To prepare for Pascha, we will need help cleaning the church.   Please join us on Saturday, April 20th at 10:00am in the church (after Liturgy).  We need as much help as possible!  For questions, please call Koula Pries 408-313-6172 or Ruth Duterte at 408-483-3009.

On Saturday, April 20th following Orthros and Liturgy which begins at 8:30 am, Saint Nicholas will be sponsoring a pancake breakfast in the Small Hall for all while we are making the palm crosses in preparation of Palm Sunday.  This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community along with our youth in making of the palm crosses and preparing together for Holy Week.  If you are interested in joining us for breakfast and making of the palm crosses, please RSVP no later than Saturday, April 13th at saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com.  Please indicate name and numbers attending.

Father Demosthenes, Father Nebojsa and the Parish Council invite you to join us for a Palm Sunday Luncheon in the Community Center on Sunday, April 21, 2019, following the second liturgy.  A delicious salmon lunch will be served.  The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

Sunday Coffee Team: 1st Liturgy in Small Hall: Members of the St. Nicholas Parish Council.  2nd Liturgy: Coffee will be served with the Palm Sunday Lunch in the Community Center. Thank you for your support!

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

Saturday, April 20 — Saturday of Lazarus
8:30 a.m. Orthros & Divine Liturgy
5:00 p.m. Vespers

Sunday, April 21 — Palm Sunday
7:15 a.m. Orthros & 1st Liturgy
10:00 a.m. 2nd Liturgy
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service with His Eminence, Metropolitan Nikitas

Monday, April 22 — Holy Monday
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Tuesday, April 23 — Holy Tuesday
7:00 p.m. Nymphios Service

Wednesday, April 24 — Holy Wednesday
8:30 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
4:00 p.m. Holy Unction (Euchaileon)
7:00 p.m. Orthros of Holy Thursday (with Anointing)

Thursday, April 25 — Holy Thursday
8:30 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great
7:00 p.m. Holy Passion/Twelve Gospels

Friday, April 26 — Great and Holy Friday
8:30 a.m. Royal Hours
3:00 p.m. Apokathilosis (Unnailing from the Cross) with His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos
7:00 p.m. Epitaphios/Lamentations with His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos

Saturday, April 27 — Holy Saturday
8:30 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great
11:00 p.m. Paschal Vigil and Anastasis Liturgy

Sunday, April 28 — HOLY PASCHA
11:00 a.m. Agape Vespers

The youth retreat is scheduled for Friday, April 26 from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.  We will be doing a variety of learning activities and having some "hands-on" fun with Easter traditions of the Orthodox church and culture around this year’s theme "God's House Our House".  We will be providing breakfast and lunch and want to make sure we have an accurate count - if you can kindly RSVP by Saturday, April 13th your child(ren)'s name and grade level for those who will be attending at saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com. 

Parents/grandparents are also welcomed to the retreat and if you are attending, please add your name to the RSVP.  We also need help and support for this event, so all volunteers are welcomed.  If you like to donate your time, food or drinks, please send email to saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com.

In addition, we have Fr. Demosthenes' official letter for those of you who need your children to be excused on Good Friday.  Please send email to saintnicholassundayschool@gmail.com or stop by the Sunday School Office.

Un-nailing service will begin right at 3:00 PM and encourage all to attend.  Holy Friday service begins at 7:00 PM.  Details of Holy Week can be found under Upcoming Events on our website www.saintnicholas.org.

On behalf of Fr. Demosthenes, Fr. Nebojsa, and the Saint Nicholas Parish Council, we would like to thank our very considerate parishioners for reaching out and contributing to our church’s needs during Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha.  The tremendous love and dedication you have shown with your most generous and thoughtful contributions, touches the entire parish.  Our Lenten season is enhanced and made more meaningful and Pascha brighter and most festive with the colorful flowers, decorated icons and Epitafio, wreaths, candles, oil, livani, palms, wine, charcoal, and other important spiritual elements.  If you wish to contribute to our parish in honor of Pascha, your donations are gratefully  accepted and appreciated.  May God bless you and your families always.  Kalo Pascha!  

Please note that no memorial services can take place from Sunday April 21st up to and including Sunday, May 5th.

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.

A HOPE/JOY group will be meeting every Tuesday 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.  The next meeting is on Tuesday, April 30th.

SAVE THE DATE:  St. Anna Philoptochos and Daughters of Penelope 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 408-823-0111  or e-mail lsahines@comcast.net.

FESTIVAL TIME: Every year St. Anna Philoptochos has its boutique in Room 3.  If you wish to make a donation to the boutique, you can bring your gently used items to the church on Sunday, or call/e-mail Laurie Sahines, Chairperson at (408) 823-0111 or lsahines@comcast.net, and make arrangements to meet her at the church on Fridays to drop off the items. 

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.  

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.  

Save the date: The Parish Assembly will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2019 in the Small Hall.  The meeting will start promptly at 12:00 pm.  Members present will constitute a quorum to carry out the business of the Parish. To vote, members must be Stewards in good standing.  The agenda for the meeting will be provided.

GOLDEN YEARS NEWS

 OUR LAST MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE

 ON TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2019, 1PM

 LUNCH AT

AT BILL OF FARE

 1069 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

 FOR RESERVATION

 CALL ANTONIA AT: 408 472-3888

 by APRIL 29

The Church Office will be closed on Friday, April 26th and Monday, April 29th respectively for the Archdiocesan observances of Holy Friday and Renewel Monday.

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.

Each year in the June issue of the Canon of Faith, we list graduating high school  seniors: 1) their name, 2) parents’ names, 3)their high school’s name, 4) college or university planning to attend and 5) their desired major.  Please submit this to churchoffice@saintnicholas.org no later than May 15, 2019 or call the church office.  We also welcome anyone graduating from a junior college and/or university/college.  Please submit the same information with completed degree.

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

Festival 2019 Food Preparation Schedule

May 6 & 7 Mon-Tues Pastitsio CC Bill Christie 408-891-9225

May 9 Thu Tiropites SH Joanne Pagonis 408-741-0596

May 8 & 9 Wed & Thu Mousaka CC Bill Christie 408-891-9225

May 10  Fri Dolmades CC Bill Christie 408-891-9225

May 13 Mon Kourambiethes SH-Mixing, CC- Cooking Laurie Sahines 408-823-0111

May 16 Thu Melomakarona SH-Mixing, CC-Cooking Philoptochos

May 18 Sat Spanakopites SH Eleni Matheou 408-266-8987, Janie Swenor 408-297-6842, Dora Koumoutsakis 408-293-9640

May 20 Mon Koulourakia SH-Mixing, CC-Cooking Roula Demertzis 408-268-7645, Maria Tsaboukos 408-723-5175

May 27 Mon Souvlaki, Loukaniko, Kalamari CC John Niktas 408-559-0611

May 29 Wed Tzatziki SH Roula Demertzis 408-268-7645, Andriana Pappas 408-873-9212

May 30 Thu Yemista CC Nicki Poulos 408-723-2613

Please contact the chairpersons listed to offer your help and for starting times.  The Saint Nicholas Festival needs your help and support!

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

Saturday, April 20th Lazarus Saturday (see more information in separate bulletin entry)

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 -  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.

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

Please join the 1st Annual St. John the Baptist Golf Tournament at Poppy Hills Golf Course, Pebble Beach, on May 24th, 2019.  Proceeds to benefit St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church.
Schedule of Events: Four Person Scramble, 11:30 Registration and Check-In - Entry fee includes box lunch; 1:00 Shotgun start green fee, cart and dinner; 6:00 Dinner, Awards, Raffle and Auction - Note: You can sign up just for the dinner at $40 and participate in the great raffle/auction. No golf experience required! Please send checks and AUCTION/RAFFLE prize donations to: St. John the Baptist c/o Corrine Balcom 1599 Josselyn Canyon Rd. Monterey, CA 93940 Or pay online at:

https://saintjohnmontereyevents.wufoo.com/forms/birdies-for-bricks/

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.