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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2015-03-29
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America News
Message from Archbishop Demetrios
Fr. Rick's Sermon
News and Events
Allsaint
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St. George Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (651) 222-6220
  • Fax:
  • (651) 225-9276
  • Street Address:

  • 1111 Summit Avenue

  • Saint Paul, MN 55105

Contact Information

Priest Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews

fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org

Administrative Assistant Julie Delton

office@stgeorgegoc.org

Bookstore Steve Arsenault


bookstore@stgeorgegoc.org

Newsletter- Glad Tidings Julie Delton

gladtidings@stgeorgegoc.org

Youth Minister Nathaniel Kostick

nathaniel@stgeorgegoc.org

Services Schedule

Sunday Morning Orthros/Matins 8:15am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am; Saturday Great Vespers 5:00pm (October thru May); Weekday Services (see Online Calendar, Sunday Bulletin & Monthly Newsletter); Confession (by appointment).

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Mode

The stone that had been sealed before Your tomb by the Jews and the soldiers guarding did watch over Your pure and sacred body. O Savior the third day You arose, and unto all the world did You give life. Where by all the heavenly powers did proclaim that You are the giver of life. Glory unto our resurrected Christ. Glory unto Your Kingdom. Glory to Your dispensation O You alone who loves all.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal 4th Mode

The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
March 29

Mark, Bishop of Arethusa

Saint Mark was Bishop of Arethusa in Syria. In the days of Saint Constantine the Great, Saint Mark, moved with divine zeal, destroyed a temple of the idols and raised up a church in its stead. When Julian the Apostate reigned, in 361, as the pagans were now able to avenge the destruction of their temple, Saint Mark, giving way to wrath, hid himself; but when he saw that others were being taken on his account, he gave himself up. Having no regard to his old age, they stripped him and beat his whole body, cast him into filthy sewers, and pulling him out, had children prick him with their iron writing-pens. Then they put him into a basket, smeared him with honey and a kind of relish of pickled fish, and hung him up under the burning sun to be devoured by bees and wasps. But because he bore this so nobly, his enemies repented, and unloosed him.

05_mary2
March 29

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

Allsaint
March 29

Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him

Saint Cyril was a deacon from Heliopolis in Phoenicia. During the reign of the Emperor Constantius, son of Saint Constantine, he had also broken the idols in pieces. When Julian came to power, Saint Cyril was seized by the idolaters and his belly was ripped open. The other holy Martyrs celebrated today, martyred in Gaza and Ascalon during the reign of Julian, were men of priestly rank and consecrated virgins; they were disemboweled, filled with barley, and set before swine to be eaten. The account of all the above Saints is given in Book III, ch. 3, of Theodoret of Cyrrhus' "Ecclesiastical History."

Allsaint
March 29

Eustathios the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia

Allsaint
March 29

The Holy Martyrs Jonas and Barachesius

As for the holy Martyrs Jonas and Barachesius, they were monks from Persia who lived in the reign of Sapor II, King of Persia from 325 to 379. These Saints found nine Christians in prison suffering for their faith, and comforted them, encouraging them to stand fast till the end, which they did, and received the crown of martyrdom. Because of this, Saints Jonas and Barachesius also were seized, and commanded to worship the fire, the sun, and the water. When they refused, Jonas, among other tortures, had his hands and feet cut off, was crushed in a device that broke his bones, and was sawn asunder. Barachesius was dragged naked over thorns, his whole body was pierced with sharp reeds and then broken in the same device employed upon Jonas, and when boiling pitch was poured down his throat, he gave up his soul into the hands of God.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Ninth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:19-31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe."

Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to Him: "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For with this object He reveals their deficiencies, that after these things thou mightest know what manner of men they became by grace. ... No one shall sit on His right hand nor on His left.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For that throne is inaccessible to all, I do not say to men only, and saints, and apostles, but even to angels, and archangels, and to all the powers that are on high. ... But for whom is it prepared? For them who could become distinguished by their works.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Seest thou how they were all in an imperfect state, when both these were lifting themselves up above the ten, and those envying the two? But, as I said, show me them after these things, and thou wilt see them delivered from all these passions.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Hear at least how this same John, he who now came to Him for these things, everywhere gives up the first place to Peter, both in addressing the people, and in working miracles, in the Acts of the Apostles. And he conceals not Peter's good deeds, but relates both the confession, which he openly made when all were silent, and his entering into the tomb, and puts the apostle before himself.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Let us then become lowly, that we may be high. For most utterly doth arrogance abase. ... Abraham saith, "I am dust and ashes," and prevailed over countless barbarians, and having fallen into the midst of Egyptians, returned, bearing a trophy more glorious than the former, and, cleaving to this virtue, grew ever more high.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?
St. John Chrysostom
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America News

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day

03/19/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/annunciationencyclical2015
The Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, is a day when we celebrate a truly amazing and miraculous revelation. At the event of the Annunciation, the messenger of God appeared before Mary and announced the divine plan for our salvation through the birth of Christ. The words of the Archangel Gabriel revealed how God’s promises would be fulfilled and the ancient prophesies affirmed.

Archbishop's Encyclical for Greek Independence Day Parade

03/16/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/greekparadeencyclical-03162015
Our annual gathering for the Greek Independence Day Parade is a celebration of our cherished ideals, a commemoration of those who sacrificed for the sake of liberty, and a witness of the strength of our faith and heritage. This year, as you probably know, our Parade will be held on Sunday, March 29, and I invite you to join with us as we march down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York.

Archdiocese Co-Sponsors Event at U.N. for the 59th Commission on the Status of Women

03/23/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/panelon%20women%20atun-03232015
A panel discussion titled, Trafficking & Migration, Girls & Women: Human Rights Have No Borders, took place March 9, 2015, at the United Nations and brought together migration and trafficking experts. The event was co-sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Council (the Greek Orthodox presence in the United Nations) and the Salesians of Don Bosco (Society of St. Francis de Sales, a Roman Catholic religious institute).

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Mar. 20 – April 2, 2015

03/20/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/adschedule-03-20-2015

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Mar. 12-17, 2015

03/11/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/mediaadvisory03102015-en

In Selma, A day of honor and tribute to the legacy of struggle and sacrifice, equality and freedom

03/09/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/selmarally-03082015
Thousands of people attended the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 National Voting Rights Act and “Bloody Sunday,” that concluded today, March 8, 2015, with a long service at the historic Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and a final march through the town of Selma and across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

Archbishop Demetrios of America Crosses Edmund Pettus Bridge with President Obama

03/08/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/selmarally-03072015
Archbishop Demetrios of America, together with President Barack Obama and other major civic and religious leaders, walked today, March 7, 2015, the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.”

Archbishop Demetrios to travel to Alabama for the 50th Commemoration of the “March on Selma”

03/04/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/selmavisitannounc-03042015
Archbishop Demetrios, the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America will take part in the events commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the historic March on Selma, led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America also participated, along with other civil rights leaders on March 15, 1965.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Mourns the Tragic Death of Fr Matthew Baker

03/02/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/frbaker-accident-03022015
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod and the plentitude of the clergy and laity of the Archdiocese, expressed the deep sorrow and mourning of the Church for the untimely and tragic death of Rev. Fr. Matthew Baker, as a result of a car accident last night

NY GOYA Youth Present Donations for St. Nicholas and Assistance to Greece

02/27/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/5boro-goya-02272015
Representatives of the GOYA groups (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) in New York’s five boroughs visited His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, Feb. 24, at his office and presented a donation of $10,000 dollars as their contribution to the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas at the World Trade Center.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2015

02/20/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicallent2015
In the hymns and services of the Triodion period and at the entrance of this holy season of Great Lent, we are called to repentance. We are invited to come before God in the humility of the Publican. We are beckoned to return to His dwelling and His compassionate embrace as the Prodigal Son. We are confronted with the causes of our separation from God and our need for His great mercy. It is truly a time of repentance as we prepare to commemorate and contemplate all that has been done for us through Christ our Lord.

Archbishop Demetrios Offers Condolences on the Slaying of Coptic Orthodox Christians in Libya - Archdiocese to Participate in a Special Prayer Service

02/19/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/condolencesforcopticchristians
After learning about the recent brutal slaying of twenty-one Coptic Orthodox Christians from Egypt by the members of ISIS, Archbishop Demetrios of America, on behalf of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, issued letters of condolences to the Coptic Orthodox Bishops in the United States. The Coptic Orthodox Christians were kidnapped in December and January from Libya and were held captive until their massacre.

FDF2015 - The largest gathering of Greek Orthodox Youth in the U.S.

02/16/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/fdf2015release1-02162015
The 2015 Greek Orthodox Folk Dance and Choral Festival (FDF2015) just concluded another very successful year and its four-day weekend celebration of Faith, Dance and Fellowship. FDF is the largest gathering of Greek-Orthodox young people in the United States and arguably the largest youth festival of traditional Greek dancing in the world. Approximately 2,500 young people took part as dancers, musicians and singers, and more than 3,500 people attended in total, including parents, grandparents and friends.

Faith, Dance and Fellowship: 2015 Folk Dance and Choral Festival

02/12/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/fdfonline2015-02122015
The 2015 Folk Dance and Choral Festival of the Metropolis of San Francisco begins today in Anaheim, California and will run through Sunday, Feb. 15. The renowned FDF event, now in its 39th year celebrates Faith, Dance and Fellowship and is the largest gathering of Greek Orthodox Youth in America, expected to surpass 3,000 people in attendance.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Feb. 12-23, 2015

02/10/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/archbishopsschedule02102015-en
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Message from Archbishop Demetrios

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day

03/19/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/annunciationencyclical2015
The Feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, is a day when we celebrate a truly amazing and miraculous revelation. At the event of the Annunciation, the messenger of God appeared before Mary and announced the divine plan for our salvation through the birth of Christ. The words of the Archangel Gabriel revealed how God’s promises would be fulfilled and the ancient prophesies affirmed.

Archbishop's Encyclical for Greek Independence Day Parade

03/16/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/greekparadeencyclical-03162015
Our annual gathering for the Greek Independence Day Parade is a celebration of our cherished ideals, a commemoration of those who sacrificed for the sake of liberty, and a witness of the strength of our faith and heritage. This year, as you probably know, our Parade will be held on Sunday, March 29, and I invite you to join with us as we march down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2015

02/20/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicallent2015
In the hymns and services of the Triodion period and at the entrance of this holy season of Great Lent, we are called to repentance. We are invited to come before God in the humility of the Publican. We are beckoned to return to His dwelling and His compassionate embrace as the Prodigal Son. We are confronted with the causes of our separation from God and our need for His great mercy. It is truly a time of repentance as we prepare to commemorate and contemplate all that has been done for us through Christ our Lord.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of St. Photios and Saint Photios National Shrine Day - February 6, 2015

02/03/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/photiosencyclical2015
On this blessed Feast of Saint Photios, we offer our gratitude and support for our beloved Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida. For almost four decades, our National Shrine as been a place that honors the earliest roots of our Greek American experience, affirms the value of this experience and the role of our Hellenic heritage in this country, and offers a beautiful witness of the power and grace of our Orthodox faith.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day

01/26/2015

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalthreehierarchs2015
On this blessed Feast of the Three Hierarchs, we give thanks to God for the beautiful and faithful witness of Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. Venerated on this day as great Teachers and Theologians, we also recognize them as representative of many great Saints of the Church who have conveyed truth, communicated divine wisdom, and offered an inspiring witness of the Gospel of love. For the depth of their teaching and their ardent defense of the faith, our hymns call all people to a universal celebration on this day.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of Saint Basil and the New Year

12/29/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/january1encyclical2015
On this blessed Feast of Saint Basil and the beginning of the New Year, our honored tradition is to offer prayers and support for the sacred ministry of our beloved Saint Basil Academy. For seventy years this institution of our Holy Archdiocese has offered the love of Christ, the comfort of His presence, and the healing power of faith to children, youth, and families in need. Serving Orthodox children from throughout the United States, Saint Basil Academy continues to provide a caring and spiritual environment where they are able to grow, learn, and achieve.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity 2014

12/16/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/nativityencyclical2014

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Thanksgiving Day 2014

11/20/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalthanksgiving2014
These foundations of Thanksgiving Day, and its place within the history and life of this nation as a regular observance have made this a holiday shared by many as well as a time for families to gather in fellowship and gratitude. The focus on giving thanks to God, the attitude of gratefulness for the blessings in our lives, and the traditions centered upon the family resonate with our emphasis on the family as a dwelling of Christ and a witness of His Gospel.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Archangels - November 8, 2014

11/05/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalarchangels2014
The blessed ministry of the angels is also reflected in the quality of care and compassionate service offered by our beloved Saint Michael’s Home. On this feast we recognize the faithful service of the trustees, directors, and staff, affirming that in a sacred environment, filled with the presence of God, they are being faithful to His command to offer comfort, love, and healing.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries - November 1, 2014

10/28/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/unmercenariesencyclical2014
We are led in this effort by our National Ladies Philoptochos Society, and on Sunday, November 2, local chapters throughout our Holy Archdiocese will have a special offering for these ministries. I ask that you contribute generously to assist the work of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate at a time when critical needs there and throughout the Middle East are growing. As we are witnessing, long established ministries are challenged for resources as new humanitarian crises and desperate pleas for assistance are growing.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day - October 28, 2014

10/21/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicaloxiday2014
As we commemorate OXI Day on October 28 and remember the valiant stand of the people of Greece in 1940 against the advancement of the forces of Fascism, we are aware that struggles for freedom and peace and against tyranny are very much a part of our modern world. Just as some of us and most certainly our fathers and mothers saw and experienced the brutality and inhumane actions of an occupying force, so too we are witnesses today of persecution, violence, and death.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for National Leadership 100 Sunday - October 26, 2014

10/09/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclialleadership1002014
On this Sunday, October 26, the Feast of Saint Demetrios and following the Feast of Saint Iakovos on October 23, we give thanks to God for the steadfast and abounding labor of the members of Leadership 100 and celebrate the great accomplishments of the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, as its celebration of its 30th Anniversary comes to a close.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

09/10/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalcross2014
We lift up the Cross because while it was used as an instrument of torture and indignity, it brought honor and glory to God. It was used as a means of ending life, but it became entrance to eternity. It was used as a violent weapon, but for believers it became a weapon of true peace. The Cross, a symbol of suffering and defeat, through Christ it became a symbol of hope and victory. Instead of death, our Lord through the Cross brought us life and abundance of life.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Ecclesiastical New Year and the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment

08/27/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/indictionencyclical2014
As we commemorate this Feast of the Indiction, the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year, we ask our great and merciful God to “bless the crown of this year which His goodness has allowed us to begin” (Hymn of Orthros). It is His goodness and grace that has brought us to the beginning of one more ecclesiastical year and to another blessed cycle of the feasts and observances of our Holy Orthodox Faith. In anticipation of the marvelous and wonderful things our Lord will accomplish in our lives, parishes, and families, we look forward to the blessings that will come through our worship, prayer, and service.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos - August 15, 2014

08/11/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/dormitionencyclical2014
We commemorate this blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, honoring and celebrating her faith in God and the witness of the miraculous power of grace in her life through her willing obedience to His will. As a result of the amazing level of personal holiness and the abundance of grace, the Theotokos offers us a superb example of a relationship with God and a deep connection with Him that is essential for our lives and the sacred institution of the family.
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Fr. Rick's Sermon

How to Climb the Ladder (3-22-2015)

   How many of us have used a ladder lately? If we are too old or too young, hopefully we have not used a ladder lately! A short stepladder has big steps that one can stand on but it doesn’t go very high. A tall ladder has small steps. An extension ladder reaches much higher but has even smaller steps. Have you ever tried to stand for a while on one of the steps of a tall ladder? What happens? Pretty soon our feet begin to hurt because the step does not fully support the platform of our foot. The longer we stay on one rung, the more our feet hurt and we have to move up or down the ladder.

   It is the same way with the Ladder of Divine Ascent that St. John Climacus, whom we commemorate today, the Fourth Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, writes about. The word ‘climacus’ means ‘ladder.’ But what is St. John’s Ladder of Divine Ascent? This ladder has thirty steps. The first three are about detaching from worldly things. The next four have to do with the fundamental virtues. The next sixteen represent the struggle against the passions and sins to be overcome. The next three are the higher virtues in the active life (praxis) and the final four steps represent union with God in the contemplative life (theoria).

   So for example, the eighth step in the ladder is about anger. We cannot ascend to that step, master our anger, and then stop there. Nor can we stop on any other step but it’s not because our feet will begin to hurt standing on any one step for a long time. It’s because we will become susceptible to vainglory and pride (Steps 22 & 23) standing long enough to exalt in our supposed achievement of ascent. This is because the Ladder of Divine Ascent is not the goal. Neither is any of its rungs or steps. Christ is the goal. This spiritual ladder is a tool, not the goal.

   Professor Panayiotes Chrestou says, “St. Gregory of Nyssa had earlier indicated that he recognized only one limitation in perfection, that it has not limit. When we climb the ladder of spiritual progress, we will never be able to stop ascending; for there is always a step above the step we occupy and there is not summit. Man continuously becomes more spiritual and his spiritual food continuously increases, without his growth ever ending.”

   Fr. Anthony Coniaris, in his book, Sacred Symbols that Speak (vol.1, pp.66-75), says the Ladder itself is a gift from Jesus Christ. He Himself descended the ladder to us in His Incarnation and once again climbed it by His death on the Cross, Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven. Fr. Anthony gives the following example: “if a poor young man is given a scholarship by a rich benefactor, the lad is given something he could never achieve on his own; a very great gift. But the young man has to be prepared to work, study and toil hard as a student if he is to realize the full benefit of what he has been given. This is then why it is necessary for us to climb the ladder that God has given us in Christ. God gives us the ladder as a gift (a scholarship).” But for any student, the scholarship is not the goal. It is a means to an education and ultimately a degree and finally a vocation. The ladder is our scholarship but the life in the Church is our education, salvation is our degree and union with Christ (theosis) is our ultimate vocation.

   What else can we say about ladders? Have we ever tried to climb a ladder with just our feet? Probably not, because climbing without using our hands to hold on we will likely lose our balance and fall. How about climbing using only our hands? Certainly not because few of us can hold our own weight with just our hands and arms much less actually pull ourselves higher and higher. Soon, our hands weaken and we lose our grip. The best way to climb a ladder is to have at least one hand and one foot on the ladder at all times. With those secure, the other hand and foot can reach for the next rung. But notice how one hand is reaching for a higher rung, while the other hand is firmly gripping a rung below. And the same is true with our feet but our feet are at least two or three rungs below our hands. The same is true on the Ladder of Divine Ascent. At any one time we probably have our hands and feet on three to four different rungs. So, for example, we will simultaneously be working on obedience, repentance, the remembrance of death and joyful sorrow—steps 4,5,6,7 on the Ladder.

   So it goes without saying that we should not, we cannot try to leap from one rung to another, skipping steps in between. This is very dangerous and certainly leads to a deadly fall. Spirituality, according to St. John Climacus, is a not mere perfectionism but a never-ending process of climbing and growth leading to new levels of knowledge of God and holiness. He warns, “You will be rejected if you have the effrontery/arrogance to leap to the top of the ladder of love.” But, if done with humility, the Ladder has a mystical quality that prevents us from seeing to far up the ladder. Here is how one writer explained it, “God’s dealings with us are on an ascending scale. If we see clearly the lowest rung in the heavenly ladder, the veil of mist will depart and we shall see the next above it, and then the next and, in due order, the next; and so the steps that slope away through darkness up to God will always be beckoning to greater and yet greater things.”

   To further demonstrate this dynamic, Fr. Coniaris shares a story of a religious man who dreamed he was building a ladder to heaven. When he did a good deed, the ladder went up one more step. When he gave a dollar to charity, he added another step. When he joined the church, the ladder when up ten steps. Higher and higher went the ladder until it reached beyond the clouds out of sight. As the end of his life neared, the man thought that surely the ladder would extend clear up into heaven by then. So, confidently stepping off the top of the ladder, thinking it was heaven, he found nothing there and went tumbling down head over heals to his ruin. Awakening from his dream, he remembered the words of Jesus, “He that…climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and robber (John 10:1). The ladder is the gift of God’s grace. It can never be built by our virtues and good deeds.

   As we conclude today, let us remember that St. John’s Ladder of Divine Ascent is not something out there. St. Isaac the Syrian wrote: “Enter eagerly into the treasure house (the heart) that lies within you, and so you will see the treasure house of heaven. For the two are the same, and there is but on single entry to them both. The ladder that leads to the Kingdom is hidden within you, and is found in your soul. Dive into yourself, and in your soul you will discover the rungs by which you are to ascend.”

   St. Gregory of Nyssa writes, “Having once put your foot on the ladder which God is leaning against, go on climbing…every rung leads up to the beyond…Finding God means looking for Him tirelessly…To see God means never to cease to desire Him.”

   God first let this ladder down into your soul when you were baptized. It is still there. God will never to remove it. So, dive into your soul and start climbing it one step at a time, ascending as you defeat the passions on each rung: including slander (10), talkativeness (11), gluttony (14), lust (15), seeking the higher virtues of simplicity (24), humility (25), discernment (26) and so reaching to stillness (27), prayer (28), dispassion (29) and love (30), and finally to Christ Himself, our Lord, God and Savior. Amen!

 

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News and Events

ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

REV. FR. RICHARD D. ANDREWS, PRESBYTER

www.stgeorgegoc.org

 

March 29, 2015                           ***75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR***                        ST. MARY OF EGYPT

 

TODAY’S EVENTS: Greek Independence Day Dinner & Program; Serve a Meal at FOCUS MN 4:00pm; Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers at Holy Myrrh-Bearers Orthodox Church in St. Cloud 4:00pm.

 

Epistle Reader: Nick Lambert                                               Prosfora: Anonymous

Memorial: David Davidson (1 year)

Fellowship: AHEPA & Greek School

 

Monday       03-30         COMPLINE                                                                                          6:00PM

                               Catechism Class: “Conclusion- Orthodoxy in American, Jurisdictions, Q&A”        7:00PM

Tuesday       03-31        Choir Practice                                                                                                              6:30PM

Wednesday 04-01        NINTH HOUR                                                                                      5:30PM

                                         PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY                                                                                          6:00PM

Saturday      04-04    ORTHROS (8:00am) & DIVINE LITURGY- SATURDAY OF LAZAROS                     9:00AM

                               Youth Retreat & Cleaning                                                                     10:30AM

                                         GREAT VESPERS                                                                                 5:00PM

Sunday         04-05         ORTHROS (8:15AM) & DIVINE LITURGY- PALM SUNDAY                            9:30AM

                                         LENTEN VESPERS at St. Herman’s Orthodox Church in Minneapolis                4:00PM

                                BRIDEGROOM SERVICE                                                                        7:00PM

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Our Sympathies: to Frank Mortari and family, for the falling asleep of his father, Umberto, on March 20th. Funeral was March 25th in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario. May his memory be eternal!

Greek Independence Celebration Today- after the Liturgy. Dinner and program hosted by the Ahepa and the Greek School. Lunch Menu: Grilled Shrimp, Macaronatha, Greek Style Salad, Bread, Baklava. Greek Dancers of Minnesota, Music and Dancing. Cost: Adults $12, Children 12 & under $8.

Think About It: At the time of darkness, more than anything else, kneeling is helpful.           St. Isaac the Syrian (+700)

Youth Retreats Coming & Meal Sign Up: Potluck meals will be served at our youth retreats on Lazaros Saturday, April 4, and Holy Friday, April 10. Sign up sheet is in the social hall. Thank you for your hospitality!

Pascha Lamb Dinner- monetary donations for this year's dinner are being received. Be sure to indicate in memo on checks or a note with any cash. Thank you for your generosity.

Pascha Flowers- please see donation slip inserted into today's bulletin. Thank you for helping to beautify our sanctuary/temple during Holy Week, Pascha and Bright Week.

Bishop Demetrios Holy Week Visit- His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, the chancellor of our Metropolis, will celebrate the Bridegroom Service on Holy Wednesday evening at our parish on April 8th at 7:00pm. This service includes the procession of the Icon of the Mystical Supper and the administration of the Sacrament and Mysteryof Holy Unction. Please welcome His Grace on that day.

Next Philoptochos Meeting- will be Tuesday, April 14th, not April 7th as originally scheduled.

Parish Feast Day & Dinner- be sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday April 22nd to celebrate Patronal Vespers of St. George at 6pm followed by a community dinner and youth family night. Monetary donations are being received for the dinner. Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday April 23rd at 9am followed by a brunch. If anyone wants to host Thursday brunch, please contact Fr. Rick.

The Church Fathers Speak: Out of labor comes health, out of sweat comes salvation. Beware of your wish to fulfill everyone else’s desires you break your obligation to God.                         St. Basil the Great (+379)

75th Anniversary Spotlights Today:

   Daughters of Penelope-Provides scholarships, supports worthy causes, and promotes Greek culture.  Eurydice Chapter 21 was chartered on February 15, 1935.

   The St George Greek School teaches modern Greek language, culture, history and Greek dancing to children of St. George and the community. The current director of the Greek school is Stella Hofrenning. Past directors include Thanasi Contolatis (1975-1980), Mihalis Tzenis (1985-1995) and Anna Christoforides (1995-2012). Classes are held weekly. Each year students perform songs, poems and dance for the Greek Independence Day celebration on March 25. In addition, the Greek School participates at the annual Festival of Nations in downtown St. Paul, MN by performing traditional Greek dances.

   AHEPA Activities of Pericles Chapter 270 continue to be consistent with its mission to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence. Towards these goals AHEPA raises funds to support a number of local, national and international charitable organizations, as well as to host speakers for its educational mission. AHEPA also continues to support a number of Hellenic focused activities including The University of Minnesota Immigration History Research Center and the fund for the chair of Greek Studies at the University of Minnesota.

AHEPA Scholarship Deadlines- AHEPA National: March 31, 2015 (Extended); AHEPA District 14: Postmarked by April 18, 2015; AHEPA Saint George Gekas Scholarship: May 1, 2015. Scholarship information is available on the bulletin board in the social hall or by requesting a copy from the scholarship committee (Thanasis Contolatis, Dimitri Dokos or Christ Kontenakos).

Patristic Wisdom: The Lord, though He is merciful, oppresses the soul with hunger on account of her pride, and withholds grace from her until she has learned humility.                     St. Siouan the Athonite (+1938)

Summer Church Camp-Registration is right around the corner! This year's theme is "Defending our Faith" and the dates are June 27 - July 3. Early registration begins April 14 until May 1 at $400 per camper. On May 2nd the rate increases to $450. The James W. Nickitas Camp Scholarship is available to families who have financial need. To get a scholarship application or if you have any questions, speak with Youth Minister Nathaniel or Fr. Rick.

Please Pray For- Dina Kiprose who is recovering from cancer surgery at Regions Hospital; and 2nd Lt. Alex Boosalis who is serving with the US Army 101st Airborne in Afghanistan. Also pray for the health of John Georgolopoulos who is recovering at Bethesda Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Paul.

Wisdom from the Church Fathers: Prayer does not consist in only in standing and bowing or reading written prayers…it is possible to pray at all times and in all places with the mind and the spirit. You can lift up your mind and heart to God while walking, sitting, working, whether in a crowd or in solitude. God’s door is always open. We can always say to Him in our hearts, “Lord, have mercy!”  St. Tikhon of Zadonsk (+1783)

Festival of Nations: Save the Date April 30-May 3, 2015, are the dates for this year's Festival of Nations (FON) at the River Center in St. Paul. Plans are ramping up for our annual tradition of participation: Greek Café, several dance troupes, and the bazaar. Please plan on supporting this cultural celebration and benefit which helps fund our many ministries and programs. More information to come!

Welcome Visitors  Thank you for joining with us in prayer and fellowship. The worship of the Orthodox Church is deeply rooted in and very similar to that of the early Christian Church. Unique sensory stimuli and mystery are elements that go back even to the liturgy of the Jewish temple. Everything in an Orthodox Christian church communicates the majestic presence of God the Holy Trinity with His Saints. It is literally heaven on earth. It is a sad consequence of the divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Visitors are invited to receive the blessed bread (antithoron) at the conclusion of the liturgy. We pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all Christians. If you are interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, please contact Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org. We are proud of our Greek heritage but one does not have to be of Greek descent, nor speak Greek to be a Greek Orthodox Christian. 

Note to Orthodox about Holy Communion: Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most Holy experiences for a Christian in order to be granted the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. We are never worthy to partake of Divine Nature. Yet, it is essential that we prepare ourselves for this sacred Communion by constant prayer, reading the Scriptures, regular fasting and periodic Confession. At a minimum, we should fast all morning before Communion, arrive at the beginning of Liturgy, and come for Confession at least once a year. In addition, we should not have separated ourselves from the Church through serious sin. Otherwise, please refrain from Communion to avoid “judgment…not discerning the Lord’s body” (1Cor. 11:29). Contact Fr. Rick for pastoral guidance.

Glad Tidings deadline: The 10th of each month. Glad Tidings email: gladtidings@stgeorgegoc.org  Sunday Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday Noon each week.  Email: office@stgeorgegoc.org

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