The Word. When is Pascha? Our Archdiocese s chief scholar on Canon Law explains the process of finding Pascha in the Orthodox Church.

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1 N A T I V I T Y O F C H R I S T The Word And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. ~John 1:14 A Monthly Newsletter April 2015 From Fr Constantine Read a special note and appeal from one of Nativity s emeritus parish priests, Father Constantine Efstathiu. Page 3 Notes From the Parish Council Read about the fruit produced by the parish council ministry in the Lord s Vineyard at Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church. Page 4 When is Pascha? Our Archdiocese s chief scholar on Canon Law explains the process of finding Pascha in the Orthodox Church. Page 6 Religious Education Learn about current Sunday School news & Bible Study info taking place at Nativity today! Page 7 Philoptochos A message from Philoptochos new national president, communicating her vision and challenge for the friends of the poor ministry on national and local levels. Page 9 Paschal Celebrations Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, break the fast and celebrate the Lord s Resurrection with your spiritual family at Nativity! Page 11 O r t h o d o x Christianity: A Life Set Apart by Father Luke Orthodox Christians in the United States of America often times are called to live in a way that is different than the lifestyles promoted or even accepted in our society. We are called to lead moral lives as prescribed by the Gospel a prospect that directly challenges the politically motivated moralities promoted in contemporary times, let alone dealing with the realities of peer pressure, indulgent desires, or our minority status in this great land. To further complicate things, this time of the year we have calendar issues that exist as well we usually celebrate Easter later than our neighbors! * See the article written by Canon Law Expert, Dr Lewis Patsavos on page 6 for an explanation of our calendar issues. It seems that as Orthodox Christians in the USA we almost don t fit in. It seems as if we are somewhat set apart. A reading of the Bible, with a quick perusal of Church history will comfort us to know that we are not alone, and that being set apart keeps us right on track with the Christian path. In the Gospel account of John, Jesus teaches: If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18,19 The Apostle Paul further emphasizes this message in his letter to the Romans: Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 The life of the Church has affirmed this teaching by recognizing saints as holy, through their union with Christ recognizing them as being set apart from the world and joined to Jesus Christ. It is easy for us as Orthodox Christians to fall into one of two temptations from this reality. First, we may run from our Orthodoxy because we do not wish to go against the grain of our peers, or even worse we may simply become lukewarm in our faith only living our Christianity when it is convenient, easy or in line with those around us regardless of who they are. Second, perhaps even more dangerous, we may join ourselves merely to the externals of our Orthodox Christian differentiation from the world becoming proud nonconformists to the world around us under the banner of pseudo-orthodoxy, yet that separation may only be paper thin and that stance could follow the same track of many contemporary nonconformist efforts, which simply place the individual in the same hypocrisy of what they lash out against. I am so proud of my outward Orthodox practices that separate me from the world around me! This type of hypocritical vain-glory is severely warned against by Christ, and we will hear about it at length during Holy Week when Jesus addresses the Pharisees and Scribes! If we are to truly be Orthodox Christians we must return to Scripture and commit ourselves to a life set apart rooted in one * continued on page 2 The Word 2.0 "1

2 F R O M F A T H E R L U K E Let us love one another so that with one mind we may confess ~ The Divine Liturgy experience alone love! Before Jesus refers to the hatred that the world has for those committed to Him, He gave a commandment for those who are to follow Him: This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my fiends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another. John 15:12-17 Our Lord teaches us that what truly sets us apart from the world is that we love. Christians are called to love one another, to love those with whom we are at odds, even to love those who are absolutely our enemies! No other experience offered by the world calls us to sacrifice for one another (the reality of AGAPE love) even up to and through the point of death! Yet this is the gift that God gave to us, witnessed in His Son crucified, and through this great gift of AGAPE love, we received the greatest experience of the Resurrection! The true Orthodox Christian experience of sainthood is witnessing Jesus Christ manifest in one s love offered to another. Love is what sets us apart from the world. As Jesus taught, we may be disliked or even hated for our Christian lifestyle! There will be times when those attacks will hurt, and times when it seems so hard to maintain Christian resolve that we wish to give up. Yet with trust in the Resurrection and mercy of our Lord we can endure anything the example of the martyrs bear witness to that. There will be times when we wish to lash out and fight back, and there are appropriate times to bear witness to Christ by standing up for Truth. Yet we are always called to remember that witnessing the love of Jesus Christ in the way that we live our lives makes the greatest statement of that Truth. As we now approach these most holy days leading to our celebration of the Lord s Resurrection, reaffirm your resolve as an Orthodox Christian who is set apart from the world around you. This is not done by reexamining the clothes that you wear, men whether or not you wear a beard, women whether or not you wear make-up, etc, etc, etc As Orthodox Christians we set ourselves apart from the world by choosing to love one another! As we chant the proclamation of our faith that Christ is Risen, let that chant resonate in our actions of loving someone better today than you did yesterday! As prayed in the Divine Liturgy, let us love one another so that with one mind we may confess Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! " 2 The Word 2.0

3 F R F O R M O M F A T T H H E E R A R C C O H N D S I T O A C N E T S I E N E A Special Request from Fr. Constantine As many of you know, in November 2012, I was diagnosed with Lymphoma. For most of 2013, I underwent treatment at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, where I acquired an even deeper appreciation for the advances in medical science and those who have dedicated their lives to helping in the treatment and cure of the sick: doctors, nurses, researchers, clinicians, etc. I would often pray for God to bless the means used for my cure and those who administer them, and for those whom I met, young and old, who were also battling cancer. By the grace of God, and your prayers, I m doing well, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude to those I met during my course of treatment and especially to my physician, Dr. Charalambos (Babis) Andreadis, a lymphoma specialist and researcher in the field of blood cancers. From his boyhood in Greece and his decision to move to the United States for college and his decision to study medicine, Dr. Andreadis has made it his goal to use his training, knowledge, and skills to advance the cause of finding a cure for cancer. This is why he chose to specialize in the treatment of blood cancers and ultimately join UCSF, an institution that constantly pushes through new medical boundaries. The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, founded in 1949, is dedicated solely to finding cures and supporting patients with blood cancers and is one of the few organizations that not only funds critical research but also supports patients and their families emotionally, logistically, and financially. Dr. Andreadis has worked with LLS for over ten years, and for the past three years has served as the medical advisor for the LLS San Francisco Greater Bay Area Board of Directors. The Bay area chapter is the 2 nd largest in the country. One of the many fundraising campaigns the LLS sponsors to raise funds to support the mission of curing blood cancers is the Man of the Year Campaign. It was started 25 years ago right her in the Bay area. The campaign is a ten-week fundraising effort where men and women raise money to vie for the title of Man or Woman of the Year. The campaign began March 26, and will conclude June 6, at which time the winner will be announced. Dr. Andreadis has been nominated as a candidate for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society (LLS) Man of the Year for He is the first physician specializing in blood cancer to participate. As a patient of Dr. Andreadis, I have been asked to offer my help in raising funds for his campaign, which I do so wholeheartedly. My request is that you please consider supporting the work of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. For more information on the work of LLS and to make a tax-deductible donation go to their website Earmark you donation in honor of Dr. Andreadis. No amount is too small or too large. To read a personal letter from Dr. Andreadis go to his website and please, don t hesitate to speak to me personally with any questions you might have. Faithfully in Christ, Fr. Constantine The Word 2.0 "3

4 S E Q U O I A C L U B Notes from the Parish Council How Would You Like to Have the Title of Mr. & Mrs. Spanakopita 2015? The chairs of the 2015 Marin Festival are in the market for sponsors of food items or other essentials products needed for the Memorial weekend event. While it may not be as prestigious as having a stadium named after you, it is priceless to be recognized as the financial backer of your favorite Greek delicacy. Please contact Ed Keller or any parish council member should you be willing to sponsor a food item and receive the glorious recognition that comes with being Mr. and Mrs. Feta Cheese Many Thanks are Due! On March 15, we held the last session of input regarding the formalization of short-term community goals. Between the four meetings (three at coffee hour and one at night), we received comments from more than 40 concerned parishioners. During the next six weeks, the parish council will develop achievable and measurable shortterm goals. A draft version of the goals will be distributed on April 26 at the Parish Assembly after the Divine Liturgy. Short-term goals are developed with the understanding that their completion should not take more than six months. This October, the parish council-approved short-term goals will be evaluated regarding the progress towards their attainment and long-term goals, which are designed with a 3-5 year implementation plan, will be considered. Who Is That Guy Living Under NCC? Recently there has been a concern we may have squatters under and in the church facilities. Actually, it is Ed Keller working on a variety of projects. He has been pulling lines for our new campus security system, replacing metal doors, and doing his best to make our campus safe and attractive. Ed has also been working directly with our technology consultant to improve our Wi-Fi capabilities. While she may not be roaming underneath the buildings, Cathy Selmi is working with a firm to redesign our website. As well as containing a wealth of general information, we hope to utilize Google Calendar, where parishioners can view scheduled events and check facility availability. Also, in the immediate future, we hope to provide website credit card access for people wishing to fulfill their stewardship pledges or make other donations. Please remember to contact Rose Hunter at parishcouncil@nativityofchrist.org for all your facility needs. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns besides facility usage, this address is a great tool to access quick feedback. Additional, essential repairs and upgrades have been made to seven locks on our campus. The most obvious two improvements are the door handles on the bathroom doors near the patio. These troublesome locks have been replaced with handicappedaccessible fixtures and now do not take an in-depth knowledge of physics to lock. " 4 Nullam arcu leo, facilisis ut

5 P A R I S H C O U N C I L A Prevention for Needing Psycho-Analysis Later in Life Having your young adult assist in the narthex prior to attending Sunday School only has positive side effects. The parish council has enjoyed the presence of many of our youth, who have served as greeters in the narthex this year. If you would like to have your children participate in this facet of our church s life, please contact Tiffany or Leo Haginicols or any parish council member. The only odd addiction that comes with this role in our church is a strange desire to always want to be extinguishing candles. Not Money, Again! Well, if we desire a vibrant community, we need to support it. Don t look for someone else or a government agency to do it. At the last community planning meeting, a parishioner asked how much it costs per day to open our doors. The answer is approximately $1,200 a day and climbing. So, if a family provides $100 of support to NCC each month, they will be financing one day in the life of our parish. Even at that rate of contribution, our fundraising activities must be highly successful to meet our yearly expenses. The parish council requests that all parishioners reconsider their level of financial support to our community experience. Also during the coming months, the parish council will be making greater efforts to successfully utilize whatever extra time and special talents our members may possess for the betterment of our community. During the last three months, the parish council has been systematically analyzing the operational costs of NCC. This project has resulted in a change in voice/internet provider resulting in better service at a lower cost. Also, expenses in the area of fiscal accounting have realized a need to streamline costs. Currently, the parish council is examining the cost vs. income realities of community organizations using our gym. While what may seem like a profitable endeavor, such as sports rentals, may actually result in a deficit expense for our community. These issues will all be presented at the April 26 Parish Assembly. Looking for a Mid-Summer Break for/from Kids? The Metropolis is promoting its 35 th year of the Summer Camp at Saint Nicholas and Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap. The camp is holding 3 sessions for youth between the ages Session 1: July Session 2: July Session 3: July Registration: March 1- April 30 costs $475 Late Registration: May 1-June 15 costs $525 All siblings receive a $25.00 discount. The Camp Director is Johanna Duterte. She is assisted by Jacob Saylor, Chris Retelas, and Kalli Retelas. This year s theme is Be Holy. This is taken from 1 Peter 1:16, You shall be holy, for I am Holy. This year the Metropolis will offer camperships to once again assist families experiencing financial challenges. In prior years most camperships covered the full price of camp registration. Due to the extremely high demand for financial assistance in the last few years, the majority of camperships will cover 25% or 50% of camper registration, with a very limited number covering full registration. This is being done in order to assist financially more families throughout the Metropolis. This year we have also improved the process by creating an online form for you to fill out. Campership Application Process: 1. Families fill out the online Campership Application (link found at gosfyouth.org) 2. Families will ask their parish priest (You) to fill out the online Parish Priest Recommendation. 1mQsm2y1YKne-4rsxf1kQFPNg qwgzcangfz4ibdtwjru/ viewform?usp=send_form 3. Once the campership application and Parish Priest recommendations are reviewed by the Metropolis, the family will be contacted by . Please note: Applications are accepted on ongoing basis and camperships are awarded on a first-come first-served basis until camp sessions are full, or available funds are distributed. Submission of an application does not guarantee that a campership will be granted, or that the entire amount requested will be awarded. The Word 2.0 "5

6 F R O M A R O S U T N E D W A T H R E D S A H R I C P H D I O C E S E Dating Pascha In The Orthodox Church Dr. Lewis J. Patsavos Ph.D. The long-awaited common celebration of Pascha on April 15, 2001 by all Christians has come and gone. It was in 1990 when this coincidence last occurred and will be in 2004 when it occurs again. In anticipation of this common observance by all Christians, much was said and written. What was stressed was the need to keep alive the momentum of the occasion. Unless we all understand the significance of this event, it will remain nothing more than a peculiarity of the calculations related to the date of Pascha. In one sense, that is what it is. But in another sense, it is the convergence of all that we as Christians in the East and West profess regarding the centrality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of our faith. Nothing challenges the credibility of this fact to non-believers more than the scandal of our division on this point of celebration. In the ardent desire to address this problematic and troubling reality, the following contribution is offered... Almost from the very beginning of the existence of the Christian Church, the issue regarding the date of our Lord's death and resurrection presented variations. Although the New Testament relates these events to the Jewish Passover, the details of this relationship are not clear. On the one hand, the tradition of the synoptic gospels identifies the Lord's last supper with His disciples as a passover meal. This would place the death of our Lord on the day after Passover. On the other hand, the tradition of the gospel of St. John situates the death of our Lord at the very hour the paschal lambs were sacrificed on the day of Passover itself. This variation in the interpretation of the scriptures led to two different practices. The one observed Pascha on the day of Passover, regardless of the day of the week. The other observed it on the Sunday following Passover. By the 4th century, the latter practice prevailed throughout the Church universally; nevertheless, differences continued to exist. In response to this ongoing problem, the First Ecumenical Council convened at Nicaea in 325 took up the issue. It determined that Pascha should be celebrated on the Sunday which follows the first full moon after the vernal equinox-the actual beginning of spring. If the full moon happens to fall on a Sunday, Pascha is observed the following Sunday. The day taken to be the invariable date of the vernal equinox is March 21. Hence, the determination of the date of Pascha is governed by a process dependent on the vernal equinox and the phase of the moon. Another factor which figures prominently in determining the date of Pascha is the date of Passover. Originally, Passover was celebrated on the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Christians, therefore, celebrated Pascha according to the same calculation-that is, on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. The correlation between the date of Pascha and the date of Passover is clear. Our Lord's death and resurrection coincided with Passover, thereby assuring a secure point of reference in time. This assurance lasted, however, only for a short time. Events in Jewish history contributing to the dispersion of the Jews had as a consequence a departure from the way Passover was reckoned at the time of our Lord's death and resurrection. This caused the Passover to precede the vernal equinox in some years. It was, in fact, this anomaly which led to the condemnation reflected in Canon 1 of Antioch (ca. 330) and Canon 7 of the Holy Apostles (late 4th century) of those who celebrate Pascha "with the Jews." The purpose of this condemnation was to prevent Christians from taking into account the calculation of Passover in determining the date of Pascha. Most Christians eventually ceased to regulate the observance of Pascha by the Jewish Passover. Their purpose, of course, was to preserve the original practice of celebrating Pascha following the vernal equinox. Thus, the Council of Nicaea sought to link the principles for determining the date of Pascha to the norms for calculating Passover during our Lord's lifetime. Despite the intervention of Nicaea, certain differences in the technicalities of regulating the date of Pascha remained even thereafter. This resulted occasionally in local variations until, by the 6th century, a more secure mode of calculation based on astronomical data was universally accepted. This was an alternative to calculating Pascha by the Passover and consisted in the creation of so-called "paschal cycles." Each paschal cycle corresponded to a certain number of years. Depending upon the number of years in the cycle, the full moon occurred on the same day of the year as at the beginning of the cycle with some exceptions. The more accurate the cycle, the less frequent were the exceptions. In the East, a 19-year cycle was eventually adopted, whereas in the West an 84-year cycle. The use of two different paschal cycles inevitably gave way to differences between the Eastern and Western Churches regarding the observance of Pascha. A further cause for these differences was the adoption by the Western Church of the Gregorian Calendar in the 16th century. This took place in order to adjust the discrepancy by then observed between the paschal cycle approach to calculating Pascha and the available astronomical data. The Orthodox Church continues to base its calculations for the date of Pascha on the Julian Calendar, which was in use at the time of the First Ecumenical Council. As such, it does not take into account the number of days, which have since then accrued due to the progressive loss of time in this calendar. Practically speaking, this means that Pascha may not be celebrated before April 3, which was March 21, the date of the vernal equinox, at the time of the First Ecumenical Council. In other words, a difference of 13 days exists between the accepted date for the vernal equinox then and now. Consequently, it is the combination of these variables which accounts for the different dates of Pascha observed by the Orthodox Church and other Christian Churches. Specifically with regard to this year's date of Pascha, the following observations are made. The invariable date of the vernal equinox is taken to be April 3 (March 21 on the Julian Calendar). Pascha must therefore be observed on the Sunday following the full moon which comes after that date. According to the 19-year Paschal cycle, the first full moon which comes after April 3 this year is on May 1 (April 18 on the Julian Calendar) - the day assigned to the Jewish Passover as calculated originally. In reality, this full moon falls on April 27, a discrepancy left uncorrected in the paschal cycle. As already stated, the provision of the First Ecumenical Council calls for Pascha to be observed on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Since May 1, for the reasons stated above, is taken to be the date of that full moon, the following Sunday, May 5, is the day on which Pascha is observed this year. If anything, this review of the complexities surrounding the issue of the date of Pascha underscores the compelling need to revisit it with patience and openness. This was the spirit which predominated at the most recent consultation on the matter held in Aleppo, Syria in One of its conclusions was that the present differences in the calendars and lunar tables (paschal cycles) employed rather than to differences in fundamental theological outlook. In view of the fact that both the Julian and Gregorian modes of calculation diverge from the astronomical data, it behooves us to return to the norms determined by the Council of Nicaea. Although the council did not itself undertake a detailed regulation of the paschal calculation, it did in fact respect available contemporary science regarding the vernal equinox and the phase of the moon. We can do no less today. " 6 The Word 2.0

7 Nativity Bible Study Tuesday Mornings 10:00 AM Each Tuesday morning (10am) Bible Study is taught to all Nativity stewards & friends who wish to grow in their understanding of God s Word and the Orthodox Church. Visitors are always welcomed! In the Divine Liturgy, two distinct New Testament Scriptural Readings are read aloud to the congregation. These readings are not chosen at random; they have been prayerfully and purposefully prescribed by the Church for all Orthodox faithful to hear on that specific Sunday! Did you ever stop to think why those readings? Beginning this January, through the Bible Study we will examine the Epistle & Gospel readings prescribed by the Church for the upcoming Sunday. Not only will this exercise help participants grow in their knowledge of God s Word, but it will provide insight into the wisdom of the Church, and prepare those involved for a more in-depth participation in Sunday s Divine Liturgy. All are welcome to join us Tuesday mornings! Feel free to bring a snack, bring a friend, and bring your Bible! R E L I G I O U S E D U C A T I O N Youth Education Events & Activities for April & May We are collec)ng filled plas)c eggs (candy and trinkets) April 1 through April 10th for the parish egg hunt. Please have your children bring 1-2 dozen filled eggs to Sunday School or drop off in church office during the week. Wednesday, April 1: All Teachers and SS families par)cipate in the 6 PM final Presanc)fied Liturgy of this Lenten season. Potluck and IOCC service project following the Presanc)fied Liturgy in the Fellowship Hall. Saturday, April 4: Lazarus Saturday. Liturgy followed by the tying of the palm crosses. All families and teachers are encouraged to arend. Sunday, April 5: Palm Sunday. Ac)vity Sunday. Our ac)vity is praying together in church as an en)re Sunday School. Children will sit together in the first four pews on the les hand side of the church. Fr. Luke will have some explana)ons that day in liturgy to teach us about what we are seeing and doing on Palm Sunday. Friday, April 10: Youth Holy Friday Retreat. Students: please join us for a full day of ac)vi)es and Lenten reflec)on in prepara)on for Holy Pascha. We will be mee)ng between 10:00-2:00 pm. Please see the flyer on the parish website: na)vityofchrist.org. If you need a note to excuse you from school, ask your parents to contact Fr. Luke. Saturday April 11: LiRle Resurrec)on Service in the morning; Anastasi Service in the evening followed by Anastasi dinner in the wee hours of Sunday morning aser communion. Plan to arend, if you are in town, to celebrate Pascha with your church family. Sunday April 12: Agape Service. Followed by egg hunt and then parish picnic. No Sunday School. Sunday April 19: Sunday School Field Trip to Belmont to Holy Cross for Liturgy and the Bay Area Oratorical Fes)val to support our speakers. Sunday April 26: Regular Sunday School Day. Instruc)on from 10:45 to 11:45. Sunday May 3: Regular Sunday School Day. Instruc)on from 10:45 to 11:45. Sunday May 10: Final Day of Sunday School. Regular Sunday School Day: Instruc)on from 10:45 to 11:30 and our second annual Sandwiches and Sundaes to follow immediately. Join us as we recognize students moving up and gradua)ng seniors at a special presenta)on on our last day of Sunday School as well as celebra)ng all the moms in our community. June - See page14 for more informa)on on this summer's Na)vity Basketball Camp to take place during the last two weeks of June. August 10 through 14 Summer Day Camp at Na)vity: Parent and teen/ young adult volunteers needed to help with snacks, arts and crass and ac)vi)es. Please contact Chris)na Thomatos (cthomatos@yahoo.com or ) to learn how you can volunteer to make this a success for Na)vity. More details and registra)on forms coming soon For more informa)on about Sunday School ac)vi)es and Summer Bible camp at Na)vity, contact sundayschool@na)vityof christ.org. The Word "7

8 Saints Cosmas & Damian Patron Saints of Philoptochos P HP IH LI OL PO TP OT CO HC OH SO S items for those adhering to a strict fast. Membership We will keep our Membership drive going until we reach our goal of 100 members. As of March 18th we have 67 members, leaving 33 members to reach our goal. Your support means the world to the charities we support so please send in your form today. Your membership counts, no matter what the amount, and has a significant impact of the lives of those who are in need and less fortunate. Attendance at meetings is not a requirement to be a member. If you have already joined, God bless you for your support. Membership forms are available in the Narthex and in the church office. Please do not wait--send in your membership today! Scholarships Every year Philoptochos has three $1000 scholarships available to graduating high school students, continuing college students or returning students whose families are stewards of our church. Students must be carrying at least 12 units (8 units for graduate students). The application with grade and transcript requirements as well as written narrative and character reference instructions is available in the church office. The application with all supporting documentation must be submitted by May 24th. Recipients will be announced on Sunday, June 7th Tyropita Luncheon We would like to thank Sophia Stathis, Kay Simon and Gigi Medan and the Philoptochos Board for a very delicious luncheon. The proceeds will help support the St. Nicholas Shrine. With your generous donations we raised over $1300. During Lent, if you would like to bring in a food item for coffee hour, please indicate if it is Lenten so we can label any non Lenten Pennies for Prayers - Now Called Mochas for Missions Canisters will be passed out on Sunday March 22 nd. Vicky Gikkas has offered to chair this wonderful cause. The name change was to encourage people to connect sacrificing a coffee drink to supporting our Metropolis missions. Please take a canister and return to the church. The funds raised go to C.O.M.E. - Commission for Orthodox Missions and Evangelism. Palm Sunday Luncheon Our traditional Palm Sunday Luncheon will be held on April 5th after Liturgy. The proceeds from this luncheon will be used to help fund donations to charities that Philoptochos supports. The salmon being served for the luncheon was donated by the family of Lula Kamages in her memory. Please see the flyer on page. Happy Birthday!!! Pat Arango 4/1 Kiki Gounaris 4/1 Stassie Sideris 4/1 Karen Keller 4/10 Cathy Banks 4/13 Gigi Medan 4/23 Stella Stenrose 4/29 Selam Beyene 4/28 Dates to Remember General Meeting 4/2, 6:30 PM Palm Sunday Luncheon 4/5 Decorate Epitaphion 4/10 " 8 The Word 2.0

9 F R O M N A AT RI O NU AN L D PT H IE L OA PR TC OH CD HI O SC E S E National Philoptochos Society Mission Statement: To promote charitable, benevolent and philanthropic outreach to preserve the sanctity of life and family and to perpetuate and promote our Orthodox faith and traditions." President Logus Presents 3 Challenges to Chapters In Her First Major Address In her first major address since she assumed office, President Logus expressed appreciation to her predecessors for their exemplary work and inspiration, and to His Grace, Bishop Sevastianos for his guidance. She offered her profound gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for his trust and support and the opportunity to serve. President Logus discussed the mission of Philoptochos and what it means. She clearly distinguished charity, which is giving, from philanthropy, which is doing. We in Philoptochos know a lot about giving; it is clearly one of our strengths. We are justifiably proud of the fact that Philoptochos has a respected and widely admired ability to raise funds for worthy and challenging causes, President Logus stated. She continued by calling on all Philoptochos Stewards to support the 15 th Children s Medical Fund Luncheon and the historic rebuilding of the St. Nicholas Shrine at the World Trade Center as major projects of the Society. President Logus then identified 3 goals that will guide the work of the Chapters during the next 18 months and enable Philoptochos to add tangible acts of philanthropy to its exemplary history of charitable giving: 1) A Return to Basics. She calls on Chapters to partner with other organizations in their communities in joint projects, thereby involving the entire community in tangible, hands-on philanthropy. She challenged Chapters across the country to band together to provide 250,000 meals for those in need by the next national convention in July This works out to 31 meals each month per Chapter. Feeding the homeless and the hungry will not only provide nourishment to those we serve; the physical act of giving will feed our souls and our spirits as well, she said. 2) Expanded and Enhanced Communications. The national organization will harness all modes of communication to bring awareness and a greater understanding of the work of Philoptochos to the community at large. A goal of producing monthly educational webinars has been established. Finally, she asks all members to communicate with her and with the National Board to provide proposals for lending a helping hand to someone in need. 3) Growth and Development of the Membership. The National Philoptochos will establish a Leadership Institute to provide instructional seminars, discussion groups and field trips with the goal of more fully informing new members on the work of Philoptochos and engaging them as our future leaders. In addition, a pilot program is being established that will partner chapters of Orthodox Christian Fellowship on college campuses with local Philoptochos Chapters. Studies show that the Millenials are eager to volunteer, and the future of the Society will rest with their future participation in our organization. In conclusion, she stated, I see us as a team, as a group that works together for the greater good.we have an opportunity to give witness to the simple goodness in people by doing something small lending a hand to someone in need. I am confident that together, with faith in the Lord, with prayers from deep within our hearts and souls, and with the love and blessings of God, we can lessen the pain, loss and suffering of others. The Word 2.0 "9

10 N " 10 A NT AI TV II VT IY T YF E NS ET W I VS A L The Word 2.0

11 P A S C H A C E L E B R A T I O N S A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Easter Picnic Hosted by the Parish Council Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church Sunday, April 12, 2015 held on the Church grounds Rain or Shine Gates open after Agape Services (12:30 PM) Music, Dancing, Easter Egg Hunt, Jumpy Please note that no meal will be served. Souvlas and barbeques welcome. Microwaves available for warming food. Reservation Flyer to Follow For information, contact Rose Hunter (kynegos@hotmail.com ) The Word 2.0 "11

12 S T ES WE QA UR OD IS A H I CP L U2 B0 1 5 Will you answer God s call to follow the Star and walk in the footsteps of the Magi? The Magi were deemed wise by God because they recognized the star as their guide to God, they committed to following the star, and they made offering to God when they arrived! Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church is our star! Be Wise As Magi Begin or continue your Christian journey to the experience of Jesus Christ! Complete the Magi Commitment Card below, and return it to the church office as soon as possible to walk in the footsteps of the Magi, and move that much closer to salvation! Be Wise as Magi In the tradition of the Magi, who faithfully made offerings to the infant Lord, I/we pledge faithful pilgrimage to God as a parishioner of the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Christian Church, through the offering of... God s House to your house Time and Talents Talents that I pledge to offer to Nativity life Please write in specific talents that you are willing to offer in support of Nativity community life Treasure Total annual financial offering that I pledge to Nativity for the year 2015 $ I am interested in including Nativity of Christ in my estate planning. Check box if interested. Names: Address: Phone: Cell: Signature: Date: " 12 The Word 2.0

13 Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 2015 List of Stewards as of March 23rd Palumbis, Fr Luke & Pres Eleni Adams, Fr, James & Pres Evelyn Efstathiou, Fr Constantine & Pres Kay Adams, William & Lisa Anderson, Frances Angelonides, Peter & Arlene Antonis, Chris & Keri Arango, Pat Argyres, Andreas & Joanne Baird, Maria Balopoulos, Michael & Anna Banks, Charles & Cathy Bechaka, Sonia Bekris Fr. Niko & Presb. Stella Bertolina, Ron & Elaine Bizani, Pano & Barbara Booras, Pauline Boosalis, Gus & Kari Brzycki, Jeff & Tracy Langley Burrows, Bill & Floretta Camamis, Constantine Camamis, Dina Capetanos, Bill & Chrisoula Capetanos, John & Aglaia Captanian, Ted & Connie Castro, Jeff & Joanna Catel, George & Paraskevi Corcoran, Bruce & Fran Cordellos, Dennis & Anna Degaitis, Julia Delis, Nicholas & Stephanie Delfino, Ken & Carrie Della Cella, Joseph & Kathryn Demiris, George & Ray Ann Destein, Pat Diamantopoulos, George & Anna Economy, Carol Edrich, Alexandra Eliades, George Eliopoulos, Paul & Sophia Fafoutis, Aris & Diane Ferber, John & Pamela Fotinos, Vivian Fourakis, Andreas & Argyro Fourakis, Vasilis & Effie Frudakis, George & Darlene Gagas, Charles & Claire Garofalos, John Garton, Elena Gavallos, Dennis & Heloisa Gavallos, Victor & Tina George, Pete & Ann Georgeson, George & Debbie Giannis, Demetrios & Rose Gigounas, Ann Gikkas, Peter & Vickie Giusti, Bob & Nonie Grey, Richard & Connie Haginicols, Charles & Amalia S T E S W T AE RW D A S R H D I S P H I 2 P Hajopoulos, Kathy Hanis, Jim & Stella Hundley, Courtney & Marilyn Hunter, John & Rose Iannios, Demetrios & Manulani Jacoby, Nick & Eileen Kalabokes, Chris & Vicki Kalabokes, Matthew Kakleas, Jon & Michelle Kamages, Christ & Pat Kanas, Nick & Carolynn Karas, Tom & Eleni Kavantjas, Diane Keller, Ed & Karen Kokalis, George & Debbie Kosmas, Tony & Nia Kozas, Anna Kuvelis, Dean & Denise Lagios, Michael & Sheila Livanos, Nick & Patti Madias, Evangelia Manesis, Alexandra Mantalvanos, Alex & Maria Mardakis, John & Helen Marsala, Joan Marshall, Phil & Kathy Martin, Jason & Mia Mavrantonis, Antoni Medan, Dushan & Gigi Meehan, Tom & Irene Morris, Susan Nichols, Toula Niemcewicz, Roland & Bess Oetzel, Bob & Pauline Orologas, Alexandra Orologas, Katerina Orologas-Roland, Nickie Ortner, Rob Panagotacos, Dr. James & Diane Pantazes, Katherine Papadopoulos, John & Stella Papanikolaou, George & Soula Papanikolaou, Marina Pappas, Angelo & Maria Pappas, Art Passaris, Michael & Meredith Passaris, Theodore & Elaine Patrinellis, Antiopi Perivolaris, Sharon Petrakis, Steve & Martha Prokopakis, Johanna Prokopakis, Melina & Bryan Porter Protos, Dora Psaros, Stamatis & Eleni Rehn, Diane & Allen Williams Rey, Patricia Roesner, Russell & Margarita Rouman, Steve & Liz Roland, George & Doris Rossi, Patricia Russell, Chuck & Daphne Sarantakis, George & Susan Saris, Tony & Betty Scanagatta, Roman & Eleni Selmi, Cathy Seremetis, Matina & Andres Pineda Sideris, Milton & Stassie Siefkas, Chris & Susan Simon, Kay Sklavos, Vasiliki Slenkin, Alex & Nancy Smernes, Kalliope Smith, Robert & Evi Smyrni, Anna Soeten, Alexandra Soter, Sam & Stella Sotiras, George Sotiras, Maria Sotiras, Paraskevas & Erene Spyridis, Maryanne Starling, Eric & Irene Stathis, Gus & Sophia Stavrinides, Thalia Stenros, Stuart & Stella Stockton, John & Susan Stratigos, George Stratigos, Spiro & Mary Kay Tacticos, George Taft, Kiki Tangalakis, Odysseus & Joanna Thomatos, Dennis & Christina Tocmakidis, Rose Touras, Antonios & Antonia Trapalis, Arthur & Niovi Triantafyllos, John & Laura Trimble, Paul Tzafopoulos, John & Erica Tzafopoulos, Nick & Vasiliki Vallis, James & Judith Vassiliou, Maggie Vlahakos, Nick & Georgia Weeks, Daniel & Stacey White, Sonja Wildermuth, Anna Yatrakis, Christopher & Eirini Yiakis, Joe Yioulos, Dean & Ann Zaferiou, Paul & Phyllis Zagorites, Marian Zahariudakis, Dimitrios Zootis, Mary 170 Participating Stewards $143,286 Pledged The Word

14 N A T I V I T Y N E W S N A T I V I T Y N E W S Festival Cooking Schedule The Festival is quickly approaching and we could always use help in the kitchen. The cooking schedule is listed below. Come join in the fun and camaraderie! Any schedule changes will be announced. Sign-up through SignUpGenius at DA5A829A / or call Ed Keller at (415) (C) or (415) (H) or edkeller@comcast.net. Thursday, April 16 5:00 pm Pastitsio Prep Meat Friday, April 17 5:00 pm Pastitsio Cook Pasta Saturday, April 18 9:00 am Pastitsio Assembly Wed., April 22 8:00 am Koulouria Assembly Wed., April 29 8:00 am Melomakarouna & Paximathia Assembly Monday, May 4 8:00 am Diples Assembly Wed., May 13 8:00 am Kourambiethes Assembly Thursday, May 14 5:00 pm Chicken/Lamb Marinate Monday, May 18 8:00 am Baklava Assembly Wed., May 20 8:00 am Taramasalata Assembly Thursday, May 2 5:00 pm Prep Deli, etc./set-up Sacraments & Blessing Services Baptism February 29 Liliana Eleftheria daughter of Nicholas & Eileen Jacoby 40-day Blessings March 1 Yiannis Basilis son of Bill & Chrisoula Capetanos March 20 Deborah Louise daughter of Angie Kokalis Funerals March 13 March 26 Memorials March 8 March 15 Robert Smith Michael Xydas Peter (Petros) Kavantjas Charles Banks Cecilia Lucas Nativity Basketball Camp Continuing to teach Christian virtue through the sport of basketball Nativity will again offer two weeks of summer basketball camp under the leadership of Novato Coaching pillar, Scott Morgan! Save the date: Week 1: June Week 2: June 29 - July 2 Each week will be offered to youth from Grades 3-8. Nativity Summer Church Camp Nativity will again offer a summer church camp to our youth and their friends. Save the dates: August Special thanks to our Nativity Sunday School leadership who are heading this important ministry! May their memories be eternal! April Liturgies & Readings Date/Time Service Epistle Gospel April 4 9:30 am Lazarus Saturday Hebrews 12:28-13:8 John 11:1-45 April 5 9:30 am Palm Sunday Philippians 4:4-9 John 12:1-18 April 9 9:30 am Holy Thursday 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 Matt 26:1-27; Luke 22:43-44; John 13:3-17 April 11 11:45 pm Holy Pascha Acts 1:1-8 John 1:1-17 April 17 9:30 am Life-Giving Spring Acts 3:1-8 John 2:12-22 April 19 9:30 am Sunday of Thomas Acts 5:12-20 John 20:19-31 April 23 9:30 am Saint George the Great Martyr Acts 12:1-11 John 15:27-16:2 April 26 9:30 am Sunday of the Myrrhbearers Acts 6:1-7 Mark 15:43-16:8 " 14 The Word 2.0

15 APRIL NATIVITY OF CHRIST C H U R C H C A L E N D A R SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Lazarus Saturday 4 Presanctified Liturgy 9:30 am th Sunday of Lent St. Mary of Egypt Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Greek School 4:15-5:45 Bible Study 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Palm Cross Making following Divine Liturgy Sunday School follows Acolyte Meeting following Divine Liturgy Philoptochos General Meeting 6:30 pm Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Potluck & Lenten Project Assembly Following Great Compline 6:00 pm Great and Holy Saturday Divine Liturgy 9:30 am 11 Great and Holy Friday 10 Great and Holy Thursday 9 Great and Holy Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy 9:30 am 8 Great and Holy Tuesday 7 Great and Holy Monday 6 Palm Sunday 5 Royal Hours 8:30 am Liturgy of St. Basil 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Sunday School follows Canon 11:15 pm Resurrection Service 11:45 pm Holy Friday Retreat 10:00 am-2:30 pm Removal of Christ from the Cross 2:30 pm Lamentations 7:00 pm Sacrament of Holy Unction 3:00 pm The Twelve Gospels 7:00 pm Palm Sunday Luncheon Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 pm Anastasi Fellowship Meal Following Service of the Bridegroom with annointing of Holy Unction 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 pm 18 Renewal Friday Renewal Saturday 17 Renewal Monday Renewal Tuesday Renewal Wednesday Renewal Thursday Theotokos of the Life-Giving Font 9 Bible Study 10:00 am V The Word 2.0 "15 Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Holy Pascha Easter Sunday Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Agape Service 11:00 am Parish Council Meeting 7:30 pm May Baptism 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Chrismation 1:00 pm s Paschal Picnic and Easter Egg Hunt following Service St. George, the Great Martyr Sunday of Thomas Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Bible Study 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Sunday School follows Fr. Luke attending IOCC Board Meeting Greek School 4:15-5:45 Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday School follows Greek School 4:15-5:45 Fr. Luke attending Metropolis Council & Metropolis Clergy-Laity at St. Nicholas Ranch Spring Parish Assembly at Coffee Hour

16 N A T I V I T Y O F C H R I S T Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, California Change Service Requested The Word 2.0 April 2015