We hope that you will make this your spiritual home. Connect with us on our website, Facebook page, YouTube, or sign-up for our email list at https://tinyurl.com/yc3tp29w.
Worship Sunday Orthros 8:15 am & Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
Confession (by appointment)
Weekday Services (www.stgeorgegoc.org/calendar)
Streaming
Fellowship Hour Sunday following Divine Liturgy
Office Hours Tuesdays & Fridays: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Our Mission St. George Greek Orthodox Church is a Christ-centered community that: inspires faith and worship, cultivates spiritual growth and fellowship, and encourages benevolence and outreach.
Our Vision Ascending together to the fullness of Life.
+NATIVITY FAST+
14th Sunday of Luke
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:45AM Church School
11:30AM Stewardship Sunday Presentation
11:45AM Church School Christmas Lessons & Carols Pick up Costumes
11:45AM Parish Assembly & Parish Council Elections
+ST. BARBARA & +ST. JOHN DAMASCUS
4:30PM Loaves & Fishes
+ST. SAVAS THE SANCTIFIED
+ST. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
1:30PM Online Daytime Bible Study (via Zoom only)
+CONCEPTION OF ST. ANNA
Missions & Benevolence Fundraiser at Union Depot
10th Sunday of Luke
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:45AM Church School Christmas Lessons & Carols Practice
6:00PM Greek School
6:00PM Greek School
11:30AM Makers Mall Gift Delivery and Caroling
As the deliverer of captives, and the protector of the poor, a physician of the sick, the defender of kings, O Great Martyr Saint George Victorious; intercede to Christ our God, to save our souls.
26th Sunday after Pentecost
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 5:8-19
Brethren, walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.
14th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Blessed Nativity Fast!
Greeters
Dylan Eisenhuth & Bob Baffa
Paul Werger
Thank you to our Stewardship Committee for hosting this Sunday!
Please join us in the hall after Divine Liturgy for our Fall Parish Assembly and Parish Council Elections today, Sunday, December 03.
Let's 'focus' our giving this advent on Focus MN's Second Helping Food Pantry. This year, we will be collecting for breakfast meals with the major need for ground coffee, tea bags, shelf-stable milk, pancake mix, and syrup. Please drop off what you can in the collection box in the parking lot vestibule. Blessed Advent!
Our Ladies Philoptochos group is also helping to collect NEW smaller blankets (throw, twin, or full size). Also, new gloves and underwear of all sizes. Please bring to the church by December 10. Collection boxes are inside our parking lot doors for ease in dropping off your donations. Thank you all for your help.
FOCUS, located at 550 Rice St. in St. Paul, is an outreach of the Twin Cities Orthodox churches to the needy in our community.
Creation:
Saturday, December 2nd, with Vespers at 5 pm and the making beginning at 6 pm.
Time to celebrate the season of giving - by creating gifts! We will once again transform the Church Hall into a busy workshop and create handmade gifts from the heart. There will be stations manned by our expert artisans, and children can make cards and gifts. Dinner will be provided for all. Please email niko@stgeorgegoc.org with any questions.
Delivery:
Sunday, December 17th, after Church.
Two weeks later, after church, we will deliver our gifts to elderly homebound parishioners! After the Christmas program and Caroling, we’ll divide into groups and visit 3-4 homebound parishioners each. Would you like to lead a group? Please see any of our Makers in the Social Hall to coordinate. Or sign up to join a group that might be passing through your neighborhood! Please email niko@stgeorgegoc.org with any questions.
St. George will be serving our final meal of 2023 on Monday, December 4th. Everyone is welcome to volunteer. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ADA623A0FCC70-46224211-december#/. Thank you for helping out!
"Giving Thanks: Eucharistic Stewardship. As true stewards of the Body of Christ, we understand the power of our Stewardship to revitalize the Church."
Update - $193,892 of $260,000 (through October)
Through October, 100 families have pledged a total of $169,392.
Make your 2023 pledge by visiting https://forms.gle/CMySgYQMEVMt97eR6. Thank you all for your support of the work of the Church!
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Our next zoom Bible Study is Wednesday, December 6, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm. Everyone is invited to attend. Use whichever Bible you have at hand, but the Orthodox Study Bible is our preference and can be purchased in the church bookstore. We will be reading from Isaiah 51.1-53.12 as we are nearing the end of our overview of the Bible in the last five meetings of our group and focusing on the OT Prophets. Come and try us out! Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85022523982?pwd=c1pldks5aW5IY0dZY2E3QkRWRmtnZz09
Missions and Benevolence will be at the Union Depot for the Annual Holiday Bake Sale on Saturday, December 9th from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. This will be our eighth year showcasing our signature sweet and savory specialties alongside some of the top bakeries of the Twin Cities. All profits are earmarked for Focus MN.
The Consul General of Greece from Chicago will visit Minneapolis on Sunday, December 10. He intends to visit to offer support for consular services to anyone who needs any or is interested in learning more. This is of particular interest to families who may wish to pursue Greek Citizenship for their children/grandchildren.
Sunday, Dec 10 – Visit at St. Mary’s GOC in Minneapolis after Divine Liturgy
He will give a short presentation and be available to answer questions and provide support with any consular services.
Please join Fr. Perry, Pres. Cassie and family on Saturday, December 16, at 1:00 p.m. for the baptism of their son Panagiotis. Our entire St. George family is invited. There will be a coffee and dessert fellowship in the hall to follow. Please RSVP if you can make it to frperry@stgeorgegoc.org so that we can plan for refreshments.
Coffee Hour hosts are needed for the following dates: December 17 & 24. If you can host or co-host, please sign up on SignUp Genius or contact Elise W. at 612-867-8047.
Remember to check out the Silent Auction in the hall. Proceeds support our Missions and Benevolence ministry. New items are added regularly. If you would like to donate items that are new with tags or something else valuable, such as theater/sports tickets, please contact Angela Mortari at apanoskaltsis@gmail.com or text 651-280-7123.
A community, traditional celebration, and get-together event! Come join us for Social Hour, Greek food, music, wine, and Galaktobouriko dessert from the owners of the "It's Greek to Me" Restaurant—more information for the menu and programs to come. For more information, contact Thanasi Contolatis at 952-200-0330.
Saturday, December 30, 2023, 6:00 pm at the St George GOC Social Hall.
Session 1
"The Holy Face" here at St. George (including Zoom)
Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23, and 30, from 6-9 pm
approx. $299 tuition and materials (materials approx. $110/ material cost excluded in the case of having your own already)
Session 2
Icon of the Virgin Orans here at St. George (including Zoom)
Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 6-9 pm
approx. $299 tuition and materials (materials approx. $110/ material cost excluded in the case of having your own already)
For sessions 1 and 2, please inquire at akorluka@aol.com or (612) 889-5868 (Deb) or arsenault003@gmail.com or (612) 206-7369 (Steve)
For 6th—12th graders
January 12 –15 @ Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN
(note place change)
Relentless
In our pursuit of faith, spiritual discipline, and seeking God.
Cost: $270
Registration link: https://forms.gle/kLmKgGY1mFt9obmx5 (Deadline is Dec 30th)
Payment info: https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3418849642807296613&created=1698173011.3536448&printed=1
Or send a check to St. Mary’s
c/o Lisa Tucci
414 17th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55413
For questions, contact Matushka Lisa Tucci
612-599-0814
lisatucci71@gmail.com
The Metropolis of Chicago's annual YAL conference will take place this President's Day Weekend (February 16-19) in Chicago! This conference is filled with inspiring speakers, fulfilling workshops, fabulous service projects, amazing glendies, and many opportunities to connect with Orthodox young adults from across the country! Registration is now open, and tickets WILL sell out!
Link to register: https://www.yalchicago.com/conference-registration
The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is pleased to announce the release of the 2024 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Topic Tips & Resources.
This Prophet, who is ninth in order among the minor Prophets, was the son of Chusi (Cushi), from the tribe of Levi, or according to some, the great-grandson of King Hezekias. He prophesied in the years of Josias, who reigned in the years 641-610 before Christ. His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters. His name means "Yah has concealed."
Saint Barbara was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia and lived during the reign of Maximian.
She was the daughter of a certain idolater named Dioscorus. When Barbara came of age, she was enlightened in her pure heart and secretly believed in the Holy Trinity. About this time Dioscorus began building a bath-house; before it was finished he was required to go away to attend to certain matters, and in his absence Barbara directed the workmen to build a third window in addition to the two her Father had commanded. She also inscribed the sign of the Cross with her finger upon the marble of the bath-house, leaving the saving sign cut as deeply into the marble as if it had been done with an iron tool. (When the Synaxarion of Saint Barbara was written, the marble of the bath-house and the cross inscribed by Saint Barbara were still preserved, and many healings were worked there.) When Dioscorus returned, he asked why the third window had been added; Barbara began to declare to him the mystery of the Trinity. Because she refused to renounce her faith, Dioscorus tortured Barbara inhumanely, and after subjecting her to many sufferings he beheaded her with his own hands, in the year 290.
Early bird registration ends January 3, 2024. Next practice is December 31.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-western-region-family-basketball-tournament-tickets-734944126667?aff=oddtdtcreator
Deadline for hotel is 1/12 for negotiated rate. Book Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1700599774328&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Schedule
Friday night banquet & DJ glo party
Saturday dinner/dance banquet with DJ Nikitas and
50/50 Raffle with signed Giannis memorabilia raffles!
Thank you for joining us in worship. Whether you are an Orthodox Christian or this is your first visit to an Orthodox Church, we are pleased to have you with us! Although Holy Communion is offered only to baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians, all are invited to receive the Antidoron (blessed bread) at the end of the service. The Antidoron and fellowship hour are reminiscent of the Agape Feast that followed worship in the early Church.
One does not have to be of Greek descent nor speak Greek to be an Orthodox Christian and member of our parish. All people of any background are welcome to join the Orthodox Church. For those interested in learning more about the Christian Faith or becoming a member of our church, please see Fr. Perry after services or contact him at frperry@stgeorgegoc.org or (651) 222-6220.
We hope you will join us in our hall upstairs this morning after services for fellowship and refreshments!
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Thank you to those who make the prosfora/offering bread for Liturgy. If you would like to sign up to bake and make an offering of bread to the church, please get in touch with Krisandrea at krisandreambr@icloud.com.
“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” John 6:27
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All content for the bulletin (flyers, blurbs, calendar events, etc.) is due Thursday each week. Any content submitted after Thursday will be included in the bulletin for the following week.
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Sign up for our email list to see what’s happening at St. George!
We have some AWESOME Youth & Family events coming up, and you don't want to miss out. Join our text message system Remind to stay up to date with all of our communications. Join by clicking https://www.remind.com/join/stgyandf or
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St. George GOC broadcasts its worship services live on the internet. Your presence in the church is subject to audio and video recording.
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Submit by Sunday, December 3
A Fundraiser by the Philoptochos
Sunday, Dec. 10 at St. Mary's GOC
Icon Classes Hosted at St. George
January 12-15, 2024
February 2-4
Application-Now Open
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