Our Parish History
Lia Forakis leads the Greek Orthodox Youth Association - GOYA - ministry and helps support our other youth and young adult ministries. Lia grew up in Modesto, California, and was a member of the Annunciation parish. She attended Modesto Junior College and Long Beach City College. Lia has served the church as a Greek dance teacher at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno; as a youth director at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento, California; and as a San Francisco Metropolis camp counselor at St. Nicholas Ranch for many years. In her spare time, she enjoys Greek dancing and playing music, and finding cool places to eat with friends.
Renée established our strategic communications plan for the parish. She manages our website and social media channels, and previously designed and produced the Resurrection monthly magazine. Renée has 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 Burgundy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece. After graduating from the University of Washington 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 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.
Since 1971
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection was established in 1971 and is part of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. We began worshipping in the Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo, and after gathering in various temporary locations for Liturgy, purchased the Center Street, Castro Valley property in February 1973.
As the parish grew, and the demographics of the Bay Area changed, the “Building the Body of Christ” project was launched in 2017 to search for new property on which to build a proper Byzantine-style church in the Tri-Valley area. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the parish closed escrow on the purchase of a 4.3-acre property in Pleasanton on Dublin Canyon Road on April 14, 2022 – which will ultimately be the new location of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in the Tri-Valley.
At Resurrection, we have members who were raised Orthodox as well as many who chose to convert to Orthodoxy as adults. We represent many different ethnicities and backgrounds. Our services are held in English and New Testament Greek. We strive to maintain an active liturgical life throughout the year and grow closer to one another through worship, common meals and fellowship, youth events, retreats, Bible study, and service.
Fifty Years of Faith and Fellowship
The parish came together on its 50th Anniversary in November 2021 to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward a new and exciting future” with a weekend full of festivities. A full page is dedicated to this momentous occasion - click the bar below to reminisce on the sentiments, activities, and merriment had by all.
‍
Our Parish History
Lia Forakis leads the Greek Orthodox Youth Association - GOYA - ministry and helps support our other youth and young adult ministries. Lia grew up in Modesto, California, and was a member of the Annunciation parish. She attended Modesto Junior College and Long Beach City College. Lia has served the church as a Greek dance teacher at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno; as a youth director at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento, California; and as a San Francisco Metropolis camp counselor at St. Nicholas Ranch for many years. In her spare time, she enjoys Greek dancing and playing music, and finding cool places to eat with friends.
Renée established our strategic communications plan for the parish. She manages our website and social media channels, and previously designed and produced the Resurrection monthly magazine. Renée has 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 Burgundy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece. After graduating from the University of Washington 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 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.
Since 1971
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection was established in 1971 and is part of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. We began worshipping in the Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo, and after gathering in various temporary locations for Liturgy, purchased the Center Street, Castro Valley property in February 1973.
As the parish grew, and the demographics of the Bay Area changed, the “Building the Body of Christ” project was launched in 2017 to search for new property on which to build a proper Byzantine-style church in the Tri-Valley area. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the parish closed escrow on the purchase of a 4.3-acre property in Pleasanton on Dublin Canyon Road on April 14, 2022 – which will ultimately be the new location of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in the Tri-Valley.
At Resurrection, we have members who were raised Orthodox as well as many who chose to convert to Orthodoxy as adults. We represent many different ethnicities and backgrounds. Our services are held in English and New Testament Greek. We strive to maintain an active liturgical life throughout the year and grow closer to one another through worship, common meals and fellowship, youth events, retreats, Bible study, and service.
Fifty Years of Faith and Fellowship
The parish came together on its 50th Anniversary in November 2021 to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward a new and exciting future” with a weekend full of festivities. A full page is dedicated to this momentous occasion - click the bar below to reminisce on the sentiments, activities, and merriment had by all.
‍
Our Parish History
Lia Forakis leads the Greek Orthodox Youth Association - GOYA - ministry and helps support our other youth and young adult ministries. Lia grew up in Modesto, California, and was a member of the Annunciation parish. She attended Modesto Junior College and Long Beach City College. Lia has served the church as a Greek dance teacher at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno; as a youth director at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Sacramento, California; and as a San Francisco Metropolis camp counselor at St. Nicholas Ranch for many years. In her spare time, she enjoys Greek dancing and playing music, and finding cool places to eat with friends.
Renée established our strategic communications plan for the parish. She manages our website and social media channels, and previously designed and produced the Resurrection monthly magazine. Renée has 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 Burgundy.
Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece. After graduating from the University of Washington 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 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.
Since 1971
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection was established in 1971 and is part of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. We began worshipping in the Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo, and after gathering in various temporary locations for Liturgy, purchased the Center Street, Castro Valley property in February 1973.
As the parish grew, and the demographics of the Bay Area changed, the “Building the Body of Christ” project was launched in 2017 to search for new property on which to build a proper Byzantine-style church in the Tri-Valley area. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the parish closed escrow on the purchase of a 4.3-acre property in Pleasanton on Dublin Canyon Road on April 14, 2022 – which will ultimately be the new location of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in the Tri-Valley.
At Resurrection, we have members who were raised Orthodox as well as many who chose to convert to Orthodoxy as adults. We represent many different ethnicities and backgrounds. Our services are held in English and New Testament Greek. We strive to maintain an active liturgical life throughout the year and grow closer to one another through worship, common meals and fellowship, youth events, retreats, Bible study, and service.
Fifty Years of Faith and Fellowship
The parish came together on its 50th Anniversary in November 2021 to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward a new and exciting future” with a weekend full of festivities. A full page is dedicated to this momentous occasion - click the bar below to reminisce on the sentiments, activities, and merriment had by all.
‍
Our Parish History
Since 1971
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection was established in 1971 and is part of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. We began worshipping in the Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo, and after gathering in various temporary locations for Liturgy, purchased the Center Street, Castro Valley property in February 1973.
As the parish grew, and the demographics of the Bay Area changed, the “Building the Body of Christ” project was launched in 2017 to search for new property on which to build a proper Byzantine-style church in the Tri-Valley area. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the parish closed escrow on the purchase of a 4.3-acre property in Pleasanton on Dublin Canyon Road on April 14, 2022 – which will ultimately be the new location of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in the Tri-Valley.
At Resurrection, we have members who were raised Orthodox as well as many who chose to convert to Orthodoxy as adults. We represent many different ethnicities and backgrounds. Our services are held in English and New Testament Greek. We strive to maintain an active liturgical life throughout the year and grow closer to one another through worship, common meals and fellowship, youth events, retreats, Bible study, and service.
Fifty Years of Faith and Fellowship
The parish came together on its 50th Anniversary in November 2021 to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward a new and exciting future” with a weekend full of festivities. A full page is dedicated to this momentous occasion - click the bar below to reminisce on the sentiments, activities, and merriment had by all.
‍
Our Parish History
Since 1971
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection was established in 1971 and is part of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco. We began worshipping in the Snow Building at the Oakland Zoo, and after gathering in various temporary locations for Liturgy, purchased the Center Street, Castro Valley property in February 1973.
As the parish grew, and the demographics of the Bay Area changed, the “Building the Body of Christ” project was launched in 2017 to search for new property on which to build a proper Byzantine-style church in the Tri-Valley area. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the parish closed escrow on the purchase of a 4.3-acre property in Pleasanton on Dublin Canyon Road on April 14, 2022 – which will ultimately be the new location of the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in the Tri-Valley.
At Resurrection, we have members who were raised Orthodox as well as many who chose to convert to Orthodoxy as adults. We represent many different ethnicities and backgrounds. Our services are held in English and New Testament Greek. We strive to maintain an active liturgical life throughout the year and grow closer to one another through worship, common meals and fellowship, youth events, retreats, Bible study, and service.
Fifty Years of Faith and Fellowship
The parish came together on its 50th Anniversary in November 2021 to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward a new and exciting future” with a weekend full of festivities. A full page is dedicated to this momentous occasion - click the bar below to reminisce on the sentiments, activities, and merriment had by all.
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