Stewardship 2024 as of May 2, 2024:

Goal: $491,000 (Approved 2024 Budget with tentative stretch goal of $500,000)
Pledged: $340,643
Pledges Paid: $218,817
Average Pledge: $1,191
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $121,825
Number of Stewards Pledging: 286

Stewardship 2023 on May 4, 2023 for comparison purposes:

Goal: $500,000 ($3000 per Stewardship Family, as an average)
Pledged: $366,430
Pledges Paid: $239,965
Average Pledge: $1,230
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $126,465
Number of Stewards Pledging: 298

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/70/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).  When lit, the vigil candles last for one week.  Please see the online form on our website or use the link below.  When filling out the online form, please note that only first names are needed, preferably the baptized names, and it's helpful to designate if prayers will be for health or for repose.

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/

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Jamie Bakelis, Christina Matheou, Helene Panos, Nicole Perakis, and Eva Vathis in the Small Hall.  We extend a heartfelt thank you to our hosts.

Christ is Risen!  On behalf of Fr. James, Fr. Nebojsa, and the Saint Nicholas Parish Council, we would like to thank you, our very considerate and generous parishioners, for your continual support and for contributing towards the needs of our parish in the Lent, Holy Week, Pascha and Church Appeal.  The tremendous love and dedication you have shown, through your generous and thoughtful contributions, is what continues to sustain and grow our parish.  May God bless you and your families always.  

Our Greek Festival is around the corner--Friday through Sunday, May 31st, June 1st, and 2nd. 

FESTIVAL REMINDER: Please like and follow the San Jose Greek Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to help support and spread the word about our lovely event, and make sure to hit attending on our Facebook event and invite all your local friends and family:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJGREEKFESTIVAL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjgreekfestival/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sjgreekfestival 

Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/1lbbfqSgo

Graduation is an important event for you and your child, and it is equally important to us.   We want to honor and congratulate the Class of 2024 by recognizing them in the June Canon of Faith.   Please submit the following information by Friday, May 17th, 2024:

1. Student’s name.
2. Parents'/guardian names.
3. Student’s high school/college name of which graduating from.
4. Name of college or university student planning to attend.
5. Desired or actual major.
6. If a college degree was earned, please add if a BS, BA, Masters, or PhD
7. Phone number in case we have questions

Deadline: Friday, May 17th.  All content needs to be submitted to [email protected].  If you have any questions, please call the church office at 408-246-2770

Please note that there are no memorials from the Saturday of Lazarus up to and including the Sunday of Thomas.

Saiyanna will be away from the office on Wednesday, May 15th.  If you have a pastoral emergency and you need to reach a priest, please call 408-246-2781.

Sweeten Mother's Day and support a cause!  Indulge in our delectable chocolate-covered strawberries, lovingly crafted by the Maids of Athena Ismene Diana #163.  Every bite supports Children's Miracle Network and Second Harvest Food Bank.  Treat Mom, support the community! One day only! Sunday, May 12th during coffee hour. 

Single: $3
Three: $7
Half Dozen: $15
Round of eight: $20
Bouquet: $25

Preorders also accepted by emailing Marianna Frangides at [email protected]  or Lorraine Hilty at [email protected].

See the flyer in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin.

Goya and Jr. Goya Summer Party at the pool! Saturday, May 25th from 11am to 6pm at Blackberry Farm in Cupertino.  Potluck: bring your favorite appetizer or dessert and we'll provide the BBQ!  $10 swimming pool entry fee; join us for a fun day of swimming, BBQ, hiking, volleyball, bocce ball, and so much more! 

Please RSVP (hurry, limited to 50 guests): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-sMB9KfQVr16C5cwwMAH_9_qBwdIGg_QkVXZ3iicfmq47BA/viewform

All GOYAns are invited to this summer party put on by GOYA Annunciation San Francisco.  The goal is to bring together youth across our Bay Area parishes.

See details in the colorful flyer in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin.  Please reach out to Eva Vathis at [email protected] with any questions. 

Festival Cooking time! Come join the fun with making kourambethes! Save the date for Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 - 9:00 a.m.  Breakfast snacks and lunch will be provided.  Please contact me if you have any questions: Laurie Sahines 408-823-0111/[email protected].

Please come help assemble Dolmades for the festival on Saturday, May 18th beginning at 9:00am in the Community Center.  Come and join in the fellowship and fun of baking for the festival!  We are grateful for any amount of time you can give.  For more information, please call Nick Tsolis at 408-921-4029.  Thank you!!

As in years past, to assist in offsetting our costs we are soliciting advertising from businesses and our own parishioners.  These ads are seen by as many as 20,000 Festival attendees, which is great visibility for your business, as well as helping to make our Greek Festival a success!  If you wish, as an individual, to give a shout-out to the festival, you can do that too!

Prices for all color ads:

Interior Full page.......................................$750

Half Page...................................................$450

Quarter page..............................................$300

Business card..............................................$150

Please call or email Elias Papas at [email protected] (408-497-4522) or Sofia Kotsiri at [email protected] (919-696-7398) to reserve your ad.

Deadline for submissions is May 15, 2024.

Please come and help with cooking and assembling of food for the festival.  Cooking begins daily at 8:30am and finishes around 3pm.  Come and join the fun and camaraderie!  If you can come for the whole day or only a few hours, your help will be very much appreciated.   For more information, please call Nick Tsolis at 408-921-4029 or email [email protected]. Here is the schedule:

April 19, Fri - Spanakopites CC Eleni Matheou - 408-266-8987

April 26, Fri - Tyropites CC Penny Pries, Nicole Perakis 408-772-6229

May 15, Wed - Kourabiethes CC Laurie Sahines - 408-823-0111

May 16-17, Thu-Fri - Mousaka, CC Eleni Matheou 408-266-8987, Nicki Poulos - 408-723-2613

May 18, Sat - Dolmades CC George Panayotopoulos 408-515-7284, Nick Tsolis 408-921-4029

May 22, Wed - Koulourakia CC Roula Demertzis 408-268-7645, Maria Tsaboukos 408-723-5175

TBD - Melomakarona CC Philoptochos 

May 27, Mon - Souvlakia/Loukanika/Calamari CC John Niktas 408-605-4949

May 29, Wed - Tzatziki CC Roula Demertzis - 408-268-7645

May 30, Thurs - Yemista CC Nicki Poulos - 408-723-2613

Putting our Orthodox Faith into action! Join us at Second Harvest Food Bank the 4th Tuesday of every month, 6pm to 8pm, to prepare food for distribution in our Santa Clara County community.  March sessions are full, so our next session is in April.  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 Tuesday, May 28, 2024 using the link:  https://shfb.tfaforms.net/350?VSID=a0vQo000003V5hjIAC&_gl=1*1eschq6*_ga*NzU3NjMwNjE1LjE3MDk3NTE5MTc.*_ga_E3SL0CTS82*MTcwOTc1MTkxNi4xLjEuMTcwOTc1MjIxNS42MC4wLjA.

*Adult Open Gym normally scheduled on Thursday, May 30th has moved to Tuesday, May 29th for festival set up reasons.

Adult Open Gym Basketball is every Thursday 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

Greek Village is back for the summer of 2024 on June 16-22 and registration is open!

The program is back again to immerse children in the vibrant world of Greek Heritage and offer them an unforgettable summer adventure.

What is the Greek Village?

Greek Village is a ministry of the Metropolis of San Francisco and an engaging and amusing week-long summer camp program of preserving Greek Heritage in all its forms - language, history, geography, astronomy, art,   theater, dance, and cuisine. It takes place in St Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap, CA. 

Who is the Greek Village for?

Greek Village is for all those who want to learn more about Greek culture and its components.

It is for those who enjoy learning about Greece and having fun with peers and friends in nature. 

It is for those who want to practice their Greek, or even start learning Greek and continue later in a Greek School.

ATTENTION: Knowledge of Greek isn’t a prerequisite, as there will also be available zero language knowledge groups. 

It is for those who want to experience living in a Greek village and immersing themselves in the Greek way. It is also a perfect summer camp option for those who cannot travel to Greece for the summer.

It is for campers aged between 8 -18 

What is the theme for this summer?

The Greek Revolution of 1821.

Campers will learn key facts about the Greek Revolution of 1821 and basic elements of the Greek Heritage through interactive classes and hands-on workshops on language, history, arts, theater, dance and cooking, but also enjoy the campers’ exciting life and connection with their friends and peers. They will have the opportunity to learn from Greek History and find out how this Greek summer experience can make their everyday life better!

Quick links: 

info:www.ourgreekvillage.org

Campers:  register here

Staff: register here 

contact: [email protected]

See the flyer in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin for more details.

Please forward this information to your Greek School students and families and feel free to share it with friends and family who might be interested. Thank you so much for your support!

Applications for scholarships administered by the Office of the Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America are available for awards to be made for the 2024-2025 academic year. The deadline for submitting an application for any of these scholarships is May 17, 2024.

The Gioles and Malta Scholarships are available to Undergraduate Students. The Paleologos Scholarship is available to Graduate students. The Trakatellis Scholarship is available to graduates of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology who are pursuing further academic studies. The Taylor Scholarship offers financial assistance to students pursuing a secondary degree. The Tembelis Scholarship is available to all students studying at Hellenic College-Holy Cross.

Click on the links below to download and print the scholarships instructions and applications.

• 2024 Gioles Scholarship
• 2024 Malta Scholarship
• 2024 Paleologos Scholarship
• 2024 Taylor Scholarship
• 2024 Tembelis Scholarship
• 2024 Trakatellis Scholarship

For more information about any of these scholarship opportunities, please send an email to [email protected] or call 212-774-0283.

Please see the Special Events section of this e-bulletin for the flyer about Faith Endowment Scholarships.

Calendar for Sunday School:

May:

Sunday School in session May 12 and 19
Activity: Friday, May 3 Good Friday Retreat
Activity: Sunday, May 19, Graduation and last day of Sunday School

Registration link for Sunday School: https://forms.gle/esUftdmLhEJH77Ap6 

Classes will be weekly, with a few exceptions for special events and holidays.  The Saint Nicholas website has the current and updated calendar: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

All Youth ages 8-18 from across our Metropolis are invited to attend our Metropolis Summer Camp this July at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, reunite with old friends, and learn more about our faith. Online camper registration is open, and spots are quickly filling up.

CAMP WEBSITE: https://gosfyouth.org/summer-camp

2024 SUMMER CAMP DATES

Session 1: July 7 - 13

Session 2: July 14 - 20

Session 3: July 21 - 27 (St. Nicholas is getting a group going at this session!)

Registration for all summer programs of the Ionian Village is now OPEN! Ionian Village will once again offer three programs, catering to high school students and young adults. Registration is available online at our website ionianvillage.org. Need-based scholarships may be offered by contacting our office. Spots are limited and are offered on a first-come first-served basis. Don’t miss your chance to participate in this life-changing ministry!

https://www.goarch.org/-/ionian-village-summer-2024-registration-1

Click here for the registration link with information about the dates of the program and tuition costs: https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/73/responses/new

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

In-person classes are offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:45 am (pending registration numbers)

Zoom classes are time flex and are offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays.

In addition to the classes, several assemblies take place annually to celebrate Greek Independence Days (October 28th and March 25th), Christmas, and the end-of-the-school-year party. Parents and other family members participate while the students recite poems, skits, songs, and dances.

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 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]

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

https://indd.adobe.com/view/7aa8fa63-9b32-4bcc-9004-27018ffb4f81

In cooperation with the national orthodox ministry to college students - Orthodox Christian Fellowship - we are attempting to form a group at Santa Clara University and are looking to see if we can make contact with any parishioners or anyone you may know who is a student at SCU.  

We would appreciate it if any contact information you may have is sent to me, so we can attempt to form the group this quarter.  Please feel free to view the flyer in the special events section of this e-bulletin and share Fr. Nebojsa's contact information, [email protected], with anyone interested in forming this group at Santa Clara University.

The Choir is actively recruiting new members!  If you are interested please contact Anthony Pappas at (408) 832-4271.  Men are especially needed, so please consider joining!  We have two options for practice, Sundays after services (with time allowed for the Coffee Hour) and Thursdays at 7:30pm.  Thank you!

We will plan on holding our meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month (directly after Greek School).  Please mark your calendars.  

We hope that all students in grades K-5th can join us! This year, Father Nebojsa has planned an exciting curriculum focusing on the Story of Creation.  Each monthly lesson will be concentrated on a particular day of this journey.  Each meeting will be scheduled for approximately one hour and will include a discussion with Father, an interactive activity and/or craft, refreshments and fellowship.  We want to be inclusive of everyone so please feel free to reach out to Helene if you have any concerns: 209.324.4918.    

For families with children in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade, please register your children for our JOY/HOPE ministry.  The link to register is 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