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Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2022-03-20
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Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (651) 222-6220
  • Street Address:

  • 1111 Summit Ave

  • St. Paul, MN 55105


Contact Information










Services Schedule

Welcome!

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 8:30 am & Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

Confession (by appointment)

Weekday Services (www.stgeorgegoc.org/calendar)

Streaming

youtube.com/c/stgeorgestpaul

facebook.com/stgeorgestpaul

Fellowship Hour Sunday following Divine Liturgy

Office Hours Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 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.


Past Bulletins


Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    March 7 to March 27, 2022

    Monday, March 7

    +STRICT FAST GREAT LENT (through April 15)

    Sunday, March 20

    Camping Ministry Sunday

    Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

    8:30AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    10:30AM Sunday School

    4:00PM LENTEN VESPERS @ St. George GOC

    Monday, March 21

    5:30PM COMPLINE

    7:00PM Parish Trip and Viewing of "Man of God" Movie

    Wednesday, March 23

    5:30PM NINTH HOUR

    6:00PM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY

    7:00PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

    Thursday, March 24

    6:30PM Capital Projects Committee Meeting

    Friday, March 25

    +ANNUNCIATION

    8:30AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM LITURGY

    4:30PM Lenten Cooking Class

    6:00PM SALUTATIONS

    7:00PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

    Saturday, March 26

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI

    Sunday, March 27

    Sunday of the Holy Cross

    8:30AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    10:30AM Procession of Cross

    11:30AM Greek Independence Celebration

    4:00PM LENTEN VESPERS @ St. George AOC

    8:00PM Greek Festival Meeting

  • Ministries Calendar

    March 27 to March 27, 2022

    Sunday, March 27

    10:30AM Oratorical Writer's Circle

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 2nd Tone

The angelic powers appeared at your tomb, the soldiers guarding it became as dead men, and Mary stood at your grave seeking, seeking your most pure body. But you made hell a captive; you were untouched by its might. You came to the virgin and granted life. O Lord, who rose from the dead, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal 4th Tone

O light of Orthodoxy, O pillar of strength and teacher of the Church! Glory of monks and nuns, and of theologians the protector invincible! O wonderworker Gregory, pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, intercede without ceasing for the salvation of our souls.

Apolytikion for St. George in the 4th Tone

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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

Victorious Lady, mighty champion, defending us, we, your servants, now inscribe to you this hymn of thanks, for you rescued us from suff'ring and tribulation. Theotokos, with your power that can never fail, keep us safe from ev'ry danger our whole life long, that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"


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Announcements

Greeters

Dean Natto & Jon Kennedy

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to Natalie & Richard Kanavati for hosting this Sunday

Philoptochos Phyllo Dough Fundraiser

Today is the last day to order fresh Phyllo for your Spring Baking! Phyllo will be available for pick up, next Sunday, March 27th. Please complete an order form (see inserts) and drop it off in the Social Hall.

Writer’s Circle Rescheduled

The Oratorical Festival Writer’s Circle originally scheduled for today (Sunday, March 20) has been rescheduled for next Sunday, March 27 at 10:30 am.

Lenten Lecture Schedule

Lent began on March 7. As part of our Lenten lecture series, we will host lectures and book discussions on Wednesday and Friday evenings following Lenten services, from now through April 8. See inserts section for the full schedule with speakers and topics. All events are in person and via Zoom. The book we’ll be discussing is For the Life of the World by Fr. Alexander Schmemann. To purchase your copy, please email Steve Arsenault arsenault003@gmail.com or stop by the bookstore after Liturgy.

Lenten Meal Sign Up

Volunteers needed! Please sign up in the fellowship hall or contact the office at office@stgeorgegoc.org to host a 7 pm Lenten meal following services on Wednesdays March 23 and April 6, or Friday April 8 during Great Lent. Individuals, families, or groups are invited to sign up. 

Greek School

The Greek School will hold a rehearsal in the hall following Fellowship/Coffee Hour today, March 20, to prepare for a small Greek Independence Day program. All St. George youth are invited to participate. Questions? Contact Joanna: joanna.tzenis@gmail.com

Movie Night

You’re invited to join parishioners to see the new movie about Saint Nektarios of Aegina, entitled “Man of God”, at 7:00 pm on Monday, March 21 at AMC Southdale movie theater located in Edina, MN. This movie was supported by St. Maxim the Greek Institute and Vatopedi Monastery for the spiritual enrichment of Orthodox Christians and all of humanity. "Man of God" depicts the life of St. Nektarios, his struggles, his deep faith in God, and his unwavering compassion for all people.

You can purchase your tickets online at: https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/minneapolis-st-paul/amc-southdale-16/showtimes/all/2022-03-21/amc-southdale-16/all/98680770

Philoptochos Lenten Meal Cooking Demonstration

Come and join us in the St. George kitchen for a Lenten Meal Cooking Demonstration on Friday, March 25th from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. This event will be available both in-person and virtually via Zoom. Please register through the following Sign Up Genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ca5ad2babff2-philoptochos1

Fanari Lenten Retreat!

We are excited to announce the second annual METROPOLIS-WIDE Fanari Lenten Retreat. The retreat will be a day in the life of camp, and will include: Worship, Orthodox Life, games, Song Night, and much more! On Saturday, April 2 from 2 pm-8 pm in Minneapolis. Register at fanari.camp/retreat ($30 per camper). Please direct any questions to niko@stgeorgegoc.org.

Pascha Flowers 2022

Donations for flowers to beautify the sanctuary and Kouvouklion (Epitaphion) during Holy Week & Pascha may be made in memory of a loved one(s). Please complete the form found in the Inserts Section or in the March-April Glad Tidings and submit it to the office by Sunday, April 17. Thank you!

Church Cleanup for Holy Week

Please join us after making palm crosses on the Saturday of Lazaros to prep and clean the sanctuary for Holy Week. Please bring your scrapers and knee pads to help us get the wax off of the marble. We will also vacuum, dust, mop, etc. the rest of the space as well. Many hands make light work! We hope you will join us.

2022 Calendars

Saint George is excited to publish our 2022 Events Calendars for our Youth & Family Ministry, and for our Holy Friday Retreat. Please see the inserts section!

Save the Date - May 19

55+ Ministry members are invited to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska for a cafeteria-style lunch and tour of the Arboretum (hopefully tulips!!). Please call Joanne (651-778-2485) as soon as possible to RSVP so that we can reserve enough tickets ahead of time.

Register for Lighthouse: A Camp for 12th Grade Graduates 

The Metropolis of Chicago has announced registration for Lighthouse: a camp for graduated High School Seniors. Lighthouse aims to prepare campers for the social, emotional, practical, and spiritual challenges they will encounter in the college experience and beyond. The first Lighthouse camp will run from June 25 – July 2 at Carroll University; registration opens March 11, 2022. For more information: https://chicago.goarch.org/lighthouse/

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

For though in the beginning He Himself went about, and did not require so much faith of them that came unto Him; yet in this case they both approached Him, and had faith required on their part. For, "Seeing," it is said, "their faith;" that is, the faith of them that had let the man down.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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In Other News

Camping Ministry Sunday, March 20

Today is Camping Ministry Sunday at all parishes in our Metropolis including here at St. George. Highlighting the impact of Camping Ministries for the Metropolis faithful, which are celebrating their anniversaries this year: St. Mary’s Camp (70 years) and Fanari Camp (50 years). Today we will: 

  • Share the encyclical from His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael.
  • Adam Fuller will offer a few words about the importance of Camping Ministry.
  • Host a table during the fellowship hour with materials about our upcoming Summer Camp at Camp Wapo July 2-8, 2022. Adam is here to answer any questions. 

In honor of the 70th Anniversary, ALL St Mary’s Camp Alumni and Campers are invited to attend Divine Liturgy and to wear their favorite Summer Camp T-shirt! 

Lenten Vespers Schedule

March 20, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul

March 27, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, W. St. Paul

April 3, St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Minneapolis

April 10, Holy Myrrhbearers OCA Church, St. Cloud

April 17, St. Herman OCA Church, Minneapolis

Vespers begin at 4:00 pm.

Mark Wesche will be leading a men’s choir that will sing at all the services this year (except at St. George GOC). Once Lent begins, the men will meet for a rehearsal before every service.

The Metropolis is Hiring!

The Metropolis of Chicago is seeking a full-time, exempt Camp & Retreat Ministries Coordinator who will lead, coordinate, execute, and develop the camping and retreat ministries of the Metropolis. The position reports directly to the Metropolis Director of Ministries. Capacity and ability to work evenings and weekends as required. The position will be based at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center (Kansasville, Wisconsin) with remote work ability when physical presence in Kansasville is not required. For job responsibilities, qualifications, and how to apply: https://chicago.goarch.org/jobs/

Pictorial Directory

Thank you to those who participated in the photo sessions. Please make sure the office office@stgeorgegoc.org has your current contact information, including mailing and email addresses and phone numbers, thank you! The best way to do this is by filling out your 2022 Stewardship pledge card. Make sure to note any information that you would like omitted from the directory!

Orthodox Daily Prayer App

Faithtree Resources, an Orthodox non-profit, is introducing a free daily Orthodox prayer app for your phone. Download it and give it a try…then share it with everyone you know. What could be better than praying for our world?  Praying together with 1000’s of other Orthodox Christians!  Download app for Androids: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.faithtree&mc_cid=4590ed1f4b&mc_eid=feb26ca396 Download app for Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-encounter/id1596789782?mc_cid=4590ed1f4b&mc_eid=feb26ca396

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Course

Join us for our MEOCCA, Winter 2022 cooperative catechism course, already in session on Mondays from 7-9 pm. The course is open to all; people interested in learning more about Orthodox Christianity, inquirers, catechumens, and current Orthodox Christians we well! The course is an excellent opportunity to deepen the knowledge of the Orthodox Christian Faith. Classes will be held in person and online via Zoom. Register online at https://forms.gle/fwkxDmA2P7AkcqNj8  or  www.meocca.org. Feel free to join us for an individual session as well! Facebook event:  https://fb.me/e/2iwrFZa9u

March-April 2022 Glad Tidings  

https://www.stgeorgegoc.org/assets/GladTidings/GladTidings-2022-MarchApril.pdf

Support for those in Need

Please contact Fr. Perry or our Ladies Philoptochos if you or someone you know is in need (food, clothing, shelter, etc.). Our Ladies Philoptochos, Missions & Benevolence, Discretionary support, FOCUS MN, etc. are here to help.

Announcing 2022 Roselawn Program Prices

Advance planning can give you and your family peace of mind and is also cost-effective. Annual cost increases are typically at least 2% and have risen over 27% since 2013. The St. George Roselawn Cemetery Program continues to offer lots at Roselawn in Roseville for a 15% discount off list prices. All revenue from lots supports our church and its ministries. These lots are in the St. George section, adjacent to the “Greek” section, and easily identifiable by the monument/altar table. Contact the church office for more information.

2022 Discounted Prices for Parishioners:

$6,715 = Monument Lot (2 Graves)

$4,670 = Flat Lot (2 Graves)

$2,995 = Flat Lot (1 Grave, Limited Availability)

(These prices reflect a 15% off Roselawn Retail Price)

This continues to be one of those great opportunities where you can support the church, save some money and create a legacy for your family all at the same time. Lots for both monument and marker stones are still available. Please follow Roselawn regulations for the care and beautification of your lots.

Greek Festival Scheduled for July 29-30, 2022

Thank you to Phyllis Kapetanakis for serving as our 2022 festival chairperson! Sub-committee chairs include Dino Contolatis- Food; Jon Kennedy- Operations; George Mastrogiorgis- Communications; Anastasia Mastrogiorgis, Irene Loudas, & Nanette Gomez- Baking; Emilio Kapetanakis- Beverage; Angela Mortari- Entertainment; Stella Hofrenning- Bazaar; Steve Arsenault- Church tours; TBD- Staffing. Please contact Phyllis or one of our chairs to get involved.

Romanian Exhibit

On view through April 16, 2022 at the Landmark Center in St. Paul: Romanian Spring Traditions, an exhibit of Romanian painted eggs from a private collection. 

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Archdiocese News

'Man of God' Film Coming to Theatres Across US

03/18/2022

'Man of God', the award winning box office hit film based on the widely venerated Greek saint, St Nektarios of Aegina that won the hearts of people last summer in Greece is coming to a theatre near you across the US on March 21 & March 28 - two-nights only! Don't miss the chance to watch this incredible film!

Comfort Food for Families: Pilgrimage to Pascha

03/14/2022

On this week's episode of "Comfort Food for Families: Pilgrimage to Pascha" from the GOA Center for Family Care, Pres. Kerry Pappas talks about the Lenten services of the church and how important it is for us to attend as many as we can!
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
March 20

Photini the Samaritan Woman

Saint Photini lived in 1st century Palestine and was the woman that Christ met at Jacob's Well in Samaria as recorded in the Gospel according to John (4:4-26). After her encounter with Christ, she and her whole family were baptized by the Apostles and became evangelists of the early Church. Photini and her children eventually were summoned before the emperor Nero and instructed to renounce their faith in Christ. They refused to do so, accepting rather to suffer various tortures. After many efforts to force her to surrender to idolatry, the emperor ordered that she be thrown down a well. Photini gave up her life in the year 66.

St. Photini is commemorated on three occasions during the year: February 26 (Greek tradition), March 20 (Slavic tradition), and the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman on the 5th Sunday of Pascha.


02_palamas2
March 20

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.


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Stewardship

Social-our-spiritual-home-landscape

Our 2022 theme is, "…Our Church Our Spiritual Home." In the words of Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos, "...in the Church we live eternal life starting from now. We do not simply await the life to come, but we experience and enjoy it from the present. The Kingdom of God, according to the Fathers, is not life beyond the grave but communion with God...

2022 Stewardship Goal

$50,245 of $260,000 (through February)

Pledges Received

As of March 10, 2022, 62 families have pledged a total of $130,977.

Make Your Stewardship Pledge Online

Thank you for your continued support! Make your 2022 pledge by visiting https://forms.gle/NjsemfkEqFihqn4F7. Please make sure to note any updates to your contact information as we prepare to publish our new pictorial directory. Please make special note of any information you would like unlisted/omitted from the directory.

Welcome Visitors!

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 contact Fr. Perry after services or at frperry@stgeorgegoc.org or (651) 222-6220.

You may also sign our Guest Book with your preferred contact and we will follow up. We hope you will join us in our hall upstairs after service this morning for fellowship and refreshments.

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St. Mary's Summer Camp

Summer Camp will be at Camp Wapogasset, July 2-8, 2022! Registration is approaching fast and will begin on: Tuesday 4/26/22 (at 10:00am, C.D.T)!  Registration Fee soon to be determined.  Please watch www.stmaryscamp.com  and https://www.facebook.com/campstmarys for updates.

The 2022 Summer Camp Scholarship Essay Contest is open to our entire Pan-Orthodox Community entering grades 6-12. Two Camp scholarship rebate coupons will be awarded in memory of Presvytera Mary Coniaris and James H. Zubulake. Camp registration fees will be rebated to two contest winners following Summer Camp. Please click this link for all the information: https://stmaryscamp.com/2022-summer-camp-scholarship-essay-contest/

Do you have a child with Special Needs?  Do you know of another Orthodox family who has a child with Special Needs that might be wondering if  Summer Camp is a possibility this year?  While our Summer Church Camp is not a “Special Needs Camp” we love our children with Special Needs and wish to work ahead of time with parents to accommodate those children that we are able, through our Special Needs Process. 

With Camp Registration approaching we would like to remind you that St. Mary’s Camp has an official Special Needs Process in place for all potential new campers AND returning campers with special needs who may not be fully independent in their camp functioning. Examples of campers who may require special needs accommodations include those with health or physical impairments, intellectual/cognitive functioning impairments, communication/language impairments, vision/hearing impairments, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and mental health difficulties (e.g. severe anxiety, depression, ADHD). If you are unsure about the need for accommodations, please consult the following documents:

Ideally, we prefer a full year for this process as we need extra time to evaluate and determine what accommodations might be necessary for our campers with special needs.  Once official registration begins it becomes increasingly difficult to respond to new requests for consideration, and we don’t want you to miss this opportunity for consideration in 2022. Please help us, help you, by starting the process NOW and submitting the Special Needs Information / Consideration Form to Georgi Speliopoulos.  Georgi’s address is on the form. If you have questions about this process or the need to participate in the process (i.e. Do dietary restrictions require special needs accommodations?), please contact Georgi Speliopoulos (612) 483-9292. 

Once again our desire is to help you begin this process immediately, in the hope that we may accommodate as many of our precious campers with special needs as possible!

Blessed Lenten Journey!

With love In His Service,

Fr. Timothy Sas, Doria and the Special Needs Committee, St. Mary's Camp

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Bulletin Inserts

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