St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements

Come Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center - Saturday October 26th

This year we are blessed to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of our Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center at the Annunciation Cathedral in Oakland, CA. The Ranch has been an integral part of our Metropolis and our parishes, as well as for the many faithful who have participated in the many and varied programs and ministries during the past four decades.

It is important that all our communities come together to support this event. It cannot be emphasized enough the important role the Ranch has had in fostering the faith and culture of our people in our parishes throughout our Metropolis. The ministries have found a home in the Ranch which have benefited the faithful of all ages from our parishes. These past four decades have been blessed to have this sacred space where spiritual growth and edification have been realized by the youth and seniors of our communities.

Please make your online reservations through the link provided below: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=59fkehxab&oeidk=a07egjnovlq175ff0af

Please see the "Insert and Fliers" section below for more information.

Philoptochos Thanksgiving Luncheon - Sunday, November 10th in the Cypress Room, following the Divine Liturgy

Please join us at this annual major fundraising event - our Philoptochos Ladies will prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal for our community to enjoy in support of our many and varied ministries. This luncheon sells out every year so make your reservations now.

Prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children (ages 12 and under). Make your reservations online at www.anthousa.org, or submit a reservation form with payment to the church office. We appreciate your support!

Please see the "Insert and Flier" section below for more information.

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.

This Sunday's Acolyte Serving Team

St. Demetrios: Captain: William (Vasilios) Gilpin, Theo Couris, Will Kalas, Nikos Kapetanios, Petros Kapetanios, Tasos Kapetanios, Milton Kromydas, Dean Lahanas, Dimitri Salim

National Church Music Sunday

The first Sunday of October (Sunday, October 6th) is set aside to recognize our clergy, chanters, choir members, choir directors, and others who enhance the worship of the Church through hymns and prayers. Please take a moment to thank them for all their hard work and their talent they give each and every Sunday.

Dance & Choral News

Registration is currently taking place for Dance & Choral - an email was sent with a link to register. Please contact Christina Frangos at christinafrangos1@gmail.com for more information. Also, dance and choral practices have resumed. Please see below for practice times and locations for each group:

Youth Choir (3rd-12th grade) - 12:20-1:00 p.m.

Young Adult Choir (8th-12th grade) - 1:00-1:30 p.m.

Ionians (3rd-6th grade) - 1:00-2:15 in GOYA room

Aegeans (7th-12th grade) - 1:30-3:00 p.m. in church hall

Pelagos (18 and up) - 4:00-5:30 p.m.in church hall.

We are still searching for a director for the K-2nd grade group. If you are interested, please contact Maria Terris at mterris@qti.qualcomm.com.

Seniors Gathering

Please join us for a potluck this Tuesday, October 8th at 11:00 AM in the Cypress Room. We always have delicious food and a good time.

SAVE THE DATE - GOYA

GOYANS join us on Saturday, October 12th at the UTC Mall for Amazing Race GOYA Style. Meet us at Starbucks in the UTC Mall at 4:00, ready to solve clues, complete roadblocks and race to the finish line. Bring money for dinner during the race. Parents pick your kids up at 8:00 pm at the mall. Please RSVP by October 8 at navridesfamily@gmail.com or 619-825-6750.

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@yahoo.com or call 951-536-1217. This year we will honor Alex and Christine Cremidan.

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.

Military Appreciation Sunday

Calling all active-duty military and veterans for Military Appreciation Sunday on November 3, 2019. To submit your name and branch of service or to make an offering for fellowship, contact Soula De La Riva at soula.delariva@cox.net or (760) 521-0471.

Please see the "Insert and Fliers" section below for more information.

COLLEGE CONNECTION

Attending college or university is something a lot of young adults look forward to. Here at St. Spyridon Philoptochos we want to make sure that our college students, whether staying here in San Diego or going away, don’t loose their connection to St. Spyridon. With that in mind, we have created “College Connection”.

College Connection will reach out to our college students a couple of times per year with inspiring notes, care packages, etc. to let those students know that we are cheering them on from home.

If your son or daughter will be attending college in the fall (including community college, undergraduate or graduate school), we would like to reach out to them with some love from their St. Spyridon Philoptochos family. Please send their postal mailing address, email address while they are in college, cell phone, as well as the name of the school they are attending to Michelle Defelippi at mdefelippi@san.rr.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Michelle at the above email or (858) 695-9772.

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.

The following Saints and Feast Days will be celebrated during October, November and December and have icons that can be displayed:

10/26 - St. Demetrios the Myrrh-Flower

11/1 - Sts. Cosmas and Damianoss the holy healing unmercenaries

11/8 - Synaxis/Gathering of the Archangels

11/9 - St. Nektarios the Wonderworker

11/13 - St. John Chrysostom

11/21 - Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

11/25 - St. Katherine the Great

11/30 - St. Andrew the First Called Apostle

12/4 - St. Barbaraa the Great Martyr

12/6 - St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

12/12 - St. Spyridon the Wonderworker

12/25 - Holy Nativity/Birth 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.

Inserts and Fliers

St. Nicholas Ranch 40th Year Celebration

St. Nicholas Ranch 40th Year Celebration Saturday, October 26, 2019

Military Appreciation Sunday

Military Appreciation Sunday Sunday, November 3, 2019

Philoptochos Thanksgiving Luncheon

Philoptochos Thanksgiving Luncheon Sunday, November 10, 2019

Parish Pay Is Now WeShare

WeShare Online Giving

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10.

Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Gospel Reading

3rd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 7:11-16

At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"

Wisdom of the Fathers

That dead man was being buried, and many friends were conducting him to his tomb. But there meets him Christ, the Life and Resurrection, for He is the destroyer of death and of corruption; He it is "in Whom we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28); He it is Who has restored the nature of man to that which it originally was; and has set free our death-fraught flesh from the bonds of death.

St. Cyril of Alexandria

Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 36.42, p. 153., 5th Century

The virgin's son met the widow's son. He became like a sponge for her tears and as life for the death of her son. Death turned about in its den and turned its back on the victorious one.

St. Ephrem the Syrian

Commentary on Tatian's Diatessaron, 6.23. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. vol. 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Meeting of the Archbishop with the President of Turkey

09/26/2019

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America had a previously unscheduled meeting, late yesterday evening, with the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Manhattan’s Cipriani Hotel. Accompanying President Edogan was his close advisor Mr. Ömer Çelik, former Minister of European Affairs.

https://www.goarch.org/-/meeting-of-the-archbishop-with-the-president-of-turkey

Archbishop Chairs Meeting of the Direct Archdiocesan District Council

09/25/2019

NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros chaired his first meeting of the Direct Archdiocesan District Council on Tuesday, September 24 at the Archdiocese. His Grace Bishop Andonios, Chancellor, was also present. Members of the Executive Board are Larry Hotzoglou, Vice-President; V. Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert, Secretary; and Theodore Germanakos, Treasurer.

https://www.goarch.org/-/archbishop-chairs-meeting-of-the-direct-archdiocesan-district-council

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode

By your cross you destroyed death, and opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the sorrow of the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded the apostles to proclaim that you have risen from the dead, Christ our God, granting to the world great mercy.

Apolytikion for Apostle Thomas in the Third Mode

O Holy Apostle Thomas, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

A protection of Christians unshamable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, please reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.

Saints and Feasts

October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.

October 07

Sergius & Bacchus the Great Martyrs of Syria

These holy Martyrs were Romans of high rank in the service of the Emperor Maximian, to whom it was reported that they did not take part in the festivals of the idols. When he called them into his presence, they confessed their Faith in the one God. He had them arrayed in women's clothes and paraded through the streets in mockery. They were afterwards scourged, from which Saint Bacchus died. This was about the year 296. Saint Sergius was then taken to Resapha in Syria, where he was tortured and beheaded. His tomb in Resapha became a very famous shrine, to which pilgrims came from as far away as Western Europe; Resapha was later renamed Sergiopolis in his honour.

October 08

Pelagia the Righteous

This Saint was a prominent actress of the city of Antioch, and a pagan, who lived a life of unrestrained prodigality and led many to perdition. Instructed and baptized by a certain bishop named Nonnus (Saint Nonnus is commemorated Nov. 10), she departed for the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem, where she lived as a recluse, feigning to be a eunuch called Pelagia. She lived in such holiness and repentance that within three or four years she was deemed worthy to repose in an odour of sanctity, in the middle of the fifth century. Her tomb on the Mount of Olives has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

October 09

James the Apostle, son of Alphaeus

The holy Apostle James was one of the Twelve, and preached Christ to many nations, and finally suffered death by crucifixion.

October 10

Eulampius & Eulampia the Martyrs

The Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia were from Nicomedia, and contested for Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 296.

October 11

Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.

October 12

Probus, Andronicus, & Tarachus, Martyrs of Tarsus

The holy Martyrs contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 296 or 304. Tarachus was advanced in years, of Roman birth, and had been a soldier; Probus was from Side in Pamphylia, and Andronicus from Ephesus. They were taken together in Cilicia and subjected to manifold exceedingly cruel tenures. Tarachus was beaten on his cheeks and neck with stones, his hands were burned, he was hanged on a post and smoke was put underneath him to choke him; vinegar was forced down his nostrils; after enduring further tortures, he was carved to pieces. Probus was thrashed with whips, his feet were burned with red hot irons, his back and sides were pierced with heated spits; finally he also was cut up with knives, and received the crown of martyrdom. Andronicus suffered similar tortures, and also finished his course being cut to pieces, commending his soul into the hands of God.

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Orthros/Matins: 8:30am

Divine Liturgy: 10:00am

Past Bulletins