Tickets are on sale NOW for the Cioppino Dinner Night to be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 in the St. Nicholas Community Center, 6:30pm Social Hour, 7:00pm Dinner.  Adults $50 (after March 23rd $60)- Students $25.  For reservations and tickets contact Bill Christie at billchristie1@mac.com or call 408-531-9211. Tickets must be purchased in advance - no tickets sold at the door.  Make checks payable to AHEPA and mail to Bill Christie, 3327 Lake Albano Circle, San Jose, Ca 95135.  Sponsored by San Jose AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope Chapters.

Our adult ministries have asked for support from our youth and looking for 8 students to help with Cioppino Night dinner which is being held at Saint Nicholas on Saturday, March 30th at 6:00 PM.  All children will be needed for about 2 hours and will have a complimentary dinner for their support.  Please let me know if your child can volunteer and will give further details and instructions.  Good opportunity to earn volunteer hours and happy to provide written letter to their respective school.  For more information, please call Vicki Ryan at 408-858-4774.

2019 GAPWS Scholarship Award DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 30 - 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 2019.

Eligible applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking female college students (undergraduate) at an accredited college or university in the United States, and residents of California.  A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is required.

The 2019 GAPWS scholarship recipient will receive $1,000.  Deadline for applications has been extended to March 30, 2019.  The GAPWS Scholarship winner will be announced early May 2019.  For more information and to apply use the link below:

https://www.gapws.org/scholarship

Sunday March 31st

Our High School and Adult teams play here at St. Nicholas vs. Annunication at 2:30 and 3:30 respectively.  Come root for our teams!

Please consider contributing a special donation towards Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha, to offset church expenses, by selecting an item from the list below.  Please make your checks payable to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and send to the church office (please put "Pascha Needs" in the memo section.  To pay by credit card/Paypal, please go onto our website at www.saintnicholas.org and click on the "Giving" area.  Thank you and Kali Sarakosti!

The Center of Hellenic Education is pleased to host the Coffee Hour. Please join us and explore the wonderful programs that are available to students of all ages!

Sunday Coffee Team: Diana Matheou, Helene Simvoulakis-Panos, Patty Perlegos, and Margarita Zafiris.  Thank you for your support!

For more information about joining the coffee hour teams, please contact Marcella Fotis at 408-723-4124.  

With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, His Grace Bishop Neofitos of Kenya will be visiting our parishes in the Metropolis.  He will be joining us at our Great Compline service on Monday, April 1st at 5:30pm.  His Grace Bishop Neofitos is the ruling bishop of the Diocese of Nyeri and Mt. Kenya.  Please join us for this amazing opportunity to meet the bishop and learn about his diocese and work.

Background on His Grace Bishop NEOFITOS: Born in 1970 in the village of Kesengei, in the Nandi district of Kenya, His Grace holds a degree from the “Archbishop Makarios III” Patriarchal Academy in Kenya. He was ordained deacon on September 13, 1998 and priest on the 27th of the same month from the then Metropolitan Seraphim of Kenya, now of Zimbabwe and Angola. He served in parishes in Nairobi and at the Patriarchal Academy there as Deputy Principal. On February 27, 2005, His Eminence Makarios of Kenya consecrated him as archimandrite. In the same year he was awarded a postgraduate title in Theological Studies from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston. In 2007 he was tonsured a monk at the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration in Veroia. He is a candidate for a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology, with a scholarship from the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki. On November 26, 2014, he was elected by the Holy Synod as Auxiliary Bishop of the once brilliant Diocese of Nitria. In 2015, His Grace was unanimously elected as the first bishop of the Diocese of Nyeri and Mt. Kenya.  The Diocese spanning some 50,250 square miles is comprised of 60 parishes that are served by 53 priests.    

By the Grace of God and with the prayerful support of Orthodox Christians around the world, the Diocese has:  Renovated 10 churches + Built 11 semi-permanent churches + Built 2 permanent churches + Provided motorcycles for 53 clergy + Gifted new vestments to some priests + Built and opened the Diocese Centre in 2018 + Built a hall to accommodate 100 people + Procured the Diocesan 11- seater Van + Procured Diocesan 5 Acres piece of land with maize farming taking place there + Sponsored many students from primary, secondary and tertiary education levels.

Now, Diocese of Nyeri & Mount Kenya Saint asks for your prayers and seeks your assistance to build Saint Anthony Orthodox Christian Secondary School.  When making a donation, please write in the memo section, “Saint Anthony Orthodox Christian School".

Confessions with Father Demosthenes are available without an appointment during Great Compline on Monday evenings and the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday evenings.   

A HOPE/JOY group will be meeting every Tuesday starting April 2nd in Room 2 of the Educational Building from 10am-11am for moms with children ages 0-6.  Please join us for prayer, a small discussion and an activity with snacks for the children.  Please contact Stacy Karahalios at 847-924-5317 or Shanyn Bateh at 303-709-7775 for more information.  

Please join us on Wednesday, April 3rd at 5:30pm for the 9th Hour, Presanctified Liturgy, and Confessions.  After the Liturgy, we will have a potluck in the Small Hall sponsored by the Sts. Peter and Paul Missions Ministry. Dr. John Klentos, associate professor at PAOI, will be speaking to us on the topic of "Holy Mother Maria of Paris: A Modern Saint for the Modern World". 

Please join us after the presanctified liturgy on Wednesday, April 3rd, for a lenten dinner and lecture hosted by the Sts. Peter and Paul Mission Ministry.  Dr. John Klentos, associate professor at PAOI, will be speaking to us on the topic of "Holy Mother Maria of Paris: A Modern Saint for the Modern World".  This will take place in the church small hall and is open to all.  Goodwill donations towards our featured charity, the orphanage in India, are welcome.

Our Ministry is committed to assist with the payment of the construction loan and furnish the classrooms, laboratories, and facilities of Sister Nektaria’s school in India. The St. Ignatius School will be up for re-accreditation in 2020. The need is urgent. Towards this end, a donation box has been placed in the narthex to enable those who would like to support our featured charity.  We will be updating you throughout the year with the heart, smiles, and love of the children, as they progress in the oasis that you help provide. 

For more information on this and other missionary activity, please contact Maria Aji at stspeterpaulmissions@gmail.com, or follow our Saints Peter and Paul Missions Ministry Facebook page and the Fili website:  www.fili-inc.com.  Our next board meeting is on Thursday April 18 at 7 pm in the small hall.  Please consider joining us.

•  April 2 – Field trip to FILOLI – For more information call Linda at: 408-234-9226.  Those who are carpooling, please meet at the parking lot directly behind the Community Center at 9:30am sharp.
• April 10 – Host Presanctified Dinner-Potluck.  We hope you can all attend and bring your favorite dish to share.  Please call Mina to coordinate what you will bring. Special speaker will be Dr. Tikey Zes on "Byzantine Chant and Rembetiko" with audience participation.
• May 7 - Last meeting – Lunch at:

         BILL OF FARE, 1069 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

            For reservations call Antonia at: 408 472-3888

 For more information, please call Mina at: 408 515-8301

TRAY: On March 31, the Veneration of the Holy Cross, Philoptochos will pass a second tray.  All proceeds will go to Holy Cross/Hellenic College.  Checks may be made out to St. Anna Philoptochos.  Please note "Holy Cross" in the memo line.

SAVE THE DATE:  St. Anna Annual Spring Tea is set for Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11:30 a.m., at the home of Chairperson Laurie Sahines, 2023 Wellington Drive, Milpitas, CA.  For more information, please contact Laurie at 408-823-1111  or e-mail lsahines@comcast.net.

LENTEN PHILOPTOCHOS/YOUTH PROJECT - On Saturday, April 6, St. Anna Philoptochos and all the youth ministries are partnering to support the Bill Wilson Center Drop In Center by bagging food and hygiene items for distribution at the Center to the homeless youth. We are accepting donations of non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items. There will be two boxes specifically marked for donations in the small hall. Example of food items: granola bars, little bottles of water, single serve nuts, fruit cups, etc. Example of personal hygiene items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, socks, combs, deodorant, soap, travel size wipes.  Money donations are also accepted.  Make out your check to St. Nicholas, and put in the memo Bill Wilson Center/youth project.  For more information, please e-mail or call Olga Koutalides Cartwright at olgaekc@yahoo.com or (408) 718-0785.

ST. ANNA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION - On Sunday, March 10, the St. Anna Scholarship Application was passed to the students of the 12th grade church school class. Applications can also be obtained through the church office, the church school office, and on the St. Nicholas website. Completed applications with all necessary documentation must be turned in a sealed envelope, addressed to Philoptochos, and turned into the church office no later than Friday, May 3, 2019.

ELECTIONS:  Elections to the St. Anna Philoptochos Board will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019 after the Divine Liturgy in the small hall.  Candidates for election must be members of Philoptochos, stewards of St. Nicholas and have submitted their  Nomination Form no later than Palm Sunday, April 21. Nomination Forms can be obtained from the church office or at the "Election Notice" table located in the small hall on Sundays.  

We will be having an organizational gathering for GOYA (6th-12th grades) on Saturday April 6th at 6:30 pm.

If you are interested in attending please contact Fr. Nebojsa directly for the address. Fr.Nebojsa@gmail.com

Father Demosthenes, Father Nebojsa and the Parish Council invite you to join us for Palm Sunday Luncheon, on Sunday, April 21, 2019, following liturgical services.

As we approach the holiest season of the year, the Triodion and Great Lent, we reflect on the blessings and riches bestowed upon us.  As stewards of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, God has gifted us with the honor of being the caretakers of our Orthodox faith.   As caretakers, we are responsible for ensuring that there is a safe and welcoming spiritual home in which to come together to worship for the glory of God. 

Your continuing support spiritually, socially and financially are vital to the well being of our parish.  We humbly request if you have not had an opportunity to complete your 2019 stewardship pledge, use the following link to do so online.  When completing this, we ask that you make time to pray and reflect on the many gifts that the Church has given you.  Increasing your stewardship contribution will assist in growing our parish and provide an environment in which our community will flourish.

Stewardship Link:

https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/28/responses/new

We pray that you a have most blessed Paschal season.

Father Demosthenes and the Stewardship Committee: Mary Ann Devetzis, Jeff Contos, and Peter Panayotopoulos

The Saint Nicholas Scholarship Program is available and encouraging all seniors to apply.  Applications can be obtained through the Church Office or by sending an email to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com.  Deadline for submitted applications is Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 5:00 PM.  Completed applications need to be submitted to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com.  

Parishioners who would like to donate towards the scholarship program are welcomed.  We want to continue to support our long term education for all of our youth who are furthering their education and/or work experience.  If you are interested in donating, please contact Fr. Nebojsa, Angeliki Pries, Jeff Contos or Stephanie Tzouanas Schmidt.

Please note that the bookstore is open on Sundays after liturgy, and by appointment.  You will need to contact the church office at 408/ 246-2770 to make alternate arrangements.

The bookstore will be closed on Sunday, April 28^th for Pascha.

Greeting cards are now on sale for $1.00 each until April 7^th.

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS

Tuesdays 7:30pm - 9:00pm

ADULTS

Wednesdays 7:30pm - 9:00pm

If you have any questions contact Paul Papageorge at paulpapa@mac.com

We currently have 2 clear bins labeled for donations to The Real Options Medical Clinic. One in the bookstore and the other bin is outside the Sunday school office. You can put your donations of diapers, baby products and clothing for newborn thru 2 yrs. Gift cards to Walmart and Target are also accepted. You can also contact me directly to receive the above items. The Real Options Center was thrilled with the donation of 2 very gently used strollers that were donated last week. Tax receipts are available.  God Bless You all for your generosity to these women and families in need.  For more information please contact Ruth Duterte ruthrad1@aol.com  or 408-483-3009.

For safety reasons per Fire Marshal requirements, please keep strollers in the Cry Room or outside the church.  Thank you for your cooperation.

In case of a special need and you would like a pastoral visit, the priests would be happy to visit after receiving a call from an immediate family member due to privacy concerns.   Please text or call either Fr. Demosthenes at 408-784-9364 or Father Nebojsa at 707-315-7823 or call the church office at 408-246-2770.

Need Support from Parents and Parishioners

The only requirement is love working with children and you are a perfect match – we will do the rest to ensure your success.  We are in need of additional volunteers (teachers and aides) for Pre-K, 6^th grade, 9^th grade, and 10^th grade. Please stop by the Sunday School office any Sunday or send email to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com

Sunday School Update for March through May 2019

Friday, March 29 Salutations to the Theotokos readings by our youth

Sunday, March 31st Sunday School - back to the normal schedule 

Friday, April 5th Salutations to the Theotokos readings by our youth

Sunday, April 7th Sunday School

Friday, April 12th - Akathist Hymn readings by our youth 

Sunday, April 14 - Sunday School

Saturday, April 20th Lazarus Saturday (more information to come on this day for our youth)

Sunday, April 21 - Sunday School  - Palm Sunday - 5th Graders participate in the Palm Sunday service

Friday, April 26th Good Friday Retreat for grades PreK - 12th.  Will provide a note from Fathers to be excused from school for those who need it.

Sunday, April 28th Easter - no Sunday School

Sunday, May 5th - no Sunday School

Sunday, May 12th - Sunday School back to normal schedule - Mother's Day

Sunday, May 19th - Sunday School

Sunday, May 26th - Last Day of Sunday School and Graduation Ceremony for Class of 2019 and Greek School

Please refer to the website for exact times: www.saintnicholas.org.

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/

Do you find yourself humming along with the hymns each Sunday?  Then please come on up and join our active, music-loving choir.    Requirements:  age 16 and over; be able to carry a tune, reading music is not necessary, knowledge of Greek NOT required, phonetics provided.  Rehearsals every Thursday from 7:30 to 9pm. Sunday liturgy from 10:00am to 11:45am; no rehearsals in July and August.  You will gain many benefits including active participation in the liturgy which enhances the understanding of our religion, gaining knowledge of the Feast Days, being part of a warm, friendly group, and guaranteed the best seat during Holy Week!  If this sounds interesting, drop in at a rehearsal - no invitation necessary.  For questions, call the Choir Director, Dr. Tikey Zes at 408-723-0640 or the Church Office at 408-246-2770.

The PAOI, and the Church of the Holy Cross in Belmont are bringing “Eikona" to the Bay Area on April 5, 6, and 7.  The preliminary schedule for the weekend is as follows:

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019 - Salutations at Holy Trinity in San Francisco at 7:00 pm

SATURDAY APRIL 6, 2019 - Concert and Lenten Retreat at Holy Cross in Belmont at 10:00 am

SUNDAY APRIL 7, 2019 - Divine Liturgy and youth music workshop at Holy Trinity in Belmont. Orthros and Divine Liturgy at 8:45 am

If you wish to order kollyva, paximadia, koulourakia or other Greek pastries, or artoklasia, please see below.  Payment is arranged with the makers and not the church.  If there is anyone who wants to be added to the makers list, please call the church office.

For kollyva:

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

Maria Anagnostou 408-316-6609

For paximadia, koulourakia, and other Greek pastries:

Maria Tsaboukos 408-723-5175

Antonia Komianos 408-472-3888

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

For artoklasia:

Marcella Fotis 408-723-4124

Maria or Despina Anagnostou 408-316-6609

To avoid any confusion on our part as we compose and print the Sunday bulletin, we ask that anyone who wishes to include a notice in the Sunday bulletin submit the notice in writing to the office BY TUESDAY AT 5PM!  Please don't wait until the last minute or send a note into the altar on a Sunday morning while the liturgy is in progress.

In addition, all ongoing (same message) bulletin entries will be in for four weeks, four times a year.  Please review these entries and plan accordingly.

Please check with Father Demosthenes in the office before posting anything on the bulletin board in the Small Hall.  Notices, announcements, advertisements, etc. that have not been approved will be removed.  Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Please note that all information in the weekly bulletin is subject to change.