Parish Community Letter -February 2026

Dear Saint Sophia Parishioners,

With the blessings from Father Steve and Father Gregory, and as we prepare for the Lenten Season, the Parish Council is providing you with this monthly update.

LITURGICAL CALENDAR: Every Sunday 8:30 Orthros and 10:00 Divine Liturgy – please see the website, website calendar, bulletins, and emails for other services. (Weekday worship begins at 7:30AM)

SSC GENERAL UPDATES:

• Parish Council: We want to congratulate the elected 2026 Parish Council Officers: Janice Calomiris, President, Diane Cerniglia, Vice President, Amanda Lockhart, Secretary and Nicholas Margarites, Treasurer. We also want to congratulate the appointments of: Ioannis Xanthos, Assistant Vice President, Eftuhia Frankowski, Assistant Secretary, and Alec Economakis, Assistant Treasurer.
• Father Gregory and Presbytera Eleftheria: On January 25, unfortunately, due to inclement weather and out of an abundance of caution, we closed the Cathedral to the in person Orthros and Divine Liturgy. But as is typical, we offered the services online. We want to thank Father Gregory and Presbytera Eleftheria for braving the snow and walking to the Cathedral. Father Gregory celebrated the Orthros and Divine Liturgy, while Presbytera Eleftheria chanted the entire Divine Liturgy solo. We were told this was another first in the Cathedral’s history!!! Thank you to Victor who also helped during Orthros and Divine Liturgy.
• January Ministry Activities: Our Cathedral’s January calendar was filled with a multitude of ministry activities. To highlight a few, they included a Greek School Vasilopita Cutting, Parish Council Oath of Office, Sunday School and GOYA Vasilopita Cutting, Sunday School Teen Talk, Meraki Laographic Arts Fundraiser, and Sunday School Face Time (PreK- 2nd grades).
• SAINT SOPHIA SUNDAYS Strategic Initiatives: The Clergy, Parish Council, and Staff are planning several new initiatives where different ministries will be hosting a wide range of events for parishioners young and old, families, and those that are new to our Cathedral and community. We will be unveiling them over the next several weeks and months. We are very proud to announce that the Byzantine Youth Choir lessons will begin on Sunday, February 22!
• Saint Sophia Cathedral Veterans Album: Several years ago, we started to assemble information celebrating all Saints Sophians who served our country. We want to continue and complete this effort, and we are looking for individuals who will help assemble pictures and data, compose text, and finally help publish this very important historical document. What a grand way to celebrate our country’s 250-year anniversary and our Saint Sophia history! If you’re interested in helping, please contact Demo Kolaras at 703-915-1621 or dkolaras2@gmail.com.

SSC MINISTRY AND EVENT CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS:

• February 1 – Alexandros J. Alexandrou Three Hierarchs Award after the Divine Liturgy.
• February 1 – AHEPA Chapter 31 will sponsor coffee hour after the Divine Liturgy and kickoff their 2026 membership drive.
• February 1 – GOYA: Greek Dancing with Joy/Little Angels after the Divine Liturgy.
• February 1 – YAL Fellowship and Discussion with Father Gregory, 1PM at Zorba’s Café with lunch available for purchase.
• February 8 – The World Through God’s Eyes: “The Prodigal Son – Finding the Way Home” after the Divine Liturgy; Philoptochos will provide a light lunch.
• February 11 – Galentine’s Wine Night at 6PM.
• February 14 – YAL Orthodox Young Adult Matchmaking Valentine’s Day (ages 21-40) 6 PM (optional Vespers before).
• February 14 – RESCHEDULED The Hellenic Society Prometheus Cultural Heritage Awards Gala honoring Dr. Nicholas Patrons, Ms. Sopia Tsangali and Reverend Father Steven P. Zorzos at 6 PM Appetizers and 7 PM Dinner & Dancing.
• February 15 – Valentine’s Day Bake Sale after the Divine Liturgy.
• February 21 – Mardi Gras Community Dance at 6PM.
• February 22 – RESCHEDULED Philoptochos General Membership Meeting after the Divine Liturgy.
• February 22 – Byzantine Youth Choir ages 8 to 18, lessons begin every Sunday after the Divine Liturgy.
• March 7 – Tentative GOYA IV on the Go!
• March 15 – Sunday School Teen Talk (7th – 12th Grades).
• March 15 – Altar Boys and Men in Black La Casa Event.
• March 21 – Greek Independence Day: Greek School Celebration in Ballroom.
• March 21 – Philoptochos: Joint Lenten Retreat (Tentative).
• March 22 – Sunday School Faith Time (3rd – 6th grades).
• March 29 – Sunday School Face Time (PreK – 2nd grades).
• April 4 – Saturday of Lazarus – Family Communion – Palm Making Joy & Little Angels – Confessions with the Fathers – Plaki Prep.
• April 5 – Palm Sunday and after the Divine Liturgy, GOYA will host a Plaki Luncheon. All are welcome!
• April 18 – Men’s Social Hour at 6PM.
• April 19 – Acolyte Cookout after the Divine Liturgy.

SSC MINISTRIES – WEEKLY AND MONTHLY RECURRING EVENTS: Please see the website, website calendar, bulletins, and emails for updates.

• Father Steve’s Bible Study – meets October-May via zoom Tuesday evening at 7-8 PM.
• ***NEW*** Friday Nights with Mother of God – service at 6 PM, refreshments, fellowship, and discussions to follow with YAL. Others are welcome.
• Baking Committee – meets Tuesday 9:30 AM-2:30 PM during the fall, winter and spring months in the FJ Hall Kitchen, where delicious Greek sweets are made. Lunch is provided.
• Philoptochos Food Drive – the first Sunday of the month. Place your donated dry foods and cans in the bins located in FJ Hall.
• Saint Sophia Table – meets in the FJ Hall Kitchen the second Saturday of the month, where food is prepared for those in need. Food Prep 11 AM-1 PM and Service 1-3 PM (formally St. Stephen’s Table).
• GOYA Basketball Practice – typically every Monday 8-9:30 PM through the season.
• Good Company – Kali Parea – the third Thursday of the month (September- November and January- April), with a guest speaker or activity following lunch at 12:30 PM in the EAC Ballroom.
• Parish Council Meetings – the third Thursday of the month.

SSC MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT:

Greek School: Father Steve received the following email; with the author’s permission, we thought we should share this wonderful testimonial. On February 1 after the Divine Liturgy we will be presenting the Alexandros J. Alexandrou Three Hierarchs Award to two students – one youth and one adult – who exemplify a zest for learning the Greek language and culture!

Dear Father Steve,

I would like to extend my deep appreciation to St. Sophia Cathedral for offering the excellent and comprehensive Greek Language Program for adults.  I have studied with Dr. Kalapothakos for several years and have developed a much deeper connection to my heritage as well as a greater understanding of Greek Orthodoxy, along with a renewed pride in our Greek culture.  With Dr. Kalapothakos, I am learning the language through the prism of this rich curriculum.  

I never thought that I would be able to read and speak the language to such a great extent.  This expert curriculum is critical to the continuity of the future of the Greek Orthodox community in the DC area, as well as our faith.

Thank you for this opportunity.

 With Warm Regards,

Karen Rarog

OTHER EVENTS or OPPORTUNITIES: Please see the bulletins for more information.

• Washington Metropolitan Area AHEPA-DOP Scholarship Program: For 56 years, AHEPA have recognized and celebrated outstanding Greek Orthodox Graduating High School Seniors for their achievement in academics, athletics, and community service.
• Scholarship Opportunities for Greek Orthodox Christians: Philoptochos Scholarship (Deadline March 31, 2026, for an annual academic scholarship of $3,000 to one eligible male or female high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student), and Helen Apostolos Scholarship (Deadline March 31, 2026, for a academic scholarship of $1,000 to a female accepted by, or enrolled in, an accredited program of study directly related to a career in business.”), contact Philoptochos for more information.
• Meraki Laographic Arts: Hellenic Dance classes for all ages – Sundays: grades K-5^th 12:30-1:30 PM @ Potomac United Methodist Church; Tuesdays: grades 5^th-8^th 6:30-8:30 PM @ Winston Churchill High School; and grades 5^th-8^th 7-9 PM @ Walter Johnson High School; Mondays: adults 18+ 7-9 PM @ St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
• Constantinople/Istanbul – Art and Religion between East and West: An exhibition of artwork by Joanna Allen, Art History Program in the Katzen Arts Center Rotunda, American University from January 17 – February 8.
• Greek Language – Education between the Medieval in the Early Modern Period: Lecture at Catholic University on February 24 at 5 PM.
• Armenian Art and the World: Lecture Helen C. Evans, Ph. D. March 26 at 5 PM Heritage Hall, Catholic University.
• Heritage Greece: The National Hellenic Society opened their applications for all Summer 2026 Heritage Greece Programs, offering Greek American/Canadian college students a two-week, immersive journey into Hellenic history, culture, and identity.
• Saint Sophia Annual Greek Festival: May 15-17 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!!

We wish everyone a blessed Lenten Season!

Yours in Christ,

The Saint Sophia Parish Council