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Monthly Newsletter - 1999-2001 Archive July 2001 / August 2001 - Volume 5, Number 22 ![[St. Anthony's Logo]](/images/stanthonys_logo.gif){kind=logo}
My Dear Parishioners, A certain woman wrote about some of her fondest memories: "Three times during my childhood my mother woke me from sleep and led me, protesting, to see something which might never come my way again. Once it was to watch a night-blooming cereus unfurl its blossoms, once to behold a sky brilliant with aurora borealis, and once to thrill at the sight and sound of wild geese streaming southward. Now, decades later, those are cherished memories." When these small events occur in our families, then the world will surely look better. Caring and sensitive parents can perform miracles in the lives of their children. God intended the family to be the building block of society. The Church also makes every effort to affirm the family's place in our society. All of our activities our programs are designed and planned to assist the family. Our Sunday School, Greek School, Moms 'n' Tots program, Vacation Bible School, all of our youth activities and, above all, our beautiful Divine Liturgies, and Holy Sacraments help our children to become more sensitive to the world, more aware of the presence of God in it, more responsible in their own lives and more appreciative of God's creation. The Church strives to open the eyes of our children to the beauty around them to instill in them a thankful heart. We should be grateful to Almighty God for giving us the time and the many opportunities to become more sensitive and appreciative of His creation. To whisper, "Thank You God'" when we see the beautiful angelic smile of a child or a perfect blooming rose, or watch a night-blooming cereus borealis unfurl its blossoms or a majestic sunset. It is God's generosity that spreads the gifts of His love throughout the earth, sea, and sky. The summer months are upon us and we should enjoy them. It is imperative that we set aside some time to relax and reflect. However, the work of the Church continues. It never stops. Our local Church is again preparing for the annual Greek Festival on the weekend of September 15 and 16, 2001, at Santa Anita Race Track. Its success will depend on the amount of time and help we will offer in organizing every detail of this great cultural event. Keep in mind that whatever we do, we should work at it with all of our strength and with all our heart "...as though we were working for the Lord, and not for men" (Colossians 3:23).
With my best wishes for a restful summer, Some thoughts on spiritual life by the late Father Henri J. M. Nouwen in his book, Making All Things New; An Invitation to the Spiritual Life : "We live in a worry-filled world. We find ourselves occupied and preoccupied with many things, while at the same time feeling bored, resentful, depressed, and very lonely. In the midst of this world, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, appears and offers us new life, the life of the Spirit of God." "The spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, the spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now." "The beginning of the spiritual life is often difficult not only because the powers which cause us to worry are so strong but also because the presence of God's Spirit seems barely noticeable. If, however, we are faithful to our disciplines, a new hunger will make itself known. This new hunger is the first sign of God's presence. When we remain attentive to this divine presence, we will be led always deeper into the kingdom. There, to our joyful surprise, we will discover that all things are being made new." Holy Sacraments and Holy Services
Baptisms
Funerals Panagiotis Angelopoulos, Greek industrialist and major benefactor of the Greek Orthodox Church worldwide, died on June 5, 2001 in Athens following a long illness. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, said on the passing of Panagiotis Angelopoulos: "The church is grateful to the Almighty God for this devoted servant of God. His offerings have left an indelible imprint on the collective life of the Church. As a benevolent benefactor to our Ecumenical Patriarchate, to the Holy Archdiocese and her ministries, Mr. Angelopoulos was a true steward inspiring others through his acts of generosity and faith." His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided at the Funeral Service which was held in Athens at the First Cemetery. May the memory of this gentle, deeply sensitive and compassionate man be eternal.
Pope John Paul II visited Athens, Greece on Friday and Saturday, May 4 and 5, 2001, and
apologized for "sins of action and omission" against the Christian Orthodox Church. He was
applauded by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece and the members from the
Greek Orthodox Church. It was a historic and most important visit. The first visit to Greece as a
Pope in nearly 1,300 years.
Achievements of our young people Congratulations to Michael Demopulos for becoming an Eagle Scout of the Temple City Troop 174 Boy Scouts of America. Michael recently graduated from Arcadia High School. He served as a head altar boy in our Church. He is also the first recipient of the newly established Saint Anthony's Philoptochos scholarship.
Congratulations to Eleni Christodoulelis for receiving the annual D.A.R.E. Award from the city
of Arcadia. Eleni is a student at the Camino Grove Elementary School of Arcadia.
We extend warmest wishes to the following graduates of 2001:
High School To our outgoing head altar boys Dino Vagenas and Michael Demopulos we wish God's blessings and extend our appreciation for their dedication and faithful services. Many thanks and appreciation to Teresa Vorgias for gracing our Choir with her beautiful voice. Congratulations to Georgia Kefallinos and John Paziouros who graduated from our Greek School. Special Recognition of Peter Vagenas Peter, a dedicated member of our Church and a former head altar boy, was in Sydney, Australia with the U.S.A. National Olympic Soccer Team. He is a great professional soccer player and plays with the Galaxy soccer team. We recognize him as an example to our youth, a great athlete and someone who brings honor to his family and his country as well as to his Greek Orthodox Church. A beautiful book about the Olympics, which Fr. Stathis brought from Athens, Greece was presented to Peter. High School graduates received the book, A Companion to the Greek Orthodox Church and the graduates of Colleges, Universities and Graduate Schools received the book, The Orthodox Study Bible. The books were a gift from Saint Anthony's Ladies Philoptochos Society. Stewardship is at the heart of all our fundraising programs. It is not actually a fundraising program! It is something that we owe to God and His Church, our Church. "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (II Corinthians 9:6). We remind those who did not pledge for the year 2001 to do so as soon as possible. Our commitment should come from the heart. If you have any questions, please ask Nick Vayos or Anthia Lucas, co-chairmen of Saint Anthony's Stewardship Program. Acknowledgments We belatedly express our deep appreciation to the following faithful people: Dr. and Mrs Michael J. Patzakis for their generous donation to our Moms 'n' Tots program; Christiana Arapostathis and her team for coordinating the delicious breakfast during the first Archpastoral visit of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios to our parish and His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony; Nick and Constantina Paziouros for donating a beautiful silver tray to our Church which will be used during special Holy Services; Dr. and Mrs. Nikitas Tripodes for donating and preparing the lenten luncheon for the Sunday School students on Good Friday; Chris and Costula Athanasoulis for donating the Icon of SS. Efstathios, Theopistis, Theopistos and Agapios; Yiota Poulos for helping during Holy Week; Sophia Vagenas, Litsa Vagenas, Helen Bonorris for preparing the prosphoron. May God the Almighty bless abundantly all these dedicated and generous people. To Paul Darlas deep appreciation and gratitude for offering her most valuable services to the 25th FDF in Pasadena last February and for volunteering her invaluable services for many years to teach Saint Anthony's youth Greek folk dances. The First St. Anthony's Golf Tournament was a great success. We extend our deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks to James Christodoulelis and Theodore Vavoulis, co-chairmen and to their team for a job well done. To our donors and participants in the Golf Tournament, special thanks for their generosity and support of the ministries of our Church. Improvements in our grounds and the Church
Fulfilling the expectations of our parishioners, the Parish Council decided to put new black top in
our parking lots. They look new, attractive and safe. A big decision was also taken to replace the
aging air conditioning system of the Church. After some minor adjustments to regulate the flow
of air, the system is working perfectly.
Saint Anthony's Greek Festival will take place on the weekend of September 15 and 16, 2001 at Santa Anita Race Track. Donations and help are needed for the success of this unique cultural event. Please come forward and offer your support, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord, and not for men" (Colossians 3:23). Remember when you are doing charity, the Los Angeles Mission that helps the homeless and hurting in our community. Mission Location: 303 East 5th Street, P. O. Box 55900, Los Angeles, CA 90055, TEL.: (213) 629-1227, FAX: (213) 629-0036. The International Orthodox Christian Charities: 110 West Road, Suite 360, Baltimore, MD 21294, Tel.: (410) 243-9820, Fax: (410) 243-9824, which help fellow Orthodox Christians in need throughout the world.
Remember our unique School, Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
when you are looking for a College or for a graduate degree in Theology and why not for
entering the Holy Priesthood to serve God and His Church! To find out more about the School
and about The Leadership 100 Scholarships for Academic Excellence Program, call the
Office of Admissions, (617) 850-1260 or e-mail admissions@hchc.edu
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY 30 - AUGUST 3, 2001
Spaces are still available for Vacation Bible School. Register your children for a fun and educational week. Call the Church Office for registration forms and materials. New York - The Joint Committee for the revision of the Charter of the Holy Archdiocese of America convened at the Phanar on June 20 and 21, and released the following announcement: By the grace of God the work of the Committee of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Committee of the Archdiocese of America under the chairmanship of Their Eminences Metropolitan Geron Chrysostom of Ephesus and Archbishop Demetrios of America was successfully completed. The Committees refined the text of the Charter under revision of this Eparchy of the Throne into its final form. Agreement was reached on all points At the Patriarchate, June 21, 2001 The 36th Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will convene in Los Angeles, California Sunday, June 30 through Thursday, July 4, 2002. His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony announced that the Diocese of San Francisco will host the 36th Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Congress will convene at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. The National Philoptochos Conference will take place concurrently with the Clergy-Laity Congress. The Archdiocese Young Adult League Conference will take place from June 27 - 30, 2002, and the Diocese Church Music Federation Conference will meet from June 28 - June 30, 2002. The Clergy-Laity Congress along with the other three Conferences will involve many people who will be asked to offer their services. It is a great honor to be part of the committees and to volunteer your services for the success of the Congress. There are more than 27 committees: Accounting, Album, Church Music Federation, Clergy Functions, Cultural Event, Diocesan Exhibits, Ecumenical Service, Exhibits, Fundraising (Sponsors/Donors), Grand Banquet, Hospitality/Information, Legal Matters, Liturgy and Worship, Philoptochos, Public Facilities, Printing, Registration/Credentials, Secretariat (Incl. Equip. & Supplies), Security, Greek Fest., Transportation, VIP's & Invite Guests (amenities, flowers, etc), Volunteers/Personnel, Webmaster, YAL, Other Committees: A. Diocesan Breakfast, B. Keynote/Reception, Other (Misc.) VIP's &Invited Guests. Most of the Committees have chairmen. However, we need co-chairmen and volunteers to serve on committees. Saint Anthony's parish has many dedicated people who will offer their services. Father Stathis, who is the chairman of the Ecumenical Service of the Congress will always be available to answer questions, if you decide to commit yourself and are willing to help. For more information regarding the 2002 Clergy-Laity Congress, contact the Diocese of San Francisco at (415) 753-3075, or via e-mail at diocese@sanfran.goarch.org. Important Announcements Sunday School registrations will be held on Sunday, September 9, 2001. Our Sunday School teachers and their assistants were recognized and a gift from our Church presented to each one of them, Daily Prayers for Orthodox Christians. The Sunday School teachers are Irene Albeck, co-ordinator, Judie Christopoulos, Maria Grover, Sophia Kypreos, Vasiliki Kypreos, George Kypreos, Mary Lucas, Angie Stavros, Bill Tragus, Jenny Tsouvalas,, Margaret Vagenas. Greek School Registration forms and other information will be mailed to the interested parents who wish their children to attend this School. Greek School classes will start on Friday, September 21, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. The Greek School teachers are Elza Mylonas, Ph. D. , Director, Agatha Angelides, Anastasia S. McClain and Christiana Kilty. Aliki Panagiotakopoulos taught the 5-6 year olds. We are deeply grateful to Aliki for volunteering her invaluable services to our children. St. Anthony's Choir invites you to join it. No prior experience necessary! Contact: Dr. Dimitrios Antsos, director at (626) 399-4077, e-mail: dimitri@ixpres.com. Moms 'n' Tots will start on Wednesday, September 19, 2001 from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. For information call Christine Pappas at (818) 248-2597. St. Anthony's Dance Groups Bouboukakia, Arcadians, Neolea, Terpsechorians will soon start practicing. Information will be made available. Arcadians and Neolea should call Paula Darlas at (626) 446-8127, voice mail (213) 251-3158. 2001 Orthodox Conference on Mission and Evangelism August 31 - September 3, 2001, Antiochian Village, Ligonier, PA. A program of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of Missions and Evangelism. Sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. Call (888) 968-4014 for more information. Some of the topics to be covered include: relating your personal spiritual journey; answering tough questions about your faith; sharing the Gospel through stories; motivating your parish for evangelism; planning outreach activities and events that work. Expect to return home rejuvenated in your faith and enthused to share with others. Space limited. Register before August 1 and save $50! St. Sophia Cathedral Greek Festival Friday, August 17 from 5pm - 11pm, Saturday, August18 from 11am -11pm, Sunday, August 19 from 11am - 10pm. Location: Church grounds at 1324 S. Normandie Ave., Los Angeles (at the Corner of Pico and Normandie). For information call (323) 737-2424. Orthodox Christian Summer Olympics August 20, 21 and 22, 2001 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Lunch included). Ages 4 and up. The Summer Olympics are sponsored by the Assumption of the Blessed Mary Church, 5761 East Colorado St., Long Beach, CA. For more information (562) 494-8929. The Consecration of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Redondo Beach, CA will take place on November 24 and 25, 2001. For information call: (310) 540-2434. Recent publications Ta Sa Ek Ton Son (We Offer To You These Gifts From Your Own Gifts), (in Greek) by Professor Andreas Theodorou. A thorough and a fascinating hermeneutical study of the Divine Liturgy. An excellent book for those who can read and understand Greek. The book published by Apostoliki Diakonia, Iasiou 1 - 115 21 Athens, Greece. Telephone: 7228.008. The Splendour Of Orthodoxy ; 2000 Years-History-Monuments-Art is published by the Ekdotiki Athenon S.A. It is a monumental work in two volumes accompanied by a commemorative medal of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Price: U.S. $135 per copy including postage and handling. Please order to: Ekdotiki Athenon S.A., 34, Academias St., Athens 106 72, Greece. Tel.: (1) 360-8911, Fax: (1) 360-6157, e-mail: ekdath@aias.gr or eab00@otenet.gr. The Greek War of Independence by Peter H. Paroulakis. The fascinating story of Greece's struggle for independence. Generations of Greeks suffered economic and intellectual poverty under Turkish occupation. Since the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Ottoman Turks, the Greeks maintained their unshakeable desire for human dignity and liberty, attributes inherited from their Hellenic ancestors. The outbreak of the War of Independence in 1821 evoked deep emotions among enlightened people everywhere. Determined to end 400 years of slavery, this book retells the unyielding struggle of the Greek people for liberty and independence that gave birth to the modern Greek nation. With 40 color images from major art galleries in London and the Louvre Museum. Makes an excellent heirloom gift for your children and grandchildren. $24.95. To order please call: Holy Cross Bookstore (617) 850-1230 or toll-free (800) 245- 0599. Restoring Relationships; Five Things To Try Before You Say Goodbye by Peter M. Kalellis, Ph.D. This fascinating new book promises to help restore broken or fragmented relationships. It offers concrete ways to put five important principles into practice so that any relationship may grow and regain peace and productivity. Paperback 176 pages $16.95 per copy plus $4.00 postage. Please call (908) 232-6118 or send orders to: Ecumenical Publications, P. O. Box 717, Westfield, NJ 07091. 2002 Debutantes - Although it may seem early, the Saint Sophia Philoptochos Society would like to have the names of all girls interested in being Debutantes at our next Debutante Ball in February 2002. We must reserve a hotel and, therefore, need an estimate of the number of girls. Talk to your friends and relatives who may also want to participate in this memorable evening. Please call Bess Pappas at (626) 576-7277 if you possibly want to be a Debutante or know of anyone who may be interested. |