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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-03-31
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Calendar
St. George News and Events
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

Website / Email Tom Dorlis


webmaster@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

Apolytikion of Sun. of the Elevation of the Cross in the First Tone

Save O Lord, Save Your people, and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to the faithful, over their adversaries. And protect Your commonwealth, by the power of Your Cross.

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. Ef-fre-ne-stho ta ou-ra-ni-a, a-yal-li-a-stho ta e-pi-yi-a, o-ti- e-pi-i-se kra-tos en vra-hi-o-ni af-tou o Ky-ri-os. E-pa-ti-se to tha-na-to ton tha-na-ton, pro-to-to-kos ton ne-kron e-ye-ne-to, ek ki-li-as A-dhou er-ri-sa-to i-mas ke pa-re-sche to kos-mo to me-ya e-le-os.

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

Allsaint
March 31

Akakios the Confessor

03_calvary
March 31

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

Allsaint
March 31

Hieromartyr Hypatius

This Saint, who was from Cilicia of Asia Minor, became Bishop of Gangra, the capital of Paphlagonia. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council. Because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he was put to death by the Novatians, a sect which denied that sins committed after Baptism could be forgiven.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

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Wisdom of the Fathers

And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

"I force not, I compel not, but each one I make lord of his own choice; wherefore also I say, 'If any man will.' For to good things do I call you, not to things evil, or burdensome; not to punishment and vengeance, that I should have to compel.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century

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Calendar

  • St. George Calendar

    March 11 to April 7, 2019

    Monday, March 11

    Great Lent

    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

    Tuesday, April 2

    6:00PM Great Compline

    6:30PM Inquirer Class

    Wednesday, April 3

    6:00PM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

    Thursday, April 4

    6:00PM Great Compline

    Friday, April 5

    9:30AM Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

    6:00PM Fourth Salutations to the Theotokos

    Saturday, April 6

    6:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, April 7

    Sunday of St. John Climacus

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Religious Education

    11:30AM Coffee Hour

    12:00PM Psalm Party

    12:00PM Choir practice for Lent/Holy Week

    12:30PM Youth Group Car Wash Fundraiser

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St. George News and Events

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Special Events Happening Today:

Luncheon for the Sunday of the Holy Cross (sponsored by Philoptochos) - Proceeds will benefit Holy Cross Seminary and St. Nicholas Ranch. 

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 Announcements:

MISSIONS POSSIBLE!

Missions Possible 2019 has begun (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 two other worthwhile charities: Project Mexico/St Innocent Orphanage and St Ignatius School in Calcutta, India. Our goal this year is to raise $2000 or more! 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.   

HOLY CROSS LUNCHEON

This Sunday 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.

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 May 23rd, 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

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 

3/31 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. If you want to learn more about how to make Prosphora, you can visit our Prosphoro site under the "Resources" tab on our website. 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 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), Daniel(Moses). 
  • 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

$2,000/week

$2,000.60

Candles & Tray

$500/week

$290.00

Anniversaries

  • 4/20 Emmanuel and Erin Strategos

  • 4/26 John & Irene Wilson

Birthdays  

  • 4/2 Nickolas Antonaros

  • 4/6 Anthony Cornett
  • 4/7 Miriam Cornett
  • 4/15 Tom Dorlis
  • 4/20 Sahar Ayoub
  • 4/22 Kim Niz
  • 4/25 Joe Sinopole
  • 4/25 Max Dean
  • 4/27 Evanthia Chaffee
  • 4/28 Mark Pearse
  • 4/29 Cahon Grens

 

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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