Sundays:
Orthros - 8:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.
Weekdays:
Evening Vespers - 6:00 p.m.
When the persecution of Diocletian broke out in 290, Saint Theopemptus, a bishop, was taken for his confession of Christ, and convicted Diocletian to his face for his error and ungodliness. Remaining unhurt after cruel tortures, he was given poison to drink, which had been prepared by a sorcerer named Theonas. Protected by divine grace from this also, he drew Theonas to Christ, and after other torments, was beheaded. Saint Theonas was cast into a pit and buried alive.
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 Second Letter to Timothy 4:5-8.
TIMOTHY, my son, always be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.
For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Sunday before Epiphany
The Reading is from Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophets, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' John was baptizing in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
GOYA Winter Camp
Blessing of Homes
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
11:30AM Philoptohos Vasilopita Luncheon
9:30AM Divine Liturgy - Theophany (followed by Great Blessing of the Waters)
10:15AM Women’s Psalter Study Group
6:00PM Vespers
11:00AM Father Joseph Office Hours
6:00PM Vespers
11:00AM Father Joseph Office Hours
6:00PM Akathist of Thanksgiving
7:00PM Bible Study
5:00PM Evening Office Hours - Sacrament of Holy Confession, No Appointment Necessary
6:00PM Paraclesis
9:30AM Divine Liturgy (Tehachapi) - St. Theodosius
6:00PM Vespers
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
12:00PM Youth Group Meeting
Special Events Happening Today:
Ministries:
Philoptochos
Vasilopita Benefit Luncheon - January 5th
In 1944 the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America and later Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras designated the Ladies Philoptochos Society Chapters of our Archdiocese to raise funds for St. Basil's Academy in Garrison, N.Y. which housed at that time, as it does now, orphans, unwanted children, children from broken homes as well as children that families cannot economically provide for. One of the fund-raising events instituted at that time is the observance of the Vasilopita. The word Vasilopita is a compound Greek word that means the sweet bread of Saint Basil. The annual observance of the Vasilopita originated from the January 1st Feast Day of Saint Basil in respect for his many theological contributions to the Church and to mankind.
This event gathers funds for our Local Philoptochos Charities as well as St Basils Academy which is owned and operated by the National Philoptochos. This event helps to raise the needed funds to care for these children – please plan on attending.
Annual Kids-n-Cancer/Philoptochos Charities Bingo Fundraiser Event – January 25th
It's not too early to put our Annual Kids-n-Cancer Event on your calendars! It will be held on Saturday, January 25th from 1:00- 4:00 pm. Tickets will be available starting December 29th. Every year we sell out as there are a limited number of seats - so get yours early!
If you would like to help our Kids-n-Cancer event by being a part of our "basket teams", please contact any Philoptochos Board Member - we are looking for about 50 people to help (6 people to a basket).
This event is filled with lots of bingo fun, beautiful baskets to be raffled off and above all fellowship – all profits go to great causes such as the Philoptochos Kids-n-Cancer Program, the Emilio Nares Foundation, St Nicholas Ranch and many mores. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased before the event - tickets WILL NOT BE SOLD at the door!
Thank you to Ken Hackleman and Michael Ryan for serving their term on the Parish Council.
Welcome to Ted Exarchoulakos and Julie Pierucci as newly elected members for three years and to James Dean and Danny Andrews for being re-elected. We have one open seat on the Parish Council. Contact any PC member, Father Joseph or Sahar if you are interested in serving.
Next meeting is January 23rd, at 7:00 p.m.
Stewardship Commitment Form
Everyone is encouraged to fill out the form that is available on the St. Goerge website and have it turned into the office in January.
Sunday School will resume January 12th after the holidays.
Next meeting is January 12th after service.
Sunday Coffee Hour
There will be a new sign up for coffee hours. Please plan on signing up for a Sunday this year.
Bible Study
Will be held on January 9th 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. Join us for study, coffee, and fellowship! For more info or to RSVP, please visit our parish bookstore or contact Monica (Cassiana).
Book Club
Father Arseny January 26th at 12:15 p.m. All are welcome! 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.
Coffee Hour
Prosphora Schedule
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
Envelopes have arrived for the new year. 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.
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:
Financials Budgeted Actual
Stewardship |
$6,400/week |
$2,760.00 |
Candles & Tray |
$400/week |
$93.00 |
Annivesaries
Birthdays
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.