November 25
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-11-25
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Calendar
St. George News and Events
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (661) 325-8694
- Fax:
- (661)325-8694
- Email:
- secretary@ourparish.us
- Street Address:
- 401 Truxtun Avenue
- Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Mailing Address:
- 401 Truxtun Avenue
- Bakersfield, CA 93301
Contact Information
Services Schedule
Sundays:
Orthros - 8:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.
Weekdays:
Evening Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2018-11-18
- Publish Date:
- 2018-11-11
- Publish Date:
- 2018-11-04
- Publish Date:
- 2018-10-28
- Publish Date:
- 2018-10-21
- Publish Date:
- 2018-10-14
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Tone
The stone before your tomb had been sealed by the Jews; Soldiers stood on guard, keeping watch there beside your most pure Body; but, Savior, in three days you did rise, bestowing unto all creation Life. Thus the powers of the Heavens cried out to you, for you are the Giver of Life. Glory to your Resurrection, O Christ. Glory unto your Kingdom. Glory to your Dispensation, O God, who alone loves mankind.
Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Entry in the Fourth Tone
This day is the foreshadowing of the goodwill of God and heralds the salvation of men. The Virgin is revealed in the temple of God, and thus foretelling the proclamation of Christ unto all. Let us therefore cry to her with a mighty voice: Hail, O Fulfillment of the Creators dispensation.
Apolytikion for Great Martyr Catherine in the Plagal First Tone
Let us praise now with hymns the distinguished bride of Christ, and the protectress of Sinai, our assistance in need and our comforting support, Godly Katherine. For she has brilliantly made mute the unrighteous ones of wit, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and being crowned as a martyr, she pleads on our behalf for God's great mercy.
Apolytikion for the Church in the First Tone
As a liberator of prisoners, and as a guardian of the poor, a doctor of the sick, a defender of kings. Trophy bearer, O Great Martyr George. Intercede to Christ our God, and save our souls.
Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone
The purest temple that has brought forth the Savior, the most precious bridal chamber and Virgin; the sacred treasury of the Glory of God on this day has entered into the Lord's habitation, carrying with her the grace of the God bearing spirit; to whom the angels of God sing hymns of praise, for she is known as the heavenly tabernacle of God.
Saints and Feasts
November 25
Mercurius the Great Martyr of Caesarea in Cappadocia
Saint Mercurius came from Cappadocia, and was the son of Gordian, a Scythian. A young man, and a soldier of high rank, he refused to offer sacrifice to the idols, and after torments was beheaded during the reign of Valerian (253-260).
November 25
Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria
Saint Catherine, who was from Alexandria, was the daughter of Constas (or Cestus). She was an exceedingly beautiful maiden, most chaste, and illustrious in wealth, lineage, and learning. By her steadfast understanding, she utterly vanquished the passionate and unbridled soul of Maximinus, the tyrant of Alexandria; and by her eloquence, she stopped the mouths of the so-called philosophers who had been gathered to dispute with her. She was crowned with the crown of martyrdom in the year 305. Her holy relics were taken by Angels to the holy mountain of Sinai, where they were discovered many years later; the famous monastery of Saint Catherine was originally dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord and the Burning Bush, but later was dedicated to Saint Catherine. According to the ancient usage, Saints Catherine and Mercurius were celebrated on the 24th of this month, whereas the holy Hieromartyrs Clement of Rome and Peter of Alexandria were celebrated on the 25th. The dates of the feasts of these Saints were interchanged at the request of the Church and Monastery of Mount Sinai, so that the festival of Saint Catherine, their patron, might be celebrated more festively together with the Apodosis of the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos. The Slavic Churches, however, commemorate these Saints on their original dates.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 67.35,26.
God is wonderful among his saints.
Verse: Bless God in the congregations.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5.
Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Gospel Reading
13th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:18-27
At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Wisdom of the Fathers
Love of money is the worship of idols, a daughter of unbelief, an excuse for infirmities, a foreboder of old age, a harbinger of drought, a herald of hunger.
The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 16:2,7 and Step 17:1, 6th Century
He who has conquered this passion has cut out care; but he who is bound by it never attains to pure prayer ...
The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 16:2,7 and Step 17:1, 6th Century
Calendar
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St. George Calendar
November 15 to December 2, 2018
Thursday, November 15Advent Fast
Sunday, November 25Community Christmas Card is on sale!
9:00AM Orthros
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
12:00PM Coffee Hour
Thursday, November 297:00PM Outreach Committee
Friday, November 3010:00AM Divine Liturgy
Sunday, December 2Community Christmas Card is on sale!
9:00AM Orthros
10:00AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM Religious Education
12:00PM Youth Group Meeting
12:00PM Parish Council Elections
12:00PM Coffee Hour
5:00PM Philoptochos Christmas Party
St. George News and Events
Engagement
Ten Year Planning
Ten-year planning meeting Saturday, December 15th from 9am-2:00pm This is our second meeting to discuss formulating our Strategic Plan as instructed by the Metropolitan.
Magnetic Festival Signs
There are still quite a few out there. Please return the signs to the office.
Parish Council Elections
Will take place Sunday, Decmeber 2nd after service.
Parish Christmas Party/Fundraiser
Tickets are available now to purchase for our annual Christmas Party. The Christmas party wll be on December 9th after service. All proceeds to benefit Church/Hall Beautification Projects.
Men's Group
We plan on meeting December 13th at church for Vespers and then head to Goose Loonies for social time.
Parish Council News
The Parish Council has implemented new safety and security measures for the hall. The front hall doors will remain closed during church services. Please see a Parish Council member for access to the hall and/or restrooms during services. On Sundays, the front doors will be opened after Holy Communion.
Thank you for your understanding as we want to keep our facilities secure.
Also note: Please contact a Parish Council member or usher if anyone is loitering in the hall during services.
Thank you.
Father Joseph's Hours
Father Joseph will be in the office Tuesday and Thursday form 11:00 to 3:00. Wednesday and Friday available at the church by appointment. Confessions appointments can be made with Sahar or Presbytera.
Appointments with Father Joseph
If you need to meet with Father please make appointments during the week. Sunday should be left for Father to have time to visit with parishioners during coffee hour. Please give him the time to do so unless it is an emergency. Thank you for your understanding.
Women’s Prayer Group
There will be a stand in the Narthex for you to leave your prayer request to be added to the list our prayer list. We need women’s prayer group partners. Please see or call Irene Sinopole at 832-1871.
Next meeting is December 20th , at 7 p.m. There will be training on the diffibrillator.
Prosphora Schedule
11/25 Mary Mekhel, 12/2 Elaine Dorlis, 12/9 Sahar Ayoub, 12/16 Basema Madain, 12/23 Nahla Demestihas, 12/30 Olympia Hackleman. Thank you.Please make arrangements with Sahar or Despina to bring the offering Saturday night either to the church or Father's home. We are looking for more people to make the blessed bread. Please approach Father Joseph if interested.Thank you.
Narthex Ushers
11/25 Osama & Michael R., 12/2 Manny & Jim, 12/9 James & Michael N., 2/16 Youth Group, 12/23 Danny & Ken, 12/30 Vago & Annette . Thank you.
Sunday School
Thanksgiving Break no Sunday school. Anyone in grades 5th and up who are interested in having their children participate in the monthly skits please see Zain or Hana Ayoub.
Next meeting will be December 2nd at 12:30. Questions please call Michael or Gabriella Ryan at 219-3421.
HOPE/JOY
Our next meetup will be December 8th at 10:00am. Following the meet up we will go to the Holiday Cottage to pick children’s names to donate Christmas gifts to.
Book Club
For November, our parish book club is reading Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica. We will begin our first reading & discussion with "Part One: The Life of Elder Thaddeus". Our next gathering is on Nov 25th during coffee hour. For more info call or text Monica (Cassiana) 661-337-0566.
Bookstore
Visit or contact the parish bookstore to purchase and order gifts for your loved ones in time for Christmas! Deadline for special ordering is December 2nd. Gift certificates are available! NEW ARRIVAL: Welcoming the Christ Child: Family Readings for the Nativity Lent book. COMING SOON: newly released Songs of Praise: A Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women, Christmas greeting Cards, and much more! Call or text Julie Pierucci (661) 342-2407.
Inquirers Class
Every Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. there will be an inquirers class for information regarding the Orthodox faith. We meet at the hall side door on U Street. Class is approximately 40 to 45 minutes. We are currently going through the “Journey of Faith” program by Fr. Barnabas. For more information please call Michael Ryan 661-747-1603.
Charity
Homeless Initiative:
Thank you to all the families who participated in our Homeless Initiative. We were able to have over 40 families and individuals make donations and join in on the building and distribution of the blessing and food bags. Such a blessing for our Parish Family and to everyone involved! Stay tuned for next steps in this parish ministry, a Leadership Team Meeting will be held in the coming months.
Church Beautification
Church beautification/Capital Improvements Fund collections as of November 23rd, 2018 are $6,850.00. Once more funds are collected we can begin Phase II.
Philoptochos Announcements
Be a part of the parish Community Christmas Card! Now through December 9th, you can have your family be a part of our seasonal greetings to each other for just $10 (or more if we want to be generous). You may also choose to sponsor someone who is less fortunate to be in our Community Christmas Card. ALL proceeds go to the Bishop Anthony Student Aid Endowment Fund which provides our seminarians with scholarships (our own Michael Cornett benefits!) and the St George Benevolence Fund. See a Philoptochos board member for assistance!
Thank you to all those who participated in building our baskets for our Homebound Parishioners. Recipients of the baskets are expressing their deepest thanks to you all!
Congratulations to our Sts. Cosmas and Damianos Service Award Winner Nahla Demestihas. A very deserving member of Philoptochos - Axios! Many years!
Mark your calendars! We will have our annual Philoptochos Christmas Party/Meeting on Sunday, December 2nd at 5:00 pm, at the Golden Ox Restaurant. Bring your families - hope you can all attend!
Outreach
Evangelism and Outreach
Evangelism and Outreach class will be held 7:10 p.m. on Thursday November 29th. Emphasis will be on why we have a welcoming committee and what is and is not the proper welcoming etiquette for visitors or inquiers. All leaders in the church especially those in the Parish Council or anybody helping in the narthex should attend these classes. Videos, question and answer, role play, fellowship and refreshments. Questions please call Michael Ryan at 747-1603.
Parishioner Visits
Helen Kemper is currently at Hallmark Homes, 2001 Akers, Room 223. Please find some time to go and visit her. The facility number is 831-7147.
Legacy
Scrip Cards
Scrip gift cards are now accessible online. You choose the card (cards) you would like and St. George Church receives a percentage of each sale. If you choose e-cards you will receive them same day in your email. If you choose gift cards, we will receive a notice and the order will be delivered to the church. Best to select e-cards so no shipping fee. Use this link and code when purchasing online. www.shopwithscrip.com, Code:42A1521E58345.
Honor your loved ones birthday and or anniversary by making a contribution to the Endowment Fund in their name. Make checks payable to St. George Church and write Endowment Fund on the memo line. Distributions from the fund will benefit the youth and maintenance needs of the Parish. For more information contact a Parish Council Member.
Thank you.
About Communion
If you are a visitor and planning to take Holy Communion, please inform one of our ushers in the Narthex ahead of time. During Communion, parents with infants, and Sunday School Teachers should be first in line to receive Communion. All Christians Orthodox and Non-Orthodox are invited to come up to receive Blessed Bread (Antidoron) at the end of the service. However, present Church guidelines allow that only baptized and confirmed Eastern Orthodox Christians (who have properly prepared) may approach to receive Holy Communion. Thank you.
Dear Parishioners,
Sundays should be set aside for quality time with God, our Church and Family. This is true for the Priest, Parish Secretary and Parish Council. Please let us try to address church business and make appointments during the week during office hours, and not wait until Sunday to address these matters. For the generous providers of Coffee Hour, please arrange all meal preparation so that everyone is attending Divine Liturgy. The hall will always be open at least one hour before Divine Liturgy begins, as well as the evening before from 6:30 to 7:30.
Hall Reservation System
To reserve the hall for any church functions or activities please communicate with Annette or Sahar if you will be using the hall anytime to be placed on the calendar. This includes groups that meet on a regular basis or for any event. Thank you for your cooperation.
Anyone using the hall during the week, please make sure you turn off all lights, coffee maker and the hall is left clean.
Welcome New Parish Members
Prayers/Thanksgiving
Glory to God for His Bountiful Blessings
Please add to your daily prayers for:
Catechumens: Walter (George), Daniel (Porfiros), Joshua (Michael).
Our brothers & sisters unable to attend:
Marika Psihoundas, Mary Valos, Zoe Spanos & Beverly Balasis.
Healing: Marika, Victor, Helen K., Irene, Mary, Mary, Serephima, and others in our parish.
Those who are traveling
Orthodox-Sophia,Virginia, Petros, Panagi, Elle, Eva L., Nicholetta Y., Dan S., Monica, Yorgos K, Giorgos, Anna,Angela, Antonia, Stelios, Petros, Anne, Anna, Leonid, Mariyka, Archalia,Natalie, Eva,Eleni K.,Efstratios, Ourania, Christopher, Alice, Suha,Abla, Jennifer, Tom, Gabriela,Ion,Danny,Nadia, Niko, Musa Daoud, Vasiliki, Theodore, Achilles, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Labrini, Bert & Louise Moosios,Olympia,Margarita, Seraphim, Mary, Tika,Maria Sporaa, Athina, Helen, Gerry Collis, Nektarios,Marika,Bessie Mattly, Noah A., Nick A.,Nick K., Kyriaki, Fred, Hannah, Irene Sinopole, Helen Protopapas, Candess Strategos,Gene, Kathy, Sofia, Clemy (Clementina), Jane, and Matthew.
Non-Orthodox -Angelica, David, Nancy, Bud Lung,Julie, Pamela Y., Debbie, Emmitt, Donna,Steve, Richard,Donald, Christina, Eva, Dominic,Gaby Garcia,Romona, Elea, Graysen Astumian, Marie,Michelle, Irma, Julie, Greg, Allyson, Margaret, Valerie, Martha Rogers, Helen Kemper, Joseph, Stephen, Elizabeth,Ellen, Ling, Richard, Christine & David, Debby.
Financials Budgeted Actual
|
Stewardship |
$3,750.00/week |
$1,204.30 |
|
Candles & Tray |
$325/week |
$95.71 |
Anniversaries
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11/5 Manuel & Namaz Pimentel
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11/6 Tom & Georgia Drulias
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11/8 Nick & Pam Valos
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11/9 Donald & Annette Londquist
- 11/9 George & Nahla Demestihas
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11/10 Fr. Joseph & Presbytera Despina Chaffee
Birthdays
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11/1 Anastasia Drulias
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11/3 Molly Dean
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11/10 Nicole Strategos
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11/10 Julie Pierucci
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11/15 Chris Andrews
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11/16 Nicolas Cisneros
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11/16 Bianca Gomez
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11/17 Demetri Southerd
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11/20 Nikoloaos Exarchoulakos
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11/27 Virginia Liascos