FOOD FESTIVAL 2006: SEPTEMBER 29, 30, OCTOBER

Before you know it, it’s Festival time. Once again, the assistance of the entire community is being requested. Below are the various Festival committees. Please review the list and see where you
might like to help. It takes the involvement of the whole community to make our Festival a success.

The Committees are: Souvenir Book, Wine Tasting, Raffle, Tavernas (Inside and Outside Bar), Gyro, Deli, Oktapodaki (Octopus), Pastries, Food Line, Cashiers, Vendors, Underwriters/Donors, Volunteers, Public Relations, Entertainment, Web Site Upkeep, Cooking Schedule / Cooking, Paidakia, Set-up & Layout, Procurement of Supplies, Dance Group Relations.

SOUVENIR BOOK Last year’s Souvenir Book was superb, both in content and quality, and the amount of ads sold. It alone brought in just under $50,000. We are anticipating doing the same this year, especially since we are celebrating our 85th year— our past, our present and our future.

By now, you have all received contracts. Some of you have completed and returned them. We thank you for your prompt response and encourage everyone’s participation, so that 2006 becomes a banner year. The book is not just for businesses. It is for everyone. You may take out a page in memory of a loved one, or in celebration of a milestone event in the life of your family and loved ones—such as a Baptism/the Birth of a Child, a Wedding/Wedding anniversary, a Graduation, a Promotion, or just because. If you have misplaced your sponsorship form, please call the Cathedral at 415 864-8000 and one will be sent to you.

NEW AT THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR Back by popular demand, this year’s Festival will feature a Deli, where you can acquire many of the ingredients used in foods like pastitsio, spanakopitas, tiropitas, dolmathes, and moussaka. We will also feature some new vendors, as Karakiozis (the traditional Greek puppeteer which emerged during the time of Ottoman occupation). Also, for the first time this year, the Festival Singers will be with us, singing kantathes and other songs of yesteryear. All this is being done in an endeavor to enhance the spirit and ambiance of the Festival.

RAFFLE Building on last year’s success, the raffle committee, headed by Tom Nuris, is working on securing a number of exciting prizes. Festival raffle books are due to go out the end of July. Please help us by buying the books that are sent to you or by selling them to your friends, co-workers and neighbors.

COOKING SCHEDULE At the heart of the Food Festival, of course, is the food itself. Although times have changed, and many of our wonderful cooks of past years have gone on to eternal life, nevertheless we make every effort to be true to their time-honored recipes and offer you authentic Greek food. The food items being prepared are: pastitsio (meat covered macaroni casserole); moussaka (eggplant and meat sauce casserole) (both are topped with béchamel sauce), tiropites (cheese filled filo dough), bell peppers (stuffed with meat and rice), spanakopites (spinach filled filo dough), and dolmathes (rice wrapped in grape leaves). Chicken riganato (with oregano) and psari plaki (baked fish) is also prepared, closer to the dates of the festival. Cooking of the above items will take place in July, beginning Tuesday, July 18. Cooking will take place during the day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hopefully, the above items will be prepared by Tuesday, August 1st. Pastry baking will take place beginning Tuesday, August 16th and concluding by Labor Day. Pastries consist of koulourakia (traditional cookies), kourambiedes (butter cookies), melomakarona (honey dipped cookies), baklava (filo layered with walnuts and honey), galactoboureko (custard topped with filo), and kataifi (shredded dough with walnuts and honey). Chairmen of the various food items will be calling their respective crew to help. Meanwhile, if you wish to volunteer to assist in one of these areas, please call Foula Vasilogiorgis.

GEORGE VLAHOS NAMED FATHER OF THE YEAR

On Sunday, June 18, just prior to the Father’s Day luncheon, George Vlahos was proclaimed Annunciation Cathedral’s Father of the Year.

George was born on December 22, 1936 in San Francisco, at Mary’s Help Hospital, then located half a block away from the Cathedral, just behind the historic Levi Strauss Building.

He was the second of four children to Vasilios (Bill) Vlahos, from Armenious, Messinia, Greece and Maria Sathoulis Vlahos, from Kyparissia, Messinia, Greece. His first language was Greek, which he spoke until he attended grammar school, where he struggled to catch up on his English with the other students.

He grew up in San Francisco, first in the Mission District, then in the outer Sunset District. He attended Everett Junior High on Church Street and, afterwards, Lowell High School (the ol’ Red Brick School House), where he was a classmate of Pat Aleck’s. He was active on the football team and sang in the school choir with his brother John and his future brotherin- law, Nick Misthos.

He became active at the Annunciation at a young age. He attended Sunday School there, when the lessons were taught in Greek, as well as afternoon Greek School. He was an altar boy until he was old enough to join the choir, which he did in 1952.

In 1958, at the age of 22, George married Pearl Nichols (Paraskevoula Papanicholaou). They had two children, Bill (William) and Mary. Unfortunately, after forty years, in 1999, George lost his wife to cancer.

George had grown up in his father’s grocery store, and had developed a great appreciation for the grocery industry. He saved his money for a down payment and, in 1962, he bought a struggling grocery store on the corner of Van Ness and Clay, which, through skill and hard work, he developed into a thriving business. He subsequently opened a fruit stand on Pier 39, which he owns to this day.

His son, Bill, and his wife, Julie, recently presented George with his first grandchild, which they named George, of course.

George (our Father of the Year, that is) has always had a great love for his Church and for his Greek heritage. For the past few years, he has served on the Parish Council, while continuing to sing in the church Choir.

SAVE THE DATE CARDS SENT: EXCITEMENT MOUNTS AS PARISHIONERS AND FRIENDS LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING THE CATHEDRAL’S 85th AT CITY HALL SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

The many positive comments we have received since the mailing of those beautiful “Save the Date” cards suggest that our November 12 gala event in the Rotunda of San Francisco’s City
Hall—a first for our community—will not only be well attended, but will also be a fitting remembrance, as we celebrate our past, our present and our future. The gala will take the form of a reception, followed by a seated dinner, catered by McCall’s Associates, with music and entertainment. Archbishop Demetrios of America will be our special guest of honor and San Francisco’s Mayor Gavin Newsom will be our official host. All because, 85 years ago, the decision was made to create the Cathedral and place the headquarters the Greek Orthodox Church for the Western States right here in San Francisco.

Understandably, a gala of this kind— with mezedakia and a Greek music reception in City Hall’s Light Court(s), a four-course dinner extravaganza, to the sound of violins on the grand staircase, and other musical performances —is a costly undertaking. The committee, nevertheless, wishes to keep the price affordable to encourage greater attendance, particularly by our younger communicants. Accordingly, parishioners and friends are invited to help subsidize the event by becoming a sponsor. Sponsor’s names will appear in the program for the evening.

There will be six (s) sponsor categories: FAITH: $5,000 and above; VISION: $2,500; DIAKONIA: $1,000; CHARITY: $500; AGAPE: $250; and HOPE: $100. Parishioners and friends will have an opportunity to note your level of support on the invitation response card, which will be mailed in September. Some of our parishioners and friends wanted us to know of their support as of now, and have sent their sponsorship support. We thank them and assure them that we will endeavor to plan an event that is memorable and enjoyable. A general meeting of the committees took place at the Cathedral on June 27. The next meeting will take place at the Cathedral, on Tuesday, September 12, in the second floor conference room, at 7:00 p.m.

YOUR 85th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE

General Chairs: Father Stephen, Tom Nuris, Angie Leventis, Pat Aleck

Invitations (print, send out invitations and sponsorship cards): Michael Dwyer, Nektarios McKnight, Joanne Glafkides, Irene Poulakidas, Sakee Poiulakidas, Efstratia Soultanakis, Cathy Peterson

Reservations/seating (track returns for attendees): Angie Levntis, Pat Destein, Mauna Arnzen, Michael Dwyer

Sponsorships (solicit and track sponsorships): Presbytera Aliki Kyriacou, Barbara Banis, Yvonne Banis, Susan McLaughlin

Decorations & table arrangements: Nina Cois, Joanne Glafkides, Irene Poulakidas, Heidi Tzortzis, Liberty Nuris, Teia Nuris, Helen Markanton, John and Anastasia Dekaristos

Guests (including letters of invitation to complimentary guests): Father Stephen

Logistics (transportation of archbishop, bloc 10 rooms for out of town guests). Paul Sogotis, Justin Kyriacou

Program and entertainment (plan and script program): Pat Aleck, Irene Kyriacou, Nicholas Svetcoff

Printing of program, including menu, sponsorships and event program: Katherine Dermitzakis, Con Glafkides

Protocol (take archbishop to mayor’s office, e.g.), Presbytera Aliki Kyriacou

Commemorative gifts: Emily Bagatelos, Harriett Boone, Mary Mitchel, George Tacticos, Nektarios McKnight

Hosts/hostesses: Teia Nuris, Irene Poulakidas, Maria Allen, Emily Bagatelos, Mary Mitchel, Joy Tamaras, Harriet Boone

Reception, including mezedakia and Greek music: Peter Manetas, Christine Hay, Jim Tsiplakos

Hospitality (flowers/fruit basket for Archbishop’s room, e.g.): Valerie Roumeliotes

11/12 Liturgy and luncheon for archbishop following: Tom Nuris

Publicity/Marketing: Julie Vlahos, Yvonne Banis, Christina Decker

2006 ORATORICAL FESTIVAL A GREAT SUCCESS

Much was written in past issues of the Herald about the Archdiocese Oratorical Festival, hosted by our Metropolis, and held at the Annunciation Cathedral June 2-4. Archbishop Demetrios was present and attended the various venues, including a dinner hosted by Holy Trinity Church, San Francisco, on Friday, June 2, and a dinner hosted by Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, Saturday, June 3. The Festival culminated in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 4, by His Eminence the Archbishop.

How did the weekend go? The various letters and E mails received by the participants speak for themselves. One of these, by Margarita Tsorbatzoglou, from St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church in Houston, Texas, summarizes it all. (Incidentally, Margarita placed first in the Senior Devision.) The full text is as follows:

“The 2006 Archdiocesan St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival was, without a doubt, an amazing and immeasurably educational event. Not only could the flawless planning of the host committee be marveled at, but the articulate and clever speeches given by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios were entertaining but above all enlightening and full of wisdom. We were graciously welcomed by Father Stephen Kyriacou of the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco, as we were by other clergy at the Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, as well as Holy Trinity in San Francisco. It seemed as if the entire San Francisco Metropolis, under the hierarchical leadership of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, was involved in welcoming the finalists and their families. It was also my distinct pleasure to meet and visit with Father John and Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos, the chairs of the national oratorical festival, as well as Reverend Father Frank Marangos, director of communications of the archdiocese.

“Each finalist had something very valuable to contribute when delivering his or her speech (all of which were delivered in an immensely prepared and eloquent manner). My experience was priceless. I was overwhelmed by meeting so many influential people in our faith, as well as interacting with the other participants. The tour of San Francisco was breathtaking and I truly believe that it is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited.

“Winning first place with the unshakable support of my family, the support of my parish, St. Basil the Great in Houston, Texas, as well as the support of our entire Metropolis of Denver was a true blessing. Our metropolis was so successful, in fact, that first place was awarded to both Denver finalists (senior and junior division). What an amazing accomplishment! I will truly never forget this year’s oratorical festival, and I may have left my heart in San Francisco.”

Note: Thanks go to all the members of the Host Committee, who worked tirelessly to make it happen. June 2- 4, 2006, will remain historic, both for those who participated and their families, and those who contributed and who hosted a most memorable weekend.

AUGUST: TRANSFIGURATION/THE DORMITION

At first, these two events—the Transfiguration of our Lord and the Dormition of the Theotokos—seem unrelated. The one, on August 6, commemorates the event recorded in Scripture when Jesus took a handful of disciples and climbed a mountain for prayer (the traditional site is Mount Tabor, which overlooks the Jezreel Valley, not far from Nazareth). The disciples saw Jesus “transfigured,” that is, his garments were gleaming white and his face shone like the sun, and Moses and Elias (or, Elijah) appeared, and stood to Jesus’ right and left, respectively. The other, on August 15, commemorates the death of Mary, the Theotokos, which tanslates, “the Birth Giver of God.” She was buried in Gethsemane, just outside Jerusalem. Tradition holds that when the disciples gathered, following her death, they found that her physical body was not there; she was “assumed” into heaven. Hence, the “assumption of the Virgin Mary.” Although the assumption is popularly held among Orthodox, it is not a dogma of the Church. In other words, it is not like the belief in the Holy Trinity or the Incarnation, which are fundamental beliefs, or dogmas.

Furthermore, for the first fourteen days of August, we maintain a strict fast. In preparation for the Dormition. Not only that, but every morning, at 10 a.m., we gather for the Paraklesis, that is, for a Service of Supplication to the Virgin. It is a service for healing from physical ailments and distress.

Externally, there are no similarities, and the two feasts seem very different. On closer examination, however, there are so many similarities, that the two feasts actually belong together. For example, they are both about transformation. Jesus, who is God, is changed externally. His divine nature is revealed to the disciples as light. Internally, he remains the same. He is God and He is man. As for Mary, she is changed internally. From a woman who is born as any other human being, she becomes achrantos (immaculate), agne (chaste), Miter Theou (the Mother of God). Her apolytikion (hymn of the Feast of the Dormition) notes, En ti gennis tin parthenian efilaxas, en ti kimisi ton kosmon ou katelipes, Theotoke (In birth, i.e. the birth of Jesus Christ, you maintained your virginity, in your falling asleep, i.e. your death, you did not abandon the world, God-bearer). Externally, then, she remains a human, who, as all humans, undergoes death. Hers is a transformation by will—she gives herself over to the will of God, and thus becomes the “Mother of God.” His (Jesus’), on the other hand, is a transformation by nature—he is God, and remains God, and condescends to be humiliated on the Cross. Note, that, as they descend from the mountain, Jesus tells the disciples “Don’t tell anyone about this vision you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from death” (Matthew 17:9).

In the end, August is a month of prayer. We gather to beseech her supplication. We gather to praise Him as our Savior, born, transfigured, crucified, resurrected, for our salvation. Prayer is the test of everything. If prayer is right, everything is right. Bishop Theophan the Recluse Nineteenth Century, Russia.

COMMUNITY LINK SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Please join our next Community Link on Saturday July 15, from 10:00-Noon. We will gather the Annunciation at 10am to make our visit assignments, pray for our community, then go make our visits by 10:30am. We will be done by Noon. We are not preparing food our July and August Community gatherings (to respect everyone’s busy summer schedules!).

Community Link Summer Schedule:

• Saturday, July 15, 10am (done Noon)

• Saturday, August 19, 10am (done by Noon)

We visit folks who are experiencing isolation because of age or illness, undergoing a particularly stressful time due to the death of a loved one or loss of a job, or celebrating a joyful occasion, such as the birth of a child.

If you or someone you know would like to receive a visit, or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Caroline Pappajohn via email at cpappajohn@yahoo.com.

TULA KALLAS, COORDINATOR OF YOUR CATERED SPECIAL EVENT AT THE CATHEDRAL

As announced, our Korinthias Hall is available for your special event— Baptism, Wedding, Anniversary Reception (to name a few). To assist you in planning your event, the Cathedral has engaged the services of Mrs. Tula Kallas. As a full service coordinator, Tula will assist you through every step of the process, both with respect to the engagement of your caterer and décor, including seat covers, table cloths, table arrangements, trees, and lighting. If you would like to consider the Hall for your event, tour the facility, or reserve a date, call Mrs. Kallas, at 510 432-0194. Thank you for considering the Annunciation Cathedral as the site of your next catered special event.

SACRAMENTS AND SERVICES

B A P T I S M S

Ariana Marie, daughter of George Louis Kallas and Bertha Marie Flanagan, was baptized at the Cathedral June 11. His sponsor is Chris Kallas.

George William, son of William George Vlahos and Julie Dee Anderson, was baptized at the Cathedral June 25. His sponsors are Basil John Vlahos and Mary Georgia Vlahos.

Na Mas Zisoun! Long Life!

F U N E R A L S

Peter V. Tamaras, who fell asleep in the Lord June 1, was buried June 6. His next of kin is his wife, Euthemia (Effie) Tamaras.

Ekaterini (Nina) Lappos, who fell asleep in the Lord June 10, was buried June 15. Her next of kin is her husband, Charalambos Lappos, and their children.

Basilette V. (Kiki, Vikki) Brown, who fell asleep in the Lord June 18, was buried June 23. Her next of kin is her daughter, Beverly A. Brown Myer.

Aionia I mnimi! May their Memory be eternal!

July/August 2006 Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.