WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS Whether you are new to Bangor or if you're just passing through--welcome! If you've come because you are curious about the Orthodox Church, its beliefs and worship, you are very welcome, too! Please don't hesitate to introduce yourself to someone you've never met and consider staying for some refreshments and fellowship after the morning service. If you would like to receive mailings or otherwise stay in touch, please leave your contact information (name, address, phone, email) with the person in the church office.  

COMMEMORATIONS THIS WEEK  Today - the Great Martyr Panteleimon; Monday, July 28 - St. Irene Chrysovalantou; Wednesday, July 30 - Silas & Silvanos of the 70; Thursday, July 31 - St. Joseph of Arimathea; Friday, August 1 - Seven Maccabees & their teacher, St. Eleazar.

SUNDAY SCHOOL is on a break for the summer.  Even so, Mrs. Bucklin has made coloring sheets and crayons available in the fellowship hall for any young ones who'd like to color.  We ask that you take any artwork home after coloring.  Thank you!  

FELLOWSHIP HOUR follows the morning services.  We ask everyone, as often as possible, to bring a dish to share with others on Sundays.  And we also ask that you take any leftovers home when you leave.  Doing so makes it easier for those who tidy up afterwards.  Thanks so much!

TODAY is Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday.  The Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops have blessed the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Silas (the patron of prison ministry) to be Prison Ministry Awareness Sunday in all US Orthodox parishes.  In 2025, this occurs on Sunday, July 27th.  There are many ways Orthodox Christians can be involved in prison ministry!  Please visit the OCPM website https://theocpm.org/what-we-do/for-prisoners/ and see the wonderful work that is being done to redeem lives and bless incarcerated men and women going forward: https://youtu.be/krE59GCFtnI

THIS THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 31  The film, "Sacred Alaska," will be shown at The Alamo Theatre in Bucksport beginning at 7PM.  Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/O--6uVTVG9M.  Doors open at 6:30--arrive early so you can be sure to get a ticket--there are no pre-sales of tickets and this will likely be a well attended event!  

THE DORMITION FAST BEGINS THIS FRIDAY  The first two weeks of August are dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, preparing for her repose and honoring her Dormition on the 15th.  Fast the same way as during Great and Holy Lent.  The food is vegan, plant based focused meals along with seafood if desired.  Legumes, nuts, grains, vegetables, fruits and seafood (if desired) are suitable fare from the 1st through the 14th of this month.  The Holy Dormition of the Mother of God is honored on Friday, August 15.

THE SMALL PARAKLESIS SERVICE to the Theotokos is chanted routinely during the Dormition Fast.  Most Orthodox prayer books have this service in them and you can read it as part of your prayer rule during the Fast. However, Pres. is willing to teach the chanting of the small paraklesis (in English) to those who would like to learn during this year's Dormition Fast.  If you would like to be part of this group, please let her know (doxa141 at gmail or txt 207 949 2913).

PRAYER REQUESTS UPDATE  Prayer changes things--let us support one another.  How is God answering prayers?  Joan and Allen's health is improving--thank God for His mercies! Eleni M. continues to recover after suffering effects of a tick bite; Subdeacon Patrick's Uncle John is pursuing treatment for esophageal disease.  Cathy appreciates your on-going prayers as she works to facilitate healing of cancer in natural ways.  Thank God for how prayer support is affecting these outcomes! Catherine,who was on this list in the past, needs a second surgery to correct an aneuyrism, likely in August.  She would appreciate your prayers. Summarized requests from past weeks: for Fr. Leo (he has a rotator cuff tear); for continued prayers of protection for Mona's family living in Pakistan; for Mark, UMaine student working with Project Mexico this summer.  Also, for parishioner relatives Nick and Darrell, two men afflicted with serious illnesses.  Continue to uphold Victoria's son, Matthew (attending seminary this fall), Panagiota & Seraphima (stroke recovery) and Pat (managing eyesight health).  Again, your prayers for these these brothers and sisters in Christ are of great assistance to each person being upheld.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE AMONG US who are learning more about the Orthodox Church and Faith.  Some are considering uniting themselves to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.  Let us remember Zach, Joshua, Sarah and baby Henry, Dana, Jada, and Valerie in our prayers.  God grant each of you wisdom and lead you as you seek Him through prayer, worship and reading.  If others would like to join this group, please let Fr. Leo know.

A DESIGNATED SPOT FOR HANDICAPPED PARKING  Please note the spot designated for handcapped parking right outside the front door - the curb is painted blue to advise us to leave that space free for those who may need it.  Thanks to George L for the demarcation.

A WORD FROM OUR STEWARDSHIP CHAIR  Donna thanks all the faithful supporters of St. George who fulfill their pledges regularly and those who've given memorial gifts this season as well.  She does note that at this point we're running a bit lean due to summer months and vacationing.  If you can bring your stewardship up to date or otherwise contribute a bit more during these summer months it would be greatly appreciated--thank you!

A WORTHY MINISTRY REVIVED  St. George is resuming its ministry of donating shelf stable food items to our neighborhood homeless shelter. If you wish to help with this ministry, please drop off your donated items in the church office. A few parish members have volunteered to deliver the donations once a month.  Sincere thanks to Jack, Areti, Gabriya and Kathy for their collaboration.  Here is a list of foods needed regularly by the shelter:  Pasta  / Pasta Sauce / Macaroni & cheese / Boxed stove-top meals / Instant potatoes / Pancake mix / Butter / Margarine / BBQ sauce / Salad dressing / Mayonnaise / Mustard / Ground coffee / Powdered coffee creamer / Sugar.  Note to senior citizens:  Ocean State Job Lot in Bangor offers 20% off food items (many on the above list) every Monday between 8-9AM.  You can get more for your donation dollars there!

HELP US BUILD A ROSTER IN ADVANCE  George L is being pro-active--we need to build a roster of parishioners we can rely on for snow shoveling during the winter months.  If you are willing to assist, please let George know.  His number (good for texting) is 207 299 5103.  A handful of volunteers would be better than just one or two.  Thank you!

ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY  Here is a recommended resource for Bible Study for Orthodox Christians. Learn from Dr. Jeannie Constantinou, a well respected and engaging Orthodox Christian expositor.  Visit her site and go deep into the Scriptures: https://orthodoxbiblestudy.info/   Read her bio here:  https://orthodoxbiblestudy.info/about-your-professor/.  Many of us have read books written by Dr. Constintinou already and been greatly edified. She has a second web site, as well:  https://www.drjeannie.com/.  

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE - Donations can be made online.