Weekly Update - January 12, 2026

PEACE & BLESSINGS

The Commemoration of the Circumcision of the Lord Christ

&

The Departure of St. Basil the Great, Bishop Of Caesarea.

(January 14, 2026 / Tobe 6, 1742)

Click Here for a video on the life and works of St. Basil the Great of Caesarea!

 
 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Genesis 17:12: He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations…

Luke 2:21: And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

 
 

SERVICES THIS WEEK

MONDAY:

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

TUESDAY:

  • Vespers for the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and Annual Commemoration of St. Basil the Great

    • 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and Annual Commemoration of St. Basil the Great

    • 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. with His Grace Bishop Kyrillos

  • College Coptic Club meeting: 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

    • Guest Speaker: His Grace Bishop Kyrillos

THURSDAY:

  • College Coptic Club Social Event: White elephant gift event!

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 - 11:30 a.m.

    • NO Sunday School

  • Feast of the Holy Theophany

    • Vespers: 5:30-6:00 p.m

    • Blessing of the Waters: 6:00-7:00 p.m.

    • Matins: 7:00-7:45 p.m.

    • Divine Liturgy: 7:45-10:00 p.m.

 
 

Congratulations!

Congratulations to:

  • Andrew and Vivian for the baptism of their daughter Mia!

  • Antonio and Keshav for their baptism!

 
 

Mark your calendars! Nativity Picnic January 24, 2026

There will be lot’s fellowship, food, and fun for the kids (and adults)! See you there!

  • Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026

  • Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Location:

  • Carmel Creek Park

  • 4260 Carmel Center Rd.

  • San Diego, CA 92130

 
 
 

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

  • Few spots left:)

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

  • Sunday, February 1, 2026, 5:00 p.m. TO 10:00 p.m.

  • Hilton Anaheim - 777 W. Convention Way, Anaheim, California 92802

 

High School Get Together!

 

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!

 
 

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.