NATIVITY OF CHRIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Transcription

1 NATIVITY OF CHRIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH The Word May 2018 And the Word became flesh & dwelt among us, full of grace & truth. ~John 1:14 Fr. John s Message Liturgies & Readings Parish Council Philoptochos Marin Greek Festival Parishioner Profiles Pentecost Page 1 Upcoming services for May Page 2 Parish Assembly Clean Up Day Page 4 Missions Possible Scholarships Page 5 How to Help Updates Page 13 Angelo and Maria Pappas Peter and Maria Passaris Page 14 Now the Spirit, the Comforter, is poured out on all flesh. Starting with the circle of the Apostles, from them by participation it spread grace to the faithful; and it attests to its powerful presence, apportioning it to the Disciples in the form of tongues of fire, in praise of God s glory. - Vespers of Pentecost Fifty days after our Lord s Resurrection from the grave, the Church celebrates what is considered the birthday of the Church. Pentecost is the celebration of the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles as tongues of fire. They can now affectively go throughout the world, speaking in various languages and proclaim the good news: that God has sent His Son for our Salvation through His death and resurrection. This feast should serve as a reminder for all of us that we too, have the same responsibility of the Apostles. Even though we may not be able to speak in various languages, we should be as bold to proclaim the gospel to all who want to hear it. This is a critical aspect of our relationship with God and our own path to salvation. Our faith in God can be greatly strengthened through our ability to share our faith with others. By inviting someone to our Church services and ministry gatherings, or simply communicating to someone that we are praying for them, this is spreading the Gospel. When these are done in Christian love, we can be an example of hope through our faith in Jesus Christ. It is an exciting month at Nativity of Christ as we celebrate this sacred feast of Pentecost concurrently with our Marin Greek Festival. Yes, our Festival greatly contributes to the financial wellbeing of our Parish, but we should all have an Apostolic approach to the role our Festival can have on our community. Our Festival is one of the few times in the year that we welcome the multitudes on to our Church grounds. Our focus should not be to financially gain from their presence, but to impact their lives in the way we in which we interact with them, and our fellow parishioner. The flavor of our food is not as important as the gracious service we provide our guests. Our culture can only be shared with friendly hospitality, and our faith is best communicated with the love that we possess for God and our neighbor. As we celebrate the Holy Spirit bestowing grace onto the Apostles, may we also acknowledge the powerful presence the Holy Spirit can play in our mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Word 2018 "1

2 May 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. Sun May 6 The Samaritan Woman Acts 11:19-30 John 4:5-42 Sun May 13 The Blind Man Acts 16:16-34 John 9:1-38 Thurs May 17 Ascension Acts 1:1-12 Luke 24:36-53 Sun May 20 1st Ecumenical Council Acts 20:16-18, John 17:1-13 Mon May 21 Sts. Constantine and Helen Acts 26:1, John 10:1-9 Sat May 26 Saturday of the Souls 1 Thessalonians 4:3-17 John 21:14-25 Sun May 27 Holy Pentecost Acts 2:1-11 John 7:37-52; 8:12 Sun June 3 All Saints Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2 Sts. Constantine and Helen Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30 This great and renowned sovereign of the Christians was the son of Constantius Chlorus (the ruler of the westernmost parts of the Roman empire), and of the blessed Helen. He was born in 272, in (according to some authorities) Naissus of Dardania, a city on the Hellespont. In 306, when his father died, he was proclaimed successor to his throne. In 312, on learning that Maxentius and Maximinus had joined forces against him, he marched into Italy, where, while at the head of his troops, he saw in the sky after midday, beneath the sun, a radiant pillar in the form of a cross with the words: "By this shalt thou conquer." The following night, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him in a dream and declared to him the power of the Cross and its significance. When he arose in the morning, he immediately ordered that a labarum be made (which is a banner or standard of victory over the enemy) in the form of a cross, and he inscribed on it the Name of Jesus Christ. On the 28th Of October, he attacked and mightily conquered Maxentius, who drowned in the Tiber River while fleeing. The following day, Constantine entered Rome in triumph and was proclaimed Emperor of the West by the Senate, while Licinius, his brother-in-law, ruled in the East. But out of malice, Licinius later persecuted the Christians. Constantine fought him once and again, and utterly destroyed him in 324, and in this manner he became monarch over the West and the East. Under him and because of him all the persecutions against the Church ceased. Christianity triumphed and idolatry was overthrown. In 325 he gathered the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which he himself personally addressed. In 324, in the ancient city of Byzantium, he laid the foundations of the new capital of his realm, and solemnly inaugurated it on May 11, 330, naming it after himself, Constantinople. Since the throne of the imperial rule was transferred thither from Rome, it was named New Rome, the inhabitants of its domain were called Romans, and it was considered the continuation of the Roman Empire. Falling ill near Nicomedia, he requested to receive divine Baptism, according to Eusebius (The Life of Constantine. Book IV, 61-62), and also according to Socrates and Sozomen; and when he had been deemed worthy of the Holy Mysteries, he reposed in 337, on May 21 or 22, the day of Pentecost, having lived sixty-five years, of which he ruled for thirty-one years. His remains were transferred to Constantinople and were deposed in the Church of the Holy Apostles, which had been built by him (see Homily XXVI on Second Corinthians by Saint John Chrysostom). Continued on page 3 " 2 The Word 2018

3 Sts. Constantine P H I L O P T Oand C H Helen O S Continued from page 2 As for his holy mother Helen, after her son had made the Faith of Christ triumphant throughout the Roman Empire, she undertook a journey to Jerusalem and found the Holy Cross on which our Lord was crucified (see Sept. 13 and 14). After this, Saint Helen, in her zeal to glorify Christ, erected churches in Jerusalem at the sites of the Crucifixion and Resurrection, in Bethlehem at the cave where our Saviour was born, another on the Mount of Olives whence He ascended into Heaven, and many others throughout the Holy Land, Cyprus, and elsewhere. She was proclaimed Augusta, her image was stamped upon golden coins, and two cities were named Helenopolis after her in Bithynia and in Palestine. Having been thus glorified for her piety, she departed to the Lord being about eighty years of age, according to some in the year 330, according to others, in 336. Historical Background of the Pentecost The story of Pentecost is found in the book of The Acts of the Apostles. In Chapter two we are told that the Apostles of our Lord were gathered together in one place. Suddenly, a sound came from heaven like a rushing wind, filling the entire house where they were sitting. Then, tongues of fire appeared, and one sat upon each one of Apostles. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as directed by the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). This miraculous event occurred on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, celebrated by the Jews on the fiftieth day after the Passover as the culmination of the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10). The Feast of Weeks began on the third day after the Passover with the presentation of the first harvest sheaves to God, and it concluded on Pentecost with the offering of two loaves of unleavened bread, representing the first products of the harvest (Leviticus 23:17-20; Deuteronomy 16:9-10). Since the Jewish Feast of Pentecost was a great pilgrimage feast, many people from throughout the Roman Empire were gathered in Jerusalem on this day. When the people in Jerusalem heard the sound, they came together and heard their own languages being spoken by the Apostles (Acts 2:5-6). The people were amazed, knowing that some of those speaking were Galileans, and not men who would normally speak many different languages. They wondered what this meant, and some even thought the Apostles were drunk (Acts 2:7-13). Peter, hearing these remarks, stood up and addressed the crowd. He preached to the people regarding the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Holy Spirit. He spoke about Jesus Christ and His death and glorious Resurrection. Great conviction fell upon the people, and they asked the Apostles, "What shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38-39). The Bible records that on that day about three thousand were baptized. Following, the book of Acts states that the newly baptized continued daily to hear the teaching of the Apostles, as the early Christians met together for fellowship, the breaking of bread, and for prayer. Many wonderful signs and miracles were done through the Apostles, and the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:42-47). The Word 2018 "3

4 A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Parish Assembly: Sunday, May 6 Parish Council Update All stewards are invited to attend the Spring Parish Assembly on Sunday, May 6 approximately thirty minutes after the end of Liturgy. Highlights will be a review of the 2017 Financials and the Audit Committee Report. All ministries will be giving updates and how other stewards can increase their involvement. With increased support and participation, we are able to expand our ministries. Parish Home Loan Principal Payment Reduction An exciting part of the Financial Report is the accelerated payments of the Parish Home Loan. In the original amortization schedule of our 10 year loan, we would have to re-borrow or make a balloon payment of $445,315 in July In August of 2017, we started an accelerated principal payment reduction schedule. At the end of April 2018, we owe approximately $427,000 on the Parish loan, which is $18,000 less than what we would have owed in July 2026! In the last nine months we have paid over $116,000 in principal while still maintaining our reserve balance. We are very pleased with this principal reduction payment program and plan to continue it as long as we maintain our reserves. Marin Greek Festival: Memorial Day Weekend Remember that the Festival is our major fundraiser for the Church. In 2017 our Festival netted $113,000 which is one fourth of our year s revenue. We count on every Parishioner, family member and friend to volunteer to make the Festival a success and share our Greek Orthodox faith and culture with the community. The link to sign up is maringreekfestival.volunteerlocal.com. WE NEED ALL OF YOU! We thank you in advance for volunteering. Spring Clean Up Day Campus Beautification (Saturday, May 5, 9am - 2pm) Do you love to prune? Bring your pruners. Do you like to weed? Bring you weeders. Do you love to plant? Bring you shovel. Do you love to clean? Bring your gloves and favorite products. Do you like to paint? Wear your painting clothes. Do you like to polish? Bring your wood polish. Do you like to go to the dump? Bring your truck. And there are plenty other chores we will have to beautify our Campus. Please contact the Church office or text or Vicki Kalabokes, , vkalabokes@gmail.com if you can help. We look forward to seeing you on the 5 th. 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 Membership Help Us Help Others Here s a friendly reminder to those who have not yet joined or renewed their membership with Philoptochos. This vital ministry of the Greek Orthodox Church in America relies on the support of each parish. Attendance at meetings is not necessary. However, consider sharing your time or talents for one event a year. You ll surely make a new friend and your heart will fill with the joy of giving. Please see any board member to join. All women and men of the Parish should join. Need A Ride To Church? Or any church activity, please contact any Philoptochos Board Member and we will arrange a ride for you. Spiritual Retreats More information to follow on a retreat to the Assumption Monastery in Calistoga in June and the Monastery of the Theotokos, the Life Giving Spring in either August or September. Saints Cosmas & Damian Patron Saints of Philoptochos Upcoming Philoptochos Dates Tuesday, May 1 : Philoptochos Board Meeting, 6:30 PM Monday, May 21 : Scholarship Applications Due Sunday, June 3 : Recognition Fellowship Hour Tuesday, June 5 : Philoptochos Meeting, 6:30 PM Formerly known as Mochas for Missions and Pennies for Prayers If you have not already obtained a canister, please do so. Canisters are available from Vickie Hatos-Gikkas. No time to fill a canister? We will gladly accept a check made out to Philoptochos (noted: Missions Possible or a cash donation for this deserving ministry. Donations support the Orthodox Missions Program. 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 carry at least 12 units (8 units for graduate students). The application with grade and transcript requirements as well as the written narrative and character reference instructions are available in hard copy at the church office or by request to Susan Stockton at 22pies@att.net The application with all supporting documentation must be submitted by Monday, May 21. While we encourage all eligible students to apply, preference will be given to first time applicants. Scholarships will be awarded at the Recognition Fellowship Hour on Sunday, June 3 rd. Fellowship Hours Please consider hosting a Fellowship Hour, it is one way to support the many charities of Philoptochos. Hosting a Fellowship Hour means that you provide snacks of your choice. Philoptochos members make the coffee and set up the food and coffee tables. Contact Debbie Kokalis (debsplaygr@comcast.net) if you would like to host a Fellowship Hour. The Word 2018 "5

6 Don t Miss It! A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Eagle Scout Project A reminder of an exciting project being spearheaded by our own, Tim Chyrklund. He is pursing his Eagle Scout rank and has chosen to improve the Church grounds as his Eagle Project. He plans to replace the current dirt and juniper bushes in the center median of the parking with a layer of gravel and pavers. Tim is needing to raise $3,000 for the materials and then boy scouts and stewards are invited to help with the project on May 5th and 6th. Donations can be made to Tim s GoFundMe page ( or checks can be written to Nativity of Christ. Thank you Tim for your hard work! Clean Up Day 9am-2pm Saturday, May 5 Come help Prepare our Grounds inside and out for the Festival A light lunch will be served. Announcing our New Website Visit nativityofchrist.org and check it out! Zero Waste at Nativity of Christ As you will notice when you are on campus, there are now three options for getting rid of our waste. Be sure to check the signs on the bins. Novato s new trash collector, Recology, is working very hard to have everyone get to zero waste. We will need everyone s help to continue our correct waste collection during the Festival. Compost: The inside bins are all green, with green liners. The outside bin is the large dumpster labeled compost. All food, and many other items such as coffee filters, napkins, pizza boxes, yard clippings, wooden stir sticks, and uncoated paper plates and cups can go in the compost bin. Recycling: The inside and outside bins are bright blue. All recyclable material can go in them. This includes, cans, glass & plastic bottles, newspaper, office paper, and cardboard. Trash: The inside trash cans are the same, but outside we now have dark grey rolling bins similar to the outside recycling bins. Items that cannot be recycled or composted would go here. Including dirty aluminum, bathroom waste, plastic utensils, plastic bags & wrap, styrofoam, and cork. Let s all do our part to become a greener church and work hard to separate waste when we get rid of it. 6" The Word 2018

7 Dance Updates F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Minoans at the International Children s Festival Members of the youngest Minoans groups, with director Andy Stenros, represented our Parish and Greek culture by performing at the 9th International Children s Festival at Discovery Park in San Jose on Saturday, April 21st. The goal of this annual festival is to bring together children from different cultures and communities in the Bay Area. Our dancers performed admirably and had the opportunity to see other children performing Turkish, Chinese, Indian and Persian dances. Rehearsals are back in full swing to prepare for the Marin Greek Festival. We are excited to lead and participate in three upcoming events that we hope our entire parish community will join us: FLASH MOB DANCE Help raise the excitement in Marin County for the Marin Greek Festival. No experience necessary. We will teach the basic Hassapikos/Hassaposervikos dance. Drop in at any of these tentatively scheduled lessons and join the fun: Sunday, April 29 after fellowship hour, Sunday, May 6 after Parish Assembly, Thursday, May 10, 6:30-7:30 pm, Thursday, May 17, 6:30-7:30 pm, and Sunday, May 20th after fellowship hour. Flash Mob: Sunday, May 20th at 2pm GREEK HERITAGE NIGHT The Oakland A s vs Royals Game on Thursday, June 7, 7:05 pm. Pregame activities start at 5:30. Purchase of the special Greek heritage game ticket includes an exclusive Greek heritage A s baseball cap and access to the pregame party in Championship Plaza. Minoans plan to participate in the pregame dance performance with other Bay Area dance groups. See flyer in this month s WORD. Marin County Fair GYRO BOOTH. Save the dates, volunteers needed: June 30th through July 4th. MVP Gathering Bring a dish to contribute and join us for fellowship at 11:30 am Thursday, May 17 after Divine Services. Open Forum Open Forum is on Wednesday evenings at 6pm. Come join Fr. John and fellow parishioners to learn more about our Orthodox faith. Upcoming: Wednesday, May 9 Mommy s & Me This month, all families are invited on Sunday, May 6 at 4pm at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael. Bible Study Join us every other Tuesday morning at 10am as we continue to study and discuss St. Pauls Letters. Upcoming: Tuesday May 1, 15, and 29 The Word 2018 "7

8 April Highlights A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Parish Festival April 15, 2018 We thank Georgia Pineda, John Rouman, Marina Scanagatta, Kate Rouman, Constantine Mavromihalis and George Rouman for their inspirational messages they courageously delivered to the community on Sunday, April 15. We thank Stelio and Vickie Mavromihalis for coordinating the Festival, encouraging participation, and assisting the students with their speeches. We look forward to all of our youth participating in this wonderful ministry in the future! Bay Area Oratorical Festival April 22, 2018 NOC congratulates Marina Scanagatta and Constantine Mavromihalis for wonderfully representing our Parish at the Bay Area Oratorical Festival in Belmont on Sunday, April 22. Supported by their families, they both spoke dynamically. Thank you Marina and Constantine! Mommy and Me: Mamma s Night Out On Thursday April 19th, Maria Passaris, Pamela Rishwain and Pres. Stephanie Kocolas had a wonderful evening out at Playa Mill Valley! May Mommy & Me Event On Sunday, May 6 at 4pm, mommies are encouraged to bring your spouse, extended family, and older children to Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael. Please let Pres. Stephanie know if you plan to attend with your family so she can reserve your spot! Refugee Presentation: April 22 Thank you to Vicki Trapalis and Dina Stathis for an enlightening presentation on their experience assisting refugees in Greece. Please contact Fr. John or the Church Office to find out how you can assist their courageous efforts. 8" The Word 2018

9 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 "The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and selfcontrol. Against these things there is no law". Galatians 5:22-23 From our director Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! How beautiful we can express this profession of faith over the 40 day period to one another! We are truly blessed with faith in the Risen Lord who loves us unconditionally. Activity Sunday on May 13th will focus on prayer and thanksgiving to God for all he does for us. We will also look at how God, through his grace and mercy, equips us with unique talents and how we are to celebrate those distinct talents and use them to bring God glory. We will look at Romans 12. June 3: Last Day of Sunday School Please mark your calendars. This is also the day for our Sundae Sunday with in-church recognitions, and post-liturgy lunch. Philoptochos will also give its annual scholarship awards on that day. Prayer continues to be a focus in Sunday School As we continue to stress developing a relationship with God. Students in Pre-K through 5th are learning the Lord's Prayer and grades 6 through 12th are learning the Creed. Middle School students also explored the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are learning to write prayers and have established a prayer wall in their classroom where they write their prayers and pin them to the board to help them establish a habit of praying on a regular basis. More from our 3rd-5th grade teacher, Andy Stenros: "For the last three years, I have implemented the Prayer Wall into class agenda. At the beginning of each class, each student is encouraged to write or draw something they are praying for. Seeing the wall expand over the course of the years lets our Sunday school students visualize their thoughts and has introduced a different approach to daily prayer. One of the best parts about the Prayer Wall is that it is their own- their own connection to God. At the end of the year, the students will take a day to reflect on each other s note cards and think about how expressing their worries or thankfulness through prayer has connected them to God. In my class, I have encouraged the students to think about the little things in life that God has made possible- including their Legos, Pokémon, or family pets. We know that God created everything we see and cannot see, and the Prayer Wall (see above) is another way for the students to recognize this important piece of faith." Sunday School Dates in May and June May 6, May 13, May 20, and June 3 There is no Sunday School Fes:val weekend. The Word 2018 "9

10 Holy Week A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Good Friday Retreat On Friday, April 6, fourteen of our youth and young adults gathered for our Annual Great & Holy Friday Retreat. Led by Fr. John, Presbytera Stephanie, Kristen Efstathiu, and Anna Kozas, the kids engaged in lively discussions about the meaning of Holy Week and Pascha, helped clean the church, decorate the Kouvouklion (in preparation for the Lamentations service Friday evening), did some arts & crafts, and attended services together. It was a beautiful day of fellowship and prayer, and we are already looking forward to next year's Retreat! Many thanks to the Sunday School and Greek School families who helped make this retreat a success. 10 " The Word 2018

11 Greek Night at the A s F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E Please join our Nativity Parish with Parishes of Oakland and Castro Valley to celebrate Greek Heritage at the Oakland as Coliseum. We will be sitting all together in Field section 128 & 129. Nativity seats are in 128 which are great seats in Field Level. In order to sit with our group you will need to buy your ticket at the link below by Thursday, May 17, Your $30 ticket includes a pregame party, an A s Hat with the Greek flag, and your ticket to the game. When: Thursday, June 7, 2018 (Deadline for group tickets is Thursday, May 17) Where: Oakland Coliseum Time: 5:00pm - Pre-Game party in Championship Plaza 6:40pm - Dancers from Ascension Cathedral in Oakland, Church of the Resurrection in Castro Valley, and Nativity of Christ in Novato will dance on the field. Before the game. 7:05pm - Game Starts Please buy your tickets today. A portion of the ticket price will be donated back to our Church. 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 "11

12 First F R OAnnual M A RMarin O U NGreek D T Festival H E A R5 C& H10k D I Walk/Run O C E S E to Benefit Alex Madias Time: 7:00-7:30 AM Bib Pick Up, 8:00 AM Start (Self-Seeded Start) Join us on May 19th. Our run will be led by the ultra marathon man, Dean Karnazes. We will be walking and running in honor of Alex Madias. All proceeds will be donated to Alex's recovery. Read below to find out how join the team, and create your own fundraising page to raise money, or donate money! For Participants: Here is the active site to register for the run: If you are participating in the run/walk you have the opportunity on the registration page to donate or to create a fundraising page for friends and family to contribute for your participation in the run/ walk. Navigate to that page, click the Facebook button, to then share/ post the event to pages (see right). Clicking the social media links will help spread the Word. The race course begins and ends at the Hamilton YMCA, 3 Hamilton Landing, in Novato. The 5K runners/walkers will traverse throughout the old Hamilton Coast Guard Housing area. The 10K course runners/walkers will also traverse throughout the old Hamilton Coast Guard housing area and continue along the water front, passing by the single largest wetlands restoration project on the West Coast and venture onto the newly opened portion of the Bay Area Circle Trail. It's a fun and beautiful race course! Official timing company, bibs, aid stations, and FUN! A competitor shirt is included with race registration. (Register by May 13th to ensure a race shirt in your size.) For Donors: Our Crowdwise Fundraising Event page is for if you want to donate and are not participating in the Run/ Walk. Visit our page at to donate. The Word 2018 "12

13 Marin F RGreek O M Festival: A R O U N Friday- D T H E Sunday A R C HMay D I O25-27, C E S 2018 E Sponsorships, Underwriting and Program Book Congratulatory Messages: Help the Festival make more money for our Church Ministries and Programs. Secure a business to sponsor or place an ad in the Festival Program Book or do that yourself. Underwrite a food item to lessen the expenses for the Festival. Contact Vicki Kalabokes (vkalabokes@gmail.com) for more information. Public Relations: Media ads and postcards have been completed and submitted for printing/publications. Contacts have been made in regard to City and County proclamations and Greek Week activities. We have secured permission for Flash Mobs at Town Center, Corte Madera and hope to have others. PLEASE PICK UP POSTERS and POSTCARDS at FELLOWSHIP HOUR OR IN THE CHURCH OFFICE TO PLACE IN ALL THE BUSINESSES YOU FREQUENT! Pastry and Savory Updates: The following items were completed in April: Kema prep, Kataifi, Koulouria, Melomakarona, Paximathia Pastitsio and Moussaka. Many continue to participate in the preparation of the Pastry and Savory items for the festival Thank You!! If you have not come to help, please consider doing so. Remember It Takes a Village! The following items will be made in May: Friday, May 18: Kourabiethes Tuesday, May 22: Baklava Greek Wine Bar & Tasting: Greek Wines from Ancient Vines weekend long wine tasting A pre-tasting was held on April 29 th to determine the wines that will be available for tasting this year. Several of the wines have received multiple accolades. Greek wine importers will be present throughout the festival to discuss the history of Greek wine, the appellations and the unique varietals: Agiorgitiko, Moscofilero and Xinomavro just to mention a few. Shuttle Bus Parking: This year our Shuttle Parking is at Pell Plaza which is close and the same lot as last year. Please tell friends and family. Directions and a Map of the parking location is located on back page of this month s WORD. Volunteers: The Volunteer Committee (Spiro Stratigos, Steve Rouman and Andrea Morales) met and will be contacting all chairs to discuss staffing. Remember It Takes A Village! we need everyone to help make our Festival a success and volunteers are needed all weekend. To sign up, go to maringreekfestival.volunteerlocal.com. Set Up Dates: Many hands are needed to set up our Festival. On Thursday, May 24th, all booths need to be set up and ready to serve our attendees when we open the Festival on Friday at 11:00 AM. Come help us set up: Saturday, May 12-10am-4pm Saturday, May 19-11am-5pm Sunday, May 20-3pm -7pm Wednesday, May 24-4:30pm-8:30pm Thursday, May 24-4:30pm-8:30pm Monday, May 28 th - 10:00am Clean Up Culture: Dean Karnazes, the Ultra Marathon Man, will do a presentation and book signing. Costa Harlambopoulos will do a presentation on Byzantine Chanting. Rose Hunter (kynegos@hotmail.com) & Nico Haris (nicolas.haris@yahoo.com) - Festival Co-Chairs The Word 2018 "13

14 Parishioner Profiles S E Q U O I A C L U B Angelos and Maria Pappas Maria Marinos was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She was an avid ice skater and involved in her Greek Orthodox community. Angelo Pappas was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was a jazz drummer in the 1940s before pursuing higher education and serving in the army. They met at a friend s wedding in Columbia, South Carolina, and were married in Atlanta on November 8, They were members of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte and had three children: Gigi, George and Ted. Maria was a stay-at-home mother and was involved in numerous organizations. She was publicity chairperson for the first Greek Festival held in Charlotte; taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School coordinator; was president of both the Greek School Board and the Ladies Philoptochos Society; served on the local Greek Orthodox Diocesan Youth Council; and served on the local Cancer Society. Angelo owned and operated several choice restaurants in the Charlotte area, including the Driftwood Steakhouse. He served on the Parish Council for many years and held the office of Treasurer. Angelo was also a Mason. After their children went off to college, Maria went to work as a legal secretary. Their daughter s marriage sent them to California in their golden years where they started a new chapter of their lives. Angelo went to work for Denny s Corporation and Maria was a Bridal Consultant for Emporium Capwell. They retired to Sonoma to help raise their grandchildren. Maria and Angelo enjoy traveling to Europe, and have vacationed in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Sweden, Holland and Russia. They also enjoy cruises and have sailed to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Alaska. They stay active in the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church Community, where Maria is helping with the MVP s. They recently have taken up bocce ball. Peter and Maria Passaris In 2013 Peter (Epaminondas) Passaris took a trip to Australia to explore the beautiful coast of Sydney. On the third day of his trip, he met Maria Mavrolefteros at Saint George Church and what intended to be a month long trip became a life long journey. After two years they were married in Sydney and returned to Novato, California, where Peter had grown up. They quickly settled into their new lives: Peter in industrial energy as a chemical engineer, working for Ecolab/Nalco in the East Bay, and Maria as a residential architect for Richardson Architects in Mill Valley. When not at work, they fill their hours with the renovation of their home and tending to the growth of their beloved vegetable garden. Constructing the interior of their home awakened a love for carpentry in Peter and he continues to find new projects to add to their home and landscaping. While Peter is building wooden decks and tables, Maria busies herself with filling the interior walls of their home with paintings. They both love music. Peter plays the trumpet, Maria the piano, and they both enjoy leading the choir at Nativity of Christ Church. Last year they were blessed to welcome into the world a beautiful baby girl, Amalia, and enjoy watching her grow every minute. As she grows up, Peter and Maria are excited to share with their daughter their love for road trips, water-skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities. " 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 April 26, 2018) We thank all stewards who have committed to giving the first Fruits of our labor. 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 Catel, Paraskevi Chyrklund, Chris & Elaine Corcoran, Bruce & Fran Cordellos, Dennis & Anna Couch, George & Katherine Cratty, Marguerite Cummings, Nathan & Daphne Cunningham, Kenn & Elaine 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, Aris & Diane Ferber, John & Pamela Fotinos, Vivian Fourakis, Vasilis & Effie Franklin, Alexandra Friedman, Peter & Katina Pantazes Fuss, Patrick Gagas, Charles & Claire Gavallos, Constantina Gavallos, Dennis & Heloisa 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 Iannios, Demetrios & Manulani Kakleas, Jon & Michelle Kalabokes, Chris & Vicki Kalabokes, Matthew Kamages, Christ & Patricia Kambur, Jim & JoAnne Kanas, Nick & Carolynn Karas, Tom & Eleni Kavantjas, Diane Keller, Ed & Karen Kocolas, Andoni & Alexia Kokalis, George & Debbie Kosmas, Anthony & Anthonia Kosturos, John & Dolly Kozas, Anna Kozas, Nonda Kuvelis, Dean & Denise Kuvelis, Xenia Lagios, Michael & Sheila Lendaris, Antonia 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 Marshall, Philip & Kathy Mavrantonis, Antoni Medan, Dushan & Gigi Meehan, Nicole Meehan, Thomas & Irene Mehas, Christine Mellas, John C. Messner, Mark & Cheryl Morales, Marlon & Andrea 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 Papanikolaou, George & Athanasia Papanikolaou, Marina Pappas, Angelo & Maria Pappas, Arthur Passaris, Michael & Meredith Passaris, Peter & Maria Passaris, Theodore & Elaine Pauletti, Jeff & Alexandra Perivolaris, Sara Petrakis, Steve & Martha Pezzuto, Maria Picras, Beatrice Pineda, Andy & Matina Seremetis Pogni, Dean & Georgena Porter, Bryan & Melina Protos, Dora Prouty, Vicki Psaros, Nick & Angi Psaros, Stamatis & Helen Rishwain, Darron & Pamela 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 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 Stenros, Stuart & Stella Stockton, John & Susan Stratigos, Spiro & Mary Kay Tacticos, George Taft, Kik 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 Vlahakos, Nick & Georgia Vrattos, John & Francesca Walters, Charles & Amalia Walters, Scott & Karen Webber, Chris & Kendal Weeks, Andrew Weeks, Dan & Stacey White, Sonja Wilermuth, Ann Woods, Doris Xenelis, Nicholas Yakumithis, Michael Yatrakis, Chris & Eirini Karatzaferi Yioulos, Dean & Ann Zaferiou, Paul & Phyllis Zagorites, Marion Zahariudakis, Demitrios The Word 2018 "15

16 Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, California Change Service Requested The Word MAY 2018 Festival Shuttle Bus Parking: This year our Shuttle Parking is at Pell Plaza which is closer to the Festival then our previous parking lot. For your records and to tell Friends and Family the directions are listed below from the North and the South. From the North take US-101 South toward San Francisco Take the South Novato Blvd / CA-37 Exit toward Vallejo Take the South Novato Blvd ramp Pell Plaza is located at Stay straight to go onto S Novato Blvd 500 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA Take the first left onto Redwood Blvd Continue straight to 500 Redwood Blvd. (Pell Plaza) From the South Take US-101 North toward Eureka / Santa Rosa Take Exit 459 toward Ignacio Blvd/Bel Marin Keys Blvd Stay left at Exit and turn left on Nave Drive Stay in left lane and turn left on Ignacio Boulevard Turn Right at Light at Palmer Drive Turn Right on Redwood Boulevard 500 Redwood Blvd. (Pell Plaza) will be straight ahead The Word 2018 "16