Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-11-24
Bulletin Contents
Schedule of Services
Stewardship News
You are Invited
News & Events
Assembly of Bishops News
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings

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Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • 408.605.0621
  • Street Address:

  • 9th and Lincoln

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
  • Mailing Address:

  • PO Box 5808

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Contact Information

Priest: Father Ion Coman


[email protected] | 408.605.0621

Services Schedule

 

Weekend services: the weekend schedule is fixed for most of the year. The services take place in Carmel-by-the-Sea, at All Saints Church, lower level, 9th and Lincoln.

Saturdays: 5:00pm Vespers

Sundays:   8:30am Matins

                   9:45am Liturgy

Week-day services: during the week we may celebrate the major feast days of the Church either in Carmel or in Salinas. Please check the calendar! The schedule pattern is:

Wednesdays:  6:00pm Paraklesis

Eve of feasts: 6:00pm Vespers

Feast days:    8:30am Matins

                       9:45am Liturgy

Past Bulletins


Schedule of Services

Note: Our services are posted on Zoom unless specified otherwise.    


Friday, November 22
    6pm Akathist (4): Saint John Maximovitch
Saturday, November 23
    9am – 3pm Greek Lunch Fundraiser at Arts and Crafts Fair (Carmel Church)
    9am-3pm Saint John's Bake Sale Fundraiser at Arts and Crafts Fair (Carmel Women's Club)
    9am-3pm Philoptochos Bake Sale @ Star Market (Salinas)
    5pm Vespers
Sunday, November 24
    8:30am Matins
    9:45am Liturgy
    11:30am Philoptochos Bake Sale
    12pm Catechism Class
    12pm Sunday School

25 Nov, Mon - Saint Katherine the Great Martyr
   8:30 – 10:45am Matins + Liturgy + Blessing of the Five Loaves
26 Nov, Tue
   9 – 10am Church University: Prayers and Bible Study (online)
27 Nov, Wed
   9 – 10am Church University: Prayers and Bible Study (online)
   10 – 11:30am Book Forum
   6 – 6:45pm Akathist of Thanksgiving
   6:45 – 8pm CANCELLED - Faith and Fellowship: Joshua
28 Nov, Thu – Thanksgiving Day
   8:30 – 9:15am Matins
   9:15 – 10:15am Liturgy
29 Nov, Fri
   9 – 10am Church University: Prayers and Bible Study (online)
   6 – 9pm Vespers + Blessing of the Five Loaves + Liturgy
30 Nov, Sat - Saint Andrew the First Called Apostle
   5 – 5:45pm Vespers

Zoom with video here.

For more information, go to  //www.stjohn-monterey.org/parish-calendar

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Stewardship News

2024 SHRINKING GAP

A Ministry Led by Mary Kanalakis

Thanks to the generosity of some of our members, the estimated gap (operating expenses) for the end of this year is down to $19,000. This is a bit over half of what it was a week ago. Yet, there is still room to make a difference.

Living the Gospel


NEW DATE FOR FALL PARISH ASSEMBLY/ ELECTION OF PC MEMBERS

Our Fall Parish Assembly and PC Elections are now scheduled for December 8, immediately following the Liturgy and the Agape Meal.


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You are Invited

A BUSY WEEKEND TO COME

This Saturday will be very busy for our community, with many events that need you praticipation:

The traditional Philoptochos Thanksgiving Bake Sale will take place as before. Delicious baked goods will be available to purchase as follows:

  • Star Market in Salinas - Saturday, 9am-3pm. SIGNUP TO SERVE here.

At the same time two Community Fundraisers are being planned as follows:

  • Saint John's Bake Sale @ Carmel Arts and Crafts Fair (Carmel Women's Club) - Saturday, 9am-3pm. SIGNUP TO SERVE here.
  • Saint John's GREEK LUNCH @ Carmel Arts and Crafts Fair (ASC) - Saturday, 9am-3pm. SIGNUP TO SERVE here.

Living the Gospel + Community


GREEK LUNCH at the ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR

The Greek Lunch at the Arts and Crafts Fair is a fundraiser of our community to address the Gap. Many hands will be needed to work. Invite your friends and neighbors!

 


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News & Events

ADVENT FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP TO START THIS WEDNESDAY

A Ministry Lead by Father Ion

Join the Faith and Fellowship small groups discussions on Wednesdays, after the evening service to learn from Joshua.

Note: we will not meet the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (11/27).

Sign up HERE!

Spiritual Life, Community, Relationships


ADULT SUNDAY EDUCATION

A Ministry led by Father Ion

The new cycle of catechism/ adult education will continue this Sunday, November 24. The classes are open to all and they will take place after lunch in the chapel of Saint Nektarios.

 Living the Gospel


OUTREACH MINISTRIES

Ministries led by Despina Hatton

FOOD BANK: Tuesday, DECEMBER 10, 9:00 -10:30am @St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Seaside.

LADIES I-HELP:  Tuesday, DECEMBER 3. Cooking - 4-5pm, Dinner with the ladies - 5-6pm. Plan to stay for prayers in the chapel after dinner.

Community


CHURCH UNIVERSITY: EXODUS

A Ministry led by Father Ion

The Church University brings to light the beautiful, yet complex sides of Orthodoxy through prayer and the study of Scriptures, hymnography of the Church, lives of the saints and the writings of the Holy Fathers.

We continue to study the book of Exodus.

On week days without morning liturgies, 9am via Zoom.

Worship, Education, Community


THE BOOK FORUM: FATHER ARSENY - CONCLUSION

A Ministry led by Kathy Shaw

We will continue meeting on Wednesday at 10:00am.

 Education, Community


NEW: BOOK FORUM TO OPEN EVENING MEETINGS

A Ministry led by Kathy Shaw

The new book that we start in December will be discussed on two days of the week: Mondays and Wednesdays. We are adding the Monday evening time in order to make it available to those who work during the day. The same reading will be covered in both sessions every week - no need to attend both! The new expanded hours are:

  • Mondays, from 7pm
  • Wednesdays, from 10:00am

We will read Beginning to Pray, by Archbishop Anthony Bloom. It is a short, yet powerful text. We have a few copies at the bookstore. You may check it out online here. 

 Education, Community

 


WELCOMING AND HOSPITALITY: SERVING THIS SUNDAY

 Ministry led by Angelina Taylor 

Thank you for your effort and participation in bringing a dish to share for our Agape Meal. If you cannot participate when it is your turn, kindly let Angelina know in advance so she can make other arrangements.     

Sunday, November 24 
   Parish Council: Mary Kanalakis
   Greeter: Rania Zavitsanos
   Agape Meal: PINK TEAM - Thank you to Nadia, Maria, Rania, Irene, and Christine D

Sunday, December 1
   Parish Council:  Thimi Saites
   Greeter: Anthony Zavitsanos
   Agape Meal: ORANGE TEAM - Thank you to Melanie, Mary, Kathy, and Marissa.

Community


ONLINE RESOURCES

Most of our services and some ministry meetings are available online.
Witness remotely:
  1. Zoom with video here.
  2. By phone dial - add the following string to your address book: 16699006833,,9475885646#,,,,*871732#
Liturgical texts at Ages Initiatives here. Select the date and the service of interest. Then, choose pdf if you want to print, or DCS for viewing on the screen (which also has a night mode).
Lighting Candles remotely is possible through our Light a Candle website. Click this link: Light a Candle

 


GETTING IT?

Have you been receiving communication from the church via text? If not, it is becasue you have not signed up yet. It is brief, fast and simple. Simply text #yes# to 22300.

Note: You must be already enrolled for phone calls from the church in order to extend to text messaging. Let Father Ion know if you would like to sign up for both services.


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Saints and Feasts

November 24

13th Sunday of Luke

November 24

Our Holy Father Clement, Pope of Rome

Saint Clement was instructed in the Faith of Christ by the Apostle Peter. He became Bishop of Rome in the year 91, the third after the death of the Apostles. He died as a martyr about the year 100 during the reign of Trajan.

November 25

Katherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria

Saint Catherine, who was from Alexandria, was the daughter of Constas (or Cestus). She was an exceedingly beautiful maiden, most chaste, and illustrious in wealth, lineage, and learning. By her steadfast understanding, she utterly vanquished the passionate and unbridled soul of Maximinus, the tyrant of Alexandria; and by her eloquence, she stopped the mouths of the so-called philosophers who had been gathered to dispute with her. She was crowned with the crown of martyrdom in the year 305. Her holy relics were taken by Angels to the holy mountain of Sinai, where they were discovered many years later; the famous monastery of Saint Catherine was originally dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord and the Burning Bush, but later was dedicated to Saint Catherine. According to the ancient usage, Saints Catherine and Mercurius were celebrated on the 24th of this month, whereas the holy Hieromartyrs Clement of Rome and Peter of Alexandria were celebrated on the 25th. The dates of the feasts of these Saints were interchanged at the request of the Church and Monastery of Mount Sinai, so that the festival of Saint Catherine, their patron, might be celebrated more festively together with the Apodosis of the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos. The Slavic Churches, however, commemorate these Saints on their original dates.

November 25

Mercurios the Great Martyr of Caesarea in Cappadocia

Saint Mercurius came from Cappadocia, and was the son of Gordian, a Scythian. A young man, and a soldier of high rank, he refused to offer sacrifice to the idols, and after torments was beheaded during the reign of Valerian (253-260).

November 26

Stylianos the Monk of Paphlagonia

St. Stylianos was from Paphlagonia living in the latter 6th century and early 7th century. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with his whole heart and lived in strict asceticism. When he fell asleep in the Lord, his face shone like the sun and an angel appeared to take his soul to Glory. His prayers have worked many miracles, both during his earthly life and since. He is of special help to children who are ill and to childless couples. He is known as a protector of orphans.

November 30

Andrew the First- Called Apostle

This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Eleventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:14-25

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. And he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, "Follow me." Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 1st Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

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

13th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:18-27

At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

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