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Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-02-19
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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 8:15 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

    February 19 to February 27, 2023

    Sunday, February 19

    Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

    8:15AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:45AM Greek School

    Monday, February 20

    +Cheesefare Week - Refrain from Meat this Week

    6:30PM Parish Council Meeting

    7:00PM Catechism - Christ II: His Work & Teachings

    Tuesday, February 21

    6:00PM Iconography Class

    Thursday, February 23

    +ST. POLYCARP OF SMYRNA

    Saturday, February 25

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI

    Sunday, February 26

    +ST. PHOTINI - SAMARITAN WOMAN

    Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)

    8:15AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:15AM Philoptochos Cheesefare Luncheon (OCMC Fundraiser)

    11:45AM Greek School

    6:30PM FORGIVENESS VESPERS w/ UNCTION

    Monday, February 27

    +CLEAN MONDAY - GREAT LENT BEGINS

    +STRICT FAST - GREAT LENT (Through April 07)

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Tone

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the mighty power of his arm. He has trampled down death by death, becoming the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of hell and has granted to all the world his great mercy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 1st Tone

When you come to the earth, O God, in your glory, all creation will tremble, and a river of fire will flow before your throne of judgment. The books will be opened and the secrets of all will be revealed. On that day, O just Judge, deliver me from eternal flames and make me worthy to stand at your right.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.


Gospel Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."


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Announcements

Greeters

Angie Kontenakos, William Clemons

Prosfora

Anonymous 

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to Sophronis Mantoles for hosting this Sunday!

Greek School is back!

The Greek School will resume this Sunday, February 19, 2023  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.

Philoptochos News

Please join us next Sunday, February 26, 2023  for the annual Cheesefare Luncheon. All proceeds from the free-will offering lunch will go to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center’s Support-A-Mission-Priest (SAMP) program. Currently, our Philoptochos Chapter supports 2 mission priests, please help us support these priests as they strive to share the Gospel of Christ in their communities. Thank you for your generosity!

Saturday of the Souls update

Fr. Perry will be away for the commemoration of the Saturday of the Souls on  Saturday, February 18. However, we will have a memorial for our loved ones prior to our parish Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 04 at 9:15 am. Please submit the first names of your loved ones who have departed this life on the form in the inserts section. We will need kollyva (memorial wheat) for the service. Please let Fr. Perry know if you can make a small tray. All who participate are welcome to offer kollyva for the service. May their memory be eternal!

Basketball Tournament 2023

Congratulations to all of our GOYA Basketball Players and Coaches for representing our Parish at the 2023 Family Basketball Tournament. Our JOY team, GOYA Girls and YAL Women WON the championships! The Men's team put in a great effort! Way to go St. George! Presentation of trophies to the church coming soon. Please share your photos on the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1USfdNcYuIwA-j_QYGDf-eZ4BNjgJ7T4p.

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 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. 

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 21st! 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.

Lenten Retreat

Our St. Gregory Palamas Lenten Retreat is back! Join us on Saturday, March 04 for a one-day retreat exploring the theology, history, and technique of icon painting. We will also learn more about our newly installed mural icons from Fr. Anthony Salzman, iconographer. See the flyer to learn more about our guest speaker and more about the retreat. Schedule: Orthros/Memorial 8:30 am, Refreshments 9:30 am, Retreat (including lunch) 10:00 am, Vespers 3:00 pm. To attend, please RSVP to Antigoni at office@stgeorgegoc.org. Please consider bringing a dish to pass at the potluck lunch (note in your RSVP if you can bring a dish). 

Fanari Summer Camp Registration

The Fanari Summer Camp registration will open on March 6, 2023 at noon! Price is $800/camper. Please find more information here: https://www.fanari.camp/summer-camp.

Lighthouse Camp

2023 Lighthouse Camp dates: Saturday, June 24, 2023 – Saturday, July 1, 2023. The registration for the Orthodox Camp for High School Seniors will open on March 6, 2023 at noon! Please find more information here: https://chicago.goarch.org/lighthouse/.

Fanari Lenten Retreat

Fanari Camp is excited to continue our 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! This retreat is regional, and will have eight satellite locations throughout the Metropolis. All 5th-12th graders are invited to join us! Saturday, April 1, 2023, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm, cost:$30. You can find more information here https://chicago.goarch.org/event/2023-fanari-lenten-retreat/ and/or register here https://chicago.goarch.org/fanari-lenten-retreat/.

Orthodox Game League

All adults (age 18yr+) are welcome to enjoy time with each other and play games on  Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary's OCA Church (1701 Fifth St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413). Want to learn a new game? Want to play a classic? Want to teach a game? Then this is for you! Bring a munchie or dessert to share! Questions? Contact Nikki Beauchamp 612.910.2943

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/.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

"Christian love is the 'possible impossibility' to see Christ in another man, whoever he is..."
Alexander Schmemann
Great Lent, 20th Century

So great was the honour and providential care which God bestowed upon man that He brought the entire sensible world into being before him and for his sake. The kingdom of heaven was prepared for him from the foundation of the world (cf. Matt. 25:34); God first took counsel concerning him, and then he was fashioned by God's hand and according to the image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). God did not form the whole man from matter and from the elements of this sensible world, as He did the other animals. He formed only man's body from these materials; but man's soul He took from things supercelestial or, rather, it came from God Himself when mysteriously He breathed life into man (cf. Gen. 2:7).
St. Gregory Palamas
Topics of Natural and Theological Science no. 24, The Philokalia Vol. 4 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 356, 14th century

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In Other News

Earthquake Relief Fund

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Earthquake Relief Fund, a fundraising effort by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. The Archdiocese has set an initial fundraising goal of $500,000. Donations can be made online or checks may be sent to: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 8 East 79th St., New York, NY 10075 (Made Payable To: "Greek Orthodox Archdiocese" Memo: "Earthquake Relief Fund"). More information can be found here: https://www.goarch.org/donate/earthquake-relief-fund.

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 pmMondays (2 people): February 20, 27 - Tuesdays (3 people): February 21, 28

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

Orthodox Christian Fellowship 

Calling all High School Juniors and Seniors! The college students at the University of Minnesota want to meet YOU and share all about the Orthodox opportunities in college! Orthodox Christian Fellowship is a national organization for college students to explore their faith. We are inviting you to join us on Friday, February 24 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at the University of Minnesota to get a sneak peek into the college experience. Please RSVP on our website under events at z.umn.edu/discoverocf, or by scanning the QR code below! For parking instructions and meeting location, email ocf@umn.edu. See you there!

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!

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/.

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!

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Saints and Feasts

Lastjudgement1
February 19

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday.


Allsaint
February 19

The Holy Apostles of the Seventy Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, and Onesimus

Concerning Saint Archippus, see November 22.


Philothea
February 19

Philothei the Righteous Martyr of Athens

Saint Philothei was born in Athens in 1522 to an illustrious family. Against her will, she was married to a man who proved to be most cruel. When he died three years later, the Saint took up the monastic life and established a convent, in which she became a true mother to her disciples. Many women enslaved and abused by the Moslem Turks also ran to her for refuge. Because of this, the Turkish rulers became enraged and came to her convent, dragged her by force out of the church, and beat her cruelly. After a few days, she reposed, giving thanks to God for all things. This came to pass in the year 1589. She was renowned for her almsgiving, and with Saints Hierotheus and Dionysius the Areopagite is considered a patron of the city of Athens.


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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.

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Bulletin Inserts

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