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Monthly NewsletterDecember 2001

Church of the Holy Cross900 Alameda / Belmont, CA 94002-1604

(650) 591-4447 / fax (650) 508-9846office@goholycross.org / http://www.goholycross.org

I N S I D E

From the President ...................4 Stewardship ................................52001 Announcements ..............7 Youth Currents ........................... 8Church Calendar ..............center House Blessings .......................15 Greek Light ................................... 16

Articles and ads for the JANUARY 2002 Cross Currentsare due on Wednesday, December 26.

A BRIEF MEASURE OF TIMEby Father Peter Salmas, Pastor

The Magi were strangers and foreigners from Persia, yet they came to see Himlying in the manger. Can you, a Christian, not bear to give a brief measure oftime to enjoy this blessed sight? If we will present ourselves in a spirit of faith,there is not doubt but that we shall truly see Him as He lies in the manger.

- Saint John Chrysostom

Things that become so familiar to us that they lose their uniqueness are too oftenneglected until the perspective from which they are seen changes. The Magi hadstudied the night skies for most of their lives and then a new and bright starcaught their attention. They gave to it its due attention, and the light from thisstar imparted to them information, wonderful and life changing information, thataltered their whole approach to the heavens and to Heaven itself. The light from

this one star which they noticed inspired a long journey to a far away land so thatthey might gaze upon the face of a Child, lying in a manger, Who would changehumanity forever.

I have looked into the faces of thousands of infants, each one imbued withhis or her uniqueness, each one joyful, exciting, and renewing. Each time I seeone of these little faces, I cannot help but feel joy and hope and the assurancethat life continues despite the challenge of evil and fear. The significance ofChrist’s Birth is in the context of God’s eternal mercy and love, a love that hasbeen celebrated for millennia. This one Birth communicated to man, over time,through various means, the eternal love that He has for us. Since that starry nightin a small town called Bethlehem, this selfless love continues to be communi-cated to millions, and we but need to “give a brief measure of time” to cease ouryearning for peace and joy as our lives are too often challenged by uncertaintyand fear.

It is at this time of year and at this time in our lives that we look to themanger seeking to be there, to just be able to gaze, in a spirit of faith, into theface of the Christ Child. Yes, we all seek a change in our world and perhaps inour personal worlds and, fortunately, our faith teaches us that, even though Hisbirth happened two thousand years ago, we are still able to celebrate it as if it istoday. In living this aspect of our Orthodox Christian faith, we again hope for thechange, the renewal, of this blessed sight.

The time to do just that, to look into the face of the Christ Child, takesexactly that . . . time. Our time thus wisely allotted takes the time away from thehectic paces of our lives and makes the gift of time once again important andsacred. Oh, we think we act as though time is important. Yet our idea of impor-tant is in mistakenly filling every minute with a task. This filling every minutewith something to do is what causes the stress and the strife, the fear and uncer-tainty in our lives. Many think that gazing at the stars is a waste of time, yet forthe Magi, it brought them life saving information.

Let us not become so tainted by the distracting forces of evil in our worldthat our faith is no longer sufficient to stand firm against its power. Within thespirit of Saint John’s admonition, let us take a “brief measure of time to enjoythis blessed sight” and contemplate upon the face of the Holy Child born inBethlehem. If we do take this time, we will find the peace which we seek as weredirect our lives to His Glory. In faith, we shall see not just the face of an infantbut also the very face of God Incarnate, and in that face we encounter the joyfulhope for our world. Let us understand as we proclaim, “Christ is Born! GlorifyHim!”

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EPIPHANY :THE FEAST OF LIGHTSThis Feast Day is one of the greatest days of the Chris-tian year, ranking in importance with Christmas andPascha. In many parts of the world, this Feast is cel-ebrated with even greater solemnity that Christmas it-self. The word “Epiphany” means “manifestation” or“appearance” and celebrates the first appearance of theHoly Trinity at the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jor-dan River by Saint John the Baptist. It was at this eventas stated in all four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke,and John that God is Triune, revealing Himself in three persons, Father, Son, andHoly Spirit. The event also gives witness to the fact that God of the Old and NewTestaments is One, helping us understand what is meant in Genesis 1:26, “let usmake man in our image and likeness.”

When Jesus Christ was baptized in the River Jordan, a voice was heardfrom the heavens above saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”The Father whose voice was heard from the heavens is God. The white dove de-scending upon Jesus Christ who is God in the flesh, is symbolic of the Holy Spirit,and also God.

The Greek Orthodox Church also refers to this day as Ta Fota, which meansthe day of “lights.” On this day we celebrate the traditional blessing of waters. Sincethe waters of the Jordan were blessed by the presence of Jesus Christ, it is a source ofDivine Grace and blessing to have our homes blessed with the waters of the “Sanc-tification” service which is held every January 5th and 6th.

The service on January 5th, called the Mikros Agiasmos or Lesser Servicefor Blessing Holy Water, and the service on January 6th, called Megas Agiasmos orGreat Service for Blessing Holy Water, are the same. Holy water bottles are filledand given to the faithful for use during the year in their homes. At both services, thepriest also blesses all Orthodox homes with the sanctified water of Epiphany. Theirdistinction lies in the fact that one is offered the day before the Feast and one isoffered on the Feast itself.

In many parts of Greece and in the Southern states of America, followingthe traditional services in church, the service of agiasmo is conducted and a cross isthrown into the coastal water areas to bless them. The cross is then given witness toits power to renew all of creation.

Epiphany is a day of illumination and sanctification. Let us pledge our-selves to a great participation in the sacramental life of the Church of Christ. Withthe blessing of our homes, let us pray that the joys and blessings of Epiphany remainwith us throughout the year and may our homes be sanctified with our prayers, Chris-tian living, and spiritual direction in our lifetime.

Cross Currents - page 3page 24 - Cross Currents

In Kyria Eleni’s first Level class the children wrote storiesabout Christmas :

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FROM THE PRESIDENT :UNFINISHED BUSINESSby Nicholas Peros, Parish Council President

I am lucky to be one of just a few people who have been elected as President of theParish Council for four 1-year terms.

I have attended two Clergy-Laity Congresses as your representative andhave had the privilege of meeting Church leaders from around the country. Theenergy and inspiration that springs from those conferences will always be with me.Thank you, Holy Cross for making my attendance possible.

Serving on the Parish Council for over a decade now, I have the perspectiveof hearing of our needs as expressed by two priests, scores of Parish Council mem-bers, and hundreds of Parishioners. We tend to focus on day-to-day issues and onlyoccasionally do we address so-called strategic long term planning issues.

Over 10 years ago, we commissioned a long-range strategic plan.Since then, we have implemented certain features of that plan such as the hall expan-sion/kitchen enlargement project that created “The Oaks”.

We have not, however, completed that vision which is just as valid today aswhen commissioned. Specifically, we have yet to address a variety of needs includ-ing:

O Expanded Sunday School facilities.O New Parochial School facilities.O Provisions for Senior Housing.

The first two items will probably come into being in the next two or three years. Ourlatest building program is making steady progress, under the leadership of ChrisCanellos, Peter Bibbes, Frank Valavanis and others. Groundbreaking is likely tobe in late 2002 or during 2003.

The last item, Senior Housing, has been and continues to be on the backburner. It involves a significant outlay of capital and needs a champion or a commit-tee of champions.

This Parish is rich with strategic thinkers. Through bequest, gift, or othermeans we need to take care of our unfinished business.

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THE STEWARDSHIP OFST. STEPHEN THE ARCHDEACONAND PROTOMARTYR - DECEMBER 27This article is a part of a continuing series on Stewardship sent to us by theArchdiocese’ Stewardship Ministry office. Additional articles may be found attheir website - www.goarch.org.

“ . . . when the number of disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint againstthe Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the dailydistribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of disciples and said . . . breth-ren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spiritand wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business . . . And they chose Stephen, aman full of faith and the Holy Spirit . . .” Acts 6:1-6

Stephen was the first of the seven deacons ordained by the Holy Apostles in order toprovide service to the poor. This is why he is regarded the "Archdeacon," the firstamong deacons.

Born into a faithful Jewish family, he spent his youth studying the OldTestament and desired to become a rabbi. Stephen was driven with the desire to bethe most competent rabbi so he became the student of the famous rabbinical theolo-gian, Gamaliel. Stephen lived during a time when the Christian Church was beingestablished. Upon completion of his studies, Stephen questioned the validity of theChristian teachings. In short time, he discovered its truth in Jesus Christ, the RisenMessiah. The descent of the Holy Spirit fifty days following the Resurrection of ourLord and Savior Jesus Christ inspired many to be baptized (Pentecost). The firstChristians sold all their possessions and made their offering at the feet of the Apostles.This generous act was one that freed them from worldly cares and enabled them tolive as one community. However, the growth of the Church meant that the Apostleshad less time for prayer and ministry. To assist them, the Apostles established theministry of the deaconate.

As the Archdeacon, Stephen did more than serve the material needs of theChristian community, he also preached with a knowledge and power that comesonly from God. The leaders of the Jewish community in Jerusalem became angry atStephen's ability to bring people to belief in Jesus Christ and brought charges ofblasphemy against him. As Stephen stood before the Jewish tribunal, "the councillooking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15). Inchapter seven of the Book of Acts we read the account of Stephen's remarks to thehigh priest and his council. As he spoke of God's love and kindness their hatredtowards him grew and they were convinced that he should be put to death. As heconcluded his God inspired testimony Stephen said: "Look! I see the heavens opened

Cross Currents - page 5

and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" This infuriated them and theydragged him out of the city and "they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God andsaying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' The he knelt down and cried with a loudvoice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he said this, he fell asleep"(Acts 7:39-40). Being the first to give his life for Christ earned him the title of"Protomartyr."

How did this young Christian express his stewardship to his new Churchand Faith? A learned scholar of the Old Testament, Stephen did not aspire for posi-tions of leadership or honor as other learned men would expect, but to a life ofservice and teaching. He was ordained a deacon, and as such, he spent his life assist-ing the priests in their liturgical functions and teaching the people every day. As adeacon, whose task it was to provide various services, his was not a role that wassubject to a particular authority, but a position that was offered in imitation of ChristWhose example is one of servant leadership. We, too, can leam from the example ofSt. Stephen if we contemplate upon the words of St. Paul in his Second Epistle to theCorinthians and apply them to our lives: "For we do not preach ourselves, but ChristJesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake" (2 Cor. 4:5).

A gentle reminder from our Stewardship Committee to please returnyour 2002 Stewardship pledge cards before December 15 - this willhelp us greatly in planning for the new year!

DID YOU KNOW?The custom of celebrating Christmas onDecember 25 began some time in the thirdcentury. Before that time it was celebratedon January 6 and included the commemo-ration for the appearing of the Wise Menand the Feast of Epiphany, that celebratesthe first appearance of the Holy Trinity atthe Baptism of Jesus Christ. December25 was most likely chosen to coincide withthe pagan Roman holiday “The day of theInvincible Sun”, a time from which daysbegin to grow longer. The early Christiancommunity believed that it was a goodsymbol to choose for the celebration of thebirth of the Savior. It also offered them animportant vehicle to teach the faith andconvert many to Christianity.

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2001 ANNOUNCEMENTS (continued)

BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS

November 17, Jack, son of Van and Denise Kouzoujian; Dawn Hurley, sponsorNovember 24, Anastasia, daughter of Nikolaos and Georgia Koumarnetos; Steven

Efthymiou, sponsorNovember 25, Joshua, son of Gus & Elizabeth Anagnostou; Nikos Mastrokyriakos,

sponsorDecember 8, Michele, daughter of William and Catherine Danigelis; Nicholas

Constantine, sponsor

WEDDINGS AND BLESSINGS

November 17, Michael Leavy & Irene Tzifas; Irini Kehagias, sponsorNovember 25, Mark Simon & Kathryn Caranlik; Arleen & Gary Brenner, sponsors

FUNERALS

Memorial prayers are offered for the repose of the souls of :Joyce Bogios who fell asleep in the Lord on August 4Evangelia Charoni who fell asleep in the Lord on August 17Eleftheria Atalla who fell asleep in the Lord on September 8Mary Kanalakis who fell asleep in the Lord on October 5Agatha Lianides who fell asleep in the Lord on October 7Markos Modonas who fell asleep in the Lord on December 5

If there are omissions or corrections to the above, please let the church officeknow (591-4447 or office@goholycross.org).

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MILLENNIUM KEEPSAKESIf you have not done so, we ask that you come by the church office to exchange yourMillennium Keepsake for a corrected version. This memento was given to all whooffered a Millennium Gift in 2000 and attended the Millennium Concert last Decem-ber.

HUMOR WITH A MESSAGEA father was approached by his small son, who told him proudly, “I know what Bible means!” His father smiled and replied, “What do you mean, you ’know’ what Bible means?” The son replied, “I do know!”

“Okay,” said his father.”So, Son, what does Bible mean?” “That’s easy, Daddy. It stands for

Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.

STAYING HOT IN DECEMBERby Simon Thomas, Lay Assistant

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write, ‘The words of the Amen, theFaithful and True Witness, the Beginning of God’s creation. I know your works:you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you arelukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. For you say, Iam rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not knowing that you are wretched,pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from Me gold re-fined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep theshame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that youmay see. Those whom I love, I reprove and chasten; so be zealous and repent.Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door,

YOUTH CURRENTSDecember 2001 edition

Grow in the Grace and knowledgeof our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

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I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me. He who conquers, I willgrant him to sit with Me on my throne, as I Myself conquered and sat down with MyFather on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to thechurches.’” (Revelation 3:14-22)

In the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible, St. John gives us an account ofthe revelation he received from God concerning Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of Heaven,and those things that are to take place. He is commanded to write what he sees toseven churches, specifically Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Phila-delphia, and Laodicea. What is written to the last of these churches is what is quotedabove.

The people of the church in Laodicea have become lukewarm – they areneither cold nor hot. Either one is more preferable than being lukewarm. By cold, itis meant that a person has not yet converted to Christianity. When he becomes aChristian, he is brought out of the cold and into the warmth of Christ, and his zeal forHim is a flame that burns bright. A Christian who is fervent in his virtues keeps thisheat, but if his zeal fades, so does the flame, and he falls back from being hot towarm. So, as there is hope when going from cold to hot, there is despair when goingfrom hot to cold.

Life is a constant journey, from birth to death; the ultimate destination isheaven. That journey requires a lot of time, effort, and hard work. We are con-stantly trying to improve our lives, but in order for the journey to be a success, wecannot leave out any aspects in our lives. We work to improve our possessions, weget involved in as many activities as possible, and we forget about the other impor-tant aspects of our lives, not realizing that in reality we haven’t gained anything.

As the times change, so too do the things we own. We replaced our recordswith audiocassettes, and now we have compact discs. Videotapes have given way toDVD. Computers now need the Pentium IV Processor, because II & III are “obso-lete.” Our cars are bigger, better, and faster. With all the money we spend betteringthe things we already have, I wonder if there are really any new “inventions” any-more. Yet in all this time, how many of us increase our annual pledge to the Church?Do we still put a dollar in the candle tray when we walk in on Sunday? How manytimes do we justify not giving because “It is just too expensive,” or “We just can’tafford it?” The youth of the parish can be offering stewardship also. Our ReligiousEducation Program has been collecting during class and a new program will be ini-tiated in January.

With all the activities that are going on in our lives, our time has becomemore and more precious. Every day and night is crammed with work, school andactivities, there never seems to be enough time in the day. Between Greek Dance,basketball, youth groups, religious education, athletics at school, after-school clubs,drama, etc. (and that’s just for the kids!), we end up having to sacrifice one or twoactivities. How many times is it a church activity (like the youth groups) that issacrificed?

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The short essays written by the students in Kyria Theodora’sclass reflect on the importance of the Geek language, theOctober 28 “OXI” Day and the events that took place onSeptember 11.

What happened on September 11 has changed our lives and the waywe look at things. More than 4000 innocent people died. That makesme fell really sad. I also feel sad for all the boys and girls who havelost their mothers or their fathers. I hope that we never have any morelike this again.

Basil Agelopoulos

As Christ counsels in the above passage, we should invest in His gold thathas been refined in the fire, which is more valuable than any gold you can buy onearth. We should put on His pure, white garments that clothe our nakedness byparticipating in the services of the Church, which cleanse our sins. The eye salve weneed to cure our blindness is offered in the activities of the church, where our eyesare opened through Bible study, the youth groups, and religious education, to therevelation of His saving grace. Jesus Christ has come to the door of our hearts and isknocking, how are we going to respond? Are we going to ignore Him, thinking ourlives are just fine the way they are, or are we going to open the door, and allow Himin to live in us.

As Christians, we are constantly being encouraged and chastened. St. Paulsays to “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12), and also, “Do you not know thatin a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that youmay obtain it.” (1 Cor. 9:24) The good fight is our personal struggle towards theosis,or becoming like God. The race we run is the everyday effort we put forth to lead aChristian life. Our prize is to sit on the Throne of God with Jesus Christ. This is allgiven to us by the love and grace of Jesus Christ, who ran the race, and who foughtthe good fight before us, dying on the cross in order to be raised up again to everlast-ing life. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abound-ing in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1Cor. 15:58)

THE OVERLOOKED MINISTRYby George Fonti

In the June issue I wrote about the Boy Scouts, their organization and how it fits inwith the Orthodox Church. In this article I would like to acknowledge a local scoutfrom Marin who was selected as Cub Scout of the Year by Marin Boy Scout Coun-cil.

A Corte Madera, California boy has won several awards this year, includingthat of Cub Scout of the Year by the Marin Boy Scout Council. He is AchilleasFourakis, son of Vasilis and Effie Fourakis. In February, Achilleas was namedCub Scout of the Year for Corte Madera/Larkspur Pack 43. Then, after an interviewby the Marin Council of Boy Scouting, in which he was asked to recite the CubScout Oath, Motto and Slogan, he was chosen to be Marin Council’s Cub Scout ofthe Year.

Other awards the 11-year-old has received are the St. George Orthodox Medaland the Chi-Rho Emblem, which was presented to him by Father ConstantineEfstathiou at the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Novato. In June hewill receive the “Hope of America Award” presented by the Kiwanis Club of SanRafael.

The St. George program is intended for young scouts to explore the basic funda-mentals of the Orthodox Christian Church and help scouts become more aware ofpage 10 - Cross Currents

taking examinations to obtain an offi-cial certificate e of competence in Mod-ern Greek. Furthermore, will presentinformation about future programs forteachers and students in Greece.

Over the last several lessons, ourstudents are practicing Greek Christmascarols and are going to join SundaySchool for the Annual CommunityChristmas program which took placeon Sunday, December 16.

A WARM WELCOMETO ALL OUR FAMILIESby Alexandra Koutsogeorgas, PTO President

Hello and welcome to the 2001-2002 school year. My name is AlexandraKoutsogeorgas and on behalf of the PTO, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to allour new families and a huge welcome back to all our returning families.

The PTO supports our teachers and students, as well as the Greek school itself inmany of the educational and social functions that take place throughout the schoolyear. The PTO also takes pride in being able to provide additional educational toolsfor the teachers and students.

This year. the PTO plans to provide additional books, computer programs, avideo library, CD players, and T-shirts. We will also distribute book bags and dictio-naries to our new students, to name a few.

Our funds come from four sources: Our tuition, the Three Hierarch's/Greek Let-ters and March 25th Luncheons, personal donations and any coffee hour that we hostfor the church during our calendar year. Teachers, our wonderfyul students andmany parent volunteers do all of the fund-raising.

If you would like to participate in any of the fundraising activities or eventssponsored by the PTO, please do so. Your participation is crucial to the success of allPTO functions. Whether you are a working parent, or a stay-at-home parent, there issomething for you.

The PTO meets periodically throughout the school year in The Oaks. All meet-ings this year will take place at 4:40 PM enabling you to settle your children and thenjoin us for the meetings. Your comments, ideas and suggestions are so very wel-come. That is what keeps the PTO running. So please keep the PTO in mind whenwondering how you can help your child this year at Greek School.

I am looking forward to working with all of you in providing additional materi-als in support of an awesome faculty, as well as providing educational and entertain-ing events for our kids!

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God’s presence in their daily life.In completing the requirements for the

Chi-Rho program, Achilleas wrote about hisown baptism and the Saint he was namedfor. He also wrote a prayer and learned ahymn. He learned to be a steward of hischurch and the importance of his commu-nity through a community project.

In working towards his Chi-Rho award,Achilleas made prosforon (church bread) forhis church. Achilleas’ community projectwas a bike-a-thon that he organized in Junelast year to raise money for the AmericanHeart Association. The bike-a-thon raisedalmost $7,000 in a show of support for hissister Elektra who was born with a heartdefect.

Achilleas is in fifth grade at NeilCummins Elementary School in CorteMadera. He is a lead dancer in the MinoanDancers III of his parish, he holds a purple belt in karate and he plays clarinet in hisschool band.

This young man is an inspiration to all young boys. Not only is he active inScouts but in his Church by participating in the FDF and sports and music.

Too many times I have heard that children cannot participate in more than oneministry at a time. Achilleas may be the exception but I do not think so. I thinkbecause he has support from his family and parish that he is able to participate in somany diverse activities.

We are off to attend the National Jamboree and will write about the experiencein the next issue.

Note: permission for the photo and news article courtesy of the Hellenic Journal.

HOLY CROSSYOUTH MINISTRY UPDATEACOLYTES

The schedule for the 2001-2002 year is available in the church office. If there areany questions about guidelines or expectations, call Simon Thomas at 591-4447.The group assignments for December are as follows:

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HOLY CROSSGREEK SCHOOL900 AlamedaBelmont, CA 94002-1604

Fr. Peter G. Salmas,Vaso Tonas, AdvisorTheodora Kounalakis, Coordinator;Cleon Skourtis, Co-Coordinator

Editorial Staff :Theodora Kounalakis& Vaso Tonas

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΦΩΣΦΩΣΦΩΣΦΩΣΦΩΣDec 2001

Volume 12Number 1

STARTINGTHE NEW SCHOOL YEAR 2001-2002by Vaso Tonas, Advisor

Several staff and PTO meetings were held in late August and early September duringwhich decisions were made about registration, books, curriculum, evaluation of newstudents and the calendar of events for the news school year. Rested form theirsummer vacation and eager to learn Greek, 68 students were enrolled in our pro-gram. Many students came back, others came for the first time and some came fromother parishes. We welcomed everyone and their families and began classes onSeptember 19. There are nine levels of learning and also an adult class taking placeat the same time.

We are happy to have most of our teachers return this year and we welcome onour staff, Eleni Artsitas and Roula Argiris. Back with us to assist the teachers aregraduate students Katerina Kalaitzidis and Maria Kalogerias. Once again, thePTO officers, Alexandra Koutsogeorgas, President; Athia Giotinis, Vice-Presi-dent; Toula Tsakonakis, Secretary; and Mary Vasiliadis, Treasurer and many par-ent volunteers have stepped forward and offered their help. We thank everyone andask for their continued involvement, support and cooperation during this school year.

The Office of Education in San Francisco, headed by Dr. Yiannis Mavromatis,provided the school with books and other educational material. Additional interest-ing material were brought from Greece by teacher Cleon Skourtis. On Saturday,December 1, Dr. Mavromatis and his staff are organizing a seminar for all the teach-ers and interested parents of the area. Special emphasis will be placed on teachingmethods for the students. The seminar will be informative for anyone interested in

BLESSING OF HOMESEach year, after the celebration of Epiphany (January 6), it is theOrthodox tradition to bless our homes with the Holy Water ofEpiphany. Please fill out the form and return it to the ChurchOffice if you would like to have Father bless your home. (Fatherwill call to confirm.) Yes, I would like to have Father bless ourhome in January :

DAY : (a weekday after January 6) : January _______ , 2002

TIME : ___________ AM / PM (between 10:00 AM & 5:00 PM)

Name : ___________________________________________

Phone (s) : _______________________________________

Address : _________________________________________

Directions from church (please indicate cross-streets /draw simple map if you think that would help) :

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

For your records Father will bless our house on January ______ at _______ o'clock.

Sunday, 2nd – Group D Sunday, 30th – Group D Sunday, 9th – Group A Monday, 24th (morning) – All Groups Sunday, 16th – Group B Monday, 24th (evening) – All Groups Sunday, 23rd – Group C Monday, 31st (evening) – All Groups

ATHLETICS

In order to participate in the Holy Cross Basketball Program, a child must be a bap-tized Orthodox Christian, participating actively in the Holy Cross Religious Educa-tion and Youth Group Programs, and his/her family must be a pledging member ofthe community. Basketball practices have started, so please contact Frank Catomer,our Holy Cross Athletic Director at 343-7191, in the evenings for more informationand practice times.

GREEK FOLK DANCING

Registration for the 2001-2002 year is closed. In order to participate in theHoly Cross Dance Program, a child must be a baptized Orthodox Christian,participating actively in the Holy Cross Religious Education and Youth GroupPrograms, and his/her family must be a pledging member of the community.For more information on practices, please contact the appropriate parent ad-visor: ANGELOUDAKIA - PRE-SCHOOL- 1st Grade - Hope Callas (345-1672) and Athia

Giotinis (568-0281) KAMARI MAS - 2ND –3RD Grade - Paulette Costantini (591-4529) and Nicky

Papadakis (321-2225) ASTARAKIA - 4th – 6th Grades - Irene Fotinos (349-1535) and Tula Gieseker

(652-4641)

Budding cosmetic surgeons display their pumpkin patients at ourannual Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Decorating night.

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YOUTH CHOIR

Youth Choir is more than a youth program; it’s also a ministry of the church.The ONLY prerequisite for joining Youth Choir is a love of singing. If youare interested in joining, contact Khara-Maria Salmas at 345-6830 /kmsalmas@aol.com

Part-time YouthChoir Director andfull-time PrincessKhara Salmas (farleft) gathers the Choirtogether for a picturewith the Ramones (theKanes?!? back row,right) who guest per-formed (and won thecostume contest) at theChoir’s annual Hal-loween Party.

VASILOPITA

Sunday, January 13 - following Divine Liturgy

a fine luncheon - a beautiful tradition not to be missed

page 14 - Cross Currents

EFSTROFIA - 7th – 9th Grades - Vicki Boubalos (802-0422) and Hope Callas(345-1672)

MELTEMIA - 10th Grade-1st Year College - Pauline Alevizos (340-8689) andHope Callas (345-1672)

YOUTH GROUPS

The Holy Cross Youth Groups are a way for our young people to develop theirleadership skills and to put their faith into action. During the course of the year, theywill be learning about their faith through discussions, by completing projects, and bydonating their time, treasures and talents to the Belmont community at large. Con-tact our Youth Group Advisors for more information:

HOPE (1st & 2nd Grades) – Vickie Buonocore, (510) 581-4661JOY (3rd – 5th Grades) – Alesia Panagiotides, 342-2496Jr. GOYA (6th – 8th Grades) – Tula Gieseker, 652-4641GOYA (High School) – Gary Brenner, 592-4755

On December 11, our Jr. GOYA & GOYA hosted the Receiving Home, whichplaces children in foster homes. Our youth welcomed the children with their fosterparents, helped them decorate a Christmas tree (a little one which they could takewith them), and Santa came to bring the kids presents.

More experienced surgeons prep a turkey patient for presentation atour annual Piece Meal.