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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2024-04-14
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
Climicus
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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

This Sunday's Memorials

 Theodoros Georgaris - 10 years

Dorothea Georgaris 18 years

Panayiota Kallas - 22 years
 
As a reminder: The pews on the front right side of the church as you walk in are reserved for the family/families who are having a Memorial Service for their loved ones. Thus, please allow one pew per Memorial family on any given Sunday. Thank you for your understanding. 
 
 
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 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

  • 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. 

 

2024 Great and Holy Week / Pascha Service Schedule 

Please see the attached Divine Service schedule for Great and Holy Week and Pascha. 

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

 

2024 St. Spyridon Community Pascha Picnic

Let's celebrate Pascha together at our community Pascha Picnic. This year, the picnic will be at Flinn Springs County Park at 14787 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon in Area 4. Grounds will open at 9:30am and close at Sunset. The Agape Service will be offered at 11am. There is a playground for the kids and a Pascha Egg Hunt at 1pm. 

You may purchase a catered lunch from the Dance and Choral School in advance at https://pascha-picnic-lunch.square.site/. Or you may bring your own food; BBQs are available. Free Parking and Free Admission. All beverage containers are allowed. We hope to see you there. 

See attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Festival Baking This Sunday

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! This Sunday, April 14th after Church for Galaktoboureko Prep and Monday, April 15th at 9am for Galaktoboureko Assembly. Questions? Call Julie Karagianides at 619-846-7635.

See the attached schedule in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Greek Dancers and Wannabes: We Want You!

Are you a former Greek dancer who yearns for the foustanela? Do you secretly wear your tsarouchia around the house? Or, do you wish you could join in at Greek weddings and festivals but you're too nervous to try? Well, the St. Spyridon Greek Dance and Choral School is looking for YOU! We are gathering dancers and interested dancers of all ages and abilities in order to expand our program!

Come to find out what we're all about and whether this is a good fit for you! Meet us this Sunday, April 14th in Room 6 in the Education Building. We will have a meeting from noon to 12:30 for dancers ages 5 to 9 years and their parents, and from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. for dancers aged 10+ up to adulthood. Questions? Send an email, call or text with your name, age, ability and interest (from "just curious" to "Lord/Lady of the Dance") to stspyridondance@gmail.com or contact us at 714-931-2431. See you Sunday! OPA!

 

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 this 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!

 

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.

 

Philoptochos Pascha Bake Sale

It's time to order tsourekia and koulourakia for Pascha! Let the Ladies of Philoptochos do the baking for you, while supporting our philanthropic efforts. Visit www.greekbake.org or see Debbie Kyriakidis in the fellowship hall on Sundays to place your order by April 21st. You may pick up your orders on Palm Sunday. We appreciate your support - Kalo Pascha!

See attached order form in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Philoptochos Decorated Holy Week 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: 

04/29 - Icon of the Bridegroom
05/02 - The Mystical Supper
05/02 - The Crucifixion of Christ
05/03 - The Descent from the Cross
05/05 - Holy Pascha/Resurrection
 
 

Pascha Picnic Lunch Fundraiser - Sunday, 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.

 

Narthex Volunteers Are 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.

 

Senior GOYA Movie Club - This Saturday, 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.

 

HOPE and JOY Service Project - Pillows for St. Innocent Nursery  

This Sunday, April 14th, 12:30 - 2:30pm. After Divine Liturgy, meet in the Youth Room for Lunch and our Lenten Service Project. We will be making soft pillows for the new nursery at St. Innocent Orphanage. The babies and toddlers at the nursery will love to snuggle with handmade pillows (no sewing needed) made by our youth group! Adult helpers will be needed. Pillow supplies will be provided! For more info, email youthministries@stspyridon.org. 

 

 

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

Donation buckets are in each Sunday School room, the Narthex, and the Hall. One of our fundamental aims during Great and Holy Lent is charity toward others. Please consider donating your extra change each week to help us reach our donation goal of $500! 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 21st - Christos Petroulias - 1 year

 

Great & Holy Monday GOYA Mini-Retreat - Monday, April 29th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Father Andrew will be leading a GOYA Mini-Retreat! Youth grades 6 - 12 can participate in the retreat. The retreat will include a Divine Service, Potluck Lenten Dinner, Activities, and a Lesson with Father Andrew. We hope you will join us on Holy Monday evening for wonderful event! RSVP via email youthministries@stspyridon.org or text, Julie Dennis, 619-940-5167.

See attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Great & Holy Friday Youth Retreat - May 3rd, 9:00am - 3:00pm

Register now for the Holy Friday Retreat! We hope all youth in grades TK - 5 will participate in the retreat, and youth in grades 6 - 12 can be our Youth Retreat Leaders! Register here: https://forms.gle/MKMJcCpH374qqCRR9 or email youthministries@stspyridon.org

 See attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

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

Many 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!

    

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    

 

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:

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

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

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

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20.

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

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Archdiocese News

Message from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for the Clergy-Laity Congress 2024

04/11/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/message-from-archbishop-elpidophoros-of-america-for-the-clergy-laity-congress-2024?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

Message from Archbishop Elpidophoros of America for the Clergy-Laity Congress 2024


Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult Lenten Retreat 2024 “Discovering Our Spiritual Heritage - The Ecumenical Patriarchate”

04/10/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/metropolis-of-san-francisco-young-adult-lenten-retreat-2024-discovering-our-spiritual-heritage-the-ecumenical-patriarchate-?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries welcomed Orthodox Young Adults from across the West Coast at a Lenten Retreat the weekend of Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. Over forty young adults from all Orthodox traditions attended this event which focused on the retreat theme “Discovering Our Spiritual Heritage – The Ecumenical Patriarchate” with guest speaker Archon George Psefteas, member of the Metropolis of San Francisco Metropolis Council, Member of the Archdiocesan Council serving in the Finance Committee, and recent appointee to the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Committee of the Archdiocese.


DID YOU KNOW? Entering the Church April 4

04/09/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/did-you-know-entering-the-church-april-4?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

Did you know there are times to enter and to avoid entering the church during Divine Liturgy?


Giving Her Allowance to People in Prison Why Twelve-Year-Old Claire Donates to OCPM

04/09/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/giving-her-allowance-to-people-in-prison-why-twelve-year-old-claire-donates-to-ocpm?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

The OCPM community draws people from many diverse backgrounds, but even we were surprised to receive support from Claire. At only twelve years old, she emulates what it means to give from a pure spirit. "It's really important for people to know they are cared about, especially when they make bad decisions." Don't miss this humbling testimony from Claire, who, in supporting our brothers and sisters behind bars, is wise beyond her years


One Gateway City Volunteer's Love of Service Becomes a Way for Her to Love Others

04/09/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/one-gateway-city-volunteer-s-love-of-service-becomes-a-way-for-her-to-love-others?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

Nagla started volunteering with FOCUS in St. Louis in 2009. She still remembers the day the FOCUS director came to her church. When I asked her why she decided to volunteer she said, “Because I like to serve.” 


Sunday Sermon Series Sunday of Saint John Climacus April 14

04/08/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/sunday-sermon-series-sunday-of-saint-john-climacus-april-14?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about a boy possessed by an evil spirit and his desperate father who seeks help. But why were the disciples not able to cast out the evil spirit? And what does “I believe; Help my unbelief” mean? Also, how can we increase our trust in the Lord?


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting? ... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

... he that is not covetous, will be also more disposed for almsgiving. He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles his soul when lifted up. Therefore even the apostles were almost always fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

The joyful news of your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God. is risen, bestowing on the world great mercy.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. John Climacus in the Plagal Fourth Mode

With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundred-fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls.

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

Climicus
April 14

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.

Allsaint
April 15

Crescens the Martyr

This Martyr was from Myra of Lycia, born of an illustrious family. Of his own accord he went amidst the idolaters and admonished them to leave off their futile religion and worship the only true God, Who is worshipped by the Christians; for this he was arrested. When asked by the ruler what his name and lineage were, the Saint would answer only that he was a Christian; counseled to offer sacrifice to the idols, he refused. For this, he was hung up and beaten, was scraped, and then was cast into fire, in which he gave up his holy soul into the hands of God, though not even the hair of his head was harmed by the flames.

Allsaint
April 16

Agape, Chionia, and Irene, the Holy Martyrs

When the Emperor Diocletian was at Aquileia, he learned that these Saints were Christians, and had them brought before him. Because they would not deny Christ, he had them imprisoned, and when he went into Macedonia, he committed them to Dulcitius the Prefect, who, however, lost his understanding and became incapable of doing them any harm. Diocletian then gave Count Sisinius charge over them. He had Saints Agape and Chionia burned; he ordered that Saint Irene be put in a brothel, but by the providence of God this was not accomplished, and she was shot with an arrow. These holy sisters suffered martyrdom in Thessalonica in the year 295.

Allsaint
April 17

Symeon the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Persepolis, and those with him

This Martyr was Bishop of the royal cities Seleucia and Ctesiphon in Persia. As the number of Christians increased in Persia, building churches and appointing clergy, the Magi, guardians of the Persian religion, and the Jews, who also envied them, accused Symeon to Sapor II, King of Persia, saying that Symeon was a friend of the Roman Emperor and his spy. Then began Sapor's persecution of the Christians of Persia, about the year 343. The Magi together with the Jews destroyed the churches. Saint Symeon was brought before Sapor, and, refusing to worship the sun, was imprisoned. On Holy and Great Friday of that year, Saint Symeon was brought out of prison with a hundred others, bishops, priests, and deacons. As each was taken to be slain, Saint Symeon exhorted him to be of good courage; he was slain last of all. It is said that 1,150 Martyrs were slain; an innumerable multitude of Christians were slain throughout Persia during this persecution, among them Saints Acepsimas, Joseph, and Aethalas (see Nov. 3).

Allsaint
April 18

Holy Father John the Righteous, disciple of St. Gregory of Decapolis

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth and became a disciple of Saint Gregory of Decapolis (see Nov. 20). After his elder, Saint Gregory, reposed (in the first half of the ninth century), he came to Jerusalem and finally reposed in peace in the Monastery of Saint Chariton.

Allsaint
April 19

Paphnoutios the Holy Martyr

All that is known concerning this Saint is that he was a bishop and that he suffered many torments by fire, the sword, and wild beasts.

Allsaint
April 20

Theodore the Trichinas

Saint Theodore who was from Constantinople, was born to parents who were pious and of means. He took up the monastic life in a monastery in the imperial city, and wore nought but a rough hair shirt for all his life, from whence also he received his name. He reposed in the late fourth, or early fifth century. Saint Joseph the Hymnographer composed a canon in his honour.

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