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. MAY 2015 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 PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS Dave Matty - President Jimmy Eleopoulos - Vice President Jimmy Mentas - Recording Secretary Chris Dolas - Corresponding Secretary Athena Mantas - Treasurer Board Members George Demos, Dino Syrengelas, Max Lofton, George Stavros, Nick Monios, Sam Platis, Tasos Papas, Savvas Roubanis Hope/Joy/VBS Maria Georgakopoulos - Advisor AHEPA Tasos Papas - President PHILOPTOCHOS Bobbie Soupos - President Karen Fic - 1st Vice President Amelia Ladas - 2nd Vice President Bookstore Zoe Falley - Administrator Bulletin Coordinator Voula Michail - Kitsios 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 GOYA President - George Sehremelis & Thanasi Dalkos Vice President - Penny Bacol Greek Cultural Arts and Dance Dina Lioulias - President Patty Ladas - Vice President Greek School Kathryn Condaras - Principal Donna Stavros - P.T.A Page 2 Junior Choir Pιnιό Benetatos - Director Karen Fic - Assistant Director Moms “n” Tots Elizabeth Syrengelas Pres. Jessica Kanakis Public Relations Jimmy Eleopoulos Senior Christians Nick Monios - President Stewardship Ministry Kathy Bastas (Chair) Max & Mary Lofton, Trisagio Ministry Max & Mary Lofton, Vickie Hennig, Yiota Beckas Web Site David Derks Welcome Ministry Kathy Bastas (Chair), Camille Dolas, Kay Platis, Young Adults Eleni Demos Olivia Varonos Page 15 Dear Parishioners, Come Celebrate with us Mother’s Day Hosted By: The ASSUMPTION SENIORS Pastor’s Message Christos Anesti! SUNDAY MAY 10, 2015 FOLLOWING CHURCH IN OUR CULTURAL CENTER I would like to share that we have been working on a new website for our parish that is filled with information on the life of the community. The website is easy to use and you can access the Parish calendar, read the Monthly Bulletin, learn about the Sacraments and browse through the various ministries of the church. For over a month now we have a Facebook and Twitter account were you can be updated on what is going on at the church with Photos , reminders and spiritual readings. The Facebook and Twitter account links are at the top section of the website. I would like to thank Mr. David Derks (derksworld.com) for dedicating his time updating the information and keeping the website and media accounts current and visually beautiful. We will be serving Pastitsio, With over 20 views per day our new website becomes a resource for our parish community and visitors as well. Salad and Desert. All drinks included Adults: $15 Children: $7 In Christ, Fr. Christos. Come Celebrate Father’s Day with us Hosted By: The ASSUMPTION SENIORS SUNDAY, June 21, 2015 FOLLOWING CHURCH IN OUR CULTURAL CENTER We are serving Chicken, Rice, Salad & Dessert All drinks included Adult Ticket: $15.00 Children: $5.00 Page 14 Page 3 President’s Message Holy Week 2015 at Assumption… spiritually rejuvenating and so beautiful… What was most memorable to you this year? Was it Good Friday with our Procession outside the Church along the walkway filled with luminaries (thank you again Maria and GOYA!) or maybe when the power and lights symbolically went back on just when Father Christos reentered the Church after a brief outage? Papadopoulos, Evangelos & Lorraine Papakoulos, Angie Papas, Tasos & Georgia Pappas, Mark & Shari Pappas, Victor & Christina Paralapanides, Charles & Elenie Pass, Toula Paulos, Mary For me, it was our Resurrection Service on Holy Saturday evening. It was wonderful seeing so many people attend – even our side aisles and back aisle were packed with faithful. From a vantage point up on the choir loft, it was very inspiring watching Father Christos lead the procession out of the Church with the lights out amid a wall-to-wall sea of candles. And our Father Christos singing with such a beautiful, strong voice even at the end of a very full week and with purposeful censing of the faithful still outside in the courtyard. Did you notice we had 14 altar boys? And of course our Assumption tradition of Anastasi Dinner, following Diving Liturgy hosted again by Jimmy Eleopoulos. We had well over 200 people in the Hall and some stayed past 4am! What a strong finish to OUR Holy Week. Paulos, Nicholas It was also great seeing so many young adults attending our Services during Holy Week, especially since we have a special focus on our Young Adults this year. See a note from Olivia Varonos and Eleni Demos in this issue for Young Adult Activities and please help them get the word out to other young adults in our Parish. Raptis, Maria It was abundantly clear to me that next year, with our continued growth and already overflowing crowds, that Father Christos will need a Pastoral Assistant to help officiate during Holy Week. It was wonderful having Deacon John from St John helping Father during our Holy Unction Service this year… this gave us a taste of where we need to be next year. Since last month, we have made more progress towards preparing to hire a Pastoral Assistant which will also serve as Youth Director. I’ll continue to give you updates each month until we have this position filled. Salsman, Mel & Andria Another important goal that our Parish Council has for this year is to expand our Outreach to our Long Beach Community. I have asked Sam Platis to spearhead this initiative and to plan a major activity for this year. Look for Sam to give us an update in an upcoming Panagia issue. Paxos, Joanne Pelonis, Petros & Agatha Philips, Mark & Crystal Phoutrides, Neilos & Patricia Platis, Jim & Kay Platis, Sam & Laura Politis, Spiros & Assal Polychrones, Speros & Dora Richards, Dean & Dorothy Roubanis, Savvas & Jody Russos, Asimina Russos, Emmauel Santamarina, Jose & Ronnea Sehremelis, Andy & Leslie Sharkoff, Dr. James & Katherine Shweiri, Cathy & George Shweiri, Gabriel & Nicole Silva, Robert & Nicolette Simitian, Richard & Anna Siouris, Chris & Panayota Sirigos George & Eliodora Skandalakis, Melia Skourtas, Tony & Angelique We also want to increase our presence and good will with our Community in other ways. We are in discussions with a local Firefighters District, our neighbors Del Lago HOA, and even Long Beach City Schools for occasional potential use of our facilities this year. Another important goal this year is to finally put signage facing PCH. We have been missing a huge opportunity in letting people know who we are and even advertising for our Festival with our long frontage on one of the busiest streets in Long Beach. It’s time to get this done. Smith, Emmanuel & Christina Christ is Risen! Spiropoulos, Troy & Gina Dave Matty, PC President Smyrniotis, Chris & Mary Sotiriou, Dimitrios Sotiriou, Elias Sotiriou, Panagiotis & Vasiliki Soultanakis, Trudith Soupos, Tom & Bobbie Spiropoulos, James & Marina Stapakis, Olympia Page 4 Stathis, Robert & Josefa Stavros, Andy & Amber Stavros, Bill & Maria Stavros, George & Donna Stavros, Louis & Mary Stavros, Ted & Olga Stavros, Tom Stavroudis, Toula Stevenson, Gus & Leona Sullos, James & Vickie Syrengelas, Andreas & Evdoxia Syrengelas, Dino & Dora Syrengelas, Michael & Elizabeth Syrengelas, Soteria Syrengelas, Toula Talaganis, Ernest Talaganis, Nick & Amy Tavlarides, Angelo & Mary Tavlarides, Matt & Whitney Teodosiadis, Romilos & Melpomeni Terzis, Constantinos & Suzanna Thermos, Jerry & Ellie Thibault, Irene Toulios, Spyros & Eleni Toumasis, Gerasimos & Kyriaky Trigonis, Tula Trikounakis, Tony & Irma Tsakoumakis, Stan & Debora Tsalikis, Maria Tsamous, Peter & Helen Tsimerekis, Nikos & Anna Tzortzakis, Georgis & Kelly Smith Vackrinos, Catherine Vagelatos, John Vardakis, Alex Vargo, Douglas & Elefteria Varzak, Darlene Vasilomanolakis, Dr. Mike & Niki Vasilomanolakis, Francine Vassiliades, John Vlachos, Dino & Helen Vlahakis, Mary Vorris, Athanasios & Niki Watkins, Evagelia Xagorarakis, Alexandros & Denise Xeros, Nick & Anna Yakos, John & Flora Zambos, Angie Zambos, John Zamvakellis, Nick & Alison Zarifes, Angie Zoolakis, Anthony & Kari Zoumberakis, Stelio & Stacy Hristos Anesti! Have you sent in your Pledge card yet? As you know, our Panagia depends on your participation to help make our parish grow. Please take the time to fill out your card, so, we can continue to plan and reach our financial obligations. You can contact Voula (562) 494-8929 at the church's office if you have questions. We appreciate your participation. Page 13 Panagia’s Stewardship Family as of April 15 2015 Ala, Eli Ala, Falanai & Lisa Ala, George Alex, Helen Alexiou, Demi Amarantos, Harriet Andrikos, Ioannis & Argyro Andros, Nick Apostle, Helen Apostle, Kostantina Argyros, Dionisios & Irene Argyros, Phillip & Amy Armstrong, Randy & Janet Bacol, Penny Bacol, Pete & Ria Bacol, Sina Bastas, Nikolaos & Kathy Batshoun, Emil & Matoula Beckas, Spiro & Eleni Beckas, Yiota Benetatos, Pinio Berovinos, Michael & Kimberly Berovinos, Tony & Bonnie Bisbikis, Angelo & Diana Boosalis, Aphrodite Bouras, Kathy Bouras, Peter Boyce, Maria Bratkic, Jure & Demetra Breres, Zena Briliakis, Gus & Nicki Brogolias, Nick Brooks, Harriet Bussa, Tom & Maria Chelekis, Louis & Vicki Choullis, Manolis & Sotiria Coats, Marilyne Colazas, Xenophon & Mila Condaras, Nicholas & Katerina Contos, Angeliki Contos, Vasilis & Voula Cook, Jeff & Susan Cornwell, Caryle & Demetra Coroneus, John & Xanthipe Critides, Anastasios & Shawnee Cyprus, Brandon Cyprus, Brett & Jane Cyprus, Kayla DaCosta, Marvin & Katerina Demopulos, Michael & Patricia Demos, Christa Demos, Eleni Demos, George & Vickie Demos, Joanna Deneff, Alkisti Deneff, Peter & Diane Deralas, Dean Desalernos, Stephen & Julia Dimitropoulos, Thanasi & Eleni Dogris, Alex & Peggy Dolas, Chris Dolas, Jim & Camille Dolas, Jonh & Theodora Dolas, Peter Donlou, Gordon & Maria Edwards, Nicholas & Pamela Eleopoulos, Gus & Robin Eleopoulos, Jimmy & Leigh Etchepare, Anna Falley, Zoe Fattaleh, Raja Fenn, Brad & Anna Fic, Karen Flynn, Matthew Foutris, Constantine & Christine Futris, William & Mary Gabriel, Sam & Kathy Galanis, Jerry & Marian Georgedes, Ekaterini Georges, Louie & Penny Georgiadou, Vicki Georgoulis, George & Anna Ghilarducci, Walt & Laura Giannoulis, Anastasia Gurrola, Raymond & Mary Hadjimarkos, Nicholas & Stemma Hadjioannou, Arion & Nicole Hanches, Fotini Hanson, Chris & Dusty Hardaway, Herman & Pamela Haririan, Alka Harrison, Danielle Hennig, Vickie Hillas, Orestis & Eleni Hoatua, Evy Dukelis Jordanides, Dennis & Giselle Jordanides, Tim & Ria Jovicic, Goran & Alexandria Kades, Clio Kades, Kelly Kakaris, Tellis & Lia Kallins, George & Bettina Kallins, James & Virginia Kanakis, Fr. Christos & Pres. Jessica Karapoulios, Evangelos & Eleni Karidakis, George & Diane Karthas Nicholas Kiousis, Spiro & Katerina Kitsios, Kostas & Voula Konstantinidis, Bryon & Katie Kontokanis Dimitrios & Maria Kootsikas, Coula Koromelas, John & Tina Kostallas, Tony & Cathy Kotsakis, Helen & Jane Koulos, Peter & Emily Kourtis, Costa & Cesilia Krantz, Robert & Tricia Lafkas, Peter & Ada Lambrakis, Spiros & Catherine Lambros Mary Lansdale, Marianthi Liarakos, Dimitrios & Voula Liarakos, George & Dezi Liarakos, John & Tesi Lofton, Max & Mary Loizides Demetrios & Karen Loizides, George & Rodoula Lovejoy, Jeremy & Nectaria Makas, Diane & Natalie Mangoutas, John & Barbara Manolas-Lopez, Georgia Manos, Dr. Andrew & Pam Mantas, Athena Mantikas, Nick & Katherine Marangopoulos, Jake & Tammy Markouizos, George & Argyro Markouizos, Karlos & Georgia Markouizos, Markella Markouizos, Nektarios & Lisa Matty, David & Barbara Matty, Thelxe Medenas, Ted & Foula Mentas, Ann Mentas, James & Patricia Michel, David & Vasiliki Milonas, Dina Missios, Basil & Eftihia Monios, Nick & Linda Montalbano, Paul & Maria Morgan,Valerie Nakai, Keiichi & Saki Nezis, Alexander & Alice Nicolaou, Alexander & Reese Panou, Paraskevi Papadakis, Lilian & Andriana Papadakis, Michael & Janel Hristos Anesti to ALL! Truly He is Risen! Philoptochos WE hope that everyone had a Blessed Easter. “Thank you” to Father Christos for doing such beautiful services. Thank you to all the ministries who worked so hard to make the entire 40 days so beautiful. It was truly a journey that couldn’t have been presented more beautiful. Everyone is to be commended. Thank you to ALL who showed up to make bread. It was yet another adventure in the lives of those who came to help bake. That kitchen has had many magical moments! And, many more to come! Thank you Vickie Hennig and Nicki Vooris for coming in so early to get it all started. For sure WE ALL appreciated the finished product! Went like hotcakes, and, sooooo Yummy! Thank you to Nick and Eleni Triantos and Family for donating the eggs again this year. Thank you to Cecelia Kourtis and her crew for doing such a great job on the coloring of the eggs. Not to mention the wrapping. Jorge and Voula, we thank you both for always being there for us! We were able to visit a few of the shut-ins before Easter and they were thrilled to have company. If any of you reading this today would like to accompany myself and others to visit some of these ladies and gentlemen please let me know. I’d like to do this on a year round basis. Not just the holidays! May 3, 2015 - Don’t forget “Kids and Cancer” - Donations still being accepted. May 17, 2015 - Philoptochos Board Elections - Following Church services. Please make an effort to attend. Membership is doing well but we still have a few who are still not members for this year. We encourage everyone to become members so that we may continue doing what we do best; reaching out to the less fortunate. We encourage all members to be a hands-on part of our outreach programs. Contact Karen Fic if you have any questions. Recently “For the Child” held a “Circle of Friends” Breakfast at the Shereton Hotel in Long Beach. Philoptochos once again received special recognition as one of many donors. (i.e. For the Child is who WE provide school backpacks/turkeys and canned goods with the help of Sunday School). They are appreciative of all our efforts and generosity. Without ALL of you we couldn’t do it. Thank you! Festival baking will soon be starting. Once again, everyone is needed. It’s just too big of a job for a few individuals. This is a big money maker for the church so PLEASE plan on helping when the time comes. Schedule will be out soon. Bobbie Soupos, President Page 12 Page 5 Page 6 Page 11 BAPTISM 4/25/15 Sophia Ariadne A. Smith Proud Parents : Emmanuel Smith & Christina Alexopoulos Sponsors: Vivi Demopoulos & Nicole Hadjioannou Congratulations! 4/26/15 Loukas Allan George DaCosta Proud Parents: Marvin & Katerina DaCosta Nona: Dena Romios Na sas zisei! May’s Prosforo is donated by Peggy Dogris. Thank you. If you want to donate the Prosforo please call Voula at the church office at 562-494-8929. Announcements Camp program in Greece for children of Greeks abroad The General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, is offering again the Hospitality Program for Children of Greek descent, at camps in Epanomi and in Malesina, Greece, this summer. In Epanomi, the camp program will take place from July 14 till July 28, 2015. In Malesina, it will take place from August 8 till August 21, 2015. Deadline for application submission is March 17, 2015 for the camp in Epanomi, and March 19, 2015 for the camp in Malesina. Those interested can submit their application at the Consulate General of Greece in Los Angeles. Please call (310) 8265555, ext. 100. From the Choir Loft Time is drawing near for your submission for the “Assumption’s Got Talent Night” on May 16 We are looking for all types of talent from musical, dance, skits, comedy, parody, readings, recitations, karaoke, etc. What do you love to do that we know we all can enjoy. Below is the form for you to fill out and sub‐ mit to the choir by April 15th. Don’t be shy. Let us know what you can do. th. “ASSUMPTION’S GOT TALENT” “We Are Family” MAY 16, 2015 NAME OF PARTICIPANT_____________________________________________________________________ CONTACT INFORMATION: phone number____________________________________________________ TYPE OF PRESENTATION(musical, comedy, skit)________________________________________________ *Please note, performance should be no longer than 6 minutes Any special requirements for your performance__________________________________________________ Submission deadline is April 15, 2015. Please return form to Cecilia, Zoe or Karen Together we pray; together we work; together we build to the Glory of God! Page 10 Greek Column by Voula Michail Από που πήραν τα ονόματα τους οι 12 μήνες του χρόνου. ΜΑΪΟΣ Ο πέμπτος μήνας του χρόνου πήρε το όνομά του από την ρωμαϊκή θεότητα Maja (Μάγια). Το όνομα Maja προήλθε από τη λέξη Μαία (τροφός) τη μητέρα του θεού Ερμή στον οποίο ήταν αφιερωμένος. Είναι ο μήνας των λουλουδιών και την 1η Μαΐου πλέκουμε στεφάνια με λουλούδια και τα κρεμάμε στις εξώπορτες μέχρι τις 24 Ιουνίου που τα καίμε στις φωτιές του ΆιΓιάννη. Η Πρωτομαγιά έχει χαρακτηριστεί ως παγκόσμια ημέρα αργίας και διεκδικήσεων των εργατών γι αυτό την ονομάζουμε και «Εργατική Πρωτομαγιά». Τη 2η Κυριακή του Μαΐου είναι η «Γιορτή της Μητέρας». Κατά το τριήμερο 21-23 γίνονται «Τα Αναστενάρια» προς τιμή των Αγίων Κωνασταντίνου και Ελένης. Στο τελετουργικό τους περι λαμβάνουν εκστατικούς χορούς, πομπικές περιφορές εικονισμάτων αλλά κυρίως πυροβασία δηλαδή περπάτημα πάνω σε αναμμένα κάρβουνα. Τον Μάϊο τον λένε και Κερασάρη γιατί τότε βγαίνουν τα κεράσια. Greek School The Greek School Students are progressing very well in their studies. We only have one more month of classes. Next month we will be having our graduation and small end of the school year party on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Come and join us on this very special day. Kathryn Condaras, Principal Little Lambs Hristos Anesti! We've been having a blast in Panagia's Little Lambs. The kids are having fun singing, doing crafts playing and most importantly, becoming friends. They look forward to seeing each other each week and all the moms are enjoying each other's company. The smile on each child's face is priceless. This month we prepared for Easter and had a fantastic Easter Egg hunt. There were more eggs than the kids could even hold. We are excited to meet new families and kids. Please join us if you have young children. Yiayias, papous, caretakers and parents are encourage to come join the fun every Wednesday 10:30-11:30. We only have a short time left of the year! Thank you to all the families who have helped make this program a success. Pres Jessica Kanakis and Elizabeth Syrengelas Young Adults On behalf of the Young Adults of Long Beach (YALB), we are happy to announce our parish is reviving a wonderful ministry for the young adults of our community. Our goal is to create a safe welcoming environment for young adults to meet together and talk about anything and everything that comes to mind with Father Christos’ guidance. It’s a way to stay connected to other Orthodox young adults and a way to stay connected to our faith and the church. As our group grows, we plan to have social outings including activities like bowling night, karaoke night, or a simple dinner. In addition to social events, we plan to give back to our community. We look forward to such a wonderful ministry and can’t wait to watch it grow. Look out for our Facebook page coming soon… For more information or if you’re interested in becoming a part of YALB, please contact Olivia or Eleni at oliviavaronos@yahoo.com or edemos2@aol.com Page 7 S u n d ay In the year of the t Lord - May 2015 Tu e s d ay We d n e s d ay T h u r s d ay M o n d ay F r i d ay 1 Hope & Joy 5pm - 6pm 4 5 6 7 2 GOYA Basketball Playoff Finals at St. Saint Sophia’s GOYA Basketball practice 6 pm 3 S at u r d ay 8 9 15 16 Moms n Tots 100:30 - 11:30 am Του Παραλύτου Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am GOYA Volleyball practice 6:30 pm Greek School S 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Kids “n” Cancer 10 11 12 13 14 Moms n Tots 100:30 - 11:30 am Της Σαμαρείτιδος Sunday of the Samaritan Woman Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00am GOYA Volleyball practice 6:30 pm Greek School S 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Choir Assumption’s Got Talent We Are Family Seniors: Mother’s Day Luncheon 17 18 Του Τυφλού Sunday of the Blind Man Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Godparent Sunday Philoptochos Elections 24 Α’ Οικ. Σύν. Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 25 19 20 Senior Christians Potluck 11:30 am Moms n Tots 100:30 - 11:30 am P. C. Meeting 7:00 pm Greek School S 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 26 21 Η Ανάληψις του Κυρίου Κων/νου & Ελένης Holy Ascension Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10 am 27 22 GOYA Volleyball practice 6:30 pm 28 29 Moms n Tots 100:30 - 11:30 am OFFICE CLOSED (Memorial Day) Greek School S 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm 23 30 Ψυχοσάββατο GOYA Volleyball practice 6:30 pm Saturday of Souls Orthros 9:30 am, Divine Liturgy 10 am 31 Της Πεντηκοστής Holy Pentecost Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Page 8 Events are subject to change without notice; please refer to weekly bulletin for current schedule info Page 9
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