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Liturgies & ReadingsUpcoming services for

AprilPage 2

Parish Council Kalo

PaschaPage 4

Fr. John’s Message St. John Chrysostom

Page 1

PhiloptochosMissions Possible

Palm SundayPage 6

The Word“And the Word became flesh & dwelt among us,

full of grace & truth.” ~John 1:14

NATIVITY OF CHRIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Holy Week Services Schedule March 31- April 8

Page 3

Marin Greek FestivalGreek Week

Preparations SchedulePage 11

Parishioner ProfilesJohn and Francesca Vrattos

Kathy and Phil MarshallPage 14

April 2018

“Whosoever is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful bright Festival. And whosever is a grateful servant, let him joyously enter into the joy of his Lord.” – St. John Chrysostom

This sermon of St. John Chrysostom is enthusiastically proclaimed at the end of the Divine Liturgy after the faithful have received the light of the Resurrection. Either joy or complete exhaustion are typically experienced during this early morning celebration and we might not have the time to reflect upon the words,  "devout lover of God...grateful servant."  This is us. This is who we are supposed to be. But how can our love be measured? How can we express our gratitude? 

Holy Week is here. As a Church we have been preparing for our Lord’s Crucifixion and Resurrection through fasting, praying during worship services and in our homes, and hopefully forgiving our brothers and sisters. Some of us may have participated in these practices more than others but regardless of

our Lenten journey, it is not too late to fully commit ourselves to the events of Holy Week. 

 The hymns, prayers, readings and spiritual environment that are offered during the Holy Week services cannot be compared with anything else in the liturgical calendar. This holy and sacred time has the potential to impact the understanding of our faith and the state of our souls in a profound way. Even though there are many aspects of our lives that demand our attention, I hope we are able to differentiate our priorities during this one week of the year. Our presence and open hearts will truly be an indication of our love and gratitude for our Lord's sacrifice on the Cross and Resurrection from the dead. 

I pray the sermon of St. John Chrysostom helps us realize the magnitude of what is being commemorated during Holy Week. For if we truly are a devout lover of God and a grateful servant, we will enjoy the beautiful, bright Festival of Pascha that we will joyously celebrate with our Lord. 

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

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Sun April 1 Palm Sunday Divine Services Philippians 4:4-9 John 12:1-18Sun April 13 Theotokos of the Life Giving Spring Acts 3:1-8 John 2:12-22Sun April 15 Sunday of Thomas Acts 5:12-20 John 20:19-31Sun April 22 The Myrrh-Bearers Acts 6:1-7 Mark 15:43-47; 16:1-8Mon April 23 St. George Acts 12:1-11 John 15:17-27; 16:1-2Sun April 29 Sunday of the Paralytic Acts 9:32-42 John 5:1-15

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.

April Services & Readings

Great and Holy Pascha Mary Magdalene, and the other women who were present at the burial of our Saviour on Friday evening, returned from Golgotha to the city and prepared fragrant spices and myrrh, so that they might anoint the body of Jesus. On the morrow, because of the law which forbids work on the day of the Sabbath, they rested for the whole day. But at early dawn on the Sunday that followed, almost thirty-six hours since the death of the Life-giving Redeemer, they came to the sepulchre with the spices to anoint His body. While they were considering the difficulty of rolling away the stone from the door of the sepulchre, there was a fearful earthquake; and an Angel, whose countenance shone like lightning and whose garment was white as snow, rolled away the stone and sat upon it. The guards that were there became as dead from fear and took to flight. The women, however, went into the sepulchre, but did not find the Lord's body. Instead, they saw two other Angels in the form of youths clothed in white, who told them that the Saviour was risen, and they sent forth the women, who ran to proclaim to the disciples these gladsome tidings. Then Peter and John arrived, having learned from Mary Magdalene what had come to pass, and when they entered the tomb, they found only the winding sheets. Therefore, they returned again to the city with joy, as heralds now of the supernatural Resurrection of Christ, Who in truth was seen alive by the disciples on this day on five occasions.Our Lord, then, was crucified, died, and was buried on Friday, before the setting of the sun, which was the first of His "three days" in the grave; observing the mystical Sabbath, that "seventh day" in which it is said that the Lord "rested from all His works" (Gen. 2:2-3), He passed all of Saturday in the grave; and He arose "while it was yet dark, very early in the morning" on Sunday, the third day, which, according to the Hebrew reckoning, began after sunset on Saturday.As we celebrate this joyous Resurrection, we greet and embrace one another in Christ, thereby demonstrating our Saviour's victory over death and corruption, and the destruction of our ancient enmity with God, and His reconciliation toward us, and our inheritance of life everlasting. The feast itself is called Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew word which means "passover"; because Christ, Who suffered and arose, has made us to pass over from the curse of Adam and slavery to the devil and death unto our primal freedom and blessedness. In addition, this day of this particular week, which is the first of all the rest, is dedicated to the honour of the Lord; in honour and remembrance of the Resurrection, the Apostles transferred to this day the rest from labour that was formerly assigned to the Sabbath of the ancient Law.

F R O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E

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Holy Week Schedule

Saturday, March 31 Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy: 8:30 am

Sunday, April 1 Palm Sunday Liturgy: 8:30 am Bridegroom Service: 7:00 pm

Holy Monday, April 2 Bridegroom Service: 7:00 pm

Holy Tuesday, April 3 Divine Liturgy: 9:00 am

Bridegroom Service: 7:00 pm With His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas

Holy Wednesday, April 4 Holy Unction : 3:00 pm

Mystical Supper: 7:00 pm Holy Thursday, April 5 Divine Liturgy: 9:00 am

Procession of the Cross: 7:00 pm Holy Friday, April 6 Royal Hours: 9:00 am

Descent of the Cross: 3:00 pm Lamentations: 7:00 pm

Holy Saturday, April 7 Divine Liturgy: 10:00 am

With His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos Matins, Resurrection Service and Divine Liturgy: 11 pm

Pascha Sunday, April 8 Agape Vespers: 11 am

A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E

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A Lasting Gift for the ChurchA 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 ID23-7122395) to be used for charitable purposes of the Church.

Ministries The Parish Council is making efforts to strengthen ministries, to heighten efficiency with systems, and to increase involvement in our Parish. The Council is making a more concerted effort to have each Council member liaison with the ministries to be aware of their needs in order to help them grow and prosper. Each PC member is in need of volunteers to address the needs of our Parish and local community. If you have signed up on your Stewardship form and have not heard from anyone, please reach out to us to get involved with the Parish ministries. Contact the Church Office to let us know how you can help.

Happy Easter. Καλό Πάσχα . Ka-lo Pas-cha As we enter Holy Week we hope to see you at the services so we may pray, prepare, and experience the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord together as a community. “With this preparation, we are invited to enter the sanctuary of Holy Week, not as spectators, but as participants in the commemoration and enactment of the divine Acts that changed the world.” We prepare the entire year for the Feast of Feasts as every Sunday is dedicated to the Resurrection of the Lord. If anyone needs transportation for services, please contact the Church Office so we can try to arrange transportation for you.

Parish Council Update

Marin Greek Festival We need to have every woman, man, and child helping promote, prepare, set up, and volunteer the weekend of the Festival. We have jobs for everyone! Please refer to the Festival article for more details and refer to the cooking schedules for April and May. Please contact Spiro Stratigos if you want to discuss where you might be able to help, spirostratigos@gmail.com.

Parish Assembly May 6

Save the date for the Spring Parish Assembly, scheduled to take place

Sunday, May 6th after Divine Services.

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PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON SUNDAY, APRIL 1

Immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the Fellowship Hall

COMPLETE FISH DINNERFISH, PASTA, VEGETABLE, SALAD,

BREAD , DESSERT, WINE

ADULTS - $18STUDENTS (6 to 16 years old) - $10

CHILDREN (5 and under) - Free

Proceeds to benefit the work of the Nativity of Christ Church Philoptochos Society

Stewardship:

Time, Talent, and Treasure

“Whatever you do work at it with all your heart asking for the lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Current Stewards 2018: 189Total Stewards in 2017: 246

Total New Stewards 2018: 16

There are at least 73 stewards who have not committed to Nativity of Christ in 2018.

In the Gospel of Saint Matthew (6:19), Jesus instructs us, “do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal…..” Often in life, we pursue and collect those things that do not last. We must ask, “one hundred years from now, where will our possessions be?” Our greatest blessing is our family. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to be stewards of this great gift. If we are faithful to this calling, perhaps our Lord will say to us as he did to the faithful stewards, “well done good and faithful servant.” (Mt 25:23)

Please contact the Church office to submit your pledge.

Stewardship 2018 & Palm Sunday Luncheon

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Formerly known as “Mochas for Missions”: Parishioners are encouraged between Easter and Pentecost to make a donation the amount of their daily coffee drinks to support of our Metropolis missions. Canisters will be distributed on Sunday, April 15 by Vickie Hatos-Gikkas. No time to fill a canister? We will gladly accept a check to Philoptochos (noted: Missions Possible or a cash donation for this deserving ministry.)

Scholarships Every year Philoptochos has three $1,000 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 email 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. 

Saints Cosmas & Damian

Patron Saints of Philoptochos

Membership Here’s a friendly reminder to those who have not yet joined or renewed their membership with Philoptochos. This vital philanthropic ministry of the Greek Orthodox Church in America relies on the support of each parishioner. 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 to those in need. Please see any board member to join.

Palm Sunday Luncheon Our traditional Palm Sunday luncheon will be held on April 1 after Divine Liturgy. The proceeds from this luncheon will be used to help fund donations made to many charities supported by your Philoptochos. Please see the enclosed flyer.

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 if you would like to host a Fellowship Hour.

Philoptochos

Upcoming Philoptochos Dates Sunday, April 1: Annual Palm Sunday LuncheonTuesday, April 10: Philoptochos Meeting, 6:30 PM - all are welcome to attendSunday, April 15: “Missions Possible” Canisters availableTuesday, May 1: Philoptochos Board Meeting, 6:30 PMMonday, May 21: Scholarship Applications Due

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St. John

On Saturday, March 17, stewards of NOC attended a wonderful pilgrimage to St. John Maximovitch where we learned about his life, viewed his living quarters and venerated his incorrupt body. Thank you to all who attended and participated in this spiritually uplifting experience.

Sunday of Orthodoxy and Pilgrimage to St. John Maximovitch

Sunday of Orthodoxy

“Come and see.” The Sunday of Orthodoxy was an uplifting celebration as our young people processed the holy icons and celebrated our Orthodox Christian faith. Our Orthodox faith is full of tradition and beauty that cannot be explained, only experienced: “come and see.”

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March 25 Presentation

On March 25th our Greek School along with     the youth ministries celebrated the 5th Annual Greek Independence & Annunciation Celebration. It was a beautiful event recognizing our Greek history and Annunciation. The children did a wonderful job. We thank everyone’s participation who helped make this a successful day of community and gathering. Kali Anastasi!

GOYA Lenten Retreat & March 25 Program

Bay Area GOYA Lenten Retreat

On Saturday, March 10, middle school and high schoolers of NOC joined other Goyan’s from the Bay Area for the Lenten Retreat at the Marin Headlands. There were many activities and hikes enjoyed by the participants as well as some insightful discussion about self control. Thank you to all those that participated!

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Sunday School Dates in April & May April 1: Sunday School classes meet after communionApril 6: Good Friday RetreatApril 8: Pascha. No classes. Christ is Risen!April 15: Activity Sunday all classes meet together in high school classroom after communion--service projectApril 22: Sunday School classes meet after communionApril 29: Sunday School classes meet after communionMay 6: Sunday School classes meet after communionMay 13: Sunday School classes meet after communionMay 20: last day of Sunday School--classes meet after communion followed by sandwiches, salads & sundaes

How do you say Christ is Risen, Truly He is Risen in...

Greek: Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!Serbian: Cristos vaskres! Vaistinu vaskres!Spanish: Christo ha resucitado! En verdad ha resucitado!Korean: Kristo gesso! Buhar ha sho nay!Swahili: Kristo amefufukka! Kweli amefufukka!Eritrean: Pchristos aftooun! Alethos aftooun!Arabic: El Messiam Kahm! Hakken Kahm!Romanian: Hristos a inviat! Adevărat a înviat!Russian: Khristos voskrese! Vostinu voskrese!

For more ways to shout the Good News in other languages, go to https://oca.org and search for "Paschal Greetings around the world.”

Help needed for the Good Friday Retreat and for the Sunday Sundae end of year celebration. More info coming soon...

Ever wonder why... Jesus rode into town on Palm Sunday on a donkey? Our King, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ chose one of the lowliest animals, the donkey to show humility. Jesus is all powerful all loving all merciful and modeled humility by riding on a donkey. It also fulfilled the prophecy from the Old Testament prophet Zechariah who wrote:"Rejoice greatly o Daughter of Zion; shout your daughter of Jerusalem! behold your king comes to you. He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey on a colt the foal of a donkey." Zechariah 9:9

Sunday School Corner

Did you know On Palm Sunday, in some countries where palms are not available pussy willow branches are used.

JOY Gathering On Sunday, March 4, JOY gathered at the Thomatos Home. It was a great time of fellowship and service. The children made cards for some of the elderly who would appreciate mail.

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Parishioners Dina Stathis and Vicki Trapalis recently traveled to the island of Chios to volunteer serving refugee families who have fled war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Eritrea, and are living on the island awaiting a decision on their asylum claims. Please watch for the date for when they will speak briefly on the humanitarian crisis in Greece, the conditions on the islands and the mainland, and the emotions they experienced spending time with refugee children, women, young men, and young women. Vicki Trapalis has been volunteering with refugee groups since July 2016. She spent six weeks volunteering on the island of Lesvos; one year volunteering at Elliniko Camp outside of Athens,

and two weeks on the island of Chios. She will return to Greece for two months in July to continue her volunteerism. She is grateful to have received the support of her family and her employer in taking time away from work and family commitments to be of service to those in Greece. She describes her experience volunteering as “life-changing” and the relationships she has formed with the refugee families as “meaningful, emotional, and life-long.” She states that her role with the children, young people, and women is that of “mother, sister, teacher, confidante, advocate, advisor, and friend.” The experience of being present for those who have endured indescribable trauma—in their home country, in their escape to Greece, and in their living situation in the refugee camps has solidified Vicki’s belief that “the

kindness we offer a stranger in need is who we are at our best…helping is its own reward.” Dina Stathis had been following her friend Vicki's humanitarian efforts and daily updates directly from the refugee camps for the past year. As difficult as it was to read some of the reports, she felt inclined to travel to Chios with Vicki to help support a few of the local Greek charity organizations. Her first-hand accounts of the situation and interactions with the men, women and children were very bitter-sweet. She was troubled by the inhumane treatment they receive, but also humbled by the kindness they showed to her. She hopes to help raise more awareness and educate others of the magnitude of the crisis and how they too can help. She is currently trying to coordinate a group volunteer trip back to Greece with a local dentist and pediatrician. She was grateful for the support from her family and friends and also for the opportunity to offer love and support to those in need.

Refugees in Chios: Dina Stathis and Vicki Trapalis

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Preparations Continue Vendors: Pat Kamages has contacted previous vendors as well as a number of new vendors. Marketing: Our festival banner will be hung downtown Novato 2 weeks before the festival. The bus signs will be ‘rolling’ 1 month before the festival. Christ Kamages and his team are working on the Greek Week schedule. Mailings and Press Releases to begin in early April.Underwriting and Sponsorships: The Fundraising Committee has reached out to Parishioners and non-parishioners to Sponsor booths and underwrite food items at the Festival as well as placing Congratulatory Messages in the Festival Program Book. Please contact the Church office if you would like to contribute to this endeavor.Volunteers: PLEASE do not wait to be contacted – reach out to members of the committees. We will post a listing of chairs in the Fellowship Hall with contact information. We NEED each and every one of you to help this Village succeed.

Atmosphere

Greek Village: Nico and Niki Haris have been working with Christ and Pat Kamages, Cathy Selmi and Vicki Kalabokes to transform the deck into a Greek Village. A walk thru with a tent consultant took place in March and we are finalizing the layout to confirm with regulations.Band: The Hohlax Trio has been hired to perform for all three days of our festival. The Hohlax Trio is comprised of trained professional musicians experienced in musical education and performance in both Greece and the United States. In addition to the four CDs which they have released, their performances have been broadcast on radio and television. Entertainment: In addition to performing throughout the Festival, the Minoans will perform a special suite this year.

Greek Week

There will be a Run/Walk, lectures, a Flash Mob, and other activities to publicize the Marin Greek Festival the week before. Marin Greek Festival Foot Race - 1st Annual 5k Run/Walk, 10k Run: Marlon Morales has been working to obtain permits for this new event which will take place in the Hamilton area of Novato on Saturday, May 19th to kick off Greek Week. Christ Kamages is working with a graphic artist to develop Foot Race graphics. The proceeds from this year’s Foot Race will go to Alex and Robyn Madias.Flash Mobs: Mari Stainbrook has spoken to the management at the Town Center Shopping Mall in Corte Madera and they have approved a Flash Mob. Christ Kamages is working to obtain a location in Novato. The Flash Mobs will occur during Greek Week which begins on May 19th. Once dates and venues are confirmed, Effie Fourakis will coordinate the Flash Mobs.

Edible Updates Cooking: Galatoboureko and Diples were completed in March. Thank you to all who assisted. Please see scheduled cooking dates for the completion of the remaining items – join us – it takes a Village!Loukoumades: On the last day of our 2017 festival, our Loukoumades machine broke. A special “thank you” to Tim Farmer who fixed the machine and purchased spare parts to have on hand should we experience any issues. The Loukoumades booth will be open all three days of the Festival.Greek Wine Tasting: The 2017 Greek Wine Tasting was very successful. Discussions are taking place with importers to bring in the very best Greek Wines for 2018. Presentations in the lecture tent will take place during the festival to discuss the appellations and varietals of Greece.Cooking Demonstrations: The MVP’s will spearhead this year’s YiaYia & Me cooking demonstrations. Discussing the importance of handing down our traditions and recipes.

Rose Hunter (kynegos@hotmail.com) & Nico Haris (nicolas.haris@yahoo.com) - Festival Co-Chairs

Marin Greek Festival: Friday- Sunday May 25-27, 2018

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St. John Chrysostom Parish Oratorical Festival:

Sunday, April 15 Every year the youth from grades 4-12 are given an amazing opportunity from our Archdiocese that will greatly impact their Orthodox faith, enhance their writing skills and improve their public speaking abilities. The Oratorical Festival is a vital ministry of our Church that should be participated by all of our young people.

Why should I encourage my child to participate in the Oratorical Festival?

• Public Speaking Experience. Whether giving a presentation in the classroom or a job interview, public speaking is a necessary tool in today’s world.

• Knowledge of our Faith. By researching and preparing a presentation it will greatly enrich the knowledge and understanding of the Orthodox faith for the entire family.

• Scholarships. Hellenic College offers The Chrysostom Scholarship to each parish's top senior division speaker. The Chrysostom Scholarship provides 100% of tuition for the recipient's first year of study, and, based on a GPA scale, up to 80% of tuition for three additional years.

This is truly a remarkable opportunity for all of our young people.

Please contact Fr. John or Steve Mavromihalis for additional information.

MVP Gathering Bring a dish to contribute and join us for fellowship at 11:30 am Thursday, April 26th.

Open Forum Open Forum is on Wednesday evenings after Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. Come join Fr. John and fellow parishioners to learn more about our Orthodox faith. Upcoming Wed.: April 11, April 25

Bible Study Join us every other Tuesday morning at 10am as we continue to study and discuss the book of Romans. Upcoming Tues.: April 17, May 1

Upcoming Events

Mommy’s Night Out This month we are meeting at Playa in Mill Valley on Thursday, April 19th at 7pm. Looking ahead we will be gathering Sunday, May 6 at 4pm with our families.

Saturday, April 14: KoulouriaSunday, April 15: General MeetingThursday, April 19: Melomakarona & PaximadiaSaturday, April 21: PastichioFriday, April 27: KataifiSaturday, April 28: MoussakaSaturday, May 12, 2018: Begin Set UpFriday, May 18: Kourabiethes

Sat., May 19 – Sun., May 27, 2018: Greek WeekSaturday, May 19: Marin Greek Festival Foot Race- 5K Walk/Run and 10K RunSaturday, May 19, 2018: Continue Set Up, after

RaceSunday, May 20, 2018: Set Up after LiturgyTuesday, May 22: BaklavaWed., May 23 & Thurs., 24, 2018: Finish Set Up beginning at 5:30 PM

Important Marin Greek Festival Dates

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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 (https://www.gofundme.com/9djpa-church-parking-lot-median-project) or checks can be written to Nativity of Christ. Thank you Tim for your hard work!

Campus Improvements

Sign up at www.escrip.com 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 500021821.

Did you know you can use AmazonSmile to support Nativity of Christ? Start your shopping at www.smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church.

St. George the Great Martyr and Triumphant George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honoured for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia.

S E Q U O I A C L U B

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John and Francesca Vrattos John and Francesca Vrattos met in Sacramento in 1977 through a mutual friend. Once they started dating and began to share information about their backgrounds, they realized they were both from Boston, and were even born at the same hospital. While John’s background is Greek, Francesca’s is Italian. However recently Francesca sent in a DNA ancestry test that she received from John for Christmas, and was delighted to learn that she is as much Greek as she is Italian.Married for 39 years, John and Francesca now own Yanni’s Sausages, a retail and manufacturing company featuring their line of original sausages sold in local markets. Prior to starting their business, John was the Sales Manager for Parisian & Colombo French Breads for 31 years. At the same time for nearly two years, John also worked at night for the San Francisco Giants, cooking meals for the players after the night games. This was a dream come true for John. Not only is he a big Giants fan, but he got to meet many of the legends in baseball. John and Francesca have a daughter, Alexia, who is married to Tim. Alexia owns Kefi Creations, a graphic design company and Tim is Vice President at UBS Financial Services. Tim and Alexia have one child, seven-year old London, who is featured in much of Yanni’s business advertising.

Kathy and Phil Marshall Kathy (Hontalas) and Phil Marshall were married by Father James Adams, in 1980, at St. Vincent’s Church as the final building for the Nativity of Christ Church was being completed. Kathy, born and raised in San Francisco, met Philip during their college years while both were working for Kathy’s cousin at his family business in Sausalito.Phil moved to the Bay Area from Ohio to attend art school. A graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute, he is the founder of Marshall Arts, an embroidery & silkscreen studio located in San Rafael. Marshall Arts is celebrating 40 years of business this year. Kathy recently retired from education after 40 years of service. Her contributions as a teacher and administrator served communities throughout Marin and Contra Costa County. Kathy and Phil have been members of the Nativity community for nearly 40 years. Kathy taught Sunday School soon after Nativity was built and served as Director from 2011-2016. Phil has also served on the Parish Council. They were blessed with two children, Nicole and Robby, who were active in Sunday School and various church programs during their formative years into adulthood. In 2014, Nicole and her husband, Sean, with their two daughters moved to the Peninsula where they now attend Holy Cross in Belmont. Robby moved to Paris where he has lived since 2013 as an international performing and recording musician. Phil & Kathy take great delight in their roles as YiaYia & Pappou, and enjoy spending time with their family whenever possible. They have property in the Northwoods of Michigan/Wisconsin where they spend time on the lake fishing, canoeing, and projecting with family and lifelong friends.

Parishioner Profiles

S T E W A R D S H I P

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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 Bizani, Alexandra 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 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 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 Livadas, Carl & Stacy Livanos, Nicholas & Patricia Lynn, Tom & Lucy Madias, Alex & Robyn Madias, Mike & Laurie Mancini, Anthony & Despina Manesis, Alexandria Mantalvanos, Alex & Maria Mardakis, Helen Margaronis, Anastassios & Maya Marshall, Philip & Kathy 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 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 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 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 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 White, Sonja Wilermuth, Ann Woods, Doris Xenelis, Nicholas Yakumithis, Michael Yatrakis, Chris & Eirini Karatzaferi Yioulos, Dean & Ann Zaferiou, Paul & Phyllis Zagorites, Marion Zahariudakis, Demitrios

2018 Pledged Stewards of Nativity of Christ (As of March 26, 2018) We thank all stewards who have committed to giving the “first Fruits of our labor.“

The Word 2018 "16

Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church1110 Highland DriveNovato, California 94949www.nativityofchrist.org

Change Service Requested

The Word April 2018

Sunday, April 15