The winter General Assembly is scheduled for Sunday, February 28^th, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Your attendance, input and guidance is encouraged and welcomed.

BAPTISMS

Tessa Rose, daughter of Michael Adam and Dora Philip, November 28
Joanna Croteau, Godmother

Jesse Winter, son of George and Kari Melas, November 28
Anna Maria Burke, Godmother

Stephen Kocuba with Ann Shauger, December 12
James Stolis, Koubmaros

DEATHS

John Aspromatis, Age 91, August 20
Constance Christo, Age 88, December 7
Pauline Mango, Age 85, December 29
Helen Amanatides, Age, 90, December 31
Theodore Sokaris, Age 73, January 2

Let us cordially welcome the following new members to the St. Sophia community. Please do not hesitate to greet our new members and offer any assistance and/or information regarding the community and its organizations and programs:Thomas Diamantis
Stephen and Ann Kocuba

　Please consider donating towards our "Wish List" published once more in this issue of The Testament. The generosity throughout the year of our parishioners has been exemplary and rewarding. The opportunity to donate beyond your stewardship obligation is always welcome and essential.

Please note that the following parishioners have joined the 2009 Stewardship Commitment Honor Roll which were left out of the list published in the January issue of The Testament. We again thank everyone for their continued support to St. Sophia.

We want to take this opportunity to thank the following 47 parishioners who returned a 2009 Christmas Donation Envelope.

The Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena cordially invite everyone to attend its annual Valentine’s Dance on Saturday, February 6^th (see flyer in this issue).

AHEPA

On February 7^th the AHEPA is sponsoring a breakfast to benefit our St. Sophia Afternoon Greek School immediately following church services in celebration of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day (see flyer in this issue)..

PHILOPTOCHOS

The 23^rd Annual Lenten Luncheon will be held on Saturday, February 20^th following the Divine Liturgy – 3^rd Saturday of Souls (see flyer in this issue).

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

St. Sophia is once again hosting the vespers service on February 21^st starting at 4:00 PM. We will be joined by clergy and parishioners from all the local Eastern Orthodox Churches which is well attended. Following the service the Philoptochos will be hosting a fellowship hour for our guests (we are asking parishioners, if you can, to prepare a lenten dish for the fellowship – contact Margaret Danes).

CONGRATULATIONS

The following items are needed for Great Lent and Holy Week 2008. Individuals wishing to donate any of these items should call the Church Office.
One floral wreath, 4 in total, for each Salutation service
 One floral wreath for Akathist Service
 Daffodils For Sunday of the Cross
 Wreath for Service of Bridegroom on Palm Sunday evening
 Rosewater
 3 White Hand Towels
 Linen Sheet
 Palms for Palm Sunday morning
 Wreaths for Nymphios Services
 Wreath for Holy Wednesday Icon of the Last Supper
 Holy Oil, Cotton Balls, Q-Tips & Plastic Sandwich Bags
 Wreath for the Crucifixion on Holy Thursday evening
 Rose Petals for Good Friday afternoon
 200 Carnations for Good Friday afternoon
 Monetary donations for Epitaphio flowers
 Resurrection Banner (Lavaro)
 Resurrection Icon Wreath
 Resurrection Candle (Lambada)
 Monetary donations for Easter lily plants
 2-1/2 cases of eggs
 Easter Candy

KNITTERS GROUP

Starting on Wednesday, February 3 at 1:00 PM a new group, "The Knitters" will be meeting weekly. Beginners and experts, all are welcome to work individually or on a group project. Jan Gallas, expert needlewoman, will be providing instruction, leadership and advice. To join the group call Margaret Danes (489-4442) or Jan Gallas (869-3968). Leave your name and leearn the details ...Athena V. Lord

THANK YOU

St. Sophia takes this opportunity to thank all those parishioners who brought toys to church and placed them under the Christmas tree for the distribution to children at the Albany Medical Center.

We thank the Sophia community for their expressions of sympahty through their calls, cards and prayers during our difficult time. It goes without sayhing the support of Father Pat and the members of Philoptochos fo their deveoted help at the makaria. The recednt passing of Theodore will be missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters and cousins. ...Sokaris Family