Saint Sophia HERALD Volume 13 Number 9 Many Lives...One Heart September, 2008

“What’s That Around Your Neck?”

I was privileged to have spent almost two weeks in Greece this summer where I had the pleasant task of baptizing the granddaughter of a very dear friend. Greece is the premier laboratory of western history and civilization. Whatever period of time or era one wishes to examine, it is all there. For Christians who study the New Testament scriptures, there is no better place to walk in the footsteps of St. Paul than Greece.

On Sunday, August 3rd, I took the commuter train from Kifissia, a northern suburb of Athens, to go to Monastiraki, the closest station to the ancient Athenian agora or market place just under the shadow of the Acropolis. I wanted to walk through the ancient city ruins and end up on Mars Hill, known in the book of Acts, Chapter 17 as the Areopagus. It is a small rocky hill where St. Paul stood and addressed the Athenian philosophers and skeptics, preaching to them the gospel message of Jesus Christ. I wanted to stand where Paul stood nearly 2000 years before and to vicariously sense through my spiritual imagination, a little of what he saw and experienced.

The train was packed…standing room only. A few feet away from me stood a young man who was intently looking at me. At ev- ery station stop he inched his way closer to me. Half way into the 30 minute ride to downtown Athens, we were almost face to face. “Excuse me, may I ask you a question?” he said in Greek. “Are you from Crete?” “Why do you ask?” I responded. “Well I noticed you’re dressed all in black and since Cretans love the color black, I just thought you were from Crete as I am,” he said. “I’m dressed in all black because I’m a priest,” I replied. “An Orthodox priest?” he asked, somewhat surprised. “Yes” I answered. “Bah, po, po, po. You’re kidding me! Our priests wear the long black robes and stove pipe type hats,” he reminded me. “Well” I said, “I’m a Greek Orthodox priest from the U.S. and there most of our priests, when not in church, wear the black suit and cleri- cal shirt.” “By the way” he continued, in a form of Greek slang. “What’s that white “bihlibidi”(thingamajig) in your collar?” “It is a symbol; a simple white tab representing my priestly calling,” I said. He looked puzzled but reluctantly accepted my answer.

With a dialogue now open, I asked this twenty something young man, who was wearing an open shirt down to his belt buckle, a ques- tion of my own. “May I now ask you a question?” I said in Greek. “Sure, no problem,” he answered. “Tell me,” I inquired with some humor in my voice. “That “bihlibidi”(thingamajig) hanging around your neck, what is it?” “It’s a gold cross,” he answered somewhat caught off balance by my question. “I can see that, but what does it mean to you, and why do you wear it?” I quickly responded.

He seemed stunned by my question. I’m convinced no one ever asked him such a thing. “I don’t know, I’ve worn it most of my life. And besides that, it’s very trendy and fashionable. I think it is sexy,” he said with a satisfied smile.

Our conversation ended as he got off the train at Omonia Station and we went our separate ways. I thought about his answer for a long time. Look around, and you will find literally countless people, like that young man, who wear crosses around their necks as items of jewelry…as accessory accents to their wardrobes. We have them in gold, silver, and brass; crosses in every shape, configuration and design, from cheap trinkets to the most exquisite precious stone settings. Crosses are worn by people like you and me, without much thought given as to why we wear them. The fundamental question for St. Paul on Mars Hill speaking to the Athenians and for us to- day is: What does the cross mean to us? Why do we wear them? What is our response if asked the question by an inquiring stranger?

No answer can be all inclusive, since it must be personal and backed up by sincere conviction. For me, it means that as Orthodox Christians who bear witness to the true cross of Christ, we have by grace crucified our “old sinful nature” and can now have the potential to be partakers of what St. Peter calls the “divine nature.” It follows that to be cross bear- ers, we are released from the limitations of living for the “flesh alone…for the self alone.” We spiritually die to the delu-

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean - Fr. Bill Tragus, Assistant 1324 S. Normandie Avenue -Los Angeles, CA 90006 Tel. 323.737.2424 Fax. 323.737.7029 www.stsophia.org sion of sin, being transformed daily by the Holy Spirit and opening ourselves up to the divine infusion of energy and light, while remaining fully engaged in the world we live in. We are saved from the corrosiveness of our own ego and narcissism.

Our “Old Self” states St. Paul, “was crucified with Him so that the sinful body might be destroyed…for sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under the law but under grace.”(Romans 6:6 and 14) As I stood on that Athenian hill where Paul stood and looked at the Acropolis as he once did, I took my pectoral cross in my hands and reflected with renewed enthusiasm the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:23-25)

In Christ,

Fr. John

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As President of the Parish Council, I welcome all of you to Saint Sophia Cathedral and to our Tenth Anniversary spectacular LA GREEK FEST!

This is the event of the year! Ten years ago Jan and Ted Pastras had a vision to create one of the most anticipated weekends in Los Angeles - the L.A. Greek Fest.

After a lot of hard work, trial and error, disappointments and successes, we have arrived at our Tenth Anniversary celebration of our Hellenic culture in the heart of the historic Byzantine-Latino Quarter.

Our unique friendship with our Latino neighbors makes us the number one choice for a family weekend filled with Hellenic food, pastries, Greek music, dancing and the mucho caliente Charanga Latino rhythms.

We are honored to have Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson as our Celebrity Guest Hosts and Honorary Chairs again this year and we are blessed to have you all as our guests.

The LA Greek Fest is proud to feature quality merchandise for a truly unique shopping experience in our version of “Rodeo Drive,” where you can find a variety of vendors catering to all your shopping needs. We have many supervised games for our children who will also have endless hours of fun at our Festival.

I wish to thank Jan and Ted Pastras, our incredible Festival Directors, who once again have worked endlesly to make the LA Greek Fest 10th anniversary the best in the land. BRAVO!!! And kudos to our Fest Executive committee and to all the volunteers who devote their time and Hellenic Spirit to make all our guests feel at home. Also to our office staff Stella Kontes and Lauren Cruz, who have devoted countless hours to make sure everything will be perfect. You make us all proud—Efharisto!

WELCOME - ALOHA MAI – BIENVENUE – WILLKOMMEN – IRASHAIMAISU – FAILTE – YIAN DEE – BENVENUTO – DOBRO POZHALOVAT – HUAN YING -KALOS ORISSATE !!!!!

In His service

Panos A. Angels

PHILOPTOHOS MEET & GREET Dearest Friends, Please join us in the center for a “Meet & Greet” reception on I welcome you at the beginning of our new ecclesiastical year, and I hope Sunday, September 14th, after church services. Come and meet that this letter finds you in good spirits and filled with relaxation and the the Board of Saint Sophia’s Philoptohos and share your thoughts memories of the 2008 summer spent with your loved ones and friends. about our activities for the upcoming year. Everyone is welcome.

Although it was summer time, Philoptohos women from all over the The Philoptohos Society of Saint Sophia is actively involved in our country worked diligently to have a very interesting and fulfilling Church community. We also endeavor to make an impact in our local meeting at the Philoptohos convention in Washington D.C. The neighborhood. We look for ways that will make a differnece in our San Francisco Metropolis Philoptohos sent 52 delegates and Saint community and we welcome suggestions from our membership Sophia was represented by three of us: myself as your President as we fulfill this goal. and past National President, together with Diane Pruett and Olga Jordan, first time delegates. They were both quite impressed and * * * * * * * * * * * * * thrilled to see what a well-managed and productive philanthropy the National Philoptohos organization is, and all 450 chapters were Philoptohos Ladies are making Diples on Tuesday, September represented at our National convention. Sophie Mastor also at- 2nd and Galatobouriko on Thursday, September 4th. If anyone tended as a delegate because Dr. Maria Toczek could not attend, would like to help make pastry or work in the pastry booth at the and in her role as a member of the National Philoptohos Board festival, please call our Pastry Chair, Scarlett Billis at 310/214- of Directors, Helen Lambros from Saint Sophia also attended. 6711.

We are so very pleased to announce that Saint Sophia received its first * * * * * * * * * * * * * * national award for “Outreach Program.” Dr. Maria Toczek had sub- mitted a review of our fundraising work for the Salvin School in Los Angeles to the National Board, together with a very interesting photo SAVE THE DATE album of all of the activities that we have personally participated in at the school. Congratulations to you, Dr. Maria, for a job well done! 4th Annual During the summer we also have continued uninterruptedly with activities to fulfill our obligation to unfortunate and needy families. Women’s Health and Wellness Symposium

We are looking forward to a very successful L.A. Greek Fest on the at weekend of September 5-6-7. Scarlett Billis has stepped up to chair our participation at this event and her committee is working very Loyola Marymount University hard preparing for the quantities and logistics of baking pastries and manning the booth for the three days of the festival. We’re planning a Saturday, October 11, 2008 pastry booth this year that will host our “Meet and Greet” reception at the Parish Hall to meet new friends and chat with old ones on Septem- 8:30 a.m. ber 19th. There will be goodies and flowers, so don’t forget to join us. This symposium will present an exceptional medical Most of all I am looking forward to seeing you on Thursday, Septem- panel of oncologists, nutritionists and geneticists ber 18 to launch the new season with a wonderful and exciting meet- who will focus on cutting edge information regarding ing in the Parish Hall at 10:30 A.M. Please do make an effort to attend. cancer and its prevention

Respectfully yours, THIS IS NOT TO BE MISSED Dina Skouras Oldknow SPONSORED BY

PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco The Philoptohos Metropolis Board Now that summer is over we will resume our scheduled activities. Loyola Marymount University Basil P. Caloyeras Center for Modern Greek Studies This month is devoted to assisting wherever possible at our own L.A. Greek Fest. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * A reminder, Don’t forget to pay your membership dues--$5.00-- to our MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN MARY KEZIOS.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS BIBLE STUDY Eleni Batsakis Sophia Soulimiotis Perry Batsakis Anastasios Themelis SESSIONS RESUME Joanna Callas Nicholas Kontes Anthony Demetriou Spiro Psaltis

Alexandria Markos Christina Begakis 1. Our Bible/ Studies in The Faith will begin William Oldknow Peter Pallas again on Monday, Sept. 15th at 7:30pm in St. Basil’s David Matty Fred Fuller Room. This is the regular weekly evening study ses- Michael Contois Bessie Morris sion led by Fr. Bakas. We are studying the develop- Sophia Margetis Nina Subova ment of our faith, its history in the context of the holy Kellie Noyes Suzanne Cmperos scriptures. All are welcome to attend. Learn more of Nicholas Bissias Sofia Camperos what we believe and why. Come and build a stronger Fotine O’Connor Mary Morrison relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ and the church Timi Freshman William Striglos He established. Join us. Bring a friend or neighbor. Let Vaso Koch Pamela Spyrs us grow in faith. Susan Patzakis Stephen Billis Vicky Kades Gene Chronopoulos Elennie Scholler Marika Tsircou 2. The Philoptohos sponsored Women’s Bible Bertha Zagorianos Virginia Veracka Study resumes on Monday, Sept. 15th at 10:30 am in St. Basil’s Room. We are continuing our study of the SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Gospel of St. John. Bring a friend or neighbor. It is good small group fellowship. Sophia and Michael Helm Ann and Tom Moore 3. The Men’s Bible Study group resumes also on Aspasia and Theodore Kiapos Monday, Sept. 15th at 12:30 pm in St. Basil’s Room. Helen and Bill Zachario We will finish with the Gospel of St. Matthew. We Lyn and Paul Clute must continue to study and understand the scriptures. Hilda and Nicholas James They are the foundation of our faith. Kassandra and Daniel Kirages Nicole and Bill French Diane and Donald Lapa Vicki and Louis Kades SACRAMENTS Vergie and Bill Papalexis Bertha and Panos Angels BAPTISMS SEPTEMBER READERS & USHERS Saturday, September 13 Demetri Makridis, son of Toula and George Makridis Sunday, September 7 Sunday, September 14 READER: No Reader READER: Lili Maglaris Godparent: Yianni Koufodontis

USHERS USHERS Gene Chronopoulos Niki Korbakis WEDDINGS Alexandra Georgiou Fofo Panagakis Christina Georgiou Maria Pelargos S Rosemary Georgiou Alex Markos unday, September 14 Lulu Kappas Tammy Carros and Mickey Hargitay Sunday, September 21 Sunday,September 28 READER: Eleni Maglaris READER: Demetri Camperos

USHERS USHERS Alexandra Guirguis John Stamatiades Pete Pallas Electra Koutsoukos Dinah Wellington George Baln Shelmadine Wellington Saint Sophia Cathedral Youth Calendar 2008 September 5 - 7 * St. Sophia Greek Fest Saturday 13 * 1st day of Greek School Sunday 14 * Sunday School Registration (Ice Cream Social- welcome back!) * Folk Dance Program – Annual Parent Meeting / dance program begins Friday 19 * Jr. GOYA gathering / dinner (6:30 – 8:30) home of Mary Sarantes (6th – 8th grade) October Sunday 5 * Narrator sign-up for Christmas Sunday 12 * Picture Day (class pictures) - Operation Christmas Child info will be given out Monday 20 * Metropolitan Gerasimos’ Name Day Sunday 26 * OXI Day Celebration / fundraiser November Sunday 2 * Narrator rehearsal 12:15 to 12:30 (room 12) * Shoe Box collection for Christmas Saturday 8 * GOYA Olympics @ St. Nicholas 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Lunch/Dinner/Dance) Sunday 9 * Last day for Christmas shoe box collection Sunday 16 * Narrator rehearsal 12:15 to 12:30 (room 12) Sunday 23 * Pageant singing rehearsal (St. John’s Room) Saturday 29 * No Greek School Sunday 30 * Narrator rehearsal 12:15 to 12:30 (room 12) December Saturday 6 * Bible Bowl competition (grades 6 – 12) Sunday 7 * Pageant singing rehearsal Saturday 13 * Communion Breakfast & Pageant Dress Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. * Christmas Concert (Evening concert in the Cathedral) Sunday 14 * Folk Dance Bake-sale Saturday 20 * No Greek school Sunday 21 * No Sunday school Saturday 27 * No Greek school Sunday 28 * No Sunday school

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Come Join St. Sophia’s Jr. GOYA (if you’re in 6th -8th grades)

We’re having our first meeting on Friday, Sept. 19, 2008

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (Pizza Dinner)

At the home of Mary and Nick Sarantes 844 N. Laurel Ave LA 90046 (323) 655-6694

Come and sign up so we can start doing things together and with other GOYANS at other churches as well. Please spread the word!!

We can discuss future activities and you can get to know other people your age.

Join us!! For more info, contact Fr. Bill at: [email protected]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * SAINT SOPHIA HELLENIC ACADEMY

Classes begin on Saturday, September 13, 2008 for children ages 3-13. For a registration packet or more information, please contact: Margarita Gillespie at 310-836-8668 or e-mail at:[email protected] COMMUNITY NEWS

A VISIT TO HAVANA, CUBA…You’re invited… Orthodox Marriage Encounter~ October 3-5, 2008 Under a US Government approved license, our Dean, Experience Orthodox Marriage Encounter at Saint Nicolas Father John Bakas will be leading a group from Saint Ranch!! Sophia Cathedral and surrounding area on a journey of Orthodox marriage encounter is for any couple who wants to “Adventure” to Havana, Cuba, during November, 2008. enrich their marriage. This continuation of outreach supports our Greek Orthodox brothers For more information please log into: and sisters in the Greek Orthodox Community there. Our trip fos- www.Orthodox Marriage Encounter.org ters the relationship which began when a group from Saint Sophia attended the consecration celebrations of the new Greek Orthodox To register, please contact: Cathedral in Havana by our Patriarch Bartholomeow in January Fr. Jim and Donna Pappas 2004 and another group visited again in January 2008. Greg Par- Church: 559-233-0397 kos, active member of our congregation, who has officially visited Home: 909-793-8168 Cuba 6 times in the last 3 years, will be coordinating administra- [email protected] tive details of the tour for Saint Sophia with the assistance of the expert travel group “Cuba Tours and Travel” which is based in LA. Fr. John and Ellie Alexandres If you or your friends are interested in joining what will be an excit- Church 661-945-1212 ing and unforgettable experience, email: Greg at GregParkos@aol. Home: 909793-8168 com or call 310-869-4732 for detailed price and itinerary. [email protected]

A GREAT CAUSE AND MISSION NEW TESTAMENT GREEK at LMU~Fall 2008 Semester By 2010, sub-Saharan Africa will be home to an estimated 50 This course is ideal for all students of the Bible, as well million orphaned children. Because of HIV/AIDS, the number as Priests, Pastors, and Ministers of Christian Churches. of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa is spiraling upward—in- This course is designed to provide the tools necessary to creasing exponentially—rather than declining. According to read and understand the original text of the New Testa- UNICEF, the staggering number of African children already ment. It will also enhance the ministry of the spiritual orphaned due to AIDS is only the beginning of a crisis of gar- leaders regardless of denomination, and will provide a gantuan proportions... the worst is yet to come.” refresher course for those who may have studied Greek. Course goals are to understand the vocabulary, grammar, and In 2006, Annie Boyiazis, one of our own Greek Orthodox young the structure of New Testament Greek, and to introduce the women, traveled to remote villages in sub-Saharan Africa and student to scriptural passages in their original form. A Cer- began graphically documenting, through photography, families tificate of Completion will be issued at the end of the term. whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Annie intends The course will be taught by Dr. Alexandra to return to sub-Saharan Africa this fall in order to delve deeply Papoutsaki, a native of Greece, who holds a Ph.D. in into this project for several months straight. The photographs she Classics from the University of Southern California. makes will be suitable for international exhibition and publica- For more information and enrollment procedures, please tion, fostering greater awareness within the international com- call Loyola Marymount at 310-338-1971, 310-338-4463 or munity of this orphan crisis. If these children are seen, they will the instructor at 213-748-7554. no longer remain invisible to us. Please pray for both Annie’s physical and spiritual strength. Annie needs our financial support PHILANTHROPIA MINISTRY NEWS to return to Africa and complete her work. If you find it within your means to contribute, donations of any amount will be tax- ATTENTION: deductible and greatly appreciated. Please make checks out to St. Please do not bring any donations, especially computers and Sophia and write AIDS Orphans/Sub-Saharan Africa on the memo computer accessories until after the festival. We will begin ac- line. This project has the support of our Saint Sophia Cathedral. cepting donations again on September 14. Thank you for your assistance. HELLENIC BALL 2008 ON THE WINGS OF VICTORY Annual Appeal Thank you so much on behalf of all those people we help dur Honoring: - Dr. James Kallins ing the year. If you have not had a chance yet to send your gift, Mr. and Mrs. George Nicholas please do so--it is never too late. Mr. and Mrs. Gerry Ranglas God bless you. Mrs. Laki Vasilliadis Again, thank you for your caring and support. RESERVE THE DATE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008 Father Peter Information at www.hellenicballorg - or call 858.755.2017 OVER 750 GUESTS CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF LOS ANGELES’ GREEK COMMUNITY

100th Anniversary Committee

A nostalgic step into a room of lighted palm trees mirrored the “Coconut Grove”era and set the scene for the Los Angeles Greek com- munity’s centennial celebration Saturday evening, June 7, 2008, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel with actor Michael Chiklis serving as master of ceremionies.

Panos Angels, Vicky Ambatielos, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Timi Freshman and Michael Chiklis Proclamation and congratulations from City of Los Angeles

Co-chairmen of the “Sentimental Journey” celebration Vicky Zaferis Ambatielos and Timi Loomos Freshman welcomed guests and presented His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and the Very Reverend Father John S. Bakas, Dean of St. Sophia Cathedral who gave the Invocation. Mika Kyprianides, Vicky Ambatielos and Timi Freshman Barry and Melina Pyle, Irene and Kyriakos Frankos Among those joining the celebration, were Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, Reverend Father Bill Tragus of St. Sophia, the Very Reverend Father Spencer T. Kezios, Pastor Emeritus of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Northridge, local Orthodox Hierarchs and Clergy, Counsul General of Greece, Dimitris Caramitsos-Tziras and Counsul General of Cyprus, Andreas Kyprianides. We were so fortunate to obtain Alex Lyras of New York and L.A. Alex wrote and performed the monologue, One Hundred Years Young, specifically for this 100th Anniversary event,” remarked co-chairs Ambatielos and Freshman.

Mary Kezios and Pauline Evangelatos Faye Demetriou, Vicky Ambatielos, Diane Lapa, Bebe Paul and Tina Callas The program was rich with local talent. The Centennial Singers sang the nostalgic songs (Cabaret Style) of the decades in Greek and English while the audience joined in singing the reminiscent songs with them. Conductor Neal Desby of USC and the Centennial Sing- ers (Anatolia Ioanides, Patrice Karavas, Maria-Elena Kolovos, George Miserlis, Michele Patzakis Prappas, Theodosia Roussos, Richard Seymour and Eleni Stumpus) performed Make Our Garden Grow, (representing our future) the Candide Finale by Leonard Bernstein. Sisters and owners of the Pasadena Civic Ballet, Tania Grafos and Zoe Vidalakis presented their dancers who performed their rendition of Zorba the Greek. Other highlights of the evening included a beautiful duet by Michele Patzakis Prappas and Father Bakas as well as a heartwarming folk dance performed by Loyola Marymount’s Athan Karras. Musical accompaniment throughout the evening was provided by Gus Pappelis and his band. The lovely program book was designed by Tina Callas.

Ted and Jan Pastras Eleni Yokas, Melina Pyle, Christina Tasulis, and Marika Tsircou Kudos were extended to producer Helene Liatsos, musical coach Anatolia Ioanides, musical coordinator for the evening Michele Patza- kis Prappas and actor/writer Helen Liacouras Lambros who served as production advisor of this masterful presentation. His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah and Fr. Spencer Kezios led us in the benediction as well as a resounding “God Bless America.”

Michelle Prappas, Alex Lyras and Helen Lambros Loula Moschonas, Dr. Michael Patzakis, Susan Patzakis and Stephanie Lubian Upon departing, guests received a commemorative album of personal stories that had been beautifully designed by Mika Kyprianides, edited by Dean Loomos assisted by Evangeline Zaferis Karavas, Diane Sakellaris Lapa and Olga Ambatielos Tavernakis and coordinated by Chairs Vicky and Timi. The book was based on research by historian of Los Angeles’ Greek community Dr. Jim Dimitriou. Depart- ing guests also received a gift bag of koulourakia donated by Loula Moschonas.

Bertha and Panos Angels and Kristin Bruskas

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios had traveled through the night and early morning from Boston to celebrate Divine Liturgy at Saint Sophia for this special occasion. The week’s festivities concluded with a “paniyiri” on the church grounds co-chaired by Ann Pappas and Stephanie Lubian.

Presbytera Maria Bakas, Michael Chiklis and Fr. John Bakas On the previous weekend Jan and Ted Pastras led 200 guests on a bus tour of old Greek L.A. and to the site of the first Greek Orthodox church in Los Angeles on San Julian Street. Father Bakas blessed the site that has officially received its own Historical Marker. This was a “Sentimental Journey” indeed. HEARTFELT APOLOGY to Gene Chronopoulos The 100th Anniversary Book editors apologize profusely to Gene Chronopoulos for accidentally excluding his name from the Greeks of Hollywood list, which he compiled, in the Commemorative book. Entertainment is dear to him and he is dear to us.

We also extend our apology to Jennifer Martin, the greeting voice of Saint Sophia, for inadvertently exclud- ing her name from the Greeks of Hollywood list in the 100th commemorative book. We thank Jennifer for her contribution.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS – 50% discount

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ADULT GREEK DANCE CLASSES

8 Mondays starting September 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Beverly Hills Adult School HS lobby of J.L. Peters Auditorium. The cost is $75. People can register by calling 310-551-5150 or by coming to 255 S. Lasky Dr., Beverly Hills, 90212.

TIMELY REMINDER Please be sure to make your Saint Sophia Stewardship Pledge. We have one more quarter in 2008! Saint Sophia Volunteer Recognition Recipients: Timi Loomos Freshman, Past Parish Council President, 100th Anniversary Co-chair and 100th Anniversary Commemorative Album Co-Editor-in-Chief; Mika Kyprianides, 100th Anniversary Commemorative Album Producer, Creative Director; Rev. Fr. John Bakas, Dean of Saint Sophia Cathedral; Susan Patzakis, Past Philoptohos President, Saint Sophia 50th Anniversary Chair;

Loula Moschonas, Past Parish Council President, present Parish Council 2nd V.P./Treasurer.

With our L A GREEK FEST “Anniversary Spectacular” just days away, we wanted to alert you to the promotions & advertising that are now underway. This year’s marketing / PR campaign is much more extensive than last year and has been designed for maximum exposure across the city for the two weeks leading up to the FEST event.

Promotional / Advertising Venues:

1) FEST Mural Banner - A 60’ x 90’ miral on the storage building across from the Cathedral grandly announces our FEST event to more than 60,000 passenger vehicles each day.

2 - Comprehensive promo coverage throughout its 20-store chain. DAPHNE’S GREEK CAFES

3) TIME WARNER Cable - A 30-sec. FEST commercial spot will begin airing Aug. 15—Sept. 7. A 5-min. FEST interview runs on Local Edition segment on CNN through Sept. 5.

4) METRO Transit - Bus Tail advertising on 60 buses throughout Los Angeles—(on Wilshire, Santa Monica, Pico & Venice Blvd. corridors); Bus Tails posters also featured on DASH buses in downtown L.A., Hollywood & the Westside. FEST alerts will also be featured on METRO transport & light-rail vehicles and the METRO internet website.

5) PRINT Ads - Newspaper ads placed in the L.A. TIMES, Beverly Hills Courier, Park La Brea Press, Larchmont Chronicle and the Hellenic Journal.

1) 2) 3)

6) STAPLES CENTER MARQUEE - Flash messaging notices on the Staples Center marquee through Sept. 7.

7) E-mail blasts (on-line notices) are being provided on the promo websites of Gus Sverkos (www.GreeksinLA.com) & Chris Marcovicci (www.CaliforniaGreeks.com).

8) FEST WEBSITE - Newly revamped & very exciting…..attracting hundreds of “inquiry” hits each day. If you haven’t seen it yet, please visit & have a look. www.LAGreekFest.com

9) GOLDSTAR EVENTS - Promo positioning on this special events website has attracted over 800 additional pre-paid reservations for the FEST weekend.

The L A GREEK FEST is getting a huge amount of publicity & exposure—which we anticipate will translate into a very large (continuing) increase in visitors. Los Angeles expects the best from us— & we promise you, this year’s Anniversary Spectacular won’t disappoint in any way. Please join us with family and friends and help make the magic happen !!

Ted & Jan Pastras FEST Directors

Dear Parish Family & Friends,

Although the FEST is still about two months away, we still are busy planning and budgeting for all operations. We ask that you please consider participating with donations on the NEEDS LIST items and / or the possibility of doing a Booth Sponsorship or an ad in the Program Book. We will be providing more informational details on the FEST presentation in future Sunday Bulletins. Thank you for your consideration & help.

Ted & Jan Pastras - FEST Directors

White Wine $1,200 Dr. Michael & Susan Patzakis Loukaniko $1,000 Jim & Doris Kollias $200 Red Wine $1,400 Andrew & Pauline Evangelatos Pastitsio $2,500 Metaxa $5,000 Remy Martin Corporation Mousaka $2,500 Ouzo $1,200 John and Mary Rallis Tiropetes $2,500 Tequila $1,400 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony A. Demetriou $1,000 Spanikopita $2,500 Margarita Mix $1,000 Dr. and Mrs. James Demetriou Leg of Lamb $4,500 Anonymous Beer $1,800 Whole Lamb $500 Alek & Chris Haidos Soda $1,500 Dr. Sam Harkiss Lamb Chops $1,500 John and Mary Rallis Bottled Water $1,200 Mr. & Mrs. James Kolokotrones Ground Beef $900 Peter Zarras $200, Olga Jordan $ 300 Ice / Refrig. Truck $3,000 $30 Stanley Thimakis Paper Goods $3,500 Greg Mallis Family Kalamari $1,600 The Gallanis family Coffee $300 Mr. & Mrs. William Dres Pork Souvlakia $1,200 Margarita Bogocyan $100 Greek Coffee $400 Sophia & Michael Helm Chicken Souvlakia $1,200 Espresso / Mochas Whole Chickens $1,500 Jimmy Pantazis family Smoothies $10,000 Caffe D’Amore / Chris Julias Festival Photography $500 Dr. Theodore Mc Evoy $200, Mrs. Peter Cooking Oil $600 Drakos $100, Helen Evangelatos $200 Olive Oil $600 Dr. & Mrs. Collin Cooper Posters & Flyers $1,200 Greek Olives $750 Mrs. Peter Drakos $100 in lov. mem. Raffl e Ticket Printing $450 Anonumous of her husband Peter Grand Raffl e Prize- Trip to Greece $2,000 Mr. Ted Maniatakos Feta Cheese $1,000 Mr. & Mrs. Peter Fettis 1st Place Prize - Rosarita Beach $1,200 Jim Evangelatos Family Kefalotyri for Saganaki $700 Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Hughes 2nd Place Prize - Plasma TV $550 Timi & Gordon Freshman Mizethra $700 Dr. Diana Savas $350 in Loving memory of 2nd Place Prize - Laguna Beach $700 The Kallins family Sakis Georgopoulos and Samuel Emmanuel 3rd Place Prize - Am. Tourista Luggage $225 Ted & Jan Pastras Butter $1,000 4th Place Prize - Digital Camera $275 Bessie & Jim Bornino Sugar $300 Mr. & Mrs. George Glavas Main Band $6,000 Dr. Theodore Mc Evoy $200 Flour $300 Mr. & Mrs. James Ananias Band-Charanga Latina $1,200 Eggs $400 Mr. & Mrs. William Fordes Security $9,500 Milk $450 Dina Demetrius Moore Labor $12,000 Anonymous Orange juice $250 Mr. & Mrs. John H. Pappas Tents $16,000 Anonymous $9,000 Honey $350 George & Zoe Kaplanis Electrical/Lighting $2,500 Oregano $200 George and Helen Varentges Port-a-Potties $1,150 Walnuts & Almonds $1,000 Helen Bette Drossos $300 Propane & Diesel $460 Anonymous Phyllo Dough - Donation by Pegasos Co Shuttle Vans & Drivers $2,800 Rice $350 Mr. & Mrs. John H. Pappas Refrigerator Truck $1,000 Spaghetti / Macaroni $400 Zagorianos Family Bus Advertising Panels $10,000 Zuccini $600 Tony Giapapas Newspaper Advertising $7,000 Lettuce $900 California Produce Television Commercial $1,900 Cucumbers $400 California Produce Communication Radios $250 Helene Ballas Tomatos $900 California Produce Website Design $500 Dean & Peggy Aronis $500 Brown Onions $350 California Produce Volunteer Luncheon $1,200 Daphne’s Greek Cafes Potatoes $300 Mr. & Mrs. Lou Karagianis Fest T-Shirts $2,500 Ody Demetriades Yellow Squash $300 Rena Poulos & family Misc. Items - Greek Dinner Rolls $750 Puritan Bakery Sports Bar $1,200 Mr. & Mrs. Tykye Camaras Hot Dogs & Buns $250 Joan Shainin & Electra Koutsoukos Metro Dogs $250 Peter, Kostas & Estelle Skouras Green Beans $300 Tony Giapapas Please note: It’s not necessary to cover the entire Eggplant $700 amount of any one item. Lemons $250 Mr. and Mrs. William Sandstrom You may make partial donations toward one Dolmathes $800 Dr. Zoe Papayianis $500 (or several) categories. SAINT SOPHIA CAMP GOLF TOURNAMENT

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2008

MONTEBELLO COUNTRY CLUB 12:15 P.M. TEE OFF SHOTGUN - STROKE PLAY

$175.OO Golf Entry Fee Includes green fee, cart, tee prizes, lunch, hors d’oeuvres with hosted bar at cocktail hour and prime rib dinner

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL GORDON FRESHMAN, CHAIR (310) 273-7565 or e-mail at g.freshman2@verizon,net

AWARDS DINNER Honoring Allan Wilson

Quiet Cannon Banquet Room

-NON GOLFERS WELCOME- (Reservations Required) COCKTAILS 5:30 P.M. DINNER 6:30 P.M. Adults $40.00 Youth (18 and younger) $30.00

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL GEORGIA (213) 380-4228 - - - SAVE THE DATE - - -

On Sunday November 9th, you will have the opportunity to Honor ALL Veterans at our American Legion Leonidas Post 285 85th Anniversary VETERANS DAY Luncheon.

This is the day you can honor our Veterans and say “Thank You” for the sacrifices they made and service they gave for our Country.

Honor a Family member, relative or even a friend. This is the day to show your appreciation for living in and enjoying these great United States of America.

In addition to being in the company of our Veterans, you will be treated to a great Luncheon with all the trimmings.

Door Prizes and Table Prizes - - - SAVE THE DATE - - - Sunday, November 9th, immediately after the Divine Liturgy. SAINT SOPHIA GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL MONTHLY BULLETIN September, 2008 Very Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean Rev. Fr. Bill Tragus, Assistant Constance Callinicos, Choir Director Menelaos Trigonis, Protopsaltis Christopher Yokas, Organist SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL PARISH COUNCIL

Panos A. Angels, President Tom Martin, 1st Vice President Loula B. Moschonas, 2nd Vice President/Chief Financial Off. Sam Konugres, Assistant Secretary Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian, Secretary

MEMBERS Sebastian Opffer Alexa Pagonas Karen Sarames Ted Pastras Peter Pallas Toula Kalatzis Luke Richard Curren Associates: Eleni Constantine, Angela Karavedas, Aileen Strike Preonas

AUDITING COMMITTEE Tom Moore Anthony Demetriou SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES John S. Sakellaris, President Angelo L. Pappas, Exec.Vice President Andrew Evangelatos, Vice President Dr. James A. Demetriou, Treasurer Constantine Boukidis, Secretary MEMBERS V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Gig Kyriacou John T. Pappas Nicholas Bissias Panos A. Angels George Preonas Alek Haidos William H. Oldknow Harry C. Vournas

Peter C. Latsis, Honorary

Presidential Appointments John G. Marakas III - First Vice President Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor

Anthony A. Demetriou Tina Callas Timi Loomos Freshman Susan Patzakis Assistant to the President Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY Dina Skouras Oldknow, President Dianne Pruett, 1st Vice President Virginia Noyes, Recording Secretary Mary Gallanis, Treasurer Maria Toczek, 2nd Vice President Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary Scarlett Billis, Assistant Treasurer Connie Cooper, Advisor MEMBERS Dorothea Ales Frances Bissias Olga Jordan Pauline Ladicos Mariana Politis Helene Ballas Pauline Evangelatos A. Electra Koutsoukos Sophie Mastor Sonia Stathes Tricia Kremer OTHER MINISTRIES Altar Boys - Fr. Bill Tragus Sexton - James Karatsikis Greek School - Helen Dumas, Director Church School - Eleni Yokas Philoptohos V.I.P. - Dorothea P. Stamatiades, President Margaret Gillespe, Principal Camp - Vicki Kades Dance Groups - Fr. Bill Tragus G.O.Y.A. - Fr. Bill Tragus Youth - Fr. Bill Tragus Bible Study - Fr. John & Fr. Bill Book Store -Alexandra & Larry Hughes Philanthropia - Fr. Peter Lambert Art Class - George Williams

Editor in Chief - Timi Loomos Freshman Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1324 S. Normandie Ave Los Angeles, CA 90006

TIME SENSITIVE FIRST CLASS MAIL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

MEMORIALS

S u n d a y, S e p t e m b e r 7 James Drulias , Julia Kezas, Antigone Econn, Richard Econn, John Otis. S u n d a y, S e p t e m b e r 2 1 Yolanda Evangelia Katsoulis, Louis and Mariana Flor, Eleni Kavras, Kaliope Jackson, Johanna Golf , N i c k Treantafelles, Constantina Papadakis Penner, Thecla Ananias. S u n d a y, S e p t e m b e r 2 8 Chris Pastras, Basile Aronis, Mary Aronis, Melina Aronis, Esftathia and Ray Rasmussen, Gus and Margaret Constance, William Minford, Fotini Moshidou. Coffee Hour is being offered in loving memory of Basile and Mary Aronis, Melina Aronis, Efstathia and Ray Rasmussen, Gus and Margaret Constance, by Dr. and Mrs. Constantine Aronis and family.