Saint Sophia Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community God s people, serving God s people Weekly Bulletin Sunday, 6 March 2011 Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday) Very Rev. Father John S. Bakas Allan Boyd, Pastoral Assistant
CALENDAR OF THE WEEK Sunday, March 6 th Forgiveness Sunday - Cheesefare Orthros.......8:00am Studies in Faith.....9:15am Memorials......9:45am Divine Liturgy...... 10:00am Monday, March 7 th Kathara Deftera Clean Monday Bible Study with Fr. John: Orthros.......8:30am Divine Liturgy...... 10:00am Philoptohos Women s Bible Study - cancelled until next week Men s Bible Study..12:30pm Tuesday, March 8 th There will be no Bible Study Class during March and April in observance of Great Lent. Bible Study will resume on May 3 rd. Wednesday, March 9 th There will be no Bible Study Class during March and April in observance of Great Lent. Bible Study will resume on May 4 th. Saturday, March 12 th Saturday of the Souls Orthros.......8:30am Divine Liturgy...... 10:00am Hellenic Academy - children.... 9:00am Hellenic Academy adults... 11:30am Coffee Hour will be held in our Fellowship Tent EPISTLE READER Dinah Wellington USHERS Niki Korbakis, Maria Pelargos Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1324 South Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, 90006 323.737.2424 www.stsophia.org 2
DAILY VITAMINS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH 3
MEMORIALS Katherine Drulias Roumeliotis, Christine Xenopoulou, Anthony Xenopoulou, Jenny Zenos, Stanley Funk, Andreas A. Demetriou (22 years), Maria A. Demetriou (15 years), Andrew A. Demetriou (15 years), Peter Kyriax, Marigo Kyriax, Ourania, Andreas, Antonis, Maria, Panayiotis, Emilios, Panayiotis, Konstantinos, Yiorgos, Friny, Evrelia, Denise, Haris, Maro, Joseph Otis (3 years), Nick Gianulis, Peter Brotsis ALTAR CANDLES Offered in loving memory Andrew Demetriou by his brother Jim and sister in-law Kathy Demetriou Offered in loving memory of Chris Julias, by his wife and family CHANCEL CANDLES Offered in loving memory of Peter & Marigo Kyriax, by James and Faye Demetriou and family SANCTUARY CANDLES Offered in loving memory of Peter Brotsis, by Vera Brotsis and his children, Peter & Mary Brotsis Anderson PERPETUAL LIGHTS Offered in loving memory of Katherine Drulias Roumeliotis, by her sisters, Ann Drulias Caiopoulos, Fotine Drulias O Connor, her niece Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian and Dan Lubian Offered in loving memory of Christine Xenopoulou, Anthony Xenopoulou, Jenny Zenos and Stanley Funk, by Helen Funk Offered in loving memory of our son, Andrew A. Demetriou, by his parents Helen and Tony Demetriou COFFEE HOUR Offered in loving memory of our parents, Andreas & Maria Demetriou, by their sons and their families, Anthony and James Demetriou Offered in loving memory of Chris Julias, by his wife and family DONATION Offered in loving memory of cousin Nick Gianulis, by Georgia K. and Chris T. Caras 4
HYMNS OF THE DAY The Resurrection Apolytikion, Mode 4 Plagal Descending from on high O compassionate one, to free us all from our iniquities. Humbling Thyself by dwelling three days in the tomb, our life and resurrection. Lord, Glory to Thee. Isodikon Come let us worship falling down before Christ. Save us O Son of God who didst arise from the dead sing we to Thee Alliluia. Troparion of Saint Sophia (Holy Wisdom) 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 The guide toward wisdom and giver of prudence chastising the foolish and defender of the poor, Master create in me a wise and steadfast heart, You who are the Father s word grant me eloquent speech, for behold I shall not keep my lips from crying out to you: Merciful One have mercy on me who has fallen from grace. 5
EPISTLE READING The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand. 6
GOSPEL READING The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21 The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." 7
PHILOPTOHOS VIP NEWS MINISTRY NEWS Tomorrow - Monday March 7 - KATHARA DEFTERA After church services refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Tent to celebrate the first day of Lent. Please join us. PHILOPTOHOS NEWS ******************************************* MOTHER'S DAY: We are pleased to announce that the Mother of the Year is MARIANNA POLES POLITIS. Marianna will be honored at our annual Mother's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, May 7th. We hope you will join us for this wonderful afternoon. The solicitation letters with ad forms for the Program Book will be mailed in a couple of weeks, so be sure to return it as soon as possible. Our chairman Angela Karavedas and her committee, are hard at work putting together a spectacular day. This is a major Philoptohos fundraiser that enables us to continue our philanthropic donations to help those who are sick and in need. Your generosity helps us continue with our work. Thank you! GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Our next general assembly meeting is after church on Sunday, March 20th in the residence apartment complex immediately after church. Please join us, visit with friends and hear about our current projects. We will be collecting food to restock the food pantry at the Salvin School, which takes care of children who are physically and mentally challenged and need a great deal of medical care. If you would like to donate any food to the school, please bring it to the meeting and we will see that it gets delivered. The school asks for non-perishable goods such as peanut butter, canned tuna fish or any other canned meats or vegetables, etc. There will be more information on the Philoptohos meeting postcard. If you would rather make a donation by check or cash to the food drive, it would also be greatly appreciated. The school is one of our major local philanthropies throughout the year. Thank you. Dina Oldknow and the Philoptohos Board of Directors 8
MINISTRY NEWS (continued) PHILANTHROPIA MINISTRY NEWS CONFESSIONS: A blessed spiritual voyage during this great Lenten season. Father Peter will be available on all Wednesdays during lent for confessions from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m., in the St. Demetrios Chapel. Please make an appointment with the church office. USED CLOTHING and CANNED GOODS: Thank you for all the wonderful used clothing and canned goods. The two new receptacles, for used clothing and canned goods, are working great. They are located side by side, in the general area of the chapel. Please identify your clothing donations by indicating whether they are for men, women or children, on the outside of the bags. Thank you! "GET ON THE BUS": Mothers Day is coming on May 8th and we are reminding you that once again we will support the "Get on the Bus" program that takes bus loads of children to visit their mothers who are incarcerated. Any donation you can offer to Philanthropia will be greatly appreciated. Take care and God Bless. Father Peter ******************************************* 5 TONS OF LOVE As we embark on another beautiful Lenten season, let us once again show our Love of neighbor. The AMNOS Ministry will be trying to fill a 5 ton truck with your donation of quality clothing to be distributed to those less fortunate. Conduct your own clothing drive at school, work or in your neighborhood. St. Sophia's 9th Annual 5 TONS OF LOVE Clothing Drive will take place over the next six weeks. Please contact Dean and Christina Peratsakis 818.351.0122/ dotos@msn.com for more information. Volunteers needed. Drop off location yet to be determined. Thank you. 9
MINISTRY NEWS (continued) GREEK DANCE NEWS Congratulations to all of our FDF dancers for another successful year! A heartfelt thank you goes out to our directors, parents, and volunteers who donated their time and services. Their dedication ensured our success and contributed to the enrichment of our ministry. A special appreciation goes to Father John and Father Bill and the Christian organizations of St. Thomas, Bishop Conaty School St. George Orthodox Church and St. Stevens Serbian Church whose dedication and fellowship to our program exemplified the true spirit of Christianity. It takes a Village Volunteers & Organizations Directors Kyklonakia (ages 5-7) Director: Loula Moschonas Sinefakia (ages 7-10) Directors: Joanna Callas & Nick Manolelis Keravnos (ages 11-13) Directors: Dina Fovos and Yiannis Valsamis Asst Director: Kristin Begakis Kymata (ages 14-18) Directors: Lawrence Olliffe, Eleni Constantine & Kristin Thomas Fourtouna (young adults) Directors: Alex Guirguis, Eleni Lotakis, & Alexandra Guirguis Special Recognition to: John Fovos, Lawrence Olliffe and Father Bill Tragus Eleni Lotakis (costumes) Bertha Angels (costumes) Eleni Yokas (costumes) Eloy Flores (costumes) Georgia Vasila (costumes) Nicole Anastasas (costumes) Amalia Skarzenski Bruce Chistolini Theodore Kyriazis Glenn Lianos Trish Kourafas Vasilis Papoutsis Papa Cristo s Pegusus & United Melon Fred Garnica Delta Flowers St. Sophia Parish Council Saint Sophia Philoptohos Diane Techam (Bishop Conaty) Pontian Musicians Yianis Fotiadis & Periklis Katsiotis Georgopoulos Family Saint Sophia Folk Dance Parent Council Demitra Koutsos Barbara Kappos Eleni Constantine Kathleen Kyriacou Amy Toczek Alex Chistolini Antonia Lianos Constance Boukidis Christina Tasulis 10
MINISTRY NEWS (continued) GREEK DANCE NEWS (continued) Congratulations to all our Saint Sophia Dance Groups! FDF 2011 Dance & Choral Groups Eleni Constantine - Best Director s Award for Division 1 Kyklonakia - For their cutest performance! Sinefakia - For their first performance at FDF! Keravnos - Division II -Sweepstakes Winner Kymata - Division 1-3rd Place Winners Fourtouna - Division 1-4th Place Winners Prestige Worldwide Dancers - 4th Place -Greeks got Talent Contest Join us in church after liturgy on March 20, 2011 to recognize all our volunteers, directors and dancers. ******************************************* DIVINE READING: A MUST, TO GROW IN FAITH Our Lenten focus should be to grow and mature in our Orthodox Christian Faith and draw nearer to Jesus Christ our Lord. One significant way to do this is focused study and divine reading of books and materials that propel us upward. Obviously the Holy Scriptures are a must read to enhance our overall understanding of the faith. We will be recommending books for you to read and also give to friends who may be interested in the Orthodox Church. Before we bring friends to Christ through the Orthodox Faith, we ourselves must know the Faith. We recommended that you read: THIRSTING FOR GOD: In a Land of Shallow Wells by Matthew Gallatin. In addition you will find SURPRISED BY CHRIST, by Fr. James Bernstein of particular interest since he came to Christ from the Jewish Faith and is now an Orthodox Christian priest. Since our bookstore is on hold for the time being, the books are available through AMAZON.COM. Read and Grow!! 11
Mr. & Mrs. Club 2011 Kickoff MINISTRY NEWS (continued) Sunday evening, March 13, 2011 Sterling's Supper Club - Upstairs at Vitello's The St. Sophia Mr. & Mrs. Club will be getting together for an evening of impressions, comedy and song, performed by St. Sophia's very own Perry Lambert. For those of you have never seen Perry perform, get ready for an amazing evening, filled with fun, laughter surprise. Though Perry's performance is open to anyone who would like to attend, Sterling's Supper Club will be sectioning off part of the room so that our Mr. & Mrs. Club can gather together. That way we can visit and socialize with one another, reconnecting in fellowship, over dinner, in a joyful atmosphere. Sterling's Supper Club at Vitello's is located at 4249 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604. Seating from 5:30-6:00PM Showtime is 7:00PM. There are two packages available which are described below. To join the Mr. & Mrs. Club and Perry Lambert at Sterling's Supper Club at Vitello's please contact Dean & Christina Peratsakis 818-351-0122, dotos@msn.com, cperatsakis@yahoo.com or you can contact Sterling's: 818-754-8700 General Admission Package: $31 per person - Includes: General Seating, Entertainment Cover, Show and $13 drink and/or food minimum Please share this notice with your married friends as we may not have everyone's email address and we want to make sure that we are inviting everyone. Thank you. Perry Lambert is an accomplished, multi-talented, Singer, Actor, Comedian, and Impressionist. Perry has been hailed as "The Guy with all the right stuff that makes for a great show" He has a unique ability of creating a wholesome evening of family entertainment, by blending comedy, music & celebrity impressions that have made him a smash hit from Brazil to Alaska and back! 12
The Herald Newsletter COMMUNITY NEWS To All Stewards If your anniversary/birthday is not already listed in our monthly Herald newsletter and you wish for it to be listed in the appropriate issue for your month, please e-mail your information to: Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian (secretary@stsophia.org). Thank you. ******************************************* LENTEN RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS SPECIAL GUEST RETREAT MASTER FATHER CHAD HATFIELD Archpriest Chad Hatfield is the Chancellor of St. Vladimir s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York. Among his many works, Fr. Chad is author of Sin, Sickness and Salvation Christian Bioethics SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2011 10:00 A.M. 3:00 P.M. SAINT STEVEN S SERBIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 1621 West Garvey Avenue Alhambra, CA 91803 More Info to Follow 13
Sunday of Orthodoxy March 13, 2011 Fourth Annual Pan Orthodox Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Cathedral (O.C.A.) 650 Micheltorena Street Los Angeles, CA 90026 (323) 666-4977 www.hvmla.org March 12 th - Vigil 6:00 p.m. March 13 th - Hours 9:40 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Followed by the procession of Icons Refreshments and snacks after the service Orthodox Book fair in the Cathedral Bookstore (kiosk) located inside the Church School Hall Please join us! Presiding Bishops: His Eminence Metropolitan GERASIMOS - Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco His Eminence Archbishop KYRILL - Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russia (ROCOR) His Grace Bishop JOSEPH - Antiochian Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles and the West His Grace Bishop MAXIM - Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in USA & Canada His Grace Bishop BENJAMIN - Bishop of San Francisco and the West 14
Caring Funeral Service COMMUNITY NEWS (continued) In time of need, we suggest you call Terry Harmon (626.358.3244) from Caring Funeral Service. He is the owner of many funeral homes and can accommodate us from any location. He has taken time to know our Greek Orthodox traditions and has become a supporter of the Cathedral by sponsoring the yearly calendar, putting an ad in the Festival book and the monthly Herald. He keeps his prices affordable for families, is easy to work with and very respectful. http://www.caringfuneralservice.com ******************************************* PREPARE FOR LENT, HOLY WEEK & EASTER 2011 To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances, to seek Him the greatest adventure, to find Him the greatest human accomplishment. St. Augustine Lent, Holy Week, & Easter is yet another time in our life s journey to fall in love with The Lord. Seek Him, find Him and commit to Him. On page 18 of this bulletin is a schedule of Lenten services. Attending these services will give you an opportunity to find the Lord in a very personal and special way. Mark your calendar and please make every effort to attend these holy services this Lenten season. ******************************************* Our Own Noah Johnson Needs Your Help Noah Johnson, a fellow parishioner and graduating senior at Biola University will be writing a research paper (an ethnography) about our community for his anthropology thesis. In order to get a better understanding of the broader St. Sophia experience, he may ask for your participation in interviews and surveys. Please have no concern over privacy, as no names or personal information are required for his research. In case anyone may have concerns about his research, or if you have a particular interest in helping Noah, please e-mail him at NJnoah@gmail.com. Providing data for his research would be much appreciated. 15
LENTEN SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE COMMUNITY NEWS (continued) As you contemplate Great Lent, which is beginning with Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday), remember fasting is more than abstaining from certain foods, it is fasting from certain life styles and attitudes. It is making a radical change in life s priorities. There is fasting and feasting in life. Consider the following which are more important than what you put in your stomach. Disciplining the stomach and its appetites helps with all the rest. FAST from self-concern and FEAST on compassion for others. FAST from discouragement and FEAST on hope. FAST from lethargy and FEAST on enthusiasm. FAST from suspicion and FEAST on truth. FAST from thoughts that weaken and FEAST on promises that inspire. FAST from shadows of sorrow and FEAST on the sunlight of serenity. FAST from idle gossip and FEAST on purposeful silence. FAST from problems that overwhelm you and FEAST on prayer that sustains. FAST from criticism and FEAST on praise. FAST from self-pity and FEAST on joy. FAST from ill-temper and FEAST on peace. FAST from resentment and FEAST on contentment. FAST from jealousy and FEAST on love. FAST from pride and FEAST on humility. FAST from selfishness and FEAST on service. ******************************************* PLEASE NOTE: If anyone would like bottles of Holy Water, please see Jimmy Karatsikis in the Narthex on Sundays, or call the church office during the week and ask for Jimmy. Holy Week and Easter donations are now being accepted for all floral pieces including solea flowers, icons, wreaths and banners. Altar and solea candles may be purchased as well. Donations of any amount, large or small, may be given towards any of these in blessed memory of loved ones. For additional information please contact Jimmy Karatsikis or Ann Pappas in the cathedral office. 16
SAINT OF THE MONTH ST. GREGORY PALAMAS MARCH 20 This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359. His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers on his saint s day. 17
Schedule of Lenten Services Clean Monday Mon. March 7 10:00 a.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Wed. March 9 7:30 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Fri. March 11 9:30 a.m. Salutations Fri. March 11 7:30 p.m. Saturday of the Souls Sat. March 12 Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 9:30 Sunday of Orthodoxy Sun. March 13 Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 10:00 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Wed. March 16 7:30 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Fri. March 18 9:30 a.m. Salutations Fri. March 18 7:30 p.m. Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas Sun. March 20 Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 10:00 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Wed. March 23 7:30 p.m. Annunciation Liturgy Fri. March 25 Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 9:30 Sunday of the Holy Cross Sun. March 27 Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 10:00 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Wed. March 30 7:30 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Fri. April 1 9:30 a.m. Salutations Fri. April 1 7:30 p.m. Sunday of Saint John of Climacus Sun. April 3 Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 10:00 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Wed. April 6 7:30 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Fri. April 8 9:30 a.m. Akathist Hymn Fri. April 8 7:30 p.m. Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt Sun. April 10 Orthros 8:30 Liturgy 10:00 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Wed. April 13 7:30 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Fri. April 15 9:30 a.m. 18
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SATURDAY OF THE SOULS Prayers for the Souls of the Dead Please commemorate the souls of the blessed dead, whose names are here written: I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." 20