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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-12-02
Bulletin Contents
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St. George Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (661) 325-8694
  • Fax:
  • (661)325-8694
  • 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.

Calendar


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone

You have descended into death below, although you are immortal Life, rendering Hades a mortal blow by Your divinity’s blinding light. And when You also made the dead to be raised up from Hades’ infernal depths, all of Heaven’s powers then began to cry out aloud to You, singing “Glory to You, our God, the Life Giving Christ.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

On this day the Virgin comes unto the cave to give birth there to the Word before all time beyond all words is this wonder! Dance with joy, all of creation hearing these tidings. Glorify , along with the angels and with the shepherds , him who willingly appears as a new born baby, yet he is God before time.
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Saints and Feasts

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December 02

14th Sunday of Luke


Habbakuk
December 02

Habakkuk the Prophet

This Prophet, whose name means "loving embrace," is eighth in order of the minor Prophets. His homeland and tribe are not recorded in the Divine Scriptures; according to some, he was of the tribe of Symeon. He prophesied in the years of Joachim, who is also called Jechonias, before the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish People, which took place 599 years before Christ. When Nabuchodonosor came to take the Israelites captive, Habakkuk fled to Ostrakine, and after Jerusalem was destroyed and the Chaldeans departed, Habakkuk returned and cultivated his field. Once he made some pottage and was about to take it to the reapers in the field. An Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and carried him with the pottage to Babylon to feed Daniel in the lions' den, then brought him back to Judea (Bel and the Dragon, 33-39): His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters; the third chapter is also used as the Fourth Ode of the Psalter. His holy relics were found in Palestine during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great, through a revelation to Zebennus, Bishop of Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 29).


Allsaint
December 02

Our Righteous Father Cyril of Phileus


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Tone. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 6:10-17.

Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; besides all these, taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


Gospel Reading

14th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43

At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

We may learn from this that when we ask with faith, God does not give something other than what we ask for, but the very same thing. However, when we ask for one thing and receive something else, it is clear that either we did not make a good request or we did not ask with faith.
Blessed Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria
The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Luke, 11th Century

The Savior Himself is He Whom we are asked to put on. It is one and the same thing to say, 'Put on the whole armor of God,' and 'Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.' Our belt is truth and our breastplate is righteousness. The Savior is also called both 'truth' and 'righteousness.' On this principle He is also to be understood as the 'Gospel of peace.' He is Himself the 'shield of faith' and the helmet of salvation. He is the 'sword of the Spirit,' because He is the Word of God, living and efficacious, the utterance of which is stronger than any helmet and sharp on both sides.
St. Jerome
Unknown, 5th century

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Calendar

  • St. George Calendar

    November 15 to December 9, 2018

    Thursday, November 15

    Advent Fast

    Sunday, December 2

    Community 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

    Tuesday, December 4

    6:00PM Vespers

    6:30PM Inquirer Class

    Wednesday, December 5

    6:00PM Vespers

    Thursday, December 6

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    6:00PM Vespers

    Friday, December 7

    6:00PM Paraklisis

    Saturday, December 8

    6:00PM Vespers

    Sunday, December 9

    Community Christmas Card is on sale! Last Day!

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Religious Education

    12:00PM Parish Christmas Party

    12:00PM Coffee Hour

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St. George News and Events

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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

Have moved to Decmeber 9th 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.  

Parish Council 

Next meeting is December 20th , at 7 p.m. There will be training on the diffibrillator. 

Prosphora Schedule 

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

12/2 Manny & Jim, 12/9 James & Michael N., 2/16 Youth Group, 12/23 Danny & Ken, 12/30 Vago & Annette . Thank you. 

Religious Education

Sunday School

Lesson 9. Anyone in grades 5th and up who are interested in having their children participate in the monthly skits please see Zain or Hana Ayoub.

Youth Group/GOYA

Next meeting will be December 2nd at 12:345 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

Our parish book club is currently reading Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica. All are welcome to join us! 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 ARRIVALS: Welcoming the Christ Child: Family Readings for the Nativity Lent book, newly released Songs of Praise: A Psalter Devotional for Orthodox Women, Christmas greeting Cards, icons, 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 

Fire Victims

Please bring a store gift card Sunday for fire victims. See Danny at coffee hour.

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!

 

This Sunday is our annual Philoptochos Christmas Party/Meeting 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.comCode:42A1521E58345. 

Endowment

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

$1,034.60

Candles & Tray

$325/week

$156.00

 

 Birthdays     

  • 12/14     Despina Chaffee
  • 12/17     Ken Hackleman
  • 12/20     Lynn Budy
  • 12/22     Laila Ayoub
  • 12/26     Sarah Asmeron
  • 12/27     Marek Pearse
  • 12/27     Erin (Zoe) Strategos
  • 12/31     Sue-Ellen Mekhel

 

 

 

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