St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2025-03-16
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
This Week at the Cathedral
Flyers
Saints and Feasts

Organization Icon
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (860) 956-7586
  • Street Address:

  • 433 Fairfield Avenue

  • Hartford, CT 06114

Contact Information

Rev. Dr. George Zugravu


[email protected]

Services Schedule

Sundays: Orthros (Matins): 8:30 AM | Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM

 

 

Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

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

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

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

Προκείμενον. Plagal First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 11.7,1.
Σὺ Κύριε, φυλάξαις ἡμᾶς καὶ διατηρήσαις ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Σῶσον με, Κύριε, ὅτι ἐκλέλοιπεν ὅσιος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 1:10-14, 2:1-3.

Κατʼ ἀρχάς, Κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί· αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις· καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται· σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν. Πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε, Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου; Οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα, εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόμενα διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν; Διὰ τοῦτο δεῖ περισσοτέρως ἡμᾶς προσέχειν τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσιν, μήποτε παραρρυῶμεν. Εἰ γὰρ ὁ διʼ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος ἐγένετο βέβαιος, καὶ πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν, πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας; Ἥτις, ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη.

Gospel Reading

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

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

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 2:1-12

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς εἰς Καπερναοὺμ δι᾿ ἡμερῶν καὶ ἠκούσθη ὅτι εἰς οἶκόν ἐστι. καὶ εὐθέως συνήχθησαν πολλοί, ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν· καὶ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον. καὶ ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτὸν παραλυτικὸν φέροντες, αἰρόμενον ὑπὸ τεσσάρων· καὶ μὴ δυνάμενοι προσεγγίσαι αὐτῷ διὰ τὸν ὄχλον, ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην ὅπου ἦν, καὶ ἐξορύξαντες χαλῶσι τὸν κράβαττον, ἐφ᾿ ᾧ ὁ παραλυτικὸς κατέκειτο. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· τέκνον, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου. ἦσαν δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων ἐκεῖ καθήμενοι καὶ διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν· τί οὗτος οὕτω λαλεῖ βλασφημίας; τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός; καὶ εὐθέως ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὕτως αὐτοὶ διαλογίζονται ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ, ἀφέωνταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει; ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀφιέναι ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἁμαρτίας - λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ· σοὶ λέγω, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. καὶ ἠγέρθη εὐθέως, καὶ ἄρας τὸν κράβαττον ἐξῆλθεν ἐναντίον πάντων, ὥστε ἐξίστασθαι πάντας καὶ δοξάζειν τὸν Θεὸν λέγοντας ὅτι οὐδέποτε οὕτως εἴδομεν.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Light of Orthdoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace: ever pray that our souls be saved.
Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστὴρ, Ἐκκλησίας τὸ στήριγμα καὶ διδάσκαλε, τῶν μοναστῶν ἡ καλλονὴ, τῶν θεολόγων ὑπέρμαχος ἀπροσμάχητος· Γρηγόριε θαυματουργὲ Θεσσαλονίκης τὸ καύχημα κήρυξ τῆς χάριτος· ἱκέτευε διὰ παντός, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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This Week at the Cathedral

Today at the Cathedral:

We welcome all newcomers to our Cathedral and are glad you are here!  Please join us after Liturgy in the Social Hall; we would love to get to know you!

Annual St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival following Divine Liturgy in the church sanctuary.  We encourage and invite our parishioners to stay and support our young orators as they speak on their chosen topics!

Memorials:

Mary Antonio Wheatley, 5 years
Tsambika Kefalianos, 30 years
Ioannis Mougias, 1 year
Kiriakos Manolakis, 2 years
Savvas Petrides, 6 months
John Pergantis, 4 years

Coffee and sweets today are being offered in memory of their loved ones: Mary Antonio Wheatley, Tsambika Kefalianos, Kiriakos Manolakis, and Savvas Petrides.

Prosforo for today's services is offered in memory of Ioannis Mougias.

This week at the Cathedral:  

Monday, March 17th
11am - Funeral - John C. Vardal

Wednesday, March 19th
6pm - Presanctified Liturgy

Friday, March 21st
5:30pm - Little Angels/Hope/Joy Lenten Gathering - Bring a Lenten snack and join us for fellowship and a fun craft and an opportunity to learn more about one of the beautiful services we celebrate during Lent to honor the Theotokos, followed by an opportunity to attend this beautiful service!  Please RSVP by March 19th to Katerina Colan (203) 715-0662 or Kal Astras (516) 852-8772.  We hope to see everyone there!  (see flyer)
7pm - Salutations to the Virgin Mary 3rd Stasis

Saturday, March 22nd
9am - Greek School
9:30am - St. George Philoptochos March General Assembly Meeting and Cut Loose and Tie One On event
AHEPA Sandwich Prep at the Nathan Hale Sr. Center for South Park Inn's Day of Caring

Sunday, March 23rd
Following Divine Liturgy, the children of our Greek School will present a program in celebration of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and Greek Independence Day.  It will begin with a doxology in the church followed by a program of poems and dance in Matthews Hall.  We invite all to join us to celebrate this important day in Greek history!

Announcements:  

Honor the Panagia by Decorating her Icon for the Upcoming Services of the Salutations
The Salutations to the Theotokos will be held on the following Fridays of Lent at 7pm: March 7th, March 14th, March 21st, March 28th, and full Akathist Hymn on April 4th.  During these days we pray to the Mother of God and ask for her intercession with Christ.  We also ask that she pray for us to be strengthened in our journey to salvation.  The Virgin Mary is also called the "bridge" between earth and heaven.  She helps provide the way to Christ to save us and to open the gatway to Paradise.  We invite you to come join us in honoring the Theotokos on these special Fridays during Lent.  May the Panagia always be with us!  If you wish to order a wreath to decorate her icon, please call Elaine at the church office 860-956-7586 Option 1 - Tuesday through Friday 9am-4pm. (see flyer)

Tuesday, March 25th 
4:30pm - Our Greek School will participate in a Greek Independence Day celebration at the Connecticut State House followed directly by a program and reception at St. George.  We urge everyone to join us for these celebrations!  (see attached program and schedule for more details)

Baking Workshops for our 2025 Annual Greek Festival are starting soon.  All are welcome and we need your help!  Please see the attached flyer for all the baking dates and times and please come and lend a hand whenever you can. With everyone's help, we can help make our St. George Annual Greek Festival a great success!  

Saturday, March 29th 
SAVE THE DATE - At 2:30pm our GOYAns will come together for a hike at Talcott Mountain and then join in fellowship for dinner afterwards - dinner time and restaurant details coming soon.

Heritage Greece Program
The National Hellenic Society's Heritage Greece Program is a transformative, two-week cultural immersion experience designed for accomplished Greek American college students. This exceptional program offers participants the opportunity to engage with peers from the American College of Greece (ACG) in Athens, Greece, the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) in Thessaloniki, Greece and College Year in Athens in Athens, Greece (CYA). The goal of the Heritage Greece® Program is to deeply connect students with their faith, Greek heritage, language, culture, roots and identity.  Participants are responsible for their own airfare, transportation to and from the airport, personal expenses, and for out-of-pocket expenses.  For more information, visit: www.nationalhellenicsociety.org

Sunday, April 13th
St. George Ladies' Philoptochos Society invites one and all to their Palm Sunday Luncheon immediately following Divine Liturgy!  Come and enjoy appetizers, baked fish, rice, Greek-style green beans, wine, soda, dessert and coffee prepared by The Ladies of Philoptochos.  Tickets are $25 for Baked Fish Dinner and $10 for Macaroni and Cheese (Children under 5 free).  Tickets are by advance sale only (no tickets sold at the door) and will be on sale every Sunday or you may contact Marie Klementon: (860) 667-2301 or [email protected] (see flyer)

Holy Friday Luminaria
Join St. George Cathedral this year as we continue the prayerful tradition of Holy Friday Luminaria.  Each parishioner who is able to participate is given the opportunity to place the name of a loved one, living or deceased, on a Luminaria that will be lit on Holy Friday evening.  These Luminaria will be placed outside on the pathway of the procession on Holy Friday evening.  Luminaria consist of a crisp white bag with a votive candle lit inside; each bag will be inscribed with the name of the person you would like to honor, remember, or pray for and all will be displayed outside in a grouping as a reflection and remembrance of those whom we love and cherish.  The price of each Luminaria is $5 or 5 may be purchased for $20.  To order, please submit the accompanying order form to Elaine at the church office.  Each of us, created in the image and likeness of God, is reflected in the Light of Christ:  "The Light of Christ illumines all."  May this Pascha bring you God's Joy and New Life in His Holy Resurrection!  Thank you for your participation in our Holy Friday Luminaria.  May God be with you! (see flyer and order form)

DOP Easter Lambada Fundraiser
Candles are one of the most significant parts of the Orthodox Easter Service.  Godparents buy for their godchildren a decorated Easter candle, called the Lambada.  Lambadas are $25 each and will be sold during Lent at Sunday Coffee Hour and at Greek School. (see flyer)

The Daughters of Penelope Scholarship Application for high school seniors is available in the office and by contacting Scholarship Chairperson Marilyn Mantziaris at [email protected].  The applicant must be a senior in high school, an undergraduate, or a graduate student of an accredited institution of higher learning.  The scholarship recipient and their immediate family must be a member of St. George and the applicant's mother or grandmother needs to be an active member of the Daughters of Penelope.  This scholarship is awarded based on scholastic ability, character qualities, and civic activities.  The scholarship is awarded for one year, payable to the recipient.  A recipient cannot receive a scholarship more than two times.  Deadline for all application submissions is Monday, June 2nd.  

Help Us Fight George’s Cancer Together
As many of you know, George Zugravu, Fr. George’s son is battling cancer. Thankfully this cancer is treatable and he is getting the best care at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Many community members have reached out to us asking how to help as we are facing this difficult journey ahead. We are thankful for all your prayers and kind thoughts. Any financial support would be greatly appreciated to help cover the medical expenses. https://gofund.me/c8d14f47 

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Flyers

    Little Angels/Hope/Joy Lenten Gathering

    Little Angels/Hope/Joy Lenten Gathering

    Friday, March 21st at 5:30pm - Bring a Lenten snack and join us for fellowship and a fun craft and an opportunity to learn more about one of the beautiful services we celebrate during Lent to honor the Theotokos, followed by an opportunity to attend this beautiful service! Please RSVP by March 19th to Katerina Colan (203) 715-0662 or Kal Astras (516) 852-8772. We hope to see everyone there!

    Honor the Panagia by Decorating her Icon for the Upcoming Services of the Salutations

    Honor the Panagia by Decorating her Icon for the Upcoming Services of the Salutations

    The Salutations to the Theotokos will be held on the following Fridays of Lent at 7pm: March 7th, March 14th, March 21st, March 28th, and full Akathist Hymn on April 4th. During these days we pray to the Mother of God and ask for her intercession with Christ. We also ask that she pray for us to be strengthened in our journey to salvation. The Virgin Mary is also called the "bridge" between earth and heaven. She helps provide the way to Christ to save us and to open the gatway to Paradise. We invite you to come join us in honoring the Theotokos on these special Fridays during Lent. May the Panagia always be with us! If you wish to order a wreath to decorate her icon, please call Elaine at the church office 860-956-7586 Option 1 - Tuesday through Friday 9am-4pm.

    Greek School 2025 State House Program

    Greek School 2025 State House Program

    On Tuesday, March 25th at 4:30pm our Greek School will participate in a Greek Independence Day celebration at the Connecticut State House followed directly by a program and reception at St. George. We urge everyone to join us for these celebrations!

    Festival Baking Workshops Schedule

    Festival Baking Workshops Schedule

    Baking Workshops for our 2025 Annual Greek Festival are starting soon. All are welcome and we need your help! Please come and lend a hand whenever you can. With everyone's help, we can help make our St. George Annual Greek Festival a great success!

    Philoptochos Palm Sunday Luncheon

    Philoptochos Palm Sunday Luncheon

    St. George Ladies' Philoptochos Society invites one and all to their Palm Sunday Luncheon immediately following Divine Liturgy! Come and enjoy appetizers, baked fish, rice, Greek-style green beans, wine, soda, dessert and coffee prepared by The Ladies of Philoptochos. Tickets are $25 for Baked Fish Dinner and $10 for Macaroni and Cheese (Children under 5 free). Tickets are by advance sale only (no tickets sold at the door) and will be on sale every Sunday or you may contact Marie Klementon: (860) 667-2301 or [email protected]

    Holy Friday Luminaria

    Holy Friday Luminaria

    Join St. George Cathedral this year as we continue the prayerful tradition of Holy Friday Luminaria. Each parishioner who is able to participate is given the opportunity to place the name of a loved one, living or deceased, on a Luminaria that will be lit on Holy Friday evening. These Luminaria will be placed outside on the pathway of the procession on Holy Friday evening. Luminaria consist of a crisp white bag with a votive candle lit inside; each bag will be inscribed with the name of the person you would like to honor, remember, or pray for and all will be displayed outside in a grouping as a reflection and remembrance of those whom we love and cherish. Each of us, created in the image and likeness of God, is reflected in the Light of Christ: "The Light of Christ illumines all." May this Pascha bring you God's Joy and New Life in His Holy Resurrection! Thank you for your participation in our Holy Friday Luminaria. May God be with you!

    Holy Friday Luminaria Order Form

    Holy Friday Luminaria Order Form

    The price of each Luminaria is $5 or 5 may be purchased for $20. To order, please submit this order form to Elaine at the church office.

    DOP Easter Lambada Fundraiser

    DOP Easter Lambada Fundraiser

    Candles are one of the most significant parts of the Orthodox Easter Service. Godparents buy for their godchildren a decorated Easter candle, called the Lambada. Lambadas are $25 each and will be sold during Lent at Sunday Coffee Hour and at Greek School.

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Saints and Feasts

March 16

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

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

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

March 16

Sabine the Martyr of Egypt

The holy Martyr Sabine was from Hermopolis in Egypt, and was known for his zeal and piety. During the persecution of Diocletian, he concealed himself with other Christians in a small dwelling outside the city. But when he was discovered, and professed his faith in Christ, he was taken before Arian the Governor, and after he had been tortured he was drowned in the river. Concerning Arian the Governor, See also December 14.

March 16

Christodulus the Wonderworker of Patmos

Saint Christodulus, who was from the region of Nicaea of Bithynia, was the son of Theodore and Anna, and was given the name John. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth and was renamed Christodulus ("slave of Christ" in Greek). At first, he lived the ascetical life in various places, then he received permission and monetary aid from the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus (reigned 1081-1118), and built on the island of Patmos a church and monastery named in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. These buildings stand to this day. However, when the Arabs attacked that place, he fled with his disciples and went to Euboia (Euripus), where also he completed the course of his life about the end of the eleventh century on the 16th of March. The disciples of this righteous man took his sacred incorrupt remains and transferred them to his own monastery, where they repose to this day for the sanctification of those who have recourse to them with faith.

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