PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING – Nov. 2007
Dear Father, Friends and fellow Stewards of St. Michael’s
"How can you dishonor your brother who shares with you from the same holy Chalice the very Body and Blood of Christ?" "You become one with Christ and yet you are divided by hatred?"
It is with great regret that I feel the need to open my last address to you as President of our beloved community with these words of St. John Chrysostom, but unfortunately his words hold true and bear our attention. It is with great sadness, honor and humility that I stand before you today in what will be my last formal address to you as the President of this community. I know that I will take up some of your time, but I ask that you listen closely to my words this one last time.
This past Sunday, we heard Father in his sermon speak to us of love. Our community has been labeled by many a miracle community! The miracles came and continue to come because of love.
From it’s early beginnings as the Hellenic Association of West Central Florida in February of 1980 to the transition as the Greek Orthodox Community of West Central Florida and the first Divine Liturgy in CitrusCounty in October of 1981 much has been accomplished duringthe years.
We spent 3 years as nomads holding services at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Inverness. I remember those days well. Since we had no home, all the items needed for the Divine Liturgy were in boxes in the trunk of my car. The Gospel Book, The Chalice Set, the antiminsion, candles, candle sand boxes, icons, the wine etc. Each Saturday (for at that time we had liturgies on Saturday due to Fr. Papadeas’ schedule) I would leave home early and unpack the car and set everything up, transforming to the extent possible the Catholic Church we met in to something that resembled an Orthodox church and set up everything that was needed for the services. Those were incredible years because there was focus, commitment, peace amongst us, hope, love, passion and faith.
We signed a mortgage on Panagias day, August 15th, 1983 built, and later paid off a small chapel in Inverness where the first liturgy was celebrated on Christmas Day in 1983. On Panagias, 1985 we purchased the existing 10 acres in Lecanto and paid it off on the feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in 1989 and on June 12th of 1992 – on the day of Pentecost, we began construction of our present community hall which opened on June 13th of 1993, again on the day of Pentecost one year later. We were scared, having just assumed a mortgage for over $500,000. But there was focus, commitment, peace amongst us, hope, love, passion and above all FAITH.
On February 13th, 1993, following a preliminary vote to narrow the list, we had a naming banquet at the Elks Club of Homosassa Springs, where over 150 attended. Members of this community selected from amongst 3 patrons, Peter, Nektarios and Michael. Following the vote, His Grace Bishop Phillip of blessed memory, who was in attendance, declared and gave his blessing for the community to be known for all time as using the commonly accepted name in the United States of: “St Michael the Archangel Greek Orthodox Church”. Let’s not change the name by which we are identified, by which we are known. The name selected for our community and given to us by our Bishop at the time. It is not without precedent for even our Archdiocese home for the aged in NY is known as St. Michael’s Home for the Aged as is the chapel in Tarpon Springs, known as St. Michael’s Chapel. This is the name ratified by our Metropolitan Alexios through the ratification of our by-laws. It is our history, it is our identity. It is what unites us as one community. It is what has given us focus, commitment, peace amongst us, hope, love and passion to serve Him as stewards of His Church.
In September of 2003 a mortgage burning ceremony was held retiring the $510,000 mortgage which was taken for this building. Again, we were focused, committed, we had love, hope, peace, passion and FAITH.
In 2004 the MetropolisBuilding and Architectural Committee approved the community’s conceptual drawings and His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios scheduled with us the formal groundbreaking activities for February 2005, which took place on the day of St. Photini, the patron of our Philoptochos Society. Our groundbreaking ceremonies were equaled by none, not for our egos, but as an outward sign of our focus, commitment, peace amongst us, hope, love, passion, FAITH and respect for our Godparents, the Cantonis family.
Duringthe intervening time our plans have been modified and adjusted to fit our budget. In October of 2006 the General Membership voted to erect the Sanctuary and thanks to the generosity of the Michael G. Cantonis Foundation we were able to amass a fund for the erection of a permanent house of God to serve the Orthodox Christians of the greater CitrusCounty area for the centuries to follow. On the day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, September 14th of this year the site permit was issued by the Citrus County Building Department and on the day of Sts Sophia, Agape, Irene and Elpida (for those who do not know the translation, this day is named for Sophia or Wisdom and her 3 martyred daughters, Love, Peace and Hope) the tractors began toiling the dirt to prepare the site. Perhaps divine providence, perhaps mere chance, but to have our building permit issued on the day of the Elevation of the Cross and to have the heavy equipment begin work on the day we commemorate Wisdom, Love, Peace and Hope seems suggestive of Our Lord’s hand sending us His message. He knows that for many years we have had focus, commitment, peace, hope, love, passion and Faith. He has blessed us with His Grace as He saw that commitment, love and faith amongst His people. His message was clear to me when He chose the day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross to have the authorities issue us our permit which allowed us to get started. His message was clear to me when He chose that particular day when we commemorate the memories of Sophia and her 3 martyred daughters, Love, Peace and Hope to begin the work on His house. It was clear to me, that focus, commitment, hope, love, passion and faith must return as they are the necessary ingredients, the glue, of this community and the miracles which have occurred as a result of our witness to His will.
Yes, the saints and Archangels have always looked over this parish, through the initial guiding and tireless hands of our beloved Fr. George Papadeas, the steady ministry of Fr. Samaras who brought us regular weekly services to the guiding spirituality of Fr. Ioannis. But, let us not be forgetful of the many members who gave of their love and stewardship over these many years.
Please bear with me as I read to you their names:
Lloyd and Lois Bailey
Theodore and Lynne Ballas
Albert Baron, a former Parish Council Member, Husband of Marion Baron who continues to Grace our parish, and who herself was President of the Philoptochos. Al made several of the items we still use today, for example – the table we have used for many years for special services, the candle stands and icon stands.
Alois Berent, Husband of Alice Berent
Alexand Ann Brecho
Andrew and Agnes Brown
Michael Chafatinos
Marcena Croteau, our first Choir Director who passed away on Good Friday about 12 years ago.
Theodora Dalkalitsis
John (Duncan) Dart, husband of our beloved Bunny. Any time you needed a job done, just call the Darts. They would come all the way from Ocala at the drop of a hat and take over any task with laughter and love.
George Djiovanis
Judy DiMaio, daughter in law of Helen and Frank DiMaio
Albert and Jean Ercha
Dorothy Esares, aunt of Angela Lamb
Alice Fenikis
John Galaris, who was cured by St Nektarios of his cancer and brought back to us the banner of the Archangel Michael which you see displayed.
Petro Kallechey, one of our benefactors and whose elderly widow lives in Ocala.
John Kalivretenos
John Kasilitz
Tess Kontrafouris, wife of our beloved Harry
Demetra and Jerry Kookoolisparents of Angela Lamb both of whom served in many capacities in our community.
Florence Lazar, beloved wife of our dear friend John.
Spiros Lazaros, whose daughter’s marriage was the spark that helped form the need forour community.
Nicholas Leftheris
Christopher Litras
Theodosia Lotz
Patricia Makris
John Maniates
Charles Manuelian, a devouted member, Council Member and incredible hard worker for our community for several years.
Peter Markopoulos
Jerry Marmarellis and
Ann Marmarellis, parents of our own George Tisler. It was at Annand Jerry’s house that we first met to formthis community. Ann was our first Treasurer and long time steward. She was truly like a mother to me. Her untiring support and her love for this community has not been paralleled.
Angeliki Mavros and
Sotirios Mavros, my very own parents. Many of our first icons, Kouvouklion, candle boxes and indeed the cross holding Christ Crucified behind the altar and its stand which are still used today were made by my father.
Angelos and Penelope Metropoulos
George Mirialakis, husband of Amy. Unfortunately George was not with us long before his untimely passing, but in the short time he was here he left a lasting impression. I visited George in the hospital during his last hospitalization before his death. We spent several hours together where he shared with me his life’s story and many confessions. Amy – let me just say that he lovedyou very much.
Evangelos Natsios
Dan and Barbara Nestor. Dan was on the Parish Council, member of the banquet Committee, chairman of several festivals. A man, with Barbara at his side who was completely dedicated to this community until his untimely death.
Emyl Ozurila
Stavros Patrickakos, husband of our beloved Lola Patrickakos, former council member and an incredible steward to our community. Many do not know of the many sacrifices and hard workSteve andLola offered this parish over the years. Don't look at the elderly, albeit feisty, lady beforeyou today – Steve and Lola were part of the backbone of this community for many years.
George Paches, who had the distinction for many years of being known as the oldest member of our parish.
Angelo Pantages
Vasiliki “Bess”Papadeas, Presvytera – what can onepossibly say about presvytera Bess. I could spend hours, but I will spare you – suffice it to say that she was by her husband’s sidedayand night (often yelling at him), but nonetheless a true supporter of his ministry. Her work in the choir, philoptochos and elsewhere are emeasurable
Argiro Papalazarou
Don Poe
Dorothy Popaand Stephan Popa, sister and brother in law of Alice Berent, aunt & uncle of Beverly Kochoff. You could always count on the three sisters: Alice, Mary andDorothy. Always there, always helping, always giving.
Anna Popin, mother of Marko Popin
John Poulos, beloved husband of Alice. John served on our parish council for many years and voluntered in so many activities. I could not possibly list them all
Aristotle Poupis, it was people like Ari for which we built this community of Christ. Father, do you remember when we first met in Atlanta andI told you a story of a man who was on our mailing list for years, but we hadnever met? Later he called me, discussed how negatively he had been treated by the church in years past and how that turned him away from the Church for many years. How in his old age he wanted to try and return to the church but did not know if he would be welcomed or if he would find the same cold, unfriendly church that mistreated him years ago? How after our conversation he became a member? ----- That man was Aristotle Poupis. So let’s not be quick to delete people of mailing lists. We are here to serve all the Orthodox Christians and it is our job to go out there and get them.
Howard Querry
Katerina Rodis
Hazel Re
Stephen Simeonidis
Anna Stathos, oh Anna Stathos. mother of our current members - Doey, Maryanne, Janet, Tasia andJohn. a member of our first choir, the parish’s seamstress – in fact – the cloth you see covering the altar – made by Anna Stathos. the robes the choir used to wear – repaired by Anna Stathos as they were hand me downs from St. Demetrios in Daytona. What a lady. I miss her to this day.
William Stathos
William Stefanakis. this elderly man drove to church every single sunday from Citrus Springs. We were stillin Inverness when he passed away. He could barely see over the dash board and could hardly walk. But to my recollection, never missed a church service.
Peter Surgich. It was Pete’s $40,000 gift in his will that allowed us to pay the last amount due on this halland pay off our mortgage. A hard worker and dedicated member of the men’s club.
George and Maria Tsafoulias
Charles Vizandiou, his widow now living in St Pete, and their son
Hollis Vizandiou who was a paraplegic and could never attend church. I recall how Father Papadeas and Fr. Samaras would go visit them often. Fr. Samaras even continued visiting Charles’ widow Runnette when she moved to St Pete to be closer to family and friends.
And most recently, our beloved Neva Wojcik who for years was our historian and painstakingly documented our church history in photos.
Edna Xenophon, beloved wife of Nick Xenophon andone of our foundingfamilies. She served our community for so many years in so many capacities as the entire Xenophon clan which if they were to all come here today would fill half the hall.
Presley Yeo, Presley was not even Orthodox until his last few months of life when he chose to convert. Beloved husband of Pheme, a founding member of our community. I would recall Presley coming to church often with Pheme, and at least 4 times a year would ask: “George how’s the money situation”. If I ever told Presley we were a little short, he would say – “Well that’s unacceptable, Pheme will bring you a check next week.”These checks were never for less than $5,000, often closer to $10,000. The meetingroom is named in his honor. And yes, although Pheme has left and many criticize that her name is still on the list as a “friend” of this community, it has been out of love and respect. So who ever takes over, do me a favor andleave her on the mailing list. Unfortunately I doubt she will be alive much longer.
Alexander Zachary
Bessie Zacharatos
Bozidar and Katharina Zaric
Mildren Zeman and Rudolph Zeman, Rudy andMillie – what a glorious couple. John, they were Serbian and you always complain we have no Serbians around here. Both Rudy and Millie were long time supporters of our community, hard working at dinners, dances, socials, ladies auxiliary and the like. I remember visitingMillie in the hospital before she passed away along withher children and grandchildren at her side. She too spent several hours sharing her life with me. What a beautiful lady.
Serafima Zelneronok, Presvytera and
Rev. Fr. Michael Zelneronok, Archpriest, parents of our beloved Nicholai. For those who did not meet Fr. Michael – what an incredible man. I spent many hours with him. When he came to church he would come into the altar and we’d sit together and chat before the Divine Liturgy. His knowledge, love and advise were incredible. Nick – you must be very proud. They don't make them like Fr. Michael.
Cleopatra Zysopoulos, wife of Arthur who were very dedicated members of our community beforemoving to the Carolina’s only to return later.
John Zysopoulos, Cleo was the mother of John Zysopoulos, husband of our beloved Gerie who also passed away just a few short years ago.
ALL of blessed memory who I am confident overlook and interceded for us each day. I apologize if by chance I have forgotten anyone.
In remembering our members who have passed away, let us not forget those long time members who are still with us.
Chief amongst them would be Fr. George Papadeas. This man sacrificed so much for this community. His constant communication with our members, his travels to people’s homes, the phone calls he made all the way from Daytona his love, passion, faith, hope and focus caused this community to gel together. If it were not for him, there would be no St. Michael’s. I personally owe him a lifetime of gratitude and love and yet I betrayed his love for which I thank God and know he has forgiven me.
Let us not forget Frank and Helen DiMaio. Helen has always been “here” for this parish. Whenever koliva has been needed, Helen would quietly take care of it. For many years Helen would bake the prosforo used in the Divine Liturgy and whenever she was called upon to help cook or bake or make any other preparation that may be needed, she came forth with her smiling face to do the work that was necessary. Why? Because of focus, commitment, peace amongst us, hope, love, passion and Faith. Helen and Frank – Thank You for your love and faith.