Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-07-27
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Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (651) 222-6220
  • Street Address:

  • 1111 Summit Ave

  • St. Paul, MN 55105


Contact Information










Services Schedule

Welcome!

We hope that you will make this your spiritual home. Connect with us on our website, Facebook page, YouTube, or sign-up for our email list at https://tinyurl.com/yc3tp29w.

Worship Sunday Orthros 8:15 am & Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

Confession (by appointment - call or email [email protected])

Weekday Services (www.stgeorgegoc.org/calendar)

Streaming

youtube.com/c/stgeorgestpaul

Fellowship Hour Sunday following Divine Liturgy

Office Hours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Mission St. George Greek Orthodox Church is a Christ-centered community that: inspires faith and worship, cultivates spiritual growth and fellowship, and encourages benevolence and outreach.

Our Vision Ascending together to the fullness of Life.

Give Online at https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/give/online


Past Bulletins


Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    July 27 to August 3, 2025

    Sunday, July 27

    +St. Panteleimon

    7th Sunday of Matthew

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    Monday, July 28

    6:30PM Parish Council Meeting

    Wednesday, July 30

    +Fast Day

    Thursday, July 31

    7:00PM Book Group (Zoom)

    Friday, August 1

    +Seven Maccabean Children

    +Dormition Fast (through August 14)

    6:30PM Paraklesis Service

    Sunday, August 3

    8th Sunday of Matthew

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 2nd Tone

The angelic powers appeared at your tomb, the soldiers guarding it became as dead men, and Mary stood at your grave seeking, seeking your most pure body. But you made hell a captive; you were untouched by its might. You came to the virgin and granted life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Great Martyr Panteleimon in the 3rd Tone

Panteleimon, saintly champion and healer, intercede with our merciful God to grant our souls remission of sins.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Tone

You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing your disciples as much of your glory as they could bear, so that when they see you crucified they will know that you suffer freely, and they will tell all the world that you are truly the radiance of the Father.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Panteleimon the Great Martyr & Healer
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 2:1-10

Timothy, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.


Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.


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Announcements

Greeters

Misael Jordan & Paul Werger

Prosfora

Paul Werger

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to the Greek Festival Committee for hosting today's fellowship.

Greek Festival Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers and everyone who attended and supported the festival! We couldn't have done it without you. If you borrowed an apron or hat, please return it as soon as possible, so we can get everything cleaned and stored properly. Don't forget to stop by the hall today after Liturgy to check out the remaining festival products for purchase.

Pitsavas Scholarship Deadline Extended - July 30

The John Pitsavas Memorial Scholarship Deadline has been extended to July 30. See the back of this bulletin for more information.

TEEN Loaves and Fishes 2025

Teens save the date- Monday August 4th. After skipping last year, we are once again happy to offer this opportunity to serve- exclusively for our teens! (college teens and early 20's- you can serve as a team leader!) Sign up to be part of the St. George crew to package and distribute meals at Loaves and Fishes. Reserve your spot and receive additional details here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ADA623A0FCC70-57452543-teen

School Supply Drive

This summer, we've partnered with FOCUS's Youth Equipped to Serve (YES) program to provide 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at a local school, and we need your help.

The school has shared a list of specific supplies to make sure each backpack is filled with exactly what students need. We're collecting donations now through August 16, when we’ll wrap up the drive with a Youth & Family Backpack Filling Party. Come join us as we pack the backpacks and celebrate this important opportunity for our youth to serve together.

To view the supply list and sign up to contribute, please follow the link below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-57558950-stgeorge#/

Church Cleanup

Join us after Liturgy on Sunday, August 17, to help with church cleanup in preparation for the visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. We need as much help as possible. Bring your wax scrapers, cleaning cloths, dish soap, mops, dusters, vacuums, etc., but no chemicals, please and thank you. Many hands make light work!

Archpastoral Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael

Join us on Sunday, August 24, to welcome our chief shepherd and spiritual father, Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. The 24th is a unique visit to St. George in that it will be the occasion for our very own Dean Theophilos to be ordained as a deacon. A luncheon will follow the Liturgy. Please RSVP for the luncheon by calling Dylan (651) 222-6220 or emailing him at [email protected]. Space is limited!

St. Mary's Family Camp 2025

It's time for Family Camp 2025! And we're heading back to Camp Wapo. :) Registration begins August 1st - if you know you're going to Family Camp reminder to take advantage of the Early Bird rates and register early! See below for Family Camp details and please check the Family Camp website at https://stmaryscamp.com/family-camp/.
 
Dates: Friday, October 17th at 1pm through Sunday, October 19th at 1pm
Location: Camp Wapogasset "Camp Wapo" - 1204 74th Ave, Amery, WI 55401
Registration: Early Bird August 1-15; Regular August 16-31
Prices: Early Bird $160 + convenience fee; Regular $170 + convenience fee
Speaker: Mother Macrina
Topic: Medleys of Thought: Monastics, Angels and the Nativity Fast

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Course - Fall 2025

Join us for our MEOCCA catechism course, Intro to Orthodox Christianity, beginning on Tuesday, September 9, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Catechism is open to all; people interested in learning more about Orthodox Christianity, inquirers, catechumens, and current Orthodox Christians as well. 
Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in person (1111 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN) or online via Zoom. Register online at https://forms.gle/nzvqRQJ8wkzbXxaj8
Learn more at www.meocca.org.

Pioneers 55+ Upcoming Events

Metropolitan Luncheon
Date: August 19
Invitation from St Mary’s GOC Senior Group for His Eminence
Luncheon and visit to celebrate Metropolitan Nathanael’s visit to Minnesota
-Details to follow
-RSVP Joanne H. 651-778-2485
Seniors! please help honor our Metropolitan Nathanael with your presence at this event!

Greek-Themed Picnic and Party !
Food •Music•Fellowship
Date: Saturday September 13, 2025
Time: 11:30
Home of Carol Alexis!
594 Iglehart Ave, St Paul 55103
-Bring dish to share ( coordination of this to come)
-RSVP Joanne Halatsis 651-778-2485
 
Stillwater Fall Boat Excursion 
Buffet•River Cruise•Fellowship
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
12:30-12:45 meet at boat docks
Group Boarding: 1:00pm 
-RSVP Joanne H. 651-778-2485

Host a Fellowship Hour

Please host an upcoming coffee hour! Individuals, families, or even groups can sign up to host or co-host. Hosts are needed for August 31 & September 07. Remember that coffee is now provided, courtesy of Thrivent Financial, so your commitment can be as simple as picking up some cookies! Thanks to all who have already hosted this year! Use the URL or QR code below to sign up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-46964197-fellowship#/

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Wisdom of the Fathers

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

And then at last He for His part lays His hand upon them, saying, "According to your faith be it unto you." And this He does to confirm their faith, and to show that they are participators in the good work ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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Welcome Visitors!

Thank you for joining us in worship. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian or this is your first visit to an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us! Although Holy Communion is offered only to baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians, all are invited to receive the Antidoron (blessed bread) at the end of the service. The Antidoron and fellowship hour are reminiscent of the Agape Feast that followed worship in the early Church.

Visitors and inquirers, please do not worry if you do not understand or follow all of our practices at your first few visits to our church (when to stand, when to kneel, venerate icons, or the priest's hand, cross yourself, etc.), it takes time to learn these traditions. Watch what others do, and when you are ready, you can follow their example.

One does not have to be of Greek descent nor speak Greek to be an Orthodox Christian and member of our parish. All people of any background are welcome to join the Orthodox Church. For those interested in learning more about the Christian Faith or becoming a member of our church, please see Fr. Perry after services or contact him at [email protected] or (651) 222-6220.

We hope you will join us in our hall upstairs this morning after services for fellowship and refreshments!

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Orthodox Worship

To our beloved guests, welcome to St. George. As you visit an Orthodox Church for the first few times, it’s important to remember that Orthodox Worship Services were designed to challenge us. For example, the services may be longer and at a slower pace than we are used to. The length of the service helps us grow in wakefulness and vigilance. "Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, 'What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak'” Matthew 26:40-41.

In our ever-changing, fast-paced world, we struggle to maintain the attention span of a goldfish. The worship of the early Church is the remedy to this problem. The Divine Liturgy and our other worship services are an invitation to turn off the noise, slow down the pace, and, like Mary (the sister of Martha), sit at the feet of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you struggle with your attention span in the first few services (or for years!), stick with it. Through our continued effort, God grants us growth in the ability to experience quiet, stillness, and prayer. Through our endurance, and above all, by His Grace, our regular participation in worship helps us to “lay aside the cares of life that we may receive the King of all."

Standing & Sitting in Services

The tradition of the Church is to stand for the duration of services, and you are welcome to do so. You are welcome to sit when you need to, as well. Please note that directions regarding when to sit are suggestions. Please be seated during the homily (sermon), and please do the best that you can to stand during the reading of the Gospel and the distribution of Holy Communion.

Kneeling on Sundays

According to the canons, we are not supposed to kneel on Sundays. However, according to common practice in our Archdiocese, kneeling has become common in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays. Those who are accustomed to the common practice in the US, are welcome to kneel. To those unfamiliar with this practice, coming from a community that does not kneel on Sundays or who would, for various reasons, prefer not to kneel, that is just fine as well.

The Kiss of Peace

It is the tradition of the Church to exchange a greeting, known as the "kiss of peace," during the Divine Liturgy. The exact moment for the brotherly exchange takes place during these prayers in Liturgy before the creed; "Deacon: Let us love one another, that with oneness of mind we may confess: People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Trinity, one in essence and undivided." Here is an excerpt by Frederica Mathewes-Green from an article titled "First Visit to an Orthodox Church: Twelve Things I Wish I'd Known.”

"We kiss each other before we take communion ("Greet one another with a kiss of love," 1 Peter 5:14). When Roman Catholics or high-church Protestants "pass the peace," they give a hug, handshake, or peck on the cheek; that's how Westerners greet each other. In Orthodoxy different cultures are at play: Greeks and Arabs kiss on two cheeks, and Slavs come back again for a third. Follow the lead of those around you and try not to bump your nose.

The usual greeting is "Christ is in our midst" and response,[…]['He is, and always shall be.'] Don't worry if you forget what to say.[…] Exchanging the kiss of peace is a liturgical act, a sign of mystical unity. Chatting and fellowship is for later.”

You are encouraged to participate in this sacred exchange. Many will not be familiar with or may even be uncomfortable with a kiss on the cheek from someone they do not know. Understandably so! Shaking hands or simply nodding/bowing to the person nearby and greeting them with "Christ is in our midst!" is just fine. Through the liturgical act of the kiss of peace, may we remember that we are a family in Christ and work to continue to grow as such. May we also remember our accountability to one another, the need to seek forgiveness, and to forgive one another in Christ.

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Becoming an Orthodox Christian / Being Received into the Church

For those interested in becoming an Orthodox Christian, here is the basic process: 1. Come to Divine Liturgy, 2. Complete our MEOCCA Catechism Program in the spring or the fall (register by emailing [email protected] or visit this link https://meocca.org/our-faith/cooperative-catechism), 3. Meet with Fr. Perry (schedule a call at this link https://calendly.com/frperry/phonecall). Fr. Perry will go through more specific details when you meet. We hope that you will make St. George your spiritual home.

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Nursery and Youth Room

Parents, please note that our nursery and youth rooms are open during services and church activities if you need some temporary quiet space/time with the kiddos. The nursery is located at the bottom of the stairs in the education wing. The Youth Room is the next room on the left, past the trophy case. We love to hear the little ones singing in church. The Lord said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

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Let's Connect!

St. George has moved to a new social media platform designed specifically for parish life. Here, we communicate more dynamically regarding specific ministries, events, and stewardship. For those who haven't, please use the QR code here to sign up! If you have any questions or have issues, please contact Dylan at [email protected].

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Parish Email List Sign-Up 

Sign up for our email list to see what’s happening at St. George!

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From the Church Office

 Prosfora (Offering Bread)

Thank you to those who make the prosfora/offering bread for Liturgy. If you would like to sign up to bake and make an offering of bread to the church, please get in touch with Krisandrea at [email protected].

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” John 6:27

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Content for the Bulletin

All content for the bulletin (flyers, blurbs, calendar events, etc.) is due Wednesday each week. Content submitted after Wednesday will be included in the bulletin for the following week.

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Reimbursements

To our ministry leaders and volunteers, please save receipts when making purchases for church activities. A reminder that reimbursement forms are located on the tower outside of the admin and treasurer’s office. Please make sure to submit the form with a copy of your receipt (you keep the original receipt). Finally, please make sure to submit for reimbursement contemporaneous with the expense(s). Although we do not have a set cutoff date for reimbursements, please do your best to have all prior year reimbursements submitted before the end of January of the following year. Please contact Lani if you have any questions at [email protected].

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2025 Stewardship Program

Goal

$118,647 of $285,000 (through May)

Make Your 2025 Stewardship Pledge Online

https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/-/form/pledge/stewardship

Make a Stewardship Donation Online

https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/give/online 

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Please Note

St. George GOC broadcasts its worship services live on the internet. Your presence in the church is subject to audio and video recording.

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Saints and Feasts

July 27

Panteleimon the Great Martyr & Healer

This Saint, who had Nicomedia as his homeland, was the son of Eustorgius and Eubula. His father was an idolater, but his mother was a Christian from her ancestors. It was through her that he was instructed in piety, and still later, he was catechized in the Faith of Christ by Saint Hermolaus (see July 26) and baptized by him. Being proficient in the physician's vocation, he practiced it in a philanthropic manner, healing every illness more by the grace of Christ than by medicines. Thus, although his parents had named him Pantoleon ("in all things a lion"), because of the compassion he showed for the souls and bodies of all, he was worthily renamed Panteleimon, meaning "all-merciful." On one occasion, when he restored the sight of a certain blind man by calling on the Divine Name, he enlightened also the eyes of this man's soul to the knowledge of the truth. This also became the cause for the martyrdom of him who had been blind, since when he was asked by whom and in what manner his eyes had been opened, in imitation of that blind man of the Gospel he confessed with boldness both who the physician was and the manner of his healing. For this he was put to death immediately. Panteleimon was arrested also, and having endured many wounds, he was finally beheaded in the year 305, during the reign of Maximian. Saint Panteleimon is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is held in special honor among them, even as Saint George is among the Martyrs.


July 28

Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, & Parmenas the Apostles of the 70

These Apostles of the Seventy are mentioned in Acts 6:5. Saint Prochoros became Bishop of Nicomedia and reposed in peace. Saint Nicanor was stoned to death in Jerusalem. Saint Timon became Bishop of Bostra in Arabia and ended his life in martyrdom by fire at the hands of the pagans. Saint Parmenas died in peace in Jerusalem.


July 28

Irene the Righteous of Chrysovalantou

Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael (842-867); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons; while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her. She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of 103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the present day.


July 31

Joseph the Righteous of Arimathea

Saint Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent Jewish leader during the time of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the Gospels as being a rich man from Arimathea who was a secret disciple of Christ due to his status in the Sanhedrin. After the crucifixion and death of our Lord, Joseph approached Pontius Pilate out of piety and asked for the body of Jesus so that he might bury it honorably. He, together with Saint Nicodemus, removed the body of Christ from the cross in the presence of the Theotokos and the Myrrh-Bearing Women, wrapped it in a linen shroud, anointed it with spices, and laid it in a new tomb that he owned. This disciple later traveled the world proclaiming the Gospel until he reposed in peace in England. The Church commemorates him individually on July 31st and along with the Myrrh-Bearing Women and Nicodemus on the 3rd Sunday of Pascha (the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers).


August 01

The Holy Seven Maccabees, Eleazar the Martyr

The names of the Holy Maccabees are Abim, Anthony, Guria, Eleazar, Eusebona, Achim, and Marcellus. They were Jews by race and exact keepers of the Laws of the Fathers. They lived during the reign of Antiochus, who was surnamed Epiphanes ("Illustrious"), the King of Syria and an implacable enemy of the Jews. Having subjugated their whole nation and done many evil things to them, not sparing to assail the most sacred matters of their Faith, he constrained them, among other things, to partake of swine's flesh, which was forbidden by the Law. Then these pious youths, on being apprehended together with their mother and their teacher, were constrained to set at nought the Law, and were subjected to unspeakable tortures: wrackings, the breaking of their bones, the flaying of their flesh, fire, dismemberment, and such things as only a tyrant's mind and a bestial soul is able to contrive. But when they had endured all things courageously and showed in deed that the mind is sovereign over the passions and is able to conquer them if it so desires, they gloriously ended their lives in torments, surrendering their life for the sake of the observance of the divine Law. The first to die was their teacher Eleazar, then all the brethren in the order of their age. As for their wondrous mother Solomone, "filled with a courageous spirit, and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly wrath" (II Macc. 7:21), she was present at her children's triumph over the tyrant, strengthening them in their struggle for the sake of their Faith, and enduring stout-heartedly their sufferings for the sake of their hope in the Lord. After her last and youngest son had been perfected in martyrdom, when she was about to be seized to be put to death, she cast herself into the fire that they might not touch her, and was thus deemed worthy of a blessed end together with her sons, in the year 168 before Christ.


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