During the recent Archpastoral visit of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to northern California, he honored some clergy and lay leaders for their dedication to the church.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America conferred Offikia upon the following priests in recognition of their faithful years of service in the Holy Priesthood of our Archdiocese:

Fr. Peter Salmas – Holy Cross Church, Belmont, CA

• Presented with the Cross of Hagia Sophia in recognition of his years of service as a Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne
  
• Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1975
• Serving the Holy Cross parish since 1988

Fr. Thomas Zaferes – Ascension Cathedral, Oakland, CA

• Elevated to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne on Wednesday, March 1, 2023
• Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1983
• Serving the Ascension Cathedral parish since 2009

Fr. Constantine Pappademos – Saint Katherine Church, Elk Grove, CA

• Elevated to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne on Sunday, February 26, 2023
• Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1985
• Serving the Saint Katherine parish since 1988
• Serving the Saint Anna parish since 2001

Fr. James Retelas – Annunciation Church, Sacramento, CA

• Elevated to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne on Sunday, February 26, 2023
• Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1987
• Serving the Annunciation parish since 2005

Fr. Aris Metrakos – Holy Trinity Church, San Francisco, CA

• Elevated to Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne on Wednesday, March 1, 2023
• Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1989
• Serving the Holy Trinity parish since 2008

Fr. Christopher Flesoras – Saint Anna Church, Roseville, CA

• Elevated to Protopresbyter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on Monday, February 27, 2023
• Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1997

The highest honor bestowed upon lay leaders in the Archdiocese is the Medal of Saint Paul. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros awarded the Medal of Saint Paul to the following individuals at the Annunciation Church in Sacramento, CA on Sunday, February 26, 2023.

Michael Dariotis has been serving on the Parish Council for the past 14 years. He previously served as Parish Council President for two years and is now serving in that capacity once again. He coordinated a major church beautification project eleven years ago, and is a major donor for the recently completed building project. He has chaired the annual Greek Food Festival for over ten years, even providing all the kitchen staff for food prep from his restaurant (Old Spaghetti Factory) at great personal cost.

Despina Demas was born in Greece and has been a member of Annunciation for over 40 years. She has served on the Parish Council, directed Sunday School for 12 years and is now serving as President of Philoptochos. She and her husband John are major benefactors of the recently completed building project. Despina has been on mission teams to Mexico and Guatemala and will never say “no” to serve.

Terry Kastanis has been a member of Annunciation since the 1960’s when he moved here to Sacramento from Salt Lake City to marry Penny Anton, of blessed memory. Terry has been the parish archivist and librarian for over 30 years. He has sung in the choir for over 50 years. He served as President of the Annunciation Senior League for six years. As a former member of the Sacramento City Council, he has also been very active in the public square to benefit the greater community.

Julie Mamalis is a life-long member of Annunciation. Her father-in-law was the protopsaltis in the 1950’s and no doubt inspired Julie to offer her vocal talent to our choir for over 50 years. She has been the primary costume judge for FDF for many years. She is the “go to” lady for decorating the tables for all the parish luncheons. She single-handedly designs and constructs the exquisite “Hellenica” display for the annual festival. She is a long-time member of Philoptochos and always volunteers for food preparation and myriad service and outreach efforts.

Dr. Nicholas Rotas is a life-long member of Annunciation. His parents were the first couple to be married in the new church in 1953. He is the current and past President of the Parish Council. He and his wife Carol are major benefactors for the recently completed building project. Nicholas is a great supporter of the OCMC and IOCC and a strong advocate for outreach in support of the Church’s core mission to “make disciples of all nations.”

Donna Wagner is a Past President of Philoptochos and one of our unsung heroes who is always working in the background. She volunteers in the church office, prepares the coffee every Sunday for coffee hour bright and early and then is in Church for the Liturgy. She works tirelessly for the food festival and all the fund-raising events for the parish.

Photo Credit: Kostas Petrakos Photography