Dear St. George Family,
“Christ is born, Glorify Him”
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, we remember that giving and sharing is so important. One of the hymns for Christmas describes how all creation offers something to our Lord,
“What shall we offer you, O Christ, because you have appeared on earth as a man for our sakes? For each of the creatures made by you offers you its thanks: the Angels, their hymn; the heavens, the Star; the Shepherds, their wonder; the Magi, their gifts; the earth, the Cave; the desert, the Manger; and we, a Virgin Mother. God before the ages, have mercy on us.”
What can we offer? Giving your time is the greatest way to honor God and show love to others. Jesus gave all HE had for us, let us give cheerfully and freely. Give of yourself by doing good works and you will experience the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), only then will we know the fullness of HIS joy.
This past week we had our first virtual General Assembly. We were able to nominate and elect our new parish council. Admittingly, I was elated by the love and excitement that our new parish council expressed. The love for Christ and our beautiful church was evident and present in all who were elected. The passion to use their skills and talents for our community was humbling. We thank them, we respect them, and we will honor and support them through this journey.
We were also able to approve the budget for the year; we approved the reconstruction process for the facade, and we were able to implement our new By-Laws. Thank you to all who contributed in these efforts.
Make this Christmas a celebration of the birth of Our Savior and the great gift of faith we have received. Jesus gave us the greatest gift, HIMSELF. Let’s receive it, let’s open it and let’s share it.
With gratitude for all of you, for all that you do for St. George, you will all be in my prayers this Christmas season. I am praying for your peace, joy, hope and love. That our good Lord keep you and your families safe and healthy.
A Blessed Christmas to all, In Christ,
Father Andreas
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Swearing in of Parish Council members: Sunday January 10, 2021
- Andrew George
- Christina Halatsis
- Marcus Marrero
- Sophia Robbins
- George Souris
- May Vlachos
Vassilopita cutting to follow.
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Please visit our new website and follow us on our social media pages.
- Website: http://www.saintgeorgenyc.org/
- Stewardship and Light a candle: https://stgeorgenyc.square.site/
- Livestreaming: https://www.facebook.com/SaintGeorgeChurchNYC
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Join us for Sunday Worship
Matins 9:30 AM & Divine Liturgy 10:30 AM
Worship is conducted in English & Greek
Fellowship & Refreshments follow Sunday Worship
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Services on Christmas Eve will be held on Thursday December 24th at 6pm.
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MARILENA'S MEALS: I was hungry and you fed me." Matthew 25:35
Our Marilena’s Meals program is not currently distributing meals, but we are still finding ways to actively support our most vulnerable members of NYC; those without food and shelter.
We have partnered with the Antonio Olivieri Drop-In Center at 257 West 30th Street, as they are continuing their efforts to give aid to those in need.
With the funds donated in September, October and November, we purchased 58 pairs of sweatpants and 38 sweatshirts, as we were alerted that those are the items that are most in need for the men and women receiving services at the center. We also purchased gloves for when the weather turns cold.
For December 2020, we donated our Marilenas Meals funds to Philoxenia. Philoxenia will be arranging for dinner for the residents of the Jan Peek House in Peekskill, NY, a shelter for about 25 individuals who are homeless https://www.chhop.org/. They provided 40 meals for the residents so that they can have a second serving and so that there is enough food for any walk-ins. Visit https://philoxenia.org/ for more information.
We hope to resume our monthly program of making and distributing meals as soon as it is safe to do so.
We are actively looking for sponsors and other donations. Please contact May Vlachos for information on sponsorship and donations: marilenasmeals@gmail.com
2020 Program:
September 2020 - Sponsored by an anonymous donor and dedicated with love and gratitude to God for helping their mother live a cancer-free, long and healthy life.
October 2020 - Sponsored by Irene Gregov and her family, in loving memory of her mother Popi Stefanidis, a faithful long time parishioner of St. George.
November 2020 - Sponsored with love by May Vlachos, in celebration of her godchildren Peter Bounougias, Jack Theodore Venditto and Sophia Anna Onesto.
December 2020 - Dedicated in loving memory of our grandparents: Theodore Vlachos, May Vlachos, James Karitenos, Amelia Karitenos, Panagiotis Nictas, Marianthi Nictas, Nicholas Mikedis and Anna Mikedis, by Ted, Maria, Ioanna and Eleni Vlachos.
Sponsorship opportunities available for 2021!