Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

† B A R T H O L O M E W
BY THE MERCY OF GOD
ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE–NEW ROME
AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH
GRACE, PEACE, AND MERCY
UNTO THE ENTIRE PLENITUDE OF THE CHURCH
FROM THE FASHIONER OF ALL CREATION
OUR LORD AND GOD AND SAVIOUR JESUS

Most Reverend and Right Reverend Brother Hierarchs, and blessed children in the Lord,

By the grace of God, the giver of all good things, we enter today into the new ecclesiastical year, honouring and celebrating at its commencement, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, the “Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Natural Environment.”

The multidimensional contemporary ecological crisis is a crisis of human freedom, of our religion and philosophy, of our ethos and our culture. What comes first is the "harmful alteration” of our freedom — our severance and alienation from the Source of Life; what follows is conduct destructive of the natural environment. We feel profound gratitude that the pioneering initiatives and interventions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, carried out without interruption since 1989 have not only revealed the spiritual aspects of the ecological problem, but have also opened new paths and prospects for addressing it. The ecological symposia, the related inter-Christian and interreligious dialogues, the specific recommendations of the Great Church concerning environmental matters, the emphasis placed upon the social dimensions and consequences of the ecological crisis, and other such efforts together constitute a robust environmental proposal, which emphasizes the imperative need for a “Copernican Turn” in our understanding of the idea of progress and in humanity’s attitude towards nature, as well as in the actions of those engaged in political, economic, and social life, of the Churches and religions, of science and technology, and of those responsible for the education of the younger generation.

We shall continue, in word and deed, to promote the ecological vision of the Holy Great Church of Christ and the eco-friendly dynamism of the eucharistic, ascetic, and doxological relationship with creation, always underscoring that careful theological work is needed for the elucidation of the authentic ecological message of our Orthodox faith and tradition, for the benefit of creation, which is “very good."

We are convinced that highlighting the religious and ethical dimensions of the ecological threat will lead to an awareness of the pivotal importance of “ecological responsibility.” Humanity must at last cease acting as though it does not know and definitively cast aside the illusion that planet Earth can in perpetuity withstand the burdens and destruction caused by human activity, or that nature has the power to renew itself of its own accord. The ethos of responsibility for the protection of the natural environment must find expression at the global, national, local, and personal levels. We reiterate once again that the cultivation of ecological responsibility is a “categorical imperative” for humanity as it confronts the greatest threat it has ever been called to face throughout the entire course of its history.

It is abundantly clear that, so long as the dominant anthropological model is represented by the “foolish rich man” of the Gospel (Luke 12:17–21), with his declaration, “I will pull down my barns and build greater; and there I will store all my crops and my goods,” and his words, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry," humanity will continue to undermine its future and annihilate its own “home.” The “sins of modernity” have created—and continue to create—new divisions and ruptures between humanity and nature. The contemporary “man-god” persists in genocide, disregarding every measure and limit in the name of geopolitical designs and economic interests, of consumerism and of the satisfaction of essentially insatiable needs, but also, on a deeper level, because of an overturning of inner lived experience and values. The consequences of the global dominance of the desire to manipulate, instrumentalize, and exploit nature will prove to be tragic for life on our planet.

The growing acceptance and official establishment of 1 September as the Day for the Protection of the Natural Environment throughout the Christian world bears particular significance today as a symbol and practical promotion of the unity of Christians. Moreover, the glorification of the “Fashioner of all creation” at the beginning of the Indiction in our liturgical tradition constitutes a precious inheritance, as an invitation and exhortation to respect creation, which suffers the consequences of an unseemly, human-caused assault.

Most Honourable Brethren and dearly beloved children,

Respect for the core pillars of ecological civilization can restrain environmentally destructive tendencies and open the “sole ecological path,” that of sustainable development. More broadly, humanity needs to reach agreement upon a body of common fundamental values which, in a world marked by conflict and polarization, will serve as a compass for the journey towards the future. We regard the principle of solidarity as the central axis of this body of values: solidarity as a source of shared responsibility, dialogue, and sincere reciprocity, together with collective responsibility for the protection of the natural environment. Respect in practice for the sacredness of the human person and care for the integrity of creation are, from a Christian perspective, vital manifestations of the eucharistic realisation of the Church and of human being’s call to become the “priest” of creation.

In this spirit, as we pray that the new ecclesiastical year may be favourable and fruitful in works that are good and pleasing to God, we invoke upon all of you, through the intercessions and mediation of the Most-Holy Theotokos Pammakaristos—whose most sacred icon we reverently keep in the Venerable Patriarchal Church and embrace “with mouth and heart and will”—the grace and mercy of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Whose All-Holy Name be blessed and glorified, now and ever, and unto the endless ages. Amen!

1 September 2026
† Bartholomew of Constantinople
Your fervent supplicant before God

09/01/2026

Καλό Μήνα
Welcome, September!

September brings a full calendar of Divine Liturgies, special events, fellowship, heritage, and opportunities to grow together as a church family.

From honoring the traditions that connect us to our Greek Orthodox roots to creating new memories and nurturing the future of our beautiful church, there is so much to look forward to this month.

Mark your calendars and make plans to join us! We hope to see you throughout the month as we worship, celebrate, serve, and grow together.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! — Psalm 133:1

For more details on any specific event please email [email protected]

08/31/2026

We are so incredibly blessed to have Father Constantine as such a beloved part of our church family.

Those who know Father Constantine love him, and it’s easy to understand why. His years of faithful service, wisdom, kindness, and devotion to our faith have touched countless lives.

It was a truly beautiful day filled with love, gratitude, and celebration as we honored this remarkable milestone. We are so grateful for all that Father Constantine has given to our community, and we pray that God continues to bless him with health, joy, and many more years among us.

Here’s to celebrating 60 years of priesthood and a lifetime of faithful service.

Χρόνια Πολλά, Father Constantine! May God continue to bless and guide you for many years to come!

08/31/2026

Today, the Artoklasia (Blessing of the Loaves) was offered by the Cretan Chapter of Marin and Sonoma Counties in memory of St. Titus, the first Bishop of Crete (August 25). Fanouropites were also blessed in memory of St. Fanourios (August 27). May we continue to blessed with health and illumination through the intercessions and prayers of these great saints!

08/30/2026

The Building on Our Faith Initiative continues to move forward, and we are excited to see this vision for the future of Nativity of Christ take shape. This is an important moment in the life of our parish, and we ask for everyone’s involvement, prayers, and support as we move forward together.

Progress Update:

Jerry Minetos: THIS Sunday and in the months ahead, Jerry Minetos will visit our parish to meet personally with parishioners, answer questions, and help families prayerfully consider their participation in this historic effort.

Fundraising Campaign Materials: Our Communication Team is preparing fundraising campaign materials, which will soon be distributed throughout our parish community. These materials will provide more information about the vision, the projects, and how each of us can participate.

Design and Planning: Christ Kamages and his team at CJK continue to refine the plans in preparation for submitting construction documents to the City of Novato for permit approval.

Design Forum - Sunday, September 20: All parishioners are invited to attend a special forum to review and discuss the designs before they are finalized. This will be an important opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback as we prepare for the next stage of the project.

As we reflect upon all that God has accomplished through our parish, each of us is invited to prayerfully consider a gift that reflects our gratitude for His many blessings and our hope for the generations who will one day worship, grow, and encounter Christ at Nativity of Christ.

Learn more about the Building on Our Faith Initiative by visiting: www.nativityofchrist.org/buildingonourfaith.

Together, with faith and gratitude, let us rise up and build!

08/30/2026

Join us by saying a prayer and lighting a candle at:
https://nativityofchrist.square.site/

08/28/2026

About Agios Fanourios and the tradition of the Faneropita

Άγιε μου Φανούριε, φανέρωσε το.
My St. Fanourios, reveal it.

Little is known of the holy Martyr Fanourios. His Icon was discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church on Rhodes. We therefore call him The Newly Revealed. We pray to Saint Fanourios to help recover things that have been lost.

The Tradition of the Faneropita

When the saint reveals what is lost, bake this cake in his honor, and bring it to the church to be blessed and shared with the community. It is also a tradition for each person to say a prayer for St. Fanourios’ mother when eating their slice of the cake.
"O Lord, save Fanourios' mother and help me, a sinner."

RECIPE
Ingredients:

4 cups flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup oil
1 cup & 2 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dark raisins
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
3/4 cup orange juice
grated peel of one lemon
pinch of salt
powdered sugar to dust the top

Directions:

Mix flour and cinnamon in a large bowl.
In another bowl, mix oil, sugar, orange juice, water and lemon peel. Beat well.
Add baking powder, salt, raisins and walnuts to the first bowl. Mix well.
Add dry ingredients to Bowl 2.
Grease and flour a baking pan.
Pour batter into pan.
Bake for 45 minutes @ 350 degrees.
Cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Tip: Let the cake sit a day before serving, as it will better absorb the flavor.

08/24/2026

Today is truly a blessed and historic day as we not only gather to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Apodosis of the Dormition of the Theotokos, but also to commemorate 60 years of faithful service to the Holy Priesthood of Fr. Constantine Efstathiu.

St. John Chrysostom, in speaking of the sacred calling of the priesthood, reminds us of the extraordinary dignity and responsibility entrusted to the priest. He writes that the priesthood is exercised here on earth, but that it belongs to the heavenly order. The priest stands before God and becomes an instrument of His grace, to give his life for the spiritual care and salvation of God's people.

Sixty years ago, a young Constantine Efstathiu answered that calling.

On Sunday, August 28, 1966, Father Constantine was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at St. Anthony’s in Pasadena, California. His priestly journey began with his first assignment at Holy Trinity in San Francisco, under the tutelage and guidance of the late Father Anthony Costuros. He then went on to serve the faithful of St. Basil’s in Stockton. And then, by God’s Divine providence, he was assigned to Nativity of Christ.

Sixty years is more than a milestone Fr. Constantine. It is six decades of offering yourself to Christ by standing before the holy altar, baptizing, marrying, burying, teaching, comforting, encouraging, praying, and walking alongside generations of the faithful.

For sixty years, families have known you as their priest. Children who came to you as young altar boys and Sunday School students have now grown to be priests, Sunday School teachers, Parish Council members, parents, and grandparents. You have celebrated with them in moments of joy and prayed with them in moments of sorrow.

The faithful of Nativity of Christ give glory to God for granting you the health and strength to continue your service, but we also thank you, Fr. Constantine, for the example of love and humility you have displayed particularly to this Parish these last 42 years.
We thank you for the prayers that no one has seen, the acts of kindness that may never have been acknowledged, and the countless lives that have been touched by your priestly ministry. Through your prayerful, humble, and joyful example, you continue to inspire us all to know in our hearts that God is real and that He loves us.

The ministry of a priest however is never simply the ministry of one person. It is a life that touches an entire family. Throughout your priesthood, you have also been blessed with the support, and encouragement of your beloved wife, Presvytera Kandiana, who answered that call alongside you 60 years ago, and shared in the sacrifices, challenges, and blessings of a life dedicated to the Church.

We recognize and honor the memory of Presvytera and fondly remember her faithful love, support, and companionship throughout your life together.

We are also grateful to your children and grandchildren who just so happen to be here today to celebrate this occasion with you.... What a tremendous blessing it is that just yesterday, you were given the joy of marrying your granddaughter, and just the day before yesterday, the blessing of baptizing your great-grandson.
What a beautiful testimony to a life of priestly service: to have witnessed generations of your family grow in the faith and worship Christ during the most special moments of their lives through the sacred sacraments of the Church.

Your family’s love, support, and sacrifice have been part of your priestly ministry in ways that only you truly know.

May God continue to bless you Fr. Constantine with health, steadfast faith, and, most importantly, the knowledge that your life and your service have touched countless people and continue to bear fruit for generations who give all glory and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ.

On behalf of our parish family, and all who love you: Axios! Axios! Axios!