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Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-03-31
Bulletin Contents
Calendar
Hymns of the Day
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Announcements
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Welcome Visitors!
Archdiocese News
Bulletin Inserts
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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

Fr. Perry Kallis


frperry@stgeorgegoc.org | (651) 706-9672

Admin. Assistant Yeoryia Christoforides


office@stgeorgegoc.org

Bookstore Steve Arsenault


bookstore@stgeorgegoc.org

Webmaster John Peter Boosalis


john@stgeorgegoc.org

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

Fellowship Hour Sunday following Divine Liturgy

Office Hours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: 10:00 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

    March 18 to April 7, 2024

    Monday, March 18

    +Strict Fast - Great Lent

    Sunday, March 31

    Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

    +St. Innocent Apostle to America

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Church School

    11:45AM Church School Teachers Meeting

    5:00PM Lenten Vespers @ St. George GOC

    Monday, April 1

    4:30PM Loaves & Fishes

    6:00PM Compline

    7:00PM Catechism #10 - Sacraments III: Marriage, Ordination (& Monasticism)

    Wednesday, April 3

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

    5:30PM Ninth Hour

    6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

    Friday, April 5

    +St. Theodora

    6:00PM Salutations

    7:00PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

    Sunday, April 7

    Sunday of the Holy Cross

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM No Church School

    10:45AM Veneration of the Cross

    5:00PM Lenten Vespers @ St. George Antiochian

  • Ministries Calendar

    April 13 to April 13, 2024

    Saturday, April 13

    2:00PM Fanari Lenten Retreat

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Tone

When you descended into death, Life immortal, you vanquished the pow'r of hell by your resplendent divinity and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers cried out triumphantly: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal 4th Tone

O light of Orthodoxy, O pillar of strength and teacher of the Church! Glory of monks and nuns, and of theologians the protector invincible! O wonderworker Gregory, pride of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, intercede without ceasing for the salvation of our souls.

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 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 St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3

IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?

Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
The Reading is from Mark 2:1-12

At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

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Announcements

Greeters

Dylan Eisenhuth & Bob Baffa

Prosfora

Annonymous

Memorial 

Jone Sophia Balzart (1-Year)

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to John and Jenny Balzart for hosting this Sunday! 

Please consider hosting a coffee hour! Hosts are needed for the following Sundays: April 14 and May 12 (Mother's Day). Individuals, families, or even groups can sign up to host or co-host! Use this URL to sign up for Coffee Hour!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-46964197-fellowship#/

Lenten Meal Sign-Up

Please sign up to host a Lenten Meal on an upcoming Friday after Salutations (Xairetismoi). The sign-up sheet is posted on the wooden table to the left of the kitchen service window.

Lenten Lectures

April 05 - Dean Theophilos (MA, LPCC, LADC, LCPC, CRADC) - "Understand Healthy Relationships Through Our Mind, Body and Soul"
April 12 - Fr. John Kostas - Topic TBA
April 19 - Fr. Perry - Topic TBA

Also, join us on Wednesdays, immediately following Presanctified Liturgy, for a weekly Q&A on topics pertaining to Great Lent.

Loaves and Fishes Service Opportunity

Our second Loaves and Fishes meal commitment for 2024 is Monday, April 1st. Please consider coming out to serve some meals. Ask any member of Missions and Benevolence for more details. Blessed Lent! Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ADA623A0FCC70-48666441-april#/

Online Bible Study

Our next bible study will meet on Wednesday, April 3rd, at 1:30 pm. We welcome visitors. The Zoom link is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85022523982?pwd=c1pldks5aW5IY0dZY2E3QkRWRmtnZz09

Lenten Pantry Drive

Almsgiving made easy this Lenten season. Consider donating some shelf-stable food items to Focus MN's Second Helping Food Pantry. We will be collecting Pasta Sauce, Canned Meals (SpaghettiOs, tuna, chili) Canned Fruits, Peanut Butter/Jelly and Cereal. Please drop off items in the collection box in the parking lot vestibule. Blessed Lent!

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! All 5th-12th graders are invited to join us! Saturday, April 13, 2023 from 2:00-8:00 PM. St. Mary's is hosting our regional Minnesota retreat this year in Minneapolis. Register online at https://chicago.goarch.org/lentenretreat24-draft/

St. Mary’s Summer Camp

Today is the last day to register! Camp will be held at Camp Wapo from Saturday, June 29th – Friday, July 5th, 2024. Campers entering the 3rd through 12th-grade level in the Fall of 2024 are eligible to register. Registration is open! https://stmaryscamp.com

Reminder to Get Your Spring Flowers from the Philoptochos Fundraiser!

Shop now for all your spring yard needs and Mother's Day gifts! High-quality plants, flats, veggies, hanging baskets, and porch pots are available. All proceeds will be used to further the Philoptochos mission of assisting the needy. Order online at: gertensfundraising.com
use Store ID: 764 at check out! Plants will be delivered to St. George on May 11 in time for Mother's Day gifting.

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Course - Spring 2024

Join us for our MEOCCA catechism course, Intro to Orthodox Christianity, now in session. Catechism is open to all; people interested in learning more about Orthodox Christianity, inquirers, catechumens, and current Orthodox Christians as well! Classes will be held on Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in person (1111 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN) or online via Zoom. To register, email info@stgeorgegoc.org. Learn more at www.meocca.org.

2024 Stewardship Program

2024 Stewardship Goal

$51,098 of $275,000 (through February)

At the Fall Parish Assembly, we approved the 2024 Stewardship Goal of $275,000. We have hit this mark in the last couple of years, and we truly believe that with everyone’s support, we will hit that mark again. Now is the time to submit your 2024 pledge. Pledge Cards are at the candle stand, or click the link below to complete the form online. Thank you for your support of the work of the Church.

2024 Theme
"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant,” from the Parable of the Talents. We are all blessed with certain gifts. This parable stresses the importance of developing our gifts, multiplying them, and offering them back in service to God.

Make Your 2024 Pledge Online

https://forms.gle/TAvAZUNCBrcRHX1KA

Make a Stewardship Donation Online

https://www.stgeorgegoc.org/give

Parish Assembly - June 09

Join us on Sunday, June 09, immediately following Divine Liturgy, in the hall for a Parish Assembly meeting in person and on Zoom. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84290595046?pwd=4rGTfXamOeOqs3iI2xrbpJ93VV0nbR.1

Piano

We are looking for a new home for our piano that was previously located in the hall. It needs some work. Please contact the church office if you are interested. It measures 58.5”x12”x45.5”

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Take up your bed. Carry the very mat that once carried you. Change places, so that what was the proof of your sickness may now give testimony to your soundness. Your bed of pain becomes the sign of healing, its very weight the measure of the strength that has been restored to you.
St. Peter Chrysologus
Homily 50.6. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol. 2: Mark. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 27.

Now Matthew indeed saith, that "they brought him," but the others, that they also broke up the roof, and let him down. And they put the sick man before Christ, saying nothing, but committing the whole to Him.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp. 195, 196, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

02_palamas2
March 31

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

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April 01

Mary of Egypt

When Mary was only twelve years old, she left her parents and departed to Alexandria, where she lived a depraved life for seventeen years. Then, moved by curiosity, she went with many pilgrims to Jerusalem, that she might see the Exaltation of the venerable Cross. Even in the Holy City she gave herself over to every kind of licentiousness and drew many into the depth of perdition. Desiring to go into the church on the day of the Exaltation of the Cross, time and again she perceived a certain invisible power preventing her entrance, whereas the multitude of people about her entered unhindered. Therefore, wounded in heart by this, she decided to change her way of life and reconcile herself to God by means of repentance. Invoking our Lady the Theotokos as her protectress, she asked her to open the way for her to worship the Cross, and vowed that she would renounce the world. And thus, returning once again to the church, she entered easily. When she had worshipped the precious Wood, she departed that same day from Jerusalem and passed over the Jordan. She went into the inner wilderness and for forty-seven years lived a most harsh manner of life, surpassing human strength; alone, she prayed to God alone. Toward the end of her life, she met a certain hermit named Zosimas, and she related to him her life from the beginning. She requested of him to bring her the immaculate Mysteries that she might partake of them. According to her request, he did this the following year on Holy and Great Thursday. One year after this, Zosimas again went thither and found her dead, laid upon the ground, and letters written in the sand near her which said: "Abba Zosimas, bury here the body of wretched Mary. I died on the very day I partook of the immaculate Mysteries. Pray for me." Her death is reckoned by some to have taken place in 378, by some, in 437, and by others, in 522. She is commemorated also on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. Her life was recorded by Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem.

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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 see Fr. Perry after services or contact him at frperry@stgeorgegoc.org or (651) 222-6220.

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

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Prosfora (Offering Bread)

Thank you to those who make the prosfora/offering bread for Liturgy. If you would like to sign up to bake and make an offering of bread to the church, please get in touch with Krisandrea at krisandreambr@icloud.com.

“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” John 6:27

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Content for the Bulletin

All content for the bulletin (flyers, blurbs, calendar events, etc.) is due Wednesday each week. Content submitted after Wednesday will be included in the bulletin for the following week.

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Parish Email List Sign-Up 

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

Text Message Reminders - Sign Up 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 

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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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Archdiocese News

Holy Eparchial Synod Communique New York, March 27, 2024

03/27/2024

https://www.goarch.org/-/holy-eparchial-synod-communique-new-york-march-27-2024?redirect=%2Fnews%2Frecent-news%2F-%2Fasset_publisher%2Fgt9jYZFyZyFT%2Frss

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided today over the session of the Holy Eparchial Synod meeting, which convened via teleconference, in order to appoint, in accordance with the current Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Locum Tenens of the now vacant Holy Metropolis of Denver, following the submission of the resignation of His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah and his subsequent election by the Holy and Sacred Synod (March 23, 2024) as Metropolitan of Lystra.


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Bulletin Inserts

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