THIRD ANNUAL BASKETBALL CAMP

Attention, Annunciation Cathedral youth: We are excited to announce our third annual Youth Basketball Camp. Beginning Monday, July 16 and ending Friday, July 20, boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, are invited to participate in the camp, which will take place at the Cathedral’s Korinthias Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Fliers and registration forms are available at the Cathedral office. You may pick one up, request that one be mailed to you, by calling 415 864-8000 or, for more information, contact Mike Canellos, at 415 864-8815.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

One of the many programs which impact our youth is the Cathedral’s scholarship program. Every year, thousands of dollars are given to deserving students who are continuing their education beyond high school. On Sunday, June 17, five scholarships were awarded, as follows: Nicholas Manual Balian was awarded the Cathedral Ladies Argyres Scholarship; it was presented by Ackie Argyres. Yannis Paulus was awarded the Dr. Anthony P. Bagatelos Scholarship; it was presented by Emily Bagatelos. Juliana Christina Rotter was awarded the Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos Scholarship; it was presented by Angie Leventis, President of the Cathedral Ladies Philoptochos. Constantine Tsagaris was awarded the Christos Tsikitas Scholarship; it was presented by Tom Nuris, President of the Parish Council. Nicholas Tsougarakis was awarded the John N. Pappas Scholarship; it was presented by Patricia and Deedy Aleck.

In presenting the 2007 Argyres Scholarship to Nicholas Manuel Balian, Ackie Argyres noted: the son of Robert and Annamarie Balian, and brother of Nicole, Nicholas Balian currently attends the College of San Mateo. He wants to pursue a career in animation at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. An active member of the Annunciation Cathedral’s youth, Nicholas is active outside the church, as well. While in high school he served as publicity officer for his class, creating fliers, banners and designing class apparel. In 2005 he was nominated for best actor by the American Musical Theater of San Jose for his portrayal of the cat in the hat in the school’s musical. In 2006 he won best supporting actor for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly. He was also presented with the outstanding service award from the faculty and staff of his high school last year. Axios

In presenting the 2007 Bagatelos Scholarship to Yannis Paulus, Emily Bagatelos noted that Yannis is a second year medical student at Standord School of Medicine. He moved to the Bay Area in 2007 after graduating from Harvard College and since then has embraced the Bay Area as his new home. He attends Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont and sings in the choir there, along with being President of the Orthodox Christian fellowship at Stanford. His parents are both Greek and his Greek identity is an integral aspect of his life. Yannis maintains an excellent academic record and is praised for his dedication, passion for teaching, and his professionalism by professors and peers alike. It gives us great pleasure to present the 2007 Dr. Anthony P. Bagatelos Scholarship to Yannis Paulus. Axios.

In presenting the 2007 Philoptochos Scholarship to Julianna Christina Rotter, Angie Leventis noted: the daughter of John and Barbara Rotter, and sister of Stephanie, Julianna continues to excel in her studies at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), where she maintains an outstanding GPA. Known to us as the winner of several St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festivals, Juliana excels in many other areas, including research, athletics and community service. Her recent research includes the UC Berkeley Exercise Research Lab, the MIT Edelman Cardiovascular Research Lab and the MIT Wolfe Visual Research Lab. Her involvement in athletics has earned her a letter in Varsity Women’s Hockey, a letter in Varsity Women’s Crew, and a letter in Varsity Women’s Lacrosse. Juliana is preparing for a career in medicine. Axia.

In presenting the 2007 Christos Tsikitas Scholarship to Constantine Tsagaris, Tom Nuris noted that Dean is entering his last year law school, at San Francisco Law School. His career objectives are (what else?) to practice law. The son of George and Eleni Tsagaris, and brother to Maria, George, and Ditti, Dean has managed to remain on the Dean’s List while also working full-time. Currently he works at Harowitz & Tigerman as a law clerk and is the new business development coordinator at CJK Design Group. In spite of his work load, he has found the time to be involved in the Cathedral’s youth programs, as an acolyte and basketball player. Before coming to the Annunciation, Dean served as a counselor at St. Nicholas Ranch and the Camp Angelos Summer Camp. He has also served as an officer of GOYA and JOY, and the Sons of Pericles. Axios.

In presenting the 2007 John N. Pappas Scholarship to Nicholas Tsougaraskis, Pat Aleck noted: the son of Roxana Tsougarakis, and the late Tony Tsougarakis, and brother of Katherine, “tsougy” will be attending the University of California, Davis. He is planning a career in chemical engineering. An active member of the Annunciation youth, Nicholas strives for academic excellence. He is recipient of a DePaul Scholar Medal and the Presidential Award for academic excellence. He is also a member of the First Honor Roll at Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, where he has maintained a nearly straight A average. Nick is a conscientious young man who, in spite of the loss of his father at a very young age, has accomplished a lot, academically and athletically, and as a Boy Scout. Axios.

NATIONAL YOUNG ADULT RETREAT SEPT. 14-16

The retreat will take place at Hellenic College/Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA, and will feature Father Luke Veronis as Keynote Speaker. Young Adults, ages 18-35, are invited to participate. For further information, please log on to www.youth.goarch.org.

NATIONAL YOUNG ADULT PILGRIMAGE NOV. 2-10

The pilgrimage to Florence, Ravenna, and Constantinople will be led by His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas. Young Adults, ages 18-35, are invited to participate in this historic journey. For further information, please log on to www.youth.goarch.org or call 646.519.6180.

ANNUNCIATION CATHEDRAL CAMP AUGUST 2-7

Now in its 8th year, the Cathedral’s family camping trip will take place Thursday, August 2nd through Tuesday, August 7th at the Casini Ranch Family Campground, nestled along the historic Russian River. Consisting of 120 acres, the camp site features a mile of sandy waterfront, where some of our water activities take place. In addition, we offer hiking, bicycling, volleyball, softball, horseshoes, fishing, and arts and crafts. For those who don’t mind “roughing it,” as long as it’s not too excessive, the site offers a general store, hot showers, and a Laundromat. Please see the enclosed flyer for directions, and rates, or call Patty Rally. Reservations and fees are due no later than July 11.

ST. NICHOLAS RANCH SUMMER CAMP 2007: SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE

Spots are still available for campers at the Metropolis Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch! There's no question that camps and retreats have continually proven to be a positive and life-transforming experience that strengthens the faith of our young people. Youth of the Metropolis who are 8-17 years old are invited to be campers. Each session is one week. Session 1 begins on Saturday July 8th, Session 2 on July 15th, and Session 3 on July 22nd. Summer Camp is a week of fun, fellowship and faith-building. Campers will have the opportunity to meet other youth from different regions of our Metropolis, while participating in the following camp activities: campfires, theater, hiking, pool time, Olympics, athletics, Orthodox Life sessions, stargazing and much more. Additional information, including downloading of the necessary forms, are is available by logging on to the Youth and Family Ministries webpage, http://www.youth.sanfran.goarch.org/. Family Ministries Director Pete Sotiras may also be contacted at 415 753.3075 (office) or 415 753- 0065 (fax), or by e mail, sfyouth@sanfran.goarch.org.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH OUR DANCE PROGRAM?

As reported in our June Herald, our junior groups, Seizmos and Ta Angelakia, will be hosting workshops for the purpose of developing styling as well as becoming better acquainted with some of the dances they will be learning in preparation for their various performances during the year, such as the Cathedral’s annual Food Festival, as well as for next year’s FDF. The initial workshop will take place on Thursday, July 5. Joe Graziozi, who has taught Greek dance for many years and has served as one of the judges at FDF (Folk Dance Festival), will lead the workshop. For further information about the workshop, as well as the Cathedral’s dance program, please E mail Athena Stavrakaras, haniotisa@hotmail.com. The groups will continue to practice during the course of the summer.

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July/August 2007 Herald
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral