St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2025-09-14
Bulletin Contents
St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements
Inserts and Flyers
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Archdiocese News
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts

Organization Icon
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.

[email protected] | 619-297-4165

Parish Office For General Office Information


[email protected] | 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

Service for the Feast Day of the Elevation of the Venerable Life-Giving Cross - This Sunday, September 14th

For this year (2025), the feast day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross falls on Sunday, the 14th.  Thus, the procession with the Cross on a tray of fresh basil will be offered on that Sunday so our Sunday School children, their teachers, their parents, and all those present can witness and experience this wonderful Tradition of the Church.

 

Meraki - Elementary School Aged Youth Group

Beach Clean up, tomorrow from 9:30-11:00 am. Meet at La Jolla Shores by the main lifeguard tower. We will clean up the beach and have some time to play at the park! If you have an elementary school aged child, be sure to email [email protected] to get information!

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Philoptochos Tray Pass for HC/HC

This Sunday, September 14th, the Ladies of Philoptochos will pass a tray to support Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary. Proceeds will be sent directly to the Seminary and go towards the scholarship fund for the students. Any monetary donation is appreciated. Please make checks payable to Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos. Thank you for your support!

 

Metropolis of San Francisco Ministries GALA in Anaheim, CA 

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco warmly invites you to a magnificent black-tie Gala on Saturday evening, October 11, 2025, at the J.W. Marriott, Anaheim Resort in Anaheim, California. This prestigious evening will celebrate the vibrant ministries of the Metropolis.  The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a reception, followed by a formal dinner and program at 7:00 p.m., with dancing to conclude the evening. 

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is comprised of sixty-nine parishes and three monastic communities over a seven-state western region that includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.  This Gala provides invaluable support to our thirteen innovative Metropolis ministries, offering spiritual, educational, cultural and social enrichment for our faithful. We are especially blessed to integrate our ministries with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to support the efforts of the national church, which is under the guidance and jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Our ministries flourish as active and dynamic reservoirs of our faith, breathing life into our congregations, fostering an immersion in knowledge, extending compassionate outreach to the wider community, igniting inspiration for our youth, and safeguarding our invaluable cultural heritage.  The following are just a few examples of the many ways our Metropolis serves and inspires.

  • Christian Education provides resources for the education of children and adults to deepen their knowledge of our faith.
  • Church Music is dedicated to providing the best possible resources to our parishes to help them establish and sustain music programs for adults and youth.
  • Clergy Continuing Education supports the ongoing spiritual and theological development of our clergy.
  • Family Wellness focuses on connecting individuals, families, couples, and clergy through healthy Christ-centered relationships.
  • Folk Dance and Choral Festival offers a weekend of Faith, Dance and Fellowship that provides for cultural enrichment and the perpetuation of our customs and traditions.
  • Greek Language and Culture supports and promotes academic and artistic endeavors that cultivate interest in Greek language and culture.
  • Greek Village is an immersion camp that provides youth with Greek language instruction and an opportunity to experience their faith, culture, customs and traditions.
  • Missions and Evangelism educates, equips and engages clergy and faithful in evangelism and mission to grow Orthodoxy in America.
  • Orthodox Parish Leadership focuses on providing practical skills and information to increase the leadership capabilities of current and future lay leaders in our parishes.
  • Philoptochos is a vibrant army of women that provides significant charitable support to those in need through philanthropy, fellowship and faith in action.
  • Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center offers a place for spiritual renewal for nearly 50 years, providing a scenic backdrop of nearly 250 acres for many Metropolis ministry programs.
  • Young Adult League (YAL) keeps young adults engaged in their faith and creates a forum for positive interactions with others who share the same commitment to Christ through annual conferences and regional activities.
  • Youth and Young Adult Ministries provides programs and retreats for youth and young adults throughout the Metropolis, and also the transformative Summer Camp at the Ranch.

Through the funds raised at the Metropolis Gala, we will strengthen our existing ministries and expand their impact, ensuring an even brighter and more promising future for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco as we serve our faithful. Join us in celebrating our ministries!

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Sunday School

Sunday School got off to a great start last Sunday! It was great seeing everyone! This Sunday, children and teens in Preschool through 12th grade meet in the Hall for Sunday School after the reception of Holy Communion. If you are new to Sunday School and/or Youth Ministries at St. Spyridon, or if you have a new student (even in preschool), please register from the St. Spyridon homepage, www.stspyridon.org. Email Tina Perri, Sunday School Director, at [email protected] for more information.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Parish Ministry Fair Thank You

Thanks to everyone who attended the Parish Ministry Fair last Sunday! Thanks as well to the Ministry Chairs who hosted tables! We had a great turnout and are excited to see so many of our parishioners want to get involved! If you need more information on a particular ministry, but don’t know who to contact, please reach out to the Church Office at 619-297-4165.

 

Young at Heart Seniors

Space is filling up fast for our chartered bus day trip on Wednesday, November 19th to view The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Mycenaean Greece Exhibition at the Getty Villa Museum in Malibu. Admission tickets are $40. A catered box lunch can be purchased, or you can bring your own. For more information and to pay by check or cash, please call Nick Pappas (484-553-8791) or Libby Diamond (619-347-8352).

 

Become a School Buddy Sponsor

Isabella, Anastasia, and Gabriella will be visiting our parish on September 21st. They are full-time missionaries at St. Innocent (Pan-Orthodox) Orphanage in Tijuana. Please visit their table in the hall after the Divine Liturgy on September 21st to learn how to become a School Buddy (financial sponsor) to a child in need of education. To learn more or to donate, please visit: Projectmexico.org.

 

September Online Version of The Shepherd Newsletter

https://www.theshepherdnews.com/

 

The Nursery and Cry Room is Available

A nursery and cry room is located in the Narthex behind the candle box, offering a quiet space (with toys and books) for parents with young children. There is also a rocking chair and a changing table. The room is equipped with a monitor providing both video and audio, allowing you to follow the Divine Liturgy. For assistance or more information, please speak with a member of the Narthex Duty team.

 

Greek Dance and Choral School

Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 Greek Dance and Choral School Year. This year we will offer a $25 early bird discount for each tuition paid before October 1st.  

  • Youth Choir: 8-18 years, 12:20 pm to 1:15 pm, Choir Loft - Kathy Meck
  • Ta Spyridonakia: 4-6 years, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm, Lower Education Building - Sia Brown
  • Helios: 7-10 years, 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm, Youth Room - Margarita Veziris
  • Pelagos: 11 years-High School, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Youth Room - Sia Brown and Dimitri Litsas

Registration is open now for our Young Adult "Arhondia" dance group. Classes will be taught by Margarita Veziris and will start soon. 

Schedules for our six-week Beginner Adult and Adult Cardio Greek Dance classes will be released soon. Classes will be taught by Sia Brown.  

Follow the links below to register and pay tuition for all dance classes.

Questions?  [email protected]

Registration link - https://forms.gle/n3dco1YLc5msbfwn6  

Tuition link - https://tuition-dance-and-choral-school.square.site/

 

Youth Choir

Practices this Sunday in the Choir Loft, 12:15-1:15. Kids and teens ages 8 - 18 are invited to join Youth Choir. Come check it out! Contact Choir Master, Kathy Meck, [email protected] for more information.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Kids’ Corner

Is in the Lower Education Room and is open to babies and toddlers ages 40 days to 3 years old and their parents or caregivers. Coffee for the parents and toys for the children are provided in this casual and fun space to meet other parents of young children. Kids’ Corner is open each Sunday after Holy Communion. We hope you check it out this Sunday! If you have any questions, please contact Julie Dennis, Youth Ministries Director, at [email protected].

 

Little Angels Playgroup 

We now meet on Wednesdays from 9:45am - 11:00am. Little Angels Playgroup is for young ones ages 40 days through 4 years and parents, grandparents, or caregivers! Each week, we get together to play, build relationships, read Bible stories, and play more! Contact Julie Dennis, Youth Ministries Director, for more information - [email protected].

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Fellowship and Coffee Hour

We invite you to consider offering a future Sunday Fellowship Hour with your family or friends by providing simple refreshments such as donuts or bagels, fruit, and juice. This is a meaningful way to honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion. To sign up, please contact the Fellowship Coordinator Olympia (Debbie) Kyriakidis at 619-507-6521 or [email protected].
 
With appreciation, 
 
Anthousa Chapter of Philoptochos
 
Available Sundays:
October 26th
November 16th
November 23rd
December 14th

 

Philoptochos Decorated Icons

Commemorate a Feast Day by offering a decorated icon to be displayed in the Narthex for veneration. The suggested donation is $85 to: Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. Call the church office at 619-297-4165 to reserve your decorated icon.

Icons available for decoration:

9/16 - Saint Euphemia the Great Martyr

9/17 - Saint Sophia and her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

9/26 - The Falling Asleep of Saint John the Theologian

 

Orthodox Parish Leadership Webinar

The Metropolis Orthodox Parish Leadership ministry is offering a webinar on “Enhancing
Parishioner Engagement Utilizing an Intergenerational Approach” this Monday, September
15 at 6:30 p.m. George Ekizian will lead this engaging discussion on enhancing parishioner
engagement and utilizing an intergenerational approach as a powerful way to foster community, deepen spiritual growth, and strengthen relationships within the church. Discover how to leverage the unique gifts and perspectives of each generation to strengthen your parish's spiritual life, community outreach, and overall vitality.

Register online at: www.sanfran.goarch.org/events.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Hellenic Cultural Society 60th Anniversary

Please join us for a celebration and lecture hosted by The Pan Arcadians of San Diego on Sunday, October 19th at 4:00 pm at Sts. Constantine and Helen GOC, Pappas Hall. $25 per person donation. RSVP by mail by October 10th to Angie Georggin: 12753 Shadowline St., Poway, CA 92064.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat 2025

The Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat is eager to welcome 18 – 35 year olds to at Saint
Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center over the weekend of Thursday, October 16 – Sunday,
October 19, 2025. Young Adults ages 18 – 39 from all Orthodox traditions are welcome to attend a weekend of hiking, prayer, and fellowship. The retreat theme will be “Glory to Thee for Every Step of My Life’s Journey” with guest speaker Rev. Archdeacon Justin Bosl from Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley, CA. We will explore together the spiritual path to Christ's Kingdom!

Register today at https://gosfyouth.org/youngadults#/young-adult-fall-retreat.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Unveiling of a New Icon of Creation - Thursday, October 2nd -  Sunday, October 5th

The new icon (painting), titled The Transfiguration of Creation, is a groundbreaking contribution to Christian devotion, theology, and art, offering an eschatological vision of Creation that blends insight from scripture and modern science (that is, God's Word and God's World). This work was commissioned by Point Loma Nazarene University biology professor Andrew Nosal in 2023, and produced in the traditional Byzantine style by UK-based iconographer (artist), Aidan Hart, who has over 40 years of experience in this timeless Christian art form. The finished icon, measuring 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide, arrived at PLNU in May 2025 and will be permanently displayed in Ryan Library.

Event Website and RSVP: https://sites.google.com/pointloma.edu/creationicon

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Pan-Arcadian Federation - Tegea Chapter Scholarship Fund

Please mail the complete application package to the chair of the committee:

Peter Fellios, PhD, 2652 Alta Vista Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Please note: Applicants may apply in more than one year; however, priority
will be given to first-time applicants. The completed application and all required documents must be postmarked by October 4, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

See the attached application in the Inserts & Flyers section below. 

 

Church Parking Lot

We kindly ask that you please follow these parking guidelines when using the church lot:

  • To ensure Emergency Vehicle access, please do not park in the exit driveway onto Indiana Street.
  • Double-parking must be avoided so as not to inconvenience other parishioners.
  • Please ensure that no exits are blocked and that no vehicles are blocked in.
  • Please park only in marked spaces to help us maintain a smooth flow of traffic when entering and exiting the lot.

Thank you for your consideration and for helping to keep our parking area safe and accessible for all parishioners.

 

Agape Meals

 Our Philoptochos Agape Meal program provides meals to our St. Spyridon community members who may need help with a meal(s) during a time of need. If you are interested in preparing a home-cooked meal for our parishioners, please reach out to Marian Dougenis at [email protected] or mobile 619-520-3660. Thank you!
 
 
The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Ancient Greece Exhibit
 
Encounter the latest discoveries from Messenia, an epicenter of Mycenaean civilization in Late Bronze Age Greece, displayed for the first time outside Europe. Archaeology and cutting-edge science reveal the world of the Griffin Warrior, whose grave held offerings of incomparable artistry. Princely burials in monumental tombs reflect a society that came to be ruled by the Palace of Nestor in ancient Pylos. Carved sealstones, goldwork, elaborate weapons, and wall paintings accompany inscribed tablets that document the final year of a powerful kingdom.
 
Getty Villa Museum 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (Villa Museum Galleries) from June 27, 2025 - January 12, 2026. Free Admission.
 
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.
 

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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Inserts and Flyers

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross
The Reading is from John 12:28-36

The Lord said, "Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again." The crowd standing by heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him." Jesus answered, "This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out: and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." He said this to show by what death he was to die. The crowd answered him, "We have heard from the law that the Christ remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man?" Jesus said to them, "The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, lest the darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light."

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 98.9,1.
Exalt the Lord our God.
Verse: The Lord reigns; let the people tremble.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:18-24.

Brethren, the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will thwart." Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Gospel Reading

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross
The Reading is from John 19:6-11, 13-20, 25-28, 30

At that time, when the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no crime in him." The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law he ought to die, because he has made himself the Son of God."

When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid; he entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave no answer. Pilate therefore said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?" Jesus answered him, "You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore he who delivered me to you has the greater sin." When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement, and in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold your King!" They cried out, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." Many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. Then when Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished"; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

A MARVELOUS thing is longsuffering; it places the soul as in a quiet harbor, fleeing it from tossings and evil spirits. And this everywhere Christ hath taught us, but especially now, when He is judged, and dragged, and led about ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 84 on John 18 and Homily 85 on John 19, 4th Century

But why was it that Pilate made the enquiry not in their presence, but apart, having gone into the judgment hall? He suspected something great respecting Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 84 on John 18 and Homily 85 on John 19, 4th Century

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Archdiocese News

St. Nicholas Church and National Shrine hosts annual September 11th memorial service

09/11/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/st.-nicholas-church-and-national-shrine-hosts-annual-september-11th-memorial-service?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

Today, September 11, 2025, on the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over a Memorial Service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at Ground Zero. St. Nicholas Church, the only house of worship destroyed on 9/11, was crushed by the south tower when the World Trade Center was struck.


GOARCH announces 2026 Clergy-Laity Congress in Cleveland, Ohio

09/11/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/clc-26-announcement?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 Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce that the 48th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, from June 30 to July 2, 2026.


St. Photios National Shrine hosts event responding to Patriarchal encyclical on the environment

09/10/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/st.-photios-national-shrine-hosts-event-responding-to-patriarchal-encyclical-on-the-environment?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 Saint Photios National Shrine successfully hosted its annual observance of the Ecclesiastical New Year Indiction 2025 & Environmental Protection, highlighted this year by a national response to the 2025 Patriarchal Encyclical of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The encyclical, issued September 1, called for “ecological repentance” and a renewed commitment to protecting creation as a sacred gift of God.


This is the public itinerary for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s September visit to the U.S.

09/10/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/ep-public-events-25?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 Archdiocese of America is honored to announce the official visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the U.S. in September 2025. The visit will include public events in Washington, DC, New York City, and Long Island, NY, offering opportunities to receive his blessing and participate in worship services.


GOARCH launches 42nd annual St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

09/10/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/goarch-launches-42nd-annual-st.-john-chrysostom-oratorical-festival?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 Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce that the Metropolis of San Francisco will host the 42nd Annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Nationals at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Northridge, California, on the weekend of June 12 to 14, 2026.  


This church was rebuilt during the crusades. Now under a modern siege, clergy and nuns are refusing to abandon displaced civilians

09/08/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/gaza-city-porphyrios?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

Within the walls of what is considered the third-oldest church in Christianity, clergy and nuns at the Church of Saint Porphyrios in Gaza City have vowed to remain at the aid of displaced civilians as the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces breaches 62,000. 


Do the divine and digital intersect? Join us for an AI & theology conference

09/08/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/ai-conference?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

Do the divine and digital intersect? Join us for an AI & Theology Conference exploring technology, ethics, and spirituality—and what it means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence.


After hurricanes, GOARCH aided Florida parishioners hit hardest

09/08/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/hurricane-aid?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

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America launched a wide-reaching relief initiative to support parishioners and parishes impacted by the storms.


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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Elevation of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

The Hymn of Saint Spyridon

At the first of the Synods, you appeared as a champion, * and Wonderworker, our God-bearing Father Spyridon. *  Wherefore, you addressed the dead one in the grave, * and a serpent you changed to gold. *  And while chanting * in service your sacred prayers, * you joined the angels concelebrating, most holy one.*  Glory to Christ who glorified you, * glory to Him who crowned you, * glory to the One who works through You, * healings for everyone.

                                                                                  

Τής Συνόδου τής πρώτης ανεδείχθης υπέρμαχος, * καί Θαυματουργός Θεοφόρε Σπυρίδων πατήρ ημών. *  διό νεκρά σύ έν τάφω προσφωνείς, * καί όφιν είς χρυσούν μετέβαλες. * καί έν τώ μέλπειν τάς αγίας σου ευχάς, *  Αγγέλους έσχες συλλειτουργούντας σοι Ιερώτατε, * Δόξα τώ σέ δοξάσαντι Χριστώ * δόξα τώ σέ στεφανώσαντι. * δόξα τώ ενεργόυντι, διά σου πάσιν ιάματα.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Lifted up on the Cross by Your free will, Christ God, grant mercies to the new commonwealth that bears Your name. Gladden our faithful rulers by Your power, giving them victories over their adversaries. May Your alliance be for them a weapon for peace, an invincible standard.
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Saints and Feasts

September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.

September 15

Nikitas the Great Martyr

This Saint was of high birth among the Goths beyond the Danube River. He was taken by Athanaric, pagan ruler of the Goths, and after being tortured, was burned to death for his confession of Christ. According to some, this took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great; according to others, under the Emperor Gratian.

September 16

Euphemia the Great Martyr

Saint Euphemia was from Chalcedon and lived in virginity. According to some, she suffered martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in 303; according to others, in 307. Her sacred relics are preserved in the Patriarchate in Constantinople.

September 17

Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith about the year 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was twelve years old, Hope, ten, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek; as for her daughters' names, Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity), they are Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek, and Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov in Russian.

September 18

Eumenius the Wonderworker, Bishop of Gortynia

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth, and later became Bishop of Gortynia in Crete. He travelled to Rome, and to Thebes in Upper Egypt, where through his prayers he ended a drought; there also, after working many miracles, he reposed in deep old age. His holy relics were returned to Gortynia and buried at the place called Raxos.

September 19

Trophimos, Sabbatios, & Dorymedon the Martyrs

In 278, during the reign of Probus, Saints Trophimus and Sabbatius came to Antioch, and seeing the city celebrating the festival of Apollo at Daphne lamented the blindness of the people, and presented themselves as Christians to Atticus the Governor. Saint Trophimus was stripped of his clothing, and was stretched out and beaten until the earth was red with his blood. Then he was hung up, scraped on his sides, and imprisoned in torments. Saint Sabbatius was tortured so savagely that he gave up his spirit in his sufferings. Trophimus was sent to Synnada, wearing iron shoes fitted with sharp iron nails within; he was further tormented without mercy, then cast into prison. Dorymedon, a counsellor, and a pagan, came to the prison and cared for Trophimus. When a certain feast came, Dorymedon was asked why he did not sacrifice to the idols; he proclaimed himself a Christian, for which he was imprisoned, pierced with heated spits, frightfully punished, and finally beheaded with Saint Trophimus.

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