The enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos at the Ascension Cathedral, Oakland (for lack of proper space at the Annunciation Cathedral) April 2 was an historic and memorable day. Attended by 1500 people, including His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, virtually all the hierarchy of our Archdiocese, a number of Orthodox and Catholic hierarchs, all our Metropolis clergy and many clergy from throughout the Archdiocese, monastics, Protestant and inter-faith clergy, a host of civic leaders, Philoptochos, Archons, leaders of the many ministries of our Metropolis, and others, April 2 ushered in a new era in our holy and historic Metropolis. The luncheon following the enthronement, hosted by the Ascension Cathedral community, was a further fitting tribute to the occasion. The Ascension Cathedral is to be commended for an outstanding job.

Equally outstanding was His Eminence's first Divine Liturgy, which he wished to celebrate in our small chapel (with the overflow seated under a tent erected for the occasion over our courtyard), in order to honor the memory of His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony, who had been enthroned here, and to declare his intention to assist in the rebuilding of the Cathedral church, lost to the Loma Prieta Earthquake. Over twenty priests assisted the Metropolitan in the Divine Liturgy, with Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh, Bishop John of Amorion and Bishop Anthimos of Olympos in attendance. The meal following was attended by over 500 people. Julianna Rotter, her sister Stephanie, and Katherine Curd (the winner of this year's Oratorical Festival), presented roses to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, with the assistance of Tom Nuris, Parish Council President and Angie Leventis, Philoptochos President. The community also presented Metropolitan Gerasimos with a Tiffany crystal footed bowl, etched: His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, First Divine Liturgy, Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco, April 3, 2005. The etching of this historic occasion will remain in our hearts, as we treasure the icons of St. Gerasimos, which His Eminence distributed to the faithful.

On April 24, Palm Sunday, His Eminence inaugurated this year's Holy Week observances, by celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence distributed palms, symbols of victory, but also reminders of that first Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem amid a cheering crowd. Later that week, after instituting the Last Supper, the Lord was crucified and buried, but rose on the third day.

We wish His Eminence well as he takes up the mantle of spiritual leadership of our Holy Metropolis and look forward to the future, not only of this Cathedral parish, but of our entire Church, entrusted to his care.

Just days before, Archbishop Iakovos, former Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America, responded to Father Stephen's invitation and sent a congratulatory message to His Eminence Gerasimos, who was about to be enthroned as Metropolitan of San Francisco. (The enthronement took place on April 2.) The message was especially moving, since Metropolitan Gerasimos, for many years, had served as Archbishop Iakovos' Arch-deacon. Then, on Sunday, April 10, he was called home by the Lord. Father Stephen, who had been ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Archbishop Iakovos, attended the funeral, representing the Annunciation Cathedral. The funeral took place at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, in New York City, on April 14. The burial took place the next day, April 15, just behind the Holy Altar of the Holy Cross Chapel on the grounds of Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology, in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Archbishop Iakovos visited the Annunciation Cathedral on many occasions. Once, on his return from Vietnam, His Eminence returned to San Francisco and re-named the Annunciation Cathedral, cathedral of the then Diocese of San Francisco. (You recall, it had been moved to Los Angeles following the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral there, but was returned to San Francisco when His Grace Meletios became Bishop of the then Archdiocesan District and, later, Diocese (now Metropolis) of San Francisco.

Details of the funeral and burial, together with many photographs, can be found on the Archdiocesan Web site, goarch.org. Preeminent among the many letters of tribute from religious and civic leaders from around the world is the announcement of the Holy Ecumenical Patriarchate, which noted, in part: "This man, who like an oak tree that offered its shade to the devout flock of the Greek Orthodox community in America, was born on Imvros, the island of the Aegean Sea from where many great men have come. He gained international recognition and became a vehicle through which the centuries-long tradition of the Orthodox spirit was expressed in the New World. It was in the New World where he sincerely and very fruitfully ministered to Orthodoxy and to the Nation in many capacities, a diakonia for which the Mother Church will remember him with great gratitude, praying that his memory be eternal...

"Archbishop Iakvovos was the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for thirty-seven consecutive years, and through the authority of his personality by words and deeds advanced the faith and culture of the Nation. He made sure that Orthodoxy was accorded her due respect every time he represented the Mother Church in meetings with religious and political persons, and he enjoyed the esteem and respect of all."

May His Memory be Eternal!

A hard-working member of the community, Tatiana Kyriakides was proclaimed Woman of the Year at the luncheon, hosted by the Cathedral Ladies Philoptochso, following the March 25th services.

Born in Forest Hills, New York, Tatiana attended Queens College and the University of Delaware. After leaving the Unviersity of Delaware, she moved back to New York City, but not for long. Together with her friend Stacy Contakos, she moved to San Francisco eight years ago. She's certainly glad she did: her friend met Stefan Schulz here and were subsequently married. Tatiana became their sponsor. They recently had a baby, Alexandra, and Tatiana became the Godmother.

This year marks Tatiana's ninth year volunteering at our annual Food Festival. At first, she teamed up with John Ivantcho, and eventually took over the food line, together with Stacy and with Pat Hillas (Co-sponsor and Co-godparent).

Tatiana initially worked for Swarovski, but then went on to work for the Golden Gate Recreation Association. She enjoyed working for the parks, but decided to move on. Presently, she works as a building manager, and is pursuing a career as a professional organizer, a skill that she has honed over the years while organzing everyone around her.

Over the past eight years, Tatiana organized the Young Adult League (YAL). She served as Sunday School teacher for our teenage group. She rounded up volunteers prior to the festivals. She joined the Community Link -- the community outreach program organized by Father Paul Schroeder, reaching out to homebound and other parishioners, as well as to persons not affiliated with the community. A giving person, and a recognized leader, Tatiana is most deserving of the honor of Woman of the Year. Axia!

OFFICIAL: PARISHIONERS INVITED TO FIRST PARISH ASSEMBLY OF 2005

Parishioners of the Cathedral who are in good standing are invited to attend and participate in the first Parish Assembly of 2005, which will take place on Sunday, May 15, following the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral's Kytherian Room.

The Agenda for the Assembly is as follows:
Opening Prayer
 1. Election of Assembly Chair
 2. Reading and approval of the minutes of the November 17, 2004 Parish Assembly
 3. Financial Report --Nick Rally
 4. Stewardshp Report--Gus Vouchilas
 5. Youth Report--Michael Canellos
 6. Technology Report-- John Sooklaris and Nick Rally
 7. Board of Auditors' Report--Angie Leventis
 8. Building Program Status Report--Father Stephen and Tom Nuris
 9. Election of Nominating Committee for the 2005 year-end elections
10. Metropolis Clergy Laity, May 23 and 24
11.Old Business
12. New Business
Closing Prayer

The Parish Assembly is scheduled to take about an hour. Refreshments will be served.

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

To the new members who have joined our Philoptochos we extend a big WELCOME and we look forward to seeing you at our meetings. We know that many of you are working during the day, so we are planning to have some evening meetings commencing in the Fall.

Mother's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show - The 46th Annual Mother's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, entitled "Hats Off to Anne", will be held Saturday, May 7, 2005 in our community hall. Please mark your calendars to hold this day for a wonderful affair. See the separate article on page 3 for complete details and for reservation form.

Each parishioner has received in the mail two sets of raffle tickets. The proceeds from these raffle tickets will benefit our ongoing Kids n' Cancer Program which keeps growing year after year. This project is specifically for children who are afflicted with cancer. Please return two sets of these raffle tickets along with your donation. It will be greatly appreciated. You need not be present to win the cash prizes.

Easter Bake - Our Easter bake was a great success. We prepared Tsourekia (Paschal egg-butter bread), Koulourakia ("S-shaped" Cookies), and colored eggs for the Easter table. Thank you for your support by helping prepare as well as by purchasing these items.

Scholarships - This year we are happy to announce that we are awarding three scholarships: A first $1,000 Philoptochos Scholarship, a second $1,000 Philoptochos Scholarship, and the $500 Argyres Scholarship. The application forms are available in the office. The winners of these scholarships will be announced at the Father of the Year luncheon on Sunday, June 19, 2005.

Hats off to Anne... That's the theme of this year's Mother's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, our 46th, to be held in our Korinthias Hall, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, Saturday, May 7, 2005, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Following the luncheon, guests will be treated to a show of fashions by Cara Mia of San Francisco and Los Altos, as well as to a display of some of the millinery for which the late Anne Mountanos was known.

There was a time when everyone wore hats...men and women. As the 40s and 50s came and went, and we entered the turbulent 60s, the intermittent 70s, the transitional 80s, the dot.com 90s and, now the terror-but-hope driven first decade of the third millennium, hats have gone by the wayside. Not so for the late Anne Mountanos, who would not be seen in church or at a Mother's Day Luncheon and Fashion Show without her hats. She often spoke of having a fashion show featuring her hats. And, so, as Past President of the Cathedral Philoptochos, the Ladies are paying tribute to her by taking their "hats off" to Anne and showcasing her beautiful collection.

Tickets are $40 per person, or $400 for a table of 10. For reservations, please call the Cathedral, at 415 864-8000, or complete and return the portion below.

Before you know it, it's Festival time. September 16, 17 and 18, 2005 are the dates for this year's Festival. Tessie Obester, who chaired last year's Festival, agreed to Chair this year's Festival, as well, but on two conditions: 1) that she be assisted by co-chairs (since she plans to be away with her family for some of the time during the Festival prep. months), and 2) that you, the community, become even more involved. And so we need your help.

In last month's Herald, we identified twenty-six committees. We reprint these committees in our May issue, with the hope that you will volunteer to serve on at least one of them. Or, if you wish, and are capable and ambitious, take over one of the committees where co-chairs have not yet been named.

The committees which have chairs are:

AD BOOK: Fr. Stephen and Angie Leventis, Co-chaired by Pat Aleck and Presbytera Aliki Kyriacou;
WINE TASTING BOOTH: John Sooklaris;
RAFFLE: Tom Nuris;
TAVERNAS: (Outside and Inside); Justin Kyriacou, George Ambadiotakis, Tom Moulas;
GYRO; Athena Stavrakaras;
GREEK DELI: Peter Manetas and Nick Kontonis;
OCTOPUS: Niko Stathopoulos;
PASTRIES: Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos;
FOOD LINE: Tatiana Kyriakides.

The following committees which do not yet have chairs are:

ADVERTISING/MARKETING;
PUBLIC RELATIONS;
VENDORS;
CASHIERS;
UNDERWRITERS/DONORS;
MERCHANDISING;
VOLUNTEERS ;ENTERTAINMENT;
WEB SITE UPKEEP;
COOKING/COOKING SCHEDULE;
PAIDAKIA;
TO GO BOOTH;
SET UP & LAY OUT (heavy equipment/soft materials);
PROCUREMENT OF SUPPLIES;
GUEST INVITES; ADMISSIONS;
CAR RAFFLE.

As you consider becoming a part of our festival effort, consider what it is that you can do to strengthen the festival and to make it more meaningful both to the parish and to the many people who attend, who are not a part of the Cathedral parish. Or, if you prefer, jot down an idea or two and forward it to: Tessie Obester, Festival 2005, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94103. If you prefer, you may call Tessie at the Cathedral, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 415 864-8000.

The ad book committee, for example, thought: How can we make the book more meaningful. The answers came to us as we pondered the question. Why, let's dedicate it to the future--to the undertaking of our new building program, which means constructing a church, along with parking facilities for 150 cars. Let's not be satisfied with "whatever comes in," but let's set a goal. The goal is to raise $50,000 and to give this money in its entirety to the new building fund. It's easily achievable: think about it: 200 parishioners and friends giving $250 on average (back pages and inside cover pages will bring more, half pages will bring in less). Certainly, the Cathedral has at least 200 parishioners and friends.

And so, after Easter, we will systematically begin to work on this commemorative book, a gateway to our future. Your reactions and your thoughts...we certainly do live in exciting and challenging times. Festival 2005...a time to celebrate.

As previously announced, we are making plans to mark the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the Annunciation. Recall that our community begin in 1921 as St. Sophia. Following six years in a church at Hayes and Pierce Streets in San Francisco, in 1927. the community acquired the Valencia Street Theater, which it turned into a church. Meanwhile, the community was named as Cathedral Church for the newly established Diocese of San Francisco. (Initially there were four Dioceses which made up the Archdiocese, established in 1922; these were: New York, Boston, Chicago and, of course, San Francisco.)

In 1936 the community reorganized and became known as "United Greek Orthodox Community of San Francisco, The Annunciation." Since then, it has been known, simply, as "Annunciation Cathedral." Except for a brief period of time when the Cathedral was relocated to the newly constructed St. Sophia in Los Angeles, during trhe 1950's, Annunciation has always been the Cathedral Church for the Diocese, now the Metropolis of San Francisco. St. Sophia in Los Angeles continues to be called a cathedral church, and a number of other churches in the Metropolis have been named cathedral churches (such as SS Constantine and Helen's in Honolulu, Ascension in Oakland, and Holy Trinity in Phoenix).

However, Annunciation is the Metropolitan's Cathedral Church. The others are, as the late Metropolitan Anthony used to say, "honoris causa," or "honorary cathedrals. They have been so named because of their distinugished service in our Metropolis. November 11, 2006 is the date selected for this gala celebration. Please note the date on your 2006 calendars. Soon, we will name a committte, which will make plans to appropriately mark the occasion.

This is a painful question. Unfortunately, it is a very real question as, from time to time, well meaning Orthodox Christians are opting for cremation, either for themselves, or for family members, often citing financial considerations or "the fact that we're running out of room for burials" as reasons for their decisions.

Don't do it. The Orthodox Church does not permit cremation as a way to dispose the body, following death. In fact, let us reprint the applicable portion of the pastoral guidelines, published year after year in the Archdiocese yearbook. (We've reprinted this and other portions of the guidelines in the Herald a number of times in the past.)

"Cremation"

Because the Orthodox Faith affirms the fundamental goodness of creation, it understands the body to be an integral part of the human person and the temple of the Holy Spirit, and expects the resurrection of the dead. The Church considers cremation to be the deliberate desecration and destruction of what God has made and ordained for us. The Church instead insists that the body be buried so that the natural physical process of decomposition may take place. The Church does not grant funerals, either in the sanctuary, or at the funeral home, or at any other place, to persons who have chosen to be cremated. Additionally,memorial services with kolyva (boiled wheat)) are not allowed in such instances, inasmuch as the similarity between the "kernel of wheat" and the "body" has been intentionally destroyed."

Furthermore, the funeral speaks of the "return of the body to earth, from which I was taken." This would not apply if the body is not allowed to return to the earth.

What, then, is the solution and why do other churches permit cremation?

The earliest Christians followed the burial practices of the Jews, and not of the gentiles, who often cremated their dead. The Jews buried their dead. After decomposition of the body--that is, after about three years---the grave was opened and the bones removed and placed in an ossuary. Since the body had decomposed, the grave was readied for additional burials. This practice continues in many parts of the world today. Perhaps we ought to consider adopting this practice in this country, if we are truly concerned about the lack of space for burials. As for what other churches do, quite frankly, that's their business. Orthodox Christians do not cremate their dead. Please do not put the priest or the church in a difficult situation by demanding a church funeral for individuals who are going to be cremated. We kindly ask you to give serious thought to the above, and invite you to discuss this further with our Cathedral clergy.

On Thursday nights throughout Great Lent, Fr. Paul Schroeder is leading a series of reflections on the Psalms at the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco. The theme of the series is Selah: Meditations on the Psalms. Rather than a "Bible study," these gatherings are described as a learning community, a group of people who are interested in learning together and sharing in spiritual growth by supporting and praying for one another.

The learning community includes discussion of meditation in the Christian tradition, with particular focus on how the Psalms have been used as a basis for meditation. Each participant receives a journal, and is encouraged to take a few minutes to read one psalm in the morning or evening each day and jot down a few reflections. Every Thursday, the community gathers to reflect together on one psalm, and to discuss their reflections on the psalms from the previous week. The focus will be on the creative interface between the psalm and the reader, the intersection of truth and meaning that we call meditation.

There is a strong link between this study and Community Link--the outreach program which has been ongoing under the leadership of Father Paul.

Our Cathedral choir members, on their own, would like to welcome His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos, to San Francisco. We hope and pray he enjoys his ministry in our part of the country.

Several of our members joined the choir in the beautiful and moving enthronement service at the Ascension Cathedral in Oakland. The choir consisted of over 60 members of the Choir Federation, primarily from Northern California, and was directed by Federation President, Kristen Bruskas, and Dr. Tikey Zes.

Also, we would like to thank the several members of other Bay Area choirs who chose to join us the next day, April 3rd, on the occasion of His Eminence's first liturgy in our Metropolis. It was a pleasure having them with us, and they certainly enhanced the joyous sound with their voices.

BAPTISMS
Christopher, son of Robert D. Smith, and Elizabeth Bradley, was baptized at the Cathedral on April 10. His sponsor is Despina Kokalis.
Chloe Angelique, daughter of Monte Ryan Montgomery and Allyson Leventis, was baptized April 10. His sponsors are Katherine and Michael Trung.
Na Mas Zisoun! - Long Life!

FUNERAL / DEATH
Joan Barzoukas, who fell asleep in the Lord April 7, buried April 13. She is survived by her husband, Kleanthis Barzoukas.
The Cathedral extends condolences to Jeanne Anderson and John Scrempos, children, and to all the family of Georgina Eugenia Scrempos, who fell asleep in the Lord on April 13.
Aionia I Mnimi - May their Memory be Eternal!

As part of the Year of the Family observances, inaugurated by our Holy Archdiocese, a table prayer guide has been published. This table prayer guide is meant to grace the table where the family gathers for its meal. A beautiful publication, the guide contains prayers of various kinds. We call them "words from the Fathers." From time to time, we will be reprinting one or two in the monthly Herald. Following is an excerpt by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America from his book: Voices in the Wilderness, An Anthology of Patristic Prayers:

Prayer is an indispensable and irresplaceable expression of life and faith. From the absolutely superb moment when Jesus Christ, the incarnate God, prayed on earth, and taught us to pray, communication with God became synonymous with authentic, whole, creative, and vibrant human life.

Prayer, viewed from the angle of its efficacy, is preservation of the world, reconciliation with God, mother and daughter of tears, forgiveness of sins, bridge over temptations, support in afflictions, extinction of wars, office of angels, food of all spiritual beings, the future jubliation, unlimited action, invisible progress, food for the soul, illumination of the mind, exterminator of despair, evidence of hope, overcoming of sorrow, herald of things to come, indication of glory.

If we listen to the praying voices of the Fathers and the Saints, and try to be more and more in tune with them, we will experience the indescribable reality of prayer, we will see the gradual transformation of the wilderness within and around us; a transformation possible only through the action of the Holy Spirit, who "helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words..." (Romans 8:26).

This course, taught by Father Paul Schroeder, Sunday mornings 9-10 a.m., is designed to guide those who are seeking to be received into the Church through baptism or (if they are already baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity) through chrismation. It is also intended to help anyone who is interested learn more about the Orthodox faith. The class is informative and engaging, and we invite you to attend. Learn more about our 2000-year old Orthodox Christian Faith, as you grow in grace in our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.

As a result of this class, a number of adult baptisms have taken place as well as chrismations (that is, reception of baptized converts of other trinitarian Christian faiths through the administration of Holy Chrism). Holy Chrism is the confirmation oil which is prepared periodically at the Ecumenical Patriarchate and sent to us by His All Holiness through our Metropolitan.

Equally dymanic is the Bible Study which convenes each Sunday under the leadership of Marina Taylor. At times topical, at others a reading of an entire book of Holy Scripture, this study is strengthened by constant reference to the Church Fathers. Since the beginning of the current year, the group has been studying life, death, and resurrection, both of the individual believer as well as the Church, and also of the Lord himself. Wlhat happens at death? What is the nature of the afterlife? How can we know? All of these questions are addressed at this study.

Conducted in Greek, primarily for the benefit of our Greek-speaking parishioners, the study is nevertheless open to anyone who is interested in learning the thoughts of the Fathers on these vital issues, as well as the Biblical references from which these thoughts are gleaned. If there is sufficient interest, Mrs. Taylor is equally adept at offering explanations in English.

We are truly fortunate to have at our disposal a number of avenues for learning about our Orthodox Christian Faith, as we live out our life in Jesus Christ our Savior.

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