PARISH COUNCIL MEETS, ELECTS OFFICERS

On Wednesday, January 18th, the Annunciation Cathedral Parish Council met and elected officers for 2006. Tom Nuris was elected President; John Sooklaris was elected Vice President; Gus Vouchilas was elected Secretary, James D. Vorrises was elected Treasurer, and Pat Aleck was eleccted Assistant Treasurer.

The additional members of the 2006 Parish Council are: George Ambadiotakis Ambus, Michael Bagatelos, John Koundouris, Nick Kontonis, Peter Manetas, Michael Misthos, Nicholas J. Rally, Nikolas Stathopoulos, Nicholas Svetcoff, and George Vlahos. Angie Leventis serves as Philoptochos liaison to the Parish Council, and, of course, Father Stephen Kyriacou serves as Dean of the Cathedral.

FESTIVAL 2006: SEPTEMBER 15, 16, 17

As previously announced, our 2006 Food Festival will take place on our church grounds at 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, Friday through Sunday, September 15, 16th and 17th. (This is so as not to conflict with other events in San Francisco, such as the Folsom Street Fair, which creates huge parking parking problems for all concerned when our two events coincide.) We recognize that other festivals will be taking place the same weekend, such as that of St. Katherine’s in Elk Grove, but it was deemed advisable that the distance between these two communities, for example, would not negatively impact one or the other festival.

Meanwhile, Foula Vasilogiorgis has agreed to take on the responsibility of this year’s chairmanship. Known to all as amiable (and friendly), and a consensus-builder, Foula will need us all to rally behind her as she calls on us to participate by volunteering for one or another aspect of the festival. She is open to new ideas and suggestions. Toward this end, she will be speaking to you individually, and to various groups, such as the Ladies Philoptochos, and to the Parish Council, at its March meeting.

Let each of us see what we can do to help. After all, the Festival is our largest source of revenue, next to Stewardship. The $100,000 plus which we net from the festival is vital to the support of the Cathedral and its many programs.

DR. ANTON VRAME TO SPEAK AT CATHEDRALMARCH 4

As previously announced, the Cathedral is pleased that Dr. Anton Vrame, Ph.D., Director of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute and Assistant Professor of Orthodox Christian Studies at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, will be our first Lenten series speaker this year. He will speak, following the Liturgy, on Saturday, March 4, on the general topic: What Does it Mean to Be Orthodox? The conference will take place, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with time for questions, discussion, and lunch. The donation will be $10, just to cover the cost of the lunch. We look forward to Dr. Vrame's speaking, and on a topic that is pertinent and vital, especially in our growing age of relativism and, simultaneously, religious indifference and even hostility on the one hand, and an ever more vocal religious right on the other.

Dr. Vrame is a native of Chicago, holding degrees from DePaul University (B.A.) and the University of Chicago (M.A.) A 1989 graduate of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (M.Div.), he worked as Associate Director of the Department of religious Education, specifically focusing on the creation of the Living Our Orthodox Faith curriculum series as well as other projects of the Department. In 1997, he received the Ph.D. in Theology and Education from Boston College.

He is the author of “The Educating Icon: Teaching Wisdom and Holiness in the Orthodox Way,” editor of “The Orthodox Parish in America: Faithfulness to the Past, Responsible for the Future.” He has published articles on issues in Christian Education in English and Greek in academic journals. He taught Christian education at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and St. Vladimir's Orthodox theological Seminary. He is Vice President of the Orthodox Theological Society of America.

MESSINIANS TO HOLD 60TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE

Sixty years have passed since the creation of the Navarino Messinian Society, which embraces all those who hail from this southern Greek Peloponnesian part of Greece. The Society will celebrate by holding a dinner dance, to be held at the Ascension Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, on Saturday, February 4. No host cocktails will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. There will be dancing to the music of the Greek Compania and a wonderful time for all.

The donation is $45 for adults, $20 for children under 12. For reservations, please call George Konstantopoulos; Chrissa Roukes; Niki & Tom Kastoras; Callie Fousekis, or Voula Fanourgiakis.

PHILOPTOCHOS PLANS 2006 EVENTS

Following a most successful crab feed, with some 650 people in attendance on January 20th, the Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos are continuing to make a difference, both with respect to serving within our community and with respect to reaching out to those outside our Faith, who, nevertheless, as God’s people, are lifted up by our caring.

Please make a note of the following dates and times for Philoptochos-sponsored events through June. Plan to participate in as many as you can and to assist in any way you can.

SERVICES IN JANUARY

BAPTISM
On January 21, Sophia Florence, daughter of John Kimon Zambelis and Pamfilia Dakis, was baptized. Her Godmother is Joy Chrisis.
Na mas zisi! (Long life!)

FUNERAL
On January 6, Gregory Athanasios Pantazis, who had fallen asleep in the Lord on December 30, was laid to rest. He is survived by his wife, Katina Pantazis, their children Tom and Stella, and their families.
Aionia autou i mnimi! (Memory eternal!)

ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL CHOIR - SOME NOTES ON ITS EARLY HISTORY

When the church was Saint Sophia with Father Pythagoras Caravellas as pastor, and his successor, Father Spiros Spiropoulos, the Church had only a choir for services during Holy Week - Holy Friday and Holy Saturday. This special choral group was under the leadership of Miss Katherine Vasilatos. It was a two-part choir - soprano and alto. Several organists took turns at the old reed organ, among whom were: Toula Christopher, Bessie Kaplanis, and Eugenia Lagios. The members included: Urania Argiris, Theoni Argiris, Tina Kapanis, Effie Sarantitis, Eugenia and Joan Agnost, Anna and Georgia Dragges, Helen Dafnos, Christine Costello, Anastasia Georgiadis, Caroline Orginos, Angeline and Esther Petropoulos, Clara Tsouvalas, Mary, Saribalis.

The first regular choir (still two-part , that is, soprano and alto) was organized in the fall of 1933 under the leadership of cantor, Constantine Licouris, and the sponsorship of the Honorable Consul General of Greece, Christos Macheras, who was perhaps its most enthusiastic supporter and most severe critic, and also John and Basil Stampolas, Peter Boudoures, James Baldas, Dr. C. Abramopoulos, and others.

The members included: Helen and Georgia Pantages, Anna and Georgia Dragges, Pauline Filios, Eugenia and Joan Agnost, Helen Dafnos, Christine Costello, Anna and Mary Constas, Helen and Virginia Kofis, Mary Petropoulos, Agnes Koras, Fay Caravellas, Caroline Orginos, Amanda and Helen Kockos, Urania Paizes, Tessie Boudoures, Clara Tsouvalas, Theoni Stathes, Anna and Bessie Apostolos, etc. Christine Costello was the organist, but after a short time, due to illness, she was succeeded by Eugenia Agnost.

Mr. Licouris also organized a society for the young people of the Church called the “Apollo”, which was essentially a musical club. It included the members of the choir and others who were interested in fostering better music for our Church. Young men also joined at that time - among them: Frank Agnost, James Korakakis, Louis Koras, Milton Anninos, Ulysses Petropoulos,, Rossie Triantafilos, etc. It is interesting to note that while these young men contributed commendable services by participating in programs to raise funds for the purchase of robes and music books for the choir, they would not themselves join the choir as singers.

At that time, there was considerable hostility concerning girls/women singing in church. It should be pointed out that, among the immigrants who made up the older generation of that time, there were many who believed that women were second-class citizens in the Church, and it was considered a sacrilege to have a girl/women’s choral group participating in the Liturgy. Moreover, the girls could not be “bareheaded”, so they had to wear caps with their robes which them appear like the latest graduating class from some school! This also caused some consternation during the services: the girls, who, at that time, sang in front of the altar while standing around the organ which was stationed there, during the high moments of the Liturgy, had to kneel and reverently bow their heads while singing, and quite often, some of these caps fell off their heads onto the floor and turned the solemn moment into a comical one, causing quite bit of giggling. Eventually they were allowed to dispense with the caps.

In the beginning, the choir members were quite regular in their attendance, but as the initial enthusiasm began to wear off. There was a great slack in attendance. On one Sunday, only the organist showed for the Liturgy. At the request of Father Spiropoulos, who did not want to break the continuity of having a regular participate in the Liturgy on Sundays, the organist played and sang the choral parts of the service herself. The following Sunday, only she and her sister showed for the service. Again, they both sang on behalf of the choir. But, following that Sunday, the more dependable members of the choir, who were its nucleus, attended regularly and could be counhted on for Liturgy and special services.

During those years, the choir took part in special programs besides the Church services. At a special invitation, they went to City Hall and had an official photograph taken with the late Honorable Mayor Angelo J. Rossi.

In the spring of 1935, Mr. Licouris was succeeded as director by John Skourtis, who was also a cantor. He led the choir until the fall of 1936.

The old Saint Sophia became the United Greek Orthodox Community of the Annunciation in 1936, under the aegis of the late Reverend Father Basil Lokis. At that time, the choir was reorganized. For a very brief period, a Russian Director took over, but was succeeded by Frank Agnost. Young men joined the choir and some professional singers were hired. For the first time, the choir sang in four-part harmony. Some of the new members were: Mary and Nicoleta Desalernos, Aspasia Vasilatos, Bessie and Katherine Ellis, Katherine and Caliope Spanos, Chrisoula and Bessie Braimes, Toula and Joan Koliopoulos, Frances and Jennie Chicos, Cara Develekos, Joan and Helen Caravellas, Esther Tsarnas, Katherine Vreneos, Grace and Amanda Trigonis, Ted Poulos, Milton Anninos, Gregory Pantages, George Agnost, Paul Grey, Emmet Purcell, etc.

The old reed organ was replaced ba a new Everett reed organ.

A special Christmas Service was held in the Church in 1936, on the Sunday evening before Christmas, with the choir singing a program of Greek Christmas hymns, the better-known carols and the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. The Hammond organ was used for this service, played by Maurice Michaels, organist and head of the organ given by the guest preacher, the Reverend Father Ralph Bayless, President of the American Bible Society and Minister of the Presbyterian Church.

The most important event during the leadership of Frank Agnost was the dedication and consecration services of the new Church of the Annunciation in 1936, at which time the Clerical Convention was also held. The Church was jampacked, and even out in the street there was a great crowd. Loudspeakers were installed everywhere, so that all could follow the impressive ceremony. Clergy and dignitaries from all over the country were present, headed by the Right Reverend Archbishop Athenagoras and the Right Reverend Bishop Callistos. During the week of the Convention, the choir gave its first concert, in honor of the Archbishop, in the newly renovated hall of the Church. The program consisted of well-known choral compositions (set to Greek texts) and solo numbers by the vocalists: Ted Poulos, Gregory Pantages, Joan Agnost, Joan Caravellas, and the violinist Frank Agnost. Mr. Maurice Michaels accompanied on the Hammond Organ and Eugenia Agnost accompanied on the piano.

In 1940, Frank Agnost resigned to enter the Armed Forces. He was succeeded by Eugenia Agnost. Among the new members who joined the choir at that time were: Dean and Steve Polizois, Anna Nouris, Anthony and John Kosturos, Marina and Gus Kosturos, Bessie and Chriso Anastole, Christina and Soterios Chalios, Mary and Nick Dertiman, Anthi Theodosopoulou, Bessie, Mary and Barbara Kapanis, Helen Economou, Nicoleta and Emily Pantages, Peter Pantages, Alice and Katherine Tsirlis, Helen and George Moustakas, Beverly Andrews, Alice Lempres, Harriet and George Vellis, etc. The new organist was Alice Lempres. Later on, she was joined by Harry Collis as alternate organist.

The choir took part in many secular programs during the war years, one of which was a broadcast performance of patriotic Greek songs on a program known as “folk Song Festivals” over station KFRC (broadcast from the studio). Gregory Pantages, Joan Agnost, and Georgia Gianopoulou were the vocal soloists.

Also during those years, a Sunday Liturgy was broadcast direct from the Church, sponsored by John Sirigos and honoring the late Right Reverend Edward L. Parsons, Episcopal Bishop of California, who was guest speaker.

The most important musical event at that time was the sacred concert given by the choir at the Scottish-Rite Auditorium, in October 1942, the proceeds of which were used for the purchase of a new Hammond Organ for the Church. The concert was given in honor of the late Reverend Father Vasilios Lokis in acknowledgement and appreciation of his outstanding service in behalf of the Church. George Agnost was mainly responsible for preparing the program book, and he wrote many fine articles that appeared in the book. The concert was an artistic and financial success. The vocal soloists included: guest artist Rheba Greenley, Joan Agnost, Helen Economou, Anthony Kosturos, Christina Chalios, and Soterios Chalios. Helen Varetakis played the violin obliggato in the Benedictus of the Missa Solemnis of Beethoven. Eugenia Agnost also played a violin solo (concerto).

The choir also continued the practice set by Frank Agnost of giving Christmas concerts in the hall of the Church each year during that joyous season. Special guests were invited and were served Greek pastries and other refreshments, which were mostly donated byt the choir members themselves.

During one memorable Christmas Season, in 1941, the choir gave a dramatic presentation (with costumes and all, in the Church Hall) of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, translated into Greek by Mr. Christos Makrigiannis. The part of Ebenezer Scrooge was played by Gregory Pantages; the nephew was played by Anthony Kosturos; and Marley’s ghost by George Agnost. George Tripodes was Bob Cratchit and Beverly Andrews was Mrs. Cratchit. It is believed that George Moustakas was Tiny Tim. Other names in the cast are not recalled. Two performances were given and the honored guest was the late Right Reverend Ireneos, Bishop of San Francisco.

The choir took part in the March 25th celebration during 1944; in fact, the choirs of both Annunciation and Holy Trinity joined and sang together for the first time. Eugenia Agnost conducted and the pipe organ was played by Maurice Michaels. The program was made up of Greek and American patriotic songs. The chairman of the evening was George Christopher and the Master of Ceremonies was Art Linkletter. Amongt the dignitaries seated on the stage were Governor Earl Warren and Mayor Roger Lapham.

In late Spring 1944, Eugenia Agnost resigned as director in order to continue her studies. Her sister Joan did likewise.
And that’s the early history of the Annunciation Cathedral choir.

A FOLLOWUP NOTE
We, the parishioners of our Annunciation Cathedral, are grateful to the members of our choir, who are there for our church week in and week out, adding their voices to our beautiful and meaningful services.

February 2006 Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.