THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

Transcription

1 THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL Monthly Newsletter Volume 4, Issues 1 and 2 January-February 2014 First Annual Blessing of the Waters Marked 150th Celebration of the Oldest Greek Orthodox Church in the Americas Greek Orthodox Youth Retrieve Cross from Bayou St. John By Laila Morcos Zissis Edited for The Flame The winding waters of Bayou St. John are steeped in history. This pivotal waterway, which was home to Native Americans for thousands of years and later an attraction for early 17th century settlers, was an early commercial outlet and a key element in determining where New Orleans was established. Today, Bayou St. John remains an important asset to the city and the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community, which built its current church on the banks of the bayou. On Sunday, January 12, 2014, Cathedral Dean Very Reverend Archimandrite Maximos Pafilis led the congregation and its guests to the bayou before casting a cross for the out-of-doors Blessing of the Waters. A first for the local parish, the event also marked the beginning of a yearlong celebration denoting the 150th anniversary of Holy Trinity as a worshipping community and as the first Greek Orthodox Church in the Americas. Following the Blessing of the Waters and the release of a symbolic white dove by dove bearer Ariadne Makridakis, four young men of the community swam into the chilly bayou waters to retrieve the large wooden, handmade cross in commemoration of the baptism of Jesus Christ and the appearance of the Holy Trinity. Adamandios Toras retrieved the cross before his fellow swimmers Emmanuel (Manoli) Ioannidis, Nikolaos Liaptsios, and Efthimios (Tim) Zissis reached the coveted trophy. This signifies one of the most important aspects of the unique religious service to personally experience the presence of Jesus Christ and the Trinity, said Father Maximos. The hope was that the young men experienced an epiphany of their own and contemplated the meaning behind the cross retrieval, why it was important and what it signifies in their own lives ROBERT E. LEE BOULEVARD NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA First Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America

2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana Fax holytrinitycathedral.org Liturgical Services Sundays Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Weekdays (when scheduled) 9:00 am Interim Clergy Reverend Father Dean Gigicos Chanters: Petros Demarinis, Demetrios Pappas Choir Director: Alex Tiliakos 2 Cross Retrieval Swimmers Left to right: Tim Zissis, Adamandios Toras with cross, Manoli Ioannidis, and Nikolaos Liaptsios; Dove Bearer Ariadne Makridakis LOCAL CHURCH HISTORY Selecting Epiphany to launch a yearlong series of celebrations commemorating the establishment of Holy Trinity in New Orleans was extremely symbolic for the parishioners, who are proud of their church and its history. Holy Trinity was founded in 1864 after businessman and Royal Consul of the Royal Government of Greece Nicholas Benachi offered his personal property for a temporary church. In 1867, he sold to the community a small parcel at 1222 North Dorgenois Street that included a small church. The current edifice along the bayou is the successor to this Little Church. Documentation at the New Orleans Notarial Archives shows that local Orthodox Christians had their organization formally recognized in the offices of Greek Consul Nicholas Benachi. Representing the pan-orthodox membership of this first church in America were Constantine Kilili and Michael Draskovich, whose birthplace was Turkey; Nicholas Benachi of Greece; and T. Cietcovich of Austria. In 1976 the community sold that property and acquired the current Robert E. Lee Boulevard site, where the Cathedral and the Hellenic Cultural Center currently stand next to Bayou St. John. The Hellenic Cultural Center was built in 1980, and the new Cathedral was completed in Today, the Cathedral serves the Greek Orthodox faithful throughout southern Louisiana, including more than 400 families from the greater New Orleans area, under the spiritual guidance of the Metropolis of Atlanta, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. BAYOU CONNECTION FOOTNOTE Greeks have been citizens of New Orleans for more than 200 hundred years, and Bayou St. John may be a geographic connection of the present Greek community with the first Greek pioneers. Michel Dragon (Dracos) was a native of Athens, Greece, when he immigrated to New Orleans round 1760 as a soldier in the French Colonial Army. When the Spanish 2014 PARISH COUNCIL President: Steven E. Psarellis 1 st Vice President: W. Paul Andersson 2 nd Vice President: Constandinos Vennis Treasurer: Socrates Toras Secretary: Vladimir Ammons Members: Petros Christakis, Konstantinos Frezoulis, Manoli Ioannidis, Panagiotis Patselikos, Elias Tsatalios, and Ginny Zissis The Flame: Editor, Victoria Catsulis EDUCATION Greek School Instructor: Fay Kalergi Hymnology Instructor: Viki Moustoukas Sunday School Following Holy Communion Director: Patrick Latour ORGANIZATIONS Acolytes and Readers Coordinator: Vladimir Ammons AHEPA: President, Socrates Toras Daughters of Penelope President: Barbara Stavis Wolf Education, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Chairman: Steven E. Psarellis GOYA Coordinators: Maria Michailakis and Maria Patselikos President: Sophia Marathonitis Advisors: Maria Stokes, Argeta Labatut, Despina Patselikos, Lenna Korominas Hellenic Dancers: Coordinator, Vivi Demarinis Holy Trinity Soccer Director: Katerina Tsatsoulis Sutton HOPE/JOY (age 11 and under) Coordinator: Vicki Mantikos McCallef Advisors: Angeliki Frezoulis, Sina Lawrence, Donna Venturatos Philoptochos: President:, Connie Tiliakos PTA: President, Katerina Tsatoulis Sutton Real Estate Committee Chairperson: Steven E. Psarellis St. Markella of Chios: President: Maria Anastasiou Support: Secretary, Victoria Catsulis Maintenance: Dimitri Vatakis

3 took control of New Orleans in 1763, Dragon received a commission in the Spanish militia that rebuilt Spanish Fort, then called San Juan del Bayou. Quite possibly, Dragon was part of the militia that rebuilt Spanish Fort, walking the same grounds along the bayou as these inheritors of an ancient faith in our city. Dragon was among the first of thousands of Greek families, who immigrated to New Orleans. MEMORABLE EVENT The long history and early beginnings of the New Orleans Church stayed in the mind s eye when Father Maximos blessed the faithful with holy water using a ceramic vessel (efchologion) donated to the community by Robert Klatt. This artifact resembles an 1882 painting by Romanian painter Constantin Stahi of the implements used for the blessing of holy water. Following the cross retrieval, the group gathered in the Hellenic Cultural Center, where local officials and community leaders made remarks during the Epiphany Celebratory Luncheon. The Greek community has contributed immensely to the landscape of our city s cultural diversity, said one of the city officials, who attended the celebration. From city leaders and business icons to artists and restaurateurs, Greek-Americans have a long-standing history of being instrumental in helping New Orleans grow and prosper. Without hesitation, we join in celebrating this community s contributions. Throughout the afternoon, civic and city leaders commended Holy Trinity for its contributions to the city of New Orleans and the Lakefront communities. During the notable weekend there was also a small exhibit in the foyer of the Hellenic Cultural Center that showcased liturgical artifacts and historic icons, including a 19th century randistirion (holy water sprinkler), baptismal font, and icons of St. John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus. The display was presented by the Keepers of the Faith of Holy Trinity, which is under the direction of Magdalene Maag. She and her Archives Committee work diligently year round to preserve the historical artifacts that document the 150 year history of the local church. Their greatly revered works are primarily sustained by private donations, which can be arranged by contacting the Archives Committee or the Cathedral office. Continued on next page Top Reverend Fathers Peter Nugent and Emile Buddy Noel assisted Father Maximos Pafilis during the outdoor service. Bottom The Holy Trinity Cathedral choir and acolytes led the congregational procession from the Cathedral to the bayou. 3

4 . Left 150 th Anniversary Committee Co-Chairpersons Barbara Stavis Wolf and Constandinos Vennis flank the cross retrieval swimmers. Event Chairperson Nicholas Chronis stands in the center. Right Father Maximos Pafilis and Parish Council President Steven Psarellis receive a proclamation from the City of New Orleans presented by Stacy Head and Cynthia Hedge Morrell. GRATITUDE EXTENEDED TO ALL The 150 th Anniversary Co-Chairpersons Constandinos Vennis and Barbara Stavis Wolf expressed their sincerest thanks to everyone, who worked on this event, participated, helped in any way, and attended the beautiful Cross Retrieval Ceremony on Bayou St. John, as well as the Epiphany Celebratory Luncheon. Special recognition was extended to both Event Chairperson Nicholas Chronis and to the financial sponsors, whose generosity helped make the event possible. GOLD SPONSOR Nancy Athas in Memory of Alex Athas, Sr. and Steve Athas GOLD SPONSOR Helen and Charles Malachias GOLD SPONSOR Barbara Stavis Wolf COPPER SPONSOR Glikeria and Alexandros Zarganas Furthermore, they thanked Father Maximos Pafilis, as well as Very Reverend Father Peter Nugent of St. Basil Antiochian Church and Reverend Emile "Buddy" Noel of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, who assisted Father Maximos with the outdoor service. The collective contributions made this undertaking a most memorable event for Holy Trinity and one that provided recognition throughout the New Orleans area and beyond for the milestone sesquicentennial celebration. Announcements of upcoming anniversary events during 2014 will be made through weekly and monthly bulletins and through the Cathedral website EPIPHANY CELEBRATORY LUNCHEON COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON Nicholas Chronis ARCHIVES EXHIBIT Magdalene Maag The Archives Committee CROSS RETRIEVAL CEREMONY Diane Chronis Holy Trinity PTA John Kleamenakis Dr. Mike Kleamenakis Mike Kleamenakis Dennis Papadopoulos Martha and James Strain Suzanne Stratikis The Sheraton Hotel DIGNITARIES AND PROTOCOL Sandy Bouzon LUNCHEON ARRANGEMENTS Steven Psarellis Constandinos Vennis Barbara Stavis Wolf LUNCHEON CENTERPIECES Cathy Vial LUNCHEON MEAL Evangelia Bilalis Vasili Funti George Tzavellas LUNCHEON SET UP AND SERVING Mary Kontos Helen Malachias Connie Tiliakos The Ladies Philoptochos Society PUBLICITY AND MEDIA Laila Morcos Zissis PROGRAM LOGO THREE CHURCHES Stephanie Vial TICKET SALES Cornelia and John Koniditsiotis 4

5 2014 CROSS RETRIEVAL ON B A Y O U S T. J O H N A most memorable occasion for the four participants, as well as the faithful along the water's edge. STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL Dear Fellow Members, Your new Board has spent much of its first two meetings considering the financial challenges of our Cathedral community and what outreach efforts might be successful in bringing both former and new members into active contact with our parish. As all know since the budget was presented at the January General Assembly, our Stewardship donations fall far short of what is needed to pay for our parish activities, youth programs, building maintenance, parish salaries, and the like. We have closely examined our finances, and without any generous funding or over-spending, it costs us an average of $1000 each and every day to pay our bills. Our average Stewardship donations in New Orleans total less than a third of what other Greek Orthodox faithful in the Southeast contribute to their churches. We believe that this has much to do with a basic lack of financial information being made available and your Board has unanimously pledged greater transparency in everything that we are doing and to find new ways to keep all of our members current throughout the year on Board and financial matters. We are working as fast as possible to revise our Cathedral website to provide a Members Only addition by which our Board activities can be made known and through which members can electronically make payments to the community. We hope to adopt programs used by other organizations, which will allow secure credit card charges and the like. Our Stewardship program will involve timely updates from the Board to the community so that our progress, as well as our problems, is known to all as currently as possible. We expect the first brief presentation to be made on Sunday, February 23, with updates in the bulletin thereafter. Future periodic presentations may also be made by Board members after Sunday liturgy to help reiterate the information presented. We hope that each of us may consider adopting a day or a half-day as an annual commitment to the Cathedral. Monthly payments will be easily arranged so that, for example, a $1000 one-day adoption can be paid in small regular installments just like all of our monthly bills. Our new electronic mechanism will allow us each to simply set up an automatic monthly credit-card withdrawal, if you choose to pay that way. We hope that you will agree with your Board that we simply cannot continue to ignore our financial circumstances and that you will endorse this new proposal with as much enthusiasm as we think it deserves. Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome and can be shared with any board member at any time in any way Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish Council 5 1

6 THE LENTEN JOURNEY The great Lenten period before Easter is called Tessaracoste (Quadragesimal) in the Orthodox Church. It is derived from the word forty the 40 days of "fasting." This institute of the 40 days of Lent precedes the Resurrection of Christ, which does not fall on the same date each year. Rather, the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ is determined by the position of the moon and spring equinox and is based on the original setting during the last events of the life of Christ on earth. The 40-days period of Lent is a one of "abstinence" from foods and, primarily, from personal iniquities. Abstinence from foods, or fasting, is a means of attaining virtue, but it is not an end in itself. During the period of fasting one makes a special attempt to evaluate his calling as a Christian, to listen to the voice of the Gospel and heed its commandments, and to accept the constant invitation to enter Christ's Kingdom. It is an open invitation to everyone who is willing to enter, who believes in Christ and repents his iniquities, and who makes an "about face" directly to Christ. To accomplish this, which is a year-round concern, the Christian Church, out of experience and according to the nature of man, instituted certain days of prayer and fasting as steps in a ladder to help those, who need guidance to reach this spiritual plateau. All of these steps must have genuine personal meaning to avoid becoming merely a habit and routine. Fasting encompasses the entire pious life of the Christian, as Christ proclaimed, that symbolizes a deep acceptance of His admonition to "repent." This can be achieved not so much in terms of time but in deeds and in love of God and one's fellow man. During the period of the Great Lent the awakening of the spirit of man comes about through inspiration from the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. It is a time of self-examination and preparation and of taking an inventory of one's inner life. He and Christ know his exact condition. At this time one sees himself in the mirror of the Gospel - how he looks. One finds the means and ways to correct and improve himself. Lent is a period of time when one delves into himself with the light of the Holy Spirit in order to rid himself of the impediments, which hold him back. It is a period when one strengthens his faith by more prayer and devotional life. Orthodox Lent begins on Monday, March 3, Father Dean Gigicos has scheduled services to accommodate the Holy Trinity Cathedral family in the interim while the parish awaits the assignment of a new priest. Consider beginning your Lenten journey by attending these services. 6 MARCH WEEKDAY SERVICES FRIDAY, MARCH 7 7:00 pm 1st Salutations of Akathist Hymn SATURDAY, MARCH 8 9:00 am 3rd Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy FRIDAY, MARCH 14 7:00 pm 2nd Salutations of Akathist Hymn FRIDAY, MARCH 21 7:00 pm 3rd Salutations of Akathist Hymn FRIDAY, MARCH 28 7:00 pm 4th Salutations of Akathist Hymn

7 HOLY TRINITY ARCHIVES COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER JANUARY Happy New Year! Καλή Χρονιά!Thank you, everyone, for your support during the past year. We look forward to new accomplishments in Thank you to the following individuals for all their varied gifts: Vickie Catsulis facilitated the Adler s jewelry inspection of the stones that embellish the 19 th century St. Petersburg Panagia, a gift of the Empress of Russia. Adler s identified turquoise stones, seed pearls, and glass crystals. As well, Vickie brought the 19 th century Queen Olga and King George chalice to Hans Luetkemeier Silversmith for polishing. Hilda Luetkemeier cleaned the chalice at no cost in honor of her friend Helen Malachias. Karen Clark donated her time to clean the textile icon of Saints Peter and Paul. Stella Dabbs donated the icon of Saints Peter and Paul and now will sponsor the archival framing. Stella gifted the icon in memory of her mother, Fotini Demetropoulos Murutes. She stated, I am happy to have been able to donate the icon, and my mother would be proud knowing the icon is with the oldest Greek Orthodox Church in the Western Hemisphere! We found the original 1927 AHEPA charter in the Icon Room. AHEPA contracted for conservation. Barbara Wolf provided for the conservation of the 19 th century Greek wooden Saints Basil and Anna icon in memory of her father, Vasilios Stavis. The conservator removed old darkened varnish, prevented further deterioration, and sealed the fragile surface for the future AHEPA Board: The First Members of New Orleans PTA donated $500 for the conservation of one icon last year. We knew we would apply this to the wooden Jesus Christ icon but the initial proposals were very expensive. The conservator stated that the art medium was not egg tempera. Bare wood was exposed. Paint was so thin that some cleaning methods dissolved the remaining oil paint. We apologize for taking so long. But, past proposals were not appropriate, and we needed to learn about the icon. 7

8 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE JANUARY In celebration of Christmas, the Daughters of Penelope rang Salvation Army bells at Dillard's Lakeside Mall on December 14, 2013, and WalMart on the Westbank. Thank you to Callie Fouquet, Popi Kountouroudas, Marcelle Orkoulas, Sophia Pappas, Sophie Theodoron, Connie Tiliakos, Koula Vennis, Maria Vennis, and Barbara Wolf, who participated in this worthy cause. Also, the Daughters donated to the Hope and Joy Humanitarian Project to prepare health kits for the Philippine hurricane victims. BELL RINGING FOR SALVATION ARMY LEFT Sophia Pappas and Koula Vennis with the help of Maria Vennis RIGHT Popi Kountouroudas and Connie Tiliakos Over thirty-nine members plus guests attended the Daughters Christmas Celebration after church services on Sunday, December 15, Wonderful appetizers and a delicious meal of shrimp scampi and vegetables were served, and members provided desserts. Thank you to Denise Ammons, Sandy Bouzon, Mary Ellen Grace, Adrienne Dabbs Owen, and Marcelle Orkoulas for their help in organizing and setting up the event. We thank Father Maximos Pafilis for attending and blessing our meal. During the event we held the drawing for five Christmas ornaments from the Salvation Army for our Christmas donation. It was a very enjoyable afternoon. Thank you to all members, who brought delicious food, refreshments, and decorations. Also, in December the Daughters held their Greek Pastry Bake Sale and thank everyone for the tremendous support of this annual fund raiser event and to all the members, who worked at all the workshops. Daughters members and guests enjoying Christmas Celebration on December 15. 8

9 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE FEBRUARY In January the Daughters of Penelope had a very successful meeting with a visitation by Daughters of Penelope Grand President Joanne Saltas from Utah, Grand Governor Eva Jean Fomalont from New Mexico, and District Governor Vali Maglaras from Texas, as well as the initiation of three new members Debbie Funti, Laura Toras, and Despina Williams. The guests enjoyed visiting New Orleans and Holy Trinity Cathedral and were very appreciative of the southern hospitality and the taste of New Orleans gifts that they received. On Saturday January 18, 2014, the Daughters held a successful Kitchenware and Jewelry party at the lovely home of Despina Pappas. Thank you to hostesses Sophia Pappas and Angela Gervais for the very enjoyable afternoon gathering. The Daughters next meeting is February 16, 2014, where plans for upcoming events will be discussed including the AHEPA Palm Sunday Luncheon on April 13. LEFT: Visitors and new Daughters members RIGHT: Daughters members at January meeting with visitors 40-DAYS BLESSING December 10, 2013 Eleni Toras Daughter of Emily and Eleftherios Toras BAPTISMS December 20, 2013 Anna Sher Godmother Simona Grunic December 21, 2013 Julianna Psilos and Christian Psilos Children of Brooke and Matthew Psilos Godfather Nicholas Vlahos January 23, 2014 Vasilios Armour Son of Tereza Laptsiotis and Stephen Armour Godmother Maria Frangos-Torres February 9, 2014 Mia Rose (Maria) Tarus Daughter of Cristina Costas and Dumitru Tarus Godparents Tatiana and Ion Ciobanu CHRISMATION January 15, 2014 James Commagere Son of Anastasia Commagere Godfather Eleftherios Marathonitis PARISH REGISTRY Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort, and Support CHRISMATIONS January 23, 2014 Thomas Joseph West Godmother Despina Savvaides January 24, 2014 Apollo Sutton Godmother Suzanne Stratikis WEDDINGS January 18, 2014 Mary Bankston and Nicholas Leonard January 25, 2014 Maria Michailakis and Eldon Huner, III Koubara Kiriaki Stavrakakis MEMORIAL January 4, 2014 Helen Hansel 1-YEAR MEMORIAL January 5, 2014 Spiros E. Pavlou 40-DAYS MEMORIAL January 19, 2014 Helen Hansel FUNERAL February 8, 2014 Don Christopher 9

10 PHILOPTOCHOS ACTIVITIES IN JANUARY Maria Mellis and Maria Anastasiou hosted our meeting on January 5. After the meeting Mary Kontos, Cathy Vial, and other Philoptochos members worked on the decorations for the Epiphany Cross Retrieval Celebratory Luncheon. The cutting of the Vasilopita was held on January 6, and with the support of our church community, we were able to send $1,150 to Saint Basil s Academy. The Philoptochos Social Services Cancer Fund provides for individuals who need cancer treatment but cannot afford. This January Philoptochos gave $500 to this fund. The Senior Citizens Luncheon held on January 16 was sponsored by Dr. Steve and Carol Venturatos in memory of their parents. Argie Kleamenakis and Angela Pembo came early to set up, and Cathy Vial decorated the tables and provided the bingo prizes. Angie Kringas, Debbi Funti, Diane Chronis, Carol Venturatos, and Sandy Bouzon served the luncheon. A good time was had by all. 2 On January 17, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Father Maximos gave a lecture on Ecumenism. Later, on January 26, a Prayer Service for People of all Churches was held at our Cathedral. The receptions following both events were a joint effort of Philoptochos and the Holy Trinity Community. On January 18 the Parish Council and Philoptochos, along with some members of St. Markella of Chios and other members of the community, honored Father Maximos with a farewell reception and wished him well.

11 2014 CHILDREN S WORLD S FAIR Waters of the World Benefitting the The Community of Holy Trinity Cathedral was invited to participate in the 16 th annual Children s World s Fair at the Louisiana Children s Museum on Saturday, March 22, Hellenic culture, cuisine, history, and traditions will be showcased at a time when the parish is celebrating its 150 th anniversary, as well as Greek Independence. With both events in mind, the children of Holy Trinity will share with the New Orleans community their heritage through skits, exhibits, dances, and crafts. What better way to celebrate the past than to feature the ambassadors of the future, our children. The Education, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Committee encourages the entire Holy Trinity Cathedral family to support this endeavor. Vouchers, required for attendance, will be available through the Cathedral office for Holy Trinity members. Below are listed event particulars. For additional information, please contact Steven Psarellis at WHAT: A celebration of various cultures and a chance to embark on an exciting trek across the globe, all in one day! With this year s theme of Waters of the World, this event is also an inter-generational celebration of cultural diversity in the contributions of science, technology, engineering, and math (S.T.E.M.) with relation to water and the great oceans, rivers, and lakes of our planet. While on your expedition, you will experience an international exhibition of crafts, hands-on projects, activities, music, literature, native attire, and food from many regions of the world. WHY: This year the Museum will celebrate the 16 th year of the Children s World s Fair, having shared over 175 countries with the children of our community! Children s World s Fair provides children ages 4-14 with an appreciation of what is unique and universal to the customs of our global community in an interactive learning environment, making this big world seem a little smaller. We expect this event to engage over 2,000 explorers, who will travel around the world with us! The proceeds from the Children's World's Fair provide critical support to the Louisiana Children's Museum s hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and fun, safe, and meaningful learning opportunities for the children of this region. WHEN: SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2014 PATRON PARTY GENERAL ADMISSION 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHERE: WHO: Louisiana Children s Museum 420 Julia Street New Orleans, LA Countries that will be represented: Australia Greece India Italy Colombia Haiti Nicaragua South Africa Please call or rduckert@lcm.org for more information. 11

12 S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T CALLING ALL HERB GARDENERS! This spring the Greek Festival Committee is asking all herb gardeners to include extra plantings of thyme, basil, rosemary, and oregano, which later can be sold at the Festival. These herbs are most welcome additions in the Greek Grocery. If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Festival Secretary Stacy Rico at FESTIVAL CHAIRPERSONS MEETING The first 2014 Greek Festival chairpersons meeting will be March 6, 2014, at 7:30 pm in the Coffee Room. In advance, the Greek Festival Committee thanks you for your commitment. FESTIVAL PASTRY WORKSHOPS Pastry preparations for the 2014 Greek Festival are scheduled to begin Tuesday, February 18, and Wednesday, February 19, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Lunch will be provided. Once underway, workshops will be every Tuesday and Wednesday except Holy Week. The Pastry Committee Chairpersons invite all ladies and gentlemen to assist in the preparation of the pastries. HTC YOUTH SOCCER The proposed schedule for the spring session of Holy Trinity Youth Soccer is as follows: March 14, 21, and 28; April 4, 11, and 25; and May 2 Final Practice and Awards Ceremony. Contact Director Katerina Sutton, if you have questions about the program. PTA SOUPER FUNDRAISER Holy Trinity Cathedral PTA is hosting its annual Lenten Soup Fundraiser. Orders for soups, sold in quart size containers, will be taken until February 23. Contact Chairperson Vicki McCallef at vmccallef@yahoo.com or to place your order. Please note that the Pick-Up Date will be Sunday, March 2, after church services. SATURDAY OF SOULS Enclosed is a form for Saturday of Souls. Please submit the completed list, only once, to the Cathedral office prior to the beginning of the Divine Liturgy. The same lists are used for all subsequent services. SPECIAL FURNITURE REQUEST Elaine Nugent is seeking a table and chairs, as well as a bed with box springs and mattress, for a family in our community. Please contact Elaine at , if you can assist her with this appeal. Your help would be greatly appreciated. STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF On Sunday, February 23, 2014, the Parish Council will give a brief presentation regarding new concepts and plans for the 2014 Stewardship Campaign. Please check inside for details. YOUTH HYMNOLOGY PROGRAM During March, Sunday School students will learn the Easter hymn "Christos Anesti - Christ is Risen!" Parents and grandparents are asked to reinforce the learning of this very important hymn at home. Hymnology instruction for all Sunday School students begins immediately after Holy Communion in the upstairs classroom area. Please contact Viki Moustoukas (vmoustouka@aol.com) with any questions about this program.

13 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMITMENT Dear Fellow Parishioners, As the Holy Trinity Cathedral family prepares to enter the Lenten period, Orthodoxy s most solemn and spiritual period leading to Pascha, each and every one of us makes a commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our church, and our family. It is a period in our lives when we should strive to treat others with love, compassion, and understanding while personally seeking forgiveness and salvation. With this mindset, I ask you to reflect on our New Orleans Greek Orthodox Community. Although heavily influenced by Greek traditions, upbringings, and heritage that often distinguish us from other Orthodox churches, under no circumstances do these traits separate us from them. We share our uniqueness and welcome all, who wish to worship according to our traditions. In that spirit and on behalf of the Holy Trinity Cathedral Board of Trustees, I extend a warm welcome to those, who wish to become stewards of our parish and make a commitment of their time, talent, and treasures to our faith and community. Below I have noted a few key projects and dates for your immediate consideration and hope that you will share my enthusiasm for them. STEWARDSHIP The 2014 Stewardship Campaign is led by Manoli Ioannidis and Socrates Toras, who plan some dynamic changes for this vital program. Its success is a pivotal point for the growth and future stability of our parish. Fellow Board members are supportive of their proposals and have pledged a commitment to assist in developing strategies that will improve the financial state of Holy Trinity along with the programs that it sustains. A brief kick off presentation will be made on Family Day, February 23, after Divine Liturgy. The Board asks every family to attend as the Stewardship team shares its ideas, particularly the new Adopt a Day concept. Come and discover how our community can productively fund its programs and achieve its goals! GREEK FESTIVAL We ask that you consider another vital commitment, the annual Greek Festival. Chairperson Ginny Zissis will be excited to get new, as well as familiar, faces involved with the preparations and planning for this year s Festival slated May 23, 24, and TH ANNIVERSARY This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Co-Chairpersons Constandinos Vennis and Barbara Stavis Wolf organized and, through the invaluable direction of Nick Chronis, carried off a fantastic Epiphany celebration, which kicked off our community s sesquicentennial commemoration. Many more events are being planned. The next one is a joint venture with the Education, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Committee (ECYMC). Hellenism and Orthodox traditions will be celebrated at the Louisiana Children s Museum on Saturday, March 22. This commitment can involve your entire family. GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Although this observance is usually held at the Hellenic Cultural Center, the ECYMC and the Board decided to capitalize on the offer presented by the New Orleans Children s Museum to showcase our Greek School children, Greek dancers, Orthodox and Greek arts, crafts and food at their annual Children s World s Fair to be held on March 22. Mindful that many parishioners are accustomed to the Greek School children performing their poems and skits after church services on Sunday, we believe that this one-time exception serves the good of the community as a whole. Over 2,000 participants will be at the Children s Museum on a day when the Holy Trinity Cathedral family is Center Stage. Your commitment to and participation in this event will be greatly appreciated. While awaiting the Metropolis of Atlanta to assign us a new spiritual leader, we diligently and energetically move forward with our community s programs and eagerly anticipate a bright, productive future. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Board of Trustees President

14 1 5 0 TH A N N I V E R S A R Y C E L E B R A T I O N The 150th Anniversary is a community event, which needs your talent and skills to assure its success. Assistance is needed in the following areas: Commemorative Album Committee Album Sponsors and Ad Solicitation History of Holy Trinity Artwork and Album Design Layout and Production Documentary Video Compilation of Photos Scriptwriting Interviews Production Post Production Celebration Events and Banquet October Clergy and Dignitaries Assistance Transportation and Security Tours and Hospitality To discuss your interests in becoming a part of this historical event, please contact the Cathedral office at or Co-Chairpersons Constandinos Vennis or Barbara Stavis Wolf HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL STEWARDS Thank you to everyone who has returned his/her 2014 Stewardship Commitment Card. As of February 14, the Cathedral office has received stewardship commitments of $45, from 95 of the roughly 308 families in our community. Of this amount $18, was paid with the average pledge being $ per family/individual. Thank you for your support. Ammons, Denise and Vladimir Andersson, Billie and W. Paul Andres, Christine P. Andrews, Bethlehem K. Angelico, Robert and Kathy Conklin Apostolides, Marlene and Spyridon Baer, Elisabeth and Jason Bakamitsos, Marion and Georgios Barnett, Melisa and Jac Barry III, Nicholas Taylor Boulahanis, Angela and John Bouton, Bella and Raymond Cabali, Juanita Catsulis, Peter G. Catsulis, Victoria Christakis, Maria T. Christidis, Georgia and Stylianos Ciobanu, Tatiana and Ion Cockinos, Dee Dabbs, Stella Dongieux, Pam and Glenn Doss, Betty and John Doussa, Sandra Fotiades, Joan Fotiades, Julie Frezoulis, Angeliki and Konstantinos Funti, Deborah Ann and Vasili Fyssas, Despina and George Gambos, Fortunate and Andrew Georges, Anita Georges, Constantine Giannopulos, Mary Hansel, Tonya and Andrew Health, Angela Hionakis, Nicholas and Anna Schindler Howard, Homer Howard, Stela Howard, Stephan Johnson, Helen and Ben Kanellakis, Christ and Sophia Pappas Kleamenakis, Argie and Nick Kloumassis, Niki Konos, Marcella and Pete Kontaxis, Athena Kontoudis, Despina Kyame, Faith Kyriakides, Maria and Aris Latour, Patrick Leonard, Mary and Nicholas Leyva, Helen Maag, Maggie and Richard MacInnes, Deborah Mailhes, Tina Mantis, Rosy and Thomas Miaoulis, Anita and Chris Michailakis, Petroula and Panagiotis Moustoukas, Viki and Nick Nevels, Anastassia and John Max Nicoladis, Kristen and Michael Nicopoulos, Sue and Constandinos Pavlou, Fotine Payavla, Callie Pelias, Magda Pemblo, Angela Petikas, Mary and Dimitrios Psarellis, Michael Psarellis, Vasilia Razza, Anna B. Ricciardi, Chrysanthy Rostovshchikova, Natalya Sarantakos, Maria and Steve Sher, Anna Stavrakakis, Sandy and Vasilios M. Stokes, Maria and Brian Strain, Martha and James R. Stratikis, Suzanne and George Stratis, Nicholas Stratis, Stavros Sutton, Katerina and Ashley Tadros Katherine and Daniel Tiliakos, Connie and Alexander Toras, Emily and Eleftherios Toras, Laura and Socrates N. Torres, Maria and Michael Tsatalios, Jeanette and Elias Tsatalios, Peter Tsimboukis, Suzanne and Efthimios Tzavellas, Fotini and George Tzerefos, Panagiotis L. Vassilas, Anastasia Vennis, Koula and Costandinos Venturatos, Carol and Steve Voulgarakis, Claudia and Vassilios Yiannopoulos, A. N. Zervoudis, Georgia and George

15 F E B R U A R Y MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 7:00 pm Adult Intermediate Greek School TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 6:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 7:00 am Adult Beginner Greek School THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 4:00 pm Order of St. Markella Meeting 6:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 House Blessings beginning at 1:00 pm SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 9:00 am 1st Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Youth Greek School 2:00 pm Philoptochos Ozanam Inn SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy ELEFTHERIOS VASSILAS 6-MONTHS MEMORIAL MARRIAGE BLESSING OF FRANCES AND DIMITRIOS PETIT St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival 12:00 pm PTA Family NO Greek School 12:00 pm Stewardship Presentation House Blessings beginning at 2:00 pm MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 House Blessings beginning at 9:00 am, if necessary 7:00 pm Adult Intermediate Greek School TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 7:00 pm Adult Beginner Greek School M A R C H The Spetsiotis Family is sponsoring the Coffee Hour during the month of March. SATURDAY, MARCH 1 10:00 am Youth Greek School SUNDAY, MARCH 2 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy CONSTANTINOS SKLEPAS 1-YEAR MEMORIAL 12:00 pm GOYA Meeting 12:00 pm Kids Cafe 12:00 pm PTA Lenten Soup Pick-Up 12:00 pm Youth Greek School MONDAY, MARCH 3 ORTHODOX LENT BEGINS 6:00 pm Lundi Gras Hall Rental NO ADULT GREEK SCHOOL TUESDAY, MARCH 4 CATHEDRAL OFFICE CLOSED MARDI GRAS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5 7:00 am Adult Beginner Greek School FRIDAY, MARCH 7 7:00 pm 1st Salutations of Akathist Hymn SATURDAY, MARCH 8 9:00 am 3rd Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Youth Greek School SUNDAY, MARCH 9 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 12:00 pm Kids Café 12:00 pm Philoptochos Meeting 12:00 pm Youth Greek School

16 1:30 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice MONDAY, MARCH 10 7:00 pm Adult Intermediate Greek School TUESDAY, MARCH 11 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 6:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice 7:00 pm Parish Council Meeting WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 7:00 am Adult Beginner Greek School THURSDAY, MARCH 13 6:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice FRIDAY, MARCH 14 6:00 pm HTC Youth Soccer 7:00 pm 2nd Salutations of Akathist Hymn SATURDAY, MARCH 15 10:00 am Youth Greek School SUNDAY, MARCH 16 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy DIMITRIOS SPETSIOTIS 1-YEAR MEMORIAL PAGONA D. SPETSIOTIS 14-YEARS MEMORIAL 12:00 pm Daughters Meeting 12:00 pm Kids Cafe 12:00 pm Youth Greek School 1:30 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice MONDAY, MARCH 17 7:00 pm Adult Intermediate Greek School TUESDAY, MARCH 18 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 6:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 7:00 am Adult Beginner Greek School THURSDAY, MARCH 20 6:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice FRIDAY, MARCH 21 6:00 pm HTC Youth Soccer 7:00 pm 3rd Salutations of Akathist Hymn SATURDAY, MARCH 22 District St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Ft. Walton Beach, FL Youth Greek School Program encompassed in 2014 Children s World s Fair at Louisiana Children s Museum 2:00 pm Philoptochos Ozanam Inn SUNDAY, MARCH 23 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Sunday of the Holy Cross Philoptochos Tray for Seminary Greek Independence Day Evangelism 12:00 pm PTA Luncheon 1:30 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice MONDAY, MARCH 24 7:00 pm Adult Intermediate Greek School TUESDAY, MARCH 25 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 6:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 9:30 am Festival Pastry Workshop 7:00 am Adult Beginner Greek School THURSDAY, MARCH 27 6:00 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice FRIDAY, MARCH 28 6:00 pm HTC Youth Soccer 7:00 pm 4th Salutations of Akathist Hymn SUNDAY, MARCH 30 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 12:00 pm PTA Family NO Greek School 1:30 pm Hellenic Dancers Practice MONDAY, MARCH 31 7:00 pm Adult Intermediate Greek School