Publish-header
St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-12-13
Bulletin Contents
A Warm Welcome to Our Visitors
Saints and Feasts
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Tithes & Offerings
Prayer List
Calendar
Forefathers
Organization Icon
St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 619-593-0707
  • Street Address:

  • 1454 Jamacha Rd.

  • El Cajon, CA 92019-3752

Contact Information

Parish Priest Father Simeon B. Corona
Presbyter

frsimeonb.corona@yahoo.com | 619-760-6373

Services Schedule

Saturday Vespers

5:00 PM

Sunday Liturgies

9:00AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

 

Follow Us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StGregoryGOC

Past Bulletins


A Warm Welcome to Our Visitors


 WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THE READINESS PRACTICES PROVIDED BY THE GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA & THE METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO & LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS:

1) Keep Social distancing by: 

  • Maintaining at least 6-feet of separation. 

  • You will be required to wear your face masks to attend services. 

  • We will limit attendance to about 50 participants as social distancing allows (priest, altar server, chanters, ushers, greeters and parishioners). 

  • In order to maintain social distancing and good ventilation you will be seated outside under the tent with about 15 in the hall.  (As winter days progress you may need warm clothing.)

    • Only family members will be seated together. 

  • Please stay at home if you are 65 years or older, are in any other high risk group, have underlying health conditions, been exposed to the virus, or are not feeling well.   Services are live streamed.

2) Follow new Liturgical Practices: 

  • Venerate Icons by bowing and making the Sign of the Cross without kissing or touching;

  • Bow to one another instead of giving the Kiss of Peace or hugs;

  • The practice of kissing the hand of the priest, the chalice or other religious items is presently not permitted. 

3) For everyone's safety, Respect the guidelines given by the Priest, ushers, and other Church officials/leaders.

  • We show our love to others by wearing our masks to protect each other as well as ourselves

  • We show obedience to our Bishop and the Orthodox Church by our obedience to the Metropolitan's guidance.

 
 We thank you for your prayers, support and patience. If you need your Priest, I’m gratefully well and available: (619)760-6373, frsimeonbcorona@gmail.com

 

 

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Forefathers
December 13

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

Hermanalaska
December 13

Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska & First Saint of America

Saint Herman (his name is a variant of Germanus) was born near Moscow in 1756. In his youth he became a monk, first at the Saint Sergius Hermitage near Saint Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland; while he dwelt there, the most holy Mother of God appeared to him, healing him of a grave malady. Afterwards he entered Valaam Monastery on Valiant Island in Lake Ladoga; he often withdrew into the wilderness to pray for days at a time. In 1794, answering a call for missionaries to preach the Gospel to the Aleuts, he came to the New World with the first Orthodox mission to Alaska. He settled on Spruce Island, which he called New Valaam, and here he persevered, even in the face of many grievous afflictions mostly at the hands of his own countrymen in the loving service of God and of his neighbour. Besides his many toils for the sake of the Aleuts, he subdued his flesh with great asceticism, wearing chains, sleeping little, fasting and praying much. He brought many people to Christ by the example of his life, his teaching, and his kindness and sanctity, and was granted the grace of working miracles and of prophetic insight. Since he was not a priest, Angels descended at Theophany to bless the waters in the bay; Saint Herman used this holy water to heal the sick. Because of his unwearying missionary labours, which were crowned by God with the salvation of countless souls, he is called the Enlightener of the Aleuts, and has likewise been renowned as a wonderworker since his repose in 1837.

Allsaint
December 13

Lucia the Virgin-martyr

Saint Lucia was from Syracuse in Sicily, a virgin betrothed to a certain pagan. Since her mother suffered from an issue of blood, she went with her to the shrine of Saint Agatha at Catania to seek healing (see Feb. 5). There Saint Agatha appeared to Lucia in a dream, assuring her of her mother's healing, and foretelling Lucia's martyrdom. When her mother had been healed, Lucia gladly distributed her goods to the poor, preparing herself for her coming confession of Christ. Betrayed as a Christian by her betrothed to Paschasius the Governor, she was put in a brothel to be abased, but was preserved in purity by the grace of God. Saint Lucia was beheaded in the year 304, during the reign of Diocletian.

Allsaint
December 13

The Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes of Greater Armenia

The Five Martyrs were from Greater Armenia. Like their ancestors, they worshipped Christ in secret; during the persecution of Diocletian, they presented themselves before the Forum authorities, and having been tormented in diverse manners, by Lysius the proconsul, three of them ended their lives in torments. As for Saints Eustratius and Orestes, they survived and were sent to Sebastia to Agricolaus, who governed the whole East; by his command these Saints, received their end as martyrs by fire in 296. Saint Auxentius was a priest. Saint Eustratius was educated and an orator; he was the foremost among Lysius' dignitaries and the archivist of the province. In the Synaxarion he is given the Latin title of scriniarius, that is, "keeper of the archives." The prayer, "Magnifying I magnify Thee, O Lord," which is read in the Saturday Midnight Service, is ascribed to him. In the Third Hour and elsewhere there is another prayer, "O Sovereign Master, God the Father Almighty," which is ascribed to Saint Mardarius.

BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone

When You descended unto death, O Life Immortal, You rendered to Hades a mortal blow by the lightning of Your divinity, and when from the depths of darkness You also raised the dead, all the heavenly powers cried out: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You.

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the Second Tone

Thou hast justified by faith the ancient forefathers and through them thou hast gone before and betrothed unto thyself the Church of the Gentiles. Let the saints, therefore, take pride in glory; for from their seed sprouted forth a noble fruit, and she it was who gave birth to thee without seed. Wherefore, by their pleadings, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion for the Church in the Third Tone

You were shown to have holy vigilance. And your piety was manifest in your teachings, O Hierarch Gregory. For the wisdom of your sacred dogmas gives joy to the fullness of the Church. Righteous Father, to Christ our God do intercede to grant our souls His great redeeming mercy.



Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11

Brethren, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

This parable ... proclaims beforehand both the casting out of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles; and it indicates together with this also the strictness of the life required, and how great the punishment appointed for the careless ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

And when were they bidden? By all the prophets; by John again; for unto Christ he would pass all on, saying, "He must increase, I must decrease;" by the Son Himself again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you;" and again, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Tithes & Offerings

Giving

December Budget:  $21,000

Monthly Offering to Date:   $2,550

Remaining Need (Budget minus offering to Date):  $18,450

2020 Budget: $ 269,778

2020 Offerings:  $165,519

2020 Remaining Need:  $104,259

 

BACK TO TOP

Prayer List

HEALTH & WELFARE:

All affected by the Pandemic, Eric Grasser, Fr. George Morelli, Britney, Katherine, Michael George Stathorakis, Pres. Eleni ad the Tsigas Family, Matushka Natalia, Marvin Lidner, Juan Garcia, Matushka Natalia, Hetta and Wilma, the Sakkab Family, Michael, Lisa Kotitsa, Jan Manos, Carol, Kelly, Bill and Joy Cox, the Katsaras Family, Carol, Jason and the Lees Family,Katherine and the Limneos Family, Alex, Newborn Christopher (Kristo), Kodee, John, Gabriel, Newborns Vera Wilman and Josiah Jenkins and their Families, Anna Vlachopoulos, Voula Parashos, Pam and the Morn Family, Bill, John and Marina Navrides and the Angeles Families, Kelly Lees and sons Orrin, Nolan, Galloway, Kenneth, Marin, Alexandria, Stefan, Alina-Gadriela, Mara, Anna, Ana, Cecilia, John, Alexander Sacco, Amy. Amber, Kyriaki, Dawn, Gordon, Spahe, Tessa, Brianna, Josiah,  Anne Stropes, Ivan Holmes, Leland, Jennifer, Kadee & Abigail Becker, Micailah, Angelo, and Michelle, Fidias, Andreas, Robby, Trevonia, Samantha, Christine Fanos, Brad Summers, Brian, Connie, Ruby, Iris, Jo Cormier, Katy Brown, Faith St. Thomas,  John Vourexis, Linda Bhatia, Elizabeth Terris, Holly, Michael, Lily-Anna, Alexandra (Kyriako's Daughter), Betsy, Tabitha, Mother Susanna, Calliope, Robert, Stephanie and Bennet, Sharon, Tina Frankos, Jack and Tina Stavros, Freda Stavros, Magdalyn Grasser, Maria Del Soccoro, Kevin, Panagiotis, Mari Hanna, James, Natalia, Marika, Rachel, Sylvia Casberg, Angela Stassinopolis, Patrick Thrift, Olga Stephens, Kevin Wallace, Joseph Eyad Zarror, Augustine Ramirez, LaVonne Simonides, Kevin (Amanda's Grandpa), Stephen Awake, Nick, Sophia Busarelos Family, Irene Cantos, Aggie Annis, Lydia Chaconas, Sarah Cronstedt, Fr. Dimitri Tsigas, Michael & the Piliaris Family, Mary Kladouras, Ralph Bradley, Rhonda,  Evonne Zouris, Garland, Pierre, Jethmark, Helen & the Eveland Family, Vernon & Kathern Rogers, Alex, Patty, Jimmy, Richie, Margie, Paul Lane, Alexi, Dr. Minerva, Sarah & Malichi, Stan, James, Dora, Julia, Alexandra, Sebastian, Queentina, Diana, Nico, Lillian Ana Grace, Sarah-Betsy's mother, MaryAnn, Gabrielle, Kiki, Father John Pilafas & family, Virginia, Corey & family, Adrienne & Josef preparing for Sweden, George, Maria Hazlaris, Sarah Oftedal & her family, Darin Williams, Dionisios & Eftixia Diakoumeas, Nicky, Michael, Kathy Jean Alexander, Gerontissa Markella & Sisters of Life-giving Spring Monastery. DEPARTED: Tina, Fr. Dimetri Tsigas, BonnieLucia Corona, Peter Shenas Sr., Dan Henry, Fr. Hanna Sakkab, Helen Glyptis,Dennis, Paul, Ken and Ruth Gilliland,Daniel Katsaros, Charles “Robbie” Kelly (Jason’s Dad), John Limneos, Elizabeth Zogob, Stavroula Floros, Mary Gikas, Dr. Al (Evangelos) & Angela Sarantinos, Darla Gliptis, Jimmy (Demetrios) Vlachopoulos, Raeburn McInnes,  Dennis (Dionysius) Laskarus, Christopher (Fr. John Pilafas’ nephew), Peter (Panagiotis) Parashos, George Marinos, Eva Angelos (Stamatiades), Christine Tzathos, Cliff Earle Morn, Stephanie Navrides, Alexandru, Maria, Maria, Nichita, Costa, Felipe, Daniel Lees (Jason's Brother), Scott, Fr. Paul Lazor, Fr. Elias Bitar, Fr. Jon Winfrey, Hanna, Helen, Mike Riskas, Zach, Photini (Nickie) Hrountas, Trenton Alexander, Eleni, Areti (Iris) and Georgios Pilafas, Archpriest Patrick, Elder Ephraim, Francis Manos, Nicholas Galaxidas, George Platis; Dimitra Biniaris, Leonidas Biniaris, William Lawrence (Larry) Everitt, Jr.,Senait, Abram Dominguez, Warren (George) Cormier, Laura Pantozoplus,George Mastorakos,Fr. Steven Kozler, Michael Surla, Jim (Dimitri) Costas, Zahwey, John Peters, Wendell Duncan,Theodora, Matushka Andrea, Jerry Costacos, Heidi Angelopulos, Athanasios Angelopulos, Pastor Orville Hiepler, Ioanna Melete (Anna’s sister), Catherine Sullivan, Theophanis Brinias (Maria Gregg’s Father), Victor Nasser, Louis Trantalis, Victor Roick, Christ Fergis, Michael Kladouras, Costa Stephens , Georgia Swisher, Nick Paschalydis, John Manos Sr, Jerry (Gerasimos) Howorth, Lin Judah, Paul James Aceves, Warren George Cormier, Judith Keep, George (Marc's Uncle), Samantha (Marc's friend), Carol Kinan, Athina Cavelaris, Andrew Kyriakides, George Speros, Nick Kosmas, Gigi Campbell,  Carl Collard, Jerry (Gerasimos) Filaktu, Doris Holmes, Spyridon, Thomas Munteanu, Sam Mellos, Richard Nicholas Nabhan, Helen Gliptis, George Koulaxes, Bishop Antoun, Eric Nectarios Cochran, Stella Angeles, Nell Thornblad, Katherine Eveland, Carole, Steve Kosic, Effie Matsolis, George, Arety, Manny, Archimandrite Paul Doyle, Eleni (Kyriako's Sister), Gregory Galanis, Deacon Michael, George & Iris Pilafas, Manuel Dragan, Fr. Theodore & Pres. Mary Phillips, Sophia Vourexis, Jason Hyde, Peter Kanelos, Mary Giana, Katherine Armatas, Lana Piliaris, William Piliaris, Katherine Kladouras, Heather Grinnell & Danny Ranglos.  FOR OUR CHURCH LEADERS: Patriarch Bartholomew; Archbishop Elpidophoros; Metropolitan Gerasimos; Father Simeon Corona, Presbytera Joy & family; Chris Psillas & the members of the Parish Council; Andrea Annis-Carillo & our Philoptochos; Jeff Simonides & Herb Barrack & our Building Committee; Chris Ramey & our Stewardship Committee; Pres. Joy and our Chanters; our Sunday School teachers; Mothers Victoria, Melania, & the Mothers & Sisters of St. Barbara's & Holy Assumption Monasteries; Frs. Dionisie & Neonil of Holy Resurrection Monastery in Temecula. If you would like our community to pray for you or a loved one or have a name removed, please call the Church office 619-593-0707.

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACK TO TOP

Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    December 13 to December 21, 2020

    Sunday, December 13

    11th of Luke

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Tuesday, December 15

    Office Closed

    Wednesday, December 16

    Vesperal Liturgy

    3:00PM FOCUS God's Extended Hand Ministry

    6:30PM Vesperal Liturgy for St. Daniel and the 3 Holy Youths

    Thursday, December 17

    6:30PM Prayer and Bible Study (Catechesis) - Zoom Meeting Room 964 247 0828

    Saturday, December 19

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    5:45PM CONFESSION and Prayers of Preparation

    Sunday, December 20

    Sunday Before Nativity

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Forefestal Vespers

    Monday, December 21

    Forefeast of the Nativity

BACK TO TOP