Weekly Update - July 6, 2026

PEACE & BLESSINGS

Apostles Fast: June 1, 2026 - July 12, 2026

 
 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”

John 21:18-19, Lord Jesus Christ Speaking of Peter’s Martyrdom

“But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.’”

Acts 9:15-16, Lord Jesus Christ Speaking of Paul’s Suffering & Martyrdom

 
 

SERVICES THIS WEEK

MONDAY:

  • Preparation for Baptism (Catechism) Class: 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. (online)

TUESDAY:

  • Summer Youth Camp: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

  • Midnight Praises: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

THURSDAY:

  • Summer Youth Camp: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

FRIDAY:

  • Bible Study: 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. (Book of Colossians)

SATURDAY:

  • Hymns Lesson: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

  • Vespers: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

SUNDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy: (Feast of the Apostles)

    • Matins: 8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

    • Liturgy of the Waters: 8:45 a.m. - 10 a.m.

    • Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. - noon

  • Agape Meal: noon - 1 p.m.

  • No Sunday School

 
 

ORDINATION CELEBRATIONS!

His Grace Bishop Kyrillos ordained:

  • Two Subdeacons: 

    • Richard Marcos and Sameh Guirguis 

  • Seven Chanters

    • John, Rafael, David, Dominic, Joseph, Jeremiah, & Stephen

He also blessed Verena to join the Ladies’ Ecclesiastical Choir. Many more are to come!

 
 

Update on Fr. Anthony!

Fr. Anthony is almost halfway through his 40-days at St. Paul’s Monastery! During his stay, he is learning the rites of the Liturgy, fasting, practicing spiritual reflection and prayer! May God continue to bless and guide him.

On Friday, July 3rd, he received the offering as the celebrant for the first time! We eagerly wait for his return to St. Basil’s on Saturday, August 1st (During Vespers) for the Rite of Reception.

 
 

Summer Camp - Last Week!

Our very popular summer camp includes games, crafts, fun, fellowship, and educational activities! For more information, please contact Sally Phillip.

  • June 2 - July 18 on Tuesdays & Thursdays

  • 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Pre-K through high school

 
 

St. Basil’s Annual Fishing Trip

  • Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026

  • Cost: $150/person (includes gear and bait)

  • Time: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. (arrive at 6 a.m.)

  • Location: Oceanside Sea Center

    • 315 S Harbor Dr., Oceanside, CA 92054 (Chubasco II Boat)

Additional Cost:

  • Ca. Fishing License (16 and older): $21 each

    • https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales

  • On board galley food & tip

  • Filleting any fish caught

If you’d like to attend, but the cost is prohibiting you, please see Fr. Michael!

Purchase TICKETS HERE
 
 

St. Basil’s Bible Study: Friday Night (8-9 pm)

This week we will explore St. Paul’s epistle to the Colossians! it’s only four chapters so please read ahead of the meeting!

Only on Zoom! Click Here to join at 8:00pm

 
 
 

Want to get Involved?

Many have asked how they can volunteer to help in the many services St. Basil’s offers! CLICK HERE to browse through the services and check the ones you wish to get involved in! For example, we are actively looking for:

  • Prepare (bake) Urbon (holy bread) for Holy Liturgies

  • Social Media Manager

  • Visitor Welcoming Committee

  • Summer Camp Support

  • Agape Meal

Contact Fr. Michael if interested!

 
 

NEW CHURCH BUILDING CAMPAIGN

As many of you have noticed, our church family has been growing steadily over the past several years. This is a great blessing from God, and we thank Him for it. That growth comes with a demand for increased pastoral need and larger facilities.

Larger Building! The board gave a strategy presentation on February 22, 2026, on finding a new and larger home for St. Basil’s Church. If you missed it, reach out to one of the board members or Fr. Michael. CLICK HERE to discover ways you can help in this worthwhile venture that will positively impact our community for generations to come! If you did not receive it, contact Fr. Michael at 949-378-0350! God bless your efforts!

And the leaders of the fathers’ houses offered willingly. They gave for the work of the house of God… according to their ability. ~ Ezra 2:68–69

 
 

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

Click on image for more information!

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.