April 2012 Page Saint Sophia Cathedral

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox

Cathedral

V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean

Rev. Fr. Allan Boyd, Assistant

1324 S. Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90006

Tel. 323-737-2424 Fax. 323-737-7029 www.stsophia.org

Deadline for May Herald

Thursday, 19 April

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

OF GREEK ORTHODOXY IN LOS ANGELES

HERALD APRIL 2012

Dean’s Message 2 President’s Message 3

Foundation News 7 Philoptohos News 8 Philoptohos VIP 9 Philanthropia News 9 Sunday School News 10

Youth News 15 Sacraments 16 Ministries List 17 Community News 18 Orthodox Calendar 23

Stewardship 4

Greek Dance News 10

Christos Anesti!  Christ has Risen!  Sunday, April 15th 

April 2012 Page 2

DEAN’S MESSAGE “Heavenly Waiting To Easter”

From Advent to Christmas, from Lent to Palm Sunday to Good Friday to Easter; from the Ascension to Pentecost through the long stretch of blessed calendar time: We Christians wait. Through each of the holy seasons, waiting time tells us, challenges us, stretches us, purifies us and if we cooperate transforms us.

Palm Sunday initiates that week in the church year which Christians cherish as no other, naming it the Great or Holy Week. Palm Sunday leads us into the solemn high feast of God’s dark glory and dreadful grandeur; it inaugurates the most awesome and terrifying time of waiting in the church year. The divine services of these days form the core of the church’s self-understanding and set forth for us the meaning and nature of our Orthodox Christian life. Yet during Holy Week we waiver in waiting.

Perhaps this is so because we know the end of the story which begins with Palm Sunday. Technical rationality has dulled our reception of the resurrection. We already know that when the women arrive at the tomb on the third day, the stone will be rolled away, the grave will be empty, an angel will be pointing to the folded shroud of the risen Christ. We already know that a resplendent Christ will pass through the walls and show himself to his fearful disciples. Because we “already know” it is difficult for us to wait through Holy Week. But wait we must, for the very realization and meaning of our Orthodox Christian identity is recapitulated in the waiting-time Holy Week demands. Waiting for the glory of Easter and engaging our spiritual powers that come from within.

Holy Week allows us to recover a deeper relationship with God and with other human beings. We so-called moderns are people who value doing, over being. Palm Sunday invites us quite literally during Holy Week to stop our doing and “to be” with God. We are invited to draw near the heart of the One whom we know and love and at the urging of Jesus who called Him Father...Abba. This is the time to wait with God in simple prayer and fasting, offering our presence, our very selves. This is the time to be with the Creator before whom the crucifixion, that senseless act of de-creation takes place. For every Holy Friday there is an Easter, for every Easter there must be a Holy Friday. Death is certain but love is stronger than death.

Holy Week prepares us to live in hope, in active creative waiting. Holy Week is soul piercing for what it teaches us: to love without reserve, to live in compassionate and practical solidarity with our neighbors and our families.

Out of this prayerful waiting in the midst of His gracious love, within our solidarity comes the brilliance of the Resurrection. On Holy Friday death threw a party that lasted all weekend. But early on Sunday morning death was defeated; the party was a failure.

In our reverent waiting and Paschal anticipa-tion during lent and Holy Week let us be prepared to be renewed and reaffirmed with CHRISTOS ANESTI. Love has triumphed over death assuring us eternal life.

God Bless you!

April 2012 Page 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The sun is out, the birds are chirping and everyone’s step is just a little lighter. Spring (Anoixi in Greek) is finally here! It also signifies that our Lenten season is coming to a close and we are nearing the most reverent and holiest of celebrations in the Orthodox faith, Easter (Pascha in Greek). It will begin with the Saturday of Lazarus and our Sunday School children coming together with members of our community to make Palm crosses and culminate with the Resurrec-tion (Anastasi in Greek) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the wee hours of Sunday morning. This is the most sacred of Feasts in our Church as we will gather together in joy and agape, celebrating the presence of the Risen Lord in our midst, and singing the triumphant hymn “Xristos Anesti – Christ is Risen”. I am so looking forward to this as I hope you all are too.

During the month of March we had several occasions to be proud of our community and our youth. We began on March 4 by hosting the Sunday of Orthodoxy for Southern California at our Cathedral. Metropolitan Gerasimos presided over the liturgy with Bishops from the Antiochian and Russian Orthodox Dioceses. Many faithful from churches all around the southland came to celebrate with us. After liturgy our Philoptohos outdid themselves by presenting a plethora of tasty cookies and refreshments for all. Thank you to all who helped to make this a very special day for us. On March 18, we honored our dance groups and their directors for the outstanding performances and awards they received at the 2012 FDF in Anaheim. This year two of our groups came back with medals. Sinefakia placed fourth and Keravnos received the Sweepstakes award for Division II, one of the highest awards that can be achieved at FDF. Congratulations Dancers and Directors. We are extremely proud of you! Finally, on March 25 we had a wonderful cultural program from our Greek School celebrating Greek Independence Day. Our children did an outstanding job of reciting heroic poems and singing beautifully in Greek. Many thanks to our tireless Greek School Director, Dr. Andri Christodoulidou, and her faculty for staging such a great program. Kudos to all!

Our new Huffington Center is fully operational now. Sunday School and Greek School classes are being held in our new classrooms, the Maniatakos Fellow-ship Hall , including the Pavilion and Grand Ball room, has entertained many events including Sunday coffee hours and the Wilson-Hanks Gymnasium has hosted several basketball games. We have worked very hard to make this wonderful building a reality. Let’s take pride in what we have accomplished. Last month our grounds and buildings at Saint Sophia Cathedral and Huffington Center went smokeless. We thank you for your support and cooperation.

As Holy Week rapidly approaches, please be mindful to make every effort to attend the services that will be offered every morning and evening during that week, commemorating the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ. On Easter Sunday, our Saint Sophia Foundation will again be hosting our annual Easter picnic at Brookside Park in Pasadena--a tradition that began 90 years ago. It is a wonderful event for family and friends serving traditional Greek food and pastries. There will be music, dancing and games for the kids. Parking is free. Many thanks to Ted J. Pappas, Chairman, and his committee John T. Pappas, Dean Treantafelles, Tony Dres, Toula Kalatzis and Stephanie Lubian for organizing the event. We do hope that all of you will attend the Easter Picnic and show your support to our Cathedral. This year our event will open at 1:00pm on Easter Sunday.

May the Resurrection of our Lord guide us and be part of our lives.

Happy Easter! Καλο Πασχα!

In His Service,

Loula B. Moschonas

April 2012 Page 4

STEWARDSHIP

Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship

It is with deep and sincere gratitude that we acknowledge your positive and generous response to our 2012 stewardship  appeal. As we thank you for being worthy stewards of the church, we thank God from whom all blessings flow.  

PLEDGED STEWARDS for JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2012 

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP                                                                         

PROVIDES  

THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR ORTHODOX FAITH, 

ENHANCES 

 OUR SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL GROWTH, AND  

ENSURES  

THE TRANSITION OF FAITH AND CULTURE TO FUTURE GENERATIONS 

$20,000 + Marcus, Mr. & Mrs. George $10,000 ­ $14,999 Dameris, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Rallis, Mr. & Mrs. John* Anonymous $6,000 ­ $,7999 Caras, Mr. & Mrs. Chris W.* Holcomb, Mr. & Mrs. James Maniatakos, Mr. & Mrs. Ted* Oldknow, Mrs. Constantina Papalexis, Mr. & Mrs. Bill* Preonas, Mr. & Mrs. George* Soterpulos, Mr. & Mrs. Gust $4,000 To $5,999 Bakas, Fr. John and Presvytera Boltinghouse, Mr. & Mrs. Jim* Conrad, Ms. Cassandra Helis Edgerton, Mr. James                                                              & Moschonas, Mrs. Loula Patzakis, Dr. & Mrs. Michael* Poulos, Mrs. Rena Toczek, Dr. Maria Webster, Mr. & Mrs. Dante Anonymous  

$2,000 To $3,999 

Ananias, Mr. & Mrs. James Andrei, Mr. & Mrs. John Boukidis, Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Callas, Mr. & Mrs. Steven Contois, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dimitriadis, Dr. Andre Doumakes, Mr. Robert* 

Evangelatos, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew* 

Fling, Ms. Martha Flokas, Mr. & Mrs. Dino* 

Freshman, Mr. & Mrs. Gordon George, Mr. Joseph* 

Halikis, Mrs. Rosalind F.* 

Hanna, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Helm, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kirages, Mr. & Mrs. John Korbakis, Dr. & Mrs. John P.* 

Manolopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter H. Papageorge, Mr. & Mrs. George Pappas, Mr. & Mrs Gus J. Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. John H. Schwalm, Mr. & Mrs. James Siafaris, Mr. & Mrs. George 

Stavaridis, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Stumpus, Mr. Achilles Toczek, Dr. Ariadne Vasila, Mrs. Georgia Anonymous 3 

$2,000 To $3,999 continued 

$1,000 To $1,999 

Achilles, Mr. Achilles Z. Anastassiou, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. Andrews, Mr. & Mrs. George J. Attyah, Mr. Paul M. Auerbach, Drs. Art & Maria Caras, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Tom* 

Chester, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Chistolini, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Cosfol, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Daglas, Mr. & Mrs. Chris* 

Dalis, Mr. John* 

Dean, Ms. Orania Dembegiotes, Mr. Pantele Demetriou, Dr. & Mrs. James* 

Edwards, Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas Fagan, Mr. & Mrs. Milton Fenady, Mrs. Katherine 

April 2012 Page 5

STEWARDSHIP

Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship

 PLEDGED STEWARDS FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2012 

continued 

Fettis, Mr. & Mrs. Peter* 

Flokas, Ms. Dena Fossati, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Frankos, Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Gatsoulis, Mr. Philip Georgiou, Mr. Nicholas Giapapas, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Greitzer, Mr. & Mrs. Steven Halekakis, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Judge, Mrs. Julia Kalban, Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Karagianis, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Karavas, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Kiapos, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Kostos, Mrs. Virginia Koufoudakis, Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas Kouros, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Liappas, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Marentes, Mr. James Morris, Mrs. Stella N.* 

Nahmoulis, Ms. Vida Nakata, Drs. Kouji & Mary Natsis, Mr. & Mrs. Anton O’Donnell, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Papadakis, Mr. & Mrs. John Peratis, Mrs. Christine* 

Perris, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Peterson, Mr. & Mrs. John* 

Scofield, Mrs. Frances Siafaris, Mr. & Mrs. Harry* 

Starros, Mrs. Diane Stasinos, Mr. & Mrs. John Stephanou, Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Suchy, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond W. Thimakis, Mr. Stanley Tsimahides, Mr. & Mrs. Zafiris Valaskantjis, Mr. & Mrs. George Valaskantjis, Mr. & Mrs. Nikiforos Venetos, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Zinelis, Mr. Panagiotis Anonymous  

$1,000 To $1,999 continued  $500 To $999 

Adamopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Alexopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Ananias, Mr. & Mrs. Dean Ananias, Ms. Debbie Anastas, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Andreadis, Ms. Irene Athans, Mr. & Mrs. Alex Athans, Mr. & Mrs. Dean Awad, Ms. Melissa Bakas, Ms. Andrea Balis, Ms. Chrysanthy & Shurin, Dr. Autumn Berk, Mr. & Mrs. Aristid Bicos, Ms. Bessie Bonduris, Mr. Sam Boudouvas, Mr. & Mrs. John Bougioukos, Mrs. Maria Boussalis, Drs. Constantine & Helen Brotsis, Ms. Barbara Vera Chagares, Ms. Kiki Chiochios, Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Christofides, Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Chrys, Ms. Annie Dascalu, Mr. & Mrs. George Demetriadi, Mr. Odysseus Dres, Mr. & Mrs. William Emery, Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Garrity, Mrs. Sophia Gialketsis, Mrs. Lola* Gianoukakis, Dr. & Mrs. Andrew Giapapas, Ms. Anne Glavas, Mr. & Mrs. George Grafos, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Guirguis, Mr. Alexander Hronis, Ms. Soteria Jones, Mrs. Mary Kades, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kappos, Mrs. Barbara and family Karavedas, Ms. Frances Kastas, Mr. Lewis Kezios, Mr. & Mrs. Nick 

$500 To $999 continued Kitchens, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Klapsis, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Klima, Mr. & Mrs. Laszlo Kostas, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Kousouls, Mr. & Mrs. Gus Kruger, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kyriacou, Mr. & Mrs. Charalambos Kyriacou, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Lambert‐Petronis, Ms. Carrie E. Matheou, Dr. Georgios                                                   and Christodoulidou, Dr. Andri McDemas, Constantine and family Michaels, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mihalas, Dr. Stephanie Mike, Mr. Michael Milonas, Ms. Stephanie Mullins, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Nichols, Mrs. Dina Nicolaou, Mr. Carl & Hawkins, Ms. Deborah Nicolaou, Mr. Emile Panagiotopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Mario Papachristos, Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Petros Papavasiliou, Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. James Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Pappas, Mr. & Mrs. Tony Pappas, Mr. Alexander Van Pappatheodorou, Dr. Sofia Pastras, Mr. & Mrs. Ted Peters, Mrs. Elpida Psaltiras, Mr. & Mrs. Eftychios Rapsomaniki, Ms. Chrysanthy Reeves, Ms. Kristen Reeves, Ms. Lily Rosas, Mr. Sonny Shartz, Mr. Peter Shults, Mr. & Mrs. Roy Skodras, Mr. Demetrios Smith, Ms. Sophie Sogas, Ms. Constance Spanos, George and Brooke 

April 2012 Page 6

STEWARDSHIP

Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship

 PLEDGED STEWARDS FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2012 

continued 

$500 To $999  continued 

Spiropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy* Spirus, Mr. & Mrs. Kosta Staikos, Mr. Alexandros Stamatis, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Starr, Mr. Dan Milano & Mrs. Christa Starr Milano Stathes, Mr. & Mrs. Margus Stokes, Ms. Penny Stumpus, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Stumpus, Mrs. Elizabeth Szekely, Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Tassop, Ms. Mary Themelis, Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Treantafelles, Mrs. Kitsa Tsoutsas, Ms. Tina Varentges, Mr. & Mrs. George Varentges, Ms. Kalli Vasilion, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Vera, Ms. Kukla Veremis, Ms. Argiro Christ Veselic, Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Woloschinowisch, Mrs. Mary M. Zachario, +Mr. & Mrs. Bill Zanetos, Mr. & Mrs. Dean Zanetos, Mr. & Mrs. John Zarras, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Zotos, Dr. Gregory E. Anonymous 10 

OTHER   continued 

Issaevitch, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Katsoulis, Mr. John Koch, Mrs. Vasso Koukos, Mr. & Mrs. Aristides Latsis, Mrs. Lillian Lellios, Ms. Fay Efrosini Manikas, Mr. George Maniskas, Ms. Anastasia Mars, Mrs. Irene Mavros, Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Melanitis, Ms. Kelly Naoumovitch, Mrs. Theodora Nicolaidis, Mr. Nicolas Orginos, Ms. Mary Panayi, Mrs. Rena Panayi, Ms. Eleni Papangellin, Mr. Daniel Peterson, Mr. Christopher Petros, Mr. & Mrs. John Pieptea, Mr. Radu Pieptea, Ms. Laura Psara, Mr. Kyriacos G. Psara, Ms. Maria Rodinos, Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Sinanis, Mrs. Virginia Skarzenski, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Skarzenski, Mr. Jimmy Skarzenski, Mr. Joseph Spears, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Spence, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Topetzes, Ms. Joanna Travassaros, Ms. Frances Winton, Mr. Brett and Kolovos, Ms. Mary Elena Anonymous 2   

*=Life member and active Steward +=Blessed Memory 

 

OTHER 

Ales, Mrs. Dorothea Balikos, Mrs. Jeanne Braswell, Mr. & Mrs. John Chapralis, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew G. Chapralis, Mrs. Tula Chialtas, Mr. George Cosfol, Mrs. Ero Dimitrakopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Pete DiOrio, Mr. Carl Dye, Mr. & Mrs. Rob 

April 2012 Page 7

Be a Part of the Legacy If you have not yet participated in the building project,  

you can still be part of this once‐in‐a‐lifetime legacy –  

a legacy that will stand for generations to come.    

The Saint Sophia Foundation invites  you to support our new Community Center. Every gift makes a difference.  

Your generous gift will be recognized with other donors, acknowledging your role in this extraordinary project.   Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be listed on the donor wall in the lobby of the Huffington Center. 

 

Donations  may be sent to the Saint Sophia Foundation.    Please indicate how you would like your name listed.  

Contact the Foundation office for additional information at 323.737.2424 Extension 202  

Deadline to be included on donor wall is fast approaching. 

SAINT SOPHIA FOUNDATION NEWS

It is my pleasure to announce the addition of 3 new Foundation members: Steve Hanna, Michael Huffington, and Jim Zaferis were recently elected as full members to the Board of Trustees. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with our newest Trustees. On behalf of the Foundation, I extend our warmest welcome.

I also wish everyone a blessed Easter and invite you to join us at Brookside Park in Pasadena for our 90th annual Easter Picnic. Come and enjoy good fellowship, good food and delicious desserts..

Angelo Pappas, Foundation President

DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS ? 

The grounds and buildings at Saint Sophia Cathedral and Huffington Center are now smokeless ! 

We kindly request that you refrain from smoking while on the grounds or in the buildings.. 

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.. 

April 2012 Page 8

PHILOPTOHOS NEWS

Greetings!

As we prepare for Holy Week and Easter, everyone gets busy with their families but Philoptohos is always at work no matter what time of the year it is. We are helping people who are in need while continuing our outreach projects and getting ready for the Easter picnic. The picnic will be a wonderful celebration of our faith and we are preparing for a fabulous day.

National Philoptohos has responded with the blessings of Archbishop Demetrios, to the crisis in Greece. The National Philoptohos sent a $25,000 donation for immediate assistance to help with medical supplies being shipped to Greek clinics plus the distribution of food staples to more than 2,000 families. The food is sent to the more than 70 parishes in the Archdiocese of Athens and the parish priests distribute the food to the families that are in need. This project is also creating temporary jobs for people who are packaging the items for shipment.

Our Outreach project this month is a Women’s Shelter. Instead of making lunches this month we have a differ-ent project. The Agency for Domestic Violence Against Women approached me and asked if we could give donations of new socks, underwear and undershirts for women and children who are in ‘safe houses’, protected from abusive husbands and boyfriends. We are preparing to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and his promise of life. As the earth changes from the dormant months of fall and winter to springtime with a renewal of life, flowers and trees that are blooming, I immediately said “Yes”! What better time to give people something new and give them some faith in mankind. We need to give these women and children hope for the future. I know you will respond to this great need with love and generosity. You may donate any size or variety of sizes you wish, as long as the items are new and still in the store packages. Items may be brought to church in bags marked for ‘Virginia’ from April 1 until April 29. Since we are not allowed to know the location of the houses, the items will be delivered to the resource agency before Mother’s Day. We will start collecting lunches again for the shelters in May. The missions and shelters are SO appreciative of everything we have donated to them. It is hard to imagine that in this great country, millions of adults and children go to bed hungry every night, but that is a reality. Others are trying to get out of violent situations that threaten

their lives and the lives of their children. These are the people that Philoptohos is supposed to reach out and help! We hope you will join us in this project.

We are pleased to announce that the MOTHER OF THE YEAR is BESS PAPPAS. Bess will be honored at the Philoptohos Mother’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, May 12th at the Universal Sheraton Hotel. Look for the solicitation letters for the program book and the invitations in your mail very soon. We hope you will join us as we honor a woman who has given so much time to the church, her family and Philoptohos. Chairperson Judie Christopoulos and her committee are working hard to make this a wonderful afternoon. Please join us with your daughters, mothers, theas and yiayias for this special afternoon!

Plans are underway for the next Debutante Ball, to be held in January 2013. Chairman Katrina Beers is already working on details and has an informational meeting planned for May. If you would like more information, you may call Katrina at 714-936-7900.

BLANKETS FOR CHILDREN: If you are a person with some time on your hands, Miller’s Children's Hospital can happily accept your donation of a small, tiny 'blankie' for preemie and newborn babies to be placed in their bassinet, or something for a toddler who is in the hospital. Blankets should be cotton or cotton fleece only. The items can be as tiny as 6x6 or 8x8 for the tiny infants, or 12 to 20 inches for toddlers. Thank you to all who have already donated. The hospital is so grateful!

CHANGE FROM THE HEART: PENNIES AND PRAYERS PROGRAM is a Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism that spreads the word of our faith through Missions. This project is close to the heart of Metropolitan Gerasimos, as the project is from the San Francisco Metropolis. You may make a donation in any amount at any time to Philoptohos. You will find C.O.M.E. Canisters in the Sunday School classrooms. Children can bring their donation to class or you can pick up a Pen-nies and Prayer canister from Sunday School to take home and fill up. Your family’s spare change can help support our current mission parishes and begin new ones. Canisters should be returned to the Sunday School in care of Philoptohos on or before Sunday, May 31.

With love in Christ’s service,

Virginia Noyes and the Philoptohos Board of Directors

April 2012 Page 9

PHILOPTOHOS VIP

PHILANTHROPIA NEWS

MAY ACTIVITIES

Thursday, May 24 - Senior Citizen Luncheon.

We are very pleased to announce that we'll be honoring Gus and Kiki Pappas as VIP Philoptohos Senior Citizens for the year 2012. Plan to attend this special day honoring these beautiful people, who have served our community in various activities for many years.

A very special luncheon and program have been planned in the Maniatakos Fellowship Hall by our chairperson Mary Kezios and co-chair Mersy Loukaris.

Cost of the event is $20.00.

For reservations please contact Mersy Loukaris at (323)661-1592 or Helen Varenges at (818)848-2434

JUNE ACTIVITIES

Thursday, June 21 - PALA CASINO SPA RESORT

Save the date.

We will be travelling to Temecula.

More information to follow.

In his Service,

Mary Morrison, VIP President

SCHEDULE FOR CONFESSIONS: During Great Lent (which began on Monday, February 27th) Father Pe-ter will be available for confessions every Wednesday afternoon from 2:00-6:00 p.m. OR by appointment on Sunday mornings. On Wednesdays, call the church office and they will connect you with Father. (If these times are not convenient for you, please call Father at (818) 345-4724.

GET ON THE BUS: This project is coming soon and will be observed on Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day respectively. We will keep you posted as the day approaches.

USED CLOTHING and CANNED GOODS: Please iden-tify all clothing donations on the outside of the bags by indicating whether they are for men, women or children. The two new receptacles for "used clothing" and "canned goods" are working great. As in the past, they are located by Saint Constantine Chapel. Thank you!

ANNUAL APPEAL: We thank you for your continued wonderful support to our annual appeal.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Constantine Marcou, Esq was Philanthropia’s legal counsel for many years. The Celebration of Life Gathering for Constantine of blessed memory, will be held on April 28, 2012, in Lancaster, CA. For details, please call Father Peter at (818) 345-4724. Thank you.

PHILANTHROPIA WEBSITE: The “Winter” issue of the PHILANTHROPIA Newsletter has been mailed and will be available on the website shortly at: www.philanthropiaministry.org We thank Perry Lambert who is coordinating our website

KALI ANASTASI & KALO PASCHA: The members of PHILANTHROPIA wish all of you a blessed Pascha.

Take care and God Bless.

With love, Father Peter

April 2012 Page 10

Sunday School News

PANAYIOTA (BERTHA) ZAGORIANOS Bertha was born in Chicago, Illinois on the 23rd of September 1928. Her family moved to Hollywood, California when she was 15 years old. After she graduated from Hollywood High she became a Beautician. She met her husband, Sam, at St. Sophia Cathedral where they were married on October 2, 1955. They both sang in the Choir together at St. Sophia till they started their family. Shortly after their marriage, they bought a home in Tujunga where they raised their 3 daughters. Bertha also stopped working as a hairdresser when her first daughter was born and she became the neighborhood “mom” to all the children with working moms. She never missed a school program, was Camp Fire Girl leader, school Room Mother, helped carpool children to all St. Sophia Jr. Choir events, and Drill Team Mom for all high school football games her daughters performed in. The list can go on and on for all the things she did for her girls. Eventually the family grew to include in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and God children. As a yia yia, she was always there for her 3 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

The Tujunga home is still the favorite place for family gatherings. After her first daughter was born, Bertha helped start the St. Sophia Nursery where she volunteered her time for over 50 years.

Bertha enjoyed traveling with her family all over the world and has actually visited all 50 states. She lived for her church, family, country and neighbors. She took great pride in her Greek heritage and was a proud American. She touched so many people with her compassion. Bertha passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on March 2, 2012. She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Sam of 55 years.

How truly blessed we all are to have had Bertha in our lives. May her memory be eternal !

Greek Dance News

SAVE THE DATE  for our 1st annual 

Horoesperitha

an evening of music, dance               

and celebration   

Sunday May 27th, 2012  7:00pm – 12:00am 

 

Maniatakos Fellowship Hall               at Saint Sophia Cathedral 

 ENJOY AUTHENTIC GREEK Music by Anotonis Giorgakis ‐ Lyra 

Stathis Karathanasis ‐ Laouto John Tsambounieris – Tsambouna 

 MEZETHES will be served ALL EVENING 

No Host Bar  

ADULTS: $30    CHILDREN UNDER 12: $20  

PROCEEDS BENEFIT St. Sophia Dance Program  

RSVP by email: st.sophia.folkdance@gmail.com or call Joanna 

April 2012 Page 11

Greek Dance continued

April 2012 Page 12

Greek Dance continued

April 2012 Page 13

Greek Dance continued

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Dance Groups 

Diakonia In collaboration with the Sunday School Program­ the dance groups Kyklonakia, Sinefakia and Keravnos filled boxes with  items  for young vulnerable children  for Operation Christmas Child  for  the 5th year.   The  organization brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift­filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. 

Delivering a Gift of Hope..

The  Kymata  Group  volunteered  at  the  Los  Angeles                                   Regional  Food Bank.  Youth, Parents  and Directors  sorted  inspected, and  repackaged  the  food,  along  with  hundreds  of  volunteers  we worked to feed the poor. 

 

 

Keravnos  joined One  Voice  and  2,000 volunteers at  the Barker Hangar  to  sort food  for 2,500  families  living  in poverty. One Voice, a nonprofit organization helps families living at poverty level within our community.      

 

Jeffrey  Foundation­  For  the  fifth year  the Fourtouna Dance  Group volunteered at  the  Jeffrey Foundation Christmas Party.   They  set up,  served a  lunch  for 250  special needs  children and  their  families. The  Jeffrey        Foundation is a Center serving disabled children in Los Angeles County. 

 

 

 

 

April 2012 Page 14

Greek Dance continued

ST. SOPHIA ANNUAL EASTER BAKE SALE 

PALM SUNDAY APRIL 8th  

Tsourekia  Koulourakia  Kourambiedes 

Diples and more… 

and more…… 

PRE ORDERS AND SPECIAL REQUESTS                                          

ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED 

Please call Demitra Koutsos 818 903­7059 

All proceeds will go towards the St. Sophia Dance Ministry 

Please come out and support us! 

April 2012 Page 15

APRIL Sunday 1 Sunday School—regular schedule District Oratorical Festival @ St. Nectarios Saturday 7 Saturday of Lazarus Pancake Breakfast and Palm making for Sunday school students Sunday 8 Palm Sunday Sunday School—regular Schedule Friday 13 Holy Friday Retreat 10am—2:30pm Sunday School ages 3-11 / grades Pre K—6 Easter Egg Hunt Friday 13 Holy Friday Lock-in follows Lamentation service—grades 7-12 only Sunday 15 Easter Sunday—Easter Picnic Easter Egg Hunt at Easter Picnic 3pm Saturday 21 Basketball in Wilson-Hanks Gymnasium Sunday 22 Sunday School—Regular Schedule Basketball in Wilson-Hanks Gymnasium Saturday 28 Post Season Basketball Tournament Quarter Finals Sunday 29 Sunday School Godparents Sunday Special schedule for classes Basketball Semi Finals in Wilson-Hanks Gymnasium

YOUTH NEWS

Youth Program Contacts Youth Calendar of events

ALTAR BOYS Chris Halekakis

cjhmgmt@gmail.com BASKETBALL Paul Cooper

mrpaul599@sbcglobal.net CAMP AXIOS

September Sucher sbds@cox.net

CAMP ZOE Fr. John Bakas

frbakas@stsophia.org

GREEK DANCE Barbara Kappos

Bkappos@aol.com

HELLENIC ACADEMY Andri Christodoulidou,

Director andri.christodoulidou@cantab.net

RITE OF COMMITMENT Helen Lambros

HLambros@aol.com

SAINT SOPHIA CAMP Melanie O’Regan mell0n@aol.com

saintsophiacamp.org

SUNDAY SCHOOL Eleni Yokas

eyokas@college.usc.edu

Saint Sophia Moms N’ Tots

St. Sophia Moms N' Tots Program is a Faith, Music and Movement program designed for Moms and/or Dad's with infants/toddlers between the ages of 6 months - 4 years old. If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle with a little one, please join us!

WHEN: Thursday, March 1st through Thursday, June 7th

TIME: Thursdays, 10:30am -11:30am

WHERE: Huffington Center at Saint Sophia Cathedral, in the Nursery Room

COST: $20 registration fee per child

If you and your little one enjoy singing, dancing and spending time with friends, then you will love what we have in store for you! Our weekly gathering will consist of singing (both religious and secular), dance and move-ment activities, followed by story time and finally an activity based on our church calendar, be it a Feast Day or a Saints day, etc. We will learn how to do our cross, say our prayers, and much more! It will be a great opportunity for both parents and children to connect and share with one another in the spirit of Christian unity! If you have any questions please contact the St. Sophia Moms N’ Tots coordinator, Katia Boudouvas at kbakas@gmail.com

Sunday School Notes…. 

Myrrh Bearers:  Parents—if  you have    a 2nd or 3rd grade girl who would  like  to  be  a Myrrh Bearer on Holy Friday  evening, please  e‐mail  Eleni  Yokas  at  eyokas@usc.edu   

Saturday, April 7th—Saturday of Lazarus Pancake Breakfast Breakfast will be immediately  following  Divine  Liturgy  in  the Ballroom  and  Palm  tying  following  breakfast  in  the  Gym.  

Friday,  April  13th  Holy  Friday  Retreat  for  K­6th  Grades:  Meet in the General Assembly Room, 2nd floor, east side.  

Middle School – High School Lock­in:  11PM  ‐  6:30AM  follow‐ing  the  7:30  PM  Lamentation  Service,.    Includes  St  Basil's           Vesperal  Liturgy  ‐ "Arise  O  God!"  beginning  at  7AM.  Food,           Fellowship, Movie, Reflection & Discussion—in the Gym 

Sunday, April 29 Godparent Sunday  ­ Every  Sunday  School, child will  soon  be  sending  an  invitation  to  their  Godparent(s)           inviting  them  to  the  service  on    this  Sunday.  Please  note:           immediately  after  Communion  they  are  to  gather  with  their Godparent(s) in the General Assembly Room for Bible Jeopardy. 

April 2012 Page 16

Saturday 7 Sophia Ronai & George Sterling (twins) Children of Chrysanthy Balis & Autumn Shurin Godparents Phaedon Sinis & Tanya Sleiman Saturday 21 Gavin George Son of George & Kristen Poulos Godparent Marisa Munger Sunday 22 Gia daughter of Philip & Irene Kouros Saturday 28 Constantine son of Vas & Patricia Aronis Sunday 29 Michael Anthony son of Maria & David Evans Godparent George Damascus

BAPTISMS

BIRTHDAYS

MEMORIALS

ANNIVERSARIES WEDDINGS

April 1 Jeanine Hanna

April 8 Sunday School Student

April 22 Jayne Poulos

April 29 Bertha Angels

April 1 Vasso D. Papachristos George Gialketsis Helen & John P. Nicholas Rebecca Berdos Constandinos Pouridis Michael Popoff George A. George Kleonike George Anestis George Joey George Theano Zagorianos Panayiota Zagorianos Vassiliki Papachristos Yiannis Papachristos Ekaterina Papachristos Efstathios Drymonas Stavroula Drymonas Dionysios Spiropoulos Yiota Spiropoulos Antonios Spiropoulos Xrysavgi Spiropoulos Mort Symans Sam Velis Erasmia Velis Bea Papdopoulos

EPISTLE READERS

Please note…

If your birthday or anniver-sary is not listed in the monthly Herald newsletter and you would like it to be listed, please e-mail Stephanie at secre-tary@stsophia.org

APRIL SACRAMENTS

If you wish to view the Sunday Bulletin online, please log into the cat hedra l webs i te : stsophia.org and click on NEWSLETTERS. Then select SUNDAY BULLETIN from the drop-down menu.

Xronia Polla!!

Saturday 21 Deborah Hawkins & Carl Nicolaou Koumbara Emile Nicolaou Saturday 28 Bahareh Rabadi & Salameh Rabadi Sponsor Nidal Rabadi Saturday 29 Elizabeth Messiah & Mike Wahba

If you wish to view the Herald online, please log into the cathedral website: stsophia.org and click on NEWSLETTERS. Then select the HERALD link from the drop-down menu. April 22

John Metzidis Eftihia Metzidis Arthur Metzidis Megalene Caiopoulos Christos (Doumakes) Dumas Persephone Caiopoulos- Diamontopoulos George Alefantes

April 29

Marco Vidalis Nefele Vidalis George Mitchell Halekakis

Ambatielos, Vanessa

Bougeokles, Gena

Divris, Michael

Divris, Peter

Edwards, Carole

Freshman, Gordan

Gialketsis, Lola

Helm, Michael

Judge, Julia

Kiapos, Theodore

Kitchens, Aspasia

Kitchens, Russell

Klima, Jeanine

Maniatakos, Maria

Minto, Brian

Poullos, Irene Watson

Psyllas, George

Rico, Charles

Saviola, Alexander

Spears, Christopher

Spears, Jimmy

Spilos, Kathy Lambros

Travis, Michael

Trutnik, Irena

Watson, Irene

Zoolakis, Kari

Edwards, Nick and Pamela

Vasilion, Peter & Tina

April 2012 Page 17

MINISTRIES Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Very Reverend Father John S. Bakas, Dean Reverend Father Allan (Gabriel) Boyd Jim Kollias, Choir Director Dimitris Liogris , Protopsaltis Christopher Yokas, Organist James Karatsikis, Sexton

FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Officers

Angelo L. Pappas, President Andrew Evangelatos, Vice President

Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O. George Preonas, Vice President Constantine Boukidis, Secretary

Tina Callas, Treasurer

Members V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Nicholas Bissias

Timi Loomos Freshman Alek Haidos Steve Hanna Michael Huffington Gig Kyriacou Loula Moschonas

John T. Pappas Jim Zaferis

Presidential Appointments Anthony A. Demetriou, Presidential Assistant John G. Marakas III, Sr. V. P. of Wells Fargo,

Advisor to the Board

PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Officers

Loula Moschonas, President Ted Pastras, Vice President

Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian, Recording Secretary Brent Noyes, Corresponding Secretary

Michael Kraios, Treasurer & C.F.O.

Members Dina Demetrius Eleni Constantine Manolelis

Jeanine Hanna Karen Sarames Tom Martin Alex Oxyzolou Sebastian Opffer Peter Pallas

Dean Peratsakis Zafiris (Zaf) Tsimahides Associates

Irene Frankos, Stewardship Chairperson Bertha Angels

Auditing Committee Tom Moore Anthony Demetriou

PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY Executive Officers

Virginia Noyes, President Marianna Politis, 1st Vice President Helene Ballas, 2nd Vice President

Mary Gallanis, Recording Secretary Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary

Scarlett Billis, Treasurer Dina Oldknow, Advisor

Honorary Life Members Jennie Doumak Christine Peratis

Members Frances Bissias Judith Christopoulos Connie Cooper

Pauline Evangelatos Olga Jordan Tricia Ballas Kremer Constance Manders Sophie Mastor Jan Pastras

Christina Peratsakis Diane Pruett Sonia Stathes Mary Tassop Maria Toczek

ALTAR BOYS Chris Halekakis

BASKETBALL Gig Kyriacou & Paul Cooper

BIBLE STUDY Very Rev. Father John Bakas

Rev. Father Allan Boyd BOOK STORE

William Striglos CAMP ZOE

Very Rev. Father John Bakas CHILD CARE

Kathy & Marsha Zagorianos CHOIR

Jim Kollias COFFEE HOUR Ann Pappas

Georgia Vasila DANCE GROUPS Barbara Kappos

DOCENTS Faye Demetriou EASTER PICNIC

Ted Pappas Tony Dres Dean Treantafelles

Toula Kalatzis Stephanie Lubian

GREEKS IN HOLLYWOOD Dina Demetrius

HELLENIC ACADEMY Andri Christodoulidou

HOSPITALITY Niki Korbakis

Maria Pelargos L.A. GREEK FEST

Ted & Jan Pastras MR. & MRS. CLUB

Dean & Christine Peratsakis PARENTING

Nick Stefanidis Barbara Kappos PHILANTHROPIA

Rev. Father Peter Lambert PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P.

Mary Morrison, President SAINT SOPHIA CAMP

Melanie O’Regan Kathleen Kyriacou

Jack Stumpus (Golf Event) Mary-Kay Demetriou (Tennis)

SUNDAY SCHOOL Eleni Yokas

YOUTH Rev. Father Allan Boyd

OFFICE STAFF Christina Ajalat, Office Manager & Stewardship Director Cindy Celis, Events Director Chris Halekakis, Facilities Director Ann Pappas, Events Administrator Dimey Angels, Accounting

CUSTODIAL STAFF Leonard Hart Miguel Rosales

April 2012 Page 18

COMMUNITY NEWS

Saint Sophia Cathedral

Greek Orthodox Community of Los Angeles invites you to celebrate Pascha (Easter) at the

90th Annual Greek Easter Picnic

Brookside Park (at the Rose Bowl) Pasadena, CA

Easter Sunday April 15th - 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 Live Greek Music and Dancing

Activities for the Kids – Free Rides, Easter Egg Hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny

Admission Adults 13 & up $10

Children 12 & under FREE !! Credit cards accepted at admission gate

Please – no pets allowed

Please note: park will not open until 1pm

April 2012 Page 19

COMMUNITY NEWS

April 2012 Page 20

St Sophia Cathedral Holy Week Schedule - 2012

HOLY WEEK FLOWERS Donations are being accepted for floral arrangements, Icons & all related flowers for Holy Week & 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 323.737.2424 Ext 207 or Jimmy Karatsikis 323.737.2424 Ext 302 for information.

Lazarus Saturday, April 7 (Christ Resurrects Lazarus From 4 Days Dead) 9:30 AM Orthros 10:30 AM Divine Liturgy (Pancake Breakfast & Palm Tying immediately following Divine Liturgy)

Palm Sunday, April 8 (Christ’s Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem) 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Studies In the Faith 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy w/Blessing & Distribution of Palms 7:30 PM 1st Service of the Bridegroom / Nymphios (This service helps prepare us to receive the Christ our

Lord as the Bridegroom. It happens 3 nights in a row.)

Holy Monday, April 9 9:30 AM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 7:30 PM 2nd Service of the Bridegroom / Nymphios

Holy Tuesday, April 10 7:30 PM 3rd Service of the Bridegroom / Nymphios

Holy Wednesday, April 11 9:30 AM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy (Last one of the Lenten Season) 3:30 PM (Early Choice) Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:30 PM (Later Choice) Sacrament of Holy Unction

Holy Thursday, April 12 10:00 AM Saint Basil Morning Vesperal Liturgy 7:30 PM Reading of the 12 Gospels (About the dramatic Passion & Crucifixion of our Lord)

Holy Friday, April 13 9:30 AM Reading of the Royal Hours (Hymns, psalms, and readings from the Old and New Testaments, all prophetically and practically related to the Person of Jesus Christ.) 3:30 PM Descent from the Cross (The Un-nailing) 7:30 PM Lamentation Service (Funeral procession of our Lord)

Holy Saturday, April 14 7:00 AM Saint Basil Morning Vesperal Liturgy (Arise O God!) 11:00 PM The Canon (Anticipating the coming Resurrection) 12:00 AM Resurrection / Anastasi Service 12:30 AM Resurrectional Divine Liturgy

Holy Pascha / Easter Sunday, April 15 11:00 AM Agape Service – Vespers of Love 1:00pm – 7:00 PM Pascha Picnic in Pasadena

April 2012 Page 21

K through 6th Grade 

April 2012 Page 22

COMMUNITY NEWS

5 TONS OF LOVE CLOTHING DRIVE   

Spring is in the air and as we embark on another beautiful Lenten season, let us once again show our Love of neighbor.  

As  we  do  every  year  at  this  time,  the  AMNOS Ministry  will  try  to  fill  a  5  ton  truck  with your  donation  of  quality          clothing to be distributed to those less fortunate.  

Simply clean out your closets or better yet, conduct your own clothing drive at school, work or in your neighborhood.   

This is St. Sophia's 10th annual, 5 TONS OF LOVE clothing drive!  It will run through the end of April and as in previous years, your efforts will support downtown LA's Union Rescue Mission  

Please  contact  Fr.  Alan  Boyd  or  Dean  &  Christina  Peratsakis for  the  drop  off  location  and  for  more  information.          Volunteers are needed.   Thank you.  

Dean and Christina:  818­351­0122 or dotos@msn.com  

April 2012 Page 23

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 8:15am Orthros 9:15am StudiesFaith 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

2

10:30am & 12:30pm Bible Study w/ Fr. John

Evening Bible Study with Fr. John cancelled –4 /23

3 4 Philoptohos VIP Board Mtg 10am

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy—7:30pm

5

Catechism with Fr. Allan cancelled during Lent until 4/26

6 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy—9:30am

7 Saturday of Lazarus 9:30am Orthros 10:30am Liturgy Hellenic Academy regular schedule

8 8:15am Orthros 10am Divine Liturgy Palm Sunday

Holy Monday 9

All Bible Study with Fr. John cancelled during Lent until 4/23

10 Holy Tuesday

11 Holy Wednesday

Hellenic Academy closed for Holy Wednesday

Bible Study with Fr. Allan cancelled until 4/25

12 Holy Thursday Catechism with Fr. Allan cancelled during Lent until 4/26

13 Holy Friday

14 Holy Saturday Hellenic Academy Closed for Holy Saturday

15 11am Agape Service

Holy Pascha Easter Picnic 1pm Brookside Park Pasadena

Bright Monday16 All Bible Study with Fr. John cancelled until 4/23

17 Bright Tuesday

18 Bright Wednes. 7:00pm Hellenic Academy - Adults

Bible Study with Fr. Allan cancelled until 4/25

19 Bright Thursday

Catechism with Fr. Allan cancelled until 4/26

20 Bright Friday Theotokos of the Life Giving Spring 8:30am Orthros 9:30am Liturgy

21 Bright Saturday Hellenic Academy PreK—9:30am K & 1-6—9:30am Adult—12:30pm

22 8:15am Orthros 9:15am StudiesFaith 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy Sunday of Thomas

23 Saint George 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Liturgy

Bible Study with Father John 10:30am, 12:30pm and 7:30pm

24

25 7:00pm Hellenic Academy - Adults

7:30pm Bible Study with Father Allan

26

7:30pm Catechism with Fr. Allan

27

28 Hellenic Academy PreK—9:30am K & 1-6—9:30am Adult—12:30pm

29 8:15am Orthros 9:15am StudiesFaith 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers

30 Bible Study with Father John 10:30am, 12:30pm and 7:30pm

FOR SCHEDULE OF HOLY WEEK

SERVICES , PLEASE SEE

PAGE 20

Strict Fast Fish Allowed Wine and Oil Allowed

Dairy, Eggs, and Fish Allowed

Fast Free

APRIL 2012

April 2012 Page 24 Saint Sophia Greek Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community

1324 South Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, California 90006

Phone 323 737 2424

Fax 323 737 7029

E-mail office@stsophia.org

We’re on the Web!

www.stsophia.org

TIME SENSIT

IVE                          

Saint Sophia Sunday School Students on the Sunday of Orthodoxy