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Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2023-03-05
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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 27 to March 12, 2023

    Monday, February 27

    +STRICT FAST - GREAT LENT (Through April 07)

    Sunday, March 5

    Sunday of Orthodoxy

    8:15AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    10:30AM Youth Procession with Icons

    11:45AM Greek School

    5:00PM LENTEN VESPERS @ St. Mary's Cathedral

    Monday, March 6

    6:00PM COMPLINE

    7:00PM Catechism - Church I: Birth, Mission, Structure

    Tuesday, March 7

    6:00PM Iconography Class

    Wednesday, March 8

    5:30PM NINTH HOUR

    6:00PM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY

    7:00PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

    Thursday, March 9

    +40 MARTYRS OF SEBASTE

    Friday, March 10

    6:30PM SALUTATIONS

    Sunday, March 12

    Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

    Godparent & Godchild Sunday

    8:15AM ORTHROS

    9:30AM DIVINE LITURGY

    10:30AM Sunday School

    11:00AM Godparent & Godchild Sunday Luncheon

    11:45AM Greek School

    11:45AM Philoptochos Meeting

    4:30PM Missions & Benevolence meal at FOCUS

    5:00PM LENTEN VESPERS @ St. Mary's GOC

  • Ministries Calendar

    March 11 to March 11, 2023

    Saturday, March 11

    2:00PM Youth & Family Ski Trip

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 1st Tone

To the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our salvation, let us, the faithful, give praise and worship. For he willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, to endure death and raise the dead by his glorious resurrection.

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the 2nd Tone

Before your most pure image we bow down, O Good One, entreating you to forgive our sins, Christ our God, for you willingly ascended the cross in the flesh to deliver from the enemy those whom you had made. For this we thank you and we cry to you, O Savior: By coming to save the world you have filled all things with joy.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

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

Epistle Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked to the reward.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."


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Announcements

Greeters

Richard Kanavati, Dylan Eisenhuth

Prosfora

Anonymous

Memorial

Antonia Kontenakos (14 years) & Christos Kontenakos (7 years)

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to Angie Kontenakos, Ann Woods, Dylan Eisenhuth and Ryan McMorrow for hosting this Sunday!

Philoptochos News

Phyllo Sale

Get ready for delicious Spring baking! Our annual Spring Phyllo Dough sale ends today. Please stop by the Philoptochos Table in the Social Hall to order your Fresh Phyllo Dough. Orders will be available for pick up on Sunday, March 12th.

Sunday of Orthodoxy

Sunday School teachers and parents, please note that we do not have Sunday School on March 5 & 19. However, please join us on both dates for the Youth Procession of Icons (remember to bring an icon from home) on March 05 and the Veneration of the Cross on March 19!

Greek School is back!

The Greek School will resume today, Sunday, March 5, 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.

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 Tuesday 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. 

Lenten Meals & Lectures

Join us on Wednesdays March 8, 15, 22, & 29 for our annual Lenten Lectures series! On March 08, we will have a Q/A session with Fr. Perry, on March 15 & 29 will we have two sessions on Proverbs, and on March 22 we will have a guest lecturer, Mr. Stephen Wehr present on the topic "Work-Life Balance, the Scriptures, and the Holy Fathers."
 
Please sign up to host a meal in the hall or by emailing office@stgeorgegoc.org! Plan for about 20 people (soup, salad, and bread). We need hosts for each of the upcoming Wednesdays.

The Saint George Annual Ski Trip is back!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 11, and get ready for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Trollhaugen Ski Area in Dresser, WI (2232 100th Ave, Dresser, WI 54009). We will arrive at 1:30 pm, and lift tickets are active at 2:00 pm. Tickets are valid until closing at 9:00 pm (The tubing session is from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm). We will meet at Trollhaugen at the arrival time, Parents/Guardians/Families are responsible for chaperoning their own youth at the event. Pricing is as follows: Lift Ticket = $24/person – Rental = $24/person – Tubing = $16/ person 2-hour session.

Money can be submitted to the church office. Checks payable to St. George GOC, memo “ski trip”. RSVPs and payments must be sent by March 8. Please direct questions regarding skiing/snowboarding age appropriateness and lessons to Wendy Loudas wsl2@comcast.net (651-235-2646). All other questions can be directed to Niko Vasilopoulos niko@stgeorgegoc.org.

FOCUS MN Meal 

Sunday, March 12 will be our first St. George meal of 2023 at FocusMN. We will gather at 4:30 pm at Focus House- 550 Rice Street and be done by 7:15 pm. Please consider helping St. George provide this vital community meal for the underserved. Sign-up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49ada623a0fcc70-march2#/ or talk with any member of the Missions and Benevolence committee. Thank you for volunteering!

Lenten Pantry Drive

We will be collecting shelf-stable food for all of Lent to support Focus MN. In addition to opening their pantry monthly, Focus delivers weekly to 23 individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Please contribute shelf stable soups/stews, peanut butter and jelly, boxed cereal or individually packaged oatmeal in the drop-off box in the parking lot vestibule. Thank you, and blessed Lent!

Basketball Tournament 2023

The presentation of the trophies to the church is scheduled for Sunday, March 19 in the Social Hall. Please share your photos on the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1USfdNcYuIwA-j_QYGDf-eZ4BNjgJ7T4p.

Spring Plant Sale

Ready to trade in your snow shovel for a garden spade? It's time to start thinking about spring flowers! Philoptochos is selling spring bedding plants, perennials, and hanging baskets from Gertens. Sales will take place through March 26, and plants will be ready for pickup at church on Monday, May 15. Philoptochos members will be in the Fellowship Hall after church to answer questions and assist with placing orders. Profits from this fundraiser will be used to enhance the charitable works of Philoptochos, so please include these reasonably-priced, high-quality plants in your spring garden plans!

Fanari Lenten Retreat at St. George GOC

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, 20232:00 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/.

Holy Friday Retreat 

Join us on Holy Friday, April 14 from 11:00 am-3:00 pm for our annual Retreat! The service of the Royal Hours will begin at 9:00 am, and will be followed by a session, lunch, a craft, and preparation activities. We are looking for volunteer(s) to provide lunch, if you are able, please email niko@stgeorgegoc.org. RSVP by emailing Niko by April 1.

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

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/.

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

Peter, when after so many miracles and such high doctrine he confessed that, "Thou art the Son of God" (Matt. xvi. 16), is called "blessed," as having received the revelation from the Father;
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

... while Nathanael, though he said the very same thing before seeing or hearing either miracles or doctrine, had no such word addressed to him, but as though he had not said so much as he ought to have said, is brought to things greater still.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

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In Other News

SURVEY - Orthodox Parenting & Technology: Holy Use in the Home

My name is Cooper Buss and I am a parishioner at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis. As part of my Master of Theology degree through the Antiochian House of Studies, I am working with the clergy of St. Mary’s Church to create a number of resources to educate and equip Orthodox parents to lead their families in the holy use of technology.

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 March 16from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm CT.

Announcing 2023 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 26% 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.

2023 Discounted Prices for Parishioners:
$6,970 = Monument Lot (2 Graves)
$4,925 = Flat Lot (2 Graves)
$2,667 = Flat Lot (1 Grave, Limited Availability)

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

This continues to be one of those great opportunities where you can support the church, save some money and create a legacy for your family all at the same time.

Lots for both monument and marker (flat) stones are still available.

Please follow Roselawn regulations for care and beautification of your loved one’s lots.

The table-like monument marking our area from Victoria street is visible on google maps and google satellite view at the links below and can be found on the church website.
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.9930459,-93.1389199,69m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.9931192,-93.1393733,3a,37.5y,107.59h,84.79t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sWsyLYEQ6btgc3SJkAxjgbg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

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.

Antiochian Village Camp

Nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, Antiochian Village Camp is a camping program of the Antiochian Archdiocese and invites participants from all Orthodox Christian jurisdictions. Many Orthodox Christians from the Minnesota pan-Orthodox community have been able to experience the mission of Antiochian Village Camp, and would like to share the opportunity with you to apply to be a Volunteer Staff member! Volunteer Staff applications are currently open, and the priority deadline with completed references is due this Tuesday, February 28, but applications may remain open (and be submitted) after this time. Transportation to and from the Pittsburgh airport and other local transportation centers is available on certain dates.

For more detailed information and to apply, please visit: https://avcamp.org/get-involved/volunteer/.
For further detailed information, questions, and inquiries, please contact Liam Boris, Antiochian Village Camp Volunteer Program Coordinator, at (724) 238-9565 Ext. 501 or volunteer@avcamp.org.

WHEREARE YOU, ADAM?
Movie in Greek language with English subtitles

This film is an immersion into the life of one of the monasteries of Holy Mount Athos. Secluded monastic life full of authentic characters and everyday saints comes forth onto the screen from under the wraps of our mundane priorities. What emerges is a fascinating account of a completely unparalleled way of life within a thriving monastic community in the midst of the twenty-first century. «Where are you, Adam?» is set at the ancient Dochiariou Monastery on the western shore of Mount Athos, the Aegean peninsula dedicated solely to Eastern Christian monasticism. Images of nature alternate with the monks' almost ceaseless round of work and prayer, creating a rhythmic bond between man and the natural world that hints at a paradise we all dimly yearn for. The jewel of this rich Byzantine setting, however, are the monks themselves, whose warmth and authenticity has been captured through a revelation of their daily lives, each with its joys, hopes and frailties. By inviting the filmmakers into their midst, the monks hope to encourage each viewer to awaken to his own resurrection. A central figure in the film is the monastery Elder, Abbot Gregory, whose decades of leadership have given him a keen understanding of the souls under his charge and their desire to regain for themselves a state akin to the humanity of Adam before the Fall.

WHEN? March 12, 2023 at 2:30 pm

WHERE? Plymouth Grand 15 (Mann Theaters) -3400 Vicksburg Ln N #13, Plymouth, MN 55447 https://goo.gl/maps/jbcSiFVfXAddGVMNA

TICKETS?
At Eventbrite- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-where-are-you-adam-minneapolis-mn-tickets-539812061407

ADDITIONAL
- Film’s website - https://denpeirazei.com/whereareyouadam
- Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUejKrpaE8w
- English press-kit - https://minnesotoff.com/adam/ADAM_MEDIAKIT_EN.pdf
- Russian press-kit - https://minnesotoff.com/adam/ADAM_MEDIAKIT_RU.pdf

CONTACTS for MN
adam@minnesotoff.com

GENERAL CONTACT for USA
Anton Gress
antongress@yahoo.com | +1 (470) 679-5900

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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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.

 ______________________

Dear Reverend Fathers, Oratorical Chairpersons, and Participants,
 
We hope this new year brings health and happiness to you, your families, and your communities.  Once again, we are pleased to announce that the 39th Annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 (the week after Bright Saturday) at Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church, 1207 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire, Illinois, 60069.  We are excitedly anticipating a weekend of spiritual celebration and fellowship for all in attendance.  All necessary information may be obtained by clicking on the document and registration links below or by visiting our Metropolis Oratorical website 
 
GENERAL INFORMATION/NEW CATEGORY
The Metropolis Festival will offer 6 categories (Speech, Essay, Poetry, Iconography, Vocal Solo, and Vocal Chant), each with 2 divisions (Senior and Junior).  New this year, we will be adding a separate Vocal Chant category to accommodate the growing interest in this ministry.  Once again, our Metropolis youth are invited to register for as many as two separate events at the Metropolis Festival.  The guidelines for these changes are contained in the Parish Information Packet (https://chicago.goarch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-Packet-1.pdf). We hope these changes will welcome more participation at the Festival.  
 
We have also made available a list of this year’s Topics (https://chicago.goarch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SJCOF_Topics_Final_2023-web.pdf) (for Speech, Essay, and Poetry), the Musical Selections (https://chicago.goarch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-Metropolis-Oratorical-Musical-Selections.docx.pdf) (for Vocal Solo and Vocal Chant), and the Tips and Resources (https://chicago.goarch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-Metropolis-Oratorical-Festival-Topic-Tips-and-Resources.pdf) from the Archdiocese.  Please take time to read through these documents and forward copies to all participants.
 
...
 
DEADLINE
All entries for Speech, Essay, Poetry, Vocal Solo, and Vocal Chant, both Senior and Junior Divisions, must be submitted no later than Monday, April 10, 2023.  These submissions must be sent electronically to oratoricalfestival@gmail.com.  All entries for 
Iconography, both Senior and Junior Divisions, must be postmarked no later than Monday, April 10, 2023.  These submissions must be sent by mail to Andrea Tsakopoulos, 8800 Verbena Court, St. John, Indiana, 46373.  Late submissions in any category will not be judged.
 
AWARDS LUNCHEON/HOTEL/DAY-OF-FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Additional information regarding the Awards Luncheon, hotel information in the Lincolnshire area, and a schedule for the day of the Festival will be posted to our website and sent to you as the date draws nearer.  
 
...
 
NATIONAL ORATORICAL FESTIVAL
The National Oratorical Festival, which includes the Metropolis winners for the Speech category only (Senior and Junior Divisions), is scheduled to take place during the weekend of June 9-11, 2023 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Clifton, New Jersey.  
 
We ask that you forward this Metropolis Festival information to everyone at your parish who is involved in a youth ministry, as well as parents of your church school registrants. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to e-mail us at oratoricalfestival@gmail.com with any questions. 
 
We look forward to celebrating with everyone in April!

Sincerely,

Audrey Polite

Andrea Tsakopoulos

Co-Chairs, 

Chicago Metropolis Oratorical Festival Committee

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Saints and Feasts

01_firstlent1cp
March 05

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.


Allsaint
March 05

Mark the Ascetic

Saint Mark the Ascetic lived in the fifth century and according to Nicephorus Callistus was a disciple of Saint John Chrysostom's. Besides his blameless life of asceticism, Saint Mark was distinguished for his writings, some of which are preserved in Volume One of the Philokalia. His writings were held in such great esteem that in old times there was a saying, "Sell all that thou hast, and buy Mark."


Allsaint
March 06

Finding the Precious Cross by St. Helen


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Stewardship

2023-stewardship-banner

Year-End Stewardship Totals for 2022

Thank you! $284,539 of our goal of $260,000. The number of Pledges was 110. What an amazing year for our church. Thank you everyone for your generosity and support of the work of our church! 

Here are some of the things stewardship helped make possible in 2022:

195 Worship Services
17 Youth & Family Events
4 Pioneers (55+) Events
8 Loaves & Fishes & FOCUS MN Events
71 Faith Education Classes
19 Baptisms, Chrismations & Weddings
$13,750 For Missions & Benevolence

2023 Stewardship Goal

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."

$43,450 of $260,000

Pledge Cards Received

As of February 26, 59 families have pledged a total of $108,744.

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! 

Donate

St. George Greek Orthodox Church St. Paul, MN

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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.

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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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Archdiocese News

Register for Ionian Village 2023!

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The Office of Ionian Village is still accepting summer camp registrations for 2023! As the official camping program of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a goal of Ionian Village is to have youth represent each Metropolis of our Archdiocese. Friendships forged at Ionian Village last a lifetime, and the network of alumni who have attended Ionian Village spans the far reaches of our Archdiocese and all its ministries.
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