THE PANAYIA. Assumption Of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Long Beach, CA SEPTEMBER 2014

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 5761 E. Colorado St. Long Beach, CA 90814 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LONG BEACH, CA PERMIT NO. 344 THE PANAYIA Assumption Of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Long Beach, CA Worship Services Regular Schedule Orthros 8:45 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM NOTE: Sunday Divine Liturgy starts at 10:00AM year-round. See enclosed calendar for dates and times of other services this month. SEPTEMBER 2014

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 5761 East Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 90814-1954 Phone (562) 494-8929 - Fax (562) 985-1379 Email office@assumptionlb.org Rev. Fr. Christos Kanakis, Proistamenos Voula Michail - Kitsios, Office Administrator Jorge Rivera, Sexton Festival News Page 2 PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Chris Dolas - President David Matty - Vice President Jimmy Mentas - Recording Secretary Jimmy Eleopoulos - Corresponding Secretary George Demos - Treasurer Board Members Kathy Bastas, Dino Syrengelas, Olympia Stapakis, George Stavros, Nick Monios, Sam Platis, Tasos Papas, Nick Zamvakellis AHEPA Tasos Papas - President Bulletin Coordinator Voula Michail - Kitsios Bookstore Zoe Falley - Administrator Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director & Organist Cecilia Kourtis - President Church School Jim & Patricia Mentas - Principals Daughters of Penelope Catherine Vackrinos Sofie Batshoun Family Night Sam Platis Greek School Kathryn Condaras - Principal Donna Stavros - P.T.A Hope/Joy/VBS Maria Georgakopoulos - Advisor Junior Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director Karen Fic - Assistant Director Welcome Ministry Kathy Bastas (Chair), Camille Dolas, Max & Mary Lofton, Kay Platis, Cathy Shweiri Public Relations Jimmy Eleopoulos PHILOPTOCHOS Bobbie Soupos - President Karen Fic - 1st Vice President Amelia Ladas - 2nd Vice President Marilyne Coats - Correspond. Secretary Lia Kakaris - Recording Secretary Nikki Andrews - Treasurer Mary Lofton - Assistant Treasurer Kathy Bastas - Advisor Board Members Eftihia Missios, Olympia Stapakis, Andria Salsman, Matoula Batshoun, Zoe Falley, Vickie Hennig, Paris Kastanas, Kay Platis GOYA President - George Sehremelis & Thanasi Dalkos Vice President - Penny Bacol Treasurer - Jack Koulos Corres. Secretary - Tasia Matty Rec. Secretary - Ashely Eleopoulos Historian - Olga Alvertos & Vasiliki Liouliaas Sports Coordinators - Alex Alvertos & Eleni Medenas Activities Coordinator: Niko Karidakis & Nicolette Simitian Chaplains - Philip Alanouf & Voula Dalkos Diakonia - Nia Matty & Bobbie Dalkos Greek Cultural Arts and Dance Dina Lioulias - President Maria Georgakopoulos - Vice President Georgia Alvertos - Corresponding Secretary Dusty Hanson - Recording Secretary Elene Dalkos - Treasurer Senior Christians Nick Monios - President Sons of Pericles Christo Beckas - President Stewardship Ministry Kathy Bastas (Chair) Camille Dolas, Max & Mary Lofton, Kay Platis, Cathy Shweiri Trisagio Ministry Max & Mary Lofton, Vickie Hennig, Yiota Beckas Web Site George Shweiri Page 15

Festival News Mother of the Year Pastor s Message Every year some parishes like to award and acknowledge an outstanding mother as Mother of the Year. You can imagine the reaction from the Greek mothers and their families that do not get this achievement each year. I chose to put an end to this dispute when I nominated the Mother of the Year to be the Virgin Mary. She is the Mother of God and the Mother to us all. No one challenges this recipient and everyone agrees that this honor belongs to the woman who is full of grace. Why do we have such a devotion to the Panagia? Because she changed the course of the entire human race and its relationship with God by accepting her calling to become His mother. No one else in the history of humanity has or will have this relationship to Christ as does the Virgin Mary. She holds her Son in her arms and in her Dormition her soul is held by her Son. This is why when we celebrate the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos it is not a sad event for the Panagia, but a joyful one as she meets her Son again. Our love, respect, and honor to the Theotokos is great and inseparable from our Liturgical life. The Liturgical calendar begins with the Nativity of the Theotokos on September 8 and ends with the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15. Every service in the Orthodox Church commemorates and honors the Theotokos. She has countless icons attributed to her different miracles and is depicted as the Directress, Joy of All Who Sorrow, the Unfading Rose, and the Glykofilousa (sweet kiss). She is faithful, sweet, compassionate, and meek, yet she is the Protectress of all nations and the Mighty Defender or Ti Ypermaho (Akathist Hymn) of every city. The title Mighty Defender was once the title the Athenians gave to Athena, the mighty Goddess of War, to protect the city, but this same title is used for the Panagia. Though the Panagia is not a soldier, she is ceaselessly defending our Mother Church and protecting our faithful through her fervent prayers and intercessions. She is powerful because of her faith and love for her Son. She is the example of what it means to put our pride, fears, anxiety, pain, and our doubts aside and follow what God calls us to do, and thus changing the entire world and giving it hope. Like in the Wedding of Cana, Mary never stops telling Christ when the sweetness and joy in people s lives runs out and needs to be transformed. The Mother-of-the-Year award goes to the Panagia. Fr. Christos Kanakis Page 14 Page 3

Greetings Panagia Parishioners! Hope all of you and your families had a very restful and enjoyable summer! President s Message Special congratulations to our beloved Fr. Christos. After the Panagia Name Day Divine Liturgy, His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos, gave his blessing and promoted him to the rank of Confessor, which means he can hear confessions and give the prayer of absolution. His Eminence blessed Fr. Christos to wear the vestment called Eigonation which is in a diamond shape that hangs over his knee and represents the sheath of a sword and shield of faith. I also can t put in words to the sincere gratitude of the great talents of Fr. Christos. Fr. Christos, thank you for all the great work and dedication. We all love and greatly appreciate everything you do for our Assumption Parish! Words can not describe how great it felt to see and experience the many, very spiritual uplifting, exceptional fellowship and rewarding successful events in August that our Assumption Parish provided. Beginning with our standing room only Panagia Vesper Service, followed by a delightful dinner, desserts (delicious loukamades made by Vickie Henning and Stelio Zoumberakis) and coffee; followed the next day with a very beautiful Panagia Name Day Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, having the honor and pleasure of Metropolitan Gerasimos officiating both services, and our fellow neighboring priest serving, followed by a delicious luncheon. Thanks to all that helped made these two events a pleasure to attend and a great success, especially to my fellow Parish Council Members, Tasos Papas for leading the ushers, Bobbie Soupos, President of Philoptochos and the Philoptochos Ladies for sponsoring the dessert and coffee after the Vesper service, to Jimmy Eleopoulos for chairing to Mary Lofton for the set up and all the volunteers for serving. Special Thank you to Athena Sehremelis for donating the flowers for the health for her children and grandchildren. Many Thanks to Katy Georgedes for the beautiful decoration she made for the Panagia s icons. Two great and successful days of Vacation Bible School. Special Thanks to Maria Georgakopoulos for chairing and organizing two fun filled and spiritual learning days for our children. Greek Festival preparations are in high gear! Dino Syrengelas, Greek Festival Chair this year is doing an outstanding job in preparing for our annual Greek Festival. When you receive this bulletin, we will all be supporting this great event! ALL are welcome to support!! Thank You to all the hard-working ladies that are dedicating their time preparing and baking the sweets for the Greek Festival! Dino, you have done a great job in preparing and organizing this year s Greek Festival. Best of luck to you, your committee, to all the workers and to our Assumption Parish!! Special thanks to all of you that answered and paid to date your Stewardship commitment! As we begin September, many of our Assumption Ministries will be beginning again in full swing! Please contact the Ministry Leaders that are located on the inside cover of the bulletin, Fr. Christos or contact Voula at our church office for more information. As you have read, Sunday School is starting as well as Greek School, Greek Dance, JOY Choir and GOYA! Be sure to sign up and don t have your children miss out on any of these great ministries! Please look both in our Panagia Bulletin and our weekly Sunday Bulletins for other events! Our Parish Council is here to serve you and our Panagia Parish. Please do not hesitate to call or ask any of your parish council members or me with any questions! We will provide you with the answers we know and get back to you with the answers we don t know. Thanks for all of your continued support! Chris Dolas, President Page 4 Lembesis, Nick & Saskia Lembesis, Pendalis & Evangelia Liarakos, George & Dezi Liarakos, John & Tesi Lofton, Max & Mary Loizdes, George & Rodoula Lolis, Vasilios Lopez, Jeff & Georgia Lovejoy, Jeremy & Nectaria Manos, Dr. Andrew & Pam Mantikas, Nick & Katherine Marangopoulos, Jake & Tammy Marentis, Victoria Markouizos, George & Argyro Markouizos, Karlos & Georgia Markouizos, Markella Markouizos, Nektarios G. & Lisa Matty, David & Barbara Mavrovitis, Michail & Monica Medenas, Ted & Foula Mentas, Ann Mentas, James & Patricia Michel, David & Vasiliki Milonas, Dina Missios, Basil & Eftihia Monios, Nick & Linda Montalbano, Paul & Maria Morgan, Richard & Valerie Nakai, Keiichi & Saki Nanopoulos, Chris & Yiota Nezis, Alexander & Alice Papacalos, George & Lucia Papadakis, Christine Papadakis, Lilian & Andriana Papadopoulos, Evangelos & Lorraine Papakoulos, Angie Papas, Taso & Georgia Pappas, Victor & Christina Pappas, Mark & Shari Paralapanides, Charles & Elenie Pass, Gus & Toula Paulos, Mary Paulos, Nicholas Paulos, Todd & Cindy Paxos, Joanne Philips, Crystal Phoutrides, Neilos & Patricia Platis, Jim & Kay Platis, Sam & Laura Pliaconis, Alexander & Nicole Polychrones, Jerry & Mary Polychrones, Speros & Dora Richmond, Dan & Doris Roubanis, Savvas & Jody Russos, Asimina Russos, Emmanuel Salsman, Mel & Andria Santamarina, Jose & Ronnea Seger, Clay & Susan Sehremelis, Athena Sharkoff, Dr. Donald & Anna Sharkoff, Dr. James & Katherine Shill, Peter & Ami Shweiri, Cathy & George Shweiri, Gabriel & Nicole Simitian, Richard & Anna Siouris, Chris & Panayota Sirigos George & Eliodora Skandalakis, Melia Skourtas, Tony & Angelique Smyrniotis, Alexandra Smyrniotis, Chris & Mary Sotiriou, Dimitrios Sotiriou, Elias Sotiriou, Panagiotis & Vasiliki Soultanakis, Trudith Soupos, Tom & Bobbie Spiropoulos, James & Marina Sprague, Ron & Mary Stapakis, Olympia Stathis, Robert & Josefa Stavros, Andy & Amber Stavros, Bill & Maria Stavros, George & Donna Stavros, John & Gwen Stavros, Louis & Mary Stavros, Ted & Olga Stavros, Tom Stergiou, Eleni Stevenson, Gus & Leona Sullos, James & Vickie Sverkos, Pete & Natalie Syrengelas, Andreas & Niky Syrengelas, Andreas & Evdoxia Syrengelas, Dino & Dora Syrengelas, George & Athanasia Syrengelas, Michael & Elizabeth Syrengelas, Soteria Syrengelas, Toula Syrengelas, Vasili & Maria Talaganis, Ernest Talaganis, John & Kathleen Talieres, Maria Tavlarides, Angelo & Mary Tener, Theresa Teodosiadis, Romilos & Melpomeni Terzi, Popi Terzis, Konstantinos & Suzanna Thermos, Jerry & Elli Thibault, Irene Toulios, Spyros & Eleni Toumasis, Jerry & Koula Trigonis, Tula Trikounakis, Tony & Irma Tsakoumakis, Stan & Debora Tsalikis, Maria Tsamous, Peter & Helen Tsimerekis, Nikos & Anna Vackrinos, Catherine Valaskantjis, Nikiforos & Georgia Vardakis, Alex Varzak, Darlene Vasilomanolakis, Francine Vasilomanolakis, Dr. Mike & Niki Vassiliades, John Vlachos, Dino & Helen Vlahakis, Mary Vorris, Athansios & Niki Watkins, Evagelia Woo-Sam, Maria Yakos, John & Flora Zambos, Angie Zambos, John Zamvakellis, Nick & Alison Zarifes, Angie Zimmerman, Roseann Zoolakis, Anthony & Kari Zoumberakis, Stelio & Stacy An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. Are you an active participant in the life of the Church? If not, now is the time to begin. Page 13

Panagia s Stewardship Family as of August 19, 2014 Greek School Sunday Religious Education Ala, Eli Ala, Falanai & Lisa Ala, George Alex, Helen Alexiou, Archimides Alexiou, Demi Alexopoulos, Andrew Alexopoulos, Christine Alexopoulos, Dimitrios & Maria Alexopoulos, Elias Alvertos, Yianni & Georgia Amarantos, Harriet Andrews, George Andrews, Dr. James & Niki Andrikos, Ioannis & Argyro Antoniou, Konstantinos & Maria Apostle, Helen Argeris, John & Vasiliki Argyros, Dionisios & Irene Argyros, Philip & Amy Arkoumanis, Stergios & Trisha Armogida, Rod & Krista Armstrong, Randy & Janet Bacol, Pete & Ria Bahos, Kanella Bastas, Nikolaos & Kathy Batshoun, Emil & Matoula Batshoun, Sofie Beckas, Spiro & Eleni Benetatos, Pinio Berdanis, John & Helen Berovinos, Antonios & Bonnie Berovinos, Michael & Kimberly Bettios, Christos & Lorraine Bisbikis, Dimitra Boosalis, Aphrodite Bouras, Kathy Bouras, Peter Boyce, Maria Bozigian, Linda Bratkic, Jure & Demetra Breres, Zena Briliakis, Gus & Nicki Brogolias, Nick Brogolias, Steve & Janne Brooks, Harriet Bussa, Tom & Maria Castritis, Demetrios Chelekis, Louis & Vicki Choullis, Manolis & Sotiria Chioles, James & Effie Christidis,George & Melina Chrysanthis, Alexandra Coats, Marilyne Colazas, Xenophon & Mila Condaras, Nicholas & Katerina Contos, Angeliki Cook, Jeff & Susan Cornwell, Caryle & Demetra Coromelas, Acrivi Coroneus, Dr. John & Dr. Xanthipe Cozakos, Nick Critides, Anastasios & Shawnee DaCosta, Marvin & Katerina Dalkos, Bob & Vaso Dalkos< Chris & Roula Dalkos, John & Stavroula Demopulos, Michel & Patricia Demos, Christa Demos, Eleni Demos, George & Vickie Demos, Joanna Deneff, Peter & Diane Deneff, Alkisti Deralas, Dean Desalernos, Stephen & Julia Diacoumacos, Marya Diamond, Helen Dimas, Michael & Maria Dimitropoulos, Thanasi & Eleni Dimou, Leonidas Dimou, Nick Dogris, Alex & Peggy Dolas, Chris Dolas, Jim & Camille Dolas, Jonh & Theodora Dolas, Peter Donlou, Gordon & Maria Dukelis, Evangelia Edwards, Nicholas & Pamela Eleopoulos, Gus & Robin Eleopoulos, Jimmy & Leigh Etchepare, Anna Exacoustos, Stella Falley, Zoe Fattaleh, Raja Fattaleh, Saba & Diana Fenn, Brad & Anna Fiamengo, Alexandria Fic, Karen Flynn, Matthew Foutris, Constantine & Christine Frousakis, Gus & Vicky Frudakis, Katina Futris, William & Mary Welcome back to Greek School, I hope everyone had a great summer. The teachers have SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 SUNDAY RELIGIOUS ED. SCHOOL BEGINS Gabriel, Sam & Kathy Galanis, Jerry & Marian planed an exiting and educational year for our Georgakopoulos, Mike & Maria One of the biggest gifts we can give our children is the knowledge of our Greek Orthodox Georgedes, Ekaterini students. Georges, Louie & Penny Greek School registration will be held on faith. We are calling upon all children of our Georgiadou, Vicki Wednesday, September 10, 2014 in the gym at parish ages 4 to 17 to attend Sunday School Georgoulis, George & Anna 5:30-7:00pm. Classes will begin on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 and will be held every Ghilarducci, Walt & Laura and participate in what promises to be a Giannoulis, Anastasia spiritual, knowledgeable and inspirational Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00pm. Registration Gurrola, Raymond & Mary Sunday School year. Sunday School begins forms will be available in the gym and in the Gutierrez, Ivan & Esther on Sunday, September 7, 2014. Included in Hadjimarkos, Nicholas & Stemma church during Festival time if you wish to pick the weekly & monthly bulletins is the Sunday Hanches Roll, Fotini one up. If you haven't fulfilled your stewardship pledges, please do so in advance. Stew- School Registration form. Please bring the Hansen, Helen completed form to church and place it in the Hanson, Chris & Dusty ardship forms will also be available during registration for new families and existing families Sunday School Box located at the information table in the Narthex on any Sunday be- Hason, Richard & Haritoula Hardaway, Herman & Pamela of our church community. Haririan, Alka fore or on September 7 th. Hennig, Vickie Have a great festival, Enrollment will be as follows: Jordanides, Dennis & Giselle Jordanides, Tim & Ria Kathryn Condaras, Greek School Principal Preschool, Kindergarten, 1 st & 2 nd Grade, 3 rd Kades, Clio & 4 th Grade, 5 th & 6 th Grade, 7 th through 12 th Kades, Kelly Grade Kakaris, Tellis & Lia Kallins, George & Bettina Should you have any questions, please contact the Sunday School Directors, Jim & Greek Dance & Cultural Arts School Kallins, James & Virginia Kanakis, Fr. Christos & Pres. Jessica Karapoulios, Evangelos & Eleni Dance season is starting up again. Registration Trish Mentas at (562) 472-7485. We look Karatzis, Spiros & Julie is on Sunday, September 7 after church services around noon in the gym. The dance fami- forward to welcoming all our youth this fall. Karidakis, George & Diane Karidakis, Jim lies who are planning to participate in FDF Karidakis, Nick must be members in Good Standing of the Karmiris, Christopher & Christina church. If you are member of another parish Karthas Nicholas Hope/Joy you need to provide us a good standing letter Kastanas Bill & Paris from your priest oking your participation in Katsikakis Maria Vacation Bible School 2014 Kitsios, Kostas & Voula our program. I would like to take the time to send a Special Konstantinidis, Byron & Katie Kontokanis Dimitris & Maria Dina Lioulias, President "Thank You" to all children, parents, helpers, Kootsikas, Coula teachers, crew leaders, church board and Kostallas, Tony & Cathy donators. This year was the first free VBS. Koulos, Peter & Emily Our children had a fun and religious vacation bible school. They learned about all of Kourassis, Nick Moms & Tots Kourtis, Costa & Cesilia God's Treasures! George's Greek Cafe provided a delicious lunch for all! Thank you for Krebenios Anastasia Moms n Tots group will start on Wednesday, Ladas, Amelia September 24. It will be held weekly on Ladas, Charlie & Patty your continued support and dedication to Lafkas, Peter & Ada Wednesdays from 10:30 am-11:30 am. our youth. I look forward to seeing the children in Sunday school and Hope/joy! Lambros Mary Lembesis, Ann Elizabeth Syrengelas Lembesis, John Jr. & Theresa Maria Georgakopoulos Page 12 Page 5

Philoptochos Το Γενέθλιον της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Greek Column by Voula Michail September brings back our regular schedules, a routine we get into. I trust everyone had a nice summer and are ready to get back to business. September 28 th is our annual Race for the Cure run/walk event. We encourage all of you to join us. Men and women are both invited. Cancer is an ongoing threat and with your help we get that much closer to the cure! If interested in joining us and/or making a pledge contact Kathy Bastas. Also, Back Packs and School Supplies. It s that time of year again. For the Child is so appreciative of all that we do for the Children. Watch the papers for good deals on school supplies and fill a back pack. If you don t care to shop we will do it for you. A $30 donation will purchase a back pack and supplies. Make checks payable to L.B, Philoptochos. Thank you! Also; our upcoming canned goods/dry goods drive for the holidays. It s not too early to watch for those specials. It s a little too early to purchase turkeys but that is right around the corner. This food drive is a Church outreach Program, not just Philoptochos. The children play a big part in this outreach by gifting the food/ and turkeys to the needy upon arrival to pick up the goods. This is a hand s on lesson for the children on Giving to the less fortunate. Thank you! Save the Dates: Light the Path November 22, 2014. Veterans Christmas Party December 10th Philoptochos Christmas Party December 14th Trinity Christmas Party December 17th A BIG THANK YOU to all the Ladies and Gentlemen who worked so hard throughout the summer months preparing sweets and food/s for our festival. What would we do without you? Thank you EVERYONE for all your untiring efforts. Recipe for Happiness Take two heaping cups of patience One heartful of love Two hands of generosity Dash of laughter One heartful of understanding Add plenty of faith and mix well. Spread over a period of a lifetime Sprinkle generously with kindness Serve everyone you meet. Bobbie Soupos, President Page 6 Θεομητορική εορτή, κατά την οποία η Χριστιανική Εκκλησία τιμά κάθε χρόνο στις 8 Σεπτεμβρίου «το γενέθλιον της υπεραγίας δεσποίνης ημών Θεοτόκου», τη γέννηση, δηλαδή, της Μαριάμ (Μαρίας), της μητέρας του Ιησού Χριστού. Την ημέρα αυτή γιορτάζουν ο Παναγιώτης, η Μαρία και η Δέσποινα. Πολλοί ναοί ανά την Ελλάδα είναι αφιερωμένοι στο Γενέθλιον της Θεοτόκου. Είναι γνωστό ότι τα τέσσερα Ευαγγέλια δεν παρέχουν πληροφορίες για την καταγωγή και τη γέννηση της Θεοτόκου. Τις σχετικές πληροφορίες τις αντλούμε από το απόκρυφο Πρωτευαγγέλιο του Ιακώβου (2ος αιώνας), σύμφωνα με το οποίο η Θεοτόκος γεννήθηκε στα Ιεροσόλυμα με θαυματουργικό τρόπο από μια ενάρετη γηραιά γυναίκα, ονόματι Άννα (εξελληνισμένος τύπος του εβραϊκού Χάνα = εύνοια, χάρη), μετά από επίμονες δεήσεις προς τον Θεό, αυτής και του συζύγου της Ιωακείμ. Η Άννα ήταν στείρα και συνεπώς άτεκνη, γεγονός που εθεωρείτο ντροπή στην ιουδαϊκή κοινωνία της εποχής της. Στους πρώτους χριστιανικούς χρόνους ήταν γνωστές παρόμοιες διηγήσεις για τη γέννηση της Παναγίας και από το απόκρυφο Ευαγγέλιο του Ψευδο-Ματθαίου. Μετά την καταδίκη από την 3η Οικουμενική Σύνοδο της Εφέσου (431) της αίρεσης του Νεστοριανισμού, η οποία απέρριπτε, μεταξύ άλλων, το όνομα και τη συμμετοχή της Θεοτόκου στο σωτηριώδες έργο του Χριστού, οι διηγήσεις αυτές άρχισαν να ενσωματώνονται στη λατρεία της Εκκλησίας με τη μορφή των θεομητορικών εορτών. Η γιορτή της γέννησης της Θεοτόκου καθιερώθηκε για πρώτη φορά στα τέλη του 5ου αιώνα ή στις αρχές του 6ου αιώνα στα Ιεροσόλυμα και από εκεί διαδόθηκε σε όλη τη χριστιανική Ανατολή. Η εισαγωγή της στη Ρώμη έγινε στα τέλη του 7ου αιώνα από Έλληνες μοναχούς που κατέφυγαν στην Ιταλία μετά τους διωγμούς των Αράβων. Πρώτος ο πάπας Σέργιος Α' (687-701) την καθιέρωσε ως επίσημη γιορτή και την περιέλαβε μαζί με άλλες θεομητορικές εορτές στο εορτολόγιο της Δυτικής Εκκλησίας. Τον 11ο αιώνα η γιορτή της γέννησης της Θεοτόκου είχε επικρατήσει σε ολόκληρη τη Χριστιανοσύνη. Η γιορτή κατέχει σημαντική θέση στην υμνογραφία της Ορθόδοξης Χριστιανικής Εκκλησίας. Εξέχοντες υμνογράφοι (Σέργιος και Στέφανος Αγιοπολίτες, Γερμανός Α' Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, Ρωμανός Μελωδός, Ιωσήφ Υμνογράφος) έχουν γράψει ιδιόμελα, κανόνες και κοντάκια, που ψάλλονται κατά την ημέρα της γιορτής. Παράλληλα, οι διηγήσεις για τη γέννηση της Θεοτόκου έχουν καταλάβει εξέχουσα θέση στην εκκλησιαστική ζωγραφική. Εικόνες εκλεκτής τέχνης βρίσκονται στο Άγιο Όρος, στον Μυστρά και την Κρήτη, ενώ αξιολογότατα μωσαϊκά υπάρχουν στη Μονή του Δαφνίου (Αθήνα) και στο τζαμί Καχριέ στην Κωνσταντινούπολη. Page 11

Announcements BEST WISHES CHRISMATION 8/17/14 Lisa Y. Markouizos Sponsor: Markella Markouizos Congratulations WITH SYMPATHY To Peter and John Coromelas and families for the loss of their mother Acrivi on 8/9/14. May her memory be eternal. THANK YOU With all our heart, we would like to thank the ladies who came down to the church in July and August to help, prepare and cook all of the pastries needed for our festival. Since we had so many women helpers we can t possibly name everyone. Please be assured, your time and dedication is greatly appreciated. Without you, our festival pastries would not be as wonderful and delicious as they are. Thank you Jorge for carrying all the heavy boxes to the freezers every day! Thank you Voula for making lunch arrangements and keeping us awake and alert with your special Greek coffee. A special THANK YOU to Gus Sverkos, Manoli & Sotiria Choullis, George & Rodoula Loizides, Athena Sehremelis, George & Donna Stavros, Pete & Ada Lafkas Ted & Olga Stavros for donating lunch during our cooking preparation. With appreciation and love, Vickie Hennig and Yiota Beckas THE ADULT CHOIR - will begin rehearsals on Thursday, September 4th at 7:15 P.M. THE YOUTH CHOIR - is open to Grades 2 8. Rehearsals are on Sundays immediately following Liturgy and the dismissal of Sunday School. Sign-ups will begin on Sunday, Sept. 7th. If you are interested in joining our choir, please call or email Penny Benetatos, at 714 236-0601or email her at: piniobenetatos@yahoo.com regarding questions and/or have family members interested in joining our Music Ministry. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela Philoptochos Annual Project Thank you to all who have participated in this year s project! We will be continue to collect books & backpacks during the month of September. How about adding another backpack/supplies to your shopping cart this year? It is quite simple Purchase a backpack and/or supplies/books and drop them off on Sunday or during the week at the church office. No time to shop? A donation of $30 will help us purchase a backpack and fill it with supplies Your donations will be given to For the Child, an organization that strives to ensure children are safe and have the basic tools for learning. Thank you Philoptochos, Parish Council, Jimmy E. Mary Lofton and everyone for helping with Panagia s Feast Day Celebration. The variety of Lenten dinner, pastries & fruits were wonderful. A BIG Thank you to Vickie Hennig and Stelio Zoumberakis for the Loucoumades. They were excellent! The chicken luncheon was delicious. Our visiting Guests, Priests, and Metropolitan Gerasimos were all very pleased. Thank you Katy Georgedes for once again you made an excellent decoration to the Panagia s icons. They were beautiful. September Prosforo Prosforo for the month of September is donated by Yiota Beackas. Thank you. If you would like to donate our Sunday prosforo please call the church office. Page 10 Think of the impact Our church has 300 families and if each family brought in one backpack /supplies == that equals 300 children! Education is the movement from darkness to light ~Allan Bloom Thank you for getting involved! Questions: call the office at 562-494-8929 Recommended School Supplies Backpack Notebook Paper & Binders Drawing Tablets Spiral Notebooks Pencil Pouches & Erasers Pencils & Sharpeners Crayons & Rulers Portfolio Folders Small Dictionary Colored Chalk & Glue Stick Colored Pencils Page 7

In the year of the Lord - September 2014 S unda y M on da y Tues da y W edn es da y Thursday F riday S aturday 1 Αρχή της Ινδίκτου Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year Orthros 9:15 am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 2 3 4 5 6 Προ της Υψώσεως Sunday before Holy Cross Orthros 8:45 am Sunday School Registration Greek Dance Registration Parishioner Commemoration Sunday Greek Festival 12N - 9 pm 7 8 14 Υψωσις Τιμίου Σταυρού Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthros 8:45 am Yiayia & Papou Sunday 21 Μετά την Υψωσιν Sunday after Holy Cross Orthros 8:45 am Α Λουκά 1st Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45 am Το Γενέθλιον της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Nativity of the Theotokos Orthros 9:15 am 15 16 Senior Christians Potluck 11:30 am Parish Council Meeting 7:00 pm 9 10 Greek School Registration 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Greek School 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 17 22 23 24 28 29 30 Moms n Tots 10:30 am - 11:30 am Greek School 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 Μετάστασις Ιωάν. Προδρόμου Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian Orthros 9:15 am Page 8 Events are subject to change; please refer to weekly bulletin for current schedule Page 9