A Word from Father Rick

Transcription

1 Registry P.3 Parish News P.4 Youth News P.6 Philoptochos News P.5 A Word from Father Rick Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Blessed Feast of Theophany and New Year! I would like to thank the parish council members for their service this past year and look forward to working again with them this year. It s the same council members except for the addition of Lily Zahariades. Thanks also to Alexis Bighley for her able leadership as parish council president in I appreciate her expertise, dedication and hard work! Reviewing November and December, we were blessed to host the Pan-Orthodox Thanksgiving Eve Divine Liturgy. Thank you to Lisa and Misael Jordan for hosting the Lenten meal afterwards. The Philoptochos hosted their annual Advent luncheon and invited Matushka Vera Proctor to be the keynote speaker. She talked extensively about FOCUS Minnesota s new home on Rice Street just a couple blocks from our State Capitol. After moving in, they will resume programing soon into the new year. We had two International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) events: the annual Twin Cities fundraising banquet on Nov.8 th and the Homefront training on Dec.8 th. Homefront helps parishes to plan and respond to emergencies by conducting a threat assessment and asset mapping. We hope to do that with our community early this year. As of this writing, we have not yet celebrated Christmas but as always, I m sure it will be blessed as we commemorate the Nativity of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Metropolis of Chicago Strategic Planning initiative had its first major retreat in early November. The three-day gathering of 86 faithful and clergy from all over the region helped produce the Metropolis Why statement, Mission statement and Vision statement (see insert for specifics). Ten areas of focus were identified based on feedback from SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Strengths) survey responses. Participants volunteered for task forces assigned to each area. I was appointed co-chair for Clergy Development and Wellness task force. This Metropolis level effort will help us do our parish strategic planning initiative. Led by co-chairs Peggy Kennedy and Lily Zahariades our already encouraging everyone s input to help us draft a parish mission statement. A word exercise was conducted during social hour on Sun. Dec. 9 th and will be repeated within various groups to get a broad sampling from the community. Stay tuned for continuing opportunities for involvement. Our 2019 Stewardship drive continues to commit generously and sacrificially our Time, Talent and Treasure to God s Holy Church. The 2019 theme is All things are possible to the One Who Believes (Luke 9:23). We thank the many persons who already returned their stewardship pledge card. Through stewardship to the Church, we express our love for God with all your heart, mind and soul and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:35-40). Three simple principles for treasure/financial commitment: give generously, give sacrificially, and give purposively. Three practical guidelines: give at least 3% of gross income (biblical model of stewardship is tithing or giving 10%), be sure to increase giving from previous year, and budget your stewardship first then budget everything else. If each parishioner family gives at least 3% then we become a totally self-sufficient parish including Continued on next page

2 continued from page 1 annual capital projects with no need for additional fundraisers. (See chart to right). Youth Ministry continues as we look for a new part-time youth minister. Sunday Catechetical School staff (see announcement in youth section) works hard to teach the Orthodox Faith to our children. Several youth advisors have volunteered for various age groups to organize events and work with parents and children to increase participation. For GOYA Anastasia Mastrogiorgis and Phyllis Kapetanakis will lead junior high and high school (7-12 grades). For JOY Maria Paraschou and Katherine Cabieses will lead elementary ages (K-6 grades). And for HOPE: Lerah McCullough and Joanna Tzenis will lead preschool ages. Our annual basketball program is starting up again in preparation for the tournament hosted in Milwaukee, Feb.8-10, Coming this month, January 2019, we have liturgy for St. Basil the Great and the Circumcision of our Lord on January 1 st, the third annual Pan-Orthodox Theophany Blessing of the Waters at Hidden Falls Park on the Mississippi River in St. Paul on Saturday January 5 th 1pm, the Feast of Theophany with the Great Agiasmos service on Sunday January 6 th, Philoptochos Vasilopita Celebration on January13 th, and youth winter camp Jan Blessed New Year! Eulogemeno Neo Etos! +Fr. Rick HOW TO PLAN YOUR STEWARDSHIP GIVING Annual Daily Daily Tithe Daily Giving Income Income 10% 3% 20, , , , , , Approved 2019 Operating Budget $366, Family Units Per Family Unit Giving Needed to Meet Budget: $1,496 Average Household Income (Gross, Twin Cities, 2017): $ 73,231 Biblical Model for Stewardship Giving: Tithing or 10% Percentage Required to Meet Budget: 2.04 % 3% will cover our entire budget plus capital improvements without any need for additional fundraisers. Pan-Orthodox Thanksgiving Eve Liturgy on November 21, 2018 page 2

3 St. Paul. MN Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours M-F 9:00 AM 4:00 PM Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) Fall 2018 Cooperative Catechism students Registry Julie Delton Administrative Assistant (651) Funerals December 20 Marlene Nelson Alexis Bighley Parish Council President (651) Address Changes Andrew McCloud 899 Cleveland Avenue S, #1004 St. Paul, MN Maria Andrews 9200 Quantrelle Avenue NE, #356 Otsego, MN Festal Icons Needed 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 revolving bulletin board in the social hall) and return it to the office. Aida Abebe Sunday School Director (651) aabebe74@gmail.com Stella Hofrenning Greek School Director (651) hofrenni@augsburg.edu Vicky Paraschou Philoptochos President (763) vicky.paraschou@yahoo.com Julie Delton Editor, Glad Tidings newsletter George Mastrogiorgis Loaves and Fishes Coordinator FOCUS-MN Coordinator gmastrogiorgis@yahoo.com Stephen & Minda Arsenault Bookstore bookstore@stgeorgegoc.org St. Theodosios the Cenobiarchos January 11 St. Xenia of Rome January 24 Sts. Kyros & John, the Unmercenary Healers January 31 Submissions for upcoming issues are due by the 10th of the preceding month. page 3

4 Blessing of Waters: Please mark your calendars for the third annual Pan -Orthodox Theophany Blessing of the Waters service on Saturday January 5 th at 1pm, at Hidden Falls Regional Park on Mississippi River, 1313 Hidden Falls Drive, St Paul, MN Exterior Restoration- Brick, block and tuckpointing have been completed. Cost of project is $118,647. We have raised over $63,000 from our parishioners and friends. Please join us in this important work. Thank you! Youth Minister Position Open: applications are now being accepted for this part time position. To apply, a resume, cover letter and two references to Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org Iconography Workshops: 3 different sessions led by Deb Korluka of Icon Art Studios, Inc. are scheduled for Jan 4-Feb 7, Feb 21-Mar 28, and Mar 9- April 16. Classes are held at St. Mary s GOC or the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. See posting in social hall for costs and subjects. Inquiries and registration: akorluka@aol.com or Memory Eternal- Marlene Nelson fell asleep in the Lord on Dec.12. Funeral was Dec.20. May God grant her eternal rest and strength and hope to her loving husband Don and rest of family. Roselawn Cemetery Lots: Discounted 2019 prices are: $6,120 for a Monument Lot (2 graves); $3,825 for a Flat Lot A (2 graves); $2, for a Flat Lot B (1 grave). Single graves have limited availability. Contact church today! Left: St. George Greek school teachers raised over $2,000 for Focus MN s Mobile Medical Clinic at Union Depot Bake Sale on December 8 JANUARY NAMEDAYS January 1: Basil Paraschou, Bill Katsiyiannis, William Theros, Kiki Constantine, Cecelia Johnson, Bess Manesis, Vicky Paraschou, Vassilios Morellas, Bill Clemons; January 6: Frank Mortari, Lily Lampros, Lampros Petanitis; January 7: Yannis Hourdos, John Poulos, Jo Ann Mann, Joanna Tzenis, John Alexis, John Antoniou, John Peter Boosalis, John Georgolopolos, John Grant, John Kluznik, John Lake, John G. Lambros, John W. Lambros, John Larson, John Manesis, John Simon, John Michael Simon, John Speros, Jon Maier, Jonathan Paraschou, Yiannis Speros, Jon Kennedy, Fr. John Angelis; January 11: Theo Karvounarakis; January 14: Maud McCullough; January 17: Fr. Anthony Coniaris, Tony Gouletas; January 18: Soula Chouliaris, Athanasios Contolatis, Tom Lampros, Athanasios Poulios, Athanasia Maier; January 20: Shannon Canas; January 21: Cassie Kapetanakis; January 25: Greg Boosalis, Phyllis Afendoulis; January 28: Kharissa Maehren. JANUARY BAPTISMS/CHRISMATIONS John W. Lambros, January 1; Nancy Lambros, January 1; George Dendias, January 1; Stella Lake, January 1; Becka Dokos, January 1; Sandra Thole, January 1; John G. Lambros, January 28; Anastasia Mastrogiorgis, January 29; Angie Cender, January 6; George Eliou, January 21; Chris Eliou, January 1; Kally Fuller, January 14; Kharissa Maehren, January 11; Nicholas Petanitis, January 31; Alexandros McMahon, January 13; Rob Hattling, January 4. JANUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Dimitrios & Dimitra Kaniamos, January 7; Lampros & Karen Petanitis, January 23. JANUARY BIRTHDAYS Eric Anderson, December 11; Pres. Jane Andrews, January 15; Christy Antoniou, January 6; Patricia Bombolis, January 23; Evelyn Boosalis, January 3; Eric Chadwick, January 27; William Chadwick, January 27; Chris Christoforides, January 17; Melina Donnelly, January 1; Natalie Donnelly, January 1; Dimitrios Glaros, January 19; Philip Gounaikis, January 6; Benjamin Hertz, January 19; Don Johnson, January 14; Lisa Jordan, January 3; Amanda Kapetanakis, January 13; Athena Keifer, January 4; Blien Kibrom, January 19; Steve Lambros, January 14; Jo Ann Mann, January 18; Lerah McCullough, January 16; Angie McMahon, January 29; Maria Natto, January 4; Gavriel Pappas, January 17; Sotirios Parashos, January 30; Anastasia Pathos, January 24; Danielle Pathos, January 27; Christopher Ploumidis, January 27; Nikola Popov, January 8; Effie Psimos, January 20; Steve Rice, January 22; Kathy Ryan, January 30; Anna Maria Simon, January 2; James Simon, January 23; John Michael Simon, January 27; Samuel Syvertson, January 1; Peter Tountas, January 3. If your name does not appear or it is listed incorrectly, please contact the church office at office@stgeorgegoc.org. page 4

5 St. Paul. MN To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, 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 Many wishes for a great, prosperous, healthy, bright, Happy New Year 2019! On Sunday, January 13 th Philoptochos will be sponsoring the Vasilopita auction. All proceeds are donated to Saint Basil Academy, which is the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese home for children in need. The academy provides a loving Christian environment where resident children are nurtured to adulthood. For more information on the Academy please visit their website at: A heartfelt thank you to all our supporters for your time, prayers and resources, your contributions are greatly appreciated. Your continued support allows us to continue in our mission. If you are interested to learn more about Philoptochos, we warmly invite you to join us at our next meeting, which will be held on Sunday, February 10 th, following Divine Liturgy. In Christ s service, Vicky Paraschou Philoptochos President page 5

6 New Youth Advisors: Several youth advisors have volunteered for various age groups to organize events and work with parents and children to increase participation. GOYA Anastasia Mastrogiorgis and Phyllis Kapetanakis will lead junior high and high school (7-12 grades). JOY Maria Paraschou and Katherine Cabieses will lead elementary ages (K-6 grades). HOPE: Lerah McCullough and Joanna Tzenis will lead preschool ages. New Sunday School Director! Thank you to Miss Aida Abebe for graciously volunteering to lead our religious education program, working with our current teachers: Lerah McCullough (PreK), Carol Alexis (K-1), Lama Ghazi (2-3), Stephen Kanavati (4-5 -6), Anastasia Mastrogiorgis (7-9) and Nick Kanavati & Vicky Paraschou (10-12). Please support Aida and the teachers by frequently bringing your children to liturgy and Sunday school. Basketball Practices: Sundays, Jan 6-Feb 3 from 12:30-2:30pm at Saint Paul Academy lower school, 1150 Goodrich Ave. Coaches: GOYA Boys- Milam Paraschou & George Mastrogiorgis, JOY Coed- Elena Condos, Women- Anastasia Mastrogiorgis, Men- Luke Simon. Contact Milam or George with questions. All family participants are encouraged to register for the tournament and book hotels as soon as possible. We look forward to another great family basketball tournament in Milwaukee, WI on the weekend of February Basketball Tourney: hosted by Annunciation Church, Milwaukee, February Early team registration for Men, Women, Boys, Girls & JOY teams is $300 until Dec 15; $400 afterwards. For Player Registration, click here. Meal registration is separate click here.: Early Bird Weekend Package is $90/adult, $55/child until Jan 14; afterwards $110/adult, $60/child until Jan 28. Rooms $119/night at the Brookfield Hotel, 375 South Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, or here. Questions? 2019greekbball@gmail.com. St. Mary s OCA Winter Camp: for grades 6-12 at Camp St. Croix, January 18-21, Theme is The Sacrament of Marriage. Fees and more information posted in social hall. Contact Matushka Lisa Tucci with questions, lisatucci71@gmail.com or The social hall was transformed into a workshop and families created handmade gifts at the fifth annual Makers Mall on December 1 page 6

7 St. Paul. MN From the Parish Council President Alexis Bighley Dear Fellow Parishioners, As we enter into the most blessed Holiday Season and the new year, I am writing my last column as president of the parish council. I thought it had merit to show some updates on events over the past month for your review. We started the month with a Parish Assembly meeting on Sunday, December 2, with a light lunch cooked by council member Dino Contolatis, of lentil soup, pita and salad, as we were fasting. Our meeting was basically an update to our parishioners on the year s ministries and to get approval of the proposed 2019 budget. Let me update you on the ministries. Capital Campaign Nanette Gomez, chair. We currently have commitments of approximately $70,000 from our parishioners against a goal of $118,000. If we do not meet the $118,000 we will take the funds from our General Operations savings account (not the restricted funds account) which had $252,200 in it at the end of September. Stewardship Alexis Bighley, chair. We are a little behind to reach our goal of $250,000, needing $61,000 to reach that goal as of our last report on December 9, We can do that, and have in the past, with your help. In 2017 we raised over $75,000 in the month of December. Please do what you can to help. Strategic Planning Peggy Kennedy & Lily Zahariades, co-chairs. The committee began outlining a schedule for the next year. Currently, they are seeking input from all our parishioners to draft a mission statement for the parish. After that is complete, they will work on drafting specific goals, strategies and action plans to achieve a full strategic plan by December Greek Festival- Dino Contolatis & Jon Kennedy, co-chairs. Dino spoke about the terrific results for the festival of a net profit of approximately $45,000, almost double that of George Mastrogiorgis shared the results of the survey completed by some of the attendees (total of 421 respondents). 50% said word of mouth was the way they heard about the festival. TV and radio were 11%. Lawn signs, banners and Facebook were 9% each. Missions & Benevolence George Mastrogiorgis, chair, gave a very thorough update; let me hit the highlights: over 1,000 meals served at Loaves & Fishes. Many fund raisers silent auction, bake sales, etc to contribute to FOCUS Minnesota s St. Luke Mobile Health Clinic. Funds will be dispersed in December to the committee s selected charities, in excess of $13,000 this year. Welcome & Outreach Bob Baffa & Eleni Hoffhines, co-chairs. Held two events this year for new members and the entire parish on December 9 with vegetarian chili, coleslaw and bread served. Young at Heart Lily Zahariades, chair. Held two events, a tour of the Minnesota State Capitol preceded by lectures on its architect. Sue & Richard Gnetz arranged a lunch at the Naughty Greek restaurant. Youth Ministry Advisory Group was formed to help organize activities for our youth. They have met a few times and their work included updating the calendar and youth minister job description as well as selecting specific parent advisors for the various age groups. Budget Approval John Simon, Treasurer. The 2019 budget was announced and the highlight of the presentation was that the budget was basically the same dollar amount as 2018 (which was $358,781) but for 2019 we added $4000 for the Clergy-Laity conferences and Strategic Planning, plus a known capital expense of $4,000. Budget Highlights: during the Q&A, a question came up about our parish being asked to support the Metropolis St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Southeast Wisconsin, with a budgeting line item of $2,000 when we do not make use of the facility. The history about the retreat center starts with the purchase of the property in No parishes in the Metropolis were asked to fund the purchase, nor were they asked to fund the construction of the new buildings including the main lodge, two large dormitories and the new medical clinic. These were all paid by private donations outright or through a mortgage. Several years ago, the parishes were asked to help support the operating expenses of the retreat center and each parish s amount was calculated as 88% of one month s fair share commitment to the Archdiocese and Metropolis. This was an equitable way for all parishes to support and make available this Metropolis ministry. Our parish/ioners may not be currently using the retreat center facilities but that is our choice. However, the parishes, groups (e.g. Metropolis Clergy Syndesmos) and ministries (e.g. Fanari Camp program) that do use it, pay additional fees for food and lodging. The goal of the Metropolis for the retreat center is that it become self-sustaining and not require the parishes support. The other question was our support of the Archdiocese with a contribution of $31,508 (which is same as 2017 and 2018), which represents 9% of our budget. Here is my input, after attending the National Clergy-Laity Conference in Boston. These funds are being put to much better use for our faithful including the programs, services and social media outreach than I have seen in the past. Our parish of St. George is part of the worldwide Greek Orthodox Church that has a hierarchical structure. Thus, we belong to the Metropolis of Chicago, the Archdiocese of America and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. We are not an island unto ourselves. The fair share commitment we (and every parish in the United States) send to the Archdiocese helps pay for the salaries of our Metropolis and Archdiocese staff, along with their regional and national ministries and programs. The most recent issue of the Orthodox Observer outlines the newly approved Archdiocesan budget. The Metropolis of Chicago budget will be finalized in the near future. A special thank you to the Parish Council members for their hard work this year: Diane Anastos, Steve Arsenault, Dino Contolatis, Nanette Gomez, Petko Ivanov, Stephen Kanavati, George Mastrogiorgis, Milam Paraschou, John Simon, Jim Theros and Fr. Rick. All in all, a very busy month filled with camaraderie, joy and friendship as the month that represents the birth of Christ should be! May each of you enjoy many blessings in our new year and continuous good health. Yours in Christ, page 7

8 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 177 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota Phone Fax Glad Tidings January 2019 WEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES Tuesday, January 1 St. Basil; Circumcision of our Lord Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 4 Royal Hours of Theophany Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m. Saturday, January 5 Eve of Theophany Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Agiasmos Holy Water Service 11:30 a.m. Blessing of the Waters 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22 St. Timothy Divine Liturgy 8:30 a.m. Holy Confession: By Appointment Vespers: (Oct. - May) Saturday 5:00 pm Orthros: Sunday 8:15 am Sunday School: (Sept. - May) following Communion Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:30 am Please see our online calendar and bulletin for latest schedule updates: Also visit our Facebook page:

9 2 MEETING OF OUR LORD 3 Godparent-Godchild Sunday 4 Loaves & Fishes 8-10 Basketball Tourney in Milwaukee, WI 17 TRIODION BEGINS 18 Presidents Day Holiday 23 Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI 1 +ST. BASIL & CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD 9am ORTHROS 10am LITURGY NEW YEAR'S DAY January 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat COMING IN FEBRUARY ST. SERAPHIM OF +SYNAXIS OF 70 SAROV APOSTLES 9am ROYAL HOURS OF THEOPHANY 6 +THEOPHANY 8:15am ORTHROS 9:30am LITURGY w/ GREAT AGIASMOS 11am BLESSING OF WATER 4:30pm Greek Dance Practice 13 +SUN AFT THEOPHANY 8:15am ORTHROS 9:30am LITURGY 11am Vasilopita Celebration 4:30pm Greek Dance Practice TH SUN. LUKE +ST. EUTHYMIOS THE GREAT 8:15am ORTHROS 9:30am LITURGY 4:30pm Greek Dance Practice 7 +SYNAXIS OF FORERUNNER 14 7pm Catechism Class 21 +ST. MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR 7pm Catechism Class YOUTH WINTER CAMP (Camp St. Croix) 8 9 +FAST DAY 1:30pm Bible Study 15 6:30pm Parish Council Mtg. 22 +ST. TIMOTHY 8:30am LITURGY 10am Bus pick-up 10:30am Sanctity of Life Service & March (Cathedral of St. Paul & State Capitol) 16 +FAST DAY 23 +FAST DAY 1:30pm Bible Study 10 +ST. GREGORY OF NYSSA 11am MEOCCA Mtg (St. Mary OCA Cathedral) 17 +ST. ANTHONY THE GREAT 7pm AHEPA Mtg 11 +FAST DAY +ST. THEODOSIOS CENOBIARCHOS 18 +FAST DAY +STS. ATHANASIOS & CYRIL FAST DAY +ST. GREGORY THEOLOGIAN 5 +EVE OF THEOPHANY - STRICT FAST DAY 9am ORTHROS 10am LITURGY 11:30am AGIASMOS - HOLY WATER SERVICE 1pm Blessing of the Waters - Eve of Theophany (Hidden Falls) 5pm VESPERS 12 10am Camp Task Force Mtg. (Steve Tomczyk's Home) 5pm VESPERS 6pm Youth Family Night 7pm Orthodox Game League (Holy Trinity Orthodox Church) 19 +ST. MAKARIOS THE GREAT 5pm VESPERS 7pm Brunswick Zone Community Event YOUTH WINTER CAMP (Camp St. Croix) 26 9:30am Divine Liturgy (Eau Claire, WI) TH SUN. LUKE +TRANSLATION RELICS ST. JOHN CHYRSOSTOM 8:15am ORTHROS 9:30am LITURGY 4:30pm Greek Dance Practice 28 +ST. EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN 7pm Catechism Class 29 7pm LOMCP Board Mtg. (Oakdale) 30 +FAST DAY +THREE HIERARCHS 31 +UNMERCENARIES KYROS & JOHN St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105,

10 EVENT CALENDAR January 1 ST. BASIL THE GREAT / CIRCUMCISION OF LORD - Office Closed January 5 EVE OF THEOPHANY (strict fast day); Pan-Orthodox Blessing of Waters January 6 THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD- Agiasmos/Blessing of Waters January 13 Vasilopita Celebration January 20 Sanctity of Life Sunday (March for Life Tues. Jan. 22) January 30 THREE HIERARCHS February 2 February 3 February 4 February 8-10 February 17 MEETING OF OUR LORD Godparent/Godchild Sunday Loaves & Fishes at St. Matthew Catholic Church Family Basketball Tournament in Milwaukee, Wisconsin TRIODION BEGINS- (fast free week) March 3 MEATFARE- (begin fast from meat) / Youth Oratorical Festival March 10 CHEESEFARE- OCMC- Missions Sunday / Daylight Savings Begins March 11 CLEAN-PURE MONDAY / GREAT LENT BEGINS March 17 SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY / PROCESSION OF ICONS w/ Youth March Lenten Retreat (Friday & Saturday) March 24 ST. GREGORY PALAMAS- Lenten Vespers at St. George March 25 ANNUNCIATION / Greek Independence Day Celebration March 31 VENERATION OF CROSS / PROCESSION w/ Youth / April 1 April 20 April 21 April 23 April 26 April 28 April 29 May 4 April 30 May 1-5 May 12 May 19 May 21 May May 27 June 3 June 5 June 6 June 11 June 16 June 23 June June 29 June 29 - July 5 Loaves & Fishes at St. Matthew Catholic Church LAZAROS SATURDAY- Church Cleaning & Decorating for Holy Week PALM SUNDAY- HOLY WEEK BEGINS ST. GEORGE- Parish Feast Day HOLY FRIDAY- Youth Retreat GREAT & HOLY PASCHA- Christ is Risen! BRIGHT/RENEWAL WEEK- No Fasting ST. RAPHAEL, NICHOLAS & IRENE ST. GEORGE FEAST OBSERVED Festival of Nations Mother s Day Graduation Sunday STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN Metropolis Junior Olympics, Chicago, IL Memorial Day Holiday- Office Closed Loaves & Fishes at St. Matthew Catholic Church APODOSIS OF PASCHA ASCENSION OF OUR LORD ST. BARTHOLOMEW/NATHANAEL- Patriarch & Metropolitan s Nameday PENTECOST & Father s Day ALL SAINTS SUNDAY APOSTLES FAST STS. PETER & PAUL Summer Church Camp at Camp Wapogasset, Amery WI 1

11 EVENT CALENDAR July 4 August 1-15 August 5 August 6 August 15 August August 29 September 1 September 2 September 8 September 14 September 15 September October 6 October 7 October 26 October 28 November 3 November 15 November 17 November 21 November November 27 November December 2 December 25 Independence Holiday- Office Closed FAST OF THEOTOKOS Loaves & St. Matthew Catholic TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKOS Greek Festival Fundraiser BEHEADING OF FORERUNNER (strict fast day) INDICTION - BEGINNING OF LITURGICAL YEAR Labor Day Holiday- Office Closed NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS EXALTATION OF HOLY CROSS (strict fast day) Sunday School Begins & Church Picnic Metropolis Clergy Laity in Twin Cities, MN Church Music Sunday Loaves & Fishes at St. Matthew Catholic Church ST. DEMETRIOS- Archbishop s Nameday PROTECTION OF THEOTOKOS- OXI Day Philoptochos & Patriarchate Sunday / Daylight Savings Ends ADVENT FAST BEGINS IOCC Sunday ENTRANCE OF THEOTOKOS INTO TEMPLE Philoptochos Bake Sale PAN-ORTHODOX THANKSGIVING EVE LITURGY Thanksgiving Holiday- Office Closed Loaves & Fishes at St. Matthew Catholic Church NATIVITY OF CHRIST - Office Closed TBD TBD TBD FOCUS MN Host a Meal Dates OCPM Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry Sunday Lyn Olson Medical Crisis Program Sunday 2

12 ST. GEORGE YOUTH PROGRAM SCHEDULE (Black = Sunday school Red = Youth events) Sept. 15 St. George Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 6 Oct. 7 Oct Oct. 14 Oct. 20 The Lion King movie night COMMUNITY EVENT -GOYA Q&A upstairs Sunday School Begins/Church Picnic Como Zoo COMMUNITY EVENT 12:00pm ***FAMILY CAMP*** Twin Cities Corn Maze COMMUNITY EVENT 12:00pm Oct. 21 Oct. 28 OXI DAY Greek School Program (maybe) Nov. 3 Baking Party JOY St George Nov. 4 Philoptochos Patriarchate Sunday Nov. 11 Nativity Fast Begins Nov. 15 Nov. 18 Philoptochos Bake Sale Nov. 25 No SS Classes Thanksgiving Weekend Dec. 1 Maker s Mall ALL YOUTH St. George Dec. 2 Christmas Program rehearsal AFTER SS Dec. 9 Christmas Program rehearsal AFTER SS Dec. 16 Christmas Program Dec. 23 No SS Classes Dec. 30 No SS Classes Jan. 6 No SS Classes Theophany Jan. 12 Youth Family Night- making vasilopita Jan. 13 Vasilopita Sunday Jan Youth Winter Camp at Camp St. Croix, Hudson WI Feb. 3 Godparent-Godchild Sunday Feb Basketball tournament in Milwaukee Feb. 17 Feb. 24 Mar. 3 Mar. 10 Mar. 17 No SS Classes Mar. 31 No SS Classes Oratorical Festival - Meatfare Cheesefare-Forgiveness Sunday-Great Lent begins Mar.11 Sunday of Orthodoxy-Procession of the Icons Veneration of the Holy Cross April 7 April 14 Apr. 20 Lazaros Saturday Retreat 9:00 AM Apr. 21 No SS Classes Palm Sunday April 26 Holy Friday Retreat all day Apr. 28 No SS Classes Great & Holy Pascha May 1-5 Festival of Nations May 5 May 12 Mother s Day / Last Regular Day of Class May 19 Graduation Graduation Sunday 1

13 George Orthodox Church Summary of Parish Council Meeting Minutes November 5, 2018 I. Call meeting to order 6:43 p.m. II. Opening prayers and Readings: I Thes. 20-3:8; Luke 12:13-15, III. Submission of past Council meeting minutes - Steve Arsenault - 6:48 p.m. Motion: that we approve the October 16, 2018 Parish Council Minutes. Due to significant changes in the proposed minutes, the vote to approve the minutes of the October 16 was deferred to the November 11 Parish Council meeting. IV. Treasurer s report-john Simon as of October 31, 2018 General FON G.Festival 75th Lot Sales Capital Inc Total Exp Total Net Income 202,641 21,179 88, , ,779 Expenses 290,922 6,875 47, , ,275 Net (88,281) 14,304 41,433 (100) 3,485 (3,337) (32,496) John spoke of the expenses including the tuckpointing project, the projection of the net figures for the year. Also mentioned the balance sheet funds and the Archdiocese allocation reporting. - Budget PC meeting November 11 Sunday after church. - ICOMP payroll service. We are researching alternative payroll companies - Motion: to accept the Treasurers report. Moved: Diane; Seconded: Steve K. passed unanimously V. Father s Updates- 7:20 p.m. A. IOCC Dinner St Mary s on Nov.8 B. Youth Ministry. Ideas presented at last meeting. Activities and planning will be discussed at the Nov 10 Youth Ministry meeting. C. Parish Council Election Forms due by Nov.11. D. Pan Orthodox Thanksgiving Eve Divine Liturgy & Meal Wednesday, November 21. E. IOCC Homefront Emergency Preparedness training at St Mary s Greek on Saturday December 8, planning for our community. F. Need for a Social hour coordinator, Naomi Tsantir is resigning. Thank you to Naomi G. Review of the Metropolis Strategic Planning Committee activity. Activities will include: Mission Statement, Vision Statement, strategic areas of focus. VI. Assembly Meeting Sunday DECEMBER 2: Tentative Agenda A. Budget Presentation for John Simon B. Capital Campaign update- Nanette Gomez C. Stewardship Update- Alexis Bighley D. Mission & Benevolence update- George Mastrogiorgis E. Clergy Laity Meeting September Alexis Bighley F. Strategic Planning Committee update- Peggy Kennedy & Lily Zahariades G. Greek Festival- VII. Calendar review Alexis 7:55 p.m. Alexis spoke of the activities on the upcoming Reports A. Capital Campaign Status -Plan to Honor Donors- Nanette Gomez Nanette spoke of efforts to encourage donations for the tuck-pointing project. It was felt that recognition of some kind is important, but the form and time need further discussion. B. Stewardship Report Fr. A review of stewardship and contributors as of October. C. Strategic Planning Meeting- The fourth Meeting took place Tuesday, October 30. More soon. D. Welcome & Outreach Luncheon December 9 after Sunday Liturgy for all Parishioners E. Missions & Benevolence-George Mastrogiorgis - Need for new members. George reported on the sandwich making events. FOCUS purchased a new building in Saint Paul.. F. Date for December PC Meeting Tuesday Dec.11 at 6:30 p.m. VIII. Closing Prayer 9:43 p.m. Moved: to adjourn the meeting. Moved: Seconded: Passed George Orthodox Church Summary of Parish Council Meeting Minutes November 11, 2018 On Sunday, November 11, the Parish Council met for a thorough discussion of the operating budget for This budget to be presented at the Parish Assembly of December 2, Respectfully submitted: Stephen Arsenault

14 CLERGY-LAITY 2019 SEPTEMBER 25-29

15 Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 177 GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO Theme: I desire mercy and not sacrifice (Matthew 9:13; 12:7) TO: Dates: September 25-29, 2019 Location: Twin Cities of Minneapolis & Saint Paul, Minnesota Co-hosted by: St. Mary & St. George Greek Orthodox Churches ~More Information Coming Soon~

16 GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO ECCLESIASTICAL CALENDAR Regulating Fast and Sacraments and Celebrations November 15 The Christmas Fast Begins This is a forty day fast in preparation for the Nativity of our Lord. During this period the faithful are expected to become more aware of being properly prepared in awaiting the Great Feast Day of Christmas. The Church in Her understanding of human weaknesses however has allowed weddings to take place up to and including December 12. Nevertheless, the faithful are discouraged from this in order to help their spiritual development during this period. Weddings are strictly prohibited between December 13 and December 25 inclusive. Baptisms are also discouraged during this period and prohibited between December 25 and January 6 in honor of the Great Feast Day of Epiphany/Theophany. December 13 to December 25 Weddings are not permitted; baptisms are not encouraged. December 26 to January 4 Baptisms are not permitted; weddings are permitted. January 5 STRICT FAST DAY Weddings and baptisms are not permitted January 6 Epiphany/Theophany Weddings and baptisms are not permitted in honor of Theophany. Memorials (mnimosina) are not permitted. Triodion Begins No fasting for the entire First Week. Second Week of Triodion Wednesday and Fridays are days of abstinence/fasting. Third Week of Triodion Dairy and cheese products are permitted. However, a meat abstinence exists for the entire week. Weddings and Baptisms are permitted throughout this three-week period. Pure Monday The Great Fast begins and continues until Holy Pascha. No weddings are permitted; while baptisms are allowed but not encouraged. 1

17 Saturday of Lazaros Weddings are not permitted; baptisms are permitted. No memorials (mnisomina) are permitted from the Saturday of Lazaros to, and including, the Sunday of St. Thomas. Palm Sunday to Pascha Sunday Weddings and baptisms are not permitted for the entire eight day period. Bright Week No fasting or abstinence is permitted for the entire week. Ascension of our Lord Weddings and baptisms are not permitted. Memorials are not permitted. Pentecost Weddings and baptisms are not permitted No fasting or abstinence permitted entire week following Pentecost in honor of the Holy Trinity and the establishment of the Church. Memorials are not permitted on Pentecost. August 1 to August 15 The Fast of the Mother of God Weddings are not permitted and baptisms are not encouraged. August 29 STRICT FAST DAY The Beheading of St. John the Baptist Weddings and baptisms are not permitted. September 14 STRICT FAST DAY The Elevation of the Holy Cross Weddings and baptisms are not permitted. Note: On these days and periods of abstinence and fasting, festive banquets, dances, festivals, and other public and private expressions of celebration are not permitted. The members of the Church are therefore requested to make every attempt to follow these regulations for their spiritual edification and growth in the Faith. Diocese of Chicago September 1981 Reissued: March 1982; September

18 Why Statement (why we exist) To receive and share unconditional love, mercy, healing and peace, so that life has greater meaning and purpose. Mission Statement The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is a Christ-centered community that loves, guides, engages, and serves all people. Vision Statement In 3-5 years, we will grow our Metropolis family through greater: Fellowship & Welcoming Accountability Ministries & Education Innovation Leadership Involved Youth & Emerging Adults Engagement on Critical Issues Stewardship Core Values Christ-centered Integrity Service Humility Love Merciful Spiritual development Adaptable Strategic Areas of Focus 1. Clergy Development & Support 2. Communications, Technology & Innovation 3. Education & Spiritual Literacy 4. Lay Leadership Development 5. Life Cycle Ministries 6. Metropolis Administration & Best Practices 7. Stewardship 8. Welcoming, Outreach & Evangelism 9. Worship Engagement & Accessibility 10. Youth & Emerging Adults