SOMERSET, NJ – Sixteen clergy from various places throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America completed training on September 10-12, 2019 for expanding the ministry to support our clergy. The Archdiocesan Center for Family Care recently received a generous grant from Leadership 100 to train facilitators to lead clergy peer learning groups throughout the country.
NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros met with leaders of the Archdiocese Benefits Committee Monday, Sept. 9, in his office at the Archdiocese. His Eminence initiated the meeting with Fr. James T. Paris, Chairman of the ABC; Fr. James Greanias, Vice-Chairman of the ABC, and Mrs. Anna Vrettos, Director of the ABC.
The implementation and enforcement of the Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth take another step forward towards the goal of ensuring that every ministry and event is physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe and healthy for the children of all Greek Orthodox Churches in America.
I am writing as Archbishop to bring to your attention an important matter that is and must be an urgent concern for all of us who work with children in every aspect of the Archdiocese, in every Metropolis and in every parish and youth ministry. This letter is to call each of us to action, and to encourage us as our clergy, our lay leaders and our fellow parishioners to mobilize to serve our children and youth.
Philoptochos Tray Pass
This Sunday, September 15th, the Ladies of Philoptochos will pass a tray to help support those affected by Hurricane Dorian and its devastation to the Bahamas. Please make your checks payable to Philoptochos and they will directly send all monies received to International Orthodox Christian Carities (IOCC). If you prefer to make a donation online, please go directly to Philoptochos.org and click on "Donate," then "Hurricane Fund." Thank you as always for your most generous support of those in time of devastation. Please earmark/make note of Bahamas Hurricane Dorian on you check memo line.
St. Spyridon Ministry Leader Retreat – Saturday, September 21st
Calling on ALL the Ministry Leaders of St. Spyridon - Please mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21, 2019. A Ministry Leader Retreat has been prepared and will begin with the Paraklesis service at 8:30 a.m. in the church Temple. This Retreat is for ALL the Ministry Leaders of our parish and for anyone else who wants to participate. Following the Paraklesis service at 8:30am Fr. Andrew will lead the discussion about what it means to be the “body of Christ” (Eph. 1:22;23 Col. 1:17;18). We will end our discussion around 11:30 a.m. so make your plans from now to join us. More information to follow so please mark your calendars today and join us for this informational and inspirational Retreat.
This Sunday's Acolyte Serving Team
St. Basil: Captain: Dimitri Gilpin, Manolis Andronikou, George Dougenis, Jack Dougenis, Demetri Maude, Luka Maude, John Merziotis, Yianni Trakas, Philipa Trakas
Parish Youth Safety
Recently, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America issued new Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth in parishes. The policies are designed to ensure that all of our youth ministry environments are physically and spiritually safe and healthy. Covered programs and events include everything from youth groups (like HOPE, JOY, and GOYA) to educational programs (like Sunday School) to athletic programs, to cultural programs (like Parish Greek school or Greek dance programs), in addition to youth retreats and camping programs.
Under the policies, all Youth Workers, anyone who participates in Youth Ministry Programs and Events, will be required to register with the Parish, complete annual training, and pass a background screen. We are working with our youth lay leaders to help them comply with the Policies.
On behalf of our Parish Council along with Fr. Andrew, we thank you for your participation and support.
Sunday School
Our Sunday School Program is now in session and we encourage you to have your children present for this Sunday's procession of the Holy Cross with the tray of basil.
Greek Language Classes
Greek Language Classes for adults and children began this past week. Please visit our school website for more info and to register at http://www.stspyridongreekschool.org or contact Athena Georges at athenakotinopoulos@gmail.com cell# 619-992-4452.
Women Of The Word (WOW)
Congratulations to Anna & Alexandru Popescu, the receivers of the W.O.W. Opportunity Drawing - a beautiful custom-tabbed Orthodox Study Bible and a copy of 12 Great Feasts. All God’s blessings to them!
GOYA Beach Gathering
GOYANS join us this Saturday, September 14th at La Jolla Shores Beach at 4:00 pm for a Beach party as we kick off the New Ecclesiastical year. Your whole family is invited so please tell your parents and siblings. RSVP to Bill Navrides at bill.navrides@sharp.com or 619-992-6775, questions call Dimitri Gilpin at 858-525-5513.
Munchies, Mimosas and More!
Philoptochos will once again host this fun-filled and informative event on Sunday, September 22nd immediately after Divine Liturgy in the Cypress Room. Please save the date!
The Pan Arcadians
The Pan Arcadians will be hosting a Greek Glendi Saturday, October 5th at Sts. Constantine and Helen at 5:30 PM. It will feature appetizers, chicken and hilopites(noodles), salad vegetables and dessert. Music and dancing provided by Takis Gryparis combo. Arcadian of the year Alex Rigopoulos and our scholarship winners to be honored. Tickets are $45.00. For reservations please call Angie Georggin at (858)748-9188.
OXI Dinner Dance
Saturday, October 19th 6:00 PM in the Cypress Room. Live music and a four course dinner. For more information contact John Georges at sdgreekevents@yahool.com or call 951-536-1217.
SAVE THE DATE! Hellenic Fairways Golf Tournament 2019
Hellenic Fairways Golf Tournament 2019 is Friday, October 25th at Willowbrook Golf Club in Lakeside. A portion of this year's proceeds will go to benefit the Senior Group of St. Spyridon and The Center for Community Solutions. Please see Rhad Brown, Maria Platis, Christina Frangos or Spero Tzathas if you would like to register, volunteer, or be a sponsor.
Philoptochos Table in the Cypress Room
Please come by our table to pick up latest information about Philoptochos. We also ask that you please do not remove the table but if you need to move it for an event, please return back as it was. Thank you!
Philoptochos and Fellowship
We hope you continue to enjoy the long standing tradition of gathering for fellowship in the hall following the Divine Liturgy throughout the year. Philoptochos is thankful for the continued support from all the families and organizations that offer every week. We kindly ask others to consider offering fellowship 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. Lastly, the donations collected from the coffee hour support our many ministries so please consider this when offering your donation.
To see which dates are available and sign up online visit our SignUp Genius page. To sign up over the phone, by email, or in person, contact Christina Vassos at cmvassos@gmail.com or 619-818-6882. Thank you!
Agape Meals
Philoptochos has an outreach program where people can cook or deliver (or both) a meal to one of their fellow parishioners who may facing a difficult or stressful time in their life (illness, new baby, etc). If you would like more information on how you can participate, or know of someone in our community who could use a meal or two, please contact Stella Weil at (858)694-0570 or 4weils@sbcglobal.net. Please join us as we come together as a community to help one another. Thank you.
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 is a perfect way to honor both your family member(s) as well as an important day in the life of the Church. 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.
10/18 - St. Luke the Evangelist
10/23 - St. James the Apostle
10/26 - St. Demetrios
11/1 - Sts. Cosmas and Damianos
11/8 - Synaxis of the Archangels
11/9 - St. Nektarios
11/13 - St. John Chrysostom
11/21 - Entrance of the Theotokos
11/25 - St.Katherine
11/30 - Andrew the First Called Apostle
12/4 - St. Barbara
12/6 - St. Nicholas
12/12 - St. Spyridon
12/25 - Holy Nativity of the Lord
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.
Receive Back 0.5% From “Amazon Smile” Foundation
We are pleased to announce that St. Spyridon GOCnow participates in AmazonSmile. 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).
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.
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.
WeShare Online Giving
Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back, for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.
Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
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.
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."
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.
Saint Euphemia was from Chalcedon and lived in virginity. According to some, she suffered martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in 303; according to others, in 307. Her sacred relics are preserved in the Patriarchate in Constantinople.
These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith about the year 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was twelve years old, Hope, ten, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek; as for her daughters' names, Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity), they are Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek, and Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov in Russian.
This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth, and later became Bishop of Gortynia in Crete. He travelled to Rome, and to Thebes in Upper Egypt, where through his prayers he ended a drought; there also, after working many miracles, he reposed in deep old age. His holy relics were returned to Gortynia and buried at the place called Raxos.
In 278, during the reign of Probus, Saints Trophimus and Sabbatius came to Antioch, and seeing the city celebrating the festival of Apollo at Daphne lamented the blindness of the people, and presented themselves as Christians to Atticus the Governor. Saint Trophimus was stripped of his clothing, and was stretched out and beaten until the earth was red with his blood. Then he was hung up, scraped on his sides, and imprisoned in torments. Saint Sabbatius was tortured so savagely that he gave up his spirit in his sufferings. Trophimus was sent to Synnada, wearing iron shoes fitted with sharp iron nails within; he was further tormented without mercy, then cast into prison. Dorymedon, a counsellor, and a pagan, came to the prison and cared for Trophimus. When a certain feast came, Dorymedon was asked why he did not sacrifice to the idols; he proclaimed himself a Christian, for which he was imprisoned, pierced with heated spits, frightfully punished, and finally beheaded with Saint Trophimus.
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.
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.