St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Publish Date: 2025-03-23
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 Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Προκείμενον. Plagal Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1.
Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου.
Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 4:14-16, 5:1-6.

Ἀδελφοί, ἔχοντες οὖν ἀρχιερέα μέγαν, διεληλυθότα τοὺς οὐρανούς, Ἰησοῦν τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ, κρατῶμεν τῆς ὁμολογίας. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ἀρχιερέα μὴ δυνάμενον συμπαθῆσαι ταῖς ἀσθενείαις ἡμῶν, πεπειραμένον δὲ κατὰ πάντα καθʼ ὁμοιότητα, χωρὶς ἁμαρτίας. Προσερχώμεθα οὖν μετὰ παρρησίας τῷ θρόνῳ τῆς χάριτος, ἵνα λάβωμεν ἔλεον, καὶ χάριν εὕρωμεν εἰς εὔκαιρον βοήθειαν. Πᾶς γὰρ ἀρχιερεύς, ἐξ ἀνθρώπων λαμβανόμενος, ὑπὲρ ἀνθρώπων καθίσταται τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, ἵνα προσφέρῃ δῶρά τε καὶ θυσίας ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν· μετριοπαθεῖν δυνάμενος τοῖς ἀγνοοῦσιν καὶ πλανωμένοις, ἐπεὶ καὶ αὐτὸς περίκειται ἀσθένειαν· καὶ διὰ ταύτην ὀφείλει, καθὼς περὶ τοῦ λαοῦ, οὕτως καὶ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, προσφέρειν ὑπὲρ ἁμαρτιῶν. Καὶ οὐχ ἑαυτῷ τις λαμβάνει τὴν τιμήν, ἀλλὰ καλούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, καθάπερ καὶ Ἀαρών. Οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς οὐχ ἑαυτὸν ἐδόξασεν γενηθῆναι ἀρχιερέα, ἀλλʼ ὁ λαλήσας πρὸς αὐτόν, Υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε. Καθὼς καὶ ἐν ἑτέρῳ λέγει, Σὺ ἱερεὺς εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδέκ.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Sunday of the Holy Cross
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 8:34-38, 9:1

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· Εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν, ἀπαρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι. ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι, ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν. τί γὰρ ὠφελήσει ἄνθρωπον ἐὰν κερδήσῃ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον, καὶ ζημιωθῇ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ; ἢ τί δώσει ἄνθρωπος ἀντάλλαγμα τῆς ψυχῆς αὐτοῦ; ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν ἐπαισχυνθῇ με καὶ τοὺς ἐμοὺς λόγους ἐν τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ τῇ μοιχαλίδι καὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ, καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐπαισχυνθήσεται αὐτὸν ὅταν ἔλθῃ ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων. Καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι εἰσί τινες τῶν ὧδε ἑστηκότων, οἵτινες οὐ μὴ γεύσωνται θανάτου ἕως ἂν ἴδωσι τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐληλυθυῖαν ἐν δυνάμει.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις ἐπὶ τὸ μνῆμά σου, καὶ οἱ φυλάσσοντες ἀπενεκρώθησαν, καὶ ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ, ζητοῦσα τὸ ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα. Ἐσκύλευσας τὸν ᾍδην, μὴ πειρασθεὶς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ, ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τὴν ζωήν, ὁ ἀναστὰς ἐκ των νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the First Mode

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.
Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα.

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!

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 in Matthews Hall.  We invite all to join us to celebrate this important day in Greek history!

Memorials:

George Zugravu, 9 days
All those who fought in the Greek Liberation Wars.

Coffee and sweets today are being offered in memory of George Zugravu and those who fought in the Greek Liberation Wars.

This week at the Cathedral:  

Tuesday, March 25th
9:30am - Orthros and Divine Liturgy - Annunciation of the Theotokos
4:30pm - Our Greek School will participate in a Greek Independence Day celebration at the Connecticut State House followed directly by a doxology, program, and reception at St. George.  We urge everyone to join us for these celebrations!  (see attached program and schedule for more details)

Wednesday, March 26th
6pm - Presanctified Liturgy

Friday, March 28th
10am - Festival Baking - Galaktoboureko
7pm - Salutations to the Virgin Mary - 4th Stasis

Saturday, March 29th
9am - Greek School
10am - Festival Baking - Galaktoboureko
3:15pm - Our GOYAns will come together for a hike at Talcott Mountain and then join in fellowship for dinner afterwards at 5:30pm at Wood-n-Tap in Farmington.  Please RSVP to Sophie Kapetanopoulos at (860) 416-6788 or Anthia Vardoulakis at (860) 989-9827 if you can join us.  Hope to see everyone there!

Announcements:  

Out of respect for the 40-day period following the passing of George Zugravu, the advisors have decided to postpone Little Angels/Hope/Joy meetings until after his 40-day memorial at the end of April.  We continue to hold Father George, Presvytera, and Maria in prayer and pray fervently for George's repose where the righteous dwell, where there is no pain, sorrow, or suffering but only life everlasting.

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)

Baking Workshops for our 2025 Annual Greek Festival are starting this week.  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!  

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

    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 23

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

March 23

The Holy Righteous Martyr Nicon and His 199 Disciples

Saint Nicon was from Neapolis (Naples) in Italy. His father was an idolater and his mother a Christian. At first he was a soldier, but later he went to the East, where he was baptized and in time became a bishop. After some years, he returned to the West and came to Sicily, where he and many of his disciples were put to death by beheading because they would not worship the idols.

March 23

Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George

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