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PEACE AND GRACE

Commemoration of the Departure of Saint Gregory, the Wonder Worker (Nov 30/ Hator 21)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.”

Psalm 143:8

SERVICES THIS WEEK

Tuesday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (online)

Nativity Series: 8:00 p.m. (online)

Giving Tuesday: All Day (see below)

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)

NATIVITY FAST STARTED NOV 25

November 25th marked the beginning of the fast of the Nativity (the Advent) in our Coptic Church. We implore our Lord, who completed our salvation by coming down to redeem us from the bondage of sin, to help us to do what is pleasing in His sight during this holy fast and through all the days of our lives. To benefit from this holy time, we have mailed you a famous book titled “On the Incarnation”. Please read this book by St. Athanasius which is a tradition among many to read during the Nativity Fast.

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

DEC 7 || 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 .

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. Click here to learn more about the programs!

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.

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.