Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Presentation in the First Tone

Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee hath risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, thou also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also granteth unto us the Resurrection.

Χαῖρε κεχαριτωμένη Θεοτόκε Παρθένε, ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἀνέτειλεν ὁ Ἥλιος τῆς δικαιοσύνης, Χριστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, φωτίζων τοὺς ἐν σκότει. Εὐφραίνου καὶ σὺ Πρεσβύτα δίκαιε, δεξάμενος ἐν ἀγκάλαις τὸν ἐλευθερωτὴν τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν, χαριζόμενος ἡμῖν καὶ τὴν Ἀνάστασιν.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.

Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῶ τόκω σου, καὶ χείρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νὺν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλ' εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Tone. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:1-10.

Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, "At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation." Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Προκείμενον. Third Tone. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 46.6,1.
Ψάλατε τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, ψάλατε.
Στίχ. Πάντα τὰ ἔθνη κροτήσατε χεῖρας.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 6:1-10.

Ἀδελφοί, συνεργοῦντες δὲ καὶ παρακαλοῦμεν μὴ εἰς κενὸν τὴν χάριν τοῦ θεοῦ δέξασθαι ὑμᾶς - λέγει γάρ, Καιρῷ δεκτῷ ἐπήκουσά σου, καὶ ἐν ἡμέρᾳ σωτηρίας ἐβοήθησά σοι· ἰδού, νῦν καιρὸς εὐπρόσδεκτος, ἰδού, νῦν ἡμέρα σωτηρίας - μηδεμίαν ἐν μηδενὶ διδόντες προσκοπήν, ἵνα μὴ μωμηθῇ ἡ διακονία· ἀλλʼ ἐν παντὶ συνιστῶντες ἑαυτοὺς ὡς θεοῦ διάκονοι, ἐν ὑπομονῇ πολλῇ, ἐν θλίψεσιν, ἐν ἀνάγκαις, ἐν στενοχωρίαις, ἐν πληγαῖς, ἐν φυλακαῖς, ἐν ἀκαταστασίαις, ἐν κόποις, ἐν ἀγρυπνίαις, ἐν νηστείαις, ἐν ἁγνότητι, ἐν γνώσει, ἐν μακροθυμίᾳ, ἐν χρηστότητι, ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ, ἐν λόγῳ ἀληθείας, ἐν δυνάμει θεοῦ, διὰ τῶν ὅπλων τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῶν δεξιῶν καὶ ἀριστερῶν, διὰ δόξης καὶ ἀτιμίας, διὰ δυσφημίας καὶ εὐφημίας· ὡς πλάνοι καὶ ἀληθεῖς· ὡς ἀγνοούμενοι, καὶ ἐπιγινωσκόμενοι· ὡς ἀποθνῄσκοντες, καὶ ἰδού, ζῶμεν· ὡς παιδευόμενοι, καὶ μὴ θανατούμενοι· ὡς λυπούμενοι, ἀεὶ δὲ χαίροντες· ὡς πτωχοί, πολλοὺς δὲ πλουτίζοντες· ὡς μηδὲν ἔχοντες, καὶ πάντα κατέχοντες.

Gospel Reading

16th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 25:14-30

The Lord said this parable: "A man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them; and he made five talents more. So also, he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master.' He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not winnow; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.' But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather where I have not winnowed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth." As he said these things he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"

16th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 25:14-30

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωπος ἀποδημῶν ἐκάλεσε τοὺς ἰδίους δούλους καὶ παρέδωκεν αὐτοῖς τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ᾧ μὲν ἔδωκε πέντε τάλαντα, ᾧ δὲ δύο, ᾧ δὲ ἕν, ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὴν ἰδίαν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀπεδήμησεν εὐθέως. πορευθεὶς δὲ ὁ τὰ πέντε τάλαντα λαβὼν εἰργάσατο ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐποίησεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα. ὡσαύτως καὶ ὁ τὰ δύο ἐκέρδησε καὶ αὐτὸς ἄλλα δύο. ὁ δὲ τὸ ἓν λαβὼν ἀπελθὼν ὤρυξεν ἐν τῇ γῇ καὶ ἀπέκρυψε τὸ ἀργύριον τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ. μετὰ δὲ χρόνον πολὺν ἔρχεται ὁ κύριος τῶν δούλων ἐκείνων καὶ συναίρει μετ᾿ αὐτῶν λόγον. καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ τὰ πέντε τάλαντα λαβὼν προσήνεγκεν ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα λέγων· κύριε, πέντε τάλαντά μοι παρέδωκας· ἴδε ἄλλα πέντε τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῖς. ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ· εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ! ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω· εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου. προσελθὼν δὲ καὶ ὁ τὰ δύο τάλαντα λαβὼν εἶπε· κύριε, δύο τάλαντά μοι παρέδωκας· ἴδε ἄλλα δύο τάλαντα ἐκέρδησα ἐπ᾿ αὐτοῖς. ἔφη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ· εὖ, δοῦλε ἀγαθὲ καὶ πιστέ! ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός, ἐπὶ πολλῶν σε καταστήσω· εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν χαρὰν τοῦ κυρίου σου. προσελθὼν δὲ καὶ ὁ τὸ ἓν τάλαντον εἰληφὼς εἶπε· κύριε· ἔγνων σε ὅτι σκληρὸς εἶ ἄνθρωπος, θερίζων ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρας καὶ συνάγων ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισας· καὶ φοβηθεὶς ἀπελθὼν ἔκρυψα τὸ τάλαντόν σου ἐν τῇ γῇ· ἴδε ἔχεις τὸ σόν. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· πονηρὲ δοῦλε καὶ ὀκνηρέ! ᾔδεις ὅτι θερίζω ὅπου οὐκ ἔσπειρα καὶ συνάγω ὅθεν οὐ διεσκόρπισα! ἔδει οὖν σε βαλεῖν τὸ ἀργύριόν μου τοῖς τραπεζίταις, καὶ ἐλθὼν ἐγὼ ἐκομισάμην ἂν τὸ ἐμὸν σὺν τόκῳ. ἄρατε οὖν ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ τὸ τάλαντον καὶ δότε τῷ ἔχοντι τὰ δέκα τάλαντα. τῷ γὰρ ἔχοντι παντὶ δοθήσεται καὶ περισσευθήσεται, ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ μὴ ἔχοντος καὶ ὃ ἔχει ἀρθήσεται ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ. καὶ τὸν ἀχρεῖον δοῦλον ἐκβάλετε εἰς τὸ σκότος τὸ ἐξώτερον· ἐκεῖ ἔσται ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων.

News & Events

Welcome Newcomers & Visitors!

Please stop by the Welcome Table at Coffee Hour!

We would love to meet you!

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Upcoming Events

Monday, February 4, 2019 ~ 7 pm

AHEPA Meeting

AHEPA Room

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Thursday, February 7, 2019 ~ 6:30 pm

Philoptochos Valentine's Membership Dinner Meeting

Please join us ~ an evening of Fellowship, Friendship & Food

Discussion of upcoming events, projects & philanthropy

Don't forget your membership dues!!!

Cultural Center

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Connection Sunday

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Stewardship Appreciation Luncheon & Ministry Expo

A small token of appreciation to our Stewards

Immediately following Divine Liturgy

Cultural Center

Sponsor: Blue Swan Diner

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Kali Parea

Meets 2nd Thursday of every month

Thursday, February 14, 2019, 12:30 pm

Valentine's Day Luncheon

with the Socialites

Youth Lounge

Contact: Sophie Anest 732-508-9310 / Mary Kotsopulos 201-893-0378

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Sunday, February 17, 2019

Spiritual Enrichment

Living the Liturgy

Video Presentation

Directly following Divine Liturgy

Library

Refreshments will be served

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Monday, February 25, 2019 ~ 6 pm - 8 pm

Taste of the Shore

Food & Wine Tasting

Cultural Center

Enjoy a fantastic evening & taste an eclectic array of the

Shore area's restaurants, dessert places and wine & spirits proprietors

Contact: Maria Conery 732-272-7946 or kazouka@hotmail.com

Event Flyer and Sponsorship Flyer below

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Saturday, March 23, 2019

Axelrod Theatre Production of Mama Mia!

Tickets - $50 ~ in Limited Supply

Please contact: Sophie Anest 732-508-9310

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ICONOGRAPHY PROJECT UPDATE

On Sunday, December 23, 2018, we celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in our church after having completed the expanded Phase 1 of our Iconography project; the Dome, Pendentives and Solea Arch. Many were brought to tears as parishioners gazed up at the beautiful and symbolic Pantokratora, Dance of Angels, Prophets, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Birth of Christ. Father Andrew described the installed iconography which depicts the stories of our faith. Iconographer George Giariskanis thanked the community for giving him and his colleagues the opportunity to share their vision and for their hospitality. He said that they feel they are a part of the St. George family. Thank you to all who have contributed their time, talents and treasures to the success of the project to date.

Although we have pledges of $1,049,000 towards our Iconography goal of $1.3 million, we still have more to raise to be able to cover the costs of Phase 1 and complete Phase 2 in preparation for our tentative consecration in the fall of 2020. Payments of $757,000 have been made toward pledges; we encourage you to make payments towards your pledges as we will begin to incur additional expenses as we embark on Phase 2, the Platytera, Hierarchs, Icons behind chanter stand and pulpit, Life of St George Icons, and Exonarthex Mosaics which are scheduled to be installed in October 2019.

There are still opportunities to support this community project, including named icons in Phase 1 and 2, general contributions and the Gold Leaf Program. We all have an obligation to honor those who came before us, those who are with us, and future generations. No donation is too small.

This project touches all that is holy in our Church, and all parishioners of St. George have the opportunity to be part of this effort. Every contribution will have a positive impact – no contribution is too small and all contributions will be recognized at a later date. If you have questions about gifting, contributions, Gold Leaf or simply want more information on the project, please contact Father Andrew, frandrew@stgeorgeap.org, Anne Papageorge, John Michals jmichals@desotc.com or the Church office 732-775-2777. Information is available on our website www.stgeorgeap.org/iconography and pledges/donations can be made on-line at www.stgeorgeap.org/vanco.

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THE SPIRIT OF STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship forms are available at the church office or in the narthex. The Stewardship Committee is waiting to assist you!

"As the Father has sent me, so I send you!" (John 20:21)

Be a part of the St. George Team!!!

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men….” (Colossians 3:23).

Thank you to all our faithful Stewards for their support of our St. George Stewardship Program!

If not you – who? If not now – when?

Time + Talent + Treasure = Stewardship!

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PLEASE NOTE: Recurring Stewardship payments for 2018 do not automatically renew for 2019, you must set up your payments for 2019.

ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE OF ELECTRONIC GIVING!!!

Did you know that St. George Church offers you the convenience of electronic giving? You can now make all donations to your parish life online! Pledge and donate your Stewardship for 2018 online! Give your weekly candle and tray offerings, Easter offerings, Epitaphios offerings, as well as donations towards the Epitaphio flowers, coffee hour, cemetery grave purchases and more! You can pledge and donate online to our Iconography Project. Be a part of our Community Icon, or donate an icon of your own.

You can make a one-time payment, or schedule weekly/monthly/quarterly payments automatically! For additional information contact the church office or log onto www.stgeorgeap.org/vanco and start today!

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STEWARDSHIP TABLE

For questions regarding Stewardship, please visit our Stewardship Table during any Sunday Coffee Hour or contact the Church Office

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Faithful Hands Crochet & Knitting Ministry

Faithful Hands ministry is making baby blankets for a local group to send all throughout the world to families with babies recovering from airway surgery. These tiny babies need our extra hugs and prayers!

If you have any leftover baby yarn you can donate to our project, please drop it into our YARN DONATION box near our Mustard Seed bookstore. Any color yarn would be a blessing!

Please visit copingwithlm.org for more information on this caring group. Of course EVERYONE is welcome to join our Faithful Hands group - see our notice below for dates and times!

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Join us for fun and fellowship: create beautiful lap blankets and baby blankets for 40 day blessings. Beginners and experienced crocheters and knitters welcome! Help us in our current project making lap blankets for St. Michael's residents. Yarn, Needles and Hooks provided. Afternoon group - Tuesdays 4:00pm - 6:00pm in the Library. Please contact Bea Paparsenos at: 732-922-9463 or email: beapap@live.com

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MUSTARD SEED BOOKSTORE

& ST. BASIL'S LENDING LIBRARY

Teachers/Students/Adults - Books for your reading pleasure; great teaching tools

Stop by the Lending Library cart to see our many selections!

Visit the store today following Divine Liturgy

*Icons *Earrings/Necklaces *Antidoron Handmade Bags *Cookbooks

*Prosforo Seals & Pans *Wedding Crowns *Picture Frames *Bibles - Adult & Youth

*Baptism Candles *Prayer Bracelets *Incense/Charcoal *Hellenica (book)

*Jesus Prayer Rings *Censors *Greeting Cards *Bible Tabs

*Prayer Books *Icon Tapestry Pouches *NEW*Children's Orthodox Matching Game

See the "Frequently Asked Questions" Flyer below

Any questions? Contact Teri Lalli: tlalli@stgeorgeap.org

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St. George Philoptochos "Cookbook"

To order our fabulous cookbook

Please send an email to Errie Teevan

cteevan@optonline.com or call 732-294-9327

See Flyer below

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Fellowship in Prayer

"Heavenly father physician of our souls and bodies, you have sent Your only-begotten Son and Our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and infirmity, we ask that you visit and heal also your servants Marty, Rita, Elly, George, Helen, Angela, Megan, Andrew, Penny, George, Sabrina, Spiro, George, Stathis, Demitri, Sava, Jean, Patricia, Domna, Gary, Irene, Cam, Fermo, Patrick, Spiro, Ian, Erin, Nick, Renae, Gabe, Tara, Maria, Anne, Anastasia, Greek Familes from Mati in Athens and our Security Forces from all physical and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant them patience through this hardship, strength of body and spirit and recovery of health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. We pray that You heal Your Servents and grant them the gift of complete joy in You. For You are the source of healing and to You we give glory in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen!

For an addition to this list,

please contact the Church Office: 732-775-2777

or George Moutis gmoutis@scinj.com

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ST. GEORGE SOCIAL MEDIA

Remember to register St. George Greek Orthodox Church for all your Amazon purchases. Our Church receives .5% for every purchase. Simply paste the link below in your browser, to be directed to the registration page Amazonsmile: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/21-0643361. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter & LinkedIn. Watch our live services each Sunday.

Link for our web site for your convenience: www.stgeorgeap.org

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO SERVE ST. GEORGE?

Get trained for Narthex Service: open/close the doors, extinguish candles & clean Icons, 7-Day Candle Placement; rotating schedule for service. Can you help? Please contact the Church Office at 732-775-2777.

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BUILDING CAMPAIGN

Several naming opportunities for our building campaign are available:

johnp@warshauer.com or johnvret@aol.com

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CHURCH OFFICE

Friendly reminder: When making a contribution, please ensure all checks include the specific “fund” where your contribution should be applied. THANK YOU!!

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AS DEVOTED AND RESPECTFUL

PARISHIONERS OF ST. GEORGE

Please be considerate and make room in the pews for others. If you insist on keeping the end of the pew, please be aware of others looking for a seat and step out to allow them to enter. Those in the stasidia must step down onto the floor as follows: *When the Gospel is being read, *During the Small and Great entrances, *During Holy Communion. It is disrespectful to stand higher than the Holy Gifts. Please instruct your children in this discipline as well.

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PROCEDURE FOR HOLY COMMUNION DISMISSAL

In order to insure proper reverence for the Holy Gifts before us:

1) Please exit FROM YOUR ROW, row by row into the CENTER AISLE

2) Only Newly-Illumined Christians, infants from the crying room, Sunday School teachers and their families, and the Choir proceed from the back rope-FIRST

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF THE PARISH COUNCIL WHO ARE MAINTAINING ORDER FOR YOUR PRAYERFUL APPROACH

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SECURITY

All doors and lights must be secured before leaving facility. The Township of Ocean has advised that fire lanes must be kept clear. Lost keys or fobs will require a fifty dollar fee to replace. Please do not adjust the thermostats.

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Effective Immediately - the following items are prohibited during church services:

Back Packs of any size - Shopping bags

Fanny Packs - Brief Cases

Shoulder Book bags - Luggage of any type

Boxes of any kind - Food or Drinks

Cameras or Video equipment

For any questions, please see a Parish Council Member