Agape - for Kindergarten and under
HOPE (Hellenic Orthodox Primary Education) & JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) - for 1st through 5th graders
We hope you'll get involved with our ministry here at St. Nicholas this year and feel free to invite your friends too!
For more information, please contact the church office at secretary@stnicksgoc.org.
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Leader: Lena Thames
Mission Statement: Our purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of how to love God, our neighbors and ourselves through topical studies of the Holy Scriptures, Holy Tradition and Holy Fathers. We cultivate unity with Him and each other as we learn how to apply this knowledge to our daily lives.
Goals: 1. Identify person or persons to substitute when facilitator is absent. 2. Establish protocol for notifying community of schedule of meetings. 3. Provide recommendations to Bookstore for materials used in study. 4. Explore ways to allow regular attendees a discount for materials used in study through the St. Nicholas Bookstore
Leader: Ed Ullom
Mission Statement: The mission of the annual St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is to provide the youth of ST. Nicholas an opportunity to learn, write, and speak about the Orthodox Faith, Church and heritage.
Goals: 1. Improve publicity in advance of the Oratorical Festival internally to encourage participation. 2. Develop plans to involve the entire Sunday School in Oratorical Festival events. 3. Secure funding for Camp Good Shepherd scholarships for Oratorical Festival finalists.
Leader: Ed Ullom
Mission Statement: The mission of the annual Father Savas Constantinou Memorial Family Mission Walk is to raise funds for Orthodox missionaries, seminarians, and local, national, and international charities. The walk participants include all Orthodox parishes in southeast Virginia.
Goals: 1. Formalize a replacement group for Boy Scouts who had been assisting. 2. Do more to engage the Orthodox Churches on the Peninsula. 3. Broaden speaker groups for the post-walk lunch.
Leaders: Danny Cook and Jack Jacovides
Mission Statement: Our mission is to gather men together from the community and beyond to study the Holy Scripture, to bond together in the Lord, and to serve in His Holy Church.
Goals: 1. Increase the number of men regularly attending meetings and events by 25%. 2. Raise money through the annual St. Nicholas Golf Tournament to support local, national, military and Orthodox charities as well as to provide scholarships for St. Nicholas families for college expenses and summer youth camps. 3. Develop a mentorship program to serve those of our community in need of counseling for retirement planning, budgeting, financial distress, and/or medical advice. 4. Provide fellowship with an annual kickoff party, Sunday football, Hockey Night, ODU Basketball, March Madness, Harbor Park BB and other activities. We will also host the annual Palm Sunday luncheon as well as the community picnic.
Leader: Elene Berwanger and Cheryl Tutko
Mission Statement: The mission of the Saint Nicholas Senior Luncheon is to provide senior Christians a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for members of our Parish ages 55 years and up with social, cultural, and spiritual experiences and interactions within an Orthodox Christian environment.
Goals: The goal of our Senior Lunch Ministry is to maintain an active lifestyle by meeting once a month to provide fellowship and lunch within the environment of our Orthodox faith.
Leaders: Georgia Kazakis and Carol Rothemich
Mission Statement: Seeking to bring to the St. Nicholas Parish, through a study of the lives of the saints, deeper understanding of what the aim of our Christian life truly is.
Goals: 1. For Fall 2025, I propose that the women of the Myrrhbearers Study Group make an offering to the community consisting of five (5) studies on a designated day each month from August through December that honor The Most Holy Theotokos and that reflect upon: The Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15), The Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8), The Holy Protection of the Theotokos (October 28), The Entrance of the Theotokos Into the Temple (October 21), The Conception of the Theotokos (December 9). This will be open to all members of the community not just women. 2. For Spring 2026, I propose something similar in format but focused on The Presentation of Our Lord.
Leader: Lydia Hull
Mission Statement: To teach those interested in Holy Orthodoxy the basic principles of the faith, to instill a vision for continued learning, to supply access to resources and to introduce newcomers to other Orthodox believers at St. Nicholas.
Goals: 1. Refine the 10 class sessions. 2. Bring more St. Nicholas members into the process of teaching seekers. 3. Refine the Ortho Praxis sessions both by having more of them and including other parish members.
Leaders: Danielle and Tony Quaranta
Mission Statement: Create a safe space for young people (ages 13-18) to engage and build relationships with their peers on the foundation of Christ and the Orthodox faith.
Goals: 1. At least 1 “Off-site” relationship building activity/semester 2. At least 1 service project per semester 3. Over half of regular attendees go to summer camp 4. Add 1-2 additional leaders who can help lead with us to create a group who can support GOYA
Leader: Alicia Kirman
Mission Statement: The St Nicholas Greeter ministry mission is to provide a positive, first contact with those entering the church during a service. The greeter’s responsibility is to ensure that a warm and genuine welcome is offered to all who enter the church, whether that person is a long-time parishioner, a new catechumen, or is visiting our parish for the first time.
Goals: 1. Recruit more volunteers 2. Find the best place to stand (inside the narthex or outside the doors) to be the first to greet people 3. Acquire “Greeter” nametags
Leader: Sara Wickard
Mission Statement: The St Nicholas Bookstore is a “not for profit”, parish sponsored bookstore selling new books, used books, book items, icons and other gifts to our parishioners and customers. Our mission is to be a resource for publications and items which proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, educate seekers and believers and preserve the Orthodox Faith and its traditions.
Goals: 1. Maintain neutral cash flow 2. To be open to customers on Sundays following the Divine Liturgy for one hour 3. To have in stock a minimum of 5 Orthodox study Bibles 4. To conduct an inventory in calendar year 2025 and obtain an inventory dollar value
Leader: Carol Rothemich
Mission Statement: The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discretion, courtesy and kindness. To help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fundraising efforts; and to promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources; to preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs; to promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.
Goals: 1. Continue to support our charitable offerings for our chosen local charities as well as our National and Metropolis obligations.
Leaders: Elena Bruno, Maria Maddox, Laura Todrovic
Mission Statement: To create a safe and supportive environment where young people (Grades pre-K through 5th grade) can explore their faith, build relationships, and discover their purpose. To help youth develop a deeper understanding of the Eastern Orthodox faith and a personal relationship with God.
Goals: 1. having monthly meetings 2. focus activities and crafts that connect the Bible and Orthodox ideals to the activity 3. communicate plans via the weekly Church bulletin and emails 4. Reach out to new families in the church 5. Participate in the annual Ministry Fair 6. Communicate with the Sunday School teachers about upcoming events so they can share with their parents and students
Leader: Katina Vassiliou
Mission Statement: Our purpose is to provide refuge and fellowship for the young moms of the St. Nicholas community through simple events which are conducive to making connections and promote supporting one another on the journey through motherhood as an Orthodox Christian. Our ministry is geared to those who are currently raising children in their homes, however, we welcome all young women of the St. Nicholas community who are interested in joining.
Goals:
Leader: Despina Zakos
Mission Statement: To foster a deep appreciation and understanding of the Greek language and culture, enriching our knowledge of history, literature and philosophy and ultimately expanding our global perspective and communication skills.
Goals:
Leader: Leslie Ullom
Mission Statement: We will educate our students with the fundamental knowledge of the Orthodox Christian Faith, its message of salvation and our identity as Orthodox Christians. Our mission is to equip students with the ability to practice their Orthodox Faith in worship, prayer, and action.
Goals:
Leader: Peter Vassiliou
Mission Statement: The Altar Boy Ministry is about growing in faith, learning to serve, and building brotherhood. Guide young men to take an active role in the life of the Church by serving at the Holy Altar with reverence and responsibility. Through service, we grow closer to Christ, support one another, and carry on the rich traditions of our Orthodox faith.
Goals: 1. Maintain Order and Reverence in the Altar: To ensure that the altar boys serve with focus, respect, and discipline, helping preserve the sanctity and order of the Divine Liturgy and other sacred services. 2. Strengthen Communication and Attendance: To establish a consistent rotation and attendance system by appointing a dedicated parent (Altar Mom or Coordinator) to oversee weekly scheduling and confirm which boys will be serving. 3. Provide Clear Guidance for New Participants: To designate a parent as the point of contact for families of boys interested in joining the ministry. All inquiries will be directed through this parent to ensure appropriate guidance, readiness, and parental involvement before a boy begins serving.
Leader: Presbytera Nicole Mot
Mission Statement: The Chant ministry’s mission is to use our voices to Glorify God by learning the hymnology of the church according to the Byzantine musical system. By learning the hymns and sacraments of the church the lay person is able to participate in congregational singing to magnify worship. The class also helps to equip and advance those whose vocation may be to chant, continuing to use their talents to the Glory of God.
Goals: 1. Growth with consistency and commitment of attendees 2. To become familiar with the basic melody of all 8 modes including apechimas 3. Learn the hymns of the sacraments, beginning with the funeral service 4. To equip the group with enough confidence to sing a hymn on their own without assistance 5. Find/develop a leadership successor prior to August 2026
Leader: Tom Thames
Mission Statement: Our mission as cantors is to lead and cue the responses of the congregation so that as a community we may raise our voices in a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Goals: 1. Ensure that there is one or more experienced cantors available for all church services. 2. Be able to lead the congregation in both Greek and English for the eight Resurrectional apolytikions as well as the apolytikions of the major feast days 3. Develop at least one additional cantor per year
Leader: Stella Jacovides
Mission Statement: The St Nicholas Welcome Committee Host Ministry was created for the purpose of encouraging Orthodox fellowship amongst our brethren. The “liturgy following the Liturgy”. Providing food and drink for all people is a way of welcoming guests into our home. This way, the Church feeds the body, the soul and the community spirit.
We ought to be aware that the church building is at all times the house of God, the special sanctuary where Orthodox Christians gather to present themselves before God for prayer and worship. Even when services are not being held, it behooves us to be properly reverent in the church and thus speak, move, and sit with conscious respect. Here are some directions regarding church etiquette and customs.
Attire
In all the areas of our lives, we should offer Christ our best. The same is true of our dress. We should offer Christ our “Sunday best,” not our everyday street clothing. We should dress neatly and modestly, not in a flashy way that would bring attention to ourselves, and not in a provocative way that might arouse temptation. Our dress in church should always be that which is becoming to a pious Christian.
Children
We welcome children into our church with open arms. We encourage families to bring their children so that they will be exposed to Orthodox Christianity from a young age and become part of our church family. Our little ones may not be able to sit for the entirety of services, or may need to be fed or changed, or may become fussy or cry. Parents are advised to use their judgment during such moments and remove the child from the church until his behavior will no longer be disruptive.
Punctuality
The time to arrive at church is before the Divine Liturgy starts. If you arrive after the service begins, please follow the guidelines below so that your entrance does not interrupt the service. The best way to avoid entering the church at an inappropriate time is to arrive early.
Lighting Candles
Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship. Each act of lighting is a form of prayer. It is customary to light a candle when one arrives at the church. There are times during the Divine Liturgy, though, when candles should not be lighted: during the epistle and gospel readings, the small and great entrances, the sermon, and the anaphora (prayer of consecration).
Venerating Icons
It is customary to venerate (kiss) the holy icons upon entering the church. This is one way that we worship our Lord and greet the saints of ages past. There are icons in the narthex and in the nave (main part). When venerating an icon, especially the principal icons, it is customary to make three reverences. In other words, one makes a sign of the cross three times followed each time by a prostration, or low bow, and then kissing the icon once. It is not proper to kiss an icon on the face, but rather the hand is kissed. If you are wearing anything on your lips, be careful not to get it on the icon.
Cell Phones
Cellular telephones must be silenced before entering the Church so as not to disturb other worshipers.
When not to Enter the Church
After the Divine Liturgy has begun, you should not enter the nave of the church at these points in the service:
If you arrive after the service begins, enter the church quietly and observe what is happening. If any of these actions is taking place, wait until it is finished and then quickly find a seat.
Making the Sign of the Cross
Anyone who has looked around during the services will notice that people cross themselves at different times (and sometimes in different ways). To a certain extent, the timing for crossing oneself is a matter of personal piety and is not an issue of dogma. But, there are times when it is proper to cross oneself and times when one should not.
When to cross oneself:
When not to cross oneself:
Crossing Legs
The crossing of legs suggests a kind of self-confidence or a lack of proper mindfulness not appropriate to prayer and worship. It is proper to sit straight when in the pews.
Leaving the Church
Leaving the church before dismissal deprives one of a blessing. Worship has a beginning, “Blessed is the Kingdom…”, and an end, “Let us depart in peace…” The best time to leave is when the congregation goes forward to receive the antidoron (blessed bread).
Father John was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in a vibrant Greek Orthodox home. His mother, a native of Kos, Greece, and his father, an iconographer, instilled in him a love for the Orthodox Christian Faith from an early age. His childhood was steeped in prayer, Bible study, and theological dialogue, with icons adorning every corner of their home. By the age of ten, Father John’s heart was set aflame with faith—a flame that his parents faithfully nurtured, preparing him to one day make the Faith his own.
Baptized and raised at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Lancaster, Father John was deeply shaped by the leadership and spiritual guidance of Father Alexander Veronis. His youth was marked by enriching experiences: dynamic spiritual retreats, youth choir, Bible studies, and summers at Camp Nazareth in western Pennsylvania. It was in this environment that Father John first sensed a calling to the Holy Priesthood at the age of thirteen.
Excelling in English, literature, and public speaking during high school, Father John graduated as Valedictorian before earning a B.A. in English with a minor in History from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. A pivotal moment in his college years was meeting his future wife, Miss Karen DiLorenzo. Soon after, he moved to Boston to attend Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1990. Father John and Presbytera Karen were married in 1985 and began their life of ministry and service together.
Following seminary, Father John served as Youth Director at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Churches in Wilmington, Delaware, and Canton, Ohio. In Wilmington, he was also active in the Delaware Valley Youth Commission of the Metropolis of New Jersey. Later, while teaching English and Rhetoric at the University of Akron and Malone College, Father John supported his family through various jobs—including house painting, pizza delivery, newspaper reporting, and taxi driving—while remaining deeply involved in church life, chanting, youth work, and Metropolis retreats.
His return to full-time ministry came when he accepted the role of Director of Religious Education and Youth Director at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Richmond, Virginia, where he joyfully served under Father Nicholas Bacalis. During this fruitful period, Father John was ordained to the Diaconate on November 25, 2001, in his home parish of Lancaster by His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos, and to the Holy Priesthood on December 1, 2002, at the Cathedral by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. He faithfully served the Richmond community for twelve years until December 2011.
In January 2012, Father John was blessed to become the fourth Proistamenos (presiding priest) of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Under his pastoral leadership, the parish has more than doubled in size, blossoming into a dynamic, spirit-filled community known for its warmth, hospitality, and active ministries. Parish life has flourished through expanded youth programs, vibrant liturgical life, neighborhood adoption, and a renewed sense of stewardship and involvement.
Presbytera Karen, a devoted partner in ministry, works as a registered nurse in the emergency department at Chesapeake Regional Hospital and continues her involvement in medical missions to Guatemala. Together, they have been blessed with four children and twelve grandchildren who are the joy of their lives. Deanna is a James Madison University graduate and nurse who lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband Nick and their children Jocelyn, Kalliope, and Dionysios. Thomas, also a James Madison University and Holy Cross graduate (Master of Divinity), currently serves as the Proistamenos at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Chantilly, Virginia. He and his wife Elizabeth, along with their sons Vasilios and Athanasios, bring a wealth of missionary and youth ministry experience to their parish. Sarah, a graduate of Mary Washington College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, Father Savvas (Mark) Mandeville, and their children Marina, Dimitrios, and another little one on the way. Nicholas, a Hampden-Sydney College and Holy Cross graduate (Master of Divinity), serves as the Proistamenos at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Lorain, Ohio. He and his wife Demetra are the proud parents of John, Eleutheria, Sophronia, and Noah.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Father John has contributed written works to the life of the Church and looks forward to continuing his publications. He and Presbytera Karen anticipate many joyful years ahead—caring for grandchildren, traveling to visit their growing family, and embracing the countless blessings God continues to provide.
With grateful hearts, they consider themselves richly blessed to serve both God and His Church. Their prayer remains steadfast: to live in good health, with peace of mind and spirit, giving glory to God for all things.
"Glory to God for all things!"
Meet the Priest
Father John
Mission Statement
To proclaim, preserve, and practice the Orthodox Christian faith, to glorify God, to serve our community, and grow our Parish, for the Salvation of all.
Vision
Our Vision for St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is to serve as a vibrant, growing, diverse and welcoming community, deeply rooted in the Orthodox Christian faith, actively fostering spiritual growth through traditional worship practices, robust education, and compassionate outreach, aiming to be a beacon of love, hope, and unity within our broader community, while faithfully preserving and transmitting the rich heritage of the Orthodox tradition to future generations.
[List of Parish Council Members]
First Last Name
email@stnicksgoc.org
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We welcome you in our Church family!
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a vibrant community of men and women from every background and age. The Church family continally searches for dynamic ways to serve the Lord, manifest the light of Christ to the world and try to address the needs of all of God's people. St. Nicholas faithfully comes together at the Divine Liturgy every Sunday "In Person", or "Online" to worship the Lord; and in this light discover the manner and means by which to better know Him and do His will.
Sunday Services:
Orthros: 8:15 a.m.
Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.
Open Prayer:
Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
621 First Colonial Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-422-5600
Online donations coming soon!
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Good afternoon St. Nicholas family!
We are blessed today with many online resources for our Orthodox Christian faith available in the English language. Please use these links below as opportunities to learn, to connect to liturgical services around the world, and to listen to Orthodox music. Included are also links to podcasts, prayers, and services that you can pray at home.
These are great resources to help you cultivate your "little church" at home!
Resource list:
1. Regularly updated list of resources including ways to stream online services, resources for children, and reflections on managing stress and anxiety.
http://myocn.net/5-ways-to-unite-with-faith-over-fear/
2. Daily Orthodox scripture & saint readings
3. Orthodox prayers
https://www.goarch.org/chapel/prayers
4. Orthodox services - if you'd like to pray the Akathist or Paraklesis, for example
https://www.goarch.org/chapel/texts
5. Excellent resource of Orthodox articles, writings of the saints, and lives of saints. Includes articles organized by topic.
https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/
6. Orthodox podcasts and blogs
7. Streaming Orthodox music and Orthodox radio
https://www.ancientfaith.com/radio
8. Video resources on Orthodoxy
https://www.youtube.com/user/y2am/
9. Streaming services from Orthodox monasteries (services in English)
https://www.youtube.com/user/EllwoodCityChapel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ-sqeQbmgzrL0t8uFJm4Ew
Saturday, April 20
Lazarus Saturday/Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.
Sunday, April 21
Palm Sunday
Orthros 8:45 a.m./Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.
Bridegroom 6 p.m.
Monday, April 22
Bridegroom - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 23
Bridegroom - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 24
Presanctified Liturgy
Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.
Holy Unction - 6 p.m.
Thursday, April 25
Divine Liturgy - 10 a.m.
12 Gospel Service - 6 p.m.
Friday, April 26
Great Hours - 10 a.m.
Decent from The Cross - 3 p.m.
Lamentations - 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 27
Divine Liturgy - 10 a.m.
Orthros & Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection - 11:15 p.m.
Sunday, April 28
GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA
Agape Service - 11a.m.
Wednesday, March 27
Presanctified Liturgy - 6 p. m. – 7 p.m.
Dinner at 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Offering Ourselves to God – 7:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Friday, March 29
3rd Salutations to the Theotokos - 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 31
Sunday of the Holy Cross
Orthros - 8:45 a.m./Divine Liturgy - 10 a.m.
Monday, April 1
Compline - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 3
Presanctified Liturgy - 6 p.m.
Dinner at 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Remembrance: Experiencing the Past Now
7:30 p.m.– 8:15 p.m.
Friday, April 5
Vespers/4thSalutations to the Theotokos – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 7
Sunday of St. John Climacus
Orthros - 8:45 a.m.
Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m.
Monday, April 8
Compline - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 10
Presanctified Liturgy - 6 p. m. – 7 p.m.
Dinner at 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Receiving: How to Be in Communion –
7:30 p.m.– 8:15 p.m.
Friday, April 12
Akathist Hymn - 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 14
Saint Mary of Egypt
Orthros - 8:45 a.m./Divine Liturgy - 10 a.m.
LENT BEGINS
Monday, March 11
Great Canon I - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13
Presanctified Liturgy - 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Dinner at 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
“Fasting & Feasting: The Cycle of the Church – 7:30 p.m.– 8:15 p.m.
*Friday, March 15 – Annunciation (Norfolk)
1st Salutations to the Theotokos - 6:30 p.m.
*Saturday, March 16 – Annunciation (Norfolk)
Saturday of Souls - 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, March 17
Sunday of Orthodoxy
Orthros - 8:45 a.m./Divine Liturgy - 10 a .m.
Vespers – Pan-Orthodox 6 p.m. (St. Basil)
Monday, March 18
Compline - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20
Presanctified Liturgy - 6 p. m. – 7 p.m.
Dinner at 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Prayer & Worship – 7:30 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Friday, March 22
2nd Salutations To The Theotokos - 6 p.m.
Sunday, March 24
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Orthros - 8:45 a.m./Divine Liturgy - 10 a.m.
Vespers – Eve of the Feast –
Annunciation (Norfolk) 6 p.m.
Monday, March 25
Feast of Annunciation – Annunciation (Norfolk) 8:30 a.m.
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