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PEACE AND GRACE
Holy Great Lent Fast: February 24th - April 19th, 2025
Commemoration Of the Appearance Of The Glorious Cross (March 19, 2025 / Barahmhat 10, 1741)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.”
John 10:25-30
SERVICES THIS WEEK
MONDAY:
Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8:00 p.m. (online)
TUESDAY:
Marriage Enrichment/Preparation Course: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (online)
WEDNESDAY:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. FEAST OF THE CROSS
Midnight Praise: 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
THURSDAY:
College Coptic Club meeting: Finals week - No meeting this week
FRIDAY:
Divine Liturgy: 10:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
SATURDAY:
Bible Study: 5:45p.m. - 6:45 p.m. (St. Paul’s Second Epistle to the Thessalonians)
(Join us at St. Basil’s or Click Here to join on Zoom at 5:45 pm)
Vespers Evening Raising of Incense Prayers: 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
SUNDAY:
Divine Liturgy: 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.
Agape Meal immediately after the liturgy
Beginning Hymn Lessons 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday School Classes: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
College and Recent Graduates Event!
Hello St Basil College and recent graduates!
As our church has grown over the years we now have enough college and recent graduates to actually create a group at St Basil's! The church will provide a venue for fellowship, spiritual growth during this unique time in your life and fun!
We will have our kick-off gathering on Sunday, March 23rd at Del Mar Beach - more specifics to follow but see the flyer below! Big things planned!
Marriage Enrichment / Preparation Classes
Click Here to Join on Tuesday, 8:00 PM -9:00 PM
This book is A guide for Orthodox couples in developing marital unity and enrichment,
premarital counseling for engaged couples;
marriage enrichment for those who are already married; and
the development of an Orthodox understanding of marriage.
“Preserve Them, O Lord” is an excellent resource you can use for marriage and family life enrichment. It gives you insightful guidance, supplemented by
workbook exercises that help you understand yourself and your partner;
over 70 pages of supplemental readings on topics both spiritual and practical;
quotes from Scripture, the Fathers,
and the wedding liturgy illuminating the patristic view of love, intimacy, and marriage.
We reviewed this book back in 2020 and it was helpful for those who are married but also for those getting married soon.
Click Here for more information and for a link to join us on zoom at 8pm Tuesdays!
St. Basil’s Bible Study: Saturday Nights (5:45pm - 6:45 pm)
This week we will review the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Church at Thessalonica. The young Thessalonian church is going through persecutions and difficult times! They endured faithfully but they got anxious about the Lord’s second coming. Some thought it already occurred without their reward! Was all this suffering in vain? St. Paul assures them in this short epistle that Christ will come in Glory and His glory will be in His saints!
This epistle is only three chapters so read it ahead of time and come to discuss!
Discussion at St. Basil’s: 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Also, on Zoom and YouTube for those who can’t make it to church at 5:45 pm!
Building Renovations!
There will be some much-needed renovations for some aging elements in our church building! Phase one will include improvements to both downstairs bathrooms and the kitchen area, with future plans for ceiling tiles, fresh paint, overall clean-up and organization, and other needed improvements to be announced in the future!
These improvements will enhance our use of the building and add value to it should we choose to sell it.
We invite you to take part in the blessing of giving as we begin these efforts! You can contribute by sponsoring specific renovation items, with suggested donation amounts available at St. Basil Church Giving Link:
Donations will remain anonymous and will be included in your annual tax exemption letter.
Thank you for your generosity and support in renewing our church home and partaking of this great blessing! If you have any questions, please contact Bishoy Said.
In Christ,
St. Basil’s Board
Charity Opportunity! (75% There - Only 25% to go!)
We need your help to make this a success. We’re almost half way there!
Each suitcase costs $100 and our goal is to pack 100 suitcases on May 18.
Please use the QR code to sponsor one or more suitcases and spread the word to friends and family! All are welcome to join the event on May 18!
For more information, or if you are interested in helping organize the event, please contact Giselle Sorial (giselle.sorial @gmail.com) or Erene Hanna (erenepasi@gmail.com/562-619-4595)
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!
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 frmichael@stbasil.net.
DIOCESE EVENTS
Interested in participating in missionary trips abroad? Join one the many happening soon! Click here to find out more!
Social Media
LinkedIn: As a reminder, the Professionals LinkedIn group is an easy way to connect and network with fellow members of our community.
YouTube: Subscribe to St. Basil’s YouTube channel to view live streams, bible studies, and more!
More to come on Instagram, Facebook, and more! If you want to get involved, let Fr. Michael know!
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.