead the community and
lead our Parish Council. In turn, we need to attend to the
wellbeing of the priests and their families to avoid burnout.
We must continually ask “What do we wish to become?”
What will that look like in the next 5 years? 10 years? 20
years?
We will strive for trustworthiness. We will develop a culture of
transparency. Ensure that parishioners have access to
appropriate and accurate information regarding finances,
operations and results. Follow through on commitments.
Accept accountability.
Willing to be accountable, Hold
ourselves accountable to one another.
Report on
accomplishments and short-comings to the parish.
We will be results-oriented by continuously measuring
progress toward mission fulfillment, together with the Priests,
evaluate efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of major
programs and services, and monitor strategic plan goals and
objectives on calendar with areas of responsibility. We
continue to manage fiduciary oversight.
We accept
responsibility for financial oversight, link bold visions and
ambitious plans to financial support, approve activities that
can be realistically financed with existing or attainable
resources, have financials audited by an independent
accounting CPA firm while utilizing independent committee to
assist our Treasurer in monitoring expenditures and income.
We will begin background checks on all those who have
hands on responsibility for funds and who work with our
children.
Our last, but not least direction is to formulate policy always in
light of the gospel, aligned with the mission of the Church,
consistent with the parish’s strategic plan, thoughtful
implementation, ideally, with strong parish council consensus
and sensitive consideration of parishioners’ response.
As we enter Lent and leading up to the Great and Holy
Pascha, I encourage our parents to teach and reflect to our
children what the Lenten period means. I believe that the first
place where we teach our children about the ways of life is in
the home. If you never discuss faith or teachings of our Lord
continued in page 3
March 2015
Page 4
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
Mother’s Day:
We are happy to announce that TINA
VASILA CALLAS has been selected as the Philoptochos
Mother of the Year! Please join us on Saturday, May 9th here
at our Saint Sophia Maniatakos Hall as we honor Tina for all
her work in Philoptohos and in the Saint Sophia community.
Chairmen Christina Peratsakis and Maria Toczek are
working very hard with their committee to plan a lovely
afternoon. Save the date!
all bring a spiritual awakening to us. For those who are
suffering and need to feel that hope and that life again,
Philoptochos is here to help. We help the sick, the poor, the
lonely and anyone else who may need us. This is why we
work so hard to raise funds that we need to fulfill our mission.
We can always use donations of gift cards to Target, WalMart, and even drug stores, to use in our Outreach program.
Truly our work is the work that God sent us to do.
Membership: If you have not yet sent in your Philoptochos
dues, we hope you will do so. If you have misplaced your
membership form that went out in the mail, just send your
dues to Philoptochos in care of the Cathedral, Attention: Olga
Jordan. Dues are $50 per person.
With love in Christ’s service,
Virginia Noyes and the Philoptochos Board of Directors
March meeting: Please join us at our next general assembly
meeting on March 22nd after liturgy. We are pleased to have
Dr. John Anastasatos, M.D. FACS as our guest speaker.
Dr. Anastasatos is a graduate of Brown University and
Medical School. He is a member of the American Board of
Plastic Surgery and has a private practice in Beverly Hills. Dr.
Anastasatos performs both cosmetic and reconstructive
plastic surgery. He was awarded a Certificate of
Congressional Recognition in April 2014 for his work in
philanthropy and plastic surgery. We are also starting our
collection of NEW plain t-shirts, socks, pajamas and under
garments for the women and children who are in safe houses
provided by the Domestic Violence Agency. Items must be
NEW and unopened in their store packages. Please bring
your donation to our March meeting or bring it to church and
leave it in the Narthex marked for “Philoptochos”. The items
will be delivered just before Easter so the donations should be
at church no later than Palm Sunday.
Easter is Sunday, April 12! Jan Pastras is signing up
volunteers to work in the Pastry booth at the Easter Picnic!
You may sign up in the church hall at coffee hour with Jan or
contact her at 323-848-9988. Please consider donating a
couple of hours out of your day to help us in the booth. You
still have plenty of time to visit and eat with your family and
friends.
As we approach the season of Easter, we remember the
Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, who came into the world
to save us. The renewal of life, the changing of the seasons,
The Mission Statement of Philoptochos “ To aid the poor, the
destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the
orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the
victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished
persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the
help of the church through fund raising efforts…” this is what
we do and this is why we put on fundraisers throughout the
years. “For the poor you always have with you, but you do
not always have me” John 12:8
continued from page 2
in the home, you are teaching your children it isn’t important,
or that doesn’t apply to your home life. As parents, we have
that responsibility to educate our children, about our Church,
our faith, about prayer, fasting, and most of all to bring them
closer to God, so that they can feel His presence and
compassion.
Have a Blessed Lenten period and come to Church with your
family during the many services that our Church provides
throughout the Great Lenten season. Please remember
Fasting, Prayer, Repentance, and Almsgiving which
constitutes the recipe for Eternal Life.
March 2015
Page 5
Parish Council Retreat at Saint Nicholas Ranch
Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship
STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES 2014
$25,000+
Marcus, Mr. & Mrs. George
$15,000 To $19,999
Dameris, Mr. & Mrs. Peter
$10,000 - $14,999
Ambatielos, Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos*
Demetriou, Mr. & +Mrs. Anthony*
Hanks, Mr. Tom and Wilson, Mrs.
Rita*
Rallis, Mr. & Mrs. John*
Anonymous (1)
$8,000 To $9,999
Caras, Chris W. & Joan*
Papalexis, +Mr. & Mrs. Bill*
$6,000 To $7,999
Doumakes, Mr. Robert*
Holcomb, Mr. & Mrs. James
Soteropulos, Mr. & Mrs. Gust
* Life Members Endowment Fund
$4,000 To $5,999
Antholis, Mr. & Mrs. Kary
Bakas, Fr. John and Presbytera Maria
Bartzokis, Drs. +George & Kelly
Boltinghouse, Mr. & Mrs. James
Duncan, Dr. & Mrs. Jan
Evangelatos, Dr. & Mrs. Dennis*
Gallanis, Mr. & Mrs. Andreas*
Harkis, Dr. Sam*
+Blessed Memory
When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning
Page 6
STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES 2014
Hughes, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence
In Loving Memory of Sophia Dagres
Palomares+
Kolokotrones, Mr. & Mrs. James*
Kolokotrones, Mr. & Mrs. Theo
Kolovos, Mr. & Mrs. George*
Lambros, Mrs. Helen*
Maniatakos, Mr. & Mrs. Ted*
Marakas, Mr. & Mrs. John*
Patzakis, Dr. & Mrs. Michael*
Poulos, Mrs. Rena
Poulos-Watson, Mrs. Irene and Poulos,
Mr. John
Preonas, Mr. & Mrs. George*
Smyslov, Mr. & Mrs. Boris
Stathes, Nick & Sonia*
Vasila, Mrs. Georgia
Wardy, Mr. & Mrs. Jean-Paul*
Warner, Mr. Michael
Webster, Mr. & Mrs. Dante
Zaferis, Mr. & Mrs. James*
Anonymous (2)
$2,000 To $3,999
Ananias, Mr. & Mrs. James
Aronis, Dr. & Mrs. Constantine*
Balamaci, Mr. Thomas
Beach, Mr. & Mrs. John
Bosten, Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey
Boukidis, Mr. & Mrs. Constantine
Callas, Mr. & Mrs. Greg
Callas, Mr. & Mrs. Steven
Christopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Gus
Daglas, Mr. & Mrs. Chris*
Demetriou, Dr. & Mrs. James*
Evangelatos, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew*
Evangelis, Ms. Theane
Flatos, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony
Flokas, Mrs. Constance*
Freshman, Mr. & Mrs. Gordon
Gilman, Mr. & Mrs. Brian
Haidos, Mr. & Mrs. Alek*
Halikis, Mrs. Rosalind*
Hanna, Mr. & Mrs. Steven
Helm, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Kallins, Dr. & Mrs. James*
Kirages, Mr. & Mrs. John
Kollias, Mr. & Mrs. Jim
Korbakis, Dr. & Mrs. John*
Kyriacou, Mr. & Mrs. Gig*
Lambros, Ms. Eleni
Lapa, Mr. & Mrs. Donald
Manolopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter
Martin, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas
Mastor, Dr. & Mrs. Anthony*
Mellos, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony
Mohr, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Nakata, Drs. Kouji & Mary
Natsis, Mr. & Mrs. Tony
Nikias, Mr. & Mrs. Chrysostomos
O’Connor, Mrs. Fotine
O’Regan, Mrs. Melanie
Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. Gus
Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. John T.*
Schwalm, Mr. & Mrs. James
Settelmayer, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel
Siafaris, Mr. & Mrs. George
Siafaris, Mr. & Mrs. Harry*
Theodore, Mr. Steve
Toczek, Dr. Ariadne
Toolen, Mrs. Mary Roskam
Yallourakis, Drs. Stephen & Anna
Zarocostas, Mr. Peter
Zinelis, Mr. Panagiotis
Anonymous (12)
$1,000 To $1,999
Achilles, Mr. Achilles
Anast, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest
Anastassiou, Mr. Thomas, Sr.
Andrei, Mr. & Mrs. John
Andrews, Mr. & Mrs. George
Arkoumanis, Mr. & Mrs. Leontios
Arvanitis, Mr. & Mrs. Danny
Athans, Ms. Artie
Attyah, Mr. Paul
Auerbach, Drs. Arthur & Maria
Axume, Mr. & Mrs. Roel
Balanos, Mr. & Mrs. John
Bargeliotes, Mr. & Mrs. Costa
Begakis, Mr. & Mrs. Niko
Berk, Mr. & Mrs. Aristid
Bicos, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Billis, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen
Boghosian, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn
* Life Members Endowment Fund
March 2015
Boller, Mrs. Jeannette McDemas
Boltinghouse, Mrs. Helen*
Bouras, Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios
Camaras, Mr. & Mrs. Tykye
Caras, +Mr. & Mrs. Chris Tom*
Cazacus, Mr. Pete
Chiochios, Mr. & Mrs. Charles
Chistolini, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce
Chrys, Mrs. Annie
Columbus, Mr. & Mrs. Peter
Contois, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Cosfol, Mr. & Mrs. Peter
Courlas, Ms. Marianna
Dalis, Mr. John*
Daoud, Mr. & Mrs. Emad
Dean, Ms. Orania
Defterios, Mrs. Georgia*
Dembegiotes, Mr. Pantele
Diamantidis, Dr. Thomas
Dousis, Mr. Athanasios
Dres, Mr. & Mrs. William
Edwards, Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas
Eliopulos, Ms. Georgia
Fenady, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew*
Fettis, Mrs. Patricia*
Flokas, Ms. Dena
Flores, Mr. & Mrs. Eloy
Fossati, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen
Fouad, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond
Galanakis, Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos
Galanakis, Mr. Michael
Garrity, Mr. Thomas & Baek, Ms.
Eunice
Georgeson, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Georgiou, Mr. Nicholas
Gialketsis, Mrs. Lola*
Gianakouros, Mr. & Mrs. Steven
Glavas, Mr. & Mrs. George
Gregg, Ms. Karla
Greitzer, Mr. & Mrs. Steven
Halekakis, Mr. & Mrs. Steve
Hanberg, Mr. Julian
Hondas, Ms. Alida
Judge, Mrs. Julia
June, Mr. & Mrs. Rod
Kakoyiannis, Mr. & Mrs. Jason
+Blessed Memory
When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning
STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES 2014
March 2015
Kalban, Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey
Kalkanis, Dr. & Mrs. James
Kallis, Mr. Larry
Karagianis, Mr. & Mrs. Lou
Karavas, Mr. & Mrs. Dan
Karavedas, Ms. Frances
Karides Suchy, Prof. Gregoria
Kiapos, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore
Kirages, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel
Konidaris, Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas
Kostos, Mrs. Virginia
Koukis, Mr. & Mrs. Pandelis
Kouros, Dr. & Mrs. Philip
Koutsoukos, Mrs. A. Electra
Kyprianides, Hon. & Mrs. Andreas
Lambros, Mr. & Mrs. Damian
Landers, Mr. & Mrs. Jay
Ledbetter, Mr. & Mrs. Mark
Lianos, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn
Liappas, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios
Ligar, Ms. Mary
Livingston, Mr. & Mrs. Bobby
Lolonis, Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios
Manders, Ms. Constance
Marcopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George
Marentes, Mr. James
McDemas Family
Mihalas, Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence
Mitchell, Mr. & Mrs. Peter
Mitsinikos, Mr. & Mrs. John
Moore, Mr. & Mrs. Tom
Morris, Mrs. Stella*
Nehme, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Nichols, Mrs. Dina
Noyes, Mr. & Mrs. Brent
O’Donnell, Mr. & Mrs. Jim
Papadakis, Mr. & Mrs. Evan
Papademetropoulos, Mr. & Mrs.
Lazaros
Papanicolaou, Mr. & Mrs. John
Papanikolaou, Mr. & Mrs. Antonios
Papanikolaou, Mr. & Mrs. John
Pappas, Mrs. Angelo
Patzakis Prappas, Ms. Michele
Pelargos, Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel
Pentheroudakis, Mr. & Mrs. Panos
Peratis, Mrs. Christine*
Perris, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas
Peterson, Mr. & Mrs. John*
Politis, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas
Powell, Mr. Andrew & Tsapatsaris, Ms.
Melinda
Pruett, Mr. & Mrs. Vernon
Rebiga, Mr. & Mrs. Julian
Ragias, Mr. & Mrs. Pete
Reiley, Ms. Joyce
Rizkalla, Mr. George
Roussos, Mr. & Mrs. Theodosios
Sakalis, +Mr. & Mrs. Thomas
Sandstrom, Mr. and Mrs. William
Sarames, Ms. Karen
Sehremelis, Mr. & Mrs. Andy
Sotos, Mr. & Mrs. Efthimios
Stamatiades, Mr. & Mrs. John
Stavaridis, Mr. & Mrs. Chris
Stephaneou, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen
Stevens, Mr. Robert
Taylor, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence
Thimakis, Mr. Stanley
Tombros, Mr. & Mrs. Alexander
Travlos, Mr. & Mrs. Sam
Tsimahides, Mr. & Mrs. Zafiris
Tsircou, Mr. & Mrs. Kyriacos
Valaskantjis, Mr. & Mrs. George
Valaskantjis, Mr. & Mrs. Nikiforos
Valaskantjis, Mr. & Mrs. Perry
Venetos, Mr. & Mrs. Paul
Vourakis, Mr. & Mrs. Aki
Waldron, Mr. William & Stone, Ms.
Deborah
Ward, Mr. Thomas
Wellington, Ms. Dinah
Wellington, Mrs. Shelmadine
Zaferis, Mrs. Eugenia*
Zalavras, Dr. Charalampos
Zinelis, Mr. & Mrs. Andreas
Zonos, Mr. & Mrs. Ted*
Anonymous (11)
$650 To $999
Abramson, Mr. & Mrs. Joe
Adamopoulos, +Mr. & Mrs. Peter
Adib, Mr. Alfred
Anastassiou Jr., Mr. Thomas
* Life Members Endowment Fund
Page 7
Andrews, Mr. & Mrs. Pavlos
Apergis, Ms. Irene
Apostle, Mr. & Mrs. James
Aronis, Mr. & Mrs. Athan
Boudouvas, Mr. & Mrs. John
Boukidis, Mr. George
Brice, Mr. & Mrs. Timothy
Brotsis, Ms. Vera
Caiopoulos, +Mrs. Ann
Caras, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Chris W.*
Chester, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph
Chrys, Ms. Annie
Chrysanthopoulos, Dr. Andreas
Defterios, Mr. & Mrs. Christo
Demetrius, Ms. Dina
Demopoulos, Peter & Vivi
Deryiades, Mrs. Vickie
Doukas, +Mr. & Mrs. Konstandinos
Doulamis, Ms. Theodora
Ellis, Ms. Helen
Ellis, Mrs.Vasiliki
Eliopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Nick
Etchepare, Ms. Maria
Frankos, Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos
Ganriel, Mr. & Mrs. Louis
Gianoukakis, Dr. & Mrs. Andrew
Guirguis, Mr. Alexander
Haraden, Mr. & Mrs. Marshall
Harrison, Mr. Nicholas and Quezada,
Mrs. Diana
Harros, Mr. & Mrs. George
Houndalas, Mr. & Mrs. Dimitris
Hronis, Mrs. Soteria
Iatropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Nikos
James, Mr. & Mrs. Nicolas
Kalivas, +Mr. & Mrs. George
Katsaras, Mr. A.G.
Kezios, Mr. & Mrs. Nick
Kitchens, Mr. & +Mrs. Russell
Konnari, Mr. & Mrs. George
Kontes, Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas
Kontogiannis, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas
Kourafas, Mr. & Mrs. Christopher
Kousoulas, Mr. & Mrs. Gus
Lee, Mr. & Mrs. Nathan
Lellios, Ms. Fay Efrosini
+Blessed Memory
When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning
STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES 2014
Page 8
Londos, Mr. & Mrs. Andreas
Maniatis, Ms. Mary
Manolelis, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas
Marenzi, Mr. & Mrs. Ludovico
Markham, Mr. Joseph
Masouras, Ms. Catherine
Mickelopoulos, Ms. Ruth
Mike, Mr. Michael
Miserlis, Mr. George
Morrison, Mr. & Mrs. Chase
Nauman, Mr. Kyle Isaris
Noyes, Ms. Alexis Katherine
Noyes, Mr. Christopher
Oxyzolou, Dr. Alexandros & Tillou, Dr.
Areti
Pallas, Mr. Peter
Panagiotopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Mario
Papachristos, Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis
Papadopoulos, Mr. Alek
Papadopoulos Mr. Aristides & Rock,
Dr. Terri
Papanikolas, Mr. George
Papoutsis, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilis
Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. Harry*
Pappas, Mr. Louis M.
Pappas, Mr. Milton A
Pelargos, Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis
Peterson, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen
Protopappas, Ms. Ifigenia
Psounis, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos
Rhodes, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew
Rico, Mr. Carlos
Rizopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John
Sabatakos, Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis
Saltmar, Mr. James and Stavropoulou,
Mrs. Georgia
Sarantes, Mr. & Mrs. Nick
Savas, Dr. Diana
Scofield, Mrs. Frances
Serras, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis
Shults, Mr. & Mrs. Roy
Smith, Mrs. Sophie
Smith, Ms. Andrea
Smith-Wellington, Mr. Kenyatta
Sogas, Mrs. Constance
Spanos, Mr. & Mrs. George
Spears, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore
Spirus, Mr. & Mrs. Kosta
Stamatis, Mr. & Mrs. Harry
Stamos, Mr. & Mrs. Andy
Stathes, Christina & Charlie
Stathes, Mr. & Mrs. Margus
Stumpus, Mr. Jack
Stumpus, Mrs. Elizabeth
Tangalakis, Mrs. Mary Louise
Tassop, Ms. Mary
Varentges, Mr. & Mrs. George
Vasilion, Mr. & Mrs. Peter
Warren, Mr. & Mrs. William
Wellington, Mr. Isaiah
Wellington, Mr. Joshua
Wellington, Mr. Tony
Withers, Mr. & Mrs. Robert
Woloschinowisch, Mrs. Mary
Xeniotis, Mr. George
Zagorianos, Ms. Kathleen
Zagorianos, Ms. Marsha
Anonymous (21)
OTHER
Alexandrakis, Mr. George and Gavrilis,
Dr. Bessie
Alexopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis
Alway, Ms. Sheryl
Anastas, Mr. & Mrs. Louis
Andreadis, Ms. Irene
Andreas, Ms. Cynthia
Aronis, Mr. & Mrs. Vas
Arvanitis, Mr. & Mrs. Komnas
Athans, Mr. & Mrs. Alex
Athans, Mr. & Mrs. Dean
Axiotis, Mr. & Mrs. James
Ballas, Ms. Helene
Baln, Mr. George
Baltazzi, Ms. Maria
Baramily, Mrs. Fadia
Barsoum, Ms. Gigi
Batsakis, Mrs. Eleni J.
Batsakis, Mr. Perry J.
Berry, Mr. & Mrs. James
Beyruti, Mr. Antuan
Bolaris, Mr. John
Bonduris, Mr. Sam
Bougioukos, +Mrs. Maria
* Life Members Endowment Fund
March 2015
Boussalis, Drs. Constantine & Helen
Bozonelis, Ms. Lia
Braswell, Mr. & Mrs. John
Camperos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter
Canelake, Mr. Nicholas
Cappos, +Mr. George
Chapralis, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew
Chapralis, Ms. Tula
Chialtas, Mr. George
Chistolini, Ms. Sarah
Christofi, Ms. Eleni
Christofides, Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis
Christy, Mrs. Constance
Colovos, Dr. Christos
Cook, Mr. & Mrs. Martin
Coroneus, Mrs. Thalia
Cosfol, +Mrs. Ero
Dalkas, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony
Daring, Ms. Nancy
Dascalu, Mr. & Mrs. George
Della Corna, Mr. & Mrs. Alberto
Dialynas, Mr. & Mrs. Nick
Dimtsios, Ms. Nicole
Diorio, Mr. Carl
Donovan, Mr. & Mrs. James
Eagar, Mr. & Mrs. Robert
Elias, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond
Emery, Mr. & Mrs. Jon
Erwin, Mrs. Catherine
Estock, Mr. Paul
Fara, Mr. George
Fenady, Mr. Clayton Ryan
Fenady, Mr. John
Fenady, Mr. Shamus
Fenady, Mrs. Katherine
Fenady, Ms. Georgea
Fovos, Ms. Zoi
Fuller, Mrs. Fred
Gallanis, Mr. & Mrs. Pete
Garrity, Mrs. Sophia
Giannoulis, Mr. & Mrs. Chris
Habib, Mr. Matthew
Hagianakes, Mrs. Chrysoula
Hagianakes-Hill, Mrs. Elizabeth
Haidos, Mrs. Alexia
Hannallah, Dr. Hoda
+Blessed Memory
When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning
STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES 2014
March 2015
Issaevitch, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory
Jankosky, Mr. & Mrs. Joe
Jones, Ms. Mary
Kabel, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Kades, Ms. Christine
Kades, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas
Kaplanis, Mr. & Mrs. George
Kappos, Mrs. Barbara
Katsoulis, Mr. John
Keramidas, Mr. & Mrs. George
Kezios, Ms. Georgia
Kokkinides, Ms. Joyce*
Kominos, Mrs. Grigoria
Kontogiannis, Mr. Alexandros
Kostas, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry
Kostoulas, Dr. Katina
Koufoudakis, Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas
Koukos, Mr. & Mrs. Aristides
Kousoulis, Dr. Nick
Kourafas, Mr. & Mrs. Richard
Kremer, Ms. Tricia Ballas
Kruger, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Kyriacou, Mr. & Mrs. Charalambos
Kyriacou, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas
Kyriacou, Mr. Michael John
Kyriacou, Ms. Christianna
Latinopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios
Latsis, Mrs. Lillian
Libaridian, Mr. Joseph and
Kolibabchuk, Mrs. Natalia
Linardos, Mrs. Rose
Litchfield, Ms. Jodi
Livanis, Mr. & Mrs. John
Loisides, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Lou, Mr. & Mrs. Bo-Yuen
Loukaris, Mrs. Mersy
Lyons, Mr. & Mrs. Barry
Mallios, Ms. Konstantina
Manikas, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony
Manikas, Mr. Michael
Maniskas, Ms. Anastasia
Markos, Mrs. Alexandria
Markos, Mr. & Mrs. George
Mars, Mrs. Irene
Mavrakis, Mr. & Mrs. George
Mavros, Mr. & Mrs. Alexander
Melko, Ms. Eugenia
Metzidis, Mr. Joe
Michaels, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Middleton, Mr. Andrew
Miller, Ms. Stephanie & Jones, Mr.
Aaron
Mitropetros, Mr. & Mrs. Constantine
Nahmoulis, Ms. Vida
Naoumovitch, Mrs. Theodora
Nicandros, Mr. Constantine
Nicholas, Ms. Marlene
Nicolaidis, Mr. Nicolas
Nicolaou, Mr. & Mrs. Carl
Nikkos, Mr. Peter & Tingley, Mrs. Eva
Opffer, Mr. & Mrs. Sebastian
Padron, Mr. & Mrs. Joshua
Panayi, Mrs. Rena
Panayi, Ms. Eleni
Papadeas, Mr. & Mrs. Paul
Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Yianni
Papagiannis, Mr. & Mrs. Ted
Papavasiliou, Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios
Papavasiliou, Mr. Anthony
Papoulias, Mr. & Mrs. Tom
Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. Harry James
Pappas, Mr. James & Valentine, Mrs.
Leila
Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. John*
Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore
Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. Tony
Pappatheodorou, Dr. Sofia
Patsouras, Ms. Sevasti
Pavlidou-Daher, Mrs. Alexandra
Paziouros, Mrs. Petroula
Pelargos, Mr. Eraclis
Peterson, Mr. Christopher
Peterson, Ms. Constance
Petros, Mr. & Mrs. John
Petrou, Mr. & Mrs. Nicos
Pilichos, Mrs. Efrossini
Poullos, Ms. Jayne
Price, Mr. & Mrs. Ben
Pruett, Mr. & Mrs. Steven
Psaltiras, Mr. & Mrs. Eftychios
Rangel, Mr. & Mrs. Armando
Reeves, Ms. Lily
Revels, Mr. Angelo*
* Life Members Endowment Fund
Page 9
Rodinos, Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos
Romm, Dr. & Mrs. John*
Royce, Mr. Nicholas
Russos, Mr. Emmanuel & Russos,
Mrs. Asimina
Saigh, Mr. & Mrs. Mark
Scourkes, Mr. Dimitri
Simich, Ms. Gabriela
Sinanis, Mrs. Virginia
Skarpelos, Mr. & Mrs. George
Solomonides, Mrs. Pochana
Spence, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
Speliopoulos, Ms. Stephanie
Spiropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy*
Spiropoulos, Ms. Pauline
Staikos, Mr. Alexandros
Stamus, Mr. Panayiotis
Stergiou, Mr. Paul
Strull, Ms. Christianne
Szekely, Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel
Tangalakis, Mr. Philip
Teixeira-Stavaridis, Ms. Anna
Themelis, +Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios
Thomas, Mr. & Mrs. George
Tongotea, Ms. Ilaisaane
Topetzes, Ms. Joanna
Travassaros, Ms. Frances
Treantafelles, Mrs. Nicholas
Tsambunieris, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos
Tsarouchas, Mr. & Mrs. Angelo
Tsoutsas, Ms. Tina & Nissley, Mr. Gary
Uliantzeff, Ms. Sinaida
Varentges, Ms. Kalli
Vera, Ms. Kukla
Veracka, Mrs. Virginia
Vidalis, Mr. & Mrs. Angelo
Webster, Mr. & Mrs. John
Wojtyla, Ms. Bea
Wright, Mr. Trevor
Xilas, Ms. Sophie
Yokas, Mr. & Mrs. Christopher
Zanetos, Mr. & Mrs. John
Zarras, Dr. & Mrs. Peter
Zoolakis, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony
Anonymous (30)
+Blessed Memory
When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning
March 2015
Page 10
YOUNG ADULT STEWARDS (16 to 26)
Only $1 A Day
Μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω, ἀλλὰ τύπος γίνου τῶν πιστῶν
ἐν λόγῳ, ἐν ἀναστροφῇ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐν πίστει, ἐν ἁγνείᾳ.
Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example for the believers
in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 1Timothy 4:12
With these words, Saint Paul admonished his disciple Timothy to stand firm as a leader in his church; not letting youth diminish
his standing in the community. The Lord Himself urges all to full participation in life of the Kingdom of God. Consider when He
chastised the Disciples who chided the children that approached Christ to touch Him, saying, “Allow the children to come to Me,
and do not hinder them, for to such as these belongs the kingdom of heaven." The Lord accepts the youth, the mature adults,
and the elderly all the same.
Saint Sophia Cathedral carries this tradition forward, fully including our youth in the ministry of the Church. Our children learn
the depths of the Orthodox faith in Sunday school, our youth dance in praise of the Lord as they celebrate the tradition of their
forefathers, the young adults have built a thriving community in the Forum; each person, regardless of age has been given many
opportunities to offer their time and talent to the Lord.
In recognition of these facts, Saint Sophia Cathedral is introducing the Young Adult Stewardship Program for youth ages 16
to 26 at only $365 a year - yes, that's a simple dollar a day! The participating young adults will enjoy benefits tailored and
structured for them:

Free use of the Basketball court anytime that is not in use for the Basketball tournament or booked for other events

25% discount for adult Greek dance classes

25% discount for adult Greek language classes

25% discount of any events sponsored by the Parish Council (New Year’s Eve party, Apokries etc.)

$1,000 discount for personal events Huffington Center rentals;
and much, much more.
Young adults may sign up online for automatic monthly contributions at www.stsophia.org/stewardship/youth.html and become
members instantly upon the first contribution.
Young adults are not the "future of the Church", they are the Church right now! Join up and be a part of it! Saint Sophia
Cathedral supports the youth and seeks to serve their spiritual development into mature, whole, and holy disciples of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
March 2015
Page 11
Announcements
Easter Flowers. If you are interested donating to underwrite
any flower arrangements for Easter in memory of a loved
one, please contact Ann Pappas at 323-737-2424 for
available Easter Week dates and arrangements.
volunteer. Please arrive at church at 9:45 a.m. so you may be
trained. Upcoming date: December 7. Get involved! We look
forward to seeing you!
Two English and Two Bilingual Liturgies. As it was
announced at the last General Assembly meeting on Sunday,
November 9th that beginning January 2015 the Divine Liturgy
will be celebrated in English every first and third Sunday of
the month. The second and fourth Sundays, the Divine Liturgy
will be bilingual. The intent is to draw more people into
participating in the Divine Liturgy. We must remember that the
value of language is to transmit the message of Christ and the
gospel in ways that are understandable by all.
Joy of Parenting Class is back. Join your fellow
parishioners in a lively discussion of parenting of children of
all ages, from toddlers to teens and beyond, every Sunday in
January, following Holy Communion. We conclude at 12:15
p.m. It’s a wonderful way to get acquainted with other
parents. There is no fee to attend. Classes are held in the
Work/Study Room, upstairs near the left-hand side
staircase, in the Huffington Center. The Joy of Parenting
Ministry is facilitated by Barbara Kappos, LCSW and
Nikolaos Stefanidis, Ph.D. To be added to the Joy of
Parenting email list or to suggest a topic, send an email
to: [email protected].
The Hellenic Entertainment Cooperative, a ministry of Saint
Sophia Cathedral, presents the reading of Louis Anastas'
original screenplay "Heaven" at the Huffington Center,
Saturday, March 28 from 1pm to 4 pm. Hors d'oeuvres will be
served and a good will offering will be accepted. To RSVP
contact [email protected]
Attention Middle and High School Students! The first
Sunday of each month has been officially named Youth
Sunday. In addition to a Sunday School student reading the
Epistle, the Parish Council of St. Sophia Cathedral invites
middle and high school students to volunteer in the Narthex
during Divine Liturgy and assist in passing the baskets to the
parishioners to collect monetary donations. You'll be paired
with a seasoned Parish Council member to train you. Please
email [email protected], if you would like to
“Whatever you have done for
the least of these you have
done for Me”
Jesus
Lenten Love begins with offering
to those in need. As usual,
Saint Sophia Cathedral is
teaming up with Saint Thomas
Catholic Church to help fill their
food pantry for those in need.
We’re asking you to bring a
grocery bag back on Holy
Friday, filled with all the items
listed below (about $50-$60
worth).
Otherwise, simply use your
credit card and call Jessica in
our office 323-737-2424 to offer
a $50 donation, or see Pres
Danita Boyd or Eleni Yokas during Coffee Hour before
Lazarus Saturday (April 4th), so that we have time to shop
on your behalf.
We will deliver these items to our neighbors on
Holy Friday, April 10th.















Dry Rice
Dry Beans (pinto, black)
Dry Lentils
Dry Pastas
Oat Meal (old fashioned, or quick cooking)
Cereal (cornflakes, Cheerios, etc)
Top Ramen noodles (or Cup of Noodles)
Dry Boxes of Macaroni & Cheese
Cooking Oil
Sugar
Coffee
Laundry Detergent
Tooth Paste
Bath Soap
Disposable Diapers (assorted sizes are needed)
March 2015
Page 12
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
Michael Kontaxis, Assistant Psaltis
Christopher Yokas, Organist
James Karatsikis, Sexton
FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Executive Officers
George E. Preonas, President
Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O.
Constantine M. Boukidis, Secretary
Tina Callas, Treasurer
Members
V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas ,
Timi Loomos Freshman , Alek Haidos, Steve Hanna ,
Gig Kyriacou , Brent Noyes , John T. Pappas, Jim Zaferis
Presidential Appointments
Anthony A. Demetriou, Presidential Assistant
John G. Marakas III, Sr. Advisor to the Board
Andrew J. Demetriou, Foundation General Counsel
PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY
Executive Officers
Virginia Noyes, President
Helene Ballas, 1st Vice President
Marianna Politis, 2nd Vice President
Mary Gallanis, Recording Secretary
Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary
Scarlett Billis, Treasurer
Honorary Life Members
Jennie Doumak
Christine Peratis
Members
Allison Stavaridis Frances Bissias Judith Christopoulos
Pauline Evangelatos Olga Jordan Tricia Kremer
Coni Manders Sophie Mastor Jan Pastras
Christina Peratsakis Jayne Poullos Sonia Stathes
Mary Tassop Maria Toczek
ADMINISTRATIVE AND CUSTODIAL STAFF
John Kopatsis, Huffington Center Executive Director
Helen Ellis, Office Administrator • Jessica Benitez, Admin. Assist.
Noah Johnson, Events Coordinator
Oscar Castro, Mauricio Mira, Miguel Rosales, Custodians
PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Officers
Brent Noyes, President
Dean Peratsakis, Vice President
Glenn Lianos, 2nd Vice President
Tom Ward, Treasurer
Irene Andreadis, Recording Secretary
Jeanine Hanna, Corresponding Secretary
Members
Bertha Angels, Costa Bargeliotis, Peter Cosfol,
Mauro Metini, George Rizkalla, Karen Sarames,
Dorothy Spirus, Bill Striglos, Anna Yallourakis,
Associate Member: Diana Wellington
Auditing Committee
James Ananias
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
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
Eleni Constantine Manolelis
Demitra Koutsos
HELLENIC ENTERTAINMENT
COOPERATIVE
Dina Demetrius
Tom Moore
HELLENIC ACADEMY
Alex Oxyzoglou
HOSPITALITY
Niki Korbakis
Maria Pelargos
L.A. GREEK FEST
Parish Council
Executive Board
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.
Athina Lolonis, President
SAINT SOPHIA CAMP
Melanie O’Regan
Jack Stumpus (Golf Event)
Tony Mastor (Tennis Event)
Mary-Kay Demetriou (Tennis
Event)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Eleni Yokas
YOUTH
Rev. Father Allan Boyd
March 2015
Page 13
SACRAMENTS
AND MEMORIALS
MEMORIALS
March 1
John Doumakes
Ted Pastras (2 years)
Katherine Drulias Roumeliotis
Bill Papalexis (40 days)
Dean Roumeliotis
Diane B. Morphos (9 years)
Sofia Pamboukidou Melas
Stavroula Pappas (49 years)
Amed Gerard Delong
Pete Brotsis (34 years)
Liberty
Kavalis (3 years)
George
Kavalis (13 years)
March 22
Tom Kezas
Vasilios S. Lambros (4 years) Judy Kezas
Marigo Stamatiades
Antigone Economides
Alexander Fedon Chappel
James Economides
Mary Otis
Richard Economides
Joseph
Don G. Metevelis
Shirley
Paul C. A. Balafas
John
Andreas Vakis (9 years)
William
George Gialketsis (11 years)
March 8
Panayiota Zagorianos (3
years)
Ero Cosfol (1 year)
Anthony Xenopoulou (76
years)
Yolanda Evangelia Katsoulis
March 29
Elpida H. Peters (1 year)
Christina Athans Hartley (1
year)
Bea Papadopoulos (9 years)
Christine Xenopoulou
Helen Nicholas
Jenny Xenopoulou
John P. Nicholas
Stanley Funk
Dorothoy Munoz (2 years)
Angela
Karavedas (4 years)
Effie Doumakes
PHILOPTOCHOS VIP
Thursday,
March
26:
The
Reagan
Presidential
Library, Event Chairman: Angela Ananias, 562-695-7234,
Co-Chair Mary Morrison: 818-500-0904. Reservations are a
must. The cost is $26, it covers the bus transportation and
entrance to the library. Lunch will be on your own. Please
make your check payable to Philoptohos VIP and mail to
Angela Ananias at 4017 Overcrest Drive, Whittier, CA 90601.
Details will follow soon.
In His Service,
Athina Lolonis, VIP President
PHILANTHROPIA NEWS
Used Clothing and Canned Goods: Thank you for all the
generous donation of used clothing. Please label all clothing
donations on the outside of the bags by indicating whether
they are for men, women or children. Thank you!
Street Outreach: Dr. Nikos Stefanidis, Ph.D. a Staff
Psychologist at Children’s Hospital, L.A., is the Clinical
Director of this High Risk Program. Your continued help will
assure that these children are cared for year round by
purchasing new items such as the following: 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 - be sure to label them for
Dr. Nikos Stefanidis and leave them by the clothing bins.
God bless you!
Father Peter
EPISTLE READERS
March 1
James Kopatsis
March 8
Marina Christofides
March 15
Danita Boyd
March 22
Jeanine Hanna
March 29
Michael Vlahos
March 2015
Page 14
COMMUNITY NEWS
Five Saint Sophia Cathedral Teens were presented at the
Philoptochos Society of Saint Sophia Cathedral’s 51st
Debutante Ball, Los Angeles
On Sunday January 18, 2015, the Greek Orthodox Christian
community and the Saint Sophia Philoptohos Society (SSPS)
of Los Angeles honored seventeen Debutantes from Southern
California at their 51st Bi-Annual Debutante Ball which was
held at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly
Hills.
Among the seventeen debutantes, five teens from Saint
Sophia Cathedral were honored. Miss Christina Evie
Boghosian, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Boghosian of
Beverly Hills; Miss Jessica James Louise Haraden,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Haraden of Westlake
Village; Miss Eleni Sophia Maglaris, daughter of Ms.
Constantina Maglaris of Chatsworth; Miss Marianna
Elizabeth Politis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Politis of
Arcadia; and Miss Sophia Constantina Spirus, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Kosta Spirus were presented as debutantes of
the Greek Orthodox Christian community.
The spectacular gala was hosted by actor and Days of Our
Lives star, Thaao Penghlis, who eloquently reminded the
guests that they were there to reaffirm their commitment to
charity and to this wonderful organization. The Ball is the
largest fundraiser for the SSPS and raises funds to benefit the
Philoptohos Society’s sponsored local and national charities,
such as Los Angeles Mission, Kids‘n’ Cancer and
International Orthodox Christian Charities. The highlight of
the ball was the debutantes’ dance performance which
culminated in a beautifully choreographed waltz with their
fathers and escorts.
disadvantaged children within their communities as well as
one youth who travelled to Tanzania to volunteer as a teacher
to underprivileged children. The Ball recognizes these young
ladies as a symbol of the next generation of women who will
dedicate their lives to philanthropy.
These young ladies are active members and have
participated in St Sophia’s Sunday school, St. Sophia Camp,
and the Greek dance programs and strive to practice their
faith daily. These high school students are not only devoted
to their church and faith, but are accomplished students.
Please join the St. Sophia Philoptohos Society in
congratulating them on their accomplishment. We are so
proud of the 2015 St. Sophia Debutantes.
Faith, Dance, Fellowship FDF: Saint Sophia's youth dance
groups along with their families and Directors celebrated their
faith and love of Greek culture this past President's weekend
in
Anaheim.
Saint
Sophia
had
4
groups
participating: Trikimia, Sinefakia, Keravnos, & Kymata. They
attended opening ceremony prayers presided over by His
Eminence Gerasimos and 24 Priests as
well spiritual
workshops and celebrating the Divine Liturgy with a special
guest, Archbishop Dimitrios.
During the dance competition we had the privilege and
pleasure of having or own Father Bakas there to pray with the
groups before they performed. All of the groups did well and
had great fellowship with each other and with friends we they
have made at other parishes. We are also proud to announce
that both Kymata and Synefakia won 1st place in their
categories and Director Nick Manolelis was chosen Director of
the year for Division II.
Being a debutante is more than just being presented into
society; it is a demarcation that these young ladies have
embarked on a life-long journey to give back to society and
their faith. As part of their journey, these St. Sophia youths
volunteered their time and services to such worthy
organizations as Mattel Children’s Hospital, Avon Walk for
Breast Cancer, the Special Olympics, Pasadena Independent
School Foundation, Club 21, and have worked with
March 2015
Page 15
Greek Independence Day
Celebration
The flag of Athanasios Diakos
The Hellenic Academy
at Saint Sophia Cathedral
cordially invites you on
Delacroix, The Combat of the Giaour
and Hassan
Sunday, the 22nd of March 2015
to commemorate the Greek Revolution
against the Ottoman Empire
Join us right after the Sunday Service in the
Maniatakos Fellowship Hall
For a delicious lunch featuring:
Baked fillet of salmon
and the Academy’s program
Cash, checks,
or credit cards
Adults: $20
Children $12
Theodore Vryzakis, Epanastasi
Delacroix, Massacre of Chios
Page 16
March 2015
March 2015
Page 17
It is not necessary to cover the entire amount of a single item. You may make a partial donation towards the total dollar amount
of the item. Please call Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian (909.860.4333) to reserve your item and for a mailing address, priorto
mailing your check.. Please do not send your check to church... Thank you in advance for your generosity..
DONATION ITEM
Beer - Greek
Beer - Keg
Bottled Water
Coffee / Coffee Makers / Coffee supplies
Snapple - Juice
Soda
Wine - Greek
Wine - Red
Wine - White
Cinnamon and Walnuts
Frying Oil
Gyro meat
Honey
Loukoumades dough
Olive Oil
Pita Bread
Tzatziki
Balloons and Decorations
Children's Rides and Games
Easter Bunny
Easter Flowers
Electrical Generator
Fences
Greek Band
Table and Chair rentals
Large Tent rentals
Small Tent rentals
Booth rentals
Baklava
Galatobouriko
Kataifi
Koulourakia
Kourambiedes
Melomakarona
Tsourekia (Easter Bread)
Armored Courier
Clean-up Labor
Ice with Freezer
Paper Products (cups, plates, napkins, etc)
Parmedics and Ambulance
Printing & Signs
Refrigerated Truck
Security Guards
$ AMOUNT NEEDED
DONOR(S)
Beverages and Liquor
$325
$300
$200
donated
Elaine & Diane Bissias / Zeli Coffee
$125
$200
$300
$250
$250
Food Items
$100
$100
$500
$100
$300
$100
$125
$125
Park Amenities
$400
$1,750
$250
$200
$750
$1,000
$1,900
$2,000
$1,200
$750
$750
Pastries - Greek
donated
Jim Zaferis & Van Ambatielos / Pegasus Foods
TBD
donated
Jim Zaferis & Van Ambatielos / Pegasus Foods
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Miscellaneous Non-Food
$270
$350
$275
$400
$595
$215
donated
Jim Zaferis & Van Ambatielos / Pegasus Foods
$750
We thank you for supporting the Easter Picnic !!!
March 2015
Page 18
THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT ICON
By John Kopatsis
Among the very important icons on the walls of many
churches is "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." It is connected
with the well-known spiritual classic book entitled The Ladder
of Divine Ascent by Saint John Climacus (Greek: Ἰωάννης τῆς
Κλίμακος) (ca. 579 – 649), one of the most important
devotional texts of the Middle Ages. His memory is celebrated
on March 30 and on the 4th Sunday of the Great Lent, and the
icon is usually venerated in churches on the same days. He
came to the Saint Catherine’s monastery in the base of Mount
Sinai and became a novice when he was about 16 years old.
After three years he withdrew to a hermitage about five miles
from the Monastery and lived there for forty years. Around 600
John became the abbot of the monastery. It was then that he
wrote The Ladder, which anatomizes the eternal conflict
between the lure of temptation and the pursuit of spiritual
perfection. In the book, he describes thirty stages of spiritual
development, which he likens to thirty steps upward on a
ladder. The steps lead the spiritual striver to Theosis, union
with God, the ultimate goal of askesis or spiritual struggle.
The Ladder of Divine Ascent icon of Saint Catherine’s
Monastery dates to the 12th century. In the icon, the ladder
stands at an angle on the earth and reaches Heaven,
symbolized by a vault from which emerges Christ." Over the
top of the ladder is Christ, emerging from Heaven. With His
right hand He blesses the monk who has climbed to the top of
the ladder. The scroll in His left hand is symbolic of His
Gospel. Below, there are other monks at various stages of
ascent. Some stand on the ladder firmly, and are about to rise
to the next rung. Others, however, are barely retaining their
hold, as they are drawn by demons. The latter are flying at the
left of the ladder. One of the monks has fallen off the ladder
and is being swallowed below by a great black dragon, a
symbol of Hell, with wide open jaws. At the right side of the
ladder holy Angels are portrayed encouraging and helping the
ascending monks. This is in accord with the statement made
by Saint John Climacus and other Church Fathers, that those
persons who struggle for the acquisition of the virtues are
helped both by God and by His Angels. The Angels are shown
with halos, clothed with light-colored garments and large,
strong wings. The demons, on the other hand, are depicted
without halos, without garments, with small, weak wings. Their
bodies are of black color, and they tails. The latter symbolize
the fallen state of the demons, their animalistic state. The
rational faculty, with which God endowed them when He
created them, and which distinguishes both the angelic nature
and human nature from that of the animals, has been
corrupted by their rebellion against God. The demons are
depicted in order to remind the beholder that according to
Saint John, there exist such evil incorporeal beings, who act
upon us through mental suggestion and assaults, and also to
symbolize various "passions" in us, namely, pride, gluttony,
lust, anger, despondency, malice, and so on. Positive
qualities, the opposites of the "passions"—e.g., humility,
temperance, chastity, gentleness, hope, love, etc.—are
symbolized by the holy
Angels, who are also to
be viewed as real beings.
Saint
John’s
Ladder
(Greek:
Κλίμαξ)
was
inspired by the Ladder
that the righteous Jacob
saw in a dream. Jacob
saw a ladder which rose
from earth to Heaven, on
which some angels were
ascending and others
were descending.
expresses the Orthodox
view
that
spiritual
The Ladder of Divine Ascent Icon
perfection
is
not
Detail
something attained all at
once, as by a leap, but comes after a long arduous process of
spiritual striving. In this process, with sustained effort one
rises gradually from lower to higher and higher levels of
spiritual development. It is a battle which cannot be won
without liberating oneself entirely from the world. For this
reason the Christian must at all costs abhor flatterers. “Defeat
and shame,” Saint John Climacus held, “should fall on all who
say: ‘Well done.” Notwithstanding the years which Saint John
spent in his hermitage, he came to believe that it is easier to
attain virtue in a community. “As galloping horses race one
another,” he wrote, “so a good community excites mutual
fervor.” Devotion, by contrast, must be essentially private.
“Those who have learned true prayer,” John reflected,
“converse with the Lord face to face, as if speaking into the
ear of an emperor.”
In stark contrast to modern psychiatrists, John held that guilt
and the fear of damnation were essential starting points for
spiritual progress. The soul proceeds from the dread of hell
into the grace of hope. This journey must of necessity be a
harsh experience. He believed that prayer, “is the mother and
daughter of tears, the expiation of sin, a bridge across
temptation, a bulwark against affliction”.Yet those who
persevere to the Ladder’s topmost rung will be rewarded by
the experience of a divine love which wholly transcends all
earthly delight. Such love, The Ladder assures us, “grants
prophecy and miracles. It is an abyss of illumination, a
fountain of fire, bubbling up to inflame the thirsty soul. It is the
condition of angels and the progress of eternity.”
March 2015
Page 19
MARCH 2015
Sun
Mon
1
Tue
8
15
16
Sunday of Saint
Mary of Egypt
8:15am Orthros
9:15am Faith Studies
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
24
18
25
6
7
Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy 9:30 am
2nd Salutations
to the Theotokos
7:30 pm
12
13
14
Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy 9:30 am
3rdSalutations to
the Theotokos
7:30 pm
19
20
21
Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy 9:30 am
4th Salutations
to the Theotokos
7:30 pm
26
27
28
Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy 9:30 am
5th Salutations to
the Theotokos
7:30 pm
Feast of the
Annunciation
8:30am Orthros
9:30am Divine
Liturgy
7:00 pm Young
Adult Forum
30
11
Sat
5
Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy 7:30 pm
7:00 pm Young
Adult Forum
Sunday of Saint
John Climacus
8:15am Orthros
9:15am Faith Studies
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
29
17
23
4
Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy 7:30 pm
7:00 pm Young
Adult Forum
Sunday of
the Holy Cross
8:15am Orthros
9:15am Faith Studies
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
22
10
9
Fri
Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy 7:30 pm
7:00 pm Young
Adult Forum
Sunday of
Gregory Palamas
8:15am Orthros
9:15am Faith Studies
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
Thu
3
2
Sunday of
Orthodoxy
8:15am Orthros
9:15am Faith Studies
9:45am Memorials
Wed
31
7:00 pm Young
Adult Forum
Strict Fast
Fish Allowed
Wine and Oil
Allowed
Dairy, Eggs,
and Fish
Allowed
Fast Free
March 2015
Page
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stillness."
Dag Hammarskjold , General Secretary
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winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1961)