Upcoming Saturday, June 29, 2024, join us for our Gyro Event at Prophet Elias, 223 Church Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 from 12:00PM to 8:00PM. Enjoy delicious fries, Greek salad, dolmathes, tiropita, spanakopita, and sweet desserts baklava, kourambiethes, melamakarouna, and wine, beer, sodas, and water from the bar. And, music too! OPA! Read More
On Sunday, June 16, 2024, Lara Willingham and Joanna Stebbins chanted the Orthros prayers for all in attendance. Then parishioner Bob Rible presented the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Other presentations included two Saints. Charlie Plate introduced the life of St. Basil the Great and Shirley Manis presented St. Tatiana. When we gather...Read More
In the wee hours of Sunday, May 5, 2024, Father John Kariotakis brought forth the Light and shouted the first “Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!” in several languages. He led us in the hymn Christos Anesti, three times, which will be chanted at every service for the next 40-days until Holy Pentecost. A...Read More
On May 3, 2024, Great and Holy Friday, His Grace Bishop Ioannis, Father John Kariotakis and our congregation commemorated the burial of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with a tomb of flowers – the Epitaphio. Many thanks to Vicki Buksa and our parishioners who adorned the tomb with flowers. Candles lit by Christopher Willingham...Read More
On Sunday April 28, 2024, Father John Takahashi celebrated Christ’s Entrance into Jerusalem, launching our Holy Week. He blessed the woven palm crosses made by our parishioners. Our morning continued in the hall with a very vibrant gathering of parishioners for Fellowship. Amin!Read More
On Friday, April 19, 2024, Dr. Nick Itsines led the Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos with parishioners in attendance. Our Philoptochos members Helen and Dena Mitropolis decorated the icon of Panagia. We learned the first word of each of the 24 stanzas are in the order of the Greek alphabet. Rejoice! Read More
On Friday, April 12, 2024, many gathered to chant to the Salutations to the Theotokos. Our Philoptochos president Aphrodite Roberts adorned the icon of our beloved Theotokos for the evening service. Both in Greek and English the verses were heard, so beautifully proclaiming Rejoice! Amin! Read More
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, Father John Takahashi celebrated the Holy Cross as we reached the middle of the Fast when our strength may be worn down. The holy Cross brings joy to the world, strength to the faithful, and hope of sinners. Venerating the Cross, we might receive strength and grace to complete the...Read More
On Friday, April 5, 2024, our parishioners and chanters gathered to read and sing “Rejoice!” to the Mother of God. In our solemn and prayerful Lenten season, we shared time together in church. Many thanks to Philoptochos member Lyna Dyer for decorating our icon of Panayia. Join the increasing number of church family members attending...Read More
On Sunday, March 31, 2024, His Grace Bishop Ioannis celebrated Orthros and Divine Liturgy at Prophet Elias. His message emphasised the teachings of St. Gregory Palamas – his feast day. We were encouraged to learn that His Grace is earnestly searching for a priest to assign to Prophet Elias. Our prayers are to continue since...Read More
