Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-02
Bulletin Contents
Special Services
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Stewardship and Donations
Special Announcements
Upcoming Events
Special Events
Education and Scholarships
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:  

GRACE KOURKOS (1 YR), wife of Ted Kourkos, mother of Chris (Cindy) Kourkos, Georgeanna Kourkos, and Helen-Marie (Chris) Ford, grandmother of Rachelle, Allison, William, and Jacob, great grandchildren

CHRIST (10 YRS) AND ELENI ARTEMIS NICHOLSON (ANNUAL), parents of Elaine Bernard

May their memory be eternal.

 

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by the Missions Ministry 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 March 9, 2025: Joanne Cox, Stephanie Mansfield, Meredith Panayotopoulos, Stacy Panayotopoulos, Mary Perlegos, Dianne Saunders, and Tina Sousa

 

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

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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 4th Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.

Προκείμενον. Plagal 4th Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1.
Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 13:11-14, 14:1-4.

Ἀδελφοί, νῦν ἐγγύτερον ἡμῶν ἡ σωτηρία ἢ ὅτε ἐπιστεύσαμεν. Ἡ νὺξ προέκοψεν, ἡ δὲ ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν· ἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους, καί ἐνδυσώμεθα τὰ ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός. Ὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ, εὐσχημόνως περιπατήσωμεν, μὴ κώμοις καὶ μέθαις, μὴ κοίταις καὶ ἀσελγείαις, μὴ ἔριδι καὶ ζήλῳ. Ἀλλʼ ἐνδύσασθε τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, καὶ τῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε, εἰς ἐπιθυμίας. Τὸν δὲ ἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει προσλαμβάνεσθε, μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν. Ὃς μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα, ὁ δὲ ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει. Ὁ ἐσθίων τὸν μὴ ἐσθίοντα μὴ ἐξουθενείτω, καὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων τὸν ἐσθίοντα μὴ κρινέτω· ὁ θεὸς γὰρ αὐτὸν προσελάβετο. Σὺ τίς εἶ ὁ κρίνων ἀλλότριον οἰκέτην; Τῷ ἰδίῳ κυρίῳ στήκει ἢ πίπτει. Σταθήσεται δέ· δυνατὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θεὸς στῆσαι αὐτόν.

Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Forgiveness Sunday
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 6:14-21

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· ᾿Εὰν γὰρ ἀφῆτε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, ἀφήσει καὶ ὑμῖν ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀφῆτε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, οὐδὲ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ἀφήσει τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν. ῞Οταν δὲ νηστεύητε, μὴ γίνεσθε ὥσπερ οἱ ὑποκριταὶ σκυθρωποί· ἀφανίζουσι γὰρ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν ὅπως φανῶσι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύοντες· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἀπέχουσι τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν. σὺ δὲ νηστεύων ἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν καὶ τὸ πρόσωπόν σου νίψαι,ὅπως μὴ φανῇς τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύων, ἀλλὰ τῷ πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ, καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ ἀποδώσει σοι ἐν τῷ φανερῷ. Μὴ θησαυρίζετε ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ὅπου σὴς καὶ βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται διορύσσουσι καὶ κλέπτουσι· θησαυρίζετε δὲ ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ, ὅπου οὔτε σὴς οὔτε βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται οὐ διορύσσουσιν οὐδὲ κλέπτουσιν· ὅπου γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρὸς ὑμῶν, ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία ὑμῶν.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Mode

Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. * For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. * He trampled death under foot by means of death; * and He became the firstborn from the dead. * From the maw of Hades He delivered us; * and He granted the world His great mercy.
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 2nd Mode

O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen."
Τῆς σοφίας ὁδηγέ, φρονήσεως χορηγέ, τῶν ἀφρόνων παιδευτά, καὶ πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστά, στήριξον, συνέτισον τὴν καρδίαν μου Δέσποτα. Σὺ δίδου μοι λόγον, ὁ τοῦ Πατρός Λόγος· ἰδοὺ γὰρ τὰ χείλη μου, οὐ μὴ κωλύσω ἐν τῷ κράζειν σοι· Ἐλεῆμον, ἐλέησόν με τὸν παραπεσόντα.
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Stewardship and Donations

DOES YOUR EMPLOYER OFFER MATCHING DONATIONS?

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

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


ST. NICHOLAS STEWARDSHIP 2025

Stewardship 2025 as of February 27, 2025

Goal: $605,000 (Approved 2025 Budget)
Pledged: $253,581
Pledges Paid: $123,441
Average Pledge: $1,249
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $130,140
Number of Stewards Pledging: 203

Stewardship 2024 on February 28, 2024 for comparison purposes:

Goal: $491,000 (Approved 2024 Budget with tentative stretch goal of $500,000)
Pledged: $204,181
Pledges Paid: $92,935
Average Pledge: $1,173
Outstanding unpaid commitments: $111,246
Number of Stewards Pledging: 174

Please continue to keep our Saint Nicholas Church in your thoughts and prayers throughout 2025. 

Dedicate yourself to Christ and His mission here at Saint Nicholas.  Look for opportunities to volunteer your time and talents, and pay toward your 2025 commitment pledge. 

Not a Steward of Saint Nicholas?  Please prayerfully consider becoming a Steward by completing the 2025 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:  https://www.saintnicholas.org/donate#stewardship

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

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS

A Saturday of the Souls (Psychosavato) service will be on Saturday, March 1st with Orthros beginning at 8:30am followed by the Liturgy at 9:30am and Memorial.  You can drop the names of deceased Orthodox Christian family members, relatives and friends in a special, marked box in the Narthex and you can bring a small dish of kollyva to the service.


MISSIONS SUNDAY AND SPECIAL TRAY

Sunday, March 2nd is the official OCMC’s Missions Sunday.  To assist our dedicated missionaries and mission priests serving abroad, we will have a special tray this Sunday, after liturgy.   The collection will be sent to OCMC to provide with financial assistance for their SAMP, Support a Missionary Priest Program, so that mission priests can be supported, and Church projects that address the spiritual and physical needs of those they serve may continue throughout the year. Please prayerfully consider a small donation towards this cause.

To learn more about the Church’s missionary calling and work please visit www.ocmc.org or contact the members of Saint Nicholas Missions Ministry at [email protected] or during the coffee hour, which is sponsored by the Missions Ministry this Sunday.

May the Holy Spirit strengthen you throughout your Lenten journey, and may you bring yourself and others to better know Jesus Christ, who is the Truth, and share in the salvation He has prepared for us.


FDF RECOGNITION SUNDAY

Again congratulations to all of our dance groups for their outstanding performances!  At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, March 2nd, Father James will ask all the dance group participants and their directors to come forward to be recognized in church.


CALLING FOR SALUTATIONS READERS - GRADES 5TH TO 12TH GRADES

Dear Parents,

We're looking for additional volunteers to read from the Salutations to the Theotokos service in either Greek or English. No memorization is required—just a willingness to share their voice with our community.

Our original email request for children (grades 5th to 12th) to read during our Lenten church services received an overwhelming response. Father James and I are excited to announce that we are now opening further readings to all our youth within the community. This is a wonderful opportunity for more of our young members to participate in these special readings and prayers to our Theotokos (Mother of God) and Christ.

Participating in these readings is an excellent way for your child to deepen their faith and connect with the rich traditions of our Church. The readings are a cherished part of our Lenten journey, offering a moment of reflection and devotion to the Theotokos (Mother of God) and Christ. By contributing to this beautiful tradition, your child will help to create a sense of unity and shared reverence within our congregation.

Imagine the pride and joy of seeing your child participate in such a meaningful part of our Lenten preparations for Pascha. It's an experience that will foster a deeper connection to their faith and our community.

If your child(ren) are interested in doing a reading, please sign them up on the link provided below. We have two readings for each evening: one will be done in English and the second in Greek; one is to the Theotokos, and the second is to Christ. Confirmation and reading material will be provided to the parent(s) promptly.

Thank you, and we appreciate all of your support!

In Christ,
Father James Kumarelas, Proistamenos
Father Nebojsa Pantic, Assistant Priest
Vicki Ryan, Sunday School Ministry Leader

Sign up link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbWLMyWzu6K09RCMPqtzN2J8tt-zHMJKRDYuJ3Zrmu9dYuMA/viewform?usp=dialog


CHURCH OFFICE

Please note that the church office will be closed for the Archdiocesan observance of Clean Monday on Monday, March 3rd. 

However, if you have a pastoral emergency and you need to reach a priest, please call 408-246-2781.


ORTHODOXY 101: PRELUDE TO PASCHA - CHRIST IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Our spring semester of Orthodoxy 101 will be a journey looking at Old Testament prophesies, alliterations, precursors, and foreshadowing of the passion and resurrection of Christ. 

Join Fr. Nebojsa Pantic via Zoom on Mondays in February, and HYBRID on Mondays during Great Lent, and following Pascha.  

Class will be 6:15pm until 7pm.  During February class will solely be online, via Zoom.  During Lent the class will be followed by Great Compline at 7pm.  After Pascha, the class will continue as a Hybrid class.  We will go until the end of the Sunday School year.

The next class will be Monday, March 10th at 6:15pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7084362224 

For more information please contact [email protected] 


CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY - BE A DELEGATE!

Preparations are underway for the 2025 Clergy-Laity Assembly for our Metropolis. This is an opportunity for our clergy and lay leaders of our parishes to come together, to learn and grow in our faith, gain new insights into the ministries and programs offered by our Metropolis, and take an active role in the governance of our Church.

This year’s Assembly will be held on Monday, May 5 beginning at 12:00 p.m., and will conclude on Tuesday, May 6 at 4:00 p.m. at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. 

Each parish is expected to have two members of the parish attend - elected at the Parish Assembly Meeting scheduled at our church on Sunday, April 27th.  Any parishioner in good standing, that is interested in being one our delegates, can self-nominate at our Parish Assembly meeting.


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Upcoming Events

LENTEN ALMS PROJECT - THIS SUNDAY

This year’s Lenten Alms Project will support the St. Innocent Orphanage and the Boy’s School located adjacent to the Orphanage as well as several surrounding schools.  Our goal is to provide School Supply Kits to 200 Children. 

An Amazon Wish List has been created so that purchases can be made directly: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/27ZCCAOHQ4S7I/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2    Another option is to donate to St. Nicholas, clearly marking the check for Lenten Alms,  and we will buy the supplies.

Our hope is to provide each child with:

  • 5 Pencils
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Safety Scissors
  • Ruler
  • 3 Ruled paper Notebooks
  • 2 pocket folders
  • 1 glue stick
  • 1 box of crayons
  • 1 pink eraser

In addition, they have requested some children’s books in Spanish, with multiple copies so that elementary school children can be split into small reading groups.  These appear on the Amazon List as well.

Kits will be assembled after Church on Sunday, March 2nd.   Please join us on March 2nd and help our Parish fulfill this need!


ST. NICHOLAS BASKETBALL - YOUTH SEASON STARTS WITH HOME GAMES THIS SUNDAY!

The 2025 Youth Basketball season gets bouncing this Sunday with our three boys' teams playing at the St. Nicholas Community Center beginning at 2:30pm on Mar 2nd.  Our two girls' teams hit the court next Sunday Mar 9th in Oakland.  Come and cheer on our St. Nicholas Youth!  Stay tuned to this e-bulletin for scores and highlights.  Go St. Nick!

This week is Sunday Mar 2nd

Girls Elementary This week: bye    Next week: vs Ascension @ Oakland, 3pm

Girls Middle School This week: bye    Next week: vs Ascension @ Oakland, 4pm

Boys Elementary This week: vs Ascension 1 @ San Jose, 4:30pm    Next week: vs St. Gregory @ Annunciation SF, 3:30pm

Boys Middle School This week: vs Annunciation @ San Jose, 2:30pm     Next week: vs Ascension @ Oakland, 5pm

Boys High School This week: vs St. Gregory 1 @ San Jose, 3:30pm    Next week: vs Ascension @ Oakland, 6pm

*Games subject to change.  Official practice and game schedule will be kept up-to-date on the TeamSnap app.  Parents/Players, make sure you are inputting your game availability into the TeamSnap app.

Special thanks to the Fr. Berris Golf Tournament for donating for more jerseys and game balls!

Adult Open Gym continues on Wednesdays from 7:30-9pm and Saturday mornings 10am-12pm.  There is an annual fee of $175 to participate, liability waiver required.  Register for Adult Open Gym here https://www.saintnicholas.org/basketball to get added to the WhatsApp group and participate.


LENT WITH INTENT - WEDNESDAY PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY AND POTLUCK

Come join us for an inspirational kickoff to Great Lent!  After the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday, March 5th at 6:30pm, we'll be gathering for a lenten potluck and spiritual talk in the Small Hall.   Fr. James Kumarelas will speak on the topic of St. John Climacus’ The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 1 – On the Renunciation of the World. 

This event is open to everyone—don't miss out on this opportunity for an evening of delicious food, engaging fellowship, and learning about our faith.  Please bring a lenten dish to share.  We'd love to see you there! 

Special note: we will be celebrating Presanctified Liturgy and Potluck on alternating Wednesdays with St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church.


JOIN THE KENTIMA (NEEDLECRAFT) MINISTRY!

Join the Kentima Ministry on Sunday, March 9th as we meet during coffee hour in the Senior Room to build new skills and fellowship.  We began last year with embroidery basics and will continue building new skills with cross stitch as the focus this season.  We will start about 10 minutes into coffee hour, grab yourself a snack and head over!  All ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Basic supplies will be provided.

Our schedule this season will be Sundays, March 9th, 16th, & 23rd and Sunday, April 6th.  If you have needlecraft expertise you are willing to share or supplies you’d like to donate, please reach out Meredith Panayotopoulos at 408-849-9552.


COMEDY AND OPA! NIGHT

Join us in an entertaining night with a well-known live standup comedian, Angelo Tsarouchas, on Friday, May 2nd in the Community Center.  Doors open at 7:00pm and show starts at 8:30am.  There will be tasty appetizers, no host bar, and music and dancing to DJ Alex Vital Sounds following the show.

Buy tickets, $85 per person, using the link below or using the flyer QR-code in the Special Events section in this e-bulletin.  Tickets also available at coffee hour on Sundays.  

For tickets:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-and-opa-night-featuring-angelo-tsarouchas-tickets-1259181789629?aff=oddtdtcreator

All proceeds benefit our AHEPA and DOP Chapters and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. A portion also supports the National AHEPA Project "Journey to Greece". 

The AHEPA Journey to Greece program, a cultural immersion initiative, supports and enables high school seniors and college undergraduates to earn up to six college course credits.  Originally initiated in 1968, the program transported a youthful generation of Greek American youths to explore their ancestral culture and land.  It was revitalized in 2006 in collaboration with Webster University.

Since its establishment, AHEPA, the largest and oldest Greek American Organization in the U.S., has consistently dedicated itself to advancing education for the upcoming generations. 

For questions, contact Jacqui Argyres at [email protected]  or Vassilis Zarifis at [email protected].


GOLDEN YEARS MEETING

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 11th at 11:30am in the Small Hall.   Please contact Christina Kouvaris at 408-306-8007 or email [email protected] if you have any questions.


COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY

Please mark your calendars for the 2025 Saint Nicholas San Jose College Ministry event dates!

Compline at 6:00pm, followed by food and fellowship in the Office Conference Room.

Wed. March 12, 2025 (special schedule at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, San Jose)

Wed. April 9, 2025

Wed. May 14, 2025

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


TIROPITES - FRIDAY, MARCH 21ST

Please come on Friday, March 21st to assemble Tiropites for the festival in the Community Center.  If you can come for the whole day or only for a few hours, your help is desperately needed and much appreciated.  We will begin at 8:30am and plan on finishing by 3pm or sooner if we have many helping hands.  Lunch, snacks and beverages will be provided.  Please bring an apron, pastry brush and a smile. 

If you have any questions, please call Penny Pagonis at 408-772-6229 or email Nicole Perakis at [email protected].  Please pass this information on to others--the more the merrier! Thank you so very much! 


GREEK FLAG RAISING

The annual Greek Flag Raising, in recognition of Greek Independence Day, will be held on Friday, March 21st 5:00pm at the San Jose City Hall Plaza, 200 E Santa Clara Street. Facilitated by AHEPA Silicon Valley Chapter 251and Daughters of Penelope Daphne #29, the ceremony will be hosted by Councilmember Pam Foley.  

There will also be a reception on the City Hall Tower 17th floor immediately following the ceremony compliments of the Order of AHEPA & Daughters of Penelope San Jose Chapters.

Please note that in order to get validated parking, you need to be in the City Hall Garage before 5 pm. After 5pm, it’s locked and you can only exit the parking structure. The garage is located off of 6th Street at 45 S Sixth St., San Jose, 95113.


JOIN THE 2025 ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL FESTIVAL!

Attention students in 5-12TH Grades:

We're thrilled to share that the 2025 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is just around the corner! Hosted by the Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, this festival is a fantastic opportunity for our youth to express their faith, share their thoughts, and shine on stage.

Who Can Participate?

Senior Division: Students in grades 10-12

Junior Division:  Students in grades 7-9

But that's not all! We're also encouraging our talented students in grades 5-6 to join us locally at Saint Nicholas. It's an excellent chance for them to get involved, gain confidence, and build their oratorical skills. 

 Awards and Scholarships Await!  Participants in the senior and junior divisions can earn awards and scholarships at the archdiocese level. Plus, all participants—regardless of age or division—will receive a special award from Saint Nicholas as appreciation and pride in their efforts.

Save the Date: March 23, 2025, at Saint Nicholas Church: on this special day, all our participating children will present their speeches here at Saint Nicholas.  Let's fill the room with support and encouragement for our outstanding youth. Y our presence means the world to them; together, we can make it a day to remember! 

Why Encourage Your Child to Participate?

Personal Growth: Public speaking enhances confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Faith: Topics of faith deepen their understanding and personal connection.

Community Building: It's a chance to connect with peers and our church community.

 We're here to support and mentor all participants. We'll provide guidance and assistance with delivering their speeches, aiming to ensure they feel confident and ready for the challenge.  Let’s champion Our Saint Nicholas Youth and unite to inspire, support, and encourage our young voices. After all, they are not just the future of our church—they are its vibrant present. 

Please feel free to contact Maria Daltayanni at email:  [email protected] or stop by the Sunday School office for all of the information. 


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Special Events

    Presanticified Liturgies and Speaker Series - St. Nicholas - Wed., March 5th

    Presanticified Liturgies and Speaker Series - St. Nicholas - Wed., March 5th

    St. Nicholas and St. Basil will share in hosting Great Lent 2025 Presanctified Liturgies followed by Lenten potluck suppers with spiritual talks on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. See the attached flyer.

    Kentima Ministry - St. Nicholas - Starts Sunday, March 9th

    Kentima Ministry - St. Nicholas - Starts Sunday, March 9th

    Join the Kentima Ministry next Sunday as we meet during coffee hour in the Senior Room to build new skills and fellowship. We began last year with embroidery basics and will continue building new skills with cross stitch as the focus this season. We will start about 10 minutes into coffee hour, grab yourself a snack and head over! All ages are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. Basic supplies will be provided. Our schedule this season will be Sundays, March 9th, 16th, & 23rd and Sunday, April 6th. If you have needlecraft expertise you are willing to share or supplies you’d like to donate, please reach out Meredith Panayotopoulos at 408-849-9552.

    Greek Flag Raising - San Jose City Hall - Friday, March 21st

    Greek Flag Raising - San Jose City Hall - Friday, March 21st

    he annual Greek Flag Raising, in recognition of Greek Independence Day, will be held on Friday, March 21st 5:00pm at the San Jose City Hall Plaza, 200 E Santa Clara Street. Facilitated by AHEPA Silicon Valley Chapter 251and Daughters of Penelope Daphne #29, the ceremony will be hosted by Councilmember Pam Foley. There will also be a reception on the City Hall Tower 17th floor immediately following the ceremony compliments of the Order of AHEPA & Daughters of Penelope San Jose Chapters. Please note that in order to get validated parking, you need to be in the City Hall Garage before 5 pm. After 5pm, it’s locked and you can only exit the parking structure. The garage is located off of 6th Street at 45 S Sixth St., San Jose, 95113.

    Comedy and Opa! Night - St. Nicholas - Friday, May 2nd

    Comedy and Opa! Night - St. Nicholas - Friday, May 2nd

    Ahepa Silicon Valley #251 and DOP Daphne #29 present Comedy and Opa! Night featuring Hollywood Comedian, Angelo Tsarouchas, on Friday, May 2nd at 7pm at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Community Center. No host bar, hors d'oeuvres, dancing to to DJ Alex Vital Sounds; $85 per person. Proceeds to also benefit AHEPA Journey to Greece program. Click on the flyer to purchase tickets. For questions, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

    Elpida Retreat - San Francisco - March 1st

    Elpida Retreat - San Francisco - March 1st

    Please see attached flyer.

    Women's Wellness Event - Belmont - Sat., Mar. 1st

    Women's Wellness Event - Belmont - Sat., Mar. 1st

    The Holy Cross Belmont Philoptochos invites all ladies to join us on Sat., Mar. 1, 10:30 AM, for a light brunch and wellness presentation by renowned wellness coach Vas Priebe, who will teach us how to make wellness a fun and sustainable part of our lives! RSVP for this free event at Holy Cross Church: [email protected] or 650-787-5081. Please see the attached flyer.

    Blini / Maslenitsa Fundraiser Lunch - Saratoga - March 2nd

    Blini / Maslenitsa Fundraiser Lunch - Saratoga - March 2nd

    An invitation to the annual Blini / Maslenitsa fundraiser lunch, on March 2nd (Forgiveness Sunday) between Noon and 2PM at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Saratoga

    Lenten Retreat - Stockton - March 8th

    Lenten Retreat - Stockton - March 8th

    See the attached flyer.

    Pan-Orthdodox Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers - Los Altos - Sunday, March 9th

    Pan-Orthdodox Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers - Los Altos - Sunday, March 9th

    The South Bay Pan-Orthodox clergy invites you to Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at the Antiochian Orthodox Church of the Redeemer, 380 Magdalena Ave., Los Altos Hills at 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 9th. A lenten potluck to follow. Please bring a lenten dish to share (no meat or dairy).

    Bay Area Goya Lenten Retreat - Marin Headlands -Mar. 14th-16th

    Bay Area Goya Lenten Retreat - Marin Headlands -Mar. 14th-16th

    The Bay Area GOYA Lenten Retreat takes place this year on March 14-16th. Register electronically at www.tinyurl.com/LentenRetreat2025 or by scanning the QR code.

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Education and Scholarships

2025 ST. NICHOLAS AND PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOLARSHIPS

It is with pleasure that we announce the scholarship applications for both St. Nicholas Sunday School and St. Anna Philoptochos are available in the Sunday School office as well as the Church Office.  The cutoff date for both scholarships is Friday, May 2nd no later than 5:00pm.

Qualifications are listed on both applications, and recipients will be announced on Sunday, May 18, 2025 following the Divine Liturgy.

Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Laurie Sahines at 408-823-0111 or via email:  [email protected].


DIG IN! ARCHAEOLOGY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (AAS)

Archaeology After School is a pre-collegiate, tuition-free, online program focused on Greek archaeology and cultural heritage and is designed for middle school and high school students, 13 to 17 years old. The AAS Program consists of a series of modules and an immersive curriculum on topics related to archaeological methods, ancient Greek history, classical studies, and cultural heritage. From the Antikythera Mechanism to the World Heritage Sites and Landmarks, and through interactive activities students will explore the relevance of the past and its connection to the present.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate of attendance. Classes meet on Sundays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm PST, beginning March 23, 2025 and ending on May 18, 2025. For details and to apply, visit www.archaeologyafterschool.org  

Deadline for applying is March 18, 2025.


GAPWS SCHOLARSHIP

The Greek American Professional Women’s Society is proud to support and mentor young women who work towards advancing their education and becoming successful members of their communities.​The Society announces a scholarship award to be offered to a female college student of Hellenic heritage in 2025. ​Eligible applicants must be residents of California, full-time, degree-seeking college students (undergraduate) at an accredited college or university in the United States.  A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is required. ​The 2025 GAPWS scholarship recipient will receive $2,000. Deadline for applications is March 31, 2025.  To apply go to www.gapws.org.


SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES

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.

March

2 - Family Divine Liturgy
9 - Sunday School / Sunday of Orthodoxy
16 - Family Divine Liturgy
23 - Sunday School
30 - Sunday School

April
6 - Sunday School
13 - Sunday School
20 - No Sunday School Holy Pascha
27 - Family Divine Liturgy

May
4 - Sunday School
11 - Sunday School
18 - Last day Sunday School / High School Graduation Celebration


CROSSROAD 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!

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.  


DID YOU KNOW?

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


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Ministries and Organizations

CANON OF FAITH - MARCH 2025

Please read the Canon of Faith for March 2025 using the online link viewing:      

https://indd.adobe.com/view/d8c02862-6292-4ead-a4a9-5b681b6921fa


METROPOLIS SUMMER CAMP 2025

**St. Nicholas is trying to get a group together to attend Session 3**

This July, the Metropolis invites youth ages 8-18 to join us for the Metropolis Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. This exciting experience offers a chance to make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and deepen your faith. Online camper registration opens on February 1, and spots will fill up quickly!

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

2025 SUMMER CAMP DATES

Session 1: July 6 - 12

Session 2: July 13 - 19

Session 3: July 20 - 26

CAMPER REGISTRATION

$725 Early Registration (February 1 – February 8)

$750 Regular Registration (February 9 – March 31)

$775 Late Registration (April 1 or later)

*A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to register. Payment plans are available.

CAMPER AGES

The youngest campers will be 8 years old (or entering 3rd grade in Fall 2025) and the oldest will be 18 years old (or will be graduating High School in Spring 2025).

SUMMER CAMP STAFF

The Metropolis is seeking passionate, faithful, and dedicated young adults (19+) to join the camp staff. Additionally, they are looking for medical and lifeguard personnel. If you know someone who would be a great fit for the Metropolis Staff, please encourage them to apply! Applications are open until March 1 on our website. CLICK HERE

MEDICAL STAFF

The Metropolis is in need of summer camp medical staff. If you are a licensed medical professional or know someone who is, please encourage them to apply on the camp website CLICK HERE. We especially love having MD's, NP's, and RN's!

AMAZON WISH LIST

Help us keep the cost of camp down and make a donation from our Amazon Wish List HERE.

CAMPER SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THOSE IN NEED

With the generous support of both the Archbishop Elpidophoros Summer Camp Scholarship Fund and Leadership 100, the Metropolis will be able to offer camp scholarships to assist families experiencing financial challenges. Before you apply for a scholarship, we ask that you first ask your parish if they have any summer camp scholarships available. As you wait to hear about parish camp scholarships or hear back from the Archdiocese, we highly suggest registering now by paying the $100 deposit to secure a spot as we will quickly fill up! CLICK HERE


ADULT OPEN GYM BASKETBALL

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: 

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


CHOIR

The Choir is actively recruiting new members!  If you are interested please contact Anthony Pappas at (408) 832-4271 for practice times.  On Sundays, the Choir performs at the Divine Liturgy.  Join the fun!


GILROY FAMILY FELLOWSHIP

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

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

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


LOST AND FOUND

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


YOUTH MINISTRIES REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Sunday School

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

Greek Folk Dance

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

Greek School

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

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

Basketball 

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

Altar Servers:   

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

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

GOYA

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

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

JOY/HOPE

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

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


A HOME FOR ICONS

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

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


GREEK PASTRIES, KOLLYVA, ARTOKLASIA & PROSPHORA

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

For kollyva:   Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124  

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

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

For prosphora:  Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124


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Schedule of Services

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

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

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

Saturday, March 1 - 2nd Saturday of Souls (Cheesefare Saturday)
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, March 2 - Forgiveness (Cheesefare) Sunday
8:15am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
6:00pm - Forgiveness Vespers

Monday, March 3 - Clean Monday
7:00pm - Great Compline

Wednesday, March 5
6:30pm - Presanctified Liturgy, potluck & speaker follows

Friday, March 7
7:00pm - 1st Salutation to the Theotokos

Saturday, March 8 - The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by St. Theodore the Tyro
8:30am - Orthros
9:30am - Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, March 9 - Sunday of Orthodoxy
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

March 02

Forgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.

March 02

Hesychius the Martyr

Holy martyr Hesychius lived during the reign of king Maximian in 302. He was the first and the leader in the royal palace and the Senate, because he was magistrianus by office. When Maximian ordered that all Christians who were royal soldiers ought to be deprived of their belts (which were a sign of their royal merit) and live as civilians and without honour, many Christians preferred to live without any outward honour due to this illegal order than to be honoured and lose their soul. St. Hesychius was numbered with these Christians as well. When the king heard this, he ordered that the saint ought to be stripped of the expensive clothes, which he used to wear, and be dressed with a shabby mantle without sleeves woven from hair and to be as disgraced and disdained as to consort with women.

When this had been carried out, the king invited him and asked him: "Aren't you ashamed, Hesychius, that you lost the honour and office of magistrianus and that you have been debased to this kind of life? Or maybe you don't know that the Christians, whose way of life you preferred, have no power to restore you to your previous great honour and office?" The saint replied: "Your honour, o king, is temporary but the honour and glory which Christ gives is eternal and without end." Because of these words the king got angry and ordered his men to tie a great millstone around the saint's neck and then to throw him in the middle of river Orontus, which lies in Coele Syria and which is commonly called Oronge. Thus, the blessed man received the crown of martyrdom from the Lord.

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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

Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
St. Isaac of Syria
Unknown, 7th century

Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Unknown, 18th century

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