May 2013 Sophia Greek Orthodox CathedralPage

HERALD CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF GREEK ORTHODOXY IN May 2013 LOS ANGELES

The Anastasis in The Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, Page 19 Sunday of the Great and Holy Pascha, May 5 Thomas Sunday, May 12

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Saint Sophia 1324 S. Normandie Greek Dean’s Message 2 Philoptohos VIP 8 Avenue Orthodox Los Angeles, CA 90006 Cathedral President’s Message 3 Youth News 9 Tel. 323-737-2424 Fax. 323-737-7029 Stewardship 4 Choir News 9 www.stsophia.org V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean Philoptohos News 6 Sacrament/Memorials 12 Deadline for May Herald Monday, May 15, 2013 Rev. Fr. Allan Boyd, Ministries List 7 Community News 13 Submit to: Assistant Priest [email protected] Philanthropia News 8 Orthodox Calendar 23 Page 2 May 2013

DEAN’S MESSAGE “Memories of Lent and Pascha”

It never fails! I wait for it. Every year it is the same the Gospel of Luke and you will find the Good News of questions from the “Christer” Christians. (Those who only salvation in Christ. come to church for the cultural experience of Christmas and Easter and maybe a couple of other main feast days). This apparent Freudian slip has some serious implications. “When is ‘Greek Easter’ this year?” Deep down in my For some who take our doctrines, dogmas, and canons out comedic sense of life, I’d like to answer “well it’s after the of context and use them as battle axes to hammer away at Chinese Easter but never before the Mexican one.” Of our non-Orthodox neighbors, then a holy feast can indeed course, I bite my tongue and give the polite answer. The be turned into perverted and distorted theology and become odd part of this dilemma is that these kinds of questions the “feast of the denunciation.” There are many among us come from Orthodox Christians who are disconnected from who try to hunt out every perceived heresy hiding under the regular life of the church. There is a benign ignorance every religious rock and denounce it. They rebuff any and religious apathy about matters of the Faith. thought of refining their own perception and understanding: This denunciating inquisition by the self- righteous can ruin For all who use the phrase “Greek Easter” or such phrases lives, ruin the way we love others; ruin church programs; as a “Greek Baptism” or a “Greek wedding,” let it be known ruin our Orthodox understanding of God, who in Jesus that there are no such events or sacraments. There is an Christ does not denounce but instead offers life to those Orthodox Christian Pascha, Baptism and Wedding. who wish to believe and take up the cross and follow Him. Such ethnocentric phraseology betrays the nature of our We are the Church of the Annunciation. We are the Church universal Orthodox Faith which includes all baptized of the Good News of the Gospel and the Holy Tradition of Orthodox Christians, and doesn’t narrow it to one particular the Fathers who preached and taught metanoia, love, mercy people or ethnicity. It opens the wrong door for many and philanthropy… as well as justice. We are the Church of potential converts to ask; “Do you have to be Greek to be the which proclaims the Glorious Third Day Greek Orthodox?” It is like asking a Roman Catholic, “Do Resurrection of our Lord who defeated our own death by you have to be Italian to be a Roman Catholic?” The dying and giving us new life. answer to both questions is a resounding NO! Now you may be saying; “Aren't you denouncing the people To many “secular/cultural” Orthodox Christians who are who made their seemingly silly errors?” I’m not denouncing often that in name only, our liturgical services are seen as or condemning. I’m only pointing out unnecessary errors by historical re-enactments of the past glories of Imperial those disconnected from their Faith to the Mother Church Byzantium. Our living church which is filled with the which nourishes our souls and sanctifies our earthly life. presence of the Holy is seen as a museum of sorts Even with all the errors and church disconnection, there is invoking “intellectual” arguments about , music still hope of personal revival of faith. The Mother Church and architecture. So much spiritual vitality is unfortunately NEVER gives up on Her children, always calling them back missed when the church becomes merely a museum of to Her embrace. As St. John Chrysostom’s Paschal sermon liturgical methods and form. reminds those of faith and those lacking in faith “The Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. He gives Like many of my fellow priests, I have collected some rather rest to him who comes at the eleventh hour as well as to curious questions and comments from disconnected him who has toiled from the first”. The Paschal praise Orthodox Christians who over the last few years have called hymns (Ainoi) bless all of us with the Grace of God. With lit with the following questions. “When is the service of Holy candles raised in victory over the dying we’ve suffered in Lubrication this year?” Yes, no joke, it was asked of me. I our separation from God, we all sing, believers and would love to have said “well it depends if you have 3,000 unbelievers alike. “It is the day of the Resurrection. Let us miles of sin on you”. The polite and self-restrained answer be glorious in splendor for the Festival, and let us embrace is “The Sacrament of Holy Unction will be celebrated on one another. Let us speak also O brethren to those that Holy Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 pm and again at 7:30 hate us, let us forgive all things, and so let us cry. Christ is pm.” Once again, I bite my lip, do the sign of the cross and risen from the dead, by death trampling upon death, and shake my head in dismay. has bestowed life to those in the tombs”. AMEN

How about this one. “What time is the service of the ‘denunciation’ of the Virgin Mary? Now my bitten lip is getting symbolically swollen. “My friend the Divine Liturgy of In Christ, the ANNUNCIATION of the Virgin Mary is at 9:30 am on Monday March 25th”. I explained politely to this inquirer. “The Church doesn't denounce anyone. The Feast of the Annunciation is the glorious and Good News proclamation of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ by the Gabriel to the Theotokos. Please read the first chapter of V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean May 2013 Page 3 PARISH COUNCIL MESSAGE Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

In promoting our mission of gaining spirituality and about the sinful woman who receives the gift for connectedness within our Cathedral and forgiveness when she anoints Jesus with myrrh Community, members of the Saint Sophia and washed His feet). Holy Wednesday Afternoon Foundation Board of Trustees and Parish Council and Evening brings the many Gospel readings and Board of Directors joined Father Bakas for a the theme is our human need for the healing and Lenten dinner and discussions about planning and forgiveness that comes into our lives when we support for coming together and working in unity. establish a relationship with God through Jesus The Word of God makes it clear that consistent and Christ. Holy Thursday Morning reminds us of the progressive spiritual growth is to be the goal of Last Supper when Christ abolishes the ritual every Christian. And through prayer, service, stewardship, practice of the Old Covenant and establishes the ritual of the Bible study and worship, we collectively are growing and New Covenant through the Sacrament of Holy Communion. developing good habits which will strengthen our knowledge, Holy Thursday Evening’s Gospel readings witness for us the perspectives, convictions, skills and character. By uniting in betrayal and arrest of Jesus, his trial and conviction, and spirit, we truly will cope with the challenges we face. Through finally his torture, crucifixion and death at the hands of a sinful unity, too, the Trustees and Parish Council will have the same humanity. Holy Friday Afternoon teaches us of the goals and purposes and will accomplish literally almost undeserved suffering of Christ, to his terrible passion and anything that we can imagine or think to do. death. Holy Friday Evening begins with lamentations sung as we stand before the tomb of Christ commemorating His unjust Prior to becoming a member in the Greek Orthodox religion, punishment and the shedding of His innocent blood. Death is my family celebrated Easter the typical American way, having about to be conquered and faithfulness rewarded. Holy Sunday brunch, egg hunt, lots of candy and many outside Saturday Morning celebrates the theme of faithfulness activities (due to the terrific Spring weather). We enjoyed receiving its reward. The crucifixion is over, Christ is buried, visiting with our cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles etc. the twelve apostles and other disciples are scattered and but at the end of the day there always seemed that something defeated. The three myrrh-bearing women, through their was missing. With age and becoming a member of St. faithfulness, are rewarded as the first witnesses to the Sophia and our beautiful Greek Orthodox religion, I found the Resurrection. Holy Saturday Evening and Easter Sunday missing link! Previously my family was celebrating Easter for Morning welcomes the dawn of Christ’s victory over the the wrong reasons. Where was our connection to the events Enemy of our salvation. The single light emerges from the of the Passion and Christ? Who was altar representing the victory of Christ over death, the defeat going to grant us forgiveness for our sins and rescue us from of the Prince of Darkness by Jesus, the Light of the World. the pain of eternal death? How has the celebration of Easter Our exuberant choir proclaims in song that Christ has risen, turned into egg hunts, brunches, Easter bonnets and parties truly He has risen! The light from our held candles is carried without knowing the real reason we observe Easter? Happily into our homes so that they too might be filled with its light my personal story and dilemma has a happy ending. I chose and warmth and triumph. Easter Sunday Morning affirms to become a Greek Orthodox Christian and thirty-one years Christ’s Resurrection and victory and in several languages later, I now am transformed into an eyewitness and direct proclaims love, forgiveness, reconciliation, triumph and joy – participant in the awesome events of Easter with the readings these are the gifts which we receive because Christ lived and from both the Old and New Testaments, in the hymns, died and triumphed for our sake. processions and liturgical commemoration of the mighty acts of God Himself. This is why I love and am thankful that I am a practicing and loyal Greek Orthodox Christian! I now am fulfilled with why Palm Sunday calls to mind the beginning of Jesus’ suffering. Easter connects me to our Church, Community and to our Through parables, Jesus tells us of His coming betrayal, trial, entire Saint Sophia Community. be to Him for all conviction and execution by crucifixion. On Holy Monday things, and may your easter be Blessed. Evening the theme is the need for watchfulness and preparation and we learn of Christ’s resistance to the efforts Sincerely, of the Pharisees to trick and discredit him. Holy Tuesday Evening foretells of the upcoming suffering of Christ and Brent A. Noyes recalls His inner struggles and agony (and the Kassiani hymn Parish Council President Page 4 May 2013 STEWARDSHIP The Spring Training of Great Lent

As a sports fan, constantly glued to current events in the we may participate as a members of the Mystical Body of sports world, via all forms of modern media, even not so Christ. modern, yes I still read the newspaper, I always find myself most excited at this time of the year, springtime. “It is the foretaste of Easter, that makes our Lenten effort a spiritual spring." - Father Alexander Schmemann There are playoffs underway with two of the major sports leagues, the NHL and NBA and of course the playoffs take us We most certainly are better prepared and ready for action. beyond the excitement of the regular season and bring a Having focused our attention on the calling of our Lord, truly great deal of added, heightened, drama. Win and advance or shaping up our unique and individual talents and skills for the lose and go home. greater body as a whole, the Body of Christ, a team of Orthodox Christians stewards, we are ready to serve our Lord For this sports fan though, springtime is all about baseball, the in his Holy church, St. Sophia, throughout the remainder of perfect game. Having celebrated opening day in Major the year. League Baseball, the regular season now fully underway and every game a chess match between opposing managers who Great lent (our spring training) now behind us, has gotten us oversee a roster of players and have to determine how to best into shape (spiritual shape) thanks to the guidance and help utilize the particular skills and talents that each player has to of our spiritual coaches Father John and Father Allan, and the offer, for the greater good of the team as a whole. That by spiritual fathers of the church, as well as the beautiful prayers their collective efforts, their team may excel and succeed, and hymns of the Lenten season, that we may contribute in a together as one. manner that is pleasing to the Lord our God. Through prayer, we should ask Christ, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, I do Love the spring and the fact that baseball players Son of the Most High God? Mark 5:7. How may I contribute? sharpen their skills not during, what’s referred to in other sports as a “preseason” but during “spring training.” Totaling It’s time for us, as Orthodox Christians, to suit up now, coming 48 days from the time pitchers and catchers report to camp, together as a team united, displaying every aspect of our “A” spring training is when players come together as a team and game, that we may contribute, collectively for we have been practice certain disciplines, redirecting their separate and called. We have been called by Christ to utilize the unique individual attention and focusing towards one united and gifts, talents and skills that he has bestowed upon each of us common goal. It’s also a time for them to work on and practice and in coming together as one, that our collective efforts may what they do best, despite the fact that most major leaguers bring glory to him. We have been called, not to sit at the end have been playing baseball, at one level or another, for most of the bench (pew) but to participate through service, just “as of their lives. It’s a time for them to shape and strengthen the Son of man came not to be served but to serve” - themselves, preparing to display their talents in game time Matthew 20:28, for the greater good of our St. Sophia action, the rest of the year. Cathedral and its many ministries that serve our community as a whole. Baseball teams are made up of 25 man rosters and though 9 players may take the field to start the game, every member of Having completed the fast we are revived with renewed the team must prepare themselves and be ready for that energies and better prepared. We are more focused. We are moment when their coach calls them into action, to contribute indeed ready to call out in return. So let each of our individual their own unique and individual talent for the good of the voices be heard, loud and clear as we call out now, together greater body as a whole, “the team.” as one, “I’m ready to participate! How may I be of service? How may I contribute? May we all come together as one and Of greater significance, for us as Christians, springtime is the “spring” into action. time when we celebrate the most important day of the year, Great and Holy Pascha, the feast of feasts. It’s when we “Put me in, Coach - I'm ready to play, today.” - John Fogerty redirect our separate and individual attention and focus towards one single, united and common light, the eternal life Thank you, affirming Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christos Anesti! For us, Orthodox Christians, it seems as though we have just Dean & Christina Peratsakis gone through our very own spring training, Great Lent. “The Enjoy the rest of your spring! springtime of the Fast has dawned...” the Triodion. Totaling 48 days, from the first Monday of Lent to Holy Saturday, Great Lent is a time of discipline, when guided by the teachings and traditions of Christ’s church, we shape and strengthen our faith and spiritual life through increased prayer, fasting, studying, repentance and greater expressions of generosity through almsgiving, finally celebrating the feast of Easter that May 2013 Page 5 STEWARDSHIP Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES FOR JANUARY THROUGH MARCH 2013

$10,000 - $14,999 Karavas, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Lolonis, Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios

Fling, Mrs. Martha Karides Suchy, Prof. Gregoria Mike, Mr. Michael

$8,000 To $9,999 Konidaris, Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Nicolaou, Mr. Emile

Anonymous Koutsoukos, Mrs. A. Electra Papadopoulos, Mr. Alek

$7,000 To $7,999 McDemas, Mr. Constantine Papoutsis, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilis

$6,000 To $6,999 Nahmoulis, Ms. Vida Pappas, Mr. Milton

Soteropulos, Mr. & Mrs. Gust Pappas, Mrs. Ann Pilichos, Mrs. Efrossini

$4,000 To $5,999 Speliopoulos, Ms. Stephanie Rizopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John

Boltinghouse, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Tsimahides, Mr. & Mrs. Zafiris Spears, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore

Hughes, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Stumpus, Mrs. Elizabeth

$2,000 To $3,999 Venetos, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Treantafelles, Mrs. Nicholas

Ananias, Mr. & Mrs. James N. Anonymous (3) Tsarouchas, Mr. & Mrs. Angelo

Fenady, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J.* $500 To $999 Veracka, Mrs. Virginia

Gallanis, Mr. & Mrs. Andreas* Alexopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Zanetos, Mr. & Mrs. Dean

Kallins, Dr. & Mrs. James* Arvanitis, Mr. & Mrs. Komnas Zarras, Dr. & Mrs. Peter

Papageorge, Mr. & Mrs. George Bakas, Ms. Andrea Anonymous (5)

Siafaris, Mr. & Mrs. Harry* Davis, Mr. & Mrs. Symeon OTHER

Warner, Mr. Michael Fuller, Mrs. Crisoula Katsoulis, Mr. John

Zarocostas, Mr. Peter Garrity, Mrs. Sophia Kontes, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos

Anonymous (2) Gialketsis, Mrs. Lola* Michaels, Mr. & Mrs. Michael

$1,000 To $1,999 Houndalas, Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Peterson, Mr. Christopher

Achilles, Mr. Achilles Hronis, Mrs. Soteria Warren, Mr. & Mrs. William

Begakis, Mr. & Mrs. Niko Jordan, Ms. Olga Wojtyla, Ms. Paraskeve

Boltinghouse, Mrs. Helen* Karatsikis, Mr. James Anonymous (2)

Caras, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Tom* Kitchens, Mr. & Mrs. Russell

Chester, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kleissas, Mr. Nick & Karos, Ms. Athena * Life Members Endowment Fund +Blessed Memory Page 6 May 2013 PHILOPTOHOS NEWS

Mother’s Day: It’s almost time for Mother’s Day! We are Our chapter has ‘adopted’ a new seminarian at Holy Cross. happy to announce that The Philoptohos Mother of the Year He has taken the name “Nektarios” and we will be his is Susan Giokaris Patzakis! Save the date for Saturday, adopted chapter until he graduates in 2015. Usually we send May 11th! Once again we will be at the Universal Sheraton Hotel and promise you a wonderful afternoon with lovely gift packages every so often with koulourakia or any type of fashions, lunch and raffle prizes. Happy Mother’s Day to cookie, or candy, to encourage the student and emotionally everyone! I would like to thank chairman Tricia Kremer and support him through his studies. If you ever wish to bake her committee for all of their hard work to put on this beautiful some cookies for him, we’ll be happy to send the package to event. Nektarios. Board Of Director’s Elections: This is an election year for the National Philoptohos has donated over $210,000 to Board of Directors. The election meeting will take place on Greece for assistance during the economic crisis. Money Sunday, May 19th after liturgy. There will be a short meeting was sent to IOCC (International Orthodox Christian before the elections take place. Please come up to the Charities), the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki, the Holy meeting immediately after church ends. Archdiocese of Crete, the Theotokos Foundation, the Depending on when you get this newsletter, we are probably Kivotos tou Kosmou and Doctors Without Borders. not quite at Easter Sunday yet. As we take the journey through Doctors Without Borders are crossing into Greece as Holy Week leading us to the Resurrection, may we reflect on volunteers who are trying to help stop the tuberculosis that is our lives and the lives of others who are not as fortunate as currently spreading through the country. Archbishop ourselves. This is what the purpose of Philoptohos is and it is Demetrios met with leaders of the American Jewish why we get involved in so many projects. Our prayers and Community. The leaders of the American Jewish thoughts go to the victims in Boston. National Philoptohos is Community donated $50,000 to Doctors Without Borders to watching the situation there very closely. directly help and work in Greece. This was truly a cooperative effort on the part of our Archbishop that shows We wish to thank all of you who bought our See’s Easter candy what can be done in the spirit of love for mankind. In unity and supported the Metropolis Kids ‘n Cancer camps! The big there is strength. ‘event’ will be on Sunday, May 26 at the Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach. We hope you will support these May we all rejoice in the Resurrection of our Lord and children and their families. The Metropolis is accepting donated Savior Jesus Christ. gifts for the ‘mystery boxes’ that are part of the raffle fundraising portion of the event. If you would like to make a With love in Christ’s service, donation, or donate a gift, please contact Philoptohos and we will help get your gift to the committee. Virginia Noyes and the Philoptohos Board of Directors Food Drive and Domestic Violence Agency: We would like to thank all of you who joined in the food drive and in the collection for the women and children who are in the safe houses run by the Domestic Violence Agency. Young women are now victims of abuse by jealous boyfriends. This is happening in high school and college every day. Many of these girls, sadly, are murdered as well. The most dangerous times for these young women is when they break up and leave the relationship, just like when the abused wife tries to leave the marriage. Though we cannot fix all the problems in society, you have given them hope for a better life to come through your donation. May 2013 Page 7 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 PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Officers Executive Officers George E. Preonas, President Brent Noyes, President Andrew Evangelatos, Executive Vice President John Kopatsis, Vice President Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O. Irene Andreadis, Recording Secretary Constantine Boukidis, Secretary Karen Sarames, Corresponding Secretary Tina Callas, Treasurer Michael Kraios, Treasurer & C.F.O. Members Members V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Nicholas Bissias Bertha Eleni Constantine Manolelis Timi Loomos Freshman Alek Haidos Steve Hanna Jeanine Hanna Glenn Lianos Loula Moschonas Michael Huffington Gig Kyriacou Brent Noyes Kouji Nakata Alex Oxyzolou Peter Pallas John T. Pappas Jim Zaferis Dean Peratsakis Dorothy Spirus Presidential Appointments Auditing Committee Anthony A. Demetriou, Presidential Assistant Anthony Demetriou Tom Moore John G. Marakas III, Sr. Advisor to the Board

PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY ALTAR BOYS HELLENIC ACADEMY Executive Officers Chris Halekakis Andri Christodoulidou BASKETBALL HOSPITALITY Virginia Noyes, President Gig Kyriacou & Paul Cooper Niki Korbakis Marianna Politis, 1st Vice President BIBLE STUDY Maria Pelargos Helene Ballas, 2nd Vice President Very Rev. Father John Bakas L.A. GREEK FEST Mary Gallanis, Recording Secretary Rev. Father Allan Boyd Brent Noyes Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary BOOK STORE MR. & MRS. CLUB Scarlett Billis, Treasurer William Striglos Dean & Christine Peratsakis Dina Oldknow, Advisor CAMP ZOE ODOS “The Way” Very Rev. Father John Bakas Helen Lambros Honorary Life Members CHILD CARE PARENTING Jennie Doumak Christine Peratis Kathy & Marsha Zagorianos Nick Stefanidis CHOIR Barbara Kappos Members Jim Kollias PHILANTHROPIA Frances Bissias Judith Christopoulos Connie Cooper COFFEE HOUR Rev. Father Peter Lambert Pauline Evangelatos Olga Jordan Tricia Ballas Kremer Ann Pappas PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P. Constance Manders Sophie Mastor Jan Pastras Georgia Vasila Mary Morrison, President Christina Peratsakis Diane Pruett Sonia Stathes DOCENTS SAINT SOPHIA CAMP Mary Tassop Maria Toczek Faye Demetriou Melanie O’Regan EASTER PICNIC Jack Stumpus (Golf Event) OFFICE STAFF Ted Pappas Tony Mastor (Tennis Event) GREEK DANCE GROUPS Mary - Kay Demetriou (Tennis Event) Helen Ellis, Office Administrator, Ann Pappas, Events Admin. SUNDAY SCHOOL Barbara Kappos Chris Halekakis, Facilities Director Eleni Yokas GREEKS in HOLLYWOOD YOUTH CUSTODIAL STAFF Dina Demetrius Leonard Hart Miguel Rosales Mauricio Mira Rev. Father Allan Boyd Page 8 May 2013 PHILANTHROPIA NEWS PHILOPTOHOS VIP

Thank you: During the last 7 weeks since we’ve been Senior Citizens of the Year: Thursday, May 23, 2013. We displaced to a hotel because of damage to our home, we are pleased to announce that we'll be honoring Evans and thank you for your prayers and best wishes. Also, we thank Katherine Rodinos as VIP Philoptohos Senior Citizens of the the dear ladies of the Philoptohos chapters for their kindness year 2013. Plan to attend this special day. Please join us for a in words and actions. On my last visit to the heart specialist, very special luncheon and program that have been planned. he said “Father, you are lucky as you ‘dodged the bullet’. I Chairperson is Mersy Loukaris and co-chair Pitsa Schwartz. thank again my Pres. Sophia and our children, Perry and Please contact Mary Kezios at 562.923.7110, or Stella Carrie who have been a supportive team in my recovery. Morris at 818.783.4055 Schedule for Confessions: During Great Lent (which began Cruise in Newport Beach Harbor: Thursday, June 27, 2013. th on Monday, March 18 ) Father Peter will be available for Plan to join us on a beautiful and fun cruise around the harbor confessions by appointment on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. of Newport Beach. After the cruise we'll be having lunch at in the St. Demetrios chapel. Please check with Eleni in the Harborside Restaurant overlooking the bay. We can then visit church office for detailed information. the Maritime Museum and shop at the various boutiques Get on the Bus: This project is in full swing of collecting around the Peninsula. The cost of the trip is $40.00 per monies so that we may sponsor a bus again this year. Exact person and it includes the cruise, the food and the bus. Be at times and dates will be forthcoming, but as always observed church at 8:30am as the bus will be leaving shortly after that. on Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day respectively. We will keep Chairperson is Catherine Erwin at 818.783.4811 and co- you posted as the day approaches. Thank you! chair Alex Markos at 818.703.5040. Paid reservation is a must. Please mail checks to Catherine Erwin, 4240 Fulton Street Outreach: Thank you to everyone who has donated Ave, Studio City, CA 91604. We'll back at church around so far. To date $1,200.00 worth of items have been collected 5:00pm. and distributed to the abandoned children in the outreach for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Dr. Nikos In His Service, Stefanidis, Ph.D. a Staff Psychologist at Children’s Hospital, Mary Morrison L.A., is the Clinical Director of this High Risk Program. Your VIP President 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; YOUTH NEWS - MAY Sleeping Bags; Sweatshirts; Snacks; Water/Juices; Bus Tokens; Sneakers; Travel Size Hygiene Items; Tooth Brushes and Toothpaste; Shampoo; Deodorant; Youth Program Contacts Screen — be sure to label them for Dr. Nikos Stefanidis and leave them by the clothing bins. We will make sure that ALTAR BOYS HELLENIC ACADEMY he comes to pick them up. Thank you. Chris Halekakis Andri Christodoulidou [email protected] [email protected] Used Clothing and Canned Goods: Please identify all clothing donations on the outside of the bags by indicating ODOS “The Way” BASKETBALL whether they are for men, women or children. The two new Orthodox Development of Spirituality receptacles for "used clothing" and "canned goods" are Paul Cooper Helen Lambros working great. They are located near the nursery. Thank [email protected] [email protected] you! CAMP ZOE SAINT SOPHIA CAMP Philanthropia Website: The “Winter” issue of the Fr. John Bakas Melanie O’Regan PHILANTHROPIA Newsletter has been mailed and will be [email protected] [email protected] on the website shortly at: www.philanthropiaministry.org. saintsophiacamp.org

We thank Perry Lambert who is coordinating our website GREEK DANCE SUNDAY SCHOOL Kali Anastasi kai Kalo Pascha: The members of Barbara Kappos Eleni Yokas PHILANTHROPIA wish all of you a blessed Pascha. [email protected] [email protected]

Take care and God Bless With love, Father Peter May 2013 Page 9 Youth Calendar of events We Were YAL Once

May Activities YAL 30 Year Reunion Weekend Set for July 4-7. The Young Adults League (YAL) is calling all alumni of the annual meetings over the last 30 years to reunite for fun and Holy Thursday Lock In - May 2 fellowship on July 4-7. "Reunite to Unite" is the theme of this This overnight event allows our Middle and High School weekend in Dallas, Texas, where it all started. Former students (grades 7th - 12th) the opportunity to gain deeper “YALers” and their families of all ages are welcome. Activities appreciation of Orthodox Easter include a fireworks show, Texas BBQ, Grand Banquet and Dance, a talent show, an '80s dance party. Divine Liturgy will Holy Friday Retreat - May 3 be held on Sunday. For more information, email: An opportunity for our K-6 grade students to learn and [email protected], or visit the website: experience Easter as Orthodox Christians www.YAL30thReunion.com. Godparent’s Sunday - May 19 Students of all ages are invited to attend church and Sunday CHOIR NEWS School with their godparent and show their appreciation toward the person responsible for them becoming an Orthodox Christian. The morning culminates in a rousing game of Bible/Orthodox themed Jeopardy! ™

Sunday School Hellenic Academy Sunday, May 5 Saturday, May 4 Holy Pascha - Easter Egg Holy Saturday - No school Hunt at the Picnic Saturday, May 11 Sunday, May 12 Regular Schedule Regular Schedule Sunday, May 19 Saturday, May 18 Regular Schedule Regular Schedule Sunday, May 26 Saturday, May 25 Holiday weekend - No Classes Regular Schedule

Joy of Parenting Classes. Join your fellow parishioners in a lively discussion of parenting of children of all ages, from toddlers to teens and beyond. On two Sundays this month, following Holy Communion. We conclude at noon. Topics vary each session. Come with your concerns and questions or just listen; there is no pressure to speak to the class. It's a wonderful way to get acquainted with other parents. There is Photo: Courtesy of George Themelis no fee to attend. Classes are held in the Work/Study Just in time for Holy Week and Easter, the Saint Sophia Room, upstairs near the left-hand side staircase, in the Cathedral Choir is proud to announce its latest CD, Come Huffington Center. The Joy of Parenting is facilitated by Receive the Light! which is now available for sale in the Saint Barbara Kappos, LCSW and Nikolaos Stefanidis, Ph.D. Sophia Bookstore or Saint Sophia Narthex. This month's topics: May 12, "Disciplining vs. Punishing: What's the Difference?" and May 19, "Teen Suicide: A The CD features choral excerpts from Palm Sunday, Holy Horrible Reality We Should Not Ignore." Week and Easter transcribed, composed and arranged by Dr. Frank Desby. During Holy Week some of the most beautiful 2013 Metropolis Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch pieces of Orthodox hymnology are chanted and sung. “Love One Another” Included in this recording is a small portion of this vast Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch is one of the most hymnology that has been part of our music ministry at Saint exciting and memorable programs offered for the youth of our Metropolis. This summer there are four sessions for all ages Sophia for over 60 years. (8 years old or entering the 3rd grade to 17 years old just This recording would not have been possible without the graduated from high school). Session I: July 7-13, Session II: sponsorship of our most generous benefactor, Constance July 14-20, Session III: July 21-27, Session IV: July 28- Manders who dedicates this recording to her children, August 3. Early Registration pricing is available until May 1st. For online registration and additional information, please visit Alexandria and Nikolas, and to the memory of her parents, www.gosfyouth.org. Gloria and William Manders. Page 10 May 2013

GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO

CHURCH MUSIC FEDERATION 2013 Church Music Conference

Church Musicfest under the Byzantine Dome – C lergy – Laity – Adult Choir – Chanters – Youth Choir

Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord! Psalm 150 v.6

April 9, 2013

Dear Saint Sophia Parishioners,

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral is honored and delighted to host the annual Metropolis of San Francisco Church Music Federation Conference which will be held during the weekend of June 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. The highlight of this weekend will be the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy celebra ted on June 30th by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, assisted by our Saint Sophia Clergy, V. Rev. Father John S. Bakas and Rev. Father Allan Boyd and their visiting brother Priests along with the voices of over 100 adult choir singers, youth choir sin gers and chanters from throughout the Metropolis providing the liturgical responses. Our congregation will also uplift their voices as they do every Sunday in praise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The conference’s traditional commemorative album will not only be a memento of this wonderful weekend but it is also a source of fundraising for the development of music ministries at parishes throughout the Metropolis. It is a significant fundraiser for the Metropolis Church Music Federation for its many programs and to especially enhance, develop and train adult choirs, chanters, and youth choirs throughout the Metropolis. The goal of this year’s conference is to run three conferences simultaneously for the adults, youth and chanters to receive training but then to all spend time together at the co nference’s social events. All activities will all take place in our beautiful Huffington Center at Saint Sophia, the Maniatakos Fellowship Hall, the Maria Maniatakos Pavilion and the W ilson-Hanks Family Gymnasiu m and Cultural Center.

Saint Sophia has hosted church music conferences in the past but it has been 24 years since the last conference was hosted here in 1989. As the host parish, there are many activities and responsibilities that we must accomplish including fundraising. The proceeds from the conference will benefit all ministries at Saint Sophia as well as a portion that will be sent directly to the Church Music Federation. The generosity of our parishioners will be acknowledged through signature ads. in the conference commemorative album which offers the opportunity to recognize loved ones by placing a signature ad “in honor of” or “ in memory of” important people in your life. Birthdays, anniversaries and graduations may also be recognized. All donat ions large or small are greatly appreciated and will ensure the success and growth of the Church Music Federation as it celebrates its 70 th anniversary next year in 2014. Please see the enclosed form.

To ensure placement of donations through signature ad s in the commemorative album, please observe our printer’s deadline of May 25, 2013.

Please see the next page for payment details.

With sincere appreciation of your kindness and generosity,

In C hrist,

Brent Noyes C hristopher P. Yokas Jim H. Kollias Katherine Spilos Conference Co-C hair Conference Co -C hair Conference Co-C hair Conference Album Chair May 2013 Page 11

GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH MUSIC FEDERATION 2013 Church Music Conference

Church Musicfest under the Byzantine Dome Clergy – Laity – Adult Choir – Chanters – Youth Choir

Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord! Psalm 150 v.6

Signature Ad. Information

Your name and message will appear in the commemorative album as follows:

Print your name______

Circle one: “in honor of” or “in memory of”

Print the name of the person(s) you are honoring or you may write a short personal message:

Line 1______

Line 2______

* * * * *

Address______

City, State, Zip code______

Telephone______

Please mail your contributions along with this form to:

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Attn: Katherine Spilos 1324 South Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, California 90006

Please make checks payable to Saint Sophia Cathedral Memo: Church Music Conference

Printer’s Deadline May 25, 2013 Page 12 May 2013 MAY SACRAMENTS & MEMORIALS BAPTISMS BIRTHDAYS

Saturday, May 18 Ariel Metini Ann Pappas Olivia Victoria Kathy Julias Peter H. Manolopoulos Daughter of Theodore and Cynthia Spears Armando Rangel Mary Begakis Godparent: Jimmy and Stacy Pappas Jennie Themelis Sophia Helm Evangelos Rodinos Christine Haidos Antonia Opffer Irene Pappas Kathleen Kyriacou Kosta Spirus Katherine Julias Melina Pyle Pamela Peterson Sarah Carvaines Thomas Martin Donna Alex William Sandstrom Peter Gheddissi John Fenady Sia Alexopoulos Georg Fenady James Donovan WEDDINGS Tashi Zouras Catherine Sarantes Electra Koutsoukos Faye Demetriou Saturday, May 18 at 3:00 pm Alek Haidos Olga Jordan Zhana Mafgan and John Goumas Cecelia Peters Koumbaros: George Stathoulis

Saturday, May 18 at 5:00 p, Angy Tandrous and Wael Labib Gobrail Koumbaros: TBA

Saturday May 25 at 2:00 pm Victoria Sutherlen and Vladomir Paniouchkine

Koumbara: Loreta Doukas MEMORIALS

May 12 May 19 Barbara Vasilas - 5 years Stella Kontes - 4 years George Markopoulos Sophia Kontes Ana Markopoulos Sophia Salapatas Aleck Edwards II May 26 George Fenady - 5 years Gabriel Krystales - 49 years Shannon Fenady - 5 years Basili Krystales - 71 years EPISTLE READERS Marika Fenady - 34 years Elizabeth Pappas - 50 years May 5 James Kopatsis John Fenady - 58 years George Pappas - 51 years Andreas Fenady - 52 years Stephen Demos - 33 years May 12 Nick Perdaris Eugenia Fenady - 66 years Anthepe Arvanitis - 45 years George Matthews - 67 years Father Elias May 19 Noah Johnson Panagiota Matthews - 17 years Father Theotokis Pappas Basili Matthews - 18 years Peter Zelles May 26 Costa Bargeliotes Dimitrios Matthews - 6 years Betty Zelles Basiliki Krystales - 91 years Goldie Sacrilidis Moskos Krystales - 64 years Igor Zatsepin May 2013 Page 13 COMMUNITY NEWS

The basketball season came to a great conclusion this year. The Junior Boys and Junior Girls advanced to the finals! Both played great in the final matches but lost against very formidable opponents. The results of our Most Valuable Players for each team are:

1. Junior girls - Chrisoula Georgopoulos and Pilar White 2. Junior boys - Taso Marcopulos and Stefanos Koutsos 3. Senior girls - Nicoletta Skaggs and Mary Begakis 4. Senior boys - Michael Kyriacou and Joseph Karavedes

The Jason Nonis Award is given to a player who exhibits true sportsmanship, is a real team player, is a good Christian, attends Church regularly and volunteers in the community. This year it was awarded to Nicoletta Skaggs. Page 14 May 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS

American Philhellenes and The Greek War of Independence The Hellenic Academy students, their teachers, parents and guests celebrated the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence on March 23, 2013 in the Hanks-Wilson Cultural Center. It was great to see all the students being so proud of their heritage. The contribution of philhellenes such as Lord Byron and Charles Nicholas Fabvier to the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire is well known. Less known however, are the contributions of American volunteers. On December 3, 1822, US president James Monroe in his annual address to Congress said: "A strong hope is entertained that the Greeks will recover their independence and assume their equal status among the nations of the earth." Unfortunately, on December 2, 1823, president Monroe announced the "Monroe Doctrine", which in essence excluded the United States from getting involved in European affairs and considered the then existing European governments as "de facto legitimate.” According to George Chrysis the first American volunteer to travel to Greece and join the Greek War of Independence was George Jarvis, a New Yorker, who went to Greece in 1822. He learned the Greek language, put on a "foustanella", and upon joining the "kleftes" he became known as "Kapetan Zervos". Jarvis was brave, participated in many battles and was repeatedly wounded. He died of natural causes in Argos on August 11, 1828, but his appeals back home for aid and contributions to the Greek cause paid off. Jarvis became a role model for other American volunteers. In 1824, Captain Jonathan P. Miller, of Vermont, arrived in Greece. He too learned the Greek language, joined the Greek fighters and was fearless in battle. Miller was in Messolongi during its siege and in a letter to Edward Everett dated May 3rd,1826, he described the heroic "exodus" and the subsequent fall of Messolongi and the massacre of its population by the Ottomans. While in Greece, Miller adopted a four-year-old boy, whom he brought back to Vermont. This boy, Loukas Miltiades Miller, eventually graduated from Vermont University in 1845, and shortly thereafter he married and moved to the town of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he engaged in business and civic activities. In 1853 he was elected a member of the State Legislature and in 1891 he was the first American of Greek origin to be elected to the Congress of the United States of America! The Greek revolutionary leader Theodoros Kolokotronis, through George Jarvis, sent a letter to Edward Everett dated July 5th, 1826, in which the great Greek leader appealed for further help and support. However, by far the best-known philhellene is Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, a Bostonian physician. Upon his arrival in Greece, he enlisted in the Greek Army and for six years he served as a soldier and a chief surgeon. In 1829 he established a medical center in Aegina and a school for the blind in Corinth. Long after the revolution, Howe continued to be active in Greek affairs, both in Greece and in the United States. In 1866, during the Cretan Revolution, he returned to Greece with his wife Julia Ward Howe, to organize support for the new uprising of the Cretans. May 2013 Page 15 COMMUNITY NEWS

Metropolitan Gerasimos, Stephanie and Michael Yallourakis at The Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival the St. Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Metropolis Competition Introduced in 1983, the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical at the St. Nicholas Ranch. Michael was awarded Second Place Festival provides Greek Orthodox teenagers the in the Senior Division opportunity to write and talk about their faith. The then selected to participate in the Archdiocese Finals, Oratorical Festival Program begins at the parish level and is divided into three divisions: which is hosted by a different Metropolis each year.  Elementary Division (local festival only) for students As reported in the last issue of the Herald, the three in grades 4–6 participants of our Sunday School Oratorical presentation  Junior Division for students in grades 7–9 moved on to compete at the next step of the St. John  Senior Division for student in grades 10–12 Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. At the competition held at St. George Church in Downey on April 14, it was determined that The top speakers in the Junior and Senior Divisions advance to the district level. Two finalists in each district siblings Stephanie and Michael Yallourakis from our Parish would represent our District in their respective divisions at the division represent the district at the Metropolis Oratorical Metropolis level. Festival. The top speaker in each metropolis division is Earlier in the month the pair, along with Sophia Spirus, who also competed in Downey, performed their speeches they wrote about their faith to the St. Sophia congregation. Their presentations elicited a powerful, positive response from the listeners and praise from Father John, "The future is in good hands when it comes to the love of God, love of the Lord, and love of the church." On the weekend of April 20, two students from our Southern California district from each division traveled to the beautiful St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, CA to perform with others from our Metropolis. Metropolitan Gerasimos came to listen to the participants and addressed the crowd: “You are the present and the future of our faith.... My prayer is that you always live your faith and always profess your faith, no matter where your life is going to take you. And that you will always be a servant of God always and be the person you spoke to Father Alan Boyd, Michael Yallourakis, Stephanie us about today, with the words you shared from the good Yallourakis, Sophia Spirus and our Parish's Oratorical Festival book and your heart.” Michael Yallourakis was awarded Chairperson Dr. Alex Oxyzolou, Ph.D. at the District Second Place. The top speakers from that weekend will move Competition of the St. Chrysostom Oratorical Festival at the St. onto the National St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Competition George Church in Downey in Memphis, TN, June 7-9. Page 16 May 2013 COMMUNITY NEWS May 2013 Page 17 COMMUNITY NEWS Page 18 May 2013 May 2013 Page 19 The Anastasis Fresco in the Church of The Holy Saviour in Chora

By John Kopatsis less keys of hell. The Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, (Greek: Η This is being Εκκλησία του Αγιου Σωτῆρος εν τη Χώρα), more popularly witnessed by the , is considered to be one of the most beautiful righteous figures surviving examples of a Byzantine church. When the original of the Old Testa- Chora Church was built as part of a monastery early in the 5th ment to His -century it was outside the walls of the city of Constantinople right, with Abra- that is in the countryside, from which it received its informal ham, David, Sol- name of Chora, meaning in Greek in the country. The church omon, and John was converted into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople the Forerunner in 1453 to the Ottoman Turks. The images of the frescos and in the front. To mosaics were plastered over and the building interior modified His left behind for Muslim prayers. After an earthquake, disrepair and deteri- Eve, Abel the oration, a program was started in 1948 by the Byzantine Insti- first innocent tute of America to restore the building. As members of the martyr of the restoration team removed the layer of lime whitewash that “wages of sin”, had covered the walls of the chapel as well as the underlying depicted with his yellow ochre paint and bright red dye that had been applied shepherd’s by the Ottoman Turks to the hands and faces of the , crook, is also the interior of the restored Church came to life covered with witnessing fine mosaics and frescoes, magnificent examples of Palaiolo- Death’s defeat gan Renaissance, among the best and most beautiful in the with other Old world. Scholars described the style of the fully uncovered Testament Chora Church plan showing the side Chora paintings as “mannered” and “courtly,” though neither prophets behind chapel Anastasis fresco apse location of these words fully captures the beauty of the iconography him. The action and complexity of the narrative compositions. Created by an is swift and smooth, the supple motions executed with the anonymous master and his assistants, the early 14th-century grace of a ballet. The figures float in a spiritual atmosphere, frescoes were considered a masterpiece even in their own spaceless and without any material mass or shadow casting time. In 1958, the Chora Church reopened as the Kariye volume. The same smoothness and lightness can be seen in (Chora) Museum. the modeling of the figures, the subtly nuanced coloration and the fluid delineation of drapery characteristics of classical illu- To the right of the inner nathex of the Chora Church, doors sionism. Throughout the centuries Byzantine artists looked open into the side or funerary chapel (Greek: παρεκκλήσιον). back to Greco-Roman illusionism. But unlike classical artists The fresco in the apse of the side chapel is widely agreed to Byzantine painters and mosaicists were not concerned with be the most striking exemplar of the traditional Orthodox the systematic observation of material nature as a source of Christian composition of the Anastasis, the Resurrection of their representations of the eternal. They drew their images Christ. The All-Powerful Christ, in mid-stride, in pure white from a persistent and conventionalized vision of a spiritual vestments with gold stripes, brooking no nonsense, lifts the world unsusceptible to change. That consistent vision is what helpless Adam and Eve with a forceful motion by the wrist like unites works as distant in time as the 6th-century apse mosa- children – and with them the whole humanity – out of their ic at Mount Sinai and this 14th-century fresco in the Chora tombs and back to life, symbolizing the inability of mankind to Church. pull itself out of the condition that resulted from the ancestral sin. He is surrounded by a brilliant , an This victory over death, the proclamation to the imprisoned in shaped aureola that surrounds the figures of Christ and Virgin Hades and release of the prisoners, is the reason for His Mary in traditional , with emanating blue shades Resurrection. We have in this a theology lesson of the framed with stars. Christ is standing on the fallen broken central theme of Christianity. Instead of portraying tra- gates of Hades, “the doors of death” on the chasm of dark- ditional Western Christian depictions: the tomb, the winding ness. Hades is “the abode of the dead” in Greek, but it is also sheet, the Myrrh-Bearing Women, the sleeping guards, and an entity, Death personified. Hades is portrayed as a person the bright-shining angel, this Anastasis icon presents us with defeated, conquered and bound, trampled under Christ’s feet, the love of God for mankind, His personal sacrifice, and His in the middle of all the strewn broken locks, chains and use- personal rescue of humanity from eternal death! Page 20 May 2013

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 any item. Prior to sending your check, please contact Ted Pappas at 818.515.4095, or Stephanie Lubian at 909.860.4333 to reserve your item. Your support allows us to continue this tradition that our parents and grandparents started. DONATION ITEM $ AMOUNT NEEDED DONOR(S) Beverages & Liquor - Beer - Greek $325 Beer - Keg product donated Jim Tsarpalis Bottled Water $200 James and Carolyn Kolokotronis Coffee / Coffee makers /Coffee supplies product donated Elaine and Diane Bissias/Zeli Coffee Snapple $125 Jim and Angela Ananias Soda $200 Faye Fouad Wine - Greek $300 Wine - Red $250 Bill and Anne Dres Wine - White product donated Art, Philip and Jack Stumpus Food Cinnamon and Walnuts $100 Tony and Helen Demetriou Frying Oil $100 Tony and Helen Demetriou Jim and Angela Ananias $400 Gyro meat $500 Athenian Grill - Zaf and Helene Tsimahides $100 Honey $100 Mauro & Amber Mertini Loukoumades dough $300 Michael and Sophia Helm Olive Oil $100 Mauro & Amber Mertini Pita Bread $125 Mauro & Amber Mertini Tzatziki $125 Mauro & Amber Mertini Tsourekia (Easter Bread) fully covered Philoptohos Park Amenities Balloon Decorations $350 Children's Rides and Games $1,750 John and Mary Lynn Rallis Easter Bunny $250 Paul Morphos in memory of his uncle, William D. Belroy Electrical Generator $750 Fences $1,000 Greek Band $1,800 Table and Chair Rentals $1,500 Tents and Booths Rental $2,750 Pastries Baklava product donated Pegasus Foods - Jim Zaferis and Van Ambatielos Galatobouriko product donated Philoptohos Kataifi product donated Pegasus Foods - Jim Zaferis and Van Ambatielos Koulourakia product donated Philoptohos Kourambiedes product donated Philoptohos Melomakarona product donated Philoptohos Miscellaneous Armored Courier $270 Clean up labor $350 Alek and Christine Haidos Ice with Freezer $275 Paper Products (cups, plates, napkins etc) $300 Paramedics and Ambulance $650 Michael and Susan Patzakis Printing/Signs $100 Betty Stumpus Refrigerated Truck product donated Pegasus Foods - Jim Zaferis and Van Ambatielos Security Guards $750 Holy Week Flowers Donations are being accepted for floral arrangements, icons, underwriting the Epitaphios flowers, and all related flowers for Holy Week and Easter. Altar plant donations may be made in any amount in memory of loved ones. Please call the Cathedral office 323.737.2424 for specific floral arrangements and candles throughout the week Please contact Ann Pappas(X207), or Jimmy Karatsiskis (X302) for any additional information. May 2013 Page 21

Saint Sophia Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community of Los Angeles invites you to celebrate Pascha (Easter) at the 91st Annual Greek Easter Picnic Brookside Park (at the Rose Bowl) Pasadena, CA

Easter Sunday May 5th - 1pm to 7pm

Fabulous Food and Desserts: Souvlakia, Lamb Chops, Gyro, Vegetarian dinners Baklava, Loukoumades, Galatoboureko, Kataifi Beer, Greek Wines, Soft Drinks, Coffee, Water

Free Parking Picnic Tables Live Greek Music and Dancing Activities for the Kids

Admission Adults $10 Children 16 & under FREE !! Credit cards accepted at admission gate

Please – no pets allowed

Please note: Park will not open until 1pm Page 22 May 2013 The Jesus Prayer Holy Thursday Vigil

On Holy Thursday, May 2, 2013, after the Reading of the been widely practiced throughout the history of the Orthodox Twelve Gospels we will hold the Jesus Prayer Vigil in the Church. It is repeated continually as a part of personal ascetic Chapel from10:00 pm Holy Thursday night until 10:00 am practice, its use being an integral part of the eremitic tradition Holy Friday morning. Each participant will pray the Jesus of prayer known as Hesychasm (Greek: Hσυχασμός). The Prayer silently for one hour, for ourselves, our families, our prayer is particularly esteemed by the spiritual fathers as a Saint Sophia community and the community at large. method of opening up the heart and bringing about the Prayer of the Heart (Greek: Καρδιακή Προσευχή). The A vigil (from the Latin vigilia, meaning wakefulness, Greek: Prayer of The Heart is considered to be the Unceasing Prayer αγρυπνία), is a period of purposeful sleeplessness, observed that the Apostle Paul advocates. In its simplicity and clarity, is by remaining awake – “watchful” – as a devotional exercise, rooted in the Scriptures and it is first and foremost a prayer of or ritual observance in the eve of a holy day. An All-Night the Holy Spirit because it addresses Jesus as Lord, Christ Vigil, consisting of Great Vespers, Matins and the First Hour, and Son of God; and as Apostle Paul tells us, "no one can is held on the eves of Sundays and all Major Feast Days. The say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:3). All-Night Vigil has been set to music most famously by There are not fixed, invariable rules for those who pray, "the Rachmaninoff, whose setting of selections from the service way there is no mechanical, physical or mental technique is one of his most admired works, and Tchaikovsky along which can force God to show his presence" (Metropolitan with his Divine Liturgy and his collection of nine sacred songs. Kalistos Ware). Monks often pray this prayer many hundreds The Orthodox Tradition offers the Jesus Prayer (Greek: Η of times each night as part of their private cell vigil under the Προσευχή του Ιησού) as a means of concentration, as a guidance of an Elder (Greek: Γέροντας).The prayer prayed focal point for our inner life. The most frequently used form of repeatedly, often with the aid of a prayer rope (Greek: the Jesus Prayer is: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have κομποσκοίνι), which is a cord, usually woolen, tied with many mercy on me, a sinner" (Greek: Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱὲ knots, saying one repetition for each knot. Everybody is τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν). The prayer has welcome to participate. Holy Week Schedule

9:30 am Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Holy Monday, April 29 7:30 pm Second Service of the Bridegroom Holy Tuesday, April 30 7:30 pm Third Service of the Bridegroom 9:30 am Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Holy Wednesday, May 1 3:30 pm Sacrament of Holy Unction (Early Choice) 7:30 pm Sacrament of Holy Unction (Late Choice) 10:00 am Saint Basil Morning Vesperal Liturgy Holy Thursday, May 2 7:30 pm Reading of the 12 Gospels 9:30 am Reading of the Royal Hours Holy Friday, May 3 3:30 pm Descent from the Cross 7:30 pm Lamentation Service 7:00 am Saint Basil Morning Vesperal Liturgy 11:00 pm The Canon Holy Saturday, May 4 12:00 am Resurrection service 12:30 am Resurrectional Divine Liturgy 11:00 am Agape Service Easter Sunday, May 5 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Easter Picnic in Pasadena May 2013 Page 23

May 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4

Holy Holy Holy Tuesday Wednesday Holy Thursday Holy Friday Holy Saturday Monday

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Easter Sunday Renewal Renewal Renewal Renewal Renewal Monday Tuesday Wednesday Renewal Pascha Thursday Friday St. John Theotokos of Saturday The Theologian the Lifegiving 9:30am Hellenic 11am Agape Service Spring Academy (PreK-6) Easter Picnic 1:00pm—7:00pm 7:30pm Cate- 10:00am & 11:30am 8:30am Orthos 7:30pm OT Bible 8:30am Orthos 12:30pm Hellenic chism w/Fr. Allan Bible Study w/ Fr. John 9:30am Liturgy Study w/Fr. Allan 9:30am Liturgy Academy (adults)

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Sunday of Thomas

9:30am Hellenic 8:15am Orthros 10:00am Bible Academy (PreK-6) 9:15am FaithStudies Study w/Fr. John 9:45am Memorials 7:30pm Cate- 11:30am Bible 7:30pm OT Bible 12:30pm Hellenic 10am Divine Liturgy chism w/Fr. Allan Study w/Fr. John Study w/Fr. Allan Academy (adults)

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Sunday of the Sts. Constantine Myrrh-Bearers and Helen

9:30am Hellenic 8:15am Orthros 8:30am Orthos Academy (PreK-6) 9:15am FaithStudies 9:30am Liturgy 9:45am Memorials 7:30pm Cate- 11:30am Bible 7:30pm OT Bible 12:30pm Hellenic 10am Divine Liturgy chism w/Fr. Allan Study w/Fr. John Study w/Fr. Allan Academy (adults) 26 27 28 29 30 31 Sunday of the Church Office

Paralytic Closed for

Memorial Day

8:15am Orthros 10:00am Bible

9:15am FaithStudies Study w/Fr. John 9:45am Memorials 7:30pm Cate- 11:30am Bible 7:30pm OT Bible 10am Divine Liturgy chism w/Fr. Allan Study w/Fr. John Study w/Fr. Allan

Strict Fast Fish Allowed Wine and Oil Dairy, Eggs, Fast Free Allowed and Fish Allowed

PageSaint Sophia 24 Greek Cathedral May 2013 Greek Orthodox Community 1324 South Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, California 90006

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Phone 323 737 2424 Fax 323 737 7029 E-mail [email protected]

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Remember when you Leave this Earth, you Can Take with you Nothing that you Have Received - Only what you have Given