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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-03-17
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Calendar
St. George News and Events
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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 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. Tou li-thou sfra-yi-sthen-dos i-po ton I-ou-dhe-on ke stra-ti-ton fi-las-son ton to a-hran-don sou so-ma a-ne-stis tri-i-me-ros So-tir dho-rou-me-nos to kos-mo-tin zo-in. Dhi-a tou-to e dhi-na-mis ton ou-ra-non e-vo-on si, zo-o-dho-ta. Dho-xa ti A-na-sta-si sou Chri-ste; dho-xa ti va-si-li-a sou; dho-xa ti i-ko-no-mi-a sou; mo-ne-fi-lan thro-pe.

Apolytikion in the Second Tone

Before your most pure icon, O Good One, we bow down beseeching your forgiveness of our faltering steps, O Christ, our God. For by your own will you did consent to ascend to the Cross to deliver your creations from the bondage of the foe. Therefore in thanksgiving we cry aloud to you, our Savior, who has filled all things with joy! For you have come to us save all Creation.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Tone

To you, Defender and Commander in a time of war, I, your City, offer gratitude for victory, for you rescued me from suff'rings , O Theotokos. Since the power you possess is unassailable, from all dangers I entreat you to deliver me, that I may cry to you: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride.
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Saints and Feasts

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March 17

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.

Allsaint
March 17

Alexis the Man of God

Saint Alexis was born in old Rome of illustrious parents named Euphemianus and Aglais, and at their request was joined to a young woman in marriage. However, he did not remain with her even for one day, but fled to Edessa, where he lived for eighteen years. He returned to Rome in the guise of a beggar and sat at the gates of his father's house, unknown to all and mocked by his own servants. His identity was revealed only after his death by a paper that he had on his person, which he himself had written a little before his repose. The pious Emperor Honorius honoured him with a solemn burial. The title "Man of God" was given to him from heaven in a vision to the Bishop of Rome on the day of the Saint's repose.

Allsaint
March 17

Patrick, Enlightener of Ireland

Saint Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish, was seized from his native Britain by Irish marauders when he was sixteen years old. Though the son of a deacon and a grandson of a priest, it was not until his captivity that he sought out the Lord with his whole heart. In his Confession, the testament he wrote towards the end of his life, he says, "After I came to Ireland - every day I had to tend sheep, and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was so moved that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many at night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountain; and I would rise for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm." After six years of slavery in Ireland, he was guided by God to make his escape, and afterwards struggled in the monastic life at Auxerre in Gaul, under the guidance of the holy Bishop Germanus. Many years later he was ordained bishop and sent to Ireland once again, about the year 432, to convert the Irish to Christ. His arduous labours bore so much fruit that within seven years, three bishops were sent from Gaul to help him shepherd his flock, "my brethren and sons whom I have baptized in the Lord - so many thousands of people," he says in his Confession. His apostolic work was not accomplished without much "weariness and painfulness," long journeys through difficult country, and many perils; he says his very life was in danger twelve times. When he came to Ireland as its enlightener, it was a pagan country; when he ended his earthly life some thirty years later, about 461, the Faith of Christ was established in every corner.

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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 Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40.

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Peter, when after so many miracles and such high doctrine he confessed that, "Thou art the Son of God" (Matt. xvi. 16), is called "blessed," as having received the revelation from the Father;
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

... while Nathanael, though he said the very same thing before seeing or hearing either miracles or doctrine, had no such word addressed to him, but as though he had not said so much as he ought to have said, is brought to things greater still.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

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Calendar

  • St. George Calendar

    March 11 to March 24, 2019

    Monday, March 11

    Great Lent

    Sunday, March 17

    Sunday of Orthodoxy

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Coffee Hour

    12:00PM Philoptochos General Meeting

    12:00PM Youth Group and Movie Fellowship

    12:00PM Choir practice for Lent

    Tuesday, March 19

    6:00PM Great Compline

    6:30PM Inquirer Class

    Wednesday, March 20

    6:00PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

    Thursday, March 21

    6:00PM Great Compline

    Friday, March 22

    9:30AM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

    6:00PM Second Salutations to the Theotokos

    Saturday, March 23

    Women’s Lenten Mini Retreat

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, March 24

    St. Gregory Palamas

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Religious Education

    12:00PM Welcome Committee Meeting 2

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St. George News and Events

Information_button

Special Events Happening Today:

Coffee Hour Hosted by: Jim & Francine Cox 

Meetings: Philoptochos General Meeting

Timely Notes: 

Service Times

Ministries:

Philoptochos

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!

Missions Possible is coming soon! Information will be given to the parish on Sunday, March 17th.  

Men’s Group of St. George Church

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

Couples Ministry

Friday, April 12th. We would like to attend the Akathist service and then join in fellowship at the Noodle Bar. Visit our Couples Ministry resource page for more information and a link to the videos. 

Parish Council 

Next meeting is March 28th, at 7 p.m. 

Sunday School

Sunday of Orthodoxy. No Sunday school  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 

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

Looking for devotional items for Great Lent or Pascha? Please visit the parish bookstore and place your orders soon! Bookstore is open Sundays during coffee hour or by appointment. Coming soon: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families! 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.

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.  

Prosphora Schedule 

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.

Evangelism and Outreach

Questions please call Michael Ryan at 747-1603.

General Announcements: 

Text Notifications

We have sent two text messages using our new Text Notification System.  The first was to announce the system, the second was to advise of time change and change to the Divine Liturgy start time. If you did not receive these messages, 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. 

Stewardships Envelopes

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

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.   

Father Joseph's Hours

Father Joseph will be in the office Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 to 3:00. Wednesday and Friday and available at the church by appointment. Confessions appointments can be made with Sahar or Presbytera. 

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.

Church Beautification

Church beautification/Capital Improvements Fund collections as of March 14th  are $6,850.00. Once more funds are collected we can begin Phase II.

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.

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-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

$3,000/week

$7,415.00

Candles & Tray

$250/week

$130.00

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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