Welcome to Saint Nicholas on this Sunday, December 24, Today we commemorate:

Transcript

1 Welcome to Saint Nicholas on this Sunday, December 24, 2017 Today we commemorate: Sunday before Nativity Eve of the Nativity of Christ Eugenia the Righteous Nun-martyr of Rome EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:9-10; Prokeimenon. Mode 4. Daniel 3.26,27 Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers. Verse: For you are just in all you have done. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:9-10; BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God. And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

2 And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us,that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:9-10, Προκείμενον. Ήχος δ'. Δανιήλ Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν. Στίχ. Ὅτι δίκαιος εἶ ἐπὶ πᾶσιν, οἷς ἐποίησας ἡμῖν. Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 11:9-10, τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, πίστει παρῴκησεν Ἀβραὰμ εἰς τὴν γῆν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας ὡς ἀλλοτρίαν, ἐν σκηναῖς κατοικήσας μετὰ Ισαὰκ καὶ Ιακὼβ τῶν συγκληρονόμων τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τῆς αὐτῆς ἐξεδέχετο γὰρ τὴν τοὺς θεμελίους ἔχουσαν πόλιν, ἧς τεχνίτης καὶ δημιουργὸς ὁ Θεός. Καὶ τί ἔτι λέγω; Ἐπιλείψει γάρ με διηγούμενον ὁ χρόνος περὶ Γεδεών, Βαράκ τε καὶ Σαμψὼν καὶ Ιεφθάε, Δαυΐδ τε καὶ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν προφητῶν, οἳ διὰ πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα μαχαίρας, ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ προσδεξάμενοι τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν ἕτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον, περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, κακουχούμενοι, ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος ὁ κόσμος, ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσι καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς γῆς. Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ Θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσι.

3 GOSPEL READING The Gospel According to Matthew 1:1-25 The book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Aram, and Aram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king. And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon. And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Salathiel, and Salathiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means,

4 God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus. Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 1:1-25 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Βίβλος γενέσεως Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ, υἱοῦ Δαυῒδ υἱοῦ Αβραάμ. Αβραὰμ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ισαάκ, Ισαὰκ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιακώβ, Ιακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιούδαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, Ιούδας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Φαρὲς καὶ τὸν Ζαρὰ ἐκ τῆς Θάμαρ, Φαρὲς δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Εσρώμ, Εσρὼμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αράμ, Αρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αμιναδάβ, Αμιναδὰβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ναασσών, Ναασσὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαλμών, Σαλμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Βοὸζ ἐκ τῆς Ραχάβ, Βοὸζ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ωβὴδ ἐκ τῆς Ρούθ, Ωβὴδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιεσσαί, Ιεσσαὶ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Δαυῒδ τὸν βασιλέα. Δαυῒδ δὲ ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐγέννησε τὸν Σολομῶνα ἐκ τῆς τοῦ Οὐρίου, Σολομὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ροβοάμ, Ροβοὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αβιά, Αβιὰ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ασά, Ασὰ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωσαφάτ, Ιωσαφὰτ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωράμ, Ιωρὰμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Οζίαν, Οζίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωάθαμ, Ιωάθαμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αχαζ, Αχαζ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Εζεκίαν, Εζεκίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Μανασσῆ, Μανασσῆς δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αμών, Αμὼν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωσίαν, Ιωσίας δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιεχονίαν καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος. Μετὰ δὲ τὴν μετοικεσίαν Βαβυλῶνος Ιεχονίας ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαλαθιήλ, Σαλαθιὴλ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ζοροβάβελ, Ζοροβάβελ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αβιούδ, Αβιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ελιακείμ, Ελιακεὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αζώρ, Αζὼρ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Σαδώκ, Σαδὼκ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Αχείμ, Αχεὶμ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ελιούδ, Ελιοὺδ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ελεάζαρ, Ελεάζαρ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ματθάν, Ματθὰν δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιακώβ, Ιακὼβ δὲ ἐγέννησε τὸν Ιωσὴφ τὸν ἄνδρα Μαρίας, ἐξ ἧς ἐγεννήθη Ιησοῦς ὁ λεγόμενος Χριστός. Πᾶσαι οὖν αἱ γενεαὶ ἀπὸ Αβραὰμ ἕως Δαυῒδ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ Δαυῒδ ἕως τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες, καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς μετοικεσίας Βαβυλῶνος ἕως τοῦ Χριστοῦ γενεαὶ δεκατέσσαρες. Τοῦ δὲ Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ ἡ γέννησις οὕτως ἦν. μνηστευθείσης γὰρ τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ Μαρίας τῷ Ιωσήφ, πρὶν ἢ συνελθεῖν αὐτοὺς εὑρέθη ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσα ἐκ Πνεύματος Αγίου. Ιωσὴφ δὲ ὁ ἀνὴρ αὐτῆς, δίκαιος ὢν καὶ μὴ θέλων αὐτὴν παραδειγματίσαι, ἐβουλήθη λάθρα ἀπολῦσαι αὐτήν. ταῦτα δὲ αὐτοῦ ἐνθυμηθέντος ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος Κυρίου κατ ὄναρ ἐφάνη αὐτῷ λέγων Ιωσὴφ υἱὸς Δαυΐδ, μὴ φοβηθῇς παραλαβεῖν Μαριὰμ τὴν γυναῖκά σου τὸ γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ γεννηθὲν ἐκ Πνεύματός ἐστιν Αγίου. τέξεται δὲ υἱὸν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ιησοῦν αὐτὸς γὰρ σώσει τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν

5 αὐτῶν. Τοῦτο δὲ ὅλον γέγονεν ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου διὰ τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν, καὶ καλέσουσι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Εμμανουήλ, ὅ ἐστι μεθερμηνευόμενον μεθ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός. Διεγερθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ιωσὴφ ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου ἐποίησεν ὡς προσέταξεν αὐτῷ ὁ ἄγγελος Κυρίου καὶ παρέλαβε τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἐγίνωσκεν αὐτὴν ἕως οὗ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐκάλεσε τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ιησοῦν. Welcome If this is your first time to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, we welcome you and look forward to meeting you. May God bless your time with us as we worship God The Father, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. If you are not familiar with Orthodox worship, please ask one of our ushers. If you are in need of spiritual assistance or would like to know how to become an Orthodox Christian, please speak to Father Andrew. Calendar Sunday December 24 Monday December 25 Wednesday December 27 Sunday December 31 Divine Liturgy Orthros 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Nativity Orthros 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM St. Stephen Orthros 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Divine Liturgy Orthros 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Announcements Church Bulletin Nicole Maverakis is now producing the weekly church bulletin. Please send any announcements to her at Articles should be submitted in text (*.txt) or Microsoft Word (*.docx) formats and pictures in JPEG (*.jpg *.jpeg *.jpe) format for inclusion in the bulletin. The deadline for submissions is on Friday 5:00 PM anything submitted after that time will not be included in the bulletin for the upcoming Sunday. Bible Study We are currently studying Saint Paul's Epistle to the Galatians. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. We will be taking a break until after the new year and will resume on January 10. Sanctuary Lights The two Sanctuary Lights on the Holy Altar are replaced every Sunday and burn for one week. You may offer one or both of them for a loved one. Please contact Fr. Andrew if you would like to donate towards one or both. The cost is $10.00 each.

6 What God Has Done In Your Life We need stories from parishioners on What God Has Done In Your Life The stories can be submitted to Rosemary Georgiou: Your story will be run for the entire month. Ill Parishioners Reminder: If you know of any parishioners who are ill or hospitalized, please provide Father Andrew with the information as soon as possible. Beading Lessons Inna Hayek is providing art lessons with beading for children right after church every Sunday. Church Bookmobile St. Nicholas Bookmobile is adding many new items for sale. You may purchase items after Liturgy on Sunday or by talking to Elaine Manneh at cell or house at Greek Dance Greek dance will be on break through the Holidays and will resume: January 12 for Evdokia (ages 9-13) 7:00pm January 13 for Ta Pedakia (ages 5-8) 10:00 am Practices will be held in the church hall All new dancers are welcome! Church Cookbook We're creating a cookbook! St. Nicholas Philoptochos is creating a cookbook which hopefully will be published and ready for sale by Easter of 2018, but we need YOUR help. Please submit your favorite recipes with your name to emanneh@hotmail.com. Please submit them in word format so that I may type them into the given grid for the book. We'd love the MEN to enter their favorite recipes as well...the more the merrier. I'll be accepting recipes up to February 15th. Let's make this a great production of all our culinary talents. Make sure you include all the ingredients you use with the correct portions. Thanks, Elaine Manneh ( or cell ) Golden Greeks We are not going to have our get togethers till after the holidays. I want to bless everyone with a beautiful, healthy, and happy Christmas, and the happiest new year Good luck!! God bless, Eleni Skaropoulos,pres.

7 Philoptochos Special Services are offered. Memorials: Koliva Small Tray - $30.00 Large Tray - $60.00 Prosfora 3 Loaves - $20.00 Artoklasia 5 loaves - $40.00 Trisagion: For your special requests, please call Vaso Bouras at (951) or Phofy Bachakes at (951) Please call Vaso or Phofy to make arrangements for services or events. Saint Nicholas Bookstore: Visit the St. Nicholas Bookstore in the Church Hall. There are a variety of gifts and books available. NewsDonateOur FaithPar

8 What God Has Done In My Life Christina s Miracle Story It was January 22, 2017 on a cold, rainy Sunday, that I had settled down to watch a nice inspirational movie called Heaven Is Real. Then at about 7:30pm, I received a call. It was a call from my ex-husband, asking me what I was doing? I thought it rather strange that he would call and ask me that. But then as gently and calmly as he could, he blurted out that Christina our daughter, had been in an accident, but that she was fine. It was a car accident, but she was alright, he reiterated. I felt like my heart had dropped to my feet! I began to ask him how, where I needed to get to her! In my nervous anxiety, I just wanted to be with her! He continued trying to assure me that she was at the hospital and was being well taken care of. They were just doing routine check over on her but that she was being released soon. No need for concern, her sister Alexandra and her husband were also there with her. He wasn t giving me much details about what happened, but that she was fine and that she would fill me in when I d see her. He kept assuring me that there really was no need for me to drive over an hour to be there, especially under the bad weather conditions. He made it sound as if everything was under control and there was no need for me to worry. After calming down, shedding a few tears, I thanked him and said goodnight. The remainder of the night I prayed and continuously thanked God for keeping her safe. Little did I know that my daughter s dad had been trying to spare me from the unbelievable details of her horrible ordeal! The next day Monday, she called me. She was not at work, but was staying at her dad s house. I had all sorts of questions for her. But mainly I just wanted to know what happened! As she began her story, I could not have imagined what I was about to hear. It had rained for three days and while still raining on that Sunday, her friends convinced her to meet them for an early dinner. She agreed. While they had a great time, soon it was time to say good-night and make her way home. As she was getting ready to go onto the freeway, while approaching the onramp her car hit a puddle causing her car to hydroplane! Without warning the car began spinning around and around out of control! It then slid into the concrete wall, flipping the car over and over and over! The car rolled three maybe four times! It finally landed upside down, so near the freeway that she could feel the strong wind of the passing cars! With the rain falling, the broken glass around her, she could hear voices! Then all of a sudden down on the ground next to her, appeared a man! I m a EMT, was the first thing that he said. I m here to help you, he told her. He continued to talk to her while, checking to see if she was bleeding or had any broken bones. He stayed with her until the paramedics arrived. As they pulled her out and loaded her onto the gurney, she looked for him to thank him but couldn t see him anywhere. She was taken to the hospital where a thorough work over was done. They performed head scan, internal scan. She was there for over three hours, while they ran all sorts of tests making sure that she didn t have any internal bleeding, head concussion or any other unforeseen problems. By the grace of God, the only slight injury was to her right knee. The doctor made her wear a removable cast, because he thought that maybe the tendon had been hurt. But it was nothing serious. As she s telling me her story, over the phone, all I can do is listen, cry and keep thanking God. She spent two days at home laying around, so bored. By Wednesday she decided to go back to work. All week, all I could do was to thank God over and over for His loving mercy and grace on my daughter.

9 On Saturday of that week, I went to see her. I hugged her as I d never hugged her before! Again, so thankful for having her. As we talked she told me about her new car being completely totaled. She also shared some most unique feelings. Feelings of peace that came upon her as her car was in the midst of turbulence. She described it as a voice coming to her and saying, ok here we go don t be afraid. Immediately she felt a peace, and quietness. She also told me that when she was upside down in her car the EMT who appeared to her had the bluest eyes. Upon her telling me that, I got chills all over my body and the movie that I had been watching at the time of her accident, came to my mind. The movie Heaven Is Real, is based on a true story about a little boy who dies and goes to heaven. While in heaven, he sees Jesus. He comes back to life and tells his parents about the things he saw. There s a part where the little boy tells his dad that he saw Jesus. He tells his dad that Jesus had the bluest eyes! What s really amazing is that when I was watching the movie, the boy said that Jesus had the bluest eyes I in a most sarcastic, making fun of the boy said to myself yeah right Jesus has blue eyes! No way! He was Jewish! So here I was now hearing the same thing from my daughter, There s absolutely NO doubt in my heart that Jesus Christ, was with her! Some people have said to her and to me oh you were really lucky, you had a BMW, those cars are really Strong! But it s not about the car or luck! The dictionary describes luck as chance! We as children of the Most High our Heavenly Father, God We don t live by chance! We don t live by luck! He s got us in the palm of His hand! He directs the path of our lives! He is a Lamp onto my feet. And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) It is so important to declare God s wondrous deeds as a testimony to others, especially to unbelievers and younger generations. By: Rosemary Georgiou

10 Sunday School Christmas Production 2017 A special thanks to Bob Bozonelos for his talent on the guitar and for his time spent in developing this wonderful Christmas Carols production. Thanks to all the teacher s aides who gave their time in helping the children for the last few months. Also, to all the parents who put effort into bringing their children for the rehearsals in the last month thank you. Christmas, On behalf of St. Nicholas children, have a blessed Rejoice! Christ the Savior is Born.

11 Cast: Mary: Athina Joseph: Niko Gabriel: Sofia Shepherds: James, Jude Sheep: Luca Wise men: Matthew, James, Darius The children s choir: ST. Nicholas Sunday School, accompanied by Bob Bozonelos on guitar. Eleana, Eleni, Sofia, Alexis, Stefanie, Penelope, Ana, James, Athina and children. Carols: The First Noel, O come o Come Emmanuel, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in the Manger, Joy to the World. Silent Night, What Child is This? and O little Town of Bethlehem. Instrumental under the direction of Bob Bozonelos; The Children s band of St. Nicholas, The carolers of 2017 : Alexis, Sophia, Pete, George, Darius (guitar), James (keyboard), Wyatt (drums), Yanni (saxophone). Please join the children for an hour of carols and joy!

12 STEWARDSHIP CORNER Stewardship 2017 For Reflection AS THE FATHER HAS SENT ME, SO I SEND YOU JOHN 20:21 The base from which we serve as the Voice of Christ in a Changing World is the Parish. A strong parish provides opportunities for sharing the Good News of Christ, for welcoming those that are searching for a spiritual home and, a base from which we are sent out into the world. The Parish also provides a place for worship, community and education in the faith. To be stewards of the Gospel, we need to be stewards of our parish of St. Nicholas. This requires the vision and inspiration to see the parish, not as it is, but as it could be. We are called to offer ourselves and our treasure to make our church all that it can be. Thank you for your dedication to Stewardship Ministry. Glory to God in All Things LOOKING FORWARD Saturday, January 30, Stewardship Mailing for 2018 Sunday, January 21, Stewardship Sunday All 2018 Pledges will be presented and blessed. Pledge brochures will be mailed to those on our mailing list. They will also be available at the Welcome Table, the pews, Office, Parish Hall for those who need them. AGAPE luncheon hosted by the Parish Council. PROGRAM on the thoughts and understanding of Stewardship here at St. Nicholas Hope to see you all there!!! In closing the Stewardship Committee for 2017 would like to thank all those who faithfully and devoutly were and are committed to the Church of Saint Nicholas here in the beautiful Temecula Valley. Have a Blessed and grace filled Feast of the Nativity! Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

13 List of Stewards 2017 Adams,Georgianna Alexopoulos, Dimitrios and Ioanna Andrus, George Bachakes, Phofy Barbas, George and Mary Berdos, Ioannes and Kerry Bicos, Bessie Bicos, George and Eleftheria Bitzanis, George Bouras, Nick and Vasiliki Bouras, Satirios Boussiacos, Anasttasios Boutsikakis, Elizabeth Bowyer, Brandon and Kristina Bozonelos, Bob and Janna Charalambous, Petro and Androulla Christopher, Nicholas Cook, Dan and Danielle Coromelas, Peter and Mary Craft, Stacy Demopoulos, Helen DeSanto, Helen Doerr, Vasiliki Efthimiou, Kathy Egger, Kara Elliottt, Olga Fields, Charles and Melinda Fisher, Georgina Gaskins, Chris and Kari Georges, Aristidis and Daniele Georges, Harry and Penelope Georges, Mary Georgiou, Rosemary Gountanis, Niko and Elena Hadjis, Marcina Harris, Klio Hayek, Tommy and Inna Hiotes, Kostas and Judy Hitte, Robert and Lindsay Hodges, David and Christina Housein, Elias and Samar Howell, Scott and Karen Ikosipentarhos, Petros and Faye Ingram, Chris and Kemi Ioannides, Theodore and Anna Kaniouris, Zisis Karcher, Robert+ Katsiyannis, Thomas and Thelma Kinney, Marlette Korchak, Vera Kordakis, Lorena Krupinski, Ron and Debbie Lake, Tammy Lapadat, Mary Lemonidis, Kathleen Lesko, Fr. Andrew and Presbytera Karen Lewis, Jake and Anastasia Lingos, Michael and Alisa Lira, Robert and Dena Malandrinos, Alex and Eleni Manneh, Fr. George and Presbytera Elaine Maverakis, Nicole Michael, Brett and Georgia Miller, Jonathan and Siham Moulis, Dimitrios and Magdaliene Mourafetis, William Neal, Jordan and Alyssa Pasqualetto, Colin and Vilma Peters, Perry and Marianne Petriashvili, Ann Phebus, Barbara Phillips, James Pilafas, James and Zoe Poulis, Chris and Frances Predeleanu, Mircea and Ana Psihalopoulos, Stavros and Theodora Rechister, Ludmila Reyes, Joel Ribeiro, Maria Roumbos, Perry and Vicki Ryan, John and Angela Rymer, Michael Saleck, Nizar Skaropoulos, Helen Sofian, Bogdan and Mariana Spasoski, Andja Spiropoulos, Chris Stavros, Leon and Leanda Stephens, George and Mary Ann Tapscott, Jennifer Thiveos, Dimitrios, and Maria Tsiboukas, Kristina Tsiftsis, James Tzakis, Evan and Karen Varela, Ruben and Elci Vassilakis, Evan and Catherine Vestakis, Karen Xerogiannis, Tony and Margarita Zonos, George and Mary

14 Merry Christmas This will be my last update information of the year. I hope it has been beneficial for you to hear some of the on goings that the parish council has on their agenda. If there is something that you have a question on or a concern and/or comment, please see me or any other parish council member and we ll be happy to assist. Next year s parish council will have five new members. Congratulations to Presbytera Elaine Manneh, Eleni Melandrinos, Jonathan Miller, Bogdan Sofian and Nick Bouras. Our new parish bylaws have been accepted by Bishop Apostolos and the Metropolis s ratification letter should be coming very soon. Our new by laws will have 11 people serving on the parish council all with two-year terms, in 2019 there will be six openings. This year s festival became the largest profit maker ever, exceeding a little over $100,000. If not for the extremely warm weather on Sunday which hurt attendance, it would have been even more profitable. Our expenses were $61,000 but would have been far greater if it wasn t for all of the amazing people who donated the costs of so many items. One of the largest expenses for other festivals is for outside labor. We don t have that problem and it s because of all of you who are so dedicated and worked extremely long hours and days upon days in preparation. We are all blessed to have each other! The caring, respect and love we have for one another as a family of Orthodox Christians is what makes OUR festival FANTASTIC. We already have next year dates scheduled with the City of Temecula, all we need is a new chairperson. Please look into your heart and consider chairing this all-important committee. We need you! When we purchased our church property almost three years ago, we were able to negotiate the asking price of $895,000 to the selling price of $795,000. We soon after obtained a loan of $310,000 with First Citizens Bank with the balance of needed funds coming from donations and loans from parishioners. We currently owe $220,000 to the bank and we owed $200,000 to parishioners. The festival has been the main funding source to not only balance the yearly budget, but also reduce our mortgage debt. Our Menifee property is listed with Coldwell Banker. The problems with the land has made it very difficult to sell and has prolonged the repayment promised to our parishioners. Moneys from previous festival had been used to reduce parishioner loans and $50,000 from this year s festival has been allocated to reduce this debt. A new second loan with First Citizens with a 4.1% rate with no prepayment penalty, for $150,000 is in the process of being obtained to pay off our last family. The total amount of debt is $370,000. When we finally sell Menifee all of those monies will go to debt reduction. The City of Murrieta has completed all work to be done on our Church s frontage except for the hand railing. We have battled back and forth with Murrieta about different issues, but they have been very professional and met most of our requests. I would like to thank Rueben and Elci Valera who were instrumental in convincing the City to put the railing in. The solar has been installed, all we are waiting for is to have a second inspection completed by the fire department. To everyone who came and helped install the panels under Elliott Nissims supervision, your fantastic thank you. It saved us over $2,0000. The solar project and the future electric savings we will have were made possible because of the wonderful donations by Marci Hadjis and Kristi Tsiboukas. Two new glass doors have

15 been added to the banquet room for safety and beautification. Once again Kosta Hiotis came to our rescue as he has done for so many other projects and installed them. We are very fortunate to have someone who truly cares and is so talented in his craft. The stewardship committee will be hosting a free luncheon on January 15 th after church. Michael Rymer has done a tremendous job in directing this committee and providing information on the meaning of stewardship will also be the first time we will be hosting gatherings at people s homes to speak about our faith and how it affects our daily lives. The stewardship 2018 pledge pamphlets will be sent to you very soon, they are of new content and form. Please fill them out as completely as possible and allow us to better serve the life of this parish. Bob Bozonelos, Chris Gaskins and Kara Egger along with the strategic planning committee have almost finalized the structure and outline needed to proceed with our plan along with a ministry handbook that will be given out to all. The implementation is the next stage and the work on how to do so will be undertaken very soon. Our feast day was extremely uplifting and inspiring. Thanks to all who baked, cooked, served, cleaned, set up and donated. His Grace was so impressed in how far we ve come and the love we have for each other. We had a chance to sit with him and discuss the different aspects of what St. Nicholas is and where we would like it to be. We gave him a demographic outlook that reaches out to 2025 and hopefully our Metropolis will contemplate our words. It has been an honor for me to serve on the parish council this year. We are blessed to have dedicated individuals who come together as one cohesive unit for the betterment of our parish and for this I m very proud and humbled by them. Marci Hadjis, Samar Housein and Bob Bozonelos will not be on next year s parish council, but they will be with us in heart and mind. The decisions and work they put in for at least the past 3 years that they served have allowed this parish to succeed and flourish. The future is bright because of who and what they are and what they mean to all of us. Their decisions and dedication were always with the thought of what is best for the whole not only for today but for the future of St. Nicholas. May you all have a most blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with health and happiness. With all my love, Peter Coromelas

16 Metropolis Summer Camp 2018 Dates Announced Greetings Reverend Clergy and Youth Workers, I am happy to announce the dates for Summer Camp 2018! Please share this information with your parishioners so that they can begin to plan for next summer! Due to high demand and long waiting lists the last few summers, we are excited to add a 4th session of camp! All four sessions are for campers ages 8-18, and as of now, campers are still limited to registering for only one session of camp. Online registration will open December 1, 2017 at Monthly payment plans are available, and this will help families spread out the cost for camp over 6 months. To register, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required. Stay tuned for more updates about summer camp! 2018 SUMMER CAMP DATES Staff Orientation Week: July 3 7 Session I: July 8 14 Session II: July Session III: July Session IV: July 29-Aug REGISTRATION FEES $500 Early Registration (December 1 December 31) $525 Normal Registration (January 1 February 28) $550 Late Registration (March 1 May 31) With Love in Christ, Johanna Duterte Director of Youth and Youth Adult Ministries Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA Cell: (408) JDuterte@sanfran.goarch.orgWebsite:

17 Due to the financial crisis in Greece, families and the elderly lack essential food items and sustainable jobs, hospitals face shortages of critical medical supplies, and refugees seeking shelter face greater challenges each day. Thanks to the generosity of the Jaharis Family Foundation, Inc., we have an opportunity to make an impact for those in need in Greece. Now through February 28, 2018, the Jaharis Family Foundation, Inc., will match the first $1 million in donations towards our Greece programs. Consider making a gift today, and your support will go twice as far. 110 West Road, Suite 360 Baltimore, MD Tel:

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19 SUPPORT BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ARE PARISHIONERS OF OUR PARISH Want your Business listed? All you have to do is contact Father Andrew, it's that simple. ALENA NEWLOGICA PROFFSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY newlogica.com ALL DAY AUTO REPAIR AND SMOG, Via Montezuma, Temecula, ask for George A PLUS ORGANIZATION, LLC (Presv. Karen Lesko), Personal organization for your home, garage, or business, to fit your specific needs kmlesko@mail.com A TO Z BUILDERS & REMODELER, Boris Prohnitchi, General Contractor, Room Addition, Roofing Solution, Decorative Patios, Decks, Paving, Kitchen & Bathroom Flooring and Painting. San Jacinto, pbpgeneral@yahoo.com AVON CALLING! (Eleni Malandrinos) Your Avon representative. Need a Book? Need an Order? emalandrinos@aol.com BARBARIAN BAIL BONDS, Kristi Bartzis, Bail Agent serving So. Cal. With Bail Bonds 24/7 bailagentkristi@gmail.com Off: Cell: BEST FRIEND FINANCIAL TAX & IMMIGRATION SERVICES (Christina Nichols-Wainright, Jefferson Suite B, Temecula, Christina@FFF-Tax.com website BFF-Tax.com DEMIFIED HEALTH & HOME IMPROVEMENTS (Demi and Lawrence Mazzola), Providing health, home and business improvements that are always a work in progress! We also sell vitamins! demi@demified.com CHRYSANTHE PAPAZOGLOU Men's & Women's Alterations, Custom Window Treatments Oasis Resident, Menifee CA CLASS ACT PHOTO BOOTH (Chris Engel), classactphotobooth@gmail.com THE COLOUR PARLOR ( Janna Bozonelos) Clinton Keith Rd.. Suite A-102, Wildomar DIRTY PANELS - Provides solar panel cleaning. Contact Jordan Neal, P.O. Box 975, Murrieta, CA Phone dirtypanels@yahoo.com ELI-COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR (Elias Housein), Your Foreign & Domestic Specialist since 1985, Washington Ave. Unit B, Murrieta ENGLAND FAMILY MORTUARY, INC. Greg England, Funeral Director, Temecula Valley's Funeral Home Madison Ave., Temecula , EnglandFamilyMortuary.com EVEREST TOWN CAR SERVICE (for all your transportation needs), Serving the Temecula Valley Area or acedriver1@yahoo.com FABOZZI & MILLER, APC (Kiki Manti), Attorney at Law Fifth St., Ste. 200, Temecula kmanti@fabozzimillerlaw.com

20 FLORE WHOLESALE (Quality Design and Wholesale Fresh Flower's) Cherry St. Suite F, Murrieta, Stephanie Doehring , HANDYMAN, (David M. Hodges), Broad Oak St., Murrieta, Phone (Cell) and (Fax & Message). HOME SMART REAL ESTATE, (Bogdan Sofian), Real Estate Consultant. BRE# Phone Cell: Office: M AND D FIELDS BAKER (Melinda Fields), Cookies-Breads-Cakes (Baking with a Passion) Adelfa, Lake Elsinore, MandDFieldsBakery@live.com THE KHAN LAW FIRM Specializing in Immigration Law, Business Law and International Law Contact Nasir Khan MANDEL JEWELERS (Linda Mandel), Fine Jewelers since E. Imperial Hwy, Ste 148, Brea, CA MARIAN ELLIS, hair designer, Those who seek beauty, will find it Old Town Front Street Suite 235, Temecula rylinashleesalon@hotmail.com MASSAGE THERAPIST, call Roma or roma-luka@hotmail.com MEGA TOM'S, Gourmet Fast Food Restaurants, Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner, Madison Ave, Murrieta, NEWPOINT WELLNESS, Acupuncture &Vitality Studio. Experience the power of community acupuncture George Cushman Ct. Ste 211 Temecula, CA NICOLE MAVERAKIS, Electronics Consultant, extensive knowledge of computers, audio and video systems. If you need help with those fields contact nicolemav@gmail.com OC GRILL Rancho Viejo Rd. San Juan Capistrano OLD MARKET GRILL, Fresh Mediterranean Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, Clinton Keith Rd., Wildomar, Dine in Take out Call in Drive Thru OPA TRAVEL (Eleni Skaropoulos), Greece air tickets is my specialty. Also tour packages anywhere plus bus tour organizer. Call PANGAEA RESTAURANT (Owned/Operated by the Zachos Family). Authenic Greek and Italian Cuisne fresh cooked to order! Dine In, Carry Out, Catering, Banquets Jefferson Ave. #17, Temecula Private Parties or Business Meetings! Like us on Facebook PAX PRINTER REPAIR, Peter Rekatsinas, 108 N. Kalmia St., Escondido, , PIANO LESSONS/RUSSIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS, Inna Hayek, Private Tutor, All Ages and All Levels (Adult care, Child care and Crafts). PAISANO SMOG CHECK, Test only station, Vehicle Registration Transfer of Ownership Registration Renewals Lien Sales, Collier Ave. Ste. B, Lake Elsinore, PLUMBING, Bisharah al shaer, bishara.shaer@yahoo.com VERONIKA HUGGINS, Concert Pianist Accordion Player, All forms of music for venues large or small Lessons Available nikahuggins@msn.com

21 SIGGYS RESTAURANTS Simply the best since 1956, Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner, serving Murrieta and Temecula Jefferson Ave., Murrieta ll9 and Highway 79 South, Temecula, SOLAR: EARTHWISE SOLAR (Elliott Nissim) TAXES: J.C. H. TAX GROUP (John Hadjis, Chris Hadjis, Andrea Nissim) Temecula , also in Lake Elsinore TEKTON INVESTMENTS, INC. - Real Estate Division (George Tektonopoulos) Broker-Realtor, Jefferson, Suite C, Murrieta, tekton@ez2.net THOMAS WINFIELD COOK, House Painting Paseo De Las Olas Temecula (760) THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL (Christine Hodges), Resource Specialist ELS- Citizenship teacher, The choice is always yours Free helps! Have questions on Special Education or services. Need help becoming a United States Citizen? YELLOW BASKET, Family Restaurant Haun Road, Menifee, , Winchester Road, Temecula, , ---coming soon Wildomar--- wwwyellowbasket.com WINE BY DESIGN, Express & Impress (Evan Vassilakis), The creator or Blouzo brings you superb wines from Lodi and Napa We specialize on private label creations for both business, restaurants, and events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday reunions, fund raising and special occasions vevass@yahoo.com