Saint Sophia Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community

“God’s people, serving God’s people”

Weekly Bulletin

Sunday, 5 December 2010

The 10th Sunday of Luke

Very Rev. Father John S. Bakas

Rev. Father Bill Tragus

2

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK

Sunday, December 5th Orthros ………………………………………..………..……...8:00am Studies in Faith …………………………………...…………..9:15am Memorials ……………………………...……………………...9:45am Divine Liturgy ………………………………...……….…..…10:00am Monday, December 6th Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Orthros ………………………………………..………..……...8:30am Divine Liturgy ………………………………...……….………9:30am Bible Study with Fr. John: Philoptohos Women’s Bible Study ................................10:30am Men’s Bible Study………………….……………………….12:30pm Tuesday, December 7th CLASS CANCELLED UNTIL 1/11/11 Adult Evening Bible Study with Fr. John: Bible Studies in the Faith ..….……………………….…….. Wednesday, December 8th CLASS CANCELLED TONIGHT Bible Study with Fr. Bill: Dinner @ Papa Christos……………………………………..6:30pm Bible Study ……………………………….……………….…..7:30pm Saturday, December 11th Hellenic Academy - children……………………..9am & 9:30am Hellenic Academy – adults …………………..…..………11:45am

Coffee Hour will be held in our Fellowship Tent EPISTLE READER USHERS Bertha Angels Alexandra Georgiou, Christina Georgiou,

and Rosemary Georgiou

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1324 South Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, 90006

323.737.2424 www.stsophia.org

3

DAILY VITAMINS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

4

HYMNS OF THE DAY The Resurrection Apolytikion, Mode 3 Come rejoice all ye heavens and be glad all ye on earth, for within the arc of His great arms, He created a vast dominion by His own death He conquered death, for He became the first born of the dead, from the depths of Hades, He delivered us and He granted to mankind His great mercy. 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. Apolytikion, Saint Savas The barren desert bloomed made fertile by streams of your tears, and through your deep sighs your pain bore fruit a hundredfold and became a shining light illuminating the universe with miracles, Savas our holy father intercede with Christ the God that our souls may be saved. Proeortion (Preparation) Kondakion Today the Virgin enters a cave to give birth to Him the eternal Word. Dance O universe hearing of this event. Glorify with the angels and the shepherds Him who chose to be seen as a new born child, God who existed before all Time. 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.

5

EPISTLE READING

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

6

GOSPEL READING

The Reading is from Luke 13:10-17 At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the ynagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, " You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

7

MEMORIALS James S. Drulias (44 years), Steve G. Bonorris (42 years), George Steve Bonorris (40 days), Elpiniki Pavlidou, Nikitas Pavlidou, Mary Edwards (7 years), Aleck Nicholas Edwards, Peter Markos, Christina Kappas, Joan Lambros Shainin, Maria Jiavis, Nicholaos Jiavis, Stavros Jiavis, Pantelemonon Jiavis, Maria Niciforos, Adamandia Vasilopoulos, Georgios Vasilopoulos, Dimitrios Vasilopoulos, Vasilios Vasilopoulos, Paul Alexander, Theodora Louras, Konstantinos Louras, Evangelos Prineas, Antonios Moreno, Konstantina Geanacopoulos, Andreas Geanacopoulos, Efthemia Skouras, Konstantinos Ioannis Skouras, Dionysios Paton Skouras ALTAR FLOWERS Offered in loving memory of our mother Mary Edwards and our son & brother Aleck Nicholas Edwards, by Nick & Pamela Edwards and Brent & Virginia Noyes ALTAR CANDLES Offered in loving memory of Steve G. Bonorris and his son George Steve Bonorris by the Bonorris Families ALTAR CANDLE Offered in loving memory of Joan Lambros Shainin by her sister Electra PERPETUAL LIGHT Offered in loving memory of Elpiniki Pavlidou & Nikitas Pavlidou by their daughters Athena and Aliki Offered in loving memory of James S. Drulias by his daughters, Ann Drulias Caiopoulos & Fotine Drulias O’Connor, and his grand-daughter Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian Offered in loving memory of Peter Markos by Alex Markos, George Markos & family, and Connie Zampas & family Offered in loving memory of Christina Kappas by Alex Markos, Amelia Skoutaris, Kathy Pentogenis, George Markos and Connie Zampas

8

MINISTRY NEWS

PHILANTHROPIA MINISTRY NEWS: CANNED GOODS AND USED CLOTHING: Please hold your clothing donations and canned goods for a week or two. We are in the process of looking for two adequate receptacles to accept your gifts. Please be patient ...we will let you know as soon as we find them. Thank you for your patience. CITY OF HOPE PEDIATRIC MEMORIAL SERVICE: On November 11th , the Memorial Service took place at the City of Hope in Duarte, remembering the children who succumbed to Cancer. May their memory be eternal! (We were just informed by the City of Hope office that thank you notes are being mailed out this week to all donators.) CONFESSIONS: During the Christmas advent season, Father Peter will be available for confessions. Please call the church office and leave a message for Father and he will return your call. A BLESSED CHRISTMAS: I join with the PHILANTHROPIA team to wish you all a Blessed Christmas with your families and loved ones. God Bless you ! Father Peter

*************************

Christ is in our Midst. He is and always shall be.

The spiritual embrace that all the worshippers give one another during the liturgy symbolizes in anticipation agreement, concord, unanimity in faith and love. It prefigures ineffable future blessings. By virtue of that

embrace, that kiss, those who are worthy receive the gift of union with God and with the incarnate Word.

Saint Maximus the Confessor

9

MINISTRY NEWS (continued) PHILOPTOHOS VIP NEWS Philoptohos VIP Christmas Party,Tuesday December 14,2010 The St. Sophia V.I.P. members have received a cordial invitation from the St. Katherine Seniors of Redondo Beach to join them in love and fellowship at their Annual Senior Christmas Luncheon at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 14, at the St. Katherine Community Center, 722 Knob Hill Avenue, Redondo Beach. Since they are graciously inviting us as their guests, there will be no charge for the luncheon for those who are paid V.I.P. members. However they are asking those who attend to bring an unwrapped child’s gift to be donated to Cheers for Children, a local charity which will distribute these gifts to children in local hospitals, and to struggling mothers. Since we will not have the use of our own community center this Christmas, we are so pleased to be included in our sister church’s celebration. Let us join in car pools or drive individually to St. Katherine Church to welcome the Holiday Season and enjoy a beautiful luncheon with our friends. Reservations are required. Please call Vivi Demopoulos (310) 215-3130 by December 5. Seven Day Mexican Riviera Princess Cruise: The VIP’s of Philoptohos would like you to join them on a beautiful and fun-loving 7-day Princess Cruise sailing roundtrip, departing from San Pedro on March 19, 2011. We will be visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. The following prices apply, PER PERSON, based on double occupancy and including port taxes and government fees, the fares are: Inside Cabin $750.52, Ocean View $800.52, Ocean View with balcony $950.52, Mini-Suite with Balcony $1150.52. To make a deposit and reserve you space please call Catherine Erwin at 818-783-4811.

10

MINISTRY NEWS (continued)

PHILOPTOHOS NEWS

POINSETTIAS: The poinsettia plants for the shut-ins will be available for pick-up inside the Chapel on Sunday, December 19th. Any plants not picked up, will be placed outside the Chapel. If you know of someone who should receive a plant and you have not informed us, please contact Helene Ballas: 818-642-8011 and she will be sure that a plant is ordered. GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Our first General Assembly meeting of the new year is set for Sunday, January 23rd after church. We hope everyone will join us, plan to become a MEMBER of Philoptohos and get involved! PHILOPTOHOS OUTREACH: Philoptohos has been helping a very large number of people since January. Many people in our own community are struggling through the economic downturn and with personal issues. We have been helping those who are close to losing their homes, their apartments and their jobs. Meanwhile, families are struggling to put food on the table and buy clothes and school supplies, for their children. Additionally, Philoptohos continues to help those with medical bills, funeral expenses for the poor and still support our own church. The costs are tremendous every month.

We feel that many people in our community would like to help those in need, even though they may not be in Philoptohos. Therefore, we are giving you the opportunity to ‘help others’. We give families grocery cards, store cards for clothing and gasoline debit cards to help people get to the jobs they have. If you would like to donate toward the purchase of one or more cards, please mail your donation to the church office, with PHILOPTOHOS OUTREACH on the memo line. Please include how many cards of $20 each, you would like us to purchase. We would be very grateful. If you prefer to purchase/donate the gift cards yourself, below is a list of stores with whom we are currently working:

FOOD: RALPHS/FOOD 4 LESS, VON’S, ALBERTSONS & TRADER JOES CLOTHING: TARGET, WAL-MART, K-MART PHARMACIES: CVS, WALGREENS GASOLINE STATIONS: ANY COMPANY

11

MINISTRY NEWS (continued) PHILOPTOHOS NEWS (continued)

A minimum donation of $20 would help people more than you can imagine. You may remain anonymous if you prefer. This is strictly voluntary on your behalf.

With the holidays approaching, we know many families will struggle to have a nice holiday dinner or to buy Christmas presents for their children. Philoptohos also keeps track of many elderly people who are alone and need a helping hand at this time of the year. Your donation could bring real happiness to someone right now.

Please send your monetary or gift card donation to the cathedral, attention: Philoptohos. Our deepest appreciation for any donation you can give.

There is no meeting in the month of December so that everyone may enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas to all! With love, Dina Oldknow and the Philoptohos Board of Directors

*************************

SAINT SOPHIA CHOIR NEWS

Join the Saint Sophia Cathedral Choir

Do you find yourself singing liturgical music out loud for no reason? In the car? In the shower? Do you listen to the choir on Sundays and say to yourself “This year I’d like to be a part of that wonderful group? Or teens – do you sing in your high school choir? If you answered yes to any of those questions, it may be time for you to come and join the St. Sophia Choir. Don’t wait for January to make that New Year’s resolution! You don’t read Greek? The first Sunday of each month is an all-English Liturgy and there is phonetics to help on the other Sundays each month. We are looking for 5 new members! Please contact director Jim Kollias: e-mail jhkollias@gmail.com, call or text 714-337-7352.

12

MINISTRY NEWS (continued)

13

COMMUNITY NEWS NEW COFFEE HOUR LOCATION.. While we are in construction, our coffee hours will be located in our new Fellowship Tent. As you exit church through the Narthex, please exit left, towards 15th street.

************************* THE JOY OF PARENTING Nikolaos Stefanidis, Ph.D & Barbara Kappos, LCSW

The parenting classes are offered free of charge on Sunday at the conclusion of Holy Communion. All are welcome to attend! Please call the church office for location.

December 5, 2010 Special Education Law Guest Speaker: Stephanie Mihalas, Ph.D., NCSP December 12, 2010 What does Christmas mean to our children? Holiday Break Returning on January 9, 2011

************************* The Herald Newsletter 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.

************************* Congratulations Ariana Prappas Ariana has been cast as a "Party Girl" in this year's Pasadena Dance Theater production of THE NUTCRACKER. The performances are divided between two theaters: the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse and the Pasadena Playhouse. She is in four shows: Sun., Dec. 19, 2 p.m. - San Gabriel Mission Playhouse Fri. Dec. 24, 1 p.m. - Pasadena Playhouse Wed., Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. - Pasadena Playhouse Fri., Dec. 31, 1 p.m. - Pasadena Playhouse Tickets are available online at www.pasadenadance.org/ or you can call PDT at (626) 683-3459.

14

COMMUNITY NEWS (continued)

Holy Communion

The cathedral presently has a need for communion wine. Donations can be accompanied with a list of family names for health. The wine is Commandaria St. John which may be purchased at “C&K Market”. Please contact Jimmy Karatsikis for additional information.

************************* Prosphoro We are in need of Prosphoro. We thank all those who take time to bake Prosphoro and bring it to the Cathedral. If anyone would like to have a recipe, please see Jimmy Karatsikis at the Cathedral.

*************************

Church Parking Lot As you all have noticed, the parking lot is covered with plywood to protect it. It is okay to park on the plywood, but the contractor requests that, for safety reasons, our parishioners use the center walkway instead of walking on the plywood. Therefore we kindly ask all parishioners who park on the plywood to use the Faith in Stone Walkway and NOT walk on the plywood. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period of transition into our temporary facilities, and during construction. Thank You.. Saint Sophia Foundation

15

3311sstt AANNNNUUAALL

““CCAASSHH FFOORR CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS 22001100””

OOnn CChhrriissttmmaass DDaayy Please join us in the fellowship tent

for champagne & refreshments

WWIINNNNEERRSS WWIILLLL SSHHAARREE

$$5500,,000000 IN CASH PRIZES

GRAND PRIZE WINNER . . . . $25,000

22NNDD PPRRIIZZEE WWIINNNNEERR .. .. .. .. $$1100,,000000 33RRDD PPRRIIZZEE WWIINNNNEERR .. .. .. .. $$55,,000000

8 WINNERS . . . . $1,000.00 EACH 4 WINNERS . . . . $500.00 EACH

TIMI LOOMOS FRESHMAN, CHAIRPERSON PANOS ANGELS* NICK BISSIAS * TINA CALLAS*CHRIS

DAGLAS* JOHN DALIS* JIM DEMETRIOU*TONY DEMETRIOU * IRENE FRANKOS*ANDY GALLANIS*ALEK HAIDOS*CHRIS

JULIAS* JIM KARATSIKIS* JOYCE KOKKINIDES* GIG KYRIACOU* ILCA MOSKOS* BILL PAPALEXIS* ANN PAPPAS*

JOHN T. PAPPAS*SUSAN PATZAKIS*CHRIS PELONIS * GEORGE PREONAS* HARRY SIAFARIS*JOHN STAMATIADES*

HARRY VOURNAS THE PARISH COUNCIL* THE CLERGY* THE CHURCH OFFICE

DON’T BE LEFT OUT! BUY YOUR TICKET FROM ANY OF THE ABOVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS OR FROM YOUR FAVORITE

SALES PERSON.

16