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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2021-09-12
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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






Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Orthros/Matins: 8:30am

Divine Liturgy: 10:00am


Past Bulletins


St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements

The Feast Day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross/Tou Staurou - Tuesday, September 14th

Mark your calendars for the feast day celebration for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Divine Service Schedule for Tuesday, September 14th  - Orthros - 9:00 am with the Divine Liturgy to follow.

CDC and the County of San Diego Covid Mask Wearing Reminder

Just a reminder as the reported cases, etc. of the coronavirus continues to surge - the most updated and current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the county of San Diego recommend that those who are fully vaccinated wear a face covering while indoors. 

For those who have not yet been vaccinated the CDC and County of San Diego still require those who are unvaccinated (for whatever reason) should continue to wear a mask while indoors, i.e. - inside the Sanctuary, in an attempt to help stop the spread of the (very contagious Delta) coronavirus.  We are still following the "honor system" and respectfully ask that if you have not been fully vaccinated to wear your face covering while in the Sanctuary and fellowship hall.    

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration, understanding, and patience as we continue to safely navigate our way through this concerning time once again.  

World Trade Center's St. Nicholas National Shrine Will be Lit for the First Time, Today!

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Friends of Saint Nicholas will officially commence the 20th Anniversary remembrance of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, with a memorial service and the inaugural lighting of the Saint Nicholas National Shrine today, Friday, September 10, 2021 at 7:45 EST. This service marks the first time the Church and National Shrine have participated in the annual commemorations. 
 
The memorial service will be live-streamed here. For more information on St. Nicholas Shrine visit www.StNicholasWTC.org 

Sunday School Starts This Sunday, September 12th

Sunday School will meet immediately after Holy Communion in the Fellowship Hall to prepare for the Procession of the Holy Cross.  If you haven’t registered yet, it is not too late! Registration form is available on the Church website stspyridon.org and in the Sunday School Classrooms. Looking to give back to our youth community? Volunteer now! 

Please email Julie Dennis at  sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com for more information.

Please see the Sunday School Registration Form in the "Inserts & Fliers" section.

Come and Join us for Coffee Hour and Fellowship Following Sunday's Services

Weekly Fellowship Hour has resumed, but we need your help in providing the refreshments that we share during this time of fellowship. Please consider sponsoring with your friends and family.  Let's keep it simple by providing cookies or donuts and juice. To sign-up to sponsor Fellowship Hour on a particular Sunday, please contact Sofia Samouris at 619.518.4537. 

Upcoming Memorials for the Month of September

September 19th - Mary Gikas - 1 year

September 19th - Christiana Harrison - 1 year

September 19th - Christos Spyridonidis - 7 years

Stewardship Corner

As the summer season comes to an end, I am again reminded that this is “God’s Country” - and that all we have is not only inspired by God but given through God to all of us. So, as our community enters into a new season full of God’s Blessings and Favor, the Stewardship Committee would like to remind all of you that there are many new promises of change and improvements on our horizon this coming fall season as we continue to “return,” we ask you, faithful sojourner, to join us in the most honorable and tangible manner in which you may give back to God and His Church: fulfill your monthly pledge and/or make your contribution to your parish, in order to fulfill God’s promise for a fuller and more peaceful Orthodox Christian life.

Please remember to remain faithful stewards of your parish and make your weekly/monthly stewardship contribution. For your convenience, you may do this online at www.stspyridon.org or pay through ACH or call the office at 619-297-4165

As Father Andrew has reminded us  “everything flows from the Divine Liturgy.” Your support of our Stewardship Program allows us to robustly provide this sacred blessing and all that it entails for our spiritual well-being.

Have a wonderful September and let's continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in our stewardship efforts.  

Thank you in advance - The Stewardship Committee of Saint Spyridon - John Kalas, Chairperson.   

Armatus Youth Protection Training

This is a reminder for all Youth Workers of Saint Spyridon (Sunday School, Greek School, GOYA, Dance & Choral) to complete their required annual Archdiocese Youth Protection Training online.

An email has been sent to you directly with your login credentials. For any questions, contact the Parish Youth Safety Administrator, Soula De La Riva, at the church office - 619-297-4165 or office@stspyridon.org. Thank you for helping to keep our youth safe and protected!                        

GOYA Family Movie Night - Save the Date

GOYANS join us on Saturday, September 25th at 6:00 pm for GOYA family movie night outside in the Church parking lot.  GOYAns bring your chairs, blankets, and families as we watch a movie outside on the BIG screen.  Dinner will be provided by GOYA for everyone in the Education Building.  Remember we WILL hold elections for officers BEFORE the movie starts on September 25th so if you would like to run for a GOYA office for the 2021-2022 year please plan on attending. RSVP at navridesfamily@gmail.com by September 20th. For questions call Mr. Navrides at 619-825-6750.

Philoptochos Save the Date - September 26th

Philoptochos invites you to our annual Munchies, Mimosas, & More event in the Hall on September 26th after the Divine Liturgy – we can’t wait to share with you what we have planned for this coming Fall and Holiday Season and the New Year! You will have an opportunity to learn more about Philoptochos and our Ministries, become a member, and enjoy the sisterhood of your fellow Ladies of Philoptochos.

We believe the good works of our Anthousa Philoptochos “Friends of the Poor” Chapter are vital and noble – to aid the needy and the poor, to promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and much more. Our work will provide you with many gratifying opportunities to serve your parish and community. 

Please join us as we continue to put our faith into action through our ministry.  We welcome your participation in Philoptochos, no matter how much time you can commit.  We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 26th  – please bring a friend.

Melanie Anastopulos and Kelly Samouris
Membership Chairs

Please see the Munchies, Mimosas & More flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section.

Dance and Choral School Fundraiser

St. Spyridon Dance and Choral School presents a night with the San Diego Loyal Soccer Club! Please come and support our Dance and Choral School with a fun night of soccer!

SAN DIEGO LOYAL VS Sacramento Republic FC on SATURDAY, October 9TH at 7:30 PM.

Click on the flyer below to buy tickets.

Please see the Greek Night Soccer Club flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section.

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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Archdiocese News

“How-to” Green Your Parish, Special Edition Episode 21: Day of Prayer to Protect the Environment: A Joint Statement

09/09/2021

This week’s “How-to” Green Your Parish Special Edition episode features Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis who will discuss the historic Joint Message for the Protection of the Environment.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Launches New Orthodox Marketplace

09/09/2021

Orthodox Marketplace of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America launched a new store on Wednesday September 7, 2021. The new platform (still at www.orthodoxmarketplace.com ) has many updated features from the previous platform, improving the user interface and enhancing the marketing capabilities of the store.

Archbishop Elpidophoros in Crete

09/06/2021

On Sunday, September 5, 2021, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America concelebrated the Divine Liturgy together with His Grace Bishop Damaskinos of Dorylaion at the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Chania, Crete.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Acquires Popular Byzantine Chant Resource “AGES Initiatives”

08/31/2021

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has acquired certain assets of the respected AGES Initiatives organization, which has provided digital music for Byzantine Chant utilizing both Byzantine and Western notations and translations of liturgical texts for Orthodox churches around the world since 2012. In that time, AGES Initiatives has developed a full suite of digital texts designed to facilitate the study of Byzantine chant in a variety of languages for those at church, at home, or in the classroom.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

First Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."


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 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.


Gospel Reading

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."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little ... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

there that which hung was brass fashioned into the likeness of a serpent, here it was the Lord's Body, builded by the Spirit; there a serpent bit and a serpent healed, here death destroyed and a Death saved ... but the Lord's Death was free from all sin, as the brazen serpent from venom. For, saith Peter, "He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth." (1 Pet. ii. 22.)
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of his reign. He has conquered death by death and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades and has granted the world great mercy.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode

Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God. Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing death, He granted us eternal life.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
September 12

Autonomos the Martyr

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.


Allsaint
September 13

Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr

Saint Cornelius was a Roman by race, a pagan by religion, a centurion in rank, an inhabitant of Caesarea of Palestine, a man pious and God-fearing who gave many alms to the people and prayed continually unto God. In accordance with an angelic vision granted to him, he sent to Joppa that they might bring the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter catechized him in the Faith of Christ and baptized all his household (Acts, ch.10). This became the beginning and the first fruits of the calling of the nations. It is said that, after this, he became a bishop, as some say, of Caesarea; but others say of Scepsis, which is not far from Troas; and that he died as a martyr.


Exaltation
September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

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.


Nikitas
September 15

Nikitas the Great Martyr

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.


Euthemia
September 16

Euphemia the Great Martyr

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.


Sophia
September 17

Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

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.


Allsaint
September 18

Eumenius the Wonderworker, Bishop of Gortynia

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.


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