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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-03-03
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Calendar
St. George News and Events
Lastjudgement1
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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

Website / Email Tom Dorlis


webmaster@ourparish.us | 661-564-2347

Services Schedule

Sundays:

Orthros - 9:00 a.m.

Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m.

Weekdays:

Evening Vespers - 6:00 p.m.

Calendar

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone

O Lord, You have by Your Cross brought an end to death, and Paradise You have made open to the thief. You have transformed the laments of the myrrh bearers, and sent forth your apostles, commanding that they proclaim that You are risen from death, O Christ our God, bestowing great mercy upon the universe.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone

When you, O God, shall come to the earth with glory, all of Creation shall tremble and a river of fire shall flow before you judgment seat. The books shall be opened and the hidden things shall be disclosed to all; then deliver me from the ever burning fire, and make me worthy to stand at your right hand, O Judge who is most just.
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Saints and Feasts

Lastjudgement1
March 03

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday.

Allsaint
March 03

The Holy Martyrs Eutropius, Cleonicus, and Basiliscus

The Martyrs, who were from Amasia, were fellow soldiers and kinsmen of Saint Theodore the Tyro (see Feb. 17). They were betrayed to the Governor Asclepiodotus as Christians, during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). After many torments, Eutropius and Cleonicus were crucified; Basiliscus was not slain together with them, but was shut up in prison, in the hope that with time he might change his mind and sacrifice to the idols. He was beheaded on May 22; see also the account on that day.

Allsaint
March 03

Theodoretos the Holy Martyr of Antioch

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Tone. Psalm 146.5;134.3.
Great is our Lord, and great is his power.
Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2.

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

He indicates the dispositions of each, calling the one kids, the other sheep, that He might indicate the unfruitfulness of the one, for no fruit will come from kids; and the great profit from the other, for indeed from sheep great is the profit, as well from the milk, as from the wool, and from the young, of all which things the kid is destitute.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily on Matt. XXV, 4th Century

For when one has pity on the poor, he lends to God; and he who gives to the least gives to God--sacrifices spiritually to God an odour of a sweet smell.
St. Cyprian of Carthage
The Lord's Prayer, 33. B#41, p.102, 3rd century

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Calendar

  • St. George Calendar

    February 17 to March 11, 2019

    Sunday, February 17

    Triodion

    Sunday, March 3

    9:00AM Orthros

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Religious Education

    12:00PM Choir practice for Lent

    12:00PM Coffee Hour

    12:30PM Youth Group Meeting

    12:30PM Homeless Initiative Meeting

    Tuesday, March 5

    6:00PM Vespers

    6:30PM Inquirer Class

    Wednesday, March 6

    6:00PM Vespers

    Thursday, March 7

    6:00PM Vespers

    Friday, March 8

    6:00PM Paraklisis

    7:00PM Couples Ministry Meeting

    Saturday, March 9

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy

    6:00PM Vespers

    Sunday, March 10

    Forgiveness Sunday

    Day Trip to Life Giving Spring Monastery

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Coffee Hour

    12:00PM Festival Meeting

    12:30PM Youth Group Fundraiser and Coffee Hour

    Monday, March 11

    Great Lent

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St. George News and Events

Information_button

Special Events Happening Today:

 

Engagement

Service Times

Starting next week with the time change Orthros will begin at 8:30,Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m

Clean Monday

Monday, March 11th marks the first day of Lent. Come and join us as we do a prayer service starting at 5:00 pm, followed by a Lenten Meal. This is a great way to start off your Lenten Journey on the right foot and with your Church Family. Hopefully you will be able to attend.

Text Notifications

We sent out our first message this week for our new Text Notification System.  If you did not receive this message, and would like to be part of our system, please provide your phone number to Sahar (stgeosecretary@gmail.com).

This service will only be used to notify parishioners of any changes to service times or to provide information on events or occurences that affect the entire parish.  We see this as being used infrequently but feel that we need to an effective way to communicate important information quickly. 

House Blessings

Father will be blessing homes until March 10th. Please contact Sahar or Presbytera to schedule.

Stewardships Envelopes

Each family is asked to sign off on a box of envelopes.  Please see Julie in the bookstore.

Men’s Group of St. George Church

Next meeting is March 14th from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. following Vespers.  Attendees are invited to attend Vespers prior to the meeting starting at 6:00 pm.  At this meeting we will begin our journey through the "Lionheart" series. 

Couples Ministry

Friday, March 8th, from 7:00 -8:15 p.m. at the home of Tom & Elaine Dorlis, 8813 Bridlewood Lane 93311.  We will discuss fasting using the Trench episode "Death by Fasting". Visit our Couples Ministry resource page for more information and a link to the video.  Also, we ask that all couples a small appetizer to share and one or two of their favorite Lenten recipes.  We will combine the recipes into a "cookbook" which we will send to meeting attendees and add to our Lenten Resource site. 

Items on the Bar in the Hall

We are asking all parishioners--young and old--to help clean the hall clutter.  Many items are frequently left in the bar area, kitchen and back room.  Beginning in January, any clothing, books, decorations, office supplies, etc. will be saved for two weeks.  After that time all remaining items will be gathered and donated to local charities.

Please check the hall every Sunday to claim your family's items and take them home. 

Thank you for helping keep our hall neat and clean.   

Parish Council News

The Parish Council has implemented 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 from 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 March 28th, at 7 p.m. 

Prosphora Schedule 

3/3 Nahla Demestihas, 3/10 Olympia Hackleman, 3/17 Elaine Dorlis, 3/24 Mary Mekhel, 3/31 Sahar Ayoub, 4/7 Basema Madain, 4/14 Nahla Demestihas, 4/21 Olympia Hackleman, 4/27 Mary Mekhel, 5/5 Sahar Ayoub, 5/12 Elaine Dorlis, 5/19 Basema Madain, 5/26 Nahla Demestihas, 6/2 Olympia Hackleman, 6/9 Sahar Ayoub, 6/16 Elaine Dorlis, 6/23 Mary Mekhel, 6/30 Basema Madain.  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.

Sunday School

Sunday school Lesson 15.  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 

March 10th coffee hour fundraiser. Funds raised will go towards upcoming events and travel. Suggested donation -$8 ages 12 and over, $4.00 for child. Families of 4-5 is $25 and 6 or more is $35. Any additional donations are appreciated. 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, March 31st during coffee hour. We will be discussing Part Two, chapters 10 through 13. All are welcome to join! For more info, call or text Monica (Cassiana) 337-0566 or email mejiamoe@gmail.com

Bookstore

The church bookstore is open Sundays during coffee hour. For more info, special ordering, or questions please 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.

Welcoming Ministry

Meeting this Sunday at 12:30 in the hall. We are starting a welcoming ministry class to train for the welcoming of parishioners and inquirers of the faith. We are asking for 5-6 volunteers. Questions please call Michael Ryan at 747-1603.

Coffee Hour

Hosted by the Dawood family.

Church Beautification

Church beautification/Capital Improvements Fund collections as of February 28th  are $6,850.00. Once more funds are collected we can begin Phase II.

Charity

Homeless Initiative Meeting Recap and Reboot for Lent - RESCHEDULED!

Sorry for the change of date but please join us on Sunday, March 3rd following Divine Liturgy to recap our November event with a pros and cons analysis as well as planning a future date for a Spring Initiative. Hope you can join us!

Philoptochos Announcements

Dues are being collected!  

We will be collecting dues now until we meet our goal! Last year we had 57 members - this year we would love 60. So far we are at 42. Join us as $40 helps our charities! 

Anyone (male or female or non-orthodox) who is 18 years of age or older may join. We encourage our High School Seniors to join as well as a way of giving back to others.

Next Philoptochos General Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 17th after Divine Liturgy. Grab some food and join us in the back rooms where we will have some tables set up for us to eat at and enjoy some fellowship. See everyone there!

Outreach 

Evangelism and Outreach

Questions please call Michael Ryan at 747-1603.

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.

Please Note: 

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 (Porphyrios), 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-Edward, Nicholas, Elaine, 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, Joseph, Stephen, Elizabeth,Ellen, Ling, Richard, Christine & David, Debby.

 Financials               Budgeted                    Actual

Stewardship

$4,750/week

$2.130.35

Candles & Tray

$250/week

$139.00

Anniversaries

  • 3/4 Naguib & Mary Mekhel

Birthdays  

  • 3/02 Demetrios Strategos
  • 3/04 Yohannes Mesfin
  • 3/07 Andrea Strategos
  • 3/09 Nektarios Chaffee
  • 3/09 George Demestihas
  • 3/09 Katerina Copeland
  • 3/12 Kathy Exarchoulakos
  • 3/13 Ray Southerd
  • 3/17 Evangelos Demestihas
  • 3/20 Michael Ryan
  • 3/21 Pamela Liascos
  • 3/23 Panagiotis Chaffee
  • 3/25 Natalie Becerra
  • 3/28 Mary Andrews

 

Please note:  All bulletin announcements must be received each week by 3:00 pm Tuesday to be included in the Sunday bulletin for that week. 

 

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