Schedule of Services

Note: With the exception of the Sunday Divine Liturgy which takes place outside, all our services can be viewed online via Zoom and some on Facebook.

Friday, October 2
    9:00am Matins
Saturday, October 3
    5:00pm Vespers
Sunday, October 4 - services outside, on the patio
    8:30am Matins
    9:45am Liturgy (outside, on the patio)
Monday, October 5
    9:00am Matins
Tuesday, October 6 Saint Thomas the Apostle
    9:00am Matins
    7:00pm Parish Assembly - Vision, Mission, Objectives
Wednesday, October 7
    9:00am Matins
10:00am Book Forum: Time and Despondency - Chapter 7 from p. 159 to the end
    6:00pm Paraklesis
    7:00pm Faith and Fellowship Small Groups - The Epistle of Saint James (3/6)
Thursday, October 8
    9:00am Matins
Friday, October 9
    9:00am Matins
    5:00pm Vespers
Sunday, October 11 - services outside, on the patio
    8:00am Matins
    9:00am Baptisms Nicholas and Andrew McCrone
10:00am Liturgy with Chrismation of Sasha and Paul McCrone

See the whole calendar at http://www.stjohn-monterey.org/parish-calendar

Church Attendance

REMINDER OF COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AT CHURCH

Please follow the church attendance protocols:

FOLLOW THE USHER'S DIRECTION FOR YOUR SEATING LOCATION - The ushers are trained to optimize the seating capacity and safety. If one or two sit in a row of four, that family of four no longer has a place to sit! So, please listen to the ushers.
ONCE SEATED, STAY THERE - If one moves, someone has to follow to wipe the chairs down. Please stay where you are.
DON'T MOVE CHAIRS. Chairs have been carefully arranged to accommodate families, couples, and singles while keeping accepted spacing.
IF IN DOUBT, ASK THE USHER. Can I do this? Can I do that? Where should I sit to be in shade the whole service? They will help you.
PLEASE DON'T KISS THE ICONS - even if you are wearing a mask. It requires someone to follow you and wipe down the icons.

Thank you!

ATTEND SERVICES IN PERSON

We continue to worship each Sunday and on major feast days on the Patio. Thank you to all for observing and practicing the safety protocols! Please wear the mask and maintain the 6 feet distance to non-members of your family.

Notice of Informed Consent:

We have been asked by our Metropolis to provide the following information for your information prior to attending the live services.

By voluntarily attending Saint John's services in person, you affirm that:

You are not currently ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

You agree to abide by the social distancing and safety guidelines as being practiced in our Parish.

You acknowledge, that while the recommended CDC, State and Local County safety measures are being taken by the Church, the parish cannot guarantee that there is no risk of infection for attendees.

If you are not able to agree with the above statements, we kindly ask that you remain at home to participate in the live-streaming of our services.

We look forward the day when EVERYONE returns home to worship God together!

PREPARE TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION

Father Ion can have confessions at the church. Please contact him directly for an appointment.ar

HOW TO ATTEND ONLINE

Most of our services and meetings are available online.

Attend remotely:

Zoom with video here.
On our Facebook page, only for some of our services
By phone dial - add the following string to your address book: +16699006833,,9475885646#,,1#,871732#

Liturgical texts at Ages Initiatives here. Select the date and the service of interest. Then, choose pdf if you want to print, or DCS for viewing on the screen (which also has a night mode).

LIGHTING CANDLES AT OUR SERVICES/ GIVING FOR VICTIMS OF THE FIRE

Lighting Candles is possible through our Light a Candle website.

Click this link: Light a Candle

The candles will be lit at the next service after the request was received. The names mentioned in the online order will also be remembered during that week at the Wednesday Paraklesis (the living only), at the next Sunday Liturgy and at any other liturgy that week (both the living and the departed).

This location also gives you an opportunity to help those in need: feeding the homeless, donating to help those impacted by fire evacuation or loss, donating to help those suffering impact of the Corona Virus. You may also wish to donate in Memory of a loved one or in honor of a special occasion, and even make a Stewardship payment.

News & Events

EXTRAORDINARY PARISH ASSEMBLY on OCTOBER 6

This Tuesday, October 6, we will have an extraordinary Parish Assembly online at 6 pm via Zoom. This is an important meeting because we will approve the next three year course for our community. We hope you will attend to seal our new Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives. These new and critical statements were emailed to you for review on September 30.

FALL 2020 FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

The Faith and Fellowship Small Groups met this last Wednesday with a record number of participants in 6 groups under the leadership of Angela, Thimi, Rania, Paul, Mary and Paige (the newest member of our community).

The remaining dates are as follows (Wednesdays, 7pm):

Oct. 7 >> Oct. 21 >> Nov. 4 >> Nov. 18

Please sign up HERE!

CREATING A CULTURE OF TRUE STEWARDSHIP

The Stewardship Ministry of our Metropolis invites you to a five-part series to help you and your parish create a culture of true Christian stewardship. Through this process that will produce a more effective Stewardship ministry, you are able to elevate your parish to a deeper level of understanding of true Christian stewardship that leads to a transformative way of living your calling as a Greek Orthodox Christian. The next session is September 15 at 6:30, and continues every other Tuesday through October 27.

Bill Marianes from Stewardship Calling, will lead us on an inspirational journey filled with relevant information, best practices, and 15 empirically proven specific strategies.

Watch the previous sessions' recordings here.

Session 4 • October 13, 2020, 6:30pm
• Effective Messaging
• Campaigns – Stewardship, Capital and Planned Giving
• Transparency and Accountability
• Stewardship Team

Session 5 • October 27, 2020, 6:30pmn
• Questions and Answers

Registration
Participation is free, but we kindly request that you register in advance here.

BOOK FORUM

"Time and Despondency: Regaining the Present in Faith and Life" by Nichole M. Roccas.

The final Forum on this book: Wednesday, October 7

Meeting time: from 10am, right after the service.

To prepare: Finish Chapter 7 and read Conclusion, picking up at p. 159

Zoom in at the known link.

ICON - THE NEW BOOK FOR THE BOOK FORUM

The next book that the Book Forum will discuss is

Icon - A Novel

by Georgia Briggs.

The story opens the reader's eyes to see Christianity in our modern world in a different light. Here is a brief review of this short reading that once started, one can not put down.

Forget your old name. Forget your parents. These are the things Euphrosyne s grandparents and counselor tell her. But if Orthodox Christianity is a lie, why did the icon so dramatically save her life? And what can she do to get the icon back? In a post-Christian America, where going to church, praying, or owning holy things means death, a twelve-year-old girl searches for the truth. Finding it may cost her everything.

Wednesdays, from 10am - right after the service.The first meeting: Starting October 14, prepare Chapter 1. Zoom in at the known link. Order your copy on Amazon.com here.

NEW BOOK FORUM BOOK

The High School children of our community and from anywhere under the sun are invited to join in reading and discussing books that edify and strengthen the Orthodox faith. The group and the discussions are led by Father Ion. The first book we will read is

Crazy John

by Dionysios Makris

The group meets on Tuesdays from 4 pm via Zoom. If interested, please sign up with Father Ion.

For Tuesday, September 29: read through page 42.

THE CHURCH UNIVERSITY: DAILY SERVICE, PRAYER and REFLECTIONS

The Church University continues the Zoom webcasting from Saint Nektarios Chapel with the abbreviated Matins Services. At the end of the service Father Ion offers a daily teaching on the readings and the saints of the day. Connect via Zoom to extend Matins with the study of the Scripture readings, great discussion and fellowship time.

LADIES I-HELP THIS TUESDAY

The Ladies I-HELP ministry continues to provide to the ladies in need. Although we will not be able to meet and minister to them in person, we continue to have the opportunity to personally contribute to the ministry. Our next day to provide food is this Tuesday, October 6.

Here is what is needed:

Meat $25
Side dishes $25
Drinks $10
Desserts $10
Fruit $10
Snacks $20

Instead of going to the store to buy these items and bring them to church as done in the past, we ask you make a donation for the selected items directly to Philoptochos through our special web site link:

Click this link: Light a Candle site - Helping those in Need.

Then, one person will purchase everything at once at the store or online, and deliver them all to the cook. Once ready, the delicious food will be delivered to the place where the ladies dwell. We try to reduce the personal contact, be safe and keep privacy while still maintaining personal engagement. Thanks to all participating and serving!

And thank YOU for donating!

PHILOPTOCHOS MESSAGE

What a glorious evening spent at the Fettis Home presenting the Agape Awards. Much appreciation to the Fettis Family and our Metropolis Philoptochos President Jeannie Ranglas for being a part of the ceremonies. Our heartfelt congratulations and blessings to our 2020 Agape Award Winners Sophie Britton, Marie Cominos, Ann Scourkes, and Lannette Moutos. Axia Ladies!!! We thank you for your service, grace, love, and devotion. Know that your contributions have helped to carve out the next Philoptochos generation. Look for the video of the ceremony, with photos, and bios of these amazing women. God bless you and your families.

Next Board of Directors meeting will be October 8^th at 7:00PM via zoom.

Many of you have asked about our Fall Bake Sale. It’s coming up November 20 & 21 Star Market, November 22 at St. Johns Church.

BAPTISMS AND CHRISMATIONS

October 11 is the date for receiving in the Church the McCrone family: Paul, Sasha, Nicholas and Andrew - God willing. Please see the Schedule of Services for the modified schedule that day. The family and the blessed god-parents, Nick Fettis, Alexandra, Jacob and Carrie, are thrilled, grateful and full of expectation. Until then, we continue to pray for all our catechumens:

Lord our God, Who dwells on high and watches over the humble, You sent forth Your only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the human race. Look down upon Your servants, the catechumens, and grant them at a proper time the baptism of rebirth, the remission of sins, and the garment of incorruption. Unite them to Your holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and number them among Your chosen flock.

Amen!

OUR AUDIO AND VIDEO ARCHIVES

Daily services, reflections and homilies video.
Sunday homilies audio.
Some Sunday homilies video and archives prior to June 1 2020 audio.

SUPPORT OUR PARISHIONERS BUSINESSES

Remember our parishioners and support them:

Toula Hubbard: doTerra Essential Oils
Lauren Poulos: Poulos Property Management
George Pappas: Pappas Family Farms
George Cominos: Hand Made Horse Gear
Faisal Nimri: Dametra’s Café
Munjed Haddad: Flying Nuts & Gummies
Hix Family: Epsilon Fine Dining Restaurant
Alexandra Mouzas: Coldwell Banker Realtor
Anthony Zavitsanos: A to Z Design/Architect
John Scourkes: Architect
Jim Wagoner - Wagoner Management Consulting

BAKING GOODS FOR YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS

Our sister Simi Georgalos is baking special Greek pastries for the next few weeks. Platters of assorted Greek pastry for $25, cheese cakes, and other baked delicacies await your orders. Contact Simi at: 831-229-3662.

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 4th Mode

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Mode

A protection of Christians unshamable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, please reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Sixth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:36-53

At that time, Jesus, having risen from the dead, stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them, "Peace to you." But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit. And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have." And when he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them.

Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and they returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 4th Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1.

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.

Gospel Reading

2nd Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 6:31-36

The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

Prayer Requests

For a rapid end to the fires, for comfort to the victims and their families, eternal rest to those who have perished, and strength to the firefighters and those who bring aid and relief, let us pray to the Lord.

And for the servants of God:

"Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on your servant (first name)."

Father Mark Vinas - to continue his recovery.

Anne Scourkes - for comfort and peace at this time of mourning.

Sheila (Despina) Doyle-Rickenbacker - for endurance during this time of tremendous suffering.

Chris (Chrisanthi) Georgalos - for health and comfort when dealing with transition.

Sophie Britton - for strength and recovery.

Nick Cominos - for patience and endurance.

Marie Cominos - for strength and recovery.

Eleni Saites - for patience and endurance.

Jeanny Elliott - for strength.

Maria Kastros - for strength and endurance.

Nina and George Kadiev, Nicholas and Annie - George going through many serious health trials.

Kylie and her family - for health, faith and hope.

Bodie Aguirre - for protection during his military service abroad.

Michael and Kristen - for spiritual strength and unity in Christ.

For those who are in prisons: Constantine and Sergei.

And for our catechumens: Steven, Paul, Aleksandra, Nicholas, Andrew, Michael, Andrew and Angelina.

In case of emergency, Father Ion is available for home visits. Please call him directly at 408.605.0621 if you would like to schedule one.

Saints and Feasts

October 04

Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus' concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.

October 06

The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.

October 09

James the Apostle, son of Alphaeus

The holy Apostle James was one of the Twelve, and preached Christ to many nations, and finally suffered death by crucifixion.

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