Weekly Update - Nov 23
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PEACE AND GRACE
Commemoration of the The Departure of Saint John Chrysostom (Nov 26/ Hator 17)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Yes, fasting is not merely a commandment from God but a godly gift, a grace and a blessing. God the creator of our body and soul knows of our need to fast for its benefit for our spiritual life, development and our eternity. He granted us the knowledge and manner of fasting. As a kind Father and a wise Teacher, He has recommended fasting for us.”
Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)
Wednesday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)
Thursday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)
Friday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)
Sunday:
Outdoor Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (registration required)
Sunday School: 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. (online)
Monday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)
THANK YOU METROPOLITAN SERAPION!
We thank His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion for his visit on Sunday and attending the outdoor liturgy at St. Basil’s. May our ever-victorious Lord Jesus Christ grant him many years and peaceful times for the glory of His name.
OUTDOOR LITURGIES
The State of California has designated San Diego County in the “Purple Tier” which means there have been spikes in Covid-19 infections in the region. Consequently, we will be transitioning back to outdoor liturgies starting Sunday (November 15th). We pray that this temporary situation is short lived and we can return back inside the church soon. Of course, outdoor liturgies will be dependent on the weather (rain, cold, etc..). Updates will be texted to all the beloved Congregation members.
Please continue to register for liturgies as we have been doing for the last few months.
If you would like the blessing of coming early to help set up the tents and chairs, please arrive at 7:45.
Thank you all for your patience and resilience during this process!
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Fr. Michael at 949-378-0350.
NOV 30 || PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATECHISM) CLASSES
Join us on ONLINE on Monday nights at 8:00 PM for Baptism preparation classes. These classes are open for:
Anyone interested in becoming members of the Coptic Orthodox Church,
Those recently baptized (within the last few years), or
Simply anyone else 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 FrMichaelMaximous@gmail.com .
DEC 1 || BEGIN OF ANNUAL Nativity Series
We excitedly announce our third annual spiritual speaker series (this year will be on Zoom). This series of six talks will dive into the catholic (universal) epistles of the New Testament. Various guest speakers from among the blessed servants of St. Basil’s will be giving the talks. Click here to join us at 8:00 PM Tuesday nights on this spiritual journey beginning Tuesday, December 1st!
DEC 1 || GIVING TUESDAY
ST. ATHANASIUS AND ST. CYRIL THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL (ACTS)
Interested in advancing in Church studies? Consider signing up for a master’s degree program with ACTS! The affordable, entirely online programs are tailored to fit your needs. Sign up for one of two upcoming information sessions about the program by clicking here. Or click here to learn more about the programs!
REMINDER ABOUT LITURGY REGISTRATIONS
A reminder to only register once for a liturgy for each cycle so as to make sure everyone has a chance to take communion during each of the three-week cycles. If you wish to attend more than one liturgy during each cycle, there are a few ways you can do so:
Sign up on the waiting list. If there are cancellations, we will release tickets as seats become available. Preference will be given to those who have not signed up for a liturgy during the current cycle.
Check availability after 7:00 PM Saturday nights. If there is an opening, even if you have signed up for other liturgies during that cycle, please sign up again.
Attend weekday liturgies as they occur for feasts and as they are announced. Attendance at these liturgies is expected to be well below our maximum COVID19 occupancy guidelines.
Thank you all for your patience and cooperation and we look forward to the day, through your prayers with the grace of Jesus Christ, that these restrictions will no longer be necessary.
PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
As a reminder, the Professionals LinkedIn group is an easy way to connect and network with fellow members of our community.
COVID-19 HARDSHIP
If you or anyone you know is suffering from hardships related to this virus, or any distress at all, please contact Fr. Michael at 949-378-0350 or FrMichaelMaximous@gmail.com.
Additionally, the servants of St. Basil have put together a list of spiritual, financial, educational, and employment resources that you may find helpful during the COVID-19. We hope that it is helpful. You can download the PDF here.
ST. BASIL WELCOME PORTAL
Do you know about our Welcome Portal? You can use it to register as a member, update existing contact information, volunteer for a church service, make a donation, contact Father Michael, or provide private comments/questions/suggestions. Try it out:
FAMILY HOME VISITS
Father Michael is offering home visits for anyone who is interested. Please reach out to him directly to schedule a visit.
Phone: 949-378-0350
Email: FrMichaelMaximous@gmail.com
HELP WITH AMAZON SMILE
If you are looking into other ways to support our church, the AmazonSmile Foundation offers an easy way to give while browsing the Amazon shop. It will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases, at no cost to you. To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com (you may want to add a bookmark to make it easier to return). You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on the product detail pages. If you already own an Amazon account you can use the same account for AmazonSmile. On your first visit, please select “Saint Basil American Coptic Orthodox Church” as your charity of choice. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make will result in a donation for our church. Thank you so much for your love and support.
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.