CONNIE PANAGOTACOS, ATHENA TSOUGARAKIS
HONORED AS SPIRIT OF STEWARDSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

At the Spirit Award Dinner held on October 10 in San Jose, two additional members of the Annunciation Cathedral, namely Connie Panagotacos White and Athena Tsougarakis were honored as examples of Christian Stewardship. (They were nominated after the October Herald went to press.) The Cathedral acknowledges these nominees, who are also hard-working and dedicated members of the Cathedral, and congratulates them on the occasion of the Metropolis-wide recognition received.

CONNIE PANAGOTACOS WHITE
Connie Panagotacos – Metropolis Philoptochos Nominee
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA

In Mathew 5:14 “we are called to be the light of the world.” Connie has been a shining example of a faithful and spiritual steward of the Orthodox Faith. Growing up in Fresno at St. George Church, she and her family were very active members. After marriage, she and her husband John settled in San Francisco and joined the Annunciation Cathedral.

While raising her sons she became involved in many ministries of the Church and she showed her love and devotion as she volunteered endless hours to serve. Asked to organize Greek School classes she immediately formed a parent organization. Joining Philoptochos she took on many fundraising activities, chaired events, and served in many offices including President. Connie was always at the helm of every function. At the Cathedral she served on its finance, building, facilities and food festival groups including being in charge of food preparation. This began with the earlier fund raising bazaars that became today’s food festival, even chairing when she was in a body cast due to an accident. The words “it can’t be done” or “I don’t have time” don’t exist in Connie’s vocabulary. She gave great support to the Metropolis Philoptochos in addition to serving her famous galaktobouriko whenever asked.

After her husband died in 1967 she began a career with the Office of Assessor at City Hall while serving her Church and keeping her sons involved in the faith. Today, Connie with her second husband, Neal White, still supports many areas of Church life. Her vibrant personality and warmth allow her to interact with all age groups. She continues to support and encourage younger women to join the philanthropic endeavors of Philoptochos. The example of her faith and commitment has transferred to her children who all serve the Church in many capacities.

ATHENA TSOUGARAKIS
Athena Tsougarakis – Metropolis Church Music Federation Nominee
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral – San Francisco, CA

Athena has been involved in her church choir for many years. As she puts it, “My mother dragged me kicking and screaming to choir one day before my fifteenth birthday.” She was a bit intimidated as most of the choir members at that time were much older, but it didn’t take too long before she was hooked. She was soon appointed assistant choir director and eventually took on the job as Choir Director at Annunciation Cathedral for over 35 years.

Athena has been a constant presence within the Metropolis Church Music Federation for many years. She served as layout editor for the Inchoirer Metropolis Church Music newsletter, lending her graphic design skills and keen eye for editing. She was also a driving force behind the Federation stewardship program as she was personally a very generous steward and challenged her choir members and others in the Federation to not only offer their talents but their resources to support the music ministry of our Church.

At the end of Federation meetings and conferences she would always encourage the group to sing a loud and resounding “Amen” to mark the completion of the gathering. She still carries a tremendous devotion to the music of the church, has created lasting friendships, and people love to hear her deep but melodious voice on the phone saying her trademark, “Hi, my name’s Athena”.

PARISH ASSEMBLY UNANIMOUS IN ITS SUPPORT OF THE CATHEDRAL’S BUILDING EFFORTS

The Cathedral’s second Parish Assembly, convened following the Divine Liturgy on October 18, set the tone, not only for the work of the Assembly, but also for the building project which the Annunciation Cathedral community are about to undertake. Following a report on the status of the project, a motion made and seconded by a number of parishioners, was adopted unanimously. The motion commended the Parish Council for their leadership in developing the project and encouraged the Parish Council to formulate a proposal for approval by the Parish Assembly, by the end of 2009.

The Cathedral has undertaken to complete Phase Two of its Building Project, namely, to build the Church, along with on-site parking. A two level below-grade parking structure is being planned at its Valencia Street site, along with a domed Cathedral church at the level of its current courtyard. The church will measure approximately 13,300 square feet and will seat 650 (550 in the naos, or main church, and 100 in the choir loft and elsewhere). It will also feature a baptistery, which will be used for adult baptisms and smaller services.

Geotechnical services were performed on several occasions, to determine the most suitable construction for the kind of soil found on the site. Recently, four new holes were drilled, down to 75 feet. Schematic , or preliminary, drawings were done in order to work out a cost estimate, but also to receive a preliminary “approval” from the Planning Department. Members of the Planning Department recently reviewed the project. We are pleased to report that things went well, enabling us to proceed to the design development stage. Meanwhile, on October 28, the construction firms of Nibbi, Plant, and Cahill were interviewed for the purpose of providing pre-construction services. The essential points of pre-construction services are to determine how best to build the structures and also to work out a realistic cost estimate for the project. For example, what is the best way to build a 50 foot wide dome? Does one build it in place, i.e. by the placement of steel ribs and either pre-formed or poured elements in between, or does one build it off-site and transport it, by helicopter or other means? As for cost, how can the same thing be constructed for less? Is poured concrete less expensive in the end? Of course, concrete costs more, but the labor involved is far less than shaping the various forms by hand. Then, again, one weighs more than the other. Is the added weight an advantage, given the type of soil the structure will sit in? As these issues are resolved, and we have the necessary information, Annunciation’s parishioners will be invited to a special Parish Assembly to consider the proposal of building and at a specified cost, along with a plan for raising the necessary funds. A fund raising will be formed to carry out the fund raising, and we will be on our way.

Addressing the congregants and clergy who assembled for Metropolitan Gerasimos’ feast day celebration on October 20, the Metropolitan declared his support for the building of the Cathedral church and encouraged everyone to work together to make it a reality. Construction could begin in the autumn of 2010. Approximately 18 months are required for the completion of the structure. Assuming the necessarily approvals and financing are in place, we could plan a thyranoixia (or official opening) on Christmas, 2012.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE GEARS UP FOR CAMPAIGN 2010. IT BEGINS NOVEMBER 15 AND CONCLUDES WITH STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY ON DECEMER 6

The 2010 Campaign, being planned by the Cathedral’s Stewardship Committee, has a number of new features. These were also reported in the October Herald. They are:

1. A New Program, with the theme COME AND SEE. This phrase is simple yet powerful. It comes from the Gospel according to St. John, where two Disciples, Philip and Nathanael, are talking, and Philip says to Nathanael: “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael essentially says, that’s impossible. His actual words are, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip answers him, “Come and see.” Of course, Nathanael goes on to meet Jesus. His life changes forever. Meeting Christ calls us to change, physically and spiritually. In finding Christ, we grow and mature in faith.

2. A defined campaign. The campaign will begin on Sunday, November 15 and conclude Sunday, December 6. It will take place over four weeks, in the context of giving thanks, during which time parishioners will be invited to make their commitment to the church for 2010 and bring their cards to church on December 6. The Cathedral clergy and the Parish Council will first make their pledge and then the congregation will be invited to place their cards in the collection plate. Pledge cards will be mailed to all parishioners of the Cathedral, along with pertinent stewardship information. As the cover letter, which accompanies this information, states: “Envelopes will not be opened, nor will the individual amounts of the pledges be made public…Your pledge is between you and the Lord!” Nevertheless, by placing our pledge cards in the collection plate, in a public manner, we affirm our support for the Church and her ministries.

3. Speakers for the four Sundays of the campaign. Gus Vouchilas will speak in church on Sunday, November 15. Nick Svetcoff will speak in church on Sunday, November 22. Dr. Nikolas Stathopoulos will speak in church on Sunday, November 29. Pauline Zakis Smith will speak in church on Sunday, Decemember 6. These four people are members of the Cathedral’s Stewardship Committee. Along with Deacon Niko and Father Stephen, they work tirelessly to motivate others to become stewards. In essence, they will be delivering the sermon for the Sundays indicated.

4. Involvement of our children. In cooperation with the Sunday School, our children will process in church on Stewardship Sunday, inviting us to join them as they “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 100:1, e.g.). Stewardship is also about our children.

5. A luncheon on December 6. We will celebrate the conclusion of the Stewardship campaign by means of a fellowship meal. How appropriate that this day coincides with the Feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in Lycia (Asia Minor). St. Nicholas is a prime example of Christian stewardship. It is also Deacon Niko’s birthday.

Parishioners are asked to review the materials sent to them and to call the Cathedral, at 415 864-8000, should they have any questions. The Cathedral’s Stewardship Committee invites your continued involvement, suggestions and support. It invites everyone to be involved in the support of the Cathedral community, young and old alike.

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS

There are eight members of the Parish Council whose term expires on December 31, 2009. They are: Michael Bagatelos, John Coundouris, Thomas A. Nuris, Nikolas Stathopoulos, Nicholas Svetcoff, George Vlahos, James D. Vorrises, and Gus Vouchilas. Meanwhile two other parishioners have declared their candidacy. As this issue of the Herald went to press, we have received declarations of candidacy from John Coundouris, Andrew Dimitriou, Perri Tsougarakis Nager, Thomas A Nuris, Nikolas Marios Stathopoulos, Nicholas Svetcoff, and Gus Vouchilas. Elections will take place on Sunday, December 13, 2009, following the Divine Liturgy. Absentee ballots will be available November 20. Once again, those elected will serve a two-year term.

OTHER PARISH ASSEMBLY MATTERS

The members of the Nominating Committee, namely, Anthony Ambus, Annette Chiappari, and Basil Tonas, will now serve as the Board of Elections, which will oversee the Parish Council elections on December 13. They will prepare the ballots. (Absentee ballots will be available for mailing on Friday, November 20.) They will oversee the elections, and they will also tabulate and record the results. Meanwhile, James Dariotes and James Vorrises were named to represent the Cathedral, together with Father Stephen and Tom Nuris, at the Metropolis Clergy-Laity Congress, which will take place at the St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center February 8-9, 2010.

THE GREEN PATRIARCH, A NEW VIDEO WORTH SEEING

Like Al Gore, who named him the "Green Patriarch," the Ecumenical Patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church is a prominent leader in the environmental movement. Since 1997, he has been bringing principal scientists, environmentalists, religious leaders from all faiths, and policy makers from all over the world together to work on the ecological crisis.
A new film, entitled “The Green Patriarch,” looks at the ecological consequences of the historical split between science and religion, how we came to see ourselves as separate from nature, and how our consumer based economy found its moral justification in a Judeo-Christian view that humans have dominion over the planet’s resources. At the same time it also explores how Bartholomew's activism is inspired by the Orthodox position that we are part of nature, and that God’s intention for humans is to be stewards, or caretakers, of all creation. In a world of unprecedented consumption of the earth’s natural resources, Patriarch Bartholomew shows by example how saving the planet is finally a moral issue, not solely a technological one. And as this film follows him on his trips to the most ecologically threatened areas of the planet, it also illustrates why these views are so controversial. The Ecumenical Patriarch arrived in the United States on October 20, to preside over an ecological conference, convened in New Orleans, LA, along the banks of the Mississippi River, and will return to Constantinople in early November, after visiting a number of Metropolises and meeting with a number of Orthodox hierarchs and other Orthodox faithful. For more information, please visit www.patriarchate.org.

HOLIDAY BRUNCH 2009: O COME ALL YOU FAITHFUL

His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the San Francisco Philoptochos Board and its Chapters extend a cordial invitation to everyone to attend the joyous annual Bishop Anthony Philoptochos Student Aid Endowment Fund Holiday Brunch Luncheon. This year the host chapter will be our own Annunciation Cathedral Philoptohcos. The event will take place at the Annunciation Cathedral on Saturday, December 5, 2009. All the Chapters are doing their part to make this a memorable day. The Cathedral Chapter, under the chairmanship of Angie Leventis,is planning a most enjoyable luncheon. A reception will begin at 11 a.m., followed by lunch, Christmas tree drawings, the awarding of fabulous gifts, a silent auction and entertainment.

A merry prelude to Christmas, the holiday luncheon will raise funds for the Student Aid Endowment Fund, which supports seminarians and other students from our Metropolis who attend Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA. Please note the date on your calendars and plan to be with us. For additional information, please call Angie Levents at the Cathedral, at 415 864-8000 or BAPSAEF Chair Pat Aleck at the Metropolis Philoptochos office, 415 321-2600. Join our Metropolis Chapters as they work to secure the future of our Orthodox Faith by supporting our seminarians. Click on the illustration to see a full size copy of the invitation.

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS

The Cathedral welcomes the following new members to our Church family:

Allen B. Mann and Panagiota Teitsa Vlahos were married recently and joined the Annunciation Cathedral. While they live in Dallas, Teitsa was rasied at the Cathedral and, consequently, wishes to continue to be a member of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral invites people new to San Francisco and the Bay Area, who wish to be congregants of the Cathedral, to identify themselves to the Cathedral’s clergy, at their earliest convenience. They will be welcomed, placed on the Cathedral’s mailing list, and sent a Stewardship packet as well as a list of activities offered by the Cathedral, with a view to involving them in the life of the Church. Meanwhile, the Cathedral would appreciate it if, as part of the Cathedral’s outreach, members invite newcomers whom they know to worship with them and introduce them to the Cathedral clergy. Being such an important part of our lives, the Church is not only where we connect, in worship, with our Lord Jesus Christ, but also where we connect with one another, making for a family away from home as well as friendships for life.

THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

We are pleased to announce that our Ladies Philoptochos Board and members after a long summer of baking and cooking for the festival is now focusing on their annual events. The following are some of the projects we will be working on through the end of the year and we hope that all of the parishioners and friends of the Cathedral will continue to support our events for the good of the church.

Thanksgiving Luncheon, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009
This year our Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held after church services on Sunday,
November 22, 2009. We will honor all of the Senior citizens of the Cathedral and the proceeds will benefit the Cathedral Building Fund. We are blessed to have Georgia Evangelatos, a Past President of our organization and presently a current member, sponsor the entire event so that all of the funds collected will go to the Building Fund. Ms. Eva Sogotis is chairman of this event.

The Angel Tree Program
The Angel Tree Program sponsored annually for the last 12 years by the Ladies Philoptochos during the Christmas Holidays is by far one of the most successful and inspiring projects we sponsor. Last year, we were able to collect gifts, gift cards and money for more than 70 children for the Raphael House, an Orthodox shelter for women and disadvantaged children. We are currently in the process of identifying the shelter and/or organization that will receive the gifts donated by our wonderful parishioners and friends of the Cathedral.

This year the project will be handled by the following capable Philoptochos members, Helen Markanton, Nicoletta Ketchum and Vivian Curd. The Christimas Tree will be setup in the hallway on Sunday, November 22 with the names of the children, their age and gender. We plan to complete this project by Sunday, December 20.

BASAEF Luncheon – Saturday, December 5, 2009
This year our Ladies Philoptochos Chapter will be hosting the annual Bishop Anthony Student Aid Endownment Fund Luncheon – a Fund which benefits seminarian/students at the Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts. Several Bay Area Philoptochos Chapters of the Metropolis Philoptochos will also be involved in the preparations to make this luncheon one of the best ever.

Annual Christmas Luncheon – Thursday, December 10, 2009
The annual Christmas Luncheon for the Ladies Philoptochos will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 12:00 noon at John’s Grill Restaurant. This will replace the monthly general meeting and we will just enjoy the day with a great lunch and being with friends.
There will be more details forthcoming on this luncheon in the latter part of November.

The Annunciation Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos invites you to note its meeting dates and activities over the next few months. They are:

The Annunciation Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos invites women 18 and above to join this dynamic arm of the Church, as it ministers to those in need, promotes education by offering scholarships, supports future clergy from the San Francisco Metropolis by helping underwrite their tuition at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, fosters learning by presenting seminars and workshops on wellness, and, in general, strengthens the aims and purposes of the Church community. The Annunciation Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos, for example, raised over $1 million for the first phase of rebuilding of the facilities lost to the Loma Prieta Earthquake. During the last ten years, it raised another $1 million for its various charities. For further information about Philoptochos, and how to become more involved, as a member, please call its president, Angie Leventis. (Men may also join the organization, but only as non-voting, associate members.)

IOCC REMEMBERING HOME DINNER NOVEMBER 1

The IOCC Metropolitan Committee of Northern California invites everyone to a special evening in celebration of the cultures of the Bay Area’s Orthodox Christian community in support of the humanitarian aid and development work of the International Orthodox Christian Charities. The 17th annual “Remembering Home” Banquet and Silent Auction will take place Sunday, November 1, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 999 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA 94132. Pan-Orthodox Vespers will be celebrated at 4 p.m. A Reception and Silent Auction will follow, at 5 p.m., and Dinner & Entertainment will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased by mailing a check made payable to IOCC, c/o the Holy Trinity Church. For further information call 415 584-4747.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD

Yes, it is that time. The time when we gather names of parishioners who wish to extend greetings to one another via the Cathedral’s Christmas card. The card is sent to over 1,000 homes. What a wonderful way to extend best wishes to one another, particularly during these challenging, yet, exciting times. Your greeting brings hope and encouragement to one another, since it celebrates the Birth of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.

You may participate in one of three ways: 1. By clipping the form below and sending it back to the Cathedral; 2. By calling the Cathedral, at 415 864-8000 and telling us you wish to be included; or 3., by responding to Annette Chiappari and Mary Tonas on Sundays, following the Liturgy. They will staff a special “Christmas Card Table” during the coffee fellowship hour during the month of November. Your gift of $25. per line helps defray the cost of the card, as well as mailing.

NEXT COMMUNITY LINK NOVEMBER 21

Please join us for our upcoming Community Link, which will take place Saturday, November 21, following the Divine Liturgy. As with another major Feast Day, the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15), this Feast Day, the Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple, falls on a Saturday. We will meet at the Cathedral at 9 a.m. (Orthros also begins at 9 a.m.) for prayer and visit assignments, and begin our visits by immediately following the Liturgy, which begins at 10 a.m. We go out in pairs, concluding our visits before lunch time. Our visitations to home bound parishioners are very special, to us and to those we visit. They bring joy to our seniors who are experiencing isolation from their community due to illness, loss or hardship. Community Link is an excellent way for all of us, children, adults and families to engage with one another and to share the message of God’s love. There are many ways we can do this. One is through prayer. Another is through our visitations. A third is by “adopting” a senior and, literally, giving them a “lift.” As we have stated on a number of occasions, many of the seniors we visit need rides to doctor appointments and to church. If you would be willing to help in this way, please contact Caroline Pappajohn, cpappajohn@yahoo.com. The last Community Link in 2009 will take place on Saturday, December 19.

TROJAN WOMEN

SACRAMENTS & SERVICES

BAPTISMS
Andonis, son of George Ambadiotakis and Tessa Mellena Milojevich Ambus, was baptized at the Cathedral on October 17. His sponsor is John Spachis.

Rufta, daughter of Amine and Sofanit Tesfai, was baptized at the Cathedral on October 24. Her sponsor is Semainesh Zerai.

Bealu, son of David and Anastasia Scourkes Neeve, was baptized at the Cathedral on October 24. His sponsor is Athena Scourkes.

WEDDING
The marriage of Allen Barclay Mann and Panayota Teitsa Vlahos was blessed at the Cathedral on October 3. William Vlahos is their sponsor.

Na mas Zisoun! (Long life!)

Return to Main Index

Nov 2009 Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.