Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-12-15
Bulletin Contents

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Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (651) 222-6220
  • Street Address:

  • 1111 Summit Ave

  • St. Paul, MN 55105


Contact Information










Services Schedule

Welcome!

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

youtube.com/c/stgeorgestpaul

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


Past Bulletins


Calendar

  • Parish Calendar

    November 15 to December 22, 2024

    Friday, November 15

    +Nativity Fast

    Sunday, December 15

    11th Sunday of Luke

    +St. Eleftherios

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    11:00AM Church School Christmas Lessons & Carols

    Tuesday, December 17

    +St. Dionysios & Prophet Daniel

    6:30PM Parish Council Meeting

    Friday, December 20

    +St. Ignatios the Godbearer

    Sunday, December 22

    +St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria

    Sunday before Nativity

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM No Church School Classes Today

  • Ministries Calendar

    December 15 to December 29, 2024

    Sunday, December 15

    11:45AM Youth and Family Caroling and Delivering Gifts

    12:00PM Basketball Practice

    Wednesday, December 18

    6:00PM Greek School

    Sunday, December 22

    12:00PM Basketball Practice

    Sunday, December 29

    12:00PM Basketball Practice

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal 4th Tone

From on high you descended, O merciful Lord. You accepted the cross and three days in the tomb to free us from the bondage of sin, O our life and resurrection. Glory to you, O Lord.

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the 2nd Tone

By their faith you justified your ancestors, Christ our God, and through them, of old you betrothed to yourself the Church brought together from the nations. Let these saints rejoice in glory, for from their seed has come forth a noble fruit, she who gave you birth without seed. Through their prayers, Christ our God, save our souls.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Eleutherios and Anthia in the 4th Tone

Adorned with flowing priestly vesture and with dripping streams of blood you at once went to your Lord Christ, O blessed wise Eleftherios, annihilator of Satan. Wherefore, do not cease to intercede for those who honor your blessed struggles in faith.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 3rd Tone

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Eleutherios the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Illyricum, and his mother Anthia
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 1:8-18

TIMOTHY, my son, do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among them Phygelos and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphoros, for he often refreshed me; he was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me eagerly and found me - may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesos.


Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"


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Announcements

Greeters

Yodahe Gamada & Paul Werger

Prosfora

Zoe Anastasia and Alexandra Nausica Rylander

Memorial

Anastasios "Ernest" Ballas (25-Years) & Anastasia "Ann" Strenglis Ballas (15-Years)

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to the Krisandrea Ballas & Zoe and Alexandra Rylander for hosting today's fellowship.

Advent Pantry Drive

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.

Sunday Best Coffee Philoptochos Fundraiser

Today is our final “Coffee Exchange Sunday” of 2024.  Pick up a last minute gift for others or stock your kitchen for all the holiday entertaining ahead!  Thank you for a blessed year in support of our Philoptochos Charities. 

Western Region Family Basketball Tournament Jan. 31 - Feb 2.

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!

Saint Mary's Winter Camp 2025

January 17-20, 2025
Made in the Image and Likeness: Seeking to understand our true self in Jesus Christ.

Winter Camp is for kids in 6th-12th grades. It takes place Friday-Monday, January 17-20 at Friends at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, Minnesota. The cost is $270 per camper. The registration deadline is December 30. Payment must be received by the deadline or a $30 late payment fee will be added. To register, use the link below. Or send a check to:

St. Mary’s Cathedral, c/o Lisa Tucci
414 17th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

For more information, contact Matushka Lisa Tucci or call 612.599.0814
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf57VDYBbw-OPpFHMlIgUcmyPDOHMSJ56-qCALxZSwtMLgUHA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Saint Mary's Summer Camp 2025 Staff Applications

Accepting Applications Now through December 31

Prayerfully consider applying to be a 2025 Summer Camp Staff Member. 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. 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 31.
 
Summer Camp 2025 will be held:
June 28–July 4, 2025, at Camp Wapogasset
 
Questions? Please contact Doria or Scott at [email protected].
Apply here: https://app.campdoc.com/!/dn/login?r=stmaryscamp

Icon Art Studios, Inc. 2025 Winter Icon Class Dates

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

2024 Stewardship Program

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 Your 2025 Stewardship Pledge

Click here to make your 2025 Stewardship Pledge https://forms.gle/6vxvhwVdiEBPg6D27. Thank you for your support of the work of the church.

Make a Stewardship Donation Online

https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/give/online 

Host a Fellowship Hour

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#/

Silent Auction

Need some Christmas gift ideas? Please place your bids by December 15 for the Silent Auction items currently set up in the social hall. All proceeds go to Missions & Benevolence in support of local charities.

Greek School

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:

Adult Greek School

Registration for virtual, adult Greek School classes is now open. Register here. Let Joanna know if you have any questions: [email protected]

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Wisdom of the Fathers

What was the nature of the invitation? God the Father has prepared in Christ for the inhabitants of earth those gifts which are bestowed upon the world through Him, even the forgiveness of sins, the cleansing away of all defilement, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the glorious adoption of sons, and the kingdom of the heavens.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Translation courtesy of "The Orthodox New Testament" Volume 1, 4th Century

Come, O faithful, Let us enjoy the Master's hospitality, The banquet of immortality. In the upper chamber with uplifted minds Let us receive the exalted words of the Word Whom we magnify.
Last Ode of the Compline Canon

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Archdiocese News

OCMC Parish Ambassadors Participate in First Ambassador Pilot Program to Deepen Understanding and Support of Mission Center

12/10/2024

Just before Thanksgiving, five dedicated Parish Ambassadors journeyed to Albania for the First Ambassador Pilot Program, designed to deepen understanding and support for the Mission Center. The team was led by Anastasia Barksdale, former missionary to Albania and current Mission Center Parish Engagement Coordinator, joined by Grants Manager Santhe Loizos. During their week-long stay, the group witnessed the ongoing transformation of the Orthodox Church of Albania from destruction to its inspiring restoration.


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Welcome Visitors!

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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Prosfora (Offering Bread)

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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Content for the Bulletin

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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Reimbursements

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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Charitable Donations to Philoptochos, Missions & Benevolence, Church School, Youth, Priest Discretionary Fund, Greek School, & other St. George Ministries

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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St. George Roselawn Cemetery Plots 2024 Pricing

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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Support the Metropolis of Chicago Vision Campaign

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/

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Let's Connect!

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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Text Message Reminders - Sign Up for Youth & Family Events!

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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Parish Email List Sign-Up 

Sign up for our email list to see what’s happening at St. George!

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Please Note

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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Saints and Feasts

December 15

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.


December 15

Eleutherios the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Illyricum, and his mother Anthia

This Saint had Rome as his homeland. Having been orphaned of his father from childhood, he was taken by his mother Anthia to Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome (some call him Anencletus, or Anacletus), by whom he was instructed in the sacred letters (that is, the divine Scriptures). Though still very young in years, he was made Bishop of Illyricum by reason of his surpassing virtue, and by his teachings he converted many unbelievers to Christ. However, during a most harsh persecution that was raised against the Christians under Hadrian (reigned 117-138), the Saint was arrested by the tyrants. Enduring many torments for Christ, he was finally put to death by two soldiers about the year 126. As for his Christ-loving mother Anthia, while embracing the remains of her son and kissing them with maternal affection, she was also beheaded.


December 16

Our Righteous Mother Blessed Empress Theophania

Saint Theophania, who was born in Constantinople, was of royal lineage. Instructed in letters, and adorned with many virtues, she was united in marriage to Emperor Leo the Wise (reigned 886-912). But counting the glory of the earthly kingdom as nought, she spent her nights and days in serving God with psalms and hymns and prayers, working various good deeds until she surrendered her spirit to God in peace, while still in her youth, being, according to some, about twenty years of age, according to others, twenty-seven. Her holy relics are still preserved in the patriarchal church in Constantinople as a source of healing for those that draw nigh with faith and longing. She was also the builder of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropigeal Monastery of St. Anastasia the Protector from Potions in Chalke (883).


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Bulletin Inserts

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