Calendar

Parish Calendar

March 3 to March 17, 2025

Monday, March 3

+Strict Fast - Great Lent

Sunday, March 9

+40 Martyrs of Sevaste

Sunday of Orthodoxy

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Youth Procession with Icons

11:00AM Church School

11:30AM Philoptochos Meeting

4:30PM Missions & Benevolence Meal @ FOCUS

Monday, March 10

5:45PM Compline

7:00PM Greek Festival Meeting

7:00PM Catechism #8 - Sacraments I: Baptism, Chrismation, Confession

Wednesday, March 12

5:30PM Ninth Hour

6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

7:15PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

Thursday, March 13

7:00PM Book Group

Friday, March 14

St. Gregory Palamas Parish Lenten Retreat (Friday & Saturday)

6:00PM Salutations

7:00PM Lenten Meal & Parish Retreat Session #1

Saturday, March 15

9:30AM Parish Retreat (9:30 am-3:00 pm)

3:00PM Vespers

Sunday, March 16

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

8:15AM Orthros

9:30AM Divine Liturgy

10:45AM Church School

Monday, March 17

+Sts. Patrick & Alexios the Man of God

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 4th Tone

The joyful news of your resurrection was proclaimed by the angel to the women disciples. Having thrown off the curse that fell on Adam, they ran elatedly to tell the apostles: Death has been vanquished; Christ our God is risen from the dead, blessing all the world with his great mercy.

Apolytikion for 40 Martyrs of Sebastia in the 1st Tone

The holy martyrs suffered painful tortures for Your sake, O Lord; be constrained by what they endured, and heal our every pain, we entreat You, as the only One who loves humanity.

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.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-10

BRETHREN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father.

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."

Announcements

Greeters

Yodahe Gamada & Paul Werger

Prosfora

Andrea Faches

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to Lisa Jordan for hosting today's fellowship.

Focus Sunday Meal

Join in to help serve our first Focus meal for 2025. Sunday, March 9, at Focus House on Rice Street from 4:30- 6:30ish. We will serve our famous St. George Meal from our beloved chef! The work is easy and rewarding as we serve those in need. Sign up here to ensure we have enough help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ADA623A0FCC70-55385150-march#/

Lenten Pantry Drive

Help keep the Focus House Pantry stocked this Lent. We are collecting Pantry Staples such as Jelly, Cereal, Pasta Sauce, Mac and Cheese, or Spam/Canned Meat. Please place your items in the blue bins found in the parking lot vestibule and we will get the food over to Focus House. Thank you for your donations!

Philoptochos Meeting Today!

Join us for our Philoptochos meeting today at 11:30 a.m. We are excited to welcome new members! Discover how you can play a role in our 'Army of Agape', a movement dedicated to transforming love into impactful actions. Joining Philoptochos is more than just being a member; it's about fostering kindness and creating a genuine impact in our community! We can't wait to see you there!

Spring Phyllo Dough Sale!

Don't miss out! Today is the final opportunity to order our delicious fresh Phyllo dough. You can pick up your orders next Sunday, March 16th. We will be taking orders in the Social Hall after Liturgy. Your support means the world to us!

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Course - Winter 2025

Join us for our MEOCCA catechism course, Intro to Orthodox Christianity. 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. Register online at https://forms.gle/727eGvE3nn44k1am8. Learn more at www.meocca.org.

Church Office Closed

The church office will be closed Tuesday, March 11.

Host a Lenten Soup Supper

Meal hosts are needed for Wednesday and Friday evenings in Lent during our Pilgrimage and Speaker Series lectures.

Visit this URL for more information and to sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-54887413-lenten#/

Wednesday Evening Lenten Pilgrimages

Every Sunday in Lent has its own theme – Sunday of Orthodoxy, St. Gregory Palamas, Holy Cross, St. John Climacus, St. Mary of Egypt, and Palm Sunday. Each is a kind of short pilgrimage within our larger journey to Pascha. Join us on Wednesday evenings in Lent, following the Presanctified Liturgy, to share a Lenten meal and to explore how the stories, icons, and hymns from each week guide us in our journey. Discussions will be led by Fr. Perry, Fr. John, and Dr. Ann.

Fridays Lenten Speaker Series: Faith & Suffering

How does faith help us navigate suffering? This Lenten season, join us for a special speaker series exploring the complex relationship between faith and suffering. Each Friday during Lent, after Salutations and a Lenten meal, we'll welcome guest speakers to lead discussions on this important topic. We'll consider the many forms suffering can take – physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational – and how our faith can offer support and understanding.

Annual Parish Lenten Retreat: Encountering God with St. Gregory Palamas
Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15

Our annual Lenten retreat is just around the corner! This year, we are honored to welcome Fr. Paul Hodge of Holy Trinity OCA as our guest speaker. Join us as he guides us in a deeper understanding of St. Gregory Palamas, whom we commemorate on the second Sunday of Lent. Explore the profound concept of "Knowing the Unknowable God," and learn about the vital importance of silence and inner prayer for Christians in our noisy modern world. Let this Lenten season be a time to truly deepen your spiritual life.

Join us Friday, March 14 after the Salutations Service and Saturday, March 15 from 9:30am to 4pm for this retreat. See attached flyer for more details.

Mark your calendars—we look forward to seeing you there!

Evelyn Daltas 100th Birthday Celebration

Our beloved parishoner Evelyn Daltas is turning 100 years old! She and her family will be celebrating on Saturday, March 15th from 11am to 2pm at the Lexington on Grand, just one block away from the church. Lunch will be a buffet, so people can come and go accordingly, and have a chance to mingle with her. The family asks for donations to St. George in lieu of any gifts.

If you would like to attend please RSVP with Dylan at [email protected] by March 12th

St. George Classical Readers

Fellow readers of classical literature, join us for fun and engaging conversation about some great American literature—short stories from Flannery O’Connor! We’ll be discussing her works on March 13. We meet at 7 p.m. both in person at church and via Zoom. Reach out to Grant Oldre at [email protected] to get the specifics on each week’s readings.

Change to Church Calendar

Please note that on Monday, March 24, we will pray Great Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation, not Compline as previously advertised. Many Years for the Feast! Xronia Polla

Dr. Jeannie Constantinou at St. George Antiochian

Dr. Jeannie Constantinou is coming to the Twin Cities: March 28-29! One of Orthodox Christianity's most highly respected Biblical Scholars, and host of the Ancient Faith podcast, Search the Scriptures Live, will be speaking at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church. Mark your calendars! Known for her compelling, entertaining, and easy-to-follow approach to Scripture, this is truly an event you will not want to miss! March 28, following Akathist, Dr. Constantinou will be doing a brief talk and Q & A for Young Adults. On March 29, we will begin at 9:30 am for light refreshment, 10am-12 pm presentation, 12:00pm lunch, 1:00-3pm presentation. The topic on Saturday will be understanding the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ with a fascinating first century perspective. Spread the word and bring your friend

AHEPA Pappas Academic Scholarship

Qualified applicants are to be Parishioner’s children in good standing or members of St George Greek Orthodox Church of St Paul MN and have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited Undergraduate College or University four-year program and have a GPA 2.75 or higher. The award for this scholarship is $1,250 in a single academic calendar year. Recipients may reapply for this Scholarship in subsequent years. The deadline for the application is June 15th. For more details or application, please reach out to Frank Mortari, Dino Contolatis, or Dean Natto.

2025 Vacation Church School

Saddle up for Salvation!

Just as the early settlers faced challenges on their journey west, Christians also encounter obstacles on the path to our heavenly promised land. At Vacation Church School, kids will learn what spiritual equipment they need, how to be courageous, who helps them along the way, and how to use grit and perseverance to stay on the Christian trail to paradise.

WHEN: June 16-20, 2025; June 16-20; 8:45 a.m. – Noon
WHO: Cowpokes 4 years old (and potty trained) through entering grade 6 in the fall
WHERE: Saint Mary's Greek Orthodox Church

Helpers Needed: Parents, please ask your kids going into
grades 7-12 (in the fall) to sign up to help out.

Fr. Perry's Corner

Please let me know ([email protected] or (651) 706-9672) if you can help with any of the following:

1. Picking up 300 daffodils for the feast of the Holy Cross on Sunday, March 23 (the cost will be reimbursed)

Host a Fellowship Hour

Please host an upcoming coffee hour! Individuals, families, or even groups can sign up to host or co-host. Remember that coffee is now provided, courtesy of Thrivent Financial, so your commitment can be as simple as picking up some cookies! Thanks to all who have already hosted this year! Use this URL to sign up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-46964197-fellowship#/

Stay Informed about YAL Events

There are lots of ways to stay connected to YAL! Fill out our contact form to receive emails, follow @twincitiesyal on Instagram, and join our GroupMe for event reminders!

Contact Form: https://stmarysgoc.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0bacad425ce7e636b2a62718f&id=6ebcd60bf3&e=fd9c080ec4

GroupMe: https://groupme.com/join_group/99134236/1dGLCAnm

Wisdom of the Fathers

For in a contest there is much labor needed--and after the contest victory falls to some, to others disgrace. Is the palm ever given or the crown granted before the course is finished? ... Therefore no one can receive a reward, unless he has striven lawfully; nor is the victory a glorious one, unless the contest also has been toilsome.

St. Ambrose of Milan

Chapter 15, Three Books on the Duties of the Clergy, 4th century

Moses... was himself saved by means of wood and water before the Law was given, when he was exposed to the Nile's currents, hidden away in an Ark (Exod. 2:3-10). And by means of wood and water he saved the people of Israel, revealing the Cross by the wood, Holy Baptism by water (Exod. 14:15-31). Paul, who had looked upon the mysteries, says openly, 'They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud' (I Cor. 10:2). He also bears witness that, even before the events concerning the sea and his staff, Moses willingly endured Christ's Cross, 'Esteeming', he says, 'the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt' (Heb. 11:26). For the Cross is the reproach of Christ from the standpoint of foolish men. As Paul himself says of Christ, 'He endured the cross, despising the shame' (Heb. 12:2).

St. Gregory Palamas

Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Eleven para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 123, 14th century

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 [email protected] or (651) 222-6220.

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

______________________

Standing & Sitting in Services

The tradition of the Church is to stand for the duration of services, and you are welcome to do so. You are welcome to sit when you need to, as well. Please note that directions regarding when to sit are suggestions. Please be seated during the homily (sermon), and please do the best that you can to stand during the reading of the Gospel and the distribution of Holy Communion.

Kneeling on Sundays

According to the canons, we are not supposed to kneel on Sundays. However, according to common practice in our Archdiocese, kneeling has become common in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays. Those who are accustomed to the common practice in the US, are welcome to kneel. To those unfamiliar with this practice, coming from a community that does not kneel on Sundays or who would, for various reasons, prefer not to kneel, that is just fine as well.

The Kiss of Peace

It is the tradition of the Church to exchange a greeting, known as the "kiss of peace," during the Divine Liturgy. The exact moment for the brotherly exchange takes place during these prayers in Liturgy before the creed; "Deacon: Let us love one another, that with oneness of mind we may confess: People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Trinity, one in essence and undivided." Here is an excerpt by Frederica Mathewes-Green from an article titled "First Visit to an Orthodox Church: Twelve Things I Wish I'd Known.”

"We kiss each other before we take communion ("Greet one another with a kiss of love," 1 Peter 5:14). When Roman Catholics or high-church Protestants "pass the peace," they give a hug, handshake, or peck on the cheek; that's how Westerners greet each other. In Orthodoxy different cultures are at play: Greeks and Arabs kiss on two cheeks, and Slavs come back again for a third. Follow the lead of those around you and try not to bump your nose.

The usual greeting is "Christ is in our midst" and response,[…]['He is, and always shall be.'] Don't worry if you forget what to say.[…] Exchanging the kiss of peace is a liturgical act, a sign of mystical unity. Chatting and fellowship is for later.”

You are encouraged to participate in this sacred exchange. Many will not be familiar with or may even be uncomfortable with a kiss on the cheek from someone they do not know. Understandably so! Shaking hands or simply nodding/bowing to the person nearby and greeting them with "Christ is in our midst!" is just fine. Through the liturgical act of the kiss of peace, may we remember that we are a family in Christ and work to continue to grow as such. May we also remember our accountability to one another, the need to seek forgiveness, and to forgive one another in Christ.

______________________

Let's Connect!

St. George has moved to a new social media platform designed specifically for parish life. Here, we communicate more dynamically regarding specific ministries, events, and stewardship. For those who haven't, please use the QR code here to sign up! If you have any questions or have issues, please contact Dylan at [email protected].

______________________

Text Message Reminders - Sign Up for Youth & Family Events!

We have some AWESOME Youth & Family events, 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 visiting https://www.remind.com/join/stgyandf

______________________

Parish Email List Sign-Up

______________________

From the Church Office

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 [email protected].

“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

______________________

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.

______________________

Reimbursements

To our ministry leaders and volunteers, please save receipts when making purchases for church activities. A reminder that reimbursement forms are located on the tower outside of the admin and treasurer’s office. Please make sure to submit the form with a copy of your receipt (you keep the original receipt). Finally, please make sure to submit for reimbursement contemporaneous with the expense(s). Although we do not have a set cutoff date for reimbursements, please do your best to have all prior year reimbursements submitted before the end of January of the following year. Please contact Lani if you have any questions at [email protected].

______________________

Charitable Donations to Philoptochos, Missions & Benevolence, Church School, Youth, Priest Discretionary Fund, Greek School, & other St. George Ministries

Thank you to all who continue to support our parish ministries! For those who would like a receipt of their donations to a particular church ministry for tax purposes, please make all deductible contributions directly to the church, noting a designation of the gift in the memo line. For example, you might put in the memo line "2025 Stewardship" “2025 Philoptochos Stewardship” “donation to Missions and Benevolence,” "priest discretionary fund," etc. Resources will be earmarked and distributed to the ministry you note, and your donations will be included in your end-of-year statement. Thank you again for your commitment to the work of the church!

______________________

2025 Stewardship Program

Goal

$19,050 of $285,000 (through January)

Make Your 2025 Stewardship Pledge

Click here to make your 2025 Stewardship Pledge https://forms.gle/6vxvhwVdiEBPg6D27. Thank you for your support of the work of the church.

Make a Stewardship Donation Online

https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/give/online

______________________

2025 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 29% 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.

2025 Discounted Prices for Parishioners:

$7,395 = Monument Lot (2 Graves)

$5,270 = Flat Lot (2 Graves)

$2,805 = 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, however, limited monument lots remain 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://tinyurl.com/mf743w2y

https://tinyurl.com/mvt5f7d2

______________________

Silent Auction

Remember to check out the Silent Auction in the hall. Proceeds support our Missions and Benevolence ministry. New items are added regularly. If you would like to donate items that are new with tags or something else valuable, such as theater/sports tickets, please contact Angela Mortari at [email protected] or text 651-280-7123.

______________________

Support the Metropolis of Chicago Vision Campaign

Annual giving to the Metropolis Annual Vision Campaign supports current Metropolis programs and ministries to directly impact parishes and leadership. As operations are covered, the Metropolis can direct GOA Parish Allocations to our parishes to fuel growth locally. His Eminence invites those who have already become active stewards of their local parish, to give to this campaign. Click here to support the campaign: https://chicago.goarch.org /donate /

______________________

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.

______________________

Saints and Feasts

March 09

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.

March 09

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

These holy Martyrs, who came from various lands, were all soldiers under the same general. Taken into custody for their faith in Christ, and at first interrogated by cruel means, they were then stripped of their clothing and cast onto the frozen lake which is at Sebastia of Pontus, at a time when the harsh and freezing weather was at its worst. They endured the whole night naked in such circumstances, encouraging one another to be patient until the end. He that guarded them, named Aglaius, who was commanded to receive any of them that might deny Christ, had a vision in which he saw heavenly powers distributing crowns to all of the Martyrs, except one, who soon after abandoned the contest. Seeing this, Aglaius professed himself a Christian and joined the Martyrs on the lake, and the number of forty remained complete. In the morning, when they were almost dead from the cold, they were cast into fire, after which their remains were thrown into the river. Thus they finished the good course of martyrdom in 320, during the reign of Licinius. These are their names: Acacius, Aetius, Aglaius, Alexander, Angus, Athanasius, Candidus, Chudion, Claudius, Cyril, Cyrion, Dometian, Domnus, Ecdicius, Elias, Eunoicus, Eutyches, Eutychius, Flavius, Gaius, Gorgonius, Helianus, Heraclius, Hesychius, John, Lysimachus, Meliton, Nicholas, Philoctemon, Priscus, Sacerdon, Severian, Sisinius, Smaragdus, Theodulus, Theophilus, Valens, Valerius, Vivianus, and Xanthias.

March 11

Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem

This Saint was born in Damascus. As a young man he became a monk at the Monastery of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch in Palestine, where he met John Moschus and became his close friend. Having a common desire to search out ascetics from whom they could receive further spiritual instruction, they journeyed together through Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, and Egypt, where they met the Patriarch of Alexandria, Saint John the Almsgiver, with whom they remained until 614, when Persians captured Jerusalem (see also Saint Anastasius the Persian, Jan. 22). Saint Sophronius and John Moschus departed Alexandria for Rome, where they remained until 619, the year of John Moschus' death. Saint Sophronius returned to the Monastery of Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch, and there buried the body of his friend. He laboured much in defence of the Holy Fourth Council of Chalcedon, and traveled to Constantinople to remonstrate with Patriarch Sergius and the Emperor Heraclius for changing the Orthodox Faith with their Monothelite teachings. After the death of Patriarch Modestus in December of 634, Sophronius was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem. Although no longer in the hands of the Persians, the Holy Land was now besieged by the armies of the newly-appeared religion of Mohammed, which had already taken Bethlehem; in the Saint's sermon for the Nativity of our Lord in 634, he laments that he could not celebrate the feast in Bethlehem. In 637, for the sins of the people, to the uttermost grief of Saint Sophronius, the Caliph Omar captured Jerusalem. Having tended the flock of his Master for three years and three months, Saint Sophronius departed in peace unto Him Whom he loved on March 11, 638.

Saint Sophronius has left to the Church many writings, including the life of Saint Mary of Egypt. The hymn "O Joyous Light," which is wrongly ascribed to him, is more ancient than Saint Basil the Great, as the Saint himself confirms in his work "On the Holy Spirit" (ch. 29). However, it seems that this hymn, which was chanted at the lighting of the lamps and was formerly called "The Triadic Hymn," was later supplemented somewhat by Saint Sophronius, bringing it into the form in which we now have it. Hence, some have ascribed it to him.

Bulletin Inserts

General Information

Contact Information

Services Schedule

Welcome!

Past Bulletins

Calendar

Parish Calendar

March 3 to March 17, 2025

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 4th Tone

Apolytikion for 40 Martyrs of Sebastia in the 1st Tone

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the 2nd Tone

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Gospel Reading

Announcements

Greeters

Prosfora

Fellowship Hour

Focus Sunday Meal

Lenten Pantry Drive

Philoptochos Meeting Today!

Spring Phyllo Dough Sale!

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Course - Winter 2025

Church Office Closed

Host a Lenten Soup Supper

Wednesday Evening Lenten Pilgrimages

Fridays Lenten Speaker Series: Faith & Suffering

Annual Parish Lenten Retreat: Encountering God with St. Gregory PalamasFriday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15

Evelyn Daltas 100th Birthday Celebration

St. George Classical Readers

Change to Church Calendar

Dr. Jeannie Constantinou at St. George Antiochian

AHEPA Pappas Academic Scholarship

2025 Vacation Church School

Fr. Perry's Corner

Host a Fellowship Hour

Stay Informed about YAL Events

Wisdom of the Fathers

Welcome Visitors!

Standing & Sitting in Services

Kneeling on Sundays

The Kiss of Peace

Let's Connect!

Text Message Reminders - Sign Up for Youth & Family Events!

Parish Email List Sign-Up

From the Church Office

Prosfora (Offering Bread)

Content for the Bulletin

Reimbursements

Charitable Donations to Philoptochos, Missions & Benevolence, Church School, Youth, Priest Discretionary Fund, Greek School, & other St. George Ministries

2025 Stewardship Program

2025 Roselawn Program Prices

Silent Auction

Support the Metropolis of Chicago Vision Campaign

Please Note

Saints and Feasts

Sunday of Orthodoxy

The Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem

Bulletin Inserts

Annual Parish Lenten Retreat: Encountering God with St. Gregory Palamas
Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15