Weekly Update - September 21, 2026

BLESSED COPTIC NEW YEAR!

 
 

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

μία φύσις τοῦ Θεοῦ Λόγου σεσαρκωμένη - One Incarnate Nature of God the Word

Wherefore, we say that the two natures were united, from which there is the one and only Son and Lord, Jesus Christ, as we accept in our thoughts; but after the union, since the distinction into two is now done away with, we believe that there is one nature (phusis) 18 of the Son, as one, however, one who became man and was made flesh.

~ St. Cyril , letter 40 to Acacius

In all these cases we do not mention two, God apart and man apart (for He was One), but in thought we take into account the nature of each. Peter had not two in his mind when he said, ‘Christ has suffered for us in the flesh.’1 Peter 4:1

~ St. Basil the Great, Against Eunomius, Book IV

SERVICES THIS WEEK

MONDAY:

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

WEDNESDAY:

  • Divine Liturgy: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

THURSDAY:

  • College Coptic Club Annual BBQ (See Flyer Below)

FRIDAY:

  • Living Stones Meeting: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (See Below)

SATURDAY:

  • Vespers: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

SUNDAY: (FEAST OF THE CROSS)

  • Divine Liturgy: 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

  • Agape Meal: 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

  • Beginning Hymns Lesson: 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

  • Sunday School Classes & Adult Meeting: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

 
 
 

Congratulations to Fr. Anthony and Tasoni Jasmin!

Congratulations to Fr. Anthony and Jasmin for the birth of their son: Augustine! God grant their family continued blessings and grace! Mommy and Daddy are doing well and we pray for the speedy return of the entire family to St. Basil’s!

 

Living Stones Services - Next Meeting: September 25th

We had a wonderful first meeting on September 11th with a great turn out!

This week, come meet a special guest speaker: Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian from the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. He will give us a brief overview of the Armenian Orthodox church, one of our sister churches. Fr. Pakrad is the local priest of St. Sarkis Church here in San Diego!

  • Refreshments: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

  • Discussion: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Living Stones is a ministry dedicated to helping those who began their Orthodox Christian journey as adults continue to grow in Christ and become deeply rooted in the life of His Church. Through continued Orthodox Christian formation, fellowship, service, and events we seek to build a community where members encourage and strengthen one another. Inspired by 1 Peter 2:5, our mission is to grow together as “living stones” being built up into a spiritual house, each discovering and embracing our place in the life and service of the Church.

 
 

Annual Fall Festival! Saturday, October 31st

Mark your calendars for this year’s event on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.!

  • It will be very fun for the kiddos and parents alike!

  • And like every year, there will be saint appearances, and each will tell their story (consider volunteering!).

  • There will be a petting zoo from 6:30 pm -7:30pm and lots of other fun games, food, fellowship, and of course candy!

  • Please RSVP so we can know how much candy and food to bring for the kiddos!

More information to follow with a sign-up sheet and RSVP link.

 
 

College Back-to-School BBQ

Calling all college students to join the annual back-to-school BBQ!

  • Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 p.m.

  • Said Residence: 7834 Esterel Drive, La Jolla

 
 

Opportunity to Help New & Expecting Moms

Want to help the many new mommies in our church with much needed services? As you may know the first few months can be challenging! Consider joining the New Mommy’s Committee that helps in:

  1. Connection to other moms for support and advice

  2. Offer to babysit for a break

  3. Provide supplies or food for them

  4. Let them know the church is child friendly with a cry room and a changing room

  5. Help to prepare a baby shower

  6. Provide a gift and card from church

  7. Visit new mommy with a group!

  8. Invite them to the ladies meeting

  9. Shopping for them

  10. Baptism gift

  11. Provide a home cooked meal for family or join a meal train

Click Here to join this wonderful service group or browse other potential services you may be interested in joining!

 
 

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 or Fr. Anthony 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 and Father Anthony are 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 them directly to schedule a visit!

Phone: 949-378-0350 (Fr. Michael) | 858-729-8655 (Fr. Anthony)

Email: FrMichael@stbasil.net | FrAnthony@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.