Calendar

Parish Calendar

November 15 to December 12, 2022

Tuesday, November 15

+NATIVITY FAST+

Sunday, December 4

+ST. BARBARA & +ST. JOHN DAMASCUS

10th Sunday of Luke

8:15AM ORTHROS

9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

10:30AM Sunday School

10:30AM Sunday School Christmas Lessons & Carols Practice

11:30AM Julie's Retirement Luncheon

Monday, December 5

+ST. SAVAS THE SANCTIFIED

4:30PM Loaves & Fishes

Tuesday, December 6

+ST. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER

8:00AM ORTHROS

9:00AM DIVINE LITURGY

5:30PM First Gathering of Orthodox Mental Health Providers in the Twin Cities Metro @ Holy Trinity OCA in St. Paul

Wednesday, December 7

1:30PM Online Daytime Bible Study (via Zoom only)

Friday, December 9

+CONCEPTION OF ST. ANNA

Saturday, December 10

10:00AM Union Depot Annual Holiday Bake Sale - Support Missions and Benevolence!

7:00PM Advent Concert - “Bear Witness to Wonder” @ St. Mary's Cathedral in Minneapolis

Sunday, December 11

11th Sunday of Luke

8:15AM ORTHROS

9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

10:30AM Sunday School

10:30AM Sunday School Christmas Lessons & Carols Practice

11:30AM Parish Assembly & Parish Council Elections

Monday, December 12

+ST. SPYRIDON

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 4th Tone

From on high you descended, O merciful Lord. You accepted the cross and three days in the tomb to free us from the bondage of sin, O our life and resurrection. Glory to you, O Lord.

Apolytikion for Great Martyr Barbara in the 4th Tone

Let us honor the holy Barbara for, with the aid of the Cross as her weapon, she crushed the snares of the enemy, and was rescued from them like a bird.

Apolytikion for John of Damascus in the Plagal 4th Tone

The guide of Orthodox beliefs, and sacred teacher of true religion and of dignity, the luminary of the world, the God-inspired adornment of the episcopate, O John the wise, through your instructions you have illumined all, O harp of the Spirit. Intercede with Christ our God for the salvation of our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 3rd Tone

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Barbara the Great Martyr
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5

Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Gospel Reading

10th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 13:10-17

At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.

Announcements

Greeters

Yodahe Gamada, Paul Werger

Prosfora

Bill Clemons

Fellowship Hour

Julies's Retirement Luncheon!

Advent Pantry Drive

FOCUS MN's Second Helping Food Pantry is running low on essential staple items, so we are sponsoring a Pantry Drive to last through Advent until Christmas. We are collecting pasta, (any shape) pasta sauce, (any type) shelf-stable soups/stews, and oatmeal. Please drop them off in the collection box in the parking lot vestibule. Blessed Advent!

Parish Directory

The directory is almost complete! This is your last opportunity to update any information or to request to be omitted from the directory! Please contact the church office by Friday, December 9, if you would like to change any of your family information or request to be omitted from the directory.

Makers Mall is Back!!

Creation: Saturday, December 3 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. Merry Christmas!

Delivery: Sunday, December 18 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 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.

Sunday School Christmas Lessons & Carols Practices and Program

Please join us today Sunday, December 4, and December 11 for Christmas Lessons and Carols Practice. Our SS Christmas Program will be on Sunday, December 18 after Liturgy!

Loaves & Fishes

Please come out to help serve our last St. George meal of 2022. It will take place Monday, December 5 at St. Matthews on Hall Avenue. The time commitment is only a bit over 2 hours- 4:30-6:45/7:00. Please sign up here or https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49ada623a0fcc70-december2 to help out.

We're not sure how many we'll be planning to serve yet, but it will probably be in the mid 200's depending on the weather. Loaves & Fishes is starting a pilot program this week to bring the guests back into the building to eat. There will be the option of taking the meal to-go or eating in. As of now, we have been told that we will be packaging all of the meals to-go, but will also have 10 tables set aside for indoor dining. Due to this new 'hybrid' model we may be able to have a few more volunteers than usual

Christmas Flower Donations

Thank you for your donations for Christmas floral decorations in memory of a loved one(s). Please complete the form in the bulletin or the recent Glad Tidings and submit it by Sunday, December 4.

Online Bible Study

Our next Bible Study is scheduled for Wednesday, December 7 on Zoom from 1:30-3pm. We will read the Apostle's teachings in 2 Corinthians 4.1-6.2 and study the Orthodox teaching on those verses. We prefer the Orthodox Study Bible but members use whichever translation they have. Come join us for a bit of fellowship and inspiration! Everyone is welcome to join us.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://tinyurl.com/y4ccp957; Meeting ID: 878 0854 6460; Passcode: 102041; or dial +1 312 626 6799.

Our Bible Study is led and organized by Mrs. Kathy Ryan. We read the scheduled readings together and make plenty of time for discussion. Fr. Perry often joins in for the discussion but is not at every class. Questions? Email Kathy at kathyryan.zoe@gmail.com

Union Depot Annual Holiday Bake Sale

Support Missions & Benevolence: on Saturday, Dec 10 in downtown St. Paul, 10 am – 5 pm. Along with top Twin Cities bakeries, M&B will offer their own Greek baked goods. https://fb.me/e/2VCivFnZz

Parish Assembly & Parish Council Elections

Join us on Sunday, December 11 after Divine Liturgy for our Fall Parish Assembly & Parish Council Elections (elections end at 2 pm). The main agenda item is our 2023 budget.

In order to vote at the Parish Assembly and to vote in the Parish Council Elections, please make sure you are a 2022 Steward. If you have not already done so, you can fill out your 2022 Pledge Card online at https://forms.gle/GSzTwYHKWsgQaVU99. You may also fill out a pledge card at the elections table on Sunday.

Join our Parish Assembly on Zoom

https://goarch.zoom.us/j/84113759455?pwd=czNwNyt5dklUN2JBZXNJMVBFRGJRQT09

If we do not have a quorum, a backup Parish Assembly will take place on Monday, December 19 at 6:30 pm.

Thank you to all who have volunteered to serve St. George in this vital ministry of the Parish Council and for participating in our assembly!

Baptized into Christ

On November 20, Demi Nikolaides, daughter of Katerina and Savvas Nikolaides, was baptized and chrismated. Godparents are Stephanie and Dino Contolatis. Congratulations to all!

Crown them with Glory & Honor!

Congratulations to Christos Eliou and Erin Donohue who were united in the Mystery of Marriage on November 21. Sponsor is George Eliou.

Reminders

The Sunday Bulletin deadline is Wednesday at Noon each week. Blurbs, announcements, and photos can be emailed to office@stgeorgegoc.org. Also, Ministry Leaders: don't forget to check your mailboxes in the conference room periodically, thank you!

November-December 2022 Glad Tidings

Click https://www.stgeorgegoc.org/assets/GladTidings/GladTidings-2022-NovDec.pdf to see this issue which was mailed to homes on October 27.

Memory Eternal

It is with a heavy heart but with hope in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that we share with you the passing of +Lazaros Christoforides on November 24, 2022. The funeral was on Monday November 28, 2022. Please click here to view +Lazaros' obituary. or https://willwerscheid.com/tribute/details/299698/Lazaros-Christoforides/obituary.html#tribute-start

May his memory be eternal! May the Lord grant him rest where all the saints repose.

2023 Wall Calendars

If you prefer NOT to receive a 2023 ecclesiastical wall calendar in the mail this year (and haven't already notified the office in previous years), please email office@stgeorgegoc.org or call the office at 651.222.6220; thank you!

2023 Winter Icon Classes from Korluka Studios

Session 1 “The Holy Face” at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Summit Avenue in St. Paul (including zoom) held on Tuesdays January 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 6-9 pm. The tuition is $265.00 including paints brushes, a gessoed panel and supplies. The fee for returning students to the first class will be $70.

Session 2 “Protection of the Theotokos” at St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Summit Avenue in St. Paul (including zoom) held on Tuesdays February 7, 21, 28 and March 7 from 6-9 pm. The tuition is $265.00 including paints brushes, a gessoed panel and supplies. The fee for returning students to the first class will be $70.

Please contact akorluka@aol.com or arsenault@gmail.com for registration. Materials are available at Wet Paint. More information to follow!

Iconography is the image of the incarnate Christ. No one can create the image of God without the grace of the Holy Spirit.

2023 Winter Camp - Save the Date!

January 13–16 at Camp St. Croix, youth grades 6-12. A weekend to be spent discussing how we can become better Orthodox Christians through practicing our faith and becoming vessels of the Holy Spirit. To register, visit https://bit.ly/wintercampreg. Cost $200 – To pay, visit: https://bit.ly/paywintercamp. See flyer here.

Wisdom of the Fathers

So great an evil is envy. For not against strangers only, but even against our own, is it ever warring.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 40 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

And yet here He speaks only; whereas elsewhere in many cases He heals by laying on of hands also. But nevertheless none of these things made them meek; rather, while the man was healed, they by his health became worse. For His desire indeed was to cure them before him, and He tried innumerable ways of healing, both by what He did in their presence, and by what He said: but since their malady after all was incurable, He proceeded to the work.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 40 on Matthew 12, 4th Century

In Other News

Calling Mental Health Providers

Mark your calendars for the first gathering of Orthodox mental health providers in the Twin Cities Metro in this MEOCCA-sponsored event! Please join us for fellowship, snacks, and clinical consultation from 5:30-7:30pm on December 6 at Archangel Michael Hall (962 Forest St N, St Paul, MN 55106). RSVPS helpful to send to natasha@lakeandvalleyft.com, but not required!

Advent Concert - December 10

The Choir of St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral invites you to an Orthodox Advent Concert “Bear Witness to Wonder” on Saturday, December 10, at 7pm. Presented in the form of “Lessons and Carols”, this event comprises selections of Orthodox Liturgical Hymns from the Advent and Nativity seasons, para-liturgical songs, and beloved carols, framed by the Messianic prophecies and Gospel narratives concerning the mystery of Christ’s incarnation, that our God was born in human flesh.
Reception to follow in the Parish Center Dining Room. For more information, visit www.stmarysoca.org or call 612-781-7667.

FOCUS Now Accepting Winter Clothes

FOCUS is now accepting winter clothing especially winter outerwear of all sizes for men, women, and children. Bags can be taken to FOCUS House at 550 Rice Street, St Paul.

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.

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 support 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. A price increase is expected January 1, 2023. Any purchase initiated after the new year will be subject to new pricing.

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)

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 care and beautification of your lots.

Saints and Feasts

December 04

Barbara the Great Martyr

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.

December 06

Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra

This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock ... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travellers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.

Stewardship

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...“

OUR 2022 STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM IS QUICKLY COMING TO A CLOSE!

Help us reach our 2022 goal! There is still time to pledge and contribute to the 2022 program.

A message from our chair...

As we enter the Holiday Season, we are reminded of the people and organizations that we are thankful for in our lives...one of which is St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Stewardship dollars provide the means for many of the services to our parish that are needed and valued by our community.... a place for prayer, community engagement and God's Mission—work for the greater good. For our parish to continue its work, please consider making St. George a part of your long term gifting plans for now and the future. We have included a list of some planned giving financial mechanisms that you and your family might consider.

1) An outright gift to the church whether as transfer of securities or writing a check or a contribution via credit card.

2) A gift from your IRA directly to the church which has great tax advantages (contributions up to $ 100,000 and upon the age of 72 years).

3) A gift from your trust or estate that is deferred.

4) If you are reviewing your will and estate designations, ask your financial advisor about including St. George in one of the following ways: Charitable Remainder Trust; Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust; Charitable Annuity Trust, or a Charitable Lead Trust.

However you choose to support St. George, we are forever grateful for your gifts and for your being a member of our community!

Yours in Christ,
Alexis Bighley, Stewardship Chair

2022 Stewardship Goal

$205,190 of $260,000 (through October)

Pledge Cards Received

As of November 17, 105 families have pledged a total of $171,683.

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.

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.

We hope you will join us in our hall upstairs after service this morning for fellowship and refreshments.

Parish Email List Sign Up

Please sign up! Text Message Reminders for Youth & Family Events!

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

Please Note

St. George GOC broadcasts its worship services live on the internet. Your presence in the church is subject to audio and video recording.

Oratorical Festival 2023

Below are the topics for the Oratorical Festival to be held at St. George GOC on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Our Metropolis includes Speech, Vocal Solo, Essay, Poetry, and Iconography! Click here to learn more: https://chicago.goarch.org/oratorical-festival/

SENIOR DIVISION (GRADES 10-12)

TOPIC 1
The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople is the highest seat and the Mother Church of Orthodox Christians. The Ecumenical Patriarch is the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. Discuss how the Patriarchate has been a symbol of unity, a source of missionary growth, an advocate of dialogue among Christians, and a defender of the historical Orthodox Faith.

TOPIC 2
During times of crisis, our faith is tested. How are Orthodox Christians taught to understand and manage pain and suffering?

TOPIC 3
The Christian message in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has influenced many believers of Christ. How has another work of fiction inspired people to seek Jesus Christ?

TOPIC 4
We have lived through a pandemic and emerged with deep societal divides. How can our faith in Christ heal us and take us forward together?

TOPIC 5
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ both transforms the relationship between God and humanity and alters the course of history. How would you explain its significance to someone who has not heard about it or is unsure if God exists?

JUNIOR DIVISION (GRADES 7-9)

TOPIC 1
Orthodox tradition teaches that the saints remain spiritually active beyond their earthly life. Discuss how we ask the Saints to intercede and pray for us and why.

TOPIC 2
Orthodox Christians honor the Virgin Mary, the Most Holy Theotokos. What does the Orthodox Church believe about her and her role in our salvation?

TOPIC 3
The sacraments are the mysteries of the Church through which God gives us His grace by actions, words, and material objects (for example, oil, wine, and bread). Pick one sacrament and explain its meaning.

TOPIC 4
Jesus models and teaches humility throughout His life and ministry. Discuss the challenges of living according to Jesus’ teachings in a society that does not necessarily emphasize humility.

TOPIC 5
Consider and discuss why and how icons are central to our faith and Orthodox practice.

Archdiocese News

Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music: Registration open now through December 15th

12/02/2022

The Archdiocesan School of Byzantine Music is delighted to announce the opening of registration for the Spring Term 2023. Registration is open now until December 15th. Classes are scheduled to begin the week of January 1st and end the week of March 19th.

https://www.goarch.org/-/archdiocesan-school-of-byzantine-music-registration-open

Bulletin Inserts

Children's Bulletin for Sunday, December 4

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Welcome!

Past Bulletins