Church Music
Resurrection’s Church Choir is made up of dedicated singers who have been participating in the worship services since the 1970’s. The love of music and the church is expressed during Sunday Liturgy as the choir sings praises to our Lord, Jesus Christ, leading the congregation in one voice.
“What better thing can the people do than sing. I know of no better thing than this!” – St. Augustine
The music of the Orthodox church is an integral part of worship. Our Chantors assist the priest during Orthros (Matins) and other services during the week. The Church Choir represents the people, offering responses to the Priest during the Divine Liturgy. Youth Choir gives our children the ability to pray to God through the hymns of the church. Youth Choir joins the Church Choir in singing various Liturgical Services throughout the year.
Rehearsal Schedule
The Church Choir rehearses most Tuesday evenings at 6:45 p.m. We sing in both English, Greek, and Greek phonetics.
Join the Choir
New singers are always welcome, and our choir members will help and guide you. Reading Greek or music is not a prerequisite. Contact Choir Director Liz Levy at liz@resurrectiongoc.com to join.
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.
Church Music
Resurrection’s Church Choir is made up of dedicated singers who have been participating in the worship services since the 1970’s. The love of music and the church is expressed during Sunday Liturgy as the choir sings praises to our Lord, Jesus Christ, leading the congregation in one voice.
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.
“What better thing can the people do than sing. I know of no better thing than this!” – St. Augustine
The music of the Orthodox church is an integral part of worship. Our Chantors assist the priest during Orthros (Matins) and other services during the week. The Church Choir represents the people, offering responses to the Priest during the Divine Liturgy. Youth Choir gives our children the ability to pray to God through the hymns of the church. Youth Choir joins the Church Choir in singing various Liturgical Services throughout the year.
Rehearsal Schedule
The Church Choir rehearses most Tuesday evenings at 6:45 p.m. We sing in both English, Greek, and Greek phonetics.
Join the Choir
New singers are always welcome, and our choir members will help and guide you. Reading Greek or music is not a prerequisite. Contact Choir Director Liz Levy at liz@resurrectiongoc.com to join.
Church Music
Resurrection’s Church Choir is made up of dedicated singers who have been participating in the worship services since the 1970’s. The love of music and the church is expressed during Sunday Liturgy as the choir sings praises to our Lord, Jesus Christ, leading the congregation in one voice.
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.
“What better thing can the people do than sing. I know of no better thing than this!” – St. Augustine
The music of the Orthodox church is an integral part of worship. Our Chantors assist the priest during Orthros (Matins) and other services during the week. The Church Choir represents the people, offering responses to the Priest during the Divine Liturgy. Youth Choir gives our children the ability to pray to God through the hymns of the church. Youth Choir joins the Church Choir in singing various Liturgical Services throughout the year.
Rehearsal Schedule
The Church Choir rehearses most Tuesday evenings at 6:45 p.m. We sing in both English, Greek, and Greek phonetics.
Join the Choir
New singers are always welcome, and our choir members will help and guide you. Reading Greek or music is not a prerequisite. Contact Choir Director Liz Levy at liz@resurrectiongoc.com to join.
Church Music
Resurrection’s Church Choir is made up of dedicated singers who have been participating in the worship services since the 1970’s. The love of music and the church is expressed during Sunday Liturgy as the choir sings praises to our Lord, Jesus Christ, leading the congregation in one voice.
“What better thing can the people do than sing. I know of no better thing than this!” – St. Augustine
The music of the Orthodox church is an integral part of worship. Our Chantors assist the priest during Orthros (Matins) and other services during the week. The Church Choir represents the people, offering responses to the Priest during the Divine Liturgy. Youth Choir gives our children the ability to pray to God through the hymns of the church. Youth Choir joins the Church Choir in singing various Liturgical Services throughout the year.
Rehearsal Schedule
The Church Choir rehearses most Tuesday evenings at 6:45 p.m. We sing in both English, Greek, and Greek phonetics.
Join the Choir
New singers are always welcome, and our choir members will help and guide you. Reading Greek or music is not a prerequisite. Contact Choir Director Liz Levy at liz@resurrectiongoc.com to join.
Church Music
Resurrection’s Church Choir is made up of dedicated singers who have been participating in the worship services since the 1970’s. The love of music and the church is expressed during Sunday Liturgy as the choir sings praises to our Lord, Jesus Christ, leading the congregation in one voice.
“What better thing can the people do than sing. I know of no better thing than this!” – St. Augustine
The music of the Orthodox church is an integral part of worship. Our Chantors assist the priest during Orthros (Matins) and other services during the week. The Church Choir represents the people, offering responses to the Priest during the Divine Liturgy. Youth Choir gives our children the ability to pray to God through the hymns of the church. Youth Choir joins the Church Choir in singing various Liturgical Services throughout the year.
Rehearsal Schedule
The Church Choir rehearses most Tuesday evenings at 6:45 p.m. We sing in both English, Greek, and Greek phonetics.
Join the Choir
New singers are always welcome, and our choir members will help and guide you. Reading Greek or music is not a prerequisite. Contact Choir Director Liz Levy at liz@resurrectiongoc.com to join.
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Capital Campaign Status
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TARGET: $5M
Total Pledged: $2.9M
FAQs
Other questions? Sens us an email at
bbocconstruction@resurrectiongoc.com
What is our capital campaign goal?
Our current goal is $5M. The total cost forthe project is $18M. The funds for this will come from various sources: thesale of our Castro Valley property, fundraising from the capital campaign, andlong term debt/mortgage.
Why should I donate now when it may take years to build the church?
Hopefully it will not take years! We have already broken ground on the property, and the goal is for construction to follow very soon. It is important to clarify that a pledge does not mean a handover of committed cash immediately. It is expected that pledges will be made over a period of years based on the abilities of each parishioner. Some will pledge and pay a lump sum immediately or within the same year. Others will pledge and pay over 3, 5 or more years.
Why should I be expected to contribute if I don’t agree with moving the parish?
We give for our future, not for our present and it’s about “we” not about “me”. Consider where our children and grandchildren will be worshiping in the years to come; where weddings and baptisms will take place; where we can grow our ministries and stewardship both in numbers and dollars; where we can reach out to unchurched Orthodox. Demographics have been consistently showing us for the last 20 years that growth will come in the tri-valley, not in Castro Valley. In a democracy such as ours it is inevitable, as well as healthy, to have opposing opinions. In the end, a majority voted to move. It is therefore incumbent on all of us to stand by our leadership and each other to make this move a reality.
If this is so important, why are we increasing our budget spend on new positions?
The budget is our fiscal plan and roadmap for the ongoing operations of the church and community. The capital campaign is for the generation of funds to allow us to achieve our goal of moving the parish. They are related but exclusive of each other. We need to move to grow in the years to come but we also need to have a vibrant community to move. The additional budgetary spend is necessary to help us grow in our present and to maintain/sustain that growth in our future. We cannot sacrifice today for tomorrow, nor will we achieve our long-term goal by solely focusing on today. The challenge for the priest, parish leadership and all of us is to balance the present with the future.
With successive capital campaigns, why even consider a mortgage? Could we afford one?
Capital campaign pledges are made over a period of one to 5 or more years. It is therefore expected that we will have to take out a mortgage for future building stages. Yes, we can afford one. At present, our parish can cover monthly interest and principal payments for a mortgage in excess of $1.5 million. That amount is likely to increase as we continue to build equity. More importantly, however, is that any mortgage will likely be short-lived with successful capital campaigns.