Parish Ministries & Organizations

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 Church management, the planning of future projects of the parish, and bringing into action and cooperation as many members of the parish as possible.

Philoptochos - or the "Friends of the Poor"
An organization of Orthodox Christian women 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.

Social Welfare Committee
The Social Welfare Committee of the Holy Cross Philoptochos shares the good news of teams formed to serve the elderly, lonely, and/or sick with visitation, phone calls, transportation to doctors or to church, etc. If you would like to take an active role in our efforts, please contact our chairmen.

Benevolence Committee
The Benevolence Fund was established to assist individuals or families who are in need of financial aid. Those in need may speak in confidence to our pastor. The fund is administered by the Benevolence Committee which is composed of community members and members of the Parish Council.

Outreach
The 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-to-Family Sharing
Each December, the Church of the Holy Cross sponsors a Christmas food and toy collection drive called "Family-to-Family Sharing." 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, parishioners 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.

ORA (Order of Respected Adults)
An active and eager gathering of many of our members in their most gifted years, ORA 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.

Mr. and Mrs. Club
A social club of married couples of all ages featuring parties, dinners, trips, and guest speakers. Mr. and Mrs. Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship(OCF) at Stanford. Stanford Hoover Building
The Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Stanford is a campus ministry that provides spirituality and fellowship for Eastern Orthodox Christian students. OCF provides us the opportunity to discuss issues and topics of interest, to interact with fellow Orthodox Christians, and to participate and pray in various worship services. The goal of OCF is simply to keep you connected and involved with the Orthodox Church and your Orthodox family while you are at Stanford.

Youth Council / Youth Leaders
This organization of teachers, youth group advisors, dance directors, and athletic coaches meets to plan future events of and discuss topics relevant to the parish youth. The Youth Council meets the second Thursday each month at 7:30 PM.

Youth Groups
The youth ministries at the Church of the Holy Cross center around four elements : Liturgy, Worship, Service, and Witnessing. The youth groups seek to provide an environment within the Orthodox church for our children to develop and expand their understanding of their faith and know they always have a home in the church. Four different groups offer activities and programs designed to foster fellowship among Orthodox Christian youth. Activities include monthly meetings, retreats, dances, ski weekends, beach parties, community outreach, and other events.

JOY, Junior GOYA, and Senior GOYA meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 PM. Call for the schedule of YAL meetings. Visit our new Holy Cross Youth Web Page!

Find out more about our new Young Adult ministry - R.O.O.T. - a fellowship of young adults who, together, explore their rich past: Scripture, liturgics, councils, canons, hymnography, iconography, and prayer.

Sports Activities
Boys and Girls basketball league, Adult basketball league, Adult and Girls volleyball and tennis and golf tournaments are on the athletic agenda.

Toddler Play Group
Mothers, fathers and grandparents with their pre-schoolers meet weekly for a morning of socialization and interaction through art projects, story-telling, movies, puzzles, outdoor play, and field trips. The toddlers bring their parents, yia-yia and papou to play group usually once a week, usually in the mornings (call the church office for details).

Coffee Hour
Following each Sunday's worship service, and hosted by Philoptochos, the coffee hour offers parishioners a chance to meet and to socialize with one another. All proceeds from Coffee Hour benefit the Kids 'n' Cancer Program.

Christian & Cultural Education
Sunday School
Students are instructed in the teachings 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 at 9:45 AM.
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.
Greek School
Six levels of classes (including adult conversation classes) offer all aspects of modern Greek language, including reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary building with emphasis on conversation. Greek school meets during the academic school year on Wednesdays at 4:30 PM. Adult classes meet on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
Holy Cross Choir
The Choir provides the important service of liturgical accompaniment and chanting during Sunday Divine Liturgy, Holy Week, and special Feast Days. Parishioners are encouraged to contact the choir director if they are interested in participating in this most important ministry. The Choir meets the first three Wednesdays of the month at 7:30 PM in the Choir loft.
Holy Cross Youth Choir
Young people grades 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.
Inquirer's Classes, Bible Study and Family Bible Study
Throughout the year, classes for those desiring a greater understanding of Orthodoxy and Scripture are conducted by the Priest and Assistant Instructors. Announcements for these classes are listed in the Sunday Bulletin and Cross Currents.
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.
Contents Copyright ©2003 The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross. All rights reserved.
900 Alameda, Belmont, CA 94002-1604
Voice: (650) 591-4447     Fax: (650) 508-9846
Email: office@goholycross.org

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