Confession - Saint George Greek Orthodox Church · 2014. 9. 27. · may be healed. The effective,...
Transcript of Confession - Saint George Greek Orthodox Church · 2014. 9. 27. · may be healed. The effective,...
V O L U M E 1 8 , I S S U E 7 A U G U S T 2 0 1 2
08.12 St. George Greek
Orthodox Church
St. Paul, Minnesota
Basics for Living Our Orthodox Christian Faith: Confession
By Father Richard Andrews
Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Christ:
In our continuing series on
the Top 10 Basics for Living
our Orthodox Christian Faith,
we have covered four so far:
Prayer, Worship, Fasting, and
Scripture. This month we’ll
start delving into the Holy Sac-
raments/Mysteries of the
Church beginning with Confes-
sion. The following is from a
sermon given on January 2,
2010, titled: Confessing our
Sins. Please be sure to follow
the fast of the Theotokos
(Aug.1-15), to attend some
Paraklesis Services, celebrate
the Dormition of the Virgin
Mary (Aug.15) and volunteer
for our annual Greek Festival
(Aug.18-19). +Fr. Rick
R emember back
when we were
children, how
easy it was to take
something that was not ours.
Whether it was a toy from
our toddler playmates, a
piece of candy or gum at the
convenience store, a nice
shirt, purse or jersey left be-
hind at school, we wanted it,
it was there and we claimed
it. Yet, when we took these
items that belonged to some-
one else, we usually did not
hold up to our parents or oth-
ers and say, “Hey look what I
found.” We often took it and
kept it stealth so no one else
would notice. Why? Because
we knew it was not ours and
it was wrong to take it. When
our parents confronted us
asking, “Where did you get
that?”, we might say, “I
found it or my friend gave it
to me or I don’t know.” Why?
Because we knew that: 1) We
probably would have to re-
turn it, and/or 2) We might
have some consequence for
taking it, and 3) the worst
outcome--being transported
back to the store with our
mom or dad and having to
tell the owner or the clerk, “I
stole this and I’m sorry.” Yet,
that little experience taught a
us a valuable lesson that
served us well for the rest of
our lives: The Eighth of the
Ten Commandments- “Thou
shall not steal” (Ex.20:15).
The imprint of the lesson
was strong because of the
emphasis on relationship. In
other words, our action af-
fected another human being.
What caused us to commit
the sin in the first place—a
selfish, self-centered attitude
of entitlement—is countered
with an experience of ac-
countability towards another
person. I have a responsibil-
ity to respect my neighbor.
Having to take responsibility
for my disrespect towards
another person is initiated
and/or confirmed by a fellow
human being, either by the
one I have wronged or a third
person like a parent, teacher
or priest, or God-forbid a law
-enforcement officer. Another
lesson we learn is that, be-
cause of my sinful, selfish
imperfections, I will disre-
spect again but I can quickly
make things better and hope-
fully right by admitting my
wrong-doing and taking re-
sponsibility for it. I don’t nec-
essarily need another person
make me do that.
This is what’s going on in
the gospel reading on the
Sunday before Theophany
(Mark 1:1-8). John the Baptist
is “preaching a baptism of
repentance for the remission
of sins” (v.4) and all the peo-
ple in Judea and Jerusalem
are coming to him to be bap-
tized, “confessing their
sins” (v.5). Were they con-
fessing privately to them-
selves in their thoughts or
quietly to God in prayer? I
doubt it. Likely they were
(Continued on page 2)
in this issue
Regist ry P.3
Par i sh News P.4-5
Youth P.6-7
page 2
confessing either to John himself or to
the other people who gathered in the
wilderness or both. The Greek word
here is “exomologoumenoi” coming
from the two words “exo” meaning
“outside” and “omologo” meaning
“confess”. Thus, the people were mak-
ing an open, exterior and public confes-
sion of sins.
This practice continued in the early
Church after Pentecost. For we hear,
Jesus bestowing the grace upon the
Apostles to forgive sins: John 20:22-23
“21So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to
you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send
you.” 22And when He had said this, He
breathed on them, and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive
the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if
you retain the sins of any, they are re-
tained.” We see new converts in the
Book of Acts 19:18 “And many who had
believed came confessing and telling their
deeds”. St. Paul teaching us the impor-
tance and power of revealing sin:
Eph.5:11-13 “11And have no fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather expose them. 12For it is shameful
even to speak of those things which are done
by them in secret. 13But all things that are
exposed are made manifest by the light, for
whatever makes manifest is light.” St.
Iakovos/James shows us that confession
is not for punishment but for healing:
Jam.5:16 “Confess your trespasses to one
another, and pray for one another, that you
may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer
of a righteous man avails much.” And
John the Evangelist reveals the neces-
sity for confession in order for Christ to
live within us: 1John 1:8-10 “8If we say
that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our
sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins and to cleanse us from all un-
righteousness. 10If we say that we have not
sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word
is not in us.”
What we know of now as the Sacra-
ment of Confession was not in the early
Church a private meeting between the
priest and the penitent. It was a humble
public confession of sins before the
whole body of the local church. Think
how difficult it can be to admit our
wrongs to even one other person and
imagine standing up here before every-
one present and saying our sin. We still
are influenced by the fallen passion of
pride, often trying to hide our trans-
gressions in order to preserve our fa-
çade of righteousness. Yet, that is the
very purpose of confession, whether to
our parents, our spouse, our siblings,
our priest or the one whom we have
wronged—to smash that façade so we
can begin to see ourselves truly as we
are.
Some of us may not even know di-
rectly, or we have forgotten, the experi-
ence of sacramental confession with the
priest. We may have never participated
in this Mystery of Reconciliation or it’s
been many years since our last time.
Why? In his excellent book, “The For-
gotten Medicine: The Mystery of Re-
pentance”, Archmandrite Seraphim
Aleksiev, gives several common rea-
sons why people do not participate
regularly in the Sacrament of Confes-
sion. He addresses each objection with
some thoughtful statements.
1.I am too sinful! God will never for-
give my many sins. I’m too damaged,
beyond repair. In Orthodox Christian-
ity, we believe that we cannot save
ourselves, only God can. We must
trust in God that was “impossible
with men, is possible with God.” God
can and He wants to repair us and
heal us.
2.The opposite of #1. I have no sins or
at least no serious ones. The fact of
the matter is that we become too ac-
customed to the stench/foul odor of
our sins. It’s like going into some-
one’s messy room or house and they
think it’s normal because they live in
it every day. Think of it this way, a
nice wristwatch or grandfather clock
will usually stop running with an ac-
cumulation of dust over many years.
In addition, what is the likelihood of
us being injured and killed by a wild
beast versus a microbe of bacteria?
3.I confess to God in prayer. Why do I
need a priest? We are not ashamed
before the Omnipotent God because
we don’t see Him but the priest is the
icon/image of Christ to us. But the
priest is sinful with this fault and that
problem. Yet, the priest’s sinfulness
does not hinder God’s grace. Other-
wise, why would we let him give us
communion or baptize our children
or marry us? As seen above Christ
bestowed upon the apostles, and all
the bishops and presbyters who came
after them the grace to loose and re-
mit sins. The priest may tell others
about my sin. The confidentiality of
confession is very sacred and every
priest knows this and very few vio-
late it. More importantly, confessing
to one man (the priest) will prevent
our sins from being discussed by
many people.
4.Why should I confess when I know I
will sin again tomorrow? This is true
but how can we expect to grow and
mature without trying? Abba Sisoes
says to get up after falling until your
death. Applying the same logic, we
should all stop washing our hands
because they are going to get dirty
again very soon.
(Continued from page 1)
(Continued on page 6)
Please donate a Festal Icon (11" x 14") in memory of a loved one. The cost is $75.00
per icon. The icons are displayed in the church nave and are put out for veneration
on the Feast Day of the Saint or event they represent. To donate an icon, fill out a
form (found on the bulletin board by the kitchen) and return it to the office.
Registry
Raising the Widow’s Son at
Nain Righteous Melchisedek
Birth
June 19, 2012 Alexandros Joseph. Parents are Adam & Angie McMahon; grand-
parents are Panayiotis & Aristea Kontinakis.
Memorial
June 10, 2012 Theofanis Mavromatis (40 days)
Address Changes
Giorgi Pochkhidze 1609 Woodridge St. St. Paul, MN 55117
Ari Assimacopoulos 933 West Elm St. Littleton PK., AZ 85340
David Kalogerson 1852 Holton St. Falcon Heights, MN 55113
Daniel & Patricia Nodes 88 Sugar Creek Place Woodway, TX, 76712
Ms. Sophia Petrow 19407 Hamilton Circle Elkhorn, NE 68022
Justin & Nicole Birge 1219 N 131st Street Omaha, NE 68154
Angie Kontenakos 19252 Snider House CT. Leesburg, VA 20176
Milam & Maria Paraschou 3709 Copper Spring Drive Fort Collins, CO 80528
Barbara Fillion 730 South Plaza Drive Apt. #204 Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Ms. Katrina Pagonis 2250 Latham St. Apt. #10 Mountain View, CA 94040
Angie & Dustin Kelsey 981 Gershwin Ave. N Oakdale, MN 55128
Church Staff and Office Hours
Church Office Hours
(Monday-Friday)
8:00 AM--2:15 PM
Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter
(651) 222-6220
Email: [email protected]
Lori Kurtyka,
Administrative Assistant
(651) 222-6220
Email: [email protected]
Tom Lampros,
Parish Council President
(651) 644-3924
Email: [email protected]
Reva Adkins,
Philoptochos President
(651) 337-1118
Email: [email protected]
Andrea Faches,
Sunday School Director
(507) 665-8053
Email: [email protected]
Stella Hofrenning,
Greek School Director
651-917-2668
Jennifer Argeros,
Glad Tidings—Editor
Email: GladTidings
@stgeorgegoc.org
Sue Gnetz & Sandra Thole,
Loaves and Fishes Coordinators
Email: [email protected],
Submissions for upcoming issues
are due by the 11th of the preceding
month.
page 3
St. Paul. MN
Festal Icons Needed
page 4
Dormition Fast
On August 1st, the two week prepara-
tion for the Feast of the Dormition of
the Theotokos begins. It includes a
strict fast and some Paraklesis worship
services. This is a very special and holy
time for everyone to devote themselves
more fervently to the Lord, looking to
His mother for a near perfect example.
Pre-Communion Prayers
With the blessing and encouragement
of our hierarch, Metropolitan Iakovos,
we will say the Pre-Communion Prayers
together. The choir will sing “One is
Holy…Eis Agios…” twice (English &
Greek), then the prayers will be read,
then the choir will sing the Commun-
ion Hymn until the priest is ready to
distribute the Eucharist. The Alleluias
should start after the priest receives the
blood of Christ. We understand that
this is different from our previous prac-
tice and will require some time to ad-
just to and perfect. Thanks for your pa-
tience!
Funds for New Furnace: Needed
The 43 year old furnace for the Sunday
School rooms and lower level must be
replaced soon. Bids have been obtained
and a special campaign has begun re-
questing $5,500 in donations for a 95%
efficient unit. These donations would
be above and beyond stewardship con-
tributions. Can you help us provide a
comfortable learning environment for
the youth and teachers? Please clearly
mark donations with “New Furnace.”
Maids of Athena & Sons of Pericles
The Minneapolis chapters of Ahepa
and the Daughters of Penelope are re-
starting their youth chapters on Satur-
day June 23rd at 2:00.The age is14 and
older. These organizations supplement
the church youth program with philan-
thropic, educational, and mission ac-
tivities. Anyone interested may contact
is Angie Speliopoulos 612-481-9292.
Greek American Studies Fund
This fund was established by John &
Nancy Lambros to preserve and share
the Greek immigrant experience. It has
supported the Greek America collec-
tion at the Immigration History Re-
search Center at the University of Min-
nesota. In Spring 2011 it sponsored the
first ever post-doctoral researcher to
visit IHRC. The fund has exceeded its
initial goal of $150,000 and has set a
new goal of $250,000 in order to host
future scholars for an entire semester of
research. Please consider supporting
this effort by sending a check to the
Greek American Studies Fund and mail
to John W. Lambros, 3213 Ridgewood
Road, Arden Hills MN 55112-3437.
Gifts are tax deductible.
Loaves & Fishes Coordinator Needed
Sandra Thole and Sue Gnetz have
served as L&F co-coordinators for 4
years and will be stepping aside at the
end of 2012. It is imperative that some-
one assumes responsibility for this mis-
sion ASAP as we only have 3 more
months to fulfill our obligation for this
year. We must give the organization 2
months notice so they can replace St.
George Church on the schedule if we
are not continuing. PLEASE search
within yourselves and come forward to
chair this mission so we can continue in
this wonderful opportunity to serve the
Lord. Call or visit with Sue and Sandra
for more information.
Trinity Mission
The food drive for Trinity Mission con-
tinues throughout the year. Some peo-
ple have much more than they need
and then there is the growing popula-
tion of poor that need so much; includ-
ing basic human necessities like food,
clothing and shelter. Please remember
those who cannot afford food while
you are grocery shopping, and pur-
chase one or more extra items for them.
Trinity Mission accepts donations of
any non-perishable food. A list of the
items needed is posted in the lower
level of St. George, by the red bins la-
beled "Trinity Mission". Thank you!
Want to Work with Youth?
Our parish is seeking candidates for a
paid part-time (10-15 hours per week)
youth minister. Under the supervision
of the priest, the youth minister pri-
marily works with children (toddlers
through high school ages) and their
parents to plan, create and lead activi-
ties throughout the year, encouraging
greater participation on all levels. This
is challenging, yet rewarding position
for a faithful, committed person with
good people and organizational skills
and who loves leading kids to Christ.
Contact Fr. Rick for more info or to ap-
ply.
Host an Exchange Student
Hosting an exchange student is a won-
derful way for your family to give back
together, while experiencing a new cul-
ture. Exchange students are between
the age of 15 and 18 and come from
more than 60 countries around the
world. They come with their own
Parish Parish
NewsNews
St. Paul. MN
page 5
spending money and health insurance,
and have studies English for at least 3
years. Most of all, they are eager to
learn about your American family! Is
this the opportunity your family has
been waiting for? To learn more about
hosting and how you can make a dif-
ference, please contact Sheri Delich at
(651) 329-2782 or [email protected]
Killebrew Memorabilia Available
A parishioner donated a framed
Harmon Killebrew poster to the church
in order that the church may sell it and
keep the proceeds. If interested contact
Fr. Rick.
1135 Summit Update
At the Parish Assembly meeting on
July 1st, a proposal was put forth by the
parish council to exercise our right of
first refusal on the property for sale
adjacent to the church. A motion was
made to purchase the property and af-
ter much discussion the motion was
defeated. We thank everyone for their
preparation and participation. May we
continue to work together to discern
God’s will and answer His call towards
growth and maturation for each of us
and collectively as members of the
Body of Christ.
AHEPA News
At the Ahepa District Convention,
hosted by the St. Paul Chapters, the
following awards were given: Lifetime
Achievement Award to Ahepan Atha-
nasios Contolatis, Ahepan of the Year to
Christ Kontenakos, Lifetime Achieve-
ment Award to Daughters of Penelope
member Georgia Ehrich, Female Athlete
of the Year to Marisa Christina Mortari.
In addition Demetrios Demetriou was
elected District Treasurer.
Greek Festival 2012 August 18-19
It’s almost here!! Please volunteer for the Greek Festival today! This is a special op-
portunity for the St. George community to share our wonderful Greek culture, religion and
food with our neighbors and friends. Volunteers are the heart of the Festival. The Festival Committee would appreciate if you would join the fun and commit to a shift, two shifts or join us for the entire weekend. There will be singing, dancing and lots of delicious Greek food.
Volunteers are needed for all of the following activities the week before the Greek Festival:
Monday, August 13th Baking - Kourambiethes 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 14th Baking - Karidopita 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 16th Lamb preparation Start at 9:00 a.m.
Bakery and Coffee Cafe set up Start at 9:00 a.m. Friday, August 17th Lamb preparation Start at 9:00 a.m. Tent and equipment set up Start at 2:00 p.m.
Please see Greek Festival insert for more information, or visit the Greek Festival website at
www.stgeorgegoc.org for everything you need to know about the Festival.
Find us on Facebook.
OPA!
page 6
5.I need the priest only for prayer of ab-
solution! This is not so much a prob-
lem in the Greek tradition as in the
Slavic churches. The main issue is the
desire for forgiveness without actual
confession to anyone. Yet, this is just
like receiving Holy Communion with-
out proper preparation (see 1Corin-
thians 11:27). The knots of our con-
science need to be touched by the
priest in order to be untied. Water
must be touched to become clean. Ill-
ness must be diagnosed correctly to be
treated properly for an improper dose
of medicine can harm instead of heal.
In conclusion, John the Baptist bap-
tized with water (v.8) but he prophesies
that another One comes after who is
mightier than I” (v.7). John is speaking
about Jesus Christ and says that He will
baptize us with the Holy Spirit (v.8).
The coming Feast of Theophany on
January 6th is the celebration of the
event of Christ’s baptism by John in the
Jordan river but more importantly it is
Jesus’ Chrismation, in which the Holy
Spirit descends upon Him in the form of
dove so that He becomes the Messiah
(Greek = Christ). While most of us were
baptized into Christ and received the
gift of the Holy Spirit in Chrismation to
enter the life of the Church, the Body of
Christ, all of us need to be renew our
baptism in the blessed Holy Water
(Greek = Agiasmo) of Theophany and in
tears of repentance in the Sacrament of
Holy Confession. This continual process
of renewal is a necessary requirement in
order to receive continually the grace of
the Holy Spirit and thus live our lives
according to God’s will, strength and
purpose. Amen!
(Continued from page 2)
Confession continued
courtesy: www.scribd.com
page 7
St. Paul. MN
St. George St. George St. George
YouthYouthYouth
Youth Ministry Contacts
If you have questions about youth activities please contact the respec-
tive parent youth advisors.
HOPE (3-5 years old) – Jason & Kelly Barbes
JOY (1st – 5th grades) – Georgia Panopoulos & Kyle Bruer, Lisa &
Misael Jordan, Tom & Dawn Lampros
JrGOYA (6-8th grades) – Daniel Simon & Tina Bovis-Fuller
GOYA (9-12th grades) Presvytera Jane Andrews & Jean Pliakas.
We thank them for their dedication and involvement.
The Feast of the Dormition or Falling Asleep of the Theotokos
commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of
Christ's mother. To help us in our preparation of the feast, it is
preceded by a two week fast. As with the Nativity of the Virgin
(September 8/21) and the feast of her Entrance to the Temple
(November 21/December 4), the Feast of the Dormition also
comes from the Tradition of the Church.
There we learn that Mary died as all people die because she had
a mortal human nature affected by the corruption of this world.
The Church proclaims that Mary needed to be saved by Christ
just as all of us are saved from trials, sufferings, and death of
this world. Having truly died, she was raised by her Son as the
"Mother of Life" and already participates in the eternal life of
paradise which is prepared and promised to all who "hear the
word of God and keep it." (Luke 11:27-28) Finally, we celebrate
the fact that what happens to Mary happens to all who imitate
her holy life of humility, obedience and love.
It is important to remember that there are no relics of the The-
otokos. Their existence has never been mentioned throughout
history. At one time in Constantinople there was a center of pil-
grimage where the belt and veil of the Virgin were venerated.
Adapted from The Orthodox Church, Volume II: Worship, by Fr.
Thomas Hopko.
From the Tradition of the Church
Following the day of Pentecost, the Theotokos remained in the
city of Jerusalem, comforting the infant Christian community.
She was living in the house of the beloved Apostle John, later
the Evangelist. At the time of her death (tradition states she was
in her early fifties) many of the Apostles were scattered
throughout the world preaching the Gospel. All but Thomas
were miraculously brought to the Virgin aloft on clouds.
As they stood around her bedside, she commended her spirit to
the Lord and Jesus descended from Heaven, taking up her soul
in His arms. The Apostles sang the funeral hymns in her honor
and carried her body to a tomb in Cedron near Gethsemane.
When a Jewish man tried to interrupt their solemn procession,
an angel of the Lord came and punished him by cutting off his
hands, which were later healed.
The Apostle Thomas arrived on the third day and wished to see
the Virgin for the last time. They discovered an empty tomb.
Church tradition relates that the Theotokos was resurrected
bodily and taken to heaven, the same reward that awaits all the
righteous on the Last Day.
Source: www.theologic.com
Youth Parking Event
The Jr/GOYA was successful in raising $365 for
charity on Sunday, June 3 by parking cars for
Grand Old Day. Thank you to the parent and
youth volunteers on a job well done.
Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
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 August 2012
REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICESREGULAR WEEKLY SERVICESREGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES
Holy Confession: By Appointment
Vespers: (Sept. - May) Saturday 5:00 pm
Orthros: Sunday 9:00 am
Sunday School: (Sept. - May)
following Communion
Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:30 am
WEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEWEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEWEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULEDULEDULE
Paraklesis Services
Wednesday, August 1, 5:30pm Thursday, August 2, 12:00pm Tuesday, August 7, 7:00pm Wednesday, August 8, 5:30pm Thursday, August 9, 6:00pm Monday, August 13, 7:00pm
Transfiguration
Divine Liturgy—Monday, August 6, 9:00am
The Dormition of the Theotokos Vespers at St. Mary GOC—Tuesday, August 14, 7:00pm
Orthros—Wednesday, August 15, 8:00am Divine Liturgy—Wednesday, August 15, 9:00am
Beheading of the Forerunner John
Divine Liturgy—Wednesday, August 29, 8:00am
See you there!
Greek Festival
2012
August 18th and 19
th
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4+PROCESSION+PROCESSION+PROCESSION+PROCESSION
OF HOLY CROSS; OF HOLY CROSS; OF HOLY CROSS; OF HOLY CROSS;
7 MACCABEAN 7 MACCABEAN 7 MACCABEAN 7 MACCABEAN
CHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDREN
+12:00pm+12:00pm+12:00pm+12:00pm
+5:30pm +5:30pm +5:30pm +5:30pm PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS
PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS
*6:30pm Greek
Festival Mtg.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11+9TH SUN. +9TH SUN. +9TH SUN. +9TH SUN. +TRANSFIGURATION+TRANSFIGURATION+TRANSFIGURATION+TRANSFIGURATION +ST. HERMAN+ST. HERMAN+ST. HERMAN+ST. HERMAN
MATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEW OF ALASKA & OF ALASKA & OF ALASKA & OF ALASKA &
APOSTLE APOSTLE APOSTLE APOSTLE
+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS +9:00am +9:00am +9:00am +9:00am MATTHIASMATTHIASMATTHIASMATTHIAS
+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY LITURGYLITURGYLITURGYLITURGY
+5:30pm +5:30pm +5:30pm +5:30pm
PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS +6:00pm +6:00pm +6:00pm +6:00pm
*6:30pm Choir PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS
+7:00pm VESPERS+7:00pm VESPERS+7:00pm VESPERS+7:00pm VESPERS Practice +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm *6:30pm Greek *7:00pm Parish
PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS Festival Mtg. Council
12 13 14 15 16 17 18+10TH SUN. +10TH SUN. +10TH SUN. +10TH SUN. +DORMITION OF+DORMITION OF+DORMITION OF+DORMITION OF +ST. STAMATIOS+ST. STAMATIOS+ST. STAMATIOS+ST. STAMATIOS +FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY
MATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEW THEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOS
+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS +8:00am ORTHROS+8:00am ORTHROS+8:00am ORTHROS+8:00am ORTHROS
+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY +9:00am LITURGY+9:00am LITURGY+9:00am LITURGY+9:00am LITURGY
*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK
*12:00pm Acolyte FESTIVALFESTIVALFESTIVALFESTIVAL
Training *5:00pm Loaves
& Fishes +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm *6:30pm Greek
*4:00pm Feed VESPERS at St.VESPERS at St.VESPERS at St.VESPERS at St. Festival Mtg.
the Hungry at +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm Mary GOCMary GOCMary GOCMary GOC
FOCUS MN PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS
19 20 21 22 23 24 25+11TH SUN. +11TH SUN. +11TH SUN. +11TH SUN. +PROPHET +PROPHET +PROPHET +PROPHET +FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY +FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY
MATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEW SAMUELSAMUELSAMUELSAMUEL
+9:30am Divine+9:30am Divine+9:30am Divine+9:30am Divine
+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS Liturgy in EauLiturgy in EauLiturgy in EauLiturgy in Eau
+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY Claire, WIClaire, WIClaire, WIClaire, WI
*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK
FESTIVALFESTIVALFESTIVALFESTIVAL
*7:00pm Bible
Study at Fr. Rick's
*4:00pm Feed House
the Hungry at
FOCUS MN
26 27 28 29 30 31+12TH SUN. +12TH SUN. +12TH SUN. +12TH SUN. +ST. PHANOURIOS+ST. PHANOURIOS+ST. PHANOURIOS+ST. PHANOURIOS +BEHEADING OF+BEHEADING OF+BEHEADING OF+BEHEADING OF +ST. ALEXANDROS+ST. ALEXANDROS+ST. ALEXANDROS+ST. ALEXANDROS +BELT/SASH OF+BELT/SASH OF+BELT/SASH OF+BELT/SASH OF
MATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEW FORERUNNER FORERUNNER FORERUNNER FORERUNNER THEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOS
+STRICT FAST DAY+STRICT FAST DAY+STRICT FAST DAY+STRICT FAST DAY +FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY
+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS
+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY +8:00am LITURGY+8:00am LITURGY+8:00am LITURGY+8:00am LITURGY
*4:00pm Feed
the Hungry at
FOCUS MN
August 2012
St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
+ Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651) 222-6220 -- www.stgeorgegoc.org +
+ FAST OF THE DORMITION +
+ FAST OF THE DORMITION +
+ FAST OF THE DORMITION +
Coming in September...
1 Beginning of Ecclesiastical Year
3 Labor Day Holiday
8 Nativity of Theotokos
13 Parish Council Meeting
14 Exaltation of Precious Cross
16 Church Picnic
26 St. John the Theologian
Rain or shine!
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Greek Dancers of MinnesotaPerform on Saturday & Sunday
Greek Music & DancingGreek ImportsChurch ToursOrthodox Info Booth
Gyros & SouvlakiLamb & Chicken DinnersGreek Pastries & CafeKid’s Games
1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul Corner of Lexington & Summit Ave.
www.stgeorgegoc.org 651-222-6220
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
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Please purchase advance sale tickets at $10 each, a $2 savings off the $12 face value. Advance sale tickets are available until Friday, August 17th. Ten tickets have been mailed to each parishioner. Please support the Greek Festival and purchase all ten tickets. Festival tickets make great gifts to friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. You can purchase additional tickets on Sundays after Liturgy or on-line at www.stgeorgegoc.org Thank you for your support in making the Greek Festival a success!
DON’T FORGET to sign up for a shift or two at the festival. It is fun, especially with many hands and smiling faces. What a great way to meet others from the com-munity! Contact Penny Davidson at [email protected] or signup using Google Docs link fromFather Rick.
.
Festival Yard Signs are available at the church to pick up. Please place them in your yard to help ad-vertise the festival. They have been a big help in bringing your neighbors. Thank you!
Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes – due to Health Department regulations, NO SANDALS ARE ALLOWED IN THE FOOD AREAS. Go directly to your work station, and check-in with your team leader. Bring your Greek Festival hat. An apron will be provided when you arrive for your shift. Please return the apron at the end of your shift.
Saturday & SundayAUGUST 18 11AM-8PMAUGUST 19 11AM-6PMADVANCE TICKET SALES
VOLUNTEER SIGNUP
YARD SIGNS ARE HERE
VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN
St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
www.stgeorgegoc.org
JOHN PITSAVAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
NAME OF APPLICANT: ___________________________________
CHURCH AFFILIATION: ___________________________________ NAME OF PARENTS: ______________________________________ SCHOOL/GRADE, OR COLLEGE YOU ARE ATTENDING: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ LIST SOME OF CHURCH/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________
Essay Subject: (2012) St. John the Baptist, Prophet
and Forerunner
Please write a five (5) page essay (12pt font, double spaced) detailed explanation of the icon of St. John the Baptist that appears on the St. George Church iconostasi. Include brief explanations of Orthodox iconography’s purpose and technique. Also include how this icon helps you understand God’s calling at this point in your life. ATTACH ESSAY: DATE OF SUBMISSION: _______________________________ Note: Application form and essay deadline is
August 15th
.
JOHN PITSAVAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
GUIDELINES I. MISSION STATEMENT
The John Pitsavas Memorial Scholarship is set up to provide the children of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, assistance in their pursuit of education by providing them an opportunity to share and express their Orthodox Christian faith through a written essay. In addition, the Scholarship is meant to motivate active participation in t he youth programs and parish life of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. II. RULES OF QUALIFICATION
Grants are available only to children affiliated with the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, provided that the children are attending church and participating in its activities. Eligibility applies to children attending twelfth grade, or a vocational school or an academic institution of higher education seeking to obtain a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. III. STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Students interested in participating will be required to write and submit an essay to the Parish Council on a selected subject related to Orthodox faith no later than August 15th. A one-time grant in the amount of $1,000.00 will be given to a student with the best essay. This award will be for the Quarter/Semester the student will be attending, provided a copy of their registration is forwarded to the Parish Council. The winner will be announced on September 6. IV. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
A committee shall be formed and overseen by the Parish Council to administer the scholarship program. In addition to the Parish Council President and priest, the Committee shall consist of no more than four parishioners in good standing, pursuant to the St. George By-Laws, who do not have a child who is eligible for and seeking scholarship. One of the four parishioner members of the Committee shall be the Youth Director of St. George, if one is employed.
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St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
May 10, 2012
Attendees: President Tom Lampros, Vice President Joe Weiser, Secretary Sophronis Mantoles, Treasurer George Kanavati, Alexis Bighley, Nanette Gomez,, Frank Nemeth, Dan Simon, Steve Zeece, Absent: Fr. Demetrius Andrews, Diane Anastos. I. Call to Order: 7:05pm
II. Opening Prayers: 7:07pm
III. Submission of minutes: The April 5th minutes were approved without any changes. Motion made by Alexis seconded by Frank Nemeth. Motion passed.
IV. Financial Reports:
a. Treasurer’s report: Mr. Kanavati presented the financial report for April. George highlighted the items below:
1. April report shows Stewardship deficit of $515.74 from the same period last year.
2. Some items are over the budgeted amounts. 3. The funds for the Metropolis retreat center were sent. 4. Financial reports are due to the Metropolis on or before May 15th. Reports are
drafted. Tom and Fr. to review the reports and then they will be sent.
V. Committee reports:
a. Sanctuary Master Planning: The committee does not have an update. b. Stewardship: Alexis highlighted all the activity going on. Meeting with Fr., Tom and Alexis
discussed estate planning and how that can relate to the Church. Alexis is working the details to start a series of meetings in someone’s home to have a social time and discuss Stewardship. Alexis to host the first meeting. She needs three possible days from everyone in July. Tentative date set for Thursday July 19th.
c. Buildings and Grounds: Storage rental unit needs to be renewed. Lights replaced in the dome. Elevator glitch on Sunday caused some issues. Furnace bids taken in from three different companies. Motion made by George Kanavati to allocate funds not to exceed $5,500.00 to replace the furnace with a 120K dual stage 95% or better efficiency unit. Motion seconded by Joe Weizer. Motion passed. The board’s intention is to solicit specific donations for the furnace. Garbage disposal contracts discussion took place.
d. Outreach: No update from committee. e. Festival of the Nations / Greek festival update: Festival of the Nations report will be
prepared by George Kanavati by next meeting. Father (via a written note) and Parish Council members expressed thanks to all the volunteers especially Jean Pliakas and Dan Simon. Making final arrangements for future leadership for both events.
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f. Investment Committee: Written report received from the committee. Account changes requested at last meeting were completed. A few additional Parish Council questions about the 2011 year end report require follow up.
VI. Father’s Report: No report this meeting due to Father’s attendance at the Metropolis Clergy Retreat.
VII. Unfinished Business
a. Ushering Schedule: Tom will be circulating the schedule. b. Roselawn Cemetery Monument report: Frank Nemeth reported on progress. Everything is
on schedule at this time. c. Accounting Outsourcing discussion: Alexis briefed the board on the cost, advantages and
disadvantages of having a professional company deal with our financial reports and the board agreed to move forward with organizing a proposal for a future meeting.
d. Social Hall Rental: List of action items went out to the council. Still holding off on rentals to non-parisioner renters.
e. Debrief on Holy Week, Feast day events, Pascha Dinner: Fr. expressed his thanks for all the help during Holy Week. Thanks to Jason, Kelly, Gus, Jackie and Andrew Barbes, Pres. Jane, Pat McAdams, and Penny Davidson, for the Paschal dinner work and preparations. Thank you to Frank Mortari for the sound system setup on Good Friday. Thanks Georgia Panopoulos, Jason Barbes Sophronis and Lucille Marinos for hosting the Feast day dinner. Thank you to the Choir and the Chanters for the extra effort for the Paschal services.
f. Admin office furniture status: Furniture company working on the final details with the furniture company.
VIII. New Business
a. Dinner for Paul and Jean Pliakas: An informal thank you and farewell dinner is being organized for Jean and Paul. Dates and details TBD.
b. Reschedule June PC meeting: Move the meeting to Tuesday June 12th. c. People with disabilities (Pew configuration and Archiodiocese guidance): Guidelines
distributed from Archdiocese. Pew configuration changes to enable wheel chair access is desired. Working on the details.
d. Candles Report: The council analyzed the report. No changes to be made at this time. e. Spring Cleaning: Set for Saturday May 19th at 9:00 am. f. Money available for camp: More promotion of compa scholarships will be done via the
bulletin and Glad Tidings. No parishioner should not attend camp due to financial reasons because of the scholarships available.
I. Adjournment and Closing Prayer: 9:40pm. Motion to adjourn made by Joe Weiser seconded
by George. All documents and reports submitted at the meeting are on file with the original copy of the minutes at the church.