Calendar

Parish Calendar

February 3 to February 12, 2023

Friday, February 3

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

4:30PM Loaves & Fishes

7:00PM Catechism - Mankind: Creation, the Fall, Messiah

Tuesday, February 7

6:00PM Iconography Class

Wednesday, February 8

+ST. THEODORE STRATELATES

Friday, February 10

+ST. HARALAMBOS THE MARTYR

Sunday, February 12

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Camping Ministry Sunday

8:15AM ORTHROS

9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

10:30AM Sunday School

11:15AM Philoptochos Meeting

11:30AM Greek School Apokries Celebration

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 1st Tone

Although your tomb was sealed with a stone, O Savior, and your most pure body was guarded by the soldiers, you rose on the third day giving life to all the world. Therefore O giver of life, the powers of heaven praise you: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ. Glory to your kingdom. Glory to your saving wisdom. O only lover of mankind.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Presentation in the 1st Tone

Rejoice, O woman full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for there rose from you the Sun of Justice, Christ our God, who enlightens those in darkness. You too exult and be glad, just and aged Simeon, for you carried in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, who bestows on us the grace of resurrection.

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.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from Luke 18:10-14

The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Announcements

Greeters

Yodahe Gamada, Dylan Eisenhuth

Prosfora

Theologia Pitsavas

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to William Clemons for hosting this Sunday!

Loaves and Fishes

Volunteers are needed to help serve our first St. George meal in 2023. Monday, 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#/.

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.

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.

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.

Calling Mental Health Providers

Mark your calendars for our next gathering of Eastern Orthodox mental health providers in the Twin Cities Metro in this MEOCCA-sponsored event at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (956 Forest St. N, St. Paul, MN 55106) in Archangel Michael Hall (across the street from the parish) from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm on February, 21! If you provide direct client care as an LMFT, LPCC, LADC, LP, Psychiatrist, Certified Grief Counselor, or LICSW (or are in a licensure-track for one of these fields), this group is for you. We meet to provide consultation and fellowship within the group, as well as mental health trainings for outside of the group within the Eastern Orthodox community. If you are unsure if you qualify to attend, please direct questions to Natasha Keller at natasha@lakeandvalleyft.com. RSVPs welcome, but not required to natasha@lakeandvalleyft.com.

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 the 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.

Pilgrimage of Discovery, applications are now open!

The Pilgrimage of Discovery is a 7-day, all-expense paid, religious and cultural trip to Constantinople from July 31, 2023, to August 7, 2023, for young adults of the Metropolis of Chicago. The mission of the Pilgrimage of Discovery is to reconnect Greek Orthodox Young Adults from the Metropolis of Chicago with their religious and cultural roots. You can find more information and apply here: https://chicago.goarch.org/pilgrimage-of-discovery/.

Wisdom of the Fathers

If there is a moral quality almost completely disregarded and even denied today, it is indeed humility. The culture in which we live constantly instills in us the sense of pride, of self-glorification, and of self-righteousness ... Even our churches - are they not imbued with that same spirit of the Pharisee? Do we not want our every contribution, every 'good deed,' all the we do 'for the Church' to be acknowledged, praised, publicized? ... How does one become humble? The answer, for a Christian, is simple: by contemplating Christ..."

Fr. Alexander Schmemann

Great Lent, pp. 19-20., 20th Century

It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those who have never fallen at all, I have demonstrated from the divine writings. Thus at least both the publicans and the harlots inherit the kingdom of Heaven, thus many of the last are placed before the first.

St. John Chrysostom

AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

In Other News

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).

FOCUS, MN

New year opportunities! Focus, MN is entering their 13th year of ministry. Thanks be to God! If there's room in your February schedule, check out the times and days below when help is needed at FOCUS House. To volunteer, contact us at (651) 222-0712 or focustwincities@gmail.com.

Sandwiches and Distribution, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm: Mondays (2 people): February 6, 13, 20, 27 - Tuesdays (3 people): February 14, 21, 28

Assist Clients in Clothes Closet, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (or half shift): Wednesdays (1 person) February 8, 15, 22 - Thursdays (1 person): February 9, 16, 23.

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!

Living Water Conversations

Submit your Questions Today! A Conversation on "The Person of Christ"

The Metropolis' Living Water Productions introduces a new series, Living Water Conversations—discussions and interviews with noted theologians, educators and thought leaders. First up: His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael's interview of world-renowned theologian, Fr. Alexis Torrance, discussing "The Person of Christ," Living Water's first video series. The discussion will include a Q&A segment with questions submitted by participants! Submit your questions about "The Person of Christ" series or about Living Water Productions by February 3rd for the opportunity to have them guide the conversation. You can submit your questions here: https://chicago.goarch.org/lwquestions/

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

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!

Saints and Feasts

February 05

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.

February 05

Agatha the Martyr

This Martyr, who was from Panormus (that is, Palermo) or perhaps Catania of Sicily, was a most comely and chaste virgin. After many exceedingly harsh torments, she gave up her spirit in prison at Catania in 251, because she did not consent to the seductions of Quintian, the Governor of Sicily. At her burial, an Angel placed a stone tablet on her grave inscribed with the words, "A righteous mind, self-determining, honor from God, the deliverance of her father-land." The following year this was fulfilled when Mount Etna erupted, spewing forth violent fire from which Catania was manifestly saved by Saint Agatha's prayers. The holy Martyr Agatha, the protectress and chief patroness of Sicily, is, with perhaps the exception of Saint Agnes of Rome, the most highly venerated Virgin Martyr of the West. Saint Damasus, Pope of Rome, and Saint Ambrose of Milan both wrote in praise of her.

Basketball Tournament 2023

Championship games for GOYA Boys and Men start today, Sunday, February 5 at 12:30 pm at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. Reach out to Angie (612-812-1028) if you have any questions.

Stewardship

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!

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.

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

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.

Bulletin Inserts

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Course Winter 2023

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Welcome!

Past Bulletins