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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-01-05
Bulletin Contents
Baptism
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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



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

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone

Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Eve of Epiphany in the Fourth Tone

River Jordan was turned back by Elisseus' mantle once, when the fiery man of zeal Elias had been taken up; then were its waters divided hither and thither. The running streams became dry passage unto him, truly as a sign and type of Baptism, whereby we pass to the other side of the shifting stream of this fleeting life. Christ hath appeared in the Jordan River, to sanctify the waters.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

In the running waters of the Jordan River, on this day the Lord of all crieth to John: Be not afraid and hesitate not to baptize Me, for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed man.
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Saints and Feasts

Baptism
January 05

Sunday before Epiphany


Baptisma1cp
January 05

Eve of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ


Allsaint
January 05

The Holy Martyrs Theopemptus and Theonas

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.


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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 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.


Gospel Reading

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."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

It is the sole and peculiar property of the Substance that transcends all, to be able to bestow on men the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and make those that draw near unto It partakers of the divine nature.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 10., 4th Century

But this exists in Christ, not as a thing received, nor by communication from another, but as His own, and as belonging to His substance, for He baptizes in the Holy Spirit.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 10., 4th Century

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Calendar

  • St. George Calendar

    January 2 to January 12, 2020

    Thursday, January 2

    GOYA Winter Camp

    Sunday, January 5

    Blessing of Homes

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:30AM Philoptohos Vasilopita Luncheon

    Monday, January 6

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy - Theophany (followed by Great Blessing of the Waters)

    Tuesday, January 7

    10:15AM Women’s Psalter Study Group

    6:00PM Vespers

    Wednesday, January 8

    11:00AM Father Joseph Office Hours

    6:00PM Vespers

    Thursday, January 9

    11:00AM Father Joseph Office Hours

    6:00PM Akathist of Thanksgiving

    7:00PM Bible Study

    Friday, January 10

    5:00PM Evening Office Hours - Sacrament of Holy Confession, No Appointment Necessary

    6:00PM Paraclesis

    Saturday, January 11

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy (Tehachapi) - St. Theodosius

    6:00PM Vespers

    Sunday, January 12

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    12:00PM Youth Group Meeting

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St. George News and Events

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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!

Parish Council 

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

Sunday School will resume January 12th after the holidays. 

Youth Group/GOYA 

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.

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.

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: 

  • 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 & Beverly Balasis.
  • Healing: Marika, Victor, Helen K., Irene, Mary, Mary, Serephima, and others in our parish.
  • Those who are traveling George (Walter) and Judith Schartman.
  • 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

$6,400/week

$2,760.00

Candles & Tray

$400/week

$93.00

Annivesaries

  • 01/9   Tom & Elaine Dorlis
  • 01/28  Robert & Katherine Niz

Birthdays                              

  • 01/2   Melena Cain                            
  • 01/3 Hesham Ayoub
  • 01/3   Athina Kinsley                          
  • 01/4 Tegest Mesfin
  • 01/9   Chris McNaughton                  
  • 01/14 Angela Becerra
  • 01/16  Fantanesh Birehanu               
  • 01/24 Chuy Cisneros
  • 01/24 Sofia Asmerom                          
  • 01/25 Joey Chaffee

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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