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I appreciate the hard work that the Parish Council does (many times behind the scenes) to ensure our Cathedral is functioning at its optimum. All Parish Council are requested to participate in the Cathedral Committees that work together and offer many of the suggestions and action items for the Parish Council to vote on or put into place so that our programs, ministries, facility, etc. operate efficiently. With that said, I welcome any parishioner to approach me with any questions or if you need clarity on how the Parish Council operates or about our programs or decisions.
April brings us spring, extended day light, as well as our high holidays of Holy Week and Easter. This is a time when our entire community fasts, prays together and partake in our beautiful services. It also draws the most people attending our services, especially Good Friday, Holy Saturday (the resurrection service) and the Agapi service on Sunday. I ask that we have patience when we are attending these services, especially with the crowds we expect from our visiting relatives and children. The Parish Council tries very hard to keep the Pangari and church in order, moving along and get as many people possible seated. We ask that you work with their direction and have patience to ensure we are participating and enjoying our beautiful religious services and liturgy during this auspicious time.
I want to wish Michael and Katherine Klezaras good luck in their new home in Virginia that they are relocating to. We are so grateful to Michael for stepping in the minute they moved here from Delaware as a new family, and selflessly offered his time, talent and treasury, and leadership in many ways including the Grecian Festival, the Parish Council, and as Chairman of the Stewardship Committee. With his help we were able to get our CMS database management system operating efficiently, and organized and implemented many programs that will remain in effect for a long time. We are sad that you are leaving our community in the brief time that they were here, and we wish you success and happiness in your new life. Please come and visit when you are up north in our area.
The Family Center is progressing very well, within budget and projected time. It is almost 50% complete and with the upcoming completion of Stage 2, the Cotsidas Auditorium section early summer, we look forward to celebrating this success. Therefore, we are planning a ribbon cutting ceremony for the weekend of September 23, 24, & 25, and a committee is being populated at this time to start putting plans for a fun and memorable celebration. I urge everyone to add their name to the volunteer list that is posted at the Cathedral and help. This is everyone’s Family Center to enjoy now and years to come. I also want to thank Dimitrios Vasiliadis and the Building Committee for working tirelessly to making our Family Center a reality. This project commenced over 6 years ago, and the committee with his leadership has not stopped and stayed laser focused in getting it to where we are now. It’s very important that we all support it through offering our support as well donations to ensure its completion.
Our Cathedral is quickly approaching its 100 years, in 2014 and I have asked Michael Dionis to oversee the plans for a celebration. Please look for information as we get closer and the plans are materializing. This is an exciting time for us to celebrate 100 years. Our Cathedral continues to evolve, growing with our grown children returning and settling back in their home town as well as new families moving to our area and joining our wonderful Cathedral. Let’s do everything we can to welcome our new families and show them our “philoxenia. “ It’s our responsibility to make everyone feel welcomed and part of our family. It must commence with our church.
Kali Anastasis
Nicholas Bazoukas
President
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