St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2026-11-08
Bulletin Contents
St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements
Inserts and Flyers
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Diakonia Newsletter
Archdiocese News
Wisdom of the Fathers
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts

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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
Tuesday - Friday, 9am-3pm

[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

This Sunday's Memorials

Eleftheria (Ritsa) Horeftis - 1 year

Patrikia Yoanidis - 40 days

Gregory Gallanis - 10 years

Hariklia Atsalos - 40 days

As a reminder: The pews on the front right side of the church, as you enter the church, are reserved for the family/families who are having a Memorial Service for their loved ones. Thus, please allow one pew per Memorial family on any given Sunday. Thank you for your understanding.

 

Fall General Assembly

Our Fall General Assembly is next Sunday, November 15th in the Fellowship Hall following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The Agenda has been mailed to your home. We hope you will come to hear all the current parish news and updates.

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

 

December 2026 Shepherd Newsletter Deadline

This Monday, November 9th. Please email your content to [email protected].

 

Online Version of the November Shepherd Newsletter

https://www.theshepherdnews.com/

 

Church Office Email Addresses

 

Philoptochos Christmas Brunch

Join us for delicious food, wonderful fellowship, and holiday cheer on Saturday, December 5th, 11:00 am at the Kona Kai San Diego Resort. You may purchase tickets online at www.anthousa.net. Please bring a pair of children's pajamas to support those in need. Kala Christouyena!

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

 

Philoptochos Decorated Icons

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

Icons available:

11/13: St. John Chrysostom

12/4: St. Barbara the Great Martyr

12/25: Holy Nativity of The Lord

 

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].

Available Sundays:

November 29th

January 17th

January 24th

January 31st

With appreciation,
Anthousa Chapter of Philoptochos

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

 

HOPE and JOY

Tomorrow, November 7th, 12:30-2:30 pm. Our next activity is Thankful Tree and Turkey Treats! Kids in TK-5th grade can come and make a giant Thankful Tree and Oreo Turkey Treats in the Youth Room. We will also have plenty of time for games. Lunch will be served. RSVP to [email protected].

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

 

Men's Ministry Thanksgiving Meeting

Thursday, November 19th, in our Fellowship Hall at 6:30 pm. Serving a complete Thanksgiving meal. Bring a friend and invite as many college students as possible.

Contact John Georges to RSVP at [email protected].

...giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... (Ephesians 5:20)

 

Greek Dance and Choral School

Please read carefully, as our practice schedule has changed this week due to the Thanksgiving luncheon.

Schedule of practices for dance groups for Sunday, November 8th:

Ta Spyridonakia: No practice

Youth Choir: No practice

High School Girls Choir: No practice

Helios: 1:15 to 2:15 pm, Youth Room

Pelagos: No practice

Parea: Note the earlier time this week 3:00 to 5:00 pm

Greek Dance Registration forms: https://forms.gle/mqH8xKeVTobXG9Ca8
Greek Dance Tuition: https://tuition-dance-and-choral-school.square.site/
Questions? Please email [email protected]

 

Young at Heart Seniors

Join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, November 10th, 11:00 am, Church Hall. Following lunch, we will welcome two special guest speakers. Fr. Andrew will share the story of his calling and journey to the priesthood. Presvytera Diane will reflect on supporting his calling and their life together during his seminary years. All St. Spyridon parishioners are welcome to join us for this special afternoon of fellowship!

 

Women of the Word

Will be meeting in the Parish Hall for our Saturday, November 14th meeting for a special activity. If you have registered for our study, please check your e-mail and be sure we are in your contacts so that our updates do not go to your spam folder: [email protected]. Also remember that our schedule and resources are available on our landing page: https://wowsandiego.carrd.co/. Any questions? Just email Kay Harkins at [email protected].

 

St. Spyridon Food Drive is Back

Join Sunday School, Greek School, GOYA, HOPE & JOY, and Dance & Choral in collecting non-perishable food items for St. Innocent Orphanage, starting Sunday, November 1st. The ministries will be competing to collect the most food! Collection bins will be in the Hall and Education Courtyard.

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

 

Three Hierarchs Academy - Third Annual Golf Tournament

During this season of giving, give the gift of education! Three Hierarchs Academy - an Orthodox School Third Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser is scheduled for November 14th. Even if you don’t golf, please consider a donation to this Greek Orthodox School located near St. Anthony’s Monastery in Arizona. For sponsorship opportunities and more information, please call or text Alexandra Aram at 760-521-0472 or email [email protected].

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

 

Frappe and Tost Fundraiser is Back

Join us on Sunday, November 15th during fellowship (and General Assembly meeting) in the hall after Divine Liturgy. We will have frappe, Greek coffee, and tost (grilled cheese) available for sale. All proceeds will benefit the St. Spyridon Greek Dance and Choral School.

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

 

GOYA Friendsgiving

Sunday, November 15th, 3:00 pm, in the Youth Room. Kids and teens in grades 6-12, come enjoy a potluck supper with friends! We will eat delicious food and play fun games organized by the GOYA Board. Sign up for the potluck on the Youth Ministries website.

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

 

Little Angels Playgroup

Next playgroup is November 18th from 9:45-11:00 am. This is for babies, toddlers, and parents! We play, sing songs, and do fun activities in our St. Spyridon Playroom (Lower Education Building). If you have any questions, please contact Julie Dennis, Youth Ministries Director, at [email protected].

 

Fall See's Candy Fundraiser is Back

See’s Candy makes a great Thanksgiving and Christmas treat and gift! All proceeds go to support the Dance and Choral School! Candy is shipped directly to your (or your recipient’s) home. Fundraiser ends December 4th. Order online here. Email Kathy Meck with questions: [email protected].

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

 

Upcoming Memorials in November

11/15: Steve Kosmos - 40 days

11/15: Panayiotis Limperis - 16 years

11/22: Nick Panos - 15 years

11/22: Popi Panos - 22 years

11/22: Konstantinos Loukatos - 22 years

11/22: Elly Loukatos - 15 years

11/22: John Stamatelatos - 19 years

11/22: Deacon Michael Kallas - 6 months

11/22: Marika Livas - 25 years

11/22: Stavros Livas - 54 years

11/22: Argirios Livas - 12 years

11/22: Nikos Livas - 2 years

11/22: Athena Livas - 2 years

11/22: Joseph Livas - 2 years

 

Church Parking

We respectfully ask that you please adhere to these guidelines when using the church parking lot:

  • Please do not park in handicap spaces unless your vehicle displays a valid handicap placard or license plate.
  • Please ensure that no vehicles are blocked in from any side. Blocking someone in is not only a big inconvenience to them, but damage to your vehicle is very possible.
  • Please park only in marked spaces. If there is no line marking a parking spot, please do not park there.
  • To ensure Emergency Vehicle access, please do not park in the red-painted driveway onto Indiana Street.
  • Please ensure that no Entrances or Exits are blocked by your car.
  • Please be mindful not to mistakenly take up two spots with your car.

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

 

The Nursery and Cry Room

A nursery and cry room is available in the Narthex behind the candle box, offering a quiet space (with toys, books, and a changing table) for parents with young children. The room is equipped with both video and audio, allowing you to follow the Divine Liturgy. For assistance, please speak with a member of the Narthex Team.

 

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!

 

Orthodox Parish Leadership Monthly Webinar Series

Monday, November 16, 2026 • 5:00 p.m. Pacific / 8:00 p.m. Eastern. To Prepare: Healthy Catechism for Newcomers

This webinar is hosted by the Metropolis of Boston Thriving Congregations Initiative (TCI) and responds to a growing reality across Orthodox parishes in the United States: increasing numbers of inquirers and converts, many of whom arrive after self-directed online learning. The session will explore how parishes can offer catechism that is not only a transfer of information but an opening of Orthodox spiritual practice. With limited clergy and a shortage of trained catechists, the webinar will highlight sustainable models that involve lay leaders, peer support, and integration into the liturgical and communal life of the parish. Emphasis will be placed on moving newcomers from knowledge to participation, helping them develop relationships, spiritual practices, and a lived experience of Orthodoxy. Drawing from TCI parish examples, this session will equip communities to form newcomers in a way that is scalable, relational, and deeply rooted in the life of the Church. Register here: Orthodox Parish Leadership Webinar registration

 

Strengthen Your Relationship with Eight Dates

Join the Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry for Eight Dates, a relationship series based on the book by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.

When: Thursdays at 6:30 PM (Pacific) via Zoom
Dates: September 10 – December 10
Topics: Trust, Conflict, Intimacy, Family, Spirituality, and more!

Open to all couples—married or not—who want to improve communication and connection. Register today: familywellnessministry.org/eight-dates.

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.



Inserts and Flyers



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 worshiped 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 the Son and 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. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.4,1.
Who makes his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God you are very great.

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

Brethren, if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his own will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, "What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet." Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for every one. For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:41-56

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.



Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-11-08?source=bulletin_web

November 8, 2026





Wisdom of the Fathers

We advance toward humility by means of trials. He who rests on his virtue without suffering tribulation has the door of pride open before him.
St. Isaac of Syria
Homily 57, in Ascetical Homilies, p. 283, 7th century

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century



Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

The angelic powers appeared at your tomb, and those guarding it became as dead. Mary stood at your grave seeking your pure body. But you stripped the power of Hades, yet were not touched by corruption. You met the virgin and granted her life. O Lord, who

Apolytikion for Synaxis of the Archangels in the Fourth Mode

O Chief Commander of the heavenly armies, * we the unworthy now entreat you in earnest, * to fortify us by your supplications to the Lord, * and shelter us beneath the wings of your spiritual glory, * guarding us who run to you and fervently entreat you: * As the Commanders of the hosts on high, * rescue us faithful from dangers of every kind.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.


Saints and Feasts

November 08

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel

All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

November 09

Onesiphoros and Porphyrios of Ephesus

During the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian, about the year 290, Saints Onesiphorus and Porphyrius were betrayed as Christians to the persecutors. After many torments through which they stood fast in confessing their faith, they were bound by the feet to wild horses and dragged to death.

November 10

Erastos, Olympas, Herodion, Sosipatros, Quartus, Tertios, Apostles of the 70

Of these Saints, Olympas and Rodion became disciples of Peter, the chief Apostle, and came to Rome, where they were beheaded by Nero. The others reposed in peace, having become bishops: Sosipater of Iconium, Quartus of Beirut, and Erastus of Paneas, or Paneias (which was also called Caesarea of Philippi); Saint Erastus had been chamberlain of the city of Corinth (Rom.16:23).

November 11

Victor of Damascus

Saints Victor and Stephanie contested in Damascus in 160, during the reign of Antoninus Pius. The pagans arrested Saint Victor as a Christian and cut off his fingers, put out his eyes, and beheaded him. As Saint Stephanie, the wife of a certain soldier, and a Christian, saw Victor's nobility in his sufferings, she loudly cried out to call him blessed and to say that she saw two crowns prepared, one for him, and one for herself. She also was taken, and was tied to two palm trees which had been bowed down; when they were released, she was torn asunder.

November 12

John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria

Saint John was born in 555 on the island of Cyprus in the city of Amathus; his father, Epiphanius, was a ruler of Cyprus. The Saint was consecrated Archbishop of Alexandria in 608. A man of exemplary uprightness, in his zeal for Orthodoxy he strove mightily to fight the many heresies among the Christians in Egypt; but above all, he was famous for his singular generosity, humility, and sympathy towards all, especially the poor. His mercy was so great that the report of it reached the Persian invaders of Jerusalem, who desired to see him because of it. Saint John reposed in 619, at the age of sixty-four.

November 13

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher, and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Libanius was a pagan, and when asked before his death whom he wished to have for his successor, he said, "John, had not the Christians stolen him from us." With such a training, and with such gifts as he had by nature, John had before him a brilliant career as a rhetorician. But through the good example of his godly mother Anthusa and of the holy Bishop Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), by whom he was ordained reader about the year 370, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. From the years 374 to 381 he lived the monastic life in the hermitages that were near Antioch. His extreme asceticism undermined his health, compelling him to return to Antioch, where Saint Meletius ordained him deacon about the year 381. Saint Meletius was called to Constantinople later that year to preside over the Second Ecumenical Council, during which he fell asleep in the Lord. In 386 Bishop Flavian ordained John presbyter of the Church of Antioch. Upon his elevation to the priesthood his career as a public preacher began, and his exceptional oratorical gifts were made manifest through his many sermons and commentaries. They are distinguished by their eloquence and the remarkable ease with which rich imagery and scriptural allusions are multiplied; by their depth of insight into the meaning of Scripture and the workings of God's providence; and, not least of all, by their earnestness and moral force, which issue from the heart of a blameless and guileless man who lived first what he preached to others. Because of his fame, he was chosen to succeed Saint Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken away by stealth, to avoid the opposition of the people, and consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople on February 28, 398, by Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who was to prove his mortal enemy.

At that time the Emperor of the East was Arcadius, who had had Saint Arsenius the Great as his tutor (see May 8); Arcadius was a man of weak character, and much under the influence of his wife Eudoxia. The zealous and upright Chrysostom's unsparing censures of the lax morals in the imperial city stung the vain Eudoxia; through Theophilus' plottings and her collaboration, Saint John was banished to Pontus in 403. The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city; this so frightened the Empress Eudoxia that she begged Arcadius to call Chrysostom back. While his return was triumphant, his reconciliation with the Empress did not last long. When she had a silver statue of herself erected in the forum before the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia) in September of 403, and had it dedicated with much unseemly revelry, Saint John thundered against her, and she could not forgive him. In June of 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia. From here he exchanged letters with Pope Innocent of Rome, who sent bishops and priests to Constantinople requesting that a council be held. Saint John's enemies, dreading his return, prevailed upon the Emperor to see an insult in this, and had John taken to a more remote place of banishment called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was filled with bitter sufferings for the aged bishop, both because of the harshness of the elements and the cruelty of one of his 310 guards. He did not reach Pityus, but gave up his soul to the Lord near Comana in Pontus, at the chapel of the Martyr Basiliscus (see May 22), who had appeared to him shortly before, foretelling the day of his death, which came to pass on September 14, 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things." His holy relics were brought from Comana to Constantinople thirty-one years later by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria his sister, the children of Arcadius and Eudoxia, with fervent supplications that the sin of their parents against him be forgiven; this return of his holy relics is celebrated on January 27.

Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom ("Golden-mouth") because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian.

It should be noted that, because September 14 is the Exaltation of the Cross, the Saint's memory has been transferred to this day.

November 14

Philip the Apostle

This Apostle, one of the Twelve, was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was a compatriot of Andrew and Peter. He was instructed in the teachings of the Law, and devoted himself to the study of the prophetic books. Therefore, when the Lord Jesus called him to the dignity of apostleship, he immediately sought out and found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1.45). Having preached Jesus the God-man throughout many parts of Asia Minor, and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he was finally crucified upside down in Hierapolis of Phrygia.

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