HERALD. Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral SEPTEMBER September Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral

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1 Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral HERALD SEPTEMBER 2014 Page I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Dean s Message 2 President s Message 3 Philoptochos News 4 Stewardship 5 Philanthropia News 5 Philoptochos VIP 5 Ministries List 8 Sacraments/ Memorials 9 Choir News 9 Greek Fest Donations 12 &13 Feast Day Article 10 Orthodox Calendar 15 Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean Rev. Fr. Allan Boyd, Assistant Priest 1324 S. Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, CA Tel Fax The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke Early 9th Century, Made in Constantinople The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

2 Page 2 DEAN S MESSAGE SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL S INSPIRATIONAL MEN Contrast these two little stories: Back in 1983, while flying from Dallas to Toronto a lifethreatening fire broke out onboard a DC-9, filling the entire plane with toxic smoke. The spreading fire also burned through crucial electrical cables that knocked out most of the instrumentation in the cockpit, forcing the plane to instantly choose an emergency landing site. The Air Canada pilot immediately began an intense and rapid descent, knowing he only had few critical moments to land the plane if anyone were to survive the fire. At the scene of his emergency landing, as soon as the rescue team opened the door, the whole aircraft began sucking in oxygen which further escalated the flames onboard into a blazing inferno. Sadly, there were some fatalities and others suffered some burns, but because of the pilot s skill and the crew's commitment, many people were rescued. The captain was the last one to leave the burning airplane. He was pulled through the window with his uniform on fire. Later, he received a well-deserved, tearful commendation as a exemplary leader who inspired others by his self-sacrificial commitment to his duty. Last April, a ferry in Seoul, South Korea, capsized, killing hundreds. Most of the passengers were high school students who ultimately drowned merely awaiting instructions below for when to abandon ship. The captain himself had fled the sinking ship to make sure he alone would be safe on dry ground. This, of course, prompted a chorus of scornful reproach from the loved ones of those who were lost. The teacher who had organized the trip despondently took his own life, feeling that he had no right to be alive while most of his students perished. Even the prime minister of South Korea offered to resign because of this great tragedy. No celebration there, no commendation of a brave man; just a series of wrong decisions that resulted in the ultimate wrong decision of a man who put himself first and failed to perform his duty. In the Orthodox Church today, there is a crisis of spiritual leadership among our men. The Epistle Reading in the Orthodox marriage ceremony calls men to the role of priest of their household, offering themselves up just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. Why? Our Lord says it s to make her holy. Essentially, our Lord wants men to know that the most important role that men have is to lead their families to heaven through self-sacrificial spiritual leadership. But many men, like that Korean ferry captain, have abandoned their spiritual duty to their family, opting instead for more selfish pursuits. Meanwhile, their families are in desperate spiritual need of someone more like that Air Canada captain. This selfless spiritual leadership begins, first and foremost, with men s enthusiastic Church attendance. This is strongly suggested by the findings of a significant study from 2000 called, The Demographic Characteristics of the Linguistic and Religious Groups in Switzerland by Werner Haug and Phillipe Warner of the Federal Statistical Office, Neuchatel. In that study, questions were asked to determine whether a person s religion carried through to the next generation, if so why or why not. What they discovered is powerful. They discovered that there is one critical factor: The religious practice of the father of the family, above all, determines the children s future attendance at or absence from Church. In short, the study determined that if a father does not go to Church, no matter how faithfully his wife is devoted, only one child in 50 will become a regular worshipper. However, if a father enthusiastically attends Church services weekly, regardless of the practice of the mother, then between twothirds and three-quarters of their children become active Church goers. This is because, when children begin to age into that period of differentiation from home and engagement with the world out there, they look increasingly to the father for his role model. Where the father is indifferent, inadequate, or just plain absent, that task of differentiation and engagement is much harder. When children see that church is a women and children thing, they will respond accordingly by not going to church, or going much less. Curiously, both adult women as well as men will conclude subconsciously that Dad s absence indicates that going to church is not really a grown-up activity. So when children see their fathers attending Church services weekly and enthusiastically participating in the ministries of the Church; when they see their fathers becoming devoted disciples (or students) of Christ s teachings, then those children will grow up realizing that this is what it means to be mature. The chances are high that we will see those children carry the Orthodox Christian Faith into their adulthood. As we begin our new school year, there could be no more important message than to call our men to participate in their God-given role as priest of their household. Men, how do you want your families to remember you? Will it be as the spiritual version of that self-absorbed captain of the Korean ferryboat? Or will it be something inspiring, like that Air-Canada pilot, whose selfless devotion to his passengers and crew saved many lives? Save our children by making the commitment today to become one of Saint Sophia Cathedral s inspirational men. In Christ, V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean

3 Page 3 PARISH COUNCIL MESSAGE Enliven Your Spirit to Enrich Your Soul We are extremely excited to be celebrating our 16th Annual L.A. Greek Fest 2014 on the Cathedral grounds. This is one of the events which brings all of our community together as we all pitch in to help within booths and to serve up some wonderful Greek hospitality and culture. We still need additional volunteers, as well as more underwriting of monetary donations. Please invite your co-workers and friends to also attend this wonderful and special event. All funds from the Fest help to offset the operations of the Cathedral and the Huffington Center and also in assisting our many ministries. Many thanks go to our Parish Council Executive Board and Parish Council members, to our Fest committee members, Fr. John Bakas and Fr. Allan Boyd, our St. Sophia office staff and custodians and to the many (countless) volunteers and supporters of our blockbuster event. Get on board, we re ready to welcome everyone to our beautiful Saint Sophia Cathedral and to celebrate our 16th Annual L.A. Greek Fest We should never forget that our L.A. Greek Fest became a reality based upon the dreams, hard work and personal efforts of Ted and Jan Pastras in Unfortunately our community suffered a tremendous loss with the sudden death of Ted in February, Not only did Ted develop the inception of the L.A. Greek Fest, he contributed his talents in revitalizing the neighborhood through the L.A. Neighborhood Initiative (LANI), the creating of the B.L.Q. area with the establishment of a Business Improvement District (BID) and the founding of a charter middle school located nearby. In remembering Ted, the words from Zorba the Greek rings so true: Live life and enjoy it! As the Saint Sophia Cathedral s delegate to the 42 nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress held in Philadelphia from July 6-10, 2014, I am not only happy to, but also required under Article 4 Section 8 of the Regulations to provide a report of the proceedings of the Congress. You may also access the Archdiocese s website to be provided with the complete presentations (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America). I will include my own personal reflections and discuss more in depth the general theme of the Clergy-Laity at the Fall s General Assembly. The opening working session consisted of reports from committees, ministries, and affiliated organizations and institutions of the Church. The reports presented and discussed were by the following: Administration, Finance, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, Philanthropy, Chaplaincy, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Leadership 100, Religious Education, Hellenic College Holy Cross, Center for Family Care, Communications, Marriage and Family, and Greek Education Delegates explored the complex issues affecting the Orthodox Christian Family based on the theme, The Orthodox Christian Family: A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness of His Gospel. The morning panelists spoke about the care for the individual, the care for the family and the role of the parish in helping and supporting people and families in need. The afternoon panelists (including Metropolitan Gerasimos) dealt with growing faithful families. It explored how faith is passed on in families, and the practices that support faith formation across generations. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the delegates via a live feed (SKYPE). He welcomed all the participants and sent special blessings of love to all. Vice President Joe Biden addressed the delegates at the Grand Banquet expressing support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Cyprus and Greece. The Vice President spoke of three issues, for which he said he is optimistic. First, the relationship of the United States and Greece, the second, the defense of Religious Freedom, the Ecumenical and the issue of Halki, and the third, the continued occupation of Cyprus by Turkish troops. Further information about the Clergy-Laity, the beginning of Greek School, Sunday School and other ministries, to follow in the Weekly Bulletin, on the website, and next month s Herald. Yours in Christ, Brent A. Noyes, Parish Council President

4 Page 4 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Even though summer has been here and gone, Philoptochos has not had a vacation. We have been working through the summer taking care of our outreach cases and those who need help all year long. But now it s September, time for meetings, projects to help the sick and the poor, and get ready for the Debutante Ball in January! There are projects and donation drives you may join if you wish. We have a stuffed animal drive this month, and then at Christmas time we have our Angel Tree project for those who need our help. Before we know it, the months will fly by and the holidays will be upon us! The Fall Meeting Schedule for General Assembly Meetings is as follows: Sunday, September 21 Speaker: Dr. Eve Tibbs Sunday, October 26 Sunday, November 16 - Thanksgiving Luncheon Please look for the reservation flyer that will be in the Herald bulletins. Reservations - paid in advance - are mandatory as the room will fill up very fast. We only have room for about 100 people in the Pavilion. There is no meeting in December so that everyone may enjoy the holidays. We hope you will join us for the first meeting on Sunday, September 21. Dr. Eve Tibbs will be speaking to us after our meeting on Beauty and Truth: How to Read Icons. Lunch will be available and we would love to have you at our meeting. Everyone is welcome. Come and visit, if you have not been to a meeting we d love to meet you! Stuffed Animal Collection: Once again, we will be collecting NEW stuffed animals - large or small - for children undergoing cancer treatments, in memory of Ileana Schuman. Ileana was the niece of our board member Allison Stavaridis, and in her memory, we will collect new stuffed animals to distribute to children at their cancer treatment appointments. You may bring your donation to the meeting on September 21 or on any other Sunday if you wish, before October, for Philoptochos. Thank you. Outreach: We d like to update you on outreach. There are a number of ladies of Philoptochos who are working once a month preparing sandwiches, cookies and fruit for the people living on the streets in Hollywood. Some of our members go out with Dr. Nicos Stefanidis (since it is not safe to go out alone) and hand out the sandwiches and other items that we have collected. Also, once a month Dr. Stefanidis and the volunteers serve a hot meal out on the streets as well. If you ever wish to join in this project, please contact Philoptochos. Philoptochos work is sometimes difficult and emotionally hard, but it is also very rewarding. If we did not have love and compassion for those we help, we would not be doing all the work we do. Yes, we put on fundraisers to fulfill our obligations to the Metropolis and to National, who then sends that money out in large numbers throughout the year. We help people in our community that are ill or on hard times, who would not have anything to eat or a place to live, without some assistance from us. Mailing List: Please add your address to our Philoptochos listing so that you don t miss out on our projects and events! Send your information to us in care of the Cathedral and we ll be happy to add you to our lists. May 2015 will be Philoptochos Board of Directors elections, so is an election year. In order to run for the Board: a member must be in good standing with the church as a steward and a paid member of Philoptochos. You must also have attended 4 general meetings within the year before elections, meaning May 2014 through April Anyone running for the Board must attend the election meeting unless you have been excused for illness or an emergency. With love in Christ s service, Virginia Noyes and the Philoptochos Board of Directors

5 Page 5 Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES June and July 2014 $10,000 To $14,999 Fling, Ms. Martha $4,000 To $5,999 Bartzokis, Drs. George & Kelly Duncan, Dr. & Mrs. Jan Harkiss, Dr. Sam* Kraios, Mr. Michael $2,000 To $3,999 Kyriacou, Mr. & Mrs. Gig* Kyriacou, Mr. & Mrs. Gig* Anonymous (1) $1,000 To $1,999 Eliopulos, Ms. Georgia Hanberg, Mr. Julian Koukis, Mr. & Mrs. Pandelis Kouros, Dr. & Mrs. Philip Mitchell, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Roussos, Mr. & Mrs. Theodosios Tsircou, Mr. & Mrs. Kyriacos Anonymous (1) $650 To $999 Anastassiou Jr., Mr. Thomas Caiopoulos, Mrs. Ann+ Eliopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Haraden, Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Kroesch, Ms. Angelica Manousogianis, Mr. & Mrs. Markos Rangel, Mr. & Mrs. Armando Ratzenberger, Ms. Nina Stumpus, Mr. Jack Anonymous (2) OTHER Dimtsios, Ms. Nicole Estock, Mr. Paul Giannoulis, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Koustas, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kyriacou, Ms. Christianna Kyriacou, Mr. Michael John Peterson, Ms. Constance Pilichos, Mrs. Efrossini Savas, Dr. Diana Zarras, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Anonymous (2) * Life Members Endowment Fund +Blessed Memory PHILANTHROPIA NEWS PHILOPTOCHOS VIP Used Clothing and Canned Goods: Thank you for all the generous donation of used clothing. Please label all clothing donations on the outside of the bags by indicating whether they are for men, women or children. Thank you! Street Outreach: Dr. Nikos Stefanidis, Ph.D. a Staff Psychologist at Children s Hospital, L.A., is the Clinical Director of this High Risk Program. Your continued help will assure that these children are cared for year round by purchasing new items such as the following: T-Shirts (M-L); Boxers (M-L); White Socks; Blankets; Sleeping Bags; Sweatshirts; Snacks; Water/Juices; Bus Tokens; Sneakers; Hygiene Items (Travel Size); Tooth Brushes & Toothpaste; Shampoo; Deodorant; Sun Screen - be sure to label them for Dr. Nikos Stefanidis and leave them by the clothing bins. God bless you! Father Peter Philoptochos VIP is planning a trip on Thursday October 23, 2014 to visit Harah s Resort in Southern California, formerly Harrah's Rincon located north of San Diego near Temecula. For Reservations call the Chairman Irene Mitropetros at (323) , or co-chair Mary Kezios at (562) Write your check to Philoptohos VIP for $10.00 per person and mail it to Irene Mitropetros at: th Avenue. Los Angeles CA.90018, or to Mary Kezios at Casanes Avenue, Downey, CA Make sure that you include your full name, address and birthdate. Be at Saint Sophia 8:30 am The Buss will depart 9:00 am and will be back 6:00 pm. In His Service, Athina Lolonis, VIP President

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7 Page 7 Saint Sophia Cathedral Greek Folk Dance Ministry Greek Folk Dance Ministry Annual Orientation and Registration Meeting. Please join us September 14, 2014 at the General Assembly Room 1:00 PM If your child is 5 years old by December 1 st they are eligible to join our youngest group. Dance practices will begin the weekend of September 22nd. Please check with your directors for the time and location. If you are a new dancer, please contact the numbers listed below for more information. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY in order to complete your registration forms, pay your fees, and receive updated information on the program. You may also access the registration forms on Saint Sophia Cathedral s website. If you are over 18 please plan on attending registration meeting. The goal of our Saint Sophia Dance Ministry is to connect our children to a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ as expressed through our Orthodox Faith and as celebrated by our rich culture and heritage of dance and song. Thus, Please Note: It is mandatory that each dancer must attend Sunday School, on time, at least 10 times from the beginning of the Fall Semester through January 26 th. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting on September 14, 2014 For further information please contact: Eleni Constantine Manolelis: 310) , or Barbara Kappos: (626) , or Demitra Koutsos, (818) You can also us at: st.sophia.folkdance@gmail.com The Art of the Greek Dance Come and learn all the dances you need to know for festivals, weddings and other Greek events. Ramsey will teach pan-hellenic dances as well as specialized regional traditional dances (Παραδοσιακα). Bring your dance shoes and we will see you there. WHEN: Saturdays, September 13 to November 11 WHERE: Huffington Center TIME: 10:00 am 11:45 am FEE: $140 First Time / $120 Returning INSTRUCTOR: Ramsay Seikaly, ramdonseik@hotmail.com CONTACT NUMBER: (818)

8 Page 8 MINISTRIES Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Very Reverend Father John S. Bakas, Dean Reverend Father Allan (Gabriel) Boyd Jim Kollias, Choir Director Dimitris Liogris, Protopsaltis Michael Kontaxis, Assistant Psaltis Christopher Yokas, Organist James Karatsikis, Sexton FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Officers George E. Preonas, President Andrew Evangelatos, Executive Vice President Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O. Constantine M. 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 Brent Noyes John T. Pappas Jim Zaferis Presidential Appointments Anthony A. Demetriou, Presidential Assistant John G. Marakas III, Sr. Advisor to the Board Andrew J. Demetriou, Foundation General Counsel PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Officers Brent Noyes, President John Kopatsis, Vice President Irene Andreadis, Recording Secretary Karen Sarames, Corresponding Secretary Michael Kraios, Treasurer & C.F.O. Members Bertha Angels Eleni Constantine Manolelis Jeanine Hanna Glenn Lianos Loula Moschonas Peter Pallas Dean Peratsakis Dorothy Spirus Tom Ward Anna Yallourakis Auditing Committee James Ananias Anthony Demetriou Tom Moore PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY Executive Officers Virginia Noyes, President Helene Ballas, 1st Vice President Marianna Politis, 2nd Vice President Mary Gallanis, Recording Secretary Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary Scarlett Billis, Treasurer Dina Oldknow, Advisor Honorary Life Members Jennie Doumak Members Christine Peratis Allison Stavaridis Frances Bissias Judith Christopoulos Pauline Evangelatos Olga Jordan Tricia Kremer Coni Manders Sophie Mastor Jan Pastras Christina Peratsakis Mary Tassop Jayne Poullos Sonia Stathes Maria Toczek OFFICE STAFF Helen Ellis, Office Administrator Jessica Benitez, Admin. Assist. Noah Johnson, Events CUSTODIAL STAFF Marcial Cerna Oscar Castro Mauricio Mira Miguel Rosales ALTAR BOYS Chris Halekakis BASKETBALL Gig Kyriacou & Paul Cooper BIBLE STUDY Very Rev. Father John Bakas Rev. Father Allan Boyd BOOK STORE William Striglos CHILD CARE Kathy & Marsha Zagorianos CHOIR Jim Kollias COFFEE HOUR Ann Pappas Georgia Vasila DOCENTS Faye Demetriou EASTER PICNIC Ted Pappas GREEK DANCE GROUPS Barbara Kappos Eleni Constantine Manolelis Demitra Koutsos GREEKS in HOLLYWOOD Dina Demetrius HELLENIC ACADEMY Brent Noyes HOSPITALITY Niki Korbakis Maria Pelargos L.A. GREEK FEST Parish Council Executive Board MR. & MRS. CLUB Dean & Christine Peratsakis ODOS The Way Helen Lambros PARENTING Nick Stefanidis Barbara Kappos PHILANTHROPIA Rev. Father Peter Lambert PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P. Athina Lolonis, President SAINT SOPHIA CAMP Melanie O Regan Jack Stumpus (Golf Event) Tony Mastor (Tennis Event) Mary-Kay Demetriou (Tennis Event) SUNDAY SCHOOL Eleni Yokas YOUTH Rev. Father Allan Boyd

9 Page 9 September 13 September 14 September 21 September 27 September 20 September 7 September 14 September 21 September 28 SACRAMENTS AND MEMORIALS WEDDINGS Nadia Hazu and Peter Youssef Lydia Baskharoon and Mikel Boulos Abby Ennabi and Tony Khaled Salem Koumbara: Irene Mettias-Ghobrial Marizol Cruz and Emad Daoud BAPTISMS Theodora Manolelis Daughter of Nicholas and Eleni Manolelis Sponsors: Kristin Thomas Lee and Yianni Valsamis EPISTLE READERS Christina Szerkely Jayne Poullos Drew Scholl Tori Scholl Happy New Year! CHOIR NEWS I am always excited to start a new liturgical year or a new school year probably more so than starting a new calendar year in January (especially more than a new fiscal year in July!). January marks the passage of a new calendar year in the middle of things - winter, the school year, the liturgical year, the college basketball, NBA and NHL seasons... The new school year and new liturgical year mark a new year of purpose for me it s a brand new chance to do better almost like a new athletic season. Everyone is rested, everyone needs to get back in some sort of shape, everyone needs to approach the new year with purpose, and hopefully that purpose is about doing things better. I would like to thank everyone who was a part of the St. Sophia Choir Ministry in Many of you were able to come on time and we were able to sing the Doxology magnificently many times last year thank you!! Many of you came to our rehearsals and helped present our Christmas Concert thank you!! Many of you were able to pitch in to make Holy Week a moving experience at our Cathedral thank you!! Many of you were able to come to rehearsals to better prepare for special liturgies thank you!! We had many, many visitors to Saint Sophia that came up to the loft to lend their voices thank you!! Many of you, although you couldn t come on time, or on a frequent basis, somehow found the calling to come up and pitch in, and for that thank you!! We have an eventful fall schedule; we look forward to everyone s contributions, no matter your level of commitment. Choir Fall Schedule Nick Alefantes September 7 Bessie Alefantes George Alefantes Tom Alefantes Thomas Alefantes Thevie Alefantes September 26 James McDemas (2 years) Tony McDemas (31 years) Mary McDemas (24 years) Dan McDemas (35 years) MEMORIALS Zina McDemas (25 years) Katina Demetrakes Bliziotis (2 years) George S. Poullos (2 years) Speros Poullos Vasiliki Poullos George Poullos Helen Poullos Gerasimos Mosqueda Antonios Pantazopoulos Ioanna Pantazopoulos Stavros Pantazopoulos September 7 September14 September 28 October 5 October 19 October 26 November 2 November 16 November 23 December 6 December 7 Choir Director Jim Kolias Saint Sophia Greek Fest NO CHOIR Rehearsal, 8-10am, Choir Room Rehearsal, 8-10am, Choir Room English Liturgy, New Choir Member Rehearsal, National Church Music Sunday Rehearsal, 8-10am, Choir Room Rehearsal, 8-10am, Choir Room, Neal Desby Guest Conductor English Liturgy, New Choir Member Rehearsal Rehearsal, 8-10am, Choir Room Rehearsal, 8-10am, Choir Room Rehearsal, 8-noon, Dress Rehearsal, Christmas Concert Christmas Concert, 7pm

10 Page 10 GREEK TASTES GREEK SOUNDS GREEK SIGHTS GO GREEK IN L.A. UNDER THE SHINING LIGHT OF A HISTORIC-CULTURAL MONUMENT THE SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL COME AND EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC EPICUREAN DELIGHTS AND REFRESHING LIBATIONS IN A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE FILLED WITH MUSIC AND DANCE lagreekfest.com

11 L.A. GREEK FEST PARKING LOT MAP RED LOTS (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8): Free Guest Parking BLUE LOT (2): Preferred Parking PURPLE LOT (1): Volunteer Parking Free Guest Parking is available in all Loyola High School parking lots with 700+ parking space capacity. There are easily accessed from Venice Boulevard turn on Berendo Street next to the Loyola High School Football Field, from 15th Street, and from Pico Blvd turn on Dewey Avenue. Continuous shuttle service through all parking lots. Page 11

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14 Page 14 xxxxxxxx By John Kopatsis The Elevation of the Holy Cross, Ὕψωσις τοῦ Τιμίου καὶ Ζωοποιοῦ Σταυροῦ ("Raising Aloft of the Precious and Life- Giving Cross"), also known as the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church celebrated on September 14. According to Orthodox Church teachings, Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, discovered the Holy Cross on September 14, 325 AD in the vicinity of Golgotha, where it lay buried in the dust of the centuries. On the spot where the Cross was discovered, there was also found a hitherto unknown flower of rare beauty and fragrance, which has been named Vasiliko (Basil), meaning the flower of royalty, out of respect for the Dowager Queen who led the expedition. For the next three hundred years, the Cross stayed in the possession of the Christians in Jerusalem, but the city was captured by the Persians in 614 AD and the Cross fell into their hands. It was later recovered by the forces of the Byzantine Empire, when Emperor Heraclius decisively defeated the Sassanid Persians at the Battle of Nineveh. Saint John Chrysostom wrote in one of his homilies: Kings removing their diadems take up the cross, the symbol of their Savior's death; on the purple, the cross; in their prayers, the cross; on their armor, the cross; on the holy table, the cross; throughout the universe, the cross. The cross shines brighter than the sun. Father Richard Viladesau, Professor of Theology at Fordham University stated: From its earliest times, Christianity was distinguished as being the religion of the cross. The cross has always been its most obvious and universal symbol; and in the contemporary world, we are once again reminded that it is the cross and its meaning that set Christianity apart from other world religions. The True Cross is the name for physical remnants which are believed to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. Relics of the True Cross were quickly and widely distributed after its discovery by Saint Helen. Throughout the medieval period, such relics were housed in precious containers where they could be venerated by the faithful. These reliquaries of the True Cross, called staurothekai, constitute a special group, containing the most precious of all relics, wood from the instrument of Crist s death and of human -kind s salvation. Most of the relics of the True Cross in Europe came from Constantinople. The city was captured and sacked by the Fourth Crusade in "After the conquest of the city Constantinople inestimable wealth was found and also a part of the True Cross that was decorated with gold and precious jewels. It was carved up by the present bishops and was divided with other very precious relics among the knights; later, after their return to the homeland, it was donated to churches and monasteries, as Knight Robert de Clari wrote. By the end of the Middle Ages so many churches claimed to possess a piece of the True Cross, that John Calvin is famously said to have remarked that there was enough wood in them to fill a ship. Conflicting with this is the finding of The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke with the lid sliding Charles Rohault de Fleury, who in his Mémoire sur les instruments de la Passion in 1870 made a study of the relics in reference to the criticisms of Calvin and Erasmus. He drew up a catalogue of all known relics of the True Cross showing that, in spite of what various authors have claimed, the fragments of the Cross brought together again would not reach one-third that of a cross which has been supposed to have been three or four meters in height, with transverse branch of two meters wide. The Fieschi Morgan Staurotheke in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is a key work both in the history of enameling and in the development of reliquaries. It is a finely made small box decorated with cloisonné enamel (a style of enamel decoration in which the enamel is applied and fired in raised cells on a metal background) and niello (a black mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved metal) is one of the earliest examples of such a reliquary. It is named for its previous owners, Pope Innocent IV (Sinibaldo Fieschi, [ ]), and J.P. Morgan. The sliding lid, decorated with a Crucifixion scene and busts of saints. It slides back to reveal five interior relic compartments arranged in the shape of a cross. On the lid, Christ, flanked by the mourning figures of Theotokos and Apostle John, is shown alive on the cross, wearing a long tunic popular in Eastern depictions of this scene. It consolidates the grand message of salvation. The crucified Christ on the cover stands erect and triumphant, his eyes wide open. Sun and moon bear witness to his miraculous death, flowers spring up on all sides, and his powerful outstretched arms shelter the nascent Church below, represented by Theotokos and Apostle John. The underside has four episodes from the life of Christ the Annunciation, Nativity, Crucifixion, and Anastasis. Christ descended into humanity, into death, and into hell to bring humanity back to life. The Staurotheke is a guarantee of life itself.

15 Page 15 SEPTEMBER 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sunday befote Holy Cross 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Faith Studies 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 14 Elevation of the Cross 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Faith Studies 9:45am Memorials Ecclesiastical New Year 8:30am Orthros 9:30am Liturgy 8 Nativity of the Theotokos 8:30am Orthros 9:30am Liturgy 7:30pm The Why s of Orthodoxy w/fr. Allan 15 11:00am Women s Bible Study w/fr. John 7:30pm The Why s of Orthodoxy w/fr. Allan 7:00 pm Young Adult Forum 7:00 pm Young Adult Forum :00am Men s Bible Study w/fr. John Sunday after Holy Cross 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Faith Studies 9:45am Memorials 11:00am Women s Bible Study w/fr. John 7:30pm The Why s of Orthodoxy w/fr. Allan 7:00 pm Young Adult Forum 11:00am Men s Bible Study w/fr. John st Sunday of Luke 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Faith Studies 9:45am Memorials 11:00am Women s Bible Study w/fr. John 7:30pm The Why s of Orthodoxy w/fr. Allan 7:00 pm Young Adult Forum Strict Fast Fish Allowed Wine and Oil Allowed Dairy, Eggs, and Fish Allowed Fast Free

16 Page Saint Sophia 16 Greek Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community 1324 South Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, California Place address label here Phone Fax We re on the Web! We should seek not so much to pray but to become prayer