August 2017 Page Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral HERALD AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Dean Fr. Christopher Kolentsas Assistant Priest 1324 S. Normandie Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90006 Tel. 323-737-2424 www.stsophia.org INSIDE THIS ISSUE Dean’s Message 2 President’s Message 3 Stewardship 4 Ministries List 5 Sacraments/ Memorials 6 Philoptochos VIP 7 Philoptochos News 8/9 L.A Greek Fest 10/11/12 Orthodox Calendars 14/15 The Dormition of the Virgin, Giotto Di Bondone, 1310 Tempera on Poplar Wood, 179 X 75 cm, Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Transcript
August 2017 Page
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
HERALD AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017
V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas
Dean
Fr. Christopher Kolentsas
Assistant Priest
1324 S. Normandie Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Tel. 323-737-2424
www.stsophia.org
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E
Dean’s Message 2
President’s Message 3
Stewardship 4
Ministries List 5
Sacraments/
Memorials 6
Philoptochos VIP 7
Philoptochos News 8/9
L.A Greek Fest 10/11/12
Orthodox Calendars 14/15
The Dormition of the Virgin, Giotto Di Bondone, 1310
Tempera on Poplar Wood, 179 X 75 cm, Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
August 2017 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
August 2017 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
When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning
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
*Ambatielos, Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos
$2,000 To $3,999
Benedikt, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
$1,000 To $1,999
Anonymous (1)
Elefteriades, Mr. Andrew
$650 To $999
Ananias, Mr. James Peri
*Korasidis, Mr. & Mrs. Vangelis
Long, Tyler
Skouras, Ms. Marielle
OTHER
Anonymous (1)
August 2017 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 , 2nd 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, 1st VP
Jan Pastras, 2nd 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
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
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
August 2017 Page 6
MEMORIALS
EPISTLE READERS
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)
Dionysia Moschonas (40 days)
Xenia Desby
Dino Desby
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
August 6 Mauro Metini
August 13 Kelly Noyes
August 20 Pete Kouvelis
August 27 Vickie Deryiades
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BAPTISMS
August 26 Charles Peter Skouras V son of
Charles Peter Skouras IV and
Erika Bouso Skouras
Sponsors: Marielle Skouras and
James Krantz
August 27 Konstantina Kiuftis daughter of
Chris Kiuftis and Julia Kiuftis
Sponsor: Athanasia Kiuftis
August 27
George Chapralis
Dimitra Chapralis
Costa Chapralis
Sotirios Papavasiliou
Andres Papavasiliou
Dimitroula Papavasiliou
Andrew Chapralis
Lenord Petrides (7 years)
John Yeralis (2 years)
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.
August 2017 Page 7
PHILOPTOCHOS VIP
Happy summer to all!
Please save the following dates:
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
August 2017 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
August 2017 Page 9
August 2017 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
August 2017 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 to-wards the purchases and expenses is really appreciated. We thank you for your generosity.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
August 2017 Page 12
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
Small Paraklesis of the Theotokos
7:30pm
3
4
Small Paraklesis of the Theotokos
7:30pm
5
6
Transfiguration of
our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ
8:15am Orthros
9:45am Memorials
10am Divine Liturgy
7
8
Safe Landings Bible Class w/ Fr. Chris Kolentsas 7:00pm
