THE FLAME - Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
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THE FLAME
HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Volume 13, Issue 2 February 2023
LENTEN GIFTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOU
By Father George Wilson
As we try to adjust to a new world that includes the recurring concerns of COVID viruses, we must get back a life
in the Church for the Blessings they provide! This is a life that includes regular “in-person” Church attendance, which
is the only true way to nurture the well-being of our spiritual lives as Orthodox Christians.
“The Gift of Church Attendance” is the title of an article by the late Father Andew Demotses in which this idea is
addressed. Father Andrew wrote: “Unfortunately, many of us see church attendance as an obligation and a
troublesome duty, rather than as a gift. We need to be mindful of the fact that living in a society of many temptations
and countless mixed messages, we badly need the encouragement of one another to help us become and remain
strong Christians. It is only by supporting one another that we are able to avoid distraction, remain focused, and order
our priorities rightly. That is why St. Paul writes, ‘Let us not give up the habit of meeting together . . . but let us encourage
one another all the more.’” (Hebrews 10:25)
Saint Paul emphasizes the need for “meeting together,” which for us is the need to attend the Divine Services of
the Church. The benefit of our attendance is for the enrichment of our understanding of the teachings of our Orthodox
Faith, the building up of the Body of Christ through the community with fellowship, the nurturing of our spiritual growth
through the lessons of Scripture, but most importantly the receiving of the very Body and very Blood of our Lord, God
and Savior Jesus Christ for our spiritual nourishment. The latter cannot be facilitated through the live-streaming of
services through the internet.
In April we will also be offering another community building and faith fostering event as we bring back our Family
Lenten Retreat. On Saturday, April 1, 2023, we will be offering a Lenten Retreat with Father Alex Goussetis, who is
the Director of the Archdiocese Center for Family Care. The retreat title is: Repentance in the Contemporary World.
The focus of the retreat addresses the question: Does the ancient term repentance still have a role in modern marriage
and family life? The format of this Lenten retreat features an interactive dialogue in developing the definition, roots,
and application of repentance for contemporary Orthodox Christians. We encourage everyone 18 years of age and
older to join Father Alex for this important event. We are excited that representatives of Hellenic College - Holy Cross
will also be present to offer a similar program for our teenagers.
I pray that we plan to attend the Lenten Retreat on April 1. Please also keep in mind that there is a treasure of
our Church’s teachings and traditions from which we can regularly learn through the Divine Services of Vespers,
Orthros, the Lenten Service of Compline, and the beautiful poetic Salutations Service to the Most Holy Theotokos on
the Fridays of Lent. Your Church is here for you; take advantage of the many Blessings God can bring to you through
the Ministries of His Holy Church.
1200 ALLEN TOUSSAINT BOULEVARD – NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70122
FIRST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
HOLY TRINITY
GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
1200 Allen Toussaint Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70122
504-282-0259 - holytrinitycathedral.org
Liturgical Services
Sundays – Orthros 8:45 am
Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
Weekdays (when scheduled) 9:00 am
Clergy
Very Reverend Father George Wilson
The 2023 Stewardship Campaign packets were mailed priest@holytrinitycathedral.org
last month to each household within the Holy Trinity Cathedral 504-282-0259
Chanter: John Boyer
family. This year’s theme is “Giving Thanks: Eucharistic
Stewardship.” The theme calls us both to give thanks for what 2022 PARISH COUNCIL
we have received from our Lord and also to be more involved President: Nick Moustoukas, MD
in the life of His Church, primarily through our attendance at the 1st Vice President: Nicholas S. Bouzon
2nd Vice President: John Malachias
Divine Liturgy and our reception of Holy Communion, which is Treasurer: Connie Kringas
no less than the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Secretary: Dawn Psarellis
Christ. Please complete and return the form at your earliest Members: Petros M. Christakis, Paraskevi
convenience. Your support is sincerely appreciated. Demarinis-Haik, Angela Fyssas-Lear, Alexandra
Hirras Megilligan, Dawn Psarellis, Cathy Catsulis
Vial, and Barbara Stavis Wolf
2023 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN The Flame: Editor, Victoria Catsulis
EDUCATION
Greek School: Instructor,
The Cathedral office received 50 commitments totaling $26,748.70. Of
Evangelia Boubougiatzi-Boyer
this $12,487.60 was paid with an average pledge of $534.97. Thank Hymnology: Instructor, Viki Moustoukas
you for your generous support of the 2023 Stewardship Ministry. Sunday Church School following Holy Communion
Director: Maria Latsis
PLEDGES RECEIVED by JANUARY 25, 2023 Assistant Director: Diana Peterson
Father George and Presvytera Harriet Wilson
ORGANIZATIONS
Adamson, Carol and Peter McCrary, Mona and Douglas Acolytes and Readers
Ammons, Denise and Vladimir Michailakis, Petroula and Pete Coordinator: Alex Korominas, Jonathan Labatut,
Anastasiou, Maria and Kosta Morcos, Ann and Michael Labatut
Andrews, Bethlehem K. Moustoukas, Viki and Nick AHEPA: President, Lance von Uhde III
Boihem, Effie and Donald Papazis, Bessie Daughters of Penelope: President, Cathy Vial
Bouton, Bella and Raymond Papazis, Irene Education, Culture, and Youth Ministries
Bozinis, George Parr, Nicole and Allan Chairman: Constandinos Vennis
Peters, Todd GOYA: President, Sofia Rico
Catsulis, Victoria
Advisors: Alex Korominas, Stacy Rico,
Christakis, Despina Richards, Charlotte E.
and Presvytera Harriet Wilson
Christakis, Loukia and Michael Shaffer, Demetra and Gary Hellenic Dancers
Eid, Natalia Imad and Issam Naim Skaff, Amy and Brandon Coordinator, Eleni Korominas
Fyssas, Despina and George Stratis, Maria and Nicholas HOPE: Advisors, Mariellen Craver & Diana Peterson
Gattuso, Ioana and Roy Sutton, Katerina and Ashley JOY: Advisors, Stephanie Malachias and
Hazifotis, Kostas Trombettas Anastassia Marianthe Melancon
Johnson, Helen Maskas and Ben Tsaoussidis, Eleni Junior Neolea Hellenic Dancers
Korominas, Alexandros Tsatsoulis, Angela Director: Evagelia Vatakis
Kouloubis, Frank Tsatsoulis, Antoni Philoptochos: President, Faith Kyame
Wolf, Angelle and William PTA: President, Amy Levidis
Kouloubis, Helen
Real Estate Committee
Kouloubis, Mary and John Wolf, Barbara Stavis
Chairperson: Christ Kanellakis
Kringas, Angie Yiannopoulos, Magdalini & Alexander St. Markella of Chios
Ktistakis, Kay and Lucas Yousif, John President: Maria Anastasiou
Levendis, Eleni Zervoudis, Georgia and George Support: Secretary, Victoria Catsulis
Maag, Maggie and Richard Zetzmann, Kaler Facility Manager: Dimitri Vatakis
Mailhes, Konstantina Zetzmann, Kathy and Robert
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HOLY TRINITY ARCHIVES COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER
The Archives Committee recently received a generous distribution from the estate of Elaine
Nugent facilitated by her daughter, Phyllia Nugent. Committee members wish to express their
gratitude to the family that Elaine entrusted them with this donation for the preservation of the
artifacts. Elaine was an inspiration and major giver for the entire Holy Trinity community, and
her work on the Archives Committee ranged from her love of the artifacts, donation of historic
photos and documents, her providing expert sewing talent for historic textiles, and financial
support to name just a few. The Committee is considering how best to honor Elaine’s bequest
with an essential conservation effort. May Elaine’s memory be eternal.
CONSERVATION AND HISTORY
The Archives Committee continues its discussion about the conservation of the historic 1872 icons that were recently
returned from conservation specialists in New York, painting conservator Kristin Holder and panel painting engineer Alan
Miller. Below are photos of the work conducted on the icons to prevent future splits.
The photo, left, shows the previous hanging system with a hanging bar and wooden battens attached to the icon to
prevent cracks and gaps in the icon, which was believed to be one piece of wood. The after images show a floating system
utilizing the original hanging bar with new battens made to match the curve of the panels. Vertical steel bars were added
to keep the
panels together
while
accommodating
the natural
horizontal
movement as
the wood panels
respond to
environmental
conditions.
OATH OF OFFICE ADMINISTERED TO 2023 PARISH COUNCIL
Father George
administered the oath of
office to the new elected
2023 Parish Council
members in early
January. Pictured from
left to right are Petros M.
Christakis, 2nd Vice
President Nicholas S.
Bouzon, Steven E.
Psarellis, Alexandra
Hirras Megilligan, Cathy
Catsulis Vial, Father
George, Dawn Psarellis, 1st Vice President Barbara Stavis Wolf, Treasurer Connie Kringas, President Dr. Nick Moustoukas,
Paraskevi Demarinis-Haik, and Secretary Christina Kogos.
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MUSIC MINISTRY
John Michael Boyer
HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL CHOIR RESUMES WEEKLY REHEARSALS
The Adult Liturgical Choir resumed weekly rehearsals on Wednesday, January 25, in preparation for eventually returning
to its responsibilities of singing the Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings. In deference to people’s availability and preferences,
the choir began a new schedule, holding both afternoon and evening rehearsals, Wednesdays at 3:00 pm and at 7:00 pm,
with choir members’ choosing their preference. Both the afternoon and evening rehearsals were attended by a few
dedicated, enthusiastic singers with plenty of room to grow. All are invited to join the newly reformed choir under the direction
of Protopsáltis and Music Ministries Director John Michael Boyer.
BYZANTINE MUSIC I HOLDS FIRST CLASSES OF WINTER TERM
On Saturday, January 21, five students gathered at 4:00 pm
in the Coffee Room to begin classes in Byzantine Music.
Starting with the very basics of the Byzantine musical
system, they took the initial steps on a musical journey to
develop their skills in the traditional music of the Greek
Orthodox Church. Slots are still available, and all who are
interested are encouraged to enroll. Contact John Michael
Boyer at ProtopsaltisSF@gmail.com or 510-717-1248.
BYZANTINE YOUTH PROGRAM KICKS OFF
Byzantine Youth, Holy Trinity’s youth music program, held its
first meeting on Sunday, January 29, after Sunday Church
School. The goal of Byzantine Music this season is to
prepare the children to sing elements of the Divine Liturgy
on Holy Saturday morning, April 15. Our youth show great
enthusiasm and promise to be an impressive choir in their
own right. All parents interested in having their children participate may contact John Michael Boyer at
ProtopsaltisSF@gmail.com or 510-717-1248.
MONTHLY SEMINAR IN ORTHODOX LITURGICS AND BYZANTINE MUSIC APPRECIATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 26
If you are reading this, you are probably quite familiar with the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Church, especially as it is
celebrated on Sunday mornings. Depending on what time you arrive at church, you are quite familiar with how Divine Liturgy
proceeds, in general what the words are (whether in Greek or in English), and when it is time to receive Holy
Communion. But, did you ever wonder what some of the things we do in the Divine Liturgy actually mean? Did you ever
wonder Why We Do What We Do?
On Cheese Fare Sunday, February 26, we will pray Forgiveness Vespers together to mark the beginning of Great Lent the
following day. Before Vespers, however, at 4:00 pm, Holy Trinity Cathedral will hold the first meeting of our monthly seminar
in Orthodox Liturgics and Byzantine Music Appreciation, presented by our Protopsáltis and Music Director Ministries John
Michael Boyer. A deep-dive into the texts and meaning of the Orthodox liturgical services, the seminar will explore how the
worship is formed, structured, and carried out, as well as how the fabric of Byzantine Music is
weaved throughout. Each month we will explore the text, music, movement, meaning, and origins
of Divine Liturgy, Vespers, and Matins (Orthros). Drinks and refreshments will be provided. For
more information, please contact John at ProtopsaltisSF@gmail.com or 510-717-1248.
BYZANTINE MUSIC TEXTBOOK AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
February 24 is the release date of Byzantine Chant: The Received Tradition – A Lesson Book
by Holy Trinity’s Protopsáltis and Music Ministries Director John Michael Boyer. Many years in
the making, the book is poised to be the most important publication in Byzantine Music education
in English. Chant students at Holy Trinity have already previewed chapters used in the Byzantine
Music I course. The book is available for preorder from Cappella Romana Publishing
at ByzChantLessonBook.com.
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•
FEBRUARY 2023
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 3:00 pm Adult Liturgical Choir Practice
6:00 pm Great Vespers—PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE
7:00 pm Adult Liturgical Choir Practice
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 8:30 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3 9:30 am Cathedral Montessori School Chapel
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 10:00 am Greek Festival Booth Chairpersons Meeting
12:00 pm Philoptochos Monthly Meeting
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 8:30 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy—PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
Sunday Church School and Byzantine Youth Program after Holy Communion
TRIODION BEGINS – NON-FASTING WEEK
12:00 pm Daughters of Penelope Meeting
6:00 pm Great Vespers—SAINT PHOTIOS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 8:30 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
SAINT PHOTIOS, PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE
7:30 pm Cathedral Montessori School Meeting
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8 3:00 pm Adult Liturgical Choir Practice
7:00 pm Adult Liturgical Choir Practice
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 11:30 am Philoptochos Senior Citizens Luncheon
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10 10:00 am Divine Liturgy—SAINT HARALAMBOS THE MARTYR
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 4:00 pm Byzantine Music I
6:00 pm Great Vespers—SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 8:30 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy—SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Sunday Church School and Byzantine Youth Program after Holy Communion
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 10:00 am Monthly Book Club Meeting
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 9:30 am Greek Festival Pastry Workshop
7:00 pm Parish Council Meeting
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 9:30 am Greek Festival Pastry Workshop
3:00 pm Adult Liturgical Choir Practice
6:00 pm Bible Study
7:00 pm Adult Liturgical Choir Practice
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 6:00 pm Great Vespers—FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SOULS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 8:30 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy—
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE SOULS - MEMORIAL
4:00 pm Byzantine Music I
6:00 pm Great Vespers—APOKREAS – MEAT FARE SUNDAY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 8:30 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy—APOKREAS – MEAT FARE SUNDAY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Cathedral Office Closed—Lundi Gras
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Cathedral Office Closed—Mardi Gras
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 9:30 am Greek Festival Pastry Workshop
3:00 pm Adult Liturgical Choir Practice
6:00 pm Bible Study
7:00 pm Adult Liturgical Choir Practice
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 6:00 pm Great Vespers—SECOND SATURDAY OF THE SOULS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 8:30 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
SECOND SATURDAY OF THE SOULS - MEMORIAL
4:00 pm Byzantine Music I
6:00 pm Great Vespers—CHEESE FARE SUNDAY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 8:30 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy—CHEESE FARE SUNDAY
Sunday Church School and Byzantine Youth Program after Holy Communion
4:00 pm Monthly Seminar in Orthodox Liturgics and Byzantine Music Appreciation
6:00 pm Great Vespers—FORGIVENESS VESPERS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 GREAT LENT BEGINS
5:30 pm Great Compline – Canon of Saint Andrew
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AHEPA
The annual Holiday Party
was a great success
including delicious food
from Acropolis Cuisine
and celebratory football
themed decorations provided by Lance von
Uhde, who featured LSU’s bid in the Citrus
Bowl, as well as Tulane’s participation in the
Cotton Bowl. The evening was wonderful
fun for all! Thank you to those who helped
and attended. Members are reminded that AHEPA and Daughters members, along with family and guests, enjoyed the
$65 dues for 2023 are now due! annual Holiday Party on Friday, December 30, 2022.
EPIPHANY CELEBRATION
The annual Holy Trinity Cathedral Epiphany Celebration took place on
Sunday, January 8, 2023. Dove Bearer Calliope Putnam, along with
volunteer swimmers Stefan Caus, Vlad Caus, and Stefanos Neamonitakis,
were key figures in the joyous festivities. Inclement weather, however, forced
a change of plans in staging the blessing of the water, the dove release, and
the swim for the cross along Bayou St. John. Instead, the blessing of the
water took place in the Cathedral, the swim was cancelled, and the dove
release occurred just outside the Narthex. The
participants joined Father George in a
procession to the front of the Cathedral where
the Sunday Church School students were gathered for the Theophany
blessing and the Dove Release. Following these events, the congregation
enjoyed a delicious meal in the Hellenic Cultural Center. To
commemorate the occasion an Epiphany icon was presented to Calliope
Putnam as Dove Bearer, and certificates of appreciation were given to all
participants for volunteering to be a part of the historic ceremony.
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DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
The highlight of December was the Daughters and AHEPA annual Holiday Party. The theme was LSU
makes the Citrus Bowl and Tulane makes the Cotton Bowl. Members gathered for delicious food, fun, and
celebration of the great football seasons of the two teams. DUES for 2023 are $50, and if paid by February
28, the members will be entered in a drawing for complimentary dues for 2024. Congratulations to Mary
Kouloubis, who won the drawing last year for complimentary dues in 2023.
The Daughters held a meeting on Saturday, January 14, when they discussed plans for an exciting 2023 and made
donations for the Philoptochos St. Basil Academy fundraiser, as well as for Holy Trinity stewardship. Refreshments of
pastitio, salad, celebration punch, king cake, and animal crackers with a circus theme were served by hostesses Mary Ellen
Grace and Barbara Stavis Wolf. The next Daughters membership meeting will be Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the
Hellenic Cultural Center at 12:00 pm after church services. Members are encouraged to attend. Anyone interested in joining
the Daughters of Penelope is asked to contact President Cathy Vial or one of the officers.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY - Daughters and guests, who attended the Holiday Party on December 30, 2022, enjoyed food,
festivities, and camaraderie while celebrating the holidays.
BELOW RIGHT - Daughters discussed plans for the new year at a meeting on Saturday, January 14, 2023.
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GOYA – WINTER YOUTH RALLY
Holy Trinity GOYA members attended the 2022 Winter Youth Rally in Atlanta, Georgia, December 27-30, 2022. The
entourage included ten young people, Father George, Alex Korominas, and Kalli Vassilas. The local members participated
in the Bible Bowl, the co-ed volleyball tournament, and the Winter Youth Rally Dance, where they had the great opportunity
to make many new friends with their peers from other Orthodox parishes.
A special thank you is extended to Coach Kalli for her time and dedication. Her many hours coaching volleyball practices
on Sundays produced awesome results. The New Orleans team lost their first match against Knoxville but beat a talented
team (Clearwater E) in two sets, allowing them to stay in contention for the next match. After the matches, Coach Kalli
commented, "We were pumped up after winning the first set against the even more talented Clearwater D, but lost 15-12
in the 3rd. I can't express in words how proud I am of their positivity and teamwork. They are winners where it matters
most!"
GOYA thanks the Parish Council and the Holy Trinity Cathedral family for their continued support and excitedly look forward
to the 2023 Winter Youth Rally in December.
8
PHILOPTOCHOS
The February Philoptochos meeting will be Saturday, February 4, at 12:00 pm in the Coffee Room. All ladies of the
community are invited.
Please make plans to attend the February Senior Citizens Luncheon on Thursday, February 9, at 11:30 am. This
month's luncheon is being sponsored by the Kringas and Latsis families.
An afternoon of celebration was enjoyed by all as the community gathered for the Vasilopita Cutting last month, which
was followed by a delicious luncheon and a lively auction. Thanks to the community's support of the event, Philoptochos
was able to send a generous donation to benefit the ministries of St. Basil Academy.
More good times were enjoyed at the January Senior Citizens Luncheon sponsored
by Debbie and Vasili Funti on January 19. A delicious meal was served along with king
cake and then... bingo!
PARISH REGISTRY TRISAGIA
January 15, 2023 Ekaterini Liaptsios, 6 Months
Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort, and Support January 22, 2023 Petros Demarinis, 8 Years
BAPTISM WEDDING
January 25, 2023 Alisa Rose Tokarev January 20, 2023
Daughter of Ksenia Theard and Evgeny Tokarev Bessie Papazis and Mark Barrios
Godparents – Yana Boone and Alexander Konotopov Sponsor – Effie Papazis Boihem
9
HOLY TRINTY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
7h
GREEK ORTHODOX COMMUNITY OF NEW ORLEANS
Non-Profit Org
US Postage
1200 Allen Toussaint Boulevard PAID
New Orleans, LA 70122 Permit No. 204
New Orleans, LA
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
FEBRUARY
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST
BOOK CLUB
The next Book Club meeting will be Monday, February 13, at
10:00 am in the Coffee Room. The book to be discussed is God’s
Smuggler by Brother Andrew with Elizabeth and John Sherrill.
GREEK FESTIVAL BOOTH CHAIRPERSON MEETING
All 2023 Greek Festival booth chairpersons are invited to this
year’s first meeting on Saturday, February 4, at 10:00 am in the
Coffee Room. Please mark your calendars and make plans to
attend as work on the annual Greek Festival is underway.
GREEK FESTIVAL PASTRY WORKSHOPS BEGIN
Pastry preparations for the 2023 Greek Festival will begin
Tuesday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 15. Workshops
will be held from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm with lunch provided. Come one, come all!
GREEK SCHOOL INQUIRIES
If interested in registering for youth and/or adult Greek School lessons, please contact the new instructor Evangelia
Boubougiatzi-Boyer at evangeliaboyer@gmail.com.
SATURDAY OF THE SOULS
A form is enclosed on which you can print the names of your Orthodox Christian loved ones and then submit for
the upcoming Saturday of the Souls. Please submit your completed form to the Cathedral office or present it on
the morning of the service prior to the beginning of the Divine Liturgy.You can also read
