Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-09-29
Bulletin Contents
Special Services
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Stewardship and Donations
Special Announcements
Upcoming Events
Special Events
Education Programs
Ministries and Organizations
Schedule of Services
Saints and Feasts
Kontakion of the Fallen Asleep
Wisdom of the Fathers
Liturgical Calendar

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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

Proistamenos: Rev. Fr. James Kumarelas


[email protected]

Assistant Priest: Rev. Fr. Nebojsa Pantic


[email protected]

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

SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

DR. GEORGE COSTOUROS (2 YRS), husband of Joanna Costouros, father of Dr. John and Dr. Nick, grandchildren

NIKOLAOS AND MARIA LECCA (ANNUAL), parents of Joanna Costouros

DEMETRIOS (DEAN) GASSOUMIS (3 YRS), husband of Paula Gassoumis

PANAGIOTIS SARAKINIS (5 YRS), husband of Olga, father of Kosta (Anna), Bobby (Anna), Yanno (Zoe), and Theoni

KONSTANTINOS AND MAYRA SARAKINIS (ANNUAL), parents-in-law of Olga Sarakinis

May their memory be eternal.

 

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Janet Cocoles, Maria Colyvas, Christina Kokologiannakis, Erin Kouvaris, and Sarah Struck 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 October 6th: Anthea Antoniou, Marianthi Maroudas, Dina Panagopoulos, Elena Polychronopoulos, Katerina Polychronopoulos i

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. After this He appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table and He upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw Him after He had risen. And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Third Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 16:9-20

Ἀναστὰς ὁ Ἰησοῦς πρωῒ πρώτῃ Σαββάτου ἐφάνη πρῶτον Μαρίᾳ τῇ Μαγδαληνῇ, ἀφ' ἧς ἐκβεβλήκει ἑπτὰ δαιμόνια. Ἐκείνη πορευθεῖσα ἀπήγγειλε τοῖς μετ' αὐτοῦ γενομένοις, πενθοῦσι καὶ κλαίουσι. Κᾀκεῖνοι ἀκούσαντες ὅτι ζῇ καὶ ἐθεάθη ὑπ' αὐτῆς ἠπίστησαν. Μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα δυσὶν ἐξ αὐτῶν περιπατοῦσιν ἐφανερώθη ἐν ἑτέρᾳ μορφῇ, πορευομένοις, εἰς ἀγρόν. Κᾀκεῖνοι ἀπελθόντες ἀπήγγειλαν τοῖς λοιποῖς, οὐδὲ ἐκείνοις ἐπίστευσαν. Ὕστερον, ἀνακειμένοις αὐτοῖς τοῖς ἕνδεκα ἐφανερώθη, καὶ ὠνείδισε τὴν ἀπιστίαν αὐτῶν καὶ σκληροκαρδίαν, ὅτι τοῖς θεασαμένοις αὐτὸν ἐγηγερμένον, οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν. Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Πορευθέντες εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἅπαντα, κηρύξατε τὸ εὐαγγέλιον πάσῃ τῇ κτίσει. Ὁ πιστεύσας καὶ βαπτισθείς, σωθήσεται, ὁ δὲ ἀπιστήσας, κατακριθήσεται. Σημεῖα δὲ τοῖς πιστεύσασι ταῦτα παρακολουθήσει. Ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου δαιμόνια ἐκβαλοῦσι, γλώσσαις λαλήσουσι καιναῖς, ὄφεις ἀροῦσι, κἂν θανάσιμόν τι πίωσιν, οὐ μὴ αὐτοὺς βλάψει, ἐπὶ ἀῤῥώστους χεῖρας ἐπιθήσουσι, καὶ καλῶς ἕξουσιν. Ὁ μὲν οὖν Κύριος, μετὰ τὸ λαλῆσαι αὐτοῖς, ἀνελήφθη εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν, καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἐκεῖνοι δὲ ἐξελθόντες, ἐκήρυξαν πανταχοῦ, τοῦ Κυρίου συνεργοῦντος, καὶ τὸν λόγον βεβαιοῦντος, διὰ τῶν ἐπακολουθούντων σημείων. Ἀμήν.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 1st Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:1-4.

Brethren, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

But I call God to witness against me - it was to spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Προκείμενον. Plagal 1st Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 11.7,1.
Σὺ Κύριε, φυλάξαις ἡμᾶς καὶ διατηρήσαις ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Σῶσον με, Κύριε, ὅτι ἐκλέλοιπεν ὅσιος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 1:21-24, 2:1-4.

Ἀδελφοί, ὁ βεβαιῶν ἡμᾶς σὺν ὑμῖν εἰς Χριστόν, καὶ χρίσας ἡμᾶς, θεός, ὁ καὶ σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς, καὶ δοὺς τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ πνεύματος ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν. Ἐγὼ δὲ μάρτυρα τὸν θεὸν ἐπικαλοῦμαι ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχήν, ὅτι φειδόμενος ὑμῶν οὐκέτι ἦλθον εἰς Κόρινθον. Οὐχ ὅτι κυριεύομεν ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως, ἀλλὰ συνεργοί ἐσμεν τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν· τῇ γὰρ πίστει ἑστήκατε. Ἔκρινα δὲ ἐμαυτῷ τοῦτο, τὸ μὴ πάλιν ἐν λύπῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐλθεῖν. Εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ λυπῶ ὑμᾶς, καὶ τίς ἐστιν ὁ εὐφραίνων με, εἰ μὴ ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ; Καὶ ἔγραψα ὑμῖν τοῦτο αὐτό, ἵνα μὴ ἐλθὼν λύπην ἔχω ἀφʼ ὧν ἔδει με χαίρειν, πεποιθὼς ἐπὶ πάντας ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ἡ ἐμὴ χαρὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐστίν. Ἐκ γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως καὶ συνοχῆς καρδίας ἔγραψα ὑμῖν διὰ πολλῶν δακρύων, οὐχ ἵνα λυπηθῆτε, ἀλλὰ τὴν ἀγάπην ἵνα γνῶτε ἣν ἔχω περισσοτέρως εἰς ὑμᾶς.

Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

2nd Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 6:31-36

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καθὼς θέλετε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς ὁμοίως. καὶ εἰ ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας αὐτοὺς ἀγαπῶσι. καὶ ἐὰν ἀγαθοποιῆτε τοὺς ἀγαθοποιοῦντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσι. καὶ ἐὰν δανείζητε παρ᾿ ὧν ἐλπίζετε ἀπολαβεῖν, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς δανείζουσιν ἵνα ἀπολάβωσι τὰ ἴσα. πλὴν ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑμῶν καὶ ἀγαθοποιεῖτε καὶ δανείζετε μηδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες, καὶ ἔσται ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολύς, καὶ ἔσεσθε υἱοὶ ὑψίστου, ὅτι αὐτὸς χρηστός ἐστιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀχαρίστους καὶ πονηρούς. Γίνεσθε οὖν οἰκτίρμονες, καθὼς καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν οἰκτίρμων ἐστί.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Mode

Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.

Apolytikion for Cyriacus the Anchorite in the 1st Mode

Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Cyriacus, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.
Τής ερήμου πολίτης, καί εν σώματι Άγγελος, καί θαυματουργός ανεδείχθης, θεοφόρε Πατήρ ημών Κυριακέ, νηστεία, αγρυπνία, προσευχή, ουράνια χαρίσματα λαβών, θεραπεύεις τούς νοσούντας, καί τάς ψυχάς τών πίστει προστρεχόντων σοι, Δόξα τώ δεδωκότι σοι ισχύν, δόξα τώ σέ στεφανώσαντι, δόξα τώ ενεργούντι διά σού πάσιν ιάματα.

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

ST. NICHOLAS STEWARDSHIP 2024

Stewardship 2024 as of September 26, 2024:

Goal: $491,000 (Approved 2024 Budget with tentative stretch goal of $500,000)
Pledged: $406,297
Pledges Paid: $337,190
Average Pledge: $1,220
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $69,108
Number of Stewards Pledging: 333

Stewardship 2023 on September 28, 2023 for comparison purposes:

Goal: $500,000 ($3000 per Stewardship Family, as an average)
Pledged: $435,849
Pledges Paid: $362,300
Average Pledge: $1,289
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $73,549
Number of Stewards Pledging: 339

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

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

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

To give by mail: Stewardship 

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

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

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

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

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


LIGHT A CANDLE

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

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

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


DONATIONS VIA FACEBOOK

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


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Special Announcements

LIVE SCAN (FINGER PRINTING) FOR ALL STAFF/VOLUNTEERS THAT WORK WITH YOUTH - SUNDAY, SEPT. 29TH

With the new California State law on mandated reporting for all youth staff workers/volunteers, Saint Nicholas is required to comply with background checks, training (annually) and fingerprinting.   We are happy that many of our youth staff workers/volunteers have already complied with the mandate.

However, for those who have not yet completed the process, Saint Nicholas is graciously offering another fingerprinting service on Sunday, September 29th from 11:30am - 3:00 pm.   Important: only those that have fulfilled the Archdiocese online account set up, Code of Conduct, background check, and training module will be allowed to get fingerprinted.  

We encourage all youth staff workers/volunteers, who have not already done so, to sign up to comply with these legal requirements. 

To reserve a spot or if you need any assistance, please contact Angie Markolefas at 408-891-4314 or email at [email protected].


PARKING LOT NOT AVAILABLE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Important note: Please park on the street on Friday and Saturday due to maintenance work of our parking lot.  The parking lot will be slurry-sealed and striped.  No cars allowed in the parking lot.


RETREAT THIS SUNDAY! FAMILIES OF PRE-K - 3RD GRADE

Attention:   Families of PreK - 3rd Grade in Sunday School:

We are excited to announce a new initiative for our Sunday School program this year. This coming Sunday, September 29th, we will introduce an engaging learning retreat for our students and parents in grades PreK through 3rd.

We ask that you and your children stay through the Divine Liturgy, receive the antithero, and return to the front pews with your children.  Father James will lead a lesson on the design of our Orthodox Church building, how we are to understand our entrance into the sacred space, and will explain the purpose and meaning of the space itself; the icons and their placements and how we interact with them.

Following the lesson, we will gather in the courtyard for sandwiches, drinks, and goodies. This will be an excellent opportunity for fellowship, and Father James and Father Nebojsa look forward to meeting you and spending quality time with you and your children.

We aim to conclude the retreat in time for those students who need to attend dance practice.

We hope this new initiative will enrich our children’s understanding and appreciation of our faith and church traditions. Thank you for your support and participation.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

All other grades, 4th —12th, will proceed to their classrooms following holy communion. Their retreat is scheduled for Sunday, October 6th. More information will be coming.


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.


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] 


NATIONAL CHURCH MUSIC MINISTRY SUNDAY AND SPECIAL TRAY

Sunday, October 6, 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 6th we will have a tray for your support to keep these much needed services going.  Thank you very much!


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.


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Upcoming Events

GOLDEN YEARS MEETING

Save the date! The next Golden Years meeting is on Tuesday, October 8th in the Small Hall at 11:30am.   Please contact Christina Kouvaris at 408-306-8007 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.


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].


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.


PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

It is that time of year again!  Our Philoptochos Christmas luncheon is on!  Save the date: Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 at the Saratoga Country Club.  Tickets will be sold at Sunday coffee hour.  See the flyer in the "Special Events" section of this e-bulletin for more information.


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


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

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].

    Senior Resort Camp! Fall into Fun - Sept 30th - Oct 3rd - Dunlap

    Senior Resort Camp! Fall into Fun - Sept 30th - Oct 3rd - Dunlap

    Attached please find a flyer introducing you to a Senior Resort Camp being held in honor of the memory of Father Tom Paris. It is being held beginning September 30th and ending on October 3rd at the St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap California. If you are interested in attending and if you can drive please contact: Christine Kouvaris: 408-306-8007/[email protected] or Laurie Sahines: 408-823-0111/[email protected].

    Young Adult Fall Retreat - Fri. Oct 4th - Sun. Oct 6th - St. Nicholas Ranch - Dunlap - Featuring Fr. Nebojsa as Guest Speaker

    Young Adult Fall Retreat - Fri. Oct 4th - Sun. Oct 6th - St. Nicholas Ranch - Dunlap - Featuring Fr. Nebojsa as Guest Speaker

    The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will present a Young Adult Fall Retreat from Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. Join with other Orthodox young adults from throughout the west for a weekend of fellowship, prayer and inspiring presentations. The retreat theme for this year’s Young Adult Fall Retreat is “The Power of Forgiveness” and will feature Rev. Father Nebojsa Pantic as the guest speaker. Father Nebojsa currently serves as the Assistant Priest at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose, CA. As part of his presentation, Father Nebojsa will explore the depth and meaning of this verse from Psalm 23, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life . . .” Open to all Orthodox College Students and Young Professionals, ages 18-30’s. Participants should plan to arrive at the Ranch after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, with dinner being served at 6:30 p.m. The retreat program will begin that evening at 8:30 p.m. Saturday will offer a full day of presentations and activities, including a work project at the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring. Our weekend will culminate with Divine Liturgy at the Monastery, followed by breakfast, with the retreat concluding around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6. There is a NEW optional addition to the retreat – Friday Excursion and Hike Adventure Package. Arrival will be on Thursday, October 3. To register: https://gosfyouth.org/youngadults#/young-adult-fall-retreat.

    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.

    Serbian Food Festival - Saratoga - Sat & Sun, September 28-29th

    Serbian Food Festival - Saratoga - Sat & Sun, September 28-29th

    On September 28th and 29th is the Serbian Food Fest at St. Archangel Michael in Saratoga. Please see the attached flyer.

    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.

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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.

September
29 – Sunday School in Session (Spiritual Retreat for K – 3rd grade)

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

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!


CANON OF FAITH - SEPTEMBER 2024

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

https://indd.adobe.com/view/e4771349-653e-4851-89f5-b77d4dd0aad1


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, September 29 - 2nd Sunday of Luke
8:15am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, September 30
5:00pm - Paraklesis

Tuesday, October 1 - Holy Protection of the Theotokos
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

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

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

Online Links to the Text of Church Services:

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

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

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

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

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

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Saints and Feasts

September 29

2nd Sunday of Luke

September 29

Cyriacus the Hermit of Palestine

This Saint was born in Corinth in 448. He went to Palestine to the Lavra of Euthymius the Great, but because of his youth was sent by Saint Euthymius to Saint Gerasimus; after the death of Saint Gerasimus he returned to the Lavra of Saint Euthymius. Later he took on a more rigorous life of asceticism in the wilderness of Natoufa, where there was nothing to eat except the exceedingly bitter wild herb called squills, which, however, through his prayers, God made sweet for him and his disciple. He lived 107 years and reposed in the year 555.

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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

There are three things that impel us towards what is holy: natural instincts, angelic powers and probity of intention. Natural instincts impel us when, for example, we do to others what we would wish them to do to us (cf. Luke 6:31), or when we see someone suffering deprivation or in need and naturally feel compassion. Angelic powers impel us when, being ourselves impelled to something worthwhile, we find we are providentially helped and guided. We are impelled by probity of intention when, discriminating between good and evil, we choose the good.
St. Maximos the Confessor
Second Century on Love no. 32, Philokalia Vol. 2 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 71, 7th century

Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing.
St. John Chrysostom
Unknown, 4th century

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