St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-09-27
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


Parish Calendar

  • Upcoming Week

    September 27 to October 4, 2026

    Sunday, September 27

    1st Luke

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Monday, September 28

    1:00PM Prayers at Carroll's

    1:45PM Prayers at Orangewood

    Tuesday, September 29

    6:00PM Catechism and Prayer with Bryan Bosch

    Wednesday, September 30

    Eve of Holy Protection

    6:00PM Vesperal Liturgy for Eve of Protection

    Thursday, October 1

    2:15PM Prayers at Hillcrest Manor

    7:00PM Fr. Simeon’s Study Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9642470828

    Friday, October 2

    12:00PM RJ Donovan Prison

    Saturday, October 3

    4:00PM Catechism Class: Live at Church

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    6:00PM Confessions, Compline with Prayers of Preparation

    Sunday, October 4

    2nd Sunday of Luke

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy



Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

17th Sunday after Pentecost
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.


Gospel Reading

1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11

At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.




Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Eighth Tone

From on high You descended, Most Merciful; for us You condescended to a threeday burial to set us free from the passions. O Lord, our Resurrection and our Life, glory to You!

Apolytikion for Martyr Callistratus & his Companions in the Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

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.


Wisdom of the Fathers

For now they were well instructed beforehand...But mark both their faith and their obedience. For though they were in the midst of their work when they heard His command, they delayed not, they procrastinated not, they said not, "let us return home, and converse with our kinsfolk," but "they forsook all and followed."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

Because such is the obedience which Christ seeks of us, as that we delay not even a moment of time, though something absolutely most needful should vehemently press on us.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century



Welcoming our Catechumens!

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

Nicholas Brintle

Nick Castillo

Jason Chamberlin

AJ Creer

Goga Darbinyan

Brenda Guzman

Sophie Maio

Adriana Maldonado

Mariam Meamari 

Renee Miller

Adelina Moran

Damien Moran

Favio Morales

Alexei Pawlowski

Alonzo Ramos

Cesar 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

 



Philoptochos News

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

Today's coffee hour is hosted by Ashley Bever. Thank you!

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.



Tithes and Offerings

2026 Stewardship Progress  

Stewardship Pledged to Date: $161,013

2026 Annual Budget: $333,102

2026 Offerings: $227,345

 2026 Remaining Need: ($105,757)

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 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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Flyers & Inserts

    Save the Date! October 10, 2026

    Save the Date! October 10, 2026

    Join us as we give thanks to God for Fr. Simeon's & Pres. Joy's faithful service and celebrate this joyful milestone together.


    Catechumen and Prayer Tuesdays at 6:00PM

    Catechumen and Prayer Tuesdays at 6:00PM

    Open to inquirers, catechumens, and anyone interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian faith.


    2026 Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat

    2026 Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat

    Orthodox young adults ages 18–35 are invited to join us October 22–25 at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA, for a weekend of prayer, fellowship, hiking, service, meaningful discussion, and spiritual renewal. This year’s theme, “Food as Medicine: What Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science Teach Us About Nourishing the Whole Person,” will feature Dr. Pericles Ioannides exploring the connection between nutrition, health, fasting, and our spiritual lives. Choose the Adventure Package (Oct. 22–25), including a hiking day in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, or the Regular Weekend Package (Oct. 23–25). Registration is now open: gosfyouth.org/youngadults


    FOCUS - Feed the Hungry!

    FOCUS - Feed the Hungry!

    Every Wednesday Help prepare or serve meals to the less fortunate




Prayer List

Living: Fr. John Ballard, Aunt Betty (Sara’s), Benjamin, Richard Carpenter (Luke’s Dad), Hector Gonzales (Sam’s Dad), Fr. John Kariotakis, 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, Fr. Michael, 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: Marion Demos, Aunt Betty (Sara’s), Bill Robinett, Ioakim Vasiliadis, 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.

 



Saints and Feasts

September 27

Callistratus the Martyr & his 49 Companions

These Martyrs contested for the Faith during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288. Saint Callistratus was arrested as a Christian, and after being tormented, was enclosed in a sack and cast into the sea. The sack burst, and the Saint came to dry land safe and sound. Forty-nine soldiers, seeing this, also confessed Christ, and with him were cast into prison, then beheaded.


September 27

Mark, Aristarchos, and Zenon, Apostles of the 70


September 27

Akylina the New Martyr of Thessaloniki


September 27

Gideon the Righteous


October 01

The Feast of the Holy Skepi of the Theotokos

The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the tenth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.

The Feast is celebrated on October 1. In the 1950s, the Church of Greece began to observe the Feast on October 28.




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