Saint Sophia Cathedral Greek Orthodox Community

“God’s people, serving God’s people”

Weekly Bulletin Sunday, 30 January 2011 Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs

Very Rev. Father John S. Bakas Rev. Father Bill Tragus

CALENDAR OF THE WEEK Sunday, January 30th Orthros ………………………………………..………..……...8:00am Studies in Faith …………………………………...…………..9:15am Memorials ……………………………...……………………...9:45am Divine Liturgy ………………………………...……….…..…10:00am Monday, January 31st Bible Study with Fr. John: Philoptohos Women’s Bible Study ................................10:30am Men’s Bible Study………………….……………………….12:30pm Tuesday, February 1st Adult Evening Bible Study with Fr. John: Bible Studies in the Faith ..….……………………….……..7:30pm Wednesday, February 2nd Presentation of the Lord Orthros ………………………………………..………..……...8:30am Divine Liturgy ………………………………...………...…..…9:30am Bible Study with Fr. Bill: Dinner @ Papa Christos……………………………………..6:30pm Bible Study ……………………………….……………….…..7:30pm Saturday, February 5th Hellenic Academy - children……………………..………9:00am Hellenic Academy – adults ……………………..………11:30am

Coffee Hour will be held in our Fellowship Tent USHERS

EPISTLE READER Timi Freshman

Alexandra Georgiou, Christina Georgiou, Rosemary Georgiou

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1324 South Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, 90006 323.737.2424 www.stsophia.org

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DAILY VITAMINS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

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MEMORIALS Symeon Zagorianos (40 days), Michael Makri (1 year), Melina Zoolakis, Nicholas Mallis (40 days), Kalliope Varentges, Ioannis Varentges

ALTAR CANDLES Offered in loving memory of our beloved friend, Sam Zagorianos, by the Kokkinides Family

ALTAR FLOWERS Offered in loving memory of our Godfather and uncle, Sam Zagorianos, by Titsa Perold and the families of Nicholas Minford, Anastacia Perold, and Christian Perold

COFFEE HOUR Offered in loving memory of Sam Zagorianos by the Zagorianos Family

PERPETUAL LIGHTS Offered in loving memory of Symeon Zagorianos by his wife Bertha and daughters Offered in loving memory of our Godfather and uncle, Sam Zagorianos, by Titsa Perold and the families of Nicholas Minford, Anastacia Perold, and Christian Perold Offered in loving memory of Kalliope and Ioannis Varentges by Mr. & Mrs. George Varentges and family

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HYMNS OF THE DAY APOLYTIKIA - Third Tone

Let the heavens and the earth be glad, for the Lord, by His Mighty Arm, has created a Dominion. He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades, and has granted the world great mercy.

First Tone

The three great luminaries of the One Divinity, portrayed as three suns, set the universe aflame with their rays of divine teaching. They are rivers of wisdom, flowing like honey, streams of divine knowledge whose waters nourish the Universe. They are Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and the renowned John from whose tongue words flowed like gold. Let us all who are devoted to their teachings join together in hymns and honor them, for they shall ever intercede for us before the Holy Trinity.

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.

KONTAKIA – First Tone

Your birth sanctified a Virgin’s womb and fittingly blessed the hands of Symeon. You have now come and saved us O Christ, our God. In troubled times, as the only loving One, give peace to your commonwealth and strength to those in civil authority, whom You love.

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Υμνος

Τροπαριον του Ναου, Ηχος πλ δ Ευλογητος ει Χριστε ο Θεος ημων, ο πανσοφους του αλιεις αναδειξας, καταπεμψας αυτοις το Πνευμα το Αγιον, και δι αυτων την οικουμενην σαγηνευσας, φιλανθρωπε, δοξα σοι.

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ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 13:7-16 Ἀδελφοί,  μνημονεύετε  τῶν  ἡγουμένων  ὑμῶν,  οἵτινες  ἐλάλησαν  ὑμῖν  τὸν  λόγον  τοῦ  θεοῦ∙  ὧν  ἀναθεωροῦντες  τὴν  ἔκβασιν  τῆς  ἀναστροφῆς,  μιμεῖσθε  τὴν  πίστιν.  Ἰησοῦς  χριστὸς  χθὲς  καὶ  σήμερον  ὁ  αὐτός,  καὶ  εἰς  τοὺς  αἰῶνας.  Διδαχαῖς  ποικίλαις  καὶ  ξέναις  μὴ  παραφέρεσθε∙  καλὸν  γὰρ  χάριτι  βεβαιοῦσθαι  τὴν  καρδίαν,  οὐ  βρώμασιν,  ἐν  οἷς  οὐκ  ὠφελήθησαν  οἱ  περιπατήσαντες. Ἔχομεν θυσιαστήριον, ἐξ οὗ φαγεῖν οὐκ ἔχουσιν  ἐξουσίαν  οἱ  τῇ  σκηνῇ  λατρεύοντες.  Ὧν  γὰρ  εἰσφέρεται  ζῴων  τὸ  αἷμα  περὶ  ἁμαρτίας  εἰς  τὰ  ἅγια  διὰ  τοῦ  ἀρχιερέως,  τούτων  τὰ  σώματα  κατακαίεται  ἔξω  τῆς  παρεμβολῆς.  Διὸ  καὶ  Ἰησοῦς,  ἵνα  ἁγιάσῃ  διὰ  τοῦ  ἰδίου  αἵματος  τὸν  λαόν,  ἔξω  τῆς  πύλης  ἔπαθεν.  Τοίνυν  ἐξερχώμεθα  πρὸς  αὐτὸν  ἔξω  τῆς  παρεμβολῆς,  τὸν  ὀνειδισμὸν αὐτοῦ φέροντες. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ὧδε μένουσαν πόλιν,  ἀλλὰ  τὴν  μέλλουσαν  ἐπιζητοῦμεν.  Δι   αὐτοῦ  οὖν  ἀναφέρωμεν  θυσίαν αἰνέσεως διὰ παντὸς τῷ θεῷ, τοῦτ  ἔστιν, καρπὸν χειλέων  ὁμολογούντων  τῷ  ὀνόματι  αὐτοῦ.  Τῆς  δὲ  εὐποιΐας  καὶ  κοινωνίας  μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε∙ τοιαύταις γὰρ θυσίαις εὐαρεστεῖται ὁ θεός. 

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EPISTLE READING The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 13:7-16 Brethren, remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their lives, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go forth to him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.  

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GOSPEL READING

The Reading is from Matthew 5:14-19 The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

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MINISTRY NEWS PHILOPTOHOS VIP NEWS Thursday February 24 - Gene Autry Museum Experience an exciting trip to the “Gene Autry Museum of the American West” at Griffith Park. We will meet at St Sophia in front of the chapel and the bus will depart promptly at 9:30 a.m. Please be on time. Return time will be about 3 p.m. Donation is $30 per person, which includes, bus transportation, museum entry, and lunch at the Wilson Harding Country Club. Choice of Lunch: 1) Cobb Salad, or 2) Club Sandwich, or 3) Cheeseburger with Fries. Choice of Drinks: Lemonade, Ice Tea or Coffee. Dessert: Ice cream For reservations please call Mary Kezios 562-923-7110 or Faye Demetriou at 818-981-6088. Paid reservations are required. Please address your check to: Philoptohos VIP, and indicate on the check your choice of lunch.. You can mail your check to: Mary Kezios, 10409 Casanes Avenue, Downey, CA 90241

March 19 - Seven Day Mexican Riviera Princess Cruise Please join the VIP’s of Philoptohos for a beautiful and fun-loving 7-day Princess Cruise, departing from San Pedro and sailing roundtrip, to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. The following prices apply, PER PERSON, based on double occupancy and include port taxes and government fees: 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 your space, please call Catherine Erwin at 818-783-4811.

******************************************* 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 join the St. Sophia Choir. You don’t read Greek? The first Sunday of each month is an allEnglish 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 [email protected], call or text 714-3377352.

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MINISTRY NEWS (continued) GREEK FOLK DANCE NEWS

The Glendi continues … Pontian Musicians from GreecE Yianis Fotiadis Lyra & Periklis Katsiotis Daouli February 26, 2011 6pm- 12 midnight Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 10830 Downey Ave, Downey, CA 90241

mezethes and no host bar admission: $25

Hosted by the Saint Sophia Greek Folk Dance Program Contact: Eleni Constantine 310-420-8374 [email protected]

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MINISTRY NEWS (continued) PHILOPTOHOS NEWS MEMBERSHIP: If you have not joined Philoptohos, or not had a chance to pay your dues this year, please do so as soon as possible! Reminder letters are going out in the mail from Stewardship Chairman Rita Stephanou. Please send it back as soon as you receive it. Did you know that men can be Philoptohos members as well? So why not consider paying for your husband and even your daughters, if they have not joined? National Philoptohos is encouraging all chapters to increase their membership by bringing in new people! If you do not receive a reminder letter and you would like to join, please contact a board member or call the church office, and ask the office manager to refer you to someone who can help you. This is an Election Year, with elections coming up in May - so let's try to achieve a big increase in our membership this year! Thank you! GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Our next general assembly meeting will be held Thursday, February 17th at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Tent. We hope you will be able to join us and if you are not a member - come to the meeting, listen to what we do and become a Philoptohos member! GO RED FOR WOMEN DAY: The American Heart Association has set Friday, February 4th as GO RED FOR WOMEN Day to remind women to take care of their hearts and their health. National Philoptohos has designated Sunday, February 7th as the day all Philoptohos chapters will celebrate this event. "Wear Red' to remind yourself and others, to have your check-ups and take care of your health. Make sure you ask your doctor about heart tests, EKG's and blood tests that can be done, to see if you are at risk for heart disease. MOTHER'S DAY: Our Mother's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held on Saturday, May 7th at the Universal Sheraton Hotel. This years’ chairperson, Angela Karavedas, and her committee, are putting together a wonderful afternoon. Save the date and join us! Further information will be forth-coming. MOTHER'S DAY NOMINATIONS: Philoptohos is currently accepting nominations for MOTHER OF THE YEAR who will be honored at our Mother's Day Luncheon. Please call Lola Galketsis (323) 465-9664 or mail your nomination in an envelope marked "Mother's Day nomination", to Philoptohos at the church address. Nominations need to be received before February 7th. Thank you!

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MINISTRY NEWS (continued) THE JOY OF PARENTING The parenting classes are offered free of charge on Sundays, in the church office, at the conclusion of Holy Communion. All are welcome to attend! January 30, 2011- Communication and Connections February 6, 2011 - Bullying and Aggression – part 2 Guest Speaker Stephanie Mihalas, Ph.D., NCSP February 13, 2011- Last Session - Self Care This session will end earlier this year & will resume again in October 2011..

Nikolaos Stefanidis, Ph.D and Barbara Kappos, LCSW

******************************************* PHILANTHROPIA MINISTRY NEWS RECEPTACLES HAVE ARRIVED: Two new receptacles, one for “used clothing” and one for “canned goods”, are now available for your donations. They are located in the general area of the chapel, side by side. Please identify your clothing donations by indicating "for men", for women" or "for children" on the outside of the bags. We thank you for your patience during our search for these receptacles… now you can start an early “Spring Cleaning!” ANNUAL APPEAL: Our annual appeal letter was mailed over three weeks ago and your generous donations continue to arrive on a daily basis. We thank you with sincere appreciation for your generosity, which enables us to help several needy families and individuals throughout the year. God Bless you for your love and support. With love..

Father Peter

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COMMUNITY NEWS 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 ([email protected]). Thank you.

******************************************* Caring Funeral Services

In time of need, we suggest you call Terri Harmon (626.358.3244) from Caring Funeral Services. 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.

******************************************* FAREWELL TO OUR BELOVED FATHER BILL ! Our beloved and much respected Father Bill Tragus is being transferred by Metropolitan Gerasimos to the mission parish in San Juan Capistrano, effective March 1st, 2011. Father Bill and Presvytera Mia have been with us for the last 5 years. He and his family are much loved and appreciated. We will miss him. He has served our cathedral and our large cathedral family honorably and faithfully. We are grateful to him for his devotion to all aspects of the ministry. Although we will miss him very much, we wish him every blessing with his new assignment as pastor of his own parish. This is an exciting time for him. It is a new beginning with many challengers and opportunities. Above all, he knows that he will be serving the Lord and leading the faithful into God’s embrace. We will honor and say farewell to Father Bill and Presvytera Mia on his last Sunday with us, February 27th. A simple reception will be held for them following the Divine Liturgy in our Fellowship Tent. Please join us. 14

IN DEPTH EXPLANATION OF THE DIVINE LITURGY Please join us this Sunday and for the next four Sundays, for Divine Liturgy. Father John will use his sermon to explain and physically demonstrate, step-by-step, our ultimate community expression of prayer & worship: The Divine Liturgy. On a special stand, he will face the congregation to do a ‘showand-tell.’ Understanding the purpose and content of the Divine Liturgy will bring us closer to the Lord and enhance our living relationship with Him, as we celebrate Christ’s presence in our midst. Come and bring a friend. It will be informative and inspirational.

******************************************* DIVINE READING: A MUST, TO GROW IN FAITH One of our New Year’s Resolutions 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!!

******************************************* SAINT SOPHIA RESIDENCE

Please note: There are no vacancies available at the Saint Sophia Residence. If you wish to place your name on the waiting list, please call Angelo or Ann Pappas: 323-737-2424. 15

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