Exclusive | Archbishop Joani of Albania on his secret baptism and visible faith

By Corinna Robinson/additional editing by Dr. Stratos Safioleas
March 4, 2026

In communist Albania, atheism was enshrined in the constitution. Owning a copy of the Gospel was enough to land a person in prison for a decade–if they were lucky. Churches had been destroyed, clergy executed, and the entire nation’s spirituality driven underground. It was in this world that His Beatitude Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania first encountered Christianity, through a borrowed book.

“It was not a conversion,” Archbishop Joani says. “It was a revelation.”

Archbishop Joani’s ancestors were Christian before an Ottoman-Albanian ruler... show moreExclusive | Archbishop Joani of Albania on his secret baptism and visible faith

By Corinna Robinson/additional editing by Dr. Stratos Safioleas
March 4, 2026

In communist Albania, atheism was enshrined in the constitution. Owning a copy of the Gospel was enough to land a person in prison for a decade–if they were lucky. Churches had been destroyed, clergy executed, and the entire nation’s spirituality driven underground. It was in this world that His Beatitude Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania first encountered Christianity, through a borrowed book.

“It was not a conversion,” Archbishop Joani says. “It was a revelation.”

Archbishop Joani’s ancestors were Christian before an Ottoman-Albanian ruler converted southern villages to Bektashism–a syncretism between Orthodox Christianity and Sufi Islam. However, by the time Archbishop Joani was born–as Fatmir Pelushi–there was no religion whatsoever in his household. His first contact with the sacred came in his fourth year of high school, when a friend of his brother gave him a French book. Neither knew, but the book was the Gospel of John.

“When I read the Gospel, I felt the same joy of childhood,” Archbishop Joani remembers. The youngest of eight children, he recalls feelings of protection and warmth that faded as he grew up. His first prayer was simply, “Thank you, God, for bringing back the joy of childhood.”

He was baptized on June 24, 1979, taking the name of St. John the Baptist. There were just three people present with him–a priest, a godfather, and a young boy keeping watch outside.

The priest who baptized him, Fr. Kosma Qirjo, risked everything in doing so; another priest in the northern city of Shkodër had already been executed merely for performing a baptism.

“It was much easier to find dynamite than a Gospel,” Archbishop Joani says.

During the Albanian Orthodox Church’s years of restoration, then-Metropolitan Joani honored Fr. Kosma’s years of ministry under peril by ordaining him to the episcopacy. His son, the boy who stood guard at the baptism, is now a priest as well.

This personal history shapes how Archbishop Joani approaches his ministry. When he speaks of the need for visible unity among the Orthodox churches, he speaks from the experience of a people who once had no church at all, and who know what it means when one is resurrected.

“Visible unity is a witness,” Archbishop Joani says. “It gives hope to our people and to other people who don’t have dialogue now.”

“It’s very important that people see something. We can keep the unity in our hearts, but it’s not enough–true unity has to be expressed.”

On Sunday, Archbishop Joani celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy alongside clergy and hierarchs from ten different jurisdictions. This occasion, he says, is evidence of the importance of visible unity.

“We gave a message and I saw the reaction of the people,” Archbishop Joani says. “They were all happy; it gives hope to them.” In this, he says, hierarchs have a responsibility not only for themselves, but for their people.

https://orthodoxobserver.org/exclusive-archbishop-joani-of-albania-on-his-secret-baptism-and-visible-faith/ ...show less

March 08

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom.

Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life.

He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously... show moreMarch 08

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom.

Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life.

He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today. ...show less

JOIN THE SAINT NICHOLAS DIGITAL STORYTELLING TEAM

We're forming a small team of digital storytellers to help create and share content for the Saint Nicholas Festival with the hope of continuing to grow the church's online presence beyond the festival.

If you're interested in media, storytelling, or digital ministry and want hands-on experience this is a great opportunity to be part of something meaningful.

Please join us during Great Lent on Friday nights at 6:00 pm as we discuss a basic guide to Eastern Orthodox Theology. If you are looking into Orthodoxy, or are just interested in knowing more about the faith from a beginners point of view, please join us in-person at the Office Conference Room, or Online via zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7084362224.

For more information please contact Fr. Nebojsa Pantic

SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

GEORGE (ANNUAL) AND SONIA (40 DAYS) BITAR, parents of Roger (Claudine) Bitar and Katia (Ramez) Karkafi, grandparents of George, Marc, Sonia, Christopher, Matthew, and Christina

DENTCHO EVGENIEV (40 DAYS), father of Evgenia Evgenieva

CHRIS AND ZERIFIA CORELIS (ANNUAL)

DIMITRIOS LAIOS (ANNUAL), father of Ioannis (Donna) Laios

May their memory be eternal.

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Evagelia Niktas, Eleftheria Pries, Evagelia Pries, and Koula Pries in the Small Hall with support from families with memorial services. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our hosts.

Upcoming... show moreSUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

GEORGE (ANNUAL) AND SONIA (40 DAYS) BITAR, parents of Roger (Claudine) Bitar and Katia (Ramez) Karkafi, grandparents of George, Marc, Sonia, Christopher, Matthew, and Christina

DENTCHO EVGENIEV (40 DAYS), father of Evgenia Evgenieva

CHRIS AND ZERIFIA CORELIS (ANNUAL)

DIMITRIOS LAIOS (ANNUAL), father of Ioannis (Donna) Laios

May their memory be eternal.

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Evagelia Niktas, Eleftheria Pries, Evagelia Pries, and Koula Pries 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 15, 2026: Maria Chaloris, Despina Iskander, Diana Matheou, Angeliki Pries, and Chrissoula Pries

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

DAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS
Please remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

PHILOPTOCHOS - PROPOSED BUDGET APPROVAL
St. Anna Philoptochos will be holding a members meeting to approve the 2026 Philoptochos Budget on Sunday, March 8th at 11:30am in the Senior Room of the Small Hall. Refreshments will be offered, with a chance to win a ticket to the 2026 Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon to our members in attendance! All Philoptochos members, please attend this important meeting. For any questions, please email Laurie Sahines at laurie.sahines @gmail.com or phone 408-823-0111.

GOLDEN YEARS MEETING
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:30 am in the Small Hall. Please contact Christina... show moreDAYLIGHT SAVING BEGINS
Please remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026.

PHILOPTOCHOS - PROPOSED BUDGET APPROVAL
St. Anna Philoptochos will be holding a members meeting to approve the 2026 Philoptochos Budget on Sunday, March 8th at 11:30am in the Senior Room of the Small Hall. Refreshments will be offered, with a chance to win a ticket to the 2026 Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon to our members in attendance! All Philoptochos members, please attend this important meeting. For any questions, please email Laurie Sahines at laurie.sahines @gmail.com or phone 408-823-0111.

GOLDEN YEARS MEETING
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:30 am in the Small Hall. Please contact Christina Kouvaris at 408-306-8007 or email ckouvphilo@sbcglobal.net if you have any questions.

WEDNESDAY PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY AND POTLUCK AT ST. NICHOLAS
After the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday, March 11th at 6:30 pm, we'll be gathering for a lenten potluck and spiritual talk in the Small Hall.

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.

LENT, HOLY WEEK, AND PASCHA NEEDS
Please consider contributing a special donation towards Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha needs to offset church expenses, by selecting to sponsor towards an item from the list below. Please make your checks payable to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and put the item name in the memo or comments section. Any amount is appreciated! To give online, click here: https://saintnicholas.org/donation. Please put the item name in the memo line. Thank you and Kali Sarakosti!

Item Amount
Candle Cups (0% sponsored) $1100
Candles - Holy Fri and Sat Night (0% sponsored) $1350
Candles for Epitaphio (0% sponsored) $750
Candles for Lent Services (0% sponsored) $550
Charcoal (0% sponsored) $250
Communion Wine (100% sponsored) $500
Flowers for Epitafios (0% sponsored) $2,400
Flowers for Icons, Cross, Lent (0% sponsored) $900
Flowers for Icons,Holy Wk,Resurr. (0% sponsored) $1300
Incense (Livani) (0% sponsored) $500
Needed Other Flowers for Church (0% sponsored) $1000
Olive Oil - Holy Unction (100% sponsored) $300
Olive Oil for Vigil Lamps (0% sponsored) $800
Palms (0% sponsored) $650
Sheet for Receiving Body of Christ (0% sponsored) $150
Rose Water (100% sponsored) $100
Stefani Wreath-Holy Thurs (100% sponsored) $300

ST. NICHOLAS BIBLE STUDY - THURSDAY MORNINGS
***Bible Study CANCELLED March 12th***

Come and see, hear and taste that the Lord is Good! St. Nicholas Bible Study continues on Thursdays at 10:00am with Fr. James in the Church Office Conference Room. Bring your Bible; coffee and refreshments provided. Theme: Reflecting on the Sunday Gospels.

BASIC GUIDE TO EASTERN ORTHODOX THEOLOGY
***CLASS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH IS CANCELLED***

***CLASS RESUMES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH***

We welcome you to join us in our next class series. We will be surveying Orthodoxy while defining who we are, what we do, the Church, worship, basic theology of the Trinity and Christology, as well as ministry and leadership structures of the church.

The class will be held during Great Lent on Friday nights at 6:00pm before the Salutations service. It will be hybrid class via a zoom link and in-person at the Church Office Conference Room (986 Chapman St. San Jose, CA 95126).

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7084362224

For more information please contact Fr. Nebojsa Pantic at FrNebojsa@saintnicholas.org.

SPECIAL TRAY - HOLY CROSS/HELLENIC COLLEGE - SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH
In honor of Sunday of the Holy Cross on Sunday, March 15th, St. Anna Philoptochos will have a tray available at dismissal with all proceeds going to Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Please make checks payable to St. Anna's Philoptochos, and put in the memo HCHC. Thank you.

RECRUITING CONTENT CREATORS!
We’re forming a small team of digital storytellers to help create and share content for the Saint Nicholas Festival with the hope of continuing to grow the church’s online presence beyond the festival. If you’re interested in media, storytelling, or digital ministry and want hands-on experience this is a great opportunity to be part of something meaningful.

Who We’re Looking For: 3 young adults (ages 18–24), high school seniors to college-aged individuals; creative, curious, and willing to learn; comfortable collaborating and communicating regularly; reliable and accountable—this role is public-facing.

What You’ll Do: Research, film, edit, and share content; work with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X; help amplify Saint Nicholas’ voice online through storytelling.

Experience: No prior content creation experience required. We’re looking for people eager to learn and grow!

Interested individuals reach out to, Father James or Georgia Tassos:

frjames@saintnicholas.org or georgiatassos@gmail.com

YOUTH BASKETBALL - SPRING LEAGUE KICKS OFF SUNDAY WITH ALL 5 TEAMS PLAYING IN SAN JOSE
Last Sunday we held 3 Showcase games featuring boys and girls players from our five teams competing against each other. Thanks to our families for coming out and supporting our players. League games start this Sunday the 8th with all 5 teams playing in the Community Center beginning at 2pm with the Elementary Girls. Come and cheer on our teams!

Girls Elementary preview: Last year's Champs had many of last year's stars move up, but have new leadership and depth with some promising new players.

This week: 2:00 @ San Jose vs St. Nicholas (San Francisco)
Girls Middle School preview: A young but experienced group has been working hard and are eager to challenge the League.

This week: 3:00 @ San Jose vs Ascension
Boys Elementary preview: A balanced team bookended by our two 5th graders and our twin 2nd graders with 4 returning players from last year's playoff team.

This week: 4:00 @ San Jose vs St. Gregory
Boys Middle School preview: This young team plays with a lot of joy and quickness and looks to avenge last season's heartbreak semi-final loss.

This week: 5:00 @ San Jose vs St. Gregory
Boys High School preview: In search of a 3-peat, their Senior leadership is joined by a strong group of lower classmen, but will be challenged by a League focused on ending their reign.

This week: 6:00 @ San Jose vs St. Gregory
Season Rosters are now final. If you want to know more go to: https://saintnicholas.org/ministry_basketball

The Orthodox Youth Athletic Association is a recreational league with other Orthodox churches in the Bay Area with games typically on Sunday afternoons. We look forward to another fun and successful season. If you have any questions, please contact John Cocoles at basketball@saintnicholas.org or jcocoles5@gmail.com ...show less

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/

Friday, March 6
9:30 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
7:00 p.m. Second Salutation

Sunday, March 8 - Sunday of the Prodigal Son
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, March 9 - 40 Martyrs of Sebaste
9:30 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
6:00 p.m. Great Compline

Wednesday, March 11
6:30 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy

Friday, March 13
7:00 p.m. Third Salutation

Sunday, March 15 - Sunday of the Holy Cross
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES
SUNDAY, MARCH 8: Sunday School

SUNDAY, MARCH 15: Sunday School

ARCHAEOLOGY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (AAS)
A tuition-free, online, pre-collegiate program in Greek archaeology and cultural heritage, designed for students ages 13–17. Through immersive study of Greece's archaeological and cultural legacy, cultivate global awareness and historical understanding. Learn from scholars affiliated with UC Berkeley and Stanford University.

The AAS Program features engaging content exploring:

Archaeological methods and fieldwork

Ancient Greek civilization and its impact on today’s world

Cultural heritage preservation

Program Details:

Dates: April 5, 2026 – May 31, 2026 (No class on April... show moreSUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES
SUNDAY, MARCH 8: Sunday School

SUNDAY, MARCH 15: Sunday School

ARCHAEOLOGY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (AAS)
A tuition-free, online, pre-collegiate program in Greek archaeology and cultural heritage, designed for students ages 13–17. Through immersive study of Greece's archaeological and cultural legacy, cultivate global awareness and historical understanding. Learn from scholars affiliated with UC Berkeley and Stanford University.

The AAS Program features engaging content exploring:

Archaeological methods and fieldwork

Ancient Greek civilization and its impact on today’s world

Cultural heritage preservation

Program Details:

Dates: April 5, 2026 – May 31, 2026 (No class on April 12, 2026)

Schedule: Sundays | 2:30 – 4:30 PM (PST)

Certificate of Attendance upon program completion

Apply by Monday, March 30, 2026 Visit: www.archaeologyafterschool.org ...show less

ONE-CLICK GIVING!
Our church website has upgraded to Pushpay for all online donations, tithes, and a number of other transactions - making giving simpler, faster, and more secure.

Key Benefits for you:

One-Click Giving: Set up recurring tithes in seconds or make one-time gifts with ease.
Safe & Secure: Bank-level encryption protects your information.
Text-to-Give: Simply text “GIVE” to (833) 921-7035 to donate instantly.
Track Your Giving: View your donation history and print tax statements anytime.
Give from Anywhere: Use your phone, tablet, or computer.
Visit https://saintnicholas.org/donation to donate and set up your account.

Your generosity fuels our ministries, outreach, and mission to love God and serve others.

STEWARDSHIP
To... show moreONE-CLICK GIVING!
Our church website has upgraded to Pushpay for all online donations, tithes, and a number of other transactions - making giving simpler, faster, and more secure.

Key Benefits for you:

One-Click Giving: Set up recurring tithes in seconds or make one-time gifts with ease.
Safe & Secure: Bank-level encryption protects your information.
Text-to-Give: Simply text “GIVE” to (833) 921-7035 to donate instantly.
Track Your Giving: View your donation history and print tax statements anytime.
Give from Anywhere: Use your phone, tablet, or computer.
Visit https://saintnicholas.org/donation to donate and set up your account.

Your generosity fuels our ministries, outreach, and mission to love God and serve others.

STEWARDSHIP
To make a committment electronically, please visit our online stewardship: https://saintnicholas.org/stewardship

Donation link: https://saintnicholas.org/donation ...show less

Matins Gospel Reading
Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, having risen from the dead, Jesus went up and stood among His disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave Him a piece of broiled fish [and some honeycomb],... show moreMatins Gospel Reading
Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, having risen from the dead, Jesus went up and stood among His disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, He said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave Him a piece of broiled fish [and some honeycomb], and He took it and ate before them. Then He said to them, "These are My words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name in all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands, He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the Temple blessing God.

Sixth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:36-53

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἀναστὰς ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐκ νεκρῶν ἔστη ἐν μέσῳ τῶν Μαθητῶν, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. Πτοηθέντες δὲ καὶ ἔμφοβοι γενόμενοι, ἐδόκουν πνεῦμα θεωρεῖν. Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Τί τεταραγμένοι ἐστέ, καὶ διατὶ διαλογισμοὶ ἀναβαίνουσιν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; ἴδετε τὰς χεῖράς μου καὶ τοὺς πόδας μου, ὅτι αὐτὸς ἐγώ εἰμι, ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι πνεῦμα σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα οὐκ ἔχει, καθὼς ἐμὲ θεωρεῖτε ἔχοντα. Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπών, ἐπέδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας. Ἒτι δὲ ἀπιστούντων αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς, καὶ θαυμαζόντων, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἔχετέ τι βρώσιμον ἐνθάδε; Οἱ δὲ ἐπέδωκαν αὐτῷ ἰχθύος ὀπτοῦ μέρος, καὶ ἀπὸ μελισσίου κηρίου. Καὶ λαβών, ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ἔφαγεν. Εἶπε δὲ αὐτοῖς· Οὗτοι οἱ λόγοι, οὓς ἐλάλησα πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔτι ὢν σὺν ὑμῖν, ὅτι δεῖ πληρωθῆναι πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ νόμῳ Μωσέως καὶ Προφήταις καὶ Ψαλμοῖς περὶ ἐμοῦ. Τότε διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν, τοῦ συνιέναι τὰς Γραφάς· καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ὃτι οὕτω γέγραπται, καὶ οὕτως εἴδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστόν, καὶ ἀναστῆναι ἐκ νεκρῶν τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ, καὶ κηρυχθῆναι ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ μετάνοιαν καὶ ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἀρξάμενον ἀπὸ Ἱερουσαλήμ. Ὑμεῖς δέ ἐστε μάρτυρες τούτων. Καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ πατρός μου ἐφ' ὑμᾶς· ὑμεῖς δὲ καθίσατε ἐν τῇ πόλει Ἱερουσαλήμ, ἕως οὗ ἐνδύσησθε δύναμιν ἐξ ὕψους. Ἐξήγαγε δὲ αὐτοὺς ἔξω εἰς Βηθανίαν, καὶ ἐπάρας τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ, εὐλόγησεν αὐτούς. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εὐλογεῖν αὐτόν αὐτούς, διέστη ἀπ' αὐτῶν, καὶ ἀνεφέρετο εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν. Καὶ αὐτοὶ, προσκυνήσαντες αὐτόν, ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἱερουσαλὴμ μετὰ χαρᾶς μεγάλης. Καὶ ἦσαν διαπαντός ἐν τῷ Ἱερῷ, αἰνοῦντες καὶ εὐλογοῦντες τὸν Θεόν. Ἀμήν.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Προκείμενον. Plagal 2nd Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 1:10-14, 2:1-3.

Κατʼ ἀρχάς, Κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί· αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις· καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται· σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν. Πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε, Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου; Οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα, εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόμενα διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν; Διὰ τοῦτο δεῖ περισσοτέρως ἡμᾶς προσέχειν τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσιν, μήποτε παραρρυῶμεν. Εἰ γὰρ ὁ διʼ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος ἐγένετο βέβαιος, καὶ πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν, πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας; Ἥτις, ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη.

Gospel Reading
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 2:1-12

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς εἰς Καπερναοὺμ δι᾿ ἡμερῶν καὶ ἠκούσθη ὅτι εἰς οἶκόν ἐστι. καὶ εὐθέως συνήχθησαν πολλοί, ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν· καὶ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον. καὶ ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτὸν παραλυτικὸν φέροντες, αἰρόμενον ὑπὸ τεσσάρων· καὶ μὴ δυνάμενοι προσεγγίσαι αὐτῷ διὰ τὸν ὄχλον, ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην ὅπου ἦν, καὶ ἐξορύξαντες χαλῶσι τὸν κράβαττον, ἐφ᾿ ᾧ ὁ παραλυτικὸς κατέκειτο. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· τέκνον, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου. ἦσαν δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων ἐκεῖ καθήμενοι καὶ διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν· τί οὗτος οὕτω λαλεῖ βλασφημίας; τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός; καὶ εὐθέως ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὕτως αὐτοὶ διαλογίζονται ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ, ἀφέωνταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει; ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀφιέναι ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἁμαρτίας - λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· σοὶ λέγω, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. καὶ ἠγέρθη εὐθέως, καὶ ἄρας τὸν κράβαττον ἐξῆλθεν ἐναντίον πάντων, ὥστε ἐξίστασθαι πάντας καὶ δοξάζειν τὸν Θεὸν λέγοντας ὅτι οὐδέποτε οὕτως εἴδομεν. ...show less

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 2nd Mode
When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You.

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας... show moreResurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 2nd Mode
When the angelic powers appeared at Your grave, the soldiers guarding it feared and became as dead. And standing by the sepulcher was Mary who was seeking Your immaculate body. You devastated Hades, not afflicted by it. You went to meet the virgin, and granted eternal life. You resurrected from the dead. O Lord, glory to You.

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal 4th Mode
Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.

Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ, Ἐκκλησίας τὸ στήριγμα καὶ διδάσκαλε, τῶν μοναστῶν ἡ καλλονὴ, τῶν θεολόγων ὑπέρμαχος ἀπροσμάχητος· Γρηγόριε θαυματουργὲ Θεσσαλονίκης τὸ καύχημα κήρυξ τῆς χάριτος· ἱκέτευε διὰ παντός, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Apolytikion of Saint Nicholas in the 1st Mode
An example of the faith and a life of humility, as a teacher of self-control you did inspire and lead your flock, and through the truthfulness of your deeds, were exalted by greatness through your humility, uplifting all, and by poverty gaining strength. Father and hierarch Saint Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved.

Κανόνα πίστεως καί εικόνα πραότητος, εγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξέ σε τή ποίμνη σου, η τών πραγμάτων αλήθεια, διά τούτο εκτήσω τή ταπεινώσει τά υψηλά, τή πτωχεία τά πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Mode
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. ...show less

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.

St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.

St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

SERVICES FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF GREAT LENT

MONDAY MARCH 2
5:00 PM PARAKLESIS TO ST. IOAKIM
6 PM GREAT COMPLINE

WEDNESDAY MARCH 4
6:30 PM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY
At St. Basil

FRIDAY MARCH 6th
9:30 AM PRE SANCTIFIED LITURGY
7 PM 2nd SALUTATION

SUNDAY MARCH 8th
8:15 AM ORTHROS + LITURGY

JOIN THE SAINT NICHOLAS DIGITAL STORYTELLING TEAM

We're forming a small team of digital storytellers to help create and share content for the Saint Nicholas Festival with the hope of continuing to grow the church's online presence beyond the festival.

If you're interested in media, storytelling, or digital ministry and want hands-on experience this is a great opportunity to be part of something meaningful.

Come and see, hear and taste that the Lord is Good!

St. Nicholas Bible Study:
Reflecting on the Sunday Gospels

Thursdays at 10am with Fr. James. Bring your Bible . Coffee and refreshments provided

St. Nicholas Church Office Conference Rooms
986 Chapman St., San Jose, CA, 95126

March 01

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as... show moreMarch 01

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema."

Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy. ...show less

March 01

The Holy Righteous Martyr Eudocia the Samaritan

This Saint, who was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia (Baalbek in present-day Lebanon), was an idolater and led a licentious life. Being beautiful beyond telling, she had many lovers, and had acquired great riches. Yet brought to repentance by a monk named Germanus, and baptized by Bishop Theodotus, she distributed to the poor all her ill-gotten gains, and entered a convent, giving herself up completely to the life of asceticism.

Her former lovers, enraged at her conversion, her refusal to return to her old ways, and the withering away of her beauty through the severe mortifications she practiced, betrayed her as a Christian to Vincent the Governor, and she was beheaded, according... show moreMarch 01

The Holy Righteous Martyr Eudocia the Samaritan

This Saint, who was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia (Baalbek in present-day Lebanon), was an idolater and led a licentious life. Being beautiful beyond telling, she had many lovers, and had acquired great riches. Yet brought to repentance by a monk named Germanus, and baptized by Bishop Theodotus, she distributed to the poor all her ill-gotten gains, and entered a convent, giving herself up completely to the life of asceticism.

Her former lovers, enraged at her conversion, her refusal to return to her old ways, and the withering away of her beauty through the severe mortifications she practiced, betrayed her as a Christian to Vincent the Governor, and she was beheaded, according to some, under Trajan, who reigned from 98 to 117, according to others, under Hadrian, who reigned from 117 to 138. ...show less

BASIC GUIDE TO EASTERN ORTHODOX THEOLOGY - TONIGHT!
We welcome you to join us in our next class series. We will be surveying Orthodoxy while defining who we are, what we do, the Church, worship, basic theology of the Trinity and Christology, as well as ministry and leadership structures of the church.

The class will be held during Great Lent on Friday nights at 6:00pm before the Salutations service. The first class begins Friday, February 27th. It will be hybrid class via a zoom link and in-person at the Church Office Conference Room (986 Chapman St. San Jose, CA 95126).

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7084362224

For more information please contact Fr. Nebojsa Pantic at FrNebojsa@saintnicholas.org.

COMMEMORATION OF THE... show moreBASIC GUIDE TO EASTERN ORTHODOX THEOLOGY - TONIGHT!
We welcome you to join us in our next class series. We will be surveying Orthodoxy while defining who we are, what we do, the Church, worship, basic theology of the Trinity and Christology, as well as ministry and leadership structures of the church.

The class will be held during Great Lent on Friday nights at 6:00pm before the Salutations service. The first class begins Friday, February 27th. It will be hybrid class via a zoom link and in-person at the Church Office Conference Room (986 Chapman St. San Jose, CA 95126).

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7084362224

For more information please contact Fr. Nebojsa Pantic at FrNebojsa@saintnicholas.org.

COMMEMORATION OF THE MIRACLE OF KOLLYVA WROUGHT BY ST. THEODORE THE TYRO
The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva Wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro will be held on Saturday, February 28th with Orthros beginning at 8:30am followed by the Liturgy at 9:30am.

On the first Saturday of Lent we commemorate the miracle of the koliva. Please join us and should you wish to bring koliva, it will be blessed with the traditional prayer on that day. However, on this particular feast day, there is no commemoration of the names of the departed.

Pleasee note that the next Psychosavato will be on Saturday, May 30th.

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Jamie Bakelis, Christina Matheou, Helene Panos, Nicole Perakis and Eva Vathis in the Small Hall. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our hosts.

Upcoming coffee hour hosts for March 8, 2026: Evagelia Niktas, Eleftheria Pries, Evagelia Pries, and Koula Pries

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

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
This coming Sunday, March 1st, we will observe the Sunday of Orthodoxy, a significant day in the Greek Orthodox faith commemorating the restoration of the veneration of icons. This day is especially meaningful as it honors the triumph of our faith and the importance of icons in our worship and spiritual lives during our Lenten journey.

As part of the observance, we will hold a procession. We'd like all children to bring one of their icons from home to participate in this meaningful tradition. Father James and Father Nebojsa will provide specific instructions on how the procession will proceed based on weather conditions on that day.

We look forward to sharing this important day with you and your children as we continue our Lenten journey together.

FESTIVAL COOKING SCHEDULE: SPANAKOPITA -TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD
Please join us with cooking and assembling of spanakopita for the 2026 Saint Nicholas Festival. Cooking begins at 9:00 am. Come and join the fun and camaraderie! If you can come for the whole day or only a few hours, your help will be very much appreciated:

March 3rd, Tuesday - Spanakopita CC Eleni Matheou - 408-386-5576 or Nicki Poulos - 403-316-7043

WEDNESDAY PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY AND POTLUCK AT ST. NICHOLAS
After the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday, March 4th at 6:30pm at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, San Jose, we'll be gathering for a lenten potluck and spiritual talk.

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.

ST. NICHOLAS BIBLE STUDY - THURSDAY MORNINGS
***Next Bible Study is on March 5th***

Come and see, hear and taste that the Lord is Good! St. Nicholas Bible Study continues on Thursdays at 10:00am with Fr. James in the Church Office Conference Room. Bring your Bible; coffee and refreshments provided. Theme: Reflecting on the Sunday Gospels.

AHEPA BLOOD DRIVE - WALK-INS WELCOME! THURS, MARCH 5TH
Appointment Link: https://donors.vitalant.org/dwp/portal/dwa/appointment/guest/phl/timeSlotsExtr?token=bzrGDS8PI3fI3S59jAdg8kONO6g2E864%2BXb8V3lXORU%3D

AHEPA Silicon Valley Chapter # 251 Blood Drive Details

Drive Date: Thursday March 5th, 2026
Blood Drive Hours: 1:00 P.M - 5:00 P.M
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 1260 Davis St, San Jose, Small Hall. Walk-Ins welcome!

Just a few minutes of your time can help save lives! Must be at least 18 years old, weigh over 110 lbs, and be in good health. For more info or help in making an appointment, contact Vassilis Zarifis at ahepa.c251@gmail.com or reference the link in the attached flyer in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin to reserve your spot:

RECRUITING CONTENT CREATORS!
We’re forming a small team of digital storytellers to help create and share content for the Saint Nicholas Festival with the hope of continuing to grow the church’s online presence beyond the festival. If you’re interested in media, storytelling, or digital ministry and want hands-on experience this is a great opportunity to be part of something meaningful.

Who We’re Looking For: 3 young adults (ages 18–24), high school seniors to college-aged individuals; creative, curious, and willing to learn; comfortable collaborating and communicating regularly; reliable and accountable—this role is public-facing.

What You’ll Do: Research, film, edit, and share content; work with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X; help amplify Saint Nicholas’ voice online through storytelling.

Experience: No prior content creation experience required. We’re looking for people eager to learn and grow!

Interested individuals reach out to, Father James or Georgia Tassos:

frjames@saintnicholas.org or georgiatassos@gmail.com

LENT, HOLY WEEK, AND PASCHA NEEDS
Please consider contributing a special donation towards Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha needs to offset church expenses, by selecting to sponsor towards an item from the list below. Please make your checks payable to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and put the item name in the memo or comments section. Any amount is appreciated! To give online, click here: https://saintnicholas.org/donation. Please put the item name in the memo line. Thank you and Kali Sarakosti!

Item Amount
Candle Cups (0% sponsored) $1100
Candles - Holy Fri and Sat Night (0% sponsored) $1350
Candles for Epitaphio (0% sponsored) $750
Candles for Lent Services (0% sponsored) $550
Charcoal (0% sponsored) $250
Communion Wine (100% sponsored) $500
Flowers for Epitafios (0% sponsored) $2,400
Flowers for Icons, Cross, Lent (0% sponsored) $900
Flowers for Icons,Holy Wk,Resurr. (0% sponsored) $1300
Incense (Livani) (0% sponsored) $500
Needed Other Flowers for Church (0% sponsored) $1000
Olive Oil - Holy Unction (100% sponsored) $300
Olive Oil for Vigil Lamps (0% sponsored) $800
Palms (0% sponsored) $650
Sheet for Receiving Body of Christ (0% sponsored) $150
Rose Water (0% sponsored) $100
Stefani Wreath-Holy Thurs (100% sponsored) $300

YOUTH BASKETBALL - INTER-SQUAD SHOWCASE SCRIMMAGES THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST; FIRST LEAGUE GAMES SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH
The St Nicholas youth basketball program will begin the league season March 8th. Last call for new players before rosters freeze. As a tune-up we will hold our showcase scrimmages this Sunday after Church starting at 1pm in the Community Center. Contact Coach John with any questions, jcocoles5@gmail.com.

Scheduled from here out will be dynamic. All players should be on TeamSnap for the up to date schedule. If not, contact John Cocoles. League schedule will be out soon and posted on TeamSnap.

Boys Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 5:15-6:30

Girls Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) and Middle School (6th-8th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 6:30-7:45

Boys Middle School (6th-8th Grade) are practicing weekly on Tuesdays at 6:45

Boys High School (9th-12th Grade) next practice Saturday the 28th at 12pm.

All new players (including siblings of returning players) MUST register here: https://saintnicholas.org/ministry_basketball

The Orthodox Youth Athletic Association is a recreational league with other Orthodox churches in the Bay Area with games typically on Sunday afternoons starting soon after FDF in February. We look forward to another fun and successful season. Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. If you have any questions, please contact John Cocoles at basketball@saintnicholas.org or jcocoles5@gmail.com ...show less

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/

Friday, February 27
7:00 p.m. First Salutation

Saturday, February 28 - The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by St. Theodore the Tyro
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, March 1 - Sunday of Orthodoxy
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, March 2 - St. Ioakim of Ithaki
5:00 p.m. Paraklesis
6:00 p.m. Great Compline

Wednesday, March 4
6:30 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, San Jose

Friday, March 6
9:30... show moreSCHEDULE 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/

Friday, February 27
7:00 p.m. First Salutation

Saturday, February 28 - The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by St. Theodore the Tyro
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, March 1 - Sunday of Orthodoxy
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, March 2 - St. Ioakim of Ithaki
5:00 p.m. Paraklesis
6:00 p.m. Great Compline

Wednesday, March 4
6:30 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, San Jose

Friday, March 6
9:30 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
7:00 p.m. Second Salutation

Sunday, March 8 - Sunday of the Prodigal Son
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom ...show less

SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES
SUNDAY, MARCH 1: Sunday School
SUNDAY, MARCH 8: Sunday School

ONE-CLICK GIVING!
Our church website has upgraded to Pushpay for all online donations, tithes, and a number of other transactions - making giving simpler, faster, and more secure.

Key Benefits for you:

One-Click Giving: Set up recurring tithes in seconds or make one-time gifts with ease.
Safe & Secure: Bank-level encryption protects your information.
Text-to-Give: Simply text “GIVE” to (833) 921-7035 to donate instantly.
Track Your Giving: View your donation history and print tax statements anytime.
Give from Anywhere: Use your phone, tablet, or computer.
Visit https://saintnicholas.org/donation to donate and set up your account.

Your generosity fuels our ministries, outreach, and mission to love God and serve others.

STEWARDSHIP
To... show moreONE-CLICK GIVING!
Our church website has upgraded to Pushpay for all online donations, tithes, and a number of other transactions - making giving simpler, faster, and more secure.

Key Benefits for you:

One-Click Giving: Set up recurring tithes in seconds or make one-time gifts with ease.
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Matins Gospel Reading
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35

At that time, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you... show moreMatins Gospel Reading
Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35

At that time, [Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Fifth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:12-35

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ὁ Πέτρος ἀναστὰς ἔδραμεν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα μόνα, καὶ ἀπῆλθε, πρὸς ἑαυτὸν θαυμάζων τὸ γεγονός. Καὶ ἰδοὺ δύο ἐξ αὐτῶν ἦσαν πορευόμενοι ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ εἰς κώμην ἀπέχουσαν σταδίους ἑξήκοντα ἀπὸ Ἱερουσαλήμ, ᾗ ὄνομα Ἐμμαούς, καὶ αὐτοὶ ὡμίλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους περὶ πάντων τῶν συμβεβηκότων τούτων. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ὁμιλεῖν αὐτοὺς καὶ συζητεῖν, καί αὐτὸς ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐγγίσας συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς· οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτῶν ἐκρατοῦντο τοῦ μὴ ἐπιγνῶναι αὐτόν. Εἶπε δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς· Τίνες οἱ λόγοι οὗτοι οὓς ἀντιβάλλετε πρὸς ἀλλήλους περιπατοῦντες, καὶ ἐστὲ σκυθρωποί; Ἀποκριθείς δὲ ὁ εἷς, ᾧ ὄνομα Κλεόπας, εἶπε πρὸς αὐτόν· Σὺ μόνος παροικεῖς ἐν Ἱερουσαλήμ, καὶ οὐκ ἔγνως τὰ γενόμενα ἐν αὐτῇ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις; καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ποῖα; Οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· Τὰ περὶ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου, ὃς ἐγένετο ἀνὴρ προφήτης δυνατὸς ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ ἐναντίον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ· ὅπως τε παρέδωκαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες ἡμῶν εἰς κρῖμα θανάτου, καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν· ἡμεῖς δὲ ἠλπίζομεν ὅτι αὐτός ἐστιν ὁ μέλλων λυτροῦσθαι τὸν Ἰσραήλ. Ἀλλά γε οὖν σὺν πᾶσι τούτοις τρίτην ταύτην ἡμέραν ἄγει σήμερον, ἀφ' οὗ ταῦτα ἐγένετο. Ἀλλὰ καὶ γυναῖκές τινες ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξέστησαν ἡμᾶς, γενόμεναι ὂρθριαι ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ μὴ εὑροῦσαι τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ, ἦλθον λέγουσαι καὶ ὀπτασίαν ἀγγέλων ἑωρακέναι, οἳ λέγουσιν αὐτὸν ζῆν. Καὶ ἀπῆλθόν τινες τῶν σὺν ἡμῖν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εὗρον οὕτω καθὼς καὶ αἱ γυναῖκες εἶπον· αὐτὸν δὲ οὐκ εἶδον. Καὶ αὐτὸς εἶπε πρὸς αὐτούς· Ὦ ἀνόητοι καὶ βραδεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ τοῦ πιστεύειν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἐλάλησαν οἱ Προφῆται. Οὐχὶ ταῦτα ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ; Καὶ ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ Μωσέως καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν προφητῶν, διηρμήνευεν αὐτοῖς ἐν πάσαις ταῖς Γραφαῖς τὰ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ. Καὶ ἤγγισαν εἰς τὴν κώμην οὗ ἐπορεύοντο, καὶ αὐτὸς προσεποιεῖτο ποῤῥωτέρω πορεύεσθαι. Καὶ παρεβιάσαντο αὐτόν, λέγοντες· Μεῖνον μεθ' ἡμῶν, ὅτι πρὸς ἑσπέραν ἐστὶ καὶ κέκλικεν ἡ ἡμέρα. Καὶ εἰσῆλθε τοῦ μεῖναι σὺν αὐτοῖς. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ κατακλιθῆναι αὐτὸν μετ' αὐτῶν, λαβὼν τὸν ἄρτον εὐλόγησε, καὶ κλάσας ἐπεδίδου αὐτοῖς. Αὐτῶν δὲ διηνοίχθησαν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί, καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν αὐτόν· καὶ αὐτὸς ἄφαντος ἐγένετο ἀπ' αὐτῶν. Καὶ εἶπον πρὸς ἀλλήλους· Οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν, ὡς ἐλάλει ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, καὶ ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν τὰς Γραφάς; Καὶ ἀναστάντες αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ, ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ, καὶ εὗρον συνηθροισμένους τοὺς ἕνδεκα καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς, λέγοντας, ὅτι ἠγέρθη ὁ Κύριος ὄντως, καὶ ὤφθη Σίμωνι. Καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐξηγοῦντο τὰ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, καὶ ὡς ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς ἐν τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40.

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked to the reward.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Προκείμενον. 4th Mode. Δανιήλ 3.26-27.
Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, οἷς ἐποίησας ἡμῖν.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:24-26, 32-40.

Ἀδελφοί, πίστει Μωϋσῆς μέγας γενόμενος ἠρνήσατο λέγεσθαι υἱὸς θυγατρὸς Φαραώ, μᾶλλον ἑλόμενος συγκακουχεῖσθαι τῷ λαῷ τοῦ θεοῦ ἢ πρόσκαιρον ἔχειν ἁμαρτίας ἀπόλαυσιν· μείζονα πλοῦτον ἡγησάμενος τῶν Αἰγύπτου θησαυρῶν τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν τοῦ Χριστοῦ· ἀπέβλεπεν γὰρ εἰς τὴν μισθαποδοσίαν. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; Ἐπιλείψει γὰρ με διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ τε καὶ Σαμψών καὶ Ἰεφθάε, Δαυίδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν· οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρας, ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων. Ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν· ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν· ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς· ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον· περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι - ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος - ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσιν καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες, μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν.

Gospel Reading
Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

Sunday of Orthodoxy
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 1:44-52

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἠθέλησεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐξελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· καὶ εὑρίσκει Φίλιππον καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ἀκολούθει μοι. ἦν δὲ ὁ Φίλιππος ἀπὸ Βηθσαϊδά, ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ᾿Ανδρέου καὶ Πέτρου. εὑρίσκει Φίλιππος τὸν Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ὃν ἔγραψε Μωϋσῆς ἐν τῷ νόμῳ καὶ οἱ προφῆται, εὑρήκαμεν, ᾿Ιησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ᾿Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἀπὸ Ναζαρέτ. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ· ἐκ Ναζαρὲτ δύναταί τι ἀγαθὸν εἶναι; λέγει αὐτῷ Φίλιππος· ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε. εἶδεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὸν Ναθαναὴλ ἐρχόμενον πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει περὶ αὐτοῦ· ἴδε ἀληθῶς ᾿Ισραηλίτης, ἐν ᾧ δόλος οὐκ ἔστι. λέγει αὐτῷ Ναθαναήλ· πόθεν με γινώσκεις; ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· πρὸ τοῦ σε Φίλιππον φωνῆσαι, ὄντα ὑπὸ τὴν συκῆν εἶδόν σε. ἀπεκρίθη Ναθαναὴλ καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ῥαββί, σὺ εἶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, σὺ εἶ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ ᾿Ισραήλ. ἀπεκρίθη ᾿Ιησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ὅτι εἶπόν σοι, εἶδόν σε ὑποκάτω τῆς συκῆς, πιστεύεις; μείζω τούτων ὄψει. καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀπ᾽ ἄρτι ὄψεσθε τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγότα, καὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀναβαίνοντας καὶ καταβαίνοντας ἐπὶ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου. ...show less

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Mode
Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι,... show moreResurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Mode
Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the 2nd Mode
We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.

Τὴν ἄχραντον Εἰκόνα σου προσκυνοῦμεν Ἀγαθέ, αἰτούμενοι συγχώρησιν τῶν πταισμάτων ἡμῶν, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός· βουλήσει γὰρ ηὐδόκησας σαρκὶ ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ, ἵνα ῥύσῃ οὓς ἔπλασας ἐκ τῆς δουλείας τοῦ ἐχθροῦ· ὅθεν εὐχαρίστως βοῶμέν σοι· Χαρᾶς ἐπλήρωσας τὰ πάντα, ὁ Σωτὴρ ἡμῶν, παραγενόμενος εἰς τὸ σῶσαι τὸν Κόσμον.

Apolytikion of Saint Nicholas in the 1st Mode

An example of the faith and a life of humility, as a teacher of self-control you did inspire and lead your flock, and through the truthfulness of your deeds, were exalted by greatness through your humility, uplifting all, and by poverty gaining strength. Father and hierarch Saint Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved.

Κανόνα πίστεως καί εικόνα πραότητος, εγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξέ σε τή ποίμνη σου, η τών πραγμάτων αλήθεια, διά τούτο εκτήσω τή ταπεινώσει τά υψηλά, τή πτωχεία τά πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Mode
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. ...show less

Peter, when after so many miracles and such high doctrine he confessed that, "Thou art the Son of God" (Matt. xvi. 16), is called "blessed," as having received the revelation from the Father;

St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

... while Nathanael, though he said the very same thing before seeing or hearing either miracles or doctrine, had no such word addressed to him, but as though he had not said so much as he ought to have said, is brought to things greater still.

St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

Festival 2026 Food Preparation Schedule

March 3rd - Spanakopita
Eleni Matheou / 408-386-5576
Niki Poulos / 403-316-7043

March 20th - Tiropites
Penny Pagonis / 408-772-6229
Nicole Perakis

March 28th - Dolmades
Meredith & George
Panayatopoulos / 408) 849-9552

NEW CLASS: BASIC GUIDE TO EASTERN ORTHODOX THEOLOGY

We will be surveying Orthodoxy and Who we are, What we do, the Church, Worship, basic theology of the Trinity and Christology, as well as Ministry and Leadership structures of the church.

The class will be during Great Lent Friday nights 6:00pm before the Salutations service. It will be hybrid via a zoom link and in-person at the Office Conference Room

(986 Chapman St. San Jose, CA 95126)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7084362224

For more information please contact
Fr. Nebojsa Pantic - FrNebojsa@saintnicholas.org

Forgiveness Sunday

February 22

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... show moreForgiveness Sunday

February 22

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. ...show less

SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

AIKATERINI (CATHERINE) PAPPOUS (40 DAYS), mother of Elpinike (Haralambos Papaharisis) Pappous and Konstantinos (Cindy) Pappous, grandmother of Anastasios, Madison, Alexander, Magdalini, Anastasios, and Aikaterini

ATHANASIOS (TOM) BEKAKOS (1 YR), father of Liana Bekakos

PRESVYTERA VASILIKI (BESSIE) KERAMES (1 YR), mother of Harry Kerames, Dennis Kerames, and Athena Della Penna, grandchildren, great grandchildren

V. REV. MARKO PANTIC (2 YRS) husband of Protinica Katarina, father of Bogdan (Ivana) and Rev. Nebojša (Presv. Stephanie), grandfather of Maksim, Simeon, Paraskevi and Elias.

ANGELICA FOTOPULOS (2 YRS), wife of... show moreSUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

AIKATERINI (CATHERINE) PAPPOUS (40 DAYS), mother of Elpinike (Haralambos Papaharisis) Pappous and Konstantinos (Cindy) Pappous, grandmother of Anastasios, Madison, Alexander, Magdalini, Anastasios, and Aikaterini

ATHANASIOS (TOM) BEKAKOS (1 YR), father of Liana Bekakos

PRESVYTERA VASILIKI (BESSIE) KERAMES (1 YR), mother of Harry Kerames, Dennis Kerames, and Athena Della Penna, grandchildren, great grandchildren

V. REV. MARKO PANTIC (2 YRS) husband of Protinica Katarina, father of Bogdan (Ivana) and Rev. Nebojša (Presv. Stephanie), grandfather of Maksim, Simeon, Paraskevi and Elias.

ANGELICA FOTOPULOS (2 YRS), wife of Thomas Fotopulos, mother of Dea Fotopulos, Maria Nicolacoudis, and Peter Fotopulos, grandmother of Angelica and Mia

IRENE FINDIKAKI (4 YRS), wife of Angelos Findikakis, mother of Helena Findikaki

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 1, 2026: Jamie Bakelis, Christina Matheou, Helene Panos, Nicole Perakis, and Eva Vathis

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

MISSIONS SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 22ND
Sunday, February 22nd is the official OCMC’s Missions Sunday. To assist our dedicated missionaries and mission priests serving abroad, we will have a special tray on Sunday, February 22nd. Please prayerfully consider a small donation towards this cause.

Cultivating a mission mindset is an essential aspect of spiritual growth and community engagement within the Church. This process starts with education, helping individuals and groups understand the importance of sharing God’s love and message of salvation. The Assembly of Canonical Bishops in the United States has designated the last Sunday before Great Lent as Mission Sunday. This is the one Sunday of the year that parishes are encouraged to pass a... show moreMISSIONS SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 22ND
Sunday, February 22nd is the official OCMC’s Missions Sunday. To assist our dedicated missionaries and mission priests serving abroad, we will have a special tray on Sunday, February 22nd. Please prayerfully consider a small donation towards this cause.

Cultivating a mission mindset is an essential aspect of spiritual growth and community engagement within the Church. This process starts with education, helping individuals and groups understand the importance of sharing God’s love and message of salvation. The Assembly of Canonical Bishops in the United States has designated the last Sunday before Great Lent as Mission Sunday. This is the one Sunday of the year that parishes are encouraged to pass a tray to support the work of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. In 2026, Mission Sunday will be observed on February 22nd.

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 missions@saintnicholas.org or during the coffee hour, which will be sponsored by the Missions Ministry.

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
The College Ministry/OCF event has been re-scheduled for Monday, February 23rd with Great Compline Service at 6:00pm in the church and College Ministry fellowship and food at 7:30pm in the Church Office Conference room. We look forward to seeing you!

Future dates include: Monday March 9, 2026, Monday April 27, 2026, Monday May 18, 2026
The College Ministry/OCF Team https://saintnicholas.org/events?sid=rtCH9B4rmCEdV-EZpvfjUQ

CHURCH OFFICE
Please note that the church office will be closed for the Archdiocesan observance of Clean Monday on Monday, February 23rd.

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

WEDNESDAY PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY AND POTLUCK AT ST. NICHOLAS
After the Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday, February 25th at 6:30pm at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, San Jose, we'll be gathering for a lenten potluck and spiritual talk.

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.

COMMEMORATION OF THE MIRACLE OF KOLLYVA WROUGHT BY ST. THEODORE THE TYRO
The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva Wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro will be held on Saturday, February 28th with Orthros beginning at 8:30am followed by the Liturgy at 9:30am.

On the first Saturday of Lent we commemorate the miracle of the koliva. Please join us and should you wish to bring koliva, it will be blessed with the traditional prayer on that day. However, on this particular feast day, there is no commemoration of the names of the departed.

Pleasee note that the next Psychosavato will be on Saturday, May 30th.

LENT, HOLY WEEK, AND PASCHA NEEDS
Please consider contributing a special donation towards Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha needs to offset church expenses, by selecting to sponsor towards an item from the list below. Please make your checks payable to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and put the item name in the memo or comments section. Any amount is appreciated! To give online, click here: https://saintnicholas.org/donation. Please put the item name in the memo line. Thank you and Kali Sarakosti!

Item Amount
Candle Cups (0% sponsored) $1100
Candles - Holy Fri and Sat Night (0% sponsored) $1350
Candles for Epitaphio (0% sponsored) $750
Candles for Lent Services (0% sponsored) $550
Charcoal (0% sponsored) $250
Communion Wine (0% sponsored) $500
Flowers for Epitafios (0% sponsored) $2,400
Flowers for Icons, Cross, Lent (0% sponsored) $900
Flowers for Icons,Holy Wk,Resurr. (0% sponsored) $1300
Incense (Livani) (0% sponsored) $500
Needed Other Flowers for Church (0% sponsored) $1000
Olive Oil - Holy Unction (0% sponsored) $300
Olive Oil for Vigil Lamps (0% sponsored) $800
Palms (0% sponsored) $650
Sheet for Receiving Body of Christ (0% sponsored) $150
Rose Water (0% sponsored) $100
Stefani Wreath-Holy Thurs (0% sponsored) $300

FOLK DANCE FESTIVAL (FDF) 2026
The 49th Metropolis of San Francisco Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF) took place in Phoenix, Arizona. Hearty congratulations are to be made to our stellar dance groups for their outstanding performances. A big thank you goes out to the parents, grandparents, extended family members and friends who gave their time and support to our dance groups. A very special round of thanks and appreciation goes to the Dance Program leaders, directors, musicians, group parent representatives, costume closet assistants, costume makers, and the clergy for making our dance groups' participation possible.

The FDF Board of Directors recognized and thanked the FDF judges for their service and dedication to travel and work at FDF which included our own Sofia Efstratiou Nicolaou. In addition, a warm thank you to Laurie Sahines, FDF's Northern California Parent Representative, for her support.

Special awards received by our young adult parishioners at FDF:

Father Homer Demopoulos Scholarship Award: Giorgio Tavernakis

Father Anthony Moschonas Scholarship Award: Foti Armeniakos

We would like to recognize our FDF dancers and directors for all their hard work and splendid performances:

Division I - Intermediate Category - 2nd Place Award - Enosi - directed by Anna-Maria Tsellas, Niko Tsellas, and Maria Halatsis

Divsion II - Choral Category - Special Achievement Award - Sirines - directed by Vivian Tavernakis and Amanda Fields

Division II – Primary Category - 2nd Place Award - En Horo - directed by Paulette Taptelis, Panayiota Good, Michaela Nicolaou, and Kyriaki Pries

Division II - Junior Category - Ethnos - directed by Angeliki Pries, Yoryia Pappas, Eleni Zafiris, and Anthipe Pries

Division II - Advanced Junior Category - 1st Place Award and Choral Award - Xarites - directed by Vivian Tavernakis and Angeliki Pries

YOUTH BASKETBALL - TEAM PRACTICING NOW, FIRST GAMES ARE MARCH 1ST
The St Nicholas youth basketball program has started team practices for the Spring '26 season. First games are Sunday March 1st. New players of all skill and experience levels are welcome. Final rosters due Feb 22nd. There is especially a need to fill out our Elementary boys roster; calling on all 2nd grade through 5th grade boys come join us. Contact Coach John with any questions, jcocoles5@gmail.com.

!!!Congratulations to all our dancers who competed at FDF. We’re very proud of all your hard work and expressing your heritage!!!

Scheduled from here out will be dynamic. All players should be on TeamSnap for the up to date schedule. If not, contact John Cocoles.

Boys Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 5:15-6:30

Girls Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) and Middle School (6th-8th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 6:30-7:45

Boys Middle School (6th-8th Grade) are practicing weekly on Tuesdays at 6:45

Boys High School (9th-12th Grade) next practice Saturday the 28th at 12pm.

All new players (including siblings of returning players) MUST register here:

https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/161/responses/new. Returning players do NOT need to re-register. New players are welcome.

UNIFORM RETURN: If you still have your uniform from last year, we NEED them returned ASAP. Bring to practice or give them to a Coach or John Cocoles during Sunday Coffee hour. We need to know how many new uniforms we may need to buy and which sizes.

The Orthodox Youth Athletic Association is a recreational league with other Orthodox churches in the Bay Area with games typically on Sunday afternoons starting soon after FDF in February. We look forward to another fun and successful season. To register: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. If you have any questions, please contact John Cocoles at basketball@saintnicholas.org or jcocoles5@gmail.com ...show less

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

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

Sunday, February 22 - Forgiveness (Cheesefare) Sunday
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, February 23 - Clean Monday
6:00 p.m. Great Compline

Wednesday, February 25
6:30 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy followed by a potluck and speaker

Friday, February 27 - St. Ephraim of Katounakia
8:00 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
7:00 p.m. First Salutation

Saturday, February 28 - The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva Wrought by St. Theodore the Tyro
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday,... show moreSERVICES ARE AVAILABLE BY LIVESTREAM ON YOUTUBE UNDER THE NAME: SAINT NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH SAN JOSE.

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

Sunday, February 22 - Forgiveness (Cheesefare) Sunday
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, February 23 - Clean Monday
6:00 p.m. Great Compline

Wednesday, February 25
6:30 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy followed by a potluck and speaker

Friday, February 27 - St. Ephraim of Katounakia
8:00 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
7:00 p.m. First Salutation

Saturday, February 28 - The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva Wrought by St. Theodore the Tyro
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, March 1 - Sunday of Orthodoxy
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom ...show less

SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22: Sunday School
SUNDAY, MARCH 1: Sunday School

ONE-CLICK GIVING!
Our church website has upgraded to PushPay for all online donations, tithes, and a number of other transactions - making giving simpler, faster, and more secure.

Key Benefits for you:

One-Click Giving: Set up recurring tithes in seconds or make one-time gifts with ease.
Safe & Secure: Bank-level encryption protects your information.
Text-to-Give: Simply text “GIVE” to (833) 921-7035 to donate instantly.
Track Your Giving: View your donation history and print tax statements anytime.
Give from Anywhere: Use your phone, tablet, or computer.
Visit https://saintnicholas.org/donation to donate and set up your account.

Your generosity fuels our ministries, outreach, and mission to love God and serve others.

STEWARDSHIP
To... show moreONE-CLICK GIVING!
Our church website has upgraded to PushPay for all online donations, tithes, and a number of other transactions - making giving simpler, faster, and more secure.

Key Benefits for you:

One-Click Giving: Set up recurring tithes in seconds or make one-time gifts with ease.
Safe & Secure: Bank-level encryption protects your information.
Text-to-Give: Simply text “GIVE” to (833) 921-7035 to donate instantly.
Track Your Giving: View your donation history and print tax statements anytime.
Give from Anywhere: Use your phone, tablet, or computer.
Visit https://saintnicholas.org/donation to donate and set up your account.

Your generosity fuels our ministries, outreach, and mission to love God and serve others.

STEWARDSHIP
To make a commitment electronically, please visit our online stewardship: https://saintnicholas.org/stewardship

Donation link: https://saintnicholas.org/donation ...show less

Matins Gospel Readings
Fourth Orthros Gospel
Luke 24:1-12
On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words... show moreMatins Gospel Readings
Fourth Orthros Gospel
Luke 24:1-12
On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.

Fourth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:1-12
Τῇ μιᾷ τῶν Σαββάτων, ὄρθρου βαθέος ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμα, φέρουσαι ἃ ἡτοίμασαν ἀρώματα, καί τινες σὺν αὐταῖς. Εὗρον δὲ τὸν λίθον ἀποκεκυλισμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι οὐχ εὗρον τὸ σῶμα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ. Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ διαπορεῖσθαι αὐτὰς περὶ τούτου, καὶ Ἰδού, δύο ἄνδρες ἐπέστησαν αὐταῖς ἐν ἐσθήσεσιν ἀστραπτούσαις· ἐμφόβων δὲ γενομένων αὐτῶν καὶ κλινουσῶν τὰ πρόσωπον εἰς τὴν γῆν, εἶπον πρὸς αὐτάς· Τί ζητεῖτε τὸν ζῶντα μετὰ τῶν νεκρῶν; οὐκ ἔστιν ᾧδε, ἀλλ' ἠγέρθη. Μνήσθητε ὡς ἐλάλησεν ὑμῖν, ἔτι ὢν ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ, λέγων, ὅτι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδοθῆναι εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων ἁμαρτωλῶν, καὶ σταυρωθῆναι, καὶ τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστῆναι. Καὶ ἐμνήσθησαν τῶν ῥημάτων αὐτοῦ, καὶ ὑποστρέψασαι ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, ἀπήγγειλαν ταῦτα πάντα τοῖς ἕνδεκα καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς λοιποῖς. Ἦσαν δὲ ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ Μαρία καὶ Ἰωάννα καὶ Μαρία Ἰακώβου, καὶ αἱ λοιπαὶ σὺν αὐταῖς, αἳ ἔλεγον πρὸς τοὺς ἀποστόλους ταῦτα. Καὶ ἐφάνησαν ἐνώπιον αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ λῆρος τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν, καὶ ἠπίστουν αὐταῖς, ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἀναστὰς ἔδραμεν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ παρακύψας βλέπει τὰ ὀθόνια κείμενα μόνα, καὶ ἀπῆλθε, πρὸς ἑαυτόν θαυμάζων τὸ γεγονός.

Epistle Readings

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 Readings
Forgiveness Sunday
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. ...show less

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 4th Mode

When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world.

Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον· Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος... show moreResurrectional Apolytikion in the 4th Mode

When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world.

Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον· Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion of Saint Nicholas in the 1st Mode

An example of the faith and a life of humility, as a teacher of self-control you did inspire and lead your flock, and through the truthfulness of your deeds, were exalted by greatness through your humility, uplifting all, and by poverty gaining strength. Father and hierarch Saint Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved.

Κανόνα πίστεως καί εικόνα πραότητος, εγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξέ σε τή ποίμνη σου, η τών πραγμάτων αλήθεια, διά τούτο εκτήσω τή ταπεινώσει τά υψηλά, τή πτωχεία τά πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

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. ...show less

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

St. Nicholas and St. Basil will share in hosting Great Lent 2026 Presanctified Liturgies

Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm, Followed by Lenten potluck suppers with spiritual talks

Our Journey to Pascha 2026! Our Journey to Pascha! Please take a look at the full schedule.

- FEBRUARY 1st, Publican and the Pharisee
- FEBRUARY 8th, The Prodigal Son Returns!
- FEBRUARY 15th, The Last Judgement
- FEBRUARY 22nd, Adam and Eve are cast from Paradise!
- MARCH 1st, SUNDAY of ORTHODOXY
- MARCH 8th, ST GREGORY PALAMAS
- MARCH 15th, VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
- MARCH 22nd, ST JOHN of the LADDER
- MARCH 29th, ST MARY of EGYPT
- APRIL 5th, ENTRY OF OUR LORD INTO JERUSALEM
- APRIL 10th, GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY
- APRIL 12th, HOLY PASCHA! (CHRIST IS RISEN!)

Festival 2026 Food Preparation Schedule

March 3rd - Spanakopita
Eleni Matheou / 408-386-5576
Niki Poulos / 403-316-7043

March 20th - Tiropites
Penny Pagonis / 408-772-6229
Nicole Perakis

March 28th - Dolmades
Meredith & George
Panayatopoulos / 408) 849-9552

Thus past weekend, Saint Nicholas San Jose proudly participated in FDF 2026.

We are so proud of all of our groups who competed and represented our community with dedication, grace, and heart. Their hard work, countless rehearsals, and commitment to excellence truly shined on stage.

But beyond competition, what made this weekend even more meaningful was the opportunity to give back. Our dancers participated in the FDF Diakonia Project, helping pack meals for 35,000 people in need.

Our groups also attended educational workshops, where they learned from talented instructors, strengthened their skills, and connected with fellow dancers from across the community.

We return home inspired, united, and proud to be part of such a vibrant... show moreThus past weekend, Saint Nicholas San Jose proudly participated in FDF 2026.

We are so proud of all of our groups who competed and represented our community with dedication, grace, and heart. Their hard work, countless rehearsals, and commitment to excellence truly shined on stage.

But beyond competition, what made this weekend even more meaningful was the opportunity to give back. Our dancers participated in the FDF Diakonia Project, helping pack meals for 35,000 people in need.

Our groups also attended educational workshops, where they learned from talented instructors, strengthened their skills, and connected with fellow dancers from across the community.

We return home inspired, united, and proud to be part of such a vibrant and faith-filled community.

Bravo to all of our participants! 💙

https://www.facebook.com/SaintNicholasOrg
https://www.instagram.com/saintnicholasorg/ ...show less

February 15

Onesimus the Apostle of the 70

This Apostle, who was from Colossae, was a bond-servant of that Philemon to whom the Apostle Paul addressed his epistle. Onesimus escaped from Philemon and fled to Rome, where he became a disciple of Saint Paul.

Saint Paul brought him to the Faith of Christ, and then sent him back to his master, who in turn gave him his freedom and sent him back to Rome again, where he ministered to Saint Paul. Later, he was seized because he was a Christian and was sent to Puteoli, where he was beaten to death with clubs. Saint Onesimus is also commemorated on November 22 with the holy Apostles Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus.

February 15

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber... show moreFebruary 15

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday. ...show less

SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

JOHN THRAPPAS (6 MO), father of George Thrappas, Angela (Elias) Bakouros, and Denise (Andy) Johnson, grandfather of Maria (Patrick), Costa, Nicole (Pete), Adrienne, and Jack, and great grandchildren

ALEXANDER SARROS (ANNUAL), husband of Kanella Sarros, father of Andrea Patzakis and Ariadne Tcharos, grandfather of Alexandra, Michaela, Theoharis, Alexander, and Michael

May their memory be eternal

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Polyxene Kokinos, Niko Kolliopoulos, Anthony Pappas, and Maria Pappas in the Small Hall with support from families with memorial services. We extend a heartfelt... show moreSUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

JOHN THRAPPAS (6 MO), father of George Thrappas, Angela (Elias) Bakouros, and Denise (Andy) Johnson, grandfather of Maria (Patrick), Costa, Nicole (Pete), Adrienne, and Jack, and great grandchildren

ALEXANDER SARROS (ANNUAL), husband of Kanella Sarros, father of Andrea Patzakis and Ariadne Tcharos, grandfather of Alexandra, Michaela, Theoharis, Alexander, and Michael

May their memory be eternal

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Polyxene Kokinos, Niko Kolliopoulos, Anthony Pappas, and Maria Pappas 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 February 22, 2026: The Missions Ministry

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

SATURDAY OF THE SOULS
A Saturday of the Souls (Psychosavato) service will be on Saturday, February 14th 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.

YOUTH BASKETBALL - TEAM PRACTICING NOW, FIRST GAMES ARE MARCH 1ST
The St Nicholas youth basketball program has started team practices for the Spring '26 season. First games are Sunday March 1st. New players of all skill and experience levels are welcome. Final rosters due Feb 22nd. There is especially a need to fill out our Elementary boys roster; calling on all... show moreSATURDAY OF THE SOULS
A Saturday of the Souls (Psychosavato) service will be on Saturday, February 14th 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.

YOUTH BASKETBALL - TEAM PRACTICING NOW, FIRST GAMES ARE MARCH 1ST
The St Nicholas youth basketball program has started team practices for the Spring '26 season. First games are Sunday March 1st. New players of all skill and experience levels are welcome. Final rosters due Feb 22nd. There is especially a need to fill out our Elementary boys roster; calling on all 2nd grade through 5th grade boys come join us. Contact Coach John with any questions, jcocoles5@gmail.com.

!!!No practice February 16th and 17th for the Elementary and Middle school boys/girls teams due to FDF. Good luck, dancers!!!

Boys Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 5:15-6:30

Girls Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) and Middle School (6th-8th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 6:30-7:45

Boys Middle School (6th-8th Grade) are practicing weekly on Tuesdays at 6:45

Boys High School (9th-12th Grade) first practice Thursday Feb 19th, Time TBD

All new players (including siblings of returning players) MUST register here: https://saintnicholas.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/128/responses/new Returning players do NOT need to re-register. New players are welcome.

UNIFORM RETURN: If you still have your uniform from last year, we NEED them returned ASAP. Bring to practice or give them to a Coach or John Cocoles during Sunday Coffee hour. We need to know how many new uniforms we may need to buy and which sizes.

The Orthodox Youth Athletic Association is a recreational league with other Orthodox churches in the Bay Area with games typically on Sunday afternoons starting soon after FDF in February. We look forward to another fun and successful season. To register: Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. If you have any questions, please contact John Cocoles at basketball@saintnicholas.org or jcocoles5@gmail.com

MISSIONS SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 22ND
Sunday, February 22nd is the official OCMC’s Missions Sunday. To assist our dedicated missionaries and mission priests serving abroad, we will have a special tray on Sunday, February 22nd. Please prayerfully consider a small donation towards this cause.

Cultivating a mission mindset is an essential aspect of spiritual growth and community engagement within the Church. This process starts with education, helping individuals and groups understand the importance of sharing God’s love and message of salvation. The Assembly of Canonical Bishops in the United States has designated the last Sunday before Great Lent as Mission Sunday. This is the one Sunday of the year that parishes are encouraged to pass a tray to support the work of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. In 2026, Mission Sunday will be observed on February 22nd.

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 missions@saintnicholas.org or during the coffee hour, which will be sponsored by the Missions Ministry. ...show less

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, February 14 - Saturday of the Souls
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, February 15 - Judgment (Meatfare) Sunday
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, February 22 - Forgiveness (Cheesefare) Sunday
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15: Family Divine Liturgy
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22: Sunday School

ONE-CLICK GIVING!
Our church website has upgraded to Pushpay for all online donations, tithes, and a number of other transactions - making giving simpler, faster, and more secure.

Key Benefits for you:

One-Click Giving: Set up recurring tithes in seconds or make one-time gifts with ease.
Safe & Secure: Bank-level encryption protects your information.
Text-to-Give: Simply text “GIVE” to (833) 921-7035 to donate instantly.
Track Your Giving: View your donation history and print tax statements anytime.
Give from Anywhere: Use your phone, tablet, or computer.
Visit https://saintnicholas.org/donation to donate and set up your account.

Your generosity fuels our ministries, outreach, and mission to love God and serve others.

STEWARDSHIP
To... show moreONE-CLICK GIVING!
Our church website has upgraded to Pushpay for all online donations, tithes, and a number of other transactions - making giving simpler, faster, and more secure.

Key Benefits for you:

One-Click Giving: Set up recurring tithes in seconds or make one-time gifts with ease.
Safe & Secure: Bank-level encryption protects your information.
Text-to-Give: Simply text “GIVE” to (833) 921-7035 to donate instantly.
Track Your Giving: View your donation history and print tax statements anytime.
Give from Anywhere: Use your phone, tablet, or computer.
Visit https://saintnicholas.org/donation to donate and set up your account.

Your generosity fuels our ministries, outreach, and mission to love God and serve others.

STEWARDSHIP
To make a committment electronically, please visit our online stewardship: https://saintnicholas.org/stewardship

Donation link: https://saintnicholas.org/donation ...show less

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... show moreMatins 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. 4th Mode. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2.

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Προκείμενον. 4th Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 146.5;134.3.
Μέγας ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, καὶ μεγάλη ἡ ἰσχὺς ἀὐτοῦ.
Στίχ. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον, ὅτι ἀγαθός.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 8:8-13, 9:1-2.

Ἀδελφοί, βρῶμα ἡμᾶς οὐ παρίστησιν τῷ θεῷ· οὔτε γὰρ ἐὰν φάγωμεν περισσεύομεν, οὔτε ἐὰν μὴ φάγωμεν ὑστερούμεθα. Βλέπετε δὲ μήπως ἡ ἐξουσία ὑμῶν αὕτη πρόσκομμα γένηται τοῖς ἀσθενοῦσιν. Ἐὰν γάρ τις ἴδῃ σε τὸν ἔχοντα γνῶσιν ἐν εἰδωλείῳ κατακείμενον, οὐχὶ ἡ συνείδησις αὐτοῦ ἀσθενοῦς ὄντος οἰκοδομηθήσεται εἰς τὸ τὰ εἰδωλόθυτα ἐσθίειν; Καὶ ἀπολεῖται ὁ ἀσθενῶν ἀδελφὸς ἐπὶ τῇ σῇ γνώσει, διʼ ὃν Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν; Οὕτως δὲ ἁμαρτάνοντες εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφούς, καὶ τύπτοντες αὐτῶν τὴν συνείδησιν ἀσθενοῦσαν, εἰς Χριστὸν ἁμαρτάνετε. Διόπερ εἰ βρῶμα σκανδαλίζει τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, οὐ μὴ φάγω κρέα εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα, ἵνα μὴ τὸν ἀδελφόν μου σκανδαλίσω. Οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος; Οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐλεύθερος; Οὐχὶ Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν ἑώρακα; Οὐ τὸ ἔργον μου ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν κυρίῳ; Εἰ ἄλλοις οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος, ἀλλά γε ὑμῖν εἰμι· ἡ γὰρ σφραγὶς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀποστολῆς ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν κυρίῳ.

Gospel Reading
Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 25:31-46

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Ὅταν δὲ ἔλθῃ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐν τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ καὶ πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι ἄγγελοι μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ, τότε καθίσει ἐπὶ θρόνου δόξης αὐτοῦ, καὶ συναχθήσεται ἔμπροσθεν αὐτοῦ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, καὶ ἀφοριεῖ αὐτοὺς ἀπ᾿ ἀλλήλων ὥσπερ ὁ ποιμὴν ἀφορίζει τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τῶν ἐρίφων, καὶ στήσει τὰ μὲν πρόβατα ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ, τὰ δὲ ἐρίφια ἐξ εὐωνύμων. τότε ἐρεῖ ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῖς ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ· δεῦτε οἱ εὐλογημένοι τοῦ πατρός μου, κληρονομήσατε τὴν ἡτοιμασμένην ὑμῖν βασιλείαν ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου. ἐπείνασα γάρ, καὶ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα, καὶ ἐποτίσατέ με, ξένος ἤμην, καὶ συνηγάγετέ με, γυμνός, καὶ περιεβάλετέ με, ἠσθένησα, καὶ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με, ἐν φυλακῇ ἤμην, καὶ ἤλθετε πρός με. τότε ἀποκριθήσονται αὐτῷ οἱ δίκαιοι λέγοντες· κύριε, πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα καὶ ἐθρέψαμεν, ἢ διψῶντα καὶ ἐποτίσαμεν; πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ξένον καὶ συνηγάγομεν, ἢ γυμνὸν καὶ περιεβάλομεν; πότε δέ σε εἴδομεν ἀσθενῆ ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ ἤλθομεν πρός σε; καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐρεῖ αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐφ᾿ ὅσον ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου τῶν ἐλαχίστων, ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε. τότε ἐρεῖ καὶ τοῖς ἐξ εὐωνύμων· πορεύεσθε ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ οἱ κατηραμένοι εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον τὸ ἡτοιμασμένον τῷ διαβόλῳ καὶ τοῖς ἀγγέλοις αὐτοῦ. ἐπείνασα γάρ, καὶ οὐκ ἐδώκατέ μοι φαγεῖν, ἐδίψησα, καὶ οὐκ ἐποτίσατέ με, ξένος ἤμην, καὶ οὐ συνηγάγετέ με, γυμνός, καὶ οὐ περιεβάλετέ με, ἀσθενὴς καὶ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ οὐκ ἐπεσκέψασθέ με. τότε ἀποκριθήσονται αὐτῷ καὶ αὐτοὶ λέγοντες· κύριε, πότε σε εἴδομεν πεινῶντα ἢ διψῶντα ἢ ξένον ἢ γυμνὸν ἢ ἀσθενῆ ἢ ἐν φυλακῇ, καὶ οὐ διηκονήσαμέν σοι; τότε ἀποκριθήσεται αὐτοῖς λέγων· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐφ᾿ ὅσον οὐκ ἐποιήσατε ἑνὶ τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων, οὐδὲ ἐμοὶ ἐποιήσατε. καὶ ἀπελεύσονται οὗτοι εἰς κόλασιν αἰώνιον, οἱ δὲ δίκαιοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. ...show less

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Mode
Let the heavens be glad. Let the earth rejoice exceedingly. For the Lord has shown strength with his arm. He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead. Out of the belly of Hades, He has rescued us, and to the world He has granted the 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... show moreResurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Mode
Let the heavens be glad. Let the earth rejoice exceedingly. For the Lord has shown strength with his arm. He trampled death by death. He became the first-born of the dead. Out of the belly of Hades, He has rescued us, and to the world He has granted the 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.

Apolytikion of Saint Nicholas in the 1st Mode

An example of the faith and a life of humility, as a teacher of self-control you did inspire and lead your flock, and through the truthfulness of your deeds, were exalted by greatness through your humility, uplifting all, and by poverty gaining strength. Father and hierarch Saint Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved.

Κανόνα πίστεως καί εικόνα πραότητος, εγκρατείας Διδάσκαλον, ανέδειξέ σε τή ποίμνη σου, η τών πραγμάτων αλήθεια, διά τούτο εκτήσω τή ταπεινώσει τά υψηλά, τή πτωχεία τά πλούσια, Πάτερ Ιεράρχα Νικόλαε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 1st Mode

O God, when You come upon the earth in glory, the whole world will tremble. A river of fire will bring all before Your Judgment Seat and the books will be opened, and everything in secret will become public. At that time, deliver me from the fire which never dies, and enable me to stand by Your right hand, O Judge most just.

Ὅταν ἔλθῃς ὁ Θεός, ἐπὶ γῆς μετὰ δόξης, καὶ τρέμωσι τὰ σύμπαντα, ποταμὸς δὲ τοῦ πυρὸς πρὸ τοῦ Βήματος ἕλκῃ, καὶ βίβλοι ἀνοίγωνται, καὶ τὰ κρυπτὰ δημοσιεύωνται, τότε ῥῦσαί με, ἐκ τοῦ πυρὸς τοῦ ἀσβέστου, καὶ ἀξίωσον, ἐκ δεξιῶν σου μὲ στῆναι, Κριτὰ δικαιότατε. ...show less

"Christian love is the 'possible impossibility' to see Christ in another man, whoever he is..."
Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, 20th Century

So great was the honour and providential care which God bestowed upon man that He brought the entire sensible world into being before him and for his sake. The kingdom of heaven was prepared for him from the foundation of the world (cf. Matt. 25:34); God first took counsel concerning him, and then he was fashioned by God's hand and according to the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). God did not form the whole man from matter and from the elements of this sensible world, as He did the other animals. He formed only man's body from these materials; but man's soul He took from... show more"Christian love is the 'possible impossibility' to see Christ in another man, whoever he is..."
Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, 20th Century

So great was the honour and providential care which God bestowed upon man that He brought the entire sensible world into being before him and for his sake. The kingdom of heaven was prepared for him from the foundation of the world (cf. Matt. 25:34); God first took counsel concerning him, and then he was fashioned by God's hand and according to the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). God did not form the whole man from matter and from the elements of this sensible world, as He did the other animals. He formed only man's body from these materials; but man's soul He took from things supercelestial or, rather, it came from God Himself when mysteriously He breathed life into man (cf. Gen. 2:7).

St. Gregory Palamas
Topics of Natural and Theological Science no. 24, The Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 356, 14th century ...show less

Festival 2026 Food Preparation Schedule

March 3rd - Spanakopita
Eleni Matheou / 408-386-5576
Niki Poulos / 403-316-7043

March 20th - Tiropites
Penny Pagonis / 408-772-6229
Nicole Perakis

March 28th - Dolmades
Meredith & George
Panayatopoulos / 408) 849-9552