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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-12-16
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Calendar
St. George News and Events
Forefathers
Organization Icon
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

Website / Email Editor


editor@ourparish.us | 661-564-2347

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 Fourth Tone

Having learned the joyful tidings the angels told when they proclaimed the Resurrection, the women followers of the Lord did cast aside the ancient curse laid upon the forefathers. To the apostles, the women cried out with pride: “Death has lost its armored might, and Christ God is risen from the dead, granting his great mercy to all the universe”.

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the Second Tone

The Forefathers, by faith, You justified through them betrothing You the Church of the Gentiles. The Saints boast in glory, because from their seed sprouted forth a glorious fruit; she who without seed gave birth to You. By their supplications, O Christ Who are God, save our souls.

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 angels and with the shepherds, Him who willingly appears as a newborn baby, yet he is God before time.
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Saints and Feasts

Forefathers
December 16

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

Allsaint
December 16

The Holy Prophet Aggaeus (Haggai)

The Prophet Aggaeus, whose name means "festive," was born in Babylon at the time of the captivity Of the Jews. He began to prophesy in Jerusalem after their return thereto, and to admonish the people to rebuild the Temple, in the days of Zorobabel, the second year of the reign of Darius Hystaspes, King of Persia, about the year 520 before Christ. His prophecy, divided into two chapters, is ranked tenth among the minor Prophets.

Allsaint
December 16

Memnonus, Archbishop of Ephesus

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11.

Brethren, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

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Wisdom of the Fathers

This parable ... proclaims beforehand both the casting out of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles; and it indicates together with this also the strictness of the life required, and how great the punishment appointed for the careless ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

And when were they bidden? By all the prophets; by John again; for unto Christ he would pass all on, saying, "He must increase, I must decrease;" by the Son Himself again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you;" and again, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

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Calendar

  • St. George Calendar

    December 16 to December 24, 2018

    Sunday, December 16

    Advent Fast

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Christmas Pageant/Luncheon

    12:00PM Youth Group

    12:00PM Coffee Hour

    Monday, December 17

    Advent Fast

    Tuesday, December 18

    Advent Fast

    6:00PM Vespers

    6:30PM Inquirer Class

    Wednesday, December 19

    Advent Fast

    6:00PM Vespers

    Thursday, December 20

    Advent Fast

    6:00PM Vespers

    7:00PM Parish Council Meeting

    Friday, December 21

    Advent Fast

    6:00PM Paraklisis

    Saturday, December 22

    Advent Fast

    6:00PM Vespers

    Sunday, December 23

    Advent Fast

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Coffee Hour

    Monday, December 24

    Advent Fast

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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.

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 This Sunday

Sunday school Christmas pageant today immediately following Divine Liturgy. We will be having a pancake fundraiser to benefit Sunday school. Suggested donation is $5 per plate.  Please support our St. George Kids!

Condolences

Our Condolences to the Jennings/Dean families on the falling asleep of Daniel Conner.  The Godson and nephew of Mary Jennings and cousin of David, Leann, Matthew and Jenny. Please keep them all in your prayers.  May his memory be eternal.

Magnetic Festival Signs

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

Parish Council Election Results

Congratulations to the newly elected parish council members: Emmanuel Strategos, Theodore Budy, Tom Dorlis and Namaz Pimentel.

Men's Group

Next meeting to be announced.

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 

12/16 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

12/16 Youth Group, 12/23 Danny & Ken, 12/30 Vago & Annette . Thank you. 

Religious Education

Sunday School

Christmas Pageant this Sunday.  Please have your children go to the hall immediately after communion for a costume change.  Anyone in grades 5th and up who is 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

This Sunday is the last Sunday to turn in retail gift cards for fire victims. They will be sent by FedEx to Metropolis next week.

Church Beautification

Church beautification/Capital Improvements Fund collections as of December 15th, 2018 are $6,850.00. Once more funds are collected we can begin Phase II.

Philoptochos Announcements

Think about joining the ranks of the Philoptochos!  

We will be collecting dues now through February 3rd for 2019. $40 helps our charities!

You don’t have to be a female or orthodox to join - the only requirement is a minimum age of 18.

LOCAL WINTER GIVING PROJECT

Our local giving project for this winter is for the Kern Autism Society. We will be collecting items from Sunday, December 23rd through January 27th. Look for a flyer as well as the bins for deposit soon! Here is a “wish list” from them:

 

Small drinking water bottles                                         Non-toxic paints
 
Non-toxic markers                                                        Construction Paper
 
Craft Supplies of all sorts                                             Play-Doh-non toxic
 
LEGO kits in boxes new-all ages are appreciated           Puzzles (large size pieces)
 
Coloring books                                                            Toys-sensory learning type-all ages
 
Children's picture books                                                           Printer Paper 8.5 X 11
 
Bubbles-small and large bottles                                    Socks and underwear packages for all ages
 
Hats and Gloves for all ages                                          Building Blocks/Board Games

Vasilopita Benefit Luncheon - January 6th

In 1944 the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America and later Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras designated the Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapters of our Archdiocese to raise funds for St. Basil's Academy in Garrison, N.Y. which housed at that time, as it does now, orphans, unwanted children, children from broken homes as well as children that families cannot economically provide for. One of the fund-raising events instituted at that time is the observance of the Vasilopita. The word Vasilopita is acompound Greek word that means the sweet bread of Saint Basil. The annual observance of the Vasilopita originated from the January 1st Feast Day of Saint Basil in respect for his many theological contributions to the Church and to mankind. This event gathers funds for our Local Philoptochos Charities as well as St Basils Academy which is owned and operated by the National Philoptochos. This event helps to raise the needed funds to care for these children – please plan on attending.

Annual Kids-n-Cancer Bingo Fundraiser Event – February 2nd

It's not too early to put our Annual Kids-n-Cancer Event on your calendars! It will be held on Saturday, February 2nd from 1:00- 4:00 pm. Tickets will be available starting January 6th. Every year we sell out as there are a limited number of seats - so get yours early!If you would like to help our Kids-n-Cancer event by being a part of our "basket teams", please contact any Philoptochos Board Member - we are looking for about 50 people to help (6 people to a basket).  

This event is filled with lots of bingo fun, beautiful baskets to be raffled off and above all fellowship – all profits go to great causes: the Philoptochos Kids-n-Cancer Program and the Emilio Nares Foundation for transferring children back and forth between their hospital/medical visits and their homes. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased before the event - tickets WILL NOT BE SOLD at the door!

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. 

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-Mary C., 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

$4,795.00

Candles & Tray

$325/week

$141.00

 

 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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