Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church IEPOΣ NAOΣ KOIMHΣEΩΣ THΣ ΘEOTOKOΥ In the year of the Lord AUGUST 2013

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 Penny Benetatos, Choir Director PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Chris Dolas - President David Matty - Vice President Jimmy Mentas - Recording Secretary Jimmy Eleopoulos - Corresponding Secretary Nick Zamvakellis - Treasurer Board Members Kathy Bastas, Dino Syrengelas, Matoula Batshoun, Peter Bouras, Olympia Stapakis, George Stavros, Nick Monios, Sam Platis Page 2 AHEPA Costa Kourtis - President Bulletin Coordinator Voula Michail - Kitsios Bookstore Zoe Falley - Administrator Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director & Organist Karen Fic - President Choir Board Church School Juliana Augoustatos - Superintendent Daughters of Penelope Catherine Vackrinos Sofie Batshoun Family Night Sam Platis Junior Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director Karen Fic - Assistant Director Greek School Kathryn Condaras - Principal Donna Stavros - P.T.A Hope/Joy Maria Georgakopoulos - Advisor Dusty Hanson - Advisor Jorge Rivera, Sexton George Dorlis, Psaltis PHILOPTOCHOS Bobbie Soupos - President Karen Fic - 1st Vice President Amelia Ladas - 2nd Vice President Mary Lofton- Correspond. Secretary Lia Kakaris - Recording Secretary Nikki Andrews - Treasurer Marilyn Coats - Assistant Treasurer Kathy Bastas - Advisor Board Members Eftihia Missios, Olympia Stapakis, Andria Salsman, Matoula Batshoun, Eleni Skaropoulos Junior GOYA Georgi Spirtos Francis - Advisor Tia Kanavos, Vasso Conley GOYA President - Anthony Bussa Vice President - Stevie Dalkos Treasurer - Greg karapoulios Corres. Secretary - Dena Bussa Rec. Secretary - Alexandra Dukelis Historian - Margo Papacalos, Stella Thermos Advisors - Lucia Papacalos, Vickie Demos, Maria Bussa Athletic Director: David Matty Email: goyalb.events@gmail.com 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 Trisagio Ministry Max & Mary Lofton, Zoe Falley Vickie Hennig, Yiota Beckas

Dear Parishioners of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Pastor s Message On August 15, we will celebrate the greatest of all feasts for the Virgin Mary (the Panagia), our Parish Feast, the feast of the Dormition (Koimesis) of the Theotokos. This Feast marks the completion of her earthly life as her full participation in the salvation and eternal life which the Lord God established for us human beings through Christ. The Theotokos is inseparable from her Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is exactly what the name, Theotokos (i.e., the God-bearer, Mother of God) constantly declares: namely that the place and significance of the Virgin Mary in the Church cannot be understood apart from her relation to our Lord. The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Theotokos (Mother of God) occupies next to Christ the most important place in Orthodox Christianity. This is most obvious in the Orthodox liturgical tradition. When you enter into any Orthodox church you first encounter the Theotokos. Her sacred icon is the first to meet and venerate in the Narthex. She appears in her primary identity as the Mother of our Lord, the Incarnate Son of God, the Savior of the world, whom she holds in her hands. As you move further into the church, you encounter her again both in the main Nave and in the Sanctuary at the most prominent places. You are thereby reminded that you cannot church yourself and approach God in Christ without the Blessed Virgin Mother of God. As the Church Fathers say, she is the new Eve, the Mother of the second and last Adam. She is the Queen of the Church, of the Kingdom of God, of Angels and human beings and of the entire creation, whom the King of all chose as the unique vehicle of Christ coming into the world to save it and restore in it his eternal Kingdom of freedom, truth and love. The Icon of the Feast of the Falling-asleep of the Theotokos depicts her body resting breathless in a bed while her soul, wrapped in swaddling clothes like a new-born baby, is upheld in the arms of the Risen and glorified Christ who stands behind the bed. Here we see something in reverse. While we usually see the Theotokos holding Christ in her arms, now Christ, her son, is holding the Virgin s soul in his arms. The icon of this Feast Day indicates her entry into the Kingdom of Heaven which her Son made possible and we celebrate. I wish everyone a blessed Feast Day of our Parish and look forward to being together to honor the Mother of Our Lord. Fr. Christos Kanakis Proistamenos Page 3

Greetings Panagia Parishioners! President s Message Happy Summer to all! Hope each and all of you get a chance to enjoy and have a relaxing family vacation during these next upcoming summer months! Mark your calendars for four exciting events! August 14 th - Panagia Name Day Vesper s Service and light dessert buffet and coffee to follow. August 15 th - Panagia Name Day Divine Liturgy and Luncheon to follow. If all goes well, we will have the honor of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos serving on both services! Vacation Bible School on August 22 nd and 23 rd! Special Thanks to Maria Georgakopoulos for chairing and organizing two fun filled and spiritual learning days for our children. Sunday School BBQ/Kick-Off Family Sunday School Orientation on August 24 th! Special Thanks to Juliana Augoustatos and Sam Platis for organizing this exciting event! Greek Festival preparations are in high gear! Dino Syrengelas, Greek Festival Chair this year is doing an excellent job in preparing for our annual Greek Festival. Thank You to all that are preparing and baking the sweets for the Greek Festival! Dino has not approached you yet in providing your support, expect him to contact you soon! But, don t wait! Please, contact Dino or Voula at the church office and let us know what you would like to volunteer for! ALL is welcomed! Our Assumption Center is nearing completion and we are very close in obtaining our Occupancy Permit. For more details on the building of the Assumption Center, please see the ACBC article in this month s bulletin. Special Thank You to Kathy Bastas, Chair and her entire Welcoming Committee members for extending their sincere and happy welcome and greetings to our visitors, new members and our own Assumption Parishioners! Have you pledged yet? Please do! If you do not have your 2013 Stewardship Package, please ask Voula at our church office, to mail one to you, or pick up your Stewardship Package on any Sunday at the church. Please complete the card and send it back to the church office as soon as possible! 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

Philoptochos A BIG Thanks goes out to Vickie Hennig and Yiota Beckas and the crew of ladies who have been baking since early July. They are truly dedicated! Thank you to Jorge and Voula for being there for us. And, Father Christos; Thank you for being you! Speaking of Father Christos; in a recent conversation we discussed items he may be in need of for the Altar. We were curious to know, other than through donations from Parishioners where the cost/s for needed items came from. It was then and there, that the Philoptochos Board came up with an idea. Of course this idea would involve YOU the Parishioner/s. We are going to set up and maintain an ALTAR FUND account for needed Altar Items. This would be an ongoing fundraiser as there is always an ongoing need. If any of you reading this today would care to donate towards this on-going ALTAR FUND please send your donations to the church, Attn: Philoptochos/Altar Fund. We will keep you updated as we go. We will announce when there is a specific need for a particular item that you may be especially interested in donating towards. Remember this is also another way to make a donation in honor of, or in memory of a loved one and/or friend/s. Together WE can make it happen! We look forward in your participation. Backpacks! It s that time of year again and each year we do this project. By now you are all aware of how it works. You also realize your support puts big smiles on the faces of many needy children, children who otherwise, may not have a backpack and/or school supplies to start school with. We are a large church family, Can you only imagine how many smiles we could make if each family (as we have 300 families) donated a backpack w/school supplies we would be reaching out to 300 children! Or, donate $30 and we will do the shopping for you. Turkeys/Food Drive The same thing applies for Turkeys and/or food drive. If each family brought in a turkey along with a few trimmings we could feed many families. This is a Church Family project and we encourage ALL Ministries to please get involved. If anyone has a contact for Turkeys at a lesser cost per pound please let us know! Questions? Please ask us! Thank you! Bobbie Soupos, President Page 5

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela Philoptochos Annual Project Help a child get a great start on the school year. July & August 2013 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. 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 6

Assumption Center Happy Summer to ALL Come and Enjoy the Gymnasium Facility! Yes, if you have not had the chance to go in or play in our gymnasium, please do! It is truly a very rewarding experience! We now have a temporary Occupancy Permit to use our gym while we complete our remaining inspection items so that we can obtain our full Occupancy Permit. Hopefully, by the time you read this article, we have received our full Occupancy Permit!! Peter Bouras, Building Construction Chair, Nick Zamvakelis and Steve Stapakis are doing a great job in completing all the tasks required to obtain our Occupancy Permit. Keep up the great work! Congratulations to ALL that have provided their sincere support in making this happen! In parallel in coordinating the required city inspections, we are getting ready to review and select the furniture, chairs, desks, tables, etc for the classrooms, offices and conference rooms. Vickie Demos has volunteered to head up this most important and challenging task and in preparing a Furnishing s Pamphlet. Vickie, we thank you! I want to again extend our sincere gratitude to the few of you that did step up and provided your most generous donations. Thank You! To assist in closing our funding gap, your $1,500 donation for a brick on the Assumption Center two entrance walls is available. If you would like to donate a tile, please contact George Stavros or myself. Keep an eye out! You should be seeing your brick on the Assumption Center wall! Also, if you are looking for making any generous donations for 2013, we will need funds to furnish all of the classrooms and conference rooms with chairs, desks, melamine boards, markers, erasers, computers and computer projectors, etc. We are preparing a Furnishings Pamphlet identifying these most needed items! To all, again, if you can find it in your hearts to donate any additional funds to assist our Panagia Parish in completing our Assumption Center construction, it will greatly be appreciated. We have kept our commitment to stay within budget, to pay as we go. Only when everything is completed can we obtain an occupancy permit needed to open our doors. We re not there yet, but with YOUR HELP we can make it happen. Don t forget, if you have not pledged, please make your pledge as soon as you can. We want everyone in our Parish to contribute to our Assumption Center. If you do not have a Pledge Card, call the church office. We will be happy to mail a Pledge Card to you. Please complete your pledge card and send it or drop it off at our Parish offices. Feel free to ask George Stavros or Chris Dolas any questions that you may have. We welcome all questions! If you have any questions, please write out your comments, ideas, concerns, and suggestions and place them into our parish s suggestion box, located in the narthex as you enter our church, or you may contact George Stavros or Chris Dolas. Thank you for all your continuous support! Chris Dolas Page 7

Η Μεταμόρφωση του Σωτήρος μας Ιησού Χριστού Greek Column by Voula Michail Στις 6 Αυγούστου εορτάζεται η ανάμνηση της Θείας Μεταμορφώσεως του Σωτήρος μας Ιησού Χριστού. Η Μεταμόρφωση έλαβε χώρα σε όρος υψηλόν κατά τους τρεις συνοπτικούς Ευαγγελιστές (Ματθαίο, Μάρκο και Λουκά) και σύμφωνα με την Ιερά Παράδοση στο όρος Θαβώρ, που στα εβραϊκά σημαίνει έλευση φωτός. Έγινε, κατά τους περισσότερους Πατέρες, 40 ημέρες περίπου προ της Σταυρώσεως, δηλαδή κατά τον μήνα Φεβρουάριο δεδομένου ότι η Σταύρωση έγινε 14 Μαρτίου. Αλλά επειδή η ανάμνηση της εορτής θα συνέπιπτε μέσα στη Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή που είναι πένθιμη περίοδος, γι' αυτό μεταφέρθηκε στις 6 Αυγούστου που απέχει, από τις 14 Σεπτεμβρίου που γιορτάζεται η Ύψωση του Τιμίου Σταυρού και λογαριάζεται σαν μεγάλη Παρασκευή, σαράντα ημέρες. Κατά τη διήγηση των Ευαγγελιστών (Ματθαίο, Μάρκο και Λουκά), ο Κύριος μας Ιησούς Χριστός σαράντα ημέρες περίπου πριν της Σταύρωσή Του, παρέλαβε τρεις από τους Μαθητές του, τον Πέτρο για τη μεγάλη πίστη και αγάπη που είχε προς τον Χριστό, τον Ιωάννη επειδή τον αγαπούσε ιδιαίτερα ο Κύριος, για την αγνότητα και την ολόψυχη προς Αυτόν αφοσίωσή του και τον Ιάκωβο επειδή αυτός έχυσε πρώτος το αίμα του για την αγάπη του Χριστού και τους ανέβασε στο όρος Θαβώρ για να προσευχηθεί. Δεν πήρε όλους τους μαθητές μαζί Του, γιατί θα αναγκαζόταν να πάρει και τον Ιούδα, που λόγω της κακής του προαιρέσεως ήταν ανάξιος να δει τη Μεταμόρφωση. Οι τρεις μαθητές Του, όπως ήταν κουρασμένοι από τη δύσκολη ανάβαση στο Θαβώρ και ενώ κάθισαν να ξεκουραστούν, έπεσαν σε βαθύ ύπνο. Όταν, όμως, ξύπνησαν, αντίκρισαν απροσδόκητο και εξαίσιο θέαμα. Το πρόσωπο του Κυρίου άστραφτε σαν τον ήλιο, και τα ρούχα Του ήταν λευκά σαν το φως. Ταυτόχρονα εμφανίστηκαν, ο Προφήτης Μωυσής σαν εκπρόσωπος του νόμου της Παλαιάς Διαθήκης και των νεκρών και ο Προφήτης Ηλίας σαν εκπρόσωπος των προφητών και των ζωντανών (όπως είναι γνωστό ο Προφήτης Ηλίας αναλήφθηκε ζωντανός στους ουρανούς με πύρινο άρμα) συνομιλώντας μαζί Του για τις προφητείες που αναφέρονταν στο σωτήριο Πάθος Του. Αυτό έγινε για να δείξει στους μαθητές πως είναι ο Κύριος του νόμου και των προφητών, ζώντων και νεκρών. Αφού οι μαθητές συνήλθαν κάπως από την έκπληξη, ο Πέτρος, θέλοντας να διατηρηθεί αυτή η αγία μέθη που προκαλούσε η ακτινοβολία του Κυρίου, ικετευτικά είπε να στήσουν τρεις σκηνές. Μία για τον Κύριο, μία για το Μωυσή και μία για τον Ηλία. Πριν προλάβει, όμως, να τελειώσει τη φράση του, ήλθε σύννεφο που τους σκέπασε και μέσα απ' αυτό ακούστηκε φωνή που έλεγε: "Ούτος εστίν ο υιός μου ο αγαπητός, αυτού ακούετε". Δηλαδή, Αυτός είναι ο Υιός μου ο αγαπητός, που τον έστειλα για να σωθεί ο κόσμος. Αυτόν να ακούτε. Οφείλουμε, λοιπόν, και εμείς όχι μόνο να Τον ακούμε, αλλά και να Τον υπακούμε. Σε οποιοδήποτε δρόμο μας φέρει, είμαστε υποχρεωμένοι να πειθαρχούμε. Ο σκοπός αυτού του εξαίσιου γεγονότος ήταν να κάνει ο Κύριος μας Ιησούς Χριστός τους μαθητές Του να πιστέψουν ακόμα περισσότερο σε Αυτόν για να μην ολιγοπιστίσουν την ώρα που θα Τον βλέπουν, γυμνό και καταματωμένο με το ακάνθινο στεφάνι να υποφέρει και να πεθαίνει για την σωτηρία του κόσμου, να μην δειλιάσουν, αλλά να καταλάβουν πως το Πάθος Του το υπομένει επειδή το ήθελε, εκούσια και όχι από αδυναμία, αφού είναι ο Παντοδύναμος Υιός του Θεού που γεμάτος αγάπη για το άθλιο και αχάριστο πλάσμα Του κατέβηκε στη γη, για να μας ελευθερώσει από τα δεσμά της αμαρτίας. Απολυτίκιο: Μετεμορφώθης εν τω όρει, Χριστέ ο Θεός, δείξας τοις μαθηταίς σου την δόξαν σου, καθώς ήδύναντο. Λάμψον και ημίν τοις αμαρτωλοίς το Φως σου το άίδιον, πρεσβείαις της Θεοτόκου, Φωτοδότα, δόξα σοι. Page 8

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Long Beach VBS 2013 GOD S TREASURES Dates: August 22 & 23 Times: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Cost: $30 per child Ages: Entering pre-k (4 years old) to 5 th grade *All middle and high school kids are welcome to assist!! 9:00am to 9:30am 9:30am to 10:15am 10:15am to 10:30am 10:30am to 11:15am 11:15am to 12:00pm 12:00pm to 12:30pm Church 1 st Rotation Snack 2 nd Rotation 3 rd Rotation Lunch and pick up Please turn in your registration, emergency medical release and payment by 8/1/13 Make checks payable to: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Mail to: 5761 E. Colorado Street Long Beach, CA 90814 Attn: VBS 2013 For Questions please contact Maria Georgakopoulos : georgakopoulosm@aol.com Page 9

In the year of the Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednes 4 ΣΤ Ματθαίου 6th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 11 Z Ματθαίου 7th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 18 H Ματθαίου 8th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 25 Θ Ματθαίου 9th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Festival Baking 8 am Vegetarian Dolmades Festival Baking 8 am Kadaifi - Flogeres 5 12 19 Festival Baking 8 am Kourabiedes/Karidopita Festival Baking Baklavas 6 Η Μεταμόρφωσις του Σωτήρος Χριστού Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 13 Παράκλησις Paraklesis 6:00 pm Philoptochos Board meeting 6:30 pm P. C. Meeting 7:00 pm Festival Baking 8 am Pastitsio 20 26 27 Παράκλ Paraklesis Festival Bakin Dolmad Eve of the Vesper Service 7 H Me Philoptoch the desser Festival Bakin Pastitsi Page 10 Events are subject to change; please refer

Lord - August 2013 day Thursday Fr iday Saturday ησις 6:00 pm g 8 am es 7 14 Assumption :00 pm with is Eminence. Gerasimos os will host t reception g 8 am o 21 1 St George & Assumption Altar Boy Outing; Los Angeles Angels vs Toronto Blue Jays 15 Κοίμησις Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Dormition of the Theotokos Orthros 9:00 am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 10am with His Eminence Met. Gerasimos Feast-day luncheon after Liturgy 22 Vacation Bible Study 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Festival Baking 8 am Pasta Flora 28 29 Αποτομή Κεφ. Ιωάννου Βαπτιστού Beheading of John the Baptist Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am to weekly bulletin for current schedule info Παράκλησις Paraklesis 6:00 pm 2 8 9 Παράκλησις Paraklesis 6:00 pm 23 Vacation Bible Study 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Festival Baking 8 am Diples 3 10 16 17 Sunday School BBQ Kick-off & Registration 11:30 am - 2:30 pm 24 30 31 FESTIVAL BEGINS 12 noon - 9:00 pm Page 11

Christ, the Master Teacher Christ was the Master Teacher although... He never had a teaching degree... He never attended college... He never hear of educational methods... Yet... Christ was the Master Teacher because... He used events, experiences and language of the people... He knew how to love others... He was a role model.. He shared the faith... He prayed to His Father for help... He gave Himself for others... And... You can follow in the footsteps of Christ the Great Teacher if... You live the faith.. You teach from knowledge... You relate faith to life experiences.. You are will to be a continual leaner... You teach with Love, humility, and commitment... You sow His seeds in the hearts of others. - Elaine Michaels Church School Notes Join us this year and sow His seeds in the hearts of others as a Sunday School Teacher or Assistant. For more information please contact SSAssumptionLB@gmail.com. Page 12

Grade in Sunday School SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATIONSCHOOL YEAR 2013-2014 ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH LONG BEACH Teach a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Please print or type Child: Age: Date of Birth: Address: City: Zip: Baptismal Name: Name Day: Phone: Child Email: Mother s/guardian s Name: Phone #: Address (if different): City: Zip: Mother s Email: Father s/guardian s Name: Phone #: Address (if different): City: Zip: Father s Email: Medical Information: (Information will be held on file for duration of Sunday School year, and shared appropriately as director deems necessary for the well being of the child and Sunday School program). Does your child have any known allergies or medical conditions that we should be aware of? Yes No If yes, please specify: The Sunday School curriculum is tailored to meet children s child's individual needs and dspiritual needs across various ages. For the younger children, the curriculum tends to focus on the eals with Christianity in general terms. The curriculum flexes to the children's interests and desires making the learning process enjoyable and fun. For the older children, the curriculum becomes more systematic, but drives the students to voice their own thoughts and opinions. If you child is interested in other Ministries please let us know: Altar Boy HOPE Junior Choir Creative Art Festival Oratorical Festival JOY GOYA YAL A $30.00 contribution during registration is requested per child at the beginning of the Sunday School year. In addition, students are oencouraged to make weekly ffering to the donations tray. The registration fee contribution is not required but will help pay for our books, snacks, visual aids and other Sunday School supplies Donation to Sunday School Enclosed $ Teach Sunday school Assist a teacher Volunteer with events Please sign me up to: Signature: Date: Page 13

Page 14

Greek School Greek School is still off for the summer. I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather. Festival time is around the corner and we need volunteers to help cook Pastitsio. I hope moms from Greek School and Greek Dance will be available to come and help since we do this every year. It's a fun time to get together, share vacation stories and cook. New volunteers are always welcomed. We will be cooking August 20th and August 21st at 8:00 am. If you would like to come and help out please call the church office and let Voula know which day you can. Greek School registration will be held on Wednesday, September 4th, in our new gym from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Classes will start September 11th. Enjoy the rest of your summer, Kathryn Condaras, Principal BEST WISHES Announcements WEDDING 7/6/13 Demetra Anastasia Krikelas & Scott Scharing Koumbaros: Tony Cooper Congratulations - Na zisete WITH SYMPATHY To Spyro and Catherine Lambrakis for the loss of their son George on 7/9/13. CONGRATULATIONS At the recent Choir Conference of the Metropolis of San Francisco held at St. Sophia s Cathedral in Los Angeles, Costa Kourtis was awarded the George N. George award for dedicated years of service to the music in the Orthodox Church. Costa has also assumed the duties of the treasurer of the Federation. Congratulations Costa! August Prosforo Prosforo for the month of August is donated by Stella Exacustos and Ronnea Santamarina. Thank you. If you would like to donate our Sunday prosforo please call the church office. Greek Dance & Cultural Arts School Greek Dance season will be begin again shortly after the feast day of Panagia on August 15th. Please check your email for information regarding dance practice times and location our festival is just around the corner and we want to be prepared. Wishing you all a kalo kalokairi. Dina Lioulias, President DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION We are accepting donations now for flowers to decorate the Church for the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos August 15. We are asking all of you who are celebrating your name day to make a donation to the Name Day Luncheon. All contributions may be given to any Parish Council member or sent to the Church office. Page 15

Panagia s Stewardship Family as of July 15, 2013 Page 16 Ala Falanai & Lisa & family Alex Helen Alexiou Demi Alexopoulos Christina Amarantos Harriet Andrade Everardo & Theony Andrews James & Nikki Andrikos Ioannis & Argyro Antoniou Konstantinos & Maria Apostle Helen Apostle Matina Apostle Perry & Rosie Argyros Dionisios & Irini Argyros Phillip & Amy Armogida Elaine Armogida Rod & Krista Bahos kanella Balas Louis & Toula Bastas Demetra Bastas Nikolaos & Kathy Batsaras Ilias & Yota Batshoun Christina Batshoun Emil & Matoula Batshoun Sofia Benetatos Harry & Penny Berdanis John & Helen Berovinos Michael & Kimberly Berovinos Tony & Bonnie Bouras Kathy Bouras Peter Bozigian Linda Breres Zena Brillakis Gus & Nicki Brooks Harriet Castritis Demetrios & Vivi Chioles James & Effie Choullis Manolis & Sotiria Coats Marilyne Colazas Xenophon & Mila Condaras Nicolas & Katerina Cook Jeffrey & Susan Cornwell Carlyle & Demetra Coromelas Acrivi Cozakos Nick Critides Anastasius $ Shawnee Dalkos Bob & Vaso Dalkos Chris & Roula Dalkos John & Stavroula Dalpe Arvanitis Toula Demos George & Vickie Deneff Alkisti Deneff Anthony Deneff Peter & Diane Deneff William & Diana Deralas Dean Dogris Alex & Peggy Dolas Chris Dolas James Dolas Jim & Camille Dolas John & Theodora Dolas Peter Edwards Nickolas & Pamela Eleopoulos Jimmy & Leigh Etchepare Anna Exacoustos Stella Falley Zoe Fattaleh Raja Fattaleh Sabba & Diana Fenn Brad & Anna Fic Karen Fisher Kathryn Foutris Constantine & Christine Frudakis Katina Futris William & Mary Galanis Jerry & Marian Georgakopoulos Mike & Maria Georgedes Katy Georgiadou Vicki Georgoulis George & Anna Giannoutsos Tatiana Gurrola Raymond & Mary Gutierrez Ivan & Esther Hadjimarkos Nicholas & Stemma Hadjioannou Nicole & Arion Hanna Jeannette Hansen Helen Hanson Chris & Dusty Hardaway Herman & Pamela Haririan Alka Hatziris John & Ramona Hennig Fred & Vickie Jordanides Dennis & Giselle Jordanides Timothy & Ria Kakaris Telis & Lia Kallins George & Bettina Kallins James & Virginia Kaltcheva Velitchka Karapoulios Angelo & Eleni Karidakis George & Diane Karidakis Nick & Jim Karmiris Christopher & Christina Karthas Nicholas Kastanas Vassilios & Paris Kitsios Kostas & Voula Konstantinidis Byron & Kaite Kontokanis Dimitris & Maria Korakis Michael & Georgia Kostallas Tony & Cathy Koulos Peter & Emily Kourtis Costa & Cecilia Krebenios Anastasia Kyriakos Spiros & Laine Ladas Amelia Ladas Charlie & Patty Lafkas Peter & Ada Lambrakis Spiro & Catherine Lambros Mary Liakos Nicole Liarakos George & Dezi Liarakos John & Athanasia Liarakos, Dimitrios & Voula Lofton Max & Mary Loizides George & Rodou Lopez Jeff & Georgia Makridis Gus & Georgine Manos Andrew & Pamela Marangopoulos Jake & Tammy Marentis Victoria Markouizos Karolos & Georgia Matty David & Barbara Mavrovitis Michail & Monica 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 Nezis Alice Okerman David & Elaine Panos George Panou Vivian Papadakis Colleen Papadakis Lillian & Andrianna Papadopoulos Evanghelo & Lorraine Papaggelis Christina Papakoulos Angie Papas Tasos & Georgia Pappas Mark & Shari Pappas Victor & Christina Pappas Victor & Tanya Parlapanides Charles & Elenie

Thank you for your loving support and commitment to our church. Pass Gus & Toula Paulos Mary Paulos Nicholas Paulos Todd & Cindy Phoutrides Neilos & Patricia Platis Jim & Kay Platis Sam & Laura Polychrones Speros & Dora Popoff Thalia Reed Richard & Kyriaki Rembuskos Panayiotis & Valerie Rembuskos Steve & Amy Richards Dean & Dorothy Roll Fotini Roubanis Savvas $ Jodi Russos Asimina Salsman Mel & Andria Santamarina Jose & Ronnea Seger Clay & Suzan Sehremelis Andy & Leslie Sharkoff James & Katherine Shweiri George & Cathy Siames Faye Silva Robert & Nicolette Skandalakis Melia Skaropoulos Eleni Smyrniotis Alexandra Sotiriou Elias Sotiriou Panagiotis & Vasiliki Soultanakis Paul & Trudith Soupos Tom & Bobbie Spiropoulos Katherine Sprague Ronald $ 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 Syrengelas Andreas & Evdoxia Syrengelas Dino & Dora Syrengelas George & Athanasia Syrengelas Sotiria Syrengelas Toula Syrengelas Vasili & Maria Talaganis Ernest Talaganis John & Kathleen Tavlarides Angelo & Mary Teodosiadis Romilos & Melpomeni Terzis Constantinos & Suzanna Thermos Gerry & Elli Thibault Irene Toulios Spyros & Helen Toumasis Gerasimos & Koula Triantos Anastasia N. Trigonis Tula Trikounakis Tony & Irma Tsakoumakis Stan & Debora Tsamous Peter & Helen Tsimerekis Nicos & Anna Vackrinos Catherine Valaskantjis Nikiforos & Georgia Van Der Meyden Dieder & Anne Vardakis Alex Vargo Douglas & Elefteria Varonos Alex, Gonzo & family Varzak Darlene Vasilomanolakis Francine Vasilomanolakis Mike & Nikki Vlachos Dino & Helen Vlahakis Mary Watkins Evangelia Whalen Christopher &Sara Yakos John & Flora Zambos Angie Zambos John & Stephanie Zamvakellis Nick & Alison Zarifes Angie Zimmerman Roseann (Rikki) Zoolakis Anthony & Kari Zoumberakis Stelios & Stacy Summer is here! The sun, the beach, a road trip, a barbeque... These are some of the visions of summer, and it is a wonderful feeling to know that many of us are enjoying them. God has blessed us abundantly with the gifts of summer, but where is He in our summer plans? There is no question that we have had a very busy year, and summer is a time for recreation and relaxation, but God is with us every step of the way. God and His Church never go "on vacation." God does not know summer as we do. His love for us is unceasing and infinite. As stewards or potential stewards, we are blessed with the responsibility to give back in many ways. Do not forget the church as you plan your summer. Take a moment to fulfill your stewardship pledge or start today by becoming a steward and pledge from the heart. A stewardship card is enclosed for your convenience. May God continue to grant you His blessings and gifts for summer and throughout the year. Page 17

Baking Schedule Greek Festival 2013 The festival season is approaching, which means that we will start baking for another successful weekend. We need as much help and support as possible. The more helping hands, the quicker we'll finish!! We will be baking on the following days: Monday, August 5 Tuesday, August 6 Wednesday, Aug. 7 Monday, August 12 Monday, August 19 Tuesday, August 20 Wednesday, August 21 Thursday, August 22 Friday, August 23 Vegetarian Dolmades Tsourekia Dolmades (with ground meat) Kadaifi & Flogeres Kourabiedes/Karidopita Pastitsio Pastitsio Pasta Flora Diples Start Time 8:00 am (Lunch will be provided) Contacts: Vickie Hennig: 562-865-7029 Yiota Beckas: 562-235-1494 Bobbie Soupos: 714-220-0730 Voula (office): 562-494-8929 Everybody is welcome to come and help! Page 18

Page 19

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 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.