The Parish Council is looking at prioritizing facility repairs and improvements that are so desperately needed. We have tried to keep up our aging building and grounds and will continue to look at items that need immediate attention. A few weeks ago the 80-gallon commercial gas water heater that services the kitchen sprung　a leak and there was water everywhere. The new commercial heater cost $3850. This unit heats water at 180F for the dishwasher, sinks etc. We tried to go with a cheaper one but it would run out of water during festival and weddings which is unacceptable... Thanks to Steve Ziamandanis and Al Ramos for taking care of the emergency.

Steve and Teddy Kondoprias have also been instrumental in renovating the storage areas. There is a new non-slip "ceramic" tile floor behind the bar. The floor of the walk in cooler had　completely rotted out and needed to be removed. They poured a new "concrete slab"　in the cooler that will last for many years. The old floor had two levels that was a tripping hazard. The smell under the old floor was unbelievable because of all the decayed debris and food. We ask that all those that use the cooler to keep it organized and clean.

The new storage area for bingo and church supplies looks great and will be able to accommodate all of our needs, thus allowing the kitchen storage room to be available for the Caterer’s supplies. The Health Department approved the changes and made several recommendations. The project looks great and is long overdue. Approximate costs for this necessary work is $9200. This is a wish list item that we had to complete.

By now many of you have seen the WISH List in the past two issues of The Testament. These are projects that have to be done around our church and building complex, and items that are needed in many areas. Wear and tear is showing all around us. The Parish Council and Al are trying to perform upkeep on a shoestring budget, but we really need the help of our parishioners. The parish gratefully acknowledges the gift of two items from this list: Automated External Defibrillator (AED), by John/Theo Karatzou; and, Podium by Peter/ Maria Pappas. Thank you! The AED unit has arrived, along with the case that it will rest in and cannot be used until after the training. We are looking at locating the unit outside the metal gate of the church proper.

LEARN TO SAVE A LIFE…In an effort to get more people trained in　CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the National Heart Group is offering an affordable CPR+AED training program that will equip participants with the necessary life-saving skills and confidence　to respond during cardiac emergencies. At least one person from every household should know these life-saving skills. This 2-˝ hour training class will take place Thursday, March 4^th at 6:00 pm sharp in the fellowship hall, and approximate cost is $60…less if more people attend. Pizza, and salad will be served. I thank Peter Pappas for spearheading this project. For more information or to sign up for the CPR+AED Certification please call Peter Pappas at 438-8155, or the church office at 489-4442. You must be on time or we will be assessed a fee.

I would like to give all of our stewards a heartfelt thank you for the gift of time, talents, and treasures you provide our beloved St. Sophia. Without each and every one of us, our community would have a difficult time surviving. Together, we will face the challenges ahead, and with faith and wisdom, we will exceed our expectations. Also, thank you for returning your 2010 Stewardship pledge cards. By returning your pledge cards sooner, it helps us project what revenue to expect for the year and helps us pay our bills in a timely manner.

Parishioners have asked what constitutes an appropriate donation for candles. The Parish Council asks parishioners to consider the following as suggestions for donations at the candle stand: Small Beeswax Candles/$1.00; Large Beeswax Candles/$3.00; Vigil/Memorial Candles/$5.00. Your offerings at the Pangari (candle stand) are—like all of your stewardship—a freewill offering. The candles are not "sold" but are made available by the parish for your use in prayer. These amounts are suggested simply as guidelines for those who wish to support this ministry of the parish.