Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-10-06
Bulletin Contents

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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

Sundays

Orthros at 8:15am followed by Divine Liturgy 9:30am
Church School 9:30 a.m.

Weekdays: Orthros at 8:30am followed by Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.

Feast Days: see embedded Calendar on website: www.saintnicholas.org

Confessions: Please call Office.


Past Bulletins


Special Services

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

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.

Fourth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:1-12

Τῇ μιᾷ τῶν Σαββάτων, ὄρθρου βαθέος ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμα, φέρουσαι ἃ ἡτοίμασαν ἀρώματα, καί τινες σὺν αὐταῖς. Εὗρον δὲ τὸν λίθον ἀποκεκυλισμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι οὐχ εὗρον τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ διαπορεῖσθαι αὐτὰς περὶ τούτου, καὶ Ἰδού, δύο ἄνδρες ἐπέστησαν αὐταῖς ἐν ἐσθήσεσιν ἀστραπτούσαις· ἐμφόβων δὲ γενομένων αὐτῶν καὶ κλινουσῶν τὰ πρόσωπον εἰς τὴν γῆν, εἶπον πρὸς αὐτάς· Τί ζητεῖτε τὸν ζῶντα μετὰ τῶν νεκρῶν; οὐκ ἔστιν ᾧδε, ἀλλ' ἠγέρθη. Μνήσθητε ὡς ἐλάλησεν ὑμῖν, ἔτι ὢν ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ, λέγων, ὅτι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδοθῆναι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων ἁμαρτωλῶν, καὶ σταυρωθῆναι, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστῆναι. Καὶ ἐμνήσθησαν τῶν ῥημάτων αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὑποστρέψασαι ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, ἀπήγγειλαν ταῦτα πάντα τοῖς ἕνδεκα καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς λοιποῖς. Ἦσαν δὲ ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ Μαρία καὶ Ἰωάννα καὶ Μαρία Ἰακώβου, καὶ αἱ λοιπαὶ σὺν αὐταῖς, αἳ ἔλεγον πρὸς τοὺς ἀποστόλους ταῦτα. Καὶ ἐφάνησαν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ λῆρος τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν, καὶ ἠπίστουν αὐταῖς, ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἀναστὰς ἔδραμεν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα μόνα, καὶ ἀπῆλθε, πρὸς ἑαυτόν θαυμάζων τὸ γεγονός.


Epistle Reading

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 Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15.

Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

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 Κορινθίους β' 4:6-15.

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ θεὸς ὁ εἰπὼν ἐκ σκότους φῶς λάμψαι, ὃς ἔλαμψεν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν πρὸς φωτισμὸν τῆς γνώσεως τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν προσώπῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. Ἔχομεν δὲ τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν, ἵνα ἡ ὑπερβολὴ τῆς δυνάμεως ᾖ τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ μὴ ἐξ ἡμῶν· ἐν παντὶ θλιβόμενοι, ἀλλʼ οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι· ἀπορούμενοι, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐξαπορούμενοι· διωκόμενοι, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐγκαταλειπόμενοι· καταβαλλόμενοι, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἀπολλύμενοι· πάντοτε τὴν νέκρωσιν τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι περιφέροντες, ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματι ἡμῶν φανερωθῇ. Ἀεὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες εἰς θάνατον παραδιδόμεθα διὰ Ἰησοῦν, ἵνα καὶ ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ φανερωθῇ ἐν τῇ θνητῇ σαρκὶ ἡμῶν. Ὥστε ὁ μὲν θάνατος ἐν ἡμῖν ἐνεργεῖται, ἡ δὲ ζωὴ ἐν ὑμῖν. Ἔχοντες δὲ τὸ αὐτὸ πνεῦμα τῆς πίστεως, κατὰ τὸ γεγραμμένον, Ἐπίστευσα, διὸ ἐλάλησα, καὶ ἡμεῖς πιστεύομεν, διὸ καὶ λαλοῦμεν· εἰδότες ὅτι ὁ ἐγείρας τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἡμᾶς διὰ Ἰησοῦ ἐγερεῖ, καὶ παραστήσει σὺν ὑμῖν. Τὰ γὰρ πάντα διʼ ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἡ χάρις πλεονάσασα διὰ τῶν πλειόνων τὴν εὐχαριστίαν περισσεύσῃ εἰς τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ.


Gospel Reading

3rd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 7:11-16

At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"

3rd Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 7:11-16

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐπορεύετο εἰς πόλιν καλουμένην Ναΐν· καὶ συνεπορεύοντο αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἱκανοὶ καὶ ὄχλος πολύς. ὡς δὲ ἤγγισε τῇ πύλῃ τῆς πόλεως, καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐξεκομίζετο τεθνηκὼς υἱὸς μονογενὴς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὕτη ἦν χήρα, καὶ ὄχλος τῆς πόλεως ἱκανὸς ἦν σὺν αὐτῇ. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὴν ὁ Κύριος ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ᾿ αὐτῇ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ· μὴ κλαῖε· καὶ προσελθὼν ἥψατο τῆς σοροῦ, οἱ δὲ βαστάζοντες ἔστησαν, καὶ εἶπε· νεανίσκε, σοὶ λέγω, ἐγέρθητι. καὶ ἀνεκάθισεν ὁ νεκρὸς καὶ ἤρξατο λαλεῖν, καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ. ἔλαβε δὲ φόβος πάντας καὶ ἐδόξαζον τὸν Θεόν, λέγοντες ὅτι προφήτης μέγας ἐγήγερται ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο ὁ Θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ.


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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 Apostle Thomas in the 3rd Mode

O Holy Apostle Thomas, intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offences.
Απόστολε Άγιε Θωμά, πρέσβευε τώ ελεήμονι Θεώ ίνα πταισμάτων άφεσιν, παράσχη ταίς ψυχάς ημών.

Apolytikion of Saint Nicholas in the 1st Mode

An example of the faith and a life of humility, as a teacher of self-control you did inspire and lead your flock, and through the truthfulness of your deeds, were exalted by greatness through your humility, uplifting all, and by poverty gaining strength. Father and hierarch Saint Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved.

Κανόνα πίστεως καί εικόνα πραότητος, εγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξέ σε τή ποίμνη σου, η τών πραγμάτων αλήθεια, διά τούτο εκτήσω τή ταπεινώσει τά υψηλά, τή πτωχεία τά πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα Νικόλαε, 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.
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Stewardship and Donations

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 3, 2024:

Goal: $491,000 (Approved 2024 Budget with tentative stretch goal of $500,000)
Pledged: $414,560
Pledges Paid: $347,617
Average Pledge: $1,226
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $66,943
Number of Stewards Pledging: 338

Stewardship 2023 on October 5, 2023 for comparison purposes:

Goal: $500,000 ($3000 per Stewardship Family, as an average)
Pledged: $438,893
Pledges Paid: $371,139
Average Pledge: $1,276
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $67,764
Number of Stewards Pledging: 344

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 submittedIt 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/


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Special Announcements

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Evagelia Niktas, Eleftheria Pries, Evagelia Pries, and Koula Pries in the Small Hall.  We extend a heartfelt thank you to our hosts.

Upcoming coffee hour hosts for October 13thJamie Bakelis, Christina Matheou, Helene Panos, Nicole Perakis and Eva Vathis


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.


WARM COAT DRIVE - OCTOBER

Beginning, Sunday, October 6th, St. Anna Philoptochos and the St. Nicholas GOYA will be collecting warm coats of all sizes to be distributed to the San Jose Family Center.  Special marked bins will be located in the Small Hall for the donations.


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


NATIONAL CHURCH MUSIC MINISTRY SUNDAY AND SPECIAL TRAY - OCT 13TH

Sunday, October 13, 2024 is National Church Music Sunday.  For over 40 years, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has designated the first Sunday of October as National Church Music Sunday!  On this day we honor and celebrate the contributions of Church Musicians from throughout the parishes of our Archdiocese.  The National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians is the Archdiocesan ministry responsible for liturgical music activities and the development, support, and recognition of church musicians.  These include choirs, chanters, youth church music programs, and clergy.

On Sunday, October 13th we will have a tray for your support to keep these much needed services going.  Thank you very much!


ORTHODOXY 101: THE LORD'S PRAYER

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 

We continue Monday, October 7th at 6:00 pm (following the 5pm Paraklisis Service). 


BYZANTINE MUSIC CLASS

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] 


RED CAR

If anyone knows who owns the red Mustang parked in front of the Educational Building on Davis Street, please call the Church Office at 408-246-2770 or email [email protected].  Thank you.


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Upcoming Events

MISSIONS MINISTRY MOVIE AND MEZZE NIGHT!

Please save the date for a fun Movie and Mezze Night, on Saturday October 12th at 5:30pm in the Community Center.  We will show “Swing Away” a fun movie for the whole family.  When an American pro is suspended from the LPGA tour, her escape to Greece and the village of her grandparents leads to a showdown against a greedy American developer that changes the lives of the villagers and herself forever.

Please invite your friends.  Refreshments, wine, and Greek mezze will be served.  It will be open donations with proceeds to benefit Sister Nektaria and her school projects in India.  

For planning purposes RSVP is requested but not required, at [email protected] or by text at 408-425-6967.  See you at the movies!


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:

Friday, October 11, 2024, 7-9 p.m.: Join us for a movie night and discussion with Father Nebo in Room 3 of the Sunday School Building. We will screen Frozen and have a discussion about the importance of family and the treatment of our siblings. Parents, you are free to drop off and have a date night but please arrive no later than 9:10 p.m.  Popcorn and drinks will be served. Feel free to bring your own snacks as well. 

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].


GOLDEN YEARS MEETING - DATE POSTPONED TO OCTOBER 15TH

The Golden Years meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 8th, has been postponed to Tuesday, October 15th in the Small Hall at 11:30am.   Please contact Christina Kouvaris at 408-306-8007 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.


VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

The 19th annual St. Nicholas Volleyball Tournament - October 18-20, 2024

Please join us in welcoming visiting volleyball participants from our sister parishes throughout the Metropolis.   Games will begin promptly on Saturday, October 19th at 8:00am to 4:00pm at City Beach, 4020 Technology Pl, Fremont, CA and Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the St. Nicholas Community Center.  

All of the visiting school age children are welcome to join us for Sunday School on Sunday morning.

Follow us on social media for updates! Instagram: @stnicholasvolleyball

Any questions, feel free to contact George Spilios, Tournament Chairman, [email protected], 408.806.1699.

Come and watch, cheer the teams, enjoy the glendi, and support this exciting event!


MONASTERY OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS, THE LIFE GIVING SPRING FUNDRAISER

Sunday, November 3rd! - Monastery Fundraiser Dinner

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].  Also please see flyer and ticket form in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin.


CHIAN SOCIETY DINNER DANCE

Please save the date for the Agia Markella Chian Society Dinner Dance scheduled on Saturday, November 16, 2024.  More details to follow!


VOLUNTEERING AT SECOND HARVEST - NOW CHANGED TO THURSDAYS

Putting our Orthodox Faith into action! Join us at Second Harvest Food Bank the 4th Thursday of every month, 6pm to 8pm, to prepare food for distribution in our Santa Clara County community.  One in five families in Santa Clara County faces food insecurity.  Help us serve our community while enjoying the fellowship of our Parishioners!  Advance registration is required; vaccination is suggested but not required; open to ages 12 and up. 

We invite you to sign up in advance for Thursday, October 24, 2024 using the link:  https://www.shfb.org/give-help/volunteer/volcalendar-general/?shift_id=a0vQo00000BJw3kIAD


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 will be available in November.  See the flyer in the "Special Events" section of this e-bulletin for more information.


VOLLEYBALL PRACTICES

Volleyball practices for our 19th Annual St Nicholas Volleyball Tournament begin Sunday, August 18th at 7pm in the Community Center.  Please join us!

Tuesday Nights
7:00 pm - Young Adult & Adult Practices

Thursday Nights
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm - Junior High
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm - High School 

Sunday Nights
7:00pm - Open Gym practices for High School, Young Adult and Adult

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Chairman George Spilios (408) 806-1699 or Head Coach Elias Papas (408) 497-4522.

Come join the fun!  The Volleyball Tournament is scheduled for the weekend of October 18-20th.


ADULT OPEN GYM BASKETBALL

**NO Adult Open Gym Basketball on Wednesday, October 16th.  Thursday, October 17th is also not available.

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


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Special Events

    Missions Ministry Movie and Mezze Night - St. Nicholas - Sat, Oct 12th

    Missions Ministry Movie and Mezze Night - St. Nicholas - Sat, Oct 12th

    Please save the date for a fun Movie and Mezze Night, on Saturday October 12th at 5:30pm in the Community Center. We will show “Swing Away” a fun movie for the whole family. When an American pro is suspended from the LPGA tour, her escape to Greece and the village of her grandparents leads to a showdown against a greedy American developer that changes the lives of the villagers and herself forever. Please invite your friends. Refreshments, wine, and Greek mezze will be served. It will be open donations with proceeds to benefit Sister Nektaria and her school projects in India. For planning purposes RSVP is requested but not required, at [email protected] or by text at 408-425-6967. See you at the movies!


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

    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].


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

    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 November.


    Holy Women of Byzantium - Online Course - Begins October 8th

    Holy Women of Byzantium - Online Course - Begins October 8th

    A live, online course exploring the lives and legacies of Byzantine holy women from the mid-fourth through fifteenth centuries taught by Dr. Anysia Metrakos. Tuesdays, October 8, 15, 22, & 29th, 5:00pm PST. Dr. Metrakos is a historian of the later Roman Empire whose work centers on the impact of Christianity on Roman society, gender, and law. She received her doctorate from the Graduate Group in ancient History and Mediterranean Archaeology from the University of California, Berkeley.


    Explore Your Calling at the "Be Attentive" Retreat - HCHC - Oct 11-13th

    Explore Your Calling at the "Be Attentive" Retreat - HCHC - Oct 11-13th

    Please see the attached flyer. We invite men of any Orthodox Christian jurisdiction who may be considering ordained ministry to come and Be Attentive to God's voice speaking in their life to help discern their vocation. Throughout the event, participants will engage in directed discussions with each other and eminent clergy to deeply investigate what the Church believes about Holy Orders, what her clergy are truly called to do, and the results of faithful servant ministry in the parishes, the Church at large, and the whole world. This retreat is offered to the Glory of God under the auspices of the Holy Cross Memorial Chapel Chaplain.


    Serbian Food Festival - Moraga - Oct 12th

    Serbian Food Festival - Moraga - Oct 12th

    Please join us on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 12 p.m. for a day full of fun entertainment and delicious food at the annual Serbian Food Festival, held by Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church at 1700 School St., Moraga, CA. The festival offers attendees a chance to taste a variety of traditional Serbian dishes and drinks, hear several artists from both Serbia and the US, see numerous educational exhibitions and dance performances, participate in several fun activities, and enjoy many other attractions included in our rich cultural and entertainment program. FREE ADMISSION!


    Prophet Elias Anniversary Celebrations - Santa Cruz - Sat, Oct 26th

    Prophet Elias Anniversary Celebrations - Santa Cruz - Sat, Oct 26th

    Please see the attached flyer.


    Fall Retreat - Ben Lomond - Nov 8-9

    Fall Retreat - Ben Lomond - Nov 8-9

    Please see the attached flyer.


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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.

October
6 – Sunday School in Session (Spiritual Retreat 4th – 12th grades)
13 – Sunday School in Session
20 – Sunday School in Session
27 – Family Divine Liturgy

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


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:

  1. 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


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Ministries and Organizations

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


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!


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

Register here for the new year: https://www.saintnicholas.org/sunday-school-2   - Register now! Link has been updated!

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

Register here:  https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/66/responses/new

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  

Register here:  https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/67/responses/new


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


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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/   

Sunday, October 6 - 3rd Sunday of Luke
8:15am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, October 7
5:00pm - Paraklesis

Friday, October 11 - Dn. Phillip Apostle of the Seventy
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, October 13 - Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
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. 

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Saints and Feasts

October 06

3rd Sunday of Luke


October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.


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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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Wisdom of the Fathers

He who truly wishes to believe in God must be lifted above himself, his mind, and even the whole world. For this reason, the value of faith is considered higher than the value of man. It is even higher than the value of the whole world. Therefore, the reward of faith should be higher than all of man's possessions along with the glories of this world. The reward of faith is God.
Fr. Matthew the Poor
Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way, p. 74, 20th century

That dead man was being buried, and many friends were conducting him to his tomb. But there meets him Christ, the Life and Resurrection, for He is the destroyer of death and of corruption; He it is "in Whom we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28); He it is Who has restored the nature of man to that which it originally was; and has set free our death-fraught flesh from the bonds of death.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 36.42, p. 153., 5th Century

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