More than 3,000 people from 43 countries...

More than 3,000 people from 43 countries are expected to attend the annual convocation of the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles next week.

Known for its scenic Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades, a popular site for weddings, and the annual Halloween parties it throws for Los Angeles children at its lush hilltop headquarters on Mt. Washington, the fellowship is an international movement dedicated to teaching scientific principles of meditation and the unity of all religions. It draws from the Old and New Testaments and the Hindu holy scripture, Bhagavad Gita, or Song of the Soul.

During the convocation, Aug. 2-8 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, guided tours of both sites will be available. Monks of the Self Realization Order will teach classes on Kriya Yoga, a form of meditation; keeping a spiritual perspective despite a stressful life, and creating a strong moral foundation for self and family.

The fellowship’s founder, Paramahansa Yogananda, came to the United States as India’s delegate to the 1920 International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston. He remained in the West until his death in 1952.

His philosophy attracted many followers, including such luminaries as horticulturist Luther Burbank and conductor Leopold Stokowski. In 1927, Yogananda was introduced to Calvin Coolidge at the White House, the first swami to meet a U.S. President, according to spokeswoman Karen Lanza.

Lanza said that when Yogananda returned to India for a lecture tour in 1936, nationalist leader Mohandas K. (Mahatma) Gandhi asked the swami to initiate him into the practice of Kriya Yoga.

In 1977, the government of India issued a commemorative stamp with the guru’s likeness. His story, “Autobiography of a Yogi,” now in its 46th year of publication by the fellowship, has been translated into 18 languages. The fellowship has centers on six continents.

For information about the Self-Realization Fellowship, phone (213) 225-2471.

GRANTS

The Catholic Press Council recently presented a check for $44,531.35 to Loyola Marymount University to establish a scholarship fund for communications students. With the donation, the organization emptied its treasury and ceased to exist. According to its president, Sharon Benoit, the council was not able to attract young membership. “The aim of the organization was to provide scholarships to students in communication arts, and we feel Loyola Marymount . . . will be the guardian angel for the students on our behalf.”

HONORS

Theresa Ann Yugar, an honors graduate in Mt. St. Mary’s College class of 1992, has won a Fulbright scholarship to conduct research in Peru. A native of Alhambra, Yugar will begin studies for a master’s degree at Harvard Divinity School this fall, specializing in feminist theology. She leaves for Peru next February.

CELEBRATIONS

Television anchorman Jess Marlow will address the United Methodist Men of the First United Methodist Church of Glendale at the group’s 30th anniversary breakfast 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. The public is invited. Admission is $3. The address is 130 N. Kenwood, St., Glendale. For reservations, phone (818) 243-2105 before Thursday.

St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of its parish Sunday. Morning worship will be held at 7:30, 9 and 10:45. Charter members will be honored at a 12:30 p.m. luncheon. All are invited. The address is 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach. (714) 675-0210.

GATHERINGS

“Walking Together in Unity” is the theme of the Afro-American Mennonite Assn.’s annual assembly, to be held at USC Aug. 6-9. The assembly will include worship, fellowship, business and a youth rally. The 150 delegates will consider a proposal to change the organization’s name to the African-American Mennonite Assn.

Local hosts are Calvary Community Church, Family Mennonite Church and Prince of Peace Anabaptist Fellowship. For information, call (213) 939-6478.

An “Exploring Singleness Weekend” will be held from Friday to Aug. 2 at Loyola Marymount University. All never-married, divorced and widowed persons are invited.

Created in 1984 by the Office of Family Life of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the program is designed to help singles understand the different facets of their personalities and learn specific skills to improve self-esteem, interpersonal communication and relationships.

For information on registration and accommodations, call (213) 251-3283 or (818) 918-3845.

DATES

A guided bus tour of Jewish Los Angeles will be given by the Jewish Historical Society of Southern California on Sunday, Aug. 16. It includes such historical sites as the Breed Street Shul in Boyle Heights. Seating is limited; reservations are $18. For information, phone (213) 653-7740.

The 18-member Thai Folk Drama Troupe of the Christian Communications Institute of Payap University in Thailand will give a benefit performance for the Southern California Ecumenical Council at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood. Tickets are $5. The church’s is at 1760 N. Gower St., Los Angeles.

The program--which includes a Thai folk drama and a variety of traditional songs and dances accompanied by Thai instruments--will visit six other churches in Southern California between Friday and Aug. 9 as part of a national tour. For information, phone the ecumenical council at (213) 746-7677.

The Independent Church of Religious Science has proclaimed Sunday, Aug. 9, “Religion Day,” declaring it a day of healing in reparation for the years of suffering inflicted on minorities “by the patriarchal society system.” The church offers healing services at 10 a.m. Sundays at The Center-Orange County, 12832 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite A, Garden Grove. (310) 433-0384.

Please address notices to: Southern California File, c/o Religion Editor, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053. To receive consideration, an item must be brief and arrive at least three weeks before the event.