HERALD. Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral MARCH March Page. V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Dean

Transcription

1 Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral HERALD MARCH 2017 Page V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Dean 1324 S. Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, CA Tel Fax I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Dean s Message 2 President s Message 3 Foundation News 4 Stewardship 6 Ministries List 8 Sacraments/Memorials 9 Philoptochos News 9 Philoptochos VIP 9 Feast Day Article 13 Orthodox Calendar 15 March 5 - Sunday of Orthodoxy March 12 - Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas March 19 - Sunday of the Holy Cross March 5 - Sunday of Saint John Climacus Icon of The Triumph of Orthodoxy, Unknown C. 1400, Egg Tempera and Gold Leaf on Wood, 37.8 cm X 31.4 cm The British Museum, London 25th of March Hellenic Independence Day Celebration in the Huffington Center The Annunciation of Theotokos

2 Page 2 UNPLUGGING THE LENT Lent is upon us. The proverbial questions about food and fasting will pop up as they do every year. We forget that fasting from certain foods or even over consumption of food and drink is a way to learn and practice self-control which can lead to thanksgiving for the availability of the foods we have. Fasting is more than food, otherwise every vegetarian and vegan would be a "holy ascetic." Indeed, fasting in the tradition of our Orthodox Church is an excellent way to feed the soul. Beside food and drink, what other obsessions or passions dominate our lives and prevent us from drawing nearer to God and to our neighbor? Lent could be an opportunity to experiment in (gasp) unplugging from our obsession and addition to electronic social media in all of its tantalizing seduction over us. Let's face it. We have a dependence problem on electronic gadgets that takes control of our waking hours. Granted, smart phones, techie things, like laptops, or any other activity, hobby, passion or pursuit, must remain firmly in the service of the user. If they don't, then (yes) there is a problem. So, yes, it is a problem if I go to dinner with the family and I cannot keep away from my Smartphone. Yes, it is a problem if I cannot turn off my phone when I attend church. 88% of U.S. consumers use mobile devices as a second screen even while watching television. Almost half of cell owners have slept with their phone next to their bed because they wanted to make sure they didn't miss any calls. If this or a portion of this describes you, then Lent is a time to get control of one's passion and obsession by "unplugging" as a way of fasting, even if you do it every other day. Clearly, turning off technology is no virtue unless we're turning on to something else, even more valuable. Spend some time in quiet, prayerful meditation. Practice silence. Silence is essential in this noisy, turbulent culture of ours. Find a good spiritual book and read for godly inspiration. The best of all books is of course the Holy Bible. Attend the Lenten services and worship God and not our passions. Fasting can take many forms. Discipline and determined effort are required. Fasting in its fullness gives us the power to overcome what negatively possesses us. See you in church! In Christ, Yes, it is a problem if I am surfing on the net while attending my 6 year-old granddaughter's piano recital. Yes, it is a huge problem if I cannot drive more than two or three blocks without needing to get on the phone and gab and text. V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean You see what I mean? I am not saying that TDS - tech dependence syndrome - is not a problem. I suppose anyone who is not careful could catch TDS. Consider the following statistics 84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device. 67% of cell phone owners check their phones for messages, alerts, or calls - even when they don't notice their phone ringing or vibrating. Studies indicate some mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes.

3 Page 3 PARISH COUNCIL MESSAGE SHARING OUR GIFTS I love having some extra time to be able to stand in the back of the Church during services to reflect on all the gifts that our Lord has given us. When we acknowledge our gifts and share them with others, we are given the opportunity to examine our priorities and values, to express our thankfulness, to give of ourselves and to grow in grace. Our successes in life are enhanced when we acknowledge our gifts and know they have been freely given through God s grace and are to be used for His purposes. God wants us to achieve great things, especially so that His love can shine through our lives and inspire faith in others. Upon entering the Narthex, a parishioner is greeted by Parish Council members and welcomed as a gift of friendship. Exchanging a greeting, sharing a visual sign of a smile and the act of kindness with a shaking of hands, many gifts are exchanged from one to another as part of God s grace. Our priest shares the gift of God s words by proclaiming and teaching the Gospel according to the Orthodox Christian Faith. God s spiritual gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues. All of the gifts of the Holy Spirit working together are needed to produce the full potential of the church. As I look around, I see what gifts we have at Saint Sophia. We have pastors, teachers, helpers, servants, administrators, those with great faith, etc. The Holy Spirit imparts gifts to some in the church to meet the various needs of the church and its ministries, missionaries, or of people who do not have the means to provide fully for themselves. The goal is to encourage and provide, giving all credit to God s love and provision. Those with this gift love to share with others the overflow of blessings God has given them. They are typically very hospitable and will seek out ways and opportunities to help others. They are also excellent stewards and will often adjust their lifestyles in order to give more to the spread of the Gospel and the care of the needy. They are grateful when someone shares a need with them, and are always joyful when they can meet that need. Frances Hodgson Burnett writes: If nature has made you for a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your heart; and though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart is always full, and you can give things out of that warm things, kind things, sweet things help and comfort and laughter and sometimes happy, kind laughter is the best help of all. Carol Ryrie Brink shares that The most truly generous persons are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward. Mother Teresa shares, Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family. Roy T. Bennett says Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance. Ben Carson states that Happiness doesn t result from what we get, but from what we give. Kahlil Gibran shared I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy. Rev. Fr. James Pappas reminds us that our successes in life are enhanced when we acknowledge our gifts and know they have been freely given through God s grace and are to be used for His purposes. Good things happen when we put aside the can t do attitude and realize we can achieve that which seems impossible through Him Who is the giver of every good and perfect gift from above. (James 1:17) God made us in His image and likeness. He wants us to achieve great things, especially so that His love can shine through our lives and inspire faith in others. Never, ever, give up. Pray for God s guidance. My last thoughts included the words of Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart: Don t just learn, experience. Don t just read, absorb. Don t just change, transform. Don t just relate, advocate. Don t just promise, prove. Don t just criticize, encourage. Don t just think, ponder. Don t just take, give. Don t just see, feel. Don t just dream, do. Don t just hear, listen. Don t just talk, act. Don t just tell, show. Don t just exist, live. Thank you to all who share their gifts. Our Community and Church continues to grow and prosper thanks to all who live by the words to always have a willing hand to help someone, you might be the only one that does! Yours in Christ, Brent A. Noyes, Parish Council President

4 Page 4 GIFT OF $500,000 Michael Huffington Archangel Michael Foundation GIFTS OF $100,000 Ted and Maria Maniatakos Theo and Wendy Kolokotrones GIFTS OF $25,000 - $28,000 Hugo and Irene Aviles and Family Dr. and Mrs. James A. Demetriou Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks Terry Huffington Dr. Michael J. and Susan G. Patzakis The Rallis Foundation Saint Sophia Cathedral Community GIFTS OF $10,000 - $15,000 Dr. Jim and Lucy Bonorris Judith and Gus Christopoulos Alek and Christine Haidos Kathleen and Gig Kyriacou Fotine Drulias O'Connor The Bill and Vergie Papalexis Family John and Pamela Peterson and Family Saint Sophia Parish Council Jean Paul and Marianna Wardy GIFTS OF $5,000 - $6,000 Vicky and Van Ambatielos Constantine and Eugenia Boukidis and Family Tina and Steve Callas Chris W. and Joan Caras Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Doumak and Family Greg and Donna Econn Dennis and Kim Evangelatos Andrew and Pauline Evangelatos Theane Evangelis and James Kousoulas and Family Andreas and Mary Gallanis Rosalind F. Halikis and Family Steve and Jeanine Hanna FOUNDATION NEWS Thank you to Fr. John S. Bakas Endowment Fund Donors The Saint Sophia Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all those who participated and generously contributed to the Fr. John S. Bakas Endowment Fund. We are overjoyed to report that we met our goal and received the full matching fund gift of $500,000 from Michael Huffington. Thank you to all who made this happen. We now have an endowment fund for the future needs of our beautiful community center. James and Carolyn Kolokotrones George and Tina Kolovos John and Christina Kousakis and Family Helen Liacouras Lambros Donald J. and Diane Sakellaris Lapa John Marakas and Family Tony and Donna Mellos George and Aileen Preonas Saint Sophia Philoptohos Society Harry and Voula Siafaris Nick and Sonia Stathes Mr. and Mrs. James E. Zaferis Panagiotis A. Zinelis Tashi G. Zouras Family GIFTS OF $2,000 - $3,000 Dr. Aristid and Hope Berk Sophie and Tony Mastor and Family Dr. and Mrs. C. L. Max Nikias Harry and Agopie Pappas GIFTS OF $1,000 James and Angela Ananias Mr. and Mrs. George Andrews Dr. and Mrs. Constantine Aronis Anonymous Greg and Jackie Callas Dr. and Mrs. Collin E. Cooper Chris and Alice Daglas Mary Frances Fenedy Penny and Lou Karagianis John T. and Demetra Kirages Anton and Demetra Natsis Saint Sophia Philoptochos VIP Elizabeth Stumpus and Family OTHER GIFTS Vas and Patricia Aronis Michael and Eleni Benedikt Karen and Jeff Bosten John and Katia Boudouvas Bruce and Alexandra Chistolini J. Michael Cockinos Paul Cooper John Dalis Mary-Kay Demetriou Peter and Vivi Demopoulos Mr. and Mrs. William Dres Robert and Katie Eagar Edward Ey Faye and Raymond Fouad Timi Loomos Freshman George S. Harros Joseph and Eleni Jankosky Larry Kallins Sophia and Sotirios Kapogiannis Dan and Kassandra Kirages Jeanine and Laszlo Klima Jim and Doris Kollias Linda Koulisis Kyriacou Mediation Ryan and Lady Jane Lapa Mr. and Mrs. Demetrios Liappas Ms. Catherine Masouras Amber and Mauro Metini Vida Nahamou Brent and Virgina Noyes Melanie O'Regan Alexander Pantananan Mr. and Mrs. John Petros Anna Poniros Estelle Sakabinos William and Heidi Sandstrom Karen Scherrer The Schwalm Family Pochanna Solomonides Jimmy and Doraly Spiropoulos John and Dorothea Stamatiades Sotirios Tetradis George and Helen Varentges Georgia Vasila Janie Vlahos Mr. and Mrs. John P. Webster Shelmadine Wellington Eleni and Christopher Yokas Helen Zachario

5 Page 5 Saint Sophia Foundation Scholarships John S. Sakellaris Scholarship - (for College/Post-Graduate Students) Angelo L. Pappas Scholarship - (for Graduating High School Seniors) The Saint Sophia Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the creation of four $2,500 scholarships for eligible students within our community. These scholarships are offered to a graduating high school and college or post-graduate students. We have increased the amount and number of scholarships this year. These scholarships are in honor of two of the greatest leaders of our community from the San Julian church, to the founding of our Saint Sophia community up through the Community Campaign for Building Expansion. John and Angelo were true leaders, visionaries and stalwart servants on behalf of Saint Sophia Cathedral and its community. They were also the best of friends. John Sakellaris served his Greek Orthodox Church and community for over 80 years. He was an Altar Boy, member of the Choir, Treasurer of the first Parish Council at the Church of the Annunciation on San Julian Street, member and first Treasurer of the Saint Sophia Cathedral Parish Council. In 1952, John was appointed by Mr. Charles P. Skouras as Comptroller of the newly organized Saint Sophia Foundation. He was elected a member of the Board of Trustees in 1960 and Treasurer in In 1987, he was elected President of the Board of Trustees of the Saint Sophia Foundation and continued to serve in that capacity until his death in Under John s administration, the Trustees have been responsible for the building of the Saint Sophia residence, the expansion of parking facilities, the construction of the Walk of the Blessing Hand and Wall of Honor, and the restoration, beautification and improvement of the Cathedral itself and its property. He played a significant leadership role in the Faith, Vision and Community Campaign for Building Expansion here at St. Sophia Cathedral. In addition to being a Life Member, John was the donor of the Blessed Hand and two of the mosaic Icons in the Dome of St. Sophia Cathedral. In 1992, John was recognized for his dedication and earned the designation of Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. In 2010, John received the Blessing Hand Award from the Foundation. John was a sustaining donor to the Patriarch Athenagoras Institute of Orthodoxy, Holy Cross Seminary, Hellenic College, St. Basil s Academy, local and national Philoptohos Societies, and the Order of Ahepa, the Building for Excellence Campaign at USC s Keck School of Medicine and numerous other charities. Angelo Pappas ( Angie ) was a Saint Sophia Steward since 1952, when he made his first generous contribution to the Cathedral prior to its completion. His devotion to our church has been demonstrated through his stewardship giving of time, talent and treasure for the past 58 years. He was appointed to the National Archdiocesan Council by His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos in 1973 and served in the Axios Foundation for Worthiness from 1982 to Angelo was honored an Archon for his outstanding service to the Greek Orthodox Church in 1994 and he received the Blessing Hand Award. Angie was elected a member of the Board of Trustees in 1972, Vice President in 1986 and President in 2010, following John s passing. In 1979, Angie initiated the Cadillac for Christmas annual fundraiser later named Cash for Christmas and served as a chairman until He was instrumental in acquiring properties for the Cathedral Foundation, and led the construction of enclosures to secure the church grounds. Angie worked hand-in-hand with John and the Foundation in leading the construction of the Saint Sophia residence, the expansion of parking facilities, the Walk of the Blessing Hand, the restoration and beautification of the Cathedral grounds and our beautiful Huffington Center. To receive an application please contact Tina Callas by (calset@aol.com) or phone ( ) or Gig Kyriacou by (gigk@mediate.com) or phone ( ). To be eligible, applicant or his/her parents must be stewards in good standing for one year prior to the application and in the current year. Recipients from 2016 may not apply, but may apply again in COMPLETED APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 5, 2017

6 Page 6 Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship $8,000 To $9,999 *Papalexis, Mrs. Vergie Soteropulos, Mr. & Mrs. Gust $6,000 To $7,999 *Gallanis, Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Vasila, Mrs. Georgia STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2017 $4,000 To $5,999 Anonymous (1) Callas, Mr. & Mrs. Greg Clute, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Duncan, Dr. & Mrs. Jan Econn, Mr. & Mrs. Greg *Evangelatos, Dr. & Mrs. Dennis Evangelis, Mrs. Theane and Mr. James Kousoulas Gregg, Ms. Carla Hughes, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Kolovos, Mr. & Mrs. George Toolen, Mrs. Mary $2,000 To $3,999 Anonymous (2) Ananias, Mr. & Mrs. James Balamaci, Mr. Tom and Mr. Patrick Wildnauer Begakis, Mr. Nicholas Boller McDemas, Ms. Jeannette Boukidis, Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Callas, Mr. & Mrs. Steven *Daglas, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Daskalos, Ms. Michelle Freshman, Mr. & Mrs. Gordon *Halikis, Mrs. Rosalind F. Hanna, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kafatos, Drs. Menas & Susan Yang Kirages, Mr. &Mrs. John Kollias, Mr & Mrs. Jim *Korbakis, Mr. & Mrs. John Lapa, Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Moschonas, Ms. Loula & Mr. James Edgerton Nakata, Drs. Kouji Natsis, Mr. & Mrs. Tony O Donnell, Mr. & Mrs. Jim O Regan, Ms. Melanie Pappas, Mrs. Angeliki Pelargos, Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel +Peratis, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Schwalm, Mr. & Mrs. James Stavaridis, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Thanos, Mr. & Mrs. Terry Thomas, Mr. & Mrs. George and Cassandra Toczek, Dr. Maria Tekla Warner, Mr. Michael Vourakis, Mr. & Mrs. Aki Zarocostas, Mr. Peter Zinelis, Mr. Panagiotis $1,000 To $1,999 Anastassiou, Jr, Mr. Thomas Andrei, Mr. & Mrs. John Andrews, Mr. & Mrs. George Antonia, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Attyah, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Berk, Mrs. Hope S. *Boltinghouse, Mrs. Helen Bouras, Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios *Caras, Mrs. Georgia Chistolini, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Chrys, Mrs. Annie Cosfol, Mr. & Mrs. Peter *Dalis, Mr. John Dembegiotes, Mr. Pantele Damascus, Mr. & Mrs. George *Defterios, Mrs. Georgia Dres, Mr. & Mrs. William Edwards, Mr. & Mrs. Nickolas Fenady, Mrs. Katherine Fettis, Mrs. Patricia Flokas, Ms. Dena Fossati, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Halekakis, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Itzigsohn, Mr. & Mrs. Mark June, Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Kallis, Mr. Larry Karagianis, Mr. & Mrs. Lou Karavedas, Mrs. Frances Kezios, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kirages, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Kostos, Mrs. Virginia *Landers, Mr. & Mrs. Jay Lee, Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Liappas, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Manolelis, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas McDemas Family Mihalas, Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Mitsinikos, Mr. & Mrs. John Nichols, Mrs. Dina Noyes, Mr. & Mrs. Brent Parris, Mrs. Lela Zouras Peterson, Mr. Christopher Travlos, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Sotos, Mr. & Mrs. Efthimios Stamatiades, Mr. & Mrs. John Stephanou, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Valaskantjis, Mr. & Mrs. Nikiforos Vukasovich, Mr. & Mrs. John * Life Members Endowment Fund +Blessed Memory When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning

7 Page 7 Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2017 $650 To $999 Anonymous (5) Aronis, Mr. & Mrs. Vas Andreadis, Ms. Irene Apostle, Mr. & Mrs. James Balanos, Mr. & Mrs. John Brice, Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Burkard, Ms. Caroline *Caras Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Chris Chimarios, Mr. & Mrs. Elias Chistolini, Ms. Sarah Contols, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Constance, Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Dascaln, Mr. & Mrs. George Defterios, Mr. & Mrs. Christo *Fagan, Mr. & Mrs. Milton Fenady, Ms. Georgea Fenady Ryan, Mr. Clayton Fenady, Mr. John Fenady, Mr. Shamus Fouad, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Fovos, Mrs. Zoi French, Mr. & Mrs. William Gabriel, &r. & Mrs. Louis Garrity, Mrs. Sophia Garrity, Mr. Thomas & Mrs. Eunice Baek *Halekakis, Mr. Christo Heckmann, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Hronis, Ms. Soteria James, Mr. & Mrs. Nicolas Kabel, Mr. & Mrs. Mike Kades, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Loukaris, Ms. Mersy Madain, Ms. Zaina Maniskas, Ms. Stacy Marentes, Mr. James Markulis, Ms. Anita Miserlis, Mr. George Nissley, Mr. Gary & Ms. Tina Tsoutsas Mitsakopoulos, Mr. Ted Nestor, Ms. Fay Pallas, Mr. Peter Papachristos, Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Papavasiliou, Mrs. Georgia Papoutsis, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilis Pappas, Mr. Ted Peterson, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen J. Pieptea, Ms. Laura Price, Mr. & Mrs. Donald Psaltiras, Mrs. Demetra Reeves, Ms. Lily Rizopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John Sabatakos, Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Sarantes, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Schieber, Mr. & Mrs Schwartz, Ms. Petsa. Sideris, Mr. & Mrs. Steven Smith, Mrs. Sophie Soldevilla, Mr. Eric Spiropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Spiros, Mrs. Pauline Spirus, Mr. & Mrs. Kosta Stathes, Mr. Margus Stumpus, Mrs. Elizabeth Tassop. Mrs. Mary A. Tsimahides, Mr. & Mrs. Zafirios Varentges, Mr. & Mrs. George Varentges, Ms. Kalli Veselic, Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Vasilis, Mr. & Mrs. Petrou Vera, Ms. Kukla Warren, Mr. William Woloschinowisch, Mrs. Maria OTHER Abramson, Mr. & Mrs. Joey Anastas, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Anonymous (4) Bakas, Ms. Andrea Bonduris, Mr. Sam Christofides, Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Columbus, Ms. Katherine Giannoulis, Mr. Chris +Daniel, Mrs. Helen Daniel, Mr. Jason Dedousis, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony *Kominos, Mrs. Grigoria Kourafas, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kremer, Ms. Tricia Ballas Kyriacou, Mr. & Mrs. Charalambos Mitropetros, Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Panayi, Ms. Eleni Panayi, Mrs. Rena Papadakis, Mr. & Mrs. Evan *Papanikocaou, Mr. & Mrs. Antonios Papastathopoulos, Mr. Spiro Pappas, Mr. James Pavlovich, Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Petros, Mr. & Mrs. John Petrou, Mr. & Mrs. Nicos Pilichos, Mrs. Efrossini Themelis, Mrs. Jennie Travassaros, Ms. Frances Wojtyla, Ms. Bea Zachario, Mrs. Helen Zarras, Dr. & Mrs. Peter * Life Members Endowment Fund +Blessed Memory When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning

8 Page 8 MINISTRIES Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Very Reverend Father John S. Bakas, Dean Chris Kolentsas, Pastoral Assistant Jim Kollias, Choir Director Mario Lazaridis, Protopsaltis Michael Kontaxis, Assistant Psaltis Christopher Yokas, Organist James Karatsikis, Sexton FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Officers George E. Preonas, President Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O. \ Gig Kyriacou, 2nd Vice President Constantine M. Boukidis, Secretary Tina Callas, Treasurer Members V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Timi Loomos Freshman, Alek Haidos, Steve Hanna, Diane Sakellaris Lapa, Tony Natsis, Brent Noyes, John Peterson, Jean Paul Wardy, Jim Zaferis Presidential Appointments Anthony A. Demetriou, Presidential Appointee Andrew J. Demetriou, Foundation General Counsel John G. Marakas III, Sr. Advisor to the Board Tustees Emeriti Nicholas Bissias, Andrew Evangelatos, John T. Pappas PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Officers Brent Noyes, President George Rizkala, Vice President Jeanine Hanna, Co-Treasurer Peter Cosfol, Co-Treasurer Dinah Wellington, Secretary Members Angela Ananias, Bertha Angels, Maria Baltazzi, Costa Bargeliotis, Glen Lianos Jonas Metin, Mauro Metini, Bill Striglos, Anna Yallourakis, Karen Sarames, Chris Stavaridis and Paris Yatskar, Associate members Auditing Committee James Ananias, Anthony Demetriou, Jack Stumpus PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY Executive Officers Judith Christopoulos, President Jan Pastras, 1st Vice President Connie Cooper, 2nd Vice President Dorothea Ales, Recording Secretary Mary Tassop, Corresponding Secretary Mary Gallanis, Treasurer Scarlett Billis, Assistant Treasurer Members Frances Bissias Pauline Evangelatos Olga Jordan Tricia Kremer Constance Manders Sophie Mastor Christina Peratsakis Marianna Politis Jayne Poullos Sonia Stathes Alison Stavaridis Virginia Noyes, Advisor ADMINISTRATIVE AND CUSTODIAL STAFF John Kopatsis, Huffington Center Executive Director Jessica Benitez, Admin. Assist., Angela Kim, Accountant Oscar Castro, Mauricio Mira, Miguel Rosales, Devin Smith Custodians ALTAR BOYS Chris Halekakis BASKETBALL Gig Kyriacou & Paul Cooper BIBLE STUDY Very Rev. Father John Bakas BOOK STORE William Striglos CHILD CARE Kathy & Marsha Zagorianos CHOIR Jim Kollias COFFEE HOUR Ann Pappas Georgia Vasila DOCENTS Angela Ananias EASTER PICNIC Ted Pappas GREEK DANCE GROUPS Barbara Kappos Eleni Constantine Manolelis Demitra Koutsos HELLENIC ENTERTAINMENT COOPERATIVE Dina Demetrius HELLENIC ACADEMY Alex Oxyzoglou John Kopatsis 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 PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P. Mersy Loukaris, 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 VR Father John S. Bakas

9 Page 9 March 5 Angela Karavedas - 6 years Evangelos Rodinos - 1 year) Francie Doumakes Scofield - 2 years Effie Doumakes - 4 years MEMORIALS Katherine Drulias Roumeliotis - 10 years John Doumakes - 25 years Dean Roumeliotis - 18 years Tony Zane - 40 days Ero Cosfol - 3 years March 12 George Andrews - 40 days Ted Pastras - 4 years March 5 March 12 March 19 March 26 EPISTLE READERS Stephanie Yiallourakis Mary Gallanis Sophia James Virginia Noyes GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING - March 19th: Guest speaker John McKinney, Los Angeles Hiking Columnist and author of 30 books on hiking, will share an amazing story and talk about his new book, Hiking the Holy Mountain; Tale of Monks and Miracle on the Trails of Mount Athos, Greece. We will meet in the Maniatakos Ballroom because we expect a large crowd. (see flier). Please help us get a more accurate count by calling in your reservations for lunch to Dorothea Ales (661) PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD ELECTIONS - Sunday, May 21st If you are interested in getting involved in Philoptochos by joining the board, please note the following: PLEASE DON T MISS ANOTHER GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING! In order to be eligible to run for the board one must be a member in good standing with the Philoptochos chapter and the church. Also, one must have attended at least 4 meetings during the year. There will be a general meeting each month in 2017 from January- April, so please attend our meetings, especially if you are interested in being on our Board of Directors. Please contact President Judith Christopoulos at judie.christopoulos@gmaail.com for more information. We need your help and involvement! In Christ s service, Judith Christopoulos, President PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS We celebrated Clean Monday, or Kathara Deftera. We had a wonderful luncheon attended by 100 people. We were honored with the presence of Metropolitan Gerasimos, Father John Bakas, the president of Parish Council Brent Noyes and president of Philoptohos Judie Christopoulos. The luncheon was prepared by the VIP chefs under the guidance of Mary Kezios. I would like to thank Irene Metropetros and her committee for all their hard work (Ourania Giagtzoglou, Mary Morrison, Anne Dres, Sophia Kapogiannis, Vickie Deryiades, Vivi Demopoulos, Angela Ananias, Jayne Poullos, and especially Kosta Metropetros and his strong arms for lifting those heavy pans. Thursday March 23, your board has planned a trip to Temecula to visit one of their famous wineries (Cougar Winery). We will be leaving St Sophia at 9:00 am and should return by 5:30 pm. At the winery we will take a tour of the winery and then we will have buffet lunch prepared for us. It will include gourmet ciabatta sandwiches, salad and dessert. Wine tasting is optional. It will be an additional $12.00 for 6 different kinds of wine. For Reservations, please call Angela Ananias at Donation for the trip is $ We are sorry that we could not get you a better price but the busses are very expensive. Deadline for reservations is March 18. Tuesday May 23 will be our Senior Citizen of the Year Luncheon. At this time, I am delighted to announce that our Honoree will be Fotine O Connor. Fotine s family has roots to the original members of the church of the Annunciation. Her father was the treasurer at the time St Sophia was built. Fotine has supported St Sophia her whole life and has participated on all of our VIP events. More details for the event to follow. Your board works very hard to organize these events, so please make the effort to make your reservations as soon as possible. In His service Mersy Loukaris PHILOPTOCHOS VIP

10 Page 10 25th of March Hellenic Independence Day Celebration Theodore Vryzakis, Epanastasi Annunciation Icon, Ohrid, On the occasion of the celebration of the Hellenic Independence Day The Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in Los Angeles, the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of Southern California, and Saint Sophia Cathedral cordially invite you to a reception Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 5:00 pm The Maniatakos Ballroom in the Huffington Center of Saint Sophia Cathedral featuring a truly scrumptious Hellenic buffet Tickets: $25 R.S.V.P. Jessica Benitez: secretary@stsophia.org Ext. 103

11 Page 11 1 st Saturday of the Souls Saturday, February 18 Sunday of Judgment on Love [Meatfare] Sunday, February 19 2 nd Saturday of the Souls Saturday, February 25 Sunday of Forgiveness [Cheesefare] (With prayers of forgiveness) Clean Monday (Lent Begins) Καθαρά Δευτέρα Sunday, February 26 Monday, February 27 Pre- Wednesday, March 1 Pre- Friday, March 3 1 st Salutations to the Theotokos Friday, March 3 3 rd Saturday of the Souls Saturday, March 4 Sunday of Orthodoxy (Right Worship) Sunday, March 5 Orthros 9:00 AM Orthros 8:30 AM Orthros 9:00 AM Orthros 8:30 AM (Prayers of Forgiveness immediately following Liturgy) 10:00 AM **Compline Service** 7:30 PM 9:30 AM 7:30 PM Pre- Wednesday, March 8 7:30 PM Pre- Friday, March 8 9:30 AM 2 nd Salutations to the Theotokos Friday, March 8 7:30 PM Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas Sunday, March 12 Pre- Wednesday, March 15 7:30 PM Pre- Friday, March 17 9:30 AM 3 rd Salutations to the Theotokos Friday, March 17 7:30 PM Sunday of the Holy Cross [Marking ½ Way Through Lent] Sunday, March 19 Pre- Wednesday, March 22 7:30 PM Pre- Friday, March 24 9:30 AM 4 th Salutations to the Theotokos Friday, March 24 7:30 PM Feast of the Annunciation Saturday, March 25 Sunday of St. John Climacus Sunday, March 26 Pre- Wednesday, March 29 7:30 PM Pre- Friday, March 31 9:30 AM 5 th Salutations to the Theotokos Friday, March 31 7:30 PM Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt Sunday, April 2 Pre- Wednesday, April 5 7:30 PM Pre- Friday, April 7 9:30 AM Orthros 9:00 AM Orthros 8:30 AM Orthros 8:30 AM Orthros 8:30 AM Orthros 9:00 AM Orthros 8:30 AM Orthros 8:30 AM Saturday of Lazarus Saturday, April 8 Palm Sunday Sunday, April 9 Orthros 9:00 AM Orthros 8:30 AM

12 Page 12

13 Page 13 Saint Sophia Dance Ministry Annual Easter Bake Sale Palm Sunday - April 9th, 2017 Tsourekia, Koulourakia, Kourambiedes, Kadaifi, Galaktoboureko, Melomakarona, Baklava, Paximadia, Karidopita, and custom Easter Lambathes. PRE ORDERS AND SPECIAL REQUESTS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED )Pre-orders must be received by March 31st.) Please call Cynthia Spears (818) All proceeds will go towards the St. Sophia Dance Ministry. Please come and support us! THE TRIUMPH OF ORTHODOXY By John Kopatsis The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent. The dominant theme of this Sunday has been that of the victory of the icons when the iconoclastic controversy was laid to rest. Iconoclasm is the destruction of religious icons and other images or monuments for religious or political motives, although in modern usage, the word, usually in the adjectival form, has also come to refer to aggressive statements or actions against any well-established status quo. Iconolatry, on the other hand, is defined as the veneration of icons and it comes from the two Greek terms eikon, denoting simply a picture or image, and latreia, to adore. An iconodule (Greek eikono-doulos one who serves images ; or iconophile one who loves icons ) is someone who espouses iconodulism, i.e., who supports or is in favor of religious images or icons and their veneration, and is in opposition to an iconoclast. The Orthodox Church held at least two Church councils to decide on the proper use of icons. The Council of Hieria in 753 expressly forbade the making of icons, and ordered all pictures of Jesus and the Saints to be removed from the churches, saying that they ought instead to be decorated with pictures of birds, flowers, and fruit. The Council of Nicaea held in 787 reversed the decisions of that council. This Council of Church leaders was a key step towards the real understanding of the use of religious art in the Church Despite the teaching about icons defined at the Nicaea Ecumenical Council, for more than one hundred years the Church was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts, beginning with Byzantine Emperor Leo III in 726, when he ordered the removal of the image of Christ above the Chalke Gate of the imperial palace in Constantinople, and ending after the death of the last Iconoclast Emperor Theophilos in 842. Empress Theodora, mother and regent of the infant Emperor Michael III, who was then three years old, and Patriarch Methodios, summoned the Synod of Constantinople in 843 to bring peace to the Church. Empress Theodora venerated the icon of Theotokos in the presence of the Patriarch Methodios and other confessors, and declared: "If anyone does not offer venerations to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." On the first Sunday of Lent, she and her young Emperor son, made a triumphal procession with all the clergy and people from the Church of Virgin Mary of Blachernai (Θεοτόκος των Βλαχερνών) to the Saint Sophia Church in Constantinople, restoring the icons to the Church, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy. The Synod decreed that a perpetual feast on the anniversary of that day should be observed each year on the first Sunday of Great Lent, and named the day, "The Sunday of Orthodoxy" (ἡ Κυριακὴ τῆς Ὀρθοδοξίας.) At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, a service is conducted in commemoration of the restoration of the use of icons. Orthodox faithful carry icons in a procession, while the clergy offer petitions for the people, civil authorities, Continued in next page

14 Page 14 Continued from previous page and those who have reposed in the faith. The name of this Sunday reflects the great significance which icons possess for the Orthodox Church. As Metropolitan Kallistos Ware expressed, they are not optional devotional extras, but an integral part of Orthodox faith and devotion. The debate involved important issues: the character of Christ's human nature, the Christian attitude towards matter, and the true meaning of Christian redemption. Icons are held by the Orthodox to be a necessary consequence of Christian faith in the Incarnation of the Word (John 1:14), Jesus Christ. Icons are considered by Orthodox Christians to have a sacramental character, making present to the believer the person or event depicted on them. However, the Orthodox always make a clear doctrinal distinction between the veneration (προσκύνησις) paid to icons and the worship (λατρεία) which is due to God alone. The principle of veneration is that, in honoring an image, the honor is to be paid not to the image itself, but the one who is portrayed. THE TRIUMPH OF ORTHODOXY The earliest known representation of the restoration of the icons was painted in Constantinople in the late fourteenth century and was purchased by the British Museum in Painted in egg tempera on gold leaf over a wooden panel covered with gesso and linen, it is a relatively small, 39 x 31 cm, panel divided into two horizontal zones. Central to its iconography is another icon within this icon that of the Panaghia Hodegetria (Ὁδηγήτρια, literally: "She who shows the Way"), the iconographic depiction of the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus at her side while pointing to Him as the source of salvation for humankind. The Hodegetria icon was displayed in the Monastery of the Panaghia Hodegetria in Constantinople, which was built specially to contain it. Iconophiles believed that it was painted by the Evangelist Luke, and its production was used as a key argument in favor of the legitimacy of icons. The icon is on a stand, with red curtains, and on each side stand two guardian angels, wearing red hats and with wings. On the left is Empress Theodora and her infant son Michael. On the right is the Patriarch Methodios with three monks. In the register below the Hodegetria icon, Theophanes the Confessor and Theodore the Stoudite are depicted jointly holding an image of Christ. Five of the eleven figures in this zone are identified by severely effaced inscriptions. Saint Theodosia, the only female saint, is depicted holding an icon of Christ-Emmanuel while the bishop on the right and his companion are the two Graptoi Brothers, Theodore and Theophanes. Finally, the tenth and the eleventh figures are inscribed as Saints Theophylaktos and Arsakios. The identification of the depicted saints indicates the liturgical character of the iconography, as well as its link with the ceremonial celebrations and the events during the council of 843. First, Patriarch Methodios, to whom a prominent place was given, played an instrumental role in the restoration of the holy icons. All the other saints depicted, were venerated not only as defenders of the holy images but also for their crucial contribution to the historical events that Detail of the Triumph of Orthodoxy icon - Panagia Hodegetria led to the restoration of the icons. The Orthodoxy icon commemorates the triumph of the true faith (Orthodoxy: ορθή πίστη). Its iconography, mainly that of the upper register, has been related to council representations and to depictions of the veneration and the procession of the Hodegetria icon, in particular in cycles of the Akathistos Hymn. Both in iconography and meaning the Orthodoxy icon shares with these scenes specific and important characteristics. These characteristics, however, also refer to the historical events and the liturgical practices that took place on March 11, 843. The historical council of 843 deeply interested Byzantium in the fourteenth century, when the Orhodoxy icon is dated. The middle years of the late Byzantine period were torn by the debate over Hesychasm and the relationship with the West. Hesychasm was accepted at last as a true Orthodox doctrine. During all that period the questions posed and the theologicalcultural issues central to the iconoclastic controversy remained open and were vividly discussed. In fact, Byzantium never overcame iconoclasm. The saints depicted in the Orthodoxy icon, as fervent iconophiles, were of great interest to the Byzantines of the fourteenth century. In these iconophile saints, the late Byzantine viewer venerated not only the main champions of the restoration of the holy icons, but also the truest confessors of the Orthodox dogma of the Holy Trinity - a crucial issue in fourteenth-century theological debates and central to the dialogue with the Western Church that further reveals the vital relevance that the iconography of the Triumph of Orthodoxy icon had for late Byzantium.

15 Page 15 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Feb 27 Feb Clean Monday Compline Service 10:00am 11:00am Bible Study w/fr. John 7:30pm Pre- 9:30 am Pre- 7:30pm 1st Salutations to the Theotokos 3rd Saturday of Souls 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Sunday of Orthodoxy 8:30am Orthros 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 11:00am Bible Study w/fr. John 7:30pm Pre- 9:30 am Pre- 7:30pm 2nd Salutations to the Theotokos Sunday of Gregory Palamas 8:30am Orthros 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 7:30pm Pre- 9:30 am Pre- 7:30pm 3rd Salutations to the Theotokos Sunday of the Holly Cross 8:30am Orthros 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 26 7:30pm Pre :30 am Pre- 7:30pm 4th Salutations to the Theotokos Annunciation of the Theotokos 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Sunday of Saint John Climacus 8:30am Orthros 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 7:30pm Pre- 9:30 am Pre- 7:30pm 5th Salutations to the Theotokos 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 TIME SENSITIVE Place address label here Phone Fax We re on the Web!