St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-10-11
Bulletin Contents
Parish Calendar
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Welcoming our Catechumens!
Philoptochos News
Tithes and Offerings
Flyers & Inserts
Prayer List
Saints and Feasts
Diakonia Newsletter

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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

Parish Priest Father Simeon B. Corona
Presbyter

[email protected] | 619-760-6373

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

    October 11 to October 18, 2026

    Sunday, October 11

    7th Ecumenical Council

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Monday, October 12

    Simeon the New Theologian

    9:00AM Great Doxology and Liturgy

    1:00PM Prayers at Carroll's

    1:45PM Prayers at Orangewood

    Tuesday, October 13

    6:00PM Catechism and Prayer with Bryan Bosch

    Wednesday, October 14

    Gaye Elizabeth Howorth’s Visitation, Trisagion, Funeral and Interment

    9:00AM Church and Hall open for Gaye Howorth’s Visitation.

    10:00AM Trisagion Prayer for Gaye

    10:15AM Visitation and Sharing in the Church and Hall

    11:30AM Gaye Elizabeth Howorth’s Funeral at St. Gregory’s

    12:30PM Leave for Gaye’s Interment at Miramar Cemetery

    1:15PM Final Trisagion at Miramar for Gaye

    Thursday, October 15

    2:15PM Prayers at Hillcrest Manor

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

    Friday, October 16

    12:00PM RJ Donovan Prison

    Saturday, October 17

    10:30AM Philoptochos General Meeting

    4:00PM Catechism Class: Live at Church

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    6:00PM Confessions, Compline with Prayers of Preparation

    Sunday, October 18

    St. Luke Sunday

    9:00AM Morning Prayers (Orthros)

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy



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."



Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone

When You descended unto death, O Life Immortal, You rendered to Hades a mortal blow by the lightning of Your divinity, and when from the depths of darkness You also raised the dead, all the heavenly powers cried out: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You.

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.

Kontakion for the Church in the First Tone

You were shown to have holy vigilance. And your piety was manifest in your teachings, O Hierarch Gregory. For the wisdom of your sacred dogmas gives joy to the fullness of the Church. Righteous Father, to Christ our God do intercede to grant our souls His great redeeming mercy.

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

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



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

Kawa Barganzi

Nick Castillo

Jason Chamberlin

AJ Creer

Monique Creer

Goga Darbinyan

Brenda Guzman

Sophie Maio

Adriana Maldonado

Mariam Meamari 

Renee Miller

Adalina Moran

Damian Moran

Favio Morales

Alexei Pawlowski

Alonzo Ramos

Cesar Reyna

Sean Rigdon

Ryan Thompson

Raul Ulloa

Sebastian Vaiasuso

Cesar Villanueva

Brandon Vriens

Garrett Wiggs

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

Coffee Hour today is being hosted by Luke and Sam. Thank you guys!

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: $162,013

2026 Annual Budget: $333,102

2026 Offerings: $239,577

 2026 Remaining Need: ($93,525)

Please "let us attend”

let us support and let us be faithful in prayer and generosity. 

Support your Church!



Flyers & Inserts

    Weekly Events

    Weekly Events

    ALL ARE WELCOME!: "Come and see"— John 1:46

    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: Gaye (Elizabeth) Howorth, Theresa Cuevas Hammon (Linda Manos’s mom), 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, Evangelina, 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

October 11

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 11

Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.

October 11

Theophanes the Confessor, Bishop of Nicaea

Saint Theophanes, the brother of Saint Theodore the Branded, was a Palestinian by race. Both were monks at the Monastery of Saint Sabbas. They were called "the Branded" because Theophilus, the last of the Iconoclast emperors, had twelve iambic verses branded by hot irons on their foreheads and then sent them into exile, where Theodore died in the year 838. After the death of Theophilus in 842, Theophanes was elected Bishop of Nicaea. Both brothers composed many canons and hymns, thereby adorning the services of the Church.

October 11

Holy Martyrs Zenais and Philonilla

October 11

Nectarios, Arsakios, Sisinios and Philotheos Kokkinos, Patriarchs of Constantinople



Diakonia Newsletter

Diakonia Newsletter

Read the latest Diakonia Newsletter for this Sunday

https://bulletinbuilder.org/diakonia-newsletter/2026-10-11?source=bulletin_web

October 11, 2026

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