Weekly Update - January 29, 2024
+
PEACE AND GRACE
The Dormition of Our Lady, the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos (January 30, 2024 / Toba 21, 1740)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever."Luke 1:46-55
SERVICES THIS WEEK
Monday:
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)
Tuesday:
Midnight Praise: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Thursday:
College Coptic Club Meeting: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (Fr. Jeremaiah Awad)
Friday:
Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Epistle to the Ephesians)
Saturday:
Saturday Youth Camp:
Elementary School Bible Study & Activities: 5:00 pm - 7:00 p.m.
Vespers Raising of Incense: 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Midnight Praises 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Agape Meal immediately after the liturgy
Beginner & Intermediate Hymn Classes: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday School Classes: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Congratulations Steven and Sheena!
Congratulations to Steven and Sheena for the baptism of their son, Jeremiah (Basil) Ghabbour! God bless your journey with the Holy Spirit!
St. John Chrysostom
Baptismal Instructions (Pg. 57), Fourth Century:
Let us say again: Blessed be God, who alone does wonderful things (Psalm 72:18), who does all things and transforms them. Before yesterday you were captives, but now you are free and citizens of the Church; now you live in freedom and justice. You are not only free, but also holy; not only holy, but also just; not only just, but also sons; not only sons, but also heirs; not only heirs, but also brothers of Christ; not only brothers of Christ, but also joint heirs; not only joint heirs, but also members; not only members, but also the temple; not only the temple, but also instruments of the Spirit.
Blessed be God, who alone does wonderful things! You have seen how numerous are the gifts of baptism. Although many men think that the only gift it confers is the remission of sins, we have counted its honors to the number of ten.11 It is on this account that we baptize even infants, although they are sinless, 12 that they may be given the further gifts of sanctification, justice, filial (fatherly) adoption, and inheritance, that they may be brothers and members of Christ, and become dwelling places for the Spirit.
St. Basil’s Bible Study: Friday Nights (7-8:30pm)
This week, we will review St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians! Read it before the meeting and come with questions and comments!
Refreshments: 7:00pm - 7:30pm
Discussion: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Also, on Zoom for those who can’t make it to church! Click Here to join at 7:30pm
AGAPE MEAL AFTER THE LITURGY!
Hello St. Basil’s family! We’re happy to continue our weekly Agape meal, but we can’t do it without your help!
You can help in the following ways:
Sign up to bring food (Please refrain from excessive sweets).
Sign up for the coffee cart: set up and clean up the coffee cart on Sunday morning.
Hall clean up following the Agape meal.
Please CLICK HERE to sign up.
We also need help with coffee so please sign up!
God bless your efforts!
Junior High and High School Outing
The outing will be on Saturday, February 7th, to Knott’s Berry Farm! Be sure to contact your Sunday School Teachers for more information such as the permission slip, arrival time and carpooling!
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.
DIOCESE EVENTS
INTERESTED IN MISSIONARY TRIPS?
Click here for many opportunities!!!
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 and visit our Welcome Portal.
FAMILY HOME VISITS
Father Michael is offering home visits for anyone who is interested. It’s a wonderful practice to have a priest visit your home at least once a year. Please reach out to him directly to schedule a visit!
Phone: 949-378-0350
Email: FrMichael@stbasil.net
St. Basil’s YouTube Channel
Have you subscribed to St. Basil’s YouTube Channel yet? if not, do so soon! Check out liturgies, important talks and more is to come!
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.