IT’S SPTEMBER, AND IT’S FOOD FESTIVAL TIME!
FOOD FESTIVAL 2006: SEPTEMBER 29, 30, OCTOBER 1

It’s just days now before the Cathedral’s Food Festival 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.

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.

Volunteer forms are available at the pangari. You may also request a form by calling the Cathedral, at 415 864-8000. Forms were also included in the special festival packets which were mailed to you during the summer.

You may also help by distributing tickets to your neighbors and friends, and by placing posters in your homes and/or places of business. As your Parish is presenting the Festival, you are the Festival hosts, representing the Annunciation Cathedral. Your involvement will make for another wonderful and successful event.

RAFFLE
Building on last year’s success, the raffle committee, headed by Tom Nuris, has secured a number of exciting prizes. Help make the raffle a success by buying the raffle books which were sent to you in July or by selling them to your friends, co-workers and neighbors.

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 have reached our goal again this year, as we celebrate our 85th year—our past, our present and our future.

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.

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 began in July. We must share with you that, on each day of cooking, we had more than the necessary number of volunteers. As a result, in many cases, instead of concluding at 5 p.m., the cooking was finished shortly after noon. We thank you, our wonderful volunteers, for your enthusiasm, your know-how, and your dedication.

Our cooking schedule for September is as follows: Tuesday, September 5: FASOLAKIA (green beans); Wednesday and Thursday, September 6 and 7: KOURAMBIEDES (powder sugar-coated shortbread cookies); Tuesday, September 12: GALAKTOBOUREKO (custard filled phyllo); Tuesday, September 19: GEMISTA (stuffed bell peppers); Monday, September 25: DOLMADES (stuffed grape leaves); and Wednesday, September 27: RIZOGALO (rice pudding). All cooking will take place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come, join us. If you prefer to work in the evening, SOUVLAKIA (shish-kabobs) will be prepared on Tuesday, September 26, beginning at 6 p.m. Come on down.

Meanwhile, if you wish to volunteer to assist in one of these areas, please call Foula Vasilogiorgis. See you at the Festival, ke kali epitihia! (Success!)

THE CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Although there is a cease-fire in the Middle East, between and among Hezbollah, Lebanon, and Israel, the crisis which precipitated there this summer has caused untold suffering among the inhabitants of Lebanon and Israel—Muslims, Christians and Jews.

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco issued an encyclical letter relative to the crisis, calling upon “our government and the United Nations to intercede and to initiate strong diplomatic efforts to envision, formulate, and enforce an immediate ceasefire and a just and lasting peace.

Recognizing the humanitarian crisis resulting from the violence His Eminence appeals to all our faithful “to open their hearts and to offer whatever possible to their parishes for transmission to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) for its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance on our behalf directly to the vulnerable and suffering people and communities.”

In the spirit of this directive, a Sunday collection in August, together with other funds, was forwarded to IOCC. Much help is needed. You may make a gift through the Cathedral, earmarking your donation “IOCC” or you may make a gift online at www.iocc.org, or mail a check payable to IOCC and write "Middle East Crisis 2006" in the memo line to: IOCC, P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, MD 21263-0225. For further information, please call IOCC’s hotline, toll-free, at 1-877-803-4622.

KORINTHIAS COMMITTEE COMPLETES ITS WORK BY PROVIDING A STAGE
The Bill Korinthias Committee, composed of Frank Fotenos, as Chairman, Steve G. Chapralis, as Treasurer, and Mike Vriheas, as General Contractor, and others, have been concerned, from the outset of this first phase of our building project, to build a Gymasium, which was named in honor of the late Bill Korinthias, founder of the OYAA (Orthodox Youth Athletic Association), and supporter of all athletic events for ouor youth. They raised much of the money to build the Gymnasium, provided it with hardwood flooring, backboards and a scoreboard, and affixed the appropriate signage. Each year since the construction of the gym, they have funded the refinishing of the floor. This summer, they provided a stage to be used for various events in our Korinthias Center, making it the finest gymnasium/center in the Bay Area. We extend thanks to the Korinthias Committee for their hard work and for their generosity. A job well done. Bill Korinthias left this earth some months ago, with the satisfaction that his life’s work for our youth (since he had none of his own) was crowned with a center named in his honor. All of this is due to the vision and industry of the Korinthias Committee. Our community owes you a debt of gratitude.

SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM TO HOST 85TH ANNIVERSARY GALA OF CATHEDRAL’S FOUNDING AT CITY HALL ROTUNDA, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

A black-tie optional anniversary celebration, to which the Bay Area Greek community is invited, will take place in the Rotunda of San Francisco’s City Hall on Sunday, November 12, 2006. The festivities will begin with a reception in the South Light Court at 6 p.m., with live Greek music. A gala dinner will follow in the magnificently refurbished rotunda, where guests will dine to the music of Starlight Strings. The brief program will feature local television and entertainment personalities and will include a special presentation to Mayor Gavin Newsom, who is the official host for the evening, Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, and Archbishop Demetrios of America, who is our special guest of honor.

While in San Francisco, Archbishop Demetrios will deliver the Paul Manolis Distinguished Lectures at the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute (PAOI) (Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10) and will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral Sunday morning, November 12.

The significance of the anniversary is that, in 1921, under the presidency of His Eminence Meletios Metaxakis (the former Archbishop of Greece, who shortly thereafter became Ecumenical Patriarch), the Cathedral was established, with the added premise that San Francisco be designated as the seat of the Greek Orthodox Church for the Western States. This decision was fortuitous, both for the City of San Francisco and for the Greek-American community, which gave the City two Mayors--Mayor George Christopher and Mayor Art Agnos, as well as a number of distinguished politicians and civic leaders.

In acknowledgement of this, Mayor Gavin Newsom, granted the use of City Hall for this purpose, through the efforts of Commissioner Victor Makras.

As a matter of historical interest, Meletios Metaxakis presided over the first nineteen meetings of the Administrative or Governing Council of the then nascent Cathedral, oversaw the building of a temporary church and school at Hayes and Pierce Streets, consecrated the church, composed its charter and regulations, and named it “the Greek Orthodox Church, St. Sophia, in San Francisco.” In 1936, the Cathedral reincorporated, as the “United Greek Orthodox Community of San Francisco, The Annunciation.” Meanwhile, it relocated, to its present site at 245 Valencia Street.

Metaxakis also signed the minutes of each of the first nineteen meetings, as did His Eminence Metropolitan Germanos Polyzoides, another pioneer in the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The minutes discuss not only the founding of the Cathedral and the Diocese of San Francisco, but also refer to the establishment of the Archdiocese (which was incorporated the following year, in 1922) and Metaxakis’ vision for the role of the Archbishop, particularly in the procurement and disposition of parish property. A facsimile edition of these historic early minutes, together with an English translation, set in letterpress by Nektarios (Norman L.) McKnight, will be presented to Archbishop Demetrios, Metropolitan Gerasimos, and Mayor Newsom. A fourth copy will reside in the archives of the Cathedral.

By now, you have received your invitation. Please return the reply card/sponsorship card as soon as possible. Seating in the Rotunda is limited to the 520 people. After that, we will plan for seating in one of the light courts, in accordance with the occupancy limits for City Hall. For further informatio, please call the Cathedral, at 415 864-8000

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

The Cathedral offers a number of classes for adults. They are:

1. Class on Orthodoxy: An Introduction to the Orthodox Church. This class, taught by Michael Dwyer, introduces the Orthodox Faith, its tenets and its polity and is designed primarily for those adults who are considering being received into the Church through Baptism/Chrismation. It meets in the second floor conference room every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Following, catechumens attend the Divine Liturgy and remain until the prayers of for the catechumens are recited.

2. Class on the Scriptures, with a view to the end-time imagery of the Book of Revelation. This class, conducted by Marina Taylor, in Greek, meets in the second floor conference room, following the Sunday Divine Liturgy.

3. Wednesday morning Bible Study. This class considers the Apostolic reading for the following Sunday, including its authorship, the circumstance of its writing, and its relevance to us today. It follows a Paraclesis (Supplication Service), which is celebrated in the chapel at 10 a.m. On the first Wednesday of each month, a Service of Holy Unction (Efhelaion) is celebrated instead of the Supplication Service.

4. Learning Community is a Bible Study, with an emphasis on contemporary issues in light of the Scriptures. It also convenes in the second floor conference room, at 7 p.m., and will resume on Thursday, September 14.

YOU ARE INVITED TO A BOOK SIGNING

A timely book, entitled “Too Much For Our Own Good: the Consumeritis Epidemic and Good Movies,” by Harrison Sheppard and Alex Aris, will be introduced at the Cathedral, on Tuesday evening, September 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The authors will be on hand to sign you copy of the book. We have been informed by the Committee that Metropolitan Gerasimos and Mayor Newsom are among those attending the event. Mezedhes and refreshments will be served.

ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL PHILOPTOCHOS NOTES DATES AND TIMES FOR ITS MEETINGS AND THE VARIOUS EVENTS IT IS SPONSORING FOR THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS

Thursday, September 14, 2006 1:00 p.m. General Meeting 2nd Floor Conference Room

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, September 29, 30, October 1 Food Festival Philoptochos sponsors the Pastries and participates in much of the cooking/serving

Thursday, October 12, 2006 1:00 p.m. General Meeting Plus Lunch Delancey St. Restaurant 600 The Embarcadero (If you wish to attend this luncheon the cost is $22.00 per person. Please contact the Cathedral at 415 864-8000)

Thursday, November 9, 2006 1:00 p.m. General Meeting 2nd Floor Conference Room

Sunday, November 12, 2006 6:00 p.m. 85th Anniversary Gala S. F. City Hall Rotunda
Philoptochos will prepare some of the mezedhes and the kourambiedes.

Sunday, November 19, 2006 12:00 noon Thanksgiving Luncheon honoring Senior Citizens
Cathedral Hall

Sunday, January 7, 2007 12:00 noon Vasilopeta Brunch Cathedral Hall

Friday, January 19, 2007 6:00 p.m. 25th Annual Crab Feed Cathedral Hall

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CENTER FOR MODERN GREEK STUDIES ANNOUNCES CLASSES

The Center, located at San Francisco State University, announces the following classes, open to adults:

MGS/GRE 150 Modern Greek I
Introduction to the Modern Greek language. Basic oral expression, listening comprehension, reading and writing will be emphasized. This is a GE course. [4 units]. MGS schedule #14801
Instructor: Prof. Martha Klironomos
Time: Mon./Wed. 2:10-3:55 p.m.
Location: HUM 383

MGS/GRE 365 Intermediate Modern Greek III
A continuation of Modern Greek II. Accelerated emphasis on conversation, grammar, reading, and writing in contemporary Greek. This is a GE course. [4 units].
MGS schedule #14803
Instructor: Staff
Time: Tuesday/Thursday 2:10-3:50 p.m.
Location: HSS 228

HUM 375 Biography of a City: Athens.
Cultural, intellectual and literary impulses that have shaped ancient and modern Athens. [3 units]. HUM schedule # 13512
Instructor: Prof. Martha Klironomos.
Time: Wednesdays 6-9 p.m
Location: HUM 582

MGS 510/CLAS 510/ HIST 326. Byzantine Empire
A Political, social, economic and cultural history of the Byzantine empire from the 7th to the 15th centuries. [3 units]. Schedule [MGS schedule #14805/CLAS #12775/HIST #14029
Instructor: Jesse Torgerson
Time: Mondays, 4:10-6:55
Location: HUM 129

MGS 555 Introduction to Modern Greek Literary Texts
Reading and translation of selected texts in Modern Greek literature. Modern Greek grammar for upper division students. The course will also introduce Modern Greek music and film [3 units]. This is a GE course. MGS schedule #14806
Instructor: Staff
Time: Tuesdays, 4:10-6:55
Location: HSS 151

For further information, please call the Department of Modern Greek Studies, at 415 338-1892

COMMUNITY LINK SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Caroline Pappajohn, chair of Community Link, invites you to the next Community Link, a program which interfaces with homebound parishioners. We will meet next on Saturday, Septmeber 9, at 10 a.m. Meanwhile, volunteers are asked to take ownership of one or more of the following tasks:

1. Put up a bulletin board in the vestibule just outside the chapel with information concerning Community Link
(The bulletin board to church already. Now we need content to put on it before we put it up.)

2 Create a brochure with which to advertise/promote/recruit for community link.

3 Create our very own Community Link Stationary so we can use it to regularly write letters to folks on our list to stay in touch with folks between the monthly visits.

4 Regularly obtain the names of people from our community who are sick so that we can visit them.

5. Gather best practices from other churches and share them with the group, so we can learn from how others are doing this type of program.

6. Commit to making 1-2 phone calls and/or writing 1-2 letters every month in between our visits. (

7. Update the group via email following each community link Saturday (we meet once a month) to let us know how the visit went, any requests, any new information (e. g. birthday or name day).

We thank you for helping to continue and strengthen this ministry. The mail we receive, following our visits, suggests this work is important, indeed. May we continue to glorify God in this work.

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

BAPTISMS
Nahom, son of Zeray Weldezghi and Melashu Gebrehiwot, was baptized at the Cathedral August 5. His sponsor is Samson Legesse.

Nicholas Demetrios Federico, son of Andrew Nicholas Dimitrou and Nada Blasutto, was baptized at the Cathedral August 19. His sponsor is Markella Soward.

Kallie Anastasia, daughter of Bob Lyberopoulos and Lea Leto Fousekis, was baptized at the Cathedral September 3. Her sponsors are George and Lea Papavasilou.

Na Mas Zisoun! Long Life!

September 2006 Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.