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An Orthodox Christian upbringing must begin from the earliest stages of childhood. With this understanding Holy Cross offers various programs for children and young families. All are encouraged to attend these beautiful gatherings rooting the next generation of Orthodox Christians in the life of the Church.

HOPE and JOY (Grades 1-5):

This is our church's program for our youngest children. Once a month after the Sunday Divine Liturgy, HOPE and JOY gather for a fun and educational activity. From tidying shirts to baking prosforo, HOPE and JOY always enjoy an exciting learning experience.

Other Activities

Youth Religious Education - The children are instructed in the teachings of the bible and traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy. The importance of living an Orthodox Christian life-style is emphasized and participation in the Divine Liturgy is strongly encouraged. Sunday School meets during the academic school year on Sundays.

Holy Cross Youth Choir - Young people starting from grade 3 through high school learn music fundamentals, liturgical hymns and fun songs while preparing to sing for Liturgy, the annual Diocese Choir Conference, the Holy Cross Community Christmas Program, and more.

Drama Program - Budding stars and stagehands learn what it takes to present two major productions a year. A modern play based on Greek mythology is performed in the outdoor Holy Cross amphitheater during the Festival, and a contemporary play about the real meaning of Christmas is performed in The Oaks as part of the Community Christmas Program.

Community Christmas Program - A Christmas present for the whole community! An evening of theater and music as we celebrate our Savior's birth, plus a Christmas carol singalong and a special visitor from the North Pole!"

Dance Program - Our young people have the opportunity to learn traditional Greek dances which they perform in authentic dress both competitively, and in performances for the greater community. Our dance groups practice throughout the year. The dance season culminates with the Folk Dance Festival in February. Please click on the following document to see how this program is structured and also to get a listing of the groups, instructors, and program assistants.

If you have children that fall in this age group or if you would like to get involved yourself, please contact Konstantine Salmas at (650) 591-4447 (k.konstantine@gmail.com).

Living a faithful Orthodox Christian life in the 21st Century requires encouragement, support and love from the Church, family, and friends. The objective of our Youth Groups here at Holy Cross is to cultivate and foster relationships that are vital to Orthodox Christian living. Through fellowship, discussions, service projects and recreational activities our youth programs connect our youth to their faith and with one another.

Our youth program targets three groups: HopeJoy(Grades 2-5), Jr. GOYA (Grades 6-8) and GOYA (Grades 9-12).

HopeJoy

Strong friendships are formed at a young age. Our youngest group meets on Sundays once a month for snacks and craft projects that emphasize foundational ideas of Orthodoxy, such as friendship, respect, and creativity. Click here to see photos of our previous activities.

Jr. GOYA

Our middle school group offers a fun environment to interact with other Orthodox Christians. Meeting twice a month, Jr. GOYA gathers at Holy Cross for activities in the gym, followed by a religious discussion. Other outings consist of bowling, trampoline jumping and more! In addition, Holy Cross offers Fall and Spring overnight retreats that truly create special bonds among middle school students.

GOYA

High school students of Holy Cross gather for monthly Fireside Chats that are hosted by families of the parish. This offers students a relaxed environment to talk about their faith with their priest and peers. In addition, the GOYA of Holy Cross participates in Bay Area GOYA. Various Bay Area parishes host monthly activities to gather high school-aged Orthodox Christians to create new friendships and cultivate existing ones.

Other Activities

Youth Religious Education - The children are instructed in the teachings of the bible and traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy. The importance of living an Orthodox Christian life-style is emphasized and participation in the Divine Liturgy is strongly encouraged. Sunday School meets during the academic school year on Sundays.

Acolytes - Young men wishing to assist the Priest in the Sacramental worship of the Church are given the opportunity to serve as Acolytes from the age of 12 years.

Holy Cross Youth Choir - Young people starting from grade 3 through high school learn music fundamentals, liturgical hymns and fun songs while preparing to sing for Liturgy, the annual Diocese Choir Conference, the Holy Cross Community Christmas Program, and more.

Drama Program - Budding stars and stagehands learn what it takes to present two major productions a year. A modern play based on Greek mythology is performed in the outdoor Holy Cross amphitheater during the Festival, and a contemporary play about the real meaning of Christmas is performed in The Oaks as part of the Community Christmas Program.

Community Christmas Program - A Christmas present for the whole community! An evening of theater and music as we celebrate our Savior's irth, plus a Christmas carol singalong and a special visitor from the North Pole!"

Dance Program - Our young people have the opportunity to learn traditional Greek dances which they perform in authentic dress both competitively, and in performances for the greater community. Our dance groups practice throughout the year. The dance season culminates with the Folk Dance Festival in February. Please click on the following document to see how this program is structured and also to get a listing of the groups, instructors, and program assistants.

Summer Camp - A week long program at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center rounds out a full and complete program here at the church. Summer Camp provides fellowship from the ages of 8 through high school.

Please check out this area or contact the church office for an updated schedule of activities and events. If you would like to talk to one of our youth advisors, please contact Konstantine Salmas at 650-591-4447 (k.konstantine@gmail.com).

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

Being a young adult in today's society can be very challenging. Whether just out of High School, enrolled in University, or having started a new job, young adults today navigate through this phase of their life filled with hope and idealism. They ask deep, philosophical questions about their own life and of the world that is before them.

Our ministry to young adults at Holy Cross encourages them to stay hopeful and develop long-lasting relationships. It encourages them to pursue a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. It strives to guide them in their decisions and to help them develop habits that bring about excellence.

Young Adult League (YAL)

YAL is for college students and young professionals who are seeking a gathering of Orthodox colleagues and peers. Meeting twice a month for various events and activities, new friendships are constantly formed from all over the Bay Area. From spiritual discussions and social action projects, to Giants games and white elephant parties, the Holy Cross YAL is a fun and exciting group of young adults!

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) at Stanford

Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Stanford is a campus ministry that provides spirituality and fellowship for Eastern Orthodox Christian students. Weekly gatherings offer opportunities for discussion, fellowship and prayer. As college students are encouraged to maintain open minds for academic learning, OCF encourages an open heart for spiritual growth.

Please check out this area or contact the church office for an updated schedule of activities and events. If you would like to talk to one of our youth advisors, please contact Konstantine Salmas at 650-591-4447 (k.konstantine@gmail.com).

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)

As single adults or married adults with children, getting connected at Holy Cross is about relationships that get beneath the surface. We are bombarded daily with all sorts of messages that pull us in many different ways. Our vision gets cloudy and our relationship with God compromised. Building meaningful and transparant relationships in the context of our church community is the way to strengthen and encourage us to walk on in the path toward our Lord.

Ways and opportunities to get connected:

1. Studies in the Faith - A Catechism and continuing education class taught by Konstantine Salmas that meets Wednesday evenings to personally engage the Greek Orthodox Church.
2. Spiritual Odyssey – A one day event during the beginning of Lent to reflect on ourselves and our Lenten journey.
3. Family Sharing Program – Join each December in the sponsoring of a Christmas food and toy collection drive for the needy.
4. Sunday Ushering - Help maintain order during the various parts of Sunday and other services.
5. Church Choir - Join the Choir in providing the important service of liturgical accompaniment and chanting during Sunday Divine Liturgy, Holy Week, and special Feast Days.
6. Greek Festival - Plug into one of the many groups that help put on our very successful Greek Festival during the Labor Day weekend.
7. Philoptochos - Join the organization of Orthodox Christian women dedicated to providing service and assistance to both individuals and groups in need.
8. Chanting Group - Learn the ancient Byzantine chant and help during Sunday liturgy and Holy Week.
9. Be a Youth Leader - Help plan youth events and discuss topics relevant to our young people. Participate in the various youth activities of our church.
10. Help serve meals – During Palm Sunday, Anastasi, Easter Picnic, Fellowship, Greek Night, Crab Feed, Etc.

The above are but a few of the many ways you can get connected - plug into the life of our church and make a difference. If you would like more information please contact our church office at 650-591-4447 (office@goholycross.org) or fill out and submit the form below and submit.

"Wisdom is with aged men, With long life is understanding." (Job 12:12)

An active and eager gathering of many of our members in their most gifted years, ORA (Order of Respected Adults) provides an opportunity for fellowship, companionship, and Christian Support. On the second Tuesday of each month, there is the opportunity for all of our seniors to gather in a coffee house setting on the church grounds. ORA meets the first Tuesday of the month at 11:00 AM. ORA Board meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AM.

If you're interested in joining us in one of our gatherings, please contact Daisy Fernando to find out about our next meeting place and time or fill out and submit the form below. We look forward to seeing you.

There are a number of ministries here at Holy Cross that offer everyone an opportunity to serve and care for our Church as well as meet new members and families in the varied fellowship activities that are offered on a weekly basis. From participating in the weekly services schedule beginning with Great Vespers on Saturday evening at 5:30PM and Orthros and Divine Liturgy every Sunday beginning at 8:45AM, to weekday services commemorating the lives of the Saints, Holy Cross has a full Liturgical Life and welcomes everyone.

In addition, our Youth activities begin with Religious and Greek Education, Youth groups that encourage fellowship, service, and witness in faith, learning of our culture and heritage through our Folk Dance Program, Basketball and Volleyball tournaments that offer good competition with other church teams throughout the Bay Area, Chant Group with instruction that meet weekly, Senior and Youth Choir that teach participants the hymns of our liturgical tradition, ORA Seniors that meet monthly and more.

Through these various ministries, our mission is to develop a community atmosphere that encourages friendships and transparency. Our goal is that we can continuously encourage one another to develop a deep love for one another, our Lord and His Church.

How to get connected:

1. Select a group that you are interested in.
2. Send an e-mail to the group leader or contact the church at (650) 591-4447 for more information.
3. Visit one of the group's meetings and ask to get involved.

Young Adult League (YAL)

YAL is for college students and young professionals who are seeking a gathering of Orthodox colleagues and peers. Meeting twice a month for various events and activities, new friendships are constantly formed from all over the Bay Area. From spiritual discussions and social action projects, to Giants games and white elephant parties, the Holy Cross YAL is a fun and exciting group of young adults!

Parish Council

Lay leaders of the community share in the ministry that has been entrusted to the Parish Priest and lay members of the church. Members must be in good standing with the church for at least one year and are elected for a two-year term. In their capacity as Parish Council members, they also share in the special task of the Church management, the planning of future projects of the parish, and bringing into action and cooperation as many members of the parish as possible.

2021 Parish Council officers:
Jim Smith - President
Tassos Gianakakos - Vice President
Phil Louridas - Treasurer
Mark Rowen - Secretary

For more information contact: Mark Rowen - Secretary

Philoptochos

The Philoptochos, or the "Friends of the Poor", is an organization of Orthodox Christian women in our church that are dedicated to providing service and assistance to both individuals and groups in need. Much of the philanthropic and benevolent work associated with Holy Cross falls under the umbrella of our Philoptochos Chapter. From scholarships to family assistance, outreach, and international philanthropy, the Philoptochos of Holy Cross continues to set a standard to be emulated. The Philoptochos Board meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM. Dates of general meetings and other Philoptochos events are announced in the Sunday Bulletin and Cross Currents.

October 13-15 - Fall spiritual conference (Saint Nicholas Ranch)
November 5 - Saints Cosmas & Damianos collection
December 9 - Light the Path reception in Sacramento
December 10 - Christmas Tea
January 7 - Vasilopita
February 11 - Kids 'n' Cancer reception
March 3 - Membership Tea
April 6 - Epitaphios Collection
April 8 - Easter
April 28 - Fashion Show
June 17 - Father’s Day luncheon

Look for us on Facebook, or for more information contact: hrnemchik@aol.com, Helene Nemchik - President

Ushering

Holy Cross parishioners are asked to assist to ensure that others have a positive experience while attending services. Usher teams are responsible for assisting the priests with the Divine Liturgy and other services.

For more information contact: Christos Daskalakis

Benevolence Committee

Our Church's Benevolence Committee is composed of community members and members of the Parish Council. It administers the Benevolence Fund which was established to assist individuals or families who are in need of financial aid. Those in need may speak in confidence to our pastor.

For more information contact: Mary Pappas

... For More Information

If you would like more information on these and other organizations here at Holy Cross, please contact the church office at 650-591-4447 (office@goholycross.org) or simply fill out the form below and submit.

Our church's Outreach Program was established to focus our attention on another aspect of Christian living and giving. We have provided well for ourselves and Outreach allows us, as a Christian community, to reach out to others and share our blessings. Food, shelter, and clothing are the most basic of all human needs. Unfortunately, there are people who are unable to provide these necessities for themselves. The purpose of the Holy Cross Outreach Program is to help those in dire need. Outreach works closely with the Samaritan House and the Receiving Home for Children in San Mateo. Donations of packaged food, clothing, and money are accepted throughout the year. A special collection for the needy is made on the first Sunday of each month before and after Liturgy.

Family Sharing Program

As part of our Outreach Program, each December, the Church of the Holy Cross sponsors a Christmas food and toy collection drive called "the Family Sharing Program." Last year, we adopted 80 very needy families in our area. Everyone in our community is urged to help by bringing canned and other foods or monetary donations to church to insure a wonderful Christmas for our brothers and sisters in need. Also, a special Gift Tree is set up in the Hall with ornaments with the names of all the needy children of the families we care for.

To make this program as personal as possible, our parishioner families are encouraged to choose a child's name from the tree and buy that child a special gift. A few days before Christmas, we will gather to help sort and package the donations. The close of the program comes when we visit the families to disburse the food and gifts. Warm smiles and impromptu caroling often highlight these visits.

If you would like more information on these and other organizations here at Holy Cross, please email the church office, or simply fill out the form below and submit.

Following each Sunday's worship service, the "Coffee Hour" offers parishioners a chance to meet and to socialize with one another. If you are new to our church, come and join us at "The Oaks" (our small hall) and introduce yourself. Don't leave until you meet at least one person you didn't know.

Hosted by Philoptochos, all proceeds from Coffee Hour benefit the Kids 'n' Cancer Program. If you would like to help with Coffee Hour preparations, please contact Irene Pappas at sunlover488-m@yahoo.com.