Monthly Newsletter - 1999-2001 Archive
St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Church - Bulletin
February 2001 / March 2001 - Volume 5, Number 20
A Message From Your Pastor
St. Anthony, the "father of the monks," the patron saint of our parish whose memory we
commemorate on January 17 is the founder of Egyptian monasticism.
This Great Saint of the Church, whose life is documented by St. Athanasius in The Life of St.
Anthony , viewed monastic life and life in general for the believer as a life centered on Christ. He
serves as a perfect example for us to understand our contemporary ministry. This ministry should
be understood at the outset not as an exclusive function and responsibility of the priests or lay
church professionals. " Any Christian who has ever fed the hungry or visited the sick for Jesus'
sake is a minister, and if he or she is a reflecting person, then the call to a clearer understanding of
Jesus' role in ministry is always present."
St. Anthony, realizing the words of the Lord in the Gospel of Matthew 19:21, "Go and sell what
you own and give the money to the poor...then come and follow me" took them into his heart and
decided to live at the edge of his village as a poor working peasant. He then withdrew into the
desert where, for twenty years, he lived in complete solitude.
During these years, he was completely transformed and surrendered himself to Jesus Christ. He
emptied himself from his worldly attachments and when he emerged from his solitude, people were
able to recognize in him the qualities of a true spiritual man, a true healer, adviser and comforter, a
holy man who would inspire and lead them to God.
St. Athanasius recounted the true story of St. Anthony's life in such a way that we can clearly
understand the necessity of allowing our false self to be transformed into the new self of Jesus
Christ. Furthermore, in the words of the late Father Henri J. Nouwen, "It also shows that solitude is
the furnace in which this transformation takes place. Finally, it reveals that it is from this
transformed or converted self that real ministry flows" (The Way of the Heart, p. 20).
This ministry is a synthesis of the spirituality of the desert with the activity of the contemporary
followers of Christ. To synthesize the spirituality of the desert with contemporary life's distractions
is not easy. The suggestion of Father Nouwen is startling: solitude, silence and unceasing prayer.
The writings of the early desert fathers and mothers can help those who are searching for true and
healthy spirituality. "The challenge to the Church is as clear as it has ever been. It has to prove its
relevance to a world in which secularism is triumphant and misery is pervasive, bringing into
question both God's grace and Christ's message" (The Economist , on The Catholic Church, January
27, 2001, p. 23).
This challenge can be met only by those who follow the steps of the saints, who ultimately lead us
to Jesus Christ, who taught us that God is love, and that it is through the love of God and neighbor
that humankind will be saved.
With my best wishes for a spiritual and meaningful Holy and Great Lent, I remain.
With the love of Christ our Lord,
Father Efstathios V. Mylonas
*****
His Eminence
Archbishop Demetrios
of America Southern California visit
March 29 - April 1, 2001
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will arrive to Los Angeles on Thursday, March
29, 2001. He will meet with priests and presbyteres during an evening lenten meal at St. Sophia
Cathedral Fellowship Hall hosted by St. Sophia Cathedral. On Friday, March 30 the Archbishop
will lecture noon at Loyola Marymount University students, faculty and guests, followed by private
luncheon of University VIPs and friends of Greek Studies Department. Evening Akathist Hymn at
St. Paul's in Irvine, followed by a community reception. Saturday, March 31 morning meeting with
area children from Sunday Schools, GOYA, and related groups for pancake breakfast and visit at
St. Anthony's in Pasadena. All parishes are invited to bring their youngsters to meet and visit the
Archbishop. Noon at St. Sophia Cathedral, neighborhood luncheon with city officials, religious
leaders, and community activists hosted by St. Sophia Cathedral Foundation. It will be an
opportunity to highlight community service and neighborhood redevelopment led by a Greek
Orthodox community. Evening Vesper Services would be celebrated at the Church of the
Assumption in Long Beach, followed by a major lenten fundraiser in the parish hall to benefit the
Living Spring Monastery at St. Nicholas Ranch. All area parishes are invited to attend and support
the event and meet the Archbishop and Metropolitan Anthony. Sunday, April 1 Divine Liturgy at
St. Sophia Cathedral followed by luncheon. Any proceeds from the luncheon can also be dedicated
to the Monastery Fund. This schedule is tentative; details can be refined and changed as needed.
Metropolitan Anthony's 66th Birthday Celebration
On Sunday, February 25, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kokkari Estiatorio, 200 Jackson at Front, San
Francisco, (415) 981-0983. Hosted by George and Judy Marcus. Donation $250 per person to
benefit The Holy Monastery of the Theotokos - The Life-Giving Spring. Make checks payable to
Diocese of San Francisco-Monastery. Please respond by February 20, 2001. To His Eminence
Metropolitan Anthony, we wish a very happy Birthday. May the Lord our God grant him many
healthy and fruitful years.
*****
St. Anthony's Parish Council election of officers
After the ratification of the Parish Council elections by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony and
prior to the assumption of their duties, all Parish Council members on Sunday, January 7, 2001
following the Divine Liturgy recited the Oath of Office before the Holy Altar, administered by
Father Stathis. On Tuesday, January 9, 2001 the following officers of the Parish Council reelected:
Dean Efstathiou, president, Sophia Angelos, vice president, Irene Albeck, secretary, Eleftheria
Polychronis, treasurer, Charles Christodulelis, assistant treasurer. The rest of the Parish Council
members are: Dan Bozikis, Soterios Dallas, Joanna Koulos, Anthia Lucas, Arry Pastis, Ted
Vavoulis, Nick Vayos, Zacharias Vorgias and Pantele Xanthos.
Goals set by St. Anthony's Parish Council on a special meeting January 12, 2001 are the following:
1. Increase fair-share by $55,000 and membership by 25%.
2. Organize a Golf Tournament that will raise $30,000 for our building program.
3. Present for approval to the Parish Council a comprehensive plan for youth programs.
4. Prioritize and recommend to the Parish Council all maintenance issues that need to be taken care
this calendar year.
5. Establish flowcharts and timelines for obtaining planning and architectural approvals from the
County of Los Angeles, and fundraising.
*****
Greek Folk Dance Festival
February 15 - 18, 2001
The Greek Folk Dance youth movement of our Diocese of San Francisco marks its 25th year. The
Greek Folk Dance Festival will take place at the Pasadena Civic Center Exhibition Hall. Hundreds
of dancers and their families will arrive to participate and compete for awards in the four-day
events. A few highlights: Thursday, February 15, the opening ceremonies will start at 8:00 p.m.
On Friday, February 16, competition of Divisions I and II begins at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February
17, First Saturday of the Souls, Orthros/Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service at the Exhibition Hall
7:00 a.m., competition of Divisions I and II begins at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17
Orthros/Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service at St. Anthony's Church 8:30 a.m. Father Stathis
will contact the Holy Services. February 18, Orthros 9:00 a.m., Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. His
Eminence Metropolitan Anthony will preside, assisted by many priests from throughout the
Diocese and visiting Orthodox priests. On this day, St. Anthony's Church will remain open for
those who are not able to come to the Exhibition Hall, Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.
Father Peter Lambert will be the liturgist. However, Father Stathis will take part in the Holy
Services at the FDF and we urge all our faithful to attend. Final competition of Division I begins at
1:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony and Banquet will start at 8:00 p.m. at the Exhibition Hall. Father
Stathis, Billy Tragus and Paul Darlas represent our Parish. This schedule is from the FDF 2001
rough draft itinerary some details can be changed.
*****
The 34th Pentahiliariko
Our 34th Pentahiliariko will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2001 at The Pasadena Hilton.
Every seat reserved. Donation $250.00. We wish to see all our parishioners at this gala event.
Please make a small sacrifice and support the efforts of the Pente Committee members who work
diligently to raise funds for our Church ministries. Co-chairmen of the event are Brian and Pana-Louise Gelt.
*****
St. Anthony's
Golf Tournament
The first St. Anthony's Golf Tournament and dinner will take place on Friday, May 4, 2001.
Chairman is Ted Vavoulis assisted by James Christodoulelis. Information and details will be
mailed to you. Please support this fundraising effort of our parish.
*****
Southern California Ecumenical Council
An Ecumenical Service took place on Sunday, January 21, 2001 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Vincent's
Roman Catholic Church in downtown Los Angeles. This Ecumenical Service is an annual
gathering of clergy and lay people who pray together during the Week of Prayer for Christian
Unity. Father Stathis a member of the Executive Committee of Southern California Ecumenical
Council participated in the Service along with Father John S. Bakas, Dean of St. Sophia Cathedral.
Father Stathis and Father John blessed the Five Loaves (Artoklasia) which was attended by the
Bishops who were present and the clergy and hundreds of faithful people. This Service was a
powerful witness of our Orthodox faith and spirituality. We thank the ladies who prepared the
breads: Helen Bonorris, Aliki Haralambos and Yiota Poulos.
The artoklasia is a service held at the end of Vespers or at the end of Matins, or even at the end of
the Divine Liturgy in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The five loaves are reminiscent of the five
loaves that Jesus Christ blessed in the desert and by which five thousand people were fed. The
artoklasia symbolized and brings into practice the Agape meals of the early Christians. The Greek
term artoklasia derives from the words used by the Evangelists in describing the Last Supper at
which Christ "broke bread" and offered it to his disciples as his own body. Also, "bread is broken"
in the Orthodox artoklasia , signifying not only an identity in terms but a significant affinity
between the Lord's and His Church's breaking bread.
Father Stathis was invited by His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahoney Archbishop of Los Angeles
to the Twenty-first Annual Ecumenical/Interfaith Leadership Luncheon where the Archbishop
recognizes the wider leadership community, both religious and business. This year's honoree is
Mr. Jay S. Wintrob, President and CEO of Sun America, Inc. and member of the board of many
non-profit organizations Former Governor for the State of California, George Deukmejian
addressed the gathering. The event was hosted by Marsh, Inc. at the California Club on Thursday,
February 1, 2001.
*****
Justice and Peace Conference III
The theme of the Justice and Peace Conference III is "Reconciling God's People." The Conference
is sponsored by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, in
collaboration with Loyola Marymount University and will host over 1,500 Catholic leaders at this
day-long forum to explore current domestic and international issues. This social justice and peace
gathering will be the largest ever held in Los Angeles. Speakers will include: Cardinal Roger
Mahony, Archbishop Francois X. Nguyen Van Thuan, President, Pontifical Council for Justice and
Peace, Vatican City, Wetshotsile Joe Seremane, Member of South Africa Parliament, Bishop
Gabino Zavala, Bishop of San Gabriel Pastoral Region, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and other
prominent leaders. You are cordially invited to attend. Date: Saturday, March 17, 2001. Time: 8
a.m. - 5: p.m. Place: Loyola Marymount University, Gersten Pavilion, 7900 Loyola Blvd., Los
Angeles, CA 90045. For more information contact: Phone: (213) 637-7550, Fax: (213) 637-6550,
Email: oj@la-archdiocese.org, Web: ojp.la-archdiocese.org.
Acknowledgments
We acknowledge the many dedicated services of Bill Katem, who is helping for many years and in
so many ways our Church. We are deeply appreciative to Bill. To Litsa Vagenas and Sofia
Vagenas many thanks for preparing the prosphora for our Church and for the Divine Liturgy at the
Pasadena Civic Center, Exhibition Hall on Sunday,
February 18, 2001.
*****
Godparents/Godchildren Sunday
Godparents with their Godchildren attended the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 4, 2001. It
was a happy gathering. They participated in the Holy Services. They prayed together and they
received Holy Communion. Following the Divine Liturgy there was a luncheon in our beautifully
decorated Cultural Center. Many thanks and appreciation to those who worked diligently to make
this Sunday so meaningful and enjoyable.
*****
Funerals
Vaios Retzepis of Duarte, CA on December 19, 2001
Sofia D'Abro of Arcadia, CA on January 12, 2001.
We express condolences to the families of these people. May the Lord our God grant rest to their
souls and may their memory be eternal.
Byron J. Mechalas of Glendora, CA on Saturday, January 27, 2001.
A beloved husband, father papou, brother, uncle, friend and one of our most respected, visionary,
knowledgeable and dedicated members of St. Anthony's Church. His contributions to the Church
and community as a president and Parish Council member and as a planning committee chairman
are invaluable and lasting. May God the Almighty grant rest and peace to the soul of this good
man. May his memory be eternal.
*****
The Ground Breaking Ceremony for the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Chapel at the Greek
Orthodox Cemetery Section at Rose Hills Memorial Park took place on Sunday 4, 2001. His
Eminence Metropolitan Anthony officiated. The Holy Service was attended by Orthodox clergy
and faithful. A reception was held at the nearby Sky Rose Chapel. For information about the
Greek Orthodox Cemetery you can contact: Phone: (562) 260-9671 or 1-877-385-4861 Ext. 795,
Voicemail: (562) 692-1212 Ext. 596, Website: www.gomf.org.
GOYA: February 27th 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. GOYA is 7th grade to 12th grade at church. We will
be having food, an activity and a discussion on "Relationships & dating." We will also be
discussing the possibility of going to Project Mexico and going to St. Nicholas Ranch for a
weekend.
YAL Fellowship: Every Monday night at Dean Tripodes' house. Our first fellowship gathering
will be on February 5th, 2001. We will be having a discussion on our faith, the Bible or the
Sacraments of the Greek Orthodox Church the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. All are
welcome to attend. You do not have to be a young adult to attend our fellowship group and sit in
our discussions. For info, call Bill Tragus at (626) 449 - 6943
Lenten Youth Retreat: Saturday, March 31. All youth are welcome including young adults. 9 a.m.
- 2 a.m. Breakfast with Archbishop Demetrios of America 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Games and activities at
the park 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Discussion and prayer service 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lenten Chili
lunch 1:00 p.m.
Fellowship Tea Party: Philoptochos is hosting a Tea Party on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2001 at 11:30 a.m.
Featuring Inspirational Speaker - Eve Tibbs, Religious Education Director, Diocese of San
Francisco. "Desire for Beauty, Desire for God" $15 per person. Paid reservations by mail only.
For more information call Pamela Buzas (626) 287 - 6089
Vacation Bible School: Save the week of July 30th to August 3rd. Registration forms will be sent
for "Beach Trek 2001" For information call Esther Vavoulis (818) 790 - 3395 or Irene Albeck
(626) 792 - 8122.
Philanthropia Ministry: We had 40 people attend a dinner hosted by the Philanthropia Ministry and
The St. Anthony's Philoptochos on January 21. Two lectures were given. One on Relationships and
HIV/AIDS and the other on making the home the small church. For more information on
Philanthropia Ministry visit hometown.aol.com/philanthropiamin.
Cameroon, Africa mission Trip: A Mission Team led by Metropolitan Anthony will take place this
summer. The team will assist in the building of Saint Dimitrios Orthodox Church in Ebolowa, in
Central Africa. The Southern California YAL will be hosting a Lenten Dinner as a fundraiser for
the church to be built. For more information, call Bill Tragus at St. Anthony's Church or go to
www.ocmc.org/countries/cameroon.
Hellenic Times Scholarship 2001: The Hellenic Times will award over $100,000 in Scholarships
this year to Greek American students across the country. The Scholarships will be awarded at the
Ten Year Anniversary Scholarship Gala on May 11, 2001 at the New York Hilton. For further
information visit www.HTSFund.org or call (212) 333-7456.
Ionian Village: 2001 Summer Program dates are as follows; Summer Travel Camp (Ages 12 - 15)
July 2 - 20, Byzantine Venture (ages 16 - 18) July 26 - August 13, Spiritual Odyssey (ages 19 and
older) July 15 - July 30. You can get an application from Bill Tragus at church.
Spiritual Odyssey: St. Paul's will be hosting Spiritual Odyssey 2001 form February 9 - February
12. This year's speaker will be Father Thomas Hopko. It will take place at St. Paul's Church in
Irvine, 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine CA. 92604. (949) 733-2366, web site:
www.stpaulsirvine.org/odyssey.
St. George Greek Festival 2001: February 24th - 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church
grounds. 74109 Larrea - Palm Desert
Hellenic College - Holy Cross: HC/HC offers B.A. programs for undergraduates and Masters
programs for those who have a four-year degree. For a free catalog and application, please call
(617) 731 - 3500.
"The Year of the Holy Cross:" Metropolitan Anthony has circulated an encyclical declaring the
ecclesiastical year from September 2000 through August 2001 to be "The Year of the Holy Cross."
The goal is to raise money for our beloved school and Seminary Holy Cross. Sunday, March 18,
2001, the Veneration of the Holy Cross, a second offering will be taken on Sunday to benefit the
school.
IOCC - International Orthodox Christian Charities: IOCC's mission continues to be extended to
more people around the world. IOCC helps families with no place to stay, mothers who are about
to give birth and have no home, Children in need of love and care, communities that are poor where
hope has dwindled down to nothing. If you would like to support IOCC, they would appreciate
anything you can give. For information, please contact the church office or contact their web site at
www.iocc.org or call (410) 243 - 9820.
Internet School of Orthodox Studies (ISOS): IOSS is announcing adult religious education classes
on the Internet. The classes are offered free of charge to all Orthodox faithful. If you are interested
please contact the website at www.isos.goarch.org.
The American Hellenic Council Annual Honors Dance: March 3, 2001. Cocktails at
6 p.m. and Dinner 7 p.m. Community Hall, St. Sophia Cathedral. They will be honoring; The
Honorable Brad Sherman, U.S. Congressman (CA - 24th), Ambassador Dr. Erato Kozakou-Markoullis, Ambassador of Cyprus, Nikifors Valasdantjis, Hellenic-American Community Leader.
Information and reservations: (323) 651 - 3507.
Mrs. Eleftheria Polychronis, member and treasurer of St. Anthony's Parish Council, was elected
President of the American Hellenic Council 2001. We congratulate Mrs. Polychronis and extend to
her out best wishes.
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