Weekly Update - Aug 16
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PEACE AND GRACE
The Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mount Tabor (August 19 / Mesra 13)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased; Hear Him."
Mt. 17:5
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Wednesday:
No Liturgy (moved to Thursday)
Vespers (for the Transfiguration) and veneration praises and hymns and spiritual talk: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
Thursday (Feast of the Transfiguration):
Feast of the Transfiguration Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.
Vespers and veneration praises and hymns and spiritual talk: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday:
Vespers and veneration praises and hymns and spiritual talk: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday:
Vespers and veneration praises and hymns and spiritual talk: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sunday (St. Mary’s Feast)
Divine Liturgy: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (followed by in-person Sunday School)
Monday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)
ST. MARY’S FAST
This is the last week of fasting for the Feast of St. Mary the Theotokos. We will have vespers and veneration praises Wednesday (8/18/21) through Saturday (8/21/21) at St. Basil’s Church (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM). Hymns will be followed by a small talk from a selection of special guest speakers! Be sure to join us for this spiritual revival!
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:
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.
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.
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
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.