Calendar

Parish Calendar

April 28 to May 6, 2024

Sunday, April 28

Palm Sunday

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Procession with Palms

11:00AM Church School

11:00AM Palm Sunday Luncheon

1:30PM Parish Council Meeting

7:00PM BRIDEGROOM SERVICE (NYMPHIOS)

Monday, April 29

Holy Monday

+Holy Week - Strict Fast (through May 04)

9:30AM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY

7:00PM BRIDEGROOM SERVICE (NYMPHIOS)

Tuesday, April 30

Holy Tuesday

9:30AM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY

7:00PM BRIDEGROOM SERVICE (NYMPHIOS)

Wednesday, May 1

Holy Wednesday

+Prophet Jeremiah

9:30AM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY

3:00PM HOLY UNCTION SERVICE

7:00PM NEPTIR SERVICE (Commemoration of the Lord Washing the Feet of the Disciples)(Annointing with Holy Unction)

Thursday, May 2

Holy Thursday

9:30AM VESPERAL LITURGY OF THE MYSTICAL SUPPER

7:00PM HOLY PASSION SERVICE (12 GOSPELS OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD)

Friday, May 3

Holy Friday

9:00AM GREAT HOURS

2:30PM UNNAILING SERVICE (APOKATHEILOSIS)

7:00PM EPITAPHIOS SERVICE (LAMENTATIONS)

Saturday, May 4

Holy Saturday

9:30AM VESPERAL LITURGY OF THE DESCENT INTO HADES (FIRST RESURRECTION)

11:15PM RESURRECTION VIGIL

Sunday, May 5

12:00AM RESURRECTION DIVINE LITURGY

GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA

+St. Irene

10:15AM ORTHROS

11:00AM AGAPE VESPERS

11:00AM No Church School

Monday, May 6

+Bright Week (No Fasting)

+Prophet Job

+ST. GEORGE OBSERVED

Renewal Monday
Ministries Calendar

May 3 to May 8, 2024

Friday, May 3

11:00AM HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT

Wednesday, May 8

6:00PM Greek School

Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the 1st Tone

In our baptism we were buried with you, O Christ our God, and by your resurrection you have granted us eternal life. Therefore, we sing your praises, O Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Apolytikion for Palm Sunday in the 4th Tone

Before your passion you confirmed the resurrection of all by raising Laz'rus from the dead, O Christ our God. Therefore, like the children of old, we also carry symbols of victory, and to you, the victor over death, do we cry out: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 2nd Tone

In heaven upon your throne, while on earth riding the colt of a donkey, O Christ our God, you accepted the angels' praise with the songs of the children who cried out to you: Blessed is he who comes for the restoration of Adam.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9

BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Gospel Reading

Palm Sunday
The Reading is from John 12:1-18

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me."

When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.

Announcements

Greeters

Dean Natto & Rob Hattling

Prosfora

Bill Clemons

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to AHEPA for hosting our fish luncheon for Palm Sunday.

Please note the cost is $17 for adults and $10 for kids.

St. George Focus MN meal

Thank you to all who helped out with our St. George commitment last Sunday, 254 delicious meals were served!

Mother's Day Fundraiser

The ladies of Philoptochos would like to honor the women of our church for Mother’s Day. Please consider a donation to Philoptochos to honor the special women in your life. It can be your wife, daughter, mother, mother-in-law, Godmother, granddaughter, sister, or just a special woman you feel close to, living or departed. The Philoptochos will send your honoree a Mother’s Day card to announce your donation in her name. Any donation will be accepted. If your honoree is departed, their name will appear in a special Mother’s Day recognition, in the bulletin on Sunday, May 12th. The last day to submit names is today.

Lenten Pantry Drive

Almsgiving made easy this Lenten season. Consider donating some shelf-stable food items to Focus MN's Second Helping Food Pantry. We will be collecting pasta sauce, canned meals (SpaghettiOs, tuna, chili) canned fruits, peanut butter/jelly, and cereal. Please drop off items in the collection box in the parking lot vestibule. Blessed Lent!

Holy Friday Absence Letter

Please see the Holy Friday school absence letter included in the inserts section of this bulletin. Please join us on Holy Friday (May 3rd) for Royal Hours at 9am, Youth Retreat 11am, and the Unfailing service at 2:30pm.

Fellowship after the Vigil of Great and Holy Pascha

Join us in the hall after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 5. We will not be providing food. All who would like to participate are invited to bring something from home to break the fast with our church family. Ideas: you may consider preparing a basket of fast-breaking items, have it blessed at the Vigil and partake after services, or bring some hamburgers, meat, cheese, or crackers, etc. You are welcome to bring extra to share, but it is not required. This is a BYOFBF (bring your own fast-breaking food) event. We will provide the red eggs! Blessed Resurrection! Kali Anastasi!

Philoptochos Afternoon Tea

The Philoptochos Ladies invite all the women of our parish to an Afternoon Tea on Saturday, May 11th from 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. Kindly RSVP to Vicky at 763.742.0429 or email vicky.paraschou@gmail.com by May 7th. We can't wait to see you there!

Zoom Bible Study

We have met on the first Wednesday and the third Wednesday of each month since 2018. This year, we will not meet Holy Wednesday as our Holy Unction service begins at 3:00 pm. Please save this link to join for our next session on May 15, as it is the same for each meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85022523982?pwd=c1pldks5aW5IY0dZY2E3QkRWRmtnZz09

Iconography Study Evening Retreats

Starting in June, there will be workshops, events, and demonstrations twice a month to bring people together for fellowship and learning in iconography here at St. George. The studies are meant to give focused training and understanding of theological thought regarding the Holy Icon. Please register by contacting either Steve (arsenault003@gmail.com/ 612-206-7369) or Deb (akorluka@aol.com/ 612-889-5868)

Class Topics & Schedule (topics will be updated soon):

Tuesday June 11, 2024; 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm ($45)
Thursday June 27th , 2024; 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm ($45)
Tuesday July 9, 2024; 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm ($35)
Thursday August 8, 2024; 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm ($35)

2024 Stewardship Program

Goal

$64,215 of $275,000 (through March)

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 submit your 2024 pledge. Pledge Cards are at the candle stand, or click the link below to complete 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

AHEPA Pappas Academic Scholarship

Qualified applicants are to be parishioner’s children in good standing or members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church of St Paul, MN, and have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited Undergraduate College or University four-year program and have a GPA 2.75 or higher. The award for this scholarship is $1,250 in a single academic calendar year. Recipients may reapply for this scholarship in subsequent years. The deadline for the application is June 15th. We will select the award winner before the fall session of the next school year. For more details or an application, please reach out to Frank Mortari, Dino Contolatis, or Dean Natto.

Join us for an Online Greek Language Learning Series

The program is designed with an adult audience in mind. Teens welcome. All levels are welcome. 6 pm (Part 1): A focus on learning the alphabet, & learning to read. 6:45pm (Part 2): A focus on conversational Greek, grammar, & vocabulary useful in various social settings (shopping, eating out, etc.). Learners may join both parts or choose one. See the flyer in the inserts section for more info and the QR code to register.

Parish Assembly - June 09

Join us on Sunday, June 09, immediately following Divine Liturgy, in the hall for a Parish Assembly meeting in person and on Zoom. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84290595046?pwd=4rGTfXamOeOqs3iI2xrbpJ93VV0nbR.1

Fellowship Hour

Please host an upcoming coffee hour! Individuals, families, or even groups can sign up to host or co-host! Use this URL to sign up for Coffee Hour!
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.

Wisdom of the Fathers

But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

Besides, they could not at once have taken in the knowledge of the Kingdom of which He spake; for another Evangelist saith, that they thought the words were spoken of a kingdom of this world. (Matt. xx. 21.)

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p.245., 4th Century

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

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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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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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.

Saints and Feasts

April 28

Palm Sunday

On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.

The branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel.

April 28

The Holy Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus

These holy Martyrs, who were from various regions, suffered martyrdom together when they were beheaded in Cyzicus, a city in Asia Minor on the southern coast of the Sea of Marmara.

May 01

Tamara, Queen of Georgia

Saint Tamara was the only child of King George III. Upon his death in 1184, she became Queen at the age of twenty-four. Despite her youth, she ruled the country with such wisdom and godliness - leading it to unprecedented military triumphs over the neighbouring Moslem countries in defence of her kingdom, fostering arts and letters, and zealously strengthening Orthodoxy - that her reign is known as the Golden Age of Georgia. After her coronation, she convoked a local council to correct disorders in church life. When the bishops had assembled from all parts of her kingdom, she, like Saint Constantine at the First Ecumenical Council, honoured them as if she were a commoner, and they Angels of God; exhorting them to establish righteousness and redress abuses, she said in her humility, "Do away with every wickedness, beginning with me, for the prerogative of the throne is in no wise that of making war against God." Saint Tamara called herself "the father of orphans and the judge of widows," and her contemporaries called her "King" instead of "Queen." She herself led her army against the Moslems and fearlessly defeated them; because of the reverence that even the enemies of Georgia had for her, entire mountain tribes renounced Islam and were baptized. She built countless churches and monasteries throughout her kingdom, and was benefactress also to the Holy Land, Mount Athos, and holy places in Greece and Cyprus. She has always been much beloved by her people, who have memorialized her meekness, wisdom, piety, and obedience, and peace loving nature in innumerable legends, ballads, and songs; the poem written in her honour by Shota Rustaveli, "The Knight in the Panther Skin," is the masterpiece of Georgian literature. The great Queen Tamara departed the earthly kingdom for the heavenly in the year 1212.