June/July 2021 Page

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral

HERALD JUNE/JULY 2021

V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas,

Dean

Fr. Anthony Cornett,

Assistant Priest

323-737-2424

www.saintsophia.org

The Pentecost, El Greco

c 1600, Oil on Canvas,108.2 in. X 50 in.

Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain

June 10 - Holy Ascension

June 19 - Saturday of Souls

June 21– Holy Spirit (Cathedral’s Feast Day)

June 24 - Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist

July 27 - Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer

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

Philoptochos News 5

Memorials 5

Ministries List 6

Orthodox Calendar 8, 9

June/July 2021 Page 2

THE DEAN’S MESSAGE

THE INSPIRATION OF PENTECOST

On the day of Pentecost the early Christians drew their

inspiration from the greatest source of all. Our early

forefathers and mothers understood that transmitting the

Good news of the Gospel they were in fact communicating an

inspired life-style that transforms a life of emptiness and

boredom into a life of high purpose and fulfillment and peace

and hope that surpasses all human understanding.

The time of Pentecost is a time for serious reflection on this

sacred source of inspiration-the Holy Spirit of God. The word

“inspire” means, literally, “to breather upon,” and the word

“spiritually,” which is at the root of the word “Inspire,” means

the state of having been breathed upon. This is one who has

received the Holy Spirit as his life’s inspiration.

The 20th chapter of John tells us that the Apostles locked

themselves in a room fearful that Christ’s persecutors would

crucify them as well. Suddenly, the Risen Christ appears

before them and offers them His peace. Then John writes,

“He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy

Spirit.’” (John 20:22)

If we reflect seriously on this Bible episode, we can learn a

great deal about true inspiration. That the cowering Apostles

are in need of inspiration is apparent. That the cowering

Apostles are in need of inspiration is apparent. They are

fearful and confused, not knowing what to do next. Then

comes to fulfill their need. Now inspired, their lives take on

new meaning and purpose. What is important to observe that

they do not receive their inspiration from within themselves.

Their personality transformation, from timid and aimless men

into bold and vigorous disciples, is generated from without.

Jesus breathed the life of the Spirit into them. And that Holy

Spirit, that Giver of Life, that Comforter, that Spirit of truth,

filled everything and was everywhere. That Holy Spirit was

their source of power and transformation, and is ours as well

today. A real resource and true support, an everlasting joy

here and now where we live, here and now where we work,

here and now where we pray.

Along with recognizing the Holy Spirit as this source of joy

and hope and power we also learn another deep truth

concerning inspiration in our lives: we must be prepared to

receive it. The full power of the Spirit did not descend upon

the Apostles when they first joined Christ. Their confirmation

in the Spirit came after Jesus had taught them how to be

receptive to it.

The Apostles were ready to receive that Breath of the Spirit

through Jesus because they had learned that the Spirit of God

was in Him. Jesus had prepared them for this great spiritual

event in which their minds and hearts would be opened to the

meaning of His own life of sacrificial self-giving. Jesus had

prepared them to embrace a ministry of service as the

inspired way of fulfillment. Jesus had prepared them for a way

of life that needs no relief from their empty dreams and

frivolous outlooks.

In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul makes this inspired

observation: “No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except in the

Holy Spirit. There are different gifts but the same Spirit; there

are different works but the same God who accomplishes all of

them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the

Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:4-7). There

are different gifts, to be sure. In terms of talent and ability no

two persons are exactly alike. But there is one great gift we all

have received in common. In Genesis we read, “The Lord

God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into

his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living

being.” The very Breath of God brings us into existence as

living beings. Life itself is the gift of the Spirit. And each

individual life is given in God’s plan, to serve the common

good. We are on creation, one people of God, one human

race. We share a common destiny and consequently, a

common mission. The goal we share is the promised

Kingdom of God among all people, in which all God’s children

will be reconciled in peace and brotherhood, and love will

reign eternal. The mission we share is to prepare the way for

the Lord’s coming through our works of peace and

brotherhood and reconciliation. “Then He breathed on them

and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ “Receive the Holy Spirit

and discover that this Gift will not come and go in the manner

of the popular trends of our times. Receive the Holy Spirit and

discover that God’s gifts of love, mercy and forgiveness are

never withdrawn. Receive the Holy Spirit…Go, therefore,

make disciples of all nations!” Accept this as your inspiration

for life and your life will be an inspiration for those around you.

In Christ,

V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean

June/July 2021 Page 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

HAPPY SUMMER

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you

forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but you know him; for

he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you

orphans, I will come to you.

—John 14: 15-18

Dearest Saint Sophia Parishioners,

Happy Summer!!! Happy June!!! Happy, Wonderful July!!!

I, for one, am so thrilled summer is around the corner. It is

truly my most favorite season. I love everything summer has

to offer, from the most vibrant colors of flowers in bloom, to

the color of the ocean. I love the sunshine, the long days, and

the summer warmth. And mostly, I love getting together with

family and friends. It simply fills my heart to share with one

another.

But I have a slight confession. After the brilliance of Pascha, I

fell into a sluggish, weighted feeling. I was so far behind on all

my work, that it seemed I could not get ahead of it. Then, Mid

Pentecost came along this past week. I was determined to get

to church for this special Liturgy.

Once there, I was reminded of the flame of fire of the

Resurrection. I found this beautiful photo that depicts more

than what I can say in words.

I was reminded once again of the warmth and the beauty of

the Holy Spirit, of the flame we all held just a few weeks ago,

and the flame and warmth filling our hearts during this

Pentecost. I found this beautiful quote from St. Seraphim as

he describes the Holy Spirit:

“..as a fire warming and igniting the heart and inward parts. So, if we feel coldness in our hearts, which is from the devil (for the devil is cold), then let us call the Lord: He, in coming, will warm our heart with perfect love, not only towards Himself, but to our neighbors as well. And the coldness of the despiser of good will run from the face of His warmth.

As we approach Pentecost this June, once again our sacred

St. Sophia will have many services for us all to partake in and

come together to pray as one and share together in that

warmth and love of the Holy Spirit.

And I believe this warmth and love will carry over into the

Saint Sophia Summer Camp that is being offered this year …

“in person”!!! What a way for us to all come together whether

in spirit or in our presence to share and love one another. This

effervescence will definitely carry us into our Fall plans of

Diakonia.

continued

June/July 2021 Page 4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED

Please contact our Camp Ministry Leader, and fellow Parish Council Assistant Treasurer, Kathleen Kyriacou, for further details

as to how we can participate.

Our Festival Committee is well on its way with our VP, Greg Beers, Chairing and leading our way into the Fall for an October

Festival. We hope to bring together our entire community, near and far, for an amazing gathering. Eleni Constantine and Loula

Moschonas are committee leaders!! We know their heart and soul!! We will be meeting over the next months and reaching out to

you to create amazing festival teams. Thank you to all!!!

I look forward to the summer ahead and everything beautiful, from the foliage, to the waters, to all the vacation plans.

I pray The Holy Spirit lead you all in all the wonderful things you will do and connections you will make.

I will resume my letter to you in August!!!

Love you “ALL”…. Always…….

With Love in Christ,

Dr. Anna Yallourakis

Believe, Belong and Be Loved through Christian Stewardship

PLEDGED STEWARDSHIP FAMILIES MAY 2021

$1,000 To $1,999

Hix, Mr. and Mrs. Gary

Kouis, Mr. and Mrs. Peter

Pappas, Mr. and Mrs. John

$650 To $999

Anonymous (2)

Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Mario

Kiapos, Mr. George

Loisides, Mr. and Mrs. Michael

OTHER

Arevalo Martinez, Ms. Lucia

Skeriotis, Ms. Patricia

When making out your will, please include our Saint Sophia Cathedral in you estate and financial planning

June/July 2021 Page 5

June 6

Angeline Striglos Panos (3 years)

Lawrie Paul Panos

June 13

Elaine Alexakis Kitros (40 days)

June 20

Anna Drulias Caiopoulos (7 years)

Perry D. Caiopoulos (37 years)

Rhea Dariotis (3 years)

Mary Katsapis (26 years)

William P. O'Connor (26 years)

June 27

Anna Gregoriou (3 years)

Ioannis Gregoriou (18 years)

Andreas Gregoriou (20 years)

Nick Kyriakides

Helen Kyriakides

July 18

Anthony Mastor (3 years)

MEMORIALS

ELECTIONS: Our new Board of Directors has been elected. They are:

President: Dina Demetrius

First Vice President: Judie Christopoulos

Second Vice President: Elaine Bissias

Recording Secretary: Diane Bissias

Corresponding Secretary: Karen Sarames

Treasurer: Loula Moschonas-Edgerton

Asst. Treasurer: Coni Gringeri

Advisor: Virginia Noyes

Board members:

Katrina Beers

Stephanie Dobies

Olga Jordan

Jayne Poullos

Simona Rebiga

Patricia Skeriotis

Mary Tassop

Congratulations!

MOTHER’S DAY LUNCHEON: Plans have now been finalized for our Mother’s Day Luncheon! Our event will be held

Saturday, July 10 at the Annandale Golf Club! Please watch your mail for invitations as we get to honor our Mother of the

Year Judie Christopoulos! We have wonderful Grand Awards prizes and some surprises as well! Seating will be limited so

please be sure to send your reservation card back as soon as possible once your receive your invitation.

DEBUTANTE BALL 2021: The Debutante Ball has been rescheduled to Friday, September 3, 2021 at the Beverly Wilshire

Hotel. Chairman Patricia Mentas and her committee have been working hard on this wonderful event. Save the date and please

join us as we present eighteen lovely young ladies.

THANK YOU to you - the community - for all the support you have given to Philoptochos these past years. It has been

an honor serving the Saint Sophia Community. I sincerely hope you will continue to support and serve the new

Philoptochos Board.

Virginia Noyes

PHILOPTOCHOS

June/July 2021 Page 6

MINISTRIES

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Very Reverend Father John S. Bakas, Dean Fr. Anthony Cornett, Assistant Priest

Mario Lazaridis , Protopsaltis Vasili Tomaras, Assistant Psaltis

Christopher Yokas, Organist Julian Hanberg, Sexton

FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Executive Officers

Constantine M. Boukidis, President

Gig Kyriacou, 1st Vice-President

Jim Zaferis, 2nd Vice-President

Diane Sakellaris Lapa, Secretary

Tina Callas, Treasurer

Members

V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Timi Loomos Freshman,

Steve Hanna, Nicholas Manolelis, Tony Natsis, John

Peterson, Anna Yallourakis, Jean Paul Wardy,

George E. Preonas, Jack Stumpus

Presidential Appointments

Andrew J. Demetriou, General Counsel,

Melanie O’Regan

Trustees Emeritus

Andrew Evangelatos, Alek Haidos, John T. Pappas

PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

Executive Officers

Dina Demetrius , President

Judie Christopoulos, 1st VP

Elaine Bissias 2nd VP

Diane Bissias, Recording Secretary

Karen Sarames, Corresponding Secretary

Loula Moschonas-Edgerton, Treasurer

Coni Gringeri, Assistant Treasurer

Virginia Noyes, Advisor

Members

Katrina Beers, Stephanie Dobies, Olga Jordan,

Jayne Poullos, Simona Rebiga, Patricia Skeriotis,

Mary Tassop

ALTAR BOYS

Kenyatta Wellington Smith

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

Karen Pappas Bosten

Michelle Panagiota Olivar

DOCENTS

Julian Hanberg

EASTER PICNIC

Ted Pappas

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Stephanie Lubian

PARISH COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Officers

Anna Yallourakis, President

Greg Beers, Vice President

Bill Striglos, Treasurer

Kathleen Kyriacou, Asst. Treasurer

Tonifaye Palomares, Recording Secretary

Members

Andrew Powell; Bertha Angels, Daniel Settelmayer;

Dean Peratsakis, Dinah Wellington; Jeanine Hanna;

Julian Rebiga; Theodore Spears, Vickie Deryiades,

Vasili Tomaras; Associate Memebers; Loula

Moschonas

Auditing Committee

James Boltinghouse, Nicholas Manolelis

Michelle Panayiota Olivar

GREEK DANCE GROUPS

Eleni Constantine Manolelis

Glenn Lianos

Katrina Beers

Kristin Lee

HELLENIC ACADEMY

John Kopatsis

Alexandros Oxyzolou

HOSPITALITY

Niki Korbakis

Maria Pelargos

L.A. GREEK FEST

Greg Beers

PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P.

Mary Morrison, President

SAINT SOPHIA CAMP

Melanie O’Regan

Kathleen Kyriacou

Perry Skaggs

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Eleni Yokas

YOUTH

Fr. Anthony Cornett

ADMINISTRATIVE AND CUSTODIAL STAFF

John Kopatsis, Executive Director

Jessica Benitez, Admin. Assist. , Susan Kang, Accountant, Mauricio Mira, Josefina Jijon,

Rosalba Villasenor

Staff

June/July 2021 Page 7

THE HOLY LAND 2021 WITH VERY REVEREND JOHN S. BAKAS

God willing, Father John plans to return to Israel.

We are monitoring the current situation there.

TEL AVIV | NAZARETH | BETHLEHEM l JERUSALEM

This trip is all-inclusive.

Accommodations, breakfast and dinner, transfers,

all entry fees, expertly guided tours.

Trip Cost $4395 pp/double occupancy

Single Supplement Available Upon Request.

Airfare and gratuity not included. We can advise on flights.

Reserve Your Spot by September 1st: $500

Final Payment by October 22nd

: $3895

Contact:

Jessica at secretary@saintsophia.org

Maria at baltazzi@sojourn-intl.com

DECEMBER 2ND

– DECEMBER 11TH

June/July 2021 Page 8

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3 4 5

6

Sunday of the

Blind Man

9:00 am Orthros

9:45 am Memorials

10:00 am Divine

Liturgy

7

8

9 10

Holy Ascension

9:00 am Orthros

10:00 Divine Liturgy

11 12

13

Fathers of the

1st Council 9:00 am Orthros

9:45 am Memorials

10:00 am Divine

Liturgy

14

15

16

17

18

19

Saturday of Souls

9:00 am Orthros

10:00 Divine Liturgy

20

Holy Pentecost

9:00 am Orthros

10:00 am Divine

Liturgy followed by

Kneeling Service

21 Holy Spirit

(Cathedral’s

Feast Day)

9:00 am Orthros

10:00 Divine Liturgy

22

23

24

Nativity of the

Forerunner John

the Baptist

9:00 am Orthros

10:00 Divine Liturgy

25 26

27

Sunday of All Saint 9:00 am Orthros 9:45 am Memorials 10:00 am Divine Liturgy

28

29

30

Strict Fast Fish Allowed Wine and Oil

Allowed

Dairy, Eggs,

and Fish

Allowed

Fast Free

June 2021

June/July 2021 Page 9

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4

2nd Sunday of

St. Matthew

9:00 am Orthros

9:45 am Memorials

10:00 am Divine

Liturgy

5

6

7 8

9 10

11

3rd Sunday of St. Matthew

9:00 am Orthros

9:45 am Memorials

10:00 am Divine

Liturgy

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th

Ecumenical Council

9:00 am Orthros

9:45 am Memorials

10:00 am Divine

19

20

21

22

23 24

25

5th Sunday of St. Matthew

9:00 am Orthros 9:45 am Memorials 10:00 am Divine Liturgy

26

27

Panteleimon the

Great Martyr and

Healer

9:00 am Orthros

10:00 Divine Liturgy

28 29 30 31

Strict Fast Fish Allowed Wine and Oil

Allowed

Dairy, Eggs,

and Fish

Allowed

Fast Free

July 2021

Campus Closed

Independence

Day Observed

June/July 2021 Page 10

Saint Sophia Greek Cathedral

Greek Orthodox Community

1324 South Normandie Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90006

Phone

323 737 2424

E-mail

office@saintsophia.org

We’re on the Web!

www.saintsophia.org

Place address label here