THE GREAT LENT BEGINS: LENTEN PROGRAM INTRODUCED

February 23rd marked the beginning of the Great Lent, a period of forty days before Easter (actually, if you count them, there are more, because Saturdays and Sundays are not counted as days of strict fasting, as the others are), which serve as a preparation for the Great Feast. During Lent, the number of religious services increase. Instead of just the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and an occasional saint’s day, when the Liturgy is also celebrated, during the Great Lent we celebrate the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts every Wednesday (at 10 a.m.), and the service of the Akathist (Salutations to the Virgin Mary Theotokos) the first five Fridays (at 7 p.m.). The Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is also celebrated the last Friday, before Holy Week (April 2 at 6 p.m.) and Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. In addition, there is Liturgy the morning of Lazarus Saturday (April 3), and the Service of the Bridegroom on Palm Sunday, Holy Monday and Tuesday evenings (at 7 p.m.). On Holy Wednesday (April 7) we will have two services of Holy Unction--an abbreviated service for children, at 4 p.m., and the regular service at 7 p.m. On Holy Thursday (April 8) we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, preparing Holy Comm-union which remains in the Tabernacle on the Holy Altar until Holy Thursday 2005 (the communion taken to the sick) at 10 a.m. and the Service of the Crucifixion at 7 p.m. On Holy Friday (April 9) we celebrate the Royal Hours at 10 a.m., the Service of Descent from the Cross at 1 p.m., and the Lamentations at 7 p.m.. On Holy Saturday morning at 7 a.m. we celebrate the anticipatory Paschal Liturgy (and also baptize adult catechumens), and the Paschal Vigil followed by the Paschal Liturgy beginning at 11:00 p.m.. Then, there are the additional rites and services on Sundays: for example, the first Sunday of Lent (February 29), known as Sunday of Orthodoxy, is an occasion for pan-Orthodox Vespers; this year they will take place in the Holy Trinity Cathedral on Green Street at 4 p.m..

Just in terms of services, as you can see, the calendar is pretty full. And these are meaningful. More and more, we hear, following the Paschal Liturgy, what a spiritually uplifting period this has been for us. And that’s great, but then we go back to our usual habits and to the usual and familiar patterns of everyday life. When the clergy of our Metropolis met back in November, they decided unanimously to introduce into their parishes a program which was developed and has met with much success in the Northridge parish, the Lenten program, as we called it in the last issue of the Herald. Open to all members of the parish, young and old, the program has as its objective an even more meaningful Great Lent and Pascha and, ultimately, a more fulfilled life. We cannot tell you too much about the program in this paragraph. The specifics were spelled out on February 23rd, at the initial gathering of those parishioners who opted to participate this year. All we can tell you is, it has something to do with the Vigil Candle and the box which you will see all during the Great Lent in front of the Icon of Christ. Father Stephen will be making reference to this on Sundays and during some of the other Lenten services.

The Church offers us many ways to help us grow in Christ, as we attempt to live out our lives more meaningfully. We are happy to introduce a program that is not asking us to buy a ticket, or serve on a committee but, rather, is asking us to pay special attention to the care of our spiritual selves. We wish all a good Great Lent and a joyous Pascha.

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

On February 29, the first Sunday of Lent, Orthodox Christians worldwide celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy. The historical significance of the Sunday of Orthodoxy dates to 787 A.D. when the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which met in Nicaea, decreed the restoration of the icons as a means for the spiritual growth and formation of the Christian ethos and character in the likeness and image of God and His Saints. In 843 A.D., when the veneration of icons was solemnly proclaimed at Aghia Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople, clergy and monks came in procession and restored icons to their rightful places within the Church. The Sunday of Orthodoxy is traditionally celebrated in Orthodox Churches worldwide on the first Sunday of Great Lent. Following the Divine Liturgy, a procession of icons and a recitation of the Declaration of Faith take place.

At the Cathedral, Sunday school children participate in the procession, holding icons and other religious symbols. In the afternoon, the Bay Area Orthodox clergy convene for Pan-Orthodox vespers. This year, the vespers takes place at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, located on Van Ness and Green Streets, beginning at 4 p.m.

PASCHA IN THE GYM

We tried it last year and it was great--Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy in the gym, rather than in the chapel. Why, some asked, didn’t we continue to have services in the gym, especially the Paschal Liturgy, when our chapel is literally filled to overflowing. One reason is that we need to re-set the gym for the Waldorf High School. The other reason is that we need the gym for the magheretsa (the meal) following the Paschal Liturgy. This year, however, since Western and Orthodox Easters coincide, and Waldorf School has the week off, we thought we would try having all our services in the gym.

Then, what about the magheretsa (or Paschal meal)? Well, the chapel is really a multi-use facility (it’s not the church--which we still expect to build down the road-- and it is not consecrated), so we’ll have the Paschal meal there (buffet style, for the most part, with a few tables and chairs). So, that’s it: Pascha in the gym. Now, as for parking, we will have the attended parking services of California Parking for the large services (Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Pascha night). They will direct our parking in our lot as well as in the Armory, which we will have to rent for this purpose.

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

You’ve heard 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 hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine, and a no-host bar. An evening of fun and laughter. You may reserve tickets for the occasion, on a first-come first-serve basis, by completing the reply form found elsewhere in this issue of the Herald, or by calling the Cathedral, at 415 864-8000. The donation is $40 per person, and we will have attended parking.

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. For further information, call Pat Aleck, Pat Destein, or Dr. Ambus.

APRIL 25: HONORING PAT ALECK

The Parish Council is happy to announce that it will be hosting a testimonial dinner honoring Pat Aleck as Past President of the Parish Council on Sunday, April 25. In addition to her having served the Parish Council for many years, Pat was President of our community for six years. Pat has demonstrated her tireless commitment to our parish as well as to the Hellenic Community of the Bay Area, the Metropolis, the Metropolis Philoptochos Board, and numerous institutions. Everyone is invited to attend the dinner, which will take place at Annunciation Cathedral’s Korin-thias Hall, at 6:00 p.m. The donation for the dinner, preceded by no-host cocktails at 5:00 p.m., is $40.00 per person. For further information, call the Cathedral office, at 415 864-8000.

FDF AND ALL THE HOOPLA

As announced in last month’s Herald, Annunciation was represented at FDF this year, in Ontario, California, February 12-15, by our two older groups-- Kymata and Arete. Their performances were outstanding. With competition this year as stiff as it was (over 101 groups participated), we did not come with medals, as we did year after year in the past. However, we came home with the satisfaction that we did our best, and with the resolve to practice harder and harder for next year’s competition.

Next year, the Folk Dance Festival will take place at the Reno Hilton, which is very close to the airport (and at a distance from downtown Reno.) All events will take place within the facility which, among other things, boasts an in-house bowling alley, open 24 hours a day. So, what’s the hoopla all about? Well, the love of dance, and song, the love of learning about faith and heritage and culture. The love of doing our best. And we did. Meanwhile, we are back and, after a much-deserved rest, will resume practice. The Cathedral has four teams, Philadelfakia and Angelakia being the other two, with a total of 75 in the program.

FROM WOMB TO TOMB AND BEYOND: PHILOPTOCHOS LENTEN RETREAT

With Father James Gavrilos as Retreat Director, the San Francisco Metropolis Philoptochos invites you to join them at a Lenten Retreat, March 26-28, at the St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. The retreat aims at facilitating an examination of the sacramental life of the Orthodox Church through the spiritual life of the Orthodox Christian. The cost is $130.00 per person ($220. per couple). For additional information, contact Fofo Olson, retreat coordinator at 925 687-8337 or St. Nicholas Ranch, at 559 338-2103.

RECENT SERVICES AT THE CATHEDRAL

FUNERALS

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.

Stella Bower, who fell asleep in the Lord, on February 12, was buried in Oregon, subsequent to a trisaghion sung on February 17. Next of kin is her husband, William Bower.

Nina Gustine Pappas, who fell asleep in the Lord on February 22, was buried February 24. Next of kin is her niece, Julie Pappas.

Aionia afton i mnimi!
May their memory be eternal!

COME JOIN US. . . FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2004, 6:00 p.m.

This is the day when we will celebrate an evening Presanctified Divine Liturgy. For the first time, the readers will include teachers and students from our Sunday School, as well as participants in our Lenten program. For many people, participation in this ancient Liturgy will be a first-time experience. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, everyone is invited to partake of the Lenten meal, which will be prepared by Effie Vellis and her crew, on behalf of the Sunday School.

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
by Angie Leventis

We are up and running for the year 2004. We had a very successful Vasilopeta Brunch in January and our crabfeed was also a memorable event. We extend many thanks to all the volunteers who took time from their busy schedules to help put on both of these events. What a great team effort! In addition, on Sunday, February 1, we hosted a 40-day memorial for Irene Gianaras. The costs were shared by the Philoptochos and the community at large. Her family was most appreciative of this event.

Bus Tour - On Tuesday, March 16, the Ladies Philoptochos is sponsoring a Sight-seeing Tour to Monterey/ Carmel leaving the Cathedral at 9:30 a.m., with lunch in Monterey, then a tour of Carmel on your own in the afternoon, arriving back in San Francisco at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $53.50, which includes the tour, guide, and lunch. Please contact Yota Gofas to make a reservation. There is still space available - however, it is limited.

March 25th Luncheon - On Greek Independence Day and Evangelismos of the Theotokos, March 25, 2004, we will again be serving a Luncheon after church services. The cost is $10.00 per person and we assure you the lunch will be wonderful. In addition, we will be announcing the Woman of the Year for 2004.

Kids ‘n Cancer Project - At the end of February, we are delivering 100 Bears and blankets to the Pediatric units at San Francisco General, and UCSF and 50 Bears and blankets to California Pacific Medical Center for their pediatric unit. The Agape Bear Care Package is part of the Kids ‘n Cancer Project in conjunction with the Metropolis Philoptochos.

Mother’s Day Luncheon - Let’s not forget the 45th Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon which will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2004, in our community hall. Please mark your calendars to hold this day for a very memorable event. The cost will be $40.00 per person. Tessie Obester, chair of this event will have more details as we get closer to the date. In addition to the luncheon, we are mailing out raffle tickets to all parishioners and even though you may not be able to attend the luncheon, we hope that you will purchase some raffle tickets. You need not be present to win the prizes. The proceeds of the raffle tickets will go to the Kids n’ Cancer Project - a most worthwhile project.

Please complete the invitation to be found elsewhere in this issue of the Herald, and submit to the Cathedral Office.

EASTER BAKE 2004

Easter Bake time is here once again and if you want any Easter goodies, please complete an Easter Bake form which is available at the church. Basically, we will be offering for sale, tsourekia, red colored eggs and koulourakia.
Place your order now, either by completing the form below, or by completing one of the flyers located at the Pangari and returning the form to the Cathedral office. If you prefer, you may call in your order, 415 864-8000. Just be sure to enclose payment with your order.

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

The Consulate General of Greece, The Hellenic Federation of Northern California, and The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco cordially invite you to celebrate the Greek culture and heritage on the occasion of the 183rd Anniversary of March 25, 1821, the birth of the Modern Greek State, on Sunday, March 21, 2004. The parade will be between 2:00 and 3:30 pm, from Market and 4th Sts. to City Hall. The cultural program will be between 4:00 - 5:00 pm in the City Hall Rotunda, and a reception will follow until 7:00 pm. The reception will be hosted by The Consulate General of Greece and Mr. Dimitrios Touloupas. All events are free of charge. We suggest parking at the Civic Center Plaza underground garage. Shuttle busses from City Hall to the parade are available from 12:30-2:30.

For additional information:

Cultural Program: The Hellenic Federation: ted@laliotis.org

Reception: The Consulate General of Greece: sfgr@greekembassy.org

The Parade: Justin Kyriacou jckyriacou@hotmail.com

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis: franctos@sanfran.goarch.org

It’s time to again mark our calendars for the Annunciation Cathedral’s and San Francisco’s only Greek Food Festival, A Taste of Greece, running September 17,18,19, 2004. Last year’s event was a great success featuring homemade delectable pastries by our Ladies Philoptochos Society, homemade mouth watering Greek cuisine by the many people who prepared them, as well as outstanding performances by all our dance groups. Once again, Father Stephen, the Parish Council and the Food Festival committee would like to thank all those who volunteered and all our parishioners for their support.

We are at the early planning stages for this year’s festival and have added an exciting new OPPORTUNITY to become involved. Don’t feel like cooking or dancing all weekend? We are looking for a few motivated people to develop a Community Awareness Team to encourage San Franciscan’s to come out and enjoy a weekend of Greek culture. Ideally this creative brainstorming team will seek ways to expose the community to our Festival through free advertising in local publications, networking and creating flyers, just to name a few. Don’t be shy. Minimal time commitment! Your help is really to set new attendance records for this year’s Festival. Those interested should contact Tessie Calligeros Ovester, our Food Festival Chair, or, if you know someone in our parish who would enjoy the challenge, nominate (suggest) a friend to join the team.

Of course, we also need volunteers for all ather Festival activities - so mark your calendars and become involved! Our festival committee will be sending information in the next few weeks so please consider the opportunities. Our next Festival Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16th at 7pm at the Cathedral. If you would like to attend please contact Tessie Obester at 650/728-3110.

BOWLING, ANYONE?

An evening of fun and fellowship. How about it? Bowling, anyone? Come, join the fun. Every Tuesday evening, about two dozen members of the Cathedral gather at Serra Bowl on Junipero Serra Boulevard in South San Francisco for a friendly evening of bowling. We have six teams of four bowlers each and meet by 6 p.m. at alleys 1 through 6. (We finish bowling around 8:30 p.m.) We often have an empty spot on a team and could use a substitute. Beginners and “seasoned” bowlers are all welcome.

Our season begins the second week of September and runs through April--breaking from May through August. (We also take a week off during Holy Week and two weeks between and during Christmas and New Year’s. The group started bowling (believe it or not) in 1969--the list of bowlers that have practiced from Annunciation would surprise you. The bowlers have changed through the years (a few originals still bowl), and we would like to invite you to come on down--come just to watch or bowl as a substitute--you may find yourself enjoying it enough to sign up on a team. How about it? For more information, contact Mariam Arsinoos at the Cathedral at 415 864-8000 or talk to Mike or Peter or Emily Bagatelos, Foula Vasilogeorgis, or Alexia Kleinekort -- they bowl with us, too!

Known as “the ‘Tsougy’ League,” we look forward to welcoming you. Come on--up off the couch, turn off the TV, and participate in a fun activity!

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March 2004 Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.