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

Please note services for the first week of Great Lent have been updated. We encourage everyone to review the revised times listed in this flier.

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.

Our community has been hard at work preparing for FDF, and the week is finally here! ✨ They’ll be taking the stage in AZ ☀️ Check out the Saint Nicholas San Jose performance schedule!

Theodore the Commander & Great Martyr

February 08

The holy Martyr Theodore was from Euchaita of Galatia and dwelt in Heraclea of Pontus. He was a renowned commander in the military, and the report came to the Emperor Licinius that he was a Christian and abominated the idols. Licinius therefore sent certain men to him from Nicomedia, to honor him and ask him to appear before him. Through them, however, Saint Theodore sent back a message that it was necessary for various reasons, that Licinius come to Heraclea. Licinius, seeing in this a hope of turning Saint Theodore away from Christ did as was asked of him.

When the Emperor came to Heraclea, Saint Theodore met him with honor, and the Emperor in turn gave Theodore his hand, believing... show moreTheodore the Commander & Great Martyr

February 08

The holy Martyr Theodore was from Euchaita of Galatia and dwelt in Heraclea of Pontus. He was a renowned commander in the military, and the report came to the Emperor Licinius that he was a Christian and abominated the idols. Licinius therefore sent certain men to him from Nicomedia, to honor him and ask him to appear before him. Through them, however, Saint Theodore sent back a message that it was necessary for various reasons, that Licinius come to Heraclea. Licinius, seeing in this a hope of turning Saint Theodore away from Christ did as was asked of him.

When the Emperor came to Heraclea, Saint Theodore met him with honor, and the Emperor in turn gave Theodore his hand, believing that through him he would be able to draw the Christians to the worship of his idols. Seated upon his throne in the midst of the people, he publicly bade Theodore offer sacrifice to the gods. But Theodore asked that the emperor entrust him with the most venerable of his gods, those of gold and silver, that he might take them home and himself attend upon them that evening, promising that the following day he would honor them in public. The Emperor, filled with joy at these tidings, gave command that Theodore's request be fulfilled.

When the Saint had taken the idols home, he broke them in pieces and distributed the gold and silver to the poor by night. The next day a centurion named Maxentius told Licinius that he had seen a pauper pass by carrying the head of Artemis. Saint Theodore, far from repenting of this, confessed Christ boldly. Licinius, in an uncontainable fury, had the Saint put to many torments, then crucified. While upon the cross, the holy Martyr was further tormented -- his privy parts were cut off, he was shot with arrows, his eyes were put out, and he was left on the cross to die. The next day Licinius sent men to take his corpse and cast it into the sea; but they found the Saint alive and perfectly whole. Through this, many believed in Christ. Seeing his own men turning to Christ, and the city in an uproar, Licinius had Theodore beheaded, about the year 320. The Saint's holy relics were returned to his ancestral home on June 8, which is also a feast of the Great Martyr Theodore. ...show less

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
**Correction - No scheduled memorials**

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by the Golden Years in the Community Center with support from families with memorial services. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our hosts.

Upcoming coffee hour hosts for February 15, 2026: Polyxene Kokinos, Niko Kolliopoulos, Anthony Pappas, and Maria Pappas

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

GOLDEN YEARS ANNUAL VALENTINE'S LUNCHEON
*Tickets still available* May be purchased at the door*

Please join us for the annual Golden Years Seniors Valentine’s Day Luncheon on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in the Community Center immediately following the Divine Liturgy. See the flyer... show moreSUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
**Correction - No scheduled memorials**

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by the Golden Years in the Community Center with support from families with memorial services. We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our hosts.

Upcoming coffee hour hosts for February 15, 2026: Polyxene Kokinos, Niko Kolliopoulos, Anthony Pappas, and Maria Pappas

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

GOLDEN YEARS ANNUAL VALENTINE'S LUNCHEON
*Tickets still available* May be purchased at the door*

Please join us for the annual Golden Years Seniors Valentine’s Day Luncheon on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in the Community Center immediately following the Divine Liturgy. See the flyer in the Special Events Section.

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.

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/rd

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 next Monday Feb 9th at 5:15-6:30 in the Community Center for practice. 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

...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/

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

Tuesday, February 10 - St. Haralambos the Hieromartyr
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

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 SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8: Sunday School classes
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15: Family Divine Liturgy

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 Readings
Second Orthros Gospel
Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But... show moreMatins Gospel Readings
Second Orthros Gospel
Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Second Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 16:1-8
Διαγενομένου τοῦ Σαββάτου, Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία ἡ τοῦ Ἰακώβου καὶ Σαλώμη ἠγόρασαν ἀρώματα, ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι ἀλείψωσιν τὸν Ἰησοῦν. Καὶ λίαν πρωῒ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων ἔρχονται ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον ἀνατείλαντος τοῦ ἡλίου. Καὶ ἔλεγον πρὸς ἑαυτάς· Τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον ἐκ τῆς θύρας τοῦ μνημείου; καὶ ἀναβλέψασαι θεωροῦσιν ὅτι ἀποκεκύλισται ὁ λίθος· ἦν γὰρ μέγας σφόδρα. Καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον, εἶδον νεανίσκον καθήμενον ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, περιβεβλημένον στολήν λευκήν, καὶ ἐξεθαμβήθησαν· ὁ δὲ λέγει αὐταῖς· Μὴ ἐκθαμβεῖσθε, Ἰησοῦν ζητεῖτε τὸν Ναζαρηνὸν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον, ἠγέρθη, οὐκ ἔστιν ᾧδε· ἴδε, ὁ τόπος ὅπου ἔθηκαν αὐτόν, ἀλλ' ὑπάγετε, εἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Πέτρῳ, ὅτι προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε, καθὼς εἶπεν ὑμῖν. Καὶ ἐξελθοῦσαι ταχὺ ἔφυγον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου, εἶχε δὲ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις, καὶ οὐδενὶ οὐδὲν εἶπον· ἐφοβοῦντο γάρ.

Epistle Readings

Prokeimenon. 2nd Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 6:12-20.

Brethren, "all things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" -- and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two shall become one flesh." But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God.

Προκείμενον. 2nd Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.14,18.
Ἰσχύς μου καὶ ὕμνησίς μου ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Παιδεύων ἐπαίδευσέ με ὁ Κύριος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 6:12-20.

Ἀδελφοί, πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλʼ οὐ πάντα συμφέρει· πάντα μοι ἔξεστιν, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἐγὼ ἐξουσιασθήσομαι ὑπό τινος. Τὰ βρώματα τῇ κοιλίᾳ, καὶ ἡ κοιλία τοῖς βρώμασιν· ὁ δὲ θεὸς καὶ ταύτην καὶ ταῦτα καταργήσει. Τὸ δὲ σῶμα οὐ τῇ πορνείᾳ, ἀλλὰ τῷ κυρίῳ, καὶ ὁ κύριος τῷ σώματι· ὁ δὲ θεὸς καὶ τὸν κύριον ἤγειρεν καὶ ἡμᾶς ἐξεγερεῖ διὰ τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν μέλη Χριστοῦ ἐστιν; Ἄρας οὖν τὰ μέλη τοῦ Χριστοῦ ποιήσω πόρνης μέλη; Μὴ γένοιτο. Οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ὁ κολλώμενος τῇ πόρνῃ ἓν σῶμά ἐστιν; Ἔσονται γάρ, φησίν, οἱ δύο εἰς σάρκα μίαν. Ὁ δὲ κολλώμενος τῷ κυρίῳ ἓν πνεῦμά ἐστιν. Φεύγετε τὴν πορνείαν. Πᾶν ἁμάρτημα ὃ ἐὰν ποιήσῃ ἄνθρωπος ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν· ὁ δὲ πορνεύων εἰς τὸ ἴδιον σῶμα ἁμαρτάνει. Ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι τὸ σῶμα ὑμῶν ναὸς τοῦ ἐν ὑμῖν ἁγίου πνεύματός ἐστιν, οὗ ἔχετε ἀπὸ θεοῦ; Καὶ οὐκ ἐστὲ ἑαυτῶν, ἠγοράσθητε γὰρ τιμῆς· δοξάσατε δὴ τὸν θεὸν ἐν τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν, καὶ ἐν τῷ πνεύματι ὑμῶν, ἅτινά ἐστιν τοῦ θεοῦ.


Gospel Readings
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32
The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"

Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 15:11-32
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωπός τις εἶχε δύο υἱούς. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ νεώτερος αὐτῶν τῷ πατρί· πάτερ, δός μοι τὸ ἐπιβάλλον μέρος τῆς οὐσίας. καὶ διεῖλεν αὐτοῖς τὸν βίον. καὶ μετ᾿ οὐ πολλὰς ἡμέρας συναγαγὼν ἅπαντα ὁ νεώτερος υἱὸς ἀπεδήμησεν εἰς χώραν μακράν, καὶ ἐκεῖ διεσκόρπισε τὴν οὐσίαν αὐτοῦ ζῶν ἀσώτως. δαπανήσαντος δὲ αὐτοῦ πάντα ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἰσχυρὸς κατὰ τὴν χώραν ἐκείνην, καὶ αὐτὸς ἤρξατο ὑστερεῖσθαι. καὶ πορευθεὶς ἐκολλήθη ἑνὶ τῶν πολιτῶν τῆς χώρας ἐκείνης, καὶ ἔπεμψεν αὐτὸν εἰς τοὺς ἀγροὺς αὐτοῦ βόσκειν χοίρους. καὶ ἐπεθύμει γεμίσαι τὴν κοιλίαν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν κερατίων ὧν ἤσθιον οἱ χοῖροι, καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐδίδου αὐτῷ. εἰς ἑαυτὸν δὲ ἐλθὼν εἶπε· πόσοι μίσθιοι τοῦ πατρός μου περισσεύουσιν ἄρτων, ἐγὼ δὲ λιμῷ ἀπόλλυμαι! ἀναστὰς πορεύσομαι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα μου καὶ ἐρῶ αὐτῷ· πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου. οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου· ποίησόν με ὡς ἕνα τῶν μισθίων σου. καὶ ἀναστὰς ἦλθε πρὸς τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ. ἔτι δὲ αὐτοῦ μακρὰν ἀπέχοντος εἶδεν αὐτὸν ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐσπλαγχνίσθη, καὶ δραμὼν ἐπέπεσεν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον αὐτοῦ καὶ κατεφίλησεν αὐτόν. εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ υἱός· πάτερ, ἥμαρτον εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐνώπιόν σου, καὶ οὐκέτι εἰμὶ ἄξιος κληθῆναι υἱός σου. εἶπε δὲ ὁ πατὴρ πρὸς τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ· ἐξενέγκατε τὴν στολὴν τὴν πρώτην καὶ ἐνδύσατε αὐτόν, καὶ δότε δακτύλιον εἰς τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ὑποδήματα εἰς τοὺς πόδας, καὶ ἐνέγκαντες τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτὸν θύσατε, καὶ φαγόντες εὐφρανθῶμεν, ὅτι οὗτος ὁ υἱός μου νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησε, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς ἦν καὶ εὑρέθη. καὶ ἤρξαντο εὐφραίνεσθαι. ῏Ην δὲ ὁ υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ὁ πρεσβύτερος ἐν ἀγρῷ· καὶ ὡς ἐρχόμενος ἤγγισε τῇ οἰκίᾳ, ἤκουσε συμφωνίας καὶ χορῶν, καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος ἕνα τῶν παίδων ἐπυνθάνετο τί εἴη ταῦτα. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου ἥκει καὶ ἔθυσεν ὁ πατήρ σου τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν, ὅτι ὑγιαίνοντα αὐτὸν ἀπέλαβεν. ὠργίσθη δὲ καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν εἰσελθεῖν. ὁ οὖν πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἐξελθὼν παρεκάλει αὐτόν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπε τῷ πατρί· ἰδοὺ τοσαῦτα ἔτη δουλεύω σοι καὶ οὐδέποτε ἐντολήν σου παρῆλθον, καὶ ἐμοὶ οὐδέποτε ἔδωκας ἔριφον ἵνα μετὰ τῶν φίλων μου εὐφρανθῶ· ὅτε δὲ ὁ υἱός σου οὗτος, ὁ καταφαγών σου τὸν βίον μετὰ πορνῶν, ἦλθεν, ἔθυσας αὐτῷ τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτευτόν. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· τέκνον, σὺ πάντοτε μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ εἶ, καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐμὰ σά ἐστιν· εὐφρανθῆναι δὲ καὶ χαρῆναι ἔδει, ὅτι ὁ ἀδελφός σου οὗτος νεκρὸς ἦν καὶ ἀνέζησε, καὶ ἀπολωλὼς ἦν καὶ εὑρέθη. ...show less

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Mode
When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ... show moreResurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Mode
When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Presentation in the 1st Mode
Lady full of grace, rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, for Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness has risen from you and He illumined those in darkness. And you, righteous Elder, be glad in heart, receiving in your embraces the One who liberates our souls and bestows on us the Resurrection.

Χαῖρε κεχαριτωμένη Θεοτόκε Παρθένε, ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἀνέτειλεν ὁ Ἥλιος τῆς δικαιοσύνης, Χριστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, φωτίζων τοὺς ἐν σκότει. Εὐφραίνου καὶ σὺ Πρεσβύτα δίκαιε, δεξάμενος ἐν ἀγκάλαις τὸν ἐλευθερωτὴν τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν, χαριζόμενος ἡμῖν καὶ τὴν Ἀνάστασιν.

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
Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.

Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῶ τόκω σου, καὶ χείρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νὺν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλ' εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος. ...show less

Thank God every day with your whole heart for having given to you life according to His image and likeness - an intelligently free and immortal life...Thank Him also for again daily bestowing life upon you, who have fallen an innumerable multitude of times, by your own free will, through sins, from life unto death, and that He does so as soon as you only say from your whole heart: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee!' (Luke 15:18).

St. John of Kronstadt
My Life in Christ: Part 1; Holy Trinity Monastery pgs. 104-105, 19th century
But if he had despaired of his life, and, ... had remained in the foreign land, he would not have obtained what he did obtain, but would have been consumed with hunger, and so have undergone... show moreThank God every day with your whole heart for having given to you life according to His image and likeness - an intelligently free and immortal life...Thank Him also for again daily bestowing life upon you, who have fallen an innumerable multitude of times, by your own free will, through sins, from life unto death, and that He does so as soon as you only say from your whole heart: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee!' (Luke 15:18).

St. John of Kronstadt
My Life in Christ: Part 1; Holy Trinity Monastery pgs. 104-105, 19th century
But if he had despaired of his life, and, ... had remained in the foreign land, he would not have obtained what he did obtain, but would have been consumed with hunger, and so have undergone the most pitiable death: ...

St. John Chrysostom
AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century ...show less

Diversity exists in the body of Christ, Archbishop Elpidophoros says at ecumenical prayer service

By Salvatore Ambrosino
January 30, 2026

Last night, an ecumenical prayer service took place at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, led by clergy from several Christian traditions.

The service was offered as part of the World Council of Churches’ 58th annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This year’s theme draws from Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”

> Watch:Ecumenical Prayer Service for the 58th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The program included prayers from the Armenian Apostolic tradition, chanting by the Archdiocesan Cathedral... show moreDiversity exists in the body of Christ, Archbishop Elpidophoros says at ecumenical prayer service

By Salvatore Ambrosino
January 30, 2026

Last night, an ecumenical prayer service took place at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, led by clergy from several Christian traditions.

The service was offered as part of the World Council of Churches’ 58th annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This year’s theme draws from Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”

> Watch:Ecumenical Prayer Service for the 58th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The program included prayers from the Armenian Apostolic tradition, chanting by the Archdiocesan Cathedral Choir and the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, and remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

“To move beyond our ecclesial insularity,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said, “we must endeavor to intentionally embrace the diversity that already exists in the Body of Christ.”

> Read: Archbishop Elpidophoros installed as National Council of Churches board chair

His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan, currently serving as Apostolic Administrator of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, offered the homily and stated that “the friendship” he has experienced with the celebrants “ranks high” as his nearly-17 years as archbishop comes to an end

“We are most unified when we are most united to Christ on His Cross,” Cardinal Dolan said, explaining that the experience of suffering worldwide unifies Christians of all backgrounds.

Cardinal Dolan listed mounting global tensions and active conflicts that contribute to the “scandal of division that mocks the desire of Jesus Himself.” Among these, Cardinal Dolan invoked the “harassment our immigrants and refugees face.”

Archbishop Elpidophoros called the homily “enriching,” and presented Cardinal Dolan with a silver pectoral cross.

“I am, with profound joy, honored to present you with this silver pectoral cross as a token of our gratitude, fraternal affection, and enduring esteem,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.

Archbishop Elpidophoros also expressed his appreciation for the Armenian Apostolic Church, stating “the service which we celebrated this evening is certainly redolent with the sweet savor of the glorious traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church.”

“As we come to the conclusion of our service observing this year’s Octave for Christian Unity, as it was once called, I want to thank His Eminence Cardinal Dolan for his enriching homily, and all the Ecumenical leaders and faithful who have graced our Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with their prayerful presence,” Archbishop Elpidophoros stated.

https://orthodoxobserver.org/diversity-exists-in-the-body-of-christ-archbishop-elpidophoros-says-at-ecumenical-prayer-service/ ...show less

February 01

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion... show moreFebruary 01

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

All foods are allowed 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:

STEVE MAVRAKIS, (40 DAYS), brother of Nick and George, friend of Jim

EVANGELOS MOUSTAKAS (40 DAYS), husband of Marina Moustakas, father of Aristides (Yvonne) Moustakas and Sophia (Robert) Marx, grandfather of Alexia, Andreas, and Mikey, brother-in-law of Vana Katsoudas

ARGIRO ROULA FILIPIDIS BABAIE (15 YRS), wife of Kardel Babaie, mother of Jennifer and Yianni

May their memory be eternal

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Georgia Golfinopoulos, Presvytera Vasso Kumarelas, Presvytera Stephanie Pantic, and Eleni Veloudis in the Small Hall with support from families with memorial services.... show moreSUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

STEVE MAVRAKIS, (40 DAYS), brother of Nick and George, friend of Jim

EVANGELOS MOUSTAKAS (40 DAYS), husband of Marina Moustakas, father of Aristides (Yvonne) Moustakas and Sophia (Robert) Marx, grandfather of Alexia, Andreas, and Mikey, brother-in-law of Vana Katsoudas

ARGIRO ROULA FILIPIDIS BABAIE (15 YRS), wife of Kardel Babaie, mother of Jennifer and Yianni

May their memory be eternal

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Georgia Golfinopoulos, Presvytera Vasso Kumarelas, Presvytera Stephanie Pantic, and Eleni Veloudis 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 8, 2026: The Golden Years

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

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 1ST
We invite all parishioners to attend the Divine Liturgy with their completed stewardship card on Stewardship Sunday scheduled on Sunday, February 1st and to experience the sprirtual blessings that come from being a faithful steward of Saint Nicholas. This year's stewardship theme, Rise Up and Build, calls each of us to take an active role in strengthening our parish community.

If you prefer to make your 2026 Stewardship Commitment online, please use the following link: https://saintnicholas.org/stewardship

FEASTDAY OF THE THREE HIERARCHS
On Sunday, February 1st, during the Divine Liturgy and before Holy Communion, there will be a reading about the Three Hierarchs from the students of the Center... show moreSTEWARDSHIP SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 1ST
We invite all parishioners to attend the Divine Liturgy with their completed stewardship card on Stewardship Sunday scheduled on Sunday, February 1st and to experience the sprirtual blessings that come from being a faithful steward of Saint Nicholas. This year's stewardship theme, Rise Up and Build, calls each of us to take an active role in strengthening our parish community.

If you prefer to make your 2026 Stewardship Commitment online, please use the following link: https://saintnicholas.org/stewardship

FEASTDAY OF THE THREE HIERARCHS
On Sunday, February 1st, during the Divine Liturgy and before Holy Communion, there will be a reading about the Three Hierarchs from the students of the Center of Hellenic Education and Sunday School.

GOYA MEETING
GOYA will meet on Sunday, February 1st from 11:30am to 12:15pm. See you there!

For more information email Eva Vathis at eperakis1@aol.com .

GOLDEN YEARS ANNUAL VALENTINE'S LUNCHEON
Please join us for the annual Golden Years Seniors Valentine’s Day Luncheon on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in the Community Center immediately following the Divine Liturgy. See the flyer in the Special Events Section.

PARKING IN RED AND BLUE ZONES - PLEASE HEED PARKING RESTRICTIONS
It has been brought to our attention that vehicles have been seen parking in multiple red-zoned areas and blue-zoned areas of our parking lot. We ask that you please obey all marked parking restrictions. Thank you.

HOUSE BLESSINGS
We invite any parishioners who would like to have their house blessed for the Epiphany season to contact the office (408-246-2770) to schedule with one of our priests. Please schedule now until February 2nd.

ST. NICHOLAS BIBLE STUDY - THURSDAY MORNINGS
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.

ST. ANNA PHILOPTOCHOS
Become a Saint Anna Philoptochos Member Today! To sign up on-line or get a membership form mailed to you, go to the following link: https://saintnicholas.org/philoptochos_member

YOUTH BASKETBALL - TEAM PRACTICES BEGIN IN JANUARY
The St Nicholas youth basketball program is starting team practices for the Spring '26 season. First games are Sunday March 1st. New players of all skill and experience levels welcome. There is especially a need to fill out our Elementary boys roster; calling on all 2nd grade through 5th grade boys come join us this Thursday Feb 5th at 6:45-8:00 in the Community Center for practice. Contact Coach John with any questions, jcocoles5@gmail.com.

Boys Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) are practicing this Thursday Feb 5th at 6:45. Future practice days are pending a parent meeting on this day.

Girls Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) and Middle School (6th-8th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 6:30-7:45 (note Feb 2nd moved to Thur Feb 5th at same time)

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

Boys High School (9th-12th Grade) will begin practices in mid-Feburary (after FDF) Those wishing to participate earlier can join the MS boys practices on Tuesdays.

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 ...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/

Sunday, February 1 - Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee - Triodion Begins
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Monday, February 2 - Presentation of our Lord
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

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

YOUTH SINGERS WANTED!
Talented young people who love to sing are invited to perform in a beautiful choral concert of Greek Orthodox hymns, joining with singers from several local churches, on Sat., May 23, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in San Francisco. Students in 2nd grade through high school will sing the youth choir parts along with other youth and adult singers. A wonderful opportunity to learn and perform the beautiful music of our church! Three Sunday rehearsals. Contact Voula Brown, (408) 426-7630 or voula@garlic.com. Or Eva Canellos, 650-400-1610 or cecanellos@aol.com.


SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1: Sunday School classes
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8: Sunday School classes

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
First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

First Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 28:16-20

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, οἱ ἕνδεκα μαθηταὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς... show moreMatins Gospel Reading
First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

First Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 28:16-20

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, οἱ ἕνδεκα μαθηταὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν, εἰς τὸ Ὄρος, οὗ ἐτάξατο αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς. Καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτόν, προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ· οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν. Καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς, λέγων· Ἐδόθη μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Πορευθέντες οὖν, μαθητεύσατε πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρός, καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ, καὶ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος· διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς τηρεῖν πάντα ὅσα ἐνετειλάμην ὑμῖν. Καὶ ἰδού, ἐγὼ μεθ' ὑμῶν εἰμι πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας, ἕως τῆς συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος. Ἀμήν.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. 4th Mode. Psalm 15.3,8.
Among the saints who are in his land, the Lord has been wondrous.
Verse: I see the Lord before me continually.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 8:28-39.

Brethren, we know that everything works for good with those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies; who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, "For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Προκείμενον. 4th Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 15.3,8.
Τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς ἐν τῇ γῇ αὐτοῦ ἐθαυμάστωσεν ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Προωρώμην τὸν Κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διαπαντός.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 8:28-39.

Ἀδελφοί, οἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν τὸν θεὸν πάντα συνεργεῖ εἰς ἀγαθόν, τοῖς κατὰ πρόθεσιν κλητοῖς οὖσιν. Ὅτι οὓς προέγνω, καὶ προώρισεν συμμόρφους τῆς εἰκόνος τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν πρωτότοκον ἐν πολλοῖς ἀδελφοῖς· οὓς δὲ προώρισεν, τούτους καὶ ἐκάλεσεν· καὶ οὓς ἐκάλεσεν, τούτους καὶ ἐδικαίωσεν· οὓς δὲ ἐδικαίωσεν, τούτους καὶ ἐδόξασεν. Τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν πρὸς ταῦτα; Εἰ ὁ θεὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, τίς καθʼ ἡμῶν; Ὅς γε τοῦ ἰδίου υἱοῦ οὐκ ἐφείσατο, ἀλλʼ ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν πάντων παρέδωκεν αὐτόν, πῶς οὐχὶ καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ τὰ πάντα ἡμῖν χαρίσεται; Τίς ἐγκαλέσει κατὰ ἐκλεκτῶν θεοῦ; Θεὸς ὁ δικαιῶν· τίς ὁ κατακρίνων; Χριστὸς ὁ ἀποθανών, μᾶλλον δὲ καί ἐγερθείς, ὃς καὶ ἔστιν ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ, ὃς καὶ ἐντυγχάνει ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν. Τίς ἡμᾶς χωρίσει ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Χριστοῦ; Θλῖψις, ἢ στενοχωρία, ἢ διωγμός, ἢ λιμός, ἢ γυμνότης, ἢ κίνδυνος, ἢ μάχαιρα; Καθὼς γέγραπται ὅτι Ἕνεκέν σου θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν· ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς. Ἀλλʼ ἐν τούτοις πᾶσιν ὑπερνικῶμεν διὰ τοῦ ἀγαπήσαντος ἡμᾶς. Πέπεισμαι γὰρ ὅτι οὔτε θάνατος οὔτε ζωὴ οὔτε ἄγγελοι οὔτε ἀρχαὶ οὔτε δυνάμεις οὔτε ἐνεστῶτα οὔτε μέλλοντα οὔτε ὕψωμα οὔτε βάθος οὔτε τις κτίσις ἑτέρα δυνήσεται ἡμᾶς χωρίσαι ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ θεοῦ τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν.

Gospel Reading
Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from Luke 18:10-14

The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 18:10-14

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωποι δύο ἀνέβησαν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν προσεύξασθαι, ὁ εἷς Φαρισαῖος καὶ ὁ ἕτερος τελώνης. ὁ Φαρισαῖος σταθεὶς πρὸς ἑαυτὸν ταῦτα προσηύχετο· ὁ Θεός, εὐχαριστῶ σοι ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ ὥσπερ οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἅρπαγες, ἄδικοι, μοιχοί, ἢ καὶ ὡς οὗτος ὁ τελώνης· νηστεύω δὶς τοῦ σαββάτου, ἀποδεκατῶ πάντα ὅσα κτῶμαι. καὶ ὁ τελώνης μακρόθεν ἑστὼς οὐκ ἤθελεν οὐδὲ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν ἐπᾶραι, ἀλλ᾿ ἔτυπτεν εἰς τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ λέγων· ὁ Θεός, ἱλάσθητί μοι τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ. λέγω ὑμῖν, κατέβη οὗτος δεδικαιωμένος εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἢ γὰρ ἐκεῖνος· ὅτι πᾶς ὁ ὑψῶν ἑαυτὸν ταπεινωθήσεται, ὁ δὲ ταπεινῶν ἑαυτὸν ὑψωθήσεται. ...show less

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Mode
Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων... show moreResurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Mode
Although the stone was sealed by the Jews, and the soldiers guarded Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, giving life to the world. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried out to you, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your kingdom! Glory to Your dispensation, only Lover of Mankind!

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὴν ζωήν. Διὰ τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα· Δόξα τῇ ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ Βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε.

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Meeting of the Lord in the 1st Mode
The Heavens' choir looked down from the vaults of the Heavens, and gazing on the earth, they beheld with amazement the First-born of all creation brought forth as a suckling babe to the Temple by a pure and virginal mother; and with us, they now do sing a hymn for the Forefeast, astonished and full of awe.

Ουράνιος χορός, ουρανίων αψίδων, προκύψας επί γής, καί φερόμενον βλέπων, ως βρέφος υπομάζιον, πρός ναόν τόν πρωτότοκον, πάσης κτίσεως, υπό Μητρός απειράνδρου, προεόρτιον, νύν σύν ημίν μελωδούσι, φρικτώς εξιστάμενοι.

Apolytikion for Martyr Trypho in the 4th Mode

Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Ο Μάρτυς σου Κύριε, έν τή αθλήσει αυτού, τό στέφος εκομίσατο τής αφθαρσίας, εκ σού τού Θεού ημών, έχων γάρ τήν ισχύν σου, τούς τυράννους καθείλεν, έθραυσε καί δαιμόνων, τά ανίσχυρα θράση, αυτού ταίς ικεσίαις Χριστέ, σώσον τάς ψυχάς ημών.

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 4th Mode

With our hearts instead of arms * today, believers, * with most pure and righteous thoughts * let us receive in our embrace * the Lord and Master who comes to us, * and let us offer our fore-festal hymns of praise.
῾Ως ἀγκάλας σήμερον, πιστοὶ καρδίας, ἐφαπλοῦντες δέξασθε, καθαρωτάτῳ λογισμῷ, ἐπιδημοῦντα τὸν Κύριον, προεορτίους αἰνέσεις προσᾴδοντες ...show less

If there is a moral quality almost completely disregarded and even denied today, it is indeed humility. The culture in which we live constantly instills in us the sense of pride, of self-glorification, and of self-righteousness ... Even our churches - are they not imbued with that same spirit of the Pharisee? Do we not want our every contribution, every 'good deed,' all the we do 'for the Church' to be acknowledged, praised, publicized? ... How does one become humble? The answer, for a Christian, is simple: by contemplating Christ..."

Fr. Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, pp. 19-20., 20th Century

It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those... show moreIf there is a moral quality almost completely disregarded and even denied today, it is indeed humility. The culture in which we live constantly instills in us the sense of pride, of self-glorification, and of self-righteousness ... Even our churches - are they not imbued with that same spirit of the Pharisee? Do we not want our every contribution, every 'good deed,' all the we do 'for the Church' to be acknowledged, praised, publicized? ... How does one become humble? The answer, for a Christian, is simple: by contemplating Christ..."

Fr. Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, pp. 19-20., 20th Century

It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those who have never fallen at all, I have demonstrated from the divine writings. Thus at least both the publicans and the harlots inherit the kingdom of Heaven, thus many of the last are placed before the first.

St. John Chrysostom
AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century ...show less

January 25

Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople

This great Father and Teacher of the Church was born in 329 in Arianzus, a village of the second district of Cappadocia, not far from Nazianzus. His father, who later became Bishop of Nazianzus, was named Gregory (commemorated Jan. 1), and his mother was named Nonna (Aug. 5); both are among the Saints, and so are his brother Caesarius (Mar. 9) and his sister Gorgona (Feb. 23).

At first he studied in Caesarea of Palestine, then in Alexandria, and finally in Athens. As he was sailing from Alexandria to Athens, a violent sea storm put in peril not only his life but also his salvation, since he had not yet been baptized. With tears and fervour he besought God to spare him,... show moreJanuary 25

Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople

This great Father and Teacher of the Church was born in 329 in Arianzus, a village of the second district of Cappadocia, not far from Nazianzus. His father, who later became Bishop of Nazianzus, was named Gregory (commemorated Jan. 1), and his mother was named Nonna (Aug. 5); both are among the Saints, and so are his brother Caesarius (Mar. 9) and his sister Gorgona (Feb. 23).

At first he studied in Caesarea of Palestine, then in Alexandria, and finally in Athens. As he was sailing from Alexandria to Athens, a violent sea storm put in peril not only his life but also his salvation, since he had not yet been baptized. With tears and fervour he besought God to spare him, vowing to dedicate his whole self to Him, and the tempest gave way to calm. At Athens Saint Gregory was later joined by Saint Basil the Great, whom he already knew; but now their acquaintanceship grew into a lifelong brotherly love. Another fellow student of theirs in Athens was the young Prince Julian, who later as Emperor was called the Apostate because he denied Christ and did all in his power to restore paganism. Even in Athens, before Julian had thrown off the mask of piety; Saint Gregory saw what an unsettled mind he had, and said, "What an evil the Roman State is nourishing" (Orat. V, 24, PG 35:693).

After their studies at Athens, Gregory became Basil's fellow ascetic, living the monastic life together with him for a time in the hermitages of Pontus. His father ordained him presbyter of the Church of Nazianzus, and Saint Basil consecrated him Bishop of Sasima (or Zansima), which was in the archdiocese of Caesarea. This consecration was a source of great sorrow to Gregory, and a cause of misunderstanding between him and Basil; but his love for Basil remained unchanged, as can be plainly seen from his Funeral Oration on Saint Basil (Orat. XLIII).

About the Year 379, Saint Gregory came to the assistance of the Church of Constantinople, which had already been troubled for forty years by the Arians; by his supremely wise words and many labours he freed it from the corruption of heresy, and was elected Archbishop of that city by the Second Ecumenical Council, which assembled there in 381, and condemned Macedonius, Archbishop of Constantinople, the enemy of the Holy Spirit. When Saint Gregory came to Constantinople, the Arians had taken all the churches and he was forced to serve in a house chapel dedicated to Saint Anastasia the Martyr. From there he began to preach his famous five sermons on the Trinity, called the Triadica. When he left Constantinople two years later, the Arians did not have one church left to them in the city. Saint Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), who was presiding over the Second Ecumenical Council, died in the course of it, and Saint Gregory was chosen in his stead; there he distinguished himself in his expositions of dogmatic theology.

Having governed the Church until 382, he delivered his farewell speech - the Syntacterion, in which he demonstrated the Divinity of the Son - before 150 bishops and the Emperor Theodosius the Great; in this speech he requested, and received from all, permission to retire from the see of Constantinople. He returned to Nazianzus, where he lived to the end of his life, and reposed in the Lord in 391, having lived some sixty-two years.

His extant writings, both prose and poems in every type of metre, demonstrate his lofty eloquence and his wondrous breadth of learning. In the beauty of his writings, he is considered to have surpassed the Greek writers of antiquity, and because of his God-inspired theological thought, he received the surname "Theologian." Although he is sometimes called Gregory of Nazianzus, this title belongs properly to his father; he himself is known by the Church only as Gregory the Theologian. He is especially called "Trinitarian Theologian," since in virtually every homily he refers to the Trinity and the one essence and nature of the Godhead. Hence, Alexius Anthorus dedicated the following verses to him:

Like an unwandering star beaming with splendour, Thou bringest us by mystic teachings, O Father, To the Trinity's sunlike illumination, O mouth breathing with fire, Gregory most mighty. ...show less

SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

DEMETRIOS THEOHARIS (40 DAYS), brother of Bessie Kouretas, Katerina Vlahopouliotis, and Louisa Chatzis

EFTHIMIOS AND SOTERIA THEOHARIS (ANNUAL), parents of Bessie Kouretas, Katerina Vlahopouliotis, and Louisa Chatzis

JOHN KOURETAS (6 MO), husband of Sophia, father of Chris and Tom, father-in-law to Carey and Cheryl, grandchildren

STELLA (STAVROULA) DODGE (3 YR), mother of Steven (Merribeth) Dodge, Thomas (Rebecca) Dodge, and Kristi Blowers, grandmother of Christopher, Beth, Laurie, Tommy, and Amy.

IOANNIS CHARITOU (10 YRS), husband of Maria Charitou, father of Petros (Veronica) Charitou, Katy Demetriou, Harris (Saiyanna)... show moreSUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICES

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

DEMETRIOS THEOHARIS (40 DAYS), brother of Bessie Kouretas, Katerina Vlahopouliotis, and Louisa Chatzis

EFTHIMIOS AND SOTERIA THEOHARIS (ANNUAL), parents of Bessie Kouretas, Katerina Vlahopouliotis, and Louisa Chatzis

JOHN KOURETAS (6 MO), husband of Sophia, father of Chris and Tom, father-in-law to Carey and Cheryl, grandchildren

STELLA (STAVROULA) DODGE (3 YR), mother of Steven (Merribeth) Dodge, Thomas (Rebecca) Dodge, and Kristi Blowers, grandmother of Christopher, Beth, Laurie, Tommy, and Amy.

IOANNIS CHARITOU (10 YRS), husband of Maria Charitou, father of Petros (Veronica) Charitou, Katy Demetriou, Harris (Saiyanna) Charitou, and Anthoulla (Sotiri) Yiannakou, grandchildren, great grandchildren

PETROS AND ANTHOUSA (ANNUAL), parents of Maria Charitou

HARITON AND AIKATERINI (ANNUAL), parents-in-law of Maria Charitou

AIKATERINI (ANNUAL), aunt of Maria Charitou

ATHANASIOS (THOMAS) BUNDROS, (11 YRS), husband of Tina, father of Pam, Zoe, Daphne, Yani, Andoni, and Angeliki, grandchildren

LAOURA KOLLIOPOULOS (21 YRS), grandmother of Nicholaos (Amy) Kolliopoulos

May their memory be eternal

SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR

We welcome all to Sunday coffee hour hosted by Maria Garrett, Stephanie Mansfield, Meredith Panayotopoulos, Dianne Saunders, Jaclyn Sepetis, and Tina Sousa 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 1, 2026: Georgia Golfinopoulos, Presvytera Vasso Kumarelas, Presvytera Stephanie Pantic, and Eleni Veloudis

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

MISSIONS ANNUAL VASILOPITA FELLOWSHIP - SATURDAY, JAN 24TH
Saturday, January 24th | 2:00 PM | Small Hall

Join us for a joyful afternoon of fellowship, Vasilopita, and mission! We are honored to welcome His Eminence, Metropolitan Tarasios, who will share reflections from his many years of ministry in Argentina and South America, along with Anastasia Pamela Barksdale of OCMC, offering updates on missionary work around the world.

Refreshments provided.
Free-will offering to benefit OCMC’s SAMP (Support a Mission Priest) program.

Everyone is welcome—bring a friend!

Please invite your friends! For questions, please contact Maria Aji at: (408)425-6967 | mastrakianaki@gmail.com.

FDF PREVIEW! SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH
The Saint Nicholas... show moreMISSIONS ANNUAL VASILOPITA FELLOWSHIP - SATURDAY, JAN 24TH
Saturday, January 24th | 2:00 PM | Small Hall

Join us for a joyful afternoon of fellowship, Vasilopita, and mission! We are honored to welcome His Eminence, Metropolitan Tarasios, who will share reflections from his many years of ministry in Argentina and South America, along with Anastasia Pamela Barksdale of OCMC, offering updates on missionary work around the world.

Refreshments provided.
Free-will offering to benefit OCMC’s SAMP (Support a Mission Priest) program.

Everyone is welcome—bring a friend!

Please invite your friends! For questions, please contact Maria Aji at: (408)425-6967 | mastrakianaki@gmail.com.

FDF PREVIEW! SATURDAY, JANUARY 24TH
The Saint Nicholas Dance Ministry presents our FDF Preview on Saturday, January 24th at 5:30pm in the Community Center.

Please bring family and friends to enjoy a preview of our dance groups' FDF performances.

Doors open and no-host cocktails begin at 5:30pm. Performances will begin at 6:00pm followed by dinner. Music and DJ dancing to follow!

Tickets: $40 adults; Dancers and children under 12 are free. No host bar.

COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY
The College Ministry/OCF event scheduled for Monday evening, January 26th at 7:00pm in the Church Office Conference Room. We look forward to seeing you!
Future dates include: Monday February 9, 2026, Monday March 9, 2026, Monday April 27, 2026, Monday May 18, 2026


PAN CRETAN CRAB FEED
******already more than 90% of the tickets have been sold!******

Join us for the Pan Cretan All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed on Friday, January 30, 2026 — a night of great food, music, and community fun! Enjoy fresh crab, pasta, salad, and dessert in a lively atmosphere with friends and family. Full-table discounted purchases will be available starting Saturday, November 15th, and single adult tickets go on sale in December. Don’t miss one of the most anticipated events of the year — come hungry and ready for a good time! See the flyer in the Special Events section of this e-bulletin.

** Tickets may be purchased at cretancrabfeed.eventbrite.com

HOUSE BLESSINGS
We invite any parishioners who would like to have their house blessed for the Epiphany season to contact the office (408-246-2770) to schedule with one of our priests. Please schedule now until February 2nd.

ST. ANNA PHILOPTOCHOS
Become a Saint Anna Philoptochos Member Today! To sign up on-line or get a membership form mailed to you, go to the following link: https://saintnicholas.org/philoptochos_member

ST. NICHOLAS BIBLE STUDY - THURSDAY MORNINGS
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.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 1ST
We invite all parishioners to attend the Divine Liturgy with their completed stewardship card on Stewardship Sunday scheduled on Sunday, February 1st and to experience the sprirtual blessings that come from being a faithful steward of Saint Nicholas. This year's stewardship theme, Rise Up and Build, calls each of us to take an active role in strengthening our parish community.

If you prefer to make your 2026 Stewardship Commitment online, please use the following link: https://saintnicholas.org/stewardship

FEASTDAY OF THE THREE HIERARCHS
On Sunday, February 1st, during the Divine Liturgy and before Holy Communion, there will be a reading about the Three Hierarchs from the students of the Center of Hellenic Education and Sunday School.

GOYA MEETING
GOYA will meet on Sunday, February 1st from 11:30am to 12:15pm. See you there!

For more information email Eva Vathis at eperakis1@aol.com .

YOUTH BASKETBALL - TEAM PRACTICES BEGIN IN JANUARY
The St Nicholas youth basketball program is starting team practices for the Spring '26 season. Last year we fielded 5 teams: Boys and Girls Elementary, Boys and Girls Middle School, and Boys High School with over 40 participants. Congrats to our Elementary Girls and High School Boys on winning the League Championship!

Boys Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 5:15-6:30 (note Feb 2nd moved to Thur Feb 5th at same time)

Girls Elementary (3rd-5th Grade) and Middle School (6th-8th Grade) are practicing weekly Mondays at 6:30-7:45 (note Feb 2nd moved to Thur Feb 5th at same time)

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

Boys High School (9th-12th Grade) will begin practices in mid-Feburary (after FDF) Those wishing to participate earlier can join the MS boys practices on Tuesdays.

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


CHRISTIANS IN PALESTINE EVENT AT ST. BASIL - CANCELLED
The Christians in Palestine event at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church with Mother Agapia Stephanopoulos, orginally scheduled for Tuesday, January 27th has been cancelled.

The opportunity to hear her still stands at two other locations located in Palo Alto and Morgan Hill in February. ...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/

Sunday, January 25 - 15th Sunday of Luke
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Friday, January 30 - Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Sunday, February 1 - Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee - Triodion Begins
8:15 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

SUNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR UPDATES
SUNDAY. JANUARY 25: Family Divine Liturgy

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1: Sunday School classes

METROPOLIS SUMMER CAMP STAFF - APPLY NOW!
Applications are now open for the 2026 Metropolis Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. This is an incredible opportunity for faithful and motivated young adults (age 19 and over) to make a meaningful impact on the lives of campers while gaining valuable leadership and teamwork experience. We’re hiring for a variety of roles, including: Leadership Team Members, Cabin Counselors, Program Staff, Photographers, Lifeguards, and Medical Staff. Apply online at www.gosfyouth.org.