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.
SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES
Please join in prayer for the souls of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord:
IOANNIS VRYONIDIS (40 DAYS), brother of Maria Vryonidis, uncle of Despina Iskander
STAMATINA LIANIDES (10 YRS), mother of Mark Lianides, Maria Celebi, and Peter Lianides, grandchildren
NIKOLAOS CHALIORIS (11 YRS), father of Panagiotis (Maria Pries) Chalioris, grandchildren
DIACONISA ASPASIA DIAKOS (ANNUAL), mother of Mary Lawson and Paul Diakos, grandmother of Alexandra and Demetrios
May their memory be eternal.
SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Maria Chalioris, Despina Iskander, Diana Matheou, Angeliki Pries, and Chrissoula Pries in the in the Small Hall with support from families with memorial services. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our hosts.
Upcoming coffee hour hosts for December 29, 2024: Athena Frangides, Koula Kouretas, and Katerina Pappous
**Please note: Printed Sunday scripture readings are available in the Narthex**
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.
Prokeimenon. 4th Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:9-10; 32-40.
BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Προκείμενον. 4th Mode. Δανιήλ 3.26-27.
Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, οἷς ἐποίησας ἡμῖν.
τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:9-10, 32-40.
Ἀδελφοί, πίστει παρῴκησεν Ἀβραὰμ εἰς τὴν γῆν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας ὡς ἀλλοτρίαν, ἐν σκηναῖς κατοικήσας μετὰ ᾿Ισαὰκ καὶ ᾿Ιακὼβ τῶν συγκληρονόμων τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τῆς αὐτῆς· ἐξεδέχετο γὰρ τὴν τοὺς θεμελίους ἔχουσαν πόλιν, ἧς τεχνίτης καὶ δημιουργὸς ὁ Θεός. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; Ἐπιλείψει γάρ με διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ τε καὶ Σαμψὼν καὶ ᾿Ιεφθάε, Δαυΐδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν, οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρας, ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων· ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν· ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν· ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς· ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον, περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι, ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος, ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσι καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ Θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσι.
Sunday before Nativity
The Reading is from Matthew 1:1-25
The book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.
Sunday before Nativity
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 1:1-25
Βίβλος γενέσεως ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ Δαυῒδ υἱοῦ ᾿Αβραάμ. ᾿Αβραὰμ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ισαάκ, ᾿Ισαὰκ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιακώβ, ᾿Ιακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιούδαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, ᾿Ιούδας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Φαρὲς καὶ τὸν Ζαρὰ ἐκ τῆς Θάμαρ, Φαρὲς δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Εσρώμ, ᾿Εσρὼμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Αράμ, ᾿Αρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Αμιναδάβ, ᾿Αμιναδὰβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ναασσών, Ναασσὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαλμών, Σαλμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Βοὸζ ἐκ τῆς ῾Ραχάβ, Βοὸζ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ωβὴδ ἐκ τῆς ῾Ρούθ, ᾿Ωβὴδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιεσσαί, ᾿Ιεσσαὶ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Δαυῒδ τὸν βασιλέα. Δαυῒδ δὲ ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐγέννησε τὸν Σολομῶνα ἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου, Σολομὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ῾Ροβοάμ, ῾Ροβοὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Αβιά, ᾿Αβιὰ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ασά, ᾿Ασὰ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιωσαφάτ, ᾿Ιωσαφὰτ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιωράμ, ᾿Ιωρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Οζίαν, ᾿Οζίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιωάθαμ, ᾿Ιωάθαμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ῎Αχαζ, ῎Αχαζ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Εζεκίαν, ᾿Εζεκίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Μανασσῆ, Μανασσῆς δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Αμών, ᾿Αμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιωσίαν, ᾿Ιωσίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιεχονίαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος.
Μετὰ δὲ τὴν μετοικεσίαν Βαβυλῶνος ᾿Ιεχονίας ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαλαθιήλ, Σαλαθιὴλ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ζοροβάβελ, Ζοροβάβελ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Αβιούδ, ᾿Αβιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ελιακείμ, ᾿Ελιακεὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Αζώρ, ᾿Αζὼρ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαδώκ, Σαδὼκ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Αχείμ, ᾿Αχεὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ελιούδ, ᾿Ελιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ελεάζαρ, ᾿Ελεάζαρ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ματθάν, Ματθὰν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιακώβ, ᾿Ιακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν ᾿Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα Μαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη ᾿Ιησοῦς ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός. Πᾶσαι οὖν αἱ γενεαὶ ἀπὸ ᾿Αβραὰμ ἕως Δαυῒδ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ Δαυῒδ ἕως τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος ἕως τοῦ Χριστοῦ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες.
Τοῦ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἡ γέννησις οὕτως ἦν. μνηστευθείσης γὰρ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ ᾿Ιωσήφ, πρὶν ἢ συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα ἐκ Πνεύματος ῾Αγίου. ᾿Ιωσὴφ δὲ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς, δίκαιος ὢν καὶ μὴ θέλων αὐτὴν παραδειγματίσαι, ἐβουλήθη λάθρα ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν. ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου κατ᾿ ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ λέγων· ᾿Ιωσὴφ υἱὸς Δαυΐδ, μὴ φοβηθῇς παραλαβεῖν Μαριὰμ τὴν γυναῖκά σου· τὸ γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ Πνεύματός ἐστιν ῾Αγίου. τέξεται δὲ υἱὸν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦν· αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν. Τοῦτο δὲ ὅλον γέγονεν ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος· ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν, καὶ καλέσουσι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ᾿Εμμανουήλ, ὅ ἐστι μεθερμηνευόμενον μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός. Διεγερθεὶς δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιωσὴφ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου ἐποίησεν ὡς προσέταξεν αὐτῷ ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου καὶ παρέλαβε τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν ἕως οὗ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐκάλεσε τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦν.
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.
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
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.
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.
Stewardship 2024 as of December 19, 2024:
Goal: $491,000 (Approved 2024 Budget with tentative stretch goal of $500,000)
Pledged: $490,710
Pledges Paid: $466,453
Average Pledge: $1,301
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $24,257
Number of Stewards Pledging: 377
Stewardship 2023 on December 21, 2023 for comparison purposes:
Goal: $500,000 ($3000 per Stewardship Family, as an average)
Pledged: $496,899
Pledges Paid: $476,300
Average Pledge: $1,258
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $20,599
Number of Stewards Pledging: 395
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.
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.
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/
Please note that the church office will be closed for the Archdiocesan observance of Holy Nativity on Wednesday and Thursday, December 25th and 26th and open limited hours on Friday, December 27th. Please call ahead for an appointment.
However, if you have a pastoral emergency and you need to reach a priest, please call 408-246-2781.
The annual Christmas Pageant will be on Saturday, December 21st at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church: 5:00pm – 6:00pm Vespers; 6:00pm – 6:30pm Christmas Pageant (Sunday School, Greek School and Choir Ministries), and 6:30pm – 8:00pm dinner and a special guest. See the flyer in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin.
Saturday, 12/21: Christmas Caroling at elderly parishioner’s homes from 10 am - 2 pm. If you wish to join, please email [email protected] for schedule and addresses.
Monday, 12/30 GOYA Ice Skating, Sharks Ice 4:30 - 6:00pm. Please arrive at 4:15pm. Skating and rentals will be paid for from GOYA funds. Feel free to stay after for dinner onsite at Stanleys. Please bring your own money for dinner. Please RSVP to [email protected] by Friday, Dec 27 if you can attend.
For questions, please contact Eva Vathis at [email protected] or 916-956-0985.
BE A HERO: GIVE BLOOD TODAY! BLOOD DRIVE: Thursday, January 16th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 1260 Davis St, San Jose, Small Hall.
Just a few minutes of your time can help save lives! Must be at least 18 years old, weigh over 110 lbs, and be in good health. For more info or help in making an appointment, contact Vassilis Zarifis at [email protected] or reference the link in the attached flyer in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin to reserve your spot:
New donors must register their profile by creating a login account using the link above and before making an actual appointment.
**50% of all available seats have already been sold!**
Friday, January 31, 2025
Tickets available to purchase at the following site: https://CretanCrabFeed.eventbrite.com
Discounted Full Table Purchase $800 (10 Seats) (Available Now!)
Single Adult Purchase $85 (Available in January); Single Children Under 12 $50 (Available in January)
All Inclusive (Beer, Wine, Greek Liquor and Sodas)
Your generosity and support of the Cretan Crab Feed has enabled the Cretan Club to donate over $400,000 back to the community and other charities!
For questions, please contact Ted Cocoles at [email protected] or cell 408-569-5434 or Pete Panos at [email protected] or 408-835-9092
Please mark your calendars for the 2025 Saint Nicholas San Jose College Ministry event dates!
Compline at 6:00pm, followed by food and fellowship.
Wed. Jan 15, 2025
Wed. Feb.26, 2025
Wed. March 12, 2025
Wed. April 9, 2025
Wed. May 14, 2025
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Fr. Nebojsa or [email protected]
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, January 16, 2025 using the link: https://shfb.tfaforms.net/350?VSID=a0vQo00000GPdEmIAL&_gl=1*1tfdfvr*_gcl_au*NjgyMjcyNzA3LjE3MzI1NjQ2MTM.*_ga*NTc3ODI4NDE5LjE3MzI1NjQ2MTM.*_ga_E3SL0CTS82*MTczMzUwNzUyNS4yLjEuMTczMzUwNzUzMy41Mi4wLjA.
You are all invited to the Missions Ministry Vasilopita Fellowship on Saturday, January 25th at 2:00pm in the Small Hall.
With us this year will be the Joneses, Michael and Meghan and their lovely kids, active missionaries in Tonga. The Jones family was drawn into missionary service quite unexpectedly, when they learned about the apostolic ministry of the Holy Metropolis of New Zealand in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa and felt a strong calling to participate. The Joneses are serving as needed throughout the Metropolis: coordinating building projects, teaching the liturgical arts, conducting catechism, building community, and supporting the indigenous people of the South Pacific islands who have embraced Holy Orthodoxy.
Refreshments and appetizers will be provided. Free will offering to benefit the Jones Family.
Come and learn about OCMC's missionary efforts around the world. Hear the latest news and happenings from the mission field and how you can answer Christ's call to "go and make disciples of all nations."
Event is open to all. Please invite your friends! For questions, please contact Maria Aji at: (408)425-6967 | [email protected].
Registration is open for the 18th Annual Metropolis Young Adult Winter Retreat in Lake Tahoe, from Friday, January 17 – Monday, January 20, 2025. The theme for this gathering is “Be Still and Know: Listening for God’s still small voice” and will be led by Rev. Father James Kumarelas, Proistamenos from Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, CA. Join us for this beautiful retreat, located on a private retreat center on the shore of Lake Tahoe with spectacular views, incredible food, and awesome accommodations! Details and registration online at: www.gosfyouth.org/youngadults
Families are invited to join us for our Metropolis Family Winter Camp at Saint Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA, from Friday, December 27 – Monday, December 30, 2024. Let’s celebrate the family this Nativity season and gather for a wonderful four-day camp, packed with fun and adventure while growing closer to Christ and to each other! The Metropolis Winter Family Camp is open to the entire family! More information at www.gosfyouth.org/family
Weekly winter basketball clinics continue for all skill and experience levels for boys and girls, 3rd grade through high school in the Community Center. Boys will practice Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Girls will practice Wednesdays from 5:45pm - 7:15pm.
Please make sure players are registered for the 2024-2025 program at https://www.saintnicholas.org/basketball so you can stay informed of any other events or schedule changes. Registration also helps us plan for the Spring 2025 season.
Any players who have their jersey from a previous season, we NEED those returned. Please bring those to a clinic or hand it to a Coach on Sundays.
If you have any questions or are interested in coaching, email the program at [email protected] or talk to John Cocoles.
Annual St. Nicholas Christmas Pageant is on Saturday, December 21st with Vespers at 5pm, Pageant at 6pm followed by dinner and a special guest. Come join us!
BE A HERO: GIVE BLOOD TODAY! BLOOD DRIVE: Thursday, January 16th, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 1260 Davis St, San Jose, Small Hall. Just a few minutes of your time can help save lives! Must be at least 18 years old, weigh over 110 lbs, and be in good health. For more info or help in making an appointment, contact Vassilis Zarifis at [email protected] or reference the link in the attached flyer to reserve your spot.
Friday, January 31, 2025; Tickets available to purchase at the following site: https://CretanCrabFeed.eventbrite.com Discounted Full Table Purchase $800 (10 Seats) (Available Now!); Single Adult Purchase $85 (Available in January); Single Children Under 12 $50 (Available in January); All Inclusive (Beer, Wine, Greek Liquor and Sodas); Your generosity and support of the Cretan Crab Feed has enabled the Cretan Club to donate over $400,000 back to the community and other charities! For questions, please contact Ted Cocoles at [email protected] or cell 408-569-5434 or Pete Panos at [email protected] or 408-835-9092.
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 ________________________________________
Please see the attached flyer for scholarship and internship opportunities.
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.
December
21 – Saturday Christmas Pageant
22 – Family Divine Liturgy
29 – Christmas Holiday – No Sunday School
CrossRoad is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and invites them to connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition in a deep and meaningful way. There are four CrossRoad sessions to choose from. Apply early to secure your preferred location – Boston, New York, or Southern California. Session details: today at www.CrossRoadInstitute.org.
Please see the flyer for more information and links to the 2024-2025 Panhellenic Scholarship application in the Special Events section of this electronic bulletin. Applications due January 31, 2025.
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).
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:
Important Dates:
We look forward to welcoming you to a vibrant and engaging academic year!
New from the Department of Religious Education of our Archdiocese! Take a look: https://www.goarch.org/departments/religioused/didyouknow
Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of youth while gaining valuable leadership and teamwork experience? Apply to be part of the Summer Camp Staff team at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. We’re hiring for a variety of roles including: Cabin Counselors, Program Staff, Photographers, Lifeguards and Medical Staff. Visit www.gosfyouth.org for application and details.
Our Greek Village is returning in June 2025. We are seeking those who have a passion for Hellenic culture and Orthodox faith, a commitment to youth ministry, and a desire to make a lasting impact. Available positions include: Program Director, Greek Language Instructors, Counselors, Program Staff and Lifeguards. Information and applications online at: www.ourgreekvillage.com/careers
Please read the Canon of Faith for December 2024 using the online link viewing:
https://indd.adobe.com/view/b1a899f9-1dde-4e6b-83dd-2555fb588e0b
Adult Open Gym Basketball is every Wednesday at 7:30pm and some Saturday mornings from 10am to 12 noon 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:
Adult Open Gym WhatsApp group chat: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ExKTcpbEo7oBPOR3Ssfi1P
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!
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.
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!
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
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.
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
SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE BY LIVESTREAM ON YOUTUBE UNDER THE NAME: SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH SAN JOSE.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1x-nHP063YTTMrevkzL21w/
Saturday, December 21
5:00pm - Great Vespers
Sunday, December 22 - Sunday before the Nativity
8:15am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Tuesday, December 24 - Eve of the Nativity of Christ
9:00am - Royal Hours
5:00pm - Vesperal Liturgy of Eve of the Nativity
Wednesday, December 25 - Holy Nativity
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Friday, December 27 - St. Stephen, the First Martyr
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Sunday, December 29 - Sunday after the Nativity
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.
On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eighteenth of this month, we celebrate all those who from ages past have been well-pleasing to God, beginning from Adam even unto Joseph the Betrothed of the Most Holy Theotokos, according to genealogy, as the Evangelist Luke hath recorded historically (Luke 3:23-38); we also commemorate the Prophets and Prophetesses, and especially the Prophet Daniel and the Holy Three Children.
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.