St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2025-04-06
Bulletin Contents

Organization Icon
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

Efrosini Mangel - 20 years

Mary Hanson - 15 years

 

Great and Holy Week Divine Service Schedule

Saturday of Lazarus - Saturday morning, April 12th

Orthros/Preparatory Service followed by the Divine Liturgy with the tying of the Palms to follow in the fellowship hall – 9:00 am

 

Palm Sunday - Sunday evening, April 13th 

The Bridegroom Service w/ Procession of the Bridegroom Icon – 6:00 pm

 

Great and Holy Monday evening, April 14th

The Bridegroom Service – 6:00 pm

 

Great and Holy Tuesday evening, April 15th

The Bridegroom Service – 6:00 pm with the Hymn of Kassiani

 

Great and Holy Wednesday, April 16th

The Sacrament of Holy Unction with the Anointing of Holy Oil – 3:00 pm

Orthros for Great & Holy Thursday morning, with the Procession of the Mystical Supper Icon w/ the Anointing of the faithful to follow – 6:00 pm

 

Great and Holy Thursday, April 17th

The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great – 10:00 am

The Reading of the Twelve Gospels and the Procession of the Cross of Christ – 6:00 pm

 

Great and Holy Friday, April 18th

The Reading of the Royal Hours (“Holding Vigil”) – 10:00 am

The Descent from the Cross/The Un-nailing Vespers – 3:00 pm

The Lamentations before the Kouvouklion of Christ with the procession around the church grounds to follow – 6:00 pm


Great and Holy Saturday, April 19th

The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great with the throwing of the bay leaf (Arise O God!) – 10:00 am

The Chanting of the Canon in anticipation of the Resurrection - 11:00 pm

The Resurrection/ Anastasi Service w/ the receiving of the Light - 12:00 am 

The Resurrectional / Paschal Divine Liturgy12:30 am 

*After receiving the Light we pray that everyone will stay until the conclusion of the Diving Liturgy that follows, which celebrates the receiving of that Light.

 

Great and Holy Pascha, Sunday, April 20th

The Agape Service at Flinn Springs County Park - 11:00 am **
followed by the Community Pascha Picnic; the cost of parking is included!
(14787 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon, CA 92021 – Area 1)

** During the Agape Service, the Gospel will be read in several different languages. If you know a foreign language and want to read, please contact Fr. Andrew beforehand.

For your convenience, see the attached schedule in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Philoptochos Decorated Great and Holy Week Icons

Commemorate Great and Holy Week 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 your decorated icon.

Icons available for decoration:

Saturday, April 12th - The Saturday of Lazarus

Sunday, April 13th - Palm Sunday 

Sunday, April 13th - Icon of the Bridegroom (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings) 

Thursday, April 17th - The Mystical Supper

Thursday, April 17th - The Crucifixion of Christ

Friday, April 18th - The Descent of Christ from the Cross

Saturday, April 19th - Holy Pascha / The Resurrection

 

Philoptochos Pascha Bake Sale

There are just a couple more days left to pre-order tsourekia and koulourakia - beautifully baked and packaged by our Ladies of Philoptochos - and ready for pickup on Palm Sunday. Place your orders online at www.anthousa.net ( click "Our Store") or in the church hall this Sunday. The ordering deadline is Sunday, April 6th.
 
Kalo Pascha! 
The Ladies of Philoptochos - Anthousa Chapter

See the attached order form in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Young at Heart Seniors

This Tuesday, April 8th, our Seniors' group (Young at Heart) will have a Lenten lunch, which will include a special “Show and Tell” program.  We hope you’ll participate by bringing a special heirloom, a prized possession or a favorite keepsake to present and talk about. Also, Eleni will lead us in another session of gentle stretching. If you plan to attend, please contact Cynthia Samarkos (619-582-4109) by Sunday, April 6th. New members are always welcome! 

The annual offering is $20.

 

Orthodox Christian Missions Center Cash and Coin Drive - March 9th - April 12th

Donation buckets are in each Sunday School room, the Narthex, and the Fellowship Hall. One of our fundamental aims during Great and Holy Lent is charity toward others. Please consider donating your extra change each week to help us reach our donation goal of $500! For questions or to make a direct donation, email [email protected].

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Great and Holy Friday Youth Retreat - Call for Volunteers on April 18th

Multiple Volunteer slots are available - set-up, clean-up, group leaders, station leaders! Sign up herehttps://forms.gle/kKg3BxtGsTb7e3Vx6 or on the Youth Ministries website, volunteer tab: https://sites.google.com/stspyridon.org/stspyridonyouthministries/volunteer

 

Great and Holy Week Youth Retreats - Registration Open

High School Great and Holy Monday Retreat, April 14th, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Middle School Great and Holy Tuesday Retreat, April 15th, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Preschool - 5th grade (and youth leaders) Great and Holy Friday Retreat, April 18th, 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Register on the Youth Ministries website for our Great and Holy Week Retreats. https://sites.google.com/stspyridon.org/stspyridonyouthministries/home

See the attached flyer in the Inserts & Flyers section.

 

Meraki

The next Service Project is on Saturday, April 12th, 9:30 am-12:30 pm. We will be setting up the annual Pancakes and Palms Breakfast. We will set up the Palm Folding stations, prep food, fold Palms, and teach others how to fold. If you have an elementary school-aged child, be sure to email [email protected] to get on our contact list!

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

 

Pancakes and Palms - Saturday, April 12th

Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on the Saturday of Lazarus, April 12th, we hope you will join us for a Lenten Pancake Brunch in the Fellowship Hall. Since many hands make light work, we hope you will stay after brunch to help fold the Palm Crosses given to the faithful on Palm Sunday. For more information, contact Julie Dennis at [email protected]

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

 

Pascha Picnic Lunch Fundraiser

Exhausted by the thought of cooking and schlepping food to the park for the Pascha picnic? Leave the cooking to us! For the third year in a row, you can have lunch cooked for you in the park. Tickets are on sale now for the Pascha Picnic Lunch sponsored by the Greek Dance and Choral School. Your choice of succulent roasted lamb or ham with a side of oven roasted potatoes, seasoned fresh vegetables, fresh bread roll, traditional romaine and dill salad, feta and olives. Still just $35. Bring your own beverage and dessert and your meal is complete. Visit https://pascha-picnic-lunch.square.site/ to purchase tickets!

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

 

AHEPA Scholarships

AHEPA Chapter 223 San Diego is now accepting applications for our annual scholarships.
Please contact local leadership at [email protected] or 619-709-6067 for eligibility information and an application. The deadline is May 31, 2025.

 

Philoptochos Presents "A Night in the Plateia" on Saturday, May 3rd

Come enjoy an evening of fellowship and fun, featuring Comedian Angelo Tsarouchas! Buy your tickets online at www.anthousa.net/tsarouchas, or in the fellowship hall on Sundays. 

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

 

Agape Celebration of Love to benefit our Kids ‘n’ Cancer Ministry

The mission of the Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos Kids ‘n’ Cancer/Camp Agape Ministry is dedicated to providing support for children afflicted with cancer and their families. This beloved ministry offers a compassionate and caring environment, exemplary of Christ’s unconditional love, along with an opportunity to shape meaningful friendships and create precious memories.

Give your heart to a child.  The Kids ‘n’ Cancer – Agape Celebration of Love is a yearly event held to bring awareness to the ministry by providing a beautiful, fun-filled afternoon, giving those in attendance the opportunity to participate in fundraising, meet Camp Agape families, and fellowship together.

Please join us this year for an exhilarating afternoon, Sunday, April 27th at 2:00 pm at the Newport Beach Country Club (One Clubhouse Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660). RSVP by April 20th. The cost is $100 per person.

Register here: https://www.vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/51814?

Donate here: https://donate.onecause.com/kids-n-cancer-camp-agape-2025/home

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

 

The Upstairs Youth Room is Unavailable

The Youth Room upgrade/renovation is in progress. The room will be unavailable for use until further notice. If you need to access the room, please contact Julie Dennis, [email protected].

 

Little Angels Playgroup

Little Angels Playgroup will resume during Bright Week on Monday, April 21st

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

 

St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center - A Visit from the Executive Director

Stefan Metrakos, the Executive Director of St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, will be joining us on Sunday, May 25th to discuss the ministry’s new strategic plan and program offerings.  This beautiful ministry has positively impacted the lives of thousands of Orthodox Christians since 1979.  Nestled in a beautiful valley in the Sierra Nevada foothills, just outside of Sequoia National Park, the Ranch is a central gathering place for our Metropolis. Many of our faithful have spent summers at St. Nicholas Ranch and have developed lifelong friendships. Now, some of their children are building their own memories at the Ranch by attending summer camp. With anything else that has been around for almost 50 years, the Ranch needs our love and attention now more than ever.  Please join your fellow parishioners and Stefan Metrakos for lunch sponsored by Bill Navrides in honor of what would have been his 28th wedding anniversary and see how you can help the Ranch and make a difference in the lives of so many.

 

Festival General Committee Meeting

All are welcome to join the meeting on Tuesday, April 22nd at 7:00 pm in the Church Hall.

 

2025 Greek Festival Volunteer News
 
Plans are underway for this year’s annual Greek Festival, and we need everyone’s help! You can sign up now to help set up, serve food, drinks, sell tickets  - there’s lots of ways to help all while being with friends, having fun and helping our St. Spyridon community!  To learn more please contact Stella Weil 858-442-2830 or Hitomi Shue at 858-789-6495 or go online to sign up for as many shifts as you can at: www.sdgreekfestival.com/volunteer. Thank you and see you at the Festival on June 14th and 15th!
 
 
2025 Festival Cooking & Baking Schedule
 
Please mark your calendars and plan to volunteer and help us prepare the delicious food and pastries to be served at our Greek Festival! 
 
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 schedule in the Inserts & Flyers section below.
 
 
Leadership 100 is Seeking a New Executive Director

Our beloved Executive Director, Paulette Poulos, has decided to retire after 60 years of dedicated and invaluable service to our Archdiocese.

Leadership 100 would like to find the best possible candidate to fill her position. Please see the attached Job Description for the required qualifications if you are interested.

See the attached job description in the Inserts & Flyers section below.

 

Lend a Loving Hand – Volunteer at Casa Cuna

We need faithful Orthodox Christians to commit to six months, one year, or two years to love these orphaned babies.  Whether you're soothing a fussy baby, helping with diaper changes, or simply offering a warm presence, your time and care will make an incredible difference.

If you feel called to serve, please join us. Come witness the beauty of Christ’s love in the smallest among us. Reach out today and become part of this life-changing mission!

If you or anyone you know is interested, contact Presbytera Merilynn.

In Christ,

Julia Paresenios

Casa Cuna Caregiver

Project Mexico and St Innocent Orphanage

 

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
 
Available Sundays:
June 1st 
June 22nd
June 29
July 6
 
 
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

 

Saint Nicholas 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. 

BACK TO TOP

Inserts and Flyers

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eighth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:11-18

At that time, Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus has lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni," which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, "Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." Mary Magdalene went and said to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and she told them that He had said these things to her.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."


BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?
St. John Chrysostom
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

Hear at least how this same John, he who now came to Him for these things, everywhere gives up the first place to Peter, both in addressing the people, and in working miracles, in the Acts of the Apostles. And he conceals not Peter's good deeds, but relates both the confession, which he openly made when all were silent, and his entering into the tomb, and puts the apostle before himself.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For that throne is inaccessible to all, I do not say to men only, and saints, and apostles, but even to angels, and archangels, and to all the powers that are on high. ... But for whom is it prepared? For them who could become distinguished by their works.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Archdiocese News

And Now Seminary: How Prison Ministry Certification Has Been Preparing Sdn. Herman Almasy for the Priesthood

04/02/2025

From the outside, there isn’t much a prison facility shares in common with an Orthodox Church. But for Subdeacon Herman (Almasy), these two places have always been closely connected. 


St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine Helps Neighbors in Need with Food and Supply Distribution through Midnight Run

04/01/2025

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at six o’clock in the evening the sun began to set in lower Manhattan and the bright light of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine began to glow. City workers bustle around the area, heading home after a long day, but among the bustling pedestrians are volunteers heading to St. Nicholas for its monthly food distribution run for the homeless.


Inaugural West Coast Archon Lenten Retreat Receives Enthusiastic Acclaim

04/01/2025

With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the blessings and presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) hosted the John Halecky Jr. 21st Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat on the West Coast for the first time on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, California.


Fr. Peter Spiro Engages Youth and Community on Faith and Human Trafficking Awareness

04/01/2025

Fr. Peter Spiro, Director of the FREEDOM Ministry, was honored to return to St. Demetrios Church in Warren, Ohio, to lead multiple impactful sessions for youth, young adults, and the wider parish community.


Good Friday Ecumenical Procession: Way of the Cross Over the Brooklyn Bridge

03/28/2025

On Friday, April 18, 2025, Communion and Liberation, with the support of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, invites you to participate in the annual Way of the Cross over the Brooklyn Bridge.


BACK TO TOP

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 Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal Fourth Mode

The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

The Hymn of Saint Spyridon

At the first of the Synods, you appeared as a champion, * and Wonderworker, our God-bearing Father Spyridon. *  Wherefore, you addressed the dead one in the grave, * and a serpent you changed to gold. *  And while chanting * in service your sacred prayers, * you joined the angels concelebrating, most holy one.*  Glory to Christ who glorified you, * glory to Him who crowned you, * glory to the One who works through You, * healings for everyone.

                                                                                  

Τής Συνόδου τής πρώτης ανεδείχθης υπέρμαχος, * καί Θαυματουργός Θεοφόρε Σπυρίδων πατήρ ημών. *  διό νεκρά σύ έν τάφω προσφωνείς, * καί όφιν είς χρυσούν μετέβαλες. * καί έν τώ μέλπειν τάς αγίας σου ευχάς, *  Αγγέλους έσχες συλλειτουργούντας σοι Ιερώτατε, * Δόξα τώ σέ δοξάσαντι Χριστώ * δόξα τώ σέ στεφανώσαντι. * δόξα τώ ενεργόυντι, διά σου πάσιν ιάματα.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

A protection of Christians unshamable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, please reject not the prayerful cries of those who are in sin. Instead, come to us, for you are good; your loving help bring unto us, who are crying in faith to you: hasten to intercede and speed now to supplicate, as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

April 06

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.


BACK TO TOP