XRONIA POLLA to Kathy Fitzpatrick, Cathy Speronis & Jillian Smitherman whose Patron Saint, Katherine, is celebrated today. May the wisdom and prayers of St. Katherine always guide and protect you!
MEMORIAL PRAYERS FOR MARIA BROUNTAS Forty Day memorial prayers will be offered for the repose of Maria’s soul this morning. May her memory be eternal! Special thanks to Jack for preparing the koliva.
FEAST DAY BLESSINGS This Friday is the Feast of St. Andrew. Many years to Andrei & Andrea who have St. Andrew as their Patron. May his prayers before God always be a strong support and protection for you!
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 TODAY 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!
CLEAN SLATES SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETS NEXT SUNDAY Our youngest students will meet next Sunday as they do on the first Sunday of each month. This class is suitable for children 5-6/7. Younger children are always welcome when accompanied by a parent or grandparent. See you then!
KIDS—YOUR SHOES CAN BE FILLED BY SAINT NICHOLAS NEXT SUNDAY Wear your best shoes and leave them outside the classroom next Sunday and they will be filled with treats in celebration of the Saint’s Day which is coming up on Thursday, December 6.
PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD TODAY DURING FELLOWSHIP HOUR. Please remain after the Divine Liturgy and cast your vote—thank you!
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. We realized a record $6,956 profit. 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.
TO OUR STEWARDS & BENEFACTORS Many thanks to all those who’ve increased their financial gifts to maintain the on-going worship and ministries here at St. George. As a gentle reminder, the Church does need increased stewardship to cover our operations as St. George chose not to be involved in the Folk Festival this month. The Folk Festival income had always been our “bump up” funding each year. We will not have that funding this year. We did realize a record $6,956 profit from our Greek Dance.
As of November 18, we are running a $4219.64 overall deficit. Believe that St. George is aware of all those who care about our spiritual house and his prayers are with us. Thank you for your continued stewardship and loving generosity for St. George, Bangor! We are keeping our heads almost above water because a few people have made some special contributions. Thanks again.
NOTE: Average weekly budgeted expenses for us are $1895.39. Our annual budgeted expenses are $98,560.28 which is lower than about 99% of all the other parishes in the GOA. Our budget was made with a “very sharp pencil.” Another observation: 88% through the year, we have spent 80% of the amount budgeted (this is a good thing). We have also received 76% of our budgeted income (this isn’t so good).
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Donatiions can now be made online.
NEW YORK – The Archdiocesan Cathedral Philoptochos Society honored His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America at their coveted Annual Chrysanthemum Ball held the evening of November 16, 2018, at the prestigious Metropolitan Club.
