PEACE & BLESSINGS
St. Mary’s Fast: August 7th - 21st
The Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mount Tabor
(Mesra 13, 1742 / August 19, 2026)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.”
Luke 9:28-32
SERVICES THIS WEEK
MONDAY:
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. (online)
WEDNESDAY:
Divine Liturgy: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Vespers & Venerations for St. Mary: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
THURSDAY:
Vespers & Venerations for St. Mary: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY:
Vespers & Venerations for St. Mary: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY:
Divine Liturgy - St. Mary’s Feast: 8:30 a.m - 10:30 a.m.
Intermediate Hymns Lesson: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Vespers: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
SUNDAY:
Divine Liturgy: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Agape Meal: 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Beginning Hymns Lesson: 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sunday School Classes: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Feast of The Assumption of the Body of the Pure Virgin St. Mary
(Mesra 16, 1742 / August 22, 2026)
St. Basil’s Annual Fishing Trip Success
The annual fishing trip was a tremendous success: fun and filled with good catches! The kiddos had the greatest success catching most of the nearly 70 fish! Nothing but smiles and fatigue!
Till next year!
Young Adults Event
If you’re in college or under 25 (or so), join us for coffee with Fr. Anthony after the liturgy this Sunday!
Ladies Fellowship Event - August 29
Join us for a beautiful women’s liturgy, complete with brunch, tea (including a matcha station!), a spiritual talk, games, and crafts.
Saturday, August 29th, 8:30 a.m.
Join us for a beautiful women’s liturgy
Brunch with Tea
A spiritual talk, games, crafts, matcha station, and fellowship!
All women (high-school and up) welcome
Stay tuned for a potluck sign-up sheet
Please RSVP HERE!
Annual Diocese Servants Retreat - September 5-7
Want to get Involved?
Many have asked how they can volunteer to help in the many services St. Basil’s offers! CLICK HERE to browse through the services and check the ones you wish to get involved in! For example, we are actively looking for:
Prepare (bake) Urbon (holy bread) for Holy Liturgies
Social Media Manager
Visitor Welcoming Committee
Summer Camp Support
Agape Meal
Contact Fr. Michael if interested!
NEW CHURCH BUILDING CAMPAIGN
As many of you have noticed, our church family has been growing steadily over the past several years. This is a great blessing from God, and we thank Him for it. That growth comes with a demand for increased pastoral need and larger facilities.
Larger Building! The board gave a strategy presentation on February 22, 2026, on finding a new and larger home for St. Basil’s Church. If you missed it, reach out to one of the board members or Fr. Michael. CLICK HERE to discover ways you can help in this worthwhile venture that will positively impact our community for generations to come! If you did not receive it, contact Fr. Michael at 949-378-0350! God bless your efforts!
And the leaders of the fathers’ houses offered willingly. They gave for the work of the house of God… according to their ability. ~ Ezra 2:68–69
AGAPE MEAL AFTER THE LITURGY
Hello St. Basil family! After every Divine Liturgy, our agape meal means more than food — it is fellowship, healing, and a living expression of our unity in Christ. “They continued steadfastly… in the breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42) reminds us that from the earliest days of the church, believers gathered after worship to share life together. This simple meal becomes a lifeline for newcomers trying to find their place, for those who feel alone and long for community, and for every soul who needs to experience the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways. The volunteers who serve in this ministry quietly carry a sacred responsibility: They help people feel seen, included, and loved. This is why hospitality is an amazing virtue! Hebrews 13:2 says “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”
We are deeply grateful to the few who continue to offer their time, energy, and generosity despite the challenges. Your service is a fragrance of Christ among us! At the same time, we warmly invite others to join this beautiful ministry to lighten the burden on the few. Preparing or serving food may seem small, but in God’s eyes it is an act of love that strengthens the bonds of our parish family and proclaims, without words, that we are “one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:5). If you feel called to help build St. Basil’s community so no one stands alone, please consider joining this blessed service. Your hands can become instruments of fellowship, hospitality, and grace.
You can help in the following ways:
Sign up to bring food (Please refrain from excessive sweets).
Sign up for the coffee cart: set up and clean up the coffee cart on Sunday morning.
Hall clean-up following the agape meal.
Please CLICK HERE to sign up.
God bless your efforts!
PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATECHISM) CLASSES
Join us on ONLINE Monday nights at 8:00 p.m. for baptism preparation classes. Visit www.stbasil.net/baptism for more information. These classes are open for:
Anyone interested in becoming members of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Those recently baptized (within the last few years).
Simply anyone seeking to better understand the basics of the Christian faith and history.
Together, we will review the importance of baptism and its impact, the Sacraments, the inspiring church history, the Orthodox Creed, the Holy Bible, Orthodox prayer and spiritual life, and Church traditions. Reading material will be provided for those who wish to attend. To register for this class, please contact Fr. Michael at 949-378-0350 or frmichael@stbasil.net.
DIOCESE EVENTS
Click on image for more information!
Interested in participating in missionary trips abroad? Join one the many happening soon! Click here to find out more!
Social Media
LinkedIn: As a reminder, the Professionals LinkedIn group is an easy way to connect and network with fellow members of our community.
YouTube: Subscribe to St. Basil’s YouTube channel to view live streams, Bible studies, and more!
More to come on Instagram, Facebook, and more! If you want to get involved, and have some skills in social media, let Fr. Michael know!
FAMILY HOME VISITS
Father Michael is offering home visits for anyone who is interested. It’s a wonderful practice to have a priest visit your home at least once a year. Please reach out to him directly to schedule a visit!
Phone: 949-378-0350
Email: FrMichael@stbasil.net
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please let us know if you have any upcoming important events for us to share with our fellow congregants. Special events are best shared among our family, and we encourage you to share your special news with us.
