September Bible Study and Paraklesis (prayers for health and well-being)
On Wednesday evenings throughout the month of September Fr. Andrew will offer a one hour Bible Study on the New Testament book of Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans. The Bible Study will be preceded by the Paraklesis Service to the holy Theotokos for health and well-being.
Mark your calendars and join us on - Wednesday evenings, September 11th, 18th, and 25th - the Paraklesis Service will begin at 5:00 pm in the Church followed by the Bible Study at 6:00 pm.
Service Schedule for the Feast Day of the Elevation of the Venerable Life-Giving Cross
Friday evening, September 13th - Vespers: with the three Old Testament readings at 6:00 pm.
Saturday morning, September 14th - Orthros at 9:00 am with Divine Liturgy to follow.
The procession with the Cross on a tray of fresh basil will be offered Sunday, September 15th so our Sunday School children, their teachers, their parents, and all those present can witness and experience this wonderful Tradition of the Church.
Fresh Basil Needed
Mrs. Gallanis needs fresh basil to prepare the tray for the Elevation of the Holy Cross. If you have any to donate, please bring it to Divine Liturgy on Saturday, September 14th. Thank you!
September 2024 Shepherd Newsletter Online Edition
View the digital version of this month's newsletter. Click https://www.theshepherdnews.com/
October 2024 Shepherd Newsletter Deadline
The deadline is this Monday, September 9th!
Please email your submissions to Soula at [email protected].
Ancient Wisdom & Modern Coffee
Join us for our Adult Sunday School class this Sunday, September 8th (taught by Dn. Michael Kallas, MA, MDiv). We will meet in the Lower Education Building after the Divine Liturgy to study the Sunday Lectionary Gospel readings.
Lost and Found Table This Sunday
This Sunday, September 8th there will be a Lost and Found table in the hall. Please come take a look. Any remaining items will be donated.
Sunday School Resumes This Sunday, September 8th
Resumes this Sunday! Students and Sunday School Teachers will receive Holy Communion first and exit out the side door. Students will then go to their classrooms. Sunday School typically ends around 12:05. We ask that all parents pick their children up in the classrooms after Sunday School for the first week. If you haven’t registered your kids yet, you can find the registration link on the St. Spyridon homepage. Or register on our website: https://sites.google.com/stspyridon.org/stspyridonyouthministries Need more information? Email the Youth Ministries Director at [email protected] or call at 619-618-5116.
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.
Youth Choir Resumes This Sunday
Children and teens ages 8-18, we hope you will join the Youth Choir in the Loft! Youth Choir is an amazing way to participate in Divine Liturgy! No prior singing experience is necessary. Rehearsals resume this Sunday, September 8th after Sunday School. Contact Ms. Kathy Meck for more information, 760-390-0101 or [email protected].
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.
Hellenic College Holy Cross Seminary Annual Day of Giving - September 14th
As the only Orthodox Christian college, seminary, and graduate school of theology in America, HCHC is essential in educating and equipping the next generation of Orthodox priests and lay leaders for service in your parishes and in society. We need your help to continue our vital mission. Please consider a gift to Hellenic College Holy Cross on or before September 14th, our name day and our 9th Annual Day of Giving. You may donate online https://www.hchc.edu/give/give-online/
You may also give by cash or check payable to Philoptochos when the Ladies pass a tray next Sunday, September 15th. Thank you for your generous support!
See the attached QR Code in the Inserts & Flyers section.
Greek Dance and Choral School - Practices this Sunday!
Practices begin this Sunday! Youth Choir (ages 8-18) 12:15-1:15pm in the Choir Loft. Greek Dance: Ta Spirondakia (ages 5-9) 12:30-1pm; Pelagos (middle/high school) 1:15-2:30pm in the Youth Room. If you haven’t registered yet, it is not too late! Registration: https://forms.gle/mqH8xKeVTobXG9Ca8 Tuition: tuition-dance-and-choral-school.square.site. Questions: email [email protected]. We will have an Informational Meeting on Sunday, September 15th at 12pm in the Lower Education Building room. Join us if you have a youth in Dance or Choir or to learn more about our program!
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.
Young at Heart Seniors
We will resume our monthly meet-ups this Tuesday, September 10th, with Father Andrew’s in-depth review and his impressions of the recent Clergy-Laity Congress. We’ll also be treated to member Irene Veca’s discussion of our rich Greek history of proverbs. We hope you’ll share a saying or two that you remember so we can compile them for all to read! We look forward to a big turnout starting at 11 with lunch served at 11:30. Please RSVP to Cynthia Samarkos (619-582-4109) by this Sunday, September 8th.
HOPE and JOY Youth Group Kick Off Party
Families with children TK - 6th grade: Save the Date! September 21st, 2pm - 5pm. More details to come!
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.
Women of the Word (WOW) Bible Study Group
We will resume meeting on Wednesdays at Noon on Wednesday, September 25th in the lower education building. Kay Harkins will be facilitating a discussion of the scriptures of the day in a very simple format. All women are welcome. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kay at 619-227-2622, [email protected].
Eight Dates Marriage Program Offered This Fall – Register Today!
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries invite all couples to participate in the upcoming "Eight Dates" marriage program. Presented for the fourth time, this powerful relationship series is based on the book Eight Dates by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Any couple wanting to improve their communication and connection can benefit from this lively and evidence-based program, where the Family Wellness Ministry team integrates the riches of our Orthodox Faith into each presentation. Couples will meet online every other Thursday and are encouraged to connect on their “Eight Dates,” engaging in essential conversations during the following weeks. Register by Wednesday, September 11th: www.familywellnessministry.org/eight-dates
Sessions begin: Thursday, September 19th at 6:30 p.m. (PST) via Zoom. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your relationship!
See the 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 the church office at 619-297-4165 to reserve.
Icons available for decoration:
9/14 - The Exaltation of the Life- Giving Cross
9/16 - St. Euphemia the Great Martyr
9/17 - St. Sophia and three daughters - Hope, Faith, and Love
9/26 - The Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian
Memorials in September
September 15th - Christiana Harrison - 4 years
September 15th - Haralambos Panayiotou - 8 years
September 22nd - George Petrou - 40 days
Fellowship and Coffee Hour
The following Sundays are currently available:
October 13th
November 3rd
November 17th
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers Section below.
...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.
This Sunday, September 8th
Register online now!
Classes Resume September 8th
Resumes Sunday, September 8th
Annual Day of Giving: September 14th
Saturday, September 21st
Begins: Thursday, September 19th
Friday, October 4th - Sunday, October 6th
Sign-up today!
The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
The Reading is from Luke 1:39-49, 56
In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.
Prokeimenon. Plagal Second 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.
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."
On September 11, 2024, a memorial service will be held at the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in honor of the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This solemn event, which will be presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, will begin at 3:00 PM and is open to the public.
Following his attendance at the Holy Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America accompanied His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Halki, the second-largest of the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul, Türkiye, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Yesterday, September 3, 2024, the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued a condemnation of recent illegal actions of the Russian Orthodox Church. This statement comes in response to a heartfelt letter from His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, dated August 31st, 2024, which was delivered at the concluding session of the Holy Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries invite all couples to participate in the upcoming Eight Dates marriage program.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Orthodox Parish Leadership (OPL) Ministry continues this year’s special webinar series that provides overviews of the coordinated and integrated OPL offerings to assist parishes.
On Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (Pacific), the Missions and Evangelism Ministry for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco will host an online presentation, “How to Start an Evangelism Team at Your Parish.” All are welcome!
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Family Wellness Ministry presents Fall Into Fun Senior Resort Camp for adults aged 50 or better!
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will present a Young Adult Fall Retreat from Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. Join with other Orthodox young adults from throughout the west for a weekend of fellowship, prayer and inspiring presentations.
In Istanbul, Türkiye, the Holy Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne continued today, September 2, 2024.
Tonight, September 1, 2024, the Commencement of the Holy Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne took place in Istanbul, Türkiye. As the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne gathered at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, they appreciated the company of their fellow clergymen, making new connections, reuniting with seminary classmates, and engaging in spirited conversation.
This morning, September 1, 2024, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy of the Feast of the New Indiction at the Venerable Patriarchal Church of St. George in Phanar, Istanbul, Türkiye. After offering a blessing over the upcoming year, His All-Holiness signed the Act of the New Indiction, officially signifying the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America signed alongside His All-Holiness, as did all present Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne.
Among over one hundred hierarchs, monastics, and clergy, on August 31, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended the Festal Great Vespers for the Feast of the New Indiction, which His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over at the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Theotokos in Stavrodromi, Istanbul, Türkiye.
This morning, August 31, 2024, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George, located in the Phanar district of Istanbul, Türkiye. His Eminence ordained Patriarchal Deacon Kallinikos Chasapis to the priesthood during the service.
Along an aptly rain-soaked Golden Horn, this weekend the Ecumenical Patriarchate is presenting Halki Summit VI, entitled “Water: Spirit and Science,” in Istanbul, Türkiye.
A delegation from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America appointed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has traveled to Athens Greece to view firsthand the areas affected by the most recent wildfires earlier this month. The delegation, led by His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod, includes Treasurer of the Archdiocesan Council Elaine Allen and First Vice President of the National Ladies Philoptochos Society Anita Kartalopoulos. The delegation’s mission was to assess the damage and to evaluate the most effective ways to help those who were affected by the most recent wildfires. Fundraising has already begun with the launch of the Greek Fire Relief Fund.
According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.
Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.
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.
This saint lived in the fifth century. Out of remorse for the adultery that she committed with another man, she fled from her husband's house, renamed herself Theodore, clothed herself as a man, and pretending to be a eunuch, entered a monastery of men. Her identity as a woman was discovered only after her death.
This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.
The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.
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.