20 Years Of Leadership: Greek Orthodox Community Celebrates Fr. John Bakas' 20Th Anniversary As Dean Of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral organized a festive celebration on January 9, 2016 in honor of The Very Rev. Fr. John Bakas, on the occasion of his 20th anniversary as the Cathedral's Dean. Held at the Saint Sophia Cultural Center, the prestigious event featured Tom Hanks, Hollywood icon and an Academy Award winning actor as the Master of Ceremonies.  With the Primate presiding over the Diocesan Council and Northern California regional meetings in San Francisco, Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian attended the celebratory event on the Primate's behalf.  In his congratulatory letter to Fr. Bakas, the Primate wrote in part:   For 20 years you have selflessly served the flock of Christ in your capacity as the Dean of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, devoting your heart and soul to the Greek-American community. With this letter, I convey to you my genuine fraternal wishes. I truly cherish our friendship, for it stems from the divine love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Your presence has been a blessing in the ecumenical life of Los Angeles. Furthermore, your powerful message delivered at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on April 14, 2015 echoes in the hearts of the Armenian community to this day.  May Christ continue to bless you abundantly, so that you may continue to lead the flock of our Lord entrusted to you with humility and care. I pray for your ministry asking the Almighty to grant you a long and a healthy life in your sacred mission to praise and glorify the Triune God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.