CELEBRATING CHARLOTTE’S GREEK COMMUNITY NEWS AND …

The Voice of the Greek Community MAR/APR 2021 1 The Voice of the Greek Community

VOL. 81 NO. 03

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL 600 EAST BLVD 704-334-4771 MAR/APR 2021https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityGreekOrthodoxCathedralCharlotte/ CHARLOTTE, NC 28203 www.htgo.org

Non-profi t OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDCharlotte, NC

Permit No. 871

600 EAST BOULEVARDCHARLOTTE, NC 28203

INSIDE THIS ISSUE....

Our Missionis to become faithful followers of Christ and thus

active Greek Orthodox Christians by accepting and submitting to the Will of our Lord so that we may realize salvation and enter into the Kingdom of

God.

Father Jonathan 3

President’s Message 5

The Holy Trinity Centennial 6

Holy Week & Great Pascha 8

Remembering Angelo Politis 10

Stewardship Committee 12

Sunday School 13

In Memoriam 14

CELEBRATING CHARLOTTE’S GREEK COMMUNITY NEWS AND HISTORY

Our VisionWith the Grace of God, to provide a loving and caring Community where all belong to Christ, through worship, sacramental life, everyday

spiritual discipline, sanctifi cation, education, witness and fellowship.

Remembering our friend and former EditorAngelo Pete Politis

(Photo courtesy of Nasos Georgalis)

The Sunday of Orthodoxy at Holy Trinity L-R: Deacon George, Father Andreas Houpos (St. Nektarios), Father Vasileios, Fr. George Kouzelis (Annunciation Church, Winston Salem), Father Jonathan, Father Christian.

Χριστός Ανέστη!

Christ is Risen!

2 MAR/APR 2021 The Voice of the Greek Community

THE EDITOR’S NOTE by George Zogzas

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

600 East BoulevardCharlotte, NC 28203

704-334-4771www.htgo.org

The Voice is the bimonthly publication about Holy Trinity, its parishioners, their faith, and the

community

Dear Readers: Christ is Risen!Truly He is Risen!Parishioners made their way back to 600

East Boulevard the last week of April to experience the range of emotions from the grief of the crucifi xion, death, and burial, to the overwhelming joy of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was a welcome scene to have the faithful fi lling up the courtyard. It was in stark contrast to the lockdown and elimination of participation in services one year ago.

You may have noticed that we are a little late in getting this issue out. Something important but sad happened on May 2. Former editor of The Voice, Angelo Politis, passed away. We, like you, were shocked. He had just sent us the pictures that he had taken during Holy Week and wanted to share with the community. In fact, he and I spoke on the telephone as he wanted to confi rm that I had received the pictures via email. His usual instructions to me, “pick the ones that you want to include.” It was a quick call.

Even though he stepped back from an offi cial role with The Voice, he never stopped sharing the product of his talent and love, photographing the Holy Trinity community.

Starting on page 10, you will fi nd a well-deserved, if inadequate, tribute to Angelo for his work in this community. Luckily, we managed to fi nd a few pictures that included him on the subject side of the camera. Nothing compared to the tens of thousands of pictures that he took of us. We will miss him.

Thanks for reading and see you next time.GZ [email protected]

THE VOICE STAFF:George Zogzas, EditorGeorge Andrews, Business ManagerFrances Zogzas, Copy Editor

CLERGY:Fr. Vasileios Tsourlis, Cathedral Dean and Vicar of the Northeast ConferenceFr. Dr. Jonathan Mettasophia, Associate & Youth PriestFr. Christian Siskos, Associate Priest and Youth DirectorFr. George Politis, Deacon

CATHEDRAL STAFF:Kathy Xyrafakis, Offi ce SecretaryFrances Zogzas, Financial Secretary (PT)Angelo Tatsis, Building Assistant (PT)Larry Peroulas, Greek School DirectorCindy Balatsias, Preschool Co-DirectorMaria Kleto, Preschool Co-DirectorIrina Monzolevskaya, OrganistDimitri Petropoulos, Chanter

2021 PARISH COUNCIL (term ends):Peter Thomopoulos (22) PresidentGeorge T. Karres (21) Vice PresidentLucy Pappadakes (23) SecretaryMitch Christenbury (21) Asst SecretaryJohn Tsumas (22) TreasurerDrew Dudley (23) Asst TreasurerCOUNCIL MEMBERS:Elias Elia (23) Andre Harakas (22)Vaki Karampourniotis (23)Maria Kotrotsios(21) John Mahairas (22)Nick X. Nixon (22) Nick Pistolis (21)Gus Pappas (21) Roula Skenteris (23)


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Next Issue: MAY/JUN 2021 DEADLINES:

for articles or photographs is:Friday, June 18, 2021

Photos should be in large format .JPEG attachment (300 dpi min.)

for advertisements is:Monday, June 7, 2021

Email to [email protected]

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday May 21 Sts. Constantine and Helen

Sunday May 23 Sunday School Graduation

Tuesday May 25 Greek School GraduationWednesday May 26 Youth Soccer Banquet at

Hellenic ParkMonday May 31 Memorial Day

Church Offi ce closedPrayer service at Evergreen Cemetery (weather permitting)

Thursday Jun 10 Holy AscensionMonday-ThursdayJun 14 - 17

Vacation Bible School (VBS) for Hope/Joy

Sunday Jun 20 Holy PentecostMonday Jun 28 Apostles Fast BeginsTuesday Jun 29 Apostles Peter and PaulWednesday Jun 30 Synaxis of the Holy

ApostlesMonday Jul 5 Independence Day

(observed)Church Offi ce closed

REMINDER:Check the bulletin and website calendars for updates or call the Offi ce at 704-334-4771

The Voice of the Greek Community MAR/APR 2021 3

REFLECTIONS FROM THE PULPIT

Christ is Risen!

Looking back over the course of the last year as we approach the Feast of Feasts, Pascha, I found myself reflecting on the many challenges we faced and the trials we endured. At the same time, I also reflected on our triumphs and joys. I recognized that there is always a tension between struggle and relief, sorrow and joy, painful experiences and those that are pleasing. Sometimes they are separated by time and space, while at other times, in almost a miraculous manner, we experience them simultaneously. Somehow in the midst of struggle, sorrow, and pain, we also find ourselves experiencing relief, joy, and pleasure. It can seem inexplicable, but I believe this makes sense when we really delve deep into what our faith communicates to us.

I think that there is nowhere in the practice of our life of faith that this strange tension is more apparent than in Holy Week and Pascha. We can look at them as two separate experiences. Sunday evening, we

begin to contemplate the Passion of our Lord. We behold Him as the Bridegroom, bound, wearing a crown of thorns, and the crimson robe of mockery. We move through Holy Week in anticipation of the impending Crucifixion of our Lord. Thursday, we witness His Crucifixion. Friday, we take Him down from the Cross and lay Him in the Tomb—in front of which we sing the Lamentations. Through all of this, our bodies and souls are pushed to the brink as we endure the sheer number of services—and the preparations there for—and a stricter practice of fasting and perhaps fewer moments of rest. It is only at the end of this great journey through “Great Week” that we encounter the relief, the joy, the pleasure that comes from experiencing the resurrection. This is of course one legitimate way of interpreting our journey through Holy Week to Pascha. However, I want to make a case for a more nuanced perspective—one that I think that can transform not only our understanding of Holy Week and Pascha, but also how we interpret diversity of experiences we have throughout our lives.

As I noted above, perhaps somehow in the midst of struggle, sorrow, and pain, we also find ourselves experiencing relief, joy, and pleasure. I believe this is a more authentic interpretation of the Passion of our Lord as we experience it through the many practices and services that we do during Great Week. We are blessed with wisdom and knowledge of the truth of the Resurrection of our Lord. We know how the story ends. We know that the Passion and the Resurrection are two sides of the same coin. We can contextualize all the struggle, sorrow, and pain that we encounter during Holy Week through the lens of the Resurrection. So, if we actually listen to the hymns that we chant throughout the

week, we are given glimpses of what is to come. We are ever anticipating the Resurrection through every difficult step of the journey of Holy Week. We experience, somehow joy and sorrow at the same time. This is a remarkable feeling that is difficult to give name to especially in English.

Nevertheless, we have a beautiful word to describe this feeling in Greek, charmolypi. This is the feeling that we get when we regret our past sins and mistakes, but through repentance feel the light of forgiveness. It is the feeling we have when we have lost someone dear to us who has been suffering greatly through a prolonged illness, and know that that time of suffering has passed—we mourn their physical absence, but we find relief in the knowledge that the pain has ceased. It is the feeling that leads us to make sense of the ways in which we can struggle along the journey but know that the difficulties are not without meaning. I think that this is the word that best describes the experience of Holy Week. It does not separate the relief and the struggle, the joy and the sorrow, the pleasure and the pain, but allows them to exist at the same time.

If you would indulge me further, I would posit that perhaps this is not just a word to describe our experience of Holy Week alone, but the spiritual life as a whole. This feeling of joyful sorrow is one that we experience quite often as we endure the ups and downs of our spiritual journey in the midst of our daily life. Moment to moment, we encounter a variety of sensations, feelings, thoughts, that are never simple. We experience the tension that I have already highlighted, on many occasions. We burden ourselves and are burdened by others, and yet we find pleasure in these tasks. We work diligently and are well spent throughout the day and yet we find satisfaction and

a sense of accomplishment—yes at the end of a hard day’s work, but also in the midst of it. Exercise, training, or study might overwhelm us, but in the midst of it we find ourselves rejoicing as little victories occur. In the spiritual life, we expend our energy to the point of exhausting our stamina and yet we find that at any moment joy emerges.

All this to say that our faith provides us with the valuable lesson about not being so reductionistic that we can only view our experiences in black and white, without room for the ambiguity of the grey. If I can leave you with one actionable task as I conclude, I would encourage you in those moments of greatest struggle, to pause for just a moment to search for the sweet relief of the awareness of God’s presence; in the midst of sorrow, find the joy and name it; in the painful moments, be open to the possibility that something pleasing to the heart, mind, or soul might be there also. This is indeed a practice. It will not come with ease, but if we are intentional about it, we might just come to find that it will open us up to a whole new way of being in the midst of the world.

Truly He is Risen!

byRev. Dr. Jonathan Mettasophia,

Associate and Youth Priest

Calling High School and College Graduates!

We want to hear from you.If you have recently

graduated, or soon will, we want to know about it and feature you in The Voice.Please submit a short bio

with details and a picture to [email protected].


On the next visit to Holy Trinity, you will see that the chapel has undergone a drastic transformation as the majority of the iconography work has been completed. The bare walls have been replaced by the classic images of the saints of our faith.

The artisans that crafted and installed the iconography in the chapel included Panos Kontos and Ari Kovaci. Mr. Kontos, the master iconographer, is the project leader and oversaw the entire process. We met Mr. Kovaci, the assistant iconographer, during the installation. He spoke to us and gave us a brief rundown on the process.

The pro jec t began wi th the a r t i s ans t ak ing exac t measurements of the space, designing the iconography and returning to Greece. There, the icons were painted onto canvases. The completed canvases were then sent to Holy Trinity where they were installed. The canvases were applied to the blank walls of the chapel by Kovaci. He then painted in the spaces left between the icons to bring them all together. This installation was completed in about 4 weeks.

This method of having the icons on the canvases is very good for preserving the icons. For example, in the event that the chapel wall was damaged, the canvas can be removed, the wall repaired, and the canvas reapplied. According to Kovaci, often there is little or no damage to the icon.

We have received a few more icons from Greece. They will be added once Kovoci is able to return to Holy Trinity.

The entire cost of this project was paid by parishioners who sponsored each saint.

THE CHAPEL ICONOGRAPHYby The Voice Staff

Pictured above, the assistant iconographer Ari Kovaci, standing on the scaff olding working on the installation of the icons in the chapel.


PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S COMMENTARYby Peter Thomopoulos

Χ ρ ι σ τ ό ς Ανέστη! I pray this article finds you well . As I wr i t e , I am refl ecting on how life has mimicked our faith this year. As we approached P a s c h a , w e found ourselves approaching the

light at the end of a tunnel in two respects. In our faith we approached the end of our Lenten journey, seeking the light of Christ in resurrection and the celebration of Pascha. In our daily lives we are nearing the light at the end of this COVID “tunnel”. We have come a long way in one short year. While we can rejoice in Christ’s resurrection, we still have work to move beyond the risks of this pandemic. We’ve made much progress and have reason to be hopeful. However, we continue to be faced with difficult decisions on how fast to open up while maintaining the safety of our parishioners and the community as a whole. We can rejoice in the overwhelming support of our parishioners who have lovingly supported the Cathedral. At the same time, we are quickly approaching the decision on how to celebrate our beloved Greek festival in the midst of uncertainty.

While those challenges persist, I’d rather focus on a diff erent topic that I fi nd to be one of the many gifts of this pandemic. Specifi cally, I’d like to talk about our “Teaching Liturgy”. We are all on a perpetual journey to learn more about our faith and grow closer to God. This is why we choose to be members of the Orthodox faith. As a lifelong Orthodox Christian, it is easy to think we know what we believe in. In a very basic sense, we do know and understand some core beliefs. However, as we dig a little beyond the surface, we quickly fi nd that our church and faith have many layers and intricacies that are easily overlooked when we simply participate in Sunday liturgies.

A number of months ago, through much discussion amongst the Parish Council and clergy, it was decided that we needed to provide regular simultaneous liturgies with one focused

on teaching the youth. The premise of the discussions at the time were to provide a forum for our youth to stay engaged in the absence of many of the activities that bound them in the past. The pandemic had prevented many of the annual activities held for the youth. What came of these discussions was the development of a hidden gem. Fr. Christian was given the task of introducing small pauses in the liturgy to actually teach what is happening in the liturgy. At the same time, he has looked for opportunities to further engage the youth during the liturgy. Sermons have been simplifi ed to ensure all understood the message.

While this service was initially conceived with the youth in mind, it was immediately obvious that it wasn’t only the youth learning. We had stumbled across an incredible gift to all in our parish. As I mentioned, there are so many layers that we can all stand to learn something, regardless of whether we are young and just starting, we are recent converts to the faith or lifelong members. These liturgies help teach us when and why we bow or sit or stand. They can teach us why we sing certain hymns or simply help us learn the hymns so we can more fully participate in the liturgy. We can gain a deeper appreciation of the interconnections of our faith and the rituals of the services.

In recognition of our earlier mistake, we’ve endeavored to rebrand this liturgy to a more appropriate name of “Teaching Liturgy”. This may have been born out of the space limitations of COVID but it is our sincere hope that as we continue to return to church and increase our participation that we will still fi nd a need for these simultaneous services. For anyone that has not had the privilege of attending these services, I strongly encourage you to do so. I also encourage you to provide feedback to the clergy and the Parish Council on how to further improve these Teaching Liturgies to better serve you in your journey to grow closer to God. If there is something you don’t understand, let us know. You’re not alone in your question(s) and with your feedback, we can look for ways to address such questions during these liturgies.

YTD FINANCIALS 2021 2020Stewardship $297,423 $226,935Candles, Rentals, Other $66,263 $52,370Building/Renov. Donations $74,998 $37,546Minus : Operating Expenses -$295,001 -$348,406Minus : Building Fund Expenses -$39,827 -$60,260NET DEFICIT $103,856 -$91,815

• MAIL your check or bring to office during the week between 9am-5pm.

• CHURCH WEBSITE - go to htgo.org and select the "Give Now" button to set up payments whether one-time or monthly. The Church pays credit card fees.• CREDIT CARD - call the office with your credit card information and we can do a one-time charge. The Church pays credit card fees.

STEWARDSHIP 2021AS OF 4/30/21

WAYS TO GIVE: • CHURCH SERVICES - bring your offerings to the many services we offer.

• ON-LINE BILL PAY - you can set up on-line payments thru your bank. There are no fees to you or the Church.

0 - 29, 1%30 - 39,

8%

40 - 49, 21%

50 - 59, 21%

60 - 69, 17%

70+, 32%

2020 Stewardship %by Age group The chart at left

shows last year's stewardship received by age group. For example, stewards in the 40-49 years old group gave 21% of the total stewardship.

Ages for stewards may include some estimates.


The Holy Trinity Centennial 1923 * 2023One in a series of refl ections on Charlotte’s Orthodox community and its proud history

Reverend Chrysostomos PapalambrouHe arrived in Charlotte in 1939. In addition to his duties as a priest

he also served as a teacher at the Greek school and organized the Sunday school department. He was a theologian and a graduate of the prestigious Patriarchal Theological Seminary on the island off Halki, Constantinople. He served at Holy Trinity through the 1940’s and the 1950’s, and he was loved and respected for the unity in which he brought to the Greek com-munity. In 1960, he was elected Bishop (as pictured at right) and assigned to Australia. After his retirement he returned to Charlotte and passed away

there in 1988. He is interred at Evergreen Cemetery.

Highlight Events of the 1930’s

• March 18, 1930 – The commu-nity was formally incorporated under the laws of the State of North Carolina as the Hellenic Orthodox Community of Char-lo� e. The incorporators were Ma� hew Karres, JB Michaels and Toni Hadji. They were named as the fi rst governing body with James Paschal and Harry Roilos.

• August 11, 1930 – Church Dedi-ca� on for Holy Trinity led by Bishop of Corinth.

• April 1936 - The Es� a Club was organized in 1936 with the as-sistance of Mr. Andrew Pappas.

• December 1, 1937 - Archbishop Athenagoras offi ciated. The cornerstone of the New Holy Trinity Church was laid on this day.

• 1939 - Reverend Chrysostosmos Papalambros begins his long tenure of service to the Char-lo� e Greek Community.


Estia Club1st Row Kneeling L to R: [unidentified]; [unidentified]; Stella Dross; Becky Holevas; Eva Miller; Thalia Pap-pas; Janet Mamalis; Katina Michaels.2nd Row Standing Right to Left: [unidentified]; [unidentified]; Marie Pitsikoulis; Grace Koutros; [unidenti-fied]; [unidentified]; Toula Kaperonis; Lilly Mamalis; Mary Plumides; Happy Kockinos; Rosie Pappas; Becky Castanis; Sophie Hondros.

The Holy Trinity Centennial 1923 * 2023One in a series of reflections on Charlotte’s Orthodox community and its proud history

Credits: Historical facts were found in the Xenophon Nixon Holy Trinity Archive Collection Contributors: Historian William Samonides, Angelo Pete Politis, Mrs. Ronnie Pourlos, Olga Kleto, Dianne Ramsey Compiled and edited by Kathy Kanellopoulos and Gloria Kontoulas of the Archives Committee.

The 1930’s The 1920’s was a t ime of

settlement for our Greek ancestors. The Greek population began to grow in multitudes and Greek immigrants began to mark their place in the Charlotte Community. In 1929 approximately 50 families purchased The Westminster Presbyterian Church on 1439 South Boulevard. The Church was renovated with a Greek Orthodox Sanctuary and was consecrated and named after The Holy Trinity.

The 1930’s was a t ime of emergence. The Greeks of Charlotte were ready to proceed with the future of their Church. The young parish began to organize new ministries such as The Estia Club, The Sons of Pericles, and the Holy Trinity Choir.

Money was not plentiful, and the great depression had begun, but with faith, perseverance, and honor the Greek community continued maintaining the religious and cultural qualities of the Greek people, and thus began a ……

100-year legacy of religious roots, cultural traditions, and community fellowship.

PREVIOUSLY INTHIS SERIES

Issue TopicJUL/AUG

2020 Introduction

JAN/FEB 2021 1920’s

MAR/APR 2021 1930’s

YOUR HELPIS WANTED:

If you can identify any of the indiviudals in the Photo

above, please contact the Archives committee or email

us at [email protected].


Thank you to our pallbearers.

Holy Week and Great Pascha 2021Photos courtesy of Angelo Pete Politis and Nasos Georgalis

Thank you to Joanna and Anna Pitsikoulis (at left) for always promoting the Hosanna Bookstore and taking charge of folding the palm crosses.

Thank you to our returning choir led by Lucy Pappadakes.

Thank you to Demetri and Yannoula Kakouras for donating and preparing the food served on Palm Sunday, and to our GOYANs (shown above) for their work in raising $4,400 for Youth Programs.

Thank you to our wonderful clergy.

Thank you to Roula

Economos for spearheading

the decorating of the epitafia.

Thank you to Philoptochos who dyes our eggs every year.Thank you to our myrrh-bearers.


Holy Week and Great Pascha 2021Photos courtesy of Angelo Pete Politis and Nasos Georgalis

Thank you to all of the altar boys who served during each of the services during Holy Week.

Thank you to Father Jonathan and Young Adult Ministry (YAM) who served food for communion breakfast on Lazarus Saturday.

Thank you to all our parishioners who came to church to celebrate Holy Week together.

Lazarus Saturday. After the communion breakfast, participants attended the altar boy and the myrrh-bearer retreats (above).


The Voice Remembers Angelo Pete Politis

Above-Angelo the Yiasou Festival goodwill ambassador and part time TV Host. From the 2015 Yiasou Festival with a Fox 46 TV reporter.

Angelo the Family man with wife and sons. L-R Peter, Athina, Dimitri, and Angelo.

Angelo the Archivist. On March 22, 2015, Holy Trinity dedicates the newly renovated Xenophon Nixon Archival Library. Pictured above, L-R: John Tsumas, John Kleto, Gloria Kontoulas, Angelo, Nick X. Nixon, Marika Nixon Kekas, the Honorable Judge Theofanis Nixon, Virginia Nixon Williams, Maria Kleto, Gary Williams, Father Michael Varvarelis, Jimmy Kontoulas.

Even a Spartan Warrior can take a break for a frappe.

Recently with Fr. Vasileios

Recently with Angelo Tatsis


The Voice Remembers Angelo Pete Politis

Angelo Pete Politis will be remembered for many things. His talent and love for videography & photography especially stood out because he was always the one behind the camera and video. He would be at every Church event to take pictures whether it was the Yiasou festival, annual Panegyri, major Church feast days, Philoptochos events, and many, many more. His deep love for Holy Trinity was obvious.

Angelo was proud to be Greek. You didn’t have to know him long to see this.

He was very passionate about several Church ministries. He served over 13 years as Editor of THE VOICE, our bi-monthly Church publication. His pictures were in every issue, even this one. He wanted to include as many pictures as possible and not because he took them. He knew that the faces in those pictures captured the essence of the best of Holy Trinity and its parishioners. Those pictures added to the history of the community.

He also loved doing the cultural exhibits at our annual YIASOU FESTIVAL. You would see him dressed in his Greek Spartan Warrior uniform walking around, eager to pose with Festival guests who wanted to take pictures with him.

Last, but not least, was his love for the Church archives. He was responsible for discovering the collection of archives which he organized and promoted. They can be found in our Xenophon Nixon Library at the Church.

He served his Church and community faithfully. He would talk to everyone whether he knew them or not. He was a one person welcoming committee. There are no words to describe our sadness. He will be missed by all. It’s a huge loss for Holy Trinity. However, we know he is in a good and safe place now. As Angelo himself would say….”OPA”. You will be dearly missed our friend!

May his memory be eternal.

By past and current Voice Staff

Angelo the Happy Warrior during the 2016 Yiasou Festival on break from photographing. Pictured L-R: John Tsumas, Deacon George Politis, Father Vasileios Tsourlis, Metropolitan Alexios, John Mahairas, Angelo, Larry Peroulas, and Father Tommy Vlahos.

Angelo the proud son of Greek Immigrants

”OPA”


Burchett Haralambous

G i n a B u r c h e t t a n d Nikolaos Haralambous were married on Saturday March 6. 2021. Gina is the daughter of Ms. Wendy Burchett and Mr. James Burchett. Niko is th e son of Panagiotis and Vasiliki Haralambous. The wedding took place at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral followed by a reception at the Magnolia Room. After a honeymoon trip to St. Lucia, the couple will reside in Charlotte, NC.

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STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE by Nick and Carmen Kallelis

INSIDE THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE We, Nick and Carmen Kallelis, have been on the Stewardship Committee for

eleven years. We would like to share with you some of our experiences. Many of you may not realize exactly just what the Stewardship Committee does.

Using our last meeting on March 29, 2021, as an example, these are issues that came before us to discuss and try to resolve.

We begin our meeting with an evaluation of our Financial Report. This report not only refl ects income and expenditures, but reveals trends, new members, rate of giving, and potential fi nancial problems. Our responsibility is to confront these issues and try to rectify them.

A discussion was held regarding staying in contact with our members on a more personal level, either in person or by telephone.

We all agreed that our committee needs new members. We are looking for members with fresh ideas and various backgrounds. We encourage ANYONE of any age to come and sit in on a meeting. PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING US.

We are looking forward to our Cathedral being opened to 100% capacity. It should be happening soon. We want to plan a celebratory event.

A suggestion was brought to the table to perhaps combine the Welcoming Committee with the Stewardship Committee. All agreed this would be an excellent idea and it will be discussed further with the Welcoming Committee.

Now that we are slowly returning to more normal activities, we are developing a Stewardship calendar of events. Our normal meeting day is the last Monday of each month and to the best of our ability we will continue on this schedule after the Lenten season.

A member of the Stewardship Committee is studying the possibility of an on-line station for new enrollments and for giving to the church. The feasibility, the benefi ts and potential obstacles will be discussed at our next meeting.

The Committee is urging that the Holy Trinity By-laws be published and available to all members. Once approved the By-Laws will be posted to our website.

Since it has been over a year since we’ve had an update on our Ministries’ memberships, we ask for an update from Ministry Chairs.

Over the past eleven years that we have served, the Stewardship Committee has become a close and caring group of Holy Trinity family. We want to reach out and encompass even more members from our church community. Meetings last one hour to one and a half hours. It is a relaxed and informal group open to discuss anything brought to the table.

PHILOPTOCHOS by Pamela Bostian

In response to local need, our chapter donated $500.00 to the Second Harvest Food Bank.

In preparation for Easter, egg dyeing was held at the church on April 28th.

This year’s Easter Bake Sale included Tsoureki ($10) and Koulourakia ($8); these items were available for sale on Palm Sunday after church service.

Six applications have been submitted and are under consideration for this year’s Presbytera Kathryn Tuntas Constantinides Scholarship.

Our annual picnic is planned for 6pm on May 25th at Latta Park. Board elections will be held during the picnic. Please make every eff ort to attend!

We are awaiting a decision regarding this year’s Yiasou festival. Further details to follow as we learn more.

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On Sunday, March 7th we were grateful to be able to hold our annual local-level St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. There were a total of thirteen contestants who worked thoughtfully and diligently to deliver strong speeches. Joanna Mantis led the event this year, with help from Sarah Vastis, Liz Raby, and Father Christian. We were blessed to have Father Vasileios and Father Jonathan in attendance as well.

The Oratorical Festival originated in 1983 and provides our Greek Orthodox youth the opportunity to research, write and speak about their faith. Our youth selected from topics provided by our Archdiocese and were able to bring their fi ndings from the Lord’s teachings and their own personal experiences together to deliver powerful speeches.

The speakers for the Junior Division, grades 7-9, were: Billy Blathras, Nikki Blathras, James Harakas, Dimitri Katsanos, Ava Maria Russell, James Vastis, and Nicole Vastis. For the Senior Division, grades 10-12, our speakers were: Stavros Boardman, Theodore Harakas, Maria Holevas, Vicky Koukoutsis, Martha Briana Russell, and John Michael Xyrafakis.

Our fi rst place winners, Dimitri Katsanos (Junior Division) and Stavros Boardman (Senior Division) moved on to represent our parish at the virtual district festival on Sunday, April 3. Stavros is advancing to the Metropolis division, and we wish him the best of luck!

We would like to thank our clergy, committee, parents, participants and the community for their support this year. We are so grateful to our nearly 60 guests who attended (appropriately socially distanced!). Many thanks to our judges -- Drew Dudley, Effi e Rodriguez, Stephanie Ross, Kathy Vlahos, Liz Raby, Joanna Pitsikoulis and Anna Pitsikoulis -- for their time and participation. Special thanks to our new Oratorical Festival chair, Joanna Mantis, and to Sarah Vastis, Liz Raby and Father Christian for their hard work and dedication in making this event a success. Finally, a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all the participants for a job well done!

SUNDAY SCHOOL - THE ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL FESTIVAL by Liz Raby

Pictured above: Participants in the 2021 Oratorical Festival along with clergy and Sunday School directors.Below L-R: Fr. Vasileios, Junior Division winner Dimitri Katsanos, Senior Division winner Stavros

Boardman, Fr, Christian, Fr. Jonathan.


Sam Koskinas

(1929 – 2021) Sam Koskinas passed away at the

age of 92, on March 9, 2021.He is survived by his wife, Iro;

his daughter, Aphrodite Koskinas Zacharopoulos; his son, George Koskinas and his wife, Vickie Koskinas; grandchildren: Chrysa and Nicholas Zacharopoulos, Nicole and Sam Koskinas; brother, Gus Koskinas; sisters: Eleni Georgopoulou (Athens, Greece), Aliki Triantafillopoulou (Athens, Greece) and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Mr. Koskinas was held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 10:30 AM followed by Funeral Service at 11:30 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.

Ourania Daise Patronis

(1934 – 2021)Ourania “Nia” Daise Patronis, 86,

of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, the 2nd of April, 2021.

Nia was born in Hriso, Evrytania, Greece on the 15th of July, 1934 to the late Dimitrios and Polixeni Daise.

2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Interment followed in Evergreen Cemetery.

Georgia Kaperonis Joyner

(1928 – 2021)Georgia Kaperonis Joyner, age 93, of

Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully on March 1, 2021 at Novant-Matthews Healthcare Hospice surrounded by family. Georgia was preceded in death by her father, Paul D. Kaperonis, her mother Maria Demas Kaperonis, and siblings Jimmy P. Kaperonis, Tula Calos, Teddy Kaperonis, Trisevgeni Kaperonis, and Panou Kaperonis. Georgia is survived by her children, Penny Joyner Rush and Maj Gen (Ret.) Timothy R. Rush, Mike A. Joyner, John Joyner, Paul and Susan Joyner; grandchildren, Nick and Lauren Parks, Nick M. Joyner, Grayson Joyner, Philip Joyner, and Patterson Joyner, great-grand daughter Emma A. Parks.

Funeral services were at 1:00 PM on Friday. March 5, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family received friends from Noon until 1:00 PM at the Cathedral. The interment was private at Elmwood Cemetery.

George Gus Kamos

(1926 – 2021)George Gus Kamos, 94, passed away

on Friday, April 30, 2021. He was born on May 16, 1926 in Weldon, NC to Gus and Angela Kamos.

George is survived by his daughter, Angela Kamos Crawford of Raleigh, NC.

Funeral Services for George were held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The family received friends forty-fi ve minutes prior to the service

Philip (Foti) Georgoulakos (1938 – 2021)

Philip (Foti) Georgoulakos, 82, passed away the 28th of February, 2021 surrounded by his family at home.

He was born on June 16, 1938 in Itilon, Mani, Greece, and came to the U.S. as a young man, living in New York before moving to Charlotte, NC in 1976.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Irene Georgoulakos; daughter, Vahni Levitt and son-in-law, Craig Levitt; his son, Jason Georgoulakos, and grandchildren: Alexander, Jason, and Liliana Evania Georgoulakos; brothers Steve and John Georgoulakos, and many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Stacy Vlahos and Potoula Poulos, and brothers: Paul Georgoulakos and William Georges.

The Trisagion and Funeral Services for Mr. Georgoulakos were held at 11:00AM, Thursday, the 4th of March

at the church. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.

Dafni Karras

(1930 - 2021)Mrs. Dafni Karras of Charlotte

passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. She was born in Evrytania, Greece and lived in Charlotte since 1957.

Dafni was preceded in death by her loving husband, Nick of 62 years. She is survived by her daughters, Loula Kontoulas and her husband, Johnny and Maria Kleto and her husband, Johnny; grandchildren, Erica Budds and her husband, Joshua, Nicholas Kleto and Charlie Kleto. In addition, Dafni was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Funeral services for Dafni were held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral with Rev. Dr. Jonathan Mettasophia offi ciating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Covid protocols were followed at the church.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25

In Memoriam

Continued on next page

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She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, George Patronis, sister and best friend, Frances and brothers in law Jim Pistolis and John Kontopanos.

The Patronis family greeted friends 10:30 AM until 11 :00 AM, Thursday, the 8th of April, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The Funeral Service followed at 11 :00 AM. The burial and waiting upon the Resurrection followed in Evergreen Cemetery.

Ourania is survived by her son, Jim Patronis; daughter, Effie Halas and her husband, Carl; grandson, Michael Halas and granddaughter, Nina Breed and her husband, Austin; her brother, Sam Daise and wife, Carol of Mt. Calm, TX, her sisters: Voula Kontopanos, Litsa Tsoukas and brother- in- law, Thanasi of Karpenisi, Greece and many nieces and nephews in the United States and Greece.

Angelo Pete Politis(1957 – 2021)

Angelo Pete Politis unexpectantly and sadly passed away on May 2nd, 2021 surrounded by his family. Angelo was born on March 30th, 1957 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was the son of Pete Politis and the late Alice Politis.

Angelo is survived by his wife Athina, his two sons Peter and Dimitri, his father Pete Politis, his brother Louie Politis and his wife, Irene; his brother Chris Politis and his wife, Kimberly.

Visitation was held at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.

Continued from previous page April 21, 2021To Holy Trinity Community:The Foundation is pleased to report that 2020 was a productive year and

perhaps the most challenging in its history. The Covid-19 pandemic changed almost everything about daily life beginning in March 2020 with lockdowns and restricted activities. Your Foundation responded by going virtual, holding four regular meetings using video conferencing. This allowed us to see and talk to each other from the safety of our own homes. While not an ideal solution, it was preferable to being immobilized.

Though the fi nancial markets suff ered a severe and sudden loss at the beginning of 2020, they stabilized and began to advance to new highs by the end of the year.

Financial results show the approximate value of assets at the end of the year was just below $1.6 million, up 7% from the end of 2019. Restricted funds of $1,167,339 represent the total of all memorials, donations, and bequests received since 1973. Restricted funds cannot be spent. Revenues totaled $45,381 in 2020. Grants and donations made totaled $57,905 (details below), or approximately 3.8% of average assets.

Please reach out to any of the 2021 Trustees listed below with questions or email us at [email protected]. --------- THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GRANTS AND DONATIONS MADE IN 2020(sorted largest to smallest amount, then alphabetically):RECIPIENT AMOUNTHoly Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Renovations fund) $25,000Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (General fund) $10,000Individuals/Families in Need $11,405Alexander Youth Network $1,500Crisis Assistance Ministry $1,000Hospice & Palliative Care $1,500International Orthodox Christian Charities (I.O.C.C.) $1,000Safe Alliance $1,500Second Harvest Food Bank $1,500St. Hermione Home, Inc. $2,000Thompson Child and Family Focus $1,500Total Donations and Grants $57,905

2021 Board of TrusteesAndreas Ziozios, Chairman (2021) Nick Kantsios, Vice Chairman (2025)George C. Zogzas, Secretary--Treasurer (2024)George A. Watson, III, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer (2023)Trustees: Dr. George Andrinopoulos (2024); James T. Cavalaris (2022), and Peter Thomopoulos (2021)

CATHEDRAL FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORTIn MemoriamYouth Events

All details are in the Parent Newsletters emailed. Contact Fr. Christian to be added to the distribution list.

GOYA Nightat the Church

Saturday, May 224-6pm Jr. GOYA (Grades 7-9)6-8pm Sr. GOYA (Grades 10-12)

Vacation Bible School

Monday-Thursday, June 14-17CampDoc registration closes May 23Price will increase from $40 to $65

GOYA Summer Nights 5-7pmJune 15th, 22nd, 29th

July 6th, 20th, 27thAugust 3rd, 10th, 17th

Summer Basketball Camp(5 weeks) starting May 31st

Go to yesIcanbasketball.comFind 50% promo code in the parent newsletter

Altar Boy schedules are posted in the Parent newsletter. Please do your best to bring your children on their assigned Sunday. Contact Fr. Christian immediately if they are unable to be there.

The Holy Trinity Preschool

will resume in person classes for the2021-2022 school year

beginning this fall.

Contact the Preschool to register for the Toddler through Four Year

Olds classes.email - [email protected]

offi ce -704-333-4961Maria Kleto

704-564-5842

Hosanna Bookstorereading materials,

kids’ activities,gift items, icons,

charcoal & incense, etc.


Dimitra (Tula) Kourakos 12104 Copper Way Suite 100 | Charlotte, NC 28277 Website: www.homes4Charlotte.com Email: [email protected] Facebook: SellingCharlotteHomes-Dimitra Tula Kourakos

704-641-9996

https://www.facebook.com/HolyTrinityGreekOrthodoxCathedralCharlotte @holytrinitycharlotte Holy Trinity Cathedral CharlotteGET SOCIAL WITH HOLY TRINITY

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