Publish-header
Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-01-29
Bulletin Contents
30_hierarchs1
Organization Icon
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 8:15 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 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.


Past Bulletins


Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    January 29 to February 6, 2023

    Sunday, January 29

    Sunday of the Canaanite

    8:15AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    10:30AM Sunday School

    Monday, January 30

    +THREE HIERARCHS: ST. BASIL THE GREAT, ST. GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN, & ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

    7:00PM Catechism - God: Holy Trinity

    Tuesday, January 31

    +UNMERCENARIES KYROS & JOHN

    6:00PM Iconography Class

    Wednesday, February 1

    +FAST DAY

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

    Thursday, February 2

    +PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE

    8:00AM ORTHROS

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    Friday, February 3

    +FAST DAY

    Western Region Basketball Tournament

    Sunday, February 5

    Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee (Triodion Begins)

    8:15AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    10:30AM Sunday School

    Monday, February 6

    +NO FASTING - FAST FREE+

    +ST. PHOTIOS THE GREAT

  • Ministries Calendar

    January 29 to January 30, 2023

    Sunday, January 29

    12:00PM Basketball Practice

    Monday, January 30

    7:00PM Y&F: Timberwolves vs Kings

BACK TO TOP

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 Relics of Ignatius the Godbearer in the 4th Tone

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Ignatius. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

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 1st Tone

For our salvation you took flesh and you sanctified the Virgin's womb; you blessed the aged Simeon as you lay resting in his arms, and having come to save us all, O Christ our God, to these troubled times, bring your lasting peace. Give strong and undaunted faith to all your people, O only lover of mankind.
BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Canaanite
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Canaanite
The Reading is from Matthew 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And he answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.


BACK TO TOP

Announcements

Greeters

Alexis BighleyWilliam Clemons 

Prosfora

Anastasia Mastrogiorgis

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to Mastrogiorgis Family for hosting this Sunday!

House Blessings

Many Years for the feast of Theophany! Χρόνια Πολλά! Please contact Fr. Perry at frperry@stgeorgegoc.org or (651) 706-9672 to schedule your house blessing.

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Course - Winter 2023

Join us for our MEOCCA catechism course, Intro to Orthodox Christianity, beginning on Monday, January 23, from 7-9 pm. Catechism is for people interested in learning more about Orthodox Christianity, inquirers, catechumens, and current Orthodox Christians as well! A great way to deepen our knowledge of the Orthodox Christian Faith. Classes will be held on Monday evenings in person (1111 Summit Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105) or online via Zoom (the link will be emailed before classes begin). Register online at https://forms.gle/sVcXqVVenSgfVySa8. Learn more at www.meocca.org. Email Fr. Perry at info@stgeorgegoc.org with questions.

Bible Study

Our next Bible Study will be Wednesday, February 1st, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the Zoom address below this announcement. We will return to the Old Testament to study Samuel in 1Samuel1.1-3.21. Everyone is welcome to join us! https://goarch.zoom.us/j/82971810606?pwd=dHJiTXgwTXMyeW0xbXBWdThvay8yUT09
 

2023 Winter Icon Classes from Korluka Studios 

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 6:00 - 9:00 pm. The tuition is $265.00 including paints brushes, a gessoed panel, and supplies.

Please contact akorluka@aol.com or arsenault003@gmail.com for registration. Materials are available at Wet Paint. More information to follow!

This Session will focus on the Icon of The Mother of God.

Loaves and Fishes

Volunteers are needed to help serve our first St. George meal in 2023Monday, February 6th at St. Matthews on Hall Avenue. The time commitment is just around 2 hours- 4:30 pm - 6:45/7:00 pm. Join us in continuing this worthy ministry! Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49ada623a0fcc70-february2#/.

Greek School is back!

All St. George Parishioners are invited to join the Greek School in the Social Hall on Sunday, February 12 following Social Hour for an Apokries celebration. There will be food, games, dance, and laughter. All are welcome!

The Greek School will resume on Sunday, February 19 through our Independence Celebration on March 26, 2023. Participants will engage with Greek culture through games, song, language, and dance. Youth who choose to, will have the opportunity to learn a poem for Greek Independence Day. Youth and adult volunteers will meet downstairs at 11:45 am on Sundays and conclude at 1:00 pm.

Please contact Joanna Tzenis at joanna.tzenis@gmail.com with any questions.

2023 YAL Chicago Conference! Feb 17 - 20 | Rosemont, IL

The Annual YAL Chicago Conference, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, is an opportunity for Orthodox Christian young adults, ages *18-35, to come together in faith, fellowship, worship, and service. You can register here: https://chicago.goarch.org/yalconference23-register/ or support the conference here: https://chicago.goarch.org/yalconference2023-support/.

"Journey Through Lent"; the Pan-Orthodox Choir Ministry (MEOCCA Choir) Concert to benefit FOCUS MN

The Pan-Orthodox Choir of MEOCCA presents Journey Through Lent - February 18, at 7:00 pm - A benefit concert for FOCUS MN at St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, 1701 5th St. NE, Minneapolis. Reception to follow.

Pan-Orthodox Dance!

We are excited to announce the 2023 Pan-Orthodox Dance! This dance is an event for EVERYONE! Bring your whole family! Parents, kids, and grandparents are all welcome to participate in the different cultural dances of the Orthodox faith. The Pan-O dance will be held on February 18th at 6:00 pm in the Great Hall of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. For food there will be a potluck, so please bring a dish and/or dessert to share! If you have any questions, please contact Francine Perry at fsperry1@comcast.net.

The Metropolis of Chicago Book Club

Our Holy Metropolis of Chicago continues to seek ways to connect congregations across the parishes and the miles, and to that end, is introducing an Engaging with Faith series. The first event in this series is a two-part discussion of the book 'For the Life of the World: Towards a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church', led by our brother clergy Dn. Perry Hamalis (who was on the committee that authored this book). Please see the attached flyer (in Inserts section) for details, including dates, and ways to download or purchase the book. This will be a Zoom-only event, on February 22 and March 16, from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm CT.

Sponsor a Fellowship Hour 

Please sign up to host a Sunday Fellowship (Coffee) Hour in 2023! Contact Elise Werger at 612-867-8047 (voice/text) or use this link for SignUp Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ca5ad2babff2-fellowship2#/Hosts are especially needed for Feb. 19

BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

She had a great perfection of faith. She had no uncertainty about His divine majesty. She had no small measure of the virtue of patience. Yet the pitying Physician of the pitiful disdained her petitions. He kept her waiting for answer in order to demonstrate to us the perseverence of this woman that we can always imitate. She had the characteristics of constancy and humility. She willingly embraced the indignity she received, and even confirmed the Lord`s statement. This woman rightly signifies the faith and devotion of the Church gathered from the nations
Saint Bede
Hom. I. 22, In Lent, Homilies on the Gospels, Bk. One, 216, 217.

He kept her waiting for an answer in order to declare that the minds of His disciples should also be merciful. As human beings they were ashamed of the clamor of the woman as she pursued them publicly, but He Himself knew the character of His mercy.
St. Bede
Hom. I. 22, In Lent, Homilies on the Gospels, Bk. One, 216

BACK TO TOP

In Other News

Mark Needs a Liver

Being the one traveling the United States and the world for decades—when my work schedule would allow— to help children and families in great need, I didn’t think I would be the one needing to ask for help.
But I do need your help now, please.
I’ve beaten colon cancer. I’ve been afraid, that’s for sure, but I won this battle through perseverance, optimism, and a wonderful wife, family, friends and healthcare. Having accomplished this tremendous hurdle, I’m eligible to now surmount the next challenge with a highly respected team of doctors who’ve indicated that.
I’m ready and an ideal candidate for step #2. I need a liver donor. With a liver transplant, I’ll be able to live and live much longer.
Watch: vimeo.com/773921105
Email: mark@markneedsaliver.com

QUESTIONS
I know there are many more questions, and I’m eager to answer those. Time is of the essence. You can reach me at:
mark@markneedsaliver.com and you can watch a brief video at: vimeo.com/773921105

Thank you for your consideration

OCMC Dinner at St. Mary's GOC Thursday, February 9, 2023

Today as we struggle to combat the negativity, divisiveness, false narratives, violence, and hatred that seem omni-present, the need for the Good News of Jesus Christ is more important than ever. And yet 2/3rds of the world today is NOT Christian and 25% has never been exposed to the Gospel in a way that allows them to follow Jesus Christ and the life-changing truth and love that He offers.

In order to see how the Orthodox Church in this country is responding to this challenge, we have a special informational and fundraising dinner on the work of our pan-Orthodox Orthodox Christian Mission Center. While the event is free, we are asking that people register online or via the QR code on the flyers (you can find the flyers in the "Bulletin Inserts" section).

Series Premiere: Wisdom on Wheels

The Assembly of Bishops announces the premiere of its new series entitled Wisdom on Wheels, a series of interviews with the leadership of the Orthodox Christian Church in the USA. Enjoy this opportunity to learn about your bishops and other leaders: their stories, interests, and more! Here is the link: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2023/series-premiere-wisdom-on-wheels

Short Course on Mission at U of M campus

Fr. Jacob Zaki of St. George Coptic Orthodox Church will teach a short course (4 weeks) at Anselm House at the University of Minnesota beginning January 30th on the topic of Mission. All are welcome to register and attend. Here is the link: https://anselmshortcourses.eventcalendarapp.com/u/39625/205539?repeatId=1

Course Description:
"What are Christians for? What purpose should animate our relationships with other Christians and all those around us? This short course examines what it means for the church to be entrusted with the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By looking at the witness of the Apostles and the early church, we consider what it might mean to live "on mission" in our present world, locally and globally."

Meetings begin at 6:00 pm with dinner, with the course starting around 6:45 pm.

Orthodox Volunteer Corps 

Orthodox Volunteer Corps (OVC) is a new ministry for Orthodox young adults, 21 to 29 years old. It develops and equips young adults to lead lives of faithful service for the Church and the world. OVC offers a 10-month immersive experience for young adults that integrates service placements with vulnerable communities, weekly formation in Orthodoxy and community-based leadership development, living in community, and immersion in the life of the Church. OVC is recruiting now for the Fall 2023 Cohort. If you are 21-29 years old or know someone who is, please see the bulletin insert [or, see the flyer on the bulletin board] [or, see their website, https://orthodoxvolunteercorps.org/–all one word and corps is spelled “c-o-r-p-s”).

Your Orthodox Living Will

In cooperation with the 5 Wishes organization and with the support of Leadership 100, the Archdiocese is able to provide an Orthodox Living Will, available on orthodoxmarketplace.com for only $2. Here is the link to purchase a Will: https://orthodoxmarketplace.com/orthodox-living-will/.

Lyn Olson Medical Crisis Program - 2023 Winter Auction

Help us raise grant money for those suffering from a medical crisis! https://one.bidpal.net/mcp2023winter/welcome

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, FOCUS MN, etc. are here to help!

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

30_hierarchs1
January 30

Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, & John Chrysostom

This common feast of these three teachers was instituted a little before the year 1100, during the reign of the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus, because of a dispute and strife that arose among the notable and virtuous men of that time. Some of them preferred Basil, while others preferred Gregory, and yet others preferred John Chrysostom, quarreling among themselves over which of the three was the greatest. Furthermore, each party, in order to distinguish itself from the others, assumed the name of its preferred Saint; hence, they called themselves Basilians, Gregorians, or Johannites. Desiring to bring an end to the contention, the three Saints appeared together to the saintly John Mavropous, a monk who had been ordained Bishop of Euchaita, a city of Asia Minor, they revealed to him that the glory they have at the throne of God is equal, and told him to compose a common service for the three of them, which he did with great skill and beauty. Saint John of Euchaita (celebrated Oct. 5) is also the composer of the Canon to the Guardian Angel, the Protector of a Man's Life. In his old age, he retired from his episcopal see and again took up the monastic life in a monastery in Constantinople. He reposed during the reign of the aforementioned Emperor Alexis Comnenus (1081-1118).


BACK TO TOP

BACK TO TOP

Basketball Tournament 2023

Image

Players last practice Today! 

St. Mary's GOC will be hosting the 2023 Western Region Family Basketball Tournament on February 3-5, 2023.  

Come for dancing and fellowship on Saturday, February 4 at the Hyatt Bloomington (3200 E 81st St, Bloomington, MN 55425). Banquet dance is a free event and will begin at approximately 9 o'clock. And come cheer on our teams Friday night and Saturday at Bloomington Kennedy (150 E 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55420).

Basketball Practice: Today, Sunday, January 29nd, 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm at Hidden River Middle School, 1700 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN.

GO St. George! 

Reach out to Angie (612-812-1028) if you have any questions.

St. Mary's needs Volunteers! 

St. Mary's is in need of volunteers for various tasks during the tournament weekend, February 3-5.
Click this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f44a8ac2ca5facf8-2023#/ to find out the many volunteer opportunities and to sign up. (Or you can call the church office at (612) 825-9595 for more information.)

See you at the Tournament!  And Thanks in advance St. George for your assistance! 

BACK TO TOP

Stewardship

2023-stewardship-banner

Our Stewardship theme for 2023 is "Giving Thanks: Eucharistic Stewardship. As true stewards of the Body of Christ, we understand the power of our Stewardship to revitalize the Church."

2023 Stewardship Goal

$0 of $260,000 (update coming soon)

Pledge Cards Received

As of January 01, 0 families have pledged a total of $0. (update coming soon)

Make Your Stewardship Pledge Online

Thank you for your continued support! Make your 2023 pledge by visiting https://forms.gle/CMySgYQMEVMt97eR6.

Final numbers for 2022 will be available soon, but it looks like we made our 2022 Stewardship Goal! Thank you all for your support of the work of the Church!

Fellowship (Coffee) Hour

Thank you for signing up to host Fellowship Hour! This is not only an important time for fellowship but also for sharing a nutritious snack and drink after the Sunday morning fast. Feel free to keep it as simple as you like. In general, expect to serve approximately 100 people when Sunday School is in session. 
 
NEW THIS YEAR: Please prepare a tray for the Sunday School students & teachers to be ready at the very beginning of coffee hour. Place approximately 30 servings of items on a tray and a representative of Sunday School will come to the kitchen to pick it up.
 
FASTING: Fasting Sundays are noted on the SignUp. On these days, it’s important to serve food that follows the fast (no meat, eggs, or dairy). There are many options; if you’re looking for ideas, here are a few:

Bread, bagels, crackers, rice cakes, pretzels, or corn chips
Peanut butter, jam, humus, guacamole, or salsa
Fasting-friendly baked goods, granola bars, or cookies such as Oreos, ginger snaps, or wafer cookies
Olives, vegetables, or fruit
MEMORIALS: Many families like to host or co-host on the same day as a memorial and/or serve Kollyva. Some coordination or flexibility may be needed from host families already scheduled for those Sundays. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
 
WHAT TO BRING:
 
Refreshments for approximately 100 people
1 pound of coffee
1 gallon of milk (or 1-2 gallons of juice during fasts)
Cream (non-dairy during fasts)
COFFEE: Instructions for making coffee are on a yellow poster near the large coffee maker. It takes approximately 15 minutes for a pot to brew.
 
SUPPLIES: Disposable plates, napkins, cups, and sugar will be in the kitchen. Pitchers are available for serving water. Tongs and disposable gloves are available for handling food.
 
CLEAN-UP: Please clean the kitchen after you’re done serving and remove any leftover food (leftover coffee grounds may be left if you wish). Wipe down the counters and tables with disinfectant spray. Hang used cleaning cloths on the edge of the sink. Return chairs to their original positions around the tables. Before you leave, please be sure that coffee makers and all burners in the kitchen are OFF!
 
QUESTIONS? Contact Elise (612-867-8047).  If you run into any problems on Sunday morning, look for Elise or Angie Kontenakos, Parish Council President. Thanks again for providing hospitality to our church community!

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 

Sign up for our email list to see what’s happening at St. George!

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.

BACK TO TOP

Bulletin Inserts

BACK TO TOP