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PEACE AND GRACE
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”
Heb 12:13-14
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Tuesday:
Vespers Prayer: 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (join Zoom here)
Wednesday:
Liturgy: 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. (during St. Mary’s Fast)
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. (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)
August Message from Fr. Michael Maximous
St. Mary’s fast is of course one the highlights during August on the Church Calendar. The fast began on August 7th and ends on August 22nd when we celebrate the revelation to the Apostles about the Assumption of St. Mary’s body. St. Mary continues to be a source of inspiration and real support through her prayers and intercessions even in our day. She truly saw the glory of Christ in many of her experiences with Him before His three-year ministry, and “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” For example,
The Events of Conception and words of Archangel Gabriel
The hymn of Elizabeth
His Birth with the star, wise men, angels, etc…
The Presentation in the Temple
The Flight into Egypt
The Destruction of the Temple of Tel Basta in Egypt
The Debate with the doctors when He was twelve
For sure, many more experiences
She also heard the prophetic words spoken to her from St. Simeon saying, “yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also…” Luke: 2:35. And “Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” She knew that Christ’s mission would cause her great pain. Nevertheless, she initiated Christ’s three-year ministry, at the wedding of Cana, with Simeon’s words in mind, and the world would never be the same. May we all have the courage of St. Mary!
We hope to have vespers and veneration praises and hymns Wednesday (8/18/21) through Saturday (8/21/21) at St. Basil’s Church (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM). Hymns will be followed by a small talk from a selection of special guest speakers!
August has seen a rise in COVID cases in San Diego so please continue to be safe, especially if you are not vaccinated.
God bless and happy Fast of St. Mary!
Fr. Michael Maximous
CONGRATULATIONS John and Lindsay!
Congratulations to John and Lindsay Abdelnour for the baptism of their son, Andrew Peter!
After these things, you were led to the holy pool of Divine Baptism, as Christ was carried from the Cross to the Sepulchre which is before our eyes. And each of you was asked, whether he believed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and you made that saving confession, and descended three times into the water, and ascended again; here also hinting by a symbol at the three days burial of Christ. O strange and inconceivable thing! We did not really die, we were not really buried, we were not really crucified and raised again; but our imitation was in a figure, and our salvation in reality. Christ was actually crucified, and actually buried, and truly rose again; and all these things He has freely bestowed upon us, that we, sharing His sufferings by imitation, might gain salvation in reality. O surpassing loving-kindness! Christ received nails in His undefiled hands and feet, and suffered anguish; while on me without pain or toil by the fellowship of His suffering He freely bestows salvation.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem - On the Mysteries. II. - Of Baptism. Catechetical Lecture 20
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.