Welcome Committee
Our ushers and greeters want you to know You Belong Here!
Born in Oakland, California, Liz Levy has lived in the Bay Area her entire life. Currently, she calls Livermore home, where she lives with her husband, Mark. She is also the Adult Choir Director for the parish. What Liz enjoys most about leading the choir is worshipping and serving God with her fellow musicians in the parish. Liz serves the church on an as needed basis until a replacement can be found.
Renée (Johannes) Taylor established and leads our strategic communications for the parish. She manages our website, develops our weekly eBulletin, and designs and produces our monthly magazine. Renée brings years of experience leading strategic communications and employee engagement for large companies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Renée lives in San Ramon with her husband, Brad, and in her spare time, enjoys caring for her grandson, Eddie, entertaining, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants.
Roberto Jaquez is the parish "go-to person" for all operational needs. He has worked for the parish for over 20 years and became our facilities manager in 2018. Roberto loves his job and the parish. He can be found at the church almost all hours of the day and night, while also being the primary caretaker for his father. Roberto was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 1989, where he attended Laney College in Oakland, CA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his big, loving family, going on long hikes, and to the movies. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, dogs, and Ron Burgandy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington in 1981, and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece on August 15, 1982. After graduating from the University of Washington in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in History, he enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, having felt a calling from the Lord to become a priest. He finished his studies in 2008, graduating with a Master of Divinity. Upon completing his studies, he served as the Youth Director of the Metropolis of San Francisco for three years (2008-2011) while also serving at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in San Francisco. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on December 14, 2008, at his home parish and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 15, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral, after which he began serving at the Cathedral as the full-time associate pastor.
Archdeacon Justin was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos on Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was elevated to Archdeacon on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He is a 2020 graduate of Deaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Archdeacon Justin is currently the Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. He also assists the Metropolis with various legal matters. Archdeacon Justin graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and is a former partner in a law firm in Oakland, CA. In addition, he earned a post-graduate Certificate from the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, UK and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is currently studying toward a Master of Theology from the University of Balamand.
Our parish volunteers are waiting at the entrance of the church to greet and welcome you to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and worship with us on Sundays and at additional weekday services. Because worship is an important part of Orthodoxy, the best introduction to the Orthodox Church is to attend the Divine Liturgy or the celebration of one of the major Sacraments.
A first-time visitor may be overcome by the music and the ceremony, but it is in worship that the distinctive flavor, rich traditions, and living faith of Orthodoxy is truly experienced. These faithful greeters are called upon to provide a very special service of hospitality as their liturgical ministry.
The Hospitality of Abraham is a Russian icon by Andrei Rublev that shows the three angels that appeared to Mamre. The three angels represent the Trinity. The angel in the middle represents Christ, the Son of God. The fourth place at the table toward you is empty. This is because Christ has a place set for you. You belong here - and to Him.
Welcome Committee
Our purpose is to create a welcoming atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, encouraging all to celebrate the Divine Liturgy within the body of Christ (the Church) in faith and community.
Our Objectives are to:
Foster and Encourage Parishioner Participation
Helping you get familiar with our services and events, such as Paraklesis (Παράκλησις), ministry outings, etc., to bring you closer God and to our wonderful community.
Build Upon Current Parishioner Participation
Greeting parishioners at services, provide support for needs, and encouraging parishioners who may not frequently attend to “come and see." We also seek out opportunities to support those who cannot attend in person and are facilitators to growing the strength and closeness of our community.
Open our Door to Visitors
We welcome, greet, and facilitate visitors who enter to participate in Divine Liturgy on Sundays and weekdays. We also help visitors become acquainted with our services and our faith - field questions from visitors or guide you to the appropriate resources for learning more. Most importantly, we invite all who enter in good faith to join us in worship, introduce you to the various ministries and events that our community offers, and connect you with other members of our parish and our clergy.
The Welcome Ministry is for everyone. To learn more or to volunteer for this wonderful ministry as a greeter or organizer, contact Welcome Ministry Leader Joanna Matsis. You can also call the church office at (510) 581-8950.
Welcome Committee
Our ushers and greeters want you to know You Belong Here!
Born in Oakland, California, Liz Levy has lived in the Bay Area her entire life. Currently, she calls Livermore home, where she lives with her husband, Mark. She is also the Adult Choir Director for the parish. What Liz enjoys most about leading the choir is worshipping and serving God with her fellow musicians in the parish. Liz serves the church on an as needed basis until a replacement can be found.
Renée (Johannes) Taylor established and leads our strategic communications for the parish. She manages our website, develops our weekly eBulletin, and designs and produces our monthly magazine. Renée brings years of experience leading strategic communications and employee engagement for large companies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Renée lives in San Ramon with her husband, Brad, and in her spare time, enjoys caring for her grandson, Eddie, entertaining, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants.
Roberto Jaquez is the parish "go-to person" for all operational needs. He has worked for the parish for over 20 years and became our facilities manager in 2018. Roberto loves his job and the parish. He can be found at the church almost all hours of the day and night, while also being the primary caretaker for his father. Roberto was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 1989, where he attended Laney College in Oakland, CA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his big, loving family, going on long hikes, and to the movies. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, dogs, and Ron Burgandy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington in 1981, and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece on August 15, 1982. After graduating from the University of Washington in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in History, he enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, having felt a calling from the Lord to become a priest. He finished his studies in 2008, graduating with a Master of Divinity. Upon completing his studies, he served as the Youth Director of the Metropolis of San Francisco for three years (2008-2011) while also serving at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in San Francisco. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on December 14, 2008, at his home parish and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 15, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral, after which he began serving at the Cathedral as the full-time associate pastor.
Archdeacon Justin was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos on Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was elevated to Archdeacon on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He is a 2020 graduate of Deaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Archdeacon Justin is currently the Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. He also assists the Metropolis with various legal matters. Archdeacon Justin graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and is a former partner in a law firm in Oakland, CA. In addition, he earned a post-graduate Certificate from the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, UK and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is currently studying toward a Master of Theology from the University of Balamand.
Our parish volunteers are waiting at the entrance of the church to greet and welcome you to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and worship with us on Sundays and at additional weekday services. Because worship is an important part of Orthodoxy, the best introduction to the Orthodox Church is to attend the Divine Liturgy or the celebration of one of the major Sacraments.
A first-time visitor may be overcome by the music and the ceremony, but it is in worship that the distinctive flavor, rich traditions, and living faith of Orthodoxy is truly experienced. These faithful greeters are called upon to provide a very special service of hospitality as their liturgical ministry.
The Hospitality of Abraham is a Russian icon by Andrei Rublev that shows the three angels that appeared to Mamre. The three angels represent the Trinity. The angel in the middle represents Christ, the Son of God. The fourth place at the table toward you is empty. This is because Christ has a place set for you. You belong here - and to Him.
Welcome Committee
Our purpose is to create a welcoming atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, encouraging all to celebrate the Divine Liturgy within the body of Christ (the Church) in faith and community.
Our Objectives are to:
Foster and Encourage Parishioner Participation
Helping you get familiar with our services and events, such as Paraklesis (Παράκλησις), ministry outings, etc., to bring you closer God and to our wonderful community.
Build Upon Current Parishioner Participation
Greeting parishioners at services, provide support for needs, and encouraging parishioners who may not frequently attend to “come and see." We also seek out opportunities to support those who cannot attend in person and are facilitators to growing the strength and closeness of our community.
Open our Door to Visitors
We welcome, greet, and facilitate visitors who enter to participate in Divine Liturgy on Sundays and weekdays. We also help visitors become acquainted with our services and our faith - field questions from visitors or guide you to the appropriate resources for learning more. Most importantly, we invite all who enter in good faith to join us in worship, introduce you to the various ministries and events that our community offers, and connect you with other members of our parish and our clergy.
The Welcome Ministry is for everyone. To learn more or to volunteer for this wonderful ministry as a greeter or organizer, contact Welcome Ministry Leader Joanna Matsis. You can also call the church office at (510) 581-8950.
Welcome Committee
Our ushers and greeters want you to know You Belong Here!
Born in Oakland, California, Liz Levy has lived in the Bay Area her entire life. Currently, she calls Livermore home, where she lives with her husband, Mark. She is also the Adult Choir Director for the parish. What Liz enjoys most about leading the choir is worshipping and serving God with her fellow musicians in the parish. Liz serves the church on an as needed basis until a replacement can be found.
Renée (Johannes) Taylor established and leads our strategic communications for the parish. She manages our website, develops our weekly eBulletin, and designs and produces our monthly magazine. Renée brings years of experience leading strategic communications and employee engagement for large companies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Renée lives in San Ramon with her husband, Brad, and in her spare time, enjoys caring for her grandson, Eddie, entertaining, and rooting for the San Francisco Giants.
Roberto Jaquez is the parish "go-to person" for all operational needs. He has worked for the parish for over 20 years and became our facilities manager in 2018. Roberto loves his job and the parish. He can be found at the church almost all hours of the day and night, while also being the primary caretaker for his father. Roberto was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 1989, where he attended Laney College in Oakland, CA. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his big, loving family, going on long hikes, and to the movies. He's a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, dogs, and Ron Burgandy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington in 1981, and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece on August 15, 1982. After graduating from the University of Washington in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in History, he enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts, having felt a calling from the Lord to become a priest. He finished his studies in 2008, graduating with a Master of Divinity. Upon completing his studies, he served as the Youth Director of the Metropolis of San Francisco for three years (2008-2011) while also serving at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in San Francisco. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on December 14, 2008, at his home parish and was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on August 15, 2011 at the Annunciation Cathedral, after which he began serving at the Cathedral as the full-time associate pastor.
Archdeacon Justin was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos on Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was elevated to Archdeacon on Sunday, December 24, 2023. He is a 2020 graduate of Deaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Archdeacon Justin is currently the Second Vice President of the Board of Directors for Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. He also assists the Metropolis with various legal matters. Archdeacon Justin graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law, and is a former partner in a law firm in Oakland, CA. In addition, he earned a post-graduate Certificate from the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, UK and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is currently studying toward a Master of Theology from the University of Balamand.
Our parish volunteers are waiting at the entrance of the church to greet and welcome you to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and worship with us on Sundays and at additional weekday services. Because worship is an important part of Orthodoxy, the best introduction to the Orthodox Church is to attend the Divine Liturgy or the celebration of one of the major Sacraments.
A first-time visitor may be overcome by the music and the ceremony, but it is in worship that the distinctive flavor, rich traditions, and living faith of Orthodoxy is truly experienced. These faithful greeters are called upon to provide a very special service of hospitality as their liturgical ministry.
The Hospitality of Abraham is a Russian icon by Andrei Rublev that shows the three angels that appeared to Mamre. The three angels represent the Trinity. The angel in the middle represents Christ, the Son of God. The fourth place at the table toward you is empty. This is because Christ has a place set for you. You belong here - and to Him.
Welcome Committee
Our purpose is to create a welcoming atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, encouraging all to celebrate the Divine Liturgy within the body of Christ (the Church) in faith and community.
Our Objectives are to:
Foster and Encourage Parishioner Participation
Helping you get familiar with our services and events, such as Paraklesis (Παράκλησις), ministry outings, etc., to bring you closer God and to our wonderful community.
Build Upon Current Parishioner Participation
Greeting parishioners at services, provide support for needs, and encouraging parishioners who may not frequently attend to “come and see." We also seek out opportunities to support those who cannot attend in person and are facilitators to growing the strength and closeness of our community.
Open our Door to Visitors
We welcome, greet, and facilitate visitors who enter to participate in Divine Liturgy on Sundays and weekdays. We also help visitors become acquainted with our services and our faith - field questions from visitors or guide you to the appropriate resources for learning more. Most importantly, we invite all who enter in good faith to join us in worship, introduce you to the various ministries and events that our community offers, and connect you with other members of our parish and our clergy.
The Welcome Ministry is for everyone. To learn more or to volunteer for this wonderful ministry as a greeter or organizer, contact Welcome Ministry Leader Joanna Matsis. You can also call the church office at (510) 581-8950.
Welcome Committee
Our ushers and greeters want you to know You Belong Here!
Our parish volunteers are waiting at the entrance of the church to greet and welcome you to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and worship with us on Sundays and at additional weekday services. Because worship is an important part of Orthodoxy, the best introduction to the Orthodox Church is to attend the Divine Liturgy or the celebration of one of the major Sacraments.
A first-time visitor may be overcome by the music and the ceremony, but it is in worship that the distinctive flavor, rich traditions, and living faith of Orthodoxy is truly experienced. These faithful greeters are called upon to provide a very special service of hospitality as their liturgical ministry.
The Hospitality of Abraham is a Russian icon by Andrei Rublev that shows the three angels that appeared to Mamre. The three angels represent the Trinity. The angel in the middle represents Christ, the Son of God. The fourth place at the table toward you is empty. This is because Christ has a place set for you. You belong here - and to Him.
Welcome Committee
Our purpose is to create a welcoming atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, encouraging all to celebrate the Divine Liturgy within the body of Christ (the Church) in faith and community.
Our Objectives are to:
Foster and Encourage Parishioner Participation
Helping you get familiar with our services and events, such as Paraklesis (Παράκλησις), ministry outings, etc., to bring you closer God and to our wonderful community.
Build Upon Current Parishioner Participation
Greeting parishioners at services, provide support for needs, and encouraging parishioners who may not frequently attend to “come and see." We also seek out opportunities to support those who cannot attend in person and are facilitators to growing the strength and closeness of our community.
Open our Door to Visitors
We welcome, greet, and facilitate visitors who enter to participate in Divine Liturgy on Sundays and weekdays. We also help visitors become acquainted with our services and our faith - field questions from visitors or guide you to the appropriate resources for learning more. Most importantly, we invite all who enter in good faith to join us in worship, introduce you to the various ministries and events that our community offers, and connect you with other members of our parish and our clergy.
The Welcome Ministry is for everyone. To learn more or to volunteer for this wonderful ministry as a greeter or organizer, contact Welcome Ministry Leader Joanna Matsis. You can also call the church office at (510) 581-8950.
Welcome Committee
Our ushers and greeters want you to know You Belong Here!
Our parish volunteers are waiting at the entrance of the church to greet and welcome you to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and worship with us on Sundays and at additional weekday services. Because worship is an important part of Orthodoxy, the best introduction to the Orthodox Church is to attend the Divine Liturgy or the celebration of one of the major Sacraments.
A first-time visitor may be overcome by the music and the ceremony, but it is in worship that the distinctive flavor, rich traditions, and living faith of Orthodoxy is truly experienced. These faithful greeters are called upon to provide a very special service of hospitality as their liturgical ministry.
The Hospitality of Abraham is a Russian icon by Andrei Rublev that shows the three angels that appeared to Mamre. The three angels represent the Trinity. The angel in the middle represents Christ, the Son of God. The fourth place at the table toward you is empty. This is because Christ has a place set for you. You belong here - and to Him.
Welcome Committee
Our purpose is to create a welcoming atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, encouraging all to celebrate the Divine Liturgy within the body of Christ (the Church) in faith and community.
Our Objectives are to:
Foster and Encourage Parishioner Participation
Helping you get familiar with our services and events, such as Paraklesis (Παράκλησις), ministry outings, etc., to bring you closer God and to our wonderful community.
Build Upon Current Parishioner Participation
Greeting parishioners at services, provide support for needs, and encouraging parishioners who may not frequently attend to “come and see." We also seek out opportunities to support those who cannot attend in person and are facilitators to growing the strength and closeness of our community.
Open our Door to Visitors
We welcome, greet, and facilitate visitors who enter to participate in Divine Liturgy on Sundays and weekdays. We also help visitors become acquainted with our services and our faith - field questions from visitors or guide you to the appropriate resources for learning more. Most importantly, we invite all who enter in good faith to join us in worship, introduce you to the various ministries and events that our community offers, and connect you with other members of our parish and our clergy.
The Welcome Ministry is for everyone. To learn more or to volunteer for this wonderful ministry as a greeter or organizer, contact Welcome Ministry Leader Joanna Matsis. You can also call the church office at (510) 581-8950.
