Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-03-30
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

    March 3 to April 6, 2025

    Monday, March 3

    +Strict Fast - Great Lent

    Sunday, March 30

    Sunday of St. John Climacus

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Church School

    Monday, March 31

    +St. Innocent Apostle to America

    5:45PM Compline

    7:00PM Catechism #11 - The Goal: Second Coming & Living the Christian Life

    Tuesday, April 1

    6:30PM Choir Practice

    Wednesday, April 2

    1:30PM Online Daytime Bible Study (via Zoom only)

    5:30PM Ninth Hour

    6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

    7:15PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

    Thursday, April 3

    5:30PM Capital Projects Meeting

    Friday, April 4

    6:00PM Akathist Hymn

    7:00PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

    Saturday, April 5

    +St. Theodora

    Sunday, April 6

    Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM No Church School Classes Today

    10:45AM Parish Oratorical Festival

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Tone

By the cross, O Lord, you destroyed death; to the thief you opened paradise. The myrrhbearers' sorrow you transformed into joy, and you sent your apostles forth to proclaim that you had risen from the dead, Christ our God, bestowing on all the world your great mercy.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. John Climacus in the Plagal 4th Tone

With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundred-fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

Victorious Lady, mighty champion, defending us, we, your servants, now inscribe to you this hymn of thanks, for you rescued us from suff'ring and tribulation. Theotokos, with your power that can never fail, keep us safe from ev'ry danger our whole life long, that we may cry to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."


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Announcements

Greeters

Theodora Bischof & Yodahe Gamada

Prosfora

Theologia Pitsavas

40-Day Blessing

 Eleni Tsepelis Kalyvas & Baby

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to Connie Byers for hosting today's fellowship.

Lenten Pantry Drive Continues

Thank you to those who have contributed to date. We have already delivered 43 pounds of shelf stable food to the Focus House Pantry. We are continuing to collect Pantry Staples such as Jelly, Cereal, Pasta Sauce, Mac and Cheese, or Spam/Canned Meat. Place your items in the parking lot vestibule blue bins and we will get the food over to Focus House.

Holy Week Flowers & Paschal Donations

Memorial Flower and Paschal donations can now be made online. Follow the link below and select flowers (Holy Week Flowers) or Pascha (Paschal Offerings) from the drop-down menu. For flowers, please include the memorial names in the memo line. Donation forms and envelopes are also available at the candle stand.
https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/-/form/give/online

MEOCCA Lenten Vespers

Sundays at 5:00pm

March 30
Holy Myrrhbearers Orthodox Church
601 7th Ave S, St Cloud

April 6
New Location
- St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
1250 Oakdale Ave, West St. Paul

April 13
St Herman's Orthodox Church
5355 38th Ave S, Minneapolis

Philoptochos Spring Plant Fundraiser

Deadline ApproachingMonday, March 31 at 10:00 pm is the deadline to order plants and flowers through Philoptochos' Spring Fundraiser. Visit https://www.gertensfundraising.com  and select Store ID #764.  You can then shop online for a wide variety of reasonably priced, high quality plants while supporting the philanthropic mission of Philoptochos.  Deliveries will be made to church on May 10, just in time for Mother's Day.  Questions?  See Elise W. or Vicky P.

Intro to Orthodox Christianity Catechism Course - Winter 2025

Join us for our MEOCCA catechism course, Intro to Orthodox Christianity. 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 Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in person (1111 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN) or online via Zoom. Register online at https://forms.gle/727eGvE3nn44k1am8. Learn more at www.meocca.org.

Host a Lenten Soup Supper

Meal hosts are needed for Wednesday and Friday evenings in Lent. Please sign up to provide soup and bread for 20-25 people (no meat, eggs, or dairy please). Hosts are needed for April 2 & 9.

Visit this URL, or scan the QR below, for more information and to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-54887413-lenten#/

Wednesday Evening Lenten Pilgrimages

Every Sunday in Lent has its own theme – Sunday of Orthodoxy, St. Gregory Palamas, Holy Cross, St. John Climacus, St. Mary of Egypt, and Palm Sunday. Each is a kind of short pilgrimage within our larger journey to Pascha.  Join us on Wednesday evenings in Lent, following the Presanctified Liturgy, to share a Lenten meal and to explore how the stories, icons, and hymns from each week guide us in our journey.  Discussions will be led by Fr. Perry, Fr. John, and Dr. Ann.

Fridays Lenten Speaker Series: Faith & Suffering

How does faith help us navigate suffering? This Lenten season, join us for a special speaker series exploring the complex relationship between faith and suffering. Each Friday during Lent, after Salutations and a Lenten meal, we'll welcome guest speakers to lead discussions on this important topic. We'll consider the many forms suffering can take – physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational – and how our faith can offer support and understanding.

The Restoration of St. Charalambos Church in Cyprus Exhibit & Film

Upcoming exhibit and documentary film screening at the University of Minnesota tells the story of the restoration of St Charalambos' church in occupied Cyprus.

HGA Gallery, Rapson Hall, Univ. of Minnesota
89 Church Street SE, Minneapolis 55455
March 17 - April 23, 2025

Reception and film screening -
Friday, April 4, 2025 - 5:00-7:00pm

For more information email [email protected]

Parish Oratorical Festival

Stay after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday April 6 (St. Mary of Egypt) and be treated to a glimpse into the faith of our Youth. Our 7-12 grade parishioners will present their Oratorical Submissions to the community. All are welcome to attend and thus support our students.

Loaves and Fishes Volunteer Opportunity

Our next meal commitment is Monday, April 7th. Please join us in helping this worthwhile mission of feeding the hungry. We need volunteers from 4:30- 6:30ish at St. Matthews Catholic Church in West St. Paul. Please sign up to help here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ADA623A0FCC70-55895124-april#/

Youth & Family Holy Friday Retreat

Please join us on for our annual retreat on Holy Friday, April 18, from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. The day will start with the service of the Great Hours at 9:00 am, followed by a potluck lunch, a learning session, arts & crafts, and some church preparation activities. For lunch, we would love for you to bring a Lenten friendly dish to share. We're also seeking volunteers to help with lunch, as well as any willing to help lead the activities. Please reach out to Dylan at [email protected] if you can lend a hand. To RSVP and give us a headcount, email Dylan by April 11. Note that the date of Pascha coincides with Western traditions this year.

Fellowship after the Vigil of Great and Holy Pascha

Join us in the hall after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 20. Everyone is invited to bring something from home to break the fast with our church family - Bring Your Own Basket. Prepare a basket of fast-breaking items (meat, cheese, etc.), have it blessed at the Vigil and partake after services or bring a dish to share. We will provide the red eggs!
Blessed Resurrection! Kali Anastasi!

AHEPA Pappas Academic Scholarship

Qualified applicants are to be Parishioner’s children in good standing or members of St George Greek Orthodox Church of St Paul MN and have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited Undergraduate College or University four-year program and have a GPA 2.75 or higher. The award for this scholarship is $1,250 in a single academic calendar year. Recipients may reapply for this Scholarship in subsequent years. The deadline for the application is June 15th. For more details or application, please reach out to Frank Mortari, Dino Contolatis, or Dean Natto.

2025 Vacation Church School

Saddle up for Salvation!
 
Just as the early settlers faced challenges on their journey west, Christians also encounter obstacles on the path to our heavenly promised land. At Vacation Church School, kids will learn what spiritual equipment they need, how to be courageous, who helps them along the way, and how to use grit and perseverance to stay on the Christian trail to paradise.

WHEN: June 16-20, 2025; June 16-20; 8:45 a.m. – Noon
WHO: Cowpokes 4 years old (and potty trained) through entering grade 6 in the fall
WHERE: Saint Mary's Greek Orthodox Church

Helpers Needed: Parents, please ask your kids going into
grades 7-12 (in the fall) to sign up to help out.

Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpBFTO6kP5vuCPJyiRSzOl4KjsJr9B57cg-pWLlJljDcyGIw/viewform

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#/

Stay Informed about YAL Events

There are lots of ways to stay connected to YAL! Fill out our contact form to receive emails, follow @twincitiesyal on Instagram, and join our GroupMe for event reminders!

Contact Form: https://stmarysgoc.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0bacad425ce7e636b2a62718f&id=6ebcd60bf3&e=fd9c080ec4

GroupMe: https://groupme.com/join_group/99134236/1dGLCAnm

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Wisdom of the Fathers

Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting? ... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

... he that is not covetous, will be also more disposed for almsgiving. He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles his soul when lifted up. Therefore even the apostles were almost always fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

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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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Standing & Sitting in Services

The tradition of the Church is to stand for the duration of services, and you are welcome to do so. You are welcome to sit when you need to, as well. Please note that directions regarding when to sit are suggestions. Please be seated during the homily (sermon), and please do the best that you can to stand during the reading of the Gospel and the distribution of Holy Communion.

Kneeling on Sundays

According to the canons, we are not supposed to kneel on Sundays. However, according to common practice in our Archdiocese, kneeling has become common in the Divine Liturgy on Sundays. Those who are accustomed to the common practice in the US, are welcome to kneel. To those unfamiliar with this practice, coming from a community that does not kneel on Sundays or who would, for various reasons, prefer not to kneel, that is just fine as well.

The Kiss of Peace

It is the tradition of the Church to exchange a greeting, known as the "kiss of peace," during the Divine Liturgy. The exact moment for the brotherly exchange takes place during these prayers in Liturgy before the creed; "Deacon: Let us love one another, that with oneness of mind we may confess: People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Trinity, one in essence and undivided." Here is an excerpt by Frederica Mathewes-Green from an article titled "First Visit to an Orthodox Church: Twelve Things I Wish I'd Known.”

"We kiss each other before we take communion ("Greet one another with a kiss of love," 1 Peter 5:14). When Roman Catholics or high-church Protestants "pass the peace," they give a hug, handshake, or peck on the cheek; that's how Westerners greet each other. In Orthodoxy different cultures are at play: Greeks and Arabs kiss on two cheeks, and Slavs come back again for a third. Follow the lead of those around you and try not to bump your nose.

The usual greeting is "Christ is in our midst" and response,[…]['He is, and always shall be.'] Don't worry if you forget what to say.[…] Exchanging the kiss of peace is a liturgical act, a sign of mystical unity. Chatting and fellowship is for later.”

You are encouraged to participate in this sacred exchange. Many will not be familiar with or may even be uncomfortable with a kiss on the cheek from someone they do not know. Understandably so! Shaking hands or simply nodding/bowing to the person nearby and greeting them with "Christ is in our midst!" is just fine. Through the liturgical act of the kiss of peace, may we remember that we are a family in Christ and work to continue to grow as such. May we also remember our accountability to one another, the need to seek forgiveness, and to forgive one another in Christ.

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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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From the Church Office

 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 "2025 Stewardship" “2025 Philoptochos Stewardship” “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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2025 Stewardship Program

Goal

$53,920 of $285,000 (through February)

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 

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2025 Roselawn Program Prices

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 29% 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 support 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.
 
2025 Discounted Prices for Parishioners:
$7,395 = Monument Lot (2 Graves)
$5,270 = Flat Lot (2 Graves)
$2,805 = 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, however, limited monument lots remain available.
 
Please follow Roselawn regulations for 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.

https://tinyurl.com/mf743w2y

https://tinyurl.com/mvt5f7d2

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Silent Auction

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.

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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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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

March 30

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.


March 30

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent

This Saint gave himself over to the ascetical life from his early youth. Experienced both in the solitary life of the hermit and in the communal life of cenobitic monasticism, he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai and wrote a book containing thirty homilies on virtue. Each homily deals with one virtue, and progressing from those that deal with holy and righteous activity (praxis) unto those that deal with divine vision (theoria), they raise a man up as though by means of steps unto the height of Heaven. For this cause his work is called "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." The day he was made Abbot of Sinai, the Prophet Moses was seen giving commands to those who served at table. Saint John reposed in 603, at eighty years of age. See also the Fourth Sunday of the Fast.


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Bulletin Inserts

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