Boston Cathedral Plans Gala 100 Year History Celebrations
By Christopher Gussis, Chair
Publicity

The Centennial Committee of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Boston is planning a variety of exciting events to honor its historical past during the 2003 calendar year. As "The Seat of the Diocese of Boston," and through providing religious inspiration and guidance for many-Greek Orthodox Communities of New England, the Cathedral is rightly considered "The Mother Church" for the Greek Orthodox faithful of New England.

Overlooking the famed Boston Museum of Fine Arts and nestled between the campuses of Northeastern and Wentworth Institute of Technology, the Cathedral is officially designated a Boston landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Cathedral has distinguished itself with three former Deans who were elevated to high Ecclesiastic Offices -- Rev. Joakim Alexopoulos, the first Bishop of Boston, who later became Metropolitan of Demetriados; Rev. Athenegoras Cavadas, later Bishop of Boston, the first Dean of Holy Cross Theological School and Archbishop of Thyatcira; and Rev. Iacovos Coucouzes, later Bishop of Melita, and from 1959 to 1996, Archbishop of North and South America and recognized as the Dean of all religious leaders in the United States.

Many eminent religious hierarchs and political statesmen have served at the altar or visited the Cathedral including Greek Orthodox Patriarchs Athenagoras, Dimitrios and Bartholomew, Metropolitans and Bishops, Catholic Cardinals, former United States presidents and numerous other political dignitaries.

To honor and share in this glorious past, a host of religious and political dignitaries, former parishioners and friends, are expected to attend and relive their experiences and memorable moments while attending the Cathedral or growing up in the Cathedral Community.

Scheduled events include; Sunday, January 12 - a Divine Liturgy following by a "Complimentary Brunch"; Saturday, March Ist - "Centennial Celebration Banquet" at the John F. Kennedy Library; April - "Concert of Sacred Music for Sacred Places" place, TBA; Sunday, June 15th -- Feast of Pentecost" and Community group photo In front of Cathedral; Saturday, August 16th -- Consecration of Cathedral Chapel" in Brookline followed by reception; Saturday and Sunday, October 11th and 12th -- afternoon "Grand Banquet at the Boston Sheraton Hotel" preceded by a "Liturgical Celebration, Great Vespers and Youth Rally"; and December - "Cathedral at Pops Concert" at Symphony Hall, date, TBA.

The Centennial Committee includes: James P. Lemonias, Chairman; Dr. Marica Arvanites, General Co-chair; other Co-chairs are: Liturgical Services - Rev. Dean A. Panagos, Dean of the Cathedral; Commemorative Album- Portia Pantages, President of Parish Council; Dinner Banquet - James P. Lemonia and Dr. Marica Arvanites; Luncheon Banquet - Fay Andreadis and Annette Kaselis; Chapel Consecration Rev. Dean A. Panagos and Chris Hatzopoulos; Music - Dean Limberakis; Cathedral at Pops - Bob and Kally Badavas; Finance Coordinator - John Georgountzos; Video Producer - George Niakaros; Publicity Christopher Gussis.

The Centennial Committee is seeking the assistance of others wishing to make this a most memorable event. Please contact Fr. Dean A. Panagos, Jim Lemonias, Dr. Marka Arvanites, Portia Pantages, or call the Cathedral Office. The Centennial Commemorative Album Committee is seeking photographs or articles of past and present Cathedral events, liturgical services, distinguished church visitors and activities of various organizations and committees for its Booklet and planned documentary video. Please send, bring, or call the Cathedral Office.

Dr. Christopher Gussis, Chair

Publicity