May 2003

“FOREVER ANGELS”
by Desiderius Erasmus

In our March 2002 edition of the Herald, there appeared an article by me, Desiderius Erasmus, entitled “Look Homeward Angels.” In this article, I praised the accomplishments of our girl’s high school basketball team over the past 5 years and, with melancholy, told them, “Look homeward, Angels, you will always be in our hearts.”

I thought it would be interesting to visit coach Mike Canellos a year later and see how our “new” girl’s high school basketball team was doing. I caught up to Mike after one of his practices and casually asked him how he felt, now that his “Angels” were gone. He smiled and said, “Where did they go?” I reminded him that they had graduated last year and that I had written about it in the Herald.

Mike responded, “I think your article, though excellent, informative, and most eloquent, was premature. At the time of your article, Desiderius, I, too, thought an era of basketball had come to an end. To be honest with you, I was even preparing to finally retire from coaching. However, at the team’s first practice, I asked the new girls what they would like to be called. (As you know, Desiderius, I have a habit of nicknaming my players). I suggested “Little Devils” or, perhaps, “The No Names!: One of the girls rather boldly answered, “We are the Angels.” Caught off guard, I answered, “the Angels graduated last year.” “No,” the girl replied, “your players may have graduated last season, but the spirit of the Annunciation Angels remains.We are the Angels!” I immediately thought, well, at least they have the attitude of my Angels. As the weeks passed, Desiderius, I realized what this young lady had tried to teach me. Yes, Stephanie, Mary, Sara, Mariella, Candace and Natalie may have graduated, but the spirit of hard work, dedication, and love, which symbolizes the Annunciation, is now manifested in our Angels.”

On Sunday, April 13, our Angels won their 6th consecutive championship, bringing their overall record to 47 wins and 1 loss.

SUGAR AND SPICE
by Desiderius Erasmus

What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice and all that is nice. Well, here at the Annunciation Cathedral, our recipe uses not only “sugar and spice and all that is nice,” but also a pinch of a most magical ingredient, called “tude.” As a wise wizard once revealed, it is this enchanted element known as “tude” which enables one to overcome insurmountable obstacles, and to achieve the impossible.

First discovered by the sorceress Circe and later claimed by Odysseus, “tude” has been cherished throughout the ages. Here at the Annunciation we have been entrusted with this most precious gift and have pledged to use it judiciously.

However, this past girl’s basketball season, we experienced a phenomenon that suggests our coaches perhaps sprinkled a little too much “tude.” Our 3 girls teams, ages 8 to 18, posted a combined record of 21 wins and 0 losses. They captured three League Championships and three Tournament Championships. After checking through the Annunciation athletic archives, we have determined that this level of success has never been achieved by any girls teams before. Congratulations to all our young ladies.

Before congratulating coaches John Kallas and Michael Misthos of our girls C team, coaches Ari Stratakis and Mike Canellos of our girls A team, and Mary and Mike Canellos of our girls high school team, I strongly advise them, “be cautious and vigilant,” the formula is most powerful.

Congratulations to all!

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday School will sponsor an Appreciation Luncheon for Effie and Andrew Vellis on Sunday, September 7, 2003 (opening day of Sunday School). Proceeds from this event will benefit the Building Fund.

JULIANNA ROTTER A WINNER!

Congratulations to Julianna Rotter, first place, senior division, winner in the District Oratorical Festival held at the Nativity Church in Novato, April 13th. Julianna competes for the Metropolis Award at the St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center on May 10th. We wish her well!

NEED TO RECRUIT

Four (4) new Sunday School teachers and assistants are needed as we begin the 2003-2004 school year, which resumes September 7. Search within and see whether you have that special gift of teaching. Our precious children will benefit, as you will by teaching them the way of the Lord. Please call Denise Yeilding or Father Stephen at the Cathedral at 415 864-8000.

SUNDAY SCHOOL GRADUATION AND LUNCHEON

This last day of Sunday School, June 8, a luncheon celebrating our children, will take place immediately following the Divine Liturgy in our community center. Everyone is welcome to join this celebratory, complimentary luncheon of hamburgers, hot dogs, and the works.

SUMMER CAMP AT ST. NICHOLAS

There will be two sessions of summer camp at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center: July 13-19 and July 20-26. For information and to download application forms, log onto the Ranch’s website, www.stnicholasranch.org. Or, contact the Ranch at 559 338-2103.

Annunciation Cathedral’s 4th Annual Family Camping Trip will take place August 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2003 at the Casini Ranch Family Campground on the Russian River. As in past years, campers and their families will experience the beauty and excitement of California’s north coast at this camp site, nestled on the historic Russian River. Here, hiking, bicycling, volleyball, softball, horseshoes and fishing will be enjoyed, as well as relaxation along the river in a canoe or by the beach.

Because the camp is taking place in August, Father Stephen will be able to visit on one or more occasions. Following the celebration of the Paraclesis, or Service of Consolation, at the Cathedral (this service is celebrated Monday through Friday, during the first 15 days of August, at 10 a.m.), Father Stephen will visit the camp site and celebrate the service there.

Space is, of course, limited. Reservations, therefore, are on a first come, first serve basis. For a family of 2 persons, the cost is $220; for 3 persons it is $240; for 4 persons it is $260; and for 5 persons it is $280. There is a 1 tent limit per family. The above prices include all meals, but not the tent. Reservations and fees are due by July 11, 2003. For reservations and information, please call: Ari Stratakis

IONIAN VILLAGE - FAR BUT NOT-SO-FAR

Ionian Village is a summer camp setting along the Ionian Sea, owned and operated by the Archdiocese of America. Its summer programs are usually sold-out well in advance. Therefore, if you are interested in considering Ionian Village for your children, or for yourself, we recommend that you inquire early.

Ionian Village operates three programs:

1. A Summer Travel Camp, for 7th-9th grades, June 30 - July 17
2. Byzantine Adventure, 10th-12th grades, July 23- August 9
3. Spiritual Odyssey, Ages 19-30, July 13 - July 28.

Each of these programs affords the participant the opportunity of visiting historical sites throughout Greece, in addition to the program at the Village itself. The Cathedral office has some brochures describing these programs in detail. Or, if you prefer, visit the web site at www.ionianvillage.org, or contact Ionian Village at (646) 519-6190 or via email at ionianvillage@goarch.org.

Sea Scouts is a program for youth ages 13 to 18 which teaches sailing and seamanship. We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 and most weekends we have activities including sailing and regatta practice.

This summer we will cruise for two weeks in the Delta, as far as Stockton where we will visit with the St. Basil's GOYA youth...for information contact Skipper Nick Tarlson.

BOY/CUB SCOUT PROGRAM

Annunciation Cathedral is considering starting a Cub Scout Pack and/or Boy Scout Troop. We actually had a very successful Troop 436 many years ago. Now that the weather is getting better, we will be able to plan many fun activities in the outdoors, including hiking and camping, field trips, and maybe the Sea Scouts will even take us for a ride!
For more information contact Nick Tarlson.

ORGANIST SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are available for aspiring organists. The Xenia Anton Desby Scholarship will pay for a series of organ lessons for appropriate candidates. Consider helping your choir and improving your skills by applying for this scholarship.
For more information contact Nick Tarlson.