December 01
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-12-01
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Calendar
St. George News and Events
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (661) 325-8694
- Fax:
- (661)325-8694
- Email:
- secretary@ourparish.us
- Street Address:
- 401 Truxtun Avenue
- Bakersfield, CA 93301
- Mailing Address:
- 401 Truxtun Avenue
- Bakersfield, CA 93301
Contact Information
Services Schedule
Sundays:
Orthros - 8:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.
Weekdays:
Evening Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2019-11-24
- Publish Date:
- 2019-11-17
- Publish Date:
- 2019-11-10
- Publish Date:
- 2019-11-03
- Publish Date:
- 2019-10-27
- Publish Date:
- 2019-10-20
Hymns of the Day
Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone
Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.
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 Third Tone
On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
Saints and Feasts
December 01
Nahum the Prophet
The Prophet Nahum had Elkesaeus (Elkosh) as his homeland, and was from the tribe of Symeon; he is seventh in order among the twelve Minor Prophets He prophesied during the time of Hezekias, after the destruction of Samaria (721 years before Christ), but before the ten tribes were taken into captivity; he prophesied against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. His name means "comforter." His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters.
December 01
Philaret the Merciful of Amnia
Saint Philaret a native of Paphlagonia in Asia Minor, was a virtuous Christian layman who lived in lawful wedlock and raised a family. He was most renowned for his generosity to all in need. With the permission of God, in a short space of time he lost the greater part of his possessions to theft and other misfortunes and was left with nothing but his family, his home, and a little livestock. Yet he continued to give generously to the poor despite the faint-heartedness of his family, who reproached him for giving alms when they were in need themselves; and God, seeing his faith, restored his prosperity to him many times over. He foresaw the day of his death, and reposed in an odour of sanctity in Constantinople in 789.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Grave Tone. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:14-22.
Brethren, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Gospel Reading
14th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Wisdom of the Fathers
We may learn from this that when we ask with faith, God does not give something other than what we ask for, but the very same thing. However, when we ask for one thing and receive something else, it is clear that either we did not make a good request or we did not ask with faith.
The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Luke, 11th Century
Calendar
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St. George Calendar
December 1 to December 8, 2019
Sunday, December 18:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
Tuesday, December 310:15AM Women’s Psalter Study Group
6:00PM Vespers
6:30PM Inquirers Class
Wednesday, December 411:00AM Father Joseph Office Hours
6:00PM Vespers
Thursday, December 59:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:00AM Father Joseph Office Hours
6:00PM Vespers
7:00PM Bible Study
Friday, December 69:30AM Divine Liturgy
5:00PM Evening Office Hours - Sacrament of Holy Confession, No Appointment Necessary
6:00PM Paraclesis
Saturday, December 76:00PM Vespers
Sunday, December 88:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
St. George News and Events
Special Events Happening Today:
Ministries:
Philoptochos
Community Christmas Card! You can have your family be a part of our seasonal greetings to each other for just $10 (or more if we want to be generous). You may also choose to sponsor someone who is less fortunate to be in our Community Christmas Card. ALL proceeds go to the Bishop Anthony Student Aid Endowment Fund which provides our seminarians with scholarships (our own Michael Cornett benefits!) and the St George Benevolence Fund. See Joyce Cisneros or Mary Mekhel.
Next meeting is December 19th , at 7 p.m.
No Sunday School.
Questions please call Michael or Gabriella Ryan at 219-3421.
Calling all youth, grades 6th-12th for the Metropolis GOYA Winter Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, January 2-5, 2020. Reunite with old friends, and meet new ones as we come together during Christmas break for fun winter adventures at the Sequoias, hay rides with hot apple cider, visits to the Monastery, campfire & s'mores, awesome talks, and much more! Some of your favorite Metropolis Summer Camp Counselors will be there, so get ready for a fun time!!
DATES: January 2-5, 2020
LOCATION: St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center, Dunlap, CA
AGES: Open to all youth, grades 6th-12th
COST: $250 per person
REGISTRATION: Coming Soon
MORE INFO: http://gosfyouth.org/goya#/goya-winter-camp
CAMPER CHECK-IN TIME: Thursday 3:00pm - 7:00pm
CAMPER PICK UP TIME: Sunday 1:00pm - 2:00pm (Parents can join us for Liturgy on Sunday morning at the Monastery if they would like)
FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/410960669567451/
PARISH CARPOOLING RECOMMENDED
Memorial
40 Day Memorial for Christos Mavrokefalos. May his memory be eternal.
Parish Council Elections
To take place December 8th
Community Christmas Party
Tickets are now being sold for our annual Christmas party on December 8th. Please see Mary Mekhel or Sahar for tickets. All proceeds this year to benefit kitchen renovations
Sunday Coffee Hour
There are several Sundays left open this year for coffee hour. If you have not yet covered a Sunday this year please put your name on the sign up list in the hall.
Bible Study
Fr. Joseph will lead us through the Gospel of John. Next two Bible studies will be December 5th and December 12th from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at the home of Danny and Mary Andrews. 8001 Corte Rey. All parishioners are encouraged to attend. Bring and Orthodox Study Bible, pen, paper and highlighter. Study sessions will be held twice a month. Please check the St. George calendar online for future dates.
Women's Psalter Study Group
We meet on the first Tuesday of every month. Next meeting is Tuesday, Dec 3rd at 10:15 am to discuss Kathisma 3 (Psalms 17-23). Join us for study, coffee, and fellowship! For more info or to RSVP, please visit our parish bookstore or contact Monica (Cassiana). ADVENT PSALTER GROUP ROTATIONS: We have reached our 20 member goal! Each participant will be reading one different Kathisma each day and will rotate throughout the Nativity Fast. This means we will be reading the whole Psalter every day for the next 40 days, twice, on behalf of our parish! Many thanks and God bless those who are partaking of this beautiful community endeavor. If anyone else is interested contact Heather West
Book Club
All are welcome! We are currently reading Father Arseny, 1893-1973: Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father. Our next gathering will be on Sunday, Nov 24th in the church hall and we will be discussing pages 39 to 98. For more details, see bookstore or contact Monica (Cassiana) 661-337-0566
Bookstore
The church bookstore is open Sundays during coffee hour or by appointment. For more info, special ordering, or questions please call or text Julie Pierucci (661) 342-2407.
Prosphora Schedule
12/1 Basema Madain, 12/9 Mary Mekhel, 12/15 Sahar Ayoub, 12/22 Joyce Cisneros, 12/29 Nahla Demestihas, 1/5 Olympia Hackleman, 1/12 Basema Madain, 1/19 Mary Mekhel, 1/26 Sahar Ayoub. 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.
Social Media
Follow and join us on Facebook!
St George Orthodox Christian Church of Bakersfield: www.facebook.com/StGeorgeOrthodoxBakersfield
St George Orthodox Community of Bakersfield (Facebook Group): www.facebook.com/groups/175227557308
General Announcements:
Legacy
Leave your mark!
Consider naming St. George Church as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy. It's a great legacy gift to your parish and very easy to do...just ask your provider for the change beneficiary form and complete and return to them. The legal name for the church is Hellenic Community St. George Church Tax ID #95-3575365 God bless you.
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.
Text Notifications
If you 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
Thank you for helping keep our hall neat and clean. 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. 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.
Father Joseph's Hours
Father Joseph will be in the office Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 to 3:00.
Father will also maintain office hours on Friday evenings from from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the sacrament of Holy Confession. He will be available to meet in the hall, narthex, or crying room on these nights. Please feel free to send Father Joseph a text message at 661-496-5768 during this time to check his availability. You will receive an estimated wait time if any.
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
Be cautious of scaffolding as construction is underway for the fascia repairs and painting of the church exterior. Thank you to those who contributed to the Capital Improvements Fund. An electric gate in the alley is next once we receive more donations.
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: Daniel(Moses), Angela, Michelle.
- Holy Cross Seminarian Anthony Cornett and family (Anna, Miriam,Zoë and Despina).
- 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-Naguib,Katherine,Kaliope,Lorece Noel,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,Noah A.,Nick K., Kyriaki, Fred, Hannah, Irene Sinopole, Helen Protopapas, Candess Strategos,Gene, Kathy, Sofia, Clemy (Clementina), Jane, and Matthew.
- Non-Orthodox -Amparo, Mark, Uvaldo,Yesenia, 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 |
$$3,750/week |
$2,918.28 |
|
Candles & Tray |
$325/week |
$50.00 |
Annivesaries
- 12/01 Jim & Eleni Souther
- 12/24 Joseph & Irene Sinopole
- 12/28 James & Jennifer Dean
Birthdays
- 12/3 Zaid Dawood
- 12/8 Nuha Al-Sheikh
- 12/14 Despina Chaffee
- 12/17 Ken Hackleman
- 12/20 David Yanney
- 12/22 Laila Ayoub
- 12/22 Lorin Neesan
- 12/24 Nate Murray
- 12/26 Sara Asmerom
- 12/27 Marek Pearse
- 12/27 Erin Strategos
- 12/31 Sue-Ellen DiFilipe
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.