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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2021-10-10
Bulletin Contents
St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements
Inserts and Fliers
Archdiocese News
Wisdom of the Fathers
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Allsaint
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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 Memorial

Sunday, October 17th - Leila Valentine Pappas - 6 years

CDC and the County of San Diego Covid Mask Wearing Reminder

As a reminder, we are still following 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 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 the pandemic.  

Saint Demetrios Feast Day, Tuesday, October 26th
 
On Tuesday, October 26th we will once again celebrate the feast day of St. Demetrios here at St. Spyridon.  Orthros will begin at 9:00 am and Divine Liturgy to follow at 10:00 am.
 
Philoptochos Beautifully Decorated Icons for Veneration Inside the Church 

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 offering, a floral adornment around the blessed icon, is a perfect way to honor both your family member(s) as well as an important day in the life of the Church. Throughout the liturgical year there are many opportunities to select a decorated icon, so please reserve your dates now. A suggested donation of $75 is much appreciated. To reserve your date, please contact Soula at the office: 619-297-4165 or office@stspyridon.org. Thank you!

Below is a list of available icons for the month of November.

Sts. Cosmas and Damianos
Synaxis of the Archangels
St. Nektarios
St. John Chrysostom
Entrance of the Theotokos
St. Katherine the Great
St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle

Philoptochos Thanksgiving Luncheon - Now Available for Purchase 

Bring your family and friends to enjoy this delicious holiday meal with all the trimmings. Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 12:00 PM.  Adults $25 | Children 12 & Under $15. Dine-in or Take-out.  Seating is limited to the first 150 reservations and the first 50 take-out orders received. Prepaid reservations only! Please make your check payable to "St. Spyridon Philoptochos" and send it to the church office along with your completed reservation form. Questions? Please call Sofia Samouris 619.518.4537.

Please see the Philoptochos Thanksgiving Luncheon form in the "Inserts & Fliers" section.

View the October Shepherd by Clicking Below

http://theshepherdnews.com/issues/1021/index.html

Sign Up to Sponsor Fellowship and Coffee Hour

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, fruit and juice. You can sign-up online at: https://bit.ly/3CXKbRw or contact Sofia Samouris at 619.518.4537. Thank you for your support!

Ancient Wisdom & Modern Coffee

Mark your calendars for our adult Sunday School classes (taught by Dn. Michael Kallas) that will meet Sundays, October 24th, November 28th, December 5th and 26th.  Please join us as we study the bible readings from the Gospel of Matthew heard on the Sundays during the Pentecost Season. We meet on the first floor of the Educational Building following the Diving Liturgy.

Upcoming Memorials for October & November

Sunday, October 24 - Maria Giannos - 6 months

Sunday, October 24 - John Giannos - 15 years

Sunday, November 7 - Gregory Gallanis - 5 years

Sunday, November 14 - Ted Huntalas - 5 years

Sunday, November 14 - Mary Samios - 26 years

AHEPA OXI Dinner Dance & Greek School Fundraiser

Join us on October 23rd, 2021 at 6:00 pm in our Church Hall. Enjoy live music, a 4-course dinner, cash bar, and auction. Tickets are available at www.ahepa223.org/events or call Candice Kotinopoulos @ 619-663-7653.

Please see the OXI Glendi flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section.

Stewardship Town Hall on Planned Giving

The Metropolis Stewardship Ministry is offering a presentation by Rev. Father James Kordaris on the topic of “Establishing a Planned Giving Program in Your Parish” on Monday, October 25th at 6:30 p.m. PDT via Zoom. Father Jim will speak on the importance of encouraging planned giving and the establishment of a planned giving program. Additional presentations will be offered by development professionals Maria Pappas and our very own, Bill Navrides, both of whom will share knowledge from their vast experiences. Register today!

Please see the Stewardship Town Hall flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section.

Save the Date - Military Appreciation Sunday - November 7th

We wish to invite all of our military veterans for a special day of appreciation as we reveal our new, hand-stitched, Post-WWII Veterans Banner in the Church Hall on Sunday, November 7, 2021. 

All fellowship proceeds will benefit the Armed Services YMCA. For any questions contact Soula De La Riva at 760-521-0471 or soula.delariva@cox.net. We hope to see you all there!

Please see the Military Appreciation flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section.

GOYA Game Night and Handprints on the Wall

On Saturday, November 13th GOYA will meet at Church (upstairs in the GOYA room) for Game Night/Handprints on the Wall.  Game Night is always a big hit so please join us! For those GOYAns that have not placed their handprints on the wall, this will be your chance. The GOYA handprints in the wall have been a wonderful tradition for teens which has taken place for 10 years now.  Please join us and your fellow GOYAns as we break bread together and enjoy fellowship time. We will meet in the GOYA room at 5:15 pm beginning with dinner on November 13th.  Parents, you can pick up the kids at 8 pm.  Please RSVP to Maggie Samouris at (619) 457-3272 or maggiesamouris@gmail.com by November 10th.

College Connection

Attention College Students: St. Spyridon Philoptochos wants to keep you connected with your faith and home church.  Send us your information so that we can stay in touch.  Please email Erika Couris at ecouris70@gmail.com with your name, college address, and year of graduation.

Stewardship Corner

We, the Stewardship Committee of Saint Spyridon, first and foremost, would once again like to say “thank you” for your continuing support of our stewardship ministry.  As we near the end of 2021 we are on strong financial footing because of your generous stewardship giving.

So, again, THANK YOU!

And further, as we enter the month of October 2021, we all face the same political, economic and health issues which can roil us emotionally, spiritually, and physically: but, in this moment, our beloved church, St. Spyridon, continues to be a beacon of hope and an ark which shepherds us to calmer seas every day.

Thus, we are thankful and blessed to have one another communally and spiritually week in and week out. This is a precious and irreplaceable gift to each of us. You know this intuitively when you attend the divine services of the Church: little else provides the sense of peace and encouragement following the celebration of the morning Orthros, the Divine Liturgy, and time in fellowship with fellow members in our church hall.

The Stewardship Committee respectfully reminds you to once again take a moment to fulfill your pledged commitment for 2021 so we can continue to move forward in a strong financial position to meet the new year with all of its challenges and joys.    

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,

John T. Kalas, Stewardship Chair                                  Father Andrew Scordalakis, Parish Priest 

Required Armatus Youth Protection Training

If you are a Youth Worker of Saint Spyridon (Sunday School, Greek School, GOYA, Dance & Choral) you must complete the 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!                        

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

Stewardship 2022 Resources Now Available Online

10/15/2021

The Department of Stewardship, Outreach, and Evangelism has made new Stewardship resources for 2022 available online.
https://www.goarch.org/-/stewardship-resources-2022

Joint Meeting of the ABC and APC

10/12/2021

On October 11-12, 2021 His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met with the Archdiocese Benefits Committee (ABC) and the Archdiocese Presbyters Council (APC) who are holding in-person meetings prior to the National Clergy Retreat in Naples, FL. His Eminence also attended the first ever joint meeting of the ABC and APC.
https://www.goarch.org/-/apc-abc-joint-meeting

Ionian Village Summer 2022 Program Dates

10/12/2021

The Office of Ionian Village announces the dates for its Summer 2022 programs. Ionian Village is the international camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with campgrounds located in Peloponnesus, Greece.
https://www.goarch.org/-/ionian-village-2022-dates

Center for Family Care

10/12/2021

How can laity become more welcoming? Recognize that the priesthood can be very lonely and unhealthy if the Priest and Presvytera are not allowed friendships. One reason priest and family keep a distance in the parish is because if they are seen to be closer to one or two families there is a fear that others may begin to cry ‘favoritism.’
https://www.goarch.org/-/philoxenia-clergy-2021
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Wisdom of the Fathers

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)

There is an old saying: 'Excesses meet.' Too much fasting and too much eating come to the same end. Keeping too long a vigil brings the same disastrous cost as ... sluggishness... Too much self-denial brings weakness and induces the same condition as carelessness. Often I have seen men who would not be snared by gluttony fall, nevertheless, through immoderate fasting and tumble in weakness into the very urge which they had overcome. Unmeasured vigils and foolish denial of rest overcame those whom sleep could not overcome. Therefore, 'fortified to right and to left in the armor of justice,' as the apostle says (2 Cor. 6:7), life must be lived with due measure and, with discernment for a guide, the road must be traveled between the two kinds of excess so that in the end we may not allow ourselves to be diverted from the pathway of restraint which has been laid down for us nor fall through dangerous carelessness into the urgings of gluttony and self-indulgence.
St. John Cassian
Conferences, Conference Two: On Discernment no. 16; Paulist Press pg. 76, 5th century

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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!"

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
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.

Philipap
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.

Symeonnewspious
October 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.

Allsaint
October 13

Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus, & Agathonica, the Martyrs of Pergamus

Saint Carpus was Bishop of the Church of Thyatira in Asia Minor and Papylus was his deacon, whom he had ordained. Seized as Christians and tormented in Thyatira, they were taken to Sardis, whither Agathodorus, their servant, followed them, and also confessed Christ, and was tormented with them. Together with Agathonica, the sister of Saint Papylus. they were all beheaded during the reign of Decius, in the year 250.

Cosmashymnographer
October 14

Cosmas the Hagiopolite

Saint Cosmas was from the Holy City, Jerusalem, and was a contemporary and peer of Saint John of Damascus (Dec. 4), with whom also he was reared when, because of his orphanhood he was adopted by Sergius, Saint John's father, and with whom he had the same instructor. About the year 743, he was elected Bishop of Maiuma, a coastal city of Palestine, aforetime under the jurisdiction of Gaza, with the name Port Gaza. During the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, it became a separate township and at that time was renamed Constantia, after Constantine, the son of the Emperor (see Sozomen, Eccl. Hist., V:3). Cosmas became an excellent hymnographer, from whence he is called "the Composer and Melodist," Among his many compositions are the Canon of the Cross (Sept. 14) and the Canon for the Nativity of Christ, "Christ is born, give ye glory."

Allsaint
October 15

Lucian the Martyr of Antioch

This Saint was from Samosata, the son of pious parents. He established a catechetical school in Antioch, and taught the correct doctrines of the Faith and made clear the parts of the divine Scriptures that were difficult to understand. He edited the Old Testament translation from the Hebrew tongue, and published it in an excellent edition, free from every heretical corruption and interpolation. He travelled to Nicomedia to strengthen the faithful there in their contests for Christ, and was accused before Maximinus, with whom he conversed openly. When he had made a defence of the Christian Faith, he was condemned to imprisonment where, in 311, he died of hunger and thirst.

04_crucifixion
October 16

Longinus the Centurion

This Martyr was in the service of Pontius Pilate at the time of Christ our Saviour's Passion. While standing guard at the Cross and beholding the earthquake and all that came to pass, he cried out with fear, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection, he forsook the military and departed for Cappadocia, his homeland, where he preached Christ. By the agency of Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar had him arrested and beheaded.

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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 Martyrs Eulampius & Eulampia in the Fourth Mode

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

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.
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