NATIVITY OF CHRIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Transcription

1 NATIVITY OF CHRIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH The Word September 2018 And the Word became flesh & dwelt among us, full of grace & truth. ~John 1:14 Fr. John s Message Make Our Home with Him Page 1 Liturgies & Readings Upcoming services for September Page 2 Parish Council Summer Projects 50th Anniversary Page 4 Philoptochos Fall Calendar Nativity Outreach Page 5 Upcoming Opportunities Journey to Fullness September 16 Page 7 Parishioner Profiles Helen Selmi Cathy Selmi Page 14 Jesus answered and said to him, If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23 In this passage in the Gospel of John, Christ uses the word home to signify what it truly means to be in His love. Adjectives such as security, peace, family and love can all be used to describe a home. Who would not want to experience these feelings of home for eternity with Jesus Christ? These descriptions only touch the surface of what can be felt when we love Christ and invite Him into our hearts. Everyone aspires to seek the feeling of a home or community. Many invest their time in school, sports, or neighborhood activities to find the type of home described by Christ. But the only place to find the fullest extent of this type of home is through the love of God and His Church. The Nativity of Christ Church is our home. It is a community that strives to be centered on Christ s love. Through our worship services and wonderful ministries, we can teach our children to love God and invite Him to the most important home: our hearts. However this is only possible with your commitment and participation in His love. As we begin the New Ecclesiastical Year, I pray you are all able to find a ministry (in addition to regular worship services) that can help strengthen your faith. I am particularly excited to offer A Journey to Fullness video series. Every other Wednesday evening, we will gather in order to ask questions and gain knowledge about our personal journey in the Orthodox faith. I pray that the New Ecclesiastical Year is fruitful with much spiritual growth and your involvement at Nativity of Christ is a constant reminder of God s love. May we keep these words of Christ from the Gospel of John in the forefront of our minds, knowing that God wants to make a permanent home in the hearts of all of us. In Christ s Service, Fr. John The Word 2018 "1

2 September Services & Readings S E Q U O I A C L U B F E B R U A R Y S E R V I C E S & R E A D I N G S All Divine Services on Sundays and weekdays will begin with Orthros at 8:30am followed by the Divine Liturgy. Please make every effort to attend these worship services on time. Day Date Feast Day Epistle Reading Gospel Reading Sun Sept 2 14th Sunday of Matthew II Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:1-4 Matthew 22:2-14 Sat Sept 8 Nativity of the Theotokos Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 10:38 Sun Sept 9 Sunday before Holy Cross Galatians 6:11-18 John 3:13-17 Fri Sept 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross I Corinthians 1:18-24 John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30 Sun Sept 16 Sunday after Holy Cross Galatians 2:16-20 Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 Sun Sept 23 1st Sunday of Luke Galatians 4:22-27 Luke 5:1-11 Wed Sept 26 St. John the Theologian I John 4:12-19 John 19:25-27; 21:24-25 Sun Sept 30 2nd Sunday Luke II Corinthians 9:6-11 Luke 6:31-36 Introduction The Nativity of the Theotokos. The Feast of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8 each year. The Feast commemorates the birth of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Background The birth and early life of the Virgin Mary is not recorded in the Gospels or other books of the New Testament, however this information can be found in a work dating from the second century known as the Book of James or Protevangelion. According to the story found in this book, Mary's parents, Joachim and Anna, were childless for many years. They remained faithful to God, but their prayers for a child were unanswered. One day, when Joachim came to the temple to make an offering, he was turned away by the High Priest who chastised him for his lack of children. To hide his shame, Joachim retreated to the hill country to live among the shepherds and their flocks. Continued on Page 3 " 2 The Word 2018

3 P A R I S H C O U N C I L The Nativity of the Theotokos. Continued from Page 2 As Joachim was praying, his wife Anna was praying at the same time at their house in Jerusalem. An angel appeared to both of them and announced that Anna would have a child whose name would be known throughout the world. Anna promised to offer her child as a gift to the Lord. Joachim returned home, and in due time Anna bore a daughter, Mary. Icon of the Feast The icon of the Nativity of the Theotokos presents to us the central figures of Saints Joachim and Anna Mary's parents, and the Mother of our Lord as an infant. Saint Anna is in the middle of the icon with her right hand extended toward her daughter. Likewise, Saint Joachim, Mary's father, is gazing upon the young child with his right hand extended toward her. Anna is surrounded by attendants who have assisted with the birth. The icon directs attention to Mary as the central figure in this feast. It also acknowledges the joy that was felt by Joachim and Anna as new parents with a child received through a promise from God. The liturgical texts of the feast acknowledge this joy and confirm the special role of Mary as the Mother of the Incarnate God, Jesus Christ. In this event, another step is made in sacred history in preparation for the entrance of Christ into the world. The icon and the feast also acknowledge a transition from barrenness to life. This was but another foreshadowing of what would be offered through Christ, the transformation from death to eternal life. Orthodox Christian Celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos The Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom which is conducted on the morning of the Feast and preceded by a Matins (Orthros) service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening before the day of the Feast. Scripture readings for the Feast are the following: At Vespers: Genesis 28:10-17; Ezekiel 43:27 44:4; Proverbs 9:1-11. At the Matins: Luke 1:39-49, 56. At the Divine Liturgy: Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 10:38-42; 11: Kontakion (Fourth Tone) In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life." The Word 2018 "3

4 Parish Council Update A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E As summer winds down, we prepare for the New Ecclesiastical Year and welcome you to participate more fully in the life of the Church. Participation in Church Services and the ministries of our Parish helps strengthen our relationship with God as individuals and as a community. Find your fit! We are all in different stages of life and are blessed to have many opportunities to learn, grow and contribute. Take a few minutes to consider how you can develop or learn from one of the following ministries. Reach out to our ministry leaders, Father John, or just attend the next gathering on the calendar. Ministries and Activities of Our Parish Sunday School Greek School Philoptochos Minoans Greek Folk Dance Group Youth Ministries GOYA Sports Young Adult League Choir Marin Greek Festival Stewardship Special Events and Fund Raising Most Valuable Parishioners (60+) Mommy & Me Bookstore Facilities Landscaping Team If you don t see something on the list, please reach out to Father John or a member of the Parish Council on how you can help make it a part of our Parish life. 50 Year Anniversary of Nativity of Christ 2019 marks 50 years! We look forward to celebrating our past, present and future. Please contact the Church Office if you would like to contribute your time, talents or a little history. We look forward to commemorating all that God has given us in this life and the life eternal. More details very soon at the Parish Assembly, October 21. Summer Projects in Progress or Completed: 1. Completed - Lower View Plaza was greatly improved, by leveling the grass area, adding a band area off the dance floor, adding transition from the deck area and installing code compliant rail. Project generously donated by an anonymous parish member. 2. Completed - Resurfacing of the Fellowship Hall wood floors to their original luster after 25+ years. To protect the floor from damage into the future, all chairs and table legs had felt protector sleeves installed. 3. Completed in September - Kitchen flat roof area will be replaced to make these areas water tight again. Parish Assembly Meeting: October 21, 2018 after Divine Liturgy. Please attend for ministry updates and special announcements. A Lasting Gift for the Church A bequest or gift through your will is one of the simplest ways to make a lasting gift to the Church. Please consult your financial advisor for advice. A suggested wording: I hereby bequeath the sum of $ as a charitable bequest to the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church of Novato (Tax ID ) to be used for charitable purposes of the Church. 4" The Word 2018

5 Philoptochos P H I L O P T O C H O S Happy Ecclesiastical New Year! On Sunday, August 26 th, we met at the home of Tom and Irene Meehan where we enjoyed a lovely lunch, good fellowship and mapped out our activities for the upcoming year. September 16 We will host a luncheon with the proceeds going to Holy Cross / Hellenic College. October 15 November 15 We will be hosting a Pampered Chef fundraiser. Sunday, November 11 th We will host our Annual Harvest Luncheon. With the date falling on Veterans Day, we plan to honor all of our Nativity of Christ Veterans. We will be reaching out to the community in order to formulate a list of our Veterans. Saturday, November 17 We will be hosting our 4 th Annual Holiday Bazaar. Applications have been mailed to exhibitors and plans are underway for our Café and Yiayia s Attic. This year s charity partner will be the Gilead House. December We will once again produce a Community Christmas card with the proceeds going to the Retired Clergy Association (RCA). We will communicate the date and location of this year s BAPSAEF Holiday Brunch as soon as the information is received. As we have in the past, we will organize a carpool for those who want to attend this annual Metropolis event. Nativity Outreach Ministry The Outreach Ministry is not limited to members of Philoptochos. All members of the Nativity parish are invited to join. The committee looks forward to adding new members to share the heart-warming experience of visiting those members of our parish who cannot come to church. Please contact Susan Stockton (707) for more information. If you know of someone who would like a visit, please contact Susan. 345 Fellowship Hours Memorials, anniversaries, birthdays and name days are just a few reasons to host a Fellowship Hour. Get together with your family and/or friends and bring items to go with coffee which will be prepared and placed on the serving tables. Juice and cookies are also provided. Another way to assist would be to bring an item for Fellowship Hour. This would be greatly appreciated. Upcoming Philoptochos Dates Tuesday, October 2: General Meeting - 6:30pm Tuesday, November 6: Board Meeting - 6:30pm Sunday, November 11: Harvest Luncheon Saturday, November 17: 4th Annual Holiday Bazaar Please feel free to contact any Board Member with ideas or questions Philoptochos Board of Directors Rose Hunter, President Vicki Kalabokes, 1st Vice President Cindy Daifotis, 2nd Vice President Gigi Medan, Treasurer Stacey Weeks, Recording Secretary Susan Stockton, Corresponding Secretary Irene Meehan, Advisor Board Members: Dina Camamis, Connie Captanian, Carol Economy, Vickie Hatos, Karen Keller, Debbie Kokalis, Cathy Selmi, Stassie Sideris, Kay Simon and Nancy Slenkin The Word 2018 "5

6 Seminarian Alex Eliades F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Greetings Dear Parish Family of Nativity of Christ! I hope this update finds you well and having finished a spiritually beneficial and uplifting fast and feast of the Dormition. Fr. John has graciously asked me to once again update you on my life at seminary and elsewhere. My life has been quite an adventure since my last update! I finished up the spring semester of my third year at Holy Cross and have one more year to go! Two days after I finished my last final I took part in the Holy Cross St. Helen s Senior Trip, a great blessing for those going into their last year or those just graduating from Holy Cross. This year we had the enormous blessing of spending a week visiting the Holy Land: three days in Constantinople, and three weeks in Greece. Our time in the Holy Land was one that will impact me the rest of my life. To see the places where our Christ and God walked and the impact he had on the land then and even now, 2000 years later, was awesome in the true sense of the word. We had the great blessing of celebrating liturgy in the Holy Sepulcher on Pentecost, a liturgy in the Cave of the Nativity, dunking ourselves in the Jordan River, and meeting the Patriarch of Jerusalem among countless other amazing experiences. If you ever have the slightest chance of going, I could not recommend it more. Our trip to Constantinople brought us to His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew and seeing the sights of the Queen of Cities. Finally we arrived in Greece having spent a weekend on Mount Athos (where we were able to chant in the all-night vigil that weekend) to begin the final portion of the trip. We then took part in an intensive three week course in Modern Greek at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki and split up to separate apartments to get a real feel for the city and culture. The entire trip would be the most lifechanging thing that could have happened to me this year except for my next adventure. In February, I asked Laura Blazev from Phoenix, Arizona to marry me. We met at a summer camp there two years ago and last summer began to get to know each other more on our trip to Project Mexico (sitting next to each other for 18 hours in a car will do wonders!). We were wed on August 19th and were able to go to Hawaii for a little over a week and return directly to Boston for my last year of school! We look forward to growing together in this first year of marriage in the wonderful atmosphere of the seminary and continuing in my studies in order to serve God and His Church to the best of my abilities. I thank you all so much for your great love and support spiritually and financially and hope to be able to return to you soon! Much love, Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Laura Eliades The Word 2018 "6

7 Upcoming Opportunities F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Tuesday Morning Bible Study Tuesday, September 4 at 10am. Tuesday, September 18 at 10am. Volleyball Calling all volleyball players! St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in San Jose is once again hosting their Annual Volleyball Tournament October 20 & 21. Nativity of Christ has the potential of sending a team from each of the following age groups: JR. GOYA (Grades 6-8) GOYA (Grades 9-12) YOUNG ADULTS (Ages 18-40) ADULTS (Ages 40+) Please contact Fr. John or Robyn Madias if you are interested in participating! Mommy & Me On Thursday, August 23rd, our young moms met for a Mommies Night Out at Wildfox in Novato! This month we invite our families of the Mommy & Me ministry to join us on Sunday, September 16 at 4pm at Fr. John and Pres. Stephanie s home for a welcome back BBQ. Contact Pres. Steph for more information! Minoan Dancers Practice Fall practices are being scheduled. Effie Fourakis for details. effiejf@me.com Basketball Every third Thursday of the month, stewards of all ages and skill levels are invited for Open Gym to play basketball. The Word 2018 "7

8 Journey to Fullness F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Join Fr. John and your fellow stewards to embark on A Journey to Fullness. A 16 video set to help introduce the richness and fulness of the Orthodox Christian Faith, Journey to Fullness is an opportunity to strengthen our knowledge and faith. Every other week on Wednesday evenings, there will be a video presentation on a certain topic by Fr. Barnabas Powell. Question and discussions with Fr. John will follow. Topics this month will include: September 12: Is This Trip Really Necessary? September 26: What is the Orthodox Church? Join us on this Journey to Fullness! Sign up at so a percentage of all purchases made at escrip merchants will be donated to Nativity of Christ. Participating merchants contribute each time your families make a purchase. There are no receipts to collect or vouchers to buy. It is hassle free and every purchase counts! The Group ID for Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church is Did you know you can use AmazonSmile to support Nativity of Christ? Start your shopping at and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church. The Word 2018 "8

9 September 16 F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Sunday School Begins Sunday, September 16 1st Day of Sunday School Philoptochos Luncheon for: Hellenic College & Holy Cross The Word 2018 "9

10 Youth Planner F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E We will come to him and make our home with him. - John 14:23. As Sunday School begins Sunday, September 16, all students will be receiving a Nativity of Christ Youth Planner. Inside this planner will be all the major events and activities in the life of the Parish throughout the year as well as an updated directory with family s contact information. With all of the events communicated from the beginning of the year, we can all come and make our home with God and His Church. The Word 2018 "10

11 Journey to Jordan, Cyprus & the Holy Land F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E A JOURNEY OF FAITH PILGRIMAGE TO JORDAN, CYPRUS & THE HOLY LAND Led by Reverend Father Jon E. Magoulias of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Modesto, CA January 16- February 2, 2019: 18 Days/ 16 nights JORDAN: 4 Nights Visit Christ s baptismal site and celebrate the Epiphany on the Jordan River and our awe inspiring church and monastery. Enjoy a private audience with H.E. Metropolitan Benedict (subject to confirmation). Also, visit the town of Madaba and the Greek Orthodox Church there with the ancient Byzantine mosaic of the Holy Land. No visit to Jordan would be complete without Petra, one of the great wonders of the world. CYPRUS : 4 Nights Experience Cyprus s physical and spiritual beauty! Visit the Basilica in Kition, Saint Kyriak, Ayios Lazarus Church, Famagusta, Salamina and the Monastery of Apostolos Varnavas. Visit the underground Tombs of Kings and St. Paul s Pilar and St. Neophytos Monastery. Tour the ancient site of Curium and its museum. Dive to the Troodos Mountains and visit the Kykkos Monastery. Walk through the Laiki Yitonia in the heart of the walled city of Nicosia. Enjoy the spectacular geological formation of Petra Tou Romiou or Rock of Aphrodite. THE HOLY LAND: 8 Nights Your trip to the Holy Land will be an unforgettable and spiritually rewarding journey! Visit and venerate Christendom s most sacred sites. See where Jesus spent most of his life and performed the many miracles you have read about in the Bible. Visit the cities of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Tiberias! Pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Church of St Anne, the Pool of Bethesda, the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, the Prison of Christ (Praitorion), and The Church of the Holy Apostles and the Church of the Transfiguration on Mt. Tabor. Take the cable car up to the Mount of Temptation Monastery and see the rock that Jesus actually prayed by. Visit the Church of the Nativity and touch the spot where Christ was born! Additional sites you will see are the Church of Tabgha (the Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes), Cana of Galilee, the Church of the Annunciation, the Garden of Agony, the Monastery of St. Gerasimos Iordanitis, the Church of St. Elisseos and the Tree of Zacchaeus. Take a boat-ride on the Sea of Galilee and attend midnight Liturgy at the Holy Sepulchre. SPACE IS LIMITED and on a FIRST COME BASIS RATE: Per person double occupancy $5075* & Single occupancy $6305* *Rates include the air tax/fuel surcharge of approximately $645 which is not guaranteed until ticketing. Rate above reflect a 4% check discount which does not apply if payment is made any other way. Deposit of $700 due by September 17, 2018 or late booking fee of $50 per person will apply YOUR HOLY LAND TOUR WILL INCLUDE: *Round trip air SFO/ FRA/AMM & TLV/FRA/SFO on Lufthansa Airlines *One way air from AMM/LCA on Royal Jordanian & LCA /TLV on Aegean *Jordan: first class hotel accommodations: 2 nts Amman, 1 nt in Petra & 1 nt in a guesthouse by the Baptismal site *Cyprus: first class hotel accommodation in Cyprus: 4 nts Limassol *Israel: deluxe hotel accommodations for 3 nts in Tiberias and first class hotel accommodations for 5 nights in Jerusalem *All hotel taxes, service fees and daily breakfast & dinner *Thirteen days of sightseeing in air-conditioned motorcoach with English speaking Orthodox guide (Israel & Cyprus). Entrance fees included per itinerary. All private arrival and departure transfers with English-speaking escort *Private audiences with the His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem & H.E. Metropolitan Benedict (subject to confirmation) Cloud Tours Inc Newtown Ave. Long Island City, NY Tel: Toll Free Fax: stephen@cloudtours.com The Word 2018 "11

12 Sunday School Corner A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Sunday School Registration We appreciate you taking the time to register your children for Sunday School by following this link: SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION Please note on your registration form if there are any special needs, allergies, or other issues which we should be aware. This will greatly help our Sunday School staff build an accurate picture of the number of students, the current grade level of each child, the number of texts and materials to prepare, and create accurate and updated youth directory for communication, safety, and fellowship purposes. It also affords us the opportunity to greet your child personally to ensure your child has a positive experience in Sunday School. From our Director Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Hello Nativity Sunday School Families! I pray you have had an enjoyable summer as well as a good start to the school year. My fellow Sunday School staff members and I are very excited about our new year of Sunday School and have been busy planning and preparing for the arrival of your children in our classes! We look forward to welcoming you and your children after communion in the Small Hall on September 16. We will have an icebreaker activity and Fr. John will also be present with us to celebrate the Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmos) Service. We will pray together for God s blessings upon our students, staff, classrooms, and Orthodox catechism program. With love in Christ, Christina Thomatos Sunday School Director Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church sundayschool@nativityofchrist.org Volunteer Opportunities Snacks are needed for our Sunday School pantry. Crackers, beef/turkey jerky, granola bars, and other non perishable snacks are greatly appreciated to have on hand for our kids to have after communion. Also welcome are cheese sticks or grapes/berries. Donations may be placed on Sundays on the Small Hall kitchen counter dated and labeled Sunday School or in the Small Hall fridge. Thank you for your consideration and help. Cleanliness is next to Godliness Help is needed in September and October to work with staff to organize a couple of our classrooms as well as our youth program s storage closet. Future help may be needed with set up for the Christmas play. High school students who volunteer may earn community service hours. Please contact Christina Thomatos if you can help. The Sunday School teachers look forward to an amazing year of learning, fellowship, and growing in the faith with you and your kids. Please reach out to us at anytime with questions. It is a blessing for all of us to partner with you in the Christian education of your children! 12 " The Word 2018

13 Sunday School Corner F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Sunday School Classes, Teachers, and Locations Little Learners and Kindergarten Demetri Botaitis and Paula Plessas-Hall Downstairs, in the classroom to the right of the Small Hall 1st and 2nd Kristen Efstathiu and Anna Kozas Downstairs in the classroom to the left of Small Hall 3rd-5th Andy Stenros Upstairs in the classroom at the end of the hallway by the back stairs 6th-8th Patrick Fuss Upstairs in the classroom second from the back stairs (next to third through fifth) 9th-12 Stelios and Vickie Mavromihalis Downstairs in the high school classroom opposite the kitchen Sunday School Class Calendar Sept 16, 23, 30 Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov 4, 11, 18, No class Nov 25 Dec 2, 9, 16 No class Dec 23 or 30 Jan 6, 13, 21, 27 Feb 3, 10, 24 No class Feb 17 March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 April 7, 14, 21 No class April 28 May 5, 12, 19 No class May 26 June 2 Classes begin immediately after Holy Communion Sunday School Key Dates Sunday, Sept. 16: First day of Sunday School. Saturday, Dec. 15: Christmas Play Rehearsal and set up. Sunday, Dec. 16: Christmas Play Performance & Potluck luncheon. Sunday February 2: Souper Bowl Sunday Food Drive Kick-Off Sunday, March 24: Annunciation/Greek Independence Day Friday, April 26: Great Friday Retreat Sunday, June 2: Last Day of Sunday School and Sundae Sunday potluck luncheon. Greek School Greek School is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 3rd beginning at 4:15pm. To register online visit the link: Greek School Child Registration. For more information regarding Greek school, greekschool@nativityofchrist.org. Please register as soon as possible as space is limited. The Word 2018 "13

14 Parishioner Profiles S E Q U O I A C L U B Cathy Selmi Cathy was born in San Francisco but moved to San Rafael at a very young age. She attended UC Davis and graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a bachelor s degree in Economics. For several years, she had her own business offering technical software training to law firms around the country. For the past 16 years, she has been employed by the County of Marin in the Information Services and Technology Department where she is a member of the web support team. Cathy attended services at Nativity with her mother and converted to Orthodoxy in the early 1980 s. She was involved with both Philoptochos (past president) and the Marin Greek Festival as a co-chair. She and her brother, Jim, danced with the Alkmini Bloom dance group, and Cathy went on to dance with the Minoans for several years. In the 1990 s she moved to Walnut Creek and then Martinez where she was a member of the Ascension Cathedral in Oakland. In 2005, she returned to Marin and settled in Novato. This gave her the chance to jump back into the life of the parish where she has served on the Parish Council and the Philoptochos Board. One of the projects she is hoping to complete is an update of the parish s Greek Cookery Cookbook. The Cookbook was originally created by the Philoptochos around 1980, and although it has been reprinted several times, it could use some refreshing! Helen Selmi Helen Zopolos Selmi was born in Chehalis, Washington where her parents, John and Catherine Zopolos, immigrated from Limni, Evia. As a young child, the family moved to San Francisco where her father had a small coffee shop near the original Holy Trinity Church on Seventh Street. Helen married Dominic Selmi in 1950 and in 1957 they moved to San Rafael when Dominic accepted a job as the City Engineer with the City of San Rafael. Helen was a legal secretary for most of her career. She is one of the original parishioners of Nativity of Christ Church. She served as Philoptochos president and was a board member for many years. She also served on the Parish Council and sang in the choir for many years. Helen and Dom were blessed with 3 children, Bob who passed away in 1981 at the age of 28, Cathy and Jim. Jim lives in Rohnert Park and works for the County of Marin. Helen loves spending time with her granddaughters. Morgan graduated from Fisher College in Boston in 2017 and Devin graduated from St. Vincent De Paul High School this year and will be going to Oregon State University in the fall. " 14 The Word 2018

15 S T E W A R D S H I P 2018 Pledged Stewards of Nativity of Christ (As of August 28, 2018) Presiding Priest Fr. John & Pres. Stephanie Kocolas Priest Emeritus Fr. Constantine & Pres. Kay Efstathiu Pres. Evelyn Adams Aaron, Steven & Eva Adams, Bill & Lisa Anderson, Frances Angelonides, Peter & Arlene Antokhin, Andrei & Kathleen Antonis, Chris & Keri Arango, Pat Argyres, Andreas & Joanne Baird, Maria Balopoulos, Michael & Anna Batbie, Donald & Barbara Bechaka, Sonia Bertolina, Ronald & Elaine Bizani, Alexandra Blasingame, David & Katina Botatis, Demetri Bryan, Keith & Kerry Brzycki, Jeff & Tracy Langly Burrows, Bill & Floretta Camamis, Dina Captanian, Ted & Connie Castro, Jeff & Joanna Catel, Paraskevi Cavender, John & Tina Bournazes Chyrklund, Chris & Elaine Corcoran, Bruce & Fran Cordellos, Dennis & Anna Couch, George & Katherine Cratty, Marguerite Cummings, Nathan & Daphne Cunningham, Kenn & Elaine Daifotis, Kim & Cynthia Daifotis, Nicholas Darakis, Antonios & Jennifer Degaitis, Julia Delfino, Ken & Carrie Delis, Nicholas & Stephanie Della Cella Joseph, & Kathryn Kalabokes Demakas, George Demiris, George & Ray Ann Diamond, Jason & Vickie Economy, Carol Efstathiu, Paul & Kristen El-Far Karim & Jasmine Eliopoulos, Sophia Fafoutis, Diane Ferber, John & Pamela Fotinos, Vivian Fourakis, Vasilis & Effie Franklin, Alexandra Friedman, Peter & Katina Pantazes We thank all stewards who have committed to giving the first Fruits of our labor. Fuss, Patrick Gagas, Charles & Claire Gavallos, Constantina Gavallos, Dennis & Heloisa Gebremichael, Tesfay & Selam George, Pete & Ann Georgeson, George & Debbie Georgeson, Zachary & Casey Geron, Marika Giannis, Demetrios & Rose Gikkas, Peter & Vickie Hatos Giusti, Nonie Grey, Connie Haginicols, Charles & Amalia Hajopoulos, Kathy Hall, Bryan & Paula Plessas Haralambopoulos, Costas & Ria Haris, George & Georgia Haris, Nicholas & Nicole Haritakis, Sylvia Harris, Helen Hawes, Nikolaos Hawes, Shyrle Hawes, Warren & Chryse Hontalas, Frank & Eve Hundley, Courtney & Marilyn Hunter, John & Rose Hunter, Stacey Iannios, Demetrios & Manulani Kakleas, Jon & Michelle Kalabokes, Chris & Vicki Kalabokes, Matthew Kamages, Christ & Patricia Kambur, Jim & JoAnne Kanas, Nick & Carolynn Karas, Tom & Eleni Katselis, Anthony & Karin Kavantjas, Diane Keller, Ed & Karen Kocolas, Andoni & Alexia Kokalis, George & Debbie Kosmas, Anthony & Anthonia Kosturos, John & Dolly Kozas, Anna Kozas, Nonda Kozas, Tom & Angie Kuvelis, Dean & Denise Kuvelis, Xenia Lagios, Michael & Sheila Lendaris, Antonia Lendaris, George Livadas, Carl & Stacy Livanos, Nicholas & Patricia Lynn, Tom & Lucy Madias, Alex & Robyn Madias, Dino & Marti Madias, Evangelia Madias, Mike & Laurie Mancini, Anthony & Despina Manesis, Alexandria Mantalvanos, Alex & Maria Mardakis, Helen Margaronis, Anastassios & Maya Marsala, Joan Marshall, Philip & Kathy Mavrantonis, Antoni Medan, Dushan & Gigi Meehan, Evan Meehan, Nicole Meehan, Thomas & Irene Mehas, Christine Mellas, John C. Messner, Mark & Cheryl Morales, Marlon & Andrea Morphew, Forest & Ephimia Morris, Susan Natsios, Isidore Niemcewicz, Roland & Bess O Connor, Wayne & Betty Zootis Orologas, Alexandra Orologas, Julie Orologas, Katerina Orr, Thomas & Beverly Panagotacos, James & Diane Pantazes, Christos & Jacqueline Pantazes, Katherine Papageorge, Christos & Despina Papanikolaou, George & Athanasia Papanikolaou, Marina Pappas, Maria Pappas, Arthur Passaris, Michael & Meredith Passaris, Peter & Maria Passaris, Theodore & Elaine Pauletti, Jeff & Alexandra Perivolaris, Nick & Ellen Perivolaris, Sara Petrakis, Steve & Martha Pezzuto, Maria Picras, Beatrice Pineda, Andy & Matina Seremetis Pogni, Dean & Georgena Pool, Ronald & Carol Porter, Bryan & Melina Prokopakis, Johanna Prouty, Vicki Psaros, Nick & Angi Psaros, Stamatis & Helen Rishwain, Darron & Pamela Rizzuti, Joanna Rodriguez, Richard & Demetra Vangelatos Roesner, Russell & Margarita Roland, George & Doris Rouman, Steve & Liz Sandoval, Irene Sarantakis, George & Susan Jensen Saris, Tony & Betty Scanagatta, Roman & Eleni Selmi, Cathy Selmi, Helen Sideris, Stassie Siefkas, Chris & Susan Simon, Kay Sklavos, James & Vasiliki Slenkin, Alex & Nancy Smernes, Kalliope Smith, Evdokia Smyrni, Anna Soeten, Alexandra Sotiras, Erene Sotiras, George Sotiras, Maria Stainbrook, Damon & Mari Stathis, Pete & Dina Stathis, Sophia Stavrinides, Nicholas & Thalia Stenros, Stuart & Stella Stockton, John & Susan Stratigos, Spiro & Mary Kay Tacticos, George Taft, Kiki Tangalakis, Odysseus & Joanna Thomatos, Dennis & Christina Tocmakidis, Pinelopy Touras, Antonios & Antonia Trapalis, Arthur & Niovi Trapalis, Vicki Triantafyllos, John & Laura Trimble, Paul Tsiplakos, George & Maria Tzafopoulos, Demetrios & Cindy Tzafopoulos, Nicholas & Vasiliki Vallas, James & Judith Vellis, Dimitra Vlahakos, Nick & Georgia Vrattos, John & Francesca Walters, Charles & Amalia Walters, Scott & Karen Webber, Chris & Kendal Weeks, Andrew Weeks, Dan & Stacey White, Sonja Wilermuth, Ann Williams, Allen & Diane Rehn Woods, Doris Xenelis, Nicholas Yakumithis, Michael Yatrakis, Chris & Eirini Karatzaferi Yioulos, Dean & Ann Zaferiou, Paul & Phyllis Zagorites, Marion Zahariudakis, Dimitrios & Haroula The Word 2018 "15

16 Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, California Change Service Requested The Word September 2018 The Word 2018 "16