Weekly Update - December 22, 2025

PEACE & BLESSINGS

Nativity Fast: November 25 - January 6

The Departure of St. Gregory, Patriarch of the Armenians (Kiahk 15, 1742 / December 24, 2025)

 
 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

I went down to the moorings of the mountains;
The earth with its bars closed behind me forever;
Yet You have brought up my life from the pit,
O Lord, my God.

When my soul fainted within me,
I remembered the Lord;
And my prayer went up to You,
Into Your holy temple.

Jonah 2:6-7

 
 

SERVICES THIS WEEK

MONDAY:

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

WEDNESDAY, December 24, 2025:

  • Divine Liturgy: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

SATURDAY:

  • Hymns Lesson: 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

  • Vespers: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

  • Nativity (Kiahk) Praises: 8:00 - 10:00 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.

 
 

Opportunity to Support Those in Need

The Amazon Wishlist link is now closed. HOWEVER, if you still wish to buy a heavy jacket or warm sleeping bag, you may do so and bring it to church. Please bring only BRAND NEW items not used ones.

Items will be distributed by some of the members of St. Basil’s soon.

 
 

Coptic Orphanage in thailand

Members of St. Basil have been busy enacting the Great Commission… globally!

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Prior year photos

 
 

3oth Anniversary

of the Founding of the

Diocese of Los Angeles and Southern California

Sunday, February 1st

  • Seats are $150 each and St. Basil’s church will reserve a table

  • If you are interested in attending this historic event, see Fr Michael for details (first come first serve).

 
 

AGAPE MEAL AFTER THE LITURGY

Hello St. Basil family! After every Divine Liturgy, our agape meal means more than food — it is fellowship, healing, and a living expression of our unity in Christ. “They continued steadfastly… in the breaking of bread and in prayers” (Acts 2:42) reminds us that from the earliest days of the church, believers gathered after worship to share life together. This simple meal becomes a lifeline for newcomers trying to find their place, for those who feel alone and long for community, and for every soul who needs to experience the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways. The volunteers who serve in this ministry quietly carry a sacred responsibility: They help people feel seen, included, and loved.  This is why hospitality is an amazing virtue! Hebrews 13:2 says “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

We are deeply grateful to the few who continue to offer their time, energy, and generosity despite the challenges. Your service is a fragrance of Christ among us! At the same time, we warmly invite others to join this beautiful ministry to lighten the burden on the few. Preparing or serving food may seem small, but in God’s eyes it is an act of love that strengthens the bonds of our parish family and proclaims, without words, that we are “one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:5). If you feel called to help build St. Basil’s community so no one stands alone, please consider joining this blessed service. Your hands can become instruments of fellowship, hospitality, and grace. 

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!

 
 

San Diego Symphony!

A few of the congregation members went to the annual Noel Noel performance by the San Diego Symphony! It was a fun time for adults and children alike with a great performance, a boat light parade, and great fellowship! Till next year, God willing!

 
 

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 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.