St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2025-07-13
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 Memorial
 
Michael Angeles - 40 Days
 
 
Office Update
 
The church office will be closed from Thursday, July 17th through Monday, July 21st. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, July 22nd.
 

August 2025 Shepherd Newsletter Deadline

This Monday, July 14th! All ministries, please email your content to [email protected]                

 

Nursery and Cry Room is Available

A nursery and cry room is located in the Narthex behind the candle box, offering a quiet space (with toys and books) for parents with young children. There is also a rocking chair and a changing table. The room is equipped with a monitor providing both video and audio, allowing you to follow the Divine Liturgy. For assistance or more information, please speak with a member of the Narthex Duty team.
 
 

Festival Thank You and Appreciation Lunch - This Sunday, July 13th

We invite you to join us this Sunday, July 13th, for a complimentary Appreciation Lunch following the Divine Liturgy.  Please RSVP with the church office today by calling 619-297-4165. We’ll also share some early numbers and highlights from the festival. Thank you for being such an essential part of something truly special. We couldn’t have done it without you!

The Festival Steering Committee
 
 
 
Vacation Church School: Starts on Monday!
July 14th - 18th, 9 am - 12 pm (aftercare until 4:00 pm available)

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 $45. Additional children are $20. Youth Leaders are free! Children of Volunteers are free! Aftercare options are available for only $10 extra per day. Register today by visiting  https://sites.google.com/stspyridon.org/stspyridonyouthministries

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

 

Kids’ Corner

Will be open this Sunday, July 9th

 

Vacation Church School Super Saints

Volunteer and Youth Leader slots still available! Sign up today to help make VCS come to life for our Parish Community! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BA8A72DA4F4C52-57446677-july or on the Youth Ministries Website. Text Julie Dennis with questions: 619-618-5116 or email [email protected]

 

Young at Heart Seniors Outing

Members are invited to a poolside Hawaiian-themed gathering on Tuesday, July 22, from noon to 3 pm, at Camelia Clum’s home. Hot dogs will be provided, so please bring a side dish and/or dessert to share. If you have Hawaiian attire, by all means, wear it! And don’t forget a hat and sunblock. Camelia’s backyard space is limited, so please reserve by July 17th with Connie Pappas, 484-553-8791.

 

Faith, Family & Fellowship

Join Philoptochos on Sunday, August 3rd for our first - Faith, Family & Fellowship. Bring your favorite brownies, cookies or any item to share with our community during fellowship. Think of it as a Potluck fellowship! Please drop off your items in the kitchen before the Divine Liturgy. Questions? Gina B. 858-204-1016.

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

 

Greek Dance and Choral School 

We are resting our dance shoes for the summer before we restart our classes in the fall. If you are interested in joining a Greek dance group or would like to volunteer, please email [email protected] or call 714-931-2431.

 

Little Angels Playgroup

Is on Monday, July 21st, 9:45 - 11:00 am and siblings are welcome over the summer!

  

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 your decorated icon.

Icons available for decoration:

Sunday, July 20 - Elias the Prophet

Friday, July 25 - The Dormition of Saint Anna

Saturday, July 26 - Saint Paraskevi

 

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. To sign up, please contact Olympia (Debbie) Kyriakidis at 619-807-1051.
 
With appreciation, 
 
Anthousa Chapter of Philoptochos
 
Available Sundays:
August 3rd
August 17th
August 24th
September 21st
 
 
Upcoming Memorials for July
 
July 27: Christine Valasakos - 2 years
July 27: Denise Apostol - 4 years
July 27: Katherine Navrides - 4 years
July 27: Florence (Efrosini) Apostol - 39 years
July 27: Mike (Emmanuel) Apostol - 42 years
 
 

Metropolis YAL Conference - Save the Date

Metropolis YAL Conference will be held over Labor Day weekend, August 28 – September 1, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. The theme of the Conference, Renew, is inspired by the scripture “Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)

The YAL Conference will be co-chaired by Eva-Marie Kailas and Joseph Dumont, along with Vice Chair Julia Pappas, under the direction of YAL Ministry Advisors Hon. Steven and Stacia Counelis and YAL Spiritual Advisor Rev. Father Nicholas Metrakos. The program will be uniquely designed around the lives of college students and young professionals, helping young adults explore faith, vocation, and purpose specific to where they are on their journey. Register here.

 
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 not to 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.

 

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.
 
 
The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Ancient Greece Exhibit
 
Encounter the latest discoveries from Messenia, an epicenter of Mycenaean civilization in Late Bronze Age Greece, displayed for the first time outside Europe. Archaeology and cutting-edge science reveal the world of the Griffin Warrior, whose grave held offerings of incomparable artistry. Princely burials in monumental tombs reflect a society that came to be ruled by the Palace of Nestor in ancient Pylos. Carved sealstones, goldwork, elaborate weapons, and wall paintings accompany inscribed tablets that document the final year of a powerful kingdom.
 
Getty Villa Museum 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 (Villa Museum Galleries) from June 27, 2025 - January 12, 2026. Free Admission.
 

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

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:12-35

At that time, [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. That very day] two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" and they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was not it necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into this glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained Him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table with them, He took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 31.11,1.
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous.
Verse: Blessed are they whose transgressions have been forgiven.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15.

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Matthew 5:14-19

The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."


BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

The Lord says to His disciples, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven' (Matt. 5:16). He does not say this to urge them to show off, but to urge them to organize their lives as is pleasing to God. Just as light effortlessly attracts people's gaze, so a way of life pleasing to God draws their minds along with their eyes. We do not praise the air which shares in the brilliance of the sunlight, but the sun which is the source of this brilliance and bestows it on us. Even if we do praise the air for its brightness, we praise the sun much more. So it is when someone makes the brilliance of the Sun of righteousness (Mal. 4:2) visible through his virtuous deeds. As soon as anyone looks at him, they are immediately led towards the glory of the Father in heaven of Christ, the Sun of righteousness.
St. Gregory Palamas
Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Ten para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pgs. 110-111, 14th century

Every work which does not have love as its beginning and root is nothing.
St. John Chrysostom
Unknown, 4th century

BACK TO TOP

Archdiocese News

Longest-serving missionary named new Executive Director of Orthodox Christian Mission Center

07/11/2025

Yesterday, July 10, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center announced that its Board of Directors has selected Dr. Nathan Hoppe for the role of Executive Director, effective on the new year.


Official Visit of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States in September 2025

07/09/2025

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne in America, the clergy, and the faithful Orthodox people of the United States will joyfully welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States for an official visit in September 2025.


Join the Upcoming Orthodox Parish Leadership Webinar "Nurturing a Healthy Parish: 12 Core Attributes"

07/08/2025

The Orthodox Parish Leadership ministry of the Metropolis of San Francisco is offering a webinar on “Nurturing a Healthy Parish: 12 Core Attributes." Steve Pappas will lead this engaging discussion on Monday, July 21, 2025. The webinar will take place on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 6:30-7:45pm PDT.


Fr. Peter Spiro Honored with Inaugural 2025 Athena’s Court Warrior Award for Advocacy in Human Trafficking Response

07/08/2025

Fr. Peter Spiro, Director of the Freedom Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Director of the ARISTEVI Foundation (Active Response in Supporting Trafficked: Educational Vocational Initiative), has been awarded the inaugural 2025 Athena’s Court Warrior Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and unwavering advocacy on behalf of survivors of human trafficking.


Archbishop Elpidophoros Grieves Loss of Life in Central Texas Floods

07/05/2025

With a heart weighed down by grief and sorrow, I offer the prayers of the entire Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for the victims of the devastating floods that have brought unspeakable tragedy to Central Texas.


BACK TO TOP

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 Sun. of the Holy Fathers in the Plagal Fourth Mode

You are greatly glorified, O Christ our God, who established our Fathers as luminaries upon the earth, and through them led us all to the true Faith. O Most compassionate, glory to You.

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

July 13

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 4th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of the present month, we chant the Service to the 630 Holy and God-bearing Fathers who came together for the 4th Ecumenical Council who assembled in Chalcedon in 451, to condemn Eutyches, who taught that there was only one nature, the divine, in Christ after the Incarnation, and Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who illegally received Eutyches back into communion and deposed Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had excommunicated Eutyches.

In the Slavic tradition, on this Sunday, the Fathers of the first six Ecumenical Councils are all commemorated.


July 14

Aquila the Apostle among the 70

Saint Aquila, who was from Pontus of Asia Minor, was a Jew by race and a tent-maker by trade. In the year 52 he and his wife Priscilla were in Corinth when Saint Paul first came there. They gave him hospitality, and the Apostle remained with them for many days, himself working at the same trade as they (Acts 18:2-3). And having believed in Christ through Paul, they followed him from that time on, working together with him and suffering perils with him for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel, as he himself testifies concerning them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the nations" (Rom. 16:3-4). When and where they reposed is unknown.


July 15

Julitta & Kyrikos the Martyrs

Saint Julitta was from the city of Iconium. Fearing the persecution of Diocletian, she took her son Cyricus, who was three years old, and departed for Seleucia; but finding the same evil there, she went over to Tarsus in Cilicia, where the ruler arrested her. He took her son from her and tried with flatteries to draw the youth to himself. But the little one, in his childish voice, called on the Name of Christ and kicked the ruler in the belly so hard, that the tyrant became enraged and cast him down the steps of the tribunal. In this manner, the child's head was crushed, and he gave up the spirit. As for his blessed mother, she first endured many torments, and finally was beheaded in the year 296.


July 16

Athenogenes the Holy Martyr of Heracleopolis

This Saint was from Sebastia of Cappadocia and , according to the Synaxaristes, became Bishop of Pidachthoa. He and ten of his disciples were tortured and beheaded by the Governor of Philomarchus in the times of Diocletian. There is a second Martyr Athenogenes commemorated today, mentioned by Saint Basil in Chapter 29 of his treatise "On the Holy Spirit"; it is said that as this Athenogenes approached the fire, wherein he was to die a martyric death, he chanted the hymn O Joyous Light in praise of the Holy Trinity (see also Mar. 11).


July 17

Marina the Great Martyr of Antioch

This Martyr lived during the reign of Claudius II (268-270). She was from Pisidia of Cilicia and was the only daughter of a certain priest of the idols. On being orphaned by her mother, she was handed over to a certain woman who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. When she was fifteen years old, she was apprehended by the ruler of Olmbrius, and when asked her name, homeland, and faith, she answered: "My name is Marina; I am the offspring of the Pisidia; I call upon the Name of my Lord Jesus Christ." Because of this she endured bonds, imprisonment, and many whippings, and was finally beheaded in the year 270. Saint Marina is especially invoked for deliverance from demonic possession.

July 18

Emilianos of Bulgaria

This Martyr was from Dorostolum in Thrace, the servant of a certain pagan in the days of Julian the Apostate (361-363). As a fervent Christian, Emilian abominated the error of the pagans, and one day entered the temple and broke all the idols with a hammer. Seeing that others were arrested and beaten for this, he gave himself up of his own accord. He was mercilessly whipped, then cast into a fire, in which he gave up his soul without his body suffering harm.


July 19

Macrina the Righteous, sister of St. Basil

Saint Macrina, the elder sister of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, was sought after by many as a bride because of her beauty, wisdom, and illustrious birth, and in tender youth was espoused by her parents to a bridegroom of fitting nobility. When her betrothed died, Macrina refused any other suitors, and devoted herself to a life of virginity, asceticism, and prayer. When her brother Basil returned from a brilliant career in the best schools of Constantinople and Athens, puffed up with not a little youthful pride-for knowledge puffeth up-it was the ardent admonitions and holy example of his blessed sister that persuaded him to turn from seeking worldly glory to the service of God. Saint Macrina founded a convent, where she ended her earthly life in the year 379, and was buried by her brother Gregory, who wrote a moving account of her last days and his grief at seeing such a light pass out of the world.


BACK TO TOP