Publish-header
Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-11-15
Bulletin Contents
Schedule of Services
Upcoming Name Days
News & Events
Prayer Requests
Church Attendance
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Allsaint
Organization Icon
Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 408.605.0621
  • Street Address:

  • 9th and Lincoln

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Mailing Address:

  • PO Box 5808

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Contact Information

Priest: Father Ion Coman


fatherion@gmail.com | 408.605.0621

Services Schedule

 

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

Past Bulletins


Schedule of Services

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, November 14   Saint Philip the Apostle
    5:00pm Vespers

***** Nativity Fast Begins *****

Sunday, November 15
    8:30am Matins on the patio
    9:45am  Liturgy on the patio
 Monday, November 16   Saint Matthew the Apostle
    9:00am  Matins
Tuesday, November 17
    9:00am  Matins
Wednesday, November 18
    9:00am  Matins
   10:00am  Book Forum: At the Ringing of the Bells (Intro, Part 1 and Part 2)
    6:00pm  Akathist to Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker
    7:00pm  Faith and Fellowship - Small Groups: The Epistle of Saint James (6/6)
Thursday, November 19
    9:00am  Matins
Friday, November 20
    9:00am  Matins
    6:00pm  Vespers, Orthros, Liturgy
Saturday, November 21  Entrance of the Theotokos
    5:00pm  Vespers
Sunday, November 22   Elder Iakovos Tsalikis of Evia (since 2017)
    8:30am  Matins on the patio
    9:45am  Liturgy on the patio


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

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Upcoming Name Days

This coming week, we know of the following celebrating their name days:

  •  Matta Ehab (2 years old) - Saint Matthew, November 16

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.

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News & Events

BUILDING EFFECTIVE TEAMS SEMINAR THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

The Leadership training Ministry is led by Jim Wagoner

Building Effective Parish Leadership Teams seminar by Orthodox Initiatives. This is a great opportunity to grow together as a team, better prepared to lead. ALL INVITED!

  • Session 1: Friday, November 13, 6-7:30pm. Use the Zoom link here.
  • Session 2: Saturday, November 14, 9am-1pm. Use the Zoom link here.

Living the Gospel


STEWARDSHIP: WHAT ARE YOUR TALENTS?

The Stewardship Ministry is led by Mary Kanalakis

Brethren, the point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

 What are your talents? What do you love to do? – Clearly, those talents are blessings from God. That joy you experience in doing what you love is God’s reflection in you. What if your talents were the very thing that transforms our parish into an engaged and giving community?  Well, it’s true. You talents ARE the very thing that will help transform you when given freely to God. And the parishioners around you will be inspired by you to, in turn, give freely of their own unique talents to God. And the accumulation of these talents will inspire a community, a city, a nation. (You’ve seen it happen with one voice insisting on banning plastic straws. Plastic Straws! What about the salvation of millions?)

 You are being called to become engaged in your parish. Now, getting involved is NOT engagement. Engagement is how you feel using your gifts in the way it was intended.  How you use those talents reflects what is in your heart. You are being invited to give bountifully of your talents. There is a place in the parish that needs you, sits empty and dark without you and has no light.

 You should know that distance is not an issue. If you live far away or close by. If you are active or prefer to stay home. God has given you certain talents for a reason to bring you closer to Him.

 Here is another item for thought: If time and money were no object, what would you do for God? – Sometimes we limit ourselves: “I’m just one person.”  “I can’t do as much as I used to.” “I’m so busy with _______ (fill in the blank).” Are these really the things you will say when you stand before the judgement seat of God?  You still have another day. Your dream for your parish and the church is entirely possible with just one step.

 Here is what you should do: Take 5 or 10 minutes and answer these questions. Write them down. Put them in your bible.

  • What are my talents? What am I good at?
  • What do I LOVE to do?
  • If time and money were not an issue, what would I do for God?

 You can act on these answers right now. And soon you will receive a Stewardship Card for next year. At that time, pull out the answers you wrote down. Attach them to the Stewardship Card, or record them on the card. Be prepared to experience God’s Kingdom.

 Online stewardship link: CLICK HERE

Online offering link: DONATIONS

Living the Gospel


NEW BOOK FORUM BOOK BEGINS THIS WEDNESDAY

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 18.

  • Meeting time: from 10am, right after the Matins service.
  • To prepare: Introduction, Part 1 and Part 2 – Heiromonk Vasily
  • Zoom in at the known link.

Adult Education


FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP THIS WEDNESDAY

A ministry led by Paige Benton.

The remaining date is Wednesday, November 18, at 7 pm:

After this last session, the small groups will take a break for the remainder of November and December. A new session for 2021 will be announce for mid-January, so watch for the next oppoortunity to sign up.

Adult Education, Community and Relationships Building


THE CHURCH UNIVERSITY: DAILY SERVICE, PRAYER and REFLECTIONS

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


STRATEGIC PLAN 2020 TO BE REVEALED DECEMBER 9

Parish Council Ministry led by Thimi Saites

Our new 3 year Strategic Plan is coming together, thanks to the amazing work by many of our parishioners. Their work reveals careful preparation, thought, and love for our parish.  The efforts of individuals on our top six goals takes the form of Action Plans. These are being pulled together into one place where we can more clearly see the direction we are taking.

Our community will have an opportunity to review the new strategic plan for approval and contribute comments on the Action Plan at our next Parish Assembly on December 9.

The top six goals are:

  • Plan for Creating a Stewardship Culture of Generosity, Tithing Community
  • Explore Market Information and Community Consensus for the possible sale of the Salinas property
  • Leadership Development
  • Plan for Bible Study, lives of the saints. Evening hours. Online
  • Plan for Welcoming
  • Formal arrangements for congregational chanting

If you are interested in participating in one or more of these areas, you will have many opportunities to join. You can let your Parish Council President know, volunteer at the Parish Assemby, or speak directly to one of the Action Plan leaders or team members. We are looking forward to the entire community getting involved in our future.

Living the Gospel


PHILOPTOCHOS FALL BAKE SALE

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!

Living the Gospel


OUR AUDIO AND VIDEO ARCHIVES

The Audio/Video Ministry is led by Hussam Ibrahim

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

Organization and Leadership 


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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)."

   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

   Eleni Saites - for patience and endurance.

   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: 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.

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Church Attendance

ATTEND SERVICES IN PERSON

We continue to worship each Sunday 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 hear confessions at the church. Please contact him directly for an appointment.


HOW TO ATTEND ONLINE

Most of our services and meetings are available online.
Attend remotely:
  1. Zoom with video here.
  2. On our Facebook page, except for Divine Liturgies and the Matins that preceed them.
  3. 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 when you can not attend services 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).


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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
November 15

Nativity Fast Begins

The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.

Mattevng
November 16

Sant Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

This Apostle, who was also called Levi, was the son of Alphaeus and had Galilee as his homeland. A publican before being called by Christ, he became one of the Twelve Apostles, and an Evangelist. While still in Palestine, he wrote his Gospel first in Hebrew, being also the first of all to write the Gospel. When he is depicted in icons, there is portrayed next to him the likeness of a man, one of the symbolic living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1.10), which, as Saint Irenaeus writes, is a symbol of our Saviour's Incarnation.

Vmentrnc
November 21

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph.

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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 worshipped 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 of the Son and of 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. Plagal 2nd Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:4-10.

Brethren, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God: not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

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