Volume 13 Number 6 Many Lives...One Heart June, America.America!!

Transcription

1 Saint Sophia HERALD Volume 13 Number 6 Many Lives...One Heart June, 2008 America.America!! America! America! Melodic words which took on an awesome and mystical meaning to the countless immigrants of the late 19th and 20th centuries. America, America, meant a new beginning, a new life, a fresh breath of hope and freedom to those oppressed by the ravages of economic despair, political uncertainty, and chocked opportunities. America, America!! Words akin to the Hebraic Passover, to the blessed land of milk and honey. For the Greeks who left their homes in villages and towns on mainland Greece or from remnants of Greek speaking areas of the Ottoman Empire in Asia Minor, they left not because they didn t love their ancient homeland, but because most wanted to help provide and sustain their families in the old country who were in dire social, political and economic upheaval or to escape the ravages of war and persecution. For the many of these immigrants, America meant spending a few years in the land of opportunity, saving enough money to return home, perhaps paying off the mortgage on the small family farm, or starting a business and the very important duty of providing dowries for their sisters with honor and dignity. Young (some even in their pre-teen years) and old, they boarded the trans-atlantic steamships, with little to commend them and even less in their pockets. They headed for New York or Boston. From there to Chicago and beyond most any place where a friend or a relative would take them in and provide them work. The really brave and adventurous, boarded trains for the wild west. They came to Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The City of The Angels became a favorite because of the rich fertile land, warm year around climate, the ocean and olive and citrus groves reminded them nostalgically of the homeland they left behind. It is those Greek pioneers who came to Los Angeles that we especially remember in this centennial celebration. It is those visionary forebears who 100 years ago signed the charter that formally established the Greek Orthodox Community of Los Angeles. Los Angeles became their new permanent home. They put down roots right here, just a few short miles from where our Cathedral stands. The roots they put down were nourished by some very important characteristics faith in God, allegiance to their heritage, traditions and culture, faith in themselves and their ability to excel and succeed. In signing the charter on June 14, 1908, their first priority was to build a church and organize a vibrant and faithful community around it. They wanted a place to worship God and live out their holy traditions. So they built their first church at 1216 San Julian St. in 1912, and named it The Annunciation of The Virgin Mary. Perhaps they did so in honor of the same Holy Mother for which this city is named; Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles. Our Lady of the Angels. And so they built and built. They increased in numbers and influence. They prospered. They invested in this city, and were successfully involved in every aspect of the community, in business, the vocations and professions of the day. They adapted and excelled. From their labors and love, 18 other churches and Greek Orthodox Communities have sprouted and have become major institutions in our Southland. The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of those pioneers play major roles in our American Society today. The entire community will celebrate their heritage on the weekend of June 7-8. Looking back is a way to get our bearings for the future. The future will always be impacted by what was begun formally in May their memory be eternal and may God s blessings be upon us. In Christ, Fr. John Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean - Fr. Bill Tragus, Assistant 1324 S. Normandie Avenue -Los Angeles, CA Tel Fax

2 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE By the Grace of God 100 Year Anniversary June 2008 marks the 100th year celebration of the Hellenic Community in the Metropolitan Los Angeles and all Greeks proclaim that it is By God s Grace that Hellenes have continued to prosper in the land that their parents, grandparents and even great grandparents had chosen to call Los Angeles home. Having survived hardships, earthquakes and time, Church members are grateful to celebrate the Church s first 100 years, in Los Angeles, with many joyous activities. The Saint Sophia Cathedral is a beacon and light for all the Greek Community and as the President of the Community I am honored to be part of the new Century of Greek-American history in the making. This centenary celebration is highlighted by achievements of Greek Americans in our area and gives me great pleasure to sent warmest greetings on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of our Hellenic Community in Los Angeles area. Sincere congratulations and our heartfelt thanks to our Co-Chairs of the 100th Anniversary, Vicki Zaferis Ambatielos and Timi Loomos Freshman for their outstanding contribution to the event. They have been spearheading the entire calendar of events as well as compiling a commemorative book that tells our story through fascinating personal essays and priceless photographs. The theme of the 100th Anniversary is: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Envisioning the Future! As we go to print I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude, congratulations and sincere thank you to our Dean Rev. Fr. John Bakas for his emotional and dignified Agiasmo, Mnemosino and the Christos Anesti in honor of our early pioneers at the historical site of our first Greek Orthodox church in Los Angeles, the Annunciation on St. Julian St. An emotional ripple went through all of us for those early hard working Greeks who left behind the legend that we are enjoying today. May their memory be eternal! Hronia Polla! Panos A.Angels-Angeletopoulos President Parish Council Board of Directors Saint Sophia Cathedral

3 Aileen Preonas Sam Zagorianos Alexandria Georgiou Irene Mars Steve Skoutaris Alexia Haidos Valerie Llauro Cynthia Paulos Daniel Kirages Jennie Fotinakes Angeliki Pentheroudakis Susan Simitzi Dean Ananias George Miserlis Maria Spentzos Donna Mellos Frances Karavedas JUNE BIRTHDAYS JUNE READERS & USHERS Chrysoula Fuller Erica Callas Mary Koufoudakis Chrysoula Hagianakes Alexandros Oxyzoglou Bertha Angels Lillian Latsis Christine Callas Nadine Parkos Alexis Noyes Rita Stephanou Adriana Vourakis Diane Lapa Melanie O Regan Georgia Nichols Anastasia Cokas Brent Noyes Sunday, June 1 Sunday, June 8 READER: Bertha Angels READER: Tanya Contos USHERS Lisa Zollo John L. Stamatiades Electra Koutsoukos George Baln USHERS Gene Chronopoulos Alexandra Georgiou Christina Georgiou Rosemary Georgiou Sunday, June 15 Sunday,June 22 READER: Timi Freshman READER: Demetri Camperos USHERS Niki Korbakis Fofo Panagakis Maria Pelargos Alex Markos Lulu Kappas JUNE ANNIVERSARIES Dorothy and David Spirus Maria Elena and George Konugres Charlotte and George Miserlis Demetra and Zissis Koutsos Carole and James Xanthos Helen and Anthony Demetriou Helen and George Cappos Virginia and Brent Noyes Katherine and Georg Fenady Sunday, June 29 READER: Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian USHERS: Lisa Zollo, John Stamatiades, Electra Koutsoukos,George Baln USHERS Alexandra Guirguis Pete Pallas Dinah Wellington Shelmadine Wellington SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS Saturday, June 14 Boris Micah Banwer, son of Luisiana and Shea Banwer Godparent: Mariana Feldman Saturday, June 14 Steven Bougdanos, son of Elizabeth and Gene Bougdanos Godparent: Annamarie Loizos Saturday, June 28 Nicholas George Hawatmeh, son of Irene and George Hawatmeh Godparent: Virginia Vatoussiadou Saturday, June 28 (ADULT) Rodney Rinks Godparent: Ann Deguilo WEDDINGS Saturday, June 1 Elaine Nagos and David Barbarine Sponsor: Elkie K. Danieley Saturday, June 21 Ria Petropoulos and Brent Vandenberg Sponsor: Sandy Chrysanthis-Wannenmacher Sunday, June 22 Kiki Stathopoulos and Vasili Pollatos Sponsor: Socrates Doupis BIBLE NEWS Dear Bible Class; CHRISTOS ANESTI!!!! Please remember that our Bible Class meeting date will now be on Mondays at 7:30 pm. Please remind church friends and bring an interested friend, who wishes to know more about our Orthodox Christian Faith. The class will focus on the study of our Orthodox Christian Faith, its theology, history, beliefs and practices as they relate to the Bible. Everyone is welcome. Whether one is new to the faith or a lifelong believer, or wishes to explore the Orthodox faith there is much to learn and explore. The Faith will come alive as we discover our rich spiritual heritage in its fullness. Join us and bring a friend. Remember the New Testament scriptures are a gift to us from the established church. Come and find out what this all means. You will experience many AHA moments of revelation

4 Dear Ladies, PHILOPTOHOS Our Mother s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show was a beautiful and successful event. The Hollywood Revisited Tribute was spectacular and the clothes by Lourdes Chavey were gorgeous. The Parade of little girls in various ages dressed in the most beautiful white dresses with pink sashes was a sight to remember. The show ended with a bride & groom, it was really beautiful. We want to express our thanks and compliments to Neal & Krisanthy Desby for their musical performance of a Bach composition in honor of their Aunt Connie. They were fantastic. It was our pleasure to honor Connie on this wonderful afternoon for all her years of service to Philoptohos. Our thanks to Jeanine Dalis Klima and her committee for putting on such a fabulous event to everyone who supported this special day. Our Debutante Ball will be the most exciting event in the New Year. We have already had our first meeting on May 18th with 14 of the 18 debutantes and their mothers. The girls are so thrilled and looking forward to our Ball on January 31, It will be the best Ball ever under the guidance of Katrina Beers and her very exceptional committee. We would like to remind you that the year 2009 is an election year for the Philoptohos Board of Directors. If you are interested in running, be sure that you pay your Philoptohos dues, and are a member in good standing with Saint Sophia Cathedral. You also need to attend at least 4 general meetings in the coming year starting in September Philoptohos will not be meeting during the summer but will continue with assistance and help to the people in need. We hope you will have a good summer and looking forward to our meetings which will resume in September. Fondest Love, Dina skouras Oldknow President PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P. TRIP TO PLANETARIUM On Thursday, June 19, we will visit the Planetarium with lunch at the Clubhouse Restaurant. We will eat lunch and then proceed to the Samuel Oschen Planetarium to see the show. We will meet at the Cathedral at 10 A.M. Please remember to park in the spaces near the Saint Sophia Residence. The bus will depart promptly at 10:30 A.M. Donation- $20. As usual, paid reservations only. Please call either Petsa Schwartz at or Amelia Skoutaris at Make checks payable to Philoptohos VIP and mail to Petsa Schwartz at 4151 Via Marina #212, Marina Del Rey, CA TRIP TO ST. NICHOLAS RANCH 9/23, 9/24, 9/25 Mark your calendars and plan to attend our trip to St. Nicholas Ranch. We will leave early Tuesday morning and will arrive at the Ranch in time for lunch. The room, three meals a day, bus transportation to and from the Ranch, plus a trip to the Sequoias is included in the total cost of $195 per person. Paid reservations only on a first-come first served basis. Please mail your check, payable to Philoptohos VIP, to Mary Morrison, 1325 Valley View Drive, Unit 201, Glendale, CA Upon receipt of your check you will receive additional information. If you have any questions, please call SEATING IN OUR NEW CHAPEL 40 beautiful upholstered chairs were donated for our new St. Constantine Chapel. They were used for the first time on the occasion of the celebration of the Feast Day of Sts. Constantine and Helen on May 21st. The kind donors were: Ted Maniatakos Constantina Skouras Oldknow Effie Doumakes in honor of her beloved husband, John Nick Cavelaris Sebastian Opffer Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian in honor of her beloved father Perry. We are grateful to our donors for helping to make our new chapel a spiritual jewel for our cathedral.

5 June Sunday 15 June 28 July 3 Saint Sophia Cathedral Youth Calendar 2008 * Last Day of Sunday School * Camp Axios Week - 14 years old and up are counselors July 7 11 * Camp Axios 2nd Week 26 Aug 2 * St. Sophia Camp 1st Week (Grades 2 12) August 2 9 * St. Sophia Camp Week 2 (Grades 2 12) 9 Hollywood vs. Holy Wood--Faith and Media - An Insider s View September 5-7 * St. Sophia Greek Fest Sunday 14 * Sunday School Registration * Folk Dance Program Annual Parent Meeting / dance program begins October Sunday 12 Monday 20 Sunday 26 * Operation Christmas Child info will be given out * Metropolitan Gerasimos Name Day * OXI Day Celebration November Sunday 2 Sunday 9 December Saturday 6 Sunday 7 * Parent meeting for all Youth Groups Shoe Box collection for Christmas * Last day for Christmas shoe box collection * Bible Bowl competition * Christmas Concert JOY 3 5 grade Jr. GOYA 6 8 grade GOYA 9 12 grades CAMP NEWS The Saint Sophia Camp Committee once again thank you for your continued support and participation. Because of your support and our hard work, we are pleased to announce Summer Camp 2008! We have planned another fun-filled and enriching year and as always a program that will teach our children about our Orthodox faith so that they may grow in spirituality and as individuals. Our unique camping atmosphere promotes Orthodox Christian Fellowship by bonding the youth of Southern California, creating life-long friendships and thereby increasing their interest and participation in your church programs and ministries. Please encourage your young people to participate. We are currently looking for summer counselors. If possible, please use the following announcement for your church bulletin, newsletter or website. APPLY NOW TO BE A CAMP COUNSELOR AT SAINT SOPHIA CAMP! The Saint Sophia Camp Committee is looking for highly motivated, responsible and enthusiastic young adults, over 18, to be camp counselors this summer. The first week is scheduled from Sunday, July 27th through Saturday, August 2nd; and the second week will be from Saturday, August 2nd through Saturday, August 9th. There will be a $100 stipend, per week, offered to counselors. We will be holding camp this summer at Camp Seeley which is located in the San Bernardino Mountains. Applications are online at You may also contact our administrative assistant, Vicki Kades, by phone at or saintsophiacamp@gmail.com, for more information. CAMP AXIOS We are currently hiring Camp Axios counselors and Jr. counselors and some staff positions for this summer. All positions are paid. ( We still need a lifeguard for 2nd week) Camp Axios is a camp run by St. Sophia Cathedral for inner-city kids as an outreach program. The camp will help guide the campers in life decisions as they try to overcome obstacles in their lives that are common in the inner city. If anyone is interested, contact Fr. Bill at frbill@stsophia.org - Counselors must be 18 and jr. counselors are 14 and up. SAVE THE DATE - AUGUST 9, 2008 Hollywood vs. Holy Wood--Faith and Media - An Insider s View For High School Teens - Saturday, August 9, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm - Deacon George Taweel, Speaker St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral W. third St. - Los Angeles, CA although this event is free of charge, your exclusive reservation needs to be confirmed so that we may have a headcount for lunch. Please R.S.V.P. to Fr. Bill Tragus at: frtagus@stsophia.org

6 COMMUNITY NEWS THANK YOU We want to thank Levanti Ohanisian for his work to raise money to purchase a wheelchair to be offered to someone in great need of one. He raised money through his friends and family and was able to donate one of the best wheelchairs made. This is a wonderful act of Christian Service to those in need of our care and love. PHILANTHROPIA MINISTRY USED CLOTHING AND CANNED GOODS The needs of the less fortunate are always before us. As always, we appreciate your caring and support, so please continue to bring your good used clothing for men, women and children. Also do not forget to bring a canned good as often as you are able. Please deposit both at the back door of the bookstore. Place all clothing donations on the back table next to the coke machine. Do not leave in the bookstore. Thank you for your cooperation. God bless all of you. Father Peter can be GREEK SPEAKING SPEECH THERAPIST NEEDED From time to time requests come to our attention, seeking Greek Speaking Speech Therapists. If you know of anyone who is a professional speech therapist who can also work in the Greek language, please let us know as soon as possible. Call Fr. John at The Hellenic American Medical and Dental Society of Southern California once more invites medical and dental students of Hellenic descent to apply for S. James Vamvas Scholarship for the academic year, Applicants should be Greek American medical and dental students enrolled in accredited California schools or California residents attending schools in other parts of the United States. For information and applications, contact George C. Emmanouilides, M.D., HAMDS Scholarship Chair, 4619 Browndeer Lane, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90275; or telephone (310) or (310) Applications will be accepted until July 31, A Benefit Concert presented by Maria-Elena Kolovos: Sunday, June 15th, 2008 Please join Maria-Elena Kolovos for an afternoon of classical vocal repertoire and Greek songs to benefit The Aegean Center for the Fine Arts. The Aegean Center, based in Paros, Greece, is an independent, not-for-profit organization offering instruction in the visual arts, music and creative writing. This year marks the Center s 42nd year on the Greek island. The afternoon of music will showcase Ms. Kolovos, solo voice, and Dr. Anatolia Ioannides, on piano, performing works by Monteverdi, Handel, Verdi, Schubert, Debussy, Villa-Lobos and Hadjidakis. The Benefit Concert will take place Sunday, June 15th, 3 pm at the Wilshire Ebell Dining and Garden Room; entrance 741 S. Lucerne Blvd., Los Angeles Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. All proceeds will go to The Aegean Center for the Fine Arts, a U.S. federal tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organization. Additional donations are welcome. (Please make checks payable to The Aegean Center for the Fine Arts.) To learn more about The Aegean Center for the Fine Arts, please visit www. aegaencenter.org. For more information about the Benefit Concert, to preorder tickets, or to become a sponsor, please call THE 2nd ANNUAL LOS ANGELES GREEK FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO HOLLYWOOD JUNE WHAT: The five-day Los Angeles Greek Film Festival kicks off June 25th at the Egyptian Theater this year with a first-time screening of a newly restored print of ZORBA THE GREEK directed by Michael Cacoyannis, courtesy of 20th Century Fox.The US premiere of LITTLE GREEK GODFATHER based on a short story written by Nick Papandreaou, panel discussions and a Tribute Night Gala are some of the highlights. Over 30 films are in this year s Festival. This event, open to the public, is a great opportunity to embrace Greek filmmaking and to meet Greeks interested in the arts and entertainment from all over the world. There are films for all ages! Experience this platia in Hollywood for 5 days in June with your family and friends. WHERE: Linwood Dunn Theater, 1313 Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90028, Spielberg Theatre at the Egyptian, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA WHEN: June 25 - June 29, 2008 FOR TICKETS: Please visit or call CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Come join LAGFF and learn what it takes to organize a film festival! We are looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of preparation and on site organization leading up to and during this year s festival, which runs June in Hollywood. Volunteers will have the opportunity to experience first hand how a film festival comes together and to interact with a dynamic group. If you are interested in volunteering for the festival, please contact Kayla Gogos at Kayla@lagreekfilmfestival.org or at GREEK FESTIVAL~JUNE 6, 7 & 8, 2008 Saint Demetrios Church in Camarillo is having a Greek Festival next weekend at the Camarillo Airport, on June 6, 7 & 8, For more information call: ST. ANTHONY S GOLF CLASSIC St. Anthony s Greek Orthodox Church is hosting the 8th Annual Pasadena Golf Classic at Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena on Friday, June 13th. Should you want to play, be a sponsor, or both contact Nick Angelos at or nangelos1000@yahoo. com St. Anthony s Greek Orthodox Church 778 S. Rosemead Blvd. Pasadena, CA

7 Pentecost Vespers Celebration Sunday, June 15 at 7:00pm Let us rejoice together as we celebrate the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives and worship the Holy Trinity. Join us for Vespers and take some time to reflect on the many blessings we receive from God. And the strength we can draw from the Holy Spirit as we allow it to dwell in and work through us. We will kneel for the first time since Holy Week in prayer. Our Feast day Liturgy for Saint Sophia Monday, June 16th Orthros~ 8:30am Liturgy~ 9:30am We will continue our Cathedral Name Day celebration and once again have the opportunity of a beautiful weekday Liturgy. May the Holy Wisdom of God lead us as we thank Him on our feast day for all the progress we have made in our community these past 56 years! Come and be part of a special day of remembrance and be blessed. Thank You. YOUTH NEWS Metropolis Summer Camp 2008 Generation XC: Hope for a new generation Session I: July 6-12; Session II: July 13-19; Session III: July Once again, the Metropolis of San Francisco will offer Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch. There s no question that camps and retreats have continually proven to be a positive and life-transforming experience that strengthens our faith. Anyone 8 (or entering the third grade in Sep. 2008) to 17 years old (or Spring 2008 high school graduate) is invited to be a camper. Each session is one week. Session 1 begins on Sunday July 6, Session 2 on July 13, and Session 3 on July 20. Summer Camp is a week of fun, fellowship and faith-building. Campers will have the opportunity to meet other youth from different regions of our Metropolis, while participating in the following camp activities: campfires, theater, hiking, pool time, Olympics, athletics, capture the flag, dodgeball, Orthodox Challenge sessions, stargazing and much more. Campers will also be offered a rich liturgical experience with Orthros, Vespers and Divine Liturgy. If you are interested in coming to camp, you can get more information and download the forms from the Youth and Family Ministries webpage at: Registration: $440 (ends June 20th) Registration Ends on June 20th A $25 discount will be given for each additional child. If you have any forms you would like to send or have any questions or concerns about Summer Camp, please contact Youth & Family Ministries Director Pete Sotiras: (415) (office) (415) (fax) sfyouth@sanfran.goarch.org Summer Camp is one of the best experiences of the year. Hope to see you there! OTHER NEWS A SPECIAL THANK YOU A special thank you to our annonymous and active steward for his generous donation of $4,750 to pay for the entire cost of replating the following items in the Altar, including the royal gate: door panels, candle sticks, bowls, tall Altar candles, large medalion stands, bible stand, sensor stand and light on stand. SPARKLING CHANDELIERS In anticipation of our community s 100th Anniversary celebrations, highlighted by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on June 8th, our chandeliers are being cleaned to reflect their full luminosity. The cleanup was badly needed. You will see the dramatic difference in the days to come. SAVE THE DATE Saint Sophia Cathedral General Assembly will be June 22, 2008 in the Fellowship Hall after Divine Liturgy. NEW BIBLES AVAILABLE The new Orthodox Old Testament Study Bible is now available in our bookstore. It is a treasure trove of valuable study guides making the Old Testament understandable and connected to the New Testament. Drop by our bookstore and have a look at the wonderful selection of bibles and other spiritually uplifting books.

8 Greek community set to celebrate 100 years in Los Angeles The city s Toy District was once a concentration of immigrant shops known as Greek Town. Those stores are now scattered across L.A., but Greek Americans culture and pride remain. By Teresa Watanabe, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer May 27, 2008 Long before merchants from India, El Salvador, Hong Kong and elsewhere hawked their wares in the Toy District of downtown Los Angeles, the neighborhood was filled with the colorful sights and fragrant smells of old Greece. There were Mediterranean delicacies at the city s first Greek restaurant, Marathon Cafe on 4th Street, and fine olive oil from the Kalamata Importing Co. a few doors down. A block away, Dan Stathatos Sr. started Broadway Florist, an enterprise that flourishes today as Stats Floral Supply. There were sweet shops and produce firms, peanut factories and barber shops businesses all told, clustered in what became known as Greek Town, according to Greek American researcher Ted Pastras. Today, all but two of those original buildings have been razed and reconstructed by successive waves of immigrants. Although their physical footprint downtown has faded, Greek Americans are thriving throughout Southern California -- and are scheduled to be recognized Friday by the Los Angeles City Council for their century-old presence in Los Angeles. A tour of old Greek Town led by Pastras is set for Sunday, and a gala dinner and liturgy are scheduled for the following weekend. We re celebrating a perpetual resurrection, said Father John S. Bakas of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles, which is spearheading the upcoming centennial celebration. We ve passed over the early immigrant days to the present success and growth of the community. The Greek American community s continued vibrancy was evident over Memorial Day weekend, when an estimated 50,000 people flocked to the 35th annual Valley Greek Festival at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge. The festival featured the savory smells of Greek cuisine -- sizzling sausage, lamb chops, honeyed filo dough pastries. Patrons linked hands in lively dancing to traditional tunes featuring the bouzouki, a pear-shaped stringed instrument. We work hard, we play hard and we like to share our culture with everyone else, said Lou Skoby, a 47-year-old Encino jewelry firm owner. St. Nicholas is one of 20 Greek Orthodox churches in Southern California; their proliferation mirrors the growth and dispersal of the community. Among the 1.4 million Americans reporting Greek ancestry in a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau survey, some 150,000 live in California -- more than any other state except New York -- with about half of that number in Southern California. The Southland s story of Greek Americans formally started when about 15 immigrants took out a state charter to organize their community in Among them was Peter Sakellaris, whose nephew, John, is a 90-year-old retired banker and St. Sophia foundation president. John Sakellaris still recalls family visits to the community s downtown fruit stands, butchers and cafes. Unlike such cities as Chicago, where Greek immigrants formed ethnic residential enclaves, those in Los Angeles lived scattered throughout the city, Sakellaris said. He lived in a multiethnic neighborhood on San Pedro Street and attended school with Angelenos of Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Mexican descent. The Greek immigrant community never rivaled the size of its German, Irish and English counterparts in the U.S., in part because of restrictive immigration quotas adopted in Primarily designed to appease growing public opposition to immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, the new quotas cut Greek immigration allowances from a peak of about 340,000 between 1900 and 1917 to about 21,000 between 1925 and 1945, according to Stavros T. Constantinou and Milton E. Harvey in an article for the book Race, Ethnicity and Place in a Changing America. But Los Angeles was a relatively tolerant place, without the lynchings and other violent attacks Greek immigrants faced in other parts of the country, Sakellaris and others said. Like so many immigrants before them, many Greeks had fled war, political turmoil, oppression or poverty to seek new opportunities here. Pastras, the researcher and a Los Angeles securities and real-estate consultant, said his father was spirited away from his home country in 1916 to escape the encroaching German army and survived in the U.S. speaking no English as a dishwasher, railroad worker and eventual restaurant owner.

9 I am in awe of these people, who basically came here without capital but a lot of grit and determination, and made it, Pastras said. One of the first things the early pioneers did was erect a church, the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, in 1912 on San Julian Street in what is now the Garment District; that church is now closed. Four decades later, Hollywood mogul Charles Skouras led the community to erect St. Sophia, a stunning structure of crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows, gold-edged mosaics and paintings of the Trinity, Holy Family, saints and apostles. As they have for centuries, churches served then and now as the center of Greek faith and culture. They continue to offer ancient liturgies, Greek language schools, Byzantine music and traditional dance, community festivals and Easter picnics featuring signature red eggs. The church is what holds us together, said Faye Demetriou, a longtime St. Sophia member. But, as with other ethnic communities, the inexorable forces of acculturation are creating what Bakas calls a fusion identity. Many younger Greek Americans have intermarried and slowly lost their ancestral language and some old-country customs. Alex Pappas, grandson of a Greek immigrant and owner of the California Produce company, still speaks Greek and is involved in the church, but said he eats more hamburgers than lamb and married a Latina who is Roman Catholic. It s splintering now, Pappas said of the old community. It happens with all nationalities. It s America. That s the way we are. The church has adapted to those changes. Traditional all-greek liturgies have given way to some English, although St. Sophia and many other churches still offer weekend Greek language schools. Bakas has reached out to converts, proclaiming that one need not be ethnically Greek to embrace the culture s traditional Hellenic values of light, life, beauty and at its core is Christ. His congregation includes African Americans, Asian Americans and Latinos. Theodosia Roussos, a 19-year-old UCLA student studying music and biology, said many of her non-greek friends are intrigued by her culture, promoted in such hit films as My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She has kept ties to her ancestry by attending a two-week student summer camp in Greece, joining a Greek club at school and singing in the church choir. It s chic to be Greek, Roussos said. Greek culture is big and joyful. The story of Tony Mellos, a 67-year-old retired business owner from Pacific Palisades, reflects the past and present, the changes and continuity in Greek America. His great-uncle, Gust Picoulas, landed on Ellis Island in 1903 and made his way to Los Angeles two years later. He became a peanut wholesaler, investing in roasting equipment to supply the Greek Fleet of street pushcart operators peddling peanuts downtown, Mellos said. Mellos took over the business, expanding into the health food industry with trail mix and other products. Along the way, he lost his childhood Greek language skills when a teacher told his parents to focus on English. He grew up in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, did not attend church regularly and married a non-greek woman from Oklahoma. But his wife, Donna, chose to be baptized into the Greek Orthodox Church and drew Mellos back to his roots. He learned Greek dancing for the first time because she wanted to have it at their wedding, he said. The couple attend Bible study classes and have toured Greece and other important Eastern Orthodox sites with Bakas. My wife has made me more Greek, Mellos said. It s important for everyone to hang on to the best their culture has to offer. His family s historic Picoulas nut business continues to thrive on Towne Avenue downtown. The whitewashed building is the last of the old Greek Town properties still in the hands of the original family owners. It features the original lettering, Gust Picoulas & Co., and still contains old roasting equipment, photos of the original pioneer and 1912 ledgers filled with elaborate cursive writing of old. But the business itself is now owned by Thomas Lee, a Seoul native who left his homeland in 1969 at age 20 to seek the same fortunes that lured Picoulas from Greece more than six decades earlier. Lee has added Korean wedding dolls to the office decor and repackaged the products under his own brand, Naturalee, but likes the Picoulas name on the building because it s so old. For Mellos, the evolution of his family business reflects the essence of Los Angeles. One immigrant group has handed over the baton to another immigrant group, Mellos said. It s symbolic of the growth and diversity of Los Angeles. teresa.watanabe@latimes.com

10 Dear Parish Family & Friends, Although the FEST is still about four months away, we still have to start our planning and budgeting for all operations. We ask that you please consider participating with donations on the NEEDS LIST items and / or the possibility of doing a Booth Sponsorship or an ad in the Program Book. We will be providing more information on the FEST presentation in future Sunday Bulletins. Thank you for your consideration & help. Ted & Jan Pastras - FEST Directors White Wine $1,200 Red Wine $1,400 Metaxa $1,500 Ouzo $1,200 Tequila $1,400 Margarita Mix $1,000 Beer $1,800 Soda $1,500 Bottled Water $1,200 Ice / Refrig. Truck $3,000 Paper Goods $3,500 Greg Mallis Family Coffee $300 Mr. & Mrs. William Dres Greek Coffee $400 Sophia & Michael Helm Espresso / Mochas Smoothies $10,000 Caffe D Amore / Chris Julias Cooking Oil $600 Olive Oil $600 Dr. & Mrs. Collin Cooper Greek Olives $750 Feta Cheese $1,000 Kefalotyri for Saganaki $700 Mizethra $700 Butter $700 Sugar $300 Mr. & Mrs. George Glavas Flour $300 Eggs $400 Milk $450 Orange juice $250 Honey $350 George & Zoe Kaplanis Oregano $200 George and Helen Varentges Walnuts & Almonds $600 Rice $350 Spaghetti / Macaroni $400 Zuccini $600 Lettuce $900 Cucumbers $400 Tomatos $900 Brown Onions $350 Red Onions $350 Potatos $300 Yellow Squash $300 Dinner Rolls $750 Puritan Bakery Hot Dogs & Buns (kiddies) $250 Green Beans $300 Eggplant $700 Lemons $250 Dolmathes $800 Loukaniko $1,000 Pastitsio $2,500 Mousaka $2,500 Tiropetes $2,500 Spanikopita $2,500 Leg of Lamb $4,500 Whole Lamb $500 Lamb Chops $1,500 Ground Beef $900 Kalamari $1,600 Pork Souvlakia $1,200 Chicken Souvlakia $1,200 Whole Chickens $1,200 Festival Photography $500 Posters & Flyers $1,200 Raffle Ticket Printing $450 Grand Raffle Prize- Trip to Greece $2,000 1st Place Prize - Rosarita Beach $1,200 2nd Place Prize - Laguna Beach $700 3rd Place Prize - Plasma TV $550 Timi & Gordon Freshman 4th Place Prize - Dinner for 8 Papa Cristo s $400 5th Place Prize - Digital Camera $275 6th Place Prize - Am. Tourista Luggage $225 Ted & Jan Pastras Main Band $5,000 Band-Charanga Latina $1,200 Security $9,500 Labor $12,000 Tents $16,000 Electrical/Lighting $2,500 Port-a-Potties $1,150 Propane & Diesel $460 Shuttle Vans & Drivers $2,800 Refrigerator Truck $1,000 Radio Advertising $2,500 Bus Tails $9,000 Newspaper Advertising $14,800 Television Commercial $2,900 Volunteer Luncheon $1,200 Daphne s Greek Cafes Fest T-Shirts $2,300 Misc. Items - Greek Sports Bar $1,200 Please note: It s not necessary to cover the entire amount of any one item. You may make partial donations toward one (or several) categories. Thank you for your sincere consideration and help.

11

12

13 SAINT SOPHIA GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL MONTHLY BULLETIN June, 2008 Very Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean Rev. Fr. Bill Tragus, Assistant Constance Callinicos, Choir Director Menelaos Trigonis, Protopsaltis Christopher Yokas, Organist SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL PARISH COUNCIL Tom Martin, 1st Vice President Sam Konugres, Assistant Secretary Panos A. Angels, President Loula B. Moschonas, 2nd Vice President/Chief Financial Off. Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian, Secretary MEMBERS Sebastian Opffer Alexa Pagonas Karen Sarames Ted Pastras Peter Pallas Toula Kalatzis Luke Richard Curren Associates: Eleni Constantine, Angela Karavedas, Aileen Strike Preonas AUDITING COMMITTEE Tom Moore Anthony Demetriou SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Angelo L. Pappas, Exec.Vice President Dr. James A. Demetriou, Treasurer John S. Sakellaris, President MEMBERS Andrew Evangelatos, Vice President Constantine Boukidis, Secretary V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Gig Kyriacou John T. Pappas Nicholas Bissias Panos A. Angels George Preonas Alek Haidos William H. Oldknow Harry C. Vournas Peter C. Latsis, Honorary Presidential Appointments John G. Marakas III - First Vice President Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor Anthony A. Demetriou Tina Callas Timi Loomos Freshman Susan Patzakis Assistant to the President Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY Dina Skouras Oldknow, President Dianne Pruett, 1st Vice President Virginia Noyes, Recording Secretary Mary Gallanis, Treasurer Maria Toczek, 2nd Vice President Lola Gialketsis, Corresponding Secretary Scarlett Billis, Assistant Treasurer Connie Cooper, Advisor MEMBERS Dorothea Ales Frances Bissias Olga Jordan Pauline Ladicos Mariana Politis Helene Ballas Pauline Evangelatos A. Electra Koutsoukos Sophie Mastor Sonia Stathes Tricia Kremer OTHER MINISTRIES Altar Boys - Fr. Bill Tragus Sexton - James Karatsikis Greek School - Helen Dumas, Director Church School - Eleni Yokas Philoptohos V.I.P. - Dorothea P. Stamatiades, President Margaret Gillespe, Principal Camp - Vicki Kades Dance Groups - Fr. Bill Tragus G.O.Y.A. - Fr. Bill Tragus Youth - Fr. Bill Tragus Bible Study - Fr. John & Fr. Bill Book Store -Alexandra & Larry Hughes Art Class - George Williams Editor in Chief - Timi Loomos Freshman

14 Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1324 S. Normandie Ave Los Angeles, CA TIME SENSITIVE FIRST CLASS MAIL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED MEMORIALS Sunday, June 1 Father Anthony Kostouros, Lukas Keratzidis, Theodore Argis, Evdoxia Singas, Andrew Singas, Gregory Singas, Lambros J. Stamatiades, William Evangelatos, Katherine and Bill Angelos, Anna and Dennis Evangelatos, Hoyt and Ann Goucher, Kenny Jones, Konstantina, Steve and George Evangelatos, Theodore and Catherine Titonis, William Chagares, Zoe Chakiris, Steve Chakiris, Viola Chakiris Abrahamian, Evangeline Chakiris Abrahamian, Gregory Pappas, Panayiotis Pappas, Michelle Valentine, Toula Christy. Sunday, June 22 Theodore and Mary Stringos, Bessie Stringos, Niove Kyparissiotis, Ernie Ales, Perry D. Caiopoulos. Sunday, June 29 Anna Balafas, Pete Metevelis, Presbytera Moschovia Zagorianos, Konstantina Donahue, Paraskevi Sargent, Michael Faklis, William Paul O Connor, Fotios, Efrossini and Konstantina, Chris Romeo, Katherine Romeo, George Romeo.