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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-03-19
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Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (408) 246-2770
  • Fax:
  • (408) 246-0143
  • Street Address:

  • 1260 Davis Street

  • San Jose, CA 95126
  • Mailing Address:

  • 986 Chapman Street

  • San Jose, CA 95126


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Saturdays:

    5:00 p.m. - Great Vespers.

Sundays: from the first Sunday after Labor Day to mid May

Orthros followed by 1st Divine Liturgy 7:15 a.m.
2nd Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.
Church School 10:00 a.m.

Sundays: other than above days

Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.

Feats Days: see calendar.

Confessions: Please call office.


Past Bulletins


Schedule of Services

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Friday, March 17

8:00am 9th Hour + Presanctified Liturgy

7:00pm 3rd Salutations to the Theotokos - His Grace, Bishop Apostolos will be present

 

Saturday, March 18

5:00pm Vespers

 

Sunday, March 19 - Sunday of Holy Cross - His Eminence, Metropolitan Nikitas will be present

7:15am Orthos + Liturgy 1

10:00am Liturgy 2

 

Monday, March 20

6:00pm Great Compline

 

Wednesday, March 22

5:30pm 9th Hour + Presanctified Liturgy followed by potluck hosted by Missions Ministry with speaker, Maria Verginis 

  

Friday, March 24

7:00pm Vespers at San Francisco Annunciation Cathedral

  

Saturday, March 25 - Annunciation

8:00am Orthos + Liturgy

5:00pm Vespers

  

Sunday, March 26 - Sunday of St. John Climacus

7:15am Orthos + Liturgy 1

10:00am Liturgy 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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News and Events

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CONFESSIONS

Confessions with Father Demosthenes are available without an appointment every Monday during the Great Compline service at 6pm.  For another date or time, please call the church office to schedule an appointment. 

In addition, His Eminence, Metropolitan Nikitas, will be joining us on Sunday, March 19th and hearing confessions from 7:30am to 9:45am.  If you wish to schedule a confession with His Eminence, please call the church office to schedule an appointment time. 

 


LENT, HOLY WEEK, AND PASCHA NEEDS

Those who would like to make a special donation towards Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha, in order to offset church expenses, may select an item from the donation list below.  Please make your checks payable to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and send to the church office (please put "Pascha Needs" in the memo section.  To pay by credit card/Paypal, please go onto our website at www.saintnicholas.org and click on the "Giving" area.  Thank you and Kalo Pascha!

 

Candles - Holy Friday & Holy Saturday Night $1,100
Candles for Epitaphio $700
Candles for Lent Services $400
Communion Wine  $700
Stefani/Wreath - Holy Thursday  $300
Flowers - Easter Lilies $400
Palms $600
Candle Cups $300
Incense (Livani) $500
Olive Oil for Vigil Lamps (Kantilia) $600
Olive Oil for Holy Unction $300
2 Clergy Lambades for Anastasi $500
Candles for Altar Boys - Myrrhbearers (Myrofores) $400
Rose Water $200
Charcoal  $300
Flowers for Icons and Cross during Lent Services $900
Flowers for Icons during Holy Week & Resurrection $1,200
Flowers for Epitafios $1,800
Rose Petals $300
Flowers used for Apodosis, Ascension, and Pentecost $600

 


YOUTH EVENTS FOR LENT AND PASCHA

Salutations – Readers from our Youth: Friday at 7:00 PM on March 17, 24 and 31       

Youth Pre-Sanctified Lenten Potluck:  Wednesday, April 5 at 6:00 PM.  Dinner and guest speaker to follow services.  Direct questions to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com.     

Lazarus Saturday (Palm Cross) Saturday, April 8.  Breakfast following services and children will make palm crosses.  Any questions, please direct to Gena Vasilakis (GOYA Director) at genavasilakis@gmail.com.      

Holy Friday, April 14th Retreat 10:00 – 3:00 PM for grades 1 – 12. Lenten lunch and learning programs are being offered.   Registration required, send name and grade to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com or you can sign up your child in the Sunday School office.


GREEK DANCE LESSONS FOR ALL AGES

Peter and Victoria Panayotopoulos will be directing a fun session of Greek dance lessons, "Back to Basics". Please join us on Monday, March 20 at 7:00pm in the Small Hall for our lesson. Please contact Roula Demertzis at (408) 564-2387 for more information.


GOLDEN YEARS NEWS

CALENDAR:

  • MARCH 29, 2017 – HOST PRESANCTIFIED DINNER- PLEASE BRING A DISH
  • APRIL 8 & 9 -  VISITATION TO SHUT-INS - SEVERAL PEOPLE WILL VISIT OUR SICK  PARISHIONERS AND BRING THEM TSOUREKIA AND KOULOURAKIA. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THIS EASTER GOOD-WILL PROJECT CALL MINA AT: 408 515-8301
  • APRIL 11 - HOLY WEEK-NO MEETING
  • MAY 9 - LAST MEETING - BLUE DOOR RESTAURANT- 11AM - MENU: CHICKEN KEBAB $25, SHRIMP PASTA $30 – FOR RESERVATIONS CALL ANTONIA AT: 408 472-3888

BOUQUETS TO ICONS

This is a Lenten luncheon with His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas where exquisite Icons inspire amazing flower arrangements. The event will take place in Moraga on Saturday, March 18 at 11:00am. Cost of event: $55.00.  Carpool can be arranged from Saint Nicholas. If interested, please contact Roula Demertzis at (408) 564-2387.


GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AND ANNUNCIATION OF THE VIRGIN MARY

The Center of Hellenic Education invites you to celebrate this special day on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 5pm.  Come join us as we honor the heroes of Greece who fought for our freedom, with a program by our Greek School Students and Teachers, Saint Nicholas dancers and a Lenten Dinner.  This is our school's major fundraiser of the year, so we look forward to seeing you all there!


GREEK FLAG RAISING

The 10th annual Greek Flag Raising will be held on Monday, March 27th at 4pm at the San Jose City Hall Plaza, 200 E Santa Clara Street.  Reception on the 17th floor immediately following the Ceremony compliments of the Order of Ahepa and Daughters of Penelope.  Free underground parking at City Hall.


CIOPPINO DINNER NIGHT

Tickets are on sale NOW for the Cioppino Dinner Night to be held Saturday, April 1, 2017 in the Community Center, 6:30pm Social Hour, 7:30pm Dinner. Entertainment following dinner featuring vocalist Matt Helm as DEAN MARTIN. Adults $45 ($55 after March 20th) - Students $25. Taking paid reservations for tables of 8 and 10. Tickets must be purchased in advance – open seating! You can purchase in the small hall after both liturgies on Sundays, OR mail a check payable to Ahepa c/o Bill Christie, 3327 Lake Albano Circle, San Jose, Ca 95135.  Questions or more information? Contact Bill Christie at 408 531-9211 or email: billchristie1@mac.com.


SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY OCF

SJSU now has new chapter of OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship).  With the blessing of Metropolitan Gerasimos, and the care and efforts of parishioners of St. Nicholas and St. Basil, we have endeavored to provide an opportunity for Orthodox College students from our area to meet regularly, pray and discuss issues together, and find the support they need in their very busy and stressful lives.  Our meetings are on Tuesdays at 7:00pm.  If you know of any students from within or outside our community, please let them know of our OCF group.  For more information, please call Fr. Yanni at 408-476-1214.


METROPOLIS YOUNG ADULT LENTEN RETREAT

Join Orthodox Young Adults from across the West Coast for a Lenten Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center. Young Adults in their 20's and 30's from all Orthodox traditions are welcome to attend!

He are honored to have both His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco and His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Medeia join us for this beautiful retreat. Our guest speakers will be Fr. Jim Pappas and Rondal Burkhard from St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno, CA. We will spend time having discussions and fellowship at St. Nicholas Ranch, as well as visit and help the Sisters at the Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring with a work project on Saturday afternoon.

DATE: Friday March 31 -  Sunday April 2, 2017
LOCATION: St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, Dunlap, CA

PRICE: $135
AGES: Young Adults in their 20's and 30's

REGISTRATION: www.gosfyouth.org


GOYA MINI BEETREAT

Join Orthodox Christians from the San Jose area for this retreat, which is open to all Orthodox youth (6th-12th grade), parents, youth workers (18 years and older), and young adults (ages 18-35)!  It promises to be a very motivational and fun learning experience!

Dates & Times: Youth (6th - 12th grade) on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Parents & Youth Workers (ages 18 & older) on Thursday, April 20, 2017 @ 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church | 1260 Davis Street | San Jose, CA 95126

Cost: Free!  Snacks provided. Please register online at BeTheBee.goarch.org/retreats

Questions: Contact Vicki Ryan via email at saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com

Hosted by: Y2AM (The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries), the Metropolis of San Fransisco Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

 


AN ELEGANT WINE AFFAIRE

The St. Nicholas Dance Ministry presents An Elegant Wine Affaire on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 7pm at the Karamanos Residence, 14090 Shannon Road, Los Gatos, 95032. 

$65 per person, advanced tickets only;  Cocktail attire

Wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, and live Greek music

For more info, contact Rita Argiris at 408-858-4335 or rzagas@yahoo.com

 


MISSIONS MINISTRY

Nominate Fili Inc. for matching funds program at the company you work for.  We are on Apple's list of nonprofits they will match.  Donate online at www.fili-inc.com.  Please contact rosa@deamant.com for more information.

Walk for Missions is happening Sunday, May 7th.  More details to come.

 


ST NICHOLAS RANCH SUMMER CAMP

Spots are quickly filling up for our Metropolis Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch! We know that family budgets are very limited and summer camp sells out very quickly, so we wanted to give you all the opportunity to register now by securing your spot with a $100 deposit. After you pay the deposit, you can set up monthly payments through CampDoc to pay the balance through June 30, 2017 so this allows you to have 4 full months to spread out the cost. Please also take this opportunity to touch base with your friends to make sure they are able to secure their spots if they have not yet registered.

2017 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION UPDATE:
Session I: July 9 – 15 (SOLD OUT, 10 on wait list)*
Session II: July 16 – 22 (SOLD OUT, 4 on wait list)*
Session III: July 23 – 29 (24 spots left)*
*As of February 28, 2017

Online registration and more info available at www.gosfyouth.org


FOR THE NEEDS OF THE ALTAR

Sacramental wine has been acquired from St. Anthony’s Monastery in Arizona. This wine is dedicated only to be used for sacraments such as the Proskomide or Artoklasia at St. Nicholas or other Orthodox churches.  It is available for purchase at the bookstore for a $20 donation.  All proceeds go towards the needs of the Altar and will also help support St. Anthony’s Monastery.  Thank you for your support.


JOIN THE SAINT NICHOLAS CHOIR

            Please consider becoming a member of our church

            choir, one of the most important ministries of our

            church.  There are openings in all sections, especially

            in the tenor and bass sections.  Requirements:  age, 

            16 and over; be able to carry a tune, knowledge of

            Greek NOT required, phonetics provided.  Take 

            advantage of the opportunity to learn and sing our

            beautiful hymns and thus serve our church.  For

            more information please call the director, Dr. Tikey Zes

            at 408-723-0640.


NEW CHURCH FACILITY FEES

Commencing Wednesday, February 1, 2017, Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church will institute a Church facility fee to offset the costs for the general maintenance and usage of the Church. The facility fees are listed below:

 Marriage Ceremony

Steward: $300.00

Non- Steward: $500.00

 Baptism

Steward: $ 200.00

Non- Steward: $400.00

 We thank you for your consideration!


SUNDAY SCHOOL

If you are interested in volunteering for the Sunday School, teaching, aiding or events, please contact Vicki Ryan at SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com

DONOR BRICK FUNDRAISER

Help us pave the way to success by purchasing a donor brick, customized with your message and to be laid in the existing area near the office/community center.  With the purchase of a brick, you may pay tribute to someone special, honor the memory of a loved one, or have your family name or ministry group forever recognized on one or more bricks.

All profits of this fundraiser go towards the Building Fund at St. Nicholas, supporting the future growth of our parish.  

Bricks are being offered for a donation of $1,000 each. Don’t miss out on this beautiful opportunity.

 

Please contact the office at churchoffice@saintnicholas.org or 408-246-2770 for more information.


AMAZON SMILE

If you already shop on Amazon, or if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, we invite you to shop at smile.amazon.com and choose Greek Orthodox Community of Santa Clara as your charity of choice and .5% of your purchase will be donated to St. Nicholas. This is no cost to you. Below you can read about how to use Amazon Smile.

How Does it Work?

1. Visit smile.amazon.com.

The entire shopping experience is the same and most products available on amazon.com are available at Amazon Smile.

2. Sign in and Choose Greek Orthodox Community of Santa Clara County

The screen will look slightly different depending on whether you’re already signed into Amazon. If you’re already signed in, you’ll see a screen like the one below. Simply search for “Greek Orthodox Community of Santa Clara County” and proceed to step 3.

3. Begin Shopping 


ADULT CATECHISM CLASS

Adult Catechism classes take place on Thursdays at 6:30pm in the church office boardroom. The classes are open to everyone.


BYZANTINE MUSIC PROGRAM

The Byzantine Music School classes have resumed on Friday evenings from 7:00pm until 9:00pm in Room 10.  Please register online at www.ByzantineMusicSchool.com.


CANON OF FAITH

Starting in October, the monthly Canon will be issued electronically. If you would like to receive a hard copy, please contact the office at 408-246-2770 or churchoffice@saintnicholas.org   and one will be mailed to you.


KOLLYVA

If you need to arrange for a mnemosino, you must contact the church office and inform our priests at least two weeks prior to the date.  You will be responsible for making or ordering the kollyva, and we can provide the names of the people who provide this service.  However, payment will not be made to the church but directly to the person making the kollyva. 



SUNDAY BULLETIN NOTICE

To avoid any confusion on our part as we compose and print the Sunday bulletin, we ask that anyone who wishes to include a notice in the Sunday bulletin submit the notice in writing to the office BY THURSDAY NOON!  Please don't wait until the last minute or send a note into the altar on a Sunday morning while the liturgy is in progress.


SMALL HALL BULLETIN BOARD

Please check with Father Demosthenes in the office before posting anything on the bulletin board in the Small Hall.  Notices, announcements, advertisements, etc. that have not been approved will be removed.  Thank you for your kind cooperation.


ONLINE REGISTRATION for all of our school programs (SUNDAY SCHOOL, GREEK SCHOOL, BYZANTINE MUSIC SCHOOL

 
To register for Sunday School please visit:  www.StNicholasSundaySchool.com.
 
To register for Greek School please visit: www.CenterofHellenicEducation.org
 
To register for Byzantine Music School visit:  www.ByzantineMusicSchool.com.

 


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Special Services

 

MNEMOSINA

Please join in prayer for the souls of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord:

2ND LITURGY:

MAYRA SARAKINI (ANNUAL), mother of Panagiotis Sarakinis

The Sarakinis family is sponsoring the coffee hour.         

ARTOKLASIA - Blessing of the Five Loaves (following Vespers on Saturday, March 18th) is offered by Paul and Charlotte Pronoitis for the health and well-being of their family and all the families of our St. Nicholas parish.     

 

                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

                                                          

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Kontakion of the Fallen Asleep

Remember, O Lord, as good, your servants, and forgive whatever sins in life they committed, for no one is without sin, except you the Mighty One; and grant rest to them who have been removed from among us.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:36-53

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἔστη ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. πτοηθέντες δὲ καὶ ἔμφοβοι γενόμενοι ἐδόκουν πνεῦμα θεωρεῖν. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί τεταραγμένοι ἐστέ, καὶ διατί διαλογισμοὶ ἀναβαίνουσιν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; ἴδετε τὰς χεῖράς μου καὶ τοὺς πόδας μου, ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγώ εἰμι· ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι πνεῦμα σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα οὐκ ἔχει καθὼς ἐμὲ θεωρεῖτε ἔχοντα. καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐπέδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας. ἔτι δὲ ἀπιστούντων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς καὶ θαυμαζόντων εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ἔχετέ τι βρώσιμον ἐνθάδε; οἱ δὲ ἐπέδωκαν αὐτῷ ἰχθύος ὀπτοῦ μέρος καὶ ἀπὸ μελισσίου κηρίου, καὶ λαβὼν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ἔφαγεν. εἶπε δὲ αὐτοῖς· οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι οὓς ἐλάλησα πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔτι ὢν σὺν ὑμῖν, ὅτι δεῖ πληρωθῆναι πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Μωϋσέως καὶ προφήταις καὶ ψαλμοῖς περὶ ἐμοῦ. τότε διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν τοῦ συνιέναι τὰς γραφάς, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι οὕτω γέγραπται καὶ οὕτως ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ ἀναστῆναι ἐκ νεκρῶν τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, καὶ κηρυχθῆναι ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ μετάνοιαν καὶ ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἀρξάμενον ἀπὸ ῾Ιερουσαλήμ. ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε μάρτυρες τούτων. καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ πατρός μου ἐφ᾿ ὑμᾶς· ὑμεῖς δὲ καθίσατε ἐν τῇ πόλει ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ ἕως οὗ ἐνδύσησθε δύναμιν ἐξ ὕψους.

᾿Εξήγαγε δὲ αὐτοὺς ἔξω ἕως εἰς Βηθανίαν, καὶ ἐπάρας τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ εὐλόγησεν αὐτούς. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εὐλογεῖν αὐτὸν αὐτοὺς διέστη ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν καὶ ἀνεφέρετο εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν. καὶ αὐτοὶ προσκυνήσαντες αὐτὸν ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ μετὰ χαρᾶς μεγάλης, καὶ ἦσαν διὰ παντὸς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ αἰνοῦντες καὶ εὐλογοῦντες τὸν Θεόν. ἀμήν.

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, Jesus, having risen from the dead, stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.


Epistle Reading

Προκείμενον. Plagal 2nd Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 4:14-16, 5:1-6.

Ἀδελφοί, ἔχοντες οὖν ἀρχιερέα μέγαν, διεληλυθότα τοὺς οὐρανούς, Ἰησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ, κρατῶμεν τῆς ὁμολογίας. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα μὴ δυνάμενον συμπαθῆσαι ταῖς ἀσθενείαις ἡμῶν, πεπειραμένον δὲ κατὰ πάντα καθʼ ὁμοιότητα, χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας. Προσερχώμεθα οὖν μετὰ παρρησίας τῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος, ἵνα λάβωμεν ἔλεον, καὶ χάριν εὕρωμεν εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν. Πᾶς γὰρ ἀρχιερεύς, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων λαμβανόμενος, ὑπὲρ ἀνθρώπων καθίσταται τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, ἵνα προσφέρῃ δῶρά τε καὶ θυσίας ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν· μετριοπαθεῖν δυνάμενος τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν καὶ πλανωμένοις, ἐπεὶ καὶ αὐτὸς περίκειται ἀσθένειαν· καὶ διὰ ταύτην ὀφείλει, καθὼς περὶ τοῦ λαοῦ, οὕτως καὶ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, προσφέρειν ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν. Καὶ οὐχ ἑαυτῷ τις λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν, ἀλλὰ καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, καθάπερ καὶ Ἀαρών. Οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτὸν ἐδόξασεν γενηθῆναι ἀρχιερέα, ἀλλʼ ὁ λαλήσας πρὸς αὐτόν, Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε. Καθὼς καὶ ἐν ἑτέρῳ λέγει, Σὺ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ.

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 8:34-38, 9:1

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι. ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν. τί γὰρ ὠφελήσει ἄνθρωπον ἐὰν κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, καὶ ζημιωθῇ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ; ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ; ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους ἐν τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ μοιχαλίδι καὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ, καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπαισχυνθήσεται αὐτὸν ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων. Καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι εἰσί τινες τῶν ὧδε ἑστηκότων, οἵτινες οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσι τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει.

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 2nd Mode

When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You.
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the 1st Mode

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.
Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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Saints and Feasts

03_calvary
March 19

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.


Chrysanthos
March 19

The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.


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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

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Encyclical Of Archbishop Demetrios For Holy And Great Lent 2017

02/24/2017

As we begin this sacred journey through Holy and Great Lent, through a time of earnest prayer and sincere reflection, we are guided by the presence of our Lord and the hymns and prayers of this season to experience the power of God’s grace. https://www.goarch.org/-/encyclical-of-archbishop-demetrios-for-holy-and-great-lent-2017

“All For One” In The 41st Folk Dance And Choral Festival, FDF 2017

02/20/2017

The 41st Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF 2017) a four day celebration of Faith, Dance and Fellowship of the Metropolis of San Fransisco, culminated yesterday Feb. 19, 2017 with the Archieratical Divine Liturgy in the morning, the Finals of the Advance Senior Division and the Awards Ceremony, all taking place at Town and Country Resort Hotel here in San Diego. See more at https://www.goarch.org/news/releases/2017


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese To Continue Successful Fellowships At The UN

02/07/2017

The Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is inviting graduate and recent post-graduate students to apply for its fellowships at the United Nations. https://www.goarch.org/-/statement-from-his-eminence-archbishop-demetrios-of-america


Statement From His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Of America

02/04/2017

As Greek Orthodox Christians and as Americans, we express our sadness and pain for our brothers and sisters all over the world who find themselves in tragic circumstances of hostility, violence and war, where families have been torn apart, displaced and where people are denied basic human rights. https://www.goarch.org/-/statement-from-his-eminence-archbishop-demetrios-of-america


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