Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2025-04-06
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 21, 2025

    Monday, March 3

    +Strict Fast - Great Lent

    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

    Monday, April 7

    4:30PM Loaves & Fishes

    5:45PM Compline

    7:00PM Catechism #12 - Orthodoxy in America, Jurisdictions, Missions

    Tuesday, April 8

    6:30PM Choir Practice

    Wednesday, April 9

    5:30PM Ninth Hour

    6:00PM Presanctified Liturgy

    7:15PM Lenten Meal & Lecture

    Thursday, April 10

    7:00PM Book Group

    Saturday, April 12

    Lazaros Saturday

    8:30AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:30AM Palm Cross Making, Potluck, Church Cleaning, & Decorating for Holy Week

    Sunday, April 13

    Palm Sunday

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI

    10:45AM Procession with Palms

    11:00AM Church School

    11:30AM Palm Sunday Luncheon

    7:00PM BRIDEGROOM SERVICE (NYMPHIOS)

    Monday, April 14

    +Holy Week - Strict Fast (through April 19)

    Holy Monday

    9:30AM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY

    7:00PM BRIDEGROOM SERVICE (NYMPHIOS)

    Tuesday, April 15

    Holy Tuesday

    9:30AM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY

    7:00PM BRIDEGROOM SERVICE (NYMPHIOS)

    Wednesday, April 16

    Holy Wednesday

    9:30AM PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY

    3:00PM HOLY UNCTION SERVICE

    7:00PM NEPTIR SERVICE (Commemoration of the Lord Washing the Feet of the Disciples)(Annointing with Holy Unction)

    Thursday, April 17

    Holy Thursday

    9:30AM VESPERAL LITURGY OF THE MYSTICAL SUPPER

    7:00PM HOLY PASSION SERVICE (12 GOSPELS OF THE PASSION OF OUR LORD)

    Friday, April 18

    Holy Friday

    9:00AM GREAT HOURS

    11:00AM HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT

    2:30PM UNNAILING SERVICE (APOKATHEILOSIS)

    7:00PM EPITAPHIOS SERVICE (LAMENTATIONS)

    Saturday, April 19

    Holy Saturday

    9:30AM VESPERAL LITURGY OF THE DESCENT INTO HADES (FIRST RESURRECTION)

    11:15PM RESURRECTION VIGIL

    Sunday, April 20

    GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA

    12:00AM RESURRECTION DIVINE LITURGY

    10:00AM AGAPE VESPERS

    10:45AM No Church School Classes Today

    Monday, April 21

    +Bright Week (No Fasting)

    Renewal Monday

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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 Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal 4th Tone

The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Apolytikion for St. George in the 4th Tone

As the deliverer of captives, and the protector of the poor, a physician of the sick, the defender of kings, O Great Martyr Saint George Victorious; intercede to Christ our God, to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the 2nd Tone

O unfailing protection of Christians, and our faithful advocate before the Creator: though we are sinners, do not ignore our entreaty; but in your goodness, grant your timely help to us who appeal to you in faith. Quickly make intercession; on our behalf make speedy supplication, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus took his twelve disciples, and he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."


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Announcements

Greeters

Misael Jordan & Richard Kanavati

Prosfora

Elizabeth Poulios

Fellowship Hour

Thank you to Joanne & Demetri Halatsis for hosting today's fellowship.

Parish Oratorical Festival

Stay after the Divine Liturgy 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.

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

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

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#/

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 Lazaros Saturday. 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. The final discussion will be led by Fr. Perry.

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. For more information, email [email protected].

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

Join us on the Saturday of Lazaros

On Saturday, April 12th, following the services, there will be palm cross making, a potluck, and cleaning & decorating of the Church in preparation for Holy Week and Pascha.

Myrrh-Bearers (Myrofores) for Holy Friday

Inviting our young ladies approx. age 4/5 parental discretion) through high school to serve as a Myrrh-Bearer for the Holy Friday Services at 2:30pm and 7:00 pm. Please wear a white dress. We will practice during the Holy Friday Retreat. We will also meet for 15 minutes at 6:45pm before the Holy Friday evening service which starts at 7 pm. Please contact Melina Chadwick in person at church or Andrea Faches with questions (612) 432-9035 (Andrea). Some dresses are available. See Melina and Andrea on Palm Sunday.

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.

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!

Host Needed for Larger Coffee Hour on May 4th

We are welcoming a group of Roman Catholic visitors, about 50 people, on Sunday, May 4. We need a host(s) willing and able to provide for a larger crowd. Feel free to team up with a friend. We anticipate approx. 140-150 people for fellowship that day. Please consider taking on this vital task. Contact Elise Werger or Dylan in the Church Office with questions.

OCMC Dinner at St. Mary's

When: Saturday, May 3
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
Cost: $15 pp

OCMC Ambassador, Terri Leckas, will share highlights from her trip to Albania and St. Mary’s parishioner, Dr. Steve Rakes, will also present from his recent trip to Africa. Both will share stories and recount experiences that have impacted them personally as well how Orthodox Christian Mission Center served as the pathway to take this journey of faith.

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. 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

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

FOCUS Part-Time Coordinator Job Posting

FOCUS Minnesota is in search of a Program Coordinator to help with our day-to-day operations. This 16-18 hours/week role will help oversee the Food Shelf, Daily Lunches, and Clothes Closet programs in coordination with the center director. The Program Coordinator will have high levels of interaction with our guests, including unhoused, impoverished, and vulnerable members of our community, as well as the volunteers, donors, and others who support our ministries. We encourage you or anyone you know who may be interested to visit our Hiring Page to learn more and to apply.

https://focusmn.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ea14ccdac69f625679ddffa90&id=0b740722b9&e=013f73aa0a

Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund Executive Director Job Posting

The Executive Committee of the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund, Inc, a major nonprofit public charitable organization, seeks an Executive Director with overall strategic and operational responsibility for the staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission to advance Orthodoxy and Hellenism in America. The ideal candidate should have a track record of fundraising, communication and organizational skills and the ability to interface effectively with the Greek American Community. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrapuuup

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

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?
St. John Chrysostom
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 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

April 06

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.


April 12

Lazarus Saturday

Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, the friends of the Lord Jesus, had given Him hospitality and served Him many times (Luke 10:38-4z; John 12:2-3). They were from Bethany, a village of Judea. This village is situated in the eastern parts by the foothills of the Mount of Olives, about two Roman miles from Jerusalem. When Lazarus - whose name is a Hellenized form of "Eleazar," which means "God has helped," became ill some days before the saving Passion, his sisters had this report taken to our Saviour, Who was then in Galilee. Nonetheless, He tarried yet two more days until Lazarus died; then He said to His disciples, "Let us go into Judea that I might awake My friend who sleepeth." By this, of course, He meant the deep sleep of death. On arriving at Bethany, He consoled the sisters of Lazarus, who was already four days dead. Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled at the death of His beloved friend. He asked, "Where have ye laid his body?" and He wept over him. When He drew nigh to the tomb, He commanded that they remove the stone, and He lifted up His eyes, and giving thanks to God the Father, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." And he that had been dead four days came forth immediately, bound hand and foot with the grave clothes, and Jesus said to those standing there, "Loose him, and let him go." This is the supernatural wonder wrought by the Saviour that we celebrate on this day.

According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him; then he lived another thirty years on Cyprus and there reposed in the Lord. It is furthermore related that after he was raised from the dead, he never laughed till the end of his life, but that once only, when he saw someone stealing a clay vessel, he smiled and said, "Clay stealing clay." His grave is situated in the city of Kition, having the inscription: "Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ." In 890 his sacred relics were transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo the Wise, at which time undoubtedly the Emperor composed his stichera for Vespers, "Wishing to behold the tomb of Lazarus . . ."


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Bulletin Inserts

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