Weekly Update - Jul 19

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PEACE AND GRACE

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Commemoration of the Martyrdom of St. James the Apostle, Bishop of Jerusalem (July 25 / Abib 18)

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

James 2:24-26

 

SERVICES THIS WEEK

Tuesday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)

Men’s Meeting: 7:00 p.m. (Click here for more information)

Wednesday:

Liturgy: 1st and 2nd Wednesday of every month (6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.) & 3rd, 4th, or 5th Wednesday (8:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.)

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)

Thursday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)

Friday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)

Youth Hymn Online Meeting: 7:00 p.m. (Contact Mariam G. for the zoom link: (562) 456-6067)

Sunday: 

Divine Liturgy: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Monday:

Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)

Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)

 
 

CONGRATULATIONS AVEN!

Congratulations to Aven Kelo for her baptism at Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church, in Santa Ana!  Aven will be a member of St. Basil’s and we wish her every spiritual growth and happiness in Christ. 

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“Then He brings us forth from the furnace, renewed like newly-molded vessels, to rival the rays of the sun with our brightness.  He has broken the old person to pieces but has produced a new person who shines brighter than the old!” ~ St. John Chrysostom

 
 

IMPORTANT || COVID-19 UPDATE AND PROTOCOLS

We have begun to see a slight increase in the numbers of COVID cases. Our prayers are with those who have tested positive for the virus and those on the front lines caring for the sick.  For the safety of yourself and those around PLEASE, be mindful of the following:

  1. If you have been in contact with anyone that has been infected and/or tested positive, even if no symptoms are observed, kindly do not come to any of the church services until you have tested negative. 

  2. If you, or anyone you know, have attended church services and have tested positive for the virus a few days later, please inform Fr. Michael who will let those who attended the same services know so they they can also be tested. Identities will be kept confidential. Please see No. 1 above regarding attendance at church services.

  3. Consider wearing a mask inside church, especially if you are not vaccinated.

Also, we will be streaming once more downstairs for those who feel more comfortable with greater social distancing. 

Please let Fr. Michael know if there are any questions.

949-378-0350

 
 

MEN’S BOOK-STUDY MEETING

Dinner starts at 7:00 p.m. and book review meeting will start at 7:30/7:45 p.m. Click here to find out more information:

 
 

IN-PERSON SUNDAY SCHOOL

Just a reminder, Sunday school is now in-person after the Liturgy on Sunday for all ages!  Please try to bring your children and the whole family to attend!

 
 

PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATECHISM) CLASSES

Join us on ONLINE on Monday nights at 8:00 PM 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), 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.

 
 

COPTIC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

 
 

LEARN BASIC BIBLICAL HEBREW AT ST. BASIL’S!

 
 

PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

As a reminder, the Professionals LinkedIn group is an easy way to connect and network with fellow members of our community.

 
 

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