Adult Religious Education
Very Rev. Fr. John Bakas
Our Cathedral Dean, the Very Rev. Fr. John Bakas leads participants in an interactive catechism and dialogue, exploring the Holy Scripture, Sacraments, Traditions and history of the Orthodox Church. This group meets in the cathedral each Sunday morning from 9:15am to 9:45am, before Divine Liturgy.
Altar Servers
St. Sophia altar service is open to all Orthodox Christian boys who would like to learn more about our Divine Liturgy services and how to serve as helpers to our priests. Participants of all ages must possess a sense of reverence, respect and an eagerness to learn and serve. Altar servers are led by adult volunteers. Periodically, our altar boys take trips such as Dodger games, Knott's Berry Farm and an overnight at Santa Ynez Ranch.Art Class
George Williams
Senior parishioners and others are invited to celebrate the beauty of God's creation and explore their hidden talents through our art classes. Come and join us. Create with us and enjoy the fellowship. No artistic ability required.
Associate Ushers
Parish Council First Vice President
On Sundays, our dedicated ushers perform a variety of tasks, such as greeting parishioners and visitors at the front door, answering questions and collecting the offering. Along with our Parish Council members, they are our ministers of good faith and their stewardship to our church is truly invaluable.
Basketball
Scott Ayers
Our youth basketball program is available to young people from elementary school age to high school. Teams hold regular practices, play in games and tournaments with other local Orthodox churches, and are led by qualified, dedicated and caring volunteer coaches. The teams have a great time and enjoy Orthodox fellowship.
Bookstore & Giftshop
Larry Hughes
The St. Sophia Cathedral Bookstore serves the community by offering a terrific selection of books, icons, stephana (wedding wreaths), gifts and other items for the Orthodox home. Titles by authors both ancient and modern are available for understanding and growth in the Faith. A variety of cultural books are offered ranging from Lenten cooking to what it means to be Greek in America today. Parents will also find an assortment for children.
Byzantine Latino Quarter Foundation (BLQ)
Very Rev. Fr. John Bakas
St. Sophia Cathedral has teamed up with St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Loyola High School and other local institutions to create a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing, empowering and cleaning up our common neighborhood. We believe that for our neighborhood to thrive, we all need to work together as a community family.
Camp Axios
Andrea Boerger
There is nothing more wonderful than seeing a child, who has barely experienced the wonders of nature, come to our week-long session each summer. The word "Axios" is Greek for "worthy". This is the message for the often needy, at-risk urban youths who attend camp, “You are worthy and deserve a good life, good education and an opportunity to grow and excel”. The program was initiated by our Cathedral Dean, Very Rev. Fr. John Bakas, and it continues to thrive and expand each year through his dedication, as well as the dedication of the Camp Axios Program Director, Andrea Borger and her hard-working, dedicated staff. Volunteers are recruited and needed each year. Most volunteers return from their week at Camp Axios saying that they have received more from the experience than they could ever give. If you would like to be a counselor at Camp Axios, please call Andrea.
Childcare
Marcia Zagorianos
Our nursery is staffed by qualified, loving volunteers and serves families during the Divine Liturgy from 10:00am to Noon, every Sunday (except when school is out for the summer). Participants are asked to fill out registration forms for each child prior to leaving them in the nursery. We are always in need of volunteers to help care for the youngsters.
Choir
Connie Callinicos
Saint Sophia Cathedral is proud to have one of Los Angeles' most accomplished and beautiful church choirs. They received the Best Choir of the Year award from L.A. Magazine. Members give a very special gift to our Cathedral community. They offer their talents and gifts to God and help lead us in worship. In addition to singing during the Divine Liturgy, members of our choir participate in our annual Christmas concert and various other special engagements throughout the year. Interested parties of all ages are encouraged to become part of this ministry. As a member of the choir, you will meet people with similar interests and enjoy a wonderful fellowship.
http://www.stsophia.org/new/stsophiachoir.htm
Docents
James Karatsikis, Sexton & Faye Demetriou
These dedicated volunteers offer their time during the week. They are the stewards that help us keep our Cathedral open to the public for visitations. They facilitate tours for individuals and groups, sharing the rich culture and spiritual history of our Orthodox faith. They warmly greet those who enter, looking for a safe place to pray or just for some personal time. Our docents participate in a truly vital outreach ministry of our church.
Docents are available Tuesday through Friday (10am-4pm) to greet visitors and provide mini tours for smaller groups. Group tours are conducted for 20 or more visitors Tuesday through Friday by appointment only. Please call the Cathedral Office at 323-737-2424 for details.
Easter Picnic
Our annual Easter Picnic provides all parishioners with the opportunity to break the Lenten fast together, and to celebrate the glory and joy of the Resurrection as a family. Join us for great food, music and fun at a southern California park. It is a time to make new friends and catch up with old friends from all parishes in Southern California.
Festival
Each year our Cathedral sponsors an outstanding festival, which features Byzantine art, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, Cathedral tours, entertainment, dancing, carnival-style games for the kids, and a host of other activities. This is not only a celebration for our community to enjoy within itself, but also a vital opportunity to reach out to the neighborhood and the general Los Angeles community – sharing our faith, cultural backgrounds and communal spirit with all of our beloved guests. Please join us to work at the various booths; we always need good workers to make this event the constant success that it is!
Visit the L.A. Greek Festival at: www.lagreekfest.com
GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America)
Assistant Priest
Our GOYA group is composed of young men and women in high school. In addition to weekly meetings during Sunday School, led by youthful, qualified volunteer teachers, participants enjoy monthly activities that range from field trips to local points of interest, including outreach projects that serve the greater community, Christmas and Lenten retreats. Parents are encouraged to help clergy plan these events, and generally take active roles in sustaining the groups. The program works to educate and edify young members of the church through fellowship, social & spiritual events and occasional outings. The ministry offers them an opportunity to experience the faith in a fun and exciting way that speaks to their generation.
Greek Folk Dancing - Competitive & Non-Competitive
Eleni Constantine
Competitive - We currently offer 6 programs that involve age groups from 5 years old to those in their 40's. These dynamic groups aim to further not only our understanding of dance, but also to provide opportunities for Christian fellowship, lasting friendships and learning the faith. Yearly events include an outstanding glendi, occasional dance exhibitions and performances at our festival and Easter picnic. Their main competitive event is the annual Folk Dance Festival (FDF) sponsored by the Metropolis of San Francisco. New dancers are always welcome.
Non-Competitive – Have you wanted to try Greek dancing but never dared? This program is for you. The program directors offer a friendly, creative and poetic approach to teaching, featuring historical tidbits about Greece, samples of Greek cuisine and of course, Greek music. Join us for a wonderful time and outstanding Christian fellowship, Tuesday evenings at 8:30pm.
Greek Americans in Hollywood
Alexa Pagonas
This is a group of individuals who are involved in the entertainment industry. It includes those behind the camera, and in front of the camera and ranges from actors, to singers, to artists, to producers, directors and all individuals in between who encompass the entertainment industry. Our purpose is to support, encourage and network with our fellow colleagues, as well as to achieve personal direction, guidance and spiritual growth by volunteering our talents to the community.
Hellenic Academy
Margarita Gillespie
Our Greek School offers programs designed for children and adults. It serves all levels of language competence. Even if you don't speak a word of Greek, come and join us. It is never too late to learn. The Greek school director, staff and teachers offer creative programs for you and your family which not only teach students Greek language skills, but also Greek history, Byzantine culture and Orthodoxy. Children meet on Saturday mornings and adults meet on Saturday afternoons. Contact Margaret at:margaret.gillespie@odnss.com
Hospitality
Coffee Hour – Georgia Vasila
Due to the dedication of a group of women who have served in the kitchen for many years, coffee hour is offered every Sunday after Liturgy. We need new volunteers to help alleviate the workload. Please call the church office to schedule when you can help serve coffee and sweets.
Welcome Table – Maria Pelargos/Niki Korbakis
There is a group of women who have been warmly greeting guests for several years during coffee hour. If you are friendly and have an outgoing personality, they need your help. If you wish to assist in this effort, please call to schedule a Sunday.
JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth)
Assistant Priest
This youth group serves the spiritual needs of children from 3rd to 5th grade and is led by advisors who know what type of activities and events will work with this age group. Monthly events include activities that combine fun, learning and spiritual development, such as scavenger hunts through our Cathedral, movie nights, outreach projects, and seasonal retreats. These activities are designed to help form a basic understanding of Orthodox Christianity while getting the kids to interact and make lifelong friends, which is so important to a long-term connection to our church.
Junior GOYA
Assistant Priest
This youth group is for grades 6th – 8th. The program offers social and spiritual events and outings that are appropriate for this age group. Much like GOYA, the purpose is to have our children experience the faith through activities that keep them close to the church while building a sense of fellowship among the participants.
Mr & Mrs Club
Dean and Christina Peratsakis
This group is for married couples and is dedicated to growing in the faith and blossoming in the Sacrament of Marriage. Group activities are aimed at providing quality time for our couples to re-connect. It creates friendships amongst couples in the community and affords the opportunity to worship together and better understand what God wants for us in our marriage. Annual activities include wine tasting events, potlucks, family retreats, marriage encounter programs and special worship services. Join us today. Celebrate and grow in your marriage while helping to build a community at St. Sophia.
Very Rev. Fr. John Bakas
For those wishing to explore Baptism, Chrismation and the general conversion experience to the Orthodox Faith, special programs are created by our priests on an individual basis. Anyone interested in what the Orthodox Faith has to offer is highly encouraged to contact our clergy.
Parenting Support Group
Dr. Nikos Stefanidis
Each Sunday, participants gather with counseling professionals, who are parishioners of St. Sophia, to discuss the issues of raising children in the modern world. This is a fantastic way to meet other parents and gain some uniquely Orthodox insights into the constant challenges of parenthood. Join us today, and help your family grow in the Orthodox faith.
Parenting Group Classes meet every Sunday after church in St. John's Room. Everyone is welcome to attend and admission is free.
Parish Council
Panos Angels, President
Members of this group are elected by our congregation yearly for 3 terms of service. Some members of Parish Council are then elected by the council to fill Officer roles, which include President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. This body as a whole is responsible for the daily administrative workings of our Cathedral community, ensuring that bills are properly paid, that a responsible yearly budget is created, that proper grounds maintenance occurs, and a host of other issues. Members also work with our clergy to create new programs and ministries for the faithful of our community. Most importantly, Parish Council members are called upon to be spiritual role models for our community. They must exhibit model Christian behavior, be respectful of one another and the community, and always work with our priests to build a strong parish. Parish Council is one of the most demanding volunteer positions in our community, but also one of the most vital and rewarding.
http://www.stsophia.org/council.htm
Philanthropia
Fr. Peter Lambert
A highly dedicated volunteer staff strives to alleviate want and suffering from within the community of those living with AIDS and other life-threatening diseases and conditions. The group regularly collects non-perishable food and clothing donations for distribution at Los Angeles hospices and other facilities. Contribution of time, talent, funds and especially love are always welcome. Take the challenge to practice what you preach..
Philoptohos
Dina Oldknow
This women's group has been historically the backbone of philanthropic activity throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America. Besides providing its members with the host of enjoyable social activities each year, Philoptohos gives away thousands of dollars to worthy charities and individuals, both nationally and internationally. The group also has a vigorous outreach program, through which local shut-ins are visited, given gifts during the holidays, and generally are remembered by the Church. All women of our Church are highly encouraged to consider membership in this vital group.
www.stsophia.org/philoptohos.htm
Philoptohos VIP
Alexandria Markos , President
The Philoptohos V.I.P. is a branch of the Saint Sophia Philoptohos Society. The purpose of this branch is to provide spiritual, social, and informative activities and trips for the enrichment of the lives of the senior members of the Saint Sophia community.
http://www.stsophia.org/philoptohos.htm.
Rite of Commitment
Helen Lambros/Very Rev. Father John Bakas
The goal of the “Rite of Commitment” is to guide teens to embrace and experience the Orthodox Christian Faith in a personal way. This is done through an exciting and challenging program that offers academic study as well as Christian outreach projects. All the students are treated like adults and are asked to give their own personal commitment to completing the program. The course answers questions important to teenage students such as: “Why should we go to Church?” and “From what does God save us ?”
Saint Sophia Foundation
John Sakellaris, President
The members of the Foundation are the Trustees of the Cathedral. Four members are elected or re-elected each year for a three-year term. The Dean of the Cathedral and President of the Parish Council are also members of the Foundation and are elected each year for a one-year term. Most members of this board have served on previous Parish Councils, and presently, six Trustees are past Parish Council Presidents of St. Sophia. The Foundation provides continuity, holds title to all the properties, all investments, and is responsible for raising funds for capital improvements.
http://www.stsophia.org/trustees.asp
Parish Council Second Vice President
As Orthodox Christians, and as members of a spiritual family, we are called upon by our Lord to nurture and care for our Church. Therefore we are obliged to support our Church and its ministries according to our abilities and financial well being. This invaluable committee works to spread the word about the need for stewardship, the many ways to give and the joy of supporting our Church. Yearly programs involve the annual stewardship luncheon and outreach phone-a-thons.
Studies in Faith
Assistant Priest
The course explains scripture and Orthodox traditions, making them relevant in today’s society and our lives. The class follows the liturgical life of the Church, focusing on Biblical references, major feast days and the lives of the saints. At an annual retreat to St. Nicholas Ranch the group attends the liturgy at the “Life Giving Spring Monastery” and participates in various activities. The participants are committed to putting "hands and feet" to their faith, by acting on what the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Holy Tradition teaches us. Meetings include a time of socializing, learning in the faith, and outreach from within the Cathedral and beyond.
Summer Camp Program
Melanie O'Regan
Each summer, several hundred children from our community, and other communities join together for a month of camp. These campers not only enjoy fantastic fun, social and physical activities, but poignant spiritual themes as well. In fact, the camp is designed to be a true retreat spot for our children, a place where the demands of daily life can temporarily be left behind and the spiritual life can be explored and strengthened. Local clergy, college students, parents and youth leaders, staff the camp each summer. The Camp Committee is the group of dedicated individuals who manage the camp programs and meet monthly to discuss the programs & logistics of each camp season.
http://www.saintsophiacamp.org
Annual fund raising events, in support of the camping program, include the ever popular Golf and Tennis tournaments. These events are well received, and everyone enjoys the competition and camaraderie. Volunteers and support are always needed and are gladly welcome.
Golf Tournament – Gordon Freshman
www.stsophia.org/stsophiagolf.htm
Tennis Tournament – Mary-Kay Demetriou
www.stsophia.org/stsophiatennis.htm
Sunday School
Eleni Boukides Yokas
Our clergy, Sunday School Directors, staff and teachers invite your children to participate in Sunday School each Sunday during the regular school year. All classes (except Pre-school nursery) begin after Holy Communion, and end at 12:15pm. On the first Sunday of each month, children attend the entire Divine Liturgy, which begins at 10:00am., so they may learn about the Church through actual worship. Ages include Pre-school through High School. All families are strongly encouraged to participate. Come learn, grow & worship with us.
http://www.stsophia.org/sundayschool
Vacation Bible School
Assistant Priest
This program is much like a Christian day camp that takes place at the church. It is a one-week program and takes place during one of the summer weeks. Kids from grades K – 6th are invited. The kids are divided into groups by grade and each group experiences activities and lessons that are age appropriate,
WINTER CAMP
Assistant Priest
Winter camp is an extension of our summer camp program that takes place during the week after Christmas and before New Years. The 4-day program takes place in the local mountains. We offer activities such as Orthodox life, winter Olympics, movie night, skits, arts & crafts, morning and evening chapel and much more.
