Weekly Update - November 24, 2025

PEACE & BLESSINGS

Nativity Fast: November 25 - January 6

The Departure of St. John Chrysostom (Hatour 17, 1742 / November 26, 2025)

 
 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…”

Ephesians 4:11-12

SERVICES THIS WEEK

MONDAY:

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

WEDNESDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

SATURDAY:

  • Hymns Lesson: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

  • Vespers: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

  • Agape Meal: 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

  • Beginning Hymn Lessons: 11:30 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.

  • Sunday School Classes: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

 
 

Friends-Giving 2025

The friends-giving event was a great success on Sunday! There was plenty of excellent food and fellowship! Thank you to all who labored so hard to bring us all together, with Christ in our midst!

 
 

Men’s Fellowship Event!

The men had a great time at the K1 Racing! There was a nice spiritual talk as well!

An evening of fellowship, faith, and fun!

 
 

Baptism blessings

Baby Michael, son of Alex and Merna, was baptized Sunday, November 23rd. Wishing the family love, joy, peace, patience, and faithfulness - fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Let us say again: Blessed be God, who alone does wonderful things, who does all things and transforms them. Before yesterday you were captives, but now you are free and citizens of the Church; lately you lived in the shame of your sins, but 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.

It is on this account that we baptize even infants, although they are sinless, that they may be given the further gifts of sanctification, justice, fatherly adoption, and inheritance, that they may be brothers and members of Christ, and become dwelling places for the Spirit.

~ St. John Chrysostom - Baptismal Instructions - Fourth Century

 
 

Opportunity to Support Those in Need

During these colder days, consider purchasing a jacket or sleeping bag (or one of each) for those in need and are sleeping outdoors. CLICK HERE to view the Amazon wish-list to purchase a jacket or sleeping bag! They will be distributed by some of the members of St. Basil’s soon.

 
 

Junior High & High School Monastery Trip Saturday, December 6th

We have reserved a visit to St. Paul Monastery in Temecula for Saturday, December 6th! It's a day of growth, fellowship, and serving with the fathers.

  • 8:30-1:30 Divine Liturgy

  • 10:30-11:00 Breakfast

  • 11:00-2:00 Talk and Assigned Work

This trip promises an encouraging and welcoming spiritual boost for the whole family!

Monastery Address: 38740 Avenida La Cresta, Murrieta, CA 92562

Contact the Sunday School servants for more information

 
 

Women’s Fellowship Event Tuesday, December 9th

Mark your calendar for the women’s annual Christmas fellowship at St. Basil’s December 9 at 6:30 p.m.:

  • Ornament gift exchange

  • Potluck

  • Games

  • Spiritual talk

RSVP by CLICKING HERE or scanning the QR code below by December 4th:

 

Santa is Visiting Sunday, December 14th

Don’t miss this photo opportunity with Santa on Sunday (12/14) after the liturgy with you and the kiddos! He will be downstairs in the youth lounge. There will also be gifts, songs and maybe snow. And of course, we will review the true story of Saint Nicholas and his virtues of giving.

sample from previous years photos

 
 
 

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.

God bless your efforts!

 
 

PREPARATION FOR BAPTISM (CATECHISM) CLASSES

Join us on ONLINE Monday nights at 8:00 p.m. 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). 

  • 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

 
 

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.