In accordance with the Uniform Parish Regulations and our Parish By-Laws, the Parish Council consists of the Dean and fifteen lay members elected by the parishioners to a two-year term. Seven are elected one year; and eight are elected the following year. On December 14, 2003, 175 parishioners voted for eight members, as follows: Thomas Nuris (112 votes), James D. Vorrises (111 votes), Gus Vouchilas (105 votes), Michael Bagatelos ((100 votes), George Vlahos (93 votes), Dina Koutoulas (89 votes), Nikolas Stathopoulos (83 votes), and Philip Chiappari (78 votes). (Nicholas Svetcoff, who received 58 votes, is our Insurances Advocate and Broker, and has provided invaluable services to the community as a member of the Parish Council for several years.)

On Sunday, December 28, 2003, following ratification of the elections by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, the eight members repeated the following oath at the conclusion of the Liturgy: “I do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the dogma, teaching, traditions, holy canons, worship, and moral principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the constitutional charter, discipline, and regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will fulfill faithfully and sincerely the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me God.” Then, they convened to elect officers for 2004.

The officers of the Parish Council are: President: Thomas A. Nuris; Vice-President: John Sooklaris; Secretary: Gus Vouchilas; Treasurer: Nicholas J. Rally; and Assistant Treasurer: Patricia Aleck. The additional members of the Parish Council for 2004 are: George Ambadiotakis Ambus, Michael Bagatelos, Philip Chiappari, Nick Kontonis, Dina Koutoulas, Michael Misthos, Nikolas Marios Stathopoulos, George Vlahos, James D. Vorrises, and Denise Yeilding.

STEWARDSHIP AND YOU

By now, Stewards of the Cathedral (i.e. those who are pledged members) have received a letter signed on behalf of the Parish Council and the Stewardship by Father Stephen, Tom Nuris, and Gus Vouchilas, informing us of the “rollover” approach for 2004. That is, beginning January 1, 2004, Stewards will not need to fill out a new pledge card to renew their membership, since they are currently pledged members of the Cathedral. Instead, the office will simply duplicate your 2003 pledge for 2004. Unless, of course, they opt to change their pledge. The letter suggested a modest, optional, increase of just $10 a month. A lot of people opted to do just that. The response is most encouraging. As the letter stated, if everyone increased his pledge by just $10 a month, we could generate an additional $84,000 for the year. So, instead of sending out Stewardship Pledge Cards and waiting for months on end for parishioners to complete and return those pledge cards, the Stewardship Committee can concentrate on those who consider the Cathedral to be their parish but who, for one reason or another, don’t get around to pledging or, at least, to becoming a Steward--that is, pledging on a regular basis to support the Church. In addition, it can concentrate on new members, among them, those who have recently moved to San Francisco, whom we invite to join our Parish, as well as converts to the Faith.

To this end, another letter went out, accompanied by a pledge card, a return envelope, and a brochure explaining the Cathedral’s stewardship program.It is our goal is to increase our membership by 100 each and every year! A tall order, but doable.

There are many advantages to being a Steward. Foremost is the satisfaction that comes from contributing to the work of the Church. Annunciation is the great parish that it is, doing the great things that it does, because of your Stewardship. By being a Steward, you also receive priority in booking the hall for your events--baptisms, weddings, anniversaries or other receptions. In addition, you get things that others booking the hall do not get--the waiving of certain fees, extra linens and the like. As a Steward, and a member in good standing, you can serve as Godparent to a child in Baptism (what a privilege it is to bring others to Christ!), or a Sponsor to a couple in Marriage.

Finally, year-end statements of your contributions to the Cathedral for 2003 were mailed out the first week in January. Please review your statement for accuracy. Please note, that the statement simply notes monies received by you during the year, along with a brief description. It does not (and cannot) say which monies constitute pure donations to the Church, for tax purposes. For this, we suggest speaking with your accountant or tax advisor. Stewardship looks forward to continuing serving you. As a way of thanking you, the Stewardship Committee will again sponsor the Godparents/Godchildrens Sunday Brunch, following the Divine Liturgy, on Sunday, February 22.

FATHER STEPHEN TO VISIT CUBA

Father Stephen has been invited to be a part of the Archdiocesan Delegation that will go to Cuba for the consecration of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Havana by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The consecration will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2004. Beginning Tuesday, January 20, the delegation will attend meetings with Roman Catholic and other clergy, an Ecological Exhortation, Great Vespers and events at the Presidential Palace. Father Stephen leaves on January 19 and returns to San Francisco January 26.

As we know, Cuba is a communist state, and so travel by this delegation is specially licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The old Orthodox Cathedral in Havana was confiscated by the state. Nevertheless, the small Orthodox popoulation in Cuba continued to practice their Faith, albeit secretly. The Cuban government has recently reversed itself and facilitated the rebuilding of the Orthodox Church there. St. Nicholas is the first church to be built in Cuba in 43 years. Its consecration, therefore, is an historic occasion. The presence of His All Holiness underscores the significance of the reestablishment of Orthodoxy in that portion of the Western Hemisphere.

CATHEDRAL TO INAUGURATE LENTEN PROGRAM

The Great Lent will begin this year on Monday, February 23rd. Our Metropolis is embarking upon an exciting Lenten program, in which the Annunciation Cathedral will participate. It will involve the commitment on the part of our faithful to attend some Lenten services, discussion sessions, and even one or two Lenten meals. All this will be outlined in a brochure and letter from Father Stephen some time before the beginning of the Great Lent. Look for this special mailing.

CHRISTMAS OUTREACH PROGRAM A SUCCESS

Once again, the Philoptochos-sponsored program of Christmas gift giving to children was a huge success. We delivered over 40 beautifully wrapped gifts to the boys and girls of City Crossroads Ministry just before Christmas. Many parishioners did not get a name, and so they generously donated money. With this money, we bought several I-Zone cameras and film for the children--a big hit. City Crossroads is located in the heart of the South of Market area, where alcoholism, drug abuse, gangs and crime are everyday problems. It is a haven for children who live in the area to get off the dangerous streets and receive help. It is run by a young pastor and his wife, and provides a Christian environment where the children can learn about Jesus Christ and his love for them. They focus on recreational opportunities for the youth. Basketball, ping pong, football games and movies are all part of the weekly activities planned at the center. They do their school homework with assistance, if necessary. A hot meaal is prepared for them every evening. This ministry further represents Christ’s outstretched hands of love and compassion for the children who have been left behind.

So, we, as a community, have reached out this Christmas season to show them that we are people who care. Thank you for your participation. Kathy Dermatzakis and Pat Destein are thanked for their help in making this Philoptochos project a success. Nan Cusulos is to be thanked as the coordinator of this wonderful project for several years.

ANNUAL VASILOPITA/HOLIDAY BRUNCH

Every year, the Cathedral, through its Ladies Philoptochos, sponsors the cutting of the Vasilopita, or “St. Basil’s Bread.” You know, the one where whoever finds the coin is supposed to have good luck for the year--an old tradition, dating back to the fourth century, where several bishops (St. Basil among them) secretly provided dowries to facilitate the marriage of poor young women. The Vasilopita cutting took place on Sunday, January 11, following the Divine Liturgy. The funds raised from this go towards the support of St. Basil’s Academy, located in Garrison, New York. Founded as an orphanage, St. Basil’s is the property and, therefore, the responsibility of the Philoptochos.

This year, our Philoptochos sponsored a Holiday Brunch in conjunction with the Vasilopita. We always look forward to this event and hope that it, too, will become an annual tradition where everyone is invited to join in as we sing the kalanda (New Year’s song) and celebrate the New Year.

ANNUAL CRAB FEED

By the time this combined January-February, 2004 issue of the Herald went to press, the Crab Feed was sold out. Without a doubt, the Crab Feed is a most popular event. Each year it helps foster fellowship not only within the Annunciation Cathedral community but among Orthodox faithful from throughout the Bay Area. It also helps raise funds for the philanthropic work of the Philoptochos. Now in its twenty-second year, the crab feed is a “must attend-all you can eat-crab extravaganza.”

For those who made reservations--to recap--the event will take place on Friday, January 23, 2004 in the Korinthias Hall of the Cathedral, beginning with no-host refreshments at 6 p.m., and followed by dinner, at 7:30 p.m.

The Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos sponsors the event. Anna Dricos and Ackie Argyres are in charge of reservations. The admission is $40 per person.

METROPOLIS CLERGY-LAITY FEBRUARY 5-7

The Uniform Parish Regulations (UPR) provides for an Assembly of the clergy and lay members of each Metropolis, consisting of all Parish Priests, Presidents (or, in their absence, by any officer of the Parish Councils, and a third member of every Parish Council “to discuss matters of common concern and to submit proposals and recommendations to the Archdiocese for submission to the next Clergy-Laity Congress.” This year’s Assembly will take place, Thursday, February 5, beginning at 5 p.m., and will end by noon on Saturday, February 7, by noon.

The Annunciation Cathedral Parish Council is considering submitting a proposal to the UPR giving flexibility to the Parishes as to the administration of the oath of office to the newly elected members of the Parish Council and the convening of the Council for the purpose of electing its officers. Often, the last Sunday of the year, which is the required date for the above, currently, poses special problems, especially when, for example, that last Sunday is Christmas Day. Being able to execute the above on the previous Sunday, for example, provided the elections are ratified, would eliminate this problem.

FORGIVENESS: TOPIC OF PRE-LENTEN SPRITITUAL RETREAT AT THE CATHEDRAL

As indicated in the December Herald, the Reverend Dr. John Chryssavgis will be guest speaker at the Cathedral, on Saturday, February 21, when the Cathedral hosts a Pre-Lenten Spiritual Retreat, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Since it is the so-called “second Saturday of souls,” (actually, day of prayer and remembrance for all monastics who have fallen asleep in the Lord), the event will be preceded by the Divine Liturgy, beginning at 9:30 a.m. On Sunday, February 22, Dr. Chryssavgis will preach the sermon at the Godparents/Godchildren Divine Liturgy.

A renown speaker, author, and lecturer, Deacon John studied theology in Athens and at Oxford. He served as professor of theology at St. Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney as well as at Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston. His most recent publications include Soul Mending: The Art of Spiritual Direction (Holy Cross Press, 2000), In the Heart of the Desert: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers (World Wisdom Books, 2002), and Letters from the Desert: A selection fromn Barsanuphius and John (St. Vladimir’s Press, 2003).

Everyone will certainly want to be a part of this retreat opportunity. For additional information, and for a registration form, click on the link below.

Click for Registration Form.

MAY 15: A NIGHT WITH BASILE (BILLY) KATSIKAS (GOAT)

You’ve hear of Basile! Actually, his name is Vasilios (Basilie is a shortened version) Katsikas, which literally translates, “Billy Goat.” He’s a comedian, and quite funny. He makes Greek-Americans laugh about their experiences growing up as Greek-Americans. Last year, he appeared in Oakland, at the Ascension Cathedral and brought the house down. This year, Vasili is back on the West Coast. We’ve invited him to perform at the Annunciation Cathedral, which he will do, with all new material, on Saturday, May 15, beginning at 8:00 p.m. The performance will be preceded at 7:00 p.m. by a social, including heavy hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine, and a no-host bar. An evening of fun and laughter. Please save the date.

In due time, invitations will go out spelling out the event in more detail, and inviting your response. Meanwhile, please know that Pat Aleck, Pat Destein, and Dr. George Ambadiotakis Ambus are heading a committee which is working to make the evening of May 15 with Basile, a night to remember.

RECENT SERVICES AT THE CATHEDRAL

BAPTISM

Niyat, daughter of Zemenfes Tesfai and Helen Gulbet, was baptized December 21. Her sponsor is Eden Araia.

Na Mas Zisi (Long life!)

FUNERAL

Irene M. Gianaras, who fell asleep in the Lord on December 20, was buried December 24. Next of kin are her husband, Panos, and children John Gianaras and Genie Sasloff, and their families.

Aionia aftis i mnimi!
May her memory be eternal!

PHILOPTOCHOS EVENTS

The Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos Society wishes to apprise the community of the following events sponsored by the Philoptochos, and invites your participation:

DATE TIME EVENT

January/February 2004 Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.