Baptisms

Liz Levy

Office Administrator (Retired)

Born in Oakland, California, Liz Levy has lived in the Bay Area her entire life. Currently, she calls Livermore home, where she lives with her husband, Mark. She is also the Adult Choir Director for the parish. What Liz enjoys most about leading the choir is worshipping and serving God with her fellow musicians in the parish. Liz serves the church on an as needed basis until a replacement can be found.

Renée Taylor

Communications Coordinator

Renée (Johannes) Taylor established and leads our strategic communications for the parish. She manages our website, develops our weekly eBulletin, and designs and produces our monthly magazine. Renée brings 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

Facilities Manager

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 Burgandy.

Father Niko Bekris

Proistamenos/Priest

Father Niko was born in Seattle, Washington in 1981, and was baptized at the Church of the Annunciation in Amaliada, Greece on August 15, 1982. After graduating from the University of Washington in 2004 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 (2008-2011) 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 Bosl

Archdeacon

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.

In the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, a person is incorporated into the crucified, resurrected, and glorified Christ and is reborn to participate in the divine life. Baptism is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:15-16) and in accordance with Holy Tradition, must be performed by triple immersion in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20), according to the rubrics in the Prayer Book. It is conferred only once.

Both parents, if Orthodox, must be members in good standing. This means that both parents, if Orthodox, must be current in their Stewardship Commitment to the parish (Exceptions made only by the parish priest).
A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism and/or Chrismation in the Church must be an Orthodox Christian who is in good ecclesiastical standing with the Orthodox Church. A person who has been excommunicated or anathematized by the Church or who, if married, has married outside the Orthodox Church may not become a godparent.
If the sponsor is from another Orthodox parish, a Certificate of Good Standing is required from the priest. This certificate must be presented to the priest prior to the Baptism.
The role of the Sponsor is directly related to infant baptism. Since the infant is unable to make the necessary confession of Faith, the Sponsor stands and accepts the responsibility.
The Sponsor should be ready to recite the Nicene Creed either Greek or English. For three consecutive Sundays after the baptism, the Sponsor should carry the neophyte to the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion.
According to the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church ONE name of Orthodox Christian origin should be given to the child at the time of baptism.
The day, time, and other arrangements must be made with the parish priest by calling the Church Office at least one month before the baptism.
To insure the proper dignity and solemnity of your child’s baptism, anyone desiring to take pictures must consult the parish priest at least one half hour before the sacrament.
The sponsor should provide:
1. Complete change of clothes (white) for the child (including a new undershirt);
2. Bottle of Pure Olive Oil;
3. Gold Cross for child;
4. Three white candles;
5. One bar of soap;
6. One white hand towel;
7. One white bath towel;
8. One white twin sheet (unfitted);
9. Martyrika (optional).
10. NOTE: In case of adult baptism, the priest should be consulted for items needed.
Clinical Baptisms
1. In the event of an unbaptized infant near death an Orthodox priest must be called for a clinical baptism.
2. In the absence of an Orthodox clergyman, an Orthodox Christian layman, or any other Christian, may baptize the infant by the sprinkling of water, repeating the baptismal formula, “The servant of God (name), is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
Converts – When receiving into the Orthodox person a person who comes voluntarily from another confession, the Orthodox priest will accept the candidate by means of whichever of the three mode prescribed by the Sixth Ecumenical Synod (Canon 95) is appropriate:
1. Baptism in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by triple immersion;
2. Chrismation;
3. Confession of Faith.
4. Proof of the baptism must be established by an authentic document. The priest must undertake to instruct the applicant in matters of the Faith and practices that govern the inner life and outward behavior of the Orthodox Christian. If the applicant has not been baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity in a Christian Church by the principle of “oikonomia”, he or she must be baptized as prescribed in the Prayer Book.
If the parish priest is expected to attend the reception, a formal invitation must be sent as is done in the case of other guests.
Baptisms may not be performed on the following days unless it is absolutely necessary and permission is obtained from the Bishop of the Diocese of San Francisco:
1. December 25 – January 6;
2. Holy Week;
3. Major Feast Days.

50th Anniversary

Baptisms

Liz Levy

Office Administrator (Retired)

Renée Taylor

Communications Coordinator

Roberto Jaquez

Facilities Manager

Father Niko Bekris

Proistamenos/Priest

Archdeacon Justin Bosl

Archdeacon

Both parents, if Orthodox, must be members in good standing. This means that both parents, if Orthodox, must be current in their Stewardship Commitment to the parish (Exceptions made only by the parish priest).
A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism and/or Chrismation in the Church must be an Orthodox Christian who is in good ecclesiastical standing with the Orthodox Church. A person who has been excommunicated or anathematized by the Church or who, if married, has married outside the Orthodox Church may not become a godparent.
If the sponsor is from another Orthodox parish, a Certificate of Good Standing is required from the priest. This certificate must be presented to the priest prior to the Baptism.
The role of the Sponsor is directly related to infant baptism. Since the infant is unable to make the necessary confession of Faith, the Sponsor stands and accepts the responsibility.
The Sponsor should be ready to recite the Nicene Creed either Greek or English. For three consecutive Sundays after the baptism, the Sponsor should carry the neophyte to the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion.
According to the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church ONE name of Orthodox Christian origin should be given to the child at the time of baptism.
The day, time, and other arrangements must be made with the parish priest by calling the Church Office at least one month before the baptism.
To insure the proper dignity and solemnity of your child’s baptism, anyone desiring to take pictures must consult the parish priest at least one half hour before the sacrament.
The sponsor should provide:
1. Complete change of clothes (white) for the child (including a new undershirt);
2. Bottle of Pure Olive Oil;
3. Gold Cross for child;
4. Three white candles;
5. One bar of soap;
6. One white hand towel;
7. One white bath towel;
8. One white twin sheet (unfitted);
9. Martyrika (optional).
10. NOTE: In case of adult baptism, the priest should be consulted for items needed.
Clinical Baptisms
1. In the event of an unbaptized infant near death an Orthodox priest must be called for a clinical baptism.
2. In the absence of an Orthodox clergyman, an Orthodox Christian layman, or any other Christian, may baptize the infant by the sprinkling of water, repeating the baptismal formula, “The servant of God (name), is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
Converts – When receiving into the Orthodox person a person who comes voluntarily from another confession, the Orthodox priest will accept the candidate by means of whichever of the three mode prescribed by the Sixth Ecumenical Synod (Canon 95) is appropriate:
1. Baptism in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by triple immersion;
2. Chrismation;
3. Confession of Faith.
4. Proof of the baptism must be established by an authentic document. The priest must undertake to instruct the applicant in matters of the Faith and practices that govern the inner life and outward behavior of the Orthodox Christian. If the applicant has not been baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity in a Christian Church by the principle of “oikonomia”, he or she must be baptized as prescribed in the Prayer Book.
If the parish priest is expected to attend the reception, a formal invitation must be sent as is done in the case of other guests.
Baptisms may not be performed on the following days unless it is absolutely necessary and permission is obtained from the Bishop of the Diocese of San Francisco:
1. December 25 – January 6;
2. Holy Week;
3. Major Feast Days.

Baptisms

Liz Levy

Office Administrator (Retired)

Renée Taylor

Communications Coordinator

Roberto Jaquez

Facilities Manager

Father Niko Bekris

Proistamenos/Priest

Archdeacon Justin Bosl

Archdeacon

Both parents, if Orthodox, must be members in good standing. This means that both parents, if Orthodox, must be current in their Stewardship Commitment to the parish (Exceptions made only by the parish priest).
A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism and/or Chrismation in the Church must be an Orthodox Christian who is in good ecclesiastical standing with the Orthodox Church. A person who has been excommunicated or anathematized by the Church or who, if married, has married outside the Orthodox Church may not become a godparent.
If the sponsor is from another Orthodox parish, a Certificate of Good Standing is required from the priest. This certificate must be presented to the priest prior to the Baptism.
The role of the Sponsor is directly related to infant baptism. Since the infant is unable to make the necessary confession of Faith, the Sponsor stands and accepts the responsibility.
The Sponsor should be ready to recite the Nicene Creed either Greek or English. For three consecutive Sundays after the baptism, the Sponsor should carry the neophyte to the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion.
According to the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church ONE name of Orthodox Christian origin should be given to the child at the time of baptism.
The day, time, and other arrangements must be made with the parish priest by calling the Church Office at least one month before the baptism.
To insure the proper dignity and solemnity of your child’s baptism, anyone desiring to take pictures must consult the parish priest at least one half hour before the sacrament.
The sponsor should provide:
1. Complete change of clothes (white) for the child (including a new undershirt);
2. Bottle of Pure Olive Oil;
3. Gold Cross for child;
4. Three white candles;
5. One bar of soap;
6. One white hand towel;
7. One white bath towel;
8. One white twin sheet (unfitted);
9. Martyrika (optional).
10. NOTE: In case of adult baptism, the priest should be consulted for items needed.
Clinical Baptisms
1. In the event of an unbaptized infant near death an Orthodox priest must be called for a clinical baptism.
2. In the absence of an Orthodox clergyman, an Orthodox Christian layman, or any other Christian, may baptize the infant by the sprinkling of water, repeating the baptismal formula, “The servant of God (name), is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
Converts – When receiving into the Orthodox person a person who comes voluntarily from another confession, the Orthodox priest will accept the candidate by means of whichever of the three mode prescribed by the Sixth Ecumenical Synod (Canon 95) is appropriate:
1. Baptism in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by triple immersion;
2. Chrismation;
3. Confession of Faith.
4. Proof of the baptism must be established by an authentic document. The priest must undertake to instruct the applicant in matters of the Faith and practices that govern the inner life and outward behavior of the Orthodox Christian. If the applicant has not been baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity in a Christian Church by the principle of “oikonomia”, he or she must be baptized as prescribed in the Prayer Book.
If the parish priest is expected to attend the reception, a formal invitation must be sent as is done in the case of other guests.
Baptisms may not be performed on the following days unless it is absolutely necessary and permission is obtained from the Bishop of the Diocese of San Francisco:
1. December 25 – January 6;
2. Holy Week;
3. Major Feast Days.

Baptisms

Both parents, if Orthodox, must be members in good standing. This means that both parents, if Orthodox, must be current in their Stewardship Commitment to the parish (Exceptions made only by the parish priest).
A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism and/or Chrismation in the Church must be an Orthodox Christian who is in good ecclesiastical standing with the Orthodox Church. A person who has been excommunicated or anathematized by the Church or who, if married, has married outside the Orthodox Church may not become a godparent.
If the sponsor is from another Orthodox parish, a Certificate of Good Standing is required from the priest. This certificate must be presented to the priest prior to the Baptism.
The role of the Sponsor is directly related to infant baptism. Since the infant is unable to make the necessary confession of Faith, the Sponsor stands and accepts the responsibility.
The Sponsor should be ready to recite the Nicene Creed either Greek or English. For three consecutive Sundays after the baptism, the Sponsor should carry the neophyte to the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion.
According to the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church ONE name of Orthodox Christian origin should be given to the child at the time of baptism.
The day, time, and other arrangements must be made with the parish priest by calling the Church Office at least one month before the baptism.
To insure the proper dignity and solemnity of your child’s baptism, anyone desiring to take pictures must consult the parish priest at least one half hour before the sacrament.
The sponsor should provide:
1. Complete change of clothes (white) for the child (including a new undershirt);
2. Bottle of Pure Olive Oil;
3. Gold Cross for child;
4. Three white candles;
5. One bar of soap;
6. One white hand towel;
7. One white bath towel;
8. One white twin sheet (unfitted);
9. Martyrika (optional).
10. NOTE: In case of adult baptism, the priest should be consulted for items needed.
Clinical Baptisms
1. In the event of an unbaptized infant near death an Orthodox priest must be called for a clinical baptism.
2. In the absence of an Orthodox clergyman, an Orthodox Christian layman, or any other Christian, may baptize the infant by the sprinkling of water, repeating the baptismal formula, “The servant of God (name), is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
Converts – When receiving into the Orthodox person a person who comes voluntarily from another confession, the Orthodox priest will accept the candidate by means of whichever of the three mode prescribed by the Sixth Ecumenical Synod (Canon 95) is appropriate:
1. Baptism in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by triple immersion;
2. Chrismation;
3. Confession of Faith.
4. Proof of the baptism must be established by an authentic document. The priest must undertake to instruct the applicant in matters of the Faith and practices that govern the inner life and outward behavior of the Orthodox Christian. If the applicant has not been baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity in a Christian Church by the principle of “oikonomia”, he or she must be baptized as prescribed in the Prayer Book.
If the parish priest is expected to attend the reception, a formal invitation must be sent as is done in the case of other guests.
Baptisms may not be performed on the following days unless it is absolutely necessary and permission is obtained from the Bishop of the Diocese of San Francisco:
1. December 25 – January 6;
2. Holy Week;
3. Major Feast Days.

Baptisms

Both parents, if Orthodox, must be members in good standing. This means that both parents, if Orthodox, must be current in their Stewardship Commitment to the parish (Exceptions made only by the parish priest).
A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism and/or Chrismation in the Church must be an Orthodox Christian who is in good ecclesiastical standing with the Orthodox Church. A person who has been excommunicated or anathematized by the Church or who, if married, has married outside the Orthodox Church may not become a godparent.
If the sponsor is from another Orthodox parish, a Certificate of Good Standing is required from the priest. This certificate must be presented to the priest prior to the Baptism.
The role of the Sponsor is directly related to infant baptism. Since the infant is unable to make the necessary confession of Faith, the Sponsor stands and accepts the responsibility.
The Sponsor should be ready to recite the Nicene Creed either Greek or English. For three consecutive Sundays after the baptism, the Sponsor should carry the neophyte to the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion.
According to the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church ONE name of Orthodox Christian origin should be given to the child at the time of baptism.
The day, time, and other arrangements must be made with the parish priest by calling the Church Office at least one month before the baptism.
To insure the proper dignity and solemnity of your child’s baptism, anyone desiring to take pictures must consult the parish priest at least one half hour before the sacrament.
The sponsor should provide:
1. Complete change of clothes (white) for the child (including a new undershirt);
2. Bottle of Pure Olive Oil;
3. Gold Cross for child;
4. Three white candles;
5. One bar of soap;
6. One white hand towel;
7. One white bath towel;
8. One white twin sheet (unfitted);
9. Martyrika (optional).
10. NOTE: In case of adult baptism, the priest should be consulted for items needed.
Clinical Baptisms
1. In the event of an unbaptized infant near death an Orthodox priest must be called for a clinical baptism.
2. In the absence of an Orthodox clergyman, an Orthodox Christian layman, or any other Christian, may baptize the infant by the sprinkling of water, repeating the baptismal formula, “The servant of God (name), is baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.
Converts – When receiving into the Orthodox person a person who comes voluntarily from another confession, the Orthodox priest will accept the candidate by means of whichever of the three mode prescribed by the Sixth Ecumenical Synod (Canon 95) is appropriate:
1. Baptism in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by triple immersion;
2. Chrismation;
3. Confession of Faith.
4. Proof of the baptism must be established by an authentic document. The priest must undertake to instruct the applicant in matters of the Faith and practices that govern the inner life and outward behavior of the Orthodox Christian. If the applicant has not been baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity in a Christian Church by the principle of “oikonomia”, he or she must be baptized as prescribed in the Prayer Book.
If the parish priest is expected to attend the reception, a formal invitation must be sent as is done in the case of other guests.
Baptisms may not be performed on the following days unless it is absolutely necessary and permission is obtained from the Bishop of the Diocese of San Francisco:
1. December 25 – January 6;
2. Holy Week;
3. Major Feast Days.

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