N a t ivit y o f C h ri s t G re e k O rth o d o x C h u rc h

The Word
“And the Word became flesh & dwelt
among us, full of grace & truth.”
~John 1:14

A Monthly Newsletter September 2017

Fr. John’s Message Liturgies & Readings Parish Council Philoptochos Sunday School Parishioner Profiles Upcoming Events
God has a plan for Upcoming services Updates from the New Officers 2017-18 Calendar John & Rose Hunter September Events
you for September
 Council Bazaar and Registration Alex & Robyn Madias
Page 1 Page 2 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8

“For I know the plans I have for We must continually ask together in faith, fellowship and
you, declares the Lord, plans to ourselves, what kind of future am love to encourage each other to
prosper you and not to harm you, I preparing for with my choices? live a life worthy of Christ.
plans to give you hope and a Do I want to have a future in the
future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 Church? Are my activities and The reality remains however that
decisions leading me to a future many other activities outside of
Why go to church? Why be in the Church? These are critical Church also require our time and
involved? How is it beneficial to questions that we must attention. Even on Sundays. For
be part of the Nativity of Christ continuously contemplate this reason among others, Sunday
community? The purpose and because the Church does not just Divine Liturgy will continue to
mission of the Church can many offer us a good moral compass or begin at 9:30 am throughout the
times be forgotten but well roundedness. Christ and His year. With an earlier start time
participation in the Church and Church promise a future of this will hopefully offer families a
her ministries give us what the eternal life! less conflicting schedule and give
prophet Jeremiah proclaims: hope motivation for the faithful to
and a future. To help keep families connected regularly attend worship services.
to God’s plan of true hope and an
When we experience difficulties eternal future, a Nativity of Christ May it be a fruitful and successful
our faith in Jesus Christ gives us Youth Planner is being offered. year of ministry and spiritual
hope. As the saints struggled, as Included in this planner is a growth and may we keep the
Christ struggled, we too can find detailed calendar of the year’s passage of Jeremiah in the
solace in the Church. Praying, events. Communicating this forefront of our minds knowing
participating in the sacraments information from the beginning that God has a plan for all of us.
and involvement in ministries are of the school year will hopefully He gives us hope in His
ways to foster our individual assist families to plan other resurrection and a future in His
faith so that throughout our life activities around Church events. heavenly Kingdom.
we will realize and understand Being informed of the services,
the hope the Church offers us. events and ministries of Nativity
of Christ can help us all come
The Word 2017 "1
 S E Q U O I A C L U B
September Services & Readings
All Divine Services on Sundays and weekdays will begin with Orthros at
8:30am followed by the Divine Liturgy.
Please make every effort to attend these worship services on time.

Day Date Service Epistle Gospel

Sun Sept 3 13th Sunday of Matthew I Corinthians 16:13-24 Matthew 21:33-42
Fri Sept 8 Nativity of the Theotokos Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28
Sun Sept 10 Sunday before Holy Cross Galatians 6:11-18 John 3:13-17
John 19:6-11, 13-20,
Thurs Sept 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross I Corinthians 1:18-24
25-28, 30
Sun Sept 17 Sunday after Holy Cross Galatians 2:16-20 Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
Sun Sept 24 1st Sunday of Luke II Timothy 3:10-15 Luke 5:1-11
Falling Asleep of St. John
Tues Sept 26 I John 4:12-19 John 19:25-27; 21:24-25
the Theologian

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross is celebrated each year on
September 14. The Feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine.

Orthodox Christian Celebration of the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious
and Life-Giving Cross
This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is conducted
on the day of the feast and preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening
before the day of the feast.
On the day of the Feast at the conclusion of the Matins or of the Divine Liturgy, a special service is held.
The Cross is placed on a tray surrounded by branches of basil and is taken in solemn procession through
the church to the chanting of the Hymn of the Feast. The tray is placed on a table, and the priest takes the
Cross and offers petitions from each side of the table, the four directions of the compass. This represents
the universal nature of the offering of Christ upon the Cross. As the people respond by chanting "Lord
have mercy", the priest raises and lowers the cross, a commemoration of its finding and exaltation. At the
conclusion of the service, the people come and venerate the cross and receive the basil from the priest. The
basil is used and offered, as it was the fragrant flower growing where the Cross was found.

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 P A R I S H C O U N C I L

 Icon of the Feast

The icon of the Feast of the Precious Cross tells
the story of the finding of the Cross and of its
Exaltation. Patriarch Macarius is standing in
the pulpit elevating the Cross for all to see and
venerate. On the left side of the Patriarch are
deacons holding candles. The elevated Cross is
surrounded and venerated by many clergy and
lay people, including Saint Helen, the mother
of Emperor Constantine.

In the background of the icon is a domed

structure that represents the Church of the
Resurrection in Jerusalem. This church was one
of the churches constructed and dedicated by
Emperor Constantine on the holy sites of
Jerusalem.

Background
In the twentieth year of his reign (326), the
Emperor Constantine sent his mother Saint
Helen to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places
and to find the site of the Holy Sepulchre and
of the Cross. Relying upon the oral tradition of
the faithful, Saint Helen found the precious
Cross together with the crosses of the two
thieves crucified with our Lord. However,
Helen had no way of determining which was
the Cross of Christ.
With the healing of a dying woman who
touched one of the crosses, Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem identified the True Cross of Christ. Saint Helen
and her court venerated the Precious and Life-Giving Cross along with many others who came to see this
great instrument of Redemption.
The Patriarch mounted the ambo (pulpit) and lifted the Cross with both hands so that all of the people
gathered could see it. The crowd responded with "Lord have mercy".
This became the occasion of the institution in all of the Churches of the Exaltation of the Precious Cross,
not only in memory of the event of the finding of the Cross, but also to celebrate how an instrument of
shame was used to overcome death and bring salvation and eternal life.
The Feast is an opportunity outside of the observances of Holy Week to celebrate the full significance of
the victory of the Cross over the powers of the world, and the triumph of the wisdom of God through the
Cross over the wisdom of this world. This Feast also gives the Church an opportunity to relish the full
glory of the Cross as a source of light, hope and victory for Christ's people. It is also a time to celebrate the
universality of the work of redemption accomplished through the Cross: the entire universe is seen
through the light of the Cross, the new Tree of Life which provides nourishment for those who have been
redeemed in Christ.
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 A R O Parish Council Update
U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E

Welcome to the New Ecclesiastical Year

New Ecclesiastical Year Giving of Your Time & Talent

We welcome you to participate more fully in the Many of you noted on your Stewardship Forms
Life of the Church with our Nativity of Christ you would like to give of your Time and Talent.
Community. Participation in our Church Services We have contacted many of you. If you
helps you develop your own relationship with volunteered and you have not been personally
God and making Jesus Christ part of your life. contacted, please call Rebekah in the Church office
There are many Ministries in which to participate and we will have the head of that Ministry or
to help grow our own community as we reach out Activity contact you.
to the greater Marin community to help those in
need. Ministries and Activities that could use your Time
and Talent:
Giving of Your Treasure
Thanks to all of you who have completed the Sunday School
Treasure part of your Stewardship form. There are Greek School
still 45 families who pledged last year who have Philoptochos
not pledged a commitment to our Church Minoans Greek Folk Dance Group
community this year. Many of you like to donate Youth Ministries – GOYA, Sports
your treasure to the Church in December of each Young Adult League
year. You still can donate your total Pledge in
Choir
December but for the Parish to able to plan
expenditures needed to operate our Church and Marin Greek Festival
ministries, we need to know the amount of the Stewardship
pledge early in the year. Knowing what pledge Special Events and Fund Raising
donations to expect allows the Church to do Most Valuable Parishioners (60+)
accurate planning. Please contact Father or a Mommy & Me
Member of the Stewardship Ministry if you have Bookstore
any questions. Members are Irene Meehan, Steve
Facilities
Rouman, Karen Walters and Vicki Kalabokes.
Landscaping Team
We look forward to your Comments, Suggestions,
and Participation in this new year.

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 ID23-7122395) to be used for charitable purposes of the Church.

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 P
Philoptochos
H I L O P T O C H O S

Philoptochos Dates to Remember

Tuesday, Sept 5- Board Meeting
Tuesday, Oct 3- General Meeting
Sunday, Nov 12- Annual Harvest Luncheon
Saturday, Nov 18- 3rdAnnual Holiday Bazaar

2017-2019 Philoptochos Board of Directors

Officers
Rose Hunter, President
Vicki Kalabokes, 1st Vice President
Cindy Daifotis 2nd Vice President
Gigi Medan, Treasurer Saints Cosmas &
Stacey Weeks, Recording Secretary Damian
Susan Stockton Corresponding Secretary Patron Saints of
Philoptochos
Irene Meehan, Advisor
Board Members: Dina Camamis, Connie Captanian, Carol Economy, Vickie Hatos,
Karen Keller, Debbie Kokalis, Cathy Selmi, Stassie Sideris, Kay Simon and Nancy Slenkin

The Board was sworn in on Sunday, August 6 by Fr. John Kocolas. Afterwards, we went out for lunch at
the Wild Fox.

3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar

Our 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar will take place on Saturday, November 18. Vendor
applications were mailed in July and responses are beginning to be received. Our café
was a huge success last year and we are planning on adding more food items this year.
This is a joint fundraiser of the Parish Council and the Philoptochos, with the funds going
to the Parish. Our 2017 charity partner is Marin’s Best.

Fellowship Hours
Memorials, Anniversaries, Birthdays and Name Days are just a few reasons to host a
Fellowship Hour. Get together with your family and/or friends and bring items to go with
coffee which will be prepared and placed on the serving tables. Juice and cookies are also
provided. Another way to assist would be to bring an item for Fellowship Hour. This
would be greatly appreciated.

Upcoming
We are beginning to plan some exciting events for this year. We are hoping to take a bus trip to the
Monastery of the Life Giving Spring this Fall, and preliminary plans are underway for a fundraiser that
will be a fashion show that will feature Bridal Gowns through the years. We will be sending out
‘invitations’ and asking our members if they would be willing to have their gown or a gown of a family
member included in the show. The gowns will be featured in a fashion show type event with original
photos displayed. We would like to hear from all of our members regarding ideas for additional events.
Please contact anyone on the Board.

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

New Sunday School Year begins September 17th!

Sunday School Registration is going paperless! Please use the link https://goo.gl/NAVgTn to access the new online
Sunday School registration form and help us to go green. Filling out these forms helps us prepare effectively for the
arrival of your child and gives us current contact information. Thank you for making it a point to fill out this form by
September 3rd so our teachers can have as accurate a headcount as possible for the opening day of Sunday School.

2017-2018 Staff and Classroom assignments

Little Learners and Preschool Class: Paula Plessas Hall and Demetri Botaitis
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade Class:  Anna Kozas and Kristen Efstathiu
3rd, 4th, 5th grade Class:  Andy Stenros
6th, 7th, 8th grade Class: Patrick Fuss
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade Class: Vickie and Steve Mavromihalis

Please note that incoming students must be 5 years old by September 1st to enroll in our Kindergarten class.  If they
are not yet 5 by September 1st they will join our Little Learners/Preschool class.
The focus of our Activity Sundays this year will be the 7 Sacraments of the Orthodox Church. Families are always
welcome to join in the group learning on these monthly lesson days.
Our overall theme is John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He sent His only-begotten Son so that whoever
believes in him might not perish, but have eternal life". We will also look at the prologue of the Gospel of John and
discuss how God shows his love for mankind through this Gospel.
On Sunday School Fellowship Hour September 17th, please bring an appetizer to share with the community on that
day. A portion of the fellowship hour donations will go towards the Sunday School program.
Volunteers are needed to substitute teach, help with Activity Sunday art projects, and to bring Sunday snacks for the
snack cupboard.
 Please email [email protected] if you can share your time and talents!
A Sunday School Calendar of planned class meetings and activities are below. Please mark your calendars and join
the learning and fellowship!

Upcoming Sunday School Dates

Sept. 17 First day of Sunday School- Activity Sunday. Classes meet every Sunday
November and
(except certain holidays) now through June 10th after communion.
December: 
Monday, October 23 5-8pm Pumpkins and Pizza Party
Christmas Play Nov. 26 No Sunday School; Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!
Pageant and youth Dec. 17 Sunday School Christmas Pageant
choir practice Dec. 24 Christ is Born! Glorify Him! No Sunday School Classes
begins. Please Dec. 31 Sunday School classes meet after communion
allow an extra Feb. 4: Lenten Project Kick-Off
30-45 minutes for March 25: Annunciation and Greek Independence Day Celebration
March 31: Lazarus Saturday
Sunday School on
April 6: Great Friday Retreat
November and
April 8: Egg Hunt
December May 5: Sunday School Staff Breakfast
Sundays. May 13: Mother’s Day Tribute
June 10: Sundae Sunday
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 Parishioner Profiles
P A R I S H C O U N C I L

Nativity of Christ is blessed with many dedicated stewards and faithful. Do you know who they are? Are your
fellow parishioners people you know by name or are they just faces that you recognize in the pews? Every month in
the Word, two families will be featured in an effort for all of us to become more acquainted with one another in a
hope to strengthen the relationships of our community members.
Rose and John Hunter
John and Rose Hunter met in Springfield, MA in 1981 when John came
to work at the architectural firm that Rose was office manager. When
John asked her out, she refused because he was a co-worker. She
quickly got over that! Opposites attract, which is why they get along
so well. They were married in 1985 in the Cathedral of St. George in
Springfield, MA. They moved to Marin County in 1992 with their
three sons and Roses’ mother, Lula, to be near her brother, Christ
Kamages, and his family.
John is the Director of Projects for Design Blitz in San Francisco. When
he is not wearing his Architect hat, you can find him playing banjo,
Celtic bouzouki or mandolin. He occasionally plays at the Ernie’s Tin
Bar in Petaluma. Rose has been the Logistics Manager at Cabernet
Corporation, importing wines from South America for 15 years. As
time allows, Rose enjoys sewing and crocheting.
They are very proud of their sons – Alex, wife Sherry, daughters Chloe and Mattea, Hugh, wife Catlin and Peter and
Nicole, who have grown up to be responsible, kind young men. The boys are also musicians and played together
with John at a family celebration in 2016. John and Rose have enjoyed being active members of the Nativity of Christ
Parish. John and the boys enjoy grilling souvlaki at the Marin Greek Festival and gyro at the County Fair. Over the
years, Rose has been active in Philoptochos, Minoan Dancers, Marin Greek Festival, Parish Council, Cretan Club and
other fundraisers/ministries when needed. John is always there to support and assist Rose in all her involvement.
Alex and Robyn Madias
Newlyweds, Alex and Robyn Madias began their relationship at San Marin High School where they graduated in
2010 and 2011. They grew up with their Greek and Vietnamese cultures. Robyn’s parents immigrated to the US from
Vietnam and her mother is one of the Vietnamese boat people. Growing up in Novato, they were involved in sports,
family activities and as young adults they formed and participated in a Venturing Crew. Alex graduated with a
degree in Computer Science from UC Santa Barbara and Robyn graduated from Sonoma State University with a
degree in Sociology.
Today, Alex and Robyn are passionate about giving back to their community. Alex participates in historical
reenacting, educational programs and serves in a troop dedicated to bringing cheer to sick and unfortunate children
through Star Wars character impersonations. Robyn enjoys gardening and
coaching volleyball. Together they raise, and train others to raise, service
dogs. Alex and Robyn are proud members of Nativity of Christ and serve in
numerous ministries like the Marin Greek Festival and lead the GOYA & YAL
Volleyball teams. They enjoy working on home projects together, visiting
Tahoe and spending time with friends. Some of the big milestones these two
have recently shared include their marriage last October, and their recent
home purchase (down the street from their Yiayia, Evangelia Madias).
Robyn and Alex feel truly blessed to be able to live so close to family in the
town where they grew up and both have great jobs in Marin County. Alex
works at Fair Isaac (FICO) as a software developer and Robyn works at the
County of Marin in Human Resources. Looking to the future, Alex and Robyn
are excited to grow together in the community that has given them so much
already.
The Word 2017 "7
 A R O U N Upcoming Events
D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E

Open Gym
All stewards are invited to play basketball beginning at 7:30pm. It is a tremendous
opportunity for exercise and fellowship. All skill levels are welcome!
Upcoming Thursdays: October 5
Bible Study
Join us every other Tuesday morning at 10am as we continue to study and discuss the book of Acts.
Upcoming Tuesdays: September 5, September 19, October 3
Open Forum
Open Forum is Back! - Has there always been something about your faith that you’ve wanted to ask but just
haven’t? Come join Fr. John and fellow parishioners to learn more about our Orthodox faith.
Upcoming Wednesdays: September 6, September 20, October 11
Filenathes
Please join the Filenathes for lunch on Saturday, September 30th, 12 noon, at Stassie Sideris' home: 219 Las
Galinas Ave. San Rafael, CA. RSVP Stassie at 415-479-4770 and bring a mason jar to the luncheon.
Greek School
Greek School begins October 4. Anyone interested in assisting as a Greek School Teacher please contact the
Greek School at [email protected].
Volleyball Practice
Join GOYA from 5:30-6:45pm and Adults (18 and over) from 6:45-9pm to play volleyball
and prepare for the San Jose Tournament on October 13-15.
Upcoming Mondays: September 11 (at Hoag Park), September 25, October 2, October 9

Volleyball Tournament
Practices are most Monday evenings in preparation for the Bay Area volleyball tournament October 13-15.
Nativity of Christ is even looking to have an adult team! Contact Robyn Madias
[email protected] for more information.
YAL BBQ
Join the NOC YAL Saturday, September 16th at the Passaris Home for fun, fellowship and
BBQ.
Mommy & Me
Join other moms, pregnancy through preschool, for our second monthly gathering on Saturday,
September, 30th at 10:30am.

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 F R Opportunities Around the Bay Area
O M A R O U N D T H E A R C H D I O C E S E

29th Annual Fr. Berris Golf Classic

The 29th annual Fr. Berris Golf Classic will be held Monday, September 18th at Silver
Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose. Please join us for a fun day of golf and
fellowship and/or consider being a sponsor, gift donor or volunteer at the tournament.
For more information visit www.FrBerisGolf.org or email us at
[email protected]. Father Berris Golf Classsic, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization benefiting
seminarians from our Diocese enrolled in the Masters of Divinity Program at Holy Cross Seminary and the
St. Nicholas Building Fund, in memory of Fr. John Berris. Over the last 28 years $191,000 has been
awarded in scholarships to seminarians and over $120,000 to the St. Nicholas Building Fund.
Sts. Constantine & Helen’s Greek Food Festival
Saturday, September 16, 11am-7pm and Sunday September 17, Noon-6pm, Sts. Constantine and Helen
Greek Orthodox church is having their Annual Greek Festival. They are located at 1224 Alabama St. For
more information visit their website www.stscah.com.
Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat
Join other young adults at St. Nicholas Ranch, September 29 through October 1. Details
are available at http://www.youth.sanfran.goarch.org/

Liturgical Donations to Church in Albania

Through the guidance of

Pamela Barksdale, NOC was
able to donate some of its
existing liturgical items to the
Orthodox Church in Albania.
Pictured below is His
Eminence Metropolitan
Nikolla who was excited and
delighted to be able to
distribute these items to
various churches in his
Metropolis. His Eminence
expresses his gratitude to the
Nativity of Christ Parish for
its generosity.

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

GYRO LUNCH Hosted by the Minoan Dancers

to thank all the volunteers who
worked so hard at the annual
Marin County Fair Gyro Booth
to raise money for the dance
ministry and the parish

Sunday
September
24th
Free will offering

Most Valuable Parishioners

Please join us

Thursday, September 21, 2017

11:30 aM
Save the date for our first MVP (parishioners age 60 and over) gathering that will be held on
Thursday, September 21st at 11:30 am at the Church Hall. We will have a potluck luncheon so please
contact Maria Pappas (707-939-8994 or [email protected]) to let her know if you are bringing
a salad, entree, side dish, or dessert. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

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

The inaugural meeting

of Mommy & Me took
place on Saturday,
August 26 under the
th

oak trees on the back

patio of the Church. We
enjoyed fellowship
with hot coffee, treats
and perfect weather
while the kids
developed new
friendships. We will
continue this ministry
on the last Saturday of
each month starting at
10:30am and look forward to meeting
more of the young families in our parish at
our next meeting on Saturday, September
30th at 10:30am.

The Word 2017 " 11

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

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 hassles 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.

Greek School Classes for 2017-2018 start on October 4th!

The Greek School Teachers and Coordinators Lena Kokalis and Eirini Karatzaferi invite you to register
for classes in Modern Greek for children and adults. 
 
Classes for the children begin October 4th.
Classes will take place on Wednesdays 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Classes for adults TBA. If you are interested please let us know at [email protected]
Please register as soon as possible because the number of positions is limited!

The momentum of our Greek School efforts flourishes

from the support of our community, and our
community’s youth who are served by it. Our mission
is to provide Greek language in our community
through communication, vocabulary, reading, writing
and grammar. In order to enhance our understanding
of our rich heritage we will teach through Greek
poems, songs, history and religion. In addition, we
intend to achieve our goals through stimulating
curriculum, using traditional and technologically
enhanced instructional methods. Our values are
rooted in Hellenism and Orthodoxy.
 
For more information and to register for the new
school year, please complete the Registration Forms
on the following page and send them in to:
[email protected] or turn them to the
administration office of our church.
 
You can also visit the church web site at
nativityofchrist.org, click on Ministries, and then click
“Greek School” to find more information and registration forms.

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

Registration Form for Children 2017-2018

Father’s Name
Father’s Phone
Mother’s Name
Mother’s phone
Email
Home Address
City, Zip

Emergency Contact

Are you or a relative able to help your child with Greek

Yes No
at home?

Student -1-
Student’s Name
Date of Birth
Student’s Grade (Fall 2017)
Estimated level of fluency in Greek (0-10)
Known Allergies

Student -2-
Student’s Name
Date of Birth
Student’s Grade (Fall 2017)
Estimated level of fluency in Greek (0-10)
Known Allergies

Student -3-
Student’s Name
Date of Birth
Student’s Grade (Fall 2017)
Estimated level of fluency in Greek (0-10)
Known Allergies

Parent Signature: _____________________________ Date: _______________________

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MINOAN DANCERS A R O U N D T H E
Celebra(ng over 30 years
A R
of Greek dance!
C H D I O C E S E

Greek dance lessons are on Wednesdays and Sundays

Rehearsals resume Wednesday September 6th, 6 pm for
Pre-K through High School Students (Minoans I start date TBD)

Dancing is about Fellowship • Costumes • Friends • Self-esteem • Church

Fellowship Friends
Since most dances are done Kids (and adults) get to
in a line, dancers of all ages, see each other Sundays
abili3es and experience at church and at dance
learn to work together. And prac3ces. We travel together
when they master a dance,
to FDF and performances
they know they did it as a
team. and are planning our 5th
tour to Greece in 2018!

Costumes Self-esteem
Authen3c, hand-made Performing
replicas of Greek village on stage, in costume,
costumes. swells self-confidence.

Church
Dancers are children and adults of the Na3vity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church
family and are expected to aQend Divine Liturgy and Sunday School, and
par3cipate in other church ac3vi3es.
The Minoans aQend the annual SF Metropolis FDF (Folk Dance Fes3val).
FDF 2018 will be local this year at the San Francisco MarrioQ, January 11-14.
It’s a compe,,on but mostly it’s an opportunity for faith, fellowship, family, friends
and fun (dancers are not required to a;end but it is a great event!).

FYI For more informa3on

• No experience needed, just a desire to learn and a commitment to rehearse. please contact
• The Minoan dance ministry fundraises to make costumes, pay part of dancers’ FDF
registra3on and provide scholarships. Effie Fourakis
• Everyone’s help is needed at the Gyros booth at the Marin County Fair in July 415-823-9433
• Tui3on is $100/year for one dancer in a family and $150 if there are two or more effi[email protected]
dancers in the family.
• Our costumes are authen3c, hand-made replicas of Greek village costumes. Each Greek dancing is
dancer is ou]iQed for $50 per year rental fee. great exercise!
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 2017 Pledged Stewards
S of
T Nativity
E W A R ofDChrist
S H I(As
P of August 29, 2017)
We thank all stewards who have committed to being the “voice of Christ in a changing World.“

Presiding Priest Fotinos, Vivian Madias, Alex & Robyn Sandoval, Irene
Fr. John & Pres. Stephanie Fouakis, Andreas & Argyro Madias, Constantine & Marti Sarantakis, George & Susan
Kocolas Fourakis, Vasilis & Effie Madias, Theodore Jensen
Fuss, Patrick Manesis, Alexandra Saris, Tony & Betty
Priests Emeritus Gagas, Charles & Claire Mantalvanos, Alex & Maria Scafidas, Anastasia
Fr. James & Pres. Evelyn Gavallos, Constantina Mardakis, John & Helen Scanagatta, Roman & Eleni
Adams Gavallos, Dennis & Marsala, Joan Selmi, Catherine
Fr. Constantine & Pres. Kay Heloisa Marshall, Philip & Kathy Selmi, Helen
Efstathiu George, Peter & Ann Martin, Jason & Mia Sideris, Stassie
Georgeson, George & Mavrantonis, Antoni Siefkas, Chris & Susan
Aaron, Steven & Eva Debbie Medan, Dushan & Gigi Simon, Kay
Adams, Bill & Lisa Giannis, Demetrios & Rose Meehan, Nicole Sklavos, James & Bessie
Anderson, Frances Gikkas, Peter & Vickie Meehan, Thomas & Irene Slenkin, Alex & Nancy
Angelonides, Peter & Arlene Hatos Messner, Mark & Cheryl Smernes, Kalliope
Antonis, Chris & Keri Giusti, Nonie Morales, Marlon & Andrea Smith, Evdokia
Arango, Pat Grey, Connie Morf, Nick & Panagiota Smyrni, Anna
Argyres, Andreas & Joanne Haginicols, Charles & Morphew, Forest & Ephimia Soeten, Alexandra
Baird, Maria Amalia Morris, Susan Sotiras, Giorgis
Bakos, Panagiotis Hajopoulos, Kathy Muntean, Elisabeth Sotiras, Maria
Balopoulos, Michael & Anna Hall, Bryan & Paula Natsios, Isidore Sotiras, Paraskevas & Erene
Barksdale, Pamela Hanis, Stella O’Connor, Wayne & Betty Starling, Eric & Irene
Batbie, Donald & Barbara Haralambopoulos, Costa & Zootis Stathis, Gus & Sophia
Bechaka, Sonia Ria Orologas, Alexandra Stathis, Pete & Dina
Bertolina, Ronald & Elaine Haris, George Orologas, Julie Stavrinides, Thalia & Nicholas
Bizani, Alexandra Haris, Nicholas & Nicole Orologas, Katerina Stenros, Stuart & Stella
Blasingame, David & Katina Harris, Helen Orr, Thomas & Beverly Stockton, John & Susan
Booras, Pauline Hawes, Warren & Chris Papageorge, Christos & Stratigos, Spiro & MaryKay
Boosalis, Gus & Kari Hontalis, Frank & Eve Despina Tacticos, George
Botaitis, Demetri Hundley, Courtney & Panagotacos, James & Diane Taft, Kiki
Bryan, Keith and Karry Marilyn Pantazes, Christos & Jackie Tangalakis, Odysseus &
Brzycki, Jeff & Tracy Langly Hunter, John & Rose Pantazes, Katherine Joanna
Burrows, William & Floretta Iannios, Demetrios & Papanikolaou, George & Soula Tekie, Beyen & Meseret
Camamis, Constantine Manulani Papanikolaou, Marina Habtesus
Camamis, Dina Jacoby, Nicholas & Eileen Papedo, Megan Thomatos, Dennis & Christina
Captanian, Ted & Connie Kakleas, Jon & Michelle Pappas, Angelo & Maria Tocmakidis, Pinelopy
Castro, Jeff & Joanna Kalabokes, Chris & Pappas, Arthur Touras, Antonis & Antonia
Catel, Paraskevi Victoria Passaris, Michael & Meredith Trapalis, Arthur & Niovi
Chyrklund, Chris & Elaine Kalabokes, Matthew Passaris, Peter & Maria Trapalis, Vicki
Corcoran, Bruce & Fran Kamages, Alex & Sherry Passaris, Theodore & Elaine Triantafyllos, John & Laura
Cordellos, Dennis & Anna Kamages, Christ & Patricia Patrinellis, Antiopi Trimble, Paul
Couch, George & Katherine Kanas, Nick & Carolynn Pauletti, Jeff & Alexandra Tsiplakos, George & Maria
Cratty, Bob & Marguerite Karas, Tom & Eleni Perivolaris, Nick & Ellen Tzafopoulos, Demetrius
Cunningham, Kenneth & Karavolos, Steve Perivolaris, Sara Tzafopoulos, Nicholas &
Elaine Katelanis, Olympia Petrakis, Steve & Martha Vasiliki
Daifotis, Kim & Cindy Katselis, Anthony & Maria Pezzuto, Maria Vallas, James & Judith
Degaitis, Julia Kavantjas, Diane Pineda, Andres & Matina Vangelatos, Demetra
Delfino, Ken & Carrie Keller, Edward & Karen Seremetis Varvitsiotes, Dina
Delis, Nicholas & Stephanie Kocolas, Andoni & Alexia Picras, Beatrice Vlahakos, Nick & Georgia
Della Cella, Joseph & Kokalis, George & Debbie Pool, Ronald & Carol Vrattos, John & Francesca
Kathryn Kalabokes Kokalis, Nick & Lena Porter, Bryan & Melina Walters, Charles & Amalia
Demakis, George Kosmas, Anthony & Protos, Dora Walters, Scott & Karen
Demiris, George & Ray Ann Anthonia Prouty, Vicki Weeks, Dan & Stacey
Destein, Pat Kosturos, John & Dolly Psaros, Nich & Angie White, Sonja
Diamond, Jason & Vickie Kozas, Anna Psaros, Stamatis & Helen Wildermuth, Anna
Economy, Carol Kozas, Tom & Angie Rangoussis, Steve & Christina Woods, Doris
Edrich, Alexandra Lagios, Michael & Sheila Rehn, Diane Xenelis, Nicholas
Efstathiu, Paul & Kristin Lendaris, Antonia Rizzuti, Joanna Yatrakis, Christopher & Eirini
Eliades, George Lendaris, George Roesner, Russel & Margarita Zaferiou, Paul & Phyllis
El-Far, Karim and Jasmin Livados, Carolos & Stacy Roland, George & Doris Zahariudakis, Dimitrios
Eliopoulos, Paul & Sophia Drakousis Roland, Nickie
Fafoutis, Aris & Diane Livanos, Nick & Patti Ron, Dina
Ferber, John & Pamela Lourdes, Vasiliki Rouman, Steve & Liz
Foster, Paul & Christina Lynn, Tom & Lucy Russell, Chuck & Daphne
The Word 2017 " 15
 Nativity
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The Word September 2017

The Word 2017 " 16