St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2024-06-30
Bulletin Contents

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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






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 

Maria Tranda the Presvytera - 6 months

Stephanie Navrides - 4 years

Demetrios Tsigas the Priest - 4 years

Adrianos Kyriakidis - 6 years 

As a reminder: The pews on the front right side of the church as you walk in 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. 

 

This Sunday's Divine Hierarchical Service Hours

The Orthros service for this Sunday will begin at 8:00 am with the Divine Liturgy to follow around 9:30.

 

Youth Choir Practice Tomorrow

In preparation for the Synodal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, our Youth Choir will be meeting tomorrow: Saturday, June 29th at 4pm.

 

Bus Ride to St. Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp

St. Nicholas Ranch Camp is right around the corner! July 7th - 14th. If your children or teens are attending the camp, be sure to sign up for the bus ride to camp! Save a six-hour drive for you and give your kids a chance to build relationships on their way to and from camp! For more information contact Bill Navrides at 619-992-6775 or [email protected] or Julie Dennis at [email protected]

See attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Young at Heart Seniors

Our next fellowship is Tuesday, July 9th with a casual pizza lunch. Please RSVP with Cynthia Samarkos (619-582-4109) by Sunday, July 7th if you are attending.

 

Vacation Church School - Call for Volunteers!

Volunteers needed on Sunday, July 14th to help set up after Divine Liturgy. Volunteers also needed throughout the VCS week, July 15-19th. Volunteer for the whole week, volunteer for just a day, volunteer for a few hours! All help is appreciated. We are also looking for a Music Leader who can teach and perform the theme song and hymns (music will be provided) to the VCS participants Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm. If you are interested, please text Julie Dennis at 619-618-5116.

 

Vacation Church School - July 15th - 19th, 9am - 12pm (aftercare until 4pm available) 

Registration is open!  This year’s theme is Going For The Gold! The Feasts of the Triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ! Children in Preschool - 5th grade will learn about how to become Spiritual Athletes! 6th - 12th grades can volunteer as Youth Leaders! Register on the St. Spyridon homepage (stspyridon.org). Email [email protected] or text Julie Dennis, 619-940-5167 for more information.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Orthodox Christian Seeking a Temporary Room for Rent

Brothers and sisters in Christ,

I have traveled to San Diego from Medford, Oregon to be with and pray for my brother while he's in the process of passing from this world. I thought the time would be much shorter for his passing but learned it could be another 3 weeks before he finishes his earthly life.

Now, I am looking for a room to rent in a Christian home for 1-3 weeks. I can pay for room and board. I just need a place to sleep and cook simple meals for breakfast and dinner.

A place close to 3688 1st Avenue would be preferable. Please contact me directly 541-213-3318

In Christ,

Porphyrios Jenkins

 

Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday - July 28th

As the national prison ministry of the Orthodox Church, Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) supports prisoners’ unique spiritual needs through long-term case management and provides resources and training to parishes and clergy, enabling them to offer local solutions and fulfill Christ’s command to visit Him in prison. As a result, families are reunited, marriages are
healed, and thousands of incarcerated men and women have a new sense of peace and restored order in their lives. To donate or learn more visit www.theocpm.org or call 347-868-6957.

 

Pan-Arcadian Federation—Tegea Chapter Scholarship Fund

The completed application and all required documents must be postmarked by July 31, 2024.  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements as listed in the scholarship Bylaws:

1. Be active members of the Tegea Chapter of the Pan-Arcadian Federation OR have at least one member of their families or guardians (Mother/Father/ Grandfather/Grandmother/Brother/Sister) who is an active member of the Tegea Chapter and has been a member for at least one year prior to the scholarship application date.

2. Plan to continue their education at a four-year institution of higher learning leading to a Bachelor’s Degree, or at a junior college or trade school.

3. Provide evidence of matriculation at a four-year college/university, junior college, or trade school. This includes student ID and proof of enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year.

4. Be graduating seniors in the current school year from a San Diego City/County high school, or continuing students at an institution of higher learning, junior college or trade school.

5. Submit the following documents (including those of #3 above)
a. A letter from a school official
b. A letter from any other source of the applicant’s choice
c. An official transcript of the current school of attendance

See attached application in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

2024 National YAL Conference - July 3-7th

Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM) is pleased to announce the 2024 National YAL Conference will be held July 3-7, 2024 at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, California, graciously hosted by His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Metropolis of San Francisco.  Gather with young adults from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for a five-day experience centered on faith, fellowship, worship, service, and fun. 

Schedule highlights include captivating speakers and workshops, participation in select segments of the Clergy-Laity Congress, witnessing the renowned July 4th Fireworks Show, exploring the picturesque city of San Diego, a dinner boat cruise, and a "Diakonia" service project. Festivities will conclude on Sunday, July 7th with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Please visit clergylaity.org/yalconference to register today or contact the Archdiocese Y2AM Department at [email protected] for more information.

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section. 

 

Orthodox Young Professionals Conference

The Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America will be hosting its 10th biennial Orthodox Young Professionals Conference on ThursdayJuly 25 - Sunday, July 28, 2024 at the JW Marriott Resort in Anaheim, California. Young adults aged 21+ single or married are welcome to attend. We are blessed to have Father Evan Armatas and Presbytera Stacy Armatas as our keynote speakers.  
The weekend includes prayer, speaker sessions, social events, and networking with other Orthodox Young Professionals from all over North America. The theme will be focused on "Love & Relationships - God's Greatest Gift." Interested young adults can register and learn more about the conference at www.oypc.org
 
See attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.
 

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 619-297-4165 to reserve.

Icons available for decoration in the month of July:

7/17 - St. Marina the Great Martyr

7/20 - Elias the Prophet

7/25 - The Dormition of St. Anna

7/26 - St. Paraskevi

7/27 - St. Panteleimon the Great Martyr

  

Construction Zone!

You may have noticed some things are changing around our church property. We kindly ask you to please watch your step. The construction will continue throughout the month of June, so please ensure that you and your children are safe while walking through the church campus. Thank you for your understanding.

 

Fellowship and Coffee Hour

Please consider sponsoring a Sunday Fellowship Hour with your friends and family by providing simple refreshments (donuts or bagels, fruit, and juice).  This is a beautiful way to honor family members or celebrate special occasions. See details below in the attached flyer and QR Code to sign up or contact Christina Frangos, 858-220-0071, [email protected].
 
With appreciation, 
 
Anthousa Chapter of Philoptochos

The following Sundays are currently available:

July 7th

July 14th

July 28th

August 4th

August 11th

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers Section.

 

Agape Meals
 
Philoptochos provides meals to St. Spyridon community members in need following hospitalizations, the death of a family member, or the birth of a child. Please reach out to Marian Dougenis (619) 520-3660 if you or someone you know is in need.
 
 
When You Park in the Church Parking Lot
 
As a reminder, when you park your car in the church lot, please do not double-park, block any of the exits, or block anyone in. Only park in a marked parking spot.  Also, parking in the alley is not permitted. Your consideration and cooperation are greatly appreciated by your fellow parishioners.   
 
 
 
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

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 67.35,26.
God is wonderful among his saints.
Verse: Bless God in the congregations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2.

Brethren, all the saints through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.


Gospel Reading

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles
The Reading is from Matthew 9:36, 10:1-8

At that time, when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaios, and Thaddaios; Simon the Cananaean. and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay."


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Archdiocese News

Department of Greek Education to Present at 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress

06/27/2024

The Department of Greek Education is excited to announce its participation in the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress. They will be presenting a comprehensive overview of the various programs offered by their department, along with upcoming events and webinars. Their presentation will also cover how to effectively utilize the resources available to programs and teachers.


Sunday Sermon Series: Holy Pentecost June 23

06/26/2024

This week, find insights from the Department of Religious Education (DRE) about the upcoming Gospel reading where we learn about Jesus making us vessels of living water. What is the mission of the Church? How can we understand God as a Trinity? How does the Holy Spirit sustain the Church as a community of believers?


International Orthodox Christian Charities Team Begins Work in Marshall County, Kentucky

06/25/2024

This summer, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is hosting two hands-on opportunities for young adults to assist with home builds in Kentucky and Florida.


Leader of the opposition of the Hellenic Republic Stephanos Kasselakis Visits Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

06/25/2024

Today, June 25, the leader of the opposition of the Hellenic Republic, Stephanos Kasselakis, visited His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America in his office at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.


His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to Headline National YAL Conference as Keynote Speaker

06/24/2024

SAN DIEGO, CA - The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the National Young Adult League (YAL) Conference are blessed to announce that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will be the esteemed Keynote Speaker at the upcoming National YAL Conference. This year's theme, "Unify: In Christ We Are One," underscores the importance of unity and community within the faith.


Saint Basil Academy Celebrates 80 Years of Operation and Their 2024 Graduates June 22, 2024

06/24/2024

Nearly 200 people gathered at the beautiful Saint Basil campus in Garrison, New York to celebrate the accomplishments of Saint Basil’s resident children and young adults.


Metropolitan Constantine of Denver celebrated his first Divine Liturgy as Metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis of Denver at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Denver, Colorado

06/24/2024

Metropolitan Constantine of Denver celebrated his first Divine Liturgy as Metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis of Denver at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Denver, Colorado.


Archdiocese Presbyters Council Congratulates His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros on the Five-Year Anniversary of His Enthronement

06/22/2024

Five years ago, we were blessed when you were enthroned as our new Archbishop, the seventh in the history of our beloved Archdiocese of America.  Looking back at your first few days as our spiritual shepherd, you immediately reached out to all the clergy throughout America. At the time, you said it was the right thing to do, and it was your duty as Archbishop. However, it was much more than that, it was the most loving and compassionate thing to do.


July 3 Workshops at the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress in San Diego

06/21/2024

At the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress, delegates and participants can attend vibrant and engaging workshops. On Wednesday July 3, 2024, these will include sessions focusing on accessible education, Orthodox Christian unity, a proactive lifespan development model for clergy health, and St. Nicholas National Shrine’s impact and ministries.


Workshops at the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress in San Diego

06/20/2024

The 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina will feature engaging workshops for attendees. On Tuesday, July 2, these workshops will include sessions focusing on addiction ministries and support groups, ecumenical families, mental health ministries, interparish associations, and youth safety.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

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

Moses... was himself saved by means of wood and water before the Law was given, when he was exposed to the Nile's currents, hidden away in an Ark (Exod. 2:3-10). And by means of wood and water he saved the people of Israel, revealing the Cross by the wood, Holy Baptism by water (Exod. 14:15-31). Paul, who had looked upon the mysteries, says openly, 'They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud' (I Cor. 10:2). He also bears witness that, even before the events concerning the sea and his staff, Moses willingly endured Christ's Cross, 'Esteeming', he says, 'the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt' (Heb. 11:26). For the Cross is the reproach of Christ from the standpoint of foolish men. As Paul himself says of Christ, 'He endured the cross, despising the shame' (Heb. 12:2).
St. Gregory Palamas
Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Eleven para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 123, 14th century

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You descended from on high, O merciful Lord, and accepted the three-day burial in order to free us from our passions. Glory to you, O Lord, our life and our resurrection.

Apolytikion for Synaxis of the 12 Apostles in the Third Mode

O Holy Apostles, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Apolytikion for All Saints in the Fourth Mode

Your Church, O Christ our God, clothed itself in the blood of Your martyrs from throughout the world, as though it were a robe of linen and purple; through them, she cries out to You, "Send down upon Your people compassion, grant peace to Your commonwealth, and to our souls, great mercy."

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

O Planter of creation, Lord, to You does the entire world bring as an offering the God-bearing martyr Saints, as being nature's first fruits. At their earnest entreaties, keep Your Church in a state of profoundest peace, through the Theotokos, O Lord abundantly merciful.
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Saints and Feasts

June 30

Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, the First-called; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who was also the Evangelist and Theologian; Philip, and Bartholomew (see also June 11); Thomas, and Matthew the publican, who was also called Levi and was an Evangelist; James the son of Alphaeus, and Jude (also called Lebbaeus, and surnamed Thaddaeus), the brother of James, the Brother of God; Simon the Cananite ("the Zealot"), and Matthias, who was elected to fill the place of Judas the traitor (see Aug. 9).


July 01

Cosmas & Damian the Holy Unmercenaries

These Saints, who are different from those that are celebrated on the 1st of November, were from Rome. They were physicians, freely bestowing healing upon beasts and men, asking nothing from the healed other than that they confess and believe in Christ. They ended their life in martyrdom in the year 284, under the Emperors Carinus and Numerian.


July 02

John Maximovitch, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco

The Holy Hierarch John Maximovitch was born in the Kharkov region in 1896, and reposed in Seattle in 1966. In 1921, during the Russian Civil War, his family fled to Belgrade, joining the ranks of Russian exiles in Serbia, where he later became a monk and was ordained priest. In 1934 he was made Bishop of Shanghai, where he served until the Communists came to power. Thereafter he ministered in Europe, serving as Bishop first in Paris then in Brussels, until he became Archbishop of San Francisco in 1962. Throughout his life he was revered as a strict ascetic, a devoted man of prayer, and a truly wondrous unmercenary healer of all manner of afflictions and woes. He served the Divine Liturgy daily, slept little more than an hour a day, and kept a strict fast until the evening. It is doubtful that any one man gave so much protection and comfort as he to the Russian Orthodox people in exile after the Revolution of 1917; he was an unwearying and watchful shepherd of his sheep in China, the Philippines, Europe, and America. Through his missionary labors he also brought into the Church many who had not been "of this fold." Since his repose in 1966, he has been especially glorified by God through signs and miracles, and his body has remained incorrupt.


July 03

Anatolios, Patriarch of Constantinople

Saint Anatolius was a priest from Alexandria, who had been ordained deacon and perhaps also priest by Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria. In 449, at the Robber Council of Ephesus, Saint Cyril's infamous successor, the violent Dioscorus, unlawfully deposed Flavian, the Patriarch of Constantinople and opponent of the Monophysite Eutyches; Flavian, from the beatings which he received, died soon after. Dioscorus, thinking that the priest Anatolius would support him, consecrated him Patriarch of Constantinople in Saint Flavian's stead. After he had been consecrated by Dioscorus-who at that time had not yet been deposed-Anatolius united with the Orthodox; before the Council of Chalcedon in 451, he held a council of the Bishops in Constantinople, at which the Orthodox "Tome" of Pope Leo (see Feb. 18), which Dioscorus had not allowed to be read at the Robber Council, was read and approved; and at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, he condemned Nestorius, Eutyches, and, for his unlawful actions, Dioscorus. Saint Anatolius reposed in the year 458. Some ascribe to this Anatolius the hymns of Vespers and the Praises in the Octoechos that are labeled Anatolian Stichera; but others (which may be more correct), to another with the same name, who was from the Monastery of Studium, and a disciple of Saint Theodore the Studite, whose epistle to this Anatolius is still extant.


July 04

Andrew of Crete Author of the Great Canon

Saint Andrew was from Damascus; his parents' names were George and Gregoria. He became a cleric and secretary of Theodore and Patriarch of Jerusalem; from this, he is called "the Jerusalemite." He was present at the Sixth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople, which was convoked in 680 during the reign of Emperor Constantine IV (668-685). He became deacon of the Great church in Constantinople, that is, the Church of the Holy Wisdom of God, then Archbishop of Crete. He reposed in 720 or 723. Beside his other sacred writings, he also composed various hymns, among which is the famous Great Canon, which is chanted during Great Lent (see the Thursday of the Fifth Week of the Fast).


July 05

Athanasios of Mount Athos

Saint Athanasius had Trebizond for his homeland. He first entered the monastic life on the mountain called Kymaeos or Kyminas, which is in Mysia of Bithynia, then he went to Mount Athos and founded a large monastery, which is known as the Great Lavra. He became so renowned for his virtue that from Rome, Calabria, Georgia, and elsewhere, rulers, men of wealth and nobility, abbots, and even bishops came to him and were subject to him. When the time for his departure was at hand, God revealed to him how it would take place, so that he was able to instruct his spiritual children not to be troubled when it should come to pass. A new church was being built for the sake of the many who came to him, and only the dome had not been finished. Together with six of the brethren, the Saint went to the top of the church to help the workmen. The dome collapsed, and they fell. Five were killed at once, and the Saint died three hours later. His holy body remained incorrupt and he worked many miracles after his death. He reposed about the end of the tenth century.


July 06

Sisoes the Great

This Saint, great and renowned among the ascetics of Egypt, lived in the fourth century in Scete of Nitria. After the death of Saint Anthony the Great, he left Scete to live in Saint Anthony's cave; he said of this, "Thus in the cave of a lion, a fox makes his dwelling." When Sisoës was at the end of his long life of labours, as the Fathers were gathered about him, his face began to shine, and he said, "Behold, Abba Anthony is come"; then, "Behold, the choir of the Prophets is come"; his face shone yet more bright, and he said, "Behold, the choir of the Apostles is come." The light of his countenance increased, and he seemed to be talking with someone. The Fathers asked him of this; in his humility, he said he was asking the Angels for time to repent. Finally his face became as bright as the sun, so that the Fathers were filled with fear. He said, "Behold, the Lord is come, and He says, 'Bring Me the vessel of the desert,'" and as he gave up his soul into the hands of God, there was as it were a flash of lightning, and the whole dwelling was filled with a sweet fragrance.


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