Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church became available to the Greek- American community of San Jose on September 16,1956. The process of establishing and founding the Greek Orthodox Parish in the Santa Clara Valley began on February 10,1945. This day marked the offical meeting of fourty-five devoted parishioners with the Archbishop Athenagoras in order to obtain, the approval for the parish in San Jose.
The steps and the time that was dedicated to the successful establishment of the parish was long and laborious, but the outcome has been greatly appreciated by the Greek-American community, since it allows them to continue practicing their culture and customs.
Saint Nicholas provides its members with many services and activites. For instance, they have a program for seniors known as "Golden Year Seniors"- which is open to all men and women ages 55 and over, the group participates in outings, field trips, and the annual seniors' retreat to the St.Nicholas Ranch. In addition, they have the Mother and Child Fellowship group, Youth Choir, dance group, and the Greek Orthodox Adults Together. Another event that Saint Nicholas Church is known for is for their annual Greek Festival.
Some of the Festival's highlights include their authentic Greek costumes, music, stage productions based on mythological Greek gods and goddesses, Greek dinners as well as pasteries such as, melamakarona, baklava, and kourambieedes.
The purpose of this Greek Festival is to celebrate and share with other ethnic groups the Greek culture. In order to do this, they have cultural displays and religious exhibits.
This annual Greek Festival is a well organized event that has a schedule planed-out for a three day celebration, which begins on a Friday and ends on Sunday. Everyone is invited to attend this colorful and entertainig event.
Dora Arredondo
