Deno Kandis is a lifelong member of the Assumption Parish in East Moline. He has been the church organist for over 30 years, participates in Orthros and weekday services as chanter, and serves as vice president of the Parish Council. Deno also organizes the Epitaphios arrangements, and as an accomplished horticulturalist, he actively assists in maintaining the courtyard greenery as well as a memorial flower bed. Deno volunteers to work at virtually every festival and fundraiser for the church. He participates in all of these various ministries of the parish in a cheerful and inclusive manner. For all of these reasons we, at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in East Moline, Illinois, name Deno Kandis our Inaugural Bronze Cross recipient.