The Feast Day of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos - Saturday, September 8th
The celebration for the major feast day for the Nativity of the holy Theotokos will be celebrated this Saturday, September 8th with the Orthros starting at 9:00 AM and the Divine Liturgy to follow.
The Feast Day of the Exhaltation Of The Holy Cross
Friday, September 14th
Orthros starting at 9:00 AM and the Divine Liturgy to follow
The Procession of the Cross and the tray of basil will be offered on Sunday, September 16th so that all of our Sunday School children, teachers and all those present can observe and experience the procession.
This Sunday's Memorials
Voula Caparell - 40 Days
Joyce Deneris - 1 Year
Altar Server Team for Sunday, September 9, 2018
St. Demetrios: Captain: William (Vasilios) Gilpin, Theo Couris, Kosta Kalamaras, Basili (Will) Kalas, Nikos Kapetanios, Petros Kapetanios, Dean Lahanas
Seniors Gathering
Please join us Tuesday, September 11th at 11 AM. Lunch will be generously sponsored by Spero and Sam Tzathas in celebration of their mother, Christina Tzathas’s birthday, as well as others who celebrate their birthdays in September. If you are able to join us, please contact Cynthia Samarkos at (619)582–4109 or tedcynsam@cox.net so that we can make arrangements.
Sunday School
Dear Parents, Teachers and Sunday School Students,
Sunday School will resume classes this Sunday, September 9th. If you need additional information please contact Alina Kleinhenz or call the church office.
Ancient Wisdom & Modern Coffee
Sunday School class for adults (taught by Deacon Michael Kallas, MA, MDiv). Please join us as we follow the bible readings from Pascha to Pentecost to study the gospel according to St. John (Resumes Sunday, September 9th). We meet in the lounge immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Coffee and tea is provided. Please bring your bible.
Dance & Choral News
Practice resumes Sunday, September 9th! Please see below for each group’s practice time and location: Youth Choir: 12:20 pm - 1:00 pm in church; Limani (previously Delphinians): 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm in the GOYA room; Ionians: 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm in the GOYA room; Aegeans: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm in church hall; Hope to see you all there! -- Dance & Choral Board
News from Women of the Word
It is with great joy that we announce John & Janet Burgess as the receivers of our Summer Opportunity Drawing - a beautiful custom-tabbed Orthodox Study Bible and a copy of the book Thirty Steps to Heaven. All God’s blessings to them! Also, we will begin our group meetings and study of The Twelve Great Feasts this Wednesday, September 12th at 12 noon in the Education Building.Call In Bible Study
Presvytera Jeannie Constantinou is starting an all new, Call In Bible Study on Ancient Faith Radio starting next week. It will be called Search The Scriptures LIVE! It will air every Monday night at 5:00 pm Pacific/8:00 pm Eastern time. We will begin with a study of the Gospel of John.
If someone cannot listen live, the program will be available almost immediately (about an hour later) in recorded format and can be accessed at any point in the future at one's convenience. As you all know, this content is free and available on demand, just like any other program on AFR.
The link for this podcast is http://www.ancientfaith.com/radio/live. The previous podcast, Search the Scriptures, will continue and will be available as well. But this live version will air every week.
Philoptochos and Fellowship
We hope you continue to enjoy the long standing tradition of fellowship over the summer. Philoptochos is thankful for the continued support from all the families and organizations that offer every week. We kindly ask that you consider offering at least once per year, so think of name days, celebrations, memorials, fundraisers, etc. Offering fellowship should be kept simple (bagels, cream cheese, fruit and cookies) as it is a light snack to enjoy with family and friends following the Divine Liturgy. Therefore, the cost of fellowship should be approximately $100-$150 . You are also more than welcome to share your fellowship hour with another family or friend. Lastly, the donations collected from the coffee hour support our many ministries so please consider this when offering your donation
Please contact Christina Vassos at 619-818-6882 or cmvassos@gmail.com to see which dates are available. There is also a calendar in the hall. Thank you!
GOYA - Save the Date
GOYANS join us on Saturday, September 15th at La Jolla Shores Beach at 4:00 pm for a Beach party as we kick off the New Ecclesiastical year. GOYA will provide the pizzas for everyone. We are asking families to bring something (please see Sign Up-Genius) OR make a donation to Project Mexico (all donations will be collected that night). Your whole family is invited so please tell your parents and siblings. RSVP to Dimitri Gilpin at Dimitri.igilpin@gmail.com questions please call William Gilpin at 858-525-5649.
Save The Date - Philoptochos
Sunday September 23rd following the the Divine Liturgy please join us at the Philoptochos "Munchies, Mimosas and More" gathering. We are excited to share with you our Chapter calendar and important information so please plan on staying for this fun filled afternoon. Thank you.
Pan Arcadians Event Rescheduled
Due to unforeseen developments, the Arcadian Glendi, that was scheduled for September 29th, will have to be rescheduled. We will keep the community informed at the appropriate time. Thank you everyone for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated.
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Gala
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Gala Saturday, October 13, 2018.
WHEN
Saturday, October 13, 2018
6:00 p.m. to Midnight
WHERE
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
21500 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Buy Tickets Online Now at - https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eflyd6ile11e5512&oseq=&c=e81c3b90-08c6-11e6-8c94-d4ae528ed502&ch=ea056df0-08c6-11e6-8ca2-d4ae528ed502.
Hotel Reservations
Book Your Room Online Now at - https://book.passkey.com/gt/216369761?gtid=ec2afeb9ec8afe5f56a072fb1a005e3f.
A room block has been secured at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach for the Gala weekend. The hotel reservation deadline is September 12 - reserve your room today!
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Gala -
Honoring Extraordinary Leadership and Celebrating our Ministries - will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach, California.
At this Gala we will present the Theofanis Economidis Award to two distinguished stewards - Dr. James and Virginia Kallins - who have continually demonstrated their commitment to the church through their vision, generosity, and leadership.
Proceeds from the Gala will support the ongoing development and expansion of the Metropolis ministries which provide for the meaningful spiritual development of our clergy and faithful. This includes visionary programs in Family Wellness, Missions and Evangelism, Clergy Continuing Education, Church Music, and Youth Ministry among others.
For more information on the Gala or for assistance with purchasing tickets or making a donation, please call 415.753.3075 or email metropolis@sanfran.goarch.org.
Thank you for your support!
Please see the "Insert and Fliers" Section below for more information.
Save The Date
Saturday, October 27th “OXI” Dinner/Dance. AHEPA is Sponsoring our Greek school and other church ministries with this event. Enjoy the appetizers, cash bar, full dinner and dessert with table wine, auction, raffle and LIVE GREEK MUSIC! Tickets are $40 per person. There will be child care available for children 4 years old and up in the educational building with games and food at no cost. Children 12 years of age or older are welcomed to the event.
Save The Date!
Friday, November 2nd Hellenic Fairways Golf Tournament. Willowbrook Golf Course in Lakeside. Contact Rhad Brown for details or if you would like to volunteer. hellenicfairways@gmail.com.
Decorated Feast Day Icons
Philoptochos invites you and your family to commemorate a special Feast Day by offering a donation towards the cost of a beautifully decorated icon which will be displayed in the church Narthex for all to venerate. This offering, a floral adornment around the blessed icon, is a perfect way to honor both your family member(s) as well as an important day in the life of the Church. Throughout the liturgical year there are many opportunities to select a decorated icon, so please reserve your dates now. A suggested donation of $75 is much appreciated. Please contact Stella Weil at 4weils@sbcglobal.net or (858)694-0570 to reserve your icon/date or if you have any questions. Thank you.
Wed 9/26: Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian
Thurs 10/18: Luke the Evangelist
Tues 10/23: James the Apostle
Fri 10/26: St. Demetrios
Body Basics Parking Spaces
Please be reminded that one of our tenants, Body Basics, has been given permission to use two parking spaces off the alley near Park Blvd. on Sunday mornings. Please be respectful of that agreement and do not park in these two marked spaces on Sunday mornings. Please know that we are working diligently and moving forward to provide more parking for our church members. In the meantime, please pay attention to the signs marking the two spaces for Body Basics and do not block their customers from using those two designated spaces. Thank you.
Your Legacy and Your Church
...to whom much is given; from them much more is required (Luke 12:48).
Please remember to include your Saint Spyridon parish in your estate plan and bequest.
Program Description: Connect with the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries through social media to stay current with all the most recent news & events. We are all living and working in the mobile age, and the Metropolis Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is committed to building its presence on the internet. These sites serve as a unified place to connect our youth, young adults, clergy, youth workers, and parents throughout our very geographically diverse Metropolis. It will also be a place for everyone to share their ideas. Please be sure to check out these sites!
Receive Back 0.5% From “Amazon Smile” Foundation
We are pleased to announce, St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of San Diego now participates in AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets you enjoy the same wide selection of millions of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church. That’s right, every eligible purchase you or someone else makes at AmazonSmile 0.5% will be donated back to our parish!!!
Register by visiting AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) and select “St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church” before you make your first purchase (be sure to select St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church - San Diego, California). Amazon will remember your selection and each time a purchase is made AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% back to our parish.
For more information about AmazonSmile, go to http://smile.amazon.com/about
We hope you’ll consider this easy way to support your beloved parish. Everyone is eligible to participate so tell your friends and relatives and spread the word about this wonderful program. It takes little effort and with our collective participation and God’s continued blessings, our parish can benefit from this program.
A short video will be available on the parish website demonstrating how to select St. Spyridon GOC as your charity in your Amazon user account.
Live Stream Broadcast
If you know someone who may be in the hospital or home bound or for whatever reason just cannot get to church, don’t forget about the Live Stream Broadcast of our Divine Services. You can watch our Live Broadcast by going to our parish website and clicking on the “Live Broadcast” tab on the top tool bar. Remember, our Live Stream Broadcast is for those who absolutely cannot physically make the divine services of the church and is not a substitute for being present. Also, please be aware that conversations, crying babies, etc. can be heard on the broadcast. We have a wonderful cry room facility, which is located off the Narthex behind the candle stand, and is comfortable and provided for your convenience.
The Live Stream divine services of Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of San Diego, CA may not be recorded, retransmitted or reproduced without the express written consent of the Parish Council of Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church of San Diego, CA. Thank you for your consideration.
Donations toward the digital ministries of the parish are warmly welcomed. If you would like to help support the ministries of Saint Spyridon please contact the church office. Again, thank you.
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Gala Saturday, October 13, 2018 Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
WeShare Online Giving
Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12
On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered in to the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.
But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.
Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
The Hymn of Saint Spyridon
At the first of the Synods, you appeared as a champion, * and Wonderworker, our God-bearing Father Spyridon. * Wherefore, you addressed the dead one in the grave, * and a serpent you changed to gold. * And while chanting * in service your sacred prayers, * you joined the angels concelebrating, most holy one.* Glory to Christ who glorified you, * glory to Him who crowned you, * glory to the One who works through You, * healings for everyone.
Τής Συνόδου τής πρώτης ανεδείχθης υπέρμαχος, * καί Θαυματουργός Θεοφόρε Σπυρίδων πατήρ ημών. * διό νεκρά σύ έν τάφω προσφωνείς, * καί όφιν είς χρυσούν μετέβαλες. * καί έν τώ μέλπειν τάς αγίας σου ευχάς, * Αγγέλους έσχες συλλειτουργούντας σοι Ιερώτατε, * Δόξα τώ σέ δοξάσαντι Χριστώ * δόξα τώ σέ στεφανώσαντι. * δόξα τώ ενεργόυντι, διά σου πάσιν ιάματα.
Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.
These Martyrs, sisters according to the flesh, were from Bithynia. They lived in virginity on a mountain near the Pythian hot springs of Bithynia, devoting themselves to asceticism and prayer. Betrayed to the local governor, Fronto, they were subjected to frightful tortures, and so gave up their holy souls into the hands of God. They contested for the Faith during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304.
This saint lived in the fifth century. Out of remorse for the adultery that she committed with another man, she fled from her husband's house, renamed herself Theodore, clothed herself as a man, and pretending to be a eunuch, entered a monastery of men. Her identity as a woman was discovered only after her death.
This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.
The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.
Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.
Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.
This Saint was of high birth among the Goths beyond the Danube River. He was taken by Athanaric, pagan ruler of the Goths, and after being tortured, was burned to death for his confession of Christ. According to some, this took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great; according to others, under the Emperor Gratian.
