1
Saint Sophia
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
“God’s people, serving God’s people”
4th of August, 2013
6th Sunday of Matthew
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
Office Hours 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday
2
DAIILY VITAMINS
FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
3
FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Executive Officers
George E. Preonas, President; Andrew Evangelatos, Executive
Vice President; James A. Demetriou, PhD, Vice President & C.F.O.;
Constantine M. 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;
Brent Noyes; 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
Brent Noyes, President; John Kopatsis, Vice-President; Irene
Andreadis, Recording Secretary; Karen Sarames, Corresponding
Secretary/Legal; Michael Kraios, Treasurer & C.F.O.
Members
Bertha Angels; Jeanine Hanna; Glenn Lianos; Eleni Constantine
Manolelis; Loula Moschonas; Kouji Nakata; Alex Oxyzolou; Peter
Pallas; Dean Peratsakis; Dorothy Spirus
Board of Auditors
Jim Ananias; Tony Demetriou; Tom Moore
CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK Sunday, August 4th
Orthros..…………………..………………...…………….……..……...……..8:15am
Studies in the Faith…………………………….……………………..……..9:15am
Memorials……….…………………….……………….………….…….……9:45am
Divine Liturgy………………..………………….......…….…...….......……10:00am
Monday, August 5th
Catechism with Father Allan ...…..........................................................7:30pm
Open Gym Night….…............................................................................7:30pm
Tuesday, August 6th Transfiguration of Christ
Orthros..…………………..………………...…...……..…………….....……..8:30am
Divine Liturgy………………………….......…….………..…..….......……..9:30am
Wednesday, August 7th
Paraclesis to the Theotokos……………..…………………………………7:30pm
Thursday, August 8th
Old Testament with Father Allan………………..………………...………7:30pm
Friday, August 9th
Paraclesis to the Theotokos………………………………………………..7:30pm
Coffee Hour in the Huffington Center
Maniatakos Fellowship Hall
4
MEMORIALS
Louis Loukaris, Despina, Hariklia, Stavros, Marika, Myltiades,
Gina, Litsa
“But the souls of the righteous are in the hands of the Lord, and
there shall no torment touch them.”
Wisdom 3:1
May their memory be eternal…
PERPETUAL LIGHT CANDLE
Offered in loving memory of Louis Loukaris, Despina, Hariklia,
Stavros, Marika, Myltiades, Gina, Litsa by Mersy Loukaris and
family.
A WORD ON PRAYERS FOR THE REPOSED
“Not in vain did the Apostles order that remembrance
should be made of the dead in the dreadful Mysteries. They
know that great gain results to them, great benefit; for when
the whole people stands with uplifted hands, a priestly as-
sembly, and that awe inspiring Sacrifice lies displayed,
how shall we not prevail with God by our supplications for
them? As then we pray for those living, who do not differ
from the dead, so too we pray for them.
—St. John Chrysostom
5
The word, “Amen” (truly; so let it be) is an ancient biblical decla-
ration of “strong agreement” found in both the Hebrew Old Testa-
ment and the Greek New Testament. In Christian worship, it’s also
used as the way that we conclude various prayers and hymns.
Giving the “Amen” is a vital role that the faithful in the pews serve
to fully participate in our services and to bring our services to full-
ness. In the history of the Church lay-people have always added
their “Amen” to the appropriate parts of the liturgy.
The oldest recorded Liturgy that we have (Clementine, 3rd centu-
ry; Constitutions of the Holy Apostles, book VIII), says that ALL the
people answer with “Amen!” St Justin the Martyr (2nd century), in
his work titled “Apology,” says that the celebrant “offers prayers
and thanksgivings according to his ability, and the people give
their assent saying, “Amen.”
Fr. John and Fr. Allan encourage you to participate with your
“Amen” in the most vital part of the service…the blessing of, or
consecration of the gifts. When the priest says, “And make this
bread the precious Body of Your Christ,” with reverent enthusiasm
you offer your key affirmation by saying, “Amen!” And when the
priest says, “And that which is in this cup the precious Blood of
Your Christ”, you respond there again with, “Amen!” And then
when he says, “Changing them by Your Holy Spirit,” you respond
three times, “Amen! Amen! Amen!”
In so doing, let us pray that not only are the Gifts, but we as well
will be transformed in Christ!
6
HYMNS OF THE DAY
RESURRECTIONAL APOLYTIKION IN THE FIRST TONE
Logos born of the Virgin for our salvation, and co-eternal
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, come ye faithful ones
and worship singing praise to Him, for He was willing as a
man to be lifted on the cross and death to suffer, and to
raise the dead by His glorious resurrection.
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
Alleluia.
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.
KONTAKION OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
On the mountain Thou wast transfigured and Thy disciples
beheld Thy Glory each unto his comprehension, Christ the
God, so that when they saw Thee crucified they might
understand that Thy passion wast freely given, and that
they might proclaim to the world that Thou truly are the
splendor of the Father.
7
EPISTLE READING
EPISTLE READER...BRENT NOYES
Priest: Let Us Attend…
Reader: You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us…Save
me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.
Priest: Wisdom...
Reader: The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans (12:6-14)
Priest: Let us be Attentive…
BRETHREN, having gifts that differ according to the grace
given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to
our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his
teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who
contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who
does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine;
hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one
another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in
showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit,
serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in
tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs
of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute
you; bless and do not curse them.
8
GOSPEL READING
The Reading is from The Gospel of St. Matthew
(9:1-8)
At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and
came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a
paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith* he
said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are
forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to
themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing
their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For
which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise
and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has
authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic
-- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and
went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and
they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
A WORD FROM THE HOLY FATHERS
*The Lord looks with affection on the humble. You who are sick,
learn to gain health through prayer. Seek the prayers of others,
call upon the Church to pray for you, and in His regard for Her,
the Lord will give you what He does not have to.”
-Saint Ambrose of Milan (4th century)
9
MINISTRY NEWS
PHILANTHROPIA
Do have computers and electronic devices in your home or
office that are not being used? Turn your device into a means
of grace and donate to Philanthropia. Call the church office
for information and assistance. Your offerings are greatly
appreciated. God bless you! With love,
Father Peter
ATTENTION: THOSE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE WITH SOCIAL
SECURITY OR MEDICARE FORMS, MEDICAID, DISABILITY ETC.
We have a wonderful and fully qualified volunteer, Kerry
Kile, from our community who is willing to be at Saint
Sophia once a month after church to help the elderly or
anyone else who may want her assistance. Your
information is completely confidential. She can bring all of
the forms so that everything can be done efficiently and
effectively. Kerry is a professional case manager and has
graciously offered her services to those in need of her
assistance.
Please call Timi Loomos Freshman to set up your
appointment:310-271-5895.
SCHOLARSHIP FOR MEDICAL & DENTAL STUDENTS:
Hellenic American Medical and Dental Society of Southern California The “S. James Vamvas Scholarship Fund” allows the society to
provide financial assistance to medical and dental students of
Hellenic descent who are from California or attend medical or
dental school in California.
For application and guidelines visit the HAMDS web-
site: http://hamds.org/programs/scholarship/
DEADLINE: August 31st
10
MINISTRY NEWS
COMPLINE AND JESUS PRAYER VIGIL Wednesday Aug 14
Spend time connecting to God through prayer and stillness
before the great Feast of the Dormition. The Jesus Prayer
Vigil will begin with a Small Compline service at 8pm
Wednesday night and you may come any hour thereafter
to pray and be still with God until 8am. It will be a fulfilling
time of cleansing and tranquility. For questions or to sign
up for an hour contact John Kopatsis [email protected],
(818)445-3364 or Noah Johnson [email protected], (626)
594-6053.
DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS Thursday, August 15
Donations are being accepted for the decoration of the
Icon for the Falling Asleep of the Panagia. Please contact
Helen or Jimmy at the office: (323)737-2424
FOCUS NORTH AMERICA—LACE UP
Operation Lace Up will begin soon! On the weekdays be-
tween August 14th and the 23rd FOCUS needs volunteers at
their warehouse located at 5901 Corvette St. in Commerce
to help sort and distribute shoes for children in need. Each
day has two shifts: 7-11am and 11:30-3:30pm. For more
information or to volunteer please email Judie
Christopoulos: [email protected]
SAINT SOPHIA BOOKSTORE
Newly arrived sterling silver & 24k gold Byzantine crosses
blessed at the Tomb of Christ in Jerusalem for sale in the
bookstore. Very reasonable prices. Stop by after Liturgy
while supplies last!
11
LA GREEK FEST NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Please come to our table outside the main doors after
church to sign up for this years LA GREEK FEST as a
volunteer. The success of the festival is all based on you so
please come and donate a few hours, day or weekend to
this years event.
Thank you!
LA GREEK FEST DONATIONS
Thank you for considering a donation for our annual Greek
Festival. Please email us if you would like to sponsor any of
the items below at [email protected] or make a
donation online at www.stsophia.org/donate For more
details please see co-chairs Eleni Constantine or John
Boudouvas.
GREEK FEST PROGRAM ADS
Could your business use a HUGE advertising boost? The LA
Greek Fest is accepting solicitations for the program book,
please call Eleni Constantine at 310/420-8374 for pricing in-
formation or email [email protected]
MINISTRY NEWS
12
LA GREEK FEST NEEDS LIST
Email [email protected] or go online to
www.stsophia.org/donate and become a LA Greek Fest
sponsor today!
13
LA GREEK FEST NEEDS LIST
14
STEWARDSHIP NEWS
Believe and Belong
Through Christian Stewardship
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP is what WE DO after we say WE BELIEVE.
It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge our Parishioners’
positive and generous response to our 2013 stewardship appeal. As
we thank you for being worthy stewards of the church, we thank
God from whom all blessings flow.
If you have not yet responded to our stewardship appeal, we kindly
ask you to please do so by using one of the following methods:
RETURN your PLEDGE CARD, mailed to you in January.
CALL us at 323-737-2424
E-MAIL us at [email protected]
VISIT our WEB SITE at stsophia.org and click on STEWARDSHIP
PICK UP a STEWARDSHIP PACKET in the NARTHEX
Christian Stewardship is a way of life and a way for our Church, like
all churches, to meet our financial obligations in order to be able to
care for our Parishioners. Participation acknowledges accountabil-
ity, reverence and responsibility before God.
Experience the Joy of Believing and Belonging
to our Saint Sophia community of faith.
15
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, anoint-
ing 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.”
16
