Sundays:
9 am - Orthros
10 am - Divine Liturgy
Weekday Services:
Please check the Sacred Services schedule in the bulletin or call the Church office.
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Fr. Seraphim Dedes
Saint Artemius lived during the years of Saint Constantine the Great, and was appointed by him to be Governor of Alexandria; later, he was honoured with the rank of patrician. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, in the year 361, Artemius appeared before the Emperor and censured him for his apostasy. For this, he endured many torments and was finally beheaded.
Saint Gerasimus was from the Peloponnesus, the son of Demetrius and Kale, of the family of Notaras. He was reared in piety by them and studied the Sacred writings. He left his country and went throughout various lands, and finally came to Cephalonia, where he restored a certain old church and built a convent around it, where it stands to this day at the place called Omala. He finished the course of his life there in asceticism in the year 1570. His sacred relics, which remain incorrupt, are kept there for the sanctification of the faithful.
This Saint was born at Tabatha, near Gaza in Palestine, of pagan parents. Sent as a young man to Alexandria to be educated, he learned the Christian Faith and was baptized. While in Egypt he heard the fame of Saint Anthony the Great, and upon meeting that truly great man, the Father of monks, Saint Hilarion determined to devote himself also to the ascetical life. He returned to Gaza, when, he gave himself over to extreme fasting and unceasing prayer. Because of the miracles which he soon began to work, he found himself compelled by his growing renown to leave Gaza, to escape from the throngs of people coming to ask his prayers. In his journeys he visited Egypt, and came again with longing to the place where Saint Anthony had lived; but he was not able to remain in any one place for long, since despite all his attempts to conceal himself, the light of the grace that was in him could not be hid. After passing through Egypt and Libya, and sailing to Sicily, he came at last to Cyprus, where he ended the course of his life at the age of eighty, in the year 372.
Saint Abercius, Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia in the times of Marcus Aurelius, was adorned with the grace of wonderworking and with apostolic zeal. During a festival in honour of Apollo, the chief deity of Hierapolis, the holy bishop was instructed in a revelation to destroy the idols. He went to the temple by night and overturned the statues of Apollo and the others. When this was discovered, the Saint boldly cried out that the gods, becoming drunk from the wine of the libations offered them, had struck one against another in their confusion. A multitude of furious pagans came to avenge the insult to their gods, but when the Saint cast the demons out of three afflicted young men, fear fell upon the idolaters and they with the whole city became Christian. After many labours, and afflictions, Saint Abercius reposed in peace about the year 167 (or, according to some, 186).
The Seven Youths hid themselves in a certain cave near Ephesus in the year 250, to escape the persecution of Decius. By divine grace, a sleep came upon them and they slept for 184 years, until the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger, when the doctrine of the resurrection was being assailed by heretics. They then awoke, that is, were resurrected, confirming in the sight of all the bodily resurrection; and again after a short time, by divine command, they reposed in the Lord in the year 434.
According to some, this Saint was a son of Joseph the Betrothed, born of the wife that the latter had before he was betrothed to the Ever-virgin. Hence he was the brother of the Lord, Who was also thought to be the son of Joseph (Matt. 13: 55). But some say that he was a nephew of Joseph, and the son of his brother Cleopas, who was also called Alphaeus and Mary his wife, who was the first cousin of the Theotokos. But even according to this genealogy, he was still called, according to the idiom of the Scriptures, the Lord's brother because of their kinship.
This Iakovos is called the Less (Mark 15:40) by the Evangelists to distinguish him from Iakovos, the son of Zebedee, who was called the Great. He became the first Bishop of Jerusalem, elevated to this episcopal rank by the Apostles, according to Eusebius (Eccl. Hist., Book II: 23), and was called Obliah, that is, the Just, because of his great holiness and righteousness. Having ascended the crest of the Temple on the day of the Passover at the prompting of all, he bore testimony from there concerning his belief in Jesus, and he proclaimed with a great voice that Jesus sits at the right hand of the great power of God and shall come again upon the clouds of heaven. On hearing this testimony, many of those present cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David." But the Scribes and Pharisees cried, "So, even the just one hath been led astray," and at the command of Ananias the high priest, the Apostle was cast down headlong from thence, then was stoned, and while he prayed for his slayers, his head was crushed by the wooden club wielded by a certain scribe. The first of the Catholic (General) Epistles written to the Jews in the Diaspora who believed in Christ was written by this Iakovos.
These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in the year 524 in Najran, a city of Arabia Felix (present-day Yemen). When Dhu Nuwas, ruler of the Himyarite tribe in south Arabia, and a Judaizer, took power, he sought to blot out Christianity, especially at Najran, a Christian city. Against the counsels of Arethas, chief man of Najran, the city surrendered to Dhu Nuwas, who immediately broke the word he had given and sought to compel the city to renounce Christ. Led by Saint Arethas, hundreds of martyrs, including women, children, and babes, valiantly withstood his threats, and were beheaded and burned. After the men had been slain, all the free-born Christian women of Najran were brought before the tyrant and commanded to abjure Christ or die; yet they rebuked the persecutor with such boldness that he said even the men had not insulted him so contemptuously. So great was their faith that not one woman was found to deny Christ in all Najran, although some of them suffered torments more bitter than most of the men. In alliance with Byzantium, the Ethiopian King Elesbaan liberated Najran from Dhu Nuwas soon after and raised up churches in honour of the Martyrs. Najran became a place of pilgrimage until the rise of Islam a century later. At the end of his life King Elesbaan, who was also called Caleb, retired into solitude as a hermit; he sent his crown to Jerusalem as an offering to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He also is commemorated on this day as a saint. Saint Arethas' name in Arabic, Harith, means "plowman, tiller," much the same as "George" does in Greek.
Saint Demetrius was a Thessalonian, a most pious son of pious and noble parents, and a teacher of the Faith of Christ. When Maximian first came to Thessalonica in 290, he raised the Saint to the rank of Duke of Thessaly. But when it was discovered that the Saint was a Christian, he was arrested and kept bound in a bath-house. While the games were under way in the city, Maximian was a spectator there. A certain friend of his, a barbarian who was a notable wrestler, Lyaeus by name, waxing haughty because of the height and strength of his body, boasted in the stadium and challenged the citizens to a contest with him. All that fought with him were defeated. Seeing this, a certain youth named Nestor, aquaintance of Demetrius', came to the Saint in the bath-house and asked his blessing to fight Lyaeus single-handed. Receiving this blessing and sealing himself with the sign of the precious Cross, he presented himself in the stadium, and said, "O God of Demetrius, help me!" and straightway he engaged Lyaeus in combat and smote him with a mortal blow to the heart, leaving the former boaster lifeless upon the earth. Maximian was sorely grieved over this, and when he learned who was the cause of this defeat, he commanded straightway and Demetrius was pierced with lances while he was yet in the bath-house, As for Nestor, Maximian commanded that he be slain with his own sword.
Of the 6th Sunday of Luke.
Of the Holy Great-Martyr Atremos, of our Righteous Mother Matrona of Chios, and of our Righteous Father Gerasimos of Kaphalonia.
Of the Holy Righteous Martyr Andronikos.
Saturday, October 26
9 & 10 am - Orthros/Liturgy
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Saturday, November 2
5:00 pm - Great Vespers (Hope/Joy)
Saturday, November 9
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Saturday, November 16
5:00 pm - Great Vespers (GOYA)
Saturday, November 23
5:00 pm - Great Vespers
Seventh Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from John 20:1-10
On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.
The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11.
Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39
At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
Please remember in your prayers the following:
Lillian Constantakis, John Bass, Anastasia Handrinos, Nick, Bobbie, & Aleko Tsahtsiris, Bobby Cotton
If you would like the Church to pray for you, please contact the Church office to add your name, of the names of your loved ones, to the Prayer List. If you are willing to serve in the visitation ministry of the Church, calling or visiting those who are shut in at home or sick in the hospitals or nursing homes, please contact the Church office.
Please note that Fr. Anthony is available for hospital visitations, but hospitals no longer give patient information to clergy. Please call Fr. Anthony, or have someone in your family call him, so that he can come to visit you.
From Fr. Anthony
The Church's office hours are 9-5 Monday-Friday, and you can stop by to speak with the office staff any time during those hours. If you have a general Church-related question, you should speak with Susan Solo, who is in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you need to meet with me, however, it's best to call first, as I may already be with another appointment, and am frequently called away to other visitations and appointments. If you prefer, I am happy to arrange a time in advance.
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Church Etiquette
We ask that the doors of the Narthex be closed and no one enters the Church during the following portions of the service:
Epistle, Gospel, Sermon, Great Entrance, Creed, Consecration, and Lord's Prayer
Please be respectful of the prayer and attention of those who are in the Church as you enter.
When it is time for Holy Communion, please remain in your pews until the members of the Parish Council come to your pew to usher you forward by row. In this way, we can ensure that our approaching of the Sacred Mysteries will be accomplished in an appropriate and orderly manner.
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Epistle Reader: Altar Boy
Fall General Assembly - Today
Our Fall General Assembly will be held today following Divine Liturgy. In order to participate in the General Assembly, please remember that you need to have paid at least $250 toward your 2019 Stewardship Commitment. For Seniors, you need to have paid at least $170. There will be a light luncheon for those in attendance.
Harvest Party-Oct. 25
The Ladies of Lydia are hosting its annual Harvest Party this Friday, October 25, from 7-10 pm. Cost: Free, but we ask that each family brings a dessert. Take a flyer on the candle counter for more details.
Children's Christmas Play - Sign-up
Today is the last day you can sign-up your children on the wall across from the Church office for this year's Christimas play, "The Light of the World," to be held on Sun., Dec. 22. Practice starts next Sun., Oct. 27-Sun. Dec. 15, from 12:30-1:15 pm; with dress rehearsal on Sat., Dec. 21. There will be no practice Thanksgiving weekend.
Greek School Oxi Day
The Greek School will have its Oxi Day Presentation on Tuesday, October 29, in the Apollo hall.
Orthodox Life
There will be no Orthodox Life Bible study on Tuesday, October 29, due to the Greek School Oxi Day Presentation. It will resume on Tuesday, November 5.
HOPE/JOY Vespers, Pizza & Bedtime Story
On November 2, at 5 pm, we will do a shorter Vespers for the HOPE/JOY children and their parents, after which we will have pizza together and Fr. Anthony will read a bedtime story to the children. The kids are invited to come to church in their pajamas, if they wish. We will start at 5 pm and should wrap up no later than 6:30 pm.
Veterans Appreciation Dinner
Our parish will host an appreciation dinner on Veteran's Day, November 11, at 6:00 pm, in the Grecian Center. The Veterans from VFW Post #9327 (next door to us) and Veterans from our parish will be our guests. Come and enjoy dinner and show your appreciation to those who have served and protected our country and freedoms. Members of St. George who are Veterans - please give your name to the office ASAP. Cost: Adults 12 & up: $15.00; 11 & under: Free. Please make your reservations online at our website (stgeorgesouthgate.org), at the Reservation Table, or by calling the Church office (734.283.8820) no later than Mon., Nov. 4.
Roommate Wanted
A parishioner is looking for a female roommate to share her 2 bedroom apartment in Wyandotte on Biddle overlooking the water. If interested, please contact Fr Anthony.
Our Website: stgeorgesouthgate.org
We have a live calendar, video and audio recordings of sermons, services, and other events, and an archive of the last two months' Sunday bulletin. You can also reserve and pay for your seat to any upcoming lunch or dinner.
Email Info: stgeorgesouthgate@gmail.com
If you would like our weekly bulletin emailed to you, or to receive any other pertinent information from the Church, please call or e-mail us your information.
Amazon Smile
The Church receives a small donation for any purchases made through Amazon's charity program, Amazon Smile. Choose St. George Church as your designated charity when you shop online at www.smile.amazon.com.
Organ Donation Request
As you may be aware, the downstairs organ used by the Choir ceased to function during Holy Week, and has proved to be irreparable. We have found and purchased a replacement, and would welcome any donations to cover the cost of this new organ. It was $2545. If you are interested in making this donation, please speak with Fr. Anthony.
Church Beautification
This past summer we began a new push to beautify the Church. We have a number of items that will be replaced, for which we already have prospective donors, but we plan to purchase altar cloth sets in several colors to allow us to adorn the Church appropriately for every liturgical season. Depending on the period of the Church year, the Holy Table and other Church furniture are to be covered in red, blue, white, green, gold, or purple cloths. We now are missing only green and white cloths to have all the colors we need.
A complete set of altar cloths includes the large cloth to cover the Holy Table inside the altar, a smaller cloth for the Gospel, the set of cloths for the chalice and paten, include the Aer, the four cloths for the icon stands (proskynitaria) at the front of the Church, and then two cloths for the proskynitaria in the Narthex, with two small covers for the children's icons in the Narthex.
The costs for the new sets vary, depending on whether the brocade cloth being used uses real metal threads or not. For beauty and durability, we have purchased velvet cloths in blue and burgundy, and real metal brocade for the gold and purple altar cloth sets. The white and silver set we are planning to purchase will also use a real metal brocade, while the great will be an all cloth brocade. The cost for a complete altar cloth set in real metal brocade is $3,045, while the cost for a complete altar cloth set in normal brocade is $2,435.
Therefore we need the following donations:
Green normal brocade complete altar cloth set: $2,435
White/silver real metal brocade complete altar cloth set: $3,045
If you are interested in donating either of these items, please contact the Church office or speak with Fr. Anthony. If you would like to see the fabric swatches we have selected for each color, please speak with Fr. Anthony.
Altar Group
At Hellenic College/Holy Cross, all the first-year students are assigned to an “Altar Group,” which has the responsibility on a rotating basis to care for the Chapel at the seminary for one week out of each month. Male and female students together arrive early before morning and evening services to prepare the chapel, and during the services the male students serve in the altar while the female students manage the candles and other responsibilities in the Narthex and throughout the chapel. Following the service, all of them clean the chapel together, leaving it ready for the next service.
This year, we will be taking this beautiful tradition as a model for a new program in the parish. We have always had a strong and active group of Altar Boys, who serve the essential tasks of helping the priest behind the Iconostasis - this year, we will ask the young women of the parish to fill a similar role outside of the altar, taking on an active responsibility for the good order and care of the Church.
There are many jobs that need to be done throughout the Church, but in order to not overburden our young people and families, we will start small and begin by asking all the young people of the Sunday School age 8 and up to help with the regular changing of the beautiful new altar cloths that have been generously donated by several of our parishioners. As we move through the Church year, the tradition of the Church calls for the colors of the altar covers to change, depending on the season. We use burgundy and gold for feasts of the Lord, blue for feasts of the Panagia, purple for Lent, green for Palm Sunday, Pentecost, and some of the “normal seasons” of the Church year, and bright white for Pascha. In this way the vestments of the Church change with the season, just like the vestments of the Priest.
The next change will be November 17, when we change to blue for the feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple on November 21st. We ask all the young people and their families to arrive a little early, between 9:30 and 9:40 am, to prepare and replace the altar coverings throughout the Church during the final minutes of Orthros. The young women will change the covers on the four icon stands at the front of the Church and the four icon stands in the Narthex, while the young men will help me to change the altar covers inside the Altar.
We will keep all the Sunday School families informed in advance of the next time the covers need to be changed, and will continue to work to determine the best way for all of our young people to serve the Lord and the parish of St. George.
We thank you for your participation, and for your love for the Lord.
+Fr. Anthony Cook
Today
Fall General Assembly
Monday, October 21
7:00 pm - Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday, October 22
5:30-7:30 pm - Greek School
6:00 pm - Orthodox Life
7:00 pm - Deaconess
Friday, October 25
7:00-10:00 pm - Harvest Party
Sunday, October 27
12:15 pm - Sunday School Teachers
12:15 pm - Juniors Dance Practice
Monday, October 28
7:00 pm - Choir Practice
Servers Today: Fall General Assembly
10/27: SERVERS NEEDED
11/3: SERVERS NEEDED
11/10: Memorial Luncheon; SERVERS NEEDED
SERVERS ARE NEEDED
Please sign-up outside the Church office.
No Memorials today.