HERALD. Saint Sophia Cathedral. The Publican & the Pharisee Triodion Begins 24 February. Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

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1 Saint Sophia Cathedral Page HERALD CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF GREEK ORTHODOXY IN LOS ANGELES FEBUARY 2013 I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E Dean s Message 2 Parish Council News 3 Stewardship 4 Philoptohos News 5 Choir News 6 Philoptohos VIP 7 Philanthropia News 7 Youth News 8 Sacraments/Memorials 9 Ministries List 10 Community News 11 Orthodox Calendar 15 Deadline for March Herald Friday, 15 February Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean Rev. Fr. Allan Boyd, Assistant 1324 S. Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, CA Tel Fax The Publican & the Pharisee Triodion Begins 24 February

2 Page 2 DEAN S MESSAGE Overcoming At a recent Pan-Orthodox clergy meeting one of the priests reported that a recent survey revealed that over 1,500 pastors, priests and rabbis leave the ministry every month. The survey indicated that many of these clergy leave their posts because of clergy burnout. This is not a new phenomenon for clergy alone. It is happening in one form or another to countless individuals in high stress positions. You may be one of them. You may be struggling with feelings that border on burnout right now in your own work. We often journey in what seems our soul s dark night, overwhelmed by life s never ending demands. As I reflected on the survey, a series of scripture truths that can help in our journey through the dark night, began to flood my soul. I want to pass them along to you in brief form because I often struggle with issues of burn out, stress and distress. Step 1: Cultivate daily dependence on God. There is a serious risk for all of us to forget the true Source of life successes. A daily re-visit to these well-known words from King Solomon can help us remember where our true strength finds its source: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths (Prov. 3:5-6). Step 2: Intentionally schedule time away for R and R. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work (Ex.20:8-10). A wise old Bishop once told me, If God took a day off once every seven, what makes you think you don t need that, too? It was good advice. Scripture tells us that on occasion even Jesus, would withdraw to desolate places and pray (Luke 5:16). Step 3: Develop a sense of humor and be determined to have fun. Whoever said our work always must be long-faced to be good. Next to glorifying God, in all we do and express gratitude to Him, our primary goal is to enjoy Him forever. Step 4: Develop good diet, exercise and sleep habits. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body (1Cor. 6:19-20). If you are out-of-shape and sleep-deprived, you are already sliding down the slope to your soul s dark night. However, you can start changing that today! Step 5: Develop the practice of thinking up. Always look for the bright side in any situation. Sometimes we have to look hard; but it is there, and we will find it. Remember, St. Paul was locked in dungeon leg-irons when he instructed the Philippians: Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Phil. 4:8-9). This includes avoiding negative-thinking people and cynical faultfinders. The psalmist reminds us that the man God blesses does not sit in the seat of scoffers (Ps. 1:1). Step 6: Develop a daily habit of meditating on God s Word. This means pondering the depth of God s Word, meditating long-term on short verses until they become a part of who we are. Isaiah the prophet comforts his readers with these words: They who wait (meditate) upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint (Isa. 40:31). When we practice prayer and meditation on God s Word, we will be able to overcome natural drawbacks, endure tough situations with energy to spare and keep-on keeping-on without becoming overly tired. Step 7: Never forget you are not and never will be alone! King David reminds us of the reality that we are always in the best of company: Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascent to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the utter most parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me (Ps. 139:7-10). He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb. 13:5-8). In Christ, V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas

3 Page 3 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS The continued success of Saint Sophia Cathedral is directly dependent upon the benevolence of its many parishioners, members, and/or benefactors. Archbishop Demetrios of America shares that together as laity, clergy and hierarchs, our greatest concern is the spiritual well-being and growth of each parish. It is together in Christ that we will accomplish this sacred work of building parishes of faith and love. Our new Saint Sophia Cathedral Parish Council are as follows: Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer & CFO Correspondence Brent A. Noyes Ted Pastras Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian Michael Kraios Irene Andreadis Members Jeanine Hanna, John Kopatsis, Glenn Lianos, Eleni Constantine Manolelis, Loula Moschonas, Alex Oxyzolou, Peter Pallas, Dean Peratsakis, Karen Sarames, Dorothy Spirus Our Parish Council took an oath in front of parishioners and community members promising to conform faithfully to the doctrines, canons, worship, constitution, ruling and encyclicals of the Church. The Oath of Office states that I do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the dogma, teaching, traditions, holy canons, worship and moral principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the Charter and Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will faithfully and sincerely fulfill the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me God. To serve on a Parish Council is a ministry and all those who serve are called to represent Christ and the Orthodox Faith to all whom they meet in all aspects of life. We are already hard at work greeting and welcoming all of our parishioners, learning and following the Archdiocesan Regulations, Uniform Metropolis Regulations, Uniform Parish Regulations, and Parish By-Laws of Saint Sophia Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community. This month, we will be participating in a three day Church retreat at Saint Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center. We also want to hear from all of you whenever you have any questions or are in need of our services. We support and believe that frequent, effective communication is the key to building a strong and informed parish! Thomas S. Monson wrote that the principles of living greatly include the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and trial with humility. I am deeply honored and humbly ask for your prayers and support for the upcoming work in which our Parish Council will be participating. My sincere appreciation goes to Loula Moschonas, our previous Parish Council Executive Board and members, to Father Bakas and Father Allan, to the Saint Sophia staff and the entire Saint Sophia Community for your trust, support, and direction for the upcoming year and future. Sincerely, Brent A. Noyes Parish Council President

4 Page 4 STEWARDSHIP Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship At home with God, in God s house They say home is where the heart is. It is where we are most comfortable, home. A true story for Christina and I. There came a time in our lives when we both found ourselves to be very comfortable, very much at home, here in God s house, St. Sophia, though to be honest, we didn t know each other at the time. We began to feel comfortable, recognizing His church, St. Sophia, as a place that we could call home; a place where we could truly open up our hearts with Love, before a community a family of believers. Each of us has a similar interest, like mind, and a common heart, joined together by the very same Love, that being our Love for God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After we noticed that our hearts had found their home in this loving place, St. Sophia, one day we noticed each other. Christina & I fell in love. Soon after that, we were married and really did become family. Since the occasion of that Loving expression of God, we have expanded our family by joining together with other families whom we met at His house, St. Sophia; families who s children we ve baptized as Godparents, families who s weddings we ve stood up in, as Maid of Honor and Best Man. When we speak of St. Sophia as our home and the St. Sophia community as our family, we mean it, both in Divine terms and literal terms. Ours isn t the only family capable of recognizing and sharing these exact same sentiments. All of you have tenderhearted kinships and family ties that have sprung from your common Love with others just like you, here at St. Sophia. How wonderful it is to have found a home here, where we are indeed a family, a community, not merely a single individual alone, but collectively, members of the body of Christ, reliant upon one another, dependent upon one another and responsible for one another. Willingly we come seeking Him and in doing so, we willingly accept our role as a member of the body of Christ and along with that role we willingly accept the responsibility to every other collective member of His body. God, who has created all things, created you and I in His image and likeness and entrusted all things to our care, though all things belong to Him. Among that which He has entrusted to us is His magnificent cathedral, St. Sophia; a place for us to come together, as members of Christ s body, as a community and a family to praise and worship Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our Master and Benefactor. Among the members of Christ s body, by which He so radiantly reveals Himself and which we value and accept as priority in our life, include the many ministries of St. Sophia. We willingly offer our full support as stewards and urge you to participate and get involved. Remember, volunteering your time and offering up your talent is a form of stewardship. So many great things are happening here at Saint Sophia. Our Cathedral is a place, fully alive in Orthodox tradition, in liturgical and sacramental living, where in addition to worship, also provides a strong Orthodox educational program for both children and adults. Saint Sophia also provides uplifting Christian and cultural fellowship as well as a continual engagement and outreach, beyond our walls, with the city and people of Los Angeles. As stewards of St. Sophia, you support, maintain and preserve His work, through your time, talents and greatly appreciated financial giving. There is great value in supporting the work of our St. Sophia ministries, which changes lives in our church. It s changed my life and can change yours as well. As a family, we must take care of His house, our home, St. Sophia. Let us review our stewardship commitment and with Love in our hearts be bold in our generosity. Plant your seed in His vineyard, and by your care watch as it grows strong and reaches out into the kingdom of God, which He has established through the good works of the many ministries of St. Sophia. Your generosity is an expression of thanksgiving to God. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also," (Luke 12:34) Thank you, Dean & Christina Peratsakis

5 Page 5 PHILOPTOHOS NEWS Our DEBUTANTE BALL was a sell-out and an absolutely beautiful event! The Philoptohos extends it s deepest thanks to chairman KATRINA BEERS and her committee for all of their hard work! The 22 debutantes and their families had a spectacular evening along with everyone else who attended! The success of this event will enable Philoptohos to continue with its outreach and commitments to National and the Metropolis. No time to rest we are jumping into more projects and events! There is something for everyone!! Orthodox Easter will be five weeks later than Western Easter this year. Our Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, May 5 th. We will need volunteers to help us with Easter egg dying, baking and selling pastries at the Easter picnic. Philoptohos will once again be selling SEE S EASTER CANDY, bunnies, eggs and some boxed items for your Easter shopping needs! We will be selling on Sundays after church and will give you a more complete schedule in the weekly church bulletins. Be sure you buy your candy EARLY because once the supplies run out we will not be able to get anymore from See s. We hope you will support Philoptohos in this fundraiser, as all proceeds will be donated to our Metropolis Kids n Cancer Camps. These camps treat children with cancer, their parents and their siblings, to a few fun-filled days away from hospitals and chemotherapy, where they have recreational activities such as arts n crafts, swimming, music, lots of food and just good old FUN! The families are also treated to complimentary haircuts, manicures and pedicures and a time to socialize with other families that are going through the same things they are. There are also doctors and nurses at the camps for emergencies and for those who might require medical care. ALL of these volunteers are exactly that they are unpaid volunteers who give their time to these families! As we will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord at Easter time what could be more wonderful than to help these children and their families? MOTHER S DAY: Our Mother s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show plans are in the works. Save the date for Saturday, May 11 th! We have confirmed the Universal Sheraton Hotel and promise a wonderful afternoon for everyone with lovely fashions, lunch and raffle prizes. We will have more information in a few weeks regarding this yearly fundraiser! LOS ANGELES MISSION: Philoptohos is joining our Sunday School in collecting canned food items for the Los Angeles Mission during Lent. We will have a large plastic container outside the Huffington Center to collect donations on Sundays during the month of April. The Mission feeds thousands of people on holidays. Let s help them collect the food they need; anything from canned vegetables and fruits, to bags of rice, coffee, juices, instant potatoes, canned meats, etc. will be great appreciated! DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGENCY: Philoptohos will be collecting socks and undergarments for women and children in the safe houses of the Domestic Violence Agency. These safe houses protect women and children from abusive husbands and boyfriends. Giving them some new items of clothing brings them hope for a better future. We will collect these on Sundays in April and deliver them to the agency before Mother s Day. With love in Christ s service, Virginia Noyes and the Philoptohos Board of Directors

6 Page 6 CHOIR NEWS So, who was Frank Desby?? You have probably come into St. Sophia Cathedral countless times and have been inspired by the iconography, the architecture, and the music you hear every Sunday. All three aspects are a distinguishing part of the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox community. The person responsible for the most of the music you hear is the late Dr. Frank Desby. In short, Dr. Desby ( ) was a part of the St. Sophia community and was a musician of the first order who had an enormous love for his church. When St. Sophia Cathedral opened its doors in 1952, he began his 40 year tenure as our music director and performed his newly published (1951) Liturgy, most of which is performed at our Sunday Liturgies. Dr. Desby was born in Cleveland, Ohio, however, he spent three years of his childhood in Greece (Koroni) before moving to Los Angeles, where he remained for the rest of his life. Inspired by the Byzantine chant he heard during his time in Greece, he developed a lifelong relationship with this music. In his teen years, he played the clarinet and oboe( among other instruments), and also began composing. In 1940, he received a full scholarship to USC where he studied composition with Ernst Toch. After his military service in World War II in 1946, he finished his degree and was appointed the choir director of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at San Julian Street in Los Angeles in During the next 44 years, his life was fully given to Byzantine music: composition, teaching, writing, researching, and performance. He was generally regarded as the foremost authority on Byzantine music during his lifetime. His work still stands as an invaluable resource to church musicians and scholars throughout the world. industry, including Disney, MGM, 20 th Century Fox, and for television. For the US Government, he scored the music for the documentary Guatemala-Land of Eternal Spring. also served as part of the musical staff of the great actor Charles Laughton and composed and arranged music for his theatrical productions in Hollywood. 1 He was also the conductor of the Highland Park Symphony and NELA Opera Company. Above all, Dr. Desby loved his church and loved its music. He always felt that it was a fulfilling thing to enhance a personal worship experience, and that it was wonderful to see people come together and worship God. It gave him strength to see so many people year after year coming to church to celebrate the sacraments. 2 1 Program notes, 30 th Annual Honorary Epiphany Blue Ribbon Dinner Dance, Long Beach Byzantium Comes To Southern California, Stavros Akrotirianakis. In 1958 Desby completed his Masters Degree at USC with his thesis Study of the Signatures and Intonations of the Third Mode of the Middle Period. His studies took him to Mount Athos, Saint Katherine Monastery on Mount Sinai, and other monasteries throughout Greece to photograph manuscripts and transcribe the ancient notation. In 1974, he completed his Doctorate in Musical Arts, also at USC, with his dissertation, The Modes and Tuning in Byzantine Chant. The St. Sophia Choir performed at his Doctoral Concert under Desby s direction. Subsequently, he became USC s first professor of Byzantine music. Away from St. Sophia, Dr. Desby was a professional musician and teacher. His accolades during his lifetime were many. He also contributed scores for the motion picture He

7 Page 7 PHILOPTOHOS VIP PHILANTHROPIA NEWS PRIZES AND SURPRISES -Thursday, January 24 It's that time of the year when we play our favorite game. Please join us at 11:30am in our Fellowship Hall for a delicious lunch. The cost is a donation of $ Following lunch, you can enjoy an afternoon of "prizes and surprises" with your friends. Reservations are required. Please call Mersy Loukaris (323) or Jayne Poullos (310) THANK YOU: On behalf of the PHILANTHROPIA Team and the family of Father Peter V. Lambert, we extend our deepest appreciation for your prayers, calls, cards and flowers during his recent hospitalization and convalescent recovery following surgery. He is doing well and God willing, we will see him back to work soon. Again, thank you from all of us for your continued love and support. Respectfully, Dr. Mary Gerasimou Nakata Philanthropia s Chairman of the Board HARRAH s CASINO in TEMECULA - Tuesday, February 26 The cost of the trip is $ Chairperson: Pitsa Schwartz (310) Co-chair: Athena Lolonis (818) Please call by February 12th for reservations. Make checks payable to Philoptohos VIP c/o Pitsa Schwartz, 4151 Via Marina #212, Marina Del Rey, CA Please arrive at church by 8:00am to insure your seat. KATHARA DEFTERA - Monday, March 18 Keep this day open to start Easter Season by attending liturgy and a delicious Lenten Luncheon prepared by the VIP Board. Chairperson: Vicky Deyiades (310) Co-chair: Irene Mitropetros (323) Reservations $12 per person In His Service, Mary Morrison Philoptohos VIP President GET ON THE BUS: This project is coming soon and will be observed on Mothers Day and Fathers Day respectively. We will keep you posted as the day approaches. STREET OUTREACH: We continue this outreach as an ongoing collection of clothing for the Children s Hospital of Los Angeles which has for many decades reached out to help abandoned children. Dr. Nikos Stefanidis, Ph.D., a Staff Psychologist at Children s Hospital, L.A., is the Clinical Director of this High Risk Program. You could help Dr. Nikos by purchasing new items such as the following:t-shirts(m-l);boxers(m-l);white Socks; Blankets; Sleeping Bags; Sweatshirts; Snacks; Water/Juices; BusTokens; 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. Thank you. CHRISTMAS DONATIONS: Donations were sent to the various agencies in the Los Angeles area and letters of acknowledgement have been received which will be printed in the next Philanthropia newsletter. ANNUAL APPEAL LETTERS: Letters mailed out at the beginning of December to all our supporters and friends. We Thank you for your wonderful response to our annual appeal. USED CLOTHING and CANNED GOODS : Please identify all clothing donations on the outside of the bags by indicating whether they are for men, women or children. The receptacles for "used clothing" and "canned goods" are located side by side, near the chapel. Thank you! PHILANTHROPIA WEBSITE: All of the 2012 issues of the Newsletter are on the website. The Winter 2013 issue of the PHILANTHROPIA Newsletter is in the works and will be on the website shortly at: God bless you! Father Peter

8 Page 8 YOUTH NEWS Youth Program Contacts Youth Calendar of events ALTAR BOYS Chris Halekakis cjhmgmt@gmail.com HELLENIC ACADEMY Andri Christodoulidou andri.christodoulidou@cantab.net SUNDAY SCHOOL February Activities BASKETBALL Paul Cooper mrpaul599@sbcglobal.net CAMP ZOE Fr. John Bakas frbakas@stsophia.org GREEK DANCE Barbara Kappos Bkappos@aol.com Joy of Parenting Classes ODOS The Way Orthodox Development of Spirituality Helen Lambros HLambros@aol.com SAINT SOPHIA CAMP Melanie O Regan mell0n@aol.com saintsophiacamp.org SUNDAY SCHOOL Eleni Yokas eyokas@college.usc.edu Sunday 3 Regular Sunday School Schedule Sunday 10 Regular Sunday School schedule Spring Service Project: 5 Tons of Love Clothing Drive Sunday 17 No classes FDF Weekend Sunday 24 Sunday School Regular Schedule Join your fellow parishioners in a lively discussion of parenting children of all ages, from toddlers to teens and beyond Sundays, following Holy Communion. We conclude at noon. Topics vary each session. Come with your concerns and questions or just listen; there is no pressure to speak. It s a wonderful way to get acquainted with other parents. There is no fee to attend. Classes are held in the Huffington Center, Work/Study Room, 2 nd floor west at top of staircase. HELLENIC ACADEMY Saturday 2 Regular Schedule Saturday 9 Regular Schedule Parent-Teacher Meeting Saturday 16 No classes President s Holiday Weekend Saturday 23 Regular Schedule The Joy of Parenting Ministry is facilitated by Barbara Kappos, MSW and Nikolaos Stefanidis, Ph.D. February classes will be held on the 3rd, 10th, & 24th. Class Times: 9:30am PreK-6 12:30pm Adults FDF Faith, Dance and Fellowship Anaheim Hilton

9 Page 9 FEBRUARY SACRAMENTS & MEMORIALS Saturday 2 nd Sunday 3 rd Saturday 2 nd Saturday 9 th WEDDINGS Jackie Ibrahim & Ramy Massoud Lina Guirgus & Andrew Kest BAPTISMS Mark Son of Charalambos & Yulia Antoniades Godparents: Marios & Anna Damianides Athanasios Manoli Son of Thanasi & Sophia Papoulias Godparents: Niko Davilas & Chrysanthi Paxos MEMORIALS As of February 3 February 10 John Speliopoulos Evdokia Argyri Ioannis Argyris Vasilios Argyris Michael Argyris Periclis Argyris Constantinos Argyris Assimina Argyri Christos Vasiliadis Pete Mellos February 24 Eftihia Metzidis Arthur Metzidis Joseph Metzidis Spiros Fortsakis Anna Fortsakis Ted Xilas BIRTHDAYS Anton, Cleo Billis, Scarlett Bougeokles, George Brotsis, Barbara (Vera) Demetriou, Mary-Kay Demopoulos, Stephen Eagar, Angela Edwards, Nickolas Evangelatos, Pauline Fondas, Mary James, Nicholas Jessop, Leland Kollias, Christina Kouros, Irene Koustas, Peter Loukaris, Mersy Maniatakos, Ted Moore, Ann Naoumovitch, Theodora Oldknow, Constantina (Dina) Pappatheodorou, Sofia Peroulias, Constantine Petrunick, Gina Russos, Emmanuel Sarames, Karen Sarantes, Mary Sarantopoulos, Michael Serfas, Jean Tsimahides, Helene Liatsos Varentges, George Wilson, Despina Wojtyla, Bea Zagorianos, Marsha Zonos, George ANNIVERSARIES Andrews, George & Cleo Gallanis, Pete & Danica Aviles, Hugo & Irene Lianos, Glenn & Antonia Callas, Steven & Christine Cokas, Nicholas & Anastasia Lubian, Dan & Stephanie Demetriou, Andrew J & Evelyn Maniatakos, Ted & Maria Donovan, James & Marie Stathes, Nick & Sonia EPISTLE READERS February 3 Sunday School Student February 10 Dinah Wellington February 17 February 24 Eleni Romm Estelle Skouras

10 Page 10 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 Andrew Evangelatos, President Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O. George Preonas, Vice President 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. V. P. of Wells Fargo, Advisor to the Board PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Officers Brent Noyes, President Ted Pastras, Vice President Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian, Secretary Irene Andreadis, Correspondence Michael Kraios, Treasurer & C.F.O. Members Jeanine Hanna John Kopatsis Eleni Manolelis Loula Moschonas Alex Oxyzolou Dean Peratsakis Peter Pallas Dorothy Spirus Presidential Appointments Glenn Lianos Karen Sarames Auditing Committee Jim Ananias Tom Moore Anthony Demetriou PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY Executive Officers Virginia Noyes, President Marianna Politis, 1st Vice President Helene Ballas, 2nd Vice President Mary Gallanis, Recording Secretary Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary Scarlett Billis, Treasurer Dina Oldknow, Advisor Honorary Life Members Jennie Doumak Members Frances Bissias Judith Christopoulos Christine Peratis Connie Cooper Pauline Evangelatos Olga Jordan Tricia Ballas Kremer Constance Manders Sophie Mastor Jan Pastras Christina Peratsakis Diane Pruett Sonia Stathes Mary Tassop Dimey Angels, Accounting OFFICE STAFF Maria Toczek Cindy Celis, Events Director Ann Pappas, Events Admin. Chris Halekakis, Facilities Director Helen Ellis, Office Administrator CUSTODIAL STAFF Leonard Hart Miguel Rosales Mauricio Mira ALTAR BOYS Chris Halekakis BASKETBALL Gig Kyriacou & Paul Cooper BIBLE STUDY Very Rev. Father John Bakas Rev. Father Allan Boyd BOOK STORE William Striglos CAMP ZOE Very Rev. Father John Bakas CHILD CARE Kathy & Marsha Zagorianos CHOIR Jim Kollias COFFEE HOUR Ann Pappas Georgia Vasila DOCENTS Faye Demetriou EASTER PICNIC Ted Pappas GREEK DANCE GROUPS Barbara Kappos GREEKS in HOLLYWOOD Dina Demetrius HELLENIC ACADEMY Andri Christodoulidou HOSPITALITY Niki Korbakis Maria Pelargos L.A. GREEK FEST Ted & Jan Pastras MR. & MRS. CLUB Dean & Christine Peratsakis ODOS The Way Helen Lambros PARENTING Nick Stefanidis Barbara Kappos PHILANTHROPIA Rev. Father Peter Lambert PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P. Mary Morrison, 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

11 Page 11 COMMUNITY NEWS The Art of the Greek Dance Participate in fellowship through dance! Join our new Non-Competitive Adult Dance Program "Adult Dance for Fun" WHEN: WHERE: TIME: FEE: INSTRUCTOR: CONTACT: Wednesdays - January 9 th thru March 13 th Huffington Center at Saint Sophia Cathedral 7PM 9PM $15O ($15 per Session) Ramsay Seikaly st.sophia.folkdance@gmail.com Come and learn all the dances you need to know for festivals, weddings and other Greek events. Guest instructors each week will be here to teach specialized regions and historical context of the regions from where the dances originate. Bring your dance shoes and we will see you soon! Your donation of a $150 will help support the St. Sophia Greek Dance Program.

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13 Page 13 CONFESSING THE CREED Rev. Father Steven Tsichlis Saint Paul Greek Orthodox Church Irvine Do you know what you believe? Every Sunday, millions of Orthodox Christians around the world recite the Creed. When we say the Creed, do we realize what a remarkable thing it is that we re doing? Do we realize how different this makes us from the world around us? In a society that celebrates individuality above all else we are doing something together as a community; in an age where the avoidance of commitment has been elevated to a virtue, we are pledging ourselves to a very specific set of convictions and to one another; in a culture that celebrates novelty, we are using words written long ago; in a throwaway, consumerist world we preserve the tradition of the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3) for nearly two millennia; in a society where the accepted wisdom changes from minute to minute, we insist that some truths are so critical that they do not change and must be repeated over and over again. Reciting the Creed during the Liturgy is a counter cultural act and goes against the grain of many of the values espoused by contemporary American culture. The Creed, which is also called the Symbol of Faith, is a brief summary of the essentials of the Christian faith written in the 4 th century at the first two ecumenical councils: the Council of Nicea in 325AD and the First Council of Constantinople in 381AD. These councils, attended by bishops from all over the ancient Roman world, were called to clarify the Christian teaching about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. In the ancient world like today many individuals and groups who claimed to be Christian - but were not - taught things about the Lord Jesus at odds with the authentic Christian faith. The Creed is a summary of how we as Christians view God, the world and ourselves. It is, in fact, a very specific view of the world, a worldview that constitutes the lens through which we are to see everything and the structure by which we frame our thoughts, experiences and ideas. What we believe about the relationship between God and humanity, sin, redemption and forgiveness, good and evil, heaven and hell, as well as our responsibilities in this life, will affect what we do and determine how we live. For an Orthodox Christian to simply say the Creed by rote, without understanding what these words imply for our lives, is to stumble through life as if blindfolded, unable to see reality as it truly is. When we say I believe we are affirming that we see things as they really are and that we have a personal responsibility to live the vision contained in the words of the Creed. In the end, we are what we believe. We believe that our God is the one God revealed in the book of Genesis as the utterly transcendent creator of everything, both visible and invisible from whales and stars to mountains and grasshoppers, from photons and quarks to black holes and angelic hosts and that in Jesus Christ we are able to address Him with intimacy as our Father. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah awaited by ancient Israel, the only-begotten and unique Son of God, of the same essence as the Father, being fully divine; and yet, in taking flesh from the Virgin Mary, becoming fully human. We believe that in the Word of God becoming human and being crucified for our salvation, we have been set free from sin; and in His rising from the dead, death has been conquered by God and the possibility of eternal life in His kingdom that will have no end is now open to us. We believe that the Holy Spirit is also divine and proceeds only from the Father and is to be worshipped by us together with the Father and the Son. We believe in the Church, the community of believers that the apostle Paul says is the Body of Christ and which the Creed describes as one, holy, catholic and apostolic as possessing the fullness of faith and open to all; as being rooted in the teaching of the apostles and sent out into the world to proclaim the truth of God s love for the human race. We believe in the necessity of the sacrament of baptism for the forgiveness of our sins and to fully participate in the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:3-11). We believe that Christ will come once again and that the entire human race both those who are alive and those who are dead will be under His judgment for how they have lived (Matthew 25:31-46 and Romans 2:6). We look forward to that day when Christ will return in glory and we eagerly await the resurrection of all the dead, and the life of the age to come, that time which no eye has seen nor ear heard, nor has the human mind even conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). If we live with this faith as the prism through which we view the world and our lives, we shall become what God has called us to be: His saints, a chosen and holy people and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) that offers His love and the gift of immortality to a fallen world wrapped in evil and death.

14 Page 14 Dear Parishioners, We wish to express our deep appreciation to all of you for once again for contributing to our Cash for Christmas Raffle. You did a great job! Sold: $94,850 Less Prize Money: $50,000 Balance: $44,850 Less expenses: Printing: $ Postage: $ FINAL BALANCE (NET) : $44,225 This money is used to help pay the insurance for Saint Sophia Below is a list of our winners. Again, thank you and have a happy, healthy and blessed New Year. In His Service, Cash for Christmas Results... Timi Loomos Freshman and Jim Zaferis Cash for Christmas Co-Chairs, 2012 Grand Prize Nick Stathes $25,000 2 nd Prize Angie Papadakis $10,000 3 rd Prize John Dalis $5,000 4 th Prize Genna Ambatielos $1,000 5 th Prize Angela Ananias $1,000 6 th Prize Choumas Family $1,000 7 th Prize Mary Lynn and John Rallis $1,000 8th Prize Collin Cooper, M.D. $1,000 9 th Prize Raylene Meyer $1, th Prize Choice Foods John Fovos $1, th Prize Nick Kontes $1, th Prize Demetri Thomas $ th Prize George & Stephanie Vournas $ th Prize Ava Angeletopoulos $ th Prize Tony Valentino $500 Pan-Arcadian Federation of America Nea Manteinia Chapter #102 Cordially invites you to their Apokriatiko Dinner Glendi Saturday March 9th, 2013 Huffington Center at Saint Sophia Cathedral Maniatakos Fellowship Hall No host cocktails: 6:00 P.M. Dinner 7:30 P.M Donation $70.00 per person Students with I.D. $50.00 per person Music By Takis Kokotas "Costumes are Optional with Best Costume Contest" Please make your reservation by March 3rd, 2013 Mail to Mary Kezios: c/o Nea Manteinia Chapter #102 P.O. Box 147, Downey CA For Information please contact: Mary Kezios (562)

15 Page 15 FEBRUARY 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Parish Council Spiritual Retreat Saint Nicholas Ranch February Presentation of our Lord 8:30am Orthros 9:30am Liturgy 9:30am & 12:30pm Hellenic Academy :15am Orthros 9:15am StudiesFaith 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 15th Sunday of Matthew 7:30pm Catechism w/fr. Allan 10:00am Bible Study w/fr. John 11:30am Bible Study w/fr. John Photios, Patriarch of Constantinople 8:30am Orthros 9:30am Liturgy 7:30pm OT Bible Study w/fr. Allan 9:30am Hellenic Academy (PreK-6) 12:30pm Hellenic Academy (adults) 10 8:15am Orthros 9:15am StudiesFaith 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 16th Sunday of Matthew 11 7:30pm Catechism w/fr. Allan 12 10:00am Bible Study w/fr. John 11:30am Bible Study w/fr. John 13 10:00am Philoptohos VIP Board Meeting 7:30pm OT Bible Study w/fr. Allan No Classes President s Day Holiday 17 8:15am Orthros 9:15am StudiesFaith 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy Sunday of the Canaanite Woman 24 8:15am Orthros 9:15am StudiesFaith 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy Sunday of Publican and Pharisee Triodion Begins.. Office Closed President s Day 18 7:30pm Catechism w/fr. Allan 25 7:30pm Catechism w/fr. Allan 19 10:00am Bible Study w/fr. John 11:30am Bible Study w/fr. John 26 10:00am Bible Study w/fr. John 11:30am Bible Study w/fr. John :30pm OT Bible Study w/fr. Allan :30pm OT Bible Study w/fr. Allan :30am Hellenic Academy (PreK-6) 12:30pm Hellenic Academy (adults) 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! Saint Sophia Parish Council 2013 From Left: John Kopatsis, Glenn Lianos, Michael Kraios, Dorothy Spirus, Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian, Loula Moschonas, Jeanine Hanna, Dean Peratsakis, Peter Pallas, Irene Andreadis, Karen Sarames Not pictured: Brent Noyes, Ted Pastras, Eleni Manolelis, Alex Oxyzolou