SPIRITUAL PREPARATION FOR THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST The Advent Fast began November 15 and culminates with the celebration of Christ’s Nativity on December 25. Please abstain from eating meat and dairy products on all days leading up to Christmas. Fish may be eaten all days of the week except Wednesday and Friday. The Church also guides us to abstain from fish as well beginning December 12. Seafood can always be consumed during the lengthy fasting periods. God’s peace and strength to all as we endeavor to honor the Church’s guidelines for our spiritual benefit.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHANGE Beginning NEXT SUNDAY, November 25, Presbytera will begin the Sunday School program on the Life of Christ for the elementary-middle school age students. This class will meet every Sunday, except the first Sunday of the month.
She’s taught this program in the past for the kids who are now in or close to high school age. If your child is between ages 7-14, please bring them for this class. We consistently follow the events in the Life of Christ according to the Gospel of Luke so regular attendance is encouraged. We use written materials, video, puzzles, games. Being able to read is important for this class. Parents are always welcome their student(s) in class to give them a little extra help if needed—parents seem to enjoy this class, too!

TWO DIVINE SERVICES THIS WEEK This Wednesday, November 21 is the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple. Orthros 9AM, Divine Liturgy immediately following. This Thursday, November 22 is the US National holiday of Thanksgiving. Orthros will prayed at 9AM with Divine Liturgy to follow at 10AM Thursday morning. What better way to celebrate this day than Eucharistically—giving thanks to God for His great mercies and asking His continued help?

PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS AT MONTH END Interested in serving? Please let Lee know.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE GREEK DANCE EVENING A GREAT SUCCESS! Thanks be to God and to our dear St. George for blessing our event this year. Even though we started out in the dark (power failure) people still showed up and many learned how to use their cell phone flashlights for the first time. We were undaunted—the dance would go forward, even with the lowest lighting possible. When everyone stood for the opening prayer, “Our Father,” the power suddenly came back on and stayed on—what a blessing that was!
Anyway, apart from having FUN, this year’s Greek dance boasted the largest attendance ever with the most sponsors and most successful net revenue to date. Stay tuned for an update to our financial picture coming soon. God bless and thanks to all the hard-working folks who made it possible!

A VERY SPECIAL OFFER FROM LAMBROS Most of you know that Lambros has operated a successful sailing business, touring the Greek Isles of Sporades each summer aboard his vessel, Alexandros. This summer he is offering a special package deal for six persons from our parish or its friends. Lambros proposes a two week sailing trip, embarking from Athens in June. Cost would be $2,000 per person, which includes $500 donated to our church (excluding airfare), double occupancy. This is a discounted per person rate. There are just six spots available. You can read details about the itinerary at www.sailgreekisles.com. Please contact Lambros if interested.

A SWEET IDEA Cathy Speronis has a sweet fund-raising idea designed to benefit St. George. She is proposing a special holiday dessert sale that will rival anything that can be store-bought in our area. We can all help her with preparations to make this a success. Please be in touch with her so she knows she can count on your help as needed. Send her a note at cooksotasty@gmail.com.

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Donatiions can now be made online.

Apostoliki Diakonia
Diptixa 2018 PDF

 http://www.apostoliki-diakonia.gr/pdf/Diptixa_2018.pdf

FACEBOOK PAGE Pat Claus is happy to receive items you’d like to have posted on the church’s FB page. You can submit items to her at patclaus@roadrunner.com.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST VISIT TO ST. GEORGE? If you are visiting our parish this morning, welcome! Orthodox Church tradition encourages Orthodox Christians in good standing with the Church to approach the Holy Chalice for Communion... however, if you are not Orthodox, we ask that you please refrain. All worshipers are welcome to receive antidoron (a piece of blessed bread) immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Please stay for fellowship hour that we might get to know you.

WORSHIPING THE TRUE & LIVING GOD Worshiping the Living God, the All-Holy Trinity, is a witness of our faith in and love for Him. The Divine Liturgy is the service of thanksgiving to God. The Divine Liturgy is also the service of particular nurture for the Orthodox Christian--Christ is Present in the elements of Holy Communion. He nurtures those who approach with fear (reverence), faith and love. Those who partake of Communion receive God within. This is a great Mystery, not to be taken lightly, but one that the Orthodox Christian is bid to COME. Please avail yourself of the opportunities to worship the Lord and to receive Him in faith.

JOIN US FOR FELLOWSHIP HOUR DOWNSTAIRS Everyone is encouraged to come downstairs after service for refreshments. If you’re visiting, please let us treat you. We’re a family here and we all contribute toward the table weekly. So, thank you to all who have made fellowship time possible again today!

VALET PARKING Some parishioners have difficulty walking distances and find it hard to park near enough to the church on Sunday mornings.  If this applies to you, please do the following: park in the loading zone in front of the church, and come indoors with your car key and ask in the office for someone to park the car for you and you will be assisted.  We are here to help one another.  Please ask for help if needed.  Thank you. 

GREAT VESPERS St. George Church offers Great Vespers at 6PM on any evening before a Divine Liturgy will be served. Each Saturday evening at 6PM, Great Vespers is served in anticipation of Sunday morning’s Divine Liturgy. This will also be true of evenings preceding a major feast. Participation in these services is an opportunity for us to worship corporately and multiply the power of our prayers. If for any reason vespers will not be served, you will receive a message beforehand via the church list-server advising cancellation.

ROUTINE SERVICE TIMES AT ST. GEORGE Great Vespers 6PM (the evening before a Divine Liturgy); Orthros/Matins (morning prayers) 9AM; Divine Liturgy 10AM.

NAME DAYS If you would like to participate in a Divine Liturgy on your Name Day, please let Fr. Leo know to arrange this beforehand.

SPECIAL PRAYER SUPPORT WHEN NEEDED Fr. can meet you here at the church and offer particular prayers for you if you are going to be traveling or are preparing to have medical procedures done (hospitalization, etc.) He is available to make hospital visits and will routinely visit those in convalescent care. Please arrange with him according to need. Thank you.

OCN  Get to know the Orthodox Christian Network
http://myocn.net/

FR. LEO'S CONTACT INFORMATION 
cell: (207) 385-3000, call or text 
Mail: 252 14th St., Bangor ME 04401 
home: (207) 307-7852 
email: 57frleo@gmail.com, frleoschefe@mail.goarch.org
Personal website:glt.goarch.org
Church website & Newsletter: http://www.stgeorge.me.goarch.org/
Weekly Bulletin: http://www.bulletinbuilder.org/stgeorgebangor/current
I am available to parishioners whenever needed; please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you. +Fr. Leo