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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2024-03-31
Bulletin Contents
St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements
Inserts and Flyers
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Archdiocese News
Wisdom of the Fathers
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
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: 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) The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Wednesday (EVENING) at 6:00 pm 

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

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

Wednesday morning, April 10th

II) 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. 

 

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. 

Holy Week Icons Available for Decoration: 

04/27 - Saturday of Lazarus
04/28 - Palm Sunday
04/29 - Icon of the Bridegroom
05/02 - The Mystical Supper
05/02 - The Crucifixion of Christ
05/03 - The Descent from the Cross
05/04 - Holy Pascha/Resurrection
 

Festival Meeting This Sunday 

The 2024 Festival Committee invites you to our next festival meeting this Sunday, March 31st following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Hellenic Cultural Society Room. All are welcome! 

 

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.

 

Lenten Spiritual Retreat at Sts. Constantine & Helen GOC

St. Helen Philoptochos will be hosting a spiritual retreat at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea) next Saturday morning, April 6th from 10:30 - 12:30 in the C. G. Pappas Hall. Our guest speaker will be Presvytera Joy Corona. Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, April 3rd to Diane Truesdell - dtruesdell@me.com - 858-485-7222. 

See the attached flyer 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 on any Sunday.  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.

 

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 contribute is truly appreciated! Next Sunday, April 7th after Church for Dolmathes Prep and Monday, April 8th at 9am for Domathes Assembly. Questions? Call Julie Karagianides at 619-846-7635.

See the attached schedule in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

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

Movie, snacks and discussion with Fr. Andrew. Meet in the upstairs 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.

 

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 (OCMC) 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 7th - Niki Moises - 14 years

April 14th - Theodoros Georgaris - 10 years

April 14th - Dorothea Georgaris 18 years

April 14th - Panayiota Kallas - 22 years

April 21st - Christos Petroulias - 1 year

 

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. Follow this link https://pascha-picnic-lunch.square.site/ or scan the QR code on the flyer below to purchase tickets.

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.

    

Stewardship Reminder

Dear Faithful Steward of Saint Spyridon:

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.

 

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 23rd

July 7th

July 14th

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

Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14

At that time, Jesus revealed Himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and He revealed Himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas, called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after He was raised from the dead. .

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

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Archdiocese News

Women's History Month Highlight: Paulette Poulos, Executive Director Leadership 100 

03/27/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/women-s-history-month-highlight-paulette-poulos-executive-director%C2%A0leadership-100%C2%A0?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

I am truly Blessed to have been involved in the life of the Church for many decades.  I am a member of Three Hierarchs Church, Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, St. Fanourios and support a number of parishes. 


Holy Eparchial Synod Communique New York, March 27, 2024

03/27/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/holy-eparchial-synod-communique-new-york-march-27-2024?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided today over the session of the Holy Eparchial Synod meeting, which convened via teleconference, in order to appoint, in accordance with the current Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Locum Tenens of the now vacant Holy Metropolis of Denver, following the submission of the resignation of His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah and his subsequent election by the Holy and Sacred Synod (March 23, 2024) as Metropolitan of Lystra.


IV Pilgrimage

03/27/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/iv-pilgrimage?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

The IV Pilgrimage is an opportunity to encounter Greece and Orthodoxy through the unique lens of Ionian Village. Each 12-day trip accommodates between 10-20 participants, ages 18 and up, as well as a Parish Priest or Spiritual Leader, and is guided by one of our dedicated Staff Members. Groups can be formed from within your parish, community, or even from your extended family or friends!


SUNDAY SERMON SERIES Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas March 31

03/27/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-sermon-series-sunday-of-saint-gregory-palamas-march-31?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn how Christ heals a man with paralysis. But why did Christ choose to forgive his sins before physically healing him? What is the link between God and our healing? And why did people think it was blasphemous that Jesus forgave his sins?


His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros Homily at the Great Vespers of the Annunciation March 24, 2024

03/25/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/his-eminence-archbishop-elpidophoros-homily-at-the-great-vespers-of-the-annunciation-march-24-2024?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

Tonight we sang:

Ἀπεστάλη ἐξ οὐρανοῦ Γαβριὴλ ὁ Ἀρχάγγελος…

From Heaven the Archangel Gabriel was sent forth…[1]

We know the story, which informs every aspect of our Feast. And we know the words that this Mighty Commander of the Heavenly Host spoke to the Virgin:

Χαῖρε, κεχαριτωμένη· ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξίν.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When you descended into death, O life immortal, you destroyed Hades with the splendor of your divinity, and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers shouted: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode

O Gregory the Miracle Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, comeliness of Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of Thessalonica, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our souls may be saved.

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

Allsaint
March 31

Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska

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