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:
Gabriel, Michaela, Kristen and Jason Iancu

We are steadily receiving 2008 Stewardship Commitments. The approved budget for Stewardship Income for 2008 is $205,000, in order to support the programs offered at St. Sophia. Now, let’s be realistic. If we do not increase our commitment, we will fail in our endeavors. We already have parishioners who have come forward and have committed at the Great Benefactor and Benefactor levels. Again, for your convenience we have included a commitment card in this issue..

There is some confusion as to what form one must fill out. First, a commitment card must be submitted each and every year. If you have an alternate address (usually winter getaways) that also must be conveyed each year with a beginning date and an ending date. The Family Profile Form is for new members or if a parishioner has a change to the family’s profile (e.g. birth of a baby, change of address, etc.). If you have any questions, you still can contact Helen Sokaris to address any concerns.

The following items are still needed for Great Lent and Holy Week 2008. Individuals wishing to donate any of these items should call the Church Office.

GREEK FESTIVAL MAY 16-18

The Greek Festival is just around the corner. In this issue you will find the baking schedule and a contract for a journal ad.
 Festival George will be contacting you soon with details.

On Saturday, March 8^th, we will be celebrating the return of The Mardi Gras Masquerade Costume Ball [Απόκριες]. Norma Damascos, our Events Chairperson, has put together a memorable evening. This is not only a fun event but also a major fund raiser for St. Sophia. Let us all enjoy and support these events. For those that did not attend the Disco event in November, you missed out – ask those who attended.

CHEESEFARE LUNCHEON March 9^th

Once again our youth is sponsoring the Cheesefare Luncheon on March 9^th following the Divine Liturgy. Proceeds will benefit the youth programs offered here at St. Sophia. See flyer in this issue.

St. Sophia will be hosting this year the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vesper services at 5:00 PM on March 16^th, where all the local Eastern Orthodox churches will be participating and attending. Following the service the Philoptochos will be offering a gratis buffet for all to enjoy and to give us an opportunity to welcome our guests. Join us for the service and fellowship.

LENTEN LUNCHEON  March 15^th

The Philoptochos is sponsoring its 21^st Annual Lenten Luncheon on the 3^rd Saturday of Souls, March 15. See flyer in this issue.

GREEK INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION – March 22^nd

The AHEPA and the Sons of Pericles is sponsoring the March 25^th Greek Independence Celebration on Saturday March 22^nd.
All proceeds will benefit the trip to NYC for the March 25^th Parade, scheduled this year on April 6^th. See flyer in this issue.

1^st ANNUAL GREEK BUFFET

Many individuals ask us during the Festival to have it more than once a year, as many enjoy the Greek cuisine. With this in mind we will be holding the 1^st
Annual Greek Buffet on Saturday, April 5^th. So, please pass the word out at work, in your neighborhood, and your American friends.

The Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena Annual Valentine’s Dinner Dance was a great success this year. This was a great honor for us to host a party
of this magnitude with guests from around the capital region and Sons and Maids from around the country. We are very thankful for the support we received
 for this event. I would like to express the appreciation of the Sons and Maids for the contribution of our parish center for this event and to the
 numerous individuals, families, and local restaurants that have made such generous donations to the youth organizations each and every year.