St. Basil American Coptic Orthodox Church

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Weekly Update - February 26, 2024

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PEACE AND GRACE

Jonah’s Feast (Feb 29, 2024 / Amshir 21, 1740)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he became angry. So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm. Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live!” Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

Jonah 4:1-5

SERVICES THIS WEEK

MONDAY:

  • JONAH’S / NINIVITE FAST (Monday - Wednesday)

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

TUESDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 a.m. Jonah’s Fast

  • Midnight Praise: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY:

  • Jonah’s Fast

  • No Liturgy

THURSDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy: 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 a.m. Feast of Jonah’s Fast

FRIDAY:

  • Bible Study: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Book of Ezra) Click Here to join Zoom at 7:30pm

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.

  • 3rd - 5th Grade Outing (Bowling!!)

St. Basil’s Bible Study: Friday Nights (7-8:30pm)

This week, we will review the Old Testament Book of Ezra!

Read it before the meeting and come with questions, comments or thoughts on this inspiring book!

  • 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

Women’s Meeting Event!

In anticipation of St. Pope Kyrillos’ commemoration, we will be speaking about him and the many lessons in his life that are a pattern for us to follow! More information to follow via text! Contact Mariana with questions: 949-378-0350.

Checked Out Our Bookstore Lately?

Enter the world of the Early Church Fathers including St. Athanasius, St. Cyril, St. Augustine, and (of course) St. Basil! There are also books from modern authors such as Pope Shenouda III, Fr. Matthew the Poor, Bishop Epiphanius, and Paulos Mar Gregorios, and many more! You will also find books for children as well as some crafts as well. Be sure to stop by!

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:

  1. Sign up to bring food (Please refrain from excessive sweets).

  2. Sign up for the coffee cart: set up and clean up the coffee cart on Sunday morning.

  3. 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!

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 NEWS, EVENTS, TRIPS & PROGRAMS

Departure of Fr. Raphael Hanna

He served wonderfully at St. Mark’s church in Los Angeles, CA. May the lord repose his soul in the paradise of joy and grant his family, congregations and all of us His heavenly peace and comfort. Funeral for Father Hegumen Raphael Hanna will be on Friday, March 1, 2024: Liturgy will be from 6:30 am to 9:30 am with funeral rites at 10:00 am.




INTERESTED IN MISSIONARY TRIPS?

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

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