Special Services

SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

ALEXANDRA SARIGIANNIDES (40 DAYS), mother of Lazaros (Ageliki) Sarigiannides, grandchild

EVYENIA TREMBOIS (6 MONTHS), mother of Tom (Ona) Trembois, Peter (Sotiria) Trembois, Angela (Antonis) Giakoumis, grandmother of Georgio, Evyenia, Margarita, Dimitri Thanasi, Christina, Nikos, Dimitri, Angeliki, Panayioti

MARY ANTONE (2 YRS), mother of Cyndi (Bob) Antone-Connett and Jinny Antone

EMMANUEL PAPAKONSTANTINOU (8 YRS), father of Alexandros Papakonstantinou

ANDREAS POLYCHRONOPOULOS (5 YRS), father of Eleni Polychronopoulou

May their memory be eternal.

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Espy Danopoulos, Sofia Kotsiris, Nicole Niktas, Penny Pagonis, and Anthipe Pries in the Small Hall. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our hosts.

Upcoming coffee hour hosts for November 10, 2024: Missions Ministry

**Please note: Printed Sunday scripture readings are available in the Narthex**

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.

Eighth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:11-18

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, Μαρία εἱστήκει πρὸς τὸ μνημεῖον κλαίουσα ἔξω· ὡς οὖν ἔκλαιε, παρέκυψεν εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ θεωρεῖ δύο ἀγγέλους ἐν λευκοῖς καθεζομένους, ἕνα πρὸς τῇ κεφαλῇ, καὶ ἕνα πρὸς τοῖς ποσίν, ὅπου ἔκειτο τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῇ ἐκεῖνοι· Γύναι, τί κλαίεις; λέγει αὐτοῖς· Ὅτι ᾖραν τὸν Κύριόν μου, καὶ οὐκ οἶδα ποῦ ἔθηκαν αὐτόν· καὶ ταῦτα εἰποῦσα ἐστράφη εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα, καὶ οὐκ ᾒδει ὅτι Ἰησοῦς ἐστι. Λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Γύναι, τί κλαίεις; τίνα ζητεῖς; ἐκείνη δοκοῦσα ὅτι ὁ κηπουρὸς ἐστι, λέγει αὐτῷ· Κύριε, εἰ σὺ ἐβάστασας αὐτόν, εἰπέ μοι ποῦ αὐτὸν ἔθηκας, κᾀγὼ αὐτὸν ἀρῶ· λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Μαρία· στραφεῖσα ἐκείνη λέγει αὐτῷ· Ῥαββουνί· ὃ λέγεται Διδάσκαλε· λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Μή μου ἃπτου· οὔπω γὰρ ἀναβέβηκα πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου, πορεύου δὲ πρὸς τοὺς ἀδελφούς μου, καὶ εἰπὲ αὐτοῖς· Ἀναβαίνω πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου καὶ πατέρα ὑμῶν, καὶ Θεόν μου καὶ Θεὸν ὑμῶν· ἔρχεται Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ ἀπαγγέλλουσα τοῖς μαθηταῖς ὅτι ἑώρακε τὸν Κύριον· καὶ ταῦτα εἶπεν αὐτῇ.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 2nd Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9.

Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands.

I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise --whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Προκείμενον. 2nd Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.14,18.
Ἰσχύς μου καὶ ὕμνησίς μου ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Παιδεύων ἐπαίδευσέ με ὁ Κύριος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 11:31-33, 12:1-9.

Ἀδελφοί, Ὁ θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ οἶδεν, ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι. Ἐν Δαμασκῷ ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἀρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν Δαμασκηνῶν πόλιν, πιάσαι με θέλων· καὶ διὰ θυρίδος ἐν σαργάνῃ ἐχαλάσθην διὰ τοῦ τείχους καὶ ἐξέφυγον τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ. Καυχᾶσθαι δὴ οὐ συμφέρει μοι· ἐλεύσομαι γὰρ εἰς ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις κυρίου. Οἶδα ἄνθρωπον ἐν Χριστῷ πρὸ ἐτῶν δεκατεσσάρων - εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα· εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα· ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν - ἁρπαγέντα τὸν τοιοῦτον ἕως τρίτου οὐρανοῦ. Καὶ οἶδα τὸν τοιοῦτον ἄνθρωπον - εἴτε ἐν σώματι, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος, οὐκ οἶδα· ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν - ὅτι ἡρπάγη εἰς τὸν παράδεισον, καὶ ἤκουσεν ἄρρητα ῥήματα, ἃ οὐκ ἐξὸν ἀνθρώπῳ λαλῆσαι. Ὑπὲρ τοῦ τοιούτου καυχήσομαι· ὑπὲρ δὲ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐ καυχήσομαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις μου· ἐὰν γὰρ θελήσω καυχήσασθαι, οὐκ ἔσομαι ἄφρων· ἀλήθειαν γὰρ ἐρῶ· φείδομαι δέ, μή τις εἰς ἐμὲ λογίσηται ὑπὲρ ὃ βλέπει με, ἢ ἀκούει τι ἐξ ἐμοῦ. Καὶ τῇ ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι, ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί, ἄγγελος Σατᾶν, ἵνα με κολαφίζῃ, ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι. Ὑπὲρ τούτου τρὶς τὸν κύριον παρεκάλεσα ἵνα ἀποστῇ ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ. Καὶ εἴρηκέν μοι, Ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου· ἡ γὰρ δύναμίς μου ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελειοῦται. Ἥδιστα οὖν μᾶλλον καυχήσομαι ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις μου, ἵνα ἐπισκηνώσῃ ἐπʼ ἐμὲ ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Χριστοῦ.

Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 16:19-31

The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"

5th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 16:19-31

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· ῎Ανθρωπος δέ τις ἦν πλούσιος, καὶ ἐνεδιδύσκετο πορφύραν καὶ βύσσον εὐφραινόμενος καθ᾿ ἡμέραν λαμπρῶς. πτωχὸς δέ τις ἦν ὀνόματι Λάζαρος, ὃς ἐβέβλητο πρὸς τὸν πυλῶνα αὐτοῦ ἡλκωμένος καὶ ἐπιθυμῶν χορτασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τοῦ πλουσίου· ἀλλὰ καὶ οἱ κύνες ἐρχόμενοι ἀπέλειχον τὰ ἕλκη αὐτοῦ. ἐγένετο δὲ ἀποθανεῖν τὸν πτωχὸν καὶ ἀπενεχθῆναι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἰς τὸν κόλπον ᾿Αβραάμ· ἀπέθανε δὲ καὶ ὁ πλούσιος καὶ ἐτάφη. καὶ ἐν τῷ ᾅδῃ ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ, ὑπάρχων ἐν βασάνοις, ὁρᾷ τὸν ᾿Αβραὰμ ἀπὸ μακρόθεν καὶ Λάζαρον ἐν τοῖς κόλποις αὐτοῦ. καὶ αὐτὸς φωνήσας εἶπε· πάτερ ᾿Αβραάμ, ἐλέησόν με καὶ πέμψον Λάζαρον ἵνα βάψῃ τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ δακτύλου αὐτοῦ ὕδατος καὶ καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου, ὅτι ὀδυνῶμαι ἐν τῇ φλογὶ ταύτῃ. εἶπε δὲ ᾿Αβραάμ· τέκνον, μνήσθητι ὅτι ἀπέλαβες σὺ τὰ ἀγαθά σου ἐν τῇ ζωῇ σου, καὶ Λάζαρος ὁμοίως τὰ κακά· νῦν δὲ ὧδε παρακαλεῖται, σὺ δὲ ὀδυνᾶσαι· καὶ ἐπὶ πᾶσι τούτοις μεταξὺ ἡμῶν καὶ ὑμῶν χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται, ὅπως οἱ θέλοντες διαβῆναι ἔνθεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς μὴ δύνωνται, μηδὲ οἱ ἐκεῖθεν πρὸς ἡμᾶς διαπερῶσιν. εἶπε δέ· ἐρωτῶ οὖν σε, πάτερ, ἵνα πέμψῃς αὐτὸν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου· ἔχω γὰρ πέντε ἀδελφούς· ὅπως διαμαρτύρηται αὐτοῖς, ἵνα μὴ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλθωσιν εἰς τὸν τόπον τοῦτον τῆς βασάνου. λέγει αὐτῷ ᾿Αβραάμ· ἔχουσι Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας· ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· οὐχί, πάτερ ᾿Αβραάμ, ἀλλ᾿ ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτούς, μετανοήσουσιν. εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ· εἰ Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδὲ ἐάν τις ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ πεισθήσονται.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Mode

When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Martyrs Ascepsimas, Joseph & Aeithalas in the 4th Mode

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Οι Μάρτυρές σου, Κύριε, εν τή αθλήσει αυτών, στεφάνους εκομίσαντο τής αφθαρσίας, εκ σού τού Θεού ημών, σχόντες γάρ τήν ισχύν σου, τούς τυράννους καθείλον, έθραυσαν καί δαιμόνων, τά ανίσχυρα θράση. Αυτών ταίς ικεσίαις, Χριστέ ο Θεός, σώσον τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Apolytikion for Dedication of the Temple of St. George in the 4th Mode

Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Ως τών αιχμαλώτων ελευθερωτής, καί τών πτωχών υπερασπιστής, ασθενούντων ιατρός, βασιλέων υπέρμαχος, τροπαιοφόρε μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.

Stewardship and Donations

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES NATIONAL HURRICANE RELIEF FUND

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has announced the establishment of the National Hurricane Relief Fund to raise funds for the immediate needs of those affected by the recent Hurricane Helene and who are now in the path of Hurricane Milton.

The Archdiocese requests that all funds be directed to www.goarch.org/donate/hurricane.

Checks may also be mailed to:

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
National Hurricane Relief Fund
8 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10075

For more information, please go to https://www.goarch.org/-/hurricane-fund

BENEFITS AND REASONS OF BECOMING A STEWARD

Some people think they should become a steward of the Church, so they may vote in Parish Assembly Meetings. Others think they should become a steward, so they are eligible for discounted rental rates for the Community Center and Small Hall. Still others think they should become a steward because our Saint Nicholas Church’ s budget needs their money. While it is true that by becoming a steward of the Church, we are eligible to vote, enjoy certain benefits, and obviously our stewardship ministry funds part of the Church budget, these truly are not the reasons WHY we should become stewards. These are perks of being a steward, but not the reasons to become a steward.

Do you love God? Then become a steward of His Church. We become stewards of the Church because we love God, and we love His Church. We want to be part of His mission here on earth and help perpetuate the Church for future generations.

Has God blessed you? Then become a steward of His Church. We become stewards because God has blessed us, and we want to thank Him by giving back.

Since the beginning of time, the way to thank God is to give Him your gifts of time, talent and treasure. The Old Testament is filled with wonderful and inspirational examples for you to consider as ways to thank God.

God bless you for your love and support of our Church and our great community of Saint Nicholas.

DOES YOUR EMPLOYER OFFER MATCHING DONATIONS?

Your employer could be offering Matching Gifts Programs as an easy and structured way for them to support good work in the community. Please ASK your employer if they offer some type of philanthropic program in which a company may financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations. When an employee makes a donation, they will request the matching gift from their employer to the specific nonprofit organization. In order to assist our Saint Nicholas Community, we are kindly asking that you learn more about Company Matching Donations at work by inquiring with your Company's Human Resources Department if it offers a similar program. Please note that Saint Nicholas Church would be identified in a Company Matching Program as "Greek Orthodox Community of Santa Clara County".

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a 501©3 Corporation and our tax ID is 94-1578745.

ST. NICHOLAS STEWARDSHIP 2024

Stewardship 2024 as of October 31, 2024:

Goal: $491,000 (Approved 2024 Budget with tentative stretch goal of $500,000)
Pledged: $431,960
Pledges Paid: $384,732
Average Pledge: $1,224
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $47,228
Number of Stewards Pledging: 353

Stewardship 2023 on November 2, 2023 for comparison purposes:

Goal: $500,000 ($3000 per Stewardship Family, as an average)
Pledged: $458,723
Pledges Paid: $411,834
Average Pledge: $1,264
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $46,889
Number of Stewards Pledging: 363

Please continue to keep our Saint Nicholas Church in your thoughts and prayers throughout 2024.

Dedicate yourself to Christ and His mission here at Saint Nicholas. Look for opportunities to volunteer your time and talents, and pay toward your 2024 commitment pledge.

Not a Steward of Saint Nicholas? Please prayerfully consider becoming a Steward by completing the 2024 Stewardship Commitment Card. You may also submit your commitment either online or by mailing it to the Church Office.

To give by mail: Stewardship

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
986 Chapman Street
San Jose, CA 95126

To make a committment electronically, please visit our online stewardship link: https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/80/responses/new

Donation link: https://saintnicholas.org/donate

Company Matching Donations: many companies offer some type of philanthropic program in which a company may financially match donations that their employees make to nonprofit organizations. When an employee makes a donation, they will request the matching gift from their employer to the specific nonprofit organization. If you are interested to learn more about Company Matching Donations at work, please inquire with your Company's Human Resources Department if it offers a similar program. Please note that Saint Nicholas Church would be identified in a Company Matching Program as "Greek Orthodox Community of Santa Clara County".

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a 501©3 Corporation and our tax ID is 94-1578745.

LIGHT A CANDLE

In our Light A Candle program, vigil candle(s) are lit along with an opportunity to submit names to be prayed for at the Prothesis (Preparation) for forty days. Only Orthodox Christian first names (baptismal names) should be submitted. It is important to separate the names of the living and the reposed. When lit, the vigil candles last for one week. Please see the online form on our website or use the link below.

Donate online here: https://saintnicholas.org/virtual-chapel/light-a-candle

If you would prefer to mail in your request, please write the name(s) for whom the candle(s) will be lit and send to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Attention: Light a Candle, 986 Chapman Street, San Jose, CA 9126. For more information, please call the church office.

DONATIONS VIA FACEBOOK

We are a registered non-profit on Facebook and you can donate any time (without any fees for the church) by pressing the donate button in this link: https://www.facebook.com/SaintNicholasOrg/

Special Announcements

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS

Please remember to turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 3rd.

SPECIAL TRAY - PATRIARCHATE

Sts. Cosmas and Damianos are the patron saints of Philoptochos. In honor of their feastday on November 1st, St. Anna Philoptochos will pass a tray on Sunday, November 3, 2024 with all proceeds going to the Patriarchate in Constantinople. Please make checks payable to St. Anna's Philoptochos, and put in the memo for the Patriarchate. Thank you.

PARISH COUNCIL 2025! YOUR VOICE, OUR FUTURE - IMPORTANT ELECTION AND TIMELINE INFORMATION

1. In October, we will begin the nomination process, by having forms available with the requirements for those wishing to submit their names to run for Parish Council. The specific requirements for voter eligibility and candidacy will be published, citing the By-Laws and UPR. Since all those wishing to vote or run for election need to have fulfilled their 2023 stewardship pledge at least 30 days prior to election day, we will notify those who are not yet current by the end of the month.

2. On November 17th we will gather for our General Assembly meeting, where we will have official nominations of candidates who have previously applied and qualified to be placed on the ballot. After the General Assembly, the Stewardship Committee will review the current list of parishioners to determine whether a person is current in their Stewardship commitment for 2024. A list of approved nominees to Parish Council and final list of eligible voters will be submitted by the end of the month.

3. On December 8th, from 11:30am to 1:00pm, in the Community Center, we will hold our Election for Parish Council. Members of the Election Committee and the Stewardship Committee will officiate. After 1:00pm, the Election Committee will retire to count the ballots, in the presence of the priest.

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Parish Assembly Agenda

Sunday, Novemer 17, 2024

(Following Divine Liturgy)

Meeting Called to Order
Opening Prayer and Remarks
Election of Assembly Chair

Appoint Assembly Secretary

Approval of Meeting Minutes - April 21, 2024
Priest’s Report
Financial Report

Saint Nicholas Audit Report - 2023
Festival 2024 - Update
Year-to-Date Cash and Financial Standing
Budget 2025 - Approval

Stewardship 2024 Update
New Business

Parish Council Nominees
Parish Council Elections - Sunday, December 8, 2024

Old Business
Closing Remarks and Prayer

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD - FORM IS ONLINE!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we come upon the Christmas holidays, it is time to start planning for our parish’s joyous tradition of greeting one another through the mailing of our Community Christmas Card.

Paper forms have already been mailed out, and you can mail back the paper form to the church office with the names spelled clearly as you would like them to appear on the card, OR you can submit your entry online today by clicking on the link below:

https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/115/responses/new

The deadline for submitting names for the Christmas Card is Friday, November 15, 2024.

Please prayerfully consider including a contribution towards the cost of making our card possible.

For any questions, please call the church office at 408-246-2770.

With love in Christ,
Father James Kumarelas

ORTHODOXY 101: THE LORD'S PRAYER

**Resumes Monday, November 4th**

Anyone interested in learning more about their faith is invited to join Fr. Nebojsa Pantic on Monday nights from 6:00-7:00pm.

This semester will include a Patristic Survey of the commentaries on the Lord’s Prayer. You can join us in-person at the Conference Room in the Office, or online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7084362224

BYZANTINE MUSIC CLASS

**Resumes Monday, November 4th**

Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of Byzantine Music is invited to join Fr. Nebojsa on Monday nights at 7:00 pm.

We will be learning the fundamentals of theory as well as Byzantine Notation itself. For further information please contact [email protected]

Upcoming Events

SEE'S CANDY FUNDRAISER

Please support the Saint Nicholas Dance Ministry See’s Candy Fundraiser. A percentage of the proceeds will go back to Saint Nicholas to help pay for costumes and musicians. Chocolates are delivered directly to customers. Gift cards are also available! Click the link below to purchase, or share the link with friends and family. Thank you for your support!

Please use the link below:

https://www.yumraising.com/secure/saintngo_greek_dance_ministry_storefront76/VivTav2822/candy

MONASTERY OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS, THE LIFE GIVING SPRING FUNDRAISER

Sunday, November 3rd! - Monastery Fundraiser Dinner

Donation for tickets for adults $75, children 12 and under $35. All proceeds go to Monastery for essential support to the operation of the Monastery facility.

For details or to RSVP, please contact Evagelia at: (408)499-3939, email at [email protected]. Also please see flyer and ticket form in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin.

WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL CLINICS AND KICKOFF PIZZA PARTY - NOV. 4TH (BOYS) AND NOV. 6TH (GIRLS)

We will begin our free weekly winter basketball clinics on Monday, November 4^th for the boys and Wednesday, November 6^th for the girls from 6:00pm -7:30pm in the Community Center.

At the end of our first clinic there will be pizza and goodies for the kids! Clinics are open to boys and girls 3^rd grade through High School with skills and drills for beginner to baller.

It is important for all players register for the upcoming year at https://www.saintnicholas.org/basketball. Players registered for 2024-2025 will also receive a Halloween goodie bag.

If you still have your uniform from the Spring season, return them at the clinics or give them to a coach on Sundays.

Interested in coaching or have questions? Reach out to John Cocoles at [email protected].

HOPE/JOY

We would to invite all Kindergarten through 5th grade students to participate in our HOPE/JOY ministry for the upcoming school year. The objective of this youth ministry is to educate the children of our community through priest-led lessons and fun age-appropriate activities. We strive to meet once a month. The following are our scheduled activities for the remainder of the year:

Saturday, November 16, 2024, 12-3 p.m.: HOPE/JOY youth retreat in small hall. Additional details to follow.

Friday, December 13, 2024: Christmas Cookie decorating and hot cocoa in Room 3 of the Sunday School building.

Please reach out to Helene Panos with any questions: 209.324.4918 or [email protected].

CHIAN SOCIETY DINNER DANCE - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16th

Please join us for our annual dinner dance on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the St. Nicholas Community Center.

Cocktails at 6pm, dinner at 7:00pm. Live band music from Mythos! Adults $100, children ages 6-16 $35, children 5 and under free.

Proceeds benefit St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the Chian Society Agia Markella. Tickets will be available at Sunday coffee hour or by contacting Niko Pries at 408-398-7070; Angie Kozas at 510-387-2057, or email Anna Kozas at [email protected]. See you there!

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY FRIDAY

We are offering a College Student event on Friday night, November 15th at 6:00 pm.

Any and all college students are welcome to join us for a brief prayer service in the church at 6pm, followed by fellowship in the Senior Room. Food will be provided.

We pray that any college students associated with our community can join us for this fellowship and ministry opportunity.

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Fr. Nebojsa or [email protected]

PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

It is that time of year again! Our Philoptochos Christmas luncheon is on! Save the date: Saturday, December 14th, 2024 at the Saratoga Country Club. Tickets now available at Sunday coffee hour. See the flyer in the "Special Events" section of this e-bulletin for more information.

ADULT OPEN GYM BASKETBALL

Adult Open Gym Basketball is every Wednesday at 7:30pm in the Community Center. All parishioners (including guests) must sign up first before participating; online sign up form is at the link below. All communications will be handled through WhatsApp where there will be live updates on the day of the event; link down below to join.

Adult Open Gym sign up form: https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/95/responses/new

Adult Open Gym guidelines:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1Pqh-9ytke7trggbRvI-t0IW4sHL22Re4/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword

Adult Open Gym WhatsApp group chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ExKTcpbEo7oBPOR3Ssfi1P

Special Events

Monastery Fundraiser Dinner - Sunday, Nov 3rd - Community Center

Gerontissa Markella and her Sisterhood joyfully, with hope and thanksgiving for your constant support and many years of commitment, invite you to join us again for a Benefit Dinner. The Monastery of the Theotokos of the Life Giving Spring Fundraising Dinner will be on Sunday, November 3rd at the St. Nicholas Community Center at 5:00pm. Donation for tickets for adults $75, children 12 and under $35. All proceeds go to Monastery for essential support to the operation of the Monastery facility. For details or to RSVP, please contact Evagelia at: (408)499-3939, email at [email protected].

College Ministry Night - St. Nicholas - Friday, November 15th

We are offering a College Student event on Friday night, November 15th at 6:00 pm. Any and all college students are welcome to join us for a brief prayer service in the church at 6pm, followed by fellowship in the Senior Room. Food will be provided. We pray that any college students associated with our community can join us for this fellowship and ministry opportunity. For more information please contact Fr. Nebojsa or [email protected].

Philoptochos Christmas Lunch - Saturday, December 14th - San Jose

Saint Anna Philoptochos invites you to "Save the Date" for their annual Christmas Luncheon on Saturday, December 14th at the Saratoga Country Club. More information to come. Tickets will go on sale in October.

2024 IOCC Food and Wine Tour - Oakland - Nov 3rd

We are writing to invite you to our annual IOCC Food & Wine Tour on November 3 at Ascension Cathedral, Oakland. Come experience a global tasting menu & wine pours and learn about IOCC’s latest emergency programs. The evening will begin with Vespers at 4:00 pm, with a reception to follow. Please consider becoming an event sponsor to help support IOCC's important work, and include the attached flyer in your parish bulletin to help spread the word. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here: iocc.org/bayarea Early bird discount expires Oct 15!

Fall Retreat - Ben Lomond - Nov 8-9

Please see the attached flyer.

Orthodox Parish Leadership Ministry Series - Monday, Nov 18th - Online

Monday, November 18 • 6:30 - 8:00pm Online. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) Ministry continues this year’s special webinar series. Next webinar will focus on the topics of “5P” Ministry Effectiveness and Welcome Teams. We will discuss how to strengthen your parish ministries using the “5P” approach to assess their effectiveness using 5 key criteria. We will also talk about the importance of equipping your parish to welcome and engage with inquirers and guests. Join host Steven Pappas who will welcome Peter Panagis and George Ekizian from the OPL Ministry Team to present these topics and answer questions. Register: www.sanfran.goarch.org/events

Goya Winter Formal - Saturday, Dec 14th - San Francisco

You're invited to our Goya Winter Formal on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Annunciation Cathedral, 2455 Valencia Street, San Francisco, beginning at 8:00pm. Please rsvp by December 10th. Food, drinks, DJ! Attire: Formal. Ends at midnight. Entry fee $30. See you there!

Metropolis Family Winter Camp - Dunlap - Dec 27-30

Families across our Metropolis are invited to a Metropolis Family Winter Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, December 27-30, 2024. Let's celebrate the family this nativity season and gather for a wonderful 4 day camp, packed with fun and adventure while growing closer to Christ and to each other! We will have the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and fun activities at the Ranch, as well as visit both the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring, and a field trip to play in the snow at Kings Canyon National Park. With engaging activities for the whole family, let’s ascend to the mountains and enjoy the last few days of 2024 together at our beloved retreat center! https://gosfyouth.org/family ________________________________________

Education Programs

SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES

We are thrilled to welcome you and your children back to Sunday School. Please ensure your child is registered by September 15th. You can register your children here: Sunday School—Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. We look forward to a beautiful year of growth, learning, and community. Please see our calendar of events for the first half below.

November

3 – Sunday School in Session
10 – Sunday School in Session
17 – Family Divine Liturgy
24 – Sunday School in Session (Christmas Pageant Rehearsal)

December
1 – No Sunday School – Thanksgiving Holiday
8 – Sunday School in Session (Christmas Pageant Rehearsal)
15 – Sunday School in Session (Christmas Pageant Rehearsal)
21 – Saturday Christmas Pageant
22 – Family Divine Liturgy
29 – Christmas Holiday – No Sunday School

SCHOLARSHIP - HELLENIC MEDICAL AND DENTAL SOCIETY

The Hellenic American Medical and Dental Society of California (HAMDS) is happy to open the application process for their 2024 Scholarships.

If you are, or know someone, of Greek descent who is enrolled in an accredited California Medical or Dental school or is a resident of California enrolled in an accredited Medical or Dental School elsewhere, please share this information. .

The deadline to submit the completed application is on November 25th. Any interested applicants, please apply using this link https://hamds.org/apply-for-a-scholarship/ on the HAMDS website.

VIRTUAL ADULT GREEK LANGUAGE EDUCATION

We are pleased to announce that Greek School registration for adults is now active!

The registration link is located at:
https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/98/responses/new

Initial meetings for each Adult Education course have been scheduled on the following dates:
** Modern Greek Beginner Level 1: Wednesday, September 4-2024, 7:00 pm.
** Modern Greek Beginner Level 2: Tuesday, September 3-2024, 7:00 pm.
** Modern Greek Level 3, Intermediate/Advanced: Saturday, September 7-2024, 9:00 am.
** New Testament Greek Beginner Level 1: Monday, September 2-2024, 7:00 pm.
** Ancient Greek Beginner Level 1: Friday, September 6-2024, 7:00 pm.

For further information, please contact Dr. Peter Nanopoulos by email ([email protected]) or by phone (408-646-7308).

CENTER OF HELLENIC EDUCATION

Programs Offered:

We offer a wide range of programs to suit various interests and educational needs, including:

School Age Greek Language Classes (3-18 years old)

1. In-person classes: Offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm & Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:45 am.

2. On-Line classes: These classes are time flex and are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays.

Adult Greek Language Classes (18 years and older)

New Testament Greek: Tuesdays 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Intermediate Conversational Greek: Thursdays 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Beginner Conversational Greek: Saturdays 10:00 am - 12:30 pm

For more up-to-date information in regards to the adult Greek classes kindly contact: Dr. Peter Nanopoulos at [email protected]

Community Activities (All students & families):

In addition to the classes, several assemblies occur annually to celebrate the following national holidays: October 28th (OXI Day), March 25th (Greek Independence Day), Christmas, and the Graduation/End-of-the-school-year party. Parents and other family members attend or participate in the gathering, while the students recite poems, skits, songs, and dances.

How to Register:

Complete the Online Registration Form: https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/98/responses/new

Important Dates:

Classes Begin: Monday, August 26, 2024

We look forward to welcoming you to a vibrant and engaging academic year!

DID YOU KNOW?

New from the Department of Religious Education of our Archdiocese! Take a look: https://www.goarch.org/departments/religioused/didyouknow

Ministries and Organizations

CHOIR

The Choir is actively recruiting new members! If you are interested please contact Anthony Pappas at (408) 832-4271. Practices are on Thursdays at 7:30pm in the Choir Loft. Sundays, the Choir performs at the Divine Liturgy. Join the fun!

CANON OF FAITH - OCTOBER 2024

Please read the Canon of Faith for October 2024 using the online link viewing:

https://indd.adobe.com/view/fad6e645-9c19-4aab-8989-560459b68833

GILROY FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

We are embarking on a new ministry opportunity for families living along the 101 corridor, south of San Jose!

Any families or individuals who would like to join us for a once a month ministry opportunity for fellowship and faith based lessons for the whole family, can contact Fr. Nebojsa for more information at [email protected].

To RSVP and receive a location address please contact Fr. Nebojsa due to limited space for this first gathering. We hope to provide new locations and ministry activities every month.

ALTAR BOY GROUP REGISTRATION 2024-2025

Any altar servers ages 7 and up are welcome to register for our 2024-2025 ecclesiastical year of service:

https://www.saintnicholas.org/altar-servers

Please note that there are a few new expectations and requirements for altar servers this year. We will be having trainings in October to go over the rules and expectations, but in the meantime you can contact Fr. Nebojsa for more information if interested. For scheduling questions or concerns please contact Penny Pagonis.

The first day of Altar Service is September 15th. Groups will be sent individual messages in regards to their service dates and calendars. PLEASE REGISTER so we can accurately put you in a group.

LOST AND FOUND

If you have lost an item and suspect you have left it on church grounds, please check the spot you may have left it the next time you are at church. You can also call the Church Office at 408-246-2770 to see if it was turned in. Lost items will be released to the person claiming to be the owner that has provided details to identify the item. Items brought to the Church Office will be kept for 60 calendar days and then discarded or donated if not claimed. Thank you!

YOUTH MINISTRIES REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Sunday School

Greek Folk Dance

Information and registration for our Dance program here: https://www.saintnicholas.org/greek-dance

Greek School

Our Greek School is up and running again this year with both in-person and online classes for all ages and levels.

Registration link: https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/98/responses/new (updated!)

Basketball

Information and registration here: https://www.saintnicholas.org/basketball (updated!)

Altar Servers:

Any young men over the age of 7 and interested in serving the altar are invited to join one of our Altar Groups for the next ecclesiastical year.

Please register here: https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/112/responses/new (updated!)

GOYA

GOYA is a ministry for children from 6th - 12th grades. We meet every 2nd Sunday of the month and have social events throughout the year, as well as sessions and retreats. For more information please visit our site: https://www.saintnicholas.org/goya

JOY/HOPE

JOY/HOPE is a ministry for children from Kindergarten to 5th Grade and open to all. We meet every 3rd Tuesday of the Month in the evening at 7:00pm. For more information visit our site: https://www.saintnicholas.org/joyhope

A HOME FOR ICONS

We are collecting unwanted paper icons, wooden icons, and palms that require disposing, please drop off in the baby room in the Church. There is a plastic bin located underneath the pew. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Julie via email: [email protected].

Please contact the church office at 408-246-2770 if you plan to leave items outside the office or Community Center.

GREEK PASTRIES, KOLLYVA, ARTOKLASIA & PROSPHORA

If you wish to order kollyva, artoklasia, prosphora, paximadia, koulourakia, melomakarona, kourambiedes, or other Greek pastries, please see the bakers listed below with their phone numbers to call. Payment is arranged with the bakers and not the church.

For kollyva: Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

For paximadia, koulourakia, melomakarona, kourambiedes, and other Greek pastries: Maria Tsaboukos 408-723-5175 Antonia Komianos 408-472-3888 Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124.

For artoklasia: Antonia Komianos 408-472-3888 Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

For prosphora: Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

Schedule of Services

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE BY LIVESTREAM ON YOUTUBE UNDER THE NAME: SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH SAN JOSE.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1x-nHP063YTTMrevkzL21w/

Friday, November 1 - Sts Cosmas and Damianos
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, November 3 - 5th Sunday of Luke
8:15am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, November 4
5:00pm - Paraklesis

Friday, November 8 - Synaxis of the Archangels
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Saturday, November 9 - St. Nektarios the Wonderworker
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, November 10 - 8th Sunday of Luke
8:15am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

LIGHT A CANDLE: https://saintnicholas.org/virtual-chapel/light-a-candle

Online Links to the Text of Church Services:

At our parish we use an online tool for all of our Liturgical services called Ages Initiatives. Please know that we always encourage participation through the praying of the services, and this online resource is the primary resource we use at the chant stand and the Altar. To access services, please check out the daily calendar available on Ages:

https://dcs.goarch.org/goa/dcs/dcs.html

Also, there is an Application that you can use and download on the Apple platform:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/digital-chant-stand/id891132857

Please also note that you can use this resource for the services we have in our church, and that we will be using this resource as well.

Saints and Feasts

November 03

5th Sunday of Luke

November 03

Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter, & Aeithalas the Deacon, Martyrs of Persia

Saint Acepsimas, a bishop, Saint Joseph, a presbyter, and Saint Aeithalas, a deacon, suffered exceedingly cruel torments and martyrdom during the reign of Sapor II, King of Persia (325-379). See also April 17.

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.

Wisdom of the Fathers

By these words it is surely shown that in his [the rich man] daily feasting he had frequently sinned by his tongue, seeing that, while burning all over, he demanded to be cooled especially in his tongue. Again, that levity of conduct follows closely upon gluttony sacred authority testifies ... For the most part also edacity leads us even to lechery, because, when the belly is distended by repletion, the stings of lust are excited.

St. Gregory the Dialogist

The Book of Pastoral Rule, Chapter XIX, 6th century

The man who has once chosen pleasure in this life, and has not cured his inconsiderateness by repentance, places the land of the good beyond his own reach; for he has dug against himself the yawning impassable abyss of a necessity that nothing can break through.

St. Gregory of Nyssa

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins

Special Services

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Mode

Apolytikion for Martyrs Ascepsimas, Joseph & Aeithalas in the 4th Mode

Apolytikion for Dedication of the Temple of St. George in the 4th Mode

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Mode

Stewardship and Donations

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES NATIONAL HURRICANE RELIEF FUND

BENEFITS AND REASONS OF BECOMING A STEWARD

DOES YOUR EMPLOYER OFFER MATCHING DONATIONS?

ST. NICHOLAS STEWARDSHIP 2024

LIGHT A CANDLE

DONATIONS VIA FACEBOOK

Special Announcements

DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS

SPECIAL TRAY - PATRIARCHATE

PARISH COUNCIL 2025! YOUR VOICE, OUR FUTURE - IMPORTANT ELECTION AND TIMELINE INFORMATION

PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD - FORM IS ONLINE!

ORTHODOXY 101: THE LORD'S PRAYER

BYZANTINE MUSIC CLASS

Upcoming Events

SEE'S CANDY FUNDRAISER

MONASTERY OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS, THE LIFE GIVING SPRING FUNDRAISER

WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL CLINICS AND KICKOFF PIZZA PARTY - NOV. 4TH (BOYS) AND NOV. 6TH (GIRLS)

HOPE/JOY

CHIAN SOCIETY DINNER DANCE - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16th

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY FRIDAY

PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

ADULT OPEN GYM BASKETBALL

Special Events

Education Programs

SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES

SCHOLARSHIP - HELLENIC MEDICAL AND DENTAL SOCIETY

VIRTUAL ADULT GREEK LANGUAGE EDUCATION

CENTER OF HELLENIC EDUCATION

DID YOU KNOW?

Ministries and Organizations

CHOIR

CANON OF FAITH - OCTOBER 2024

GILROY FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

ALTAR BOY GROUP REGISTRATION 2024-2025

LOST AND FOUND

YOUTH MINISTRIES REGISTRATION INFORMATION

A HOME FOR ICONS

GREEK PASTRIES, KOLLYVA, ARTOKLASIA & PROSPHORA

Schedule of Services

Saints and Feasts

5th Sunday of Luke

Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter, & Aeithalas the Deacon, Martyrs of Persia

Kontakion of the Fallen Asleep

Wisdom of the Fathers