Sunday Morning Orthros/Matins 8:30am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am; Saturday Great Vespers & Weekday Services (see Online Calendar, Sunday Bulletin & Newsletter); Confession (by appointment).
Parish Mission Statement: “St. George Greek Orthodox Church is a Christ-centered
Community that:
Parish Vision Statement: "Ascending together to the fullness of Life"
8:30AM ORTHROS
9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY
11:00AM Virtual Sunday School (Middle & High School)
+FAST DAY
+HOLY PROTECTION OF THEOTOKOS
+FAST DAY
5:00PM Vespers
Church Music Sunday
8:30AM ORTHROS
9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY
10:30AM Virtual Fellowship Hour
11:00AM Virtual Sunday School (Middle & High School)
Follow this link to sign up for services on Sunday, September 27 at 8:30/9:30am. Bring your own coffee for the parking lot after services.
Prosfora: Krisandrea Ballas-Rylander
Greeters: Jon Kennedy & Bill Clemons
Follow this link to sign up for services on Sunday, October 4 at 8:30/9:30am.
Middle & High School classes begin in-person today, September 27. Teachers will email Zoom login information weekly for those who would like to participate virtually. Parents and students, please see in-person protocols listed below.
Grades K through 6th: We are still in the planning process for these grades. The expected start date is early October. Thank you for your feedback and patience as we prepare.
Please contact Aida if you would like to receive the weekly Zoom login email at aidaabebe1@gmail.com or call 651-434-7826 if you have any questions. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/18OjPn_btCpruFFSYEnLiFFQYM5BfPUCLgR6P_9bJt6E/edit.
Our next meal is scheduled for Monday October 5th at Saint Matthews in West Saint Paul. We start around 4:30 and will finish before 6:30. We will be serving a hot nutritious take-out meal while wearing masks and social distancing. Please consider helping this worthwhile mission that is seeing substantial growth during the pandemic. Sign up here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ADA623A0FCC70-october, or contact George Mastrogiorgis to reserve a volunteer spot.
The Parish Council is looking for volunteers to serve on the Board of Electors. (Relatives of current parish council members are not eligible). We need 2-3 individuals. If you are interested, please contact Diane Anastos at anastos.diane@gmail.com by October 9.
Vespers resumes beginning Saturday, October 3 at 5pm. It has beautiful hymns about the Resurrection and the Saints of the day, petitions, prayers, and readings. It is an excellent preparation for Sunday Divine Liturgy.
Weekday Divine Liturgies and Vespers do not require advance online signup. Please sign-in when you arrive at church.
Please click this link to submit names (first name only) of the living and those who have fallen asleep (add a + in front of the names of those who are deceased) to pray for during Divine Liturgy. The form is found toward the bottom of the page https://stgeorgestpaul.square.site.
The Missions & Benevolence Silent Auction has gone online! The traditional silent auction started 5 years ago and raised over $8,000 in support of the St. Luke Mobile Medical Clinic. The online silent auction starts this month, with new items added each month. Bids will be accepted until the end of each month. As in the past, most items will also have a "Buy it NOW" price for those who can't wait till the end of the month. We are restarting with just a few items for the September auction while we assess the process. Click https://forms.gle/LVbSHjioCTizhBUJ7 to register and then to place your bid. Moving forward, the proceeds of the Silent Auction will support our local mission on Rice Street, FOCUS Minnesota, https://www.focusmn.org/. Thank you for your support of the charitable missions of St. George GOC!
Opportunities are available the first week of every month to serve a hot, nutritious meal to the hungry at either Loaves and Fishes or FOCUS. Please consider volunteering to help make a difference. Upcoming dates are October 5, November 1, and December 7. Contact George Mastrogiorgis at info@stgeorgegoc.org to reserve a volunteer spot.
1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10
Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11
At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
DVR offers support, guidance and hope to those who are separated and divorced. Meetings will begin this fall on consecutive Mondays October 5 through October 26 for four weeks by ZOOM starting at 7:00 pm. This fall’s DVR will offer sessions co-led by Fr. Richard Andrews and Maria Boyle. This group provides a safe place where you can learn and heal from the hurt of divorce. New insights and perspectives will help you create new understandings towards developing new personal, relational and spiritual goals in your life. Biblical applications will be included. Discussion, feedback and support are integral components of this program. Leader: Maria Boyle, MA Counseling, Northwestern University. To enroll in this program and receive a ZOOM link, please email Maria at: sspp.divorcerebuilders@gmail.com and please put Divorce Rebuilders in the subject heading. There is no cost for this program. “No Christian should walk through the pain of divorce alone.”
Because we are unable to host our typical Family Camp, our task force is offering an online version on Saturday, October 10. for adults and teens, Fr. Jonathan Proctor and Dr. Michael Lotti of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in St. Paul, MN, will discuss how the Scriptures and the Orthodox liturgical tradition help us understand and live out this beautiful teaching. Check out the schedule and register today! Click Here or go to www.stmaryscamp.com/family-camp/to learn more! Hope to see you…even if it is only online!
The board and all volunteers at the Medical Crisis Program thank you for your continued support towards MCP's mission. The Annual Gala which was virtual this year was another amazing event! MCP has been blessed to provide most probably another 15/ $1,000 grants for 2021! Save the date for next year's Annual GALA scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 19th, 2021; virtually and hopefully in person once again!
OCF is an organization that allows us as college students to connect through our faith. Over the past few years, we have continued to grow in numbers and hope to adapt this fall to continue to support each other through this time. We have been incredibly grateful in the past to have received meals and support from our local Orthodox community. Due to the current COVID-19 situation and university guidelines, we will be hosting our meetings every other Thursday on Zoom. We are excited to include those at other colleges in the Twin Cities and beyond in addition to the University of Minnesota students. Please pass on contact information for any students that would be interested in joining us!
Visit our new website to learn about our ministry and to learn ways to support us at ocfumn.com. Please reach out to Anna Karos or Nina Lind at ocf@umn.edu with any questions or concerns. We ask for your prayers as we head back to school, thank you!
Meals on Wheels of Ramsey County is providing FREE meals to Ramsey County residents aged 18 and over who are experiencing hardships due to COVID-19. Individuals who are homebound and unable to afford meals are eligible to receive up to 21 meals per week. For more information, or to begin receiving meals, go to https://meals-on-wheels.com/ramsey or call 651.318.9091.
Summer Camp 2021 will be held on July 3-9, 2021. Staff applications at http://youth.stmarysgoc.org/ are being accepted until November 30, 2020. If you are a returning youth worker, please sign in with your username and PW; new applicants please create a new account. Feel free to pass this message along to anyone you think may be interested!
These Martyrs contested for the Faith during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288. Saint Callistratus was arrested as a Christian, and after being tormented, was enclosed in a sack and cast into the sea. The sack burst, and the Saint came to dry land safe and sound. Forty-nine soldiers, seeing this, also confessed Christ, and with him were cast into prison, then beheaded.
• Grades preschool - 6th grade will be distance learning platform.
• Grades 7-12 will be in-person classroom format. 7-9 in one classroom. 9-12 in another
classroom.
• Sunday School in-person classes will be conducted outdoors whenever weather permits.
• Masks will be worn at all times by all in attendance of in-person class format.
• Point of contact for COVID-19 concerns will be Fr. Perry
• Class size will be limited to 4 students plus 1 teacher to provide a minimum of 6 ft distance
between all in attendance.
• If the class size exceeds 4 students on any Sunday, grade 7-9 class will move to the social hall,
grade 9-12 class will move to the board room to allow for the minimum 6 ft distancing with a
larger group.
• Students will sign up via SignUpGenius prior to each Sunday that they will be attending.
• SignUpGenius will be the record of attendance should contact tracing be needed.
• Parent/guardian of students will prescreen health status of their student immediately prior to
attending Liturgy/Sunday School that day. The health criteria for attending Sunday School is the same as for attending Divine Liturgy, and consistent with the recommendations from the Metropolis, the CDC, and the MN Dept. of Health.
• After communion student will proceed independently to the classroom.
• Students will be reminded to maintain 6 ft distance when using the hallways. Reminder signage
will be placed in the hallways.
• A hand sanitizing station will be available at the entry to the classroom. Students will use hand
sanitizer upon entering the classroom. Signage will be posted to serve as a reminder.
• Students will keep all of their personal belongings with them at their seat in the classroom.
• Lesson hand outs will be preprinted and placed at the students seat prior to class and taken home, or disposed of, by the student at the end of class.
• Pencils/pens/etc will not be shared. If pencils/pens/etc are left in the classroom after class, they will be wiped with sanitizing wipes by the teacher at the end of class.
• Any books used in class will not be shared between students. Used books will be wiped with sanitizing wipes by the teachers at the end of class.
• Teachers will use provided gloves when cleaning.
• Extra hand sanitizer, extra face masks, gloves for cleaning, sanitizing wipes, and tissues will be
available in each classroom and overflow classrooms. Supplies will be checked and replenished at the end of each class by the teachers.
• When needed, one student at a time will be allowed to use the restroom. The Church's small multiple stall restrooms will have this signage: "Please limit one person at a time in restroom. Please Knock Before Entering" Signage to "Please wash your hands before exiting the restroom" will be posted in each bathroom.
• Access to the Sunday School classrooms and the adjacent hallways will be restricted to the students and teachers. Signage will be placed in the hallways and on classroom doors.
• Sunday School will not be scheduling any visitors or guest speakers for in-person sessions.
• Sunday School will not be conducting any additional gatherings or events until further notice.
• Feedback and updates regarding policies and procedures will be reviewed via email on a weekly
basis, and/or as needed, with the Sunday School Staff and the COVID Parish Safety Team.
• If a student begins to exhibit symptoms of illness while attending Sunday School, the following procedures will be implemented by the classroom teacher: The Sunday School Director will be notified; the student with all of their belongings will be escorted to the designated isolation room; effort will be made to make the student as comfortable as possible until the student's parent/guardian can be notified; the parent/guardian will be instructed to exit the Church to the parking lot, and pick up their student from the exit door adjacent to the isolation room. The Sunday School Director will ensure that the student is delivered safely to the parent/guardian's care.
• If any student in a classroom displays symptoms of illness, immediately after the affected student has been attended to, the remainder of the students will be dismissed. They will be directed to locate their parent/guardian and exit the building as soon as possible. The classroom door will be closed. The cleaning service will be notified of the situation.
• If a classroom teacher begins feeling ill while teaching a class, they will exit the classroom, notify the Sunday School Director, and proceed to exit the building as soon as possible. The Sunday School Director will dismiss the classroom and direct the students to find their parent/guardian and exit the building as soon as possible. The classroom door will be closed. The cleaning service will be notified of the situation.
• Parents/guardians of in-person Sunday School class attendees and Sunday School Staff will be instructed to contact the Parish Priest to discuss any personal COVID-19 illness, or possible COVID-19 exposure, that they become aware of anytime in the 2 weeks after the date that they attended in-person Sunday School. The individual's privacy will be protected by the Parish Priest.
• The Priest will direct any individual who reports illness from COVID-19, or a possible exposure, to stay home and contact their medical professional for further guidance.
• If there is any question regarding a possible exposure to COVID-19, whether reported or observed, involving any in-person Sunday School Classroom participant, Sunday School will then be conducted virtually for a minimum of 2 weeks beyond such time that any of the participants displayed symptoms, or 2 weeks beyond the reported date of a possible exposure. Sunday School Staff and the COVID Safety Team will review each incidence to evaluate safety, and make adjustments to policy and procedures if needed, prior to resuming in-person classroom format.
• Sunday School Staff, students, and parents/guardians will be encouraged to express any concerns, and offer feedback, regarding Sunday School policies and procedures to the Sunday School Director, the Parish Priest, or the COVID Safety Team Point of Contact person. Contact information will be provided via email.
Through September 20, $158,362 of our 2020 goal of $257,500 in Stewardship contributions have been received.
Thank you all for your generous support! Our Stewardship Response Fund (stretch goal) was created to help us live out our 2020 budget goals. We have set a goal of raising an additional $15,000 in stewardship. Any contribution amount will help us reach our goal!
9/50 contributors have given $50
11/75 contributors have given $100
7/20 contributors have given $250
7 contributors have given more than $250
In total, as of September 25, 34 parishioners have contributed $8,505.50/$15,000
If you are able to give, please visit http://www.stgeorgegoc.org/give. Please enter - "2020 Stewardship Response Fund" in the "Notes" box.
Or please mail a check to:
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, Attn: Stewardship – 2020 Stewardship Response Fund, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, In the memo line, please add: "2020 Stewardship Response Fund."
If you would like to support the mission and vision of the church through your will/estate, consider adding a statement such as, "After all my bills are paid, I want 10 percent of my estate (a tithe or any other amount) to go to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in St. Paul, MN."
Children's Bulletin for Sunday, September 27
Fall 2020 catechism classes sponsored by MEOCCA
Family Camp Virtual Retreat on October 10
In this Parenting University Webinar, presented by the Metropolis of Chicago Family Synaxis, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael joins a discussion about how we can make our home a little church, especially during this challenging time.