A Word from Father Perry 2019 GT.pdf · Καλά Χριστούγεννα! God and into the...

Par ish News P. 4

Par ish Counci l News P.7

Ph i lop tochos News P.10

Monthly Ca lendars P. 14

Continued on next page

A Word from Father Perry

Merry Christmas! Καλά Χριστούγεννα!

When we reflect upon the

Christmas story, we encounter several

people. First, there is the Virgin Mary,

pregnant, and worried about finding a

suitable place to give birth. Then there

is Joseph, the betrothed, diligently striv-

ing to follow God’s instructions regard-

ing where he should bring his family.

We also hear of shepherds, angels, and

even the jealous King Herod. This

month, I would like us to consider the

Magi.

As we know from the narrative

in the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 2),

the Magi came to Jerusalem. Herod in-

terrogated the Magi concerning the

whereabouts of the Lord’s birthplace.

The Magi eventually found the Lord and

famously offered their gifts of gold,

frankincense, and

myrrh. This action

is remembered each

year as the ex-

changing of gifts

has become one of

the prevailing tradi-

tions of the Christ-

mas season.

Yet, the

gifts themselves are

merely a symbol of

the real cause of

celebration. The

Lord’s incarnation

(birth) changed the

course of human

history, bringing us

out of the darkness

of separation from

God and into the brightness of eternal

communion with Him. As one of the

hymns of Christmas declares, “You who

were incarnate by the Holy Spirit and

became man by the ever-virgin Mary,

have shone on us as light, by Your ad-

vent, O Christ God.” Similarly, the

Prophet Isaiah proclaims, “The people

who walked in darkness Have seen a

great light; Those who dwelt in the land

of the shadow of death, Upon them a

light has shined.”

Thus, we know the reason for

our rejoicing; we no longer wander in

darkness but are guided by the light of

Christ. So, what do we do in response to

this great news? We do what the Magi

did (but not only the gift-giving part).

The Gospel of Matthew 2:11 describes

one of their most important lessons to us

Parish Mission Statement:

“St. George Greek Orthodox

Church: A Christ-centered

community that inspires faith

and worship, cultivates spiritu-

al growth and fellowship, and

encourages benevolence and

outreach.”

Excerpts from Archbishop Elpidophoros’ 2019 Keynote to the Archdiocesan Council

“There are challenges all around us Christianity remains

under attack, Americans continue to lose their trust and

faith in religion... But this is no time for pessimism. Our

sights must be fixed on the future, a future that can be glori-

ous for our Holy Orthodox Faith and our Archdiocese; a

bright future of nearly limitless potential.”

Youth, our Seminary, & St. Nicholas Ground Zero

“Here, I would mention the most obvious fact about

Christian Orthodoxy in America – that all Orthodox Chris-

tians together are less than 0.3% of the total American pop-

ulation. Furthermore, while the Greek Orthodox Archdio-

cese of America is now about 25% converts – meaning

those who were not raised in the Orthodox Faith but

choose to practice it as an adult – nearly 50% of all Ortho-

dox Christians in the United States are now converts. Need-

less to say, we all know that the epoch of immigration from

Europe is essentially over. And so, we must be open and

welcoming to those who would find a life among us.”

“With this in mind, I would make this suggestion: instead

of calling marriages with non-Orthodox spouses “mixed

marriages,” might we not better refer to them as “miracle

marriages?”... As the Apostle Paul says: How do you know,

O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you

know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? (I Cor. 7:16)

…”

“If we are to be a Church that truly serves and embraces

our young people who live in a technologically advanced

and pluralistic world, we must embrace the strangers in

our midst – make them strangers no more, and embrace all

the members of our community and our Country.”

“My Brothers and Sisters, we need to be clear-eyed about

these things. We are not immune to this kind of decline.

Just look at the Archdiocese Registry statistics over the past

twenty years; every category is falling, except funerals. But

we can never accept to be a Church that is dying off. We are

a branch of the Apostolic Vine of the Great Church of

Christ... Even in the face of seemingly insurmountable ob-

stacles, we are alive and well, and more than well, because

we are the Church of Christ, nourished by His Body and

Blood, fully equipped for God’s mission of the salvation of

the world.”

Read the entire speech: www.goarch.org/-/keynote-address

-of-his-eminence-archbishop-elpidophoros-at-the-

archdiocesan-council-meeting

continued from page 1

when it says, “And when they (the Magi) had come into the

house, they saw the young Child with Mary His moth-

er, and [they] fell down and worshiped Him.” Each Sunday in

the Divine Liturgy, we pray during the Small Entrance, “come

let us worship and fall down before Christ our God…” The for-

mula is the same: 1. Come to Christ; 2. Fall down before Him;

and 3. Worship Him.

As we start our beloved preparations and traditions of

Christmas, let’s keep in mind the simple lesson of the Magi.

Yes, we will give gifts. However, above all, let us diligently

seek out the Newborn King and worship Him! I pray that you

and your families have a blessed and worship-filled Christmas

season.

Christ is born, Glorify Him! Χριστὸς γεννᾶται, δοξάσατε!

2019 Parish Council Elections

• Deadline for Nomination

Forms (p. 12): Nov 24

• Election notification

mailed: Nov 26

• Elections: Dec 8

http://www.goarch.org/-/keynote-address-of-his-eminence-archbishop-elpidophoros-at-the-archdiocesan-council-meetinghttp://www.goarch.org/-/keynote-address-of-his-eminence-archbishop-elpidophoros-at-the-archdiocesan-council-meetinghttp://www.goarch.org/-/keynote-address-of-his-eminence-archbishop-elpidophoros-at-the-archdiocesan-council-meeting

Church Staff and Office Hours

Church Office Hours

Tues-Fri 9:00am—5:00pm

(Closed Mondays)

Priest Office Hours

Tues & Wed 10:00am—2:00pm

Fr. Perry Kallis, Pastor

(651) 222-6220

Email: [email protected]

Julie Delton

Administrative Assistant

(651) 222-6220


George Mastrogiorgis

Parish Council President

(917) 445-4839


Aida Abebe

Sunday School Director

(651) 434-7826


Vicky Paraschou

Philoptochos President

(763) 785-8882


Julie Delton

Editor, Glad Tidings newsletter

Email: GladTidings @stgeorgegoc.org

Anastasia Mastrogiorgis

Missions & Benevolence Coordinator


Stephen & Minda Arsenault

Bookstore


Stella Hofrenning

Greek School Director

(651) 917-2668


Submissions for upcoming issues

are due by the 10th of the preceding

month.

page 3

St. Paul. MN

Address Changes Katherine Cabieses 904 Ledgestone Drive Mahtomedi, MN 55115

Maria Hatzis 23671 Ussuri Street N Stacy, MN 55079

Darren & Jessica Lukensow 5100 W 82nd Street, Apt 3405 Bloomington, MN 55437

Alex Moran 415 Oak Grove Street, Apt 110 Minneapolis, MN 55403

Registry

Baptisms

October 27 Constantine Andrist

Weddings

October 5 Anastasia Pathos & Reece Jacklitch

Crown them with Honor & Glory! Sponsor: Cecilia Johnson

Memorials

October 6 Presvytera Miriam Paraschou (40 days)

October 6 John Georgolopolos (40 days)

Funerals

October 21 Annoula Bahneman

Sympathies to Takis and George Taratsas

ANNUAL PAN-ORTHODOX

THANKSGIVING EVE

DIVINE LITURGY

Following decades long tradition, clergy and laity from the Orthodox

parishes in the Twin Cities and beyond will gather for our annual liturgy

to give thanks to and celebrate unity in Christ our Lord. Please join us

for liturgy and a memorial service for departed clergy and spouses.

Afterwards, we will share a fast-friendly meal and honor our retired

clergy and widowed spouses.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

6:00pm—Divine Liturgy & Meal

75th Anniversary Albums Availa-

ble for Pick Up

The wait is over! The 75th Commemo-

rative Album is now available. If you

purchased a family page and have not

yet picked up your complimentary

copy(ies) of the album, please stop by

the office during business hours. Al-

bums are also available in the

bookstore for $20. Thank you for your

patience!

Correction: A Parish Assembly meet-

ing is scheduled for Sunday, December

8, NOT Nov. 17. See agenda on next

page.

2020 Budget Discussion is sched-

uled for Sun. Nov. 10, after coffee

hour between 12:00pm-2:00pm. A rep-

resentative(s) from each ministry/

committee is invited and encouraged

to attend this meeting to discuss 2019

budget concerns and requests for

2020.

Pan-Orthodox Ladies Tea

Sat. Nov. 9 at 2:00pm, St. Mary’s OCA

Cathedral, Parish Center. Vespers fol-

low at 5:00pm. See posting in social

hall for details, or contact Karen

Schwebach at [email protected].

Mittel-European Fundraiser Din-

ner

Sat. Nov. 9 at St. Herman’s OCA, 5355

-38th Ave S, Minneapolis, 5pm Ves-

pers, dinner to follow. Tickets $15. See

flyer in social hall or visit:

www.sthermanmpls.org.

Lebanese Bake Sale: Sat., Nov. 9

from 11:00am-6:00pm and Sun., Nov.

10 from 9:00am-1:00pm at St. Maron

Church, 602 University Ave. NE,

Mpls. Flyer in hall and

www.stmaron.com.

Next Daytime Bible Study: Wed.

Nov. 6, 1:30pm at church. Passage to

be studied is Matthew 3:13 - 4:17.All

are welcome! Questions? Contact

Kathy Ryan 651.292.9948.

Interested in Hosting Social Hour?

If your family or group would like to

host a Sunday Social Hour following

Liturgy, please contact Rita Kanavati

at [email protected] or sign up

at: www.signupgenius.com/

go/10c0d4ca5ad2babff2-social. If you

have signed up but are unable to host,

we ask that you please find a replace-

ment. Likewise, if the date you would

like to host is taken, please contact the

assigned hosts to see if they are will-

ing to reschedule. Contact the office if

you need assistance. Thank you for

hosting!

Want to Dance? The Greek Dancers

of Minnesota have started their new

season and this is the best time for

new members to join. Also welcome

are musicians who play Greek folk

instruments (eg. zournas, lyra, gaida,

clarinet, violin, santouri, daouli). All

ages can join (including adults); there

is no membership fee and you do not

need to be Greek or Greek Orthodox.

Contact Angela Mortari at 651-730-

1652 or at: www.greekdancersmn.com

Twin Cities IOCC Dinner: Thurs.

Nov. 14 at St. Mary’s GOC in Minne-

apolis. 6:00pm Pan-Orthodox Vespers,

6:30pm Reception, Diner & Presenta-

tions. Learn how your support is help-

ing families in Greece, Syria, Ethiopia

and the US. Tickets $45 – RSVP online

by Nov 1 at iocc.org/Minneapolis.

Questions? Contact MaryKay Twito at

[email protected] or 612.749.3969.

Evening Bible Study Group Our

first meeting will be Tues., Dec. 10 at

6:30pm. We will meet on the second

Tuesday of each month. Our discus-

sions will focus on Orthodox Christian

parenting. We will have two volun-

teers to help take care of our little

ones. All are welcome! For more info,

contact either Katherine Cabieses at

(240) 705-1520 or katherinee-

[email protected], or Stephen Ka-

navati at (651) 335-2124 or skanav-

[email protected].

Thank you Church Musicians!

National Church Music Sunday was

celebrated on Oct. 6, a day set aside

across our entire Archdiocese to com-

memorate the dedicated and talented

women and men in our parish whose

stewardship provides music for our

liturgical services throughout the year.

Thank you to our choir members and

chanters for their diligent effort to be

page 4

present weekly and sing with faith in the Lord. We en-

courage everyone, especially our young people, to join

the chanters and the choir to begin learning the beauti-

ful hymnology (theology in melody) of our Orthodox

Church.

Makers Mall—Sixth Edition

Time to celebrate the season of giving- by creating gifts.

Youth please save Saturday, December 7 at 6pmfor our

Annual Makers Mall. We will once again transform the

Social Hall into a busy workshop and create handmade

gifts from the heart. There will be stations manned by

our expert artisans and children can make cards and

gifts for our elderly homebound parishioners- as well

anyone else on their shopping list! Group delivery/

caroling planned for the following weeks.

Join our Parish Council!

Please prayerfully consider serving as a member of our

Parish Council. Nomination form on page 12 and at the

Candle Stand. Questions? See Fr. Perry or a member of

our Election Committee: Bill Clemons, Maria Paraschou,

Tina Sageotis, or Andrea Walkush.

Support the Medical Crisis Program by attending

Townie Tues. on Nov. 19, 3pm-9pm at the Lift Bridge

Brewery, 1900 Tower Dr. W, Stillwater. Every beer (or

root beer) sold raises $1 for the Medical Crisis Program.

www.liftbridgebrewery.com/events/

PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation: Attention un-

dergraduates of Hellenic descent. Apply for $250k in

scholarships: $200k to 20 students based on financial

need/academics; $50k to 20 students based solely on

academics; $20k awarded to music & arts majors. Appli-

cation & guidelines at www.panhellenicsf.org/apply/;

deadline is Jan. 31, 2020.

Changes to our Publications

You may have noticed that our Sunday Bulletins look differ-

ent and that this issue of Glad Tidings marks the beginning of

bimonthly publication. These changes are part of a process

that will be taking place over the next few months of experi-

menting with, and refreshing, our modes of communication.

With the reduction in time needed to produce the newsletter,

we plan to enhance our email communications, social media,

website, etc. As you may have also noticed, our Sunday Bulle-

tin will incorporate some information that has historically

been reserved for the Glad Tidings; for example photos, fly-

ers, and brief articles. We ask for your patience and feedback

during this period. Please contact Fr. Perry or George

Mastrogiorgis with comments..

Our 2019 Stewardship Campaign is Ongoing! “All

things are possible to the one who believes in Christ” (Mark

9:23). 114 pledges have been received averaging $1,550, total

$176,729. Three things to do: 1) pray for God’s inspiration and

guidance, 2) plan-budget stewardship first, 3) give generously

and sacrificially, at least three percent (3%) of gross yearly

income. We thank you for supporting the ministries of our

parish!

2020 Basketball Tourney

We are hosting here in Saint Paul, MN on February 7-9, 2020.

For more info or to volunteer, contact tournament co-chairs

Milam Paraschou and Dan Simon.

St. Paul. MN

page 5

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Opening Prayers and Reading – Fr. Perry

3. Confirm Quorum – George Mastrogiorgis

4. Nomination of PA Leader, Secretary – George Mastrogiorgis

5. Introduction – George Mastrogiorgis

6. PA Minutes Approved – Stephen Arsenault

7. Youth Ministry – Joanna Tzenis

8. Missions & Benevolence – Anastasia Mastrogiorgis

9. Stewardship – Alexis Bighley

10. Proposed Budget 2020 – John Simon

11. Basketball Tournament 2020 – Milam Paraschou

12. Strategic Planning Committee – Peggy Kennedy

13. Greek Festival – Dino Contolatis

14. Investments Committee Update – Jon Kennedy

15. Capital Restoration Campaign – Nanette Gomez

16. Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly 2019 – Alexis Bighley

17. Welcome & Outreach – Eleni Hoffhines

18. Adjournment & Closing Prayer

St. George Orthodox Church Parish Assembly Meeting

Sunday, December 8, 2019 12:00pm

Happy Nameday to some of our Demetri’s!

St. Paul. MN

Parish Council President Update

The Parish Council met on Tuesday, Oc-

tober 15 for our monthly meeting. In addi-

tion to our regular agenda, Maria Para-

schou gave a guest presentation on the

mandatory Metropolis Youth Protection Poli-

cy local parishes need to implement to support youth pro-

tection at the parish level.

Maria has been identified and installed by the Parish

Council as the Saint George primary administrator who will

implement the new youth policy. Twenty-seven youth

workers have been identified at Saint George. They will

need to take the mandatory online training and submit to a

background check. The Parish Council approved $1,000 to

be used for the background check third party fees. The

Youth Administration Policy will be rolled out, completed

and certified by the end of 2019. We thank Maria for all her

hard work in rolling out this program.

In addition to the new Metropolis Youth Policy, the Par-

ish Council also discussed the following Saint George

church business and ministries:

Iconography Stephen Arsenault reported that due to unforeseen circum-

stances, there has been a delay in the delivery and install-

ment of the final two-panel icons. Mother Theodora has

confirmed she will be able to deliver the panel icons. The

PC discussed contingency plans to pick-up the panel icons

from Chicago and deliver them to Saint George for installa-

tion. Steve is in regular contact with Mother Theodora and

will keep the Parish Council and community updated.

Treasurer’s Report John Simon reported on the budget and operating balances

as of the end of September 30, 2019. Saint George is cur-

rently running a $39,076 operating deficit. Saint George

parishioners are asked to continue to make their steward-

ship contributions regularly and not wait until the end of the

year if possible. John also scheduled the 2020 budget meet-

ings. Ministry chairs and committee members are encour-

aged to attend at least one of the two meetings currently

scheduled for Saturday, November 2 between 3 – 5 p.m.

and Sunday, November 10, after coffee hour between 12-2

pm.

Metropolis Clergy-Laity Conference Diane Anastos reported that more than 300 delegates

made three important votes by the assembly at the confer-

ence. The first was for parishes to provide additional finan-

cial support for the Saint Iakovos Retreat Center the Me-

tropolis manages. A second vote allowed the Metropolis to

proceed with the sale of their historic house, Burton

Place, and use the proceeds to purchase a new office facility

and create a Metropolis endowment. The final vote provid-

ed the Metropolis additional financial support from parishes

in the Metropolis parish commitment allocation. The addi-

tional financial support will provide two-years for the Me-

tropolis to create a sustainable financial strategy to balance

their future budgets. More details will be provided on how

these assembly votes will impact the Saint George commu-

nity.

New Phone/Internet Provider: Comcast Due to ongoing service and customer relations issues, the

Parish Council reviewed bids from Comcast and Century

Link and voted to proceed with a quote from Comcast with

an approved budget of $300 per month. The new service

will provide needed new features and capabilities to Saint

George’s phone and internet services. Thank you to all who

worked on Comcast’s proposal/bid.

Western Regional Metropolis Family Basketball Tour-

nament Please see the Sunday Bulletin for our next committee

meeting and plan to attend if you are interested in volun-

teering for the Basketball tournament. The hotel and gym

facilities have been confirmed, but now is the time to plan

all other details. We are only three-months away.

Missions and Benevolence The committee hosted the Loaves & Fishes dinner at Saint

Mathews Church in East Saint Paul on October 7,

2019. Over 100 meals were served and we had another

strong volunteer turnout. FOCUS MN will begin their Sun-

day meal service starting in November. Saint George is

scheduled to host the November 3rd meal at the new FO-

CUS MN facility on Rice street. More information will be

distributed, please save the date if interested in volunteering

at FOCUS MN on November 3.

In Christ,

George Mastrogiorgis

Parish Council President

Metropolis of Chicago 2019 Clergy-Laity Assembly

Bloomington, Minnesota Pictured left to right: Georgia Andron, Alexis Bighley, co-chairs. Vicky Paraschou, Tina Sageotis, Peggy Kennedy, Diane Anastos, Lily Zahariades, Minda Pearson Arsenault, Steve Arsenault, George Mastrogiorgis, Fr. Perry Kallis.

page 8

St. Paul. MN

DECEMBER NAMEDAYS

December 5: Savvas Nikolaides; December 6: Nicholas Merkouris, Nikolaos Theodoridis, Nick Boosalis, Nick Kanavati, Nick Mortari, Nik Patronas, Nicholas Petanitis, Nicholas Psimos, Niki Youso, Nikola Popov; December 9: Anna Sitorengo, Dca. Rhonda Gilliland, Anna Christoforides; December 10: Milton Ma-rinos; December 12: Spero Payton, Spiros Kapetanakis; Decem-ber 15: Adam Fuller, Adam Gounaikis; December 17: Daniel Kelsey, Daniel Nodes, Danielle Pathos, Fr. Daniel Simon, Dan Simon, Diane Anastos, Denise Smith, Pres. Diana Lamberis; De-cember 18: Zoe Rylander; December 24: Evelyn Daltas, Jeanne Eliou; December 25: Chris Afendoulis, Christina Halatsis, Christi-na Manos, Christine Canelake, Christine Parashos, Ethan Canas, Chris Eliou, Chris Panayoton, Chris Tountas, Emmanouel Kap-pos, Manoli Mastrogiorgis, Joseph Donnelly, Joe Weiser, David Crowther; December 26: Jose Corbera, Joseph Zubulake, Lael Kibrom; December 27: Steven McKinney, Stephanie Contolatis, Steven Lambros, Stephanie Flumerfelt, Stephen Arsenault, Ste-phen Ryan, Stephen Kanavati, Steve Gnetz; December 31: Me-lina Canas, Melina Donnelly.

DECEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Demetri & Joanne Halatsis, December 28; Ronald & Reva Adkins, December 30; Eric Chadwick & Andrea Faches, December 28.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Maria Andrews, November 20; Sophia Andrist, November 1; Marina Antoniou, November 30; Michael Balasis, November 9; Katherine Chadwick, November 20; Dino Contolatis, November 7; Becka Dokos, November 16; Margaret Gabrik, November 27; Dcn. Basil Gilliland, November 3; Angela Glaros, November 10; Mary Grant, November 13; Caroline Hareid, November 10; Petko Ivanov, November 4; Monk Kyrillos (Jonathan) Kanavati, Novem-ber 12; Emmanouel Kappos, November 24; Milak Kibrom, Novem-ber 18; Anne Knocke, November 20; Fred Madsen, November 26; Zoe Mann, November 14; George Marazes, November 11; Melis-sa Marazes, November 25; Dan Matuska, November 10; Daniel Nodes, November 1; Milam Paraschou, November 18; Spero Pay-ton, November 9; Rallou Rice, November 15; Paul Smith, Novem-ber 12; Sandra Thole, November 6; Chris Tountas, November 8; Keegan Tountas, November 11; Eleni Tsepelis, November 20; Nathaniel Zubulake, November 20.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Phyllis Afendoulis, December 21; Maria Andrist, December 8; Mary Ellen Arvanitis, December 26; Bob Baffa, December 23; Tess Chadwick, December 27; Sophia Christoforides, December 26; William Clemons, December 4; Stephanie Contolatis, Decem-ber 27; Robb Dahl, December 12; Andrea Decker, December 21; Antigone Delton, December 10; Mary Ellis, December 9; Nanette Gomez, December 24; Misael Jordan, December 5; Jon Kennedy, December 3; Ellene Kritikos, December 21; Lily Lampros, Decem-ber 20; Brennan McCullough, December 2; Alkiviadis Morellas, December 6; Chris Panayoton, December 25; Jonathan Para-schou, December 28; Soule Paraschou, December 23; Miss Theo-logia Pitsavas, December 6; Athanasios Poulios, December 19, Zoe Rylander, December 28; Fr. Daniel Simon, December 27; Yiannis Speros, December 31; Maria Taratsas, December 24; Fred Treiber, December 20, Christina Withers, December 22.

NOVEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Dan & Jackie Matuska, November 18; Peter & Stella Hofrenning, November 25; Sophronis & Anna Mantoles.

NOVEMBER BAPTISMS/CHRISMATIONS

Evelyn Daltas, November 19; Mary Georgantones, November 1; Andrea Faches, November 21; Diane Anastos, November 20; Alexandra Powell, November 22; Apostolos Poulios, November 17; Elias Hofrenning, November 29; William Chadwick, November 21; Samantha Crowther, November 28; Dimitri Balasis, November 13; Joshua Berge, November 13; Demetrios Hatzis, November 27; Eleni Van Cleave, November 9; Athanasia Maier, November 24; Penelope Andrist, November 19; Miss Georgia Haidos, November 8.

DECEMBER BAPTISMS/CHRISMATIONS

Marina Antoniou, December 1; Michael Makredes, December 27; Angela Glaros, December 1; George Antoniou, December 22; Angie McMahon, December 19; Joe Weiser, December 22; Karen Petanitis, December 19; Thessaly Balasis, December 16; Jeanne Eliou, December 30.

NOVEMBER NAMEDAYS

November 1: Jayden Eidsvold; November 7: Thessaly Balasis; November 8: Michael Balasis, Michael Berge, Michael Paul Nat-to, Yodahe Gamada, Evelyn Boosalis, Angela Glaros, Angie Kontenakos, Angie McMahon, Angela Mortari, Eric Anderson, Michelle Berge, Michael Gomez, Michael Keifer, Michael Makredes, Michael Manos, Michael Mihailidis, Michael Rice, Mi-chael Tzenis, Ronald Adkins, Aida Abebe, Eliab Gabreslassie; November 10: Rusty Selliris; November 14: Philip Barbatsis, Philip Gounaikis, Phyllis Kapetanakis; November 16: Mathew Kritikos, Teddy Andrews, Mattheos Balasis, Matthew Simon; No-vember 21: Amanda Kapetanakis; November 25: Kathy Ryan, Ekaterina Hofrenning, Katerina Nikolaides, Karen Criticos, Katina Dahl-Hatjistilianos, Katharine Chadwick, Katerina Karter, Cathy Anastasion, Katherine Boosalis, Kathryn Strenglis, Kathy Trigas, Katie Knocke, Katherine Cabieses, Kally Fuller, Katina Koutrou-manes; November 26: Stella Papaconstantinou; November 27: Stephen Borzeka; November 30: Andrea Decker, Andrea Walkush, Andrew Hattling, Andrew Lewis, Andrea Smith, Adrienne Viljaste, Andreas Sitorengo, Mihalis Youso, Andreas Mantoles.

To aid the poor, the destitute, the

hungry, the aged, the sick, the unem-

ployed, the orphaned, the impris-

oned, the widowed, the handicapped,

the victims of disasters, to undertake

the burial of impoverished persons

and to offer assistance to anyone who

may need the help of the Church

through fund raising effort–From the

Mission Statement of National

Philoptochos

The National Philoptochos Feed the Hungry program

began as part of our goal of ‘doing’ -- more hands on

philanthropy, and engaging all members of our commu-

nity in the work of Philoptochos. In 2015 the goal was

for all the chapters to work to prepare 250,000 meals be-

fore the 2016 Biennial Convention. This goal was met,

then the next goal was set to achieve 1 million meals be-

fore the 2018 convention, again, this goal was met! Our

new goal is 1.5 million meals before the 2020 convention

to be held in June 2020 in Cleveland Ohio. Be on the

look out for upcoming opportunities to help our chapter

and community contribute to this goal!

#onemillionmeals

Just in time for the wonderful Thanks-

giving and Christmas season, the annual

St. George Greek Bake Sale will take

place the weekend of November 23rd

and 24th. This is our opportunity to

showcase our delicious pastries and baked goods made

from traditional recipes handed down from generation to

generation. Save the date: our annual Advent Luncheon

will be held on Saturday,

December 7th at the

Lilydale Pool & Yacht

Club.

Blessed Advent!

In Christ’s service,

Vicky Paraschou

Philoptochos President

2019 Parish Christmas Card A Fundraiser by the Philoptochos

Now is the time to sign up for the Parish Christmas card! To be included, simply submit the names to be listed on the card and return this form to a Philoptochos member, the Philoptochos

box in the social hall, or the Church Office.

Deadline is Sunday, December 8th

St. George Community Christmas Card

Names (please print):_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your name (please print):_______________________________________________________________________________________ Amount Enclosed: _________________Cash _______________Check

A minimum donation of $20 must accompany this form. Please make your check payable to Philoptochos. Thank You!

St. Paul. MN

All women and men of St. George are invited. The cost is $35.00 per person. Contact Vicky Paraschou at 763.785.8882 or email at [email protected] to make your reservation and food choice. Deadline is Monday, December 2.

Pool & Yacht Club 1600 Lilydale Road, Lilydale, MN 55118

11:30am Social Hour; 12:30pm Lunch

Guest speaker Dr. Georgia Panopoulos, PhD, LP, will present “Tell Me Where it Hurts: Pain, Depression Anxiety—Practical

Resources to Help Those We Love.”

Broiled Canadian Walleye Accompanied by fresh lemon and tartar sauce

Grilled Salmon Grilled and finished with lemon and herb butter

Tiger Prawns 3 broiled prawns accompanied by drawn butter or cocktail

sauce

Jumbo Broiled Scallops 3 scallops glazed with lemon garlic butter

accompanied by fresh lemon

All entrees include a strawberry salad, rolls, roasted red potatoes, vegetable medley

and holiday cookies.

VALET PARKING IS AVAILABLE.

Southbound: Take 35E to Highway 13 (Sibley Memorial High-way). Exit at Highway 13. Turn left at the end of the ramp. Cross over the freeway. Turn right on Lilydale Road and follow it down the hill and un-der the bridge. Lilydale Road is the first right after the freeway ramps. Northbound:

Take 35E North to Highway 13. Exit at Highway

13. Turn right at the end of the ramp. Turn right

on Lilydale Road and follow it down the hill and

under the bridge. Lilydale Road is the first right

after turning right on Highway 13.

mailto:[email protected]

Qualifications to be a Candidate for the Parish Council

1. Must be spiritually, canonically, and financially in good standing.

A. Spiritually- Attend divine services regularly and receive the sacraments. Uphold the teachings and

traditions of the Church.

B. Canonically- Must live his/her life and activities in accordance with the faith and canons of the

Church. If married, married in the Orthodox Church. If divorced, have an ecclesiastical divorce.

C. Financially- Must be a member of the Parish for at least one year immediately preceding the date of

elections.

2. Must be willing to take the following oath:

I do solemnly swear that I will uphold the dogma, teachings, traditions, holy canons, worship, and moral

principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the constitutional charter, discipline, and regula-

tions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will fulfill, faithfully and sincerely, the

duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me God.

Additional Responsibilities

1. To participate in the sacramental life of the Church, thereby setting an example for the parish, to facilitate

collections of the Church and to administer the affairs of the parish in such a manner as to aid the Priest in the

fulfillment of its aims and purposes.

2. After appropriate discussion, to support and cooperate with all majority decisions of the parish council.

*********************APPLICATION********************

I wish to place my name in nomination for election to the Parish Council of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church of

St. Paul, Minnesota. As required by the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, I hereby

declare that I have been a member in good standing for at least one year prior to date of elections, and I understand the

duties and responsibilities which are expected of the members of the Parish Council.

PLEASE PRINT: Name ____________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________

City ______________________________ State ______ Zip _______________

Phone cell) ________________________ home) __________________________

Signature ___________________________________________ Date __________________________________

Please return this application to Board of Elections

Application must be received by: November 24, 2019

Elections will take place on: December 8, 2019

APPLICATION FOR NOMINATION

TO THE PARISH COUNCIL

St. Paul. MN

CHURCH FLOWERS FOR CHRISTMAS 2019

We welcome your donations for Christmas floral decorations. Please print clearly the names of

loved ones you wish to memorialize. Names will be listed in the Christmas bulletin.

Deadline is SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

In memory of (please print):___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Your name (please print): _____________________________________________________

Amount Enclosed: ______________ Cash

______________ Check (payable to St. George GOC,

memo line “Christmas Flowers”)

Thank You!

NOVEMBER 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Sts. Kosmas & Damianos

2 OCPM Retreat 8:30am 2020 Budget mtg 3-5pm Vespers 5pm

3 Ecumenical Patriarchate Sunday Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Greek School 11:45am FOCUS house 4:30pm Greek Dance Practice 4:30pm

4

5 Youth Advisors meeting 6:30pm Catechism class 7pm

6 Bible Study 1:30pm Strategic Plan-ning Cmte mtg 6:30pm

7

8 Feast of the Archangels

9 St. Nektarios Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Pan Orthodox Women’s Tea at St. Mary’s OCA 2pm Vespers 5pm Hellenic Post 129 100th Anniversary @ St. Mary’s GOC 5:30pm

10 Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Philoptochos mtg 11am Greek School 11:45am 2020 Budget mtg 12-2pm Greek Dance Practice 4:30pm

11 Veterans Day—we thank our veterans for their service!

12 Catechism class 7pm

13 St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy 9am Philoptochos baking 10:30am-2:30pm

14 MEOCCA mtg @ St. George Coptic in Plymouth 11am Twin Cities IOCC Dinner @ St. Mary’s GOC 6pm

15 Nativity Fast begins through Dec 24

16 Youth Retreat Vespers 5pm

17 IOCC Sunday Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Greeters mtg 11am Basketball Tourney mtg 11:30am Greek School 11:45am Choir practice 12pm Greek Dance Practice 4:30pm

18

19 Parish Council Budget Mtg 6:30pm Catechism class 7pm

20 Philoptochos baking 10am-3pm Bible Study 1:30pm

21 Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Divine Liturgy 9am AHEPA Mtg 7pm

22

23 Philoptochos Bake Sale 10:30am-4pm Vespers 5pm

24 Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Philoptochos Bake Sale 11:30am-2pm Greek School 11:45am Greek Dance Practice 4:30pm

25 St. Katherine Parish Council Mtg 6:30pm

26 27 Pan-Orthodox Liturgy & Meal 6pm

28 Happy Thanks-giving! office closed

29 Thanksgiving holi-day—office closed

30 St. Andrew Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am

Key: shaded day = Fast Day

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Greek Dance Prac-tice 4:30pm

2 Loaves & Fishes @ St. Matthew’s 4:30pm

3 4 Sts. Barbara & John of Damas-cus Bible Study 1:30pm

5 St. Savas

6 St. Nicholas Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9am

7 Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI 9:30am Prison Ministry Breakfast 10am Philoptochos Advent Lunch-eon in Lilydale 11:30am Vespers 5pm Youth & Family Makers Mall 6pm

8 Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Parish Council elections/Philoptochos mtg/Pageant dress rehearsal 11am Greek School 11:45am Parish Assembly 12pm Greek Dance Practice

9

10 Bible Study 6:30pm

11 Sacrament of Holy Unction (Euchelion) 6:30pm

12 St. Spyridon Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9am MEOCCA Mtg @ St. Mary Romani-an OC 11am

13

14 Vespers 5pm

15 St. Eleftherios Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Sunday School pageant 11am Choir practice 12pm Greek Dance Practice 4:30pm

16

17 St. Dionysios & the Prophet Daniel Parish Council Mtg 6:30pm

18 Bible Study 1:30pm

19 AHEPA Mtg 7pm

20 St. Ignatios

21 Vespers 5pm

22 Sunday Before Nativity

St. Anastasia Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Youth Makers Mall delivery & caroling 11am Greek Dance Practice 4:30pm

23 Forefeast of the Nativity

24 Christmas Eve Royal Hours 3pm Vesperal Liturgy 4pm

25 Nativity of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Merry Christmas! office closed Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am

26 Synaxis of the Theotokos

27 St. Stephen the First Martyr

28

29 Sunday after Nativity Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Greek Dance Practice 4:30pm

30/31 JAN 1 St. Basil Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Office closed

JAN 4 Synaxis of the 70 Apostles Royal Hours 4:00pm Vespers—5:00pm

JAN 5 Sunday before Epiphany Orthros 8:15am Divine Liturgy 9:30pm Agiasmos 10:30am

JAN 6 Theophany of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Divine Liturgy w Great Agiasmos 9am

JAN 7 Synaxis of John the Baptist

page 15

St. Paul. MN

DECEMBER 2019

Please see our online calendar and bulletin for latest schedule updates:

http://stgeorgegoc.org/calendar/

http://stgeorgegoc.org/calendar/

ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

1111 Summit Avenue

St. Paul, Minnesota 55105

Phone 651.222.6220 Fax 651.225.9276

www.stgeorgegoc.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage PAID

Twin Cities, MN

Permit No. 177

Glad Tidings November/December 2019

Holy Confession: By Appointment

Vespers: (Oct. - May) Saturday 5:00 pm (see calendar for changes)

Orthros: Sunday 8:15 am

Sunday School: (Sept. - May)

following Communion

Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:30 am

UPCOMING SERVICES REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES

Saturday, November 9

St. Nektarios Orthros 8:30am

Divine Liturgy 9:30am

Wednesday, November 13 St. John Chrysostom


Thursday, November 21 Entrance of the Theotokos


Wednesday, November 27 Pan-Orthodox Thanksgiving

Divine Liturgy 6:00pm

Saturday, November 30 St. Andrew

Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am

Friday, December 6 St. Nicholas

Orthros 8:00am Divine Liturgy 9:00am

Wednesday, December 11

Sacrament of Holy Unction 6:30pm

Thursday, December 12

St. Spyridon Orthros 8:00am


Tuesday, December 24 Eve of the Nativity

Royal Hours 3:00pm Vesperal Liturgy 4:00pm

Wednesday, December 25

Holy Nativity Orthros 8:30am


A Word from Father Perry 2019 GT.pdf · Καλά Χριστούγεννα! God and into the...

Documents

Transcript of A Word from Father Perry 2019 GT.pdf · Καλά Χριστούγεννα! God and into the...