ORTHROS: 9:00
LITURGY: 10:00
TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS This is the first of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church celebrated in the new ecclesiastical year. Let us bring love and a desire for holiness to the Church this day in honor of our Holy Mother, the Ever-Virgin Mary, the offspring of pious parents, Ss. Joachim and Anna.
SERVICES THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY The second of the Twelve Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church is The Universal Exaltation (Elevation) of the Life-Creating Cross, September 14.
Great Vespers will be prayed this Friday at 6PM, Orthros will be prayed Saturday morning at 9AM with Divine Liturgy following at 10. The Cross will be adorned with fresh basil which will be blessed and distributed at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. Please bring your donations of fresh basil to Friday Great Vespers so the Cross can be decorated first thing on Saturday morning.
Reminder: The Church teaches us to hold the observance of this day as a strict fast. Please do this to the Glory of God.
STAYING CURRENT WITH ARETI IN HER RECOVERY Here is a quick update: Thank you for your encouragement and prayers! I am doing well. Feeling stronger even though I have to take a short nap during the day. Trying to take two walks a day, doing some stretches and tai chi. Thank you again—see you soon!
A FIELD TRIP OF BEAUTY Eleni Angel is coordinating a women’s field trip to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. We can go during the day between September through October 31 or in the evening between November 14 and December 31, for the highlighted Gardens Aglow event.
Eleni needs to hear of your specific interest and when you might want to visit the gardens. Please talk with her about specific date/time, etc. This trip is in active planning stage at this time. Ladies, you are all welcome and if you have friends or family members who might want to join in, they are welcome, too. Looking forward to this event! To find the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens on-line, check here: http://www.mainegardens.org/visit/plan-your-visit/
NEW BOOKLETS IN NARTHEX LITERATURE RACK Our literature rack has been restocked and you will find some new publications we haven’t had in the past. Please give a look-see.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Donations can now be made online.
Apostoliki Diakonia
Diptixa 2019 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.
ROUTINE SERVICE TIMES AT ST. GEORGE 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
According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.
Sunday before Holy Cross
Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18
Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.
Prokeimenon. Sixth 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 Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Sunday before Holy Cross
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Yearbook 2019
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is announcing a new ten-episode video series introducing the faithful to the new Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth. These new resources also include step-by-step checklists designed to help parishioners and communities follow the new guidelines.
NEW YORK – Archbishop Elpidophoros of America welcomed American Jewish Committee CEO Mr. David Harris together with Rabbi Noam E. Marans, Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations for an official visit at the Archdiocese.
The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation has released a new agreed statement entitled, The Vocation and Mission of the People of God: “A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation”. The document was finalized at the most recent meeting of the Consultation which took place in late May of this year at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, New Hampshire. The Consultation is co-chaired by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Catholic Archbishop of Newark, and by Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Methodios of Boston.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expresses his disgust and outrage at the murderous attack in El Paso, Texas, USA, in which twenty of our fellow citizens were killed and twenty-six others were injured, as well as the bloodshed in Dayton, Ohio, in which several of our fellow citizens were reportedly killed and injured.
NEW YORK – Archbishop Elpidophoros received today Metropolitan Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) for their first official visit. The two hierarchs discussed the developing relationship between the Archdiocese and the OCA in recent years, committing to deepening cooperation.
NEW YORK – On Wednesday, August 14, 2019, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros met with a delegation from the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCC), including The Rt. Rev. W. Darin Moore (Chair), Jim Winkler (General Secretary and President), and Dr. Tony Kireopoulos (Associate Secretary General).
NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros met today, Monday, August 12, 2019, with a delegation from the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches
Orders are now being taken for the 2020 Parish Ecclesiastical Calendars, an annual resource published by the Department of Communications of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Calendar features full-color icons, the names of Saints in Greek and English, a fasting guide, and daily Scripture readings and commemorations following the liturgical protocol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Archbishop Elpidophoros was received August 22, 2019, by Metropolitan Joseph for their first official visit at the headquarters of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. The two hierarchs discussed the various practical, pastoral, and ecclesial matters pertaining to the Orthodox Christian community in the United States of America.
FAITH: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism (FAITH), in partnership with The Fletcher School at Tufts University, is pleased to announce a new leadership training program, the “Executive Education Program in Strategic Leadership and Transformative Action” (SLTA) for members of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2019, Archbishop Elpidophoros met with Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church under the jurisdiction of the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia.
In a moving atmosphere, the Dormition of the Theotokos was celebrated in Imbros, where the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the village of Agios Theodoros.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America reports that a donation of $260,000 is being made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine from the proceeds of the Enthronement Luncheon for His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America invites all faithful to a special concert at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 8 p.m. to benefit Saint Nicholas Church and National Shrine.
The implementation and enforcement of the Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth take another step forward towards the goal of ensuring that every ministry and event is physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe and healthy for the children of all Greek Orthodox Churches in America.
I am writing as Archbishop to bring to your attention an important matter that is and must be an urgent concern for all of us who work with children in every aspect of the Archdiocese, in every Metropolis and in every parish and youth ministry. This letter is to call each of us to action, and to encourage us as our clergy, our lay leaders and our fellow parishioners to mobilize to serve our children and youth.
Cardinal Dolan honored Archbishop Elpidophoros of America by hosting a lunch today, September 4, 2019, to welcome him to New York. After initial introductions and warm greetings, the Cardinal and Archbishop exchanged remarks.
On behalf of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Archbishop Elpidophoros expresses his deep condolences to the Orthodox Church in America for the falling asleep of Archbishop Nikon.