CHAMPIONS!!! ANNUNCIATION WINS!!!

For the first time ever, Varsity Basketball Championship games were held at the Annunciation Cathedral’s Korinthias Gym. The championship games took place on Sunday, May 4, 2008.  Three of Annunciation’s teams had reached the finals: High School Girls, High School Boys and Adult Men’s B.  The High School Boys and Adult Men’s B teams took the championship, prevailing over Ascension.  Below is a photo of members of the Annunciation Cathedral’s Champion Men’s Team. Shown, with Coach Chris Kallas and Father Stephen Kyriacou, are, front row (l to r): Curtis Crittendon , Kosta Vorrises, Joey Perez, Konstantine Goumenides, and Dinilo Ramos; second row (l to r):  George Papavasiliou, Aaron Fitzgerald, Mike Fanourgiakis, and Nick Fanourgiakis. Congratulations, Annunciation Champions!

VOULA KOUTOULAS MOTHER OF THE YEAR

The Cathedral Philoptochos Mother’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, held on May 10, was a spectacular event. The Cathedral’s Korinthias Hall was transformed into a floral extravaganza, as the theme, Pretty in Pink, reflected the hard work by this year’s chair, Tula Kallas, and her co- chairs, Mariam Arsinoos and Christina Mandanis.  It is in this setting that Stavroula Koutoulas was named Mother of the Year, 2008.  The following tribute was written by her children:

Our Mother of the Year was the seventh of nine children born on November 10, 1946 in a tiny village outside of Nafplion, Greece.  As a young girl she went to school and worked in her family's Olive Orchards.  During the winter season, her family would travel by foot to a small village outside of Tripoli.  That is where she would meet her future husband and love of her life.  On March 4th, 1967 they eloped, and a year later, their first child, a daughter, was born. 

Her husband immigrated to America in August of 1968.  Nearly a year later, on May 2, 1969, she and her 13-month-old daughter would join him to begin their new life in a foreign place.  They settled in an apartment in Daly City, California.  Although she didn’t have any family of her own, she was embraced with love and welcomed by her husband's large family. To help her husband make ends meet, she worked for a San Francisco linen company for 3 years. 

In 1975, her second daughter was born and the birth of her son shortly followed in 1976.  It was at this time, with God’s grace, that they started their own family restaurant, which enabled them to later buy their first home in South San Francisco, where they still reside today. 

She gave up working outside of the home to nurture and raise her 3 children; however, the nurturing didn't end there.  Today she is the proud Yiayia of 5 grandchildren and continues to provide the nurture, love and guidance that only a woman of her caliber can.  It is rare that you find a Yiayia who still prepares homemade baby food and sings koo-pepe.
 
Our Mother of the year has not only been dedicated, loving, and caring to her family, but also to everyone whose life she has touched.  For her family, her friends, and her church, the word "no" does not exist in her vocabulary.  She can take care of 3 grandkids, clean the house, have Greek coffee with her closest friends, make a homemade Greek meal for 10, and still find time to make koulourakia all before noon.  She definitely puts the "q" in quick and the "e" in efficient.

To her children she is, and will always be, their pillar of strength, devotion and love.  She is their ideal role model, and true depiction of the word MOTHER.

PARISH ASSEMBLY NEWS 

The Annunciation Cathedral convened its first Parish Assembly for 2008 on Sunday, May 4, following the Divine Liturgy. Typically, the parish holds two Parish Assemblies a year, in accordance with the Archdiocese Regulations.  The second Parish Assembly for 2008 will take place on Sunday, October 19.

Meanwhile, the May 4 Parish Assembly heard a variety of reports and took action on a number of items.  As is our custom, we reprint the minutes of the assembly, for the benefit of our parishioners. The minutes are tentative until they are, in fact, read and approved by the subsequent assembly. The minutes were taken by Gus Vouchilas, Parish Council secretary.  Gus also serves as Stewardship Chair.

Father Stephen Kyriacou gave the invocation and called for nominations for General Assembly Chairman.  Gus Vouchilas nominated Nick Rally.  The nomination was seconded by Tessie Calligeros.  James Vorrises made a motion to close nominations.  The motion was seconded by Callie Fousekis and carried unanimously.  At this point it was noted that the order of the agenda would be changed due to a Christening to be held at 1pm in the Cathedral Chapel. 

Phase II
Father Stephen Kyriacou noted that the Parish Council, acting on behalf of the Cathedral, made an offer of 3 million dollars to Mr. Callan for a 4 ½ acre parcel of land located on Westborough Boulevard at Junipero Serra, in South San Francisco.  He further noted, however, that the offer was rejected.  The offer was deemed appropriate, given the additional monies needed to prepare the parcel for building. Father Stephen also advised that follow up with the Callans may ensue.  Father Stephen also apprised the assembly of a 4.68 acre parcel located at 3rd and Evans  Streets in San Francisco.  However, this does not appear to be viable at this time.  He reiterated that the discussion as it relates to relocation continues to be fueled by the following:

• 50% of the community resides outside of San Francisco
• There is currently extremely limited parking at our present site
• Subterranean parking would currently cost in the neighborhood of 10 million dollars to build
• The former used-car lot owner made a move to sell quickly, which precluded the Cathedral Parish Council from making a consideration

Nominating Committee
Nick Rally called for volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee.  The following parishioners were unanimously selected to serve:

1. Callie Fousekis
2. Tessie Calligeros
3. Angie Augustus
   

Reading of the Minutes
Gus Vouchilas read the minutes of the General Assembly meeting held on October 21, 2007.  Nick Rally called for additions or corrections to the minutes.  Nick Stathopoulos made a motion to accept the minutes as presented.  The motion was seconded by George Mattis and carried unanimously. 

Stewardship Report
Gus Vouchilas noted that 2008 income currently exceeds 2007 income to date. He noted that statements were recently sent out and asked parishioners to remit payments accordingly.  He reiterated the need to fund current programs and to create new ones.  Father Stephen polled attendees relative to the current process of rolling over pledge amounts.  Responses were mixed.

Metropolis Clergy-Laity/Archdiocese Clergy-Laity
Father Stephen noted that he, Jim Dariotes, James Vorrises, and Pat Aleck were in attendance and asked for comments.  James Vorrises noted that Metropolitan Kallistos Ware explained Orthodoxy and its principles very well.

Nick Rally called for nominations for delegates to attend the Clergy Laity to be held in Washington DC in July of 2008.  Tessie Calligeros nominated James Vorrises.  The nomination was seconded by Nick Stathopoulos and carried unanimously.  James will attend with Father Stephen Kyriacou.

Youth Report
Michael Canellos reported on youth activity.  Recent and current activity and plans include, among other things, the following:

• Halloween Festival
• Sleep-over at Christmas
• Basketball
• Godparent SundayTGI Pascha
• Summer Camp
• AIDS benefit Christmas party
• New Dance Costumes and Acolyte robes

Board of Auditors Report
Angie Leventis reported that there is currently no report and that the Board will make a presentation at the October, 2008 Parish Assembly.

Treasurer’s Report
James Vorrises summarized the 2007 year-end report along with the 1st Quarter, 2008 report noting that we are ahead of budget for the year. James noted that the financial standing of the Cathedral has never been better.  James reminded parishioners that the Waldorf School has relocated but that they continue to rent the gymnasium.  He also noted the major expense associated with repairing the boiler.

Old Business
There was no old business.

New Business
Kathleen Bardis inquired into the mitigation of issues associated with the former used-car lot building intent which is due May 16th.  Father Stephen and Tom Nuris will follow up. She also asked how many Cathedral surveys were sent out.  There was no definitive response as the actual number was not known.

Demetra Panomitros Salles noted that the Cathedral is a community based church and asked if it was felt that moving to a new location would strengthen the community.  She also asked whether or not the Council is looking at the future health and success of the parish.  She inquired into the viability of purchasing the former used-car lot despite the fact that it has been sold.

Nick Rally noted that there is not necessarily a concerted effort being put forth to leave San Francisco but that there is no viable property currently in existence.  Nick reminded parishioners that the ultimate decision of moving or remaining shall be decided by the Cathedral community at large.

The meeting adjourned at 1:20 pm followed by the benediction led by Father Stephen Kyriacou.

THE POWER OF ORTHODOX WORSHIP

Nothing is as stirring as Orthodox worship during Holy Week and Pascha.  There are numerous services:  Orthros, Holy Unction, Great Vespers, the Presanctified Divine Liturgy, the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, the office of the Great Hours, the Paschal Vigil, and the Paschal Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.  The prayers, while deeply penitential (for all except the Paschal services), are rooted in the deep piety of the Byzantine Orthodox tradition.  The music, in all its modes, transports the worshiper to the threshold of eternity, beyond space-time, as the vision in the Book of Revelation portrays:

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven.  And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, ‘Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.’  Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven and One sat on the throne.  And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.  Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads.  And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.  Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.  And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.  The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.  The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within.  And they do not rest day or night, saying, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!’ Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”(Revelation 4:1-11)

Indeed, Christianity in Russia (so says the Russian Primary Chronicle) appeared precisely because Russian emissaries, attending worship services in the Great Church of Christ, in Constantinople, went back and said, “We did not know whether we were in heaven or on earth.” As a result, the Russian people, under Prince Vladimir of Kiev, converted to Orthodox Christianity in 988A.D. Today, the Church of Russia is, numerically, the largest of the autocephalous Churches. It is estimated that the Church of Russia is comprised of about 150 million faithful, about half the number of Orthodox Christians in the world.  The 14 autocephalous churches (meaning, churches which are administratively independent, but which are in communion with one another, with respect to the Orthodox Faith) which make up the Orthodox Church are: the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople (the Annunciation Cathedral, through the Metropolis of San Francisco and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, is under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople), the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Patriarchate of Antioch, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Church of Russia, the Church of Serbia, the Church of Romania, the Church of Bulgaria, the Church of Georgia, the Church of Cyprus, the Church of Greece, the Church of Poland, the Church of Albania, and the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia.

At the Cathedral, we are fortunate to have not only a magnificent mixed voice choir, but a team of chanters as well: Nick, and Panayiotis and Eirinaios, and others, who join us from time to time.  All this contributes to the continuity of our Church hymnology, sung in the original Greek, in which it was written. Add to this the sublime voice of Constantinos Haralambopoulos, who has joined us from time to time and, while uplifted, we continue to yearn for a proper church in which to worship, to experience Christ, and to perpetuate our time-honored Faith.

Holy Friday at the Cathedral.  Shown with His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of the Dardanelles (Director of the PAOI) are some of the people who helped prepare the Kouvouklion.  The Kouvouklion represents the Sepulcher of Christ.  The Epitaphios (the embroidered cloth which pictures a representation of the Burial of Christ; literally, the word means “upon the tomb”) rests inside of the Kouvouklion. Metropolitan Nikitas led the Vespers of the Apokathylosis.  (Apokathylosis means “descent from the Cross.”  During the Gospel reading, the icon of the body of Jesus Christ is taken down from the Cross and laid in the tomb.)

GREEK LANGUAGE/BYZANTINE CHANT CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Constantinos Haralambopoulos is a retired career diplomat, having served Greece in various capacities in its embassies and consulates around the world.  Having recently retired, he makes his home in Tiburon, together with his wife and their children.  Those who worshipped at the Cathedral this year on Holy Friday or Pascha had the opportunity to hear Mr. Haralambopoulos’ chanting.  Mr. Haralambopoulos is a graduate of the University of Athens, with degrees in musicology and philology.  Not only is he an accomplished chanter, he is also a philology professor.  As such, he has been invited to offer his services to teach Modern Greek as well as Byzantine Chant. The classes will taught at the Cathedral, beginning in September, 2008, and are open to all who wish to learn Modern Greek and/or Byzantine Chant.  The day and time these classes will be taught are flexible, depending upon the enrollment and the availability of the students and of Mr. Haralambopoulos.  The purpose of this announcement is to determine interest. Those interested in learning Modern Greek and/or Byzantine Chant, by attending classes at the Cathedral, are asked to contact Father Stephen Kyriacou at 415 864-8000 or dean@annunciation.org.

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE COMMUNITY STUDY

The Cathedral thanks the 196 plus individuals who have completed and returned the questionnaires, which are part of its parish study. The study, funded by the Cathedral’s Ladies Philoptochos, aims to develop a parish profile to assist with projecting future program, and even facilities, development. In order to make most meaningful sense of where our faithful are, with respect to the Church and our Faith, and to their programmatic and other concerns, in context, adult parishioners were invited to participate, some 825 individuals in all. Their participation was totally anonymous. The results of the study, conducted by Alexey D. Krindatch, Director for Campus Ministry and Membership Growth at the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute, a member of the Graduate Theological Union, Berkley, CA, are expected by the end of the summer, and will be made available to the Parish Council and the Cathedral’s parishioners.

NEWS ABOUT ARIANA

It has been several months (seven, to be exact) since you heard from us.  We have great news to share.  On April 24, Ariana had her halo removed!  As you know, she had to wear the halo after an almost eleven hour cervical spinal fusion, which took place last October.  The surgery and the fusion were a great success.  Now, it was time to remove the halo.  She now wears a collar for a few months to support her neck, due to muscle weakness from not being able to move it for all of those months.  Ariana is so happy that she had her hat (as she called the halo) removed, and we are so joyful to see her this happy. Now, she cannot wait to go swimming and visit Disneyland. Hopefully, she will get to do both of these, soon.  In related news, Dr. Tomatsu informed us that the clinical trials for his Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) will hopefully begin some time in September.  This is very promising for all of the Morquio parents and their families, and we are very excited to hear the news.  If you are interested in reading the press release from the pharmaceutical company that will be conducting the clinical trials, please log on to www.arianascure.com .  

Sincerely, George and Bertha Kallas.

FESTIVAL PLANNING IN FULL SWING

After two preliminary meetings, a full festival meeting was held on April 30, where committee heads for the Cathedral’s 2008 Food Festival were appointed.  (The Festival will take place at the Cathedral Friday, September 26, Saturday 27, and Sunday, September 28.)  The overall response has been enthusiastic.  The process will continue, to ensure the success of the Festival.  New to the food offerings this year will be Greek garlic fries and loukaniko, along with Pastitsio, Mousaka, Dolmathes, Tiropites, Spanakopita, Paidakia, and the usual sides. Other new items are an expanded children’s area, complete with clown, more involvement of the Cathedral’s youth, a movie viewing room, and a discounted business lunch on Friday, September 26. As always, volunteers are needed. Volunteer sign-up forms will be available June 8. Meanwhile, the souvenir book remains an excellent way of advertising your business or commemorating a special event (anniversary, birth of a child, etc.)  Souvenir book contracts are in the process of being mailed.  Later this summer, a special festival mailing will go out, including free admission cards, information fliers and raffle tickets.  We look forward to another wonderful festival, with music, dancing, wine tasting, plenty of parking, and the best Greek food around.  This year’s Festival is under the direction of Tula Kallas and Mike Canellos.  They may be contacted with your ideas and willingness to help: 415 864-8815, or tulkal@aol.com.

OUR CHOIR IN NEED OF ITEMS FOR NEW MUSIC ROOM

The Annunciation Cathedral Choir is trying to furnish its new Music Room at the Cathedral and needs the following items:  music stand(s), pencil sharpener, boom microphone and/or stand, desk or tables, office chair, bookcases, filing cabinets, computer printer, wireless card, router and/or amplifer (just a few things).  If you can help our Choir out, please contact Nick Tarlson, our Choir Director, at 415 956-5700 or nick@tarlson.com.

NEXT COMMUNITY LINK JUNE 21

Please join us for our next Community Link, which will take place on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to noon.  We meet at the Cathedral at 9 a.m. for prayer and visit assignments and begin our visits by 10 a.m. (usually in pairs).  We conclude before lunch time.  Help share God’s love, friendship and support to those in our community who are experiencing loneliness, isolation, hardship or illness.  Many of the seniors we visit need rides to doctor appointments and to church. Would you be willing to help?  If so, please contact Caroline Pappajohn, cpappajohn@yahoo.com.   Community Link dates for the remainder of 2008 are: July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, and December 20.

TO BOOK A COFFEE HOUR

Forever, it seems, the coffee hour was being coordinated by the late Effie Vellis and her husband, Andrew Vellis, to benefit the Sunday School. Effie took care of everything.  Now that Effie is asleep in the Lord, the coffee hour is being coordinated by Andrew Vellis  Mike Canellos, Bonnie Grampsas, Paula Kitses, and with the ongoing assistance of Angelus and Chris Karas.  To sponsor a coffee hour, simply call the Cathedral office, at 415 864-8000.  If one prefers to do so in person, Mike Canellos can be approached during the coffee hour and asked about sponsorship. Sponsoring the coffee hour is a wonderful thing to do, in honor of someone’s birthday or anniversary (or other occasion), or in memory of a loved one.  Your sponsorship continues to benefit the Sunday School.  In the end, it always helps our children. 

SACRAMENTS AND SERVICES

BAPTISMS

Senai, daughter of Menghiste Ab Zeru and Tiblez Tesfa, was baptized at the Cathedral May 3.  His sponsor is Amine Tesfai.

Vlasis Christopher John, son of Stephen Christopher  and Irene (Fousekis) Kyriacou, was baptized at the Cathedral May 3.  His sponsors are Nikolas and Voula Stathopoulos.

Marc William, son of Patric Marc and Barbara Arete (Asimos) Calderon, was baptized at the Cathedral May 4.  His sponsors are Katherine Yeilding and Dwight Shackezford.

Vasiliki Maria, daughter of George James and Demetra Maria (Panomitros) Salles, was baptized at the Cathedral May 17.  Her sponsor is John Vidalakis.

Stavroula, daughter of George and Costadina (Koutoulas) Stamadianos, was baptized at the Cathedral May 18.  Her sponsor is Stavroula Maryannis.

Danait, daughter of Musie Temelso and Azieb Afework, was baptized at the Cathedral March 30. Her sponsor is Winta Yemane

Haralambos, son of Roy G. Sonne and Minetta Switton, was baptized at the Cathedral April 26. His sponsor is Michael Vriheas.

CHRISMATION

Erin Elizabeth Peterson was received into the Orthodox Faith through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation on April 26.  Her sponsor is Caroline Pappajohn.

Na mas zisoun!  (Long life!)

FUNERALS

Irene Despotakis, who fell asleep in the Lord on May 1, was buried May 5.  She is survived by her daughter, Marina Taylor, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Helen Stevens, who fell asleep in the Lord on May 8, was buried May 15.  She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Stevens, and her brother, Jim.

Aionia I Mnimi!  (Eternal memory!)

June 2008 Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.