Upcoming Philoptochos Fundraisers, Events and Programs
Ascension Philoptochos
Upcoming Fundraisers, Events, and Programs!
Philoptochos Kitchen
See’s Candy Fundraiser
Palm Sunday Luncheon - Now taking RSVPs
Operation Classroom
Epitaphios Flower Fund
Philoptochos Kitchen
Online Deadline: Wednesday, March 15th
*Pick up Palm Sunday, April 9th After Liturgy
Enjoy the authentic flavors of Greece with every bite as we bake and bring you fresh, delicious Greek pastries straight from our kitchen to yours. Let us do the baking, simply savor the flavor!
Ascension See's Candies Online Storefront
Online Deadline: Friday, March 24th
Shop Our Online See's Candy Storefront and Support Philoptochos: Treat Yourself or Your Loved Ones Today!
Online store: Check out the full selection of sweets. Online store closes March 24th to meet shipping deadlines.
In-Person: Stop by during coffee hour to grab a mini box of chocolates or a chocolate egg.
Palm Sunday 2023 Luncheon
Event Date: Sunday, April 9th 2023
RSVP Deadline: April 3rd - No tickets at the door. RSVP Required.
Join us for our annual Palm Sunday Luncheon following Divine Liturgy. Fish dinner will be served.
Pricing: Adults - $30 | Children 5-12 - $12 | Children Under 5 – Free
RSVP via Online: https://tinyurl.com/PalmSundayLuncheon
Or Contact Zoe Vlahiotis 925 286-6749
Make check payable to Ascension Philoptochos Or Venmo @Ascension-Philoptochos
Operation Classroom 2023
Project Dates: March 12- April 9th (Donate Items Weekly)
Join Ascension Philoptochos & Sunday School students for an almsgiving project benefiting homeless and fostered youth in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Each week during lent we encourage you to bring in the following donation items and drop them off at the Narthex. For more information: Download Flyer
March 12: Socks & Undergarments - all sizes
March 19: Hygiene Products - feminine hygiene products, shampoo, deodorant, razors, lip gloss, and body sprays for teen girls
March 26: Food - Cup o Noodles, Tuna to Go, Fruit Snacks, Granola Bars, Instant Oatmeal, Instant coffee or hot chocolate
April 2: Loads of Love - Fill a laundry basket with washing supplies or give a laundry gift card
April 9: Gift Cards or Donations - gift cards to Target or Walmart, or donate money to Philoptochos through Venmo @Ascension-Philoptochos or by check
Epitaphios Flower Fund:
We cherish the tradition of transforming Christ's Tomb into a display of our love for God every year through the Epitaphios Flower Fund. With the help of many hands and flowers, our cathedral is filled with a breathtaking display. Please donate in memory or honor of a loved one.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity in continuing this cherished tradition.
Donate by check or Venmo @Ascension-Philoptochos using “Epitaphios" as the reference. Check payable to "Ascension Philoptochos".
Support Kids 'n' Cancer Camp Agape
Program Timeline: Now - Through April 2023
Bring hope to a child's life with your donation to Kids 'n' Cancer. Philoptochos is dedicated to providing support for children with cancer and their families in the Metropolis of San Francisco. Make a difference today!
Donate now by check or Venmo @Ascension-Philoptochos using “Kid's 'n' Cancer" as the reference. Check payable to "Ascension Philoptochos". View Flyer HERE.
Support Ascension Philoptochos in Making a Difference
Ascension Philoptochos is a community of dedicated women who give their time and resources to help those in need. We invite you to join us in our ongoing efforts to make a difference. Learn more about Ascension Philoptochos here.
For more information or to get involved, contact Zoë Vlahiotis, Philoptochos President - sweetpeazoev@yahoo.com
Parish St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
Our parish St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be help Sunday, March 12th!
Vespers Service, Program & Lenten Dinner, all in support of OCMC
Vespers Service, Program & Lenten Dinner, all in support of OCMC
Sunday, March 12th
5-8 PM
Learn about Orthodox Christian Mission Center's (OCMC) incredible missionary efforts around the world and hear from our amazing guest speakers. Registration is required, and table reservations are for 10. All proceeds benefit OCMC.
Sign up at www.ocmc.org/Oakland-Dinner to secure your spot by March 10th.
Vespers Service, Program & Lenten Dinner, all in support of OCMC
Sunday, March 12th
5-8 PM
Learn about Orthodox Christian Mission Center's (OCMC) incredible missionary efforts around the world and hear from our amazing guest speakers. Registration is required, and table reservations are for 10. All proceeds benefit OCMC.
The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) works to spread the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ throughout the world. We are all called to participate in this mission. You are invited to help this sacred effort by supporting the work of OCMC. Please join us on March 12th and listen to the witness of missionaries Dan Christopulos and Anastasia Pamela Barksdale. If you are unable to attend, please make a donation to OCMC. Refer to the flyer for more information.
Sign up at www.ocmc.org/Oakland-Dinner to secure your spot by March 10th.
Archpastoral Visit of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros
9th Hour & Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
Wednesday, March 1st
6 PM - Reception to Follow
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will visit the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension and preside at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. Please join us in prayer and worship for this beautiful Lenten service. A reception and meal will be offered after the service along with the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and welcome His Eminence to our community. Learn more about Archbishop Elpidophoros’ visit to Northern California here.
9th Hour & Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
Wednesday, March 1st
6 PM - Reception to Follow
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will visit the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension and preside at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. Please join us in prayer and worship for this beautiful Lenten service. A reception and meal will be offered after the service along with the opportunity to enjoy fellowship and welcome His Eminence to our community. Learn more about Archbishop Elpidophoros’ visit to Northern California here.
Annual Youth Program Brunch and Survey
Beloved Ascension Community,
Over the past six months, you and your families have participated in many youth program activities. This has been due to the hard work and prayerful effort of our Youth Council which was formally instituted in 2021 and has been working to attend to the needs of children in our community. The Youth Council has conducted extensive research with our youth and families to put forward the following age-appropriate program for growing in the Orthodox faith…
Beloved Ascension Community,
Over the past six months, you and your families have participated in many youth program activities. This has been due to the hard work and prayerful effort of our Youth Council which was formally instituted in 2021 and has been working to attend to the needs of children in our community. The Youth Council has conducted extensive research with our youth and families to put forward the following age-appropriate program for growing in the Orthodox faith:
Infant/Toddler: Provides an easy path for new and existing parents to introduce Orthodoxy to their children, and a welcoming and supportive environment to explore the ministries, events, and traditions of the community.
Preschool: Allows young families to firmly root their preschoolers in Ascension life and community with age-appropriate programming and activities to strengthen connections and sustain engagement.
Elementary: Reinforces fellowship, friendship, community and heritage through activities that prioritize church, spirituality, and character for elementary school kids while supporting them on their journey of discovering the Orthodox faith.
Middle School: Creates the chance to bond with kids of the same age and older, the opportunity for self-expression, and the ability to shine while learning about God's teachings in a loving and fun environment.
High School: Provides a forum for connecting with God, making memories, building friendships and finding ways to make a difference while seeking guidance in relation to Orthodoxy and daily life.
We invite you to join us!
We are actively recruiting parish members to help with our 2023-2024 youth programs, commencing JULY 1. We welcome you to join us to learn more about this initiative at our Youth Council Workshop Brunch on Saturday, March 4th at 9:00 am. The attached flyer has the radiant faces of all our Youth Council co-leaders that have volunteered their time and energy to enrich the lives of all of the children in our community. Please RSVP at ascensionyouthcouncil@gmail.com by February 25th.
We value your opinion!
We need your assistance to make our youth programs even better. Please share your feedback by completing a 5-minute survey. This is your opportunity to provide input that will help guide the strategic direction as we plan for next year. All responses are completely anonymous.
We thank you for making your child's relationship with Christ a priority.
In Christ,
Ascension Youth Council
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension
4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602
"Let it Shine" 2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & 52 Annual Christmas Concert
2nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting - 52nd Christmas Concert
Ascension Community,
Although we're anticipating a rainy Saturday, we will be moving ahead with our 2nd Annual Tree Lighting and 52nd Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 3rd!
Just a little change: If it does rain, all of our outdoor Tree Lighting activities--including our meal, crafts, and service project--will take place inside in the Oakland Room/Gym this year. Then, prior to the Christmas Concert, we will go outside under the awning to light our Christmas Tree, sing Christmas Carols together, and then our Carolers will then lead us into the Cathedral for our annual Christmas Concert!
One Evening, Two Wonderful Events
Tree Lighting & Family Activities
4:30 PM Outside (or, in the case of rain, in the Oakland Room)
Casual pizza dinner, snacks, crafts, service project, good-will offerings, carols, fellowship and more.
Be here no later than 6:20, if you want to see the Tree Lighting and sing carols
Tree Lighting will be immediately followed by our annual Holiday Concert
$10 Suggested Donation
Holiday Concert
7 PM in the Cathedral
Ascension Liturgical Choir
Kairos Youth Choir, YPSO
Members & Special Guests
Free Will Offering
Reception in the Oakland Room to Follow the Concert
We wish you a joyful Nativity Season filled with every blessing!
Ascension to Host Metropolitan Gerasimos on the Occasion of His Name Day
The Clergy and Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco are invited to join in prayer for the celebration of the Feast of Saint Gerasimos of Cephalonia and the Feast Day of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.
The Clergy and Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco are invited to join in prayer for the celebration of the Feast of Saint Gerasimos of Cephalonia and the Feast Day of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
6:00 p.m. Great Vespers
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
999 Brotherhood Way
San Francisco, CA 94132
Reception to follow
Thursday, October 20, 2022
8:30 a.m. Orthros
10:00 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral
4700 Lincoln Avenue
Oakland, CA 94602
Reception to follow
Hronia Polla – Many Years, Your Eminence!
IOCC Food & Wine Tour
Come experience wine and food samplings from around the world. Bring your appetite and celebrate IOCC's 30th year of service!
Tickets and sponsorships at iocc.org/bayarea
Come experience wine and food samplings from around the world. Bring your appetite and celebrate IOCC's 30th year of service!
Tickets and sponsorships at iocc.org/bayarea
Trunk or Treat - Sunday October 30th
First Annual Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 30th! Learn more and sign up your car here.
Ascension Youth Council is excited to host this parish-wide Trunk or Treat event. Your help is needed!
What is Trunk or Treat?
Families decorate the trunks of their vehicles in themed decor in one central location, in this case, the Ascension Cathedral front parking lot, near the fountain. Children “trick or treat” by going from car trunk to car trunk rather than going door to door at houses. Everyone is invited to dress in costume and join the fun!
We need volunteers to decorate the trunks of their vehicles and provide candy OR volunteer for activity stations to make this event happen. There are a ton of great Trunk or Treat decorating ideas on Pinterest or a quick web search. Car themes can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like, but we ask that your decorations are family-friendly and not scary, so we ensure this event is fun for kids of all ages.
As this is a church community event, please follow the following guidelines:
Family-friendly, non-scary decorations and costumes
no blood or gore
no witches, ghosts, goblins, demons, vampires, werewolves, zombies, monsters or scary decor
no political statements
Get creative! If you'd like to incorporate a faith-based themed to your candy offerings, consider some of these ideas: Treats of the Faith Ideas
Tentative Event Schedule:
3:00-3:15 pm -- Event Setup, volunteer cars arrive onsite (Cars must be decorated by 3:45 pm)
4:00-6:00 -- Trunk or Treat open to families
6:00-6:30 pm -- Event Teardown
Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat
Join Orthodox Young Adults from across the West Coast for a Fall Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center. Young Adults from all Orthodox traditions are welcome to attend! We will spend time having discussions and fellowship at St. Nicholas Ranch, as well as visit and help the Sisters at the Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring with a work project and other engaging activities throughout the weekend.
Greetings Young Adults,
Join Orthodox Young Adults from across the West Coast for a Fall Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center. Young Adults from all Orthodox traditions are welcome to attend! We will spend time having discussions and fellowship at St. Nicholas Ranch, as well as visit and help the Sisters at the Monastery of the Life-Giving Spring with a work project and other engaging activities throughout the weekend.
Our theme will be "Mind, Body, and Soul: Our Journey to Wellness" as we discuss mental health, physical health, and spiritual health with our speakers, George Papageorge LMFT, Fr. Timothy Pavlatos LMFT, and Dr. Pericles Ioannides.
DATE: Friday, November 4 - Sunday, November 6, 2022
LOCATION: St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, Dunlap, CAEARLY REGISTRATION: By October 22
$150 for a Dorm Room (cabins with multiple bunk beds)
$190 for Double Occupancy Lodge Room (hotel style room with two queen beds)
$260 for Single Occupancy Lodge Room (hotel style room)
LATE REGISTRATION: After October 22
$170 for a Dorm Room (cabins with multiple bunk beds)
$210 for Double Occupancy Lodge Room (hotel style room with two queen beds)
$280 for Single Occupancy Lodge Room (hotel style room)
AGES: College Students & Young Adults ages 18-30's
ARRIVAL TIME: Arrivals beginning at 4:00pm on Friday
DEPARTURE TIME: 1:00pm on Sunday
RETREAT SPEAKERS: George Papageorge LMFT, Fr. Timothy Pavlatos LMFT, and Dr. Pericles Ioannides
THEME: "Mind, Body, and Soul: Our Journey to Wellness" as we discuss mental health, physical health, and spiritual health.
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN AT: https://gosfyouth.org/young-adult-fall-retreat
Attached is the flyer, please help spread the word!
I hope to see you all there, as these speakers are going to be amazing, and this is my favorite time of year at the Ranch!
8 Dates Marriage Program begins Thursday, October 13th
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries invites all married / engaged couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates Marriage program. This powerful relationship series presented for the third time is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries invites all married / engaged couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates Marriage program. This powerful relationship series presented for the third time is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Topics addressed including Conflict; Work and Money, Intimacy, Family, Spirituality, and much more. Any couple who wants to improve their communication and connection can benefit from this lively and evidence based program. Please register by October 8th as sessions begin Thursday, October 13th at 6:30 pm. Don’t miss this amazing program!
"Project Praise the Lord!" - Liturgical Music Practice for our Youth
Dear Ascension Parents,
I am writing to introduce myself to some who may not have met me, I'm Laura, the Director of Music at Ascension.
Last Sunday it was my pleasure to work with the third through 8th-grade students to begin learning the basics of singing and an anthem called "Praise the Lord” in the final 10 minutes of classes that day. So much enthusiasm in this group, and, you'll be pleased to know-much more than a joyful "noise"!
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord..."
Psalm 100
Dear Ascension Parents,
I am writing to introduce myself to some who may not have met me, I'm Laura, the Director of Music at Ascension.
Last Sunday it was my pleasure to work with the third through 8th-grade students to begin learning the basics of singing and an anthem called "Praise the Lord” in the final 10 minutes of classes that day. So much enthusiasm in this group, and, you'll be pleased to know-much more than a joyful "noise"!
The plan is to share this music in partnership with the choir in two weeks on Sunday, October 2, National Church Music Sunday as the hymn of preparation for communion. On this day we honor St. Romanos, the Melodist, and we remember those of blessed memory who have served as singers; our ministers of music.
As a part of this special day, it makes sense to pray for the future of music in our church, and to lift our spirits with these voices of hope, i.e. our children!
Here is the rehearsal & musical offering schedule for "Project Praise the Lord". We want to make it easy for you! I will be available on the next TWO Saturdays to work with students, some around basketball practices. Please note: We encourage your child to come to as many rehearsals as they are able, but don't stress! (While rehearsals are essential for growing in singing technique, this music may also be learned at home-see below).:
1. Saturday, September 24 - (Father Paris Hall)
10-10:20 AM (following girls' practice)
10:30-10:50 AM (before elementary school boys' practice)
11:00-11:20 AM (following middle school boys' practice)
2. Sunday, September 25 - Group excused during the liturgy to review the song with a choir member (or me)
3. Tuesday, September 27 - *Option to come to choir rehearsal for 1/2 hour from 7:15-7:45 PM
to sing this together as this is a partner song with the adult choir - Cathedral Loft (How cool is that?:-)
4. Saturday, October 1 - (Father Paris Hall)
10-10:20 AM (following girls' practice)
10:30-10:50 AM (before elementary school boys' practice)
11:00-11:20 AM (following middle school boys' practice)
*Come if you are able - a good opportunity to hear the whole piece from the choir loft. We promise fun and not too long!
In addition, please find the music score attached and an audio file for home review.
Again, please make whatever commitment is possible for your child at this time. Please reach out if you have questions.
We are excited to help our children develop this lifelong spiritual practice!
Yours in music,
Laura
Laura Kakis Serper
Ascension Cathedral of Oakland
Director of Choral Music
510-332-1108 (Text message best)
P.S. We will try our best to give several opportunities this year for those children who would like to serve in this way. From here, we may see about forming Ascension's Youth Choir with short-term tangible goals!
Family Movie Night - Friday, October 7th
Calling all families! Come and hang out with family and friends while supporting the Dance Ministry!
Join us on Friday, October 7th for a taco truck dinner (tacos, quesadillas, hot dogs) and to watch the movie Coco!
If you reserve your spot by October 1st the cost is $20 per person, children under 4 free. After October 1st, the price will be $25 per person. Snacks and treats for the movie will be sold separately.
Bring a blanket, a chair, and come build community and make memories!
