Saturday Vespers
5:00 PM
Sunday Liturgies
9:00AM Orthros
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
Parish Calendar: http://saintgregoryofnyssa.org/parish-calendar
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Sunday before Cross
Sts. Constantine and Helen Festival Weekend
9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
11:30AM Parish Council Meeting
1:00PM Vespers for Holy Cross after Council
Holy Cross
9:00AM Great Festal Matins and Liturgy
1:00PM Prayers at Carroll's
1:45PM Prayers at Orangewood
6:00PM Catechism and Prayer with Bryan Bosch
2:15PM Prayers at Hillcrest Manor
7:00PM Fr. Simeon’s Study Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9642470828
12:00PM RJ Donovan Prison
4:00PM Catechism Class: Live at Church
5:00PM Great Vespers
6:00PM Confessions, Compline with Prayers of Preparation
Sunday after Cross
9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
Sunday before Holy Cross
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.
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."
We joyfully welcome and introduce our current group of catechumens—men and women who are prayerfully preparing to enter the fullness of the Orthodox Church through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation, and the Eucharist.
As they journey toward illumination and full communion with Christ and His Church, each catechumen is seeking a sponsor (godparent): a faithful, practicing Orthodox Christian who will walk alongside them with prayer, encouragement, and the witness of a godly life.
If you feel called to support one of these dear souls on this sacred journey of faith, please speak to Fr. Simeon or Luke Mellos (Catechumen director) after the Divine Liturgy. Your willingness to serve as a sponsor can make a profound and eternal difference in their lives and in our parish family.
Andres Becerra
Nick Castillo
Jason Chamberlin
AJ Creer
Goga Darbinyan
Brenda Guzman
Adriana Maldonado
Sophie Maio
Renee Miller
Fabio Morales
Adelina Moran
Damien Moran
Alexei Pawlowski
Alonzo Ramos
Ceasar Reyna
Sean Rigdon
Noah Roberson
Ryan Thompson
Raul Ulloa
Sebastian Vaiasuso
Cesar Villanueva
Brandon Vriens
In our Prison Ministry: Skylor Sallee, Edward Scaroni, Levi Young
Newly Illumined! : Travis Lazaros Hopkins, Jason Andrew Lampley
We are happy to announce that the upcoming general meeting of the St. Olympia branch of the Philoptochos will be on Saturday, October 17, 10:30 to 12:00pm in the church hall. Everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a member to attend.
The Philoptochos is the charitable arm of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. If helping your Parish and serving the poor is important to you, you are welcome to attend. There will be brunch, catching up, important announcements, and a couple of changes.
We will also discuss ways that you can get involved to the extent that works for you, both within your Parish and our community. We need you, and hope to see you there.
Coffee Hour, Connection, & Fellowship
Come join us for coffee hour and fellowship immediately following the Divine Liturgy!
To help keep this ministry sustainable and enjoyable for all, we encourage individuals, families, ministries, and groups to consider sponsoring together. Sharing the responsibility allows more members of our community to participate while ensuring this beautiful tradition continues for years to come. To sponsor an upcoming Coffee Hour, please add your name to the sign-up poster in the fellowship hall. Questions? Contact Ana Nosal at (619) 750-4610.
Decorated Icons
Commemorate a Feast Day or honor a loved one by offering a decorated icon to be displayed at the altar for veneration. A suggested donation of $25-$65 may be made to St. Gregory's Ladies Philoptochos. To reserve a decorated icon, please contact Olga Stephens at (619) 980-9124.
2026 Stewardship Progress
Stewardship Pledged to Date: $161,013
2026 Annual Budget: $333,102
2026 Offerings: $214,894
2026 Remaining Need: ($118,208)
Please "let us attend”
let us support and let us be faithful in prayer and generosity.
Support your Church!
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Facility Repair Update: We’re getting closer!
We are making steady progress toward our $5,000 goal to repair the water leak under our parking lot and upgrade the audio-visual systems for our beautiful Temple. Every single contribution helps us protect our grounds and enhance our worship experience together.
Please consider making a donation today to help us cross the finish line!
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September 12-13, 2026
Join us as we give thanks to God for Fr. Simeon's & Pres. Joy's faithful service and celebrate this joyful milestone together.
Open to inquirers, catechumens, and anyone interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith.
Every Wednesday Help prepare or serve meals to the less fortunate
Living: Fr. John Ballard, Aunt Betty (Sara’s), Benjamin, Richard Carpenter (Luke’s Dad), Hector Gonzales (Sam’s Dad), Fr. John Kariotakis, Marion Demos, Jorge Mendoza (Paola’s Father), Brittany and Baby, Ashley and her Mother Yung, Carrie, Julia and Mimi, Sebastian, Jana Crawford, Michael Roach, Torfinn H., Libby Diamond, Elaine Panos, Jesus Ramirez, Brittany, Dolas, Amanda, Niko, Shawn, Gregory, Alejandra, Julia, DeAnn, Jim, Mindy, Cynthia, Aurora Ruiz, Melinda, For all those suffering in times of war (Ukraine and the Middle East), Patti Diaz, Valerie, Raydeen and Family, Jim and Kathleen Mathew’s, Herman, Ward, Jacque Gamboa, Marianne, Tamara, Stamati, Elanora, Joanna Jacob, Virginia, Derek, Hugito, Liam Michael Gardener (Ysadora’s News by Grandson), Valerie, Augustine, Janet, Ben,Trevonia Jones-Blacknall,Ben, Katherine Cripe, Jesus and Giselle (Amanuel’s Parents), Daniela, Josephine, Gregory, Roberto Rojas, Bryan Jones, Juan Bowles, Suzette, Maria Cacho, Costa, Michelle, Gail, Irene, Jeanne Leventis, Larry Roach, Olympia, Adrianne, Leilani, Frank, Pamela McVey (Gaye’s Sister), Kyriako, Dora, Elaine, 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, Susan, Mandy, Melissa, Demetra, Gaye, Maria Olga, Kathern and the Rogers Family, John Findel, Lisa Kotitsa, Christine Fanos, Elizabeth and Jamie Terris, Magdalyn, Darin Williams, Cathy Jean Alexander, Our Monasteries and Monastics.
Asleep in the Lord: Aunt Betty (Sara’s), Bill Robinett, Ioakim Vasiliadis, Marion Demos, Deacon Barsoum, John Andriopulos, William “Sonny” Jackson and Andrew Shih (Ashley’s Dad and Stepdad), NJ Aristo, Barry, Charles Tessendore, Justin Flowers, Deacon Michael, Theodore Ioannides, Sannie Sue Wurts (Ana’s Grandma), Elsie Elizabeth Avalon, Ron Lauher, Angelos(Kleanthis) Synodinos, Margaret Jane Lampley, John Meneley, Eddy Aradando, Helen (Andrea’s Mom), Arthur Corona (Father’s Dad), Craig Johnston, Demetri Sideropoulos, Tom Crowell, Suzy Duarte, Georgia Swisher, Kosta Stephens, Nick Paschalydis and John Manos Senior, Maria, Keren Corona, Tony Christodolou, Mavis, Eleni, Anastasia and Photini, Michael Piliaris, Maria Angela Escobar (Sam’s Grandma), “Beba” Evangeline (Jim’s Godmother), Ralph Scott Grasser (Magdalene’s Brother), Baker Cleveland, Vernon Rogers, Despina Sidiropoulos, Nikki Delgado, Tom Ward, Nick Kromydas, Michael (Fr. Josef’s Godfather), Nancy Fox, Angelo Laliotitis, Hallie Friday, Don (Iakovos) Rylander, Charlie Canby, Joan Kuhn, Janis Manos, Michael Angeles, Iris Daglas, Stavros, Sophia, Andonis, Stevroula Metaxas, Doug Burleigh, Fr. Panayiotis Leventis and Presvytera Despina Leventis, Leul and Maria, Celia, Tula (Demetra) Nicholas, Shirley Nash, Michael Counce, Maria Damala, Don and Sally Farr, Thomas Crowell, Eleftheria, Deiter (Fr. Josef’s Father), Susan (sister of Lisa Kotitsa), William (Bill) Diamond, Mary Mckinn, Maria, Merissa, Madeline (Olga’s Sister), Michelle (Olga’s Cousin), Partheni, Sue Lubinski, Daniel Delgado, Teneus Partheni 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, Calomira, James (Demetrius) Mastorakis, Evang.elina, Warren Cormier, Margie (Mary) Brock, Soteria (Bunny) Angeles, (Haralambos) Polis, Athina, Mark Mellis, Heidi, Presvytera Kay Eftathiu, 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), Efstratia Janis.
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.
The church that is honoured far above all others is that of the Holy Resurrection, which Saint Constantine the Great constructed at the place of Golgotha, where our Saviour was crucified and buried. For a long time this place had been purposely buried beneath the earth by the Jews and heathen; furthermore, during the reign of Hadrian (117-138), a temple dedicated to Aphrodite was built over the site so that this sacred place might be even further desecrated and fall into utter oblivion. It was here that the Cross was hidden. However, at the command of the pious Emperor Constantine, excavations were made and the tokens of the saving Passion were found. It was here, then, that the very great and magnificent temple named in honour of Christ God's Resurrection-the Anastasis-was built under the supervision of the blessed Helen, while Dracilian was Eparch of Palestine and Macarius was Archbishop of Jerusalem. It was the latter, also, who exalted the venerable Cross and performed the consecration of this temple in the year 336.
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.
Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.
Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.
Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday
https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-09-13?source=bulletin_web
September 13, 2026