St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements

This Sunday's Memorial

Theodora (Teddy) Cappos - 40 days

Philoptochos Tray Pass this Sunday

The Ladies will pass a tray to support the Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Fund which provides tuition scholarships to worthy students. Thank you for your support.

Agape Service and Pascha Picnic - Sunday, April 24th

Mark your calendars - we will once again be offering our Agape Service and Community Pascha Picnic this year at Admiral Baker Park Picnic Area on Sunday, April 24th. The Agape Service will begin at 12:00 pm/noon. More information to follow.

Remaining Lenten Service Schedule

The Third Salutations to the Theotokos - this Friday evening, March 25th - 6:00 pm

PreSanctified Gifts - Wednesday morning, March 30th - 10:00 am

The Fourth Salutations to the Theotokos - Friday evening, April 1st - 6:00 pm

The Hymn without Sitting/Akathistos - Friday evening, April 8th - 6:00 pm

Kids’ Corner is NOW OPEN!

Parents and kids age 4 and under: We hope you will join us in the lower room of the Education Building every Sunday after Holy Communion. We have toys for the kids and coffee for the parents! This is a great chance to meet other families with young children! For more information, email sundayschool.stspyridon@gmail.com

Please see the Kids' Corner flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section below.

2022 Greek Festival - June 18-19th

We need bakers, donations for cooking ingredients, ad book sponsors, and lots of volunteers to support our upcoming festival on June 18-19th. We also need people to sign up for the following roles:

Gyro Booth Co-Chair
Admissions Chair
Festival Setup/Tear Down Team Co-Chair
Signage and Decoration Co-Chair
Food and Beverage Staging - Yellow Shirts Support
Ad Book Sales Support
Electrician Support

We need your leadership as these roles are critical to the success of our festival. So please spread the word, step up, and support our festival. For answers to your questions, please call/email Ben De La Riva 619-253-7559, ben.delariva@cox.net.

To volunteer for the festival, contact Soula De La Riva 760-521-0471, soula.delariva@cox.net, or signup online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4ea8a92ba7ff2-50th. Thank you for your support!

Together in Christ,

Festival Steering Committee

St. Spyridon Bookstore

The Lenten Spring book, by Fr Thomas Hopko, includes 40 inspiring meditations on Great Lent based on scriptural and liturgical passages from the Lenten services. Come get your copy today and read one each day of Lent!

Pascha Bake Sale

It’s time to order your tsourekia and koulourakia for Pascha! Made by the loving hands of our Ladies of Philoptochos. These delicious breads and cookies will be available for pickup on Palm Sunday, April 17th following the divine services. Please visit www.greekbake.org to place your online order, or use the form in The Shepherd monthly newsletter to mail in your payment.

We appreciate your support of the many ministries of Philoptochos.

Save the Dates - 2022 Festival Cooking Schedule

Please join us in May in the kitchen/hall as we make our delicious dolmathes and pastries for our Greek Festival on June 18-19th. See the dates and times below. Thank you so much for giving of your Time and Talents!

Sunday, May 1st - Prep for Dolmathes (following the Divine Liturgy)

Monday, May 2nd - Assemble the Dolmathes 9:00 am

Sunday, May 15th - Prep for Galaktobouriko (following the Divine Liturgy)

Monday, May 16th - Assemble the Galaktobouriko 9:00 am

Monday, May 23rd - Koulourakia & Paximathia 9:00 am

Tuesday, May 31st - Kourambiethes & Melomakarona 9:00 am

Monday, June 6th - Baklava 9:00 am

GOYA Palm Sunday Luncheon

Join us on Sunday, April 17^th for the Palm Sunday Luncheon sponsored by GOYA in the Church Hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Luncheon tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for Children under 12. Tickets will NOT be sold at the door. If payment is received by April 12^th, you will be entered in an opportunity drawing. Please see any GOYA member in the Church hall to purchase tickets today. For more information please contact Bill Navrides at 619-992-6775 or navridesfamily@gmail.com. Thank you for always supporting the GOYA ministry at St. Spyridon GOC!

Upcoming Memorials

Sunday, April 3rd - Nikitoula (Niki) Moises - 12 years

Sunday, April 3rd - Mary Arapostathis - 6 months

Sunday, April 10th - Maria Giannos - 1 year

Sunday, April 10th - Theodoros Georgaris - 8 years

Sunday, April 10th - Dorothea Georgaris - 15 years

Metropolis of San Francisco - Church Music Federation Events

Be; Do; Have: Planning the Best Music for Your Parish

Mini-Workshop via Zoom on Saturday, April 2nd from 1:00-3:00 pm PST

PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR THIS WORKSHOP: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udeyurTwiHtCAaVi2IoH0PXxbeRMxNBKI

Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. To learn more about this workshop and the parish church music consulting service of the Ministry, please contact Kay Harkins, Ministry Chair at sfchurhmusic@sanfran.goarch.org.

Please see the Be; Do; Have flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section below.

Singing in the Nave and Beyond: A Church Music Workshop

For Parishes Who Wish to Grow in Faith Through Congregational Singing. For more information or to schedule a presentation in your parish beginning in June 2022, please contact Kay Harkins, ministry chair at sfchurchmusic@sanfran.goarch.org.

Please see the Singing in the Nave and Beyond flyer in the "Inserts & Fliers" section below.

Philoptochos is Asking for Sunday Fellowship Sponsors

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. To sign up contact Anne Zouvas at (619) 248-6644. Thank you for your support!

Stewardship Corner

We, the Stewardship Committee, first, would once again like to say “thank you” for your continuing financial support of our stewardship ministry. Because of your faithful and dedicated financial giving 2021 was a successful year for the community and we, the Stewardship Committee, are most grateful.

If you have not completed your pledge card for 2022 please do so at your earliest convenience. If you need a 2022 pledge card please call the church office and one will be sent to you. You can also go to our parish website www.stspyridon.org and click on the Stewardship Giving button to donate electronically as well.

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

Sincerely and Respectfully,

The Stewardship Committee of Saint Spyridon GOC

John Kalas - Stewardship Chair Fr. Andrew Scordalakis

Ben De La Riva, Jim Gilpin, Stephen Thiros, and Spero Tzathas

Please see the 2022 Stewardship Card in the "Inserts & Fliers" section below.

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 (see below). A suggested donation of $75 payable to St. Spyridon Philoptochos is much appreciated. To reserve your date, please contact the office: (619) 297-4165 or office@stspyridon.org. Thank you!

Icons Currently Available for April:

St. John Climacus - April 3rd

Saturday of Lazarus - April 16th

Palm Sunday - April 17th

Christ the Bridegroom - Evening of April 17th

The Mystical Supper - April 21st

The Crucifixion - April 22nd

The Descent from the Cross - April 23rd

Great & Holy Pascha/The Resurrection - April 24th

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.

Inserts and Fliers

2022 Stewardship Card

Online Parish Stewardship Giving

Kids' Corner

For children under age 4

Be. Do. Have. - Music Workshop

April 2, 2022

Singing in the Nave and Beyond

June 2022

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10

On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.

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."

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 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!"

Wisdom of the Fathers

If you would be victorious, taste the suffering of Christ in your person, that you may be chosen to taste His glory. For if we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him. Blessed are you if you suffer for righteousness' sake. Behold, for years and generations the way of God has been made smooth through the Cross and by death. The way of God is a daily Cross. The Cross is the gate of mysteries.

St. Isaac the Syrian

The Orthodox Way: Revised Edition, SVS Press, p. 129

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

Saints and Feasts

March 27

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.

March 28

Hilarion the New

Saint Hilarion took up the monastic life from his youth and lived in seclusion. Later, as Abbot of the Monastery of Pelecete in Asia Minor (believed to be in Bithynia, not far from Triglia), he suffered much from the Iconoclasts, and reposed in the year 754.

March 29

Mark, Bishop of Arethusa

Saint Mark was Bishop of Arethusa in Syria. In the days of Saint Constantine the Great, Saint Mark, moved with divine zeal, destroyed a temple of the idols and raised up a church in its stead. When Julian the Apostate reigned, in 361, as the pagans were now able to avenge the destruction of their temple, Saint Mark, giving way to wrath, hid himself; but when he saw that others were being taken on his account, he gave himself up. Having no regard to his old age, they stripped him and beat his whole body, cast him into filthy sewers, and pulling him out, had children prick him with their iron writing-pens. Then they put him into a basket, smeared him with honey and a kind of relish of pickled fish, and hung him up under the burning sun to be devoured by bees and wasps. But because he bore this so nobly, his enemies repented, and unloosed him.

March 30

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent

This Saint gave himself over to the ascetical life from his early youth. Experienced both in the solitary life of the hermit and in the communal life of cenobitic monasticism, he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai and wrote a book containing thirty homilies on virtue. Each homily deals with one virtue, and progressing from those that deal with holy and righteous activity (praxis) unto those that deal with divine vision (theoria), they raise a man up as though by means of steps unto the height of Heaven. For this cause his work is called "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." The day he was made Abbot of Sinai, the Prophet Moses was seen giving commands to those who served at table. Saint John reposed in 603, at eighty years of age. See also the Fourth Sunday of the Fast.

March 31

The Holy Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra

This Saint, who was from Cilicia of Asia Minor, became Bishop of Gangra, the capital of Paphlagonia. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council. Because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he was put to death by the Novatians, a sect which denied that sins committed after Baptism could be forgiven.

April 01

Mary of Egypt

When Mary was only twelve years old, she left her parents and departed to Alexandria, where she lived a depraved life for seventeen years. Then, moved by curiosity, she went with many pilgrims to Jerusalem, that she might see the Exaltation of the venerable Cross. Even in the Holy City she gave herself over to every kind of licentiousness and drew many into the depth of perdition. Desiring to go into the church on the day of the Exaltation of the Cross, time and again she perceived a certain invisible power preventing her entrance, whereas the multitude of people about her entered unhindered. Therefore, wounded in heart by this, she decided to change her way of life and reconcile herself to God by means of repentance. Invoking our Lady the Theotokos as her protectress, she asked her to open the way for her to worship the Cross, and vowed that she would renounce the world. And thus, returning once again to the church, she entered easily. When she had worshipped the precious Wood, she departed that same day from Jerusalem and passed over the Jordan. She went into the inner wilderness and for forty-seven years lived a most harsh manner of life, surpassing human strength; alone, she prayed to God alone. Toward the end of her life, she met a certain hermit named Zosimas, and she related to him her life from the beginning. She requested of him to bring her the immaculate Mysteries that she might partake of them. According to her request, he did this the following year on Holy and Great Thursday. One year after this, Zosimas again went thither and found her dead, laid upon the ground, and letters written in the sand near her which said: "Abba Zosimas, bury here the body of wretched Mary. I died on the very day I partook of the immaculate Mysteries. Pray for me." Her death is reckoned by some to have taken place in 378, by some, in 437, and by others, in 522. She is commemorated also on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. Her life was recorded by Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem.

April 02

Titus the Wonderworker

Little is known of this Saint except that he took up the monastic life from his youth, became the abbot of a monastery, and reposed in peace.

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Orthros/Matins: 8:30am

Divine Liturgy: 10:00am

Past Bulletins