Sunday Bulletin - St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2026-10-11
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

Schedule Holy Confession or a Meeting with Fr. Perry www.calendly.com/frperry

Weekday Services (www.stgeorgegoc.org/calendar)

Streaming

youtube.com/c/stgeorgestpaul

Fellowship Hour Sunday following Divine Liturgy

Office Hours Tuesdays 10:30 am-3:30 pm & Wednesdays 10:30 am - 1:30 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

    October 11 to October 18, 2026

    Sunday, October 11

    Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Church School

    11:45AM Greek School OXI Day Practice (After Church School)

    11:45AM Philoptochos Meeting

    Wednesday, October 14

    +St. Paraskeve Petka of Romania

    +Fast Day

    5:00PM Orthros

    6:00PM Divine Liturgy

    Friday, October 16

    +Fast Day

    Family Camp

    Saturday, October 17

    9:00AM Zoom Coffee Hour with Fr. Perry

    Sunday, October 18

    +St. Luke the Evangelist

    8:15AM Orthros

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Church School

    11:45AM Greek School OXI Day Practice (After Church School)



Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 2nd Tone

When you descended into death, Life immortal, you vanquished the pow'r of hell by your resplendent divinity and when you raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers cried out triumphantly: O giver of life, Christ our God, glory to you.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the 7th Ecumenical Council in the Plagal 4th Tone

You are greatly glorified, O Christ our God, who established our Fathers as luminaries upon the earth, and through them led us all to the true Faith. O Most compassionate, glory to You.

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.


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15

Titus, my son, the saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicos to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greeting to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
The Reading is from Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."




Announcements

Greeters

Yodahe Gamada and William Clemons

Fellowship

Thank you Cathy Moore for hosting today's fellowship hour!

Prosfora

William Clemons

Temporary Office Hours

Please note that our Church Office is open Tuesdays 10:30 am-3:30 pm and Wednesdays 10:30 am-1:30 pm until our new admin, Sofia, returns in January. If you plan to stop by, please call ahead or set up a time with Andrea, who is volunteering in the office while Sofia is remote. Thank you, Andrea! You can reach Andrea at the church phone number (651) 222-6220. While Sofia is working remotely, you can email her at [email protected]. We check our church phone voicemails on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If you have an emergency or pressing need, please call Fr. Perry at (651) 908-2208 or email him at [email protected]. To set up a meeting with Fr. Perry, please use this link: www.calendly.com/frperry. Thank you for your patience during this transitional time for our Church Office.

Church School Information

Classes Meeting After Dismissal & Antithoron:

PreK–K: Quiet Room
1st–3rd & 4th–6th: Church Sanctuary

Classes Meeting Upstairs After Holy Communion (as usual):

7th–9th: Fr. Perry’s Office
10th–12th: Conference Room

Please refer to the Church School calendar for the full schedule and important dates throughout the year. Please register your children using this link: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeUDEixZZevXOrnJS3SdTxFDzN5lUIUK3XnYurs6wvcO_G3Q/viewform

Announcements after Liturgy

To share the most effective announcement, please keep the following in mind:

-Keep your announcement brief (no longer than a minute)

-Be prepared (who, what, when, where, why)

-Make sure you speak loudly and clearly (keep the microphone close to your mouth)

-Remember your announcement is being livestreamed on YouTube

-Please reference the page in the bulletin or flyer where our people can find more information

-If possible, let the people know that they can speak with you after with questions

-Announcement time is reserved only for church-related and sponsored events only

Announcements are a vital way we spread the word about our St. George events. Thank you to all who continue to help with this critical work.

The Ladies of Philoptochos – First Meeting of the Year

The Ladies of Philoptochos warmly invite all members and women of our parish to join us for our first meeting of the year today, October 11, following Church School.

We will gather in the upstairs office area for fellowship as we continue our year of faith, service, and love in Christ.

Philoptochos is rooted in compassionate service to our parish, our community, and those in need. Whether you are a longtime member or simply interested in learning more, you are warmly invited to join us as we reconnect, share ideas, and look ahead to the months before us.

May our time together be one of joyful fellowship, meaningful service, and blessings shared with others.

Fall Phyllo Dough Sale

Get ready to bake with our delicious, flaky, and flavorful refrigerated phyllo dough — never frozen!

The Ladies of Philoptochos will begin accepting pre-orders on Sunday, October 11 for this versatile pastry, perfect for your favorite sweet and savory recipes and especially wonderful for holiday baking.

Pickup will be available on Sunday, October 25 and Sunday, November 1. $6 per 1-pound package

Our phyllo is always a popular item, and we receive so many wonderful compliments from those who use it for baklava, spanakopita, tiropita, and many other family favorites. Your support helps fund our charitable initiatives. Thank you for baking with us and supporting Philoptochos!

Sunday Best Coffee Fall Pop-Up Sale 

The Ladies of Philoptochos are pleased to offer a special Fall Pop-Up Sale featuring our Sunday Best Coffee Company this Sunday, October 11th.

Sunday Best Coffee is organic and Fair Trade, locally roasted in small batches, expertly blended, and delivered at peak freshness. Their beautifully packaged coffee and signature mugs make wonderful gifts for hostesses, teachers, friends, neighbors, Thanksgiving gatherings, fall birthdays, and early Christmas shopping.

Treat yourself to a bag, pick up a mug, or create a cozy fall coffee gift for someone special. Sip. Share. Give. Enjoy a heavenly cup of coffee while supporting the charitable ministries of Philoptochos.

FOCUS Fall Open House

FOCUS is having our first ever Fall Open House- Saturday October 17th from 11:30AM-2PM. Following our Food Shelf distribution, we'll be firing up the grill and enjoying a meal together. Come - or stay - for fellowship, food, and a tour of the building for those who haven't been to the center. We're asking guests to bring a can opener to share with our Food Shelf clients. You're also welcome to bring canned goods or other non-perishable food donations to help us restock our shelves before our second distribution of the month. There will be a few small projects for anyone you would like to lend a hand. 550 Rice Street, St. Paul.

Zoom Coffee Hour

Have a question about the Orthodox faith, parish life, or a practical church matter? Whether you’re new to the Church or curious about a particular teaching, join Fr. Perry for Zoom Coffee Hour on Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. for conversation, fellowship, and an opportunity to grow in your understanding of the Orthodox faith.

Our next Zoom Coffee Hour will be held on Saturday, October 17, at 9:00 a.m. We look forward to connecting with you!

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81799886118pwd=KWz0AkyaslmPzF1NCuoMUwbRCRZDJN.1

St. Iakovos Retreat Center Sunday – October 18

The first Metropolis-wide St. Iakovos Retreat Center Sunday (SIRC Sunday) will take place on October 18!

St. George Benefit Concert

An Evening of Classical & Byzantine Music, in support of St. George Greek Orthodox Church and FOCUS MN. Secure your tickets today for St. George's upcoming Classical and Byzantine Music Concert this Fall. 

Join us for a beautiful night of music and community featuring:

  • • Anna Pitsavas Wakely, winner of the 2025 Karin Larson YourClassical Prize in the Emerging Artist category,   winner of the 2025 MYS Symphony Solo Competition , Violin
    • Samuel Dangerfield, winner of the 2026 MYS Symphony Solo Competition, Cello
    • Brigham Dangerfield,   winner of the 2027 MYS Symphony Solo Competition , Violin
    • Twin Cities Byzantine Choir, directed by Joseph Karos 
    • Christopher Atheneos, Byzantine Chanter, South Florida

Date/Time:
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 7:00pm 

Location:
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church
60 N Kent St
St. Paul, MN 55102

Admission/Tickets:
General Admission: $25
Patron Ticket: $50

Premium support ticket for guests who would like to further support our Ministries and Philanthropic actions. Includes concert admission. With limited seating available, now is the perfect time to purchase your ticket and ensure you don’t miss out on this exceptional musical experience! Purchase your tickets with this link: https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/-/form/give/BenefitConcert

Greek School - Fall 2026

Registration is now open for St. George Greek School! Greek School is open to PreK–12 students and adults and is a great way to learn Greek while connecting with Greek language and culture. Everyone is welcome! The Fall session will run Wednesdays from 6:00–7:30 PM, with 7 sessions from October 28–December 16. There will be Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions throughout the year.

Registration is free, though donations are welcome to help cover textbooks, supplies, costumes, and food. Please register each student separately. Questions? Contact Joanna at [email protected]. Here is the registration link below: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeM3le4o3R5cjqyzLhnOSxhleXfyI87sRnaH_8NCtsGyiUVA/viewform

GOARCH Online Greek School for Adults – 2026–2027

Registration is open for the Online Greek School for Adults, offered by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in partnership with the Academy of Science and Letters of Pontians, with support from Leadership 100. This complimentary program welcomes adult learners of all proficiency levels who wish to strengthen their Greek language skills. Classes run online on Saturdays and Sundays, November 7, 2026–June 13, 2027. Register by October 25th using the link below. 

Questions? Contanct Department of Greek Education by email at [email protected], or the Academy of Science and Letters of Pontians by email at [email protected]

https://wb9ggagbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jspf=001ChILFBGLDRabfQwNfvUGEoqS008ZoXAYgDvPoQssLovPjOw9eelEz00FaZDM38wpTygA_K_BNdQhgF1e2SAK5aWzIahm5flSt5nWR7alCi-AU4kelKopb3LkNk9FYmikhngzGCFqYn6GtyKhNmkcnw2w_p1bvlqkV4wbXuFQ-7R2fkw_36QGb6Misugs4VJ0thOY07vuzq5YYRzY0oJvTiWRuWXijFt&c=XUUguSJ3xBYVHAJVF0FmVRbjeGxRUqt5qUWZphoi3hNYPxjhUS0zw==&ch=Vy7aN9RMaq8AxuGsPaQiAkjzpgByMvCHg6Aow40hf_jRfpHzNcsnfg==

Masquerade & Merlot: An Evening of Wine, Masks, and Giving

Join the Medical Crisis Program on Thursday, October 29, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral in Minneapolis for Masquerade & Merlot, an enchanting fundraising evening featuring the exquisite Lanchava Collection of Georgian Wines. Enjoy a memorable night of wine, fellowship, and giving while supporting a meaningful cause!

Admission: $65 general | $55 seniors | $120 couples

St. Mary's OCA
1701 5th St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Purchase your tickets by scanning the QR code or using the link below:
https://givebutter.com/masquerade-and-merlot-x1qqgw

Fr. John Strickland: Finding Meaning and Hope

Join us at St. Mary’s OCA on Friday, December 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for an evening with Fr. John Strickland, priest at St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church in Poulsbo, Washington, and author of The Age of Nihilism.

Fr. John will speak on “Finding Meaning and Hope in a Time of Division and Uncertainty,” drawing from his book The Age of Nihilism.

Friday, December 4, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s OCA
1701 5th St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Help with Coffee Hour!

Fellowship is better because of you! We have many openings in the coming weeks and would love to have you join the fun. Grab your family, invite a friend, sign up solo, or email Andrea Faches if you would like to sponsor without set-up and serving. Bring cookies, snacks, or simple finger foods and juice for 80–100 people, and we’ll take care of the coffee! Scan the QR code or use the link to sign up! Questions? See Andrea Faches

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2BABFF2-46964197-fellowship

Hall Construction Updates

Thank you for your continued support of our Capital Project! We are happy to announce that we have worked through the kitchen revisions and are moving forward with the project as a whole. Over the past two weeks, Summit Avenue access has reopened, and the north side canopy has been installed and roofed, with pillar finish work remaining. Electrical and gas work in the kitchen are now underway, with drywall to follow once that work is complete. Classroom demolition has also commenced, with electrical outlet installation, drywall, and skim coating to follow. Additionally, the monument sign design is complete, with the final lettering still under review. We are proceeding with drywall throughout along with the welding of the mullions over the doors. We are grateful for your continued patience and support as construction progresses!

FOCUS Food Shelf Volunteers Needed

FOCUS runs a food shelf on the 3rd and 5th Saturdays of the month. Our parish, along with all the other Orthodox Parishes in town, have done a great job of keeping FOCUS supplied with non-perishable food items. THANK YOU!!! Would you like to also be a part of the Saturday morning distributions? Volunteers are needed 9:30 am to noon. Having adequate numbers of volunteers keeps the event running efficiently so that we don’t have to turn away any hungry people.

You would be joining a great team, meeting the recipients face-to-face, and would have the satisfaction of spending a few hours on a Saturday morning helping our neighbors feed their families. If you have any questions, please contact Ann Woods at [email protected]. You can sign up by scanning the QR below:

2026 Stewardship Goal

$198,333 of $315,000 (through August)

Make Your 2026 Stewardship Pledge Online

https://onrealm.org/StGeorgeStPaul/-/form/pledge/stewardship2026

Make a Stewardship Donation Online

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

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Please Note

St. George GOC broadcasts its worship services live online and has security cameras throughout the building. Your presence in the church may be recorded on audio and video.

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 Sofia at [email protected].

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.

“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

Content for the Bulletin

All content for the bulletin (flyers, blurbs, calendar events, etc.) is due Wednesday each week. Please send all bulletin content to Sofia at [email protected]. Content submitted after Wednesday will be included in the bulletin for the following week.

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].

Reminder

This is a friendly reminder that the church office is closed during church services. Also, ministry meetings/activities are not scheduled during church services as well. Thank you.



Wisdom of the Fathers

When you see life's pleasures, beware that they might not distract you, for they conceal death's snares. Likewise a fisherman casts not his hook to no purpose. As bait for his hook, the enemy uses the delusion of sensuality to arouse desire, that he might thereby catch men's souls and subject them to himself. A soul which has been caught to serve the enemy's will then serves as a snare for other souls, for it conceals the grief of sin with its apparent delight.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
A Spiritual Psalter no 43, pg. 74, 4th century

Since there are certain people who find great fault with us for adoring and honoring both the image of the Savior and that of our Lady, as well as those of the rest of the saints and servants of Christ, let them hear how from the beginning God made man to His own image. For what reason, then, do we adore one another, except because we have been made to the image of God? As the inspired Basil, who is deeply learned in theology, says: "the honor paid to the image conveys to the original.," and the original is the thing imaged from which the copy is made.
St. John of Damascus
The Orthodox Faith, 4.16. Catholic University of America Press in Washington D.C. Translated by Frederic H. Chase, Jr. volume 37, page 370., 8th Century



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.

Visitors and inquirers, please do not worry if you do not understand or follow all of our practices at your first few visits to our church (when to stand, when to kneel, venerate icons, or the priest's hand, cross yourself, etc.), it takes time to learn these traditions. Watch what others do, and when you are ready, you can follow their example.

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!

______________________

Becoming an Orthodox Christian

For those interested in becoming an Orthodox Christian, here is the basic process: 1. Come to Divine Liturgy, 2. Complete our MEOCCA Catechism Program in the spring or the fall (register by emailing [email protected] or visit this link https://meocca.org/our-faith/cooperative-catechism), 3. Meet with Fr. Perry (schedule a meeting at this link https://calendly.com/frperry/). Fr. Perry will go through more specific details when you meet. We hope that you will make St. George your spiritual home.

______________________

Orthodox Worship

To our beloved guests, welcome to St. George. As you visit an Orthodox Church for the first few times, it’s important to remember that Orthodox Worship Services were designed to challenge us. For example, the services may be longer and at a slower pace than we are used to. The length of the service helps us grow in wakefulness and vigilance. "Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, 'What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak'” Matthew 26:40-41.

In our ever-changing, fast-paced world, we struggle to maintain the attention span of a goldfish. The worship of the early Church is the remedy to this problem. The Divine Liturgy and our other worship services are an invitation to turn off the noise, slow down the pace, and, like Mary (the sister of Martha), sit at the feet of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you struggle with your attention span in the first few services (or for years!), stick with it. Through our continued effort, God grants us growth in the ability to experience quiet, stillness, and prayer. Through our endurance, and above all, by His Grace, our regular participation in worship helps us to “lay aside the cares of life that we may receive the King of all."



Saints and Feasts

October 11

Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.


October 12

Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.


October 16

Longinos the Centurion

This Martyr was in the service of Pontius Pilate at the time of Christ our Saviour's Passion. While standing guard at the Cross and beholding the earthquake and all that came to pass, he cried out with fear, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection, he forsook the military and departed for Cappadocia, his homeland, where he preached Christ. By the agency of Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar had him arrested and beheaded.




Archdiocese News

Historic translation of the sacred relic of the Venerable Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos, at Hellenic College Holy Cross

10/10/2026

BROOKLINE, MA — October 10, 2026 — In an extraordinary and historic moment in the life of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, hundreds of faithful, together with the entire student body of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, gathered in prayer and profound reverence for the solemn translation of the sacred relics of our Venerable Father Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos. More than three decades after his blessed repose on June 12, 1995, the Feast of the Holy Spirit, the beloved hierarch, teacher, and spiritual father was brought from his place of burial into Holy Cross Chapel, where his sacred relics were offered for public veneration for the first time. Presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, this momentous occasion marked a new chapter in the spiritual history of the School and a profound expression of the Church’s recognition of the holiness and enduring spiritual legacy of a shepherd whose light continues to illuminate generations of Orthodox Christians.

The historic observance represents a local recognition of the holiness and saintly character of the Venerable Bishop Gerasimos, whose life of prayer, humility, pastoral love, and dedication to theological education continues to inspire generations of clergy and faithful. This recognition does not constitute a formal canonization or universal proclamation of sainthood, which remains the sacred prerogative of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Mother Church of Constantinople.

Archbishop Elpidophoros stands over the relic of the Venerable Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos, beside a flower-adorned icon of the Elder, as clergy and seminarians gather for the Trisagion before the translation. Photo by Orthodox Observer.

The commemorative observances began on Friday evening with a special panel discussion dedicated to the life, ministry, and enduring spiritual legacy of Bishop Gerasimos.

The panel brought together clergy who had served as his teaching assistants, former students who had lived alongside him on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross, and members of a younger generation of seminarians who never knew him personally but whose priestly formation and theological education have nevertheless been profoundly shaped by his example.

Through personal recollections and moving testimonies, participants reflected upon a hierarch whose influence extended far beyond the classroom. For those who knew him, Bishop Gerasimos was not simply a professor of Holy Scripture, but a living example of the Gospel he taught, particularly the Gospel according to Saint John, which occupied a special place in his teaching and spiritual life.

The participation of students who never encountered him during his earthly life offered a particularly powerful testimony: more than three decades after his repose, his spiritual legacy remains a living presence within the School and continues to form those preparing to serve the Church.

Saturday morning’s sacred observances began at the gravesite of Bishop Gerasimos, where Archbishop Elpidophoros and Metropolitan Savas and the entire community offered a Trisagion, the memorial prayers, or the repose of the venerable hierarch.

The presence of Metropolitan Savas carried particular personal and spiritual significance. His Eminence was the priest who administered Holy Communion to Bishop Gerasimos shortly before his blessed repose in 1995, and now, more than thirty years later, stood alongside the Archbishop to honor his memory and participate in the translation of his sacred relic.

Following the Trisagion, the incorrupt relic was reverently transferred into Holy Cross Chapel, the spiritual heart of the campus to which Bishop Gerasimos had devoted so much of his life and ministry. Adding to the profound significance of this historic occasion, the translation of the sacred relic took place on what would have been the 116th birthday of the venerable Elder, lending an especially poignant and providential dimension to a day.

In the Holy Cross Chapel, the intact sacred relic was cared for and vested in new hierarchical vestments by Archbishop Elpidophoros and Metropolitan Savas, assisted by clergy who had been Bishop Gerasimos’ colleagues, spiritual children, and close acquaintances, including the Reverend Protopresbyters Nicholas Triantafilou, Alkiviadis Calivas, Theodore Stephanopoulos, and Peter Chamberas.

The vesting was an especially poignant expression of reverence and gratitude, as those who had known and loved the venerable hierarch personally were afforded the blessing of participating in this sacred moment.

The relic was then carried in solemn yet panegyric procession around Holy Cross Chapel, amid the prayers and hymns of the Church and in the presence of hundreds of faithful and the entire student body.

At the conclusion of the procession, the sacred relic was presented for public veneration for the first time, allowing clergy, seminarians, and faithful to approach with reverence and prayer.

His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh joined in the veneration of the relic of the Venerable Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos, at Holy Cross Chapel, where it was offered for public veneration for the first time following the translation. Photo by Orthodox Observer.

In his remarks reflecting upon the significance of the occasion, Archbishop Elpidophoros drew upon the words of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount:

“No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel; but on a lampstand, to shine its light on everyone in the house.”

His Eminence compared the translation of the relic to the unveiling of a light that had never ceased to shine, even while hidden beneath the earth.

“Today the lamp comes out from beneath the bushel – in this case, the very earth itself,” the Archbishop proclaimed. “For the light that shined in life as Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos, has never been extinguished, because it partakes of the light of Christ, Who is Himself the Light of the world.”

Reflecting upon the spiritual significance of the day, His Eminence continued: “Today is surely the Day which the Lord has made, and the Visitation by our venerable father Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos, is a clear and clarion call for us to follow in his footsteps, for they followed Christ.”

The Archbishop recalled Bishop Gerasimos as a shepherd whose ministry was characterized by peace, patience, and pastoral tenderness, and whose love for Hellenic College Holy Cross was expressed not only through his teaching but through the daily witness of his life.

“Our saintly Bishop was not only a Shepherd of flocks within this Archdiocese, but he was a pastoral, peaceful, and patient presence on this Campus, which he loved with all his heart,” His Eminence observed.

The Archbishop also reflected upon the recognition of holiness within the life of the Church, emphasizing that such moments unfold according to God’s providence and in His appointed time.

Concluding his remarks, His Eminence declared:

“Therefore, beloved Brethren in the Lord, we have taken away the covering of the earthen bushel which housed and protected this Sacred Relic. It is time for it to shine.”

The Archbishop then invited the assembled faithful to chant, for the first time, the Apolytikion honoring the Venerable Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos.

The translation of the sacred relic marks a new chapter in the spiritual history of Hellenic College Holy Cross, where Bishop Gerasimos spent so many years teaching, mentoring, and guiding future priests and servants of the Church.

His presence within Holy Cross Chapel now offers a visible and enduring reminder that theological education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but the formation of lives dedicated to Christ, His Church, and the service of others.

For the generations who knew Bishop Gerasimos, the occasion was one of profound gratitude and remembrance. For the students who know him only through his legacy, it was an invitation to encounter the same spirit of humility, compassion, and holiness that distinguished his earthly ministry.

Above all, this historic day bore witness to the Church’s conviction that the lives of those who have faithfully followed Christ continue to illuminate and inspire the faithful long after their earthly repose.

As Archbishop Elpidophoros concluded in prayer: “Through his fervent intercessions, may we all attain to the perfections of love and compassion, and fulfill the purpose and meaning of our own lives.”

Through the prayers of our Venerable Father Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos, may the Lord have mercy upon us and save us. Amen.

Apolytikion – Mode pl. 1
God-inspired professor and teacher of the Faith and the spiritual life to the Orthodox who live in America, O grace-filled Gerasimos, we salute you as a Christ-centered, humble hierarch who loved the all-holy Gospel. We pray, implore Christ our Savior to have mercy and to save us all.

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BROOKLINE, MA — October 10, 2026 — In an extraordinary and historic moment in the life of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, hundreds of faithful, together with the entire student body of Hellenic College […]

The post Historic translation of the sacred relic of the Venerable Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos, at Hellenic College Holy Cross appeared first on Orthodox Observer.




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