St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-09-20
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St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 619-593-0707
  • Street Address:

  • 1454 Jamacha Rd.

  • El Cajon, CA 92019-3752


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Saturday Vespers

5:00 PM

Sunday Liturgies

9:00AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

 

Parish Calendar:  http://saintgregoryofnyssa.org/parish-calendar

Follow Us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StGregoryGOC


Past Bulletins


Parish Calendar

  • Upcoming Week

    September 20 to September 27, 2026

    Sunday, September 20

    Sunday after Cross

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Monday, September 21

    1:00PM Prayers at Carroll's

    1:45PM Prayers at Orangewood

    Tuesday, September 22

    6:00PM Catechism and Prayer with Bryan Bosch

    Wednesday, September 23

    Conception of St. John the Baptist

    9:00AM Great Doxology and Liturgy

    Thursday, September 24

    6:30PM St. Spyridon’s Men’s Group - Fr. Simeon Guest Speaking

    Friday, September 25

    12:00PM RJ Donovan Prison

    6:00PM Vesperal Liturgy for the Falling asleep of St. John the Evangelist

    Saturday, September 26

    4:00PM Catechism Class: Live at Church

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    6:00PM Confessions, Compline with Prayers of Preparation

    Sunday, September 27

    1st Luke

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy



Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 2:16-20

Brethren, knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no one be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we ourselves were found to be sinners, is Christ then an agent of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again those things which I tore down, then I prove myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.


Gospel Reading

Sunday after Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."




Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Seventh Tone

By Your cross, O Lord, You shattered death; to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the Myrrhbearers' lamentation, and commanded Your Apostles to proclaim that You arose, Christ our God, granting to the world Your great mercy.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Holy Cross in the First Tone

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth.

Apolytikion for Martyr Eustathius and His Companions in the Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion for the Church in the First Tone

You were shown to have holy vigilance. And your piety was manifest in your teachings, O Hierarch Gregory. For the wisdom of your sacred dogmas gives joy to the fullness of the Church. Righteous Father, to Christ our God do intercede to grant our souls His great redeeming mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

Do Thou, who of thine own good will wast lifted up upon the Cross, O Christ our God, bestow thy bounties upon the new nation which is called by thy name. Make glad in thy might those who lawfully govern, that with them we may be led to victory over our adversaries, having in thine aid a weapon of peace and a trophy invincible.


Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
St. Bede the Venerable
Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century



Welcoming our Catechumens!

We joyfully welcome and introduce our current group of catechumens—men and women who are prayerfully preparing to enter the fullness of the Orthodox Church through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, and the Eucharist.

As they journey toward illumination and full communion with Christ and His Church, each catechumen is seeking a sponsor (godparent): a faithful, practicing Orthodox Christian who will walk alongside them with prayer, encouragement, and the witness of a godly life.

If you feel called to support one of these dear souls on this sacred journey of faith, please speak to Fr. Simeon or Luke Mellos (Catechumen director) after the Divine Liturgy.   Your willingness to serve as a sponsor can make a profound and eternal difference in their lives and in our parish family.

Andres Becerra

Nick Castillo

Jason Chamberlin

AJ Creer

Goga Darbinyan

Brenda Guzman

Adriana Maldonado

Sophie Maio

Renee Miller

Fabio Morales

Adelina Moran

Damien Moran

Alexei Pawlowski

Alonzo Ramos

Ceasar Reyna

Sean Rigdon

Noah Roberson

Ryan Thompson

Raul Ulloa

Sebastian Vaiasuso

Cesar Villanueva

Brandon Vriens

In our Prison Ministry: Skylor Sallee, Edward Scaroni, Levi Young

Newly Illumined! : Travis Lazaros Hopkins, Jason Andrew Lampley



Philoptochos News

We are happy to announce that the upcoming general meeting of the St. Olympia branch of the Philoptochos will be on Saturday, October 17, 10:30 to 12:00pm in the church hall. Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a member to attend. 

The Philoptochos is the charitable arm of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. If helping your Parish and serving the poor is important to you, you are welcome to attend. There will be brunch, catching up, important announcements, and a couple of changes. 

We will also discuss ways that you can get involved to the extent that works for you, both within your Parish and our community. We need you, and hope to see you there. 

Coffee Hour, Connection, & Fellowship

Today's coffee hour is hosted by the Mellis family. Thank you!

To help keep this ministry sustainable and enjoyable for all, we encourage individuals, families, ministries, and groups to consider sponsoring together. Sharing the responsibility allows more members of our community to participate while ensuring this beautiful tradition continues for years to come. To sponsor an upcoming Coffee Hour, please add your name to the sign-up poster in the fellowship hall. Questions? Contact Ana Nosal at (619) 750-4610.

Decorated Icons
Commemorate a Feast Day or honor a loved one by offering a decorated icon to be displayed at the altar for veneration. A suggested donation of $25-$65 may be made to St. Gregory's Ladies Philoptochos. To reserve a decorated icon, please contact Olga Stephens at (619) 980-9124.



Tithes and Offerings

2026 Stewardship Progress  

Stewardship Pledged to Date: $161,013

2026 Annual Budget: $333,102

2026 Offerings: $220,684 

2026 Remaining Need: ($112,418)

Please "let us attend”

let us support and let us be faithful in prayer and generosity. 

Support your Church!

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Facility Repair Update:

We are making steady progress toward our $5,000 goal to repair the water leak under our parking lot and upgrade the audio-visual systems for our beautiful Temple. Every single contribution helps us protect our grounds and enhance our worship experience together.

Please consider making a donation today to help us cross the finish line!

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Flyers & Inserts



Prayer List

Living: Fr. John Ballard, Aunt Betty (Sara’s), Benjamin, Richard Carpenter (Luke’s Dad), Hector Gonzales (Sam’s Dad), Fr. John Kariotakis, Marion Demos, Jorge Mendoza (Paola’s Father), Brittany and Baby, Ashley and her Mother Yung, Carrie, Julia and Mimi, Sebastian, Jana Crawford, Michael Roach, Torfinn H., Libby Diamond, Elaine Panos, Jesus Ramirez, Brittany, Dolas, Amanda, Niko, Shawn, Gregory, Alejandra, Julia, DeAnn, Jim, Mindy, Cynthia, Aurora Ruiz, Melinda, Fr. Michael, For all those suffering in times of war (Ukraine and the Middle East), Patti Diaz, Valerie, Raydeen and Family, Jim and Kathleen Mathew’s, Herman, Ward, Jacque Gamboa, Marianne, Tamara, Stamati, Elanora, Joanna Jacob, Virginia, Derek, Hugito, Liam Michael Gardener (Ysadora’s News by Grandson), Valerie, Augustine, Janet, Ben, Trevonia Jones-Blacknall,Ben, Katherine Cripe, Jesus and Giselle (Amanuel’s Parents), Daniela, Josephine, Gregory, Roberto Rojas, Bryan Jones, Juan Bowles, Suzette, Maria Cacho, Costa, Michelle, Gail, Irene, Jeanne Leventis, Larry Roach, Olympia, Adrianne, Leilani, Frank, Pamela McVey (Gaye’s Sister), Kyriako, Dora, Elaine, Anastasia, Efstratia (Honey), Kristen, Lititia, Diana, TrixAnna, Ortans (Nellie’s Mom in Syria), Elias and Hanna Meamari (Issa’s Folks), Joanne Nichols, Michaila, Barbara Anderson (Fr. Michael’s Mom), Debby, Trevor, Ripley, Ljlijana, Deeann, Gino Volvo, Levi, Hannah, Dick, Kelly, Nicolas, Karen, Susan, Mandy, Melissa, Demetra, Gaye, Maria Olga, Kathern and the Rogers Family, John Findel, Lisa Kotitsa, Christine Fanos, Elizabeth and Jamie Terris, Magdalyn, Darin Williams, Cathy Jean Alexander, Our Monasteries and Monastics.

Asleep in the Lord: Aunt Betty (Sara’s), Bill Robinett, Ioakim Vasiliadis, Marion Demos, Deacon Barsoum, John Andriopulos, William “Sonny” Jackson and Andrew Shih (Ashley’s Dad and Stepdad), NJ Aristo, Barry, Charles Tessendore, Justin Flowers, Deacon Michael, Theodore Ioannides, Sannie Sue Wurts (Ana’s Grandma), Elsie Elizabeth Avalon, Ron Lauher, Angelos(Kleanthis) Synodinos, Margaret Jane Lampley, John Meneley, Eddy Aradando, Helen (Andrea’s Mom), Arthur Corona (Father’s Dad), Craig Johnston, Demetri Sideropoulos, Tom Crowell, Suzy Duarte, Georgia Swisher, Kosta Stephens, Nick Paschalydis and John Manos Senior, Maria, Keren Corona, Tony Christodolou, Mavis, Eleni, Anastasia and Photini, Michael Piliaris, Maria Angela Escobar (Sam’s Grandma), “Beba” Evangeline (Jim’s Godmother), Ralph Scott Grasser (Magdalene’s Brother), Baker Cleveland, Vernon Rogers, Despina Sidiropoulos, Nikki Delgado, Tom Ward, Nick Kromydas, Michael (Fr. Josef’s Godfather), Nancy Fox, Angelo Laliotitis, Hallie Friday, Don (Iakovos) Rylander, Charlie Canby, Joan Kuhn, Janis Manos, Michael Angeles, Iris Daglas, Stavros, Sophia, Andonis, Stevroula Metaxas, Doug Burleigh,  Fr. Panayiotis Leventis and Presvytera Despina Leventis,  Leul and Maria, Celia, Tula (Demetra) Nicholas, Shirley Nash, Michael Counce, Maria Damala, Don and Sally Farr, Thomas Crowell, Eleftheria, Deiter (Fr. Josef’s Father), Susan (sister of Lisa Kotitsa), William (Bill) Diamond, Mary Mckinn, Maria, Merissa, Madeline (Olga’s Sister), Michelle (Olga’s Cousin), Partheni, Sue Lubinski, Daniel Delgado, Teneus Partheni Baptiste, Steve, Mario, Fr. George Larin, Randolph (Ysadora’s Uncle), Fr. Emanuel Lillios, James Pappas (Dr. Socrates Cousin), Khouria Dina and Eliana Maria Bahou, Mary Koulaxes, Christopher Pekos, Peter Karalambas, John Pertides, Calomira, James (Demetrius) Mastorakis, Evang.elina, Warren Cormier, Margie (Mary) Brock, Soteria (Bunny) Angeles, (Haralambos) Polis, Athina, Mark Mellis, Heidi, Presvytera Kay Eftathiu, Alexandra, Nicole, Kenn, Archdeacon Joe, Nicholay, Maria Elena, John Angeles, Emanuel, Irene Cantos, Joanne, James and Marika Deemas, Georgia (Sophie) Deemas, George Deemas, Antone (Tony) Broodrookas, Barbara and Patrick Easley, Arthur and Christine Gonos, John, Angelo, Tom Hyatt, Morgan, Bonnie, Salvador, William, Sarah Elizabeth, Penny (Laurie Paschalydis’ Sister), Efstratia Janis.

Please let Father know if you have any names that you would like to add to or that are ready to  remove from the list.

 



Saints and Feasts

September 20

Sunday after Holy Cross


September 20

Eustathius the Great Martyr, his wife and two children

The holy Martyr Eustathius before his baptism was an illustrious Roman general named Placidas in the days of the Emperor Trajan. While hunting in the country one day, he was converted to the Faith of Christ through the apparition of an uncommonly majestic stag, between whose antlers he saw the Cross of Christ, and through which the Lord spoke to him with a human voice. Upon returning home, he learned that his wife Tatiana had also had a vision in which she was instructed to become a Christian. They sought out the Bishop of the Christians and were baptized, Placidas receiving the name Eustathius, and Tatiana the name Theopiste; their two sons were baptized Agapius and Theopistus. The family was then subjected to such trials as Job endured. Their servants died, all their goods were stolen, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were scattered abroad, each not even knowing if the others were still alive. By the providence of God, they were united again after many years, and returned to Rome in glory. Nevertheless, when they refused to sacrifice to the idols-a public sacrifice from which no Roman general could be absent-the Emperor Hadrian, who had succeeded Trajan, had them put into a large bronze device in the shape of a bull, which was heated with fire until they died. When their holy bodies were removed, they were found to be without harm. They suffered martyrdom about the year 126.


September 20

Our Righteous Father Eustathius, Archbishop of Thessolonica


September 20

John the Foreigner


September 20

Hilarion the New Martyr of Crete


September 23

The Conception of St. John the Baptist

This came to pass fifteen months before the birth of Christ, after the vision of the Angel that Zacharias, the father of the Forerunner, saw in the Temple while he executed the priest's office in the order of his course during the feast of the Tabernacles, as tradition bears witness. In this vision, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias and said to him, "Thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John" (Luke 1:13). Knowing that Elizabeth was barren, and that both he and she were elderly, Zacharias did not believe what the Angel told him, although he had before him the example of Abraham and Sarah, of Hannah, mother of the Prophet Samuel, and of other barren women in Israel who gave birth by the power of God. Hence, he was condemned by the Archangel to remain speechless until the fulfilment of these words in their season, which also came to pass (Luke 1:7-24).




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