Philoptochos Pascha Bake Sale Pickup this Palm Sunday!
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, April 25th, is when you can pick up your pre-ordered Pascha baked items following this Sunday's Divine Liturgy from 12-3:00 pm at the church.
Questions: Contact Sofia Samouris at 619.518.4537 or greekbake@anthousa.org
Great and Holy Week Divine Service Sign up (RSVP)
We are grateful that this year's Great and Holy Week services will be inside our Sanctuary unlike Great and Holy Week of 2020 where the pews of our churches were empty out of uncertainty and out of an abundance of caution - thus, out of necessity. Since we are still somewhat struggling with the pandemic - the seating capacity inside the Sanctuary is still limited.
We have created a familiar signup schedule for you to RSVP so that we can continue to exercise the six feet of physical distance required by San Diego county in our effort to keep everyone safe. We are hopeful that we will ALL be together for Great and Holy Week of 2022 but for now, this is the best system that has worked very well for our parish.
Thus, as was previously announced and sent to you the following is the signup RSVP link for the rest of the Great and Holy Week Services. There are still some wonderful Great and Holy Week services "slots" still available so use the below link to join us -
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EA8A92BA7FF2-great
As a reminder, you can also signup RSVP from the front page of our website - www.stspyridon.org
Additionally, once a service has reached its capacity and all the "slots" have been filled you will still have the opportunity to signup RSVP and to join us from our Church Fellowship Hall. We have installed a new large projection screen with wonderful audio to capture and broadcast our parish LiveStream for each Great and Holy Week Service. I know it's "not the same" but being in the fellowship hall will allow you to be "present" and to receive the Sacraments of the Church, and to be around your other brothers and sisters in Christ at this very special time.
Also, please know there is still some room for the previously announced two services - Palm Sunday morning and evening. Please use the following link below to signup RSVP for those two services. Or, again, you can go to our parish website -
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EA8A92BA7FF2-stspyridon
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, as you well know, we currently find ourselves in a much better position and condition than we once were but "we are not out of the woods just yet." Thus, for this Great and Holy Week 2021 inside access to our Sanctuary is still "limited" and the reason we continue to ask you to RSVP for the divine services. I know that you join me in prayer that we will ALL be together for Great and Holy Week 2022. Until then, your patience and understanding, your encouragement and support, and your love and concern have been and continue to be much needed and much appreciated, +A.
Great and Holy Week Divine Service Schedule 2021 for Your Convenience
This Saturday, April 24th - Saturday of Lazarus - Orthros: 9:00 am followed by the Divine Liturgy
Sunday morning, April 25th - Palm Sunday - Orthros: 9:00 am followed by the Divine Liturgy
Sunday evening, April 25th - The first Bridegroom Service: 6:30 pm
Holy and Great Monday evening, April 26th - The second Bridegroom Service: 6:30 pm
Holy and Great Tuesday evening, April 27th - The third Bridegroom Service: 6:30 pm
Holy and Great Wednesday afternoon, April 28th - The Service of Holy Unction - 3:00 pm
Holy and Great Thursday morning, April 29th - The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil - 10:00 am
Holy and Great Thursday evening, April 29th - The Twelve Gospel Readings - 6:30 pm
Holy and Great Friday morning, April 30th - The Reading of the Royal Hours - 10:00 am
Holy and Great Friday afternoon, April 30th - the Un-nailing of the Lord from the Cross - 3:00 pm
Holy and Great Friday evening, April 30th - The Lamentations before the Kouvouklion - 6:30 pm
Holy and Great Saturday morning, May 1st - The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great - 10:00 am
Holy and Great Saturday evening, May 1st - The Services of the Resurrection begin - 11:00 pm
The Sunday of Pascha, May 2nd - The Agape Service (inside our Sanctuary) - 12:00 pm (noon)
St. Spyridon Parish Oratorical Festival
Congratulations to Chrysanthe Frangos, chosen to represent our Parish in the 2021 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Video Festival. Chrysanthe's video presentation will advance onto the Metropolis Level competition offered in the month of May. You can view her wonderful and inspiring video by clicking the link below. God bless you, Chrysanthe!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GGjGiWEa507b2WSiOa2EbFxfhn_jx16J/view
Our Sunday School - Great and Holy Friday Youth Retreat
When: Friday, April 30th from 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Ages: TK – 8th grades
Where: Via Zoom this year
Please register your students for the retreat by clicking on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfk4Um4KgoRVZHu-4tUtmHaAy8M7AR4RKtXMK-cL-xla6ZlRw/viewform OR email sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com to sign up. We have a fun afternoon planned with Pascha Themed Digital Escape Room challenges and activities! A big thanks to our Retreat Planning Team: George Dougenis, Zoe Maude, and Andreana Frangos!!
Please see the Holy Friday Retreat Flyer in the "Inserts and Fliers" section for details.
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.
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
Sunday School Updates
In-person Sunday School is available for families attending Divine Services in-person! Please follow the direction of the church volunteers for in-person Sunday School. Online Sunday School will continue for the rest of the Sunday School Year. If you would like to lend a hand once or twice per month to help Sunday School, please contact sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com.
We are still in need of two teachers. Please email Julie Dennis directly if you are interested at sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com. 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!
Our last day of Sunday School will be Sunday, May 30, 2021. We will have fun class activities planned! Parents of graduating seniors, please email Julie Dennis at sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com so that we can properly honor their accomplishments!
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.
Save the Date for Philoptochos Elections
Philoptochos elections will be held on Sunday, May 23rd. If you are interested in running for a Board position, please reach out to Marian Dougenis, 619-520-3660. More information to follow.
Director of Greek School - Position Available
- 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
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.