Welcome to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Cardiff-By-The-Sea, California. Our mission is to serve the liturgical, sacramental, and community needs of Orthodox Christians in our parish through the Word of Jesus Christ, the Bible, and Tradition of the Church. By practicing charity through stewarship and ministries we will create an environment where all are welcome and desire to be involved in the life of the Church. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me" (John 15:4). Please join us as we journey through Christ's holy vineyard. Rev. Fr. Michael Sitaras.
On April 6, 2013 Saints Constantine & Helen's parish level Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival was held in the Manchester Room. I am pleased to a report that seven teens participated this year. Nadia Birouty, Christy Goudamanis, Alexander Sitaras, and Mary Katherine Fellios all advanced to the Southern California District Level that was held on April 14, at the Saint George GOC in Downey.
All speakers researched and wrote a speech chosen from five topics and then delivered their speech in front of three judges. This year's judges were Anthony Kyriakidis, and Fred Georggin from Saint Spyridon and Pres. Christina Riemann from Saint Anthonys.
All participants received a cash prize of $100.00 generously awarded by the Parish Council and a gift bag from Saint Katherine College, given by Dr. Peter Fellios, who spoke on the importance of the oratorical festival and the life of the young St. Katherine. Also present were alumni from previous oratorical festivals who were instrumental in the festival's success: John Fellios, Darius, Alexander and Arianna Aram. We wish all our speakers well and pray that God grant them the opportunity to participate again next year.
On the 24th March, Sunday of Orthodoxy was celebrated at St. Anthony Antiochian Church in San Diego.
March 9, 2013 - Apokreatiko Glendi at Sts. Constantine and Helen
On March 9th, 2013 the Daughters of Penelope hosted an Apokreatiko Glendi at Sts. Constantine and Helen Manchester Room. It was night o great music, entertainment, dancing, food, and fellowship. Many thanks to Vasil Karounos the Chair and all the many that helped to make this a night to remember. Look forward to next years!
March 1-3, 2013 - Father Maximos Spiritual Retreat
On March 1-3 2013, Father Maximos of the Monastery Simonopetra Mt Athos graced us with Talks during our Spiritual Retreat. It was heart warming to see the number of people who attended. There were many parishioners from our church and so many guests from neighboring churches. Father Maximos' talks were nothing short of inspirational and It seems that everyone who attended were enriched by the experience. The food was delicious, the Manchester Room looked wonderful, and it could not have happened without all the numerours volunteers hard work. Many thanks and may the lessons gained from our time with Father Maximos carry us all through Lent and beyond.
On March 5, 2013 Prime Timers from Sts. Constantine and Helen, St. Spyridon, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Pauls. The Chef of the day was Mimi Howland, newly elected president. Much fun and fellowship was had by all.
23 February 2013 - Spirit of Orthodoxy at Sts. Constantine and Helen
On February 2013, the Daughters of Penelope hosted with many other Parishes from San Diego the Spirit of Orthodoxy at Sts. Constantine and Helen with proceeds going to St. Gregory of Nyssa church which was burnt earlier in the year. There were activities for the children, wonderful Greek, Romanian Dancing, Music, Art, and the most delicious foods from around the globe. It was a wonderful event with much fun and excitement had by all!
On the 14-18 February 2013 our Greek Dance School and Choral Group performed in Anaheim, CA at FDF - Congratulations to all our dancers, singers and instructors! The choral group Helios received FIRST PLACE, and the Directors Award went to Carol Pekras and Connie Fellios. Neo Kyma took 4th place in the dance competition, as well as the choral award. Our thanks to all who put so much effort into this year's events.
On February 10, 2013 our church was filled with people wearing red (even our priests wore red robes to show their loving support) to demonstrate awareness of the importance of good heart health. Many thanks to Maria Leslie Georgiou who provided the information and organized the activities for the day.
On the 10th February 2013 we held our Second Annual Parish Calendar Meeting with leaders from our various ministries. We have captured the calendar events available to date so check them out and Save the Date for the wonderful upcoming events! Many thanks to all those that took their precious time to participate in this meeting.
On January 26, 2013 130 gathered for an afternoon of Fashion, Fellowship, and Fun. The day began with many people joining or renewing their membership to Philoptochos and then spending some time chatting with friends, old and new, while sipping punch or mimosas. We enjoyed delicious lunch of chicken salad and a tasty Bundtini for dessert. We were introduced to members new to the organization, learned of some upcoming events and activities, and then settled back to enjoy the show. The dresses and gowns, from Mia Bella Couture in Del Mar, were modeled by members of our own community, ranging in age from teenagers to YiaYias. We all admired the dresses, but it was a special treat to see our models and how beautiful and elegant they looked as they walked among us. Not only did the afternoon result in many memberss joining the Philoptochos for the year (we had 100 by the end of the day), but it also delivered on its promist o Fashion, Fellowship, and Great Fun.
5-6 January 2013 - GOYA Retreat and Ephiphany Cross Dive
On the 5th and 6th January 2013, St Spyridon and Sts. Constantine and Helenco-hosted the 2013 GOYA Epiphany Retreat and Cross Dive. The youth retreat was held on January 5th with 60 GOYANS from eight different Southern California Orthodox Christian churches in attendance. This year’s theme was “You were Baptized- Now What? The main speaker of the youth retreat was Father Chris Kerhulas, Former Youth Director, Metropolis of Chicago.
The 2013 GOYA Epiphany Cross Dive Retreat culminated on Sunday, January 6th with all the retreat attendees celebrating Liturgy together at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church. Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of the Waters, the attendees received their Agiasmo bottles first and were transported as one body on a bus to the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina for the Cross Dive and Luncheon celebration.
Twenty five GOYANS from the Epiphany Youth Retreat weekend dove for the cross in the chilly 50+ degree waters of San Diego Bay. This year’s 2013 Cross Dive Retriever was fourteen year old William Halpin of Saint Anthony Antiochian Orthodox Church in San Diego. William was acknowledged by the 300 attendees at the Epiphany Cross Dive Luncheon that followed and was presented with a beautiful cross in memory of Mr. Paul Guzik, a long standing member of Sts Constaintine and Helen. William is the nephew of our very own Irene Mylonas, Philoptohos President of Sts Constantine and Helen.
The San Diego Union Tribune has posted several pictures of the Epiphany Cross Dive event on the FRONT PAGE of their January 7, 2013 morning paper, with young William holding up the cross.
On the 31st December 2012, AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope hosted the Annual New Year’s Eve Dinner dance at Saints Constantine and Helen in the Manchester Room with a full house of adults, teens and children from all over San Diego. It was truly a night to remember with glittering lights, silver, gold, and white decorations by Ellen Winn. Created life size automated moving Clocks and New York Skyline light displays by our artist Dave. The night began with guests arriving in tuxedos, evening gowns, and festive evening wear making for a walk down memory lane. The guests were greeted by the Chair's bride Constantina Klondis and friends. Tables were decorated with glittering lights and beautiful white roses arranged by Christina Vassiliadis. The evening was heralded in with a blessing from our Deacon John Robinson. The cocktail hour appetizers followed by the gourmet sit down dinner produced by Chef Tony Petroulis followed by dessert by Chef Nikolai were delicious start to a wonderful evening. There was an atmosphere of life and joy in the room with music by Nektarios Tradas, from the old time Bennie Goodman’s big band music with the memorable Second World War “String of Pearls”, to traditional and Zeibekiko Greek dancing, to the latest teenage Pop and Gundum Style. There was something for every age to enjoy. Children and Teens enjoyed their private areas with movie, karaoke, and activities. Family portraits were taken by our resident photographer Jim Karounos. The Venetian Table was not only a delight to the eyes but with an array of scrumptious Daughter of Penelope pastries, desserts, sweets, and chocolate fountain it was a foodies delight. Silver trays were passed by servers for guests to take Black and Silver top hats, feathered crowns, and blowers and all became alive with excitement for the count down. Vasilopita, handmade solo, by Mimi Howland were provided to each table with the anticipation of who would receive the lucky coin for 2013. Champagne flowed and the countdown began to see in 2013. The room made it onto the dance floor and counted down the New Year with a balloon drop and many hugs, kisses and well wishes! The energy was contagious and everyone merried in the spirit of the New Year.
Special thanks to Phil Klondis for Chairing the event, Anne Panagakos for coordinating table setup, catering, and food service, Kelee Plagis-Tsitsikaos administrative public relations, and AHEPA James Rigopoulos, Kent Stone, Ray Denton, John Tsitsikaos, Chris for their assistance. It truly was a wonderful event and we look forward to celebrating the next New Year’s eve with you all again! Happy New Year 2013 - Kali Xronia. The AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope.
On the 16th December 2012, the Parish Christmas Children's Programs and Luncheon was held with a visit from Santa, fantastic musical entertainment from Rapsady, Gingerbread House and a delicious luncheon. Many thanks to Linda Kounelis, Andrea Letsos for the children's programs and Toni Kanakaris for Chairing the Luncheon and all the many who worked to make this a most enjoyable and memorable event!
On the 1st December 2012, the ladies Philoptochos Chapters from Sts. Constantine & Helen and St. Spyridon held their Annual Christmas Luncheon at the Hilton Torrey Pines. It was a wonderful afternoon of gift purchasing from the many booths, good company, food and a choral performance from St. Katherine's College Choir. Much joy was had by all. Photos coming soon.
