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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2019-09-08
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Exaltation
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St. George Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (973) 779-2626
  • Fax:
  • (973) 777-6946
  • Street Address:

  • 818 Valley Road

  • Clifton, NJ 07013


Contact Information






Services Schedule

ORTHROS/MATINS 8:30AM

DIVINE LITURGY 9:30AM


Past Bulletins


Announcements

 

ORTHROS 8:30AM

DIVINE LITURGY 9:30AM

The mission of our beloved parish of St. George is to put into practice our Orthodox faith for our spiritual growth while creating fellowship and ministries for all the faithful. It should be our mission to spread the word of the Gospel and build harmony and love within the community and be the example of our Orthodox faith for our youth.  

WE WELCOME EVERYONE TO OUR COMMUNITY!

We are grateful that you have joined us for prayer and worship. Please join us after the Divine Services in our Fellowship Hall for Hospitality Hour hosted by the Parish Council and Ministries of St. George. 

Memorial Services Today For:

Antonios Toulios – 2 years.  May his memory be eternal.

40 Day Churching: Athina Kyriaki, daughter of Michail Lekkas and Maria Vezos. 

Liturgical Schedule:

Tuesday, September 10th – Paraklesis Service……………………6:30PM

Sat., Sept. 14th – Elevation of the Venerable & Life-Giving Cross.......Orth. & Div. Lit. 8:30AM

Tuesday, September 17th – Paraklesis Service……………………6:30PM

Mark Your Calendar:

Sunday, September 8th ……...…Welcome Back “Agape” Sunday

Tuesday, September 10th...…...Greek School Classes Begin – 4:00PM

Wednesday, September 11th ...Sunday School Teachers Meeting – 7:30PM

Thursday, September 12th …....All Ministries Meeting – 7:00PM

Sunday, September 15th ……....Metropolis of NJ Holy Cross Celebration in Asbury Park, NJ

Tuesday, September 17th …...…Orthodox Faith Class – 10:00AM

                             .....Orthodox Life Institute Classes Begin at 7:30pm

Thursday, September 19th.…....Adult Christmation Class – 7:00PM

Saturday, September 21st …..…Blessing of the Animals – 10:00AM

Sunday, September 22rd ……....Sunday School Begins

Tuesday, September 24th …....…Orthodox Faith Class – 10:00AM

Thursday, September 26th.…....Adult Christmation Class – 7:00PM

Tuesday, October 1st………......…Orthodox Faith Class – 10:00AM

Thursday, October 3rd…....….....Adult Christmation Class – 7:00PM

Friday, October 4th ………….....…Wine Tasting Fundraiser at the Waterside – 7:30PM

Monday, October 7th ……….....…St. Paraskevi Philotpochos Meet and Greet – 7:00PM

Sunday, October 13th ………......Mr./Miss GOYA Pageant at the Pines Manor, Edison, NJ

Sunday Memorials, Artoclasias and Other Blessings: 

Please inform the church office well in advance of Sunday mornings for all memorials, artoclasias, 40 day blessings and other blessings so as not to disrupt the Divine Liturgy. If any requests or lists of names are received after the Great Entrance they will have to wait until the following Sunday.

****Additionally, in order to preserve the sanctity of the Divine Liturgy, please wait    to light candles in the St. Nectarios Chapel at the correct time. If one arrives after the Great Entrance, they will have to wait until the end of Liturgy, while the Andithoron is being given out, to light candles in the Chapel.

Communion Guidelines:

Baptized and Chrismated Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared, according to the Holy Orthodox Church guidelines, may receive Holy Communion.  Please allow our Sunday School children to receive Holy Communion first and wait for the ushers to dismiss your row. 

Welcome Back “Agape” Sunday: 

Immediately following Church services please join us in the Fr. John & Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos Fellowship Hall to learn more about our Ministries. Take advantage of the opportunity to see where your “Time and Talent” can best be used. Stay and enjoy a barbeque luncheon. On behalf of Fr. Peter and the Parish Council, we would like to express our appreciation to all of our parishioners and ministry leaders who dedicate themselves to our Parish. Thank you for your commitment to our St. George community and we look forward to working together as the new Ecclesiastical year begins. We are grateful to the following donors and offer them an enormous thank you for donating the food for our Agape Sunday luncheon:

          • Allwood Diner
          • Chit Chat Diner
          • West Essex Diner

Blessing of Backpacks:

We welcome all students, parents, teachers, and professionals of all ages who have come to receive a blessing of their backpacks and briefcases today. There will be a prayer offered immediately following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy for all to have a blessed and successful school and work year. 

New Divine Liturgy Books: 

We are grateful for the donation of the 400 new Divine Liturgy books, in our pews today, which are in honor of Fr. Peter and Presvytera Georgia Souritzidis. We are blessed that they and their beautiful family, continue to be a part of our extended St. George family. 

Holy Confession:

If you wish to partake in the Sacrament of Holy Confession, please feel free to call the Church office or Fr. Peter to arrange a time. 

BUS CANCELLED for Metropolis of NJ Holy Cross Celebration in Asbury Park, NJ:  Due to the low number of reservations that were made, the bus has been cancelled. We do hope to see our Parishioners on Sunday, September 15th, when the Divine Liturgy will take place at the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, NJ.  As we do every year, all New Jersey Churches will be closed and His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos invites all the faithful to attend services there.  Please make every effort to be there. Thank you. 

Bring Your Pets and Animals to Receive God’s Many Blessings:

On Saturday, September 21st at 10:00am, we will have the service of the blessing of the animals.  The Greek Orthodox Church believes it is the responsibility of human beings to love, honor and care for God’s earth, that he created and blessed every creature that swims in its oceans, walks or crawls on its soil or flies in its skies. For this reason, the church sets aside time to honor God by blessing his animals, which have brought so much joy and happiness and have adorned our lives and the earth.  The service of blessing will take place in the gym and  involves the reading of Scripture, prayers and the traditional sprinkling with Holy Water.

Orthodox Christian Adult Education (Chrismation) Classes:

Fr. Peter will be offering Orthodox Christian instruction classes that will be held on the following Thursday evenings from 7:00pm – 8:30pm: 

September 19 & 26 and October 3, 10 & 17 

This is a class based on the fundamentals of the Orthodox Church and will also include Bible Fellowship and Discussion as well. This is an excellent opportunity for Orthodox Christians as well as non-Orthodox Christians to receive additional instruction about the Orthodox Christian Church, the traditions involved and many other teachings in the Holy Scriptures.  This class is also for those who are considering being baptized or chrismated into the Orthodox faith. 

Greek School Registration for 2019-2020: 

Greek School classes will begin on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 4:00pm with an Agiasmo Blessing.  Registration has begun. Please drop by the Church office to pick up a registration package.

Sunday School: 

Our Sunday Church School is always looking for teachers and assistants.  Prior teaching experience is not necessary.  We welcome all volunteers!  Please email us at stgeochsch@gmail.com. 

Wine Tasting Experience: 

Join us for an enjoyable evening at our Wine Tasting event on Friday, October 4, 2019, at the Waterside Restaurant in North Bergen. Tickets in advance are $100 and after October 1st the cost is $125. The evening will include hors d’oeuvres, wine pairings, cigar rollers, and raffle opportunities. Please consider donating your favorite bottle of wine to add to our Wine Pull Raffle. We are asking that each bottle be a minimum of $20.00. All bottles can be left at the church office. Also, please visit our table beginning on Agape Sunday to purchase tickets to the event. You can email Denise Cecchini at WineTasting2019@gmail.com or call 201-406-2827 for more information or to reserve tickets. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Feast Day Flower Donations: 

During the Ecclesiastical year, our Church comes alive with many Liturgical services. It is customary in our faith to decorate icons used during special Feast Day services with flowers. We encourage our parishioners to offer a special contribution for this purpose. Your donation is a unique and appropriate way to remember your departed friends and relatives, as well as an expression of love on behalf of your family and prayers for your beloved ones. Donations are still being accepted for the following:  

  • September 14 – Elevation of the Holy Cross              $100
  • November 9 – St. Nectarios the Wonderworker          $500  

           Thank you in advance for your flower donations. 

Orthodox Life Institute:

The fall Bible Studies, led by Dr. Peter Salierno, begin Tuesday, September 17th at 7:30pm.  Please come and join Dr. Peter Salierno while he leads the group through the theme, The Book of the Romans – “The History of the Church, Part 2”. Classes will meet at the same time every Tuesday. 

St. John Commandaria Communion Wine: 

One of the traditions or customs in the Orthodox Church is to donate the Communion wine for sacraments, memorial services, or Church Feast Days. The preferable choice is St. John Commandaria. Anyone wishing to make an offering of communion wine can contact the church office.  The donation for each bottle of wine is $30.

Mommy & Me: 

Join us for this new program for our children, newborn to 5 years old.  The program will include bible lessons, arts and crafts and snacks.  An organizational meeting will be held on Thursday, September 12th at 8:00pm to discuss the development of the program.  The group will meet every 2nd and 4th week of the month at 10:00am in the church.  Please email the office with any questions at office@stgeorgeclifton.org. 

Stewardship 2019:   

Thank you to all of our Stewards who have made their pledges and donations so far for 2019. Our Saint George parish depends upon your generous donations to envision our goals and enhance our ministries and outreach.  So please don’t forget to submit your 2019 Stewardship Pledge card.  We currently have 224 stewards and we are hoping to reach our goal of 350 stewards for 2019! Pledge cards can be found in the Narthex, Atrium or Church office.

 

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Saints and Feasts

Exaltation
September 08

Sunday before Holy Cross


Allsaint
September 08

Sophronios, Bishop of Iberia


Vmnativt
September 08

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

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.


Exaltation
September 14

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of his reign. He has conquered death by death and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades and has granted the world great mercy.
Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode

Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath procliamed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.
Η γέννησίς σου Θεοτόκε, χαράν εμήνυσε πάση τή οικουμένη, εκ σού γάρ ανέτειλεν ο ήλιος τής δικαιοσύνης, Χριστός ο Θεός ημών, καί λύσας τήν κατάραν, έδωκε τήν ευλογίαν, καί καταργήσας τόν θάνατον, εδωρήσατο ημίν ζωήν τήν αιώνιον.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."
Ιωακείμ καί Άννα όνειδισμού ατεκνίας, καί Αδάμ καί Εύα, εκ τής φθοράς τού θανάτου, ηλευθερώθησαν, Άχραντε, εν τή αγία γεννήσει σου, αυτήν εορτάζει καί ο λαός σου, ενοχής τών πταισμάτων, λυτρωθείς εν τώ κράζειν σοι, Η στείρα τίκτει τήν Θεοτόκον, καί τροφόν τής ζωής ημών.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
The Reading is from Luke 1:39-49, 56

In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 1:39-49, 56

Ἐν ταῖς ἡμέρας ἐκείνας, ἀναστᾶσα δὲ Μαριὰμ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις ἐπορεύθη εἰς τὴν ὀρεινὴν μετὰ σπουδῆς εἰς πόλιν ᾿Ιούδα, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον Ζαχαρίου καὶ ἠσπάσατο τὴν ᾿Ελισάβετ. καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἤκουσεν ἡ ᾿Ελισάβετ τὸν ἀσπασμὸν τῆς Μαρίας, ἐσκίρτησε τὸ βρέφος ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ αὐτῆς· καὶ ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος ῾Αγίου ἡ ᾿Ελισάβετ καὶ ἀνεφώνησε φωνῇ μεγάλῃ καὶ εἶπεν· εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξὶ καὶ εὐλογημένος ὁ καρπὸς τῆς κοιλίας σου. καὶ πόθεν μοι τοῦτο ἵνα ἔλθῃ ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Κυρίου μου πρός με; ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὡς ἐγένετο ἡ φωνὴ τοῦ ἀσπασμοῦ σου εἰς τὰ ὦτά μου, ἐσκίρτησε τὸ βρέφος ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ μου. καὶ μακαρία ἡ πιστεύσασα ὅτι ἔσται τελείωσις τοῖς λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ Κυρίου. Καὶ εἶπε Μαριάμ· Μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον καὶ ἠγαλλίασε τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ τῷ σωτῆρί μου, ὅτι ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν τῆς δούλης αὐτοῦ. ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν μακαριοῦσί με πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί· ὅτι ἐποίησέ μοι μεγαλεῖα ὁ δυνατὸς καὶ ἅγιον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. ῎Εμεινε δὲ Μαριὰμ σὺν αὐτῇ ὡσεὶ μῆνας τρεῖς καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτῆς.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. 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
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.


Gospel Reading

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."

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.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For since Nicodemus had said, "We know that Thou art a teacher come from God," on this very point He sets him right, all but saying, "Think Me not a teacher in such manner as were the many of the prophets who were of earth, for I have come from heaven (but) now. None of the prophets hath ascended up thither, but I dwell there."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little ... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century

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Flyers

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