Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral HERALD AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 The Dormition of the Virgin, Giotto Di Bondone, 1310 Tempera on Poplar Wood, 179 X 75 cm, Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin INSIDE THIS ISSUE V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Dean Fr. Christopher Kolentsas Dean s Message President s Message Stewardship Ministries List 1324 S. Normandie Avenue Sacraments/ Memorials Los Angeles, CA 90006 Philoptochos VIP Tel. 323-737-2424 Philoptochos News www.stsophia.org L.A Greek Fest Orthodox Calendars Assistant Priest 2 3 4 5 6 7 8/9 10/11/12 14/15 Page
Page 2 DEAN S MESSAGE YOU AND I ARE CONCELEBRANTS The below article was written by Fr. Sergei Svenshnikov. I share it with you in my August message because in one form or another I have written and preached exactly on the same topic as Fr. Sergei shares with us now. The principle of correlation or concelebration in Liturgy described by theologian Fr. Alexander Schmemann brings the laity into the equation of the Liturgy and strikes at the very heart of clericalism. Clericalism, at least as it exists in the Russian Church, seems to elevate ordained priests to some strange position within the Church. People are convinced that priests are not normal humans, that they have some special superpowers acquired through ordination, and that they are very much separate from the rest of the faithful-as if they were some alien beings. And while these ideas may be correct in some specifics-i do believe that priests receive divine grace from God-they are wrong in principle. What clericalism breeds with respect to the Liturgy is an attitude that the Liturgy is something that the priest does. The priest becomes a provider of services, and people come to consume these services: watch the Liturgy, pick up some holy water and blessed bread, receive communion, submit some names on a piece of paper, order a memorial service for grandma The very language that has come into use in Church highlights this consumer attitude: people order various services; in fact, often they call and expect to be able to place an order over the telephone. And the most common question is, How much does it cost? People want to know the price and decide whether the product is worth it. They can always shop around and look for a lower price. To be sure, some people do have an understanding that they must participate in the life of the Church: when they submit a list of names for commemoration at the Divine Liturgy it is the same list that they use in their private prayers, when they ask for a memorial service they expect to be there praying together with the priest, etc. But many lay people treat the Church as a boutique shop of spells and amulets and the priest as a shaman who dispenses them. Contrary to popular belief, however, priests do not possess anything that the Church does not possess. Priesthood is the attribute of the Church which She receives like a crown from Her divine Groom, it is not an attribute of a few special individuals. The royal priesthood of the Body of Christ (1Peter 2:9) becomes focused on an individual priest in the same way that sunlight can be focused by a lense on one spot. So, a priest does find himself in a spotlight, but it is not his light-it is the light that belongs to all the faithful; it is the light of Christ shining through His Church. Christ s priesthood simply does not exist outside His Body, the Church. There cannot in principle be a priest outside the Church. Priesthood is not a quality or a possession of a person; it is the quality of the Church. Furthermore, if priesthood is the quality of the Church and not of professional priests, then Liturgy is also the function of the Church and not of professional priests. Liturgy is the life of the Church in communion with Christ and not a product produced by the clergy and purchased by the lay consumers. Unfortunately, the way our religious services are organized nowadays is very conducive to the spectator attitude of the laity. Commemorations at the Proskomede are done out of sight and hearing of the faithful, people have no way of engaging with the service and just stand and observe. Of course, people should be praying during the service, and we usually say that this is their way of participating, but consider the following illustration. If a priest is not serving and is simply praying in Church during a Liturgy officiated by another priest, we say that the priest is not serving, even if he takes communion at the appointed place. This is the status of the laity in our churches: they are not serving. I really like the Jewish synagogue idea of a minyan (10 men must be present to begin a religious service). I am not aware that the Christian Church ever had such a requirement. It is true that a priest cannot serve the Liturgy all alone, but the where-two-or-three-are-gathered-together clause requires only one chantor in addition to the celebrant, and there exist various dispensations and exceptions to their rule. But imagine if we required a larger quorum in order to celebrate the Liturgy. People would actually feel the responsibility to be in church in order for the Liturgy to take place. Lay people would feel that their presence is necessary and required, that without them there just may not be a Liturgy-something that every priests feels very intimately. Think of the Liturgy as a family supper. Can the father sit down to a family supper alone? The answer is obvious: without the presence of the community of believers, the Body of Christ, there cannot in principle be a Liturgy, even if the priest is all vested and ready to celebrate? If we had the concept of a minyan for the Liturgy, the idea that the Liturgy begins with the process of the faithful coming together, with God s children answering the call of the Father and gathering like olive shoots around (His) table (Psalm 128:3) alive, growing, producing fruit, and connected to one root (cf. John 15:5), the idea that the Liturgy begins with my willful act of manifesting my membership in the Church by gathering together with my brothers and sisters in Christ for the common work of the Liturgy may become more tangible, visceral and real for the lay faithful. In Christ, V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean
Page 3 PARISH COUNCIL MESSAGE A MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT During August, many of us take advantage of taking some time for a family vacation. My wife, older brother and I just returned from a fast trip to the Mammoth area and to attend a family reunion (second cousin s wedding reception) in Gardnerville, Nevada (in the Carson City Valley). The cities and towns along Highway 395 are as varied as the landscape, desert ghost towns that had their heyday in the California gold rush to some of the most sophisticated weapons development and drone technology juxtaposed to some of the world s oldest artwork. Cities dedicated to western life and recreation including fishing, skiing, off-roading, cycling and equestrian sports are here and don t forget hiking and boating of all kinds We took advantage of the time to do a lot of reflecting, sharing stories about being with our grandparents, aunts and uncles and their kids, who lived in towns called Independence, Lone Pine, Big Pine, Bishop and other Eastern Sierra locations. Readjusting my thoughts while enjoying the sounds, sights and smells of nature and traveling across rugged canyons carved by rushing streams and is home to some of the finest fall color viewing anywhere, I found time to think about twelve important things to remember: 1. The past cannot be changed. 2. Opinions don t define your reality 3. Everyone s journey is different. 4. Things always get better with time. 5. Judgments are a confession of character. 6. Over thinking will lead to sadness. 7. Happiness is found within. 8. Positive thoughts create positive things. 9. Smiles are contagious. 10. Kindness is free. 11. You only fail if you quit. 12. What goes around comes around. I then remembered the following inspiring words that put everything into perspective: Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday. It is in the past and the past will never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so. Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it. But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today. Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration. This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better. Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life. I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others. I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others. Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time. Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love. Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart. I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people. I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world. But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles. Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer. I will change what I can and the rest I will let go. I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be. As you reflect upon the important things that you believe in, I hope you know how much you are loved by all of us here at Saint Sophia. We appreciate and thank you for your presence at Church, for your stewardship and membership which supports the day-to-day operations of the Cathedral and Huffington Center, and for the opportunities that are offered through our Church Ministries. We have so much to be thankful for and we thank God for giving us these gifts to share with each other. I hope you, too, will share your vacation reflections with all of us! Also, for those of you who have suggestions or comments which are specific for us to improve our upcoming Greek Fest, please send them to Parish Council member, Peter Cosfol at the following e-mail: peter@augustafinancial.com. We value your opinions and input. Yours in Christ, Brent A. Noyes, Parish Council President
Page 4 Believe and Belong through Christian Stewardship $2,000 To $3,999 Anonymous (1) Zanetos, Mr. & Mrs. Dean $1,000 To $1,999 Agrimis, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Anonymous (2) Bils, Mrs. Afrodite Kountouris, Ms. Ruth Lolonis, Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES MAY 2017 $650 To $999 Anonymous (2) Leonakis, Dr. George Larry Michaels, Mr. Michael Nezis, Ms. Mary Valsamis, Mr. & Mrs. Ikaros Wagman, Mr. & Mrs. Francis OTHER Advanitis, Mr. & Mrs. Komnas Anonymous (1) STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES JUNE 2017 $4,000 To $5,999 Anonymous (1) $1,000 To $1,999 Begakis, Mr. & Mrs. Niko Kolentsas, Fr. & Presv. Chris Koukis, Mr. & Mrs. Panolelis O Regan, Ms. Whitney Venetos, Mr. & Mrs. Paul $650 To $999 Chialtas, Mr. George Elefteriades, Mr. Andrew Georgiou, Mr. Nicholas Zias, Ms. Kristina OTHER Alexopoulos, Mr. and Mrs. Panagiotis Kaplanis, Mr. & Mrs. George Russos, Mr. Emmanuel STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES JULY 2017 $4,000 To $5,999 $650 To $999 *Ambatielos, Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Ananias, Mr. James Peri *Korasidis, Mr. & Mrs. Vangelis $2,000 To $3,999 Long, Tyler Benedikt, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Skouras, Ms. Marielle $1,000 To $1,999 Anonymous (1) Elefteriades, Mr. Andrew OTHER Anonymous (1) * Life Members Endowment Fund +Blessed Memory When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning
Page 5 MINISTRIES Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral Very Reverend Father John S. Bakas, Dean Chris Kolentsas, Assistant Priest Jim Kollias, Choir Director Mario Lazaridis, Protopsaltis Michael Kontaxis, Assistant Psaltis Christopher Yokas, Organist James Karatsikis, Sexton FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Officers George E. Preonas, President Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O. Gig Kyriacou, 2 nd Vice President Constantine M. Boukidis, Secretary Tina Callas, Treasurer Members V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Timi Loomos Freshman, Alek Haidos, Steve Hanna, Diane Sakellaris Lapa, Tony Natsis, Brent Noyes, John Peterson, Jean Paul Wardy, Jim Zaferis Presidential Appointments Anthony A. Demetriou, Presidential Appointee Andrew J. Demetriou, Foundation General Counsel Trustees Emeriti Nicholas Bissias, Andrew Evangelatos, John T. Pappas PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Officers Brent Noyes, President Anna Yallourakis, Vice President Jeanine Hanna, Co-Treasurer Peter Cosfol, Co-Treasurer Dinah Wellington, Secretary Members Angela Ananias, Bertha Angels, Maria Baltazzi, Costa Bargeliotis, Glenn Lianos, Bill Striglos, Karen Sarames, Paris Yatskar Auditing Committee James Boltinghouse, Anthony Demetriou, Phillip Ruhl, Pete J. Cazacus PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY Executive Officers Judith Christopoulos, President Christina Peratsakis, 1 st VP Jan Pastras, 2 nd VP Virginia Noyes, Recording Secretary Mary Tassop, Corresponding Secretary Mary Gallanis, Treasurer Connie Cooper, Assistant Treasurer Members Dorothea Ales, Anna Aronis, Mary-Kay Demetriou, Dina Demetrius, Alexia Itzigsohn, Olga Jordan, Constance Manders, Sophie Mastor, Marianna Politis, Jayne Poullos, Patricia Skeriotis, Allison Stavaridis ADMINISTRATIVE AND CUSTODIAL STAFF John Kopatsis, Huffington Center Executive Director Jessica Benitez, Admin. Assist., Angela Kim, Accountant Oscar Castro, Mauricio Mira, Miguel Rosales, Devin Smith Custodians ALTAR BOYS Chris Halekakis BASKETBALL Gig Kyriacou & Paul Cooper BIBLE STUDY Very Rev. Father John Bakas BOOK STORE William Striglos CHILD CARE Kathy & Marsha Zagorianos CHOIR Jim Kollias COFFEE HOUR Ann Pappas Georgia Vasila DOCENTS Angela Ananias EASTER PICNIC Ted Pappas GREEK DANCE GROUPS Barbara Kappos Eleni Constantine Manolelis Demitra Koutsos HELLENIC ENTERTAINMENT COOPERATIVE Dina Demetrius HELLENIC ACADEMY Alex Oxyzoglou John Kopatsis HOSPITALITY Niki Korbakis Maria Pelargos L.A. GREEK FEST Parish Council Executive Board MR. & MRS. CLUB Dean & Christine Peratsakis ODOS The Way Helen Lambros PARENTING Nick Stefanidis Barbara Kappos PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P. Mersy Loukaris, President SAINT SOPHIA CAMP Melanie O Regan Jack Stumpus (Golf Event) Tony Mastor (Tennis Event) Mary-Kay Demetriou (Tennis Event) SUNDAY SCHOOL Eleni Yokas YOUTH VR Father John S. Bakas
Page 6 August 26 August 27 BAPTISMS Charles Peter Skouras V son of Charles Peter Skouras IV and Erika Bouso Skouras Sponsors: Marielle Skouras and James Krantz Konstantina Kiuftis daughter of Chris Kiuftis and Julia Kiuftis Sponsor: Athanasia Kiuftis August 13 Robert Doumakes (2 years) Georgia Dussin Dariotis Michael Kitros (8 years) Nicholas Katsapis (5 years) Lola Gialketsis (1 year) Jim Pantazis (40 days) Rev. Fr. Anthony Moschonas (6 years) Stavroula Moschonas (5 years) Dionysia Katerelos (6 years) MEMORIALS August 20 Jimmy Veys (10 years) Aliki Nicolaidis (5 years) Irene Poulos-Watson (2 years) George Poulos (48 years) James Watson (26 years) Christos Andreadis Marika Andreadis Farin Rose Hook Muriel P. Gritsonis Dionysia Moschonas (40 days) August 27 August 6 August 13 August 20 EPISTLE READERS Mauro Metini Kelly Noyes Pete Kouvelis Xenia Desby Dino Desby George Chapralis Dimitra Chapralis Costa Chapralis Sotirios Papavasiliou Andres Papavasiliou August 27 Vickie Deryiades Dimitroula Papavasiliou Andrew Chapralis Lenord Petrides (7 years) John Yeralis (2 years) ANNOUNCEMENTS SAVE THE DATE 20th Annual Christmas Musicfest under the Byzantine Dome Sunday, December 3, 2017 Saint Sophia Cathedral Choir and Chamber Ensemble featuring Greek Orthodox hymns, selections from the oratorio Messiah by George F. Handel and traditional carols of the holiday season. Reception immediately following concert.
Page 7 Happy summer to all! Please save the following dates: PHILOPTOCHOS VIP September 21, 2017 A day trip to a casino is being planned. We need to have 45 reservations in order for us to have a free bus to any casino. Please contact Anne Dres 323-469-1746 if you are able to attend. If we don t get the 45 reservations by September 7, 2017 the trip will be cancelled. October 26, 2017 We'll visit the Camarillo church and participate at the Liturgy for St. Demitrios. The fee is $20 per person for the bus. Please arrive at St. Sophia Cathedral by 7:30 am. The bus will depart from church at 8:00 am. Complementary lunch will be provided at the Camarillo church. We'll return around 4:00 pm. Please make your reservations early to Mary Kezios at 562-923-7110 and mail your check to her at 10409 Casanes Ave, Downey CA 90241. Thank you all and see you in September. In His service Mersy Loukaris VIP President
Page 8 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS WE ARE PLANNING AN EXCITING YEAR OF WONDERFUL PHILOPTOCHOS GENERAL ASSEMBLIES AND EVENTS. WE HOPE YOU WILL PLAN TO ATTEND THEM. PLEASE LOOK FOR OUR NEWS AND EVENT DATES IN THE WEEKLY BULLETINS, THE HERALD AND AT OUR PHILOPTOCHOS TABLE ON SUNDAYS AT COFFEE HOUR THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. RALPH S MARKET DONATION TO PHILOPTOCHOS We are encouraging all parishioners who shop at Ralph s Market (no matter how much or how little your purchases may be), to list Saint Sophia Philoptochos as your choice of charity. Ralph s then sends us a check based on a percentage of everyone s purchases for the month. This donation check then helps Philoptochos with Outreach that we do. By the way, this does not in any way affect your Ralph s Rewards Program. Thank you to Allison Stavaridis, Anna Aronis, Olga Jordan and Jan Pastras for bringing laptop computers on Sundays to help register persons who may not have access to a computer or need assistance. Please visit us at Coffee Hour to register your card. PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP 2017 WE ARE STILL ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR PHILOPTOCHOS MEMBERSHIP -2017. IF YOU HAVE NOT YET PAID YOUR 2017 DUES, PLEASE SEE US. MARK YOUR CALENDAR GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH THANK YOU AND KEEP SAFE WHILE VACATIONING! In Christ s service, Judith Christopoulos, President
Page 9
Page 10 DONATION ITEM AMOUNT DONORS PRODUCTION AND EQUIPMENT Tents & Chairs $20,000 Cleaning Crew $5,000 Security Crew $6,000 Cooking/Refridgeration Rentals $5,000 Electrica l/lighting $4,000 Electrical Generator $3,000 Shuttle Van Rental/Drivers $4,000 Staging $2,000 Armored Guard $800 Liability Insurance $2,000 Propane Fuel $1,500 Ice Truck/Refgrigerator Truck $1,500 Paper Products Inventory $3,000 Communication Radios $300 ENTERTAINMENT Greek Band $7,500 DJ/Music $1,500 Audio/Visual $2,000 ADVERTISING AND COLLATERAL Radio Advertising $3,000 Outdoor Advertising Banners $6,000 Newspaper Ads $3,000 Poster / Flyers $2,000 Program Book $5,000 Booth Banners and Décor $3,000 Paper Goods $2,000 MEAT AND POULTRY Mousaka $3,000 Pastitsio $2,500 Souvlakia $1,200 Whole Lamb for Souvla $3,000 Ted and Maria Maniatakos Loukaniko $2,000 A LA CARTE ITEMS Spanakopites $2,000 Tiropites $2,000 Taramosalata $1,000 French Fries $800 Dolmathes $800
Page 11 DAIRY AND BREAD Feta Cheese $1,000 Dr. Michael and Mrs. Susan Patzakis Frozen Yogurt $1,500 Greek Yogurt $1,000 Ted and Maria Maniatakos Butter $500 Eggs $500 Milk $300 Pita Bread $1,000 PRODUCE Various Produce $4,000 OTHER ITEMS Ice $2,500 Kalamata Olives $750 Cooking Oil $500 Condiments $400 Creamy Liquid Shortening $500 Spices (Salt,Pepper, Oregano) $300 Flour $300 Loukoumades Dough $500 Alek and Christine Haidos Sugar $300 Honey $600 Olive Oil $600 Rice $200 Flour $100 BEVERAGES/BEER/WINE/LIQUOR Bottled Water $2,500 James and Carolyn Kolokotrones Soft Drinks $2,500 Greek and American Coffee $1,500 Beer $3,000 Ouzo $1,200 Metaxa $1,500 Vodka/Scotch/Tequilla/Rum $2,500 Wine $4,000 PASTRIES Filo $600 Pegasus Foods-Jim Zaferis & Van Ambatielos Almonds and Walnuts $800 Baklava $1,000 Pegasus Foods-Jim Zaferis & Van Ambatielos Kataifi $1,000 Pegasus Foods-Jim Zaferis & Van Ambatielos Karithopita $1,000 Galaktoboureko $1,000 Kourambiethes $1,000 Melomakarona $1,000 Koulourakia $1,000 Pecans $500 DONATE A PORTION OF OUR NEEDS We appreciate all donors that generously give to allow Saint Sophia Cathedral to use as much of the L. A. Greek Fest proceeds to help people grow spiritually. If you cannot contribute the total amount of an item, any contribution towards the purchases and expenses is really appreciated. We thank you for your generosity. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14 AUGUST 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 Small Paraklesis of the Theotokos 7:30pm Small Paraklesis of the Theotokos 7:30pm 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 8:15am Orthros 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 13 10 th Sunday of Matthew 8:15am Orthros 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 20 11 th Sunday of Matthew 8:15am Orthros 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 27 12 th Sunday of Matthew 8:15am Orthros 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy Safe Landings Bible Class w/ Fr. Chris Kolentsas 7:00pm 14 15 The Dormition of the Theotokos 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Safe Landings Class w/ Fr. Chris Kolentsas 7:00pm 21 22 Safe Landings Class w/ Fr. Chris Kolentsas 7:00pm 28 29 Beheading of John the Forerunner 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Safe Landings Class w/ Fr. Chris Kolentsas 7:00pm Small Paraklesis of the Theotokos 7:30pm Small Paraklesis of the Theotokos 7:30pm 16 17 18 19 23 24 30 31 25 26 Strict Fast Fish Allowed Wine and Oil Allowed Dairy, Eggs, and Fish Allowed Fast Free
Page 15 SEPTEMBER 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 Ecclesiastical New Year 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine 4 5 6 7 8 9 13th Sunday of Mathew 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Faith Studies 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 10 Sunday before the Holy Cross 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Faith Studies 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 17 Sunday after the Holy Cross 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Faith Studies 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 24 1st Sunday of Luke 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Faith Studies 9:45am Memorials 10am Divine Liturgy 11 12 11:00 am Bible Study w/ Fr. John 18 19 11:00 am Bible Study w/ Fr. John 25 26 11:00 am Bible Study w/ Fr. John 13 14 20 Elevation of the Cross 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy 21 The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary 9:00 am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy 15 16 22 23 27 28 29 30 Strict Fast Fish Allowed Wine and Oil Allowed Dairy, Eggs, and Fish Allowed Fast Free
Page Saint Sophia 16 Greek Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community 1324 South Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, California 90006 Place address label here Phone 323 737 2424 E-mail secretary@stsophia.org We re on the Web! www.stsophia.org