25th anniversary

25th anniversary
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS -- A banquet celebrating the 25th anniversary of the ordination of the Rev. Dr. Stephen J. Callos, dean of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland Heights, was held recently at the Bertram Inn in Cleveland. Remarks were by his godfather, the Rev. George Pappas, who retired after serving at Archangel Michael Church in Campbell, and His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, bishop of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Father Callos, 50, has served in Cleveland Heights since 1982. The son of John and Priscilla Callos moved to Campbell and later to Youngstown and was the 1971 valedictorian at Chaney High School. He entered Hellenic College in Brookline, Mass., received his bachelor of arts degree in 1975 as class valedictorian, completed studies at Holy Cross School of Theology, also in Brookline, and in 1978 received his master of divinity degree. In 1990, he received a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.
He said he became a priest for two main reasons: his godfather was an inspiration, and he had a deep sense of the presence of God while attending the services.
New personnel
YOUNGSTOWN -- Martin Luther Lutheran Church is adding two new staff members, including commissioning Eboni C. Bogan as director of youth and family ministry at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at the church, 420 Clearmount Drive. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Dennis Mims of St. James Lutheran Church, East Cleveland, the assistant to the bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod.
Organist and pianist Cindy Ladymon, who has more than 12 years' experience in liturgical music and more than 30 years' teaching experience, will join the staff this Sunday. She is chairman of the keyboard department at Music Lessons for Us All in Poland, and she holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University.
Groundbreaking set
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning Valley Church will break ground Sunday for a $1.2 million facility. A service is at 11:30 a.m., and the groundbreaking is at 1:30 p.m.
The building will be on the east side of Meridian Road south of Mahoning Avenue. Work is to be completed next spring. The 20,000-square foot facility will seat 1,000 people and have a cafe, an inside playground, a themed children's area, a multimedia event center and a basketball-volleyball court.
The Rev. Matthew Varnell and his wife, Heather, began the church six years ago. The church, a part of the Assemblies of God, has about 450 members and has outgrown its present building at 2012 Mahoning Ave.
Gospel performance
AUSTINTOWN -- Wickliffe Presbyterian Church, 45 Idlewood Road, will present national gospel recording artists The Talley Trio at 7 p.m. Oct. 24. The group has been seen on the Gaither Homecoming tours and has the No. 1 song on the Singing News' charts. Tickets cost $10 and can be bought at (330) 792-6441, or at many area Christian bookstores.
71st anniversary
YOUNGSTOWN -- Zionhill Baptist church, 220 Jefferson St., will celebrate its 71st anniversary at 4 p.m. Sunday with the theme "Hold Fast to Your Faith." The service will be conducted by the Rev. Lee T. Rucker of New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Sharon, Pa.
Bishop to speak
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bishop Jonathan Keaton of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church will deliver the message at 10:45 a.m. Oct. 19 in Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St. A dinner will be at noon. Tickets cost $6 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets are sold only in advance only. Call (330) 744-5032. The bishop was appointed in September 1996 and oversees more than 800 churches in Ohio.