St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-09
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 

Loula Simitizes Koutroulis - 3 years

Maria Simitzes - 20 years 

James Simitzes - 29 years 

Panayiota (Pauline) Kallas - 23 years

 

The Lenten Service Schedule for the Week of March 2nd

This Friday evening, March 7th - 1st Salutations to the holy Theotokos - 6:00 pm 

Wednesday morning, March 12th - The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts - 10:00 am 

Friday evening, March 14th - 2nd Salutations to the holy Theotokos - 6:00 pm 

 

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:

The Holy Protection of the Theotokos icon for the Salutations Services

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

 

March 2025 Online Shepherd Newsletter

View the online version of our newsletter here: https://www.theshepherdnews.com/

 

Meraki

Our next Service Project is tomorrowMarch 8th, 9:30-11am at St. Spyridon. We will be making Kids’ School Kits for International Orthodox Christian Charities. https://iocc.org/take-action. If you have an elementary school aged child, email [email protected] to get on our contact list! 

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

 

Sunday of Orthodoxy Book Reading

This Sunday, March 9th, during Sunday School, author and comedian, Ellen Karis, will be reading her children’s book, “Special People: Godparents in the Orthodox Christian Faith.” Parishioners will have a chance to meet the author and purchase this wonderful book during Fellowship! 

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

  

2025 Festival Cooking & Baking Schedule

Please volunteer to help us prepare the delicious food and pastries for our Greek Festival! 
 
This Sunday, March 9th after Divine Liturgy: Prep for Pastitsio
Monday, March 10th at 9 am: Assemble Pastitsio
 
Sunday, April 27th after Divine Liturgy: Prep for Dolmathes
Monday, April 28th at 9 am: Assemble the Dolmathes
 
Sunday, May 4th after Divine Liturgy: Prep for Galaktoboureko
Monday, May 5th at 9 am: Assemble the Galaktoboureko
 
Monday, May 19th at 9 am: Koulourakia & Paximathia
Tuesday, May 27th at 9 am: Kourambiethes & Melomakarona
Monday, June 2nd at 9 am: Baklava 
 
Contact Chairs for more information: Vicky Mellos 858-229-1254, Jenny Capetanakis 619-395-3315, Niki Dougenis 858-518-8096.
 
See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section below.
 

High School Sunday School Class Field Trip

This Sunday, March 9th, 1pm-3pm. Join us on a trip to the Humane Society. We will have a quick lunch after Divine Liturgy and carpool to the Humane Society. We will be taking a tour and making toys for the animals. Email Dr. Marcella to sign up for the field trip: [email protected]
 
 
Young at Heart Seniors

Please mark your calendars for our Blue and Green themed March fellowship on Tuesday, March 11th. Remember to wear something blue and/or green to celebrate Greek Independence Day and St. Patrick’s Day. Following our Lenten lunch, we’ll be entertained with music performed by Costas Kotinopoulos. If you plan to attend, please contact Cynthia Samarkos (619-582-4109) by Sunday, March 9th. And if you haven’t had a chance to attend our monthly meet-ups, we welcome you to attend and consider joining our seniors’ ministry. Annual dues are $20.

 

Greek Independence Day Celebration

Want an unforgettable event filled with culture, tradition, and pride, showcasing the spirit of Hellenism? Join us for our annual Greek Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, March 30th, 2025, after the Divine Liturgy, as the Greek School presents a wonderful program and luncheon to honor our students and commemorate our Greek Independence! Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12, with no sales at the door, so be sure to secure yours in advance! Get your tickets now from Christoforos Savvides at 619-709-6067 or online at https://sdgreekschool.square.site/. Don’t miss this opportunity! 

 

Women of the Word Bible Study

We will be meeting on Wednesday, March 12th, immediately after the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts rather than our 12 Noon meeting time.  We will have coffee and tea.  You are welcome to bring a bag lunch or snack.

 

GOYA Service Project

March 16th, 12:30pm, 6th grade - 12th grade. Garden Boxes for St. Spyridon! GOYA will be building garden boxes on our Parish Campus and planting helpful herbs and veggies. We will have a quick lunch and then get to work! Contact Julie Dennis for more information: [email protected].

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

 

Parish Oratorical Festival - Students in Grades 3 - 12

Please mark your calendar for Sunday, March 16th when we will be hosting our Parish Oratorical Festival immediately after Divine Liturgy from the Solea, prior to dismissal. 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. Please see the attached flyer for information on topics, deadlines and where to register. 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].

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

 

GOYA Palm Sunday Luncheon - Sunday, April 13th 

Tickets are selling fast for the Palm Sunday Luncheon, sponsored by GOYA! Get your tickets on Sunday during Fellowship or by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer. Tickets are only $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.

 

Memorials for March

3/16 - Christos Greanias - 3 years

3/23 - Eleftheria Koultourides - 3 years

3/23 - Odysseas Koultourides - 11 years

3/30 - Dimetrola Mourafetis - 6 months

3/30 - Basil Mourafetis - 1 year

3/30 - Theodora Gerontakis - 2 years

3/30 - George Mourafetis - 26 years

 

Greek Dance and Choral School

We are on hiatus from dance practice during Great and Holy Lent. Classes will resume on Sundays after Pascha, with the first classes to be held Sunday, April 27th. Kali Sarakosti! Blessed 40 Day Lent to all!

Please support our upcoming Dance and Choral School fundraisers, including Frappe and Tost on Sunday, March 23rd during fellowship and the Pascha Picnic Fundraiser on the Sunday of Pascha, April 20th. Details forthcoming!

 

Little Angels Playgroup

Meets Mondays from 9:45-11:00am for parents and kids ages 40 days old to 4 years old. Text Julie Dennis to get on the email list, 619-618-5116.

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

 

St. Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp

If your child or teen is registered for the first week of St. Nicholas Ranch, reserve your spot on the SoCal Bus! 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.

 

Great and Holy Week Youth Retreats Registration Open

High School Holy Monday Retreat, April 14th 6:30pm-9:00pm, Middle School Holy Tuesday Retreat, April 15th 6:30pm-9:00pm, Preschool - 5th grade (and youth leaders) Holy Friday Retreat 9:00-3:00pm. Register on the Youth Ministries website for our Great and Holy Week Retreats. https://sites.google.com/stspyridon.org/stspyridonyouthministries/home

See the attached flyers in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

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.

 

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
 
 
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.

 

OCF Southwest Regional Retreat
 
March 28-30th 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 here: https://orthodoxchristianfellowship.regfox.com/southwest-spring-regional-retreat
 
 
 
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

Fourth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:1-12

On the first day of the week at early dawn, the women went to the tomb, taking spices, which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise." And they remembered His words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the Apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-10.

BRETHREN, 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, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."


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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

Fight constantly with your thoughts and call them back when they wander away. God does not demand of those under obedience that their thoughts be totally undistracted when they pray. And do not lose heart when your thoughts are stolen away. Just remain calm, and constantly call your mind back.
St. John Climacus
The Ladder of Divine Ascent, 4.101, p. 112, 6th century

God chastises with love, not for the sake of revenge - far be it! - but seeking to make whole His image.
St. Isaac of Syria
Unknown, 7th century

It is better for us to die in our struggle than to live in our fall.
St. Isaac of Syria
Homilies 73, in Ascetical Homilies, p. 359, 7th century

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Archdiocese News

Hellenic College Holy Cross Board of Trustees Convenes for Visionary Meetings on Campus

03/06/2025

The Board of Trustees of Hellenic College Holy Cross (HCHC) met on March 4 and 5, 2025, for two days of focused discussions, strategic planning, and advancement of the institution’s mission. The meetings, held on the campus of HCHC, were led by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chairman of the Board, alongside President Demetrios S. Katos, PhD. Vice Chairman of the Board, Rev. Fr. Mark Leondis, facilitated all meetings, ensuring productive and thoughtful dialogue throughout the sessions. 


Department of Religious Education (DRE)’s Sunday Sermon Series: Sunday of Orthodoxy

03/05/2025

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about Christ revealing Himself to Apostle Nathanael. How is Jesus the Ladder that unites heaven and earth? What do we learn about humans as icons of Christ? What do icons have to do with God taking on human flesh?


Encyclical of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for Holy and Great Lent 2025

03/01/2025

Once again, with the will and grace of God the giver of all good things, we are entering Holy and Great Lent, the blessed period of fasting and repentance, of spiritual vigilance and journey with the Lord, as He comes to His voluntary passion, in order to reach the veneration of His splendid Resurrection and become worthy of our own passage from earthly things to "that which no eyes have seen and no ears have heard and no human heart has ascended" (1 Cor. 2.9).


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

The joyful news of your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. Having thrown off the ancestral curse, and boasting, they told the apostles: death has been vanquished, Christ our God. is risen, bestowing on the world great mercy.

Apolytikion for 40 Martyrs of Sebastia in the First Mode

The holy martyrs suffered painful tortures for Your sake, O Lord; be constrained by what they endured, and heal our every pain, we entreat You, as the only One who loves humanity.

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the Second Mode

O Christ our God, begging forgiveness of our sins, we venerate Your Pure Image, O Good One. Of your own will you condescended to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh and deliver those You created from the bondage of the enemy. Wherefore, thankfully, we cry out, "When You came to save the world, Your filled all things with joy, O Our Savior."

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
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Saints and Feasts

March 09

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.


March 10

Kodratos the Martyr & his Companions

These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in Corinth during the reign of the Emperor Valerian (253-260).


March 11

Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem

This Saint was born in Damascus. As a young man he became a monk at the Monastery of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch in Palestine, where he met John Moschus and became his close friend. Having a common desire to search out ascetics from whom they could receive further spiritual instruction, they journeyed together through Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, and Egypt, where they met the Patriarch of Alexandria, Saint John the Almsgiver, with whom they remained until 614, when Persians captured Jerusalem (see also Saint Anastasius the Persian, Jan. 22). Saint Sophronius and John Moschus departed Alexandria for Rome, where they remained until 619, the year of John Moschus' death. Saint Sophronius returned to the Monastery of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch, and there buried the body of his friend. He laboured much in defence of the Holy Fourth Council of Chalcedon, and traveled to Constantinople to remonstrate with Patriarch Sergius and the Emperor Heraclius for changing the Orthodox Faith with their Monothelite teachings. After the death of Patriarch Modestus in December of 634, Sophronius was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem. Although no longer in the hands of the Persians, the Holy Land was now besieged by the armies of the newly-appeared religion of Mohammed, which had already taken Bethlehem; in the Saint's sermon for the Nativity of our Lord in 634, he laments that he could not celebrate the feast in Bethlehem. In 637, for the sins of the people, to the uttermost grief of Saint Sophronius, the Caliph Omar captured Jerusalem. Having tended the flock of his Master for three years and three months, Saint Sophronius departed in peace unto Him Whom he loved on March 11, 638.

Saint Sophronius has left to the Church many writings, including the life of Saint Mary of Egypt. The hymn "O Joyous Light," which is wrongly ascribed to him, is more ancient than Saint Basil the Great, as the Saint himself confirms in his work "On the Holy Spirit" (ch. 29). However, it seems that this hymn, which was chanted at the lighting of the lamps and was formerly called "The Triadic Hymn," was later supplemented somewhat by Saint Sophronius, bringing it into the form in which we now have it. Hence, some have ascribed it to him.


March 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.


March 13

Removal of the relics of Nicephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople

The main feast day of this Saint is June 2. The translation of his holy relics took place in 846, when Saint Methodius (see June 14) was Ecumenical Patriarch.


March 14

Benedict the Righteous of Nursia

This Saint, whose name means "blessed," was born in 480 in Nursia, a small town about seventy miles northeast of Rome. He struggled in asceticism from his youth in deserted regions, where his example drew many who desired to emulate him. Hence, he ascended Mount Cassino in Campania and built a monastery there. The Rule that he gave his monks, which was inspired by the writings of Saint John Cassian, Saint Basil the Great, and other Fathers, became a pattern for monasticism in the West; because of this, he is often called the first teacher of monks in the West. He reposed in 547.


March 15

Agapios the martyr & his Companions

The holy Martyrs contested for piety's sake during the reign of Diocletian (284-305), when Urban was Governor of Caesarea of Palestine. When Urban had commanded that together with a heathen festival, certain condemned Christians be publicly cast to wild beasts, Timolaus, a native of Pontus, Dionysius of Tripolis in Phoenicia, Romulus of Diospolis, Plesius (or Paisius) and Alexander from Egypt, and another Alexander from Gaza, tied their own hands and presented themselves to Urban when the exhibition was about to begin, professing their faith in Christ; they were immediately cast into prison. A few days later Agapios and Dionysius also presented themselves. All were beheaded together at Caesarea. Their martyrdom is recorded by Eusebius (Eccl. Hist.,Book VIII, ch.3, called The Martyrs of Palestine).


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