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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-03-24
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 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. O-te-ka-til-dhes pros ton tha-na-ton I zo-I I a-tha-na-tos, to-te ton A-dhin e-ne-kro-sas ti a-stra-pi tis The-o-ti-tos. O-te dhe ke tous te-then-o-tas ek ton ka-tach-tho-ni-o a-ne-sti-sas pa-se e dhi-na-mis ton e-pou-ra-ni-on e-krav-ya-zon. Zo-o-dho-ta- Chri-ste, o Theo-os i-mon, dho-xa-si.

Apolytikion of Forefeast of the Annunciation in the Fourth Tone

Today is the prelude of joy for the whole world; therefore with gladness let us celebrate in preparation for, behold, Gabriel comes to her and cries aloud: Rejoice, O you who are full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Apolytikion of Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

O light of Orthodoxy, O pillar of strength and teacher of the Church! Glory of monks and nuns, and of the theologians, the protector invincible! O wonder worker Gregory, pride of Thessalonika and preacher of grace, intercede without ceasing for the salvation of our souls.

Apolytikion for the Church in the First Tone

As a liberator of prisoners, and as a guardian of the poor, a doctor of the sick, a defender of kings. Trophy bearer, O Great Martyr George. Intercede to Christ our God, and save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

By the presentation of the most Holy Spirit and the archangel's calling out, you bore the One who shares the Throne and the form of the Father, Mother who brings forth God's calling of Adam back.
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Saints and Feasts

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March 24

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

Allsaint
March 24

Forefeast of the Annunciation

Allsaint
March 24

Bp. Artemon

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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 Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3.

"IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For though in the beginning He Himself went about, and did not require so much faith of them that came unto Him; yet in this case they both approached Him, and had faith required on their part. For, "Seeing," it is said, "their faith;" that is, the faith of them that had let the man down.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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Calendar

  • St. George Calendar

    March 11 to March 31, 2019

    Monday, March 11

    Great Lent

    Sunday, March 24

    St. Gregory Palamas

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Religious Education

    12:00PM Welcome Committee Meeting 2

    Monday, March 25

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    Tuesday, March 26

    6:00PM Great Compline

    6:30PM Inquirer Class

    Wednesday, March 27

    6:00PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

    Thursday, March 28

    6:00PM Great Compline

    7:00PM Parish Council Meeting

    Friday, March 29

    9:30AM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

    6:00PM Third Salutations to the Theotokos

    Saturday, March 30

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, March 31

    Sunday of the Holy Cross

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Philoptochos Holy Cross Luncheon

    12:30PM Youth Group Meeting

    1:00PM Book Club Meeting

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St. George News and Events

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Special Events Happening Today:

One year Memorial: for Noor Totah, Nahla Demestihas' mother.  May her memory be eternal.

Coffee Hour Hosted by: Demestihas family in memory of Noor Totah.

Timely Notes: 

 

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 51. 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.

Philoptochos Announcement

This year, March 31st marks the third Sunday during Lent. Immediately following church services, we have a luncheon to benefit two institutions close to our church’s heart: St Nicholas Ranch and Holy Cross Seminary. We ask that everyone mark their calendars and join us to help raise funds to keep these beautiful places of tradition open and operating. The ranch where young hearts are developed more deeply towards our orthodox church (and our young people attend each year) and the seminary where young minds are trained to serve it. With our own Michael Cornett currently attending the seminary, it has an even deeper meaning for us as a parish. Please come out and support these worthy causes and enjoy a beautiful lunch.

MISSIONS POSSIBLE!

Missions Possible 2019 runs March 17th-June 2nd (Great Lent - Pentecost)! The goal of this annual campaign is to educate the faithful about our evangelistic calling and to raise funds for our Metropolis missions, as well as other worthwhile charities. Our goal this year is to raise $2000. Please pick up a cup and bring it each week to add your donation to our rising thermometer! Together we can do much for missions work in the US and abroad. 

Men’s Group of St. George Church

Next meeting is April 11th. 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 school lesson 16.  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.

Lenten Psalm Group

Lenten Psalm group will start today.  We will read a Psalm each day until April 7th.  Please grab a plate of food to sit and have a discussion in the hall at 12:00 p.m. on April 7th.Please see or call Irene Sinopole at 832-1871.

Prosphora Schedule 

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 17th  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

$2,296.80

Candles & Tray

$250/week

$218.00

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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