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St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-09-10
Bulletin Contents
Schedule of Services
News & Events
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News
Assembly of Bishops News
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Special Services
Kontakion of the Fallen Asleep
Saints and Feasts
Wisdom of the Fathers
Exaltation
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St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 408.605.0621
  • Street Address:

  • 9th and Lincoln, Carmel-by-the-Sea

  • ,
  • 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

                   9:30am 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

                       9:30am Liturgy

Past Bulletins


Schedule of Services

Saturday, September 9 Saints Joachim & Anna
    5:00pm  Vespers
Sunday, September 10
    8:30am  Orthros + Liturgy
    12:00pm  Orthodoxy 101/ Catechism Class
 Tuesday, September 12
    10:30am  Coffee with Father Ion
    11:00am  Bible Study
    12:00pm  Akathist to the Holy Cross
Wednesday, September 13
    6:00pm  Vespers
    7:00pm  Dinner and Group Discussion
Thursday, September 14  Exaltation of the Holy Cross
    8:00am  Orthros + Liturgy in SALINAS - Note earlier time
Friday, September 15 Saint Nikitas /  Saint Visarion
Saturday, September 16
    5:00pm  Vespers
Sunday, September 17
    8:30am  Orthros + Liturgy
    12:00pm  Orthodoxy 101/ Catechism Class
Wednesday, September 20
    6:00pm  Paraklesis
    7:00pm  Dinner and Group Discussion
Saturday, September 23  Conception of Saint John the Baptist
    5:00pm  Vespers
Sunday, September 24
    8:30am  Orthros + Liturgy
    12:00pm  Orthodoxy 101/ Catechism Class

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News & Events

WELCOMING OUR FESTIVAL GUESTS

This Sunday we are welcoming our guests who visited us at the Little Church at the Festival. We were blessed to have them part of the tours and much more blessed today when we can welcome them at our church. They are invited for worship, lunch and the presentation and discussion that will follow in St. John's Room. Welcome to Saint John's!


NO ORTHODOXY 101/ CATECHISM CLASS THIS SUNDAY

Our Orthodoxy 101/ Catechism cycle  this Sunday, September 3 has been cancelled and will resume on Sunday, September 17. The meetings will take place after the coffee hour. To sign up for the class, please contact Father Ion.  All are welcome. Next week's class assignments go to Exercises for Soul and Body.  Also see the list of books at Bibliography.


SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE

As we begin the new liturgical year, we are ready to start the Sunday School classes for ages 2 1/2 through Middle School! In addition to our elementary/middle class, we will also add a preschool/K class. Both of these classes will meet following the Divine Liturgy. Please use the online form here to sign up your children, so we know how many children to expect. Important Dates:
September 17 - First day for Elementary/Middle School class
October 1 - First day for Preschool Sunday School class


PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

Join Philoptochos for their Fall Breakfast Meeting, featuring Father Milutin Janjic of St. Prophet Elias Church. Hear his insightful "Reflections on the Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year." Enjoy the warm fellowship, a delicious Greek style breakfast, support our newly elected board of directors, and learn what's new with our dynamic chapter!


Saturday, September 16th
10:30 AM
Seccombe Hall
Corner of Lincoln & 9th
Carmel by the Sea
By Donation

Information and reservations: Alexandra Mouzas 619-518-2755, or email Alex@AlexandraMouzas.com

There will be a  Philoptochos Meeting Tuesday, September 12, 6:00pm


FAMILY EVENING/ SMALL GROUPS

With great excitement, we are continuing our FAMILY EVENINGs. This is a ministry centered around bringing families together for fellowship and spiritual growth and to enable us all to develop as members of Saint John's family.

This is a potluck dinner event that will take place on Friday, September 29 from 5:30 p.m. at the Community Center in La Mesa, Monterey. If you can, please bring a dish to share - Friday's are fasting days.

The schedule is as follows:

  • 5:30 - 6:00pm - Family potluck dinner -we all eat together.
  • 6:00 - 7:00pm - Short movie/ presentation, small group discussions and fellowship.
  • 7:00 pm - More fellowship time...

Again, we will use "A Journey to Fullness" as seed for the group discussions.


SERVING THESE SUNDAYS

The teams on duty these coming Sundays are:

September 10
   Welcoming:  Simi Georgalos
   Parish Council Member:  Fotis Papoulias
   Fellowship: Team 2 (Pink) – always 2nd  Sunday of the month

September 17
   Welcoming:  Mimi Makkar
   Parish Council Member:  Euthimios Saites
   Fellowship: Team 3 (Orange) – always 3rd  Sunday of the month


HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF FUND THROUGH THE PHILOPTOCHOS

In recent days, we have all been transfixed by piercing images of the damage wrought by Hurricane Harvey. Bringing with it devastating rain and winds, Hurricane Harvey has once again reminded each of us of our own vulnerability and fragility in the face of nature’s wrath. But it has also offered us an opportunity to show our humanity and our strength, through support for our brothers and sisters so desperately impacted by the storm.

Hurricane Harvey may well be the most costly storm to ever hit the United States, with damage estimated at nearly $200 billion dollars. Parts of Texas will be uninhabitable, certainly for weeks, perhaps for months. Countless families have lost their homes and tragically, scores of people have lost their lives.

Through your support and generosity, Philoptochos has already donated $30,000 to the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) relief efforts in the hurricane-affected areas. But is abundantly clear that much, much more is needed. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, has urged each of us to pray for those adversely affected by this natural disaster, and reminds us that, "our prayers, however, should be accompanied by tangible assistance to those who are now in dire need."

And so, once again, we seek your support through a contribution to the National Philoptochos Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. Please give as generously as you can and please be assured that Philoptochos will forward 100 percent of your contribution to the relief efforts.

Please make your checks payable to The Philoptochos Society, add the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund in the memo line, and bring your checks to church this Sunday, or please send your contribution to:  Philoptochos Society, St. John the Baptist Chapter P.O. Box 5808,  Carmel  CA  93021

The need is great and we ask that you do all that you can to assist our brothers and sisters in the stricken areas. Together, with faith in God, we can make a difference.


ST. JOHN'S REPRESENTED AT PEACE DAY CELEBRATION

The International Day of Peace will be observed on Sunday September 17 with a special celebration at the Carmel Mission, organized by the Roman Catholic Church. Leaders and members from different religious groups will gather for prayer, Christian hymns and delicious food. Father Ion will represent the Orthodox Church and our community and he will have the opportunity to address the audience with reflections from the Orthodox Tradition. You are invited to attend!

Carmel Mission ~ 3080 Rio Road Carmel
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2017 AT 3:00pm

The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") is observed around the world each year on 21 September. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.


SANTA CRUZ GREEK FESTIVAL

Prophet Elias’ 36th Annual Festival is approaching! Let everyone know! See the link below and email it to your friends and relatives. Meet us there on Sept. 8, 9, and 10th to celebrate with our sister, Prophet Elias church. OPA!!!

http://www.livelikeagreek.com/events/sc-greek-festival

If you prefer "live" action, copy and email the link below from our YouTube channel and pass along to friends in email or post on Facebook. OPA!! OPA!! OPA!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95YQEc1gQYM


SAINT NIKITAS LUNCHEON

Join us in celebration of the feast day of Saint Nikitas, with His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas, on Sunday, September 17th after the Liturgy at the Saint Nicholas Community Center in San Jose.  Please make your reservations by Sunday, September 10th by contacting Roula Demertzis at (408)564-2387 or by email at  rdemertzis@sbcglobal.net. Ticket price: $55.00.  Make checks payable to Saint Nicholas Church. Funds to benefit the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute. 


FATHER JOHN BERRIS GOLF TOURNAMENT

Father Berris Golf Classic, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization benefiting seminarians from our Metropolis enrolled in the Masters of Divinity Program at Holy Cross Seminary and the St. Nicholas Building Fund, in memory of Fr. John Berris, of blessed memory.  Over the last 28 years $191,000 has been awarded in scholarships to seminarians and over $120,000 to St. Nicholas Building Fund, all thanks to our sponsors, donors, golfers and volunteers.  The 29th annual Fr. Berris Golf Classic will be held Monday, September 18th at Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose.  Please join us for a fun day of golf and fellowship and/or consider being a sponsor, gift donor or volunteer at the tournament.  For more information visit www.FrBerrisGolf.org or call Jim Chiochios at 408.741.5534 OR email Joanne Pagonis at jopagonis@mac.com for player/sponsor/gift information; or Alexis Geranios  at alexisgeranios@gmail.com for volunteers.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. 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 Galatians 6:11-18.

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Mode

Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos in the 4th Mode

Your Nativity, O Theotokos, imparted joy to the entire earth, for out of you has risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God. He nullified the curse and instead gave His blessing; and causing death to be neutralized, He granted us eternal life.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 4th Mode

Both Joachim and Anna from their sterility's stigma, and Adam and Eve from their mortality's ruin have been set free, O immaculate Maid, by your holy nativity. For this do your people hold celebration, redeemed from the guilt of transgression as they cry to you, "The barren one bears the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life."
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Special Services

This Sunday's Memorial Service is for:
- The servants of God Andromahi (Mahi) and Theodoros Pappas (6 months and 11 years respectively), parents of Theodora (Lola) Bayer;
- The servant of God Cornel Ion (annual), father of Liviana Georgescu and husband of Draguta Viscotchi (visiting with us from Romania);
- The Servant of God George Athan Elliott (9 days).
May their memory be eternal!
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Kontakion of the Fallen Asleep

Remember, O Lord, as good, your servants, and forgive whatever sins in life they committed, for no one is without sin, except you the Mighty One; and grant rest to them who have been removed from among us.

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Saints and Feasts

Exaltation
September 10

Sunday before Holy Cross

Allsaint
September 10

Menodora, Metrodora, & Nymphodora the Martyrs

These Martyrs, sisters according to the flesh, were from Bithynia. They lived in virginity on a mountain near the Pythian hot springs of Bithynia, devoting themselves to asceticism and prayer. Betrayed to the local governor, Fronto, they were subjected to frightful tortures, and so gave up their holy souls into the hands of God. They contested for the Faith during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304.

Euphrosynoscook
September 11

Euphrosynos the Cook

Exaltation
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.

Nikitas
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.

Bessarion
September 15

Bessarion of Larissa

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Wisdom of the Fathers

"He gave His Only-begotten Son," not a servant, not an Angel, not an Archangel. And yet no one would show such anxiety for his own child, as God did for His ungrateful servants ... He who giveth life to others, much more to Himself doth He well forth life ... For He calls the Cross the fountain of life; which reason cannot easily allow, as the heathens now by their mocking testify. But faith which goes beyond the weakness of reasoning, may easily receive and retain it.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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