CURRENTS - Holy Cross (Belmont)

CROSS

CURRENTS
Monthly Newsletter
May/June 2002

NON-PROFIT ORGAN.
U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT No. 17
BELMONT, CA 94002

900 Alameda

BELMONT CA 94002-1604

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

TIME VALUE

CRoss CURRenTs

The Monthly Newsletter of the Church of the Holy Cross
900 Alameda / Belmont, CA 94002-1604
(650) 591-4447 / fax (650) 508-9846

[email protected] / http://www.goholycross.org

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Spirtual Reflection ......................... 3 Golf & Tennis Tournament ................. 7
Philoptochos News ........................ 8 Help Wanted ...................................... 10
Ask Max ...................................... 10 Youth Currents ................................... 13

Greek Light (special) ................... 22 Church Calendar .......................... center

Articles and ads for Cross Currents are due on the 26th of the month
prior to the month of desired publication.

TRUTH & FAITH

Father Peter Salmas, Pastor

Christ is Risen! Truly the Lord is Risen!

In the weeks following the celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection, the Gos-
pel passages read at the Matins service are particularly meaningful. Each of
these eleven passages refers to our Lord’s ministry from the time of His Res-
urrection to His Ascension. These accounts come from all four of the Evan-
gelists’ Gospels. In the Treasury of Blessings series published by Pericope
Press, we learn that, although the accounts differ, both the areas of agreement
and discrepancy have significant implications.

In the introduction of the Treasury of Blessings: Liturgy and Scrip-
ture Bible Study, these variations are addressed by Professor Veselin Kesich
of Saint Vladimir’s Seminary. He states,

The variations in the accounts actually testify to their authenticity
and serve as an important indicator that the story of the empty tomb
belongs to the most primitive Gospel tradition. It is highly unlikely
that the empty tomb stories could be legendary embellishments of a
later period in the life of the Church, for if the Church had fabricated
them, we should expect the Christian community to have created a
harmonious account. The Church did not try to harmonize the ac-

Holy Cross Cross Currents - page 25
1604
46
lycross.org

nament ................. 7
............................ 10
............................ 13
...................... center

6th of the month
on.

esurrection, the Gos-
meaningful. Each of
the time of His Res-
all four of the Evan-
ublished by Pericope
e areas of agreement

s: Liturgy and Scrip-
essor Veselin Kesich

heir authenticity
the empty tomb
s highly unlikely
bellishments of a
ch had fabricated
o have created a
armonize the ac-

page 24 - Cross Currents

sPIRITUAL ReFLeCTIon

“I will meditate on Your commandments,
and contemplate Your ways.” -Ps. 119:15

SAINTS CONSTANTINE & HELEN - May 21

Constantine did not become a Christian until well into his time as emperor. His

first major battle in which he was vastly outnumbered against the infamous

Maxentius in Rome hastened his conversion. A bright image of the Cross appeared

to him in the sky surrounded by stars in the light of day. The inscription read, “In

this sign, conquer!” An image of the Cross was built and carried before his army

that vanquished Maxentius and caused him to drown himself in the Tiber River.

He then issued the Edict of Milan, which ceased the Christian persecutions. Around

this time, Constantine contracted leprosy and doctors and idol-worshipping priests

could not heal him. They suggested he bathe in the blood of sacrificed children,

which he refused. The Apostles Peter and Paul appeared to him in a vision and sent

him to see a certain Bishop Sylvester who instructed, baptized, and healed him. He

also built the city of Constantinople, resplendent with cathedrals, churches, and the

absence of pagan temples. Equally important, he attacked the heresy of Arianism

by calling together the greatest minds of Christianity at the First Ecumenical Coun-

cil at Nicaea and there set in motion its demise. He also declared Sunday a public

holiday. His mother, Helen, was said to be the daughter of the lyrical King Cole.

She had beautiful churches built at the sites of Christ’s Nativity, the Holy Sepul-

chre, the Ascension, as well as others. She also discovered the cross of Jesus and

the two others buried under a temple. Both Constantine and Helen died early in the

fourth century.

++++++++

Repentance is the renewal of baptism. Repentance is a contract with God for a

second life. A penitent is a buyer of humility. Repentance is constant distrust of

bodily comfort. Repentance is self-condemning reflection, and carefree self-care.

Repentance is the daughter of hope and the renunciation of despair. A penitent is

an undisgraced convict. Repentance is reconciliation with the Lord by the practice

of good deeds contrary to the sins. Repentance is purification of conscience. Re-

pentance is the voluntary endurance of all afflictions. A penitent is the inflictor of

his own punishments. Repentance is a mighty persecution of the stomach, and a

striking of the soul into vigorous awareness. -St. John Climacus

A brother asked Abba Sisoes, “What shall I do, abba, for I have fallen?” The old

man said to him, “Get up again.” The brother said, “I have gotten up again, but I

have fallen again.” The old man said, “Get up again and again.” So then the

brother said, “How many times?” The old man said, “Until you are taken up either

in virtue or in sin. For a man presents himself to judgment in the state in which he

is found.” -The Lives of the Desert Fathers

counts, but instead faithfully transmitted the traditions that were
received…It is most improbable that the narratives about the women
and the empty tomb were created later in order to satisfy some
need…The Gospels were written in a world and in an atmosphere
that distrusted the witness of women.

Thus we are given these accounts to confirm what was experienced by the
disciples and others following our Lord’s Resurrection. Today there are many
who question the accuracy and authenticity of these writings, raising many
doubts in the minds of the faithful. However, from the earliest traditions, the
Fathers of the Church recognized the scriptures as having been written with
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. With
such a source, the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Church has always
recognized these accounts as being true and authentic.

In a few weeks we will once again commemorate the descent of the
Holy Spirit upon the first Christian community. As Orthodox Christians of
the 21st Century, we, too, will ask the Holy Spirit to come upon us, thereby
sanctifying the work of the Church throughout the world. It is important for
us to remember that without the Holy Spirit we can do nothing good. The
Holy Spirit that guides and protects, inspires and instructs, enlivens and main-
tains is the same Holy Spirit that moves with its sanctifying power freely
throughout creation.

Saint Athanasius of Alexandria shares with us these thoughts on the
Church and the Holy Trinity.

Let us note that the very tradition, teaching, and faith of the Church
from the beginning, which the Lord gave, was preached by the
Apostles, and was preserved by the Fathers. On this was the Church
founded; and if anyone departs from this, he neither is nor any longer
ought to be called a Christian: there is a Trinity, holy and perfect,
acknowledged as God, in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, having noth-
ing foreign or external mixed with it, not composed of a fashioner
and an originated, but entirely creative and fashioning; It is consis-
tent in Itself, indivisible in nature, and Its activity is one. The Father
does all things through the Word in the Holy Spirit; and thus the
unity of the Holy Trinity is preserved…He is over all as Father, as
beginning, as source; and through all, through the Word; and in all,
in the Holy Spirit…And because this is the faith of the Church, let
them somehow understand that the Lord sent out the Apostles and

page 4 - Cross Currents

itions that were
about the women
to satisfy some
n an atmosphere

s experienced by the
Today there are many
ritings, raising many
arliest traditions, the
ng been written with
pirit of Truth. With
e Church has always

ate the descent of the
thodox Christians of
me upon us, thereby
d. It is important for
nothing good. The
s, enlivens and main-
tifying power freely

hese thoughts on the

th of the Church
preached by the
s was the Church
is nor any longer
holy and perfect,
rit, having noth-
d of a fashioner
ing; It is consis-
one. The Father
rit; and thus the
all as Father, as
Word; and in all,
f the Church, let
he Apostles and

page 22 - Cross Currents

commanded them to make this the foundation of the Church, when
He said, “Go out and instruct every people, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Our Orthodox tradition is inexhaustibly rich with wisdom, understanding and
instructive reminders. As proclaimed in our Creed of faith, let us not stray
from our belief in the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church.” And again
as we sing in the Divine Liturgy, “let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole life to Christ our God.”

FRom THe JAnIToR’s CLoseT

CHRISTOS ANESTI!

I am going to start out by giving a BIG YASOO to all the Altar boys who
were serving on Palm Sunday. As you know by now we’ve had plumbing
problems for a few weeks; we thought we had everything under control when
the unthinkable happened. The Altar boys came to the rescue and helped
keep things under control. They did an excellent job in helping me and I
thank each and every one of you for a job well done.

Aaaaaand aaaa Biggggggg THANK YOU to Geri Mayers for donating a
Power Washer to the Church. Geri, I really appreciate it and I am sure the
church will appreciate a good cleaning. I still need a small air compressor
and an on-the-back vacuum cleaner.

Another Big Thank You to Jim Stephanos for putting up our new retain-
ing wall in the north parking lot. We are receiving many compliments,
THANKS JIM.

It amazes me how many clothing articles are left at church, very nice and
expensive clothes mainly children’s from the ages 5 to 18 and older. We keep
them sometimes for months and we then give them to the Russian relief. (We
do not have room to store these articles) No one claims or even looks for
them and even when we try to return them the families never come by to pick
up the lost articles. My suggestion to parents of young children, place a
name tag in the clothing (jackets, sweaters, sleeping bags, etc.) so whoever
finds lost clothing can return it.

Now a more serious matter, as facilities manager and Hall supervisor I
would like to accommodate everyone who rents the church facilities. How
many times have I heard “Tyke, you know me I’m a good member and I
work hard for the Church? Do me this special favor.” I hear this even if I’ve

Cross Currents - page 5

never seen the person before. My point is I can not give special favors to
anyone. The Hall Committee has established rules and regulations that all
parishioners and I must obey. When I am asked and have to refuse I feel like
and must sound like an ogre and I apologize for that but I am sure you under-
stand.

Hector Martin, our second shift custodian, has resigned and has moved
on to Andalusia, Spain to manage his father’s newly acquired restaurant. We
wish him much success in his new venture.

Interviews are being held for an Event Supervisor. Needed is a mature
college student or anyone who can use extra money. This job is mainly on
weekends (not every weekend), all you have to do is make sure the events or
parties are running smoothly and lock up when the event is over. If you would
like to apply, please call Tyke at 591-5517.

If you have any questions or suggestion on how to improve our facilities
please leave a message on my door or call 591-5517.

Thank You, TYKE

CommUnITY eAsTeR CARDs

We missed including some names in our Community Easter Card but include
them here with our wishes for a happy Easter season. Christos Anesti! Alithos
Anesti!

Gus & Irene Chagaris
Bill & Vickie Chapralis
Steve & Irine Chapralis

The Coutsouridis’
Despina Davis
Mrs. Pearl Delis

The Haddad Family
Harry & Lillian Haramis

Vangelis Hytopoulos
George & Irini Kehagias

Makris Family
John & Maria Maneatis
John & Maxine Mathrusse
Valerie & Dimitri Roumeliotes
Mr. & Mrs. Guy Salmas
Pete & Stacey Samaras

page 6 - Cross Currents

ive special favors to
d regulations that all
e to refuse I feel like
I am sure you under-

gned and has moved
uired restaurant. We

Needed is a mature
This job is mainly on

ke sure the events or
is over. If you would

mprove our facilities

ster Card but include
istos Anesti! Alithos

Cross Currents - page 21

HOLY CROSS

GREEK SCHOOL

900 Alameda

Belmont, CA 94002-1604

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ Fr. Peter G. Salmas,

ΦΩΣ Vaso Tonas, Advisor
Theodora Kounalakis, Coordinator;

Cleon Skourtis, Co-Coordinator

May / June 2002

Volume 12 Editorial Staff :
Number 2a - Special Theodora Kounalakis
& Vaso Tonas

The Fourth Level students in Mr. Mallas’ Greek School
class wrote these short essays about Easter.

page 20 - Cross Currents

SS Jim & Maria Eugenia Smith
HOOL Joseph & Bessie Smith
Pauline Stavaris
002-1604 Dr. Mary Topalis

mas, Mr. & Mrs. James Triggas
visor Eugenia Verbeckmoes
alakis, Coordinator; The Zongus Family
Co-Coordinator
2002 GoLF & TennIs ToURnAmenT
alakis
Our 36th Annual event was a great success - fielding over 150 golfers and
s’ Greek School nearly 30 tennis players - especially since we provided them one of the best
Easter. weather days of the year! This year’s Committee outdid themselves in hospi-
tality with barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs and cold drinks on the course
throughout the day. The evening’s awards banquet was also a huge draw -
with delicious hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction for sports memorabilia, and
then a signature youvetzi dinner. Thank you to the sponsors, donors, and
players, and SPECIAL thanks to the Committee (which has been planning
and working on the Tournament for months) and the scores of volunteers
who came out to lend a hand with every facet of the event.

FILIA

by Tyke Stamates, President

CHRISTOS ANESTI!

I took over the Presidency from Roxanne Koston in February of this year.
Roxanne will be a hard act to follow as she has done an outstanding job as
President. Filia and I thank Roxanne & Mike for a job well done.

In the past four months we’ve had some outstanding meetings and every-
one has had a good time. For those of you, members and non-members, who
missed the May 9 meeting, you missed an outstanding talk by Dr. John Cladis
on “ARCHIMIDES”. Over 60 people attended and were held spell bound by
John’s informative and interesting talk. Wine and cheese, dessert and coffee
and of course our “ARCHIMIDES RAFFLE” were enjoyed by everyone.
Nick Lolonis won $400 and Anthony Sperow won $100.

I want to thank John for an excellent talk and making the evening a great
success.

Cross Currents - page 7

If you would like to join Filia, please attend our meetings held on the
second Thursday of the month in The Oaks at 7 PM.

PHILoPToCHos neWs

A Glimpse of Glamorous Athens

by Diane Kounalakis-Baxter

On April 20, 2002, a warm, beautiful morning in Belmont, California, the
Philoptochos Society of the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church hosted its
annual Fashion Show and Luncheon. In front of a sold-out crowd of more
than 350 people, Fashion Show co-chairs, Theodora Kounalakis and Eleni
Metaxas, along with Stage Coordinator Maria Frangos took luncheon guests
on a Glimpse of Glamorous Athens. Alexandra and Gabrielle Nemchik
kicked off the show with a cute informative skit highlighting the upcoming
fashion adventure. The show included short vignettes, from trendy shopping
in Kolonaki Square to an evening out on the town in Athens. Each segment
included high fashion, modeled by members of the Parish including many of
our high school and college students. We began our journey on a sun-drenched
morning by the seashore of Glyfada beach. Then, we browsed the boutiques
of elegant Kolonaki Square, promenaded down Sofokleous Street, the back-
bone of the Athens’ Stock Exchange, shared in a wedding reception at the
beautiful Royal Olympic Hotel and reveled in Greek music at night, all in the
course of an afternoon. The fashions were provided by Cache at Stanford,
Express, Manije Boutique of Burlingame, Patrick James Purveyor to Gentle-
men and Structure at Hillsdale.

Special thanks to John and Yvonne Stamatakis of Stella Catering, who
presented a beautiful Greek meal, complete with a Hydra Salad, Solomos
Souniou with grilled asparagus and herb rice. Topping off the lunch was
Kataifi me Krema, all served by our dynamic waiters, the men of the Parish.

Special acknowledgements go to Roxanne Koston for preparing the
elaborate appetizers, Annette Vlahos for creating the flyer and program,
Rita Zaharioudakis for arranging the elegant centerpieces that some lucky
winners got to take home as well as offering other special touches that day.
Additional thanks to Cathy Zamenes, the reservations chair and to Hope
Callas and her committee for setting up the hall beautifully.

It was elegant, it was lively (thanks to dynamic music provided by Alex
Mallas) and it was a very special day for all who attended. This sold out
event was a great success allowing our Philoptochos to grant Church and

page 8 - Cross Currents

meetings held on the TRIVIA ANSWERS

mont, California, the 1. Paul
ox Church hosted its
d-out crowd of more 1 Timothy 1:15; “This is a worthy saying and worthy of all ac-
ounalakis and Eleni ceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,
took luncheon guests of whom I am chief.”
Gabrielle Nemchik
ghting the upcoming 2. The woman with an issue of blood.
rom trendy shopping
hens. Each segment Matthew 9:20-22; “Just then a woman who had been subject to
sh including many of bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched
ey on a sun-drenched the edge of His cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch His
owsed the boutiques cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her, ‘Take heart,
ous Street, the back- daughter,’ He said, ‘your faith has healed you’.”
ding reception at the
sic at night, all in the 3. Joash (or Jehoash), who began his reign at
y Cache at Stanford, the age of seven.

Purveyor to Gentle- 2 Chronicles 24:1; “Joash was seven years old when he became
king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years.”
Stella Catering, who
ydra Salad, Solomos 4. The Word (Logos)
ng off the lunch was
he men of the Parish. John 1:1-4; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
on for preparing the with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with
God. All things were made through Him, and without Him noth-
flyer and program, ing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was
eces that some lucky the light of men...”
ial touches that day.
s chair and to Hope 5. Nazareth
ully.
sic provided by Alex Luke 1:26-27; “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was
ended. This sold out sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin
to grant Church and betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of
David. The virgin’s name was Mary...”

Cross Currents - page 19

²GOYA

and
families
on the
slopes.

BIBLE TRIVIA

(See if you can find these in the Bible before you look at the answers!)

1. Who called himself the “chief of sinners?
2. Who had so much faith in Jesus’ healing power that she touched

the hem of his robe?
3. Who was the youngest king mentioned in the Bible?
4. According to St. John the Evangelist, what was in the beginning

with God?
5. Where was Mary when the Angel of the Lord appeared to her,

when he announced the news that she was to give birth to a son
named Jesus?

page 18 - Cross Currents

at the answers!) Community Service Awards to seven deserving students. These are graduat-
ing seniors who have shown dedication to their church as well as the commu-
that she touched nity.
ible?
in the beginning A fashion show and luncheon of this magnitude takes a lot of hard work-
appeared to her, ing people who commit quite a bit of their time and talent to make it a suc-
ve birth to a son cess. Special thanks to all of the following Fashion Show Committee mem-
bers: Helene & Bob Nemchik, Christine Hopkins, Dee Sperow, Helen
Valavanis, Sofia Medeiros, Eugenia Rousseas, Georgia Novo, Eleni
Baxter, A.S.K. Artistic Destination, Sharon Milanos, Diane Kounalakis-
Baxter, Caroline Crivelli of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Alex Mallas of Vital
Sounds, Don Craighead, Roxanne Koston, Rita Zaharioudakis, Kathy
Craighead, Cathy Zamenes, Hope Callas, Arleen Brenner, all the won-
derful models and of course, the co-chairs, Theodora Kounalakis and Eleni
Metaxas, along with Stage Coordinator Maria Frangos.

We hope you can join us next year. Mark your calendars Fashion Show,
Church of the Holy Cross Belmont, California - Spring 2003. See you there!

PHILoPToCHos
CHURCH AnD CommUnITY
seRVICe AWARDs

The Committee met again and was faced with a huge stack of applications for
this year’s Philoptochos Church and Community Service Awards - given to
eligible students who have shown dedication to their church and community
by sharing their time and talent in service throughout their time at Holy Cross.
This year’s scholars received their awards at the Youth Appreciation Lun-
cheon on June 9 : Alexandra Nemchik - First Place; Katherine Loukianoff
- Second Place; Ashley Brenner and Vanessa Craighead - Third Place;
James Culores, Justin Lianides, and Andrea Milanos - Special recogni-
tion award

Congratulations to all!

PResCHooL

There are only a few openings for the Fall session in either the T-Th program
(starting at 2 ½ years) or the morning M-W-F program for children 3 ½ older.

Cross Currents - page 9

Our Pre-K afternoon/5-days-a-week session also has availability. Holy Cross
Preschool is one of the best in the Peninsula and our community should be
very pleased and proud of such an outstanding school Please call 631-9338
for further info. School board members : Tom Mavrakakis (chair), Nick
Peros, Ella Stamates or Fran Bibbes can answer your questions. Share this
information with relatives or neighbors who are looking for the best in teach-
ing, curriculum and development.

oRAToRICAL FesTIVAL

This year the District Oratorical Festival was hosted by Holy Cross. Repre-
senting our parish were Greg Bangs and Anna Iuppa in the Senior Division
and Irene Iuppa and Maria Iuppa in the Junior Division. All our speakers
did a fantastic job! Although they did not make it to the Diocesan Festival,
we congratulate them, along with our other parish orators, Alex Spirtos,
Andreas Najjar, Sophie Callas, Stephanie Callas, and Katerina
Kalaitzidis.

Over the next few months we will be publishing the oratories of this
year’s participants for our edification as a parish.

HeLP WAnTeD

Greek School teacher wanted at Holy Cross. Qualifications : Good knowl-
edge of the Greek language, desire and enthusiasm to teach the children the
language, our beautiful culture and heritage. Please call Vaso Tonas at 366-
5105. This is a paid position. Teaching hours are Wednesdays from 4:30 to
6:30 PM.

page 10 - Cross Currents

ilability. Holy Cross YOUTH GROUPS
ommunity should be
Please call 631-9338 HOPE - The HOPE youth group (ages 5 - 8) was “walking the path”
akakis (chair), Nick
questions. Share this through Lent with special projects to help us understand the meaning of Eas-
for the best in teach- ter. At our April meetings, we created a Lenten Cross, adorned with flowers
reminding us of the steps to take in our journey through Lent. We followed
Holy Cross. Repre- up by tossing raw eggs in a bucket to see what kind of mess they made. We
n the Senior Division allowed the eggs to represent ourselves before Lent. Then we noted that by
on. All our speakers the end of Lent (Easter), the eggs would be hard-boiled and not so messy
e Diocesan Festival, when cracked. That reminded us that by following the “Lenten Path,” we too
ators, Alex Spirtos, would be stronger and closer to God by Easter. To celebrate God’s love, our
las, and Katerina assistant, Jason Craighead, brought in his frog, Bob, and we learned that
indeed God works in wonderful and mysterious ways. We thought about
he oratories of this Psalm 23 and created fuzzy sheep to remind us that God is our Shepherd.
The children of HOPE wish our Holy Cross Community a joyous and glori-
ions : Good knowl- ous Easter!
each the children the
Vaso Tonas at 366- JOY - The Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) made Easter baskets for the
nesdays from 4:30 to
elderly during their April meetings, and they have planned a day to “Renew
the Zoo,” when all the youth groups will help out at the SF Zoo in their
“Renew the Zoo” program. For more information, call Alesia Panagiotides
at 342-2496.

GOYA – The GOYAns recently have been discussing our Orthodox Faith.

We have discussed what being an Orthodox Christian means to all of us and
how we should defend our faith to others. We also spoke about why we wear
our crosses. Many of our GOYAns participated in the Oratorical Festival
this year and did a fantastic job. We also had a debate recently about abor-
tion and the Orthodox point of view on the issue. We had a movie night at the
Angelis’ home and at one of our meetings we also watched a movie on the
Cross and about the Prophet Jeremiah. Our ski trip was a fantastic time, and
we had “spring skiing” conditions. The GOYAns had their Lenten Retreat in
April and a meeting at the bowling alley for a “bowling night out.”

- Hope Callas

Cross Currents - page 17

ASTARAKIA Irene Fotinos 349-1535
4th – 6th Grades Tula Gieseker 652-4641

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

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

The Efstrofia performed WONDERFULLY! at the Roseville Greek Festival
on June 1. Look in the Sunday Bulletins for news of other possible summer
performances.

² Efstrofia walks off
to a warm round of
applause after one
of their June 1
performances at
the Saint Anna
Greek Festival.

SUMMER FUN

How would you like to be a brave warrior hunting a wild boar to save the
kingdom of Caledon? How about one of the three Fates holding precious
lives in your hands? Kings, Queens, Princes, a Princess more athletic than
any man, and numerous other exciting parts can be yours when you join the
cast of Atalanta and her Many Suitors. Rehearsals will begin twice a week
around July 15. Flexible schedule for family vacations. Must be able to com-
mit time for intense rehearsals the last two weeks before the Festival. Play
will be presented twice a day Labor Day Weekend, August 31 - September
2. Play times will not conflict with folk dance performance times. If this
sounds like fun to you, call Helene Nemchik, 345-2719.

page 16 - Cross Currents

349-1535 AsK mAX
652-4641
by Max the Office Rabbit
802-0422
345-1672 Q. When is Greek Easter?
A. (You’re probably thinking this is an old edi-
340-8689 tion of “Ask Max” . . . ) Believe it or not, humans
345-1672 were calling to ask when Greek Easter was as late as
late-April. True, Easter was late this year, but if
eville Greek Festival you’re calling to ask the date of Easter in late-April,
her possible summer does that mean you haven’t started your Lenten fast
yet? Did you miss all those Lenten services? Did you NOT hear the Lent-
Efstrofia walks off related sermons on Sunday?
to a warm round of
applause after one Q. Why am I not getting an Orthodox Observer?
of their June 1 A. The Observer used to send out yearly requests for updates to our church
performances at mailing list. In turn, we would comply by sending back a revised mailing list
the Saint Anna - including new members and changed addresses. Unfortunately, it’s been a
Greek Festival. while since they have sent such a request, so in the meantime, we have been
calling and e-mailing to them the information for new members and for mem-
wild boar to save the bers with changes. We ask that you do the same - contact the Observer
tes holding precious directly - PLEASE do NOT contact the church office regarding the Observer.
ss more athletic than By the way, you can get any issue of the Observer, since 1996, at http://
rs when you join the www.observer.goarch.org.
l begin twice a week
Must be able to com- Q. How was your Easter?
re the Festival. Play A. Fine. After hiding the eggs, I hid myself in the bushes and watched the
gust 31 - September happenings at the Easter Picnic. Everyone had a good time. The weather
mance times. If this was beautiful. By the way, nice to see some of you in church Saturday night
9. - see you again Christmas Eve, okay?

ADVICE OF THE WEEK Advice for anyone with a long commute - you
know, those of you who spend as much time in your car as you do at home -
the Gilroy quake last month reminds us that not only should we gather earth-
quake supplies for our homes - but also for our cars - a portable radio with
batteries, food, flashlights, blankets, water, first-aid gear.

MY QUESTION OF THE WEEK Why are you humans so mean to each
other? Case in point. Reading from the bottom of my cage, I noticed that if

Cross Currents - page 11

you currently get your ATT long distance bill sent WITH your PacBell/SBC
bill, and you DON’T call ATT before July, you will be dinged up to $1.50
per month for that privilege. However, if you call ATT before July (1-888-
288-2455), and tell them you want your long-distance bill sent SEPARATELY
(that is, apart from your local service bill), they will do so AND will not
charge you the $1.50. I do not know if this applies to other local and/or long
distance carriers, but I’m sure they’ll tell you either way if you give them a
call.

You would think that the savings in postage AND paper would make
the combined mailing cost-effective and environmentally-friendly (ignoring
that with separate bills, you’ll have to send TWO checks instead of one), but
I guess you humans will do anything to each other for a buck. (OH! Which
reminds me - if this info just helped save you $18 a year, consider sending it
to the church.)

By the way, if you DON’T own any telecom stock and know what pos-
sible reason ANYONE would want to continue receiving the combined bill-
ing AND getting charged the $1.50, please write me.

Max will entertain any question submitted on clean, natural, carrot pulp-
based paper written with low-salt, soy-based ink . . . or e-mail him at
[email protected].

sPoTLIGHT

Congratulations to Loula Anaston who was conferred the Elios Cultural
Achievement Award during February’s Diocesan Folk Dance Festival in Spo-
kane. Loula, president of the Philoptochos Board of the Diocese of San Fran-
cisco, also received the Humanitarian Award from the FDF.

Congratulations to Christopher Scott who will take over as editor-in-
chief of “NewsMatt,” the official student newspaper of Saint Matthew’s
School in San Mateo. Christopher will guide a large staff of fifth through
eighth graders to produce their monthly paper, circulation 300. (Remember,
Christopher, it really helps to use “styles” in PageMaker!)

Proud parents and other relatives are encouraged to proclaim the
successes of their recent graduates here in Cross Currents. Please send us
the news (by mail or e-mail) and we’ll publish it in the next issue(s).

page 12 - Cross Currents

H your PacBell/SBC ACOLYTES
e dinged up to $1.50
T before July (1-888- The schedule for the 2001-2002 year is available in the church office. If
sent SEPARATELY there are any questions about guidelines or expectations, call Simon Tho-
do so AND will not mas at 591-4447. The group assignments for June are as follows:
her local and/or long
y if you give them a Sun/Jun. 2 – Group D Sun/Jun. 9 – Group A
Sun/Jun. 16 – Group B Sun/Jun. 23 – Group C
D paper would make Sun/Jun. 30 – Group D Tue/May 21 – All Groups
ly-friendly (ignoring Thu/Jun. 13 – All Groups Sat/Jun. 22 – All Groups
s instead of one), but Mon/Jun. 24 – All Groups
buck. (OH! Which
r, consider sending it ATHLETICS

and know what pos- The Varsity & Adult Season came and went during Great Lent, with the Holy
g the combined bill- Cross teams playing very well. We had one Boys High School team, one
Girls High School team, two Adult B teams & one Adult A team. The season
natural, carrot pulp- only lasted 5 weeks, but the Holy Cross teams showed great sportsmanship
. or e-mail him at and ability. A special thank you to Tom Mavrakakis, Mark Simon, Chris
Chidester, Steve Culores and all the coaches and players for a great year!
d the Elios Cultural
ance Festival in Spo- GREEK FOLK DANCING
Diocese of San Fran-
FDF. Registration for the 2001-02 year is closed. In order to participate in the
ke over as editor-in-
of Saint Matthew’s Holy Cross Dance Program, a child must be a baptized Orthodox Christian,
staff of fifth through
on 300. (Remember, participating actively in the Holy Cross Religious Education and Youth Group
r!)
aged to proclaim the Programs, and his/her family must be a pledging member of the community.
ents. Please send us
next issue(s). For information on practices, please contact the appropriate parent advisor:

ANGELOUDAKIA

PRE-SCHOOL- Hope Callas 345-1672

1st Grade Athia Giotinis 568-0281

KAMARI MAS

2ND –3RD Grade Paulette Costantini 591-4529

Nicky Papadakis 321-2225

Cross Currents - page 15

second highest grossing film in history, J.K. Rowling has sold millions of
books, and its marketing has produced everything from Harry Potter dolls to
the “Every-Flavor Jelly Bean” from Jelly Belly. The “Sorcerer’s Stone” book
was entertaining, if you realize that it is fantasy. Fun spells, a game of quidditch
on brooms, hidden passages unknown to “muggles” like ourselves – all of
this VERY British in its nature (Rowling lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, itself
known for hidden passageways, witches and the like). But how many kids,
or even how many of us for that matter, know anything about witches? What
do we know about their religion (Wicca) and their beliefs? Are we even
aware that there are witches who live among us? The movie and stories may
be all in good fun, but what are they teaching our children and us when we
don’t research the truths behind the stories?

During Orthodox worship, all five of our senses are aroused in order to
keep our focus on God. We see the actions of the priest and the Icons on the
walls. We hear the priest and chanter chanting, and the bells on the censer.
We venerate the Icons, make prostrations, and do our cross. We smell the
incense and taste the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ. The entire service is not only meant to guide us on
the path towards God, but also to TEACH us about God, from the Icons, to
the hymns, to the sermon.

There is nothing hidden in Orthodoxy, nothing that is shrouded in mys-
tery. Everything that is put on our plate as Orthodox Christians is intended to
lead us towards the Truth. Yet even our faith needs to be researched and
studied in order for our knowledge and understanding to become greater.
How much more then, should we be researching and studying those worldly
things society feeds us, in order to understand them and to put them into
perspective for us as Orthodox Christians.

We are not monastics, we cannot shut out society and the world, but we
can recognize how it is influencing us. We can choose what role society is
going to play in our lives, and what role the teachings of the Church will play.
As St. Paul says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.
All things are lawful for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything.” (1 Cor.
6:12) Let us not be enslaved by what society puts on our plate. Let us pick
and choose wisely what we eat, and that which we do eat, let us understand
where it comes from.

page 14 - Cross Currents

has sold millions of YOUTH CURRENTS
Harry Potter dolls to
rcerer’s Stone” book MAY/JUNE 2002 edition
s, a game of quidditch
ke ourselves – all of Grow in the Grace and knowledge
urgh, Scotland, itself of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
But how many kids,
bout witches? What 2 Peter 3:18
liefs? Are we even
ovie and stories may Garbage In, Garbage Out…
ren and us when we
As the saying goes, “We are what we eat.” How many of us remember what
e aroused in order to we had for breakfast this morning? Dinner last night? Lunch three days ago?
and the Icons on the And we have more on our plate than we realize. You see, it isn’t just food
e bells on the censer. that I am writing about – we go through every day taking in what society puts
cross. We smell the on our plate in front of us. These things influence the way we think, the
nd Blood of our Lord things we say, the way we speak, how we act, how we appear, etc., etc., ad
meant to guide us on infinitum . . .We listen to music, we watch TV, we read the newspaper and
d, from the Icons, to the Internet – all the while ingesting and digesting everything.

is shrouded in mys- Several years ago, I read the comic strip Doonesbury. In it, a college
ristians is intended to professor was giving his lecture on Thomas Jefferson. As he continued to
o be researched and lecture, he realized that the students were writing down every word that came
g to become greater. out of his mouth. To see what would happen, he explained how Jefferson
udying those worldly owned the state of Virginia, how he built the first automobile, and finally
nd to put them into walked on the moon. The final scene showed two students writing, one say-
ing to the other, “This class is finally getting good!” The point of this comic
nd the world, but we strip – critical thinking is dead!
what role society is
the Church will play. We go with our children to the movies without talking to them about
all things are helpful. what they are seeing. We listen to music, without knowing what the lyrics
by anything.” (1 Cor. mean, or who the people are that are writing them. We listen to the news
ur plate. Let us pick without trying to understand all sides of the story. Even in our own Church,
at, let us understand we receive propaganda in the mail from people who have no theological
training, speaking to us about theology. Freedom of speech does not negate
the freedom to think critically.

As I write this article, the new Star Wars movie will open in less than 12
hours. This movie, coming on the heels of Harry Potter, The Lord of the
Rings, and Spider-man, is expected to sell out for months to come, and like
the others, generate a lot of revenue for its creators. Harry Potter is the

Cross Currents - page 13