Weekend services: the weekend schedule is fixed for most of the year. The services take place in Carmel-by-the-Sea, at All Saints Church, lower level, 9th and Lincoln.
Saturdays: 5:00pm Vespers
Sundays: 8:30am Matins
9:45am Liturgy
Week-day services: during the week we may celebrate the major feast days of the Church either in Carmel or in Salinas. Please check the calendar! The schedule pattern is:
Wednesdays: 6:00pm Paraklesis
Eve of feasts: 6:00pm Vespers
Feast days: 8:30am Matins
9:45am Liturgy
Note: all our services can be attended online via Zoom and, with the exception of Divine Liturgies and the matins preceding them, on Facebook as well.
Saturday, October 31
5:00pm Vespers
Sunday, November 1 Saints Cosmas and Damianos
8:00am Matins on the patio
9:00am Liturgy on the patio
Monday, November 2
9:00am Matins
Tuesday, November 3
9:00am Matins
Wednesday, November 4
9:00am Matins
10:00am Book Forum: Icon - Chapters 6 and 7 - will finish the book.
6:00pm Paraklesis
7:00pm Faith and Fellowship - Small Groups: The Epistle of Saint James (5/6)
Thursday, November 5
9:00am Matins
Friday, November 6
9:00am Matins
Saturday, November 7
5:00pm Vespers
Sunday, November 8 Synaxis of the Archangels
8:00am Matins on the patio
9:00am Baptism Steve Shaw
10:00am Liturgy on the patio
See the whole calendar at http://www.stjohn-monterey.org/parish-calendar
Our schedule for Sunday, November 1 will be modified to allow All Saints Church to hold a special event outside for their feast day. Matins will begin at 8am sharp, and the Liturgy at 9am, to finish by 10:30am.
Also remember that Daylight Savings ends on November 1. Clocks will be moved back one hour.
This coming week, we know of the following celebrating their name days:
Happy Name Day! Hronia Polla!
Please let Mary know if your name did not appear here at the time when you celebrate your name day. We would like to correct any unintentional errors, should they occur. Also, please contact Father Ion ahead of time for attending the Vespers, Matins and Liturgy for your name day. Finally, if you can bake the Five Loaves for their blessing (Artoklasia), or if you would like to bake them and you do not know how, please contact Father Ion ahead of time.
Festival Ministry led by Thimi Saites
Have you placed your order yet??
Orders have been pouring in. What a great way to enjoy a bountiful Greek Meal while also support Saint Johns. Don't be left out. Two plate options are offered as well as a la carte individual food items. Visit our website to order your choices and even set a pick up time. Get your order in NOW!.
Order HERE and extend the invitation to your friends and family.
Supporting Community and Relationships
Parish Council Ministry led by Thimi Saites
On Monday, October 26, the Special Parish Assembly reconvened to discuss and review Saint John's Mission and Vision with was approved unanimously. Action items were also reviewed and discussed that would become part of our proposed 3-year Strategic Plan. Once developed, the Fall Parish Assembly on December 9 will have an opportunity to review that plan for approval.
Below are Saint John's new Mission and Vision:
Vision (WHERE we want to go):
Our Orthodox community seeks transformation in Jesus Christ and to bring people to Christ.
Mission (WHAT we do on our journey):
1. Worship: We worship God in the Divine Liturgy and other services and the Sacraments.
2. Education: We offer and participate in adult and youth education to enhance our spiritual life.
3. Living the Gospel: We follow the teachings and commandments of Christ in our lives.
4. Community: We grow as a family in Christ and we serve Him within and outside the parish.
A ministry led by Father Ion
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.
Worship and Education
A Ministry led by Despina Hatton and Corkey Balcom
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, November 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!
Living the Scriptures
A ministry led by Father Ion
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 are reading 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, November 3: read pages 43-66.
Youth Education
The Book Forum ministry is led by Kathy Shaw.
This Wednesday we will finish the current book:
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.
Wednesday, from 10am - right after the service.
The next meeting is November 4. Please prepare final two chapters: 6 and 7. Zoom in at the known link.
Adult Education
A ministry led by Kathy Shaw.
"At the Ringing of the Bells: The Paschal Martyrs of Optina" by Collective Works (author, Anna Larsen(translation) . On Pascha of 1993, three young monks of the famous Optina hermitage were brutally murdered by a satanic. The saintly lives of these monks show that their martyric death was a special gift to them from the Lord. This book is the most complete account of their lives, miracles, and writings available in English.
Our Bookstore offers a few copies. You may also purchase this book online through Amazon or the Ancient Faith store.
Beginning on Wednesday, November 11.
A ministry led by Paige Benton.
The Faith and Fellowship Small Groups ministry is being led by Paige Benton. Paige is one of the newer members of our community. She is preparing and coordinating the meetings and will run one of the small groups.
The small groups will continue to meet every other Wednesday with participants in 6 groups led by Angela, Thimi, Rania, Paul, Mary and Paige.
The remaining dates are as follows (Wednesdays, 7pm):
Nov. 4 >> Nov. 18
Never too late to start! Please sign up HERE!
Adult Education, Community and Relationships Building
A ministry of the whole church!
We are preparing with great anticipation and joy for the baptism of Steve Shaw on November 8. The service will take place before the Divine Liturgy and it will be a blessing for us to attend and participate in.
Following the Great Commission
The Stewardship Ministry is led by Mary Kanalakis
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you. Deuteronomy 16:17
As stewards of Saint John the Baptist, we are gifted the duty of taking care of our spiritual home. During this unprecedented time, Saint John’s Stewards remain resolute and devoted. For this we are thankful to all who are Stewards.
As of October 30, 2020, our Saint John’s stewardship is reflected as:
Stewardship Goal: $152,000
Pledge to Date: $110,463
Pledge Received: $ 101,855
As we begin the new month of November, we have reached 67% of our goal, with two months remaining! Let’s make it 100% ! If you have not had an opportunity to join as a steward, please prayerfully consider becoming a steward!
Mail: Stewardship 2020
St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
P.O. Box 5808
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
Online stewardship link: CLICK HERE
Donation link: DONATIONS
Living the Gospel
An organization chapter led by Alexandra Mouzas
Its time!
For the Philoptochos Big Fall Bake Sale
November 20th & 21st at Star Market in Salinas 10:00 until sold out
November 22nd pick up at St. John the Baptist Church 12:00-1:00
Tsourekia, Baklava, Koulouraikia, Almond Cookies, Cretan Rusks Paximadia, Sesame Koulouria, Greek Mountain Tea, Greek Oregano & more.
For more information: 619-519-2855 or Alex@alexandramouzas.com
Thank you for supporting the Philoptochos!
NOTE: This Sunday is the feast of the Philoptochos patron saints.
The Stewardship Ministry is led by Mary Kanalakis
Bill Marianes from Stewardship Calling, took us on an inspirational journey filled with relevant information, best practices, and 15 empirically proven specific strategies. We encourage you to watch the series.
Watch all sessions' recordings here.
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
Community Building
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.
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)."
George, Ted, MArie and Sophie Cominos - for comfort in this time of mourning
Sheila (Despina) Doyle-Rickenbacker - for endurance during this time of tremendous suffering.
News about Sheila (Despina): She is very tired from all the therapy but getting a little stronger daily. She can have visitors, phone calls, and texts at Windsor and she would appreciate all who reach out to her. Windsor is not her favorite place but it’s where she can recoup without being rushed out the door. Afterward she will go spend time with her nephew in Modesto. God be with her, our energizer bunny.
Father Mark Vinas - to continue his recovery.
Anne Scourkes - for comfort and peace at this time of mourning.
Chris (Chrisanthi) Georgalos - for health and comfort when dealing with transition.
Sophie Britton - for strength and recovery, comfort in this time of mourning
Marie Cominos - for strength and recovery, comfort in this time of mourning
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, Michael, 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.
Please follow the church attendance protocols:
Thank you!
We continue to worship each Sunday and on some 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!
Father Ion can hear confessions at the church. Please contact him directly for an appointment.
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.
These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father, their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace.
These Martyrs contested in Persia about the year 330, in the reign of Sapor (Shapur) II, King of Persia (325-379). Acindynus, Pegasius, and Anempodistus, Persian Christians, confessed Christ before the King, and were put to many torments. Aphthonius and Elpidophoros, drawn to the Faith of Christ through the Martyrs, were beheaded with another 7,000. Saints Acindynus, Pegasius, and Anempodistus were at last burned to death. Two churches were dedicated in their honour in Constantinople. As is often the case in church hymns, there is a play on the meanings of the Saints' names here. Acindynus means "unimperilled"; Pegasius is derived from pegazo--"to gush forth"; Aphthonius is derived from aphthonos-"abundant"; Elpidophoros means "hope-bearing"; Anempodistus means "unhindered." These are all Greek translations of their Persian names.
The holy Martyrs Nikandros and Hermias were ordained by the holy Apostle Titus. When they had drawn many to the Faith of Christ, they were accused to Libanius, the Count of the city of Myra, where, after suffering many torments, they were enclosed in a tomb alive, and thus surrendered their spirits into the hands of God.
Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14
At that time, being raised from the dead, Jesus revealed himself 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; but 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. The 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.
Prokeimenon. 4th Mode. Psalm 15.3,8.
Among the saints who are in his land, the Lord has been wondrous.
Verse: I see the Lord before me continually.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 12:27-31; 13:1-8.
Brethren, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
5th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 16:19-31
The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"