St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-10-13
Bulletin Contents

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St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 619-593-0707
  • Street Address:

  • 1454 Jamacha Rd.

  • El Cajon, CA 92019-3752


Contact Information




Services Schedule

Saturday Vespers

5:00 PM

Sunday Liturgies

9:00AM Orthros

10:00AM Divine Liturgy

 

Parish Calendar:  http://saintgregoryofnyssa.org/parish-calendar

Follow Us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/StGregoryGOC


Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

October 13

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we chant the Service to the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, which gathered in Nicaea in 787 under the holy Patriarch Tarasius and during the reign of the Empress Irene and her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitus, to refute the Iconoclast heresy, which had received imperial support beginning with the Edict issued in 726 by Emperor Leo the Isaurian. Many of the holy Fathers who condemned Iconoclasm at this holy Council later died as Confessors and Martyrs for the holy Icons during the second assult of Iconoclasm in the ninth century, especially during the reigns of Leo the Armenian and Theophilus.


October 13

Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus, & Agathonica, the Martyrs of Pergamus

Saint Carpus was Bishop of the Church of Thyatira in Asia Minor and Papylus was his deacon, whom he had ordained. Seized as Christians and tormented in Thyatira, they were taken to Sardis, whither Agathodorus, their servant, followed them, and also confessed Christ, and was tormented with them. Together with Agathonica, the sister of Saint Papylus. they were all beheaded during the reign of Decius, in the year 250.


October 13

Benjamin the Deacon


October 13

Chryssi the New Martyr of Greece


October 13

Meletios of Pegas, Patriarch of Alexandria


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Seventh Tone

By Your cross, O Lord, You shattered death; to the thief You opened paradise. You transformed the Myrrhbearers' lamentation, and commanded Your Apostles to proclaim that You arose, Christ our God, granting to the world Your great mercy.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Eighth Tone

Thou, O Christ, art our God of exceeding praise who didst establish our holy Fathers as luminous stars upon earth, and through them didst guide us unto the true Faith, O most merciful One, glory to thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Tone

The protection of Christians unshameable, intercessor to our Holy Maker, unwavering, do not turn from 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 intercession and speed now to supplication as a protection for all time, Theotokos, for those who honor you.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
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 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

Since there are certain people who find great fault with us for adoring and honoring both the image of the Savior and that of our Lady, as well as those of the rest of the saints and servants of Christ, let them hear how from the beginning God made man to His own image. For what reason, then, do we adore one another, except because we have been made to the image of God? As the inspired Basil, who is deeply learned in theology, says: "the honor paid to the image conveys to the original.," and the original is the thing imaged from which the copy is made.
St. John of Damascus
The Orthodox Faith, 4.16. Catholic University of America Press in Washington D.C. Translated by Frederic H. Chase, Jr. volume 37, page 370., 8th Century

For by seed here He means His doctrine, and by land, the souls of men, and by the sower, Himself .... For as the sower makes no distinction in the land submitted to him, but simply and indifferently casts his seed; so He Himself too makes no distinction of rich and poor, of wise and unwise, of slothful or diligent, of brave or cowardly; but He discourses unto all, fulfilling His part, although foreknowing the results.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 44 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

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Calendar

  • Calendar

    October 13 to October 21, 2024

    Sunday, October 13

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Parish Council

    Monday, October 14

    9:30AM RV Donavan Visitation Day

    Tuesday, October 15

    Office Closed

    Thursday, October 17

    7:00PM 7pm Prayer and Bible Study with Padre Live join via ZoomTime: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytimeJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/9642470828

    Friday, October 18

    10:00AM Great Doxology and Liturgy for St. Luke the Evangelist

    Saturday, October 19

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    6:00PM Confessions, Compline with Prayers of Preparation

    Sunday, October 20

    Stewardship Sunday

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Stewardship Luncheon

    Monday, October 21

    Fr. Simeon is out of town from Sunday late afternoon until Tuesday night.

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Tithes and Offerings

Tithes & Offerings

October 2024 Budget: $29,359     
Monthly Offering to Date  $11,287
Remaining Need (Budget minus offering to Date): $18,072
2024 Budget: $352,309
2024 Offerings: $171,849.91
2024 Remaining Need: $180,247.09

 

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Philoptochos News

Chapter News: Yesterday was our first General Meeting of the St. Olympia Chapter of the Philoptochos as an officially recognized chapter. Thank you to everyone who came, we are so excited to follow Christ's admonishment to serve together with you. If you were not able to attend but would like to know what was discussed or how you can help, please reach out to Monci, Victoria, Anna, Olga, or Christina. You do not have to be a member of the Philoptochos to volunteer with us. 

National News: In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton's devastating impact, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has established the National Hurricane Relief Fund to address the urgent needs of those affected in the impacted areas. The fund will channel critical resources to support recovery and provide immediate assistance to individuals, families, and parishes severely impacted by these storms.  

The National  Philoptochos is directing its nationwide network of parishes, chapters, and members to make all contributions through the Archdiocesan Relief Fund. We recognize the need for a unified response and encourage everyone to join in helping those in desperate need. 

Working closely with the Metropolis of Atlanta, the fund will assess the most urgent needs in the affected Greek Orthodox parishes and communities, ensuring the aid reaches those most in need. As part of this effort, individuals will soon be able to apply for emergency financial assistance of up to $2,500, with further assessments of unmet needs being conducted as the situation develops.  

We encourage our chapters, members, and all supporters to give generously. Funds raised through parish collections, organizational initiatives, and personal donations should be sent directly to the National Hurricane Relief Fund through the Archdiocese's donation portal at www.goarch.org/donate/hurricane.    

Icon Flowers: If you would like to either decorate or sponsor flowers for an upcoming feast day or in memory of a loved one, you can call Olga at (619) 980-9124 or email us at [email protected]. Thank you for beautifying our church and honoring our holy saints and feasts.

Coffee hour: This Sunday's Coffee Hour is being provided by the Hodrea family. Next week Demetra is generously sponsoring our parish Stewardship Luncheon. Thank you to all of our coffee hour sponsors, you help our church community thrive. Please put your name down on the poster in the hall if you are able to sponsor one Sunday. The community we experience as we break bread together is an invaluable continuation of the work of the Divine Liturgy. 

 

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Prayer List

 

Living: Partheni,Trevonia Jones-Blacknall,Ben, Katherine Cripe, Jesus and Giselle (Amanuel’s Parents), Lavar Maze (an Inquirer going to military service in the Middle East), Father Joseph Candelario in his recent ordination, Daniela,Fr. Tom Tsagalakis, Josephine, Gregory, Roberto Rojas, Bryan Jones, Juan Bowles, Suzette, Maria Cacho, Costa, Michelle, Gail, Irene, Jeanne Leventis, Larry Roach, Olympia, Jan Manos, Adrianne, Tom Crowell, Leilani, Frank, Pamela McVey (Gaye’s Sister), Kyriako, Dori, Elaine, Don Farr, Eliphtheria, Anastasia, Efstratia (Honey), Kristen, Lititia, Diana, TrixAnna, Ortans (Nellie’s Mom in Syria), Elias and Hanna Meamari (Issa’s Folks), Joanne Nichols, Michaila, Barbara Anderson (Fr. Michael’s Mom), Debby, Trevor, Ripley, Ljlijana, Deeann, Gino Volvo, Levi, Hannah, Dick, Kelly, Nicolas, Karen, Sally Farr,  Susan, Mandy, Melissa, Demetra, Gaye, Maria Olga, Vernon, Kathern and the Rogers Family, John Findel, Lisa Kotitsa, Christine Fanos, Iris, Elizabeth Terris, Magdalyn,  Michael Piliaris, Darin Williams, Cathy Jean Alexander, Our Monasteries and Monastics.


Asleep in the Lord: Sue Lubinski, Daniel Delgado Teneus Jean Baptiste, Steve, Mario,Fr. George Larin, Randolph (Ysadora’s Uncle),Fr. Emanuel Lillios, James Pappas (Dr. Socrates Cousin), Khouria Dina and Eliana Maria Bahou, Mary Koulaxes, Christopher Pekos, Peter Karalambas, John Pertides, Fr. Panayiotis Leventis, Calomira, James (Demetrius) Mastorakis, Evangelina,  Warren Cormier, Sally Farr, Margie (Mary) Brock, Soteria (Bunny) Angeles, (Haralambos) Polis, Athina, Mark Mellis,  Heidi, Presvytera Kay Eftathiu, Presvytera Despina Leventis, Alexandra, Nicole, Kenn, Archdeacon Joe, Nicholay, Maria Elena, John Angeles, Emanuel, Irene Cantos, Joanne, James and Marika Deemas, Georgia (Sophie) Deemas, George Deemas, Antone (Tony) Broodrookas, Barbara and Patrick Easley, Arthur and Christine Gonos, John, Angelo, Tom Hyatt, Morgan, Bonnie, Salvador, William, Sarah Elizabeth, Penny (Laurie Paschalydis’ Sister), Janis Efstratia, Kosta Stephens

Please let Father know if you have any names that you would like to add to or that are ready to  remove from the list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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