NATIVITY OF CHRIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH The Word February 2019 “And the Word became flesh & dwelt among us, full of grace & truth.” ~John 1:14 Fr. John’s Message Liturgies & Readings Parish Council Philoptochos January Highlights Upcoming Events The Wisdom Upcoming services Our New Parish Council Vasilopita Sunday Parish Feast Day FDF Preview Luncheon of St. Simeon for February January Update March 2 Luncheon Jan. 19th Liturgy Family Trivia Night Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 6 Page 8 Page 12 “Now let your servant depart in God taking on flesh through Elder, be glad in heart, receiving peace, according to your will, for my Christ’s incarnation. 2. The in your embraces the One who eyes have seen Your salvation which celebration of the life of the liberates our souls and bestows You have prepared before the face of Righteous Simeon. on us the Resurrection.” all peoples, a light to bring Simeon was a priest who lived Traveling the world, seeing revelation to the Gentiles, and the a very dedicated and holy life to grandchildren, or completing a glory of Your people Israel.” – St. the glory of God. Through his successful career, are common Simeon the Righteous great knowledge and goals to achieve before death. But We all have goals in our lives. understanding of scripture, he have we also set goals pertaining We all have things we want to greatly anticipated the arrival of to our relationship with God? accomplish before leaving this the Messiah. Knowing that he When we ponder our own death earth. Although death is not was attaining old age, Simeon and examine what we wish to something we usually like to prayed to God, asking that he accomplish before we die, let us think about, our faith in Jesus would not die until he witnessed also think of the example of the Christ should give us comfort the Savior come into this world. Righteous Simeon. It was only and encouragement to reflect At our Lord’s Presentation to the when he held the Christ child upon our own death and help us Temple, Simeon immediately that he felt his life was complete. realize that death is inevitable. recognized the Christ child in his His relationship and interactions Our days are numbered. Even arms and thanked God by with God is what defined his life when it is not pleasant, we saying, “now let your servant more than anything else. Let us should give appropriate thought depart in peace, for my eyes of also invite God to help determine to our goals for this life, and the seen Your salvation…” our goals, which inevitably will next. The hymns of the Feast of the define our lives. On February 2, we celebrate Presentation to the Lord are full Through the example of St. the Presentation of our Lord to of rich theology and symbolism. Simeon, may we all reflect upon the Temple. The presentation of a The Apolytikion of the Feast our own death to help us deepen child to the Temple after 40 days proclaims: “Lady full of grace, our relationship with God and of birth was a Jewish tradition rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, for define our eternal objectives with that we continue to this day. This Christ our God, the Sun of Christ our Savior, who liberates feast of our Lord has two righteousness has risen from you our souls and bestows on us significant messages: 1. The and He illumined those in Resurrection. Church continues to celebrate darkness. And you, righteous 2019 February WORD 1 February Services and Readings

All Divine Services on Sundays and weekdays begin with Orthros at 8:30am followed by the Divine Liturgy. Please make every effort to attend these worship services on time.

Sat Feb 2 Presentation of Our Lord Hebrews 7:7-17 Luke 2:22-40

Sun Feb 3 16th Sunday of Matthew II Corinthians 6:1-10 Matthew 25:14-30

Sun Feb 10 Sunday of the Canaanite II Timothy 2:1-10 Matthew 15:21-28

Sun Feb 17 The Publican and Pharisee II Timothy 3:10-15 Luke 18:10-14

Sun Feb 24 Sunday of the Prodigal Son II Corinthians 4:6-15 Luke 15:11-32

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new- born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification. The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.

2 2019 February Word Parish Council Update On January 4, 2019, the Stratigos Family hosted a mixer and dinner, welcoming the new members of our 2019 Parish Council and thanking our 2018 members. A special thank you to Bruce Corcoran, Vicki Kalabokes, George Tacticos and Dennis Thomatos for their service to the Parish Council. The evening reminded all of us that each and every member of our Parish contributes to making our Church a place of faith, love, and community. We toasted all those who have contributed to these past 50 years and look forward to celebrating our Parish’s anniversary throughout the year.

Our 2019 Parish Council The installation of our 2019 Parish Council took place on Sunday, January 6, 2019. The 2019 Officers were then elected: Spiro Stratigos, President Steve Rouman, Vice President Nico Haris, Treasurer Eleni Scanagatta, Secretary Parish Council Members include Christ Kamages, Anna Kozas, Irene Meehan, Peter Passaris, Renee Scott, George Sotiras and Dina Stathis. An election of a vacant Parish Council position also took place and we were pleased to elect Cheryl Messner (2019-2021 term) to complete our 2019 Parish Council.

2019 February WORD 3 Parish Council Update New Parish Council Member Cheryl Simone Messner grew up in Southern California and her family were original members of St. Lukes Orthodox Church of Garden Grove, CA. As a Pan-Orthodox church, St. Lukes was unique because the parishioners were from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Middle Easterners, Greeks, Russians, Eritreans, Slovaks, Serbs and Romanians. Needless to say, the annual festivals were a rich blend of culture and were well attended by the greater Orange County community. Cheryl's parents, Cy and Helen, operated a family Italian restaurant in Compton where she and her two sisters worked from the age they could "reach the sink," washing dishes, prepping, and serving. Growing up, Cheryl enjoyed the closeness of a large, extended family and recently visited the village in Lebanon where her father grew up a century ago. Cheryl fell in love with the beauty of the Bay Area after attending Cal Berkeley, and decided to make it her home. She and her husband Mark met in 1990 while working as federal probation officers for the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. They married in 1994 at the beautiful Greek Orthodox church in Long Beach, CA, and her cousin, Father Michael Laffoon of Irvine, officiated. Beforehand, Mark, who grew up as a non-denominational Protestant Christian, borrowed from My Big Fat Greek Wedding playbook after he was baptized in an inflatable pool by an Episcopalian priest in Berkeley - with the aid of crutches because he was recovering from knee surgery. Mark and Cheryl moved to Novato in 1997 and have two children, Nicholas (Nick) and Hannah. Nick is studying International Law at the University of Trento in northern Italy and Hannah is completing her senior year at Chapman University in Orange County. Mark and Cheryl continue to work in the criminal justice field and also do volunteer work in their free time. Mark, a fourth degree blackbelt, teaches Kung Fu and Tai Chi in the city and also studies traditional Chinese medicine. Inspired by a talk by Vicki Trapalis and Dina Stathis of our community, Cheryl traveled to the island of Chios in October where she performed volunteer work to help refugees fleeing from war and persecution. She looks forward to having greater involvement at Nativity of Christ, getting to know the community better, and serving on the Parish Counsel.

January Meeting Update Ministry Coordinator The Parish Council, with the guidance of Father John, is pleased to introduce our New Ministries Coordinator – Andy Stenros. Andy will be working with Father John and parishioners to expand our ministries and help communicate events. Andy will be working to create consistency of our programs and will be looking to all of us to make these events and activities a success. Strategic Plan The Parish Council approved the creation of a Strategic Planning Committee for the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church. The Parish Council will be updating the community over the next few months to invite everyone’s participation and involvement. Narthex/New Gateway Preliminary Research The Facilities Committee updated the Parish Council on the results from the topographical survey conducted last month. The Council has also approved a structural and civil analysis of the site area. These efforts are being taken to analyze the viability and cost of such a project prior to presenting it to the community. The survey and civil/structural analysis are being funded by donations directed for this project which the Council will continue to review in February.

4 2019 February Word Stewardship Stewardship Irene Meehan, on behalf of the Stewardship Committee, was pleased to present that in 2018 the Parish stewardship goal of $256,000 was exceeded! The year-end total was $262,326. The year 2019 is off to a great start and we thank you all for your time, talent, and treasures that have allowed our Parish to grow and give back in a wonderful and glorious way. If you have not completed your 2019 Stewardship Form there are copies in the Narthex, Fellowship Hall, and the Office. You can also download it off the Nativity website. The completion of the form makes you a steward. Completing of the front is for treasure and completing the back of the form for time and talent. We appreciate your prompt completion of the form so we can contact you to help with the many ministries of the Church.

Here is a look at how we did in our 2018 Stewardship:

Pledge 2018 Number Pledge Amounts 2018: $262,326 of Stewards $60,000.00

$1-$200 58 $50,000.00 $201-$500 92

$501-$750 19 $40,000.00

$751-$1000 27 $30,000.00 $1001-$2000 34 Amount Per Category $2001-$3000 15 $20,000.00

$3001-$4000 3 $10,000.00 $4001-$5000 3

$- $5001+ 5 $5001+ $1-$200 $201-$500 $501-$750

Total 256 $751-$1000 $1001-$2000 $2001-$3000 $3001-$4000 $4001-$5000

Stewardship 3 Year Overview 2016 2017 2018

Number of Stewards 238 246 256

Total Amount Pledged $221,895 $239,448 $260,106

Total Amount Received $222,895 $227,753 $262,326 It is exciting that the number of stewards and the amount pledged is increasing!

2019 February WORD 5 Philoptochos Vasilopita Our community Vasilopita was held on Sunday, January 13. Thank you to Sophia Stathis, Kay Simon and Stassie Sideris for making the parish loaves. Thank you also to all who donated food items for this Fellowship Hour. The proceeds from the sales of the Vasilopitas in December and this Fellowship Hour will be sent to St. Basils Academy in Garrison, New York.

Go Red Sunday Annually during the month of February, a fellowship hour is designated by our chapter as “Go Red for Women” Sunday in support of women’s cardiac health. We will decide the date of this event at our February Philoptochos meeting and send out notices. All proceeds from the fellowship hour will go to the American Heart Association and everyone is encouraged to wear red. Philoptochos Annual Membership Drive On Sunday, January 27th, we kicked off our Annual Membership Drive. Please see any board member to renew your membership. Your renewal can be made at any time. If you are not currently a member, please consider joining. Your support of our chapter helps to keep this ministry of the church strong. 50th Anniversary of Philoptochos Plans are currently underway for our fashion show/luncheon –“Bridal Gowns Through the Years” to be held on Saturday, March 2nd. To date, we have over 20 gowns that will be included in the show. If you have a gown that you would like to include, please contact the Church Office. As each gown is walked down Upcoming Philoptochos Events the runway, an original wedding February 5: Philoptochos Board Meeting photo will be projected and the at 6:30 PM Master of Ceremonies will announce the name of the bride ‘Go Red Sunday’ – date to be announced and groom, the date and location of the wedding. 2019 March 2: Bridal Gowns Through the th marks the 50 anniversary of our Philoptochos Chapter and Years, Fashion Show and Luncheon at this luncheon will be a celebration of this occasion. We are 11:00 AM, Fellowship Hall (See flyer) also planning on publishing a program book that would March 5: Philoptochos General Meeting include Philoptochos photos, past and present – please look at 6:30 PM through your old photos and bring in any photos of April 21: Philoptochos Annual Palm Philoptochos members, events, etc. We will scan your Sunday Luncheon photos and return them to you.

6 2019 February Word 50th Anniversary Celebration

Tickets to the Luncheon will be $50.

2019 February WORD 7 December 30th Feast Day Celebration

On the evening of December 30th, 2018, members of our community once again gathered to celebrate the Apodosis (Leave-Taking) of the Nativity of our Lord. Our Parish continues to give glory to God for sending creation His Son, and we thank the Perivolaris Family for preparing a delicious meal after the service.

8 2019 February Word January 19th Divine Liturgy

January 19th Divine Liturgy January 19th, 2019, marked exactly 50 years from the first Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy in Marin County. It also began the 50th Anniversary celebrations of 2019. Over 60 people gathered at the Elks Club in San Rafael for the Divine Liturgy and also prayed for the repose of all the souls of our founding stewards. It was a blessed day to reflect upon our Church’s humble beginnings and enjoy the wonderful fellowship of its stewards. Thank you to Angie Kozas and Vicki Kalabokes for arranging the event and its reception.

The Monthly WORD During the Months of December - February, many of you have been receiving the printed WORD, while previously receiving it online only. If you did not receive a mailed copy of the WORD prior to this and would like continue receiving the printed WORD, please contact the Church Office and we will continue to mail you our monthly newsletter, the WORD.

2019 February WORD 9 Sunday School Do you know the basic responses during our Divine Liturgy? Match the petition! a. Amen 1. Peace be with you all b. And with your spirit a. To you O Lord 2. now and forever and to the ages of ages... b. Amen a. Lord have mercy 3. let us ask of the Lord... b. Grant this O Lord a. To you O Lord 4. let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole lives to Christ our God... b. Lord have mercy a. Lord have mercy 5. let us pray to the Lord b. Glory to you O Lord a. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia 6. Peace be to you, the reader b. And with your spirit Sunday School Service Projects In January we collected items for our Coast Guard Families in the North Bay who have been affected by the federal government shut down and furlough. Thanks to all who participated in supporting the Coast Guard in this way. Please continue to pray for them and their families. This month’s service project begins on February 3rd for “Souper Bowl Sunday”. All month, please bring canned soup, dry soup mix, lentils, rice, and other non-perishable foods to fill our Marin County Food Bank barrels. Our donations of non-perishable goods help local families in need put food on the table. An Attitude of Gratitude As we come together to pray, learn and do good works as a Upcoming Sunday School Sunday School, let’s be thankful at every turn for what we have Events been given, for the opportunity to help others, and to know that our good works bring glory to God, our Father, who is in heaven. February 3: Sunday School after “Give thanks unto the Lord, His mercy endures forever, Communion, “Souper Bowl” Sunday Alleluia” - Psalm 136 Food Drive Kick- Off All of us on staff are grateful for you and your children. As February 10:S SundayUN SchoolDA afterY always contact your child’s teacher or me with questions. We Communion love seeing you each week and being part of your children’s February 17:S NoC SundayHO SchoolOL Christian education. See you in Liturgy and in class! With love in Christ, "SOUP"ERBOWL Christina Thomatos AnswersCA to theN liturgicalNE responseD quiz: F 6-a;O 5-a;O 4-a;D 3-b; 2-b; DRIVE SUNDAY SUNDAYS UNDAY SCHOOL SCHOOLS CHOOL "SOUP"ERB"OSWOUL P"E"RSBOOUWP"LE RBOWL CANNED FOCOADN NEDC FAONONDE D FOOD DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE 10 2019 February Word Mommy & Me and GOYA

GOYA Gatherings On Monday, January 14 Jr. GOYA and GOYA gathered at the Stratigos home for fellowship and discussion. All middle school and high school students are invited to the Foster’s home on February 7 at 6pm for another wonderful GOYA Gathering.

Mommy & Me In January, Mommy & Me traveled to the Bay Area Discovery Museum and enjoyed a lovely Saturday playing outside and in the exhibits. This month, we plan to do another family Saturday event on Saturday, Feb 9th at Playland Sausalito at 9am. Join us for a fun morning jumping in the bounce houses and playing in the indoor gymnasium. There will be Peet's coffee included in the admission price! RSVP to Pres. Stephanie if you are able to join us.

2019 February WORD 1 1 Upcoming Events

VIP’s This February there are two events: First we are visiting the Seniors Group at Holy Cross in Belmont. We are meeting at the church on Tuesday, February 5 at 10am and carpooling to the church. Then on Thursday, February 14, we are having our monthly luncheon at Nativity of Christ. Bring a covered dish and join us at 11:30.

12 2019 February Word Upcoming Events

Journey to Fullness Bible Study February 6 and 13 at 6:30pm February 19 at 10am Join Fr. John and fellow stewards to embark on A Journey Come and participate to Fullness: a video series to help introduce the richness in Bible Study with Fr. and fullness of the Orthodox Christian Faith. On John to continue Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm, there will be a video studying St. Paul’s presentation on a certain topic by Fr. Barnabas Powell. Epistles. Questions and discussion with Fr. John will follow.

2019 February WORD 13 Lenten Lectures

Dean Karnazes: Wednesday March 13, 2019 Dr. Philip Mamalakis: Sunday, March “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the 31, 2019 race, I have kept the faith.” “The Joy of the Cross in our Home” After the first Presanctified Liturgy of Great Lent, As we commemorate the Veneration of the Life- Dean Karnazes will be speaking about his Giving Cross on the 3rd experience running all over Sunday of Great Lent, the world and the struggle, Dr. Mamalakis will be discipline, and sacrifice that speaking at Fellowship is necessary for his events. Hour about the joyous The physical and mental struggles of family life endurance needed for this and how we can apply running contain the same our faith to help us with characteristics necessary for our relationships in the our Lenten journey. home.

2019 Greek Festival Food Preparations Calendar February April Friday, February 15: Veggie Prep 6pm Friday, April 5: Koulourakia 9am Saturday, February 16: Spanakopita 9am May Tuesday, February 26 Melomakarona 9am Thursday, May 2: Kataifi 9am March Friday, May 17: Kourabiethes 9am Friday, March 8: Tiropita Prep 6pm Monday, May 20: Baklava 9am Saturday, March 9: Tiropita Assembly 11am Tuesday, May 21: Food Preparations 11am Sunday, March 10: Eggplant Prep Noon Wednesday, May 22: Food Preparations 9am Wednesday, March 13: Diples 9am Thursday, May 23: Food Preparations 9am Friday, March 15: Pastichio Pasta 3pm Saturday, March 16: Pastichio Assembly 11am Saturday, March 23: Moussaka Assembly 9am Friday, March 29: Galatoboureko 9am Saturday, March 30: Galatoboureko 9am

Please refer to the Church Calendar on our Website for changes to the above schedule.

14 2019 February Word 2019 Pledged Stewards of Nativity of Christ (As of January 25, 2019) “All Things are Possible to the One Who Believes in Christ.” Presiding Priest Iannios, Demetrios & Manulani Psaros, Stamati & Eleni Fr. John & Pres. Stephanie Kakleas, Jon & Michelle Roesner, Russell & Margarite Kocolas Kalabokes, Chris & Vicki Roland, George & Doris Kalabokes, Matthew Rouman, Steve & Liz Kamages, Christ & Pat Saris, Tony & Betty Priest Emeritus Keller, Ed & Karen Scanagatta, Roman & Eleni Fr. Constantine & Pres. Kay Kocolas, Andoni & Alexia Scott, Anthony & Renee Efstathiu Kokalis, George & Debbie Selmi, Cathy Pres. Evelyn Adams Kokalis, Nick & Lena Selmi, Helen Kosturos, John & Dolly Sideris, Stassie Kozas, Anna Simos, Ted & Sophia Kuvelis, Dean & Denise Sklavos, James & Bessie Aaron, Steven & Eva Lagios, Michael & Sheila Slenkin, Alex & Nancy Ambrosi, Alex Lendaris, Antonia Smernes, Kalliope Angelonides, Peter & Arlene Livadas, Carl & Stacey Smith, Evdokia Antonis, Chris & Keri Madias, Dino & Marti Sotiras, George Argyres, Andreas & Joanne Madias, Michael & Laurie Sotiras, Maria Barmperis, Ioannis & Tina Manesis, Alexandria Starling, Eric & Irene Bechaka, Sonia Marshall, Phil & Kathy Stathis, Pete & Dina Blasingame, Dave & Katina Mavromihalis, Steven & Vickie Stathis, Sophia Botaitis, Demetri Medan, Dushan & Gigi Stenros, Stuart & Stella Brzycki, Jeffrey & Tracy Langly Meehan, Nicole Stockton, John & Susan Burrows, Bill & Floretta Meehan, Thomas & Irene Stratigos, Spiro & Mary Kay Camamis, Constance Dina Mehas, Christine Tacticos, George Corcoran, Bruce & Fran Messner, Mark & Cheryl Thomatos, Dennis & Christina Cordellos, Dennis & Anna Morales, Marlon & Andrea Touras, Antonios & Antonia Cummings Nathan & Daphne Orologas, Alexandra Trevoledes, Patrice Daifotis, Nick Orr, Thomas & Beverly Trimble, Paul Delis, Nicholas & Stephanie Panagotacos, James & Diane Tzafopoulos, Demetrios & Cindy Della Cella, Joseph & Kathryn Pantazes, Katherine Tzafopoulos, Nicholas & Vasiliki Kalabokes Papageorge, Christos & Despina Tzagarakis, Martina Diamond, Jason & Vickie Pappas, Maria Vrattos, John & Francesca Economy, Carol Passaris, Peter & Maria Walters, Jenny El-Far, Karim & Jasmine Passaris, Ted & Elaine Whittaker, Madeline Eliopoulos, Sophia Pauletti, Jeff & Alexandria Woods, Doris Fafoutis, Diane Payea, Keith & Nicolette Xenelis, Nicholas Fotinos, Vivian Petrakis, Steve & Martha Yakumithis, Michael Fourakis, Achilleas Pineda, Andy & Matina Zaferiou, Paul & Phyllis Fourakis, Vasilis & Effie Seremetis Zahariudakis, Dimitrios & Gavallos, Constantina Pinoris, Lloyd & Anastasia Charoula George, Pete & Ann Porter, Bryan & Melina Georgeson, George & Debbie Geron, Marika Gikkas, Pete & Vickie Hatos Gikkas, Stephanie Giusti, Nonie Hajopoulos, Kathy Haris, Nico & Nicole Hontalas, Chris & Susan Hunter, John & Rose Hunter, Stacey 2019 February WORD 15 2 2019 February Word Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, California 94949 www.nativityofchrist.org

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The Word February 2019 1969-2019 Events March 2 at 11am Bridal Gowns Through the Ages Luncheon & Fashion Show April 28 Easter Picnic May 24, 25, 26 Greek Festival July Divine Liturgy at St. Vincent’s October 12 or 13 Celebration Gala Contact Angie Kozas [email protected] or Vicki Kalabokes [email protected] for more information.

2019 February WORD 1