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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2021-04-04
Bulletin Contents
St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements
Inserts and Fliers
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (619) 297-4165
  • Fax:
  • (619) 297-4181
  • Street Address:

  • 3655 Park Boulevard

  • San Diego, CA 92103

Contact Information

Parish Priest Fr. Andrew S.

frandrew@stspyridon.org | 619-297-4165

Parish Office For General Office Information

office@stspyridon.org | 619-297-4165

Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Orthros/Matins: 8:30am

Divine Liturgy: 10:00am

Past Bulletins


St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements

This Sunday's Divine Services

The seating capacity for this Sunday's divine services has reached its capacity.  The good news is we have prepared our fellowship hall to handle any overflow and "walk-ins" with the services being broadcast live on our big screen projector.  This will allow you to be "present" and then to receive Holy Communion afterward if you so desire.  

The Orthros/Preparatory service begins at 9:00 am with the Divine Liturgy to follow at 10:00 am.  Please arrive in time to be seated by the start of the Divine Liturgy.

Please know that the RSVP link opens at 6:00 pm on Sunday evenings and closes on Friday afternoons at 1:00 pm.  Your seat/slot will be held until 10:10 am on Sunday morning and then released to "Walk-ins."
 
Should you need to cancel your reservation after Friday, please respond to the confirmation email you previously received from Sign-up Genius.  This will allow the narthex team to be notified so they can then offer your seat/slot to someone else on Sunday morning. 

If you need help, please contact Soula in the church office - 619-297-4165.

Thank you for your patience and understanding and your continued support and encouragement. 

Great & Holy Lent - Weekly Lenten Service Schedule

This Friday evening, April 2nd - The 3rd Salutation to the holy Theotokos - 6:30 pm

Monday evening, April 5th - The Great Compline service - 6:30 pm 

Wednesday morning, April 7th - The Paraklesis service to the Theotokos for health - 11:00 am

Next Friday evening, April 9th - The 4th Salutation to the holy Theotokos - 6:30 pm

Or, You Can Join in and Pray the Divine Services of the Church via Our Parish LiveStream

Spring General Assembly - Sunday, April 18, 2021

Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for our Spring General Assembly Sunday, April 18th.

This year's Spring General Assembly will be via Zoom.  More information and an agenda to follow.

Saint Spyridon Sunday School News

We are pleased to announce that In-Person Sunday School has started.  In-Person Class will be held outdoors each Sunday, in the Sunday School Courtyard from 11:15 am – 11:45 am, for All Grade Levels.  When you arrive for Sunday's Divine Services, please let the volunteer know that your children will be attending outside In-Person Sunday School.

We have implemented a number of safety measures including being outdoors for class, hand sanitizer stations, six feet of social distancing, and mask requirement.  For a full list of safety measures, please email sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com

We continue to offer Online Sunday School Classes as well, each Sunday from 11:50 am – 12:20 pm via Zoom.  

Please use the Zoom ID provided by your teacher. 

If you would like to be on the Sunday School Re-opening Team and help once per month, contact Julie Dennis at sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com

Light a Candle “From Afar”

Lighting a candle as we enter the narthex of the church is one real way we express our presence within the Body of Christ as we offer a prayer.  If you would like to light a candle to express your presence “from afar” click on the following link below and follow the directions -

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=J55MJ576K785E&source=url

Then, Fr. Andrew will receive your message, light your candle and offer a prayer. 

Philoptochos Pascha Bake Sale…Order Now!

Order our fragrant and delicious Tsoureki bread and tasty Koulourakia just in time for Pascha!

These delicious treats are handmade with love by our ladies of Philoptochos who are following all the coronavirus protocols.

Koulourakia (1 dozen) $10.00 | Tsoureki Loaf $15

Place your prepaid orders online at greekbake.org or mail your order and check to:

St. Spyridon Philoptochos |3655 Park Blvd | San Diego, CA  92103

Orders must be received by Friday, April 16th.  You will pick up your orders after church on Palm Sunday, April 25th from 12-3 pm.

Questions:  Contact Sofia Samouris at 619.518.4537 or greekbake@anthousa.org

We appreciate your support to help fund our philanthropic ministries!

Please see the Pascha Bake Sale form in the "Inserts and Fliers" section for details.

Kids 'n Cancer - Agape Virtual Celebration

Hello St. Spyridon Families,
 
Please join us this Sunday, April 11th at 2 pm on Zoom for our Kids 'n' Cancer virtual celebration. Everyone is welcome to join and as always, this event will touch your heart. Hope you can join us.
 
There is no cost to attend, however advance registration is required on www.sfphiloptochos.org or call the Metropolis Philoptochos Office at 415-431-2600. After you register, you will receive the Zoom link login information which will be sent to you via email prior to the event. 
 
In Christ,
 
Marian Dougenis, Anthousa President

Please see the Kids 'n' Cancer Flyer in the "Inserts and Fliers" section for details.

Stewardship Corner 

We, the Stewardship Committee, first and foremost, would once again like to say “thank you” for your continuing support of our stewardship ministry. 

The Stewardship Committee respectfully reminds you once again to please take a moment to complete your 2021 pledge card and send it to the office today.  We can also sign up online through “We Share” at stspyridon.org (click the "Stewardship Giving" button) to make a monthly payment toward your pledged amount for the year 2021.

On behalf of the Parish Council, the Stewardship Committee once again says “thank you” and God bless you during this extraordinary time.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

The Stewardship Committee: John Kalas – Chairperson

George M. Platis Oratorical Scholarship Award

In Memory of our son George, who proudly participated in our parish Oratorical Festival, we are offering a scholarship to our St. Spyridon Oratorical Festival participants. The first-place speaker in both the junior division and senior division will earn a $250 scholarship. In addition, we will award another $250 scholarship to those who finish in first place at the Metropolis level. These scholarships will be distributed to any post-high school educational/ job training institution of their choice.

Michael and Maria Platis

Please see the Oratorical Festival Flyer in the "Inserts and Fliers" section below for more details. 

Zathas Foundation Scholarships

Attention: Graduating High School Seniors and College/University Students! 

Completed applications must be received before May 1, 2021. 

If you would like an application, please contact Spero Tzathas at spe1@cox.net.

Please see the Zathas Foundation Scholarship Information in the "Inserts and Fliers" section for details.

Upcoming Memorials for April

Sunday, April 11: Stephanie Navrides - 9 months

Sunday, April 11: Niki Moises - 11 years

Sunday, April 18: Milton Kromydas - 15 years

Sunday, April 18: Helen Psaros Kromydas - 6 years

Position Available- Director of Greek School 

  • Paid position
  • Established school and curriculum
  • Accredited with the San Diego Unified School District
  • Ages 4 - High School and Adults
  • 9 active teachers
  • Support staff 

To apply or for more information, please email greekschoolaboard@gmail.com

Sunday School is Seeking Teachers

We are in need of two teachers.  Please email Julie Dennis at sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com if you are interested.  It is a fun and fulfilling way to contribute to our church family!  We will provide training and the curriculum.  Join our Sunday School Team today!   

Agape Meals Program 

Philoptochos has an outreach program where people can cook or deliver (or both) a meal to one of their fellow parishioners who may be 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!

Give Back 0.5% From “Amazon Smile” Foundation

We remind you to please participate in the AmazonSmile program.  When you shop on Amazon, the AmazonSmile Foundation will give back 0.5% of your purchase price to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.  That’s right, every eligible/registered purchase you or someone else makes at AmazonSmile 0.5% will be donated back to your parish!!!

It's quick and easy to 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 opportunity. 

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. 

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Inserts and Fliers

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

2021 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival To Be Held Virtually

02/12/2021

Taking inspiration from the many Church programs that have continued during the pandemic with virtual events that build fellowship, the plan is to host a multi-day virtual festival the weekend of June 11-13, 2021 that will include several opportunities for the students to get to know one another, an online prayer service and the junior and senior level speaking sessions.
https://www.goarch.org/-/2021-oratorical

Comfort Food for Families Lenten Series

03/09/2021

Comfort Food for Families from the GOA Center for Family Care is back for Lent! In our first episode, Fr. Alex lays out our Lenten map and previews all of the trail markers we will need on our pilgrimage to Pascha.
https://www.goarch.org/-/comfort-food-series-2021

Stewardship in the Pandemic: 2021

01/25/2021

When the reality of the pandemic became apparent last year, many parishes were thankful to have online giving and video streaming in place to keep people connected and to keep giving somewhat consistent. Many more parishes rushed to put systems in place, learning on the run, encouraging members to tune in and to keep their stewardship current through online giving. Many are still fine-tuning and evaluating systems hurriedly installed.
https://www.goarch.org/-/stewardship-in-pandemic

Live with the Louhs: Coping With Anger

03/08/2021

On this week's episode of "Live with the Louhs," a radio ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, hosts Fr. Nicholas and his wife, Dr. Roxanne, a Clinical Psychologist, discuss one of the greatest struggles we all face from time to time, how to cope with anger.
https://www.goarch.org/-/louhs-coping-anger

Igniting the Flame of True Orthodox Stewards

03/05/2021

Join us this Tuesday, March 9 at 7:00 PM for the sixth in a series of six Stewardship Seminars in the Archdiocesan District and New Jersey Metropolis presented by Mr. Bill Marianes. This is a truly worthwhile experience.
https://www.goarch.org/-/ignite-flame

Family Matters Podcast Introduces New Series: Spotlight on Orthodox Families

03/22/2021

Introducing the newest podcast series: Spotlight on Orthodox Families, from the GOA Center for Family Care. Once a month Marianna McMullen and Despina Ellis will be interviewing couples from around the country in order to share the stories and lives of Orthodox families as a source of support and inspiration to others. In this first episode, Mari & Despina interview each other in a "Get to Know Your Hosts" segment.
https://www.goarch.org/-/spotlight-orthodox-families

3 Men and a Bible #35 | Sunday of Orthodoxy

03/22/2021

Join Fr Panagiotis Boznos, Nick Lionas, and Steve Christoforou for their weekly Orthodox Christian Bible Study, "3 Men and a Bible."
https://www.goarch.org/-/3-men-bible-sunday-of-orthodoxy
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, being raised from the dead, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Epistle Reading

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 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 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."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Interior crosses can found at all times, and more easily than exterior ones. You have only to direct your attention to yourself and examine yourself with a sense of repentance, and a thousand interior crosses will at once present themselves to you. . . Interior crosses are sometimes so burdensome that the sufferer can find no consolation whatever in anything. All this can happen to you too! But in whatever position you may be, and whatever sufferings of the soul you may feel, do not despair and do not think that the Lord has abandoned you. NO! God will always be with you and will invisibly strengthen you even when it seems to you that you are on the very brink of perdition.
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 148, 19th Century

A Christian's . . . duty is to "take up his cross." The word cross means sufferings, sorrows and adversities. To take up one's cross means to bear without grumblings everything unpleasant, painful, sad, difficult and oppressive that ay happen to us in life. . .without expecting any earthly reward in return, but bear it all with love, with joy and with courageous strength.
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

Nothing comes without effort. The help of God is always ready and always near, but is given only to those who seek and work, and only to those seekers who, after putting all their powers to the test, then cry out with their whole heart: "Lord, help us."
St. Theophan the Recluse
19th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When you descended into death, O life immortal, you destroyed Hades with the splendor of your divinity, and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

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 Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
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Saints and Feasts

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April 04

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

Allsaint
April 05

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, and those with them

Of these Martyrs, Saint Claudius died when his arms and legs were severed; Saint Diodore was burned alive; Saints Victor, Victorinus, and Nicephorus were crushed to death by a large boulder; Saint Serapion was burned alive; Saint Pappias was cast into the sea. According to some accounts, they contested in Corinth under Decius in 251; according to others, in Diospolis in Egypt under Numerian in 284.

Allsaint
April 06

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

Born in Theia Kome of Phrygia, Eutychius was the son of illustrious parents, from whom he received a pious upbringing. He studied in Constantinople, and became a monk in a certain monastery of Amasia. In 552 he was chosen Patriarch of New Rome, but was exiled in 565 as a result of the machinations of the Origenists. In 577 he was restored to his throne and reposed on April 6, 582.

Allsaint
April 07

Calliopus and Akylina the Martyrs

The holy Martyr Calliopius was from Perga in Pamphylia, brought up in piety by his godly mother Theocleia. When the persecution of Maximian broke out, Saint Calliopius presented himself of his own accord before the Governor Maximus in Pompeiopolis of Galatia. After he had suffered many torments, his mother visited him in prison and encouraged him in his martyrdom. After this, his thrice-blessed mother, upon learning that he was to be crucified on Holy and Great Thursday, bribed the tyrants to defer it one day, that he might imitate the Lord's Crucifixion on the same day that He suffered it. The holy Martyr Calliopius received the crown of martyrdom on Holy and Great Friday in the year 304, being crucified upside down.

Allsaint
April 08

The Holy Apostles of the Seventy Herodion, Agabus, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon, and Hermes

The Apostle Herodion, whom Saint Paul mentions in his Epistle to the Romans (16:11) and calls his "kinsman," was ordained presbyter and then Bishop of New Patras, where he was slain by Jews and pagans. Saint Agabus is mentioned in Acts 21:10-11, where he prophesied Saint Paul's arrest in Jerusalem at the hands of the Jewish leaders. In Acts 11:27-28 it is mentioned also that this Saint foretold the great famine that would come to pass in the time of Claudius Caesar. Having preached the Gospel throughout various regions, he departed to the Lord. The Apostle Rufus became Bishop of Thebes in Greece. The Apostles Asyncritus and Phlegon preached Christ in many places, suffered many afflictions at the hands of the pagans and Jews, and departed unto the Lord. The Apostle Hermes is mentioned with them in the Epistle to the Romans (16:13-14).

Allsaint
April 09

The Holy Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea

This holy Martyr was from the parts of Cappadocia, and lived a blameless life with his wife. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, this blessed one was filled with divine zeal and, with other Christians, destroyed the pagan temple dedicated to Fortune. Because of this he received the crown of martyrdom by beheading in the year 362.

Allsaint
April 10

Terence and his Companions beheaded at Carthage

These Saints were from Africa, and they all contested during the reign of Decius, in 251. After many torments, they were beheaded at the command of Fortunatus the Governor.

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