Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral God s people, serving God s people Sunday, 25th of November 2012 Thirteenth Sunday of Luke 1324 South Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, 90006 Office: 323.737.2424 Fax: 323.737.7029 www.stsophia.org www.stsophia.org/bulletin Very Reverend Father John S. Bakas, Dean Reverend Father Allan Boyd, Assistant Priest
FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Executive Officers Andrew Evangelatos, President; Dr. James A. Demetriou, Vice President & C.F.O.; George Preonas, Vice President; Constantine 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; Loula Moschonas; 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 Loula Moschonas, President; Ted Pastras, Vice President; Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian, Recording Secretary; Brent Noyes, Corresponding Secretary; Michael Kraios, Treasurer & C.F.O. Members Dina Demetrius; Eleni Constanine Manolelis; Jeanine Hanna; Karen Sarames; Tom Martin; Alex Oxyzolou; Sebastian Opffer; Peter Pallas; Dean Peratsakis; Zafiris (Zaf) Tsimahides Associates Irene Frankos, Stewardship Chairperson; Bertha Angels CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK Sunday, November 25th Orthros...........8:15am Studies in the Faith........9:15am Memorials..... 9:45am Divine Liturgy............... 10:00am Monday, November 26 th Catechism with Father Allan.... 7:30pm Tuesday, November 27 h Women s Bible Study with Fr. John CANCELLED DUE TO CLERGY CONFERENCE Men s Bible Study with Fr. John..CANCELLED DUE TO CLERGY CONFERENCE Thursday, November 29th Old Testament Bible Study with Father Allan...7:30pm Friday, November 30th Saint Andrew Orthros............8:30am Divine Liturgy.............. 9:30am Saturday, December 1st Hellenic Academy (PreK 6).......9:30am Hellenic Academy (Adults).. 12:30pm SUNDAY WEEKLY BULLETIN *****ATTENTION BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS****** The Sunday bulletin will now be done in the church office. Please send your articles to: Helen: office@stsophia.org All requests have to be submitted by Wednesday each week. 2
DAILY VITAMINS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH 3
Υμνος Ἀπολυτίκιον τῶν Εισοδίων τῆς Θεοτόκου - Ἦχος δ Σήμερον τῆς εὐδοκίας Θεοῦ τὸ προοίμιον, καὶ τῆς τῶν ἀνθρώπων σωτηρίας ἡ προκήρυξις Ἐν Ναῷ τοῦ Θεοῦ τρανῶς ἡ Παρθένος δείκνυται, καὶ τὸν Χριστὸν τοῖς πᾶσι προκαταγγέλλεται. Αὐτῇ καὶ ἡμεῖς μεγαλοφώνως βοήσωμεν Χαῖρε τῆς οἰκονομίας τοῦ Κτίστου ἡ ἐκπλήρωσις. Ἀναστάσιμο Ἀπολυτίκιον - Ἦχος πλ. δ Εξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν κατεδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε, δόξα σοι. Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἁγίας Αἰκατερίνης - Ἦχος πλ α Τὴν πανεύφημον νύμφην Χριστοῦ ὑμνήσωμεν, Αἰκατερῖναν τὴν θείαν καὶ πολιοῦχον Σινᾶ, τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν καὶ ἀντίληψιν, ὅτι ἐφίμωσε λαμπρῶς, τοὺς κομψοὺς τῶν ἀσεβῶν, τοῦ Πνεύματος τῇ μαχαίρᾳ, καὶ νῦν ὡς Μάρτυς στεφθεῖσα, αἰτεῖται πᾶσι τὸ μέγα ἔλεος. Τροπάριον του Ναού - Ἦχος πλ. Δ Ευλογητός εί, Χριστέ ο Θεός ημών, ο πανσόφους τούς αλιείς αναδείξας, καταπέμψας αυτοίς τό Πνεύμα τό άγιον, καί δι' αυτών τήν οικουμένην σαγηνεύσας, φιλάνθρωπε, δόξα σοι. Κοντάκιον τῶν Εισοδίων - Ἦχος δ Ο καθαρώτατος ναός τού Σωτήρος, η πολυτίμητος παστάς καί Παρθένος, τό Ιερόν θησαύρισμα τής δόξης τού Θεού, σήμερον εισάγεται, εν τώ οίκω Κυρίου, τήν χάριν συνεισάγουσα, τήν εν Πνευματι θείω, ήν ανυμνούσιν Άγγελοι Θεού, Αύτη υπάρχει σκηνή επουράνιος. 4
HYMNS OF THE DAY Apolytikion of the Entrance of the Theotokos - Tone 4 Today is the prelude of God's pleasure and the proclamation of man's salvation. The Virgin is clearly made manifest in the temple of God and foretells Christ to all. Let us also cry out to her with mighty voice, "Hail, fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation." Resurrection Apolytikion - Tone 8 From on high you descended, Compassionate One, you accepted three days in the tomb, in order to free us from our suffering. Our life and resurrection, Lord, glory to you. Apolytikion of St Katerina - Tone 5 Let us praise the most auspicious bride of Christ, the divine Katherine, protectress of Sinai, our aid and our help. For, she brilliantly silenced the eloquence of the impious by the sword of the spirit, and now, crowned as a martyr, she asks great mercy for all. Troparion of Saint Sophia (Holy Wisdom) Tone 8 Blessed are You O Christ our God, Who as all wise the fishermen You showed forth; By sending your Holy Spirit down upon them and through them the universe You drew unto your net. O lover of mankind Glory to You. Kondakion Tone 4 Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle. 5
MEMORIALS Peter George Fettis 40 Days Vasili T. Golf 20 Years Panagota Tavoularis Nicholas John Tavoularis May their memory be eternal ALTAR CANDLES One side offered in loving memory of Vasili T. Golf by The Golf, Rusk and Stamatiades families COFFEE HOUR Sponsored in loving memory of Peter George Fettis by his family Coffee hour in the Huffington Center Maniatakos Fellowship Hall Sponsored in loving memory of Peter George Fettis 6
EPISTLE READING EPISTLE READER...Presbytera Danita Boyd Let Us Attend Verse: God is wonderful among his saints Bless God in the congregations. Wisdom The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5 Let us be Attentive... BRETHREN, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 7
GOSPEL READING The Reading is from The Gospel of Luke 18:18-27 At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." 8
PHILOPTOHOS NEWS MINISTRY NEWS POINSETTIAS FOR THE SHUT-INS: Our Sunshine Chairman, Helene Ballas, will be ordering poinsettias soon for the shut-ins. Please let her know if there is someone who should be added to our list that would like to receive a plant for some Christmas cheer. You may call Helene at 818-642-8011. Outreach: We are currently helping a number of individuals who are in financial difficulties and others with illnesses. If you would like to donate a gift card from Target, Walmart or Ralphs/Food for Less for $25 or more, we will use it for our outreach program to help some of these families and individuals. The holidays are always difficult for those who are suffering, sick and lonely. Please help us continue to help those who need us. Our Angel Tree will be up in the Narthex for Christmas starting today. Your most generous contributions last year made a huge difference in the lives of the families who received your presents. This year we have a number of families that need our help again and we know you will respond with love as you have in the past. The holidays are a time to pray and we can offer a little miracle in our own way. May we truly reach out to help our fellow man and do the work of the Lord this holiday season with loving hearts and tolerance for those who are suffering. Don t forget our new collection for the Los Angeles Mission in and out people they serve. We are collecting travel size items such as shampoo, deodorant, mouthwash and lotions in zip-lock small baggies. The Mission will hand these out to the people who come in to get cleaned up, have a meal and return to the streets. You may bring your donations to church on Sundays and put them at the front door where we will have someone stationed to collect your item. Thank you! Wishing you all a very blessed holiday season! With love in Christ s service, Virginia Noyes and the Philoptohos Board of Directors 9
MINISTRY NEWS (continued) PHILOPTOHOS VIP NEWS VIP CHRISTMAS PARTY AND 41 st ANNIVERSARY OF PHILOPTOHOS VIP S You are cordially invited to join us in celebrating the joy of the season and also the 41st Anniversary of Philoptohos VIPs. We will honor our founder Christine Peratis and take a sentimental video journey from 1971-2012, seeing and remembering old friends and memorable events of the past. We are delighted and proud to hold our event in the new Maniatakos Fellowship Hall of the Huffington Center at Saint Sophia. There will be door prizes, Christmas Carols and great fellowship. Our Buffet Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 11:00A.M. Price of the luncheon is $25.00. For more information please call one of the following: Vivi Demopoulos (310)215-3130 or Mersy Loukaris (323)661-1592. Paid reservations are required and must be received by December 9th. Mail your check payable to Philoptohos VIP to Vivi Demopoulos, 7485 McConnell Ave., Los Angeles CA 90045. In His Service, Mary Morrison VIP President Don't be left out. You don't want to miss this event. PHILANTHROPIA NEWS ******************************************** 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: www.philanthropiaministry.org God bless you! Father Peter ******************************************** The Hellenic Society of Constantinople will celebrate their 46th ANNUAL VASILOPITA DINNER DANCE ON JANUARY 12, 2013 at the Wilshire Country Club, 301 N. Rossmore Ave, Los Angeles. The evening will include music, dancing and the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita with the Gold Coin. We'll be honoring our very dear Agapie and Harry Pappas, for their continuous support of the Hellenic Society of Constantinople and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. For more information, please call Mary Morrison at (818)500-0904 or Jeanette Owens Benedatos at (323)660-5707. Thank you, Mary 10
MINISTRY NEWS (continued) PARISH COUNCIL NEWS SAVE THE DATES!! Sunday, December 2 nd - Fall General Assembly Meeting Maria Maniatakos Pavilion PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE!! Sunday, December 9 th - Elections to the Parish Council and the Audit Committee. Immediately following Divine Liturgy in the Maniatakos Fellowship Hall If you are interested in running for Parish Council or the Audit Committee, please contact our Election Committee Chairman, Jack Stumpus (310) 592.5194. Deadline for filing: November 20 th. Please make sure your stewardship is now current, so you may be eligible to vote in December! PLEASE NOTE: The 60 th Anniversary Gala, scheduled for early November, has been postponed until further notice. All reservation payments received will be refunded. Thank you. ******************************************* 15 th Annual Christmas Musicfest Saint Sophia Cathedral 15 th Annual Christmas Musicfest under the Byzantine Dome - "Rejoice!" Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. The program will include Orthodox Christmas hymns and chants, several selections from the oratorio "Messiah" by George F. Handel, and traditional carols of the holiday season. The concert will feature three chanters: Carole Choucair Oueijan, Dimitri Liogris and Michael Kontaxis along with Nicole French, Suzanne Gilman, Eleni Pantages, Michele Patzakis Prappas, Dalia Rodriguez, Karen Sarames, Estelle Skouras, Kathy Spilos and Christopher Yokas as soloists, the Saint Sophia Cathedral Choir and Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Jim H. Kollias, and the Harmonies of Saint Thomas all Girls Choir, under the direction of Antonio Espinal. Free will offering. Reception immediately following the concert in the Maniatakos Fellowship Hall and the Maria Maniatakos Pavilion. We rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and we rejoice in the first Christmas celebrated in the new Huffington Center at Saint Sophia! 11
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Donations are being accepted for the upcoming Christmas holiday decorations. Memorial names will also be accepted. Donations accepted in any amount. Please make checks payable to Saint Sophia Cathedral and mention Christmas flowers. For additional information please see Jimmy. Thank You! DANCE FOR FUN CLASS For Everyone When: Wednesdays January 9th till March 13, 2013 Where: St. Sophia Huffington Center Time: 7pm - 9pm Fee: $150 ($15 per session) INSTRUCTOR: RAMSAY SEIKALY ramdonseik@hotmail.comcome and learn all the dances you need to know for festivals, weddings and other Greek events. Guest instructors each week will be brought in to teach specialized regions and historical context of the regions the dances come from. Bring your dance shoes and we will see you in January. 12
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COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD RESERVATION FORM - 2012 Once again, the Cathedral will be sending Christmas greeting cards to the parish, listing the names of those who wish to contribute $35.00 or more towards this effort. This Christmas greeting card will be sent to the entire congregation, saving you valuable time and the expense of cards and postage during the Christmas holidays. The deadline for submission of names and payment is Sunday, December 2 nd. Please return this form to the cathedral office, Attention: Stephanie, prior to the deadline date, to ensure you are included. Print your name(s) below as you would like it to appear on this year s Christmas card: Please pay by cash, credit card or check, made out to: Saint Sophia Cathedral. Credit Card #: Exp. Date Credit Card Type: AMEX, VISA, MC, etc. Billing Street Address: Zip Code: Check #: Cash payment? If yes please Total Amount Paid: 14
For those who are sick or suffering St. James advises us, If anyone among you is sick, let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. (James 5:13-14) Ensuring that St Sophia s parishioners continue to be cared-for and prayed-for, please list names below of those in our midst that need prayer. Feel free to request the personal prayer of one of our priests after services, or to schedule this with one our priests during St Sophia Cathedral s office hours. As you request prayer, you may also wish to make an offering to Saint Sophia s Altar Fund. Label: For the health of PLEASE PRINT CLEARY: Please submit this form to: Saint Sophia Cathedral Office 1324 S Normandie Ave. Los Angeles CA 90006 When you write or update your will, please remember Saint Sophia Cathedral. Your gift will live into eternity. 15
26 7:30pm OT Bible Study w/fr. Allan 16