St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Christian Church
Publish Date: 2025-09-07
Bulletin Contents
St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements
Inserts and Flyers
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Archdiocese News
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts

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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

Parish Priest Fr. Andrew S.

[email protected] | 619-297-4165

Parish Office For General Office Information


[email protected] | 619-297-4165

Services Schedule

Sunday Services

Orthros/Matins: 9:00am

Divine Liturgy: 10:00am

Past Bulletins


St. Spyridon Parish News, Events, Activities and Announcements

Divine Services for The Nativity of the Holy Theotokos

This Monday, September 8th - Orthros/Preparatory Service at 9:00 am followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am.

 

Service for the Feast Day of the Elevation of the Venerable Life-Giving Cross - Sunday, September 14th

For this year (2025), the feast day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross falls on Sunday, the 14th.  Thus, the procession with the Cross on a tray of fresh basil will be offered on that Sunday so our Sunday School children, their teachers, their parents, and all those present can witness and experience this wonderful Tradition of the Church.

 

Philoptochos Tray Pass

On September 14th, the Ladies will pass a tray to support Hellenic College Holy Cross Seminary. Proceeds will be sent directly to the Seminary and go towards the scholarship fund for the students. Any monetary donation is appreciated. Please make checks payable to Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos. Thank you for your support!

 

September Online Version of The Shepherd Newsletter

https://www.theshepherdnews.com/

 

October 2025 Shepherd Newsletter Deadline 

Is this Monday, September 8th!                                           

 

Parish Ministry Fair - This Sunday, September 7th

This Sunday, September 7th. The Parish Council would like to invite our community to the new Parish Ministry Fair immediately following the celebration of Divine Liturgy in the Fellowship Hall. The ministries of our parish will have booths with information about their ministries and ways that you can get involved! If you are a Ministry Leader and need information, please reach out to [email protected] or  [email protected]  

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

 

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.

 

Sunday School Resumes This Sunday, September 7th

Children and teens in Preschool through 12th grade will go to Sunday School Classrooms after the reception of Holy Communion. Please follow the direction of the Sunday School Volunteers across the alley to the Education Building. We hope to see you all there! If you are new to Sunday School and/or Youth Ministries at St. Spyridon, please register from the St. Spyridon homepage www.stspyridon.org. Email Tina Perri, Sunday School Director, at [email protected] for more information.

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

 

Greek Dance and Choral School 

Dance practices resume this Sunday! Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 Greek Dance and Choral School Year. This year we will offer a $25 early bird discount for each tuition paid before October 1st. Come and see us in the church hall during the Ministries Fair this September 7th or reach out to us at [email protected].

Registration link https://forms.gle/n3dco1YLc5msbfwn6  

Tuition link https://tuition-dance-and-choral-school.square.site/

 

Youth Choir Practice

Practices resume this Sunday, September 7th, in the Choir Loft, after the Parish Ministry Fair. Kids and teens ages 8 - 18 are invited to join Youth Choir. Come check it out! Contact Choir Master, Kathy Meck, [email protected] for more information.

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

 

Kids’ Corner

Is in the Lower Education Room and is open to babies and toddlers ages 40 days to 3 years old and their parents or caregivers. Coffee for the parents and toys for the children are provided in this casual and fun space to meet other parents of young children. Kids’ Corner is open each Sunday after Holy Communion. We hope you check it out this Sunday! If you have any questions, please contact Julie Dennis, Youth Ministries Director, at [email protected].

 

Young at Heart Seniors

Be sure to sign up for our lunch meeting this Tuesday, September 9th at 11 am. Lucy Simitzes will lead us in chair exercises. Stan Canaris, from Balboa Park’s Starlight Bowl, will discuss its long history and give future plans to reopen.  And Nick Pappas will give all the details for our November chartered bus trip to view the Pylos Exhibition at Malibu’s Getty Villa. Please call Cynthia Samarkos (619-582-4109) by Sunday, September 7th, if you plan to attend our fellowship. 

 

Greek School

New class: Tiny Greeks (3.5 - 5 yrs old) on Saturdays at 11am! Our little students can learn through fun and play! 

Register today (sdgreekschool.org/request-info) for a year of language, culture, and community.

 

Little Angels Playgroup 

We now meet on Wednesdays from 9:45am - 11:00am. Little Angels Playgroup is for young ones ages 40 days through 4 years and parents, grandparents, or caregivers! Each week, we get together to play, build relationships, read Bible stories, and play more! Contact Julie Dennis, Youth Ministries Director, for more information - [email protected].

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

 

WOW (Women of the Word) Begins Again on Saturday, September 13th  

All women of the parish are invited to join our women’s Bible study group in a new format, meeting once a month on the Second Saturday of the month from 10:30 to 12:15 in the Hall Lounge. You may sign up at our table at Fellowship Hour this Sunday or e-mail Kay Harkins at [email protected].

 

Fellowship and Coffee Hour

We invite you to consider offering a future Sunday Fellowship Hour with your family or friends by providing simple refreshments such as donuts or bagels, fruit, and juice. This is a meaningful way to honor a loved one or celebrate a special occasion. To sign up, please contact the Fellowship Coordinator Olympia (Debbie) Kyriakidis at 619-507-6521 or [email protected].
 
With appreciation, 
 
Anthousa Chapter of Philoptochos
 
Available Sundays:
October 26th
November 16th
November 23rd
November 30th

 

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:

9/14 - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

9/16 - Saint Euphemia the Great Martyr

9/17 - Saint Sophia and her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love

9/26 - The Falling Asleep of Saint John the Theologian

 

Orthodox Parish Leadership Webinar

The Metropolis Orthodox Parish Leadership ministry is offering a webinar on “Enhancing
Parishioner Engagement Utilizing an Intergenerational Approach” on Monday, September
15 at 6:30 p.m. George Ekizian will lead this engaging discussion on enhancing parishioner
engagement and utilizing an intergenerational approach as a powerful way to foster community, deepen spiritual growth, and strengthen relationships within the church. Discover how to leverage the unique gifts and perspectives of each generation to strengthen your parish's spiritual life, community outreach, and overall vitality.

Register online at: www.sanfran.goarch.org/events.

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

 

Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat 2025

The Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat is eager to welcome 18 – 35 year olds to at Saint
Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center over the weekend of Thursday, October 16 – Sunday,
October 19, 2025. Young Adults ages 18 – 39 from all Orthodox traditions are welcome to attend a weekend of hiking, prayer, and fellowship. The retreat theme will be “Glory to Thee for Every Step of My Life’s Journey” with guest speaker Rev. Archdeacon Justin Bosl from Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley, CA. We will explore together the spiritual path to Christ's Kingdom!

Register today at https://gosfyouth.org/youngadults#/young-adult-fall-retreat.

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

 

Unveiling of a New Icon of Creation - Thursday, October 2nd -  Sunday, October 5th

The new icon (painting), titled The Transfiguration of Creation, is a groundbreaking contribution to Christian devotion, theology, and art, offering an eschatological vision of Creation that blends insight from scripture and modern science (that is, God's Word and God's World). This work was commissioned by Point Loma Nazarene University biology professor Andrew Nosal in 2023, and produced in the traditional Byzantine style by UK-based iconographer (artist), Aidan Hart, who has over 40 years of experience in this timeless Christian art form. The finished icon, measuring 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide, arrived at PLNU in May 2025 and will be permanently displayed in Ryan Library.

Event Website and RSVP: https://sites.google.com/pointloma.edu/creationicon

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

 

Pan-Arcadian Federation - Tegea Chapter Scholarship Fund

Please mail the complete application package to the chair of the committee:

Peter Fellios, PhD, 2652 Alta Vista Drive, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Please note: Applicants may apply in more than one year; however, priority
will be given to first-time applicants. The completed application and all required documents must be postmarked by October 4, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

See the attached application 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 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. 

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Inserts and Flyers

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back - it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here; see the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel Reading

Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Our Redeemer and Maker, Who was Son of God before the ages, became Son of Man at the end of ages. Thus the One Who, through the power of His divinity, had created us to enjoy the happiness of everlasting life, might Himself restore us, through the weakness of our humanity, to recover the life we had lost.
St. Bede the Venerable
Homilies on the Gospels, 2.18. 7th Century. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: John 1-10. Intervarsity Press, 2006, p. 126.

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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Archdiocese News

Fr. John Chryssavgis nominated His All-Holiness for the Templeton Prize. He had Jane Goodall’s blessing

09/04/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/templeton-nomination-chryssavgis?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Throne, is currently Executive Director of the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Holy Cross School of Theology, where he is Professor of Theology. He also serves as theological advisor to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In this piece, Ben Malian, a contributing writer to the Orthodox Observer, interviews Fr. John about Orthodoxy and ecology, and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's awarding of the Templeton Prize.


For decades, Orthodox leaders have been committed to ‘creation care.' Read our timeline

09/04/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/creation-care-timeline?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

For nearly forty years, the Orthodox Church—led by the Ecumenical Patriarchate—has been at the forefront of faith-based engagement with issues pertaining to the integral health and well-being of the natural world.


Building the future of faith: Archbishop’s Nameday Gala on November 3, 2025 to support youth summer camp scholarships

09/03/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/nameday-25-announce?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

The annual Archbishop’s Nameday Gala, honoring His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, will take place on November 3 at 7:00 pm at Leonard’s of Great Neck. Now in its third year, the Gala continues to raise critical funds for the Archdiocesan Youth Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to children from across the Archdiocese, enabling them to attend Greek Orthodox summer camps regardless of their financial circumstances.


Hierarchs mark Ecclesiastical New Year at the Phanar

09/02/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/25-indiction?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

Yesterday, Orthodox faithful across the globe marked the Feast of the New Indiction, signifying the beginning of the liturgical year. 


Cosmic worship, cosmic witness: Orthodox Vespers for the Preservation of Creation

08/31/2025

https://www.goarch.org/-/vespers-preservation-creation?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss%3F_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_currentURL%3D%252Fnews%252Frecent-news%26_com_liferay_asset_publisher_web_portlet_AssetPublisherPortlet_INSTANCE_gt9jYZFyZyFT_portletAjaxable%3Dtrue

More than thirty-five years ago, in one of his final acts as head of the Private Patriarchal Office before assuming the Ecumenical Throne himself, then-Metropolitan Bartholomew of Chalcedon commissioned the renowned hymnographer, Fr. Gerasimos Mikrayannanitis (since canonized as St. Gerasimos of Mt. Athos), to compose a special vesperal service for September 1st. Known formally as the Office of Vespers for the Preservation of Creation, this service wonderfully exemplifies the cosmic character and essential continuity of Orthodox worship and witness as participation in the ongoing incarnation in space and time of the eternal Logos of God, the divine-human person of Jesus Christ at the very heart of our faith. 


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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 Theotokos' Nativity Forefeast in the Fourth Mode

From the root of Jesse and the loins of David the King, Mariam, the child of God, is born for our sake this day. Hence, all creation exulteth on its renewal. Both Heaven and the earth rejoice together now. Praise her, O ye tribes of nations here below. The righteous Joachim rejoiceth, and Anna keepeth feast, crying out: The barren beareth the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.

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 Third Mode

On this day the Virgin and Theotokos Mary, the bridal chamber of the Heavenly Bridegroom, by the will of God is born of a barren woman. Being prepared as the chariot of God the Word, she was pre-ordained for this, since she is the divine gate and the true Mother of Life.
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Saints and Feasts

September 07

Sozon the Martyr

This holy Martyr was a shepherd in Lycaonia. Born a pagan, named Tarasius, he received holy Baptism and was renamed Sozon. Filled with zeal for the truth, he taught his countrymen to desist from the worship of idols. Once he entered the temple of Artemis in Pompeiopolis of Cilicia, cut off the golden hand of the idol, and breaking it in pieces, distributed it among the poor. When he saw that many were being unjustly punished for the theft, of his own accord he gave himself up to Maximian the Governor. He was beaten with rods until his bones were broken. According to some, he suffered martyrdom in 288; according to others, in 304.

September 08

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.

September 09

Severianos the Martyr of Sebaste

Saint Severian, a senator from Sebastia, was both an illustrious man of wealth and a fearless Christian. Because he encouraged the holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia to stand fast in their confession, he was given over to terrible torments, and received his own crown during the reign of Licinius and Lysius the Duke, about the year 315.

September 10

Menodora, Metrodora, & Nymphodora the Martyrs

These Martyrs, sisters according to the flesh, were from Bithynia. They lived in virginity on a mountain near the Pythian hot springs of Bithynia, devoting themselves to asceticism and prayer. Betrayed to the local governor, Fronto, they were subjected to frightful tortures, and so gave up their holy souls into the hands of God. They contested for the Faith during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304.

September 11

Theodora the Martyr of Alexandria

This saint lived in the fifth century. Out of remorse for the adultery that she committed with another man, she fled from her husband's house, renamed herself Theodore, clothed herself as a man, and pretending to be a eunuch, entered a monastery of men. Her identity as a woman was discovered only after her death.

September 12

Autonomos the Martyr

This saint was a bishop in Italy. Fleeing from the persecution of Diocletian in 298, he came to Bithynia, where he went from place to place converting many from the idols to the true God. Because of this, one day as he was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Archangels, they who worshipped wood and stones fell upon him and beat him to death with staves and stones.

September 13

Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr

Saint Cornelius was a Roman by race, a pagan by religion, a centurion in rank, an inhabitant of Caesarea of Palestine, a man pious and God-fearing who gave many alms to the people and prayed continually unto God. In accordance with an angelic vision granted to him, he sent to Joppa that they might bring the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter catechized him in the Faith of Christ and baptized all his household (Acts, ch.10). This became the beginning and the first fruits of the calling of the nations. It is said that, after this, he became a bishop, as some say, of Caesarea; but others say of Scepsis, which is not far from Troas; and that he died as a martyr.

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