We hope that you will make this your spiritual home. Connect with us on our website, Facebook page, YouTube, or sign-up for our email list at https://tinyurl.com/yc3tp29w.
Worship Sunday Orthros 8:15 am & Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
Confession (by appointment - call or email [email protected])
Weekday Services (www.stgeorgegoc.org/calendar)
Streaming
Fellowship Hour Sunday following Divine Liturgy
Office Hours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Our Mission St. George Greek Orthodox Church is a Christ-centered community that: inspires faith and worship, cultivates spiritual growth and fellowship, and encourages benevolence and outreach.
Our Vision Ascending together to the fullness of Life.
Give Online at https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/give/online
Nativity of the Theotokos & Sunday before Holy Cross
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:45AM Church School Begins & Blessing (Agiasmos) for the New School Year
10:50AM Church School Open House Grades Pre-K-6th Following Liturgy
11:30AM Church School Open House Grades 7th-12th Following Class
11:35AM Philoptochos Meeting
4:30PM Missions & Benevolence Meal @ FOCUS
7:00PM Catechism #1 - Introduction
+Fast Day
5:30PM Capital Projects Meeting
+Fast Day
+Fast Day
+Elevation of the Holy Cross
Sunday after Holy Cross
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:45AM Elevation of the Cross
10:45AM Church School
12:00PM Church Picnic (depart for picnic after Church School)
+St. Euphemia
12:45PM Pioneers (55+) Boat Cruise
7:00PM Book Group
11:30AM Greek School OXI Day Prep
11:30AM Greek School OXI Day Prep
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Sunday before Holy Cross
The Reading is from John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Dean Natto & Theodora Bischof
Bill Clemons
Metropolitan Nathanael has asked us to re-institute praying the Litany of the Catechumens during Liturgy. This litany is an ancient set of prayers historically included in the Divine Liturgy right after the Gospel and sermon. They began to be omitted when the church had few catechumens. Now that we have more frequent baptisms and chrismations of adult catechumens, it is appropriate that we re-introduce these prayers. Our Lord commanded us to make disciples of all nations, and now we will pray for catechumens in the Church, especially those with us in our parish. All parishes in our Vicariate (Minnesota) will begin including them on September 1st, the first day of the new church year. Though one of the prayers asks the Catechumens to depart, His Eminence only asks us to reinstate the prayers for our Catechumens. According to current practice, Catechumens are still welcome to remain in Liturgy for its entirety.
Welcome back, students and teachers, for the 2024-25 Church School Year! Classes will be blessed immediately following the dismissal blessing and distribution of the antidoron. Parents, please join us today for our annual open house. Parents of children Pre-K-6th are invited to join their class immediately following Liturgy. Parents of students 7th-12th, are welcome to visit classrooms at the end of class at approximately 11:30/45am.
Thank you to Stephanie Pomonis for hosting today's fellowship!
Please join us today, after Liturgy, for the first Philoptochos Meeting of the new Ecclesiastical year! New members (women 18 years and older) are always welcome! Philoptochos is a ministry that serves those in need.
St. George will be serving the Sunday meal at Focus House this Sunday the 8th- celebrate the Nativity of the Theotokos by helping the hungry. Please sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ADA623A0FCC70-51118332-september, or talk to any member of Missions and Benevolence after Church. Thank you!
Sunday, September 8: Noon-5:00 p.m
Join us for our MEOCCA catechism course, Intro to Orthodox Christianity, beginning on Tuesday, September 10, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. 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 Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in person (1111 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN) or online via Zoom. Register online at the link below. Learn more at www.meocca.org
https://forms.gle/bgtnThRqQP6CWGnX8
We are excited that YAL Rochester and YAL Twin Cities are partnering for another volunteer event to serve Philoxenia House! The next gathering is on September 14. The event will start after a Saturday morning Liturgy. Please fill out the RSVP form as soon as possible so they can plan for enough projects for us all to do! The form includes more details about times and addresses.
We are looking for donations of basil for the Feast of the Holy Cross. If you have basil that you can donate, please drop it off at church on Thursday, September 12, between 10 am-3 pm or during Orthros on Sunday, September 15. Thank you and Xronia Polla/Many Years for the feast!
Join us on Sunday, September 15, after Liturgy for our annual Parish Picnic. This year, the Jordan family will host the picnic at 10959 Akron Avenue, Inver Grove Heights 55077. A barbecue-style meal will be provided, with plenty of games and activities for all! Bring along your favorite lawn games and some lawn chairs! If you want to help or have any questions, please call or text Lisa at (651) 470-6705.
St. Mary's is thrilled to announce their 2024 Family Camp speaker, Fr. George Dokos! The 2024 theme is The Fathers on the Family. Registration closes September 15th, at 11:59 p.m. To learn more about Family Camp, our guest speaker, or to register, use the link below.
https://stmaryscamp.com/family-camp/
Friday, September 20: 5pm-9pm
Saturday, September 21: 11am-7pm
Friday volunteer sign-up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4EA9A72FAAF49-50847109-friday
Saturday volunteer sign-up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4EA9A72FAAF49-50863512-saturday
Please host an upcoming coffee hour! Individuals, families, or even groups can sign up to host or co-host. Use this URL to sign up. We have openings on September 22, and 29. If you're able and willing, please consider signing up. Thank you.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-46964197-fellowship#/
When: Sunday, September 22, 2024
Arrival Time: Be at Stillwater Riverboat Docks by 12:45 pm
Board the Boat: 1:00 pm
Return to Dock: 3:00 pm
Where: 525-601 St. Croix Trail N, Stillwater, MN 55082
Details: There will be a fee for this cruise, which will be partially subsidized for 55+ members. More details on cost soon. Includes meal and Jazz Band. Free Parking. Follow “Boat Parking” signs. Dress is Casual. Learn more at www.stillwaterriverboats.com.
How to Sign Up: Call Joanne Halatsis at (651) 778-2485. You can leave a message.
Registration is now OPEN for Greek School's fall session. Greek School is for youth in grades preK-12. We offer a hands-on learning environment for students to strengthen their knowledge and connection to the Greek language and culture. The first activity, an OXI Day Prep will take place on Sunday, September 29 following Church School. Contact Joanna at [email protected] for more information.
Please register at this link: https://z.umn.edu/GreekSchool24_25 or use the following QR code:
St. Mary's Greek in Minneapolis is hosting a free Byzantine Chant class beginning on October 08! Students will learn to read Byzantine notation and will learn to chant each of the eight tones as well as learn the musical theory of each tone. The class is taught by Reader Joseph Karos and is offered weekly on Tuesday nights at 6:30 at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. To register or to ask any questions, please email [email protected]!
Are you interested in reading classical literature of the western world?
Have you ever wanted to read the works of literary giants like Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, Plato, and Aristotle? To explore the strange worlds of the Greek and Norse myths, and the fairy tales of Brothers Grimm? To immerse yourself in centuries of legend with King Arthur and his knights of the round table? To see the origins of famous characters like Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
If you have ever wanted to read some of the great works of the western literary canon, but you were intimidated, found them to be too difficult or too boring, or if you have read them and want to return to them again, let me know!
A Group of Readers
If reading the great old books of the western world interests you, and you would like to participate in a reading group devoted to exploring and discussing these exemplar texts, email Grant Oldre ([email protected]).
Grant Oldre?
Grant is the School of Logic (6-8 grade) Humanities instructor for Great Oaks Academy, a classical charter school in Farmington MN.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfumf0-vx_R7sjkaZi7JkJX6LNn_V7sg0ooUleosuenr046vg/viewform
If you seek support with grief and loss, please join St. Mary's OCA for their Grief and Loss Support Group. The next 4-week Grief and education will occur on Tuesdays from 7-8 pm. Location TBD
October 22nd
October 29th
November 5th
November 12th
Each week consists of discussion and education. Learn about what grief is, how to ease the pain, and the impact of grief on the mind and body. There is also a monthly support group that meets on the last Wednesday of each month from 7-8 pm at St. Mary's OCA in Northeast Minneapolis. Discussion and variety of topics. August 28th, September 25th, and October 23rd. To sign up or ask questions, email Joni at [email protected].
Session 1- The Holy Face here at St. George GOC & Zoom: Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21, & 28 from 6-9 pm
Session 2- Icon of a saint of the student's choice (full figure) here at St. George GOC & Zoom: Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18, & 25 from 6-9 pm
Please contact Deb at [email protected]/612-889-5868 or Steve Arsenault at [email protected]/ 612-206-7369. Cost for tuition and supplies approx. $298. Cost of tuition only $155
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].
We have some AWESOME Youth & Family events coming up, 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
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.
Goal
$151,834 of $275,000 (through July)
At the Fall Parish Assembly, we approved the 2024 Stewardship Goal of $275,000. We have hit this mark in the last couple of years, and we truly believe that with everyone’s support, we will hit that mark again. Now is the time to submit your 2024 pledge. Pledge Cards are at the candle stand, or click the link below to complete the form online. Thank you for your support of the work of the Church.
2024 Theme
"Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant,” from the Parable of the Talents. We are all blessed with certain gifts. This parable stresses the importance of developing our gifts, multiplying them, and offering them back in service to God.
Make Your 2024 Pledge Online
https://forms.gle/TAvAZUNCBrcRHX1KA
Make a Stewardship Donation Online
https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/give/online
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!
______________________
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
______________________
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.
______________________
Sign up for our email list to see what’s happening at St. George!
______________________
St. George GOC broadcasts its worship services live on the internet. Your presence in the church is subject to audio and video recording.
______________________
According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.
These Martyrs, sisters according to the flesh, were from Bithynia. They lived in virginity on a mountain near the Pythian hot springs of Bithynia, devoting themselves to asceticism and prayer. Betrayed to the local governor, Fronto, they were subjected to frightful tortures, and so gave up their holy souls into the hands of God. They contested for the Faith during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304.
This saint lived in the fifth century. Out of remorse for the adultery that she committed with another man, she fled from her husband's house, renamed herself Theodore, clothed herself as a man, and pretending to be a eunuch, entered a monastery of men. Her identity as a woman was discovered only after her death.
Saint Cornelius was a Roman by race, a pagan by religion, a centurion in rank, an inhabitant of Caesarea of Palestine, a man pious and God-fearing who gave many alms to the people and prayed continually unto God. In accordance with an angelic vision granted to him, he sent to Joppa that they might bring the Apostle Peter. Saint Peter catechized him in the Faith of Christ and baptized all his household (Acts, ch.10). This became the beginning and the first fruits of the calling of the nations. It is said that, after this, he became a bishop, as some say, of Caesarea; but others say of Scepsis, which is not far from Troas; and that he died as a martyr.
Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.
Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Greek Education is thrilled to announce that our successful free online Greek language course for adults is returning in 2024!
Church School Calendar
Fall Catechism Flyer
Fall Catechism Registration Form
Church Picnic
Taste of Northeast
Fundraiser for Lyn Olson Medical Crisis Program
Greek School Registration
Byzantine Chant Class at Saint Mary's Greek. Oct 8 - Feb 25
Pan Orthodox Grief and Loss Support Group
