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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-12-09
Bulletin Contents
Allsaint
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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 Third Tone

Let the heavens rejoice! And let the earth be glad! For He has shown forth His power when the Lord lifted up His mighty arm! He has trampled down death by death, and first born among the dead has He become! From the depths of Hades, delivering mankind, He has granted great mercy on all the universe.

Apolytikion for Conception of the Theotokos in the Fourth Tone

Today the bonds of barrenness which held them have been loosened, for having heard the prayers of Joachim and Anna for a child, against all hope, God promised them a child, a divine maiden from whom the Infinite One Himself would be born, becoming a man, and commanding the angel to shout out to her: Rejoice, One Full of Grace, for the Lord is with you.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

All the world today breaks forth in celebration, for St. Anna bore a child that was conceived in her by God and is the Mother who bore the Word in such a manner beyond that which words can tell.
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
December 09

The Consecration of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) in the Holy City of Jerusalem

The majestic Church of the Resurrection, built by Saint Constantine the Great and his mother Helen, was consecrated in the year 336. In the year 614, this edifice was destroyed by the Persians, who set fire to it. Modestus, the Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Theodosius, and later Patriarch of Jerusalem, rebuilt the church in 626 and had it reconsecrated. In 637, Jerusalem fell to the Moslems; however, the holy shrines were left intact. But in 934, on the Sunday of Pascha, the Saracens set fire to part of this church. Again in 969, the Moslems set fire to the dome of the church, plundered all the sacred objects that were found therein, and surrendered John IV, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, to the flames. In 1010, the Moslems, under Hakim the Mad, Caliph of Egypt, destroyed the church to its foundations, but in 1028, by the mediation of Emperor Romanus III Argyrus of Constantinople, the church began to be rebuilt on a more modest scale. This third edifice was completed and reconsecrated in 1048. In 1099, the crusaders took Jerusalem and ruled there for eighty-eight years, and during this time they made certain changes in the structure, which, for the most part, has remained unaltered ever since (See also Sept. 13).

Allsaint
December 09

Narses the Martyr of Persia


Allsaint
December 09

Hannah the Righteous, mother of Samuel the Prophet


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 63.11,1.
The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Verse: Oh God, hear my cry.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 4:22-27.

Brethren, Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, the son of the free woman through promise. Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in travail; for the children of the desolate one are many more than the children of her that is married."


Gospel Reading

10th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 13:10-17

At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

So great an evil is envy. For not against strangers only, but even against our own, is it ever warring.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 40 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

And yet here He speaks only; whereas elsewhere in many cases He heals by laying on of hands also. But nevertheless none of these things made them meek; rather, while the man was healed, they by his health became worse. For His desire indeed was to cure them before him, and He tried innumerable ways of healing, both by what He did in their presence, and by what He said: but since their malady after all was incurable, He proceeded to the work.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 40 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

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Calendar

  • St. George Calendar

    November 15 to December 16, 2018

    Thursday, November 15

    Advent Fast

    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

    Tuesday, December 11

    6:00PM Vespers

    6:30PM Inquirer Class

    Wednesday, December 12

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    6:00PM Vespers

    Thursday, December 13

    6:00PM Vespers

    6:00PM Mens Group Meeting

    Friday, December 14

    6:00PM Paraklisis

    Saturday, December 15

    9:00AM 10 Year Planning Meeting

    10:00AM Christmas Pageant Practice

    6:00PM Vespers

    Sunday, December 16

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Christmas Pageant/Luncheon

    12:00PM Youth Group

    12:00PM Coffee Hour

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St. George News and Events

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Engagement

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. Sunday school will be having a raffle on a new television set.  Tickets will be $10 each or 6 tickets for $50.

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.

Christmas Pageant Practice

Practice will take place on Saturday the 15th at 10:00 a.m. If you would like your child to participate please have them attend.

Christmas Pageant and Pancake Fundraiser Next Sunday

Sunday school Christmas pageant December 16th immediately following Divine Liturgy. We will be having a pancake fundraiser and bake sale to benefit Sunday school.  Please support our St. George Kids!

Magnetic Festival Signs

There are still quite a few out there. Please return the signs to the office.

Parish Council Elections

Will take place this Sunday. As a reminder only members in good standing may vote in the elctions.

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 

12/9 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

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

Religious Education

Sunday School

Lesson 10. 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 on December 16th   at 12:30-1:45. We will be discussing fundraisers, fun activities and mission activities. Parents are encouraged to attend lessons and help supervise. Questions please call Michael or Gabriella Ryan at 219-3421.

HOPE/JOY

Next meeting to be announced.

Book Club 

Our parish book club is currently reading Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica. Our next gathering is Sunday, January 27th during coffee hour. All are welcome to join us! For more info call or text Monica (Cassiana) 661-337-0566 or email mejiamoe@gmail.com

Bookstore

Visit or contact the parish bookstore to purchase gifts for your loved ones in time for Christmas! 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

Gift cards for fire victims can be turned into the office. Last week we collected $350 of cards and shipped them to the Metropolis.

Church Beautification

Church beautification/Capital Improvements Fund collections as of December 7th , 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! TODAY IS THE LAST DAY, 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!

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). 

Holy Cross Seminarian

Anthony Cornett and family (Anna, Miriam, and Zoë).

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

$1,659.60

Candles & Tray

$325/week

$77.00

 

 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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