Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Holy Transfiguration in the Grave Mode

Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Thy disciples Thy glory as each one could endure. Shine forth Thou on us, who are sinners all, Thy light ever-unending, through the prayers of the Theotokos. Light-bestower, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Mode

You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father.

Saints and Feasts

August 06

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5).

Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross.

August 07

Sozon of Nicomedea

August 07

The Holy Righteous Martyr Dometius

This Martyr, who lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, was a Persian by race and an idolater by religion. He was catechized by a certain Christian named Abarus. He went to Nisibis, a city of Mesopotamia, where he was baptized and donned the monastic habit in a certain monastery. He afterwards ascended a mountain and there endured in extreme ascetical struggles, working miracles for those that came to him, and converting many unbelievers. Julian the Apostate learned of these things as he was marching against the Persians in 363, and at his command the Saint and his two disciples were stoned to death, as they were chanting the Sixth Hour.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Peter's Second Universal Letter 1:10-19.

BRETHREN, be more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to arouse you by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. And I will see to it that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Gospel Reading

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
The Reading is from Matthew 17:1-9

At that time, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead."

Wisdom of the Fathers

The Lord does not always appear in glory to all who stand before Him. To beginners He appears in the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7); to those able to follow Him as He climbs the high mountain of His transfiguration He appears in the form of God, the form in which He existed before the world came to be (John 17:5).

St. Maximos the Confessor

Second Century on Theology, 13., 7th Century

It is therefore possible for the same Lord not to appear in the same way to all who stand before Him, but to appear to some in one way and to others in another way, according to the measure of each person's faith.

St. Maximos the Confessor

Second Century on Theology, 13., 7th Century

Parish News and Events

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Uber Available

Uber is now available for parishioners needing rides to services. Please contact Sahar Ayoub in the office at 325-8694 to be put on the list.

Parish Council

Next meeting is August 24^th at 7 p.m.

Festival

Next meeting is August 20th.

Hope/Joy Fundraiser

We will be having a Fiesta Luncheon Fundraiser August 27^th to benefit the

Hope/Joy group. Please come support our kids!

Philoptochos

Next Philoptochos General Meeting will be September 10 immediately after Divine Liturgy in the hall - please join us!

Save the date! Sunday September 17 Health and Wellness Fundraiser to benefit the Metropolis Emergency Relief Fund and Health and Wellness Ministries - more details coming soon!

Coffee Hour Opportunities

The calendar for coffee hour schedule is up in the hall. Each family please sign up for a Sunday.

New Narthex Policy

Please enter the church and find a seat to hear the sermon rather than waiting in the Narthex.

Bookstore

Come by and check out the new merchandise that just arrived from the Holy Land.

Parishioner Visits

Helen Kemper is currently at Hallmark Homes, 2001 Akers, Room 223. Please find some time to go and visit her. The facility number is 831-7147.

Bakersfield Homeless Center Volunteers

Volunteers Needed-If you would like to be a part of our Homeless Shelter Ministry the third Monday of each month, please contact Namaz Habroun-Pimentel Namaz.habroun@gmail.com or after Sunday church services.

Our next dates will be August 21st and September 18th.

Dear Parishioners

Sundays should be set aside for quality time with God, our Church and Family. This is true for the Priest, Parish Secretary and Parish Council. Please let us try to address church business and make appointments during the week during office hours, and not wait until Sunday to address these matters. For the generous providers of Coffee Hour, please arrange all meal preparation so that everyone is attending Divine Liturgy. The hall will always be open at least one hour before Divine Liturgy begins, as well as the evening before from 6:30 to 7:30.

Hall Reservation System

There will be a new system to reserve the hall for any church functions or activities. Everyone must communicate with Annette 599-5455 or Sahar if you will be using the hall anytime to be placed on the calendar. This includes groups that meet on a regular basis or for any event. Thank you for your cooperation.

Anyone using the hall during the week, please make sure you turn off all lights, coffee maker and the hall is left clean.

Prosphora Offering

When making the Prosphora, please make 1 large for the Sunday service and 2 small loaves for mid week. Please make arrangements with Sahar or Despina to bring the offering Saturday night. We are looking for more people to make the blessed bread. Please approach Father Joseph if interested.

Prosphora Schedule

8/6 Sahar Ayoub, 8/13 Elaine Dorlis, 8/20 Mary Mekhel, 8/27 Olympia Hackleman, 9/3 Sahar Ayoub, 9/10 Mary Mekhel, 9/17 Elaine Dorlis, 9/24 Olympia Hackleman. Thank you.

Narthex Ushers

8/6 Vago & Annette, 8/13 Osama & Michael Ryan, 8/20 Manny & Michael Niz, 8/27 Danny & Ken, 9/3 James & Mary, 9/10 Tom, 9/17 Youth Group, 9/24 Vago & Annette. Thank you.

Endowment

Honor your loved ones birthday and or anniversary by making a contribution to the Endowment Fund in their name. Make checks payable to St. George Church and write Endowment Fund on the memo line. Distributions from the fund will benefit the youth and maintenance needs of the Parish. For more information contact a Parish Council Member.
Thank you.

Services this Week

SUN- 8:30 a.m. Orthros, 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

MON -Office Closed

TUES-6:30 p.m. Vespers

WED- 6:30 p.m. Vespers, Faith Class immediately to follow.
THURS- 6:30 p.m. Vespers

FRI- 6:30 p.m. Vespers

SAT- 6:30 p.m. Vespers

Father Joseph's Office Hours

Tuesday-Thursday from 1:30-7:30

About Communion

If you are a visitor and planning to take Holy Communion, please inform one of our ushers ahead of time. During Communion, parents with infants, and Sunday School Teachers should be first in line to receive Communion. All Christians Orthodox and Non-Orthodox are invited to come up to receive Blessed Bread (Antidoron) at the end of the service. However, present Church guidelines allow that only baptized and confirmed Eastern Orthodox Christians (who have properly prepared) may approach to receive Holy Communion. Thank you.

Religious Education

Sunday School

Will Resume in the Fall.

Youth Group/GOYA

Will resume in the fall

Greek School

Greek School, with focus on conversational Greek, Greek orthodox hymns, and the Greek culture, held on Sundays will continue through the Summer. Books endorsed by the Metropolis are available but not necessary. Come and join us for fellowship while learning the Greek language. Contact Olympia at 972-0411 with any questions.

Friday Greek school hours are 4:30-6:30. Please contact Kathy Exarchoulakos if interested.

HOPE/JOY

Will resume in the fall. This group is for kindergartners (5 years old and up) to 6^th graders. Contact Jenny or James Dean for more information.

Theft of Locks

To avoid ongoing theft of our locks on the gates and trash bins, please do not leave them in the unlocked open position hanging on the hook or gate.

Welcome New Parish Members

Prayers/Thanksgiving

Glory to God for His Bountiful Blessings

Prayers needed. Please add to your daily prayers for:

Our brothers & sisters unable to attend:

Marika Psihoundas, Mary Valos, Maria Sporaa.Healing: Michael George, Marika, Victor, Helen K., Irene, Mary, Mary, Gus, Serephima, and others in our parish.

Those who are traveling

Orthodox-Nicholetta Y., Dan S., Monica, Yorgos K, Giorgos, Anna,Angela, Antonia, Stelios, Petros, Anne, Anna, Leonid, Mariyka, Archalia,Natalie, Eva,Eleni K.,Efstratios, Ourania, Christopher, Alice, Suha,Abla, Jennifer, Tom, Gabriela,Ion,Danny,Nadia, Niko, Musa Daoud, Vasiliki, Theodore, Achilles, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Labrini, Bert & Louise Moosios,Olympia,Margarita, Seraphim, Mary, Tika,Maria Sporaa, Athina, Helen, Gerry Collis, Nektarios,Marika, Louis Strousos,Bessie Mattly, Noah A., Nick A.,Nick K., Kyriaki,Gus Huntalas, Fred, Hannah, Irene Sinopole, Helen Protopapas, Candess Strategos,Gene, Kathy, Sofia, Clemy (Clementina), Jane, and Matthew.

Non-Orthodox -Julie, Pamela Y., Debbie, Emmitt, Donna,Steve, Richard,Donald, Christina, Eva, Dominic,Gaby Garcia,Romona, Elea, Graysen Astumian, Marie,Michelle, Irma, Julie, Greg, Allyson, Eric, Margaret, Valerie, Martha Rogers, Helen Kemper, Joseph, Stephen, Elizabeth,Ellen, Ling, Richard, Christine & David, Debby.

Catechumen: Paul & Kyriaki.

Financials Budgeted Actual

Stewardship	$3,750/week	$1,176.45
Candles & Tray	$350/week	$188.00

Anniversaries

8/12 Ken & Olympia Hackleman
8/23 Nathan & Amy Murray
8/26 Brandon & Michelle Bychek
8/30 Ted & Kathy Exarchoulakos

Birthdays

8/1 Isaiah Strategos
8/02 Mary Valos
8/02 Helen Huntalas
8/04 Evangeline Copeland
8/4 John Strategos
8/5 Zaina Madain
8/5 Michael Antonaros
8/6 Tom Drulias
8/8 Anthony Becerra
8/10 Justin Dorlis
8/12 Katherine Chaffee
8/13 Brandon Bychek
8/14 Christina Vlahos
8/16 Bessie Mattly
8/23 Joyce Cisneros
8/23 Marianna Strategos
8/25 Namaz Pimentel
8/26 Ted Exarchoulakos

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Past Bulletins