November 01
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-11-01
Bulletin Contents
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
General Information
- Phone:
- (405) 751-1885
- Fax:
- (405) 751-1889
- Email:
- st.george.church@coxinet.net
- Street Address:
- 2101 NW 145th Street
- Oklahoma City, OK 73134
- Mailing Address:
- 2101 NW 145th Street
- Oklahoma City, OK 73134
Contact Information
Services Schedule
Every Saturday we have Great Vespers (unless otherwise noted) at 6:00 p.m. Every Sunday - Orthros at 8:50 a.m., Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Weekday Services are as listed on the Calendar and Community News.
Past Bulletins
- Publish Date:
- 2020-11-08
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-25
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-18
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-11
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-04
- Publish Date:
- 2020-09-27
Community News
Weekday Services...
Every Sunday we have Orthros beginning at 8:50 a.m. and Divine Liturgy beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday evenings we have Great Vespers at 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Weekday services are listed below and begin at 9:00 a.m. with Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy. Unless otherwise stated service will be at St. George.
(Note: All services are at 9:00 a.m. and at St. George unless otherwise noted)
November
9th, Monday - St. Nektarios
13th, Friday - St. John Chrysostom
14th, Saturday - Sts. Philip the Apostle & Gregory Palamas
21st, Saturday - The Entrance of the Theotokos
25th, Wednesday - St. Katherine the Great Martyr
30th, Monday - St. Andrew the First Called & Apostle
The Church is now open to the public. We will continue to stream on YouTube. To view online go to our website www.saintgeorgeokc.org, FaceBook page and click on the link or click on the link below.
YouTube link:
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCTFEPA3i_WXD6AF9nYDXe5A
Replacing political correctness with love and respect
I have witnessed many changes in this nation during my 75 years, but the one change that has saddened me the most is that the influence of Christianity has been replaced by virtues running wild – particularly “a hungering and thirsting for righteousness”,extracted out from its original Christian foundation.
These berserk, secular “virtues” are devoid of Christ, and are inspired by, and latch onto powerful political and secular divisions that have beset our nation. Those who identify as Blue have demonized the conservatives, and those who identify as Red have demonized liberals. The days of respectful dialogue of political opinions and views in a cordial manner have disappeared.
The lack of respect for differing views has polarized the nation, yet the saddest result of this division is not, in my opinion, political, but rather a new divide, demonstrated by an embracement of political alliances as a platform for pursuing “justice” and “righteousness”, bringing about “good” in the world. This division has pushed aside the Lord Jesus Christ, and replaced Him with a pursuing of worldly “virtues”.
Sadly, as a nation we have largely parted ways with Christianity and many have redirected their gaze down the road of secularized religious ideals, which is leading many already wounded, fragile and damaged souls further out of orbit, and floating out into the cold, vast darkness.
The heavenly kingdom, which is the true nation of every Christian, is not political, but eternal. Let us turn our hearts to Christ, and in penance for the sins of our nation. Our country, and her leaders, now need our prayer as never before. We need to put all anger and slander aside, and pray for the wellbeing of the nation.
We must pray to the loving God, that He, in His great mercy, will help us to rebuild the fractured, fragmented, moral context of biblical reality in which our hunger and thirst for righteousness will only truly be satisfied. Then, we will be able to begin to go back to a time where we show respect to everyone, putting all anger and resentment to rest. We must reach out as never before from this restored image to end racial injustice, religious bigotry, and warmongering, and embrace one another with love.
We need to begin this restoration on a personal, individual level first and foremost, working from the inside out, and not try to somehow make these efforts and activities as an “alternate political platform” that people only need to externally embrace and push and then expect “everything to be fine”. We must change from within, and repent, and strive to shed His loving grace on all we come into contact with.
Only then will we find ourselves back on track, and respected as a nation that places civil rights and freedom of thought and religion, as our common heritage. Only when we fall down before our merciful God, will we see America a great nation, once again.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Joy is the infallible sign of God’s presence
One of the teachings of recent saints that has struck many people in recent times has been the teachings of Saint Paisios of Mt. Athos, and Elder Thaddeus of Serbia, to consciously cultivate godly, positive ways of thinking and feeling.
Although we have no written evidence that Our Lord Jesus Christ laughed, I am personally convinced that he did. How could He not have shared in our humanity with perfection had he not had a sense of humor, and shared moments of laughter with His disciples? Laughter is such a precious gift, for it allows us to share circumstances in our lives in a special way. When we allow ourselves to see with joy those often funny events that take place around us, we are able to put ourselves in a proper perspective. Our ability to laugh at ourselves helps reduce our sense of self-importance.
That a Christian can laugh in no way suggests it is proper to smile at dirty humor, or make light of another person’s infirmity or failure. Our humor must never be based on ridicule, or the demeaning of another. Christ used humor when He depicted a camel struggling to get through the eye of a needle. (Matt. 19:24). And we read in Proverbs 17:22, “that a merry heart does good, like medicine”.
A sense of humor demonstrates to others that we live with joy and gladness in our hearts, because we have reason to be happy. We believe the gift of salvation is a good reason to be happy, since the Lord’s ministry did not end on the Cross, but was followed by His Holy Resurrection. Living with a joyful heart adds value to our faith because it makes others want to share in the joy they see in us.
We can laugh because we know that all will work out in the end because God loves us, and we believe His providential hand is at work in our lives. We believe that God knows there is plenty of sadness, sorrow, and sickness in this life, but that it will not prevail, because His plan for our salvation is at work.
The old Celtic saying, “Life is all about loving, living, and laughing, not about hating, dying, and moaning,” has as its basis the Orthodox Christianity of the Celtic people. That is why it is an oxymoron for a Christian to be crabby, cynical, griping, pessimistic, disillusioned, and whining, and why “Joy is the infallible sign of God’s presence”.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Community Connections
In Our Prayers
Today, Sunday, November 1st, there will be a 40-Day Memorial for Stacy Coombe. Please keep her family in your prayers. May her memory be eternal.
On Sunday, Noverber 8th, there will be a 40-Day Memorial for Lili Lambakis. Please keep her family in your prayers. May her memory be eternal.
Informational General Assembly
We will be having an Informational General Assembly after Church on Sunday, November 22nd. We will be practicing social distancing in the hall and streaming it online. More information to follow.
Sunday School - Make the Connection
Sunday School this fall, and possibly Spring, is being held via Zoom. Each teacher is setting their own time for their class. If you have not heard from your teacher, please call the Church office.
Philoptochos Corner
Our BUZZED with BLESSINGS fundraiser continues in a time of social distancing. The Bees might be a nice alternative! $50, includes 30 Bees, occasion card & honey. Thank you! Take care & prayers for our community. Contact the Church office or a Philoptochos member to schedule any upcomming BUZZED with BLESSINGS date.
Fellowship Hour...
Until further notice, we will not be having Fellowship Hour.
Prosfora Schedule
November
1st - Margo Gianos (Sunday& Sts. Cosmos & Damianos)
8th - Fofo Bargeliotis (Sunday & Holy Archangles)
9th - Fofo Bargeliotis (St. Nektarios)
13th - Tasia Vrentas (St. John Chrysostom)
14th - Tasia Vrentas (Sts. Philip the Apostle & Gregory Palamas)
15th - Katerina Stavrakis
21st - Margo Gianos (Enterance of the Theotokos)
22nd - Margo Gianos
25th - Catherine Chrysant (St. Katherine the Great Martyr)
29th - Vana Economopoulos
30th - Vana Economopoulos (St. Andrew the Apostle & First Called)
St. Paul writes, "The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in rememberance of me.'" (1 Cor. 11:24).
We are in need of Prosfora bakers. Our ladies and gentlemen have diminished over the years. The greatest part of this is everyone qualifies! Anyone young and old can make Prosfora. We would only ask a few times per year to prepare bread for a Divine Liturgy. What better way for a family to give of themselves and their love for the Church.
Prosfora can be kneaded in a bread machine, with a mixer that has dough hooks, or by hand. It can easily bge an individual's or an offering made by the whole family. Children love to knead bread or be able to put the seal on and for the children it is a learning experience. It is a great offering of life and love to God.
Please call the Church office if you would like to offer this gift.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Matins Gospel Reading
Tenth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 21:1-14
At that time, being raised from the dead, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Epistle Reading
Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 15.3,8.
Among the saints who are in his land, the Lord has been wondrous.
Verse: I see the Lord before me continually.
The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 12:27-31; 13:1-8.
Brethren, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
Gospel Reading
5th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 16:19-31
The Lord said, "There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazaros, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazaros in his bosom. And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazaros to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.' But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazaros in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' But Abraham said, 'They have Moses, and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to them, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.'"
Wisdom of the Fathers
By these words it is surely shown that in his [the rich man] daily feasting he had frequently sinned by his tongue, seeing that, while burning all over, he demanded to be cooled especially in his tongue. Again, that levity of conduct follows closely upon gluttony sacred authority testifies ... For the most part also edacity leads us even to lechery, because, when the belly is distended by repletion, the stings of lust are excited.
The Book of Pastoral Rule, Chapter XIX, 6th century
The man who has once chosen pleasure in this life, and has not cured his inconsiderateness by repentance, places the land of the good beyond his own reach; for he has dug against himself the yawning impassable abyss of a necessity that nothing can break through.
The things that have come into being have received from the Creator their proper place, their beginning and, in some cases, their end. But there is no boundary to virtue. The psalmist says, 'I have seen the end the end of all perfection, but Your commandment is very broad and is without limit' (Ps. 118:96). Now if it is true...that love never fails (I Cor. 13:8),... then love has no boundary, and both in the present age and in the future age we will never cease to progress in it, as we add light to light.
Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 26: On Discernment; Paulist Press pgs. 250-251, 6th century
But what now do we learn from hence? That no man can protect us there, if we are betrayed by our works, not because he will not, but because he cannot. For these too take refuge in the impossibility. This the blessed Abraham also indicated, saying, "Between us and you there is a great gulf," so that not even when willing is it permitted them to pass it ... the end of each one is at the doors, whether he be old or young; and it is not possible for men after they have gone hence, either to buy oil any more, or to obtain pardon by prayers, though he that entreats be Abraham, or Noah, or Job, or Daniel.
Homily 74 on Matthew 23; Homily 78 on Matthew 6, 20, 25, 4th Century
If your tongue is used to chattering, your heart will remain dim and foreign to the luminous intuitions of the Holy Spirit. But if your mouth is silent, your heart will ever be aflame with the spirit; hush your tongue that your heart may speak, and hush your heart that God may speak.
Homily on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
...every tree is known by its own fruit. So also is love known by its own fruit and the love of which Christianity speaks is known by its own fruit - revealing that it has in itself the truth of the eternal. All other love, whether humanly speaking it withers early and is altered or lovingly preserves itself for a round of time - such love is still transient; it merely blossoms. This is precisely its weakness and tragedy, whether it blossoms for an hour or for seventy years - it merely blossoms; but Christian love is eternal.
Works of Love, Chapter 1; Harper Torchbooks pg. 25, 19th century
Seest thou how by the place, by the things that waste there, He draws men off from this desire that is here, and rivets them to Heaven, where all things are impregnable? For if ye transfer your wealth there where neither rust nor moth corrupts, nor thieves break through and steal, ye will both expel this disease, and establish your soul in the greatest abundance.
Homily 74 on Matthew 23; Homily 78 on Matthew 6, 20, 25, 4th Century
For if any one becomes wholly and thoroughly carnal in thought, such as one with every motion and energy of the soul absorbed in fleshly desires, is not parted from such attachments, even in the disembodied state; just as those who have lingered long in noisome places do not part with the unpleasantness contracted by that lengthened stay, even when they pass into a sweet atmosphere.
How then is it possible for the rich man to be saved. By possessing his goods in common with them that are in need, being such as Job was, and exterminating out of his soul the desire of more, and in no points going beyond real need ....
Homily 74 on Matthew 23; Homily 78 on Matthew 6, 20, 25, 4th Century
And together with what we have said, He brings forward an example also to teach thee moderation. And like as the physician, to alarm the sick man ... He also bring in the rich man, laboring indeed, and longing for life and health, but not able to attain thereto, because of having set his heart on covetousness, but going away empty ....
Homily 74 on Matthew 23; Homily 78 on Matthew 6, 20, 25, 4th Century
A modern monk heard it said, and taught his brothers, that money is like manure. Unless it is quickly spread around, it does no good, but scorches and defiles what it covers.
Evergetinos
Saints and Feasts
November 01
Cosmas and Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia, and their mother Theodota
These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father, their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace.
November 01
David the Righteous of Evia
November 02
The Holy Martyrs Acindynos, Pegasios, Aphthonios, Elpidophoros, and Anempodistos
These Martyrs contested in Persia about the year 330, in the reign of Sapor (Shapur) II, King of Persia (325-379). Acindynus, Pegasius, and Anempodistus, Persian Christians, confessed Christ before the King, and were put to many torments. Aphthonius and Elpidophoros, drawn to the Faith of Christ through the Martyrs, were beheaded with another 7,000. Saints Acindynus, Pegasius, and Anempodistus were at last burned to death. Two churches were dedicated in their honour in Constantinople. As is often the case in church hymns, there is a play on the meanings of the Saints' names here. Acindynus means "unimperilled"; Pegasius is derived from pegazo--"to gush forth"; Aphthonius is derived from aphthonos-"abundant"; Elpidophoros means "hope-bearing"; Anempodistus means "unhindered." These are all Greek translations of their Persian names.
November 03
Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter, & Aeithalas the Deacon, Martyrs of Persia
Saint Acepsimas, a bishop, Saint Joseph, a presbyter, and Saint Aeithalas, a deacon, suffered exceedingly cruel torments and martyrdom during the reign of Sapor II, King of Persia (325-379). See also April 17.
November 03
Dedication of the Temple of the Holy Great Martyr George in Lydda
The consecration of the Church of Saint George in Lydda of Palestine took place during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great. See also April 23.
November 04
Joannicius the Great
Saint Joannicius was born in Bithynia about the year 740. His father was named Myritrikes and his mother Anastaso When he had reached maturity, he excelled in soldiery and was counted worthy of royal honours for his bravery. He had been brought up an iconoclast, but while yet a soldier, he was converted to Orthodoxy by a certain holy elder. He later forsook all things and departed for Mount Olympus, where he spent the remainder of his life in asceticism. Becoming great in virtue, he reposed in the Lord in the year 834, having lived some ninety-four years. To this Saint is ascribed the brief prayer, "My hope is the Father . . . ."
November 04
The Holy Hieromartyrs Nicander, Bishop of Myra, and Hermias the Presbyter
The holy Martyrs Nikandros and Hermias were ordained by the holy Apostle Titus. When they had drawn many to the Faith of Christ, they were accused to Libanius, the Count of the city of Myra, where, after suffering many torments, they were enclosed in a tomb alive, and thus surrendered their spirits into the hands of God.
November 05
Galaktion & his wife Episteme, the Martyrs of Emesa
Saint Galaktion was from Emesa, the son of Cleitophon and Leucippe, pagans who had been instructed in piety by a certain Christian named Onuphrius and received holy Baptism. Saint Episteme, born of unbelieving parents, was baptized before she was wedded to Galaktion. After their marriage they remained in virginity and lived in separate monastic houses. Betrayed as Christians, they suffered martyrdom during the reign of Decius, about the year 250.
November 06
Paul the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople
Saint Paul was from Thessalonica. He became the secretary of Alexander, Patriarch of Constantinople (see Aug. 30), a deacon, and then the successor of Saint Alexander in about 337. Because of his virtue, his eloquence in teaching, and his zeal for Orthodoxy, the Arians hated and feared him. When the Arian Emperor Constantius, who was in Antioch, learned of Paul's election, he exiled Paul and proclaimed the Arian Eusebius Patriarch. Saint Paul went to Rome, where he found Saint Athanasius the Great also in exile. Provided with letters by Pope Julius, Paul returned to Constantinople, and after the death of Eusebius in 342, ascended again his rightful throne; the Arians meanwhile elected Macedonius, because he rejected the Son's con-substantiality with the Father (and the divinity of the Holy Spirit besides). When Constantius, yet at Antioch, learned of Paul's return, he sent troops to Constantinople to drive Paul out. The Saint returned to Rome, where Saint Athanasius also was again in exile. Constans, Emperor of the West, Constantius' brother, but Orthodox, wrote to Constantius that if Athanasius and Paul were not allowed to return to their sees, he would come with troops to restore them him-self. So Paul again returned to his throne. After the death of Constans, however, Constantius had Paul deposed. Because of the love of the people for Saint Paul, Philip the Prefect, who was sent for him, was compelled to arrest him secretly to avoid a sedition. Paul was banished to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia; a town through which his most illustrious successor, Saint John Chrysostom would also pass on his way to Comana in his last exile. In Cucusus, about the year 350, as Saint Paul was celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the little house where he was a prisoner, the Arians strangled him with his own omophorion, so much did they fear him even in exile. His holy relics were brought back to Constantinople with honour by the Emperor Theodosius the Great.
November 07
33 Martyrs of Melitene
These holy Martyrs confessed during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian in the year 290. Of them, Saint Hieron was from Tyana in Cappadocia, a husbandman, of great bodily strength and high nobility of soul. As he was at work digging in his field, certain soldiers came to impress him into military service. He, however, not wishing to keep company with the impious, refused, and with his wooden tool alone drove away the armed soldiers, who fled in fear because of his strength. Later, however, he went of his own free will, and confessed Christ before the governor. His right hand was cut off, and he was imprisoned with thirty-two others, whom he strengthened in the Faith of Christ. Together they were all beheaded outside the city of Melitene in Armenia.
November 07
Lazarus the Wonderworker
Our righteous Father Lazarus was born in 967 in Magnesia of Asia Minor, and passed through various regions of the East, visiting monasteries. He was tonsured a monk, and then ordained priest, at the Monastery of Mar Sabbas in Palestine. In 1005 he returned to his homeland, and beginning in the year 1012, he built the monasteries that are on Mount Galesion. He raised up a pillar, on which he lived as a stylite for many years, enduring unspeakable hardships for the love of Christ, and reposed in the Lord in deep old age in the year 1053, during the reign of Constantine Monomachus (1042-1055).