Food Pantry
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry distributes food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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.

Our Mission
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry’s mission is to distribute food from the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church by partnering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and giving food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since 2017, our parish has been feeding those less fortunate in our community during their time of need. Feeding the poor is something that Jesus Christ spoke of, and the Bible speaks of – as does our Orthodox Christian Faith. The Resurrection Food Pantry is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to practice Christian love, generosity, and compassion toward those in need, and it is a blessing for us to be able to serve Christ Himself through this ministry.

Hours of Operation
We are open to the public every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:00 a.m. from our Church Hall at 20104 Center Street, Castro Valley.
Please visit us if you are in need – all are welcome! For more information, contact the church office at (510) 581-8950.

Volunteers Are Always Needed
Many hands are needed to help us meet the increased demand for assistance since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:30 a.m. Help is also needed to shop for food at the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Oakland, CA on the Friday before each Food Pantry distribution, from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
If you would like more information about our Food Pantry ministry, please contact the church office at (510) 581-8950 or ministry co-leaders Todd Hoyer and David Sherin.
Food Pantry
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry distributes food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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.

Our Mission
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry’s mission is to distribute food from the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church by partnering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and giving food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since 2017, our parish has been feeding those less fortunate in our community during their time of need. Feeding the poor is something that Jesus Christ spoke of, and the Bible speaks of – as does our Orthodox Christian Faith. The Resurrection Food Pantry is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to practice Christian love, generosity, and compassion toward those in need, and it is a blessing for us to be able to serve Christ Himself through this ministry.

Hours of Operation
We are open to the public every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:00 a.m. from our Church Hall at 20104 Center Street, Castro Valley.
Please visit us if you are in need – all are welcome! For more information, contact the church office at (510) 581-8950.

Volunteers Are Always Needed
Many hands are needed to help us meet the increased demand for assistance since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:30 a.m. Help is also needed to shop for food at the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Oakland, CA on the Friday before each Food Pantry distribution, from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
If you would like more information about our Food Pantry ministry, please contact the church office at (510) 581-8950 or ministry co-leaders Todd Hoyer and David Sherin.
Food Pantry
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry distributes food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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.

Our Mission
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry’s mission is to distribute food from the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church by partnering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and giving food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since 2017, our parish has been feeding those less fortunate in our community during their time of need. Feeding the poor is something that Jesus Christ spoke of, and the Bible speaks of – as does our Orthodox Christian Faith. The Resurrection Food Pantry is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to practice Christian love, generosity, and compassion toward those in need, and it is a blessing for us to be able to serve Christ Himself through this ministry.

Hours of Operation
We are open to the public every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:00 a.m. from our Church Hall at 20104 Center Street, Castro Valley.
Please visit us if you are in need – all are welcome! For more information, contact the church office at (510) 581-8950.

Volunteers Are Always Needed
Many hands are needed to help us meet the increased demand for assistance since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:30 a.m. Help is also needed to shop for food at the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Oakland, CA on the Friday before each Food Pantry distribution, from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
If you would like more information about our Food Pantry ministry, please contact the church office at (510) 581-8950 or ministry co-leaders Todd Hoyer and David Sherin.
Food Pantry
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry distributes food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our Mission
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry’s mission is to distribute food from the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church by partnering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and giving food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since 2017, our parish has been feeding those less fortunate in our community during their time of need. Feeding the poor is something that Jesus Christ spoke of, and the Bible speaks of – as does our Orthodox Christian Faith. The Resurrection Food Pantry is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to practice Christian love, generosity, and compassion toward those in need, and it is a blessing for us to be able to serve Christ Himself through this ministry.

Hours of Operation
We are open to the public every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:00 a.m. from our Church Hall at 20104 Center Street, Castro Valley.
Please visit us if you are in need – all are welcome! For more information, contact the church office at (510) 581-8950.

Volunteers Are Always Needed
Many hands are needed to help us meet the increased demand for assistance since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:30 a.m. Help is also needed to shop for food at the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Oakland, CA on the Friday before each Food Pantry distribution, from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
If you would like more information about our Food Pantry ministry, please contact the church office at (510) 581-8950 or ministry co-leaders Todd Hoyer and David Sherin.
Food Pantry
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry distributes food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our Mission
The “Feeding the 5,000 Project” Food Pantry’s mission is to distribute food from the Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church by partnering with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and giving food to those in need in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Since 2017, our parish has been feeding those less fortunate in our community during their time of need. Feeding the poor is something that Jesus Christ spoke of, and the Bible speaks of – as does our Orthodox Christian Faith. The Resurrection Food Pantry is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to practice Christian love, generosity, and compassion toward those in need, and it is a blessing for us to be able to serve Christ Himself through this ministry.

Hours of Operation
We are open to the public every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:00 a.m. from our Church Hall at 20104 Center Street, Castro Valley.
Please visit us if you are in need – all are welcome! For more information, contact the church office at (510) 581-8950.

Volunteers Are Always Needed
Many hands are needed to help us meet the increased demand for assistance since the COVID-19 Pandemic. Set up begins at 8:00 a.m. and food is distributed between 9:00-10:30 a.m. Help is also needed to shop for food at the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Oakland, CA on the Friday before each Food Pantry distribution, from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
If you would like more information about our Food Pantry ministry, please contact the church office at (510) 581-8950 or ministry co-leaders Todd Hoyer and David Sherin.