Beloved Faithful Parishioners,

September 11, 2001, will remain one of the darkest days in the history of humankind. Within a few hours, thousands of defenseless and peaceful people lost their lives. It was the result of an unprecedented and sinister attack against our country by madmen who were willing to die for their false diabolic beliefs.

Their irrational acts of violence and destruction are unjustifiable. They attempted to shake the foundations of our Nation and they delivered a deep wound in its heart. They thought, they would destroy our country, which stands for freedom, equality and justice for all. It is pitiful that in our day, there still are people whose minds can be manipulated and distorted by maniacs who use religion as a pretext to achieve their goals.

We are all overwhelmed by the tragedies at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon and in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. But what these violent people and their mind manipulators underestimated is that our beloved country is the strongest guarantor of peace and freedom in the world and nothing can bend our will and resolve. These tragic and terrible events that shocked and saddened our entire Nation will not empower those who resort to criminal violence. I am confident that I speak for all of our parishioners in expressing our profound sympathy to the families of the victims. We are determined to continue working for a world of peace consistent with the will of God, our Lord and Creator.

Following the attack, our Church remained open for people to pray, and counseling was available.

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, who was returning by car from Boston to New York City when he learned the horrible news of the terrorist attacks on New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Washington, DC, responded with the following statement: "This is a tragedy of tremendous proportions with unforeseeable consequences for the entire world. The terrorist acts that took place today incite the justified indignation of all people who value human life, freedom and justice. In this difficult time I express, along with the entire Orthodox Church, our deep sorrow and strong support to the families who were hurt by this unprecedented tragedy. We fervently pray to God, the Lord of peace, love and justice, to grant to the families of the innocent victims and to the entire American Nation abundant solace and unlimited strength."

The attack against America reached beyond its borders. It also wounded also the hearts of the entire civilized world. Terrorism is rejected by every rational and peace loving person. It is totally unacceptable.

As we write these lines, the war against terrorism continues. We want to ask each and every parishioner to pray for those who are engaged in action to bring an end to terrorism. We are a peace loving Nation and we never want to again witness the killing of thousands of innocent people.

I would like to draw your attention to 27 Psalm and to ask your indulgence. During these apocalyptic times, It will give you confidence in God who loves justice and who will protect us. It will also strengthen you. Read it as you pray to Him:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh-my adversaries and foes-they shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear ; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! "Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face, Lord, do I seek. Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (NRSV)

I would also like to thank all those hard working members of our Church who prepared and organized our 43rd Greek Festival as well as the great donors of our community, who generously supported it. It was a difficult decision to proceed with the Festival under these circumstances. On Wednesday evening, September 12, 2001, we held a special Service, in our Church for divine protection against "the sword and enemy invasion," and for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks, for the families who lost their loved ones and for our Nation. Following this special Service, which was attended by a large number of faithful, we held a meeting and decided to have the Festival and through this great cultural event, to help those who suffered from the attacks of terror.

American Flags were distributed to the people. Prayers were offered during both days of the Festival and the National Anthem was sung by all the people present. The Arcadia chapter of the Red Cross was also present collecting blood for the wounded and donations of $2,372.00 for the families of the victims. Our parish is sending more than $6,000.00 to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese - September 11 Relief Fund, (Relief Hotline: 877-774-0217 or volunteer/contribution Line: 212-570-3595). Of the six thousand dollars, five thousand came from the Festival's proceeds and the remaining amount from individual donations. A canvas signed by the people who attended our Festival will be sent to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

On another note, during the past month, I had to go through two cataract surgeries . I thank our Merciful God for restoring my eyesight to continue serving and glorifying Him. The surgeries were totally successful. I thank you for your prayers, your messages of support and concern, your visits and your calls. You gave me strength and hope during a time that I needed it the most and I will never forget your kindness.

May the Lord our God protect and strengthen you and your loved ones. May He bring peace to the hearts of all the people of the world. May the forthcoming observance of Thanksgiving be a day of sincere thanks to the Lord for America and for what it stands. Amen.

Father Efstathios V. Mylonas
Protopresbyter

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Demolished in WTC Attack

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was demolished in the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center. The tiny church building was constructed around 1832. It originally was a residence and later housed a tavern before the founders of the parish purchased the structure.

Greek immigrants established St. Nicholas Church in 1916 and purchased the structure for $25,000. It was one of two old calendar parishes under the Archdiocese until 1993 when it adopted the Gregorian calendar. Among the church's unique characteristics were its small size and its icons, which were a gift from the last czar of Russia, Nicholas II.

The Church of St. Nicholas was a beacon of hope and a place of prayer and spiritual strengthening for the ever busy people who worked or visited the area of WTC. Many of them would enter the tiny church to light a candle and ask for God's enlightenment and guidance.

His All Holiness Bartholomew I Ecumenical Patriarch moved by the tragic events of September 11 offered assistance to reconstruct St. Nicholas Church. The Italian city of Bari sent a check of $500,000 for the reconstruction of the church. St. Nicholas is the Patron Saint of Bari, and every year the city sponsors a major festival in celebration of his Feast Day on December 6.

The city of Bari, Italy has particular attachment and love for St. Nicholas because of the holy relics of the saint that were enshrined on May 9, 1087 in a magnificent basilica erected there in his honor. In a gracious ecumenical gesture, the Roman Catholic Church offered some of the relics of St. Nicholas to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America in 1972, where they repose in honored glory. Relics of St. Nicholas were also kept in the Church of St. Nicholas demolished on September 11.

Leadership 100 of our Archdiocese gave a $500,000 emergency grant to the Archdiocese for the September 11 Relief Fund. Mr. Arthur C. Anton, Chairman of Leadership 100, said: "We have been witnesses to a great national tragedy, but we are comforted that our Spiritual Father, Archbishop Demetrios, was there to respond. Our very purpose for existing as an organization is to support the critical ministries of our Archdiocese in America. What more critical ministry is there than this?" His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, overwhelmed by the gesture, said: "Leadership 100 has led us once again with its compassionate heart and strong resolve. They saw no option but a bold expression of faith in our Church, our community and our country."

Holy Sacraments and Holy Services

Weddings

Michael Emmanuel Kaparos and Sylvia Beatriz Rodriguez on Saturday, July 14, 2001. Best Man: Stefanos Kaparos, Jr.

Michael Arthur Yagjian and Anita C. Paleologos on Sunday, July 29, 2001. Best Man: Klio Harris.

Congratulations to the newlyweds and may God abundantly bless their lives.

Baptisms

Peter Joseph, son of Paul and Christa Lakon on Saturday, September 8, 2001. Godparents: Steven R. And Angela McLaren.

Konstandinos Nikolaos, son of Nikolaos Vagenas and Joella Weller. Godparents: Vasiliki Giakas and Konstandinos Giakas.

Congratulations and best wishes to the parents and Godparents. May God bless the lives of the newly baptized and keep them in His care.

Chrismation

Michael Kilty on Sunday, October 7, 2001. Sponsor: John Karatzas.

Funerals

Thomas Stanley Lucas of South Pasadena, CA on July 16, 2001.

Vivian Kalafatis of San Gabriel, CA on July 17, 2001.

Assimina Glaros of Alhambra, CA on July 31, 2001.

Constantine S. Horaites of Alhambra, CA on August 10, 2001.

Helen Arvan of Montrose, CA on October 3, 2001.

May the Lord our God grant peace and rest to the souls of these faithful members of the Church and may their memory be eternal.

We also wish to express our condolences to the families of the following faithful people who died recently: Lydia Baris, beloved sister of Bella Carpou, Harry Dean Paulos, beloved brother of Mary Ann Mallis and Xenofon Stavropoulos, beloved cousin of Litsa Savropoulos and her family, who lived in the area for many years.

February 13, 2001

To: The Reverend Clergy of the Diocese of San Francisco
From: Metropolitan Anthony
Re: Laypeople speaking in the Church

By way of reminder, it is the express policy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and conversely of this Diocese, that laypeople are not permitted under any circumstances to offer homilies, eulogies, or otherwise to speak publicly in the church edifice without special permission from the local bishop. Speeches by laypeople are more appropriately offered in the church hall, or- in the case of a funeral-at the makaria gathering.

Thank you for your attention to this reminder.

Priority Charities

As we are approaching the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season, please remember some important charities: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese - September 11 Relief Fund, Relief Hotline: (877)774-0217. Please visit: www.goarch.org for updated resources, news and information or send your contribution to: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8-10 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10021, volunteer/contribution line: (212)570-3595. Please support St. Anthony's Philoptochos' Annual Christmas Benefit Luncheon at the Huntington Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pasadena on Saturday, December 1, 2001. For more information please call (626)449-6943. Union Station Foundation, Pasadena, which helps the homeless and hurting in our community, 412 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105, tel.: (626)449-4596. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) 110 West Road, Suite 360, Baltimore, MD 21204, Tel.: (410)243-9820, www.iocc.org, which helps fellow Orthodox Christians in need throughout the world. Philanthropia Ministry helps people in need of physical and spiritual healing. To find out how to send donations or receive the newsletter, contact hometown.aol.com/philanthropiamin or write to : Philanthropia Ministry, c/o Presbytera Sophia Lambert, 6357 Crebs Avenue, Tarzana, CA 91335. The Los Angeles Mission helps the homeless and hurting in our community. Mission location: 303 East 5th Street, P. O. Box 55900, Los Angeles, CA 90055, tel.: (213) 629-1227.

Special acknowledgments

We express our deep appreciation and thankfulness to the following faithful and generous members of our Church: Nick and Irene Mitsos for their continuing generous support of our Church; Paul and Mary Ann Mallis for donating a most useful refrigirator to our Church; Dan Bozikis and his family for donating the icon of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in memory of his beloved wife, Ethel; Dr. James and Sophia Angelos and Art and Christine Gonos and their families for donating the icon of St. Sophia and her daughters in memory of their beloved mother, Sophia; Stamatia Weldon for donating the icon of The Samaritan Woman in memory of her beloved husband, William; Andrea Lappas for donating her time and talent to design the positioning of the holding tubes of the lamps of St. Anthony's Iconostasion; George Mavredakis and James Hagelis for helping with this project; Vincent Lappas for offering his services to do carpentry and electrical work in the Church's Office; Dean Tripodes for helping to program our new computers and to improve our communications system; and James Chames for helping with the installation of our new telephone units and for programming them. Special appreciation to the most generous anonymous couple of our Church and their family for donating the sterling silver Holy Altar lamps, which will be placed in front of the Iconostasion Icons and the Royal Door. The lamps are designed and hand made by the renown Church artist, Christos D. Gianniotis of Athens, Greece, who follows the traditional Byzantine Art of the Church.

Announcements

Elder Cleopa of Romania will lead an all-day workshop and retreat at St. Anne Orthodox Church of the Inland Valley, 966 Maryhurst Dr., Claremont, CA 91711-3319. " Father Cleopa has found his place in history as the most representative elder and spiritual father of contemporary Romanian Orthodox spirituality." The retreat will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2001. For more information and directions call Father Catalin Mitescu (909) 625-5540 (Church Office) or (90-9) 624-6811 (Home), or www.StAnneOrthodox.org

A food faire on October 28, 2001, from noon until 11:00 p.m. will be held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Downey, CA and a New Year's Eve Celebration on December 31, 2001, will be held at The Grand Ballroom Disneyland Hotel to raise funds for the completion of a new edifice to the glory of God. We encourage our parishioners to support the neighboring Church in Downey. For more information, call the Downey Church Office at (562) 862-6461.

An icon painting workshop by iconographer Yuri Sidorenko, featuring guest speaker Dr. Jerald Donovan will take place at St. Mark Antiochian Orthodox Church, 17840 Sky Park Circle, Irvine, CA 92614-6401, tel.: (949) 851-8933.

Fr. Frank Marangos, the director of our Archdiocese department of religious education, will be at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church of Irvine to lead a two-day seminar called "Sanctify Yourselves and Sanctify the House of the Lord" on Friday and Saturday, November 9th and 10th, 2001. Friday evening's seminar is specifically focused on an Orthodox paradigm for Christian leadership in the parish and would be perfect for members of the parish council and other lay leaders (Philoptochos, Archons, Leadership 100, etc) to attend. We encourage Sunday School teachers, parish council members, those who contemplate to serve as parish council members, group directors, Choir members, youth workers, YAL, and anyone else in lay ministry or leadership tp attend. Free will donation at the door ( suggested $5.00 Friday, $15.00 Saturday). Please contact St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church at (949) 733-2366, or Fax (949) 733-0962, or write and indicate which day you will attend: St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church, 4949 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604.

The Fall Clergy Retreat of the Diocese of San Francisco will take place at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center from November 12 - 14, 2001.

The Greek Orthodox Cemetery Section at Rose Hills Memorial Park can be reached at (562) 260-9671 or 1-877-385-4861 ext. 795, Voicemail: (562) 692-1212 ext. 596, Website: www.gomf.org.

It is difficult to face AIDS alone. If someone you know is living with HIV or AIDS, YOUR CHURCH is here to help. Please call: (650)573-1444, or (209) 957-6880, or www.aidsministry.org. This service is under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox San Francisco Diocese. Campus Review is an excellent student/youth newsletter published by Fr. William Gaines. The newsletter is under the auspices of our Archdiocese. Both St. Anthony's Parish Council and Philoptochos financially support the publication and circulation of the newsletter. We would like all of our College/University students and other young people to become subscribers to this newsletter. You will receive it free of charge. Please send your subscription to: National Greek Orthodox Campus Ministry, P. O. Box 8243, Metairie, LA 70011, or send your address to our Church office and we will order the newsletter for you.

A new Consul General of Greece to Los Angeles

Dimitris Zevelakis is the new Consul General of Greece to Los Angeles. We welcome the new Consul General and we are looking forward to welcoming his visit to our parish. On October 4, 2001, Theodore and Eleftheria Polychronis opened their gracious home in honor of the new Consul General. Mrs. Polychronis is the president of the American Hellenic Council of California. The event was attended by leaders of the Greek American community of Los Angeles. Fr. Stathis was also present.

GOYA
Fall 2001 October December

October

• Sun., Oct. 21 - Project Mexico Fund-raiser Dinner
• Fri., Oct. 26 - Set up and pack bags for Halloween Dinner- After pizza & movie November
• Fri., Nov. 2 - GOYA outing to Knotts
• Sun., Nov. 11 - Museum of Tolerance
• Fri., Nov. 30 - Service Project Operation Christmas Main Center December
• Sat., Dec. 1 - Bible Bowl location to be announced
• Sun., Dec. 2 - Ice Skating
• Wed., Dec. 5 - Service Project Feeding the hungry at Union Station
• Sun., Dec. 16 - Christmas Party
• Dec. 27 to Dec. 29 - Winter Camp Retreat St. Sophia Camp. Bill Tragus will be the director of this program. Applications will be available at the Church office
• Mon., Dec. 31 - Service Project Work on parade floats

• Oct. 7th - Bowling Trip
• Nov. 4th Lunch & Make Prosforo
• Dec. 2nd - Ice Skating
• Dec. 16: Christmas Service Project and party Decorate Tree and make decorations.

• Oct 12 14 - Monastery Trip
• Oct. 27 - Halloween Dance
• Nov. 18 - Bible Study
• Dec. 8 - Christmas Party Fund-raiser for Icon of The Blind Man for St. Anthonys

National Orthodox September 11 Relief Fund

In response to the World Trade Center Disaster, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, working together with all Orthodox jurisdictions in the United States, has established the September 11 Relief fund, and National Orthodox September 11 Relief Centers. The Relief Centers in the New York area are supported and assisted by Clergy, Philoptochos, YAL and volunteers from area Orthodox Churches, as well as International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and many other Orthodox jurisdictions. How can we help? Pray for the victims and all persons affected by the tragedy and disaster in New York and Washington, D.C. Send your monetary donations to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese September 11 Relief fund.

Relief Hotline: (887) 774 0217
Contribution Line: (212) 570 3595

FDF: The Folk Dance Festival will be in Spokane, WA., February 14 17, 2002. Hotel reservations must be in by January 18th, 2002. For more information, call (509) 624 1341.

Project Mexico Fund-raiser: Sunday, October 21 at The Aegean Cafe. 540 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. 5:00 p.m. Social hour, 6:00 p.m. dinner. An evening of live music, ocean view, good people, silent auction, and totally awesome Greek food.

Cretan Dinner/Dance: Enjoy a trip to Crete without leaving Southern California! Join the Southern California Cretans Assoc. for an evening of dining, dancing and fun November 3rd at the Saint Sophia Cathedral. Featuring music & dance form Crete and the mainland, by noted Cretan Musicians: Nikolaos Zoidakis Lyra and Georgios Karagiogis Laouto. Donation $50.00 adults $25 Children (12 and under) For reservations and information contact: Alex Mavros, 310-618-0986; Gus Alex 310-832-6130; Stamatis Zoumberakis, 562-923-5750; George Skandale, 818-790-5028; Perry Mormanis, 818-891-9030; Tom Lantzourakis, 909-393-6457.

Halloween Glendi: Pasadena AHEPA Family Halloween Glendi Saturday, October 27, 2001. Featuring Chateaubriand (Roast of Filet Mignon). Limited to 200 Tickets. Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Dancing: 8:00 p.m. Dinner & Dance is $25 adults/ $7 children (Hot Dog). Dance only is $7. Giant Goodie Bag for all children. * Net proceeds to benefit St. Anthonys Church. For reservations call: (626) 449 0966.

Philoptochos Spiritual Retreat: Oct. 19 to 21, 2001. Annual Diocese Philoptochos Spiritual Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch, Conference & Retreat Center. Theme: ìWay of the Heart.î Retreat Leader: Rev. Stephen H. Kyriacou, Dean of Annunciation Cathedral, San Francisco. For information: (559) 338 2103.

The Consecration of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Redondo Beach: On Sunday, November 25, 2001 St. Katherine Consecration Service begins. There are a few events surrounding the Consecration Service. Saturday, Nov. 24 at 9:00 a.m. Youth Rally with His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony followed by youth breakfast (youth through young adults). Sat., Nov. 24 at 7:00 p.m. Banquet at the Marriott Hotel, Manhattan Beach. Sunday at 7:30 a.m. Orthros. Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Consecration Service. Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy followed by Brunch at St. Katherines Church. For more information, call St. Katherines Church: (310) 540 2434.

Philanthropia Ministry: The Philanthropia Ministry is a HIV/AIDS & Hospital Ministry. They have a newsletter that goes out to its supporters which includes letters, sermons and information about their ministry. To receive the Philanthropia Ministry newsletter and support their work contact Father Peter Lambert: (818) 345 4724 or check out the web site: hometown.aol.com/philanthropiamin