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 Fast
+Prophet Aaron
14th Sunday of Luke
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:45AM No Church School Classes Today
4:30PM Loaves & Fishes
+Sts. Barbara & John of Damascus
1:30PM Online Daytime Bible Study (via Zoom only)
+St. Savas the Sanctified
+St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
8:30AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
9:30AM Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI
4:00PM Vespers
10th Sunday of Luke
8:15AM Orthros
9:30AM Divine Liturgy
10:45AM Church School Christmas Program Rehearsal
11:30AM Parish Assembly & Parish Council Elections
+The Conception by St. Anna of the Theotokos
6:00PM Greek School
5:00PM Youth and Family Makers Mall
6:00PM Greek School
7:00PM Book Group
11:45AM Youth and Family Caroling and Delivering Gifts
12:00PM Basketball Practice
23rd Sunday after Pentecost
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:4-10
Brethren, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God: not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
14th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Misael Jordan & Theodora Bischof
Bill Clemons
Thank you to Dan & Lyn Simon for hosting today's fellowship.
Starting November 15th, the beginning of Advent, we will be collecting food for the Focus Second Helping Pantry. This season we are focusing on Pasta and Sauce, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Meals in a can. Let's remember those less fortunate when we are at the grocery store this Advent.
Our last meal of 2024 is upon us! Come out to help serve our December meal on Monday, December 2nd. It takes place at St. Matthew's Church in West St. Paul from 4:30- 7:00ish. Celebrate advent through service as almsgiving! Sign up to reserve your spot: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ADA623A0FCC70-53405198-december
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#/
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.
Please register at this link: https://z.umn.edu/GreekSchool24_25 or use the following QR code:
Registration for virtual, adult Greek School classes is now open. Register here. Let Joanna know if you have any questions: [email protected]
Save the Date! Practices begin Dec. 15th
It's that time again to get your sneakers on! This year the tournament will be hosted by St. Demetrios in Libertyville, IL.
Player registration and hotel reservations will open Dec. 2nd on the Western Region Family Basketball Tournament Website. https://www.greekbball.com/
***Note: Practices will begin at a New Location! due to construction at our previous facility.
Highland Park Elementary School (approx.3 miles from church)
1700 Saunders Ave, St. Paul, 55116
Practice schedule - Sunday 12-2:30pm
Dec 15 (beginning after the Church School Christmas Program)
Dec 29
Jan 5
Jan 12
Jan 19
Jan 26
Scholarships will once more be offered. For inquiries, please contact Fr. Perry, and for any questions, reach out to Angie Kontenakos at [email protected]
See you at the gym! Go St. George!
Join us on Sunday, December 08, following Liturgy for our fall Parish Assembly and Parish Council Elections. This assembly reviews and passes our 2025 budget and elects auditors for our 2024 financial audit. We will also discuss and request approval of an architect for our capital project initiative. Please contact Angie if you have any questions.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84290595046?pwd=4rGTfXamOeOqs3iI2xrbpJ93VV0nbR.1
ID: 842 9059 5046 Passcode: 994928
The 2025 Summer Camp Staff Applications are being accepted November 1- December 31
Summer Camp 2025 will be held: June 28- July 4, 2025 at Camp Wapogasset
Our staff is carefully selected annually by an application process. We welcome Orthodox Christians active in their parish and willing to teach and reflect the doctrinal and moral precepts of the teachings of Christ and the Orthodox Church. If you are unclear about this statement, please speak with your Priest or Spiritual Father (Father Confessor) before proceeding. Applicants must be 17 years old at the time of camp and have graduated high school or received their G.E.D. Please review the Staff Selection Criteria before applying. Applications must be completed 100% by December 31st. To apply to be on Staff, visit https://app.campdoc.com/!/dn/login?r=stmaryscamp Questions? Please contact Doria or Scott 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
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
$199,935 of $275,000 (through October)
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 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!
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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
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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.
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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].
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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 “2024 Philoptochos Stewardship/membership,” “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!
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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 26% 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 supports 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.
2024 Discounted Prices for Parishioners:
$7,182 = Monument Lot (2 Graves)
$5,095 = Flat Lot (2 Graves)
$2,762 = 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.
Please follow Roselawn regulations for the 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.
http://tinyurl.com/4cte47f3
http://tinyurl.com/5n6abxwa
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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/
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].
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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
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Sign up for our email list to see what’s happening at St. George!
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St. George GOC broadcasts its worship services live on the internet. Your presence in the church is subject to audio and video recording.
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The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced the approval by the Metropolis Council for entry into a contract to purchase the property at 1015 North LaSalle Drive, Chicago, Illinois, 60610.
By unanimous decision of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Sacred Archdiocese of America, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has announced that the honorable and most esteemed Order of Saint Andrew, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is to be recognized yearly for the Feast of their Celestial Patron, Saint Andrew the Apostle and First-Called Disciple of the Lord.
The Prophet Nahum had Elkesaeus (Elkosh) as his homeland, and was from the tribe of Symeon; he is seventh in order among the twelve Minor Prophets He prophesied during the time of Hezekias, after the destruction of Samaria (721 years before Christ), but before the ten tribes were taken into captivity; he prophesied against Nineveh, the capital of Assyria. His name means "comforter." His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters.
Saint Porphyrios (Bairaktaris) was born in 1907 with the name Evangelos in Evoia, Greece, in the small village of Agios Ioannis (Saint John). As a child he tended to the sheep in the hills, and it is there that he first read the life of Saint John the Hut-Dweller (Commemorated January 15th) which planted the desire of monasticism in his heart. The spark lit by Saint John was fanned when at the age of seven he overheard a conversation about the divine beauty of the Holy Mountain. Eventually he stowed away on a boat to Thessalonica, hoping from there to reach Mount Athos.
On the evening after his arrival, a group of monks gathered at the harbor to take the boat to Mount Athos. One of them noticed the young Porphyrios and asked him where he was going. Porphyrios told the monk that he was going to the Holy Mountain, but lied about the reason as to why. The monk, seeing through this, told Porphyrios to tell any inquirers that he was his nephew and that his mother had passed away, for otherwise he would not be allowed on the mountain since he was still a child.
The monk, whose name was Panteleimon, became his spiritual father and brought him to Kavsokalyvia, a small skete where Panteleimon lived with his brother, the Priest Ioannikos, as fellow monastics. The young Porphyrios loved to carry out the virtue of obedience to his elders, at times being tested by them without even knowing it. When he was fourteen, his elder asked Porphyrios what he was planning to do with his life. The young man told him that he wished to stay on the Mountain. Two or three years later, Porphyrios was tonsured with the name Nikitas.
Once, being obedient to one of his elders against the wishes of the other, Porphyrios went out on a rainy day to collect snails. After hours of filling his sack, and burdened by the wind and cold, Porphyrios found himself suddenly caught in a rockslide and was buried up to his knees. Crying out to the Theotokos he was miraculously delivered, but having suffered badly he developed pleurisy and had to leave Mount Athos to seek medical treatment. The elder who told him to collect the snails profusely apologized, and personally saw Porphyrios off of Mount Athos, kissing him on the forehead in tears.
Porphyrios returned to the village of Agios Ioannis in Evoia where he reunited with his family. He stayed at the monastery of Saint Haralambos, which was near the village Avlonari, until he recovered. his good reputation as a faithful and obedient monk quickly spread and thus caught the attention of the Bishop Fostinis of Kymi. He began to visit Porphyrios frequently, and with the aid of Archbishop Porphyrios III of Sinai (from whom Porphyrios was given his final name), ordained the young monk a deacon and then a priest. Two years later he was made a confessor and would at times hear confessions for multiple days at a time without sleep or food.
His next major ministry was serving as the Chaplain at the Polyclinic Hospital in Athens for roughly 33 years (1940-1973). It was through the well-known Professor of Canon Law, Amilkas Alivizatos, that Porphyrios was assigned to the Church of Saint Gerasimos which was associated with the hospital. During this time he helped many patients spiritually by acting as their father confessor. In addition to his hospital duties, he helped to renew the Church of Saint Nicholas in Kallisia, often having recourse to it during the night to pray by himself or with family.
However, Porphyrios had still been unable to fulfill another dream he shared with his family: founding a monastery. After years of searching, he bought some land upon the top of a hill in Milesi where he later founded The Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration. He remained there for many years before returning to his old cell on Mount Athos where he spent his last years. He departed this life on December 2nd, 1991. Porphyrios was declared a saint by the Ecumenical Patriarchate on November 27th, 2013.
Saint Barbara was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia and lived during the reign of Maximian.
She was the daughter of a certain idolater named Dioscorus. When Barbara came of age, she was enlightened in her pure heart and secretly believed in the Holy Trinity. About this time Dioscorus began building a bath-house; before it was finished he was required to go away to attend to certain matters, and in his absence Barbara directed the workmen to build a third window in addition to the two her Father had commanded. She also inscribed the sign of the Cross with her finger upon the marble of the bath-house, leaving the saving sign cut as deeply into the marble as if it had been done with an iron tool. (When the Synaxarion of Saint Barbara was written, the marble of the bath-house and the cross inscribed by Saint Barbara were still preserved, and many healings were worked there.) When Dioscorus returned, he asked why the third window had been added; Barbara began to declare to him the mystery of the Trinity. Because she refused to renounce her faith, Dioscorus tortured Barbara inhumanely, and after subjecting her to many sufferings he beheaded her with his own hands, in the year 290.
Greek Schools
Amended PA Agenda
Parish Assembly 120824 Agenda Back
Winter Camp 2025
Age of Division Presentation - Fr John Strickland @ St George Antiochian Updated noting Zoom
Christmas Flowers/Cards Combined Form
2024 Feast Saint Nicholas
2024 Metropolis Community Christmas Celebration