St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2025-02-16
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

 

The Divine Services for Saturday of Souls

Saturday morning, February 22nd - The Orthros/Preparatory Service will begin at 9:00 am with the Divine Liturgy to follow. 

 

Greek Dance and Choral School

Pelagos and Youth Choir are performing at FDF this Friday and Saturday! Come watch us! https://www.yourfdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FDF2025_CompetitionSchedule.pdf

And watch online at https://www.youtube.com/@FDFLIVE

Sunday, 2/16 - Regularly scheduled dance classes for: 

Ta Spiridonakia: 12:30 to 1:00 Lower Education room 

Helios: 12:30 to 1:15 Youth Room upstairs

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

 

Church Parking Lot

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

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

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

 

Ancient Wisdom & Modern Coffee

Join us for our Adult Sunday School class this Sunday, February 16th and February 23rd (taught by Dn. Michael Kallas, MA, MDiv). We will meet in the Hellenic Cultural Society Room after the Divine Liturgy to study the Sunday Lectionary Gospel readings.

 

Greek Festival Kick-Off

Please join us next Sunday, February 23rd, following the Divine Liturgy for fellowship, food, and drink while supporting our largest fundraiser of the year. We hope to see you then!

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

 

Annual Philoptochos Complimentary Membership Luncheon

Please join us on Saturday, March 1st at 11:00 am in the Cypress Room for our Annual Philoptochos Complimentary Membership Luncheon and Presentation: Body and Soul. The presentation panel is made up of our very own parishioners.  Make your reservations by Sunday, February 23rd by calling the Church Office at 619-297-4165

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

 

Little Angels Playgroup 

No playgroup on Monday, February 17th due to Presidents' Day holiday.

 

GOYA Go-Karting at K1 Speedway

Get ready for some fast fun! February 22nd, 10:40am-1pm. Races start at 11am. Only $25 per driver! This activity is for 6th grade-12th graders. RSVPs are required for this event. Text Julie at 619-618-5116 or respond to the Google calendar invite to RSVP

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

 

St. Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp

Registration is open for camp! St. Nicholas Camp Week 1 is almost full! Week 1 dates are July 6th - July 12th. St. Spyridon will be organizing a bus trip for transportation to and from camp for Week 1. For more information contact Bill Navrides at 619-992-6775 or [email protected] or Julie Dennis at [email protected].

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

 

Parish Oratorical Festival - Students in Grades 3 - 12

On Sunday, March 2nd after Divine Liturgy, we will host our parish’s annual St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. This event is open to St. Spyridon youth grades 3-12 and is divided into Elementary (exhibition), Junior (competition) and Senior (competition) levels. Prepare an original speech, based on topics selected by the Archdiocese who sponsors this event. All participants will receive a $20 gift certificate. Our Parish winners at the Junior and Senior levels will receive the George M. Platis Oratorical Scholarship Award, offered by Michael and Maria Platis in memory of their son George, who proudly participated in the parish Oratorical Festival. Those who advance from our parish level will compete at the regional competition and will then have a chance to advance to the Metropolis and beyond where they will qualify for more scholarships. 2025 Topics can be found here: https://sforatorical.net/topics/

For more information, reach out to Parish Oratorical Festival Chairperson, Timmy Paraskevopoulos at 714-931-2431 or [email protected]

 

Greek School Registration

Greek school enrollments for adults and children are now open until the end of February. A new adult class begins this semester for beginners and intermediate students which will focus on conversational Greek only. For more information please visit our website https://www.sdgreekschool.org/  Don’t miss your chance to register!

 

OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship) Southwest Retreat

March 28-30, 2025 at St. Nicholas Ranch in Dunlap, CA. Our speaker will be Fr. John Mahfouz from St. Matthew Antiochian Church in Torrance, CA, who will be speaking on “Christ, the King of All: In Liturgy and Life.” This retreat is open to all college students and young adults (ages 18-25) and will be a wonderful weekend of fellowship, prayer, and spiritual growth. Register at https://orthodoxchristianfellowship.regfox.com/southwest-spring-regional-retreat

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

 

Save the Date - GOYA Palm Sunday Luncheon 

Join us on Sunday, April 13th for the GOYA Palm Sunday Luncheon in the Church Hall following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. $25 for Adults, and $10 for Children under 12. For more information, please contact Bill Navrides at 619-992-6775 or [email protected]. Thank you for always supporting the GOYA ministry at St. Spyridon GOC! 

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

 

Vacation Church School: July 14th - 18th, 9am - 12pm (aftercare available)

Registration is now open! This year’s theme is Super Saints - Heroes of Our Faith! Children in Preschool - 5th grade will explore the path to holiness through real heroes of Orthodoxy in a fun, engaging way! 6th - 12th grades can volunteer as Youth Leaders! VCS will include crafts, snacks, games, lessons, and songs! Registration for the entire week of Vacation Church School is only $40 before May 1st. After May 1st, prices go up to $45. Additional children are $20. Youth Leaders are free! Children of Volunteers are free! Register now to get the Early Bird Pricing! Aftercare options are available for only $10 extra per day. 

Register via on the Youth Ministries website: https://sites.google.com/stspyridon.org/stspyridonyouthministries

Email [email protected] or text Julie Dennis, 619-940-5167.

 

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:

2/23 - Judgement Sunday

3/2 - Forgiveness Sunday

3/7 - Holy Protection of the Theotokos

3/9 - Sunday of Orthodoxy

3/16 - St. Gregory Palamas

3/17 - St. Alexios, Man of God

3/23 - Sunday of the Adoration of the Holy Cross

3/25 - The Annunciation of the Theotokos

3/30 - Sunday of St. John Climacus

 

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
 
Available dates:

Sunday, April 6th

Sunday, April 27th

Sunday, June 1st

Sunday, June 8th

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

 

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.
 

Greek Village Staff Applications

Our Greek Village is returning in June 2025. We are seeking those who have a passion for Hellenic culture and Orthodox faith, a commitment to youth ministry, and a desire to make a lasting impact. Available positions include: Program Director, Greek Language Instructors, Counselors, Program Staff and Lifeguards. Information and applications are online at: www.ourgreekvillage.com/careers

 

Summer Camp Staff Applications

Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of youth while gaining valuable leadership and teamwork experience? Apply to be part of the Summer Camp Staff team at Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. We’re hiring for a variety of roles including: Cabin Counselors,
Program Staff, Photographers, Lifeguards, and Medical Staff. Visit www.gosfyouth.org for application and details.

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

  
 
Your Legacy and Your Church  

...to whom much is given; from them much more is required (Luke 12:48).  

Please remember to include your Saint Spyridon parish in your estate plan and bequest. 

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Inserts and Flyers

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

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. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 6:12-20.

Brethren, "all things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" -- and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who joins himself to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two shall become one flesh." But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun immorality. Every other sin which a man commits is outside the body; but the immoral man sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body and in your spirit which belong to God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Reading is from Luke 15:11-32

The Lord said this parable: "There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.' And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his belly with the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.' And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.' But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!' And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Thank God every day with your whole heart for having given to you life according to His image and likeness - an intelligently free and immortal life...Thank Him also for again daily bestowing life upon you, who have fallen an innumerable multitude of times, by your own free will, through sins, from life unto death, and that He does so as soon as you only say from your whole heart: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee!' (Luke 15:18).
St. John of Kronstadt
My Life in Christ: Part 1; Holy Trinity Monastery pgs. 104-105, 19th century

But if he had despaired of his life, and, ... had remained in the foreign land, he would not have obtained what he did obtain, but would have been consumed with hunger, and so have undergone the most pitiable death: ...
St. John Chrysostom
AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

... but since he repented, and did not despair, he was restored, even after such great corruption, to the same splendour as before, and was arrayed in the most beautiful robe, and enjoyed greater honours than his brother who had not fallen.
St. John Chrysostom
AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

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Archdiocese News

Symposium Explores the Intersection of Global Health, Ethics, and Spirituality at the Maliotis Cultural Center

02/13/2025

The Maliotis Cultural Center was honored to host an important symposium, “The UN Global Health Agenda: Concerns, Values, and Spirituality,” organized by the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical, and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in collaboration with the Academic Council of the United Nations System (ACUNS). This timely gathering brought together leading scholars, faith leaders, and advocates to explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of global health challenges.


Maliotis Cultural Center to Host Symposium on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery in Today's World

02/13/2025

The Daughters of Penelope Orion Chapter #130, Boston presents a "Symposium on Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery in Today's World" on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Maliotis Cultural Center.


National Philoptochos Releases Its Impact Report: 2024 By the Numbers Inspiring Women, Impacting Lives, Building Hope, and Strengthening Communities

02/13/2025

National Philoptochos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to issue its 2024 Impact Report and to announce that in 2024, an astounding $1.9 million was raised, and $1.5 million in funding was allocated to national and international organizations through its extensive programs and ministry commitments.


Department of Religious Education (DRE)’s Sunday Sermon Series: Sunday of the Prodigal Son

02/13/2025

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about the Prodigal Son who returns home after squandering his inheritance. How does his father receive him back? Why was his brother angry? How does God relate to us when we repent?     


His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and all Ukraine Visits Archdiocesan Headquarters

02/12/2025

Today, February 11, 2025, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and all Ukraine was welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s headquarters.


Welcome Remarks for His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine

02/11/2025

Your Beatitude, Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine,

Reverend Hierarchs and Clergy,

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

Last evening, together with Archons of the Order of Saint Andrew, we received Your Beatitude at a dinner celebrating Your presence in the United States. Today, with much joy and anticipation, we receive You here at the Headquarters of the Sacred Archdiocese of America. In both cases, we are glad to behold Your Beatitude and are grateful for Your appearing in our midst.


Empowering Voices: The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s Girl Delegates to the United Nations

02/11/2025

In the rich history of the Greek Orthodox Church in America (GOA), the role of girls is both vibrant and multifaceted. And in today’s increasingly interconnected world, the importance of youth engagement in global discussions cannot be overstated. The Girl Delegate Program to the United Nations (UN) stands as a beacon of empowerment, providing young women with the opportunity to represent their faith and culture in the international arena.


"Catch Me": A Landmark Exhibition by Greek-American Artist Nicholas Kontaxis at Goulandris Museum in Athens

02/11/2025

The B&E Goulandris Museum is proud to present "Catch Me," a groundbreaking exhibition by internationally acclaimed Greek-American artist Nicholas Kontaxis, running from March 18 to May 18, 2025. Born with significant physical and developmental challenges, including a seizure disorder, Nicholas has defied the odds to become a celebrated artist whose work transcends boundaries. This transformative event marks a cultural milestone, offering audiences a unique experience that blends art, resilience, and inclusivity.


"Philhellenes: The Black-American and Greek-American Experience" at Maliotis Cultural Center

02/11/2025

The Maliotis Cultural Center is proud to present the history of Black American Philhellenes. Jacob Wiliams, William Scarborough, The National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Archimandrite Raphael Morgan have shared in the rich experience of Black and Greek Americans through their experience and love for Hellenic Culture.


New Director Announced for FOCUS Orange County; Name Change for FOCUS Southern California

02/11/2025

FOCUS North America is pleased to announce two significant updates for its operations across the Southern California region: the official renaming of FOCUS Southern California to FOCUS Orange County and the appointment of Valeska Hall as the new Center Director of FOCUS Orange County. This change coincides with the establishment of a second regional FOCUS Center in Los Angeles, which operates as FOCUS Los Angeles.


Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta Leads 43rd Annual Board of Trustees Meeting of the St. Photios National Shrine

02/10/2025

On Saturday February 1, the 43rd annual Board of Trustees meeting of the St. Photios National Shrine took place at the Renaissance Hotel in St. Augustine, FL. The newly enthroned Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta was present to lead the meeting.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Installs Fr. Aristidis Garinis as Proistamenos at St. Nicholas Shrine Church

02/10/2025

On Sunday, February 9, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Shrine Church of Flushing, NY and installed Fr. Aristidis Garinis as the Proistamenos of the parish, presenting him with a cross.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

Though the tomb was sealed by a stone and soldiers guarded your pure body, you arose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Therefore, O giver of life, the heavenly powers praise you: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ, glory to your kin

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

O Father, foolishly I ran away from Your glory, and in sin, squandered the riches You gave me. Wherefore, I cry out to You with the voice of the Prodigal, "I have sinned before You Compassionate Father. Receive me in repentance and take me as one of Your hired servants."
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Saints and Feasts

February 16

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Through the parable of today's Gospel, our Saviour has set forth three things for us: the condition of the sinner, the rule of repentance, and the greatness of God's compassion. The divine Fathers have put this reading the week after the parable of the Publican and Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own wretched condition -- inasmuch as we are sunken in sin, far from God and His Mysteries -- we might at last come to our senses and make haste to return to Him by repentance during these holy days of the Fast.

Furthermore, those who have wrought many great iniquities, and have persisted in them for a long time, oftentimes fall into despair, thinking that there can no longer be any forgiveness for them; and so being without hope, they fall every day into the same and even worse iniquities. Therefore, the divine Fathers, that they might root out the passion of despair from the hearts of such people, and rouse them to the deeds of virtue, have set the present parable at the forecourts of the Fast, to show them the surpassing goodness of God's compassion, and to teach them that there is no sin -- no matter how great it may be -- that can overcome at any time His love for man.


February 17

Theodore the Tyro, the Great Martyr

Saint Theodore who was from Amasia of Pontus, contested during the reign of Maximian (286-305). He was called Tyro, from the Latin Tiro, because he was a newly enlisted recruit. When it was reported that he was a Christian, he boldly confessed Christ; the ruler, hoping that he would repent, gave him time to consider the matter more completely and then give answer. Theodore gave answer by setting fire to the temple of Cybele, the "mother of the gods," and for this he suffered a martyr's death by fire. See also the First Saturday of the Fast.


February 18

Leo the Great, Pope of Rome

According to some, this Saint was born in Rome, but according to others in Tyrrenia (Tuscany), and was consecrated to the archiepiscopal throne of Rome in 440. In 448, when Saint Flavian, Archbishop of Constantinople, summoned Eutyches, an archimandrite in Constantinople, to give account for his teaching that there was only one nature in Christ after the Incarnation, Eutyches appealed to Saint Leo in Rome. After Saint Leo had carefully examined Eutyches's teachings, he wrote an epistle to Saint Flavian, setting forth the Orthodox teaching of the person of Christ, and His two natures, and also counseling Flavian that, should Eutyches sincerely repent of his error, he should be received back with all good will. At the Council held in Ephesus in 449, which was presided over by Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria (and which Saint Leo, in a letter to the holy Empress Pulcheria in 451, was the first to call "The Robber Council"), Dioscorus, having military might behind him, did not allow Saint Leo's epistle to Flavian to be read, although repeatedly asked to do so; even before the Robber Council was held, Dioscorus had uncanonically received the unrepentant Eutyches back into communion. Because Saint Leo had many cares in Rome owing to the wars of Attila the Hun and other barbarians, in 451 he sent four delegates to the Fourth Ecumenical Council, where 630 Fathers gathered in Chalcedon during the reign of Marcian, to condemn the teachings of Eutyches and those who supported him. Saint Leo's epistle to Flavian was read at the Fourth Council, and was confirmed by the Holy Fathers as the Orthodox teaching on the incarnate person of our Lord; it is also called the "Tome of Leo." The Saint wrote many works in Latin; he reposed in 461. See also Saint Anatolius, July 3.


February 19

Philothea the Righteous Martyr of Athens

Saint Philothei was born in Athens in 1522 to an illustrious family. Against her will, she was married to a man who proved to be most cruel. When he died three years later, the Saint took up the monastic life and established a convent, in which she became a true mother to her disciples. Many women enslaved and abused by the Moslem Turks also ran to her for refuge. Because of this, the Turkish rulers became enraged and came to her convent, dragged her by force out of the church, and beat her cruelly. After a few days, she reposed, giving thanks to God for all things. This came to pass in the year 1589. She was renowned for her almsgiving, and with Saints Hierotheus and Dionysius the Areopagite is considered a patron of the city of Athens.


February 20

Leo, Bishop of Catania

This Saint, who was from Ravenna in Italy, lived during the reign of Leo the Wise and his son Constantine Porphyrogenitus (end of the ninth and beginning of the tenth centuries). He struggled especially against the paganism and sorcery still prevalent in those regions.


February 21

Timothy the Righteous

Saint Timothy took up the monastic life from his youth, became a vessel of the Holy Spirit, and reposed in deep old age.


February 22

Saturday of Souls

Through the Apostolic Constitutions (Book VIII, ch. 42), the Church of Christ has received the custom to make commemorations for the departed on the third, ninth, and fortieth days after their repose. Since many throughout the ages, because of an untimely death in a faraway place, or other adverse circumstances, have died without being deemed worthy of the appointed memorial services, the divine Fathers, being so moved in their love for man, have decreed that a common memorial be made this day for all pious Orthodox Christians who have reposed from all ages past, so that those who did not have particular memorial services may be included in this common one for all. Also, the Church of Christ teaches us that alms should be given to the poor by the departed one's kinsmen as a memorial for him.

Besides this, since we make commemoration tomorrow of the Second Coming of Christ, and since the reposed have neither been judged, nor have received their complete recompense (Acts 17:31; II Peter 2:9; Heb. 11:39-40), the Church rightly commemorates the souls today, and trusting in the boundless mercy of God, she prays Him to have mercy on sinners. Furthermore, since the commemoration is for all the reposed together, it reminds each of us of his own death, and arouses us to repentance.


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