Today we begin events in recognition and celebration of the historic gifting of the relic of Saint Basil the Great, to Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Christian Church, in Stockton, CA. I pray that many and diverse people from around our local region make the effort to attend one, or all of these... read on »
Did you know that the tradition of relics is rooted in the Bible? Read 2 Kings 13:21 and witness the miraculous presence of relics via the Prophet Elisha’s bones. Read Acts 19:11,12 and witness the experience of secondary relics bringing healing into the world, through the Apostle Paul’s... read on »
In 9 days the Saint Basil community will begin offering events in celebration of the reception of the relic of Saint Basil the Great (June 14).
Did you know… Saint Basil’s older sister Saint Macrina, was a major inspiration in his commitment to Christ, leading him through example in a life of... read on »
In just 16 days, on June 11th, the community of Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Christian Church will begin the celebratory events which will lead to the gifting of the holy relic of Saint Basil the Great to the community. From now until then, let us focus on brief reflections relating to the life of... read on »
June 11-14, the Parish of Saint Basil in Stockton will host events before receiving the holy relic of our Patron and Intercessor, Saint Basil the Great! June 11, and June 13, lectures will be given by Dr. James Skedros, on the life of Saint Basil the Great, the Role of Relics in the Christian... read on »
The celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection is the greatest celebration of the Church; therefore, as we have been preparing through the Triodion Period, and Great Lent, perhaps we have not been thinking about the monumental blessing being bestowed upon the Archdiocese, the Metropolis of San... read on »
I can not believe that tomorrow will be my last few hours in Greece, as I leave in the afternoon for Munich, Germany for an overnight layover, then return home to America. The departure will be bitter-sweet as I wish I had more time to further experience the history and foundations of the Church... read on »
Back from Cyprus, and what an experience! Father Chris and I were blessed to receive the hospitality from Kykkos Monastery, which is beautifully situated in the mountains of Cyprus—providing an environment of solace and prayer (between visitors hours). As you can see in the pictures, even the... read on »
I am at the Holy Monastery of Kykkos, in Cyprus. After less than 24 hours I am awed and humbled by the great sense of peacefulness - especially on an island under persecution and partial occupation from the barbaric Turks. After liturgy this morning, which took 30 minutes, I was able to venerate... read on »
What an experience to serve the Divine Liturgy this morning with Father Chris, and Father Athinagoras at the Church of Saint Nektarios in Thessaloniki! ...in the country from where my grandparents came, and in a city where Saint Paul founded the Church! With a bit of anxiety, I addressed the... read on »
Today I spent the day walking through out the downtown Thessaloniki area, traveling from historic Church to historic Church. I had the opportunity to venerate the relics of the 40 Martyrs of Sebastia, Osios David of Thessaloniki, and Saint Theodora of Thessaloniki! To see the physical product of... read on »
A Few Notes from Fr. Chris Flesoras of the Parish of St. Anna in Roseville, CA
Stewards and Friends of St. Anna Church,
Greetings from Greece! I pray this note finds all of you well. It has been a most blessed trip with Fr. Luke. We arrived safely in Greece on Tuesday evening and have stayed... read on »
Today was a day that I will always remember! Yes, this morning I visited the iconographer who wrote the hand-painted icon which will grace the interior lid of the relic box, housing the relic of Saint Basil the Great, which can be seen in our photos section. Yes, this morning I visited the... read on »
After a long beautiful day of travel, I am able to share with you a few gems—taken from a day spent in one of the most prayerful environments in the world! As you are able to see in the pictures posted, the scenery of Meteora is beyond description, and only is done justice through experience. ... read on »
Thy will be done! Plans have changed for the day, and I will be paying a visit to our Master Wood-Carver, Mr. Kosta, tomorrow. Today I have the blessed opportunity to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World—the Monasteries of Meteora! These picturesque monasteries on top of mountainous rocks... read on »
Fr Christopher Flesoras, of Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Roseville, CA, has brought a beautifully hand-painted icon of Saint Herman of Alaska—to be gifted to the Holy Monastery of Kykkos in Cyprus. Although the icon is beautiful, the paramount blesing is seen, as pictured in the pictures... read on »
The first day in Thessolaniki, Greece has been filled with beautiful pilgrimage to Ecclesiastical centers rich in prayer and history. To venerate the relics of Thessolaniki’s Patron Saint, the Holy Martyr Saint Demitrios the Myrr-Flowing, to witness the handmade craftsmanship of a world-class... read on »
“Back in ‘The Old Country,’ and it feels great to walk in the land where St. Paul brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles! I am looking forward to providing daily updates and pictures of this blessed journey. After a 1 hour phone call with Verizon Wireless’ Customer Service, I believe... read on »
A piece of living Christian history is finding its way to Stockton, California!
Christian worship experience has existed for 2000 years, and for two-thousand years, worshiping in the presence of the bones of saints and martyrs has been Christian practice. From the experience of worshiping in... read on »
