COMMUNITY HONORS PARISH PRIEST, PRESBYTERA WITH SURPRISE ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Ariel during meeting with President Moshe Katzav
More than 200 people attended a party at the Jarvis Center, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, on Sunday, June 3rd, to honor Father Angelo and Presbytera Mary Pappas, on the occassion of their 25th wedding anniversary. The event was planned and hosted by the Philoptochos Society of the parish. Nancy Notis acted as Master of ceremonies for the event. She presented a brief history of the meeting, courtship and marriage of the honored couple. It was noted that the two met at an AHEPA convention, and Mary's parents were impressed by her suitor's adherence to AHEPA ideals.

The event was developed as a way to express the admiration of the community for its parish priest and his wife. Their leadership and guidance has been a model for all to follow within the community, and has been a major factor in the growth of the local parish.

Foti Zotos, Parish Council President, speaking at the event, noted that the community had almost doubled in size since Father Angelo had come to St. Nicholas.

FrAnteloandMary
Bill Naumes, AHEPA President, noted that the local AHEPA chapter had also demonstrated a similar increase since Father Angelo had reinstated his membership through the local chapter.

Other speakers included Arthur Haeussler, former Parish Council President, Emmanouella Birmbas, Jimmy Poulos Summer Camp Chair, Marilyn Zotos, Sunday School Director, Jim Adams, Hellenic Cultural Society Chair, and Jim Maheras, Choir Director. They all commented that Father Angelo and Presbytera Mary had provided their time and leadership to make their various organizations a success.
FrAnteloandMary
Peggy Naumes, Philoptochos President, noted that many organizations and individuals had contributed time, support, and energy to make the event a success. She conveyed the best wishes of Mary's family as well as the couple's koumbari. Peggy finished by wishing Father Angelo and Presbytera Mary many years, and then presented them with a gift from all those in attendance, as well as many parish organizations.

The event was developed by a committee chaired by Bess Jack and Kiki Soros. The committee was quite large and enthusiastically assisted by Nick Birmbas, who officiated over the kitchen staff. Demetrios Yiannacopoulos provided musical entertainment on an electric piano along with soloist Joanna Katsoulis. A joyous time was had by all in attendance. The party was a surprise to the honored couple.