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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2024-03-24
Bulletin Contents
St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements
Inserts and Flyers
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Archdiocese News
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: 9:00am

Divine Liturgy: 10:00am

Past Bulletins


St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements

2024 Great and Holy Lent Weekday Service Schedule

I) Great Compline

Monday, March 18th - 6:00 pm

II) The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday (EVENING) at 6:00 pm 

Wednesday evening, March 20th
Wednesday evening, April 3rd
Wednesday evening, April 17th

The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday (MORNING) at 10:00 am

Wednesday morning, March 27th - this service has been canceled because of a funeral.
Wednesday morning, April 10th

III) The (4) Salutations to the holy Theotokos on Friday evenings at 6:00 pm

1) Friday evening, March 22nd - First Salutation
2) Friday evening, March 29th - Second Salutation
3) Friday evening, April 5th - Third Salutation
4) Friday evening, April 12th-  Fourth Salutation

Friday evening, April 19th at 6:00 pm - The Akathist Hymn (The Hymn Without Sitting)

See the attached PDF version in the Inserts & Flyers section. 

 

Greek Independence Day Luncheon

The Greek Language School would like to invite you to our Greek Independence Day Luncheon this Sunday, March 24, 2024. $25 for Adults - $15 for Children under 12. The event will begin around 12:15 immediately following the Divine Liturgy. You can purchase tickets online at - https://sdgreekschool.square.site/ or contact: Christoforos Savvides at 619-709-6067 or via email at christophersavvides@hotmail.com.

 

Festival Cooking Dates

Come join the fun as we prepare the delicious food and pastries that our Greek Festival is famous for. Any amount of time you can contribute is greatly appreciated! This Thursday, March 28th at 9:00 am for Pastisio Prep and Friday, March 29th at 9:00 am for Pastisio Assembly. Questions? Call Julie Karagianides at 619-846-7635.

See the attached schedule in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

GOYA Palm Sunday Luncheon

Join us on Sunday, April 28th for the GOYA Palm Sunday Luncheon in the Church Hall following the celebration of 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 21st 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 bill.navrides@sharp.com.  Thank you for always supporting the GOYA ministry at St. Spyridon GOC!

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Narthex Volunteers Needed 

Please consider volunteering as a Narthex Duty Team Member to support our Sunday Divine services. Our Narthex Volunteers are necessary to ensure that our Sunday Services run smoothly and seamlessly and that the needs of our parishioners are met as they enter to attend services. Narthex Duty Teams only serve once every 4 or 5 weeks and it only takes a week or two to understand how things work. Please reach out to the church office at 619-297-4165 if you are interested in this very important opportunity to serve your community.

 

St. Nicholas Summer Camp Staff - Application Deadline Extended to March 31st

The Metropolis of San Francisco cannot put on summer camp without our incredible staff! We are looking for young adults who are 19 years of age or older to be staff at the St. Nicholas Summer Camp! Give back to our youth this summer by joining the camp staff!

Apply here: https://gosfyouth.org/summer-camp#/staff-applications

 

Orthodox Christian Missions Center Coin Drive - March 24th - April 21st

Bring coins and donations to Sunday School. Help us reach our goal of $500 for OCMC! For questions or to make a direct donation, email youthministries@stspyridon.org.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Upcoming Memorials for April

April 14th - Theodoros Georgaris - 10 years

April 14th - Dorothea Georgaris 18 years

April 21st - Christos Petroulias - 1 year

 

District Oratorical Festival - April 6th, Cypress Room

The District Oratorical Festival will be hosted by St. Spyridon. We hope you will join us on Saturday, April 6th at 10:00am for a complimentary brunch and to hear our youth from Southern California Greek Orthodox Churches speak about their faith. The Oratorical Festival will be held in the hall. RSVP to Timmy Paraskevopoulos, t_nicolaou@hotmail.com or 714-931-2431.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Senior GOYA Movie Club - April 13th, 1:30pm, 9th - 12th grade youth

Movie, snacks and discussion! Meet in the Youth Room. Questions, email Julie Dennis youthministries@stspyridon.org.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Save the Dates - Lenten Youth Retreats

Holy Monday Middle and High School Retreat is April 29th, 6pm - 8:30pm for 6th-12th graders.

Holy Friday Youth Retreat is May 3rd, 9am - 3pm for Preschool - 5th graders, and Youth Leaders 6th-12th graders.

 

Pascha Picnic Lunch Fundraiser - May 5th 

Back by Popular Demand! Celebrate this Pascha in the Park at Flinn Springs County Park in El Cajon with a delicious lunch catered by the Greek Dance and Choral School. $35.00 includes your choice of Lamb or Ham dinner complete with potatoes, vegetables, salad, feta, olives and bread. Pre-sale only. Beer, wine, and sodas will also be available for purchase. Last day to buy tickets will be April 30th. Stay tuned for the payment link!

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Volunteer for Our Greek Festival - June 8th and 9th

Volunteers are needed for our upcoming Greek Festival! Come support your community by donating your time. Visit sdgreekfestival.com/volunteer to sign up or contact Katherine Anastopulos at (619)846-3989. We appreciate you!

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

YAL National Conference 2024

Registration is open for the National YAL Conference on July 3-7, 2024! All 18-35 year olds are welcome to attend! If you have any questions please contact Katherine Anastopulos at (619)846-3989.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section. 

   

Stewardship Reminder

Dear Faithful Steward of Saint Spyridon:

Recently, I saw a documentary on the making of the song “We Are the Children” with Michael Jackson, “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, and thirty-five other performers, which has raised over one hundred million dollars for hungry children throughout the world. The following day, I was pleasantly “su-prised” to hear Father Andrew give a sermon on what twelve apostles achieved and, pondering on this, he asked what five hundred parishioners could accomplish. 

The Stewardship Committee takes this opportunity to remind you that your stewardship pledge helps to support the many and varied ministries of Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church. Your financial stewardship provides the foundation for our services in the Lord and has a direct effect and impact on encountering the challenges of not only the present but those that will surely follow in the future as well. 

As a valued steward, supporter and praying member of our parish, we need your help. Please take a moment to pray and reflect upon your 2024 financial pledged commitment to your parish community. The Stewardship Committee respectfully reminds you to complete your annual 2024 stewardship pledge commitment card. Through your positive response today you will join hands with all those who are committed to the enhancement of the spiritual (and physical) growth of our parish and its many ministries entrusted to our care. 

May the Lord continue to richly bless you and your family and our wonderful parish in all our/your stewardship endeavors. 

Respectfully, 

The Stewardship Committee:               

John Kalas – Stewardship Chair    

 

AHEPA News

It’s with a great deal of enthusiasm, AHEPA chapter #223 is announcing its new local scholarship awards. Those graduating seniors of AHEPA or of the local Greek Orthodox faith communities are eligible to apply. Extra bonus points will be awarded to those applicants whose parents or extended family members (grandparents) are current members of AHEPA. The deadline is May 31st, 2024.
Please contact the AHEPA chapter #223 local leadership for an application, 619-709-6067.

A reminder,  the regular monthly meeting of AHEPA #223 will be held on Sunday, April 14th following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. All current, past, or new prospective members are heartily invited to join us in our belief and hope in a revitalized AHEPA family, Chapter #223!

 

St. Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp

Registration is now open for camp! St. Nicholas Camp fills up fast! St. Spyridon will be organizing a bus trip for transportation to and from camp for Week 1 from July 7th - July 13th. For more information contact Bill Navrides at 619-992-6775 or bill.navrides@sharp.com or Julie Dennis at youthministries@stspyridon.org

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Philoptochos Decorated Feast Day Icons 

We invite you to commemorate a Feast Day or special event in the life of your family by offering a beautifully decorated icon to be displayed in the Narthex for all to venerate. The suggested donation amount is $85. Please make checks payable to the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. To reserve an icon, contact the church office: (619) 297-4165. 

Icons Available for Decoration: 

04/10 - St. Miltiades
04/17 - The Sunday of St. John Climacus
04/21 - The Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

 

Vacation Church School: July 15th - 19th (9am - 12pm)

Registration is open! This year’s theme is Going For The Gold - The Feasts of the Triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ! VCS is for children in Preschool - 5th grade. Children and teens in 6th - 12th grades can volunteer as Youth Leaders! Registration is only $35 before June 1st. After June 1st, prices go up to $40. Additional children are $20. Youth Leaders are free! Children of Volunteers are free! Aftercare options are available for an extra fee. Vacation Church School offers youth a chance to explore the Triumph of Jesus Christ while having fun and building relationships with their peers! Register on the Youth Ministries website:https://sites.google.com/stspyridon.org/stspyridonyouthministries email youthministries@stspyridon.org or text Julie Dennis, 619-940-5167.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Zathas Foundation Scholarships

One of the primary purposes of the Zathas Foundation is to provide financial assistance to high school graduating seniors, community college students transferring to a 4-year college and to full-time undergraduate college/university students. The amount of the scholarship awards, to be granted to a few qualifying students, varies from $500.00 to $1,500.00 each.

The requirements are as follows:
1. Completed applications must be received before May 1, 2024.
2. Eligibility is limited to high school graduating seniors, community college students transferring to a 4-year college and to full-time undergraduate 4-year college/university students.
3. Scholarships will be granted only to qualified members of the Greek Orthodox faith residing in the County of San Diego.
4. Scholarships MUST be applied for tuition.
5. Scholarships will be paid directly to the college/university on the student’s behalf.
6. The criteria for granting scholarships will be financial need. Other criteria will be prior academic performance, scores of tests, character, motivation, potential, honors, and activities.

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

 

Church Parking Lot

As a reminder, when you park your car in the church lot, do not double-park or block any of the exits. Please, only park in a marked parking spot.  Also, parking in the alley is not permitted. Your consideration and cooperation are greatly appreciated by your fellow parishioners. 

 

Fellowship and Coffee Hour

Please consider sponsoring a Sunday Fellowship Hour with your friends and family by providing simple refreshments (donuts or bagels, fruit, and juice).  This is a beautiful way to honor family members or celebrate special occasions. See details below in the attached flyer and QR Code to sign up or contact Christina Frangos, 858-220-0071, christinafrangos1@gmail.com.
 
With appreciation, 
 
Anthousa Chapter of Philoptochos

The following Sundays are currently available:

April 14th

May 26th

June 2nd

June 23rd

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers Section.

 

Agape Meals
 
Philoptochos provides meals to St. Spyridon community members in need following hospitalizations, the death of a family member, or the birth of a child. Please reach out to Marian Dougenis (619) 520-3660 if you or someone you know is in need.
 
  
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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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe." Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and My God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in His name.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40.

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked to the reward.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Peter, when after so many miracles and such high doctrine he confessed that, "Thou art the Son of God" (Matt. xvi. 16), is called "blessed," as having received the revelation from the Father;
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

... while Nathanael, though he said the very same thing before seeing or hearing either miracles or doctrine, had no such word addressed to him, but as though he had not said so much as he ought to have said, is brought to things greater still.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

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Archdiocese News

Women's History Month Highlight: Niki Devaris Morgulis, Founding Coordinator of the Archdiocese Program: GOA Girl Delegates to the United Nations

03/21/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/women-s-history-month-highlight-niki-devaris-morgulis-founding-coordinator-of-the-archdiocese-program-goa-girl-delegates-to-the-united-nations?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Women's History Month Highlight: Polexeni Maouris Hillier, Executive Director at St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

03/20/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/women-s-history-month-highlight-polexeni-maouris-hillier-executive-director-at-st.-photios-greek-orthodox-national-shrine?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

March is International Women’s History Month, and it would only be proper to celebrate it by honoring the women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. We want to showcase the wonderful women who work for our beloved Archdiocese and its Affiliated Institutions this March to celebrate their contributions and the talents they bring to our Church. This week we present the resilient women of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.


Pilgrimage of Discovery 2024 Applications are Open

03/20/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/pilgrimage-of-discovery-2024-applications-are-open?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

The mission and vision of the Pilgrimage of Discovery is that every eligible Orthodox Christian young adult be given the opportunity to have a life-changing experience visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate as well as important religious and historical sites in Constantinople to strengthen their Orthodox Christian identity.  The goal of the program is to bolster the future of the Orthodox Church in the United States by educating and inspiring future leaders through this life-long connection to the Mother Church of Constantinople.


DID YOU KNOW? Lenten Prayer March 17

03/19/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/did-you-know-lenten-prayer-march-17?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

Did you know the Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is also called the “Lenten Prayer”?

The Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is called the “Lenten Prayer” because it is a verbal icon and summation of the spirit of Great Lent — repentance, conversion, love of neighbor, and preparation for Pascha (Easter).


FOCUS Gateway City - Preparing for Life After Prison

03/19/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/focus-gateway-city-preparing-for-life-after-prison?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

FOCUS Gateway City is on the near south side of downtown St. Louis. We are proud to face the needs of our neighbors by distributing food, clothing, and warm meals on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the month.


Sunday Sermon Series Sunday of Orthodoxy March 24

03/19/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-sermon-series-sunday-of-orthodoxy-march-24?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about Christ revealing Himself to Apostle Nathanael. How is Jesus the Ladder that unites heaven and earth? Also, what do we learn about humans as icons of Christ? And what do icons have to do with God taking on human flesh?


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded your pure body, you arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O giver of life, the heavenly powers praise you: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ, glory to your kin

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the Second Mode

O Christ our God, begging forgiveness of our sins, we venerate Your Pure Image, O Good One. Of your own will you condescended to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh and deliver those You created from the bondage of the enemy. Wherefore, thankfully, we cry out, "When You came to save the world, Your filled all things with joy, O Our Savior."

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

01_firstlent1cp
March 24

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.

Annuncia
March 25

Annunciation of the Theotokos

Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).

Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55)

Gabriel1
March 26

Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel

This festive Synaxis is celebrated to the glory of the Archangel Gabriel, since he ministered to the marvelous mystery of God's incarnate dispensation.

Matrona
March 27

Martyr Matrona of Thessaloniki

This martyr was the servant of a certain Jewish woman named Pantilla, the wife of the Governor of Thessalonica. When Matrona refused to follow her mistress into the synagogue Pantilla beat her so severly that she died in a few days, and thus received the crown of her confession.

Allsaint
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.

Allsaint
March 29

Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him

Saint Cyril was a deacon from Heliopolis in Phoenicia. During the reign of the Emperor Constantius, son of Saint Constantine, he had also broken the idols in pieces. When Julian came to power, Saint Cyril was seized by the idolaters and his belly was ripped open. The other holy Martyrs celebrated today, martyred in Gaza and Ascalon during the reign of Julian, were men of priestly rank and consecrated virgins; they were disemboweled, filled with barley, and set before swine to be eaten. The account of all the above Saints is given in Book III, ch. 3, of Theodoret of Cyrrhus' "Ecclesiastical History."

Iconclimacus
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.

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