FUN DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR LOVED ONES!
Have a Friday FUN Night with your loved ones at home and send in the photos!
When: This Friday, April 24, 2020 at 7:00 pm
Where: Comfort of your Home
Why: Because it’s …. FRIDAY! YAY!
What: Whatever you and your loved ones do to have Friday FUN!!
Please send your Friday FUN Night activity photos to: 75ypc@saintnicholas.org (show us how you are sheltering in place to keep everyone healthy and safe!)
ORTHODOXY 101: ENCOUNTERING THE RESURRECTION
Monday nights following the Paraklisis, Fr. Nebojsa will be offering a look at the scripture passages of the 11 Eothinon Gospels. Please contact him directly at frnebojsa@gmail.com or 707-315-7823 to receive Zoom invitations for this online class.
Monday April 27th 6:10 pm
Monday May 4th 6:10 pm
Monday May 11th 6:10 pm
Monday May 18th 6:10 pm
Monday May 25th 6:10 pm
ALL GRADUATING SENIORS - HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE
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 information to churchoffice@saintnicholas.org no later than May 15, 2020 or call the church office. We also welcome anyone graduating from a junior college and/or university/college. Please submit the same information with the name of the completed degree.
LIGHT A CANDLE
We are offering vigil candle(s) to be lit by Father Demosthenes and Father Nebojsa along with an opportunity to submit names to be prayed for at the Prothesis (Preparation) and at the Paraklesis services scheduled for the week. When lit, the vigil candles last for one week. Please see the online form on our website:
LIGHT A CANDLE: 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.
PASCHAL REFLECTIONS FROM METROPOLITAN GERASIMOS
Please click to see a Paschal message from His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos:
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Be a part of the Saint Nicholas Virtual Parish! Subscribe to our Youtube channel under the name SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH SAN JOSE and watch our church services livestreamed:
STREAM & SUBSCRIBE NOW: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1x-nHP063YTTMrevkzL21w/
LIGHT A CANDLE: https://saintnicholas.org/virtual-chapel/light-a-candle
SUPPORT OUR SAINT NICHOLAS BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19
We want to Support Our Saint Nicholas Businesses which remain operational during the response to combat the spread of COVID-19. A Saint Nicholas Business Directory is being established on our Saint Nicholas website, to feature and allow us to support those businesses who have unwaveringly supported us throughout the years. To see our local businesses already listed: https://saintnicholas.org/virtual-community/2020/4/3/st-nicholas-business-directory
Let Us Spread the Love!
Please send the following information to: 75ypc@saintnicholas.org.
- Name of Business
- Type of Business
- Location (Address)
- Contact Information (phone # & email Address)
- Business Hours
- Link if Available
ST. NICHOLAS: TOGETHER, AT HOME
These last few weeks have been a new experience for all of us. We have also been blessed with the opportunity to reflect upon our lives, our families, and our friends like never before. Have you taken a family walk? Did you cook something new? Did you make a phone call when you would have sent a text? Did you say one more prayer? Just because we are at home does not mean we are not Together.
Share what you and your loved ones are doing while sheltering in place! Send photos, videos, stories to: 75ypc@saintnicholas.org, to be shared on our SNC website & media sites. St Nicholas Sheltering in Place to Stay Healthy & Safe! To see photos already submitted on our website, click on: https://saintnicholas.org/virtual-community/2020/3/27/together-at-home
COMMUNIQUE FROM HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD
NEW YORK – On Monday, April 6, 2020, the Holy Eparchial Synod convened, via teleconference, in order to discuss significant matters that affect the Archdiocese of America, and unanimously decided the following:
1) The sacred services of our Orthodox tradition for Holy Week and Easter will continue to be observed in the Parishes and the Monasteries following the directives of the local Metropolitans and in accordance to the mandates of the respective State and Health authorities. Therefore, the “closed-doors” policy will be strictly enforced, the services will be broadcasted via the internet and they will be celebrated only with the participation of the priest, the chanter, and the acolyte.
2) Abiding by the regulations of the aforementioned State and Health authorities, there will be absolutely no distribution of the traditional material offerings to the faithful, including palms, candles, Holy Unction, flowers, eggs and the Paschal Light.
3) Spiritual guidance may be provided remotely using technological means, but the Sacrament of Holy Confession and the Prayer of Absolution cannot be offered via the telephone or via electronic media.
4) This year’s National Clergy-Laity Congress will be held through an internet teleconference forum on a date to be announced in the near future.
FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARIAT OF THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD
MISSIONS MINISTRY
Christos Anesti to all! May the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ bless the world during these dark times, bring hope to your life and fill you with His love and blessings for eternity. A big thank you to all for your support during times of uncertainty and need. Our spiritual friends across the world appreciate your generosity.
“Let us not deceive ourselves. Our spiritual life will not acquire the fervor, the broadness, the genuineness that is should, if we continue to regard and love Christianity limited within the narrow boundaries of the community to which we belong, forgetting its universal destiny.” Archbishob Anastasios of Albania.
Tax deductible donations can be made to Sts Peter and Paul Missions Ministry through checks sent to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church or through the Fili website www.fili-inc.com. To join the Missions Ministry please contact Maria Aji at 408-425-6967.
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:
http://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/servicesindex.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 ALL of the services we have in our church, and that we will be using this resource as well. This is also a great resource that falls within the new guidelines of our Archdiocese with regards to Covid-19 Corona Virus.
ARCHDIOCESE ONLINE COVID-19 RESOURCE CENTER
New York - The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America launched an updated, online COVID-19 Resource Center which can be accessed at www.goarch.org/covid19.
ST. ANNA'S COVID-19 PANDEMIC SUPPORT FUND
In empathy and love, St Anna's Philoptochos has been serving the people in our community for over 75 years. In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis, this site allows you to donate for those in need, through our Social Services Committee. If you wish to mail a contribution, please mail to:
St. Anna’s Philoptochos
COVID-19 – CRISIS
986 Chapman Street
San Jose, CA 95126
Until further notice, all donations are restricted to the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis Support Fund. Monies will be disbursed to those who are in need of financial support as a result of the Pandemic. After this challenging time has passed, all remaining money shall be dedicated to our ongoing Philanthropic efforts.
In order to provide ongoing support, National Philoptochos has gathered resources to help cope with the anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic. These can be found at: www.philoptochos.org/whats-happening/.
We encourage everyone to stay connected during this difficult time! Maintaining connections with friends and family via phone calls, texts, and video meetings during this period of sheltering in place, will help reduce anxiety.
Faith in our mission unites and empowers us to make a difference. Working together, with the love and blessings of God, we will continue our work to lessen the pain, loss and suffering of the most fragile in our society. May God bless you and your loved ones.
DAILY PRAYER SERVICE BY HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP ELPIDOPHOROS
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America led the first in a series of daily prayers for those faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America who have either passed away or are suffering from complications related to the coronavirus COVID19. Please click on the link for information and to submit names of the afflicted or departed: https://www.goarch.org/-/daily-prayer-service-archbishop-elpidophoros-04-08-2020
CHURCH OFFICE DURING PANDEMIC
Due to the (Coronavirus) Covid-19 outbreak in the Bay Area and for everyone's continued safety, please do not visit the Church Office in person. If you have needs or questions, please call the office at 408-246-2770 or email at churchoffice@saintnicholas.org. You can also contact Father Demosthenes at 408-784-9364, email: frdemosthenes@aol.com or Father Nebojsa at 707-315-7823, email frnebojsa@gmail.com. Thank you for your understanding.
MEMORIALS
Due to the county-mandated shelter-in-place and the direction of the Archdiocese, memorials can be chanted but without kollyva and without people in the church. Please note that memorials are not allowed from the Saturday of Lazarus to, and including, the Sunday of Thomas.
SAINT NICHOLAS BROKERAGE ACCOUNT
Saint Nicholas is happy to present another option for our parishioners to contribute to Saint Nicholas through our Fidelity brokerage account. If there are stocks, bonds or funds you wish to contribute, please use the following information:
Account #: Z40-125155
DTC #: 0226
STEWARDSHIP 2020 - COMPLETE ONLINE
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 2020 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 Links:
https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/36/responses/new OR
https://saintnicholas.org/donate
Father Demosthenes and the Stewardship Committee: Mary Ann Devetzis, Jeff Contos, and Peter Panayotopoulos
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/
FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS - VIRTUAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official collegiate campus ministry program under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. If you are a college student and interested in their programs, please learn more at their website: http://www.ocf.net/ and their virtual programs at www.ocf.net/ocf-at-home.
SCHOLARSHIP - ST. ANNA PHILOPTOCHOS - AVAILABLE ONLINE
The scholarship forms for the St. Anna Philoptochos Scholarship can be obtained through the St. Nicholas website. Once the mandate to "shelter in place" is withdrawn, applications will also be available in the Church Office and Church School Office. The scholarship recognizes academic achievement, encourages participation in higher education (whether technical or professional), and acknowledges the volunteer/community service work at the parish and in the community at large. The applicants must be graduating seniors during Mary/June 2020, attending the Church School of St. Nicholas, and whose families are stewards of the parish.
Due to the uncertainty of when the school offices will be opened during the pandemic, the due dates for the scholarship applications to both the St. Nicholas Scholarship and St. Anna Philoptochos Scholarships have been extended to Friday, July 31, 2020. We want to give the opportunity to all eligible seniors of our parish to apply.
2020 SAINT NICHOLAS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Saint Nicholas Scholarship Program is available and encouraging all seniors to apply. Applications can be obtained online at www.saintnicholas.org by sending an email to SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com.
Due to the uncertainty of when the school offices will be opened during the pandemic, the due dates for the scholarship applications to both the St. Nicholas Scholarship and St. Anna Philoptochos Scholarships have been extended to Friday, July 31, 2020 at 5:00pm. We want to give the opportunity to all eligible seniors of our parish to apply. 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 Vicki Ryan at SaintNicholasSundaySchool@gmail.com.
SAINT NICHOLAS - HONORING THE PAST WITH A VISION TO THE FUTURE
2020 marks the 75th anniversary year of the establishment of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
In light of the Shelter in Place order, planned events and celebrations have been suspended. We wish to continue to honor individuals and groups who were important to the development of our community and served selflessly.
The candidates for the honor should be women and men whose accomplishments are truly outstanding to the St. Nicholas Church community. A major criterion for selection should be service that enhances and betters the lives of our parish. Such activities are felt throughout the church community. These individuals have exercised considerable influence through their service. The ideal candidate also inspires others to better serve our community.
If you know someone you wish to nominate for this honor, please e-mail the 75th Anniversary Planning Committee at: 75ypc@saintnicholas.org with that person’s name and a brief paragraph on their contributions to our community. Groups as well as individuals are eligible for consideration.
VIRTUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL
We have implemented video classrooms for Sunday School using the Zoom platform for students and parents up to 20 minutes. A new subject will be taught each week. The goal is to connect our children (K-12) to make sure they know we are thinking of them, missing them, and continue to teach the importance of our Orthodox faith especially now during Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha.
If you have been participating during the last two (2) weeks, you do not need to do anything except tap the link into your appropriate session on Sunday from the invitation email you will receive from one of the group leaders below. It would be helpful if you can show your children how to mute and unmute their screen. Ideally, if they can be located in a quiet room, that would be great for these sessions - especially the younger grades K-6. We will be publishing the schedule weekly since it is unclear when we will be able to return to normal classroom time.
If you are interested in joining our future session, please RSVP to the appropriate group leader below. You may have heard about hackers into Zoom meetings, we are taking all precautions to add automatic passwords to your invite and sending invites weekly. Zoom has upgraded their software to ensure protection and we, at Saint Nicholas, are prepared should this unfortunate situation occur. You do not have to download Zoom when you get the invitation link from the group leader as you can access the session by tapping the link on the appropriate date and time. Download instructions can be found below if you prefer to have the app on your hardware.
The Sunday School schedule will be as follows:
11:00am - Kindergarten - Group Leader, Georgia Petrakis, gdouveas@outlook.com
11:30am - Grades 1 - 6 - Group Leader, Vicki Ryan, vicki.vasiliki.ryan@gmail.com
12:00pm Noon - Grades 7-11 - Group Leader, Nicolas Tcharos, nicolast@cisco.com
12:30pm - Grade 12 - Group Leader, Ted Tsortos, ttsortos@gmail.com
April 26 - No Sunday Virtual Session - Thomas Sunday
May 3 - Sunday Virtual Session
May 10 - Sunday Virtual Session
May 17 - Sunday Virtual Session - last day of Sunday School
Father Nebojsa will be attending all sessions and will be available to partner with teachers to answer any questions.
For help in enrolling your children or downloading Zoom or for other questions, please call Vicki Ryan at 408-858-4774 or Father Nebojsa at 707-315-7823.
Downloading Zoom Instructions:
If you do not have Zoom on your computer, please follow the one-time, step by step process to download Zoom to your computer or other devices. To download and install the Zoom application, please go to https://zoom.us/download and from the Download Center, click on the Download button under “Zoom Client For Meetings”. This application will automatically download when you start your first Zoom Meeting. It is free for 40 minutes and up to 100 invitees.
CANON OF FAITH
Until further notice, the Canon of Faith will be published electronically only.
SUNDAY BULLETIN NOTICE
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.
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.
BULLETIN SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Please note that all information in the weekly bulletin is subject to change.