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Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-03-17
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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)

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.


Past Bulletins


Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    March 11 to March 25, 2024

    Monday, March 11

    +Cheesefare Week - Refrain from Meat this Week

    Sunday, March 17

    Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)

    +Sts. Patrick & Alexios the Man of God

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Church School

    11:00AM Philoptochos Cheesefare Luncheon (OCMC Fundraiser)

    6:30PM Forgiveness Vespers w/ Unction

    Monday, March 18

    +Great Lent Begins - Clean Monday

    +Strict Fast - Great Lent

    6:00PM Compline

    Wednesday, March 20

    1:30PM Online Daytime Bible Study (via Zoom only)

    5:30PM Ninth Hour

    6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

    Thursday, March 21

    5:30PM Capital Projects Meeting

    Friday, March 22

    6:00PM Salutations

    7:00PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

    Saturday, March 23

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI

    Sunday, March 24

    Sunday of Orthodoxy

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Youth Procession with Icons

    10:45AM No Church School

    11:00AM Greek School Greek Independence Day Celebration

    5:00PM LENTEN VESPERS @ St. Mary's Cathedral

    Monday, March 25

    +Annunciation

  • Ministries Calendar

    March 17 to March 28, 2024

    Sunday, March 17

    12:00PM Oratorical Writer's Circle

    Wednesday, March 20

    7:30PM Greek School Independence Day Rehearsal (begins after Presanctified Liturgy)

    Saturday, March 23

    10:00AM Greek School Independence Day Preparation

    Thursday, March 28

    10:30AM Pioneers (55+) Trip to Conservatory

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 4th Tone

From on high you descended, O merciful Lord. You accepted the cross and three days in the tomb to free us from the bondage of sin, O our life and resurrection. Glory to you, O Lord.

Apolytikion for St. George in the 4th Tone

As the deliverer of captives, and the protector of the poor, a physician of the sick, the defender of kings, O Great Martyr Saint George Victorious; intercede to Christ our God, to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 2nd Tone

O you who are the source of all wisdom and discernment, instructor of the ignorant and champion of the poor, strengthen our hearts, O Master, and grant us understanding. O Word of the Father, bring words to our lips, that nothing would keep us from crying out to you: In your compassion have mercy on us, for we have fallen.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.


Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."


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Announcements

Greeters

Paul Werger & Theodora Bischof

Prosfora

William Clemons

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to Philoptochos for hosting this Sunday!

Cheesefare Luncheon Today!

Please join us after Liturgy for the annual Cheesefare Luncheon. All proceeds from the free-will offering lunch will go to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center’s Support-A-Mission-Priest (SAMP) program. Currently, our Philoptochos Chapter supports two mission priests; please help us support these priests as they strive to share the Gospel of Christ in their communities. Thank you for your generosity!

Writer's Circle Today

Youth, grades 7-12th, please join us for a Writer's Circle today after Church School to prepare for the Oratorical Festival.

Lenten Meal Sign-Up

Please sign up to host a Lenten Meal on an upcoming Friday after Salutations (Xairetismoi). The sign-up sheet is posted on the wooden table to the left of the kitchen service window.

Lenten Lectures

Our first Lenten Lecture will take place on Friday, March 22, after Salutations (Xairetismoi). Fr. John Kostas will present on the Anaphora Prayers from the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.

“Shine up the Social Hall” Lenten Potluck

Greek School students, along with AHEPANS, and the Greek Dancers of MN have been working hard preparing a Greek Independence Day program for March 24. On Saturday, March 23 from 10-1pm the Greek School will host a Lenten Potluck. During this time performers will rehearse and we will all start decorating the social hall. There will be food, music, and fellowship. All are welcome.

Join our Pioneers (55+) for an Outing to the Conservatory and the Como Zoo

Thursday, March 28 at 10:30 a.m. We will meet at the Entrance to view the new Spring Flower Show, followed by lunch, and fellowship. Stay as long as you want to enjoy the Zoo. Call Joanne at 651-778-2485 to sign up.

FANARI Lenten Retreat

Fanari Camp is excited to continue our Metropolis-wide Fanari Lenten Retreat. The retreat will be a day in the life of camp, and will include: Worship, Orthodox Life, games, Song Night, and much more! All 5th-12th graders are invited to join us! Saturday, April 13, 2023 from 2:00-8:00 PM. St. Mary's is hosting our regional Minnesota retreat this year in Minneapolis. Register online at https://chicago.goarch.org/lentenretreat24-draft/

Philoptochos Fundraiser

Spring Phyllo Dough Sale! We are now taking orders for this flavorful and flaky refrigerated (never frozen) Phyllo dough! Completed order forms are due today, March 17th. Please turn in to a member of Philoptochos. Orders will be available for pick up on Sunday, March 24th. Thank you for supporting Philoptochos!

St. Mary’s Summer Camp

Camp will be held at Camp Wapo from Saturday, June 29th – Friday, July 5th, 2024. Campers entering the 3rd through 12th-grade level in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to register. Registration is open! https://stmaryscamp.com

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Course - Spring 2024

Join us for our MEOCCA catechism course, Intro to Orthodox Christianity, now in session. 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 Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in person (1111 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN) or online via Zoom. To register, email info@stgeorgegoc.org. Learn more at www.meocca.org.

YAL Twin Cities Retreat Save the Date

Save the date for May 17-19th for our local Twin Cities YAL retreat! There will be more information about details and registration in future emails.

YAL - NEW! Twin Cities YAL Contact Form

We are working to update our member list and ensure we have accurate contact information for each of you. Please fill out this form by April 1! After that date we will move to the updated https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRt_6RiqFrqIDZaF7g8mnuJJdHFsRkKySK1qznpopK3ei-ng/viewform

YAL - NEW! Join our GroupMe

This new group communication will be more informal and is a great way to stay up to date on YAL events and quick reminders! Keep an eye out for a fun event announcement coming soon through GroupMe! https://web.groupme.com/join_group/99134236/1dGLCAnm

2024 Stewardship Program

2024 Stewardship Goal, $21,125 of $275,000 (through January) (8% of our goal)

At the Fall Parish Assembly, we approved the 2024 Stewardship Goal of $275,000. We have hit this mark in the last couple of years, and we truly believe that with everyone’s support, we will hit that mark again. Now is the time to fill your 2024 pledge. Pledge Cards are at the candle stand, or click the link below to fill out the form online. Thank you for your support of the work of the Church.

2024 Theme
"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant,” from the Parable of the Talents. We are all blessed with certain gifts. This parable stresses the importance of developing our gifts, multiplying them, and offering them back in service to God.

Make Your 2024 Pledge Online

https://forms.gle/TAvAZUNCBrcRHX1KA

Make a Stewardship Donation Online

https://www.stgeorgegoc.org/give

Fellowship Hour 

Please sign up to host an upcoming fellowship (coffee) hour. Our next openings are in April. Click the link below to sign up, or contact Elise Werger at (612) 867-8047.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-46964197-fellowship#/

Silent Auction

Remember to check out the Silent Auction in the Social Hall. Proceeds support our Missions and Benevolence ministry. New items are added regularly. If you would like to donate items that are new with tags or something else valuable, such as theater/sports tickets, please contact Angela Mortari at apanoskaltsis@gmail.com or text 651-280-7123.

Winter Registration- Greek School

St. George Greek School resumed on January 24! Classes continue on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 pm at St. George. If you are already enrolled in the fall session, there is no need to re-enroll. This registration is for new families. Use this QR code to register and to receive more information.

Piano

We are looking for a new home for our piano that was previously located in the hall. It needs some work. Please contact the church office if you are interested.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
St. Isaac of Syria
Unknown, 7th century

Do we forgive our neighbors their trespasses? God also forgives us in His mercy. Do we refuse to forgive? God, too, will refuse to forgive us. As we treat our neighbors, so also does God treat us. The forgiveness, then, of your sins or unforgiveness, and hence also your salvation or destruction, depend on you yourself, man. For without forgiveness of sins there is no salvation.
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Unknown, 18th century

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Saints and Feasts

Eden
March 17

Forgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.


Alexismanofgod
March 17

Alexis the Man of God

Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.


Allsaint
March 17

Patrick the Enlightener of Ireland

Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.


Chrysanthos
March 19

Chrysanthos & Daria the Martyrs

Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.


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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.

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 frperry@stgeorgegoc.org 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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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 krisandreambr@icloud.com.

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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Parish Email List Sign-Up 

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

Text Message Reminders - Sign Up for Youth & Family Events!

We have some AWESOME Youth & Family events coming up, and you don't want to miss out. Join our text message system Remind to stay up to date with all of our communications. Join by clicking https://www.remind.com/join/stgyandf or 

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Charitable Donations to Philoptochos, Missions & Benevolence, Church School, Youth, Greek School, & other St. George Ministries

Thank you to all who continue to support our Ladies Philoptochos, Missions and Benevolence, the priest discretionary fund, Church School, Youth, Greek School, and other parish ministries! For those who would like a receipt of their donations to a particular church ministry for tax purposes, please make all deductible contributions directly to the church, noting a designation of the gift in the memo line. For example, you might put in the memo line “2023 Philoptochos Stewardship/membership,” “donation to Missions and Benevolence,” "priest discretionary fund," etc. Resources will be earmarked and distributed to the ministry you note, and your donations will be included in your end-of-year statement. Thank you again for your commitment to the work of the church! 

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 lani@stgeorgegoc.org.

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Roselawn Announcement for 2024 Pricing

Announcing 2024 Roselawn Program Prices
Advance planning can give you and your family peace of mind and is also cost-effective. Annual cost increases are typically at least 2% and have risen over 26% since 2013. The St. George Roselawn Cemetery Program continues to offer lots at Roselawn in Roseville for a 15% discount off list prices. All revenue from lots supports our church and its ministries. These lots are in the St. George section, adjacent to the “Greek” section, and easily identifiable by the monument/altar table. Contact the church office for more information.

2024 Discounted Prices for Parishioners: 
$7,182 = Monument Lot (2 Graves) 
$5,095 = Flat Lot (2 Graves) 
$2,762 = Flat Lot (1 Grave, Limited Availability)

(These prices reflect a 15% off Roselawn Retail Price)

This continues to be one of those great opportunities where you can support the church, save some money, and create a legacy for your family all at the same time.

Lots for both monument and marker (flat) stones are still available.

Please follow Roselawn regulations for the care and beautification of your loved one’s lots.

The table-like monument marking our area from Victoria street is visible on google maps and google satellite view at the links below and can be found on the church website.

http://tinyurl.com/4cte47f3
http://tinyurl.com/5n6abxwa

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New Hall Setup

Please note the new hall set up for ministries and organizations using the hall. We have posted photos in the kitchen for your reference. Small white squares are under each table for proper placement if they are moved. All the groups who use our facility are responsible for putting the tables & chairs (8 per table)in place according to the layout before they leave the church. We appreciate your diligence in keeping the hall neat and organized.

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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Bulletin Inserts

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