Glad Tidings Excerpts from Fr. Alexander Schmemann s Great Lent

Transcription

1 St. Paul, MN March 2008 Volume 14, Issue 3 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Glad Tidings Excerpts from Fr. Alexander Schmemann s Great Lent When a man leaves on a journey, he must know where he is going. Thus with Lent. Above all, Lent is a spiritual journey and its destination is Easter, "the Feast of Feasts." It is the preparation for the "fulfillment of Pascha, the true Revelation." We must begin, therefore, by trying to understand this connection between Lent and Easter, for it reveals something very essential, very crucial about our Christian faith and life. Is it necessary to explain that Easter is much more than one of the feasts, more than a yearly commemoration of a past event? Anyone who has, be it only once, taken part in that night which is "brighter than the day," who has tasted of that unique joy, knows it. On Easter we celebrate Christ's Resurrection as something that happened and still happens to us. For each one of us received the gift of that new life and the power to accept it and live by it. It is a gift which radically alters our attitude toward everything in this world, including death. It makes it possible for us to joyfully affirm: "Death is no more!" Oh, death is still there, to be sure, and we still face it and someday it will come and take us. But it is our whole faith that by His own death Christ changed the very nature of death, made it a passage - a "passover," a "Pascha" - into the Kingdom of God, transforming the tragedy of tragedies into the ultimate victory. Such is that faith of the Church, affirmed and made evident by her countless Saints. Is it not our daily experience, however, that this faith is very seldom ours, that all the time we lose and betray the "new life" which we received as a gift, and that in fact we live as if Christ did not rise from the dead, as if that unique event had no meaning whatsoever for us? We simply forget all this so busy are we, so immersed in our daily preoccupations and because we forget, we fail. And through this forgetfulness, failure, and sin, our life becomes "old" again petty, dark, and ultimately meaningless a meaningless journey toward a meaningless end. We may from time to time acknowledge and confess our various "sins," yet we cease to refer our life to that new life which Christ revealed and gave to us. Indeed, we live as if He never came. This is the only real sin, the sin of all sins, the bottomless sadness and tragedy of our nominal Christianity. Special articles: St. Gregory Palamas Festival, p.4; Oratorical Festival, p. 6 If we realize this, then we may understand what Easter is and why it needs and presupposes Lent. For we may then understand that the liturgical traditions of the Church, all its cycles and services, exist, first of all, in order to help us recover the vision and the taste of that new life which we so easily lose and betray, so that we may repent and return to it. And yet the "old" life, that of sin and pettiness, is not easily overcome and changed. The Gospel expects and requires from man an effort of which, in his present state, he is virtually incapable. This is where Great Lent comes in. This is the help extended to us by the Church, the school of repentance which alone will make it possible to receive Easter not as mere permission to eat, to drink, and to relax, but indeed as the end of the "old" in us, as our entrance into the "new." For each year Lent and Easter are, once again, the rediscovery and the recovery by us of what we were made through our own baptismal death and resurrection. A journey, a pilgrimage! Yet, as we begin it, as we make the first step into the "bright sadness" of Lent, we see far, far away the destination. It is the joy of Easter, it is the entrance into the glory of the Kingdom. And it is this vision, the foretaste of Easter, that makes Lent's sadness bright and our lenten effort a "spiritual spring." The night may be dark and long, but all along the way a mysterious and radiant dawn seems to shine on the horizon. "Do not deprive us of our expectation, O Lover of man!" Glory be to God! Courtesy St. Vladimir s Seminary Press

2 Glad Tidings Page 2 From the Desk of the President A few of you have asked me about the status of the new iconostasis. As it stands now, if there are no further hiccups, the project could be done by the end of April or beginning of May. However, in an effort to avoid any needless complications, like not having an iconostasis during Holy Week, we will likely not see the installation commence until after Pascha. I know we have all waited patiently for this process to be completed. Please remember that it will be finished soon. In the meantime, thank you for your patience and continued prayers for Mother Theodora (iconographer) and Doug Trial- Johnson (wood carver). With the imminent replacement of the iconostasis, the Capital Projects Committee has also begun looking into new flooring for the solea, sacristy and altar. While the type of material to be used has not yet been determined, this issue will be analyzed and presented at a future Parish Assembly Meeting. Other capital improvements around the church abound. These include the Social Hall remodel (on the Feb. 24 Parish Assembly agenda), some lingering storage issues, and some updating to the downstairs facilities used by the Sunday and Greek Schools. Of course, just like everything else these days, improving our facilities will cost money. As I stated at last November s Parish Assembly, we must continue to challenge ourselves (and one another) to increase our stewardship pledges so we can end our reliance on fundraisers to cover our annual operating budget. Money from our fundraisers is more appropriately used for long-term capital improvements and other benevolent causes not to keep the lights and heat on. During Stewardship Month, I suggested that each of us not be content with a 10% increase in our stewardship pledge but to give thought and prayer to committing to an increase of 1% of annual income. I ll be the first to admit that this is a tall order. But, our pledge to the church is our gift to God from the many gifts He gives to us each and every day. Andrea and I have attempted to be faithful to that suggestion. In doing so, we have found that in giving more, the blessings have far outweighed the initial concerns and struggle of trying to give sacrificially. On Sunday February 3 rd, after the Divine Liturgy, the children of our parish recited their speeches and other materials for the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. Each one of them should be complimented for their efforts. After all, even as adults, many of us would prefer not to speak in front of a large group on any topic-let alone one of a religious nature. But, professing (and acting out) our faith in a public way is who we are! I was particularly struck by the efforts of one class that recited the Beatitudes from Jesus Sermon on the Mount. The children then gave brief, more easily understood explanations of the meaning of these scriptural passages. Their message was appropriate for any time of year but especially as we head into Lent. When we hear these passages speaking to the heavenly blessings that God bestows upon the faithful, each of us must ask How does this translate into my everyday life? As we approach Lent, we have more abundant opportunities to live out our faith. For example, we can hunger and thirst for righteousness in a practical manner by attending Compline (Mondays), Pre-Sanctified Liturgy (Wednesdays) or the Akathist (Fridays) services during the week or the Pan-Orthodox Vespers and dinner on March 23 rd. These extra services provide us the opportunity to prioritize the presence of God and His Kingdom in our lives. I have never been to a Pre-Sanctified Liturgy service but am making it a goal to do so during Lent this year. We can be merciful and thereby obtain mercy by simply practicing increased fasting and almsgiving. Instead of eating out at lunch, we could brown bag it and put the money saved toward a benevolent cause. International Orthodox Christian Charities provides many different options for such charitable giving, including special collections during Lent. Finally, we can be peacemakers and sons of God through our actions and attitudes around church. Rather than focusing on negatives, we can individually share God s peace with those around us by increasing our participation in His work. We can do this by simply performing any of the Corporal Works of Mercy, such as visiting the sick, feeding the hungry or providing shelter to the homeless. In doing these things, we focus more on God and less on our own frustrations. It is easy to preach about these things. It is not so easy to practice them. But, this is what we are called to do, especially as we make our journey to Pascha. When I see the good works of others in our parish, it strengthens me. Often, it causes me to demand more of myself. As each of us struggles through this calling during Lent, it will benefit us greatly to keep the lessons from the Sermon on the Mount in the forefront of our minds. If we can make even small steps towards these ideals, collectively and individually, God will generously bestow His blessings on us, our parish and beyond. Eric Chadwick

3 St. Paul, MN Page 3 Parish Announcements Help to Feed the Hungry! The next date for cooking and serving at Loaves and Fishes will be on April 14. If you are interested in helping, please contact Naomi Tsantir at: ntsantir@msn.com, or add your name to the sign-up sheet in the social hall. Celebrate Greek Independence and the Annunciation of the Theotokos The St George Greek School invites the parish to celebrate the double holiday of Greek Independence of March 25, 1921and the Annunciation of the Theotokos, on Sunday, March 23. Greek School students will recite poetry and sing songs as well as perform the program that will be showcased at the Festival of Nations. Returning as guests of honor, the Greek Dancers of Minnesota will highlight our celebration with a new program of favorite dances as well as novel choreographies. A Lenten meal, including dessert and wine will be served. Tickets available at the door for purchase: Adults $15; children under 10, $8; children under 3 free; families $40. We hope to see you there! Zeito ei Ellas! Cheese Fare Sunday Cheese Fare Sunday is on March 9th. A tray will be passed and lunch, $5.00, will be provided by Philoptochos. Proceeds will benefit the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). Philoptochos Updates Thanks a million to all for the generous contributions on Vasilopita Day, January 6, 2008, for the benefit of the Academy of St. Basil. Several adults and children wore red on Go Red Sunday, February 3, 2008, to raise the awareness of finding a cure for heart disease. Following Friday night Lenten vespers, on April 4, Philoptochos will be hosting the Lenten meal. RENEW or BEGIN your membership with Philoptochos. Dues are a free-will offering. See the insert for details. AHEPA/ Gekas College Grant AHEPA/Daughters of Penelope St. Paul children, spouses, and grandchildren can apply for a grant. Application forms will be posted on the AHEPA/Daughters bulletin board in the church hall. The applications must be in by May 1, For additional information contact any of the committee members: John Antoniou, Thanasi Contolatis, Dimitri Dokos and Frank Mortari. Lenten Cook Book Available Now In The Book Store! For all your Lenten recipe needs, "A Lenten Cook Book For Orthodox Christians", cost is $10. Stewardship Update As of February 7, 96 parishioners have submitted a pledge card and 52% of our stewardship budget is pledged. If you have not already, please make your commitment of time, talents and treasures to God in our parish of St George. We are encouraging everyone to tithe (give 10% of gross income) by increasing their giving from the previous year. Reflection: There are two kinds of gratitude - the kind we feel for what we receive and the larger kind we feel for what we give. Festival of Nations May 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Many volunteers are needed for this fund raising and cultural event. Contact Jean Pliakas jwpliakas@aol.com, to volunteer at the cafe booth and Anna Christoforides to volunteer at the bazaar and cultural booth. Voices wanted! The MEOCCA Pan-Orthodox Choir invites anyone interested in singing to attend rehearsals for the Sunday Lenten Vespers. They will be held at St. Mary s Orthodox Cathedral in the choir loft at 1701 Fifth Street NE Mpls, MN We will hold rehearsals evenings listed below and one hour prior to the service at the individual locations. If you have questions, please contact the director, Sara Ann Schwebach at or at saschweb@hotmail.com. Tuesday, February 19 7:00-8:30 pm Tuesday, February 26 7:00-8:30 pm Tuesday, March 3 7:00-8:30 pm Tuesday, March 10 No Rehearsal! Tuesday, March :30 pm

4 Glad Tidings Page 4 Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours Mondays 10:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30PM-4:30PM Tue. Thurs. 8:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) FatherRick@usa.com Fiona Eustathiades, Administrative Assistant (651) Eric Chadwick, Parish Council President (507) chadwick@ptslaw.com Reva Adkins, Philoptochos President (651) rradkins@comcast.net Andrea Faches, Sunday School Director (507) afaches@msn.com Anna Christoforides, Greek School Director (651) Diane Anastos Glad Tidings - Editor Registry (correction) Baptisms Zoe Mann, daughter of Joann Mann. Godmother -Cindy Mann George and Anna Barbes. Godparents Pres. Jane Andrews and Georgia Panapoulos Weddings Memorials Tortorelis (40 Days) Festal Icons Needed Please donate a Festal Icon (11" x 14") in memory of a loved one. The cost is $50.00 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. St. Agnes (Agnea) January 14 St. Anastasia the Martyr October 12 St. Christina the Martyr July 24 St. Gregory Palamas Festival March 21-23, 2008 Guest Speaker: Kyriakos Markides, author of Mountain of Silence and Gifts of the Desert. George Activities will include: Friday evening services and discussion Saturday lectures, potluck luncheon, discussions, children s program and vespers.

5 Youth & Sunday School News UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS Dance for Your Church! Dance practices are starting for Greek Independence Day and Festival of Nations, beginning Monday, Feb. 18 at 7:15pm. All age 15 and younger are welcome to participate. Contact Anna YOUTH MINISTRY Monday, March 10th 6:30 p.m. St. George Greek Orthodox Church Monthly planning meeting. All Sunday School staff and youth workers are invited to attend. Next meeting will be on April 14th GOYA Bowling Night Saturday, March 29th St. George Greek Orthodox Church Vespers at 5:00 p.m. Pizza and bowling at Sun Ray Lanes 2245 Hudson Road St. Paul St. George Junior Choir St. Paul, MN Page 5 The St. George Junior Choir, directed by Barbara Bauman & Andrea Faches, performed at the annual Christmas Program (below). The beautiful new robes arrived just in time! All the money needed to purchase the choir robes was donated by generous supporters. Please encourage your children to join and watch it grow. Back Row: Katharine Chadwick, Antigone Delton, Kally Fuller, Alexandra Selliris; Front Row: Dinah Lampros, Kharissa Maehren, Tess Chadwick, (Barbara Bauman) James Simon and William Chadwick. (Not pictured: Christina, Sophia & Dino Bowman, Alexander Chadwick, Matthew & Tommy Katsiyiannis, Lily Lampros, Lisa Menke, Sophia Selliris, Matthew & Anna Maria Simon, John & Maria Stathopoulos and Anastasia Vlachos) GOYAL Basketball Tournament (JOY Team) Back Row: Eleanor Hastings (Mpls), Katharine Chadwick, Alex Karras, Chris Karras (Sioux City) Front Row: Bill Chadwick, Alex Chadwick, Theologia Pitsavas, Eva Bruer & Jonathan Paraschou Coaches: Eric Chadwick & Kyle Bruer GOYA -Winter Retreat Friday, March 7th, 7 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 8th St. Mary s Greek Orthodox Church Memorable Moments in Christ 6-12 graders from all area Orthodox churches. Fifteen dollar scholarships are available. Call Doria: SUMMER CAMP Q & A Sunday, March 9th 11:15 a.m. Terrace Room Wed, March 12th 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room 2 St. Mary s Greek Orthodox Church Parents of new campers and returning campers are invited to attend and bring their questions. A dinner of soup will be provided. Sunday School St. John Chrysostom Oratorical & Arts Festival Congratulations to Tessa Pliakas, winner of the Junior Division Oratorical Festival at St. George. Tessa has been asked to represent St. George at the Metropolis Oratorical & Arts Festival, held this year at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago on May 3rd. Honorable Mention to runners up Ted Andrews and Alexandra Selliris. Kudos to the entire Sunday School, over 45, for their participation in the Oratorical Festival. We are very proud of all of them! See pictures on page 6. Lenten Almsgiving Project Fill Your Easter Basket with Food The children have decorated Easter Baskets and will be collecting food for Trinity Mission during Lent. Please remember to bring nonperishable food items to Sunday School each week. Mission Sunday On March 9th the teachers will distribute the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Mission boxes. Spare change and money collected during Lent will help take the Gospel to people around the world. Please return the boxes to your respective Sunday School teacher by May 4th.

6 Glad Tidings Page 6 Book Store The new Orthodox Study Bible is now available in the Book Store. We have waited a long time for the Bible with both the New and Old Testament to be available. Check it out. Lent is coming and there have been requests for a lenten cookbook..a Lenten Cookbook for the Orthodox Christian by the St. Nectarios Press is in the Book Store. This book was compiled to encourage and revitalize fasting within our Orthodox households. If you are looking for prayer reading during Lent First Fruits of Prayers by Frederica Matthews Green is a forty day journey through the Cannon of St. Andrew. This book is a series of forty prayers for reading which are accompanied by commentary and questions for further reflection. Two books are available in the book store which are an aid in preparing for the visit of Dr. Kyriakos Markides who will talk with us during our St. Gregory Palamas Festival. The two books are "The Mountain of Silence" and "Gifts of the Desert." In the Mountain of Silence Markides explores a wide range of topics from angels, spirits and demons. This book is an excellent source for spiritual seekers. He introduces the essential spiritual nature of Eastern Orthodoxy. In Gifts of the Desert, Markides continues his examination of Eastern Orthodox teachings and practices and captures their living expression though visits to monasteries and hermitages in Greece and America. Scenes from the St. George Oratorical Festival Junior Division Alexandra Selliris Theodore Andrews Tessa Pliakas Elementary Levels Pre-School Through Sixth Grades

7 Around Town & Nation St. Paul, MN Page 7 Introduction to the Tradition of the Icon Join Debra Korluka at St. Joseph in Lino Lakes (171 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, MN) on March 13th and March 19th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Discussion on March 13th will cover an introduction to the tradition and theology of the icon along with contemplating St. Joseph the "Protector of the Virgin Mary and the Guardian of Christ". The presentation and blessing of the newly commissioned St. Joseph icon will take place on March 19th. Image of the Divine Icons by Debra Korluka are being displayed at the Whitby Gift Shop and Gallery in Saint Benedict s Monastery,through April 6, This is the first of four shows in the Whitby Gallery for (104 Chapel Lane, St..Joseph, MN) Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. closed Mondays. For more information, please call or visit Retreats A Pan-Orthodox Women's retreat will be held at the Benedictine Center on March 28th-29th in St. Joseph. Mother Lois and Debra Korluka will present on the icon as a prayer effort and its relationship in Orthodox heritage and the arts. Exploring Spirituality and Icons A Conversation between a Theologian and an Artist". Join iconographer Debra Korluka and Wilson Yates, emeritus professor of religion, society and the arts at United Theological Seminary, as they reflect on their experiences both personal and professional in this unique conversation about the spirituality of icons. United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, Feb. 28th at 7:00 p.m. A conversation prior to chapel services will take place and explore the spirituality and theology of the icon. Westwood Lutheran Church at 9001 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park on Feb. 27th at 6:00 pm and March 5th at 6:00 pm. Selective icons on display will be discussed. The current exhibition of iconography runs through March 15th. Metropolis & Archdiocesan News Scholarship Applications Online Application materials are now available for the George and Naouma Gioles Scholarship and the Katina John Malta Scholarship programs. Also available are materials for the Paleologos Graduate Scholarship program. Awards range from $1500 to $2000 for undergraduates and up to $10,000 for graduate students. Applications and guidelines can be accessed on the website of the Office of the Chancellor at en/archdiocese/administration/chancellor/ scholarships.asp 2008 Archdiocese Yearbook Now Online The 2008 edition of the Yearbook of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is now available on the Archdiocese website. The book includes directories of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Archdiocese and Metropolises, Parishes and Clergy, National Ministries, Departments, Institutions, and Related Agencies and Organizations. Each parish will receive two complimentary copies. Additional copies can be ordered from the Dept. of Communications by calling Ionian Village Registration now open Please visit and download a registration packet. Register before March 7th to receive the Early Bird Discount rate! Summer Travel Camp: June 27 through July 17th - Byzantine Venture: July 26th through August 14th - Both sessions open to campers who have completed 7th through 12th grade. OCMC Responds to Crisis in Kenya Hundreds of Kenyans have lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands more have lost their homes, as a result of the recent violence that erupted in the wake of contested presidential elections held in Kenya on December 27th. Learn more about the response of Orthodox Christians to the needs and challenges in Kenya and about how you can help.

8 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID St. Paul, MN Permit No. 177 Phone: Fax: Web Site: Weekday Worship Schedule REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES Saturday, March 1, Saturday of Souls, Divine Liturgy, 9:00am Every Monday of Lent Starting March 10th, Compline Service, 6:00pm Every Wednesday of Lent Starting March 12th, Presanctified Liturgy follow by Lecture, 6:00pm Every Friday of Lent Starting March 14th, Akathist Service, 6:00pm Sunday, March 16, Lenten St. Mary OCA, 4pm Sunday, March 23, Lenten St. George Greek, 4pm Tuesday, March 25, Annunciation/Greek Independence, 8am Orthros and Liturgy Holy Confession: By Appointment Vespers: Saturday 5 pm (September May) Orthros: Sunday 8:30 am Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:45 am Sunday School: (September through May) starts after administration of Holy Communion Saturday, March 29, Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI, 9:30am Sunday, March 30, Lenten Holy Trinity Serbian, 4pm

9 March 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Coming in April Lazaros Saturday with Youth Retreat Palm Sunday Great and Holy Week 25 - Holy Friday w/ Youth Retreat 27 - Great and Holy Pascha 28-May 2 - Bright/Renewal Week +SATURDAY OF SOULS +9:00am LITURGY 1 *5:00pm Radio Program KKMS 980am +5:00pm VESPERS *6:00pm Greek School Apokreatiko Glendi MEATFARE +FAST DAY +FAST DAY *12:00pm AHEPA Presents: Basics of +8:30am ORTHROS Human Immune +9:45am LITURGY *6:15pm Greek System by Frank School Mortari *12:00pm Junior Choir Practice *7:00pm Catechism *6:30pm *6:30pm Missions *5:00pm Radio Class Philoptochos & Benevolence Program KKMS 980am +5:00pm VESPERS CHEESEFARE +CLEAN/PURE MONDAY - GREAT Daylight Savings LENT BEGINS Time Begins +6:00pm COMPLINE *5:00pm Radio SERVICE +6:00pm *12:00pm MEOCCA +6:00pm Program KKMS +40 MARTYRS *6:15pm Greek PRESANCTIFIED AKATHISTOS 980am OF SEBASTE School LITURGY SERVICE +5:00pm VESPERS *6:30pm Youth *7:00pm Bible *7:00pm Parish +8:30am ORTHROS & Family Ministry Mt Fr. Rick's *7:30pm LENTEN Council +9:45am LITURGY *7:00pm Catechism Home LECTURE *7:30pm LENTEN Class LECTURE STRICT FAST OF GREAT LENT ST SUN. LENT- *10:00am LENTEN SUNDAY OF +6:00pm COMPLINE RETREAT w/ ORTHODOXY SERVICE +6:00pm +6:00pm Kyriacos Markides +8:30am ORTHROS *6:15pm Greek PRESANCTIFIED AKATHISTOS +9:45am LITURGY School LITURGY SERVICE *5:00pm Radio +12:00pm Youth *7:30pm LENTEN Program KKMS Procession of *7:00pm Catechism LECTURE *5:00pm Spiritual *7:30pm LENTEN 980am Icons Class Life Cmte LECTURE +3:00pm VESPERS *12:00pm Junior Choir Practice *4pm Lenten St. Mary OCA STRICT FAST OF GREAT LENT ND SUN. LENT- +ANNUNCIATION +9:30am Liturgy ST. GREGORY in Eau Claire, WI PALAMAS +6:00pm COMPLINE GREEK *11:00am Retreat +8:30am ORTHROS SERVICE INDEPENDENCE +6:00pm +6:00pm w/ Mother Gabriell +9:45am LITURGY *6:15pm Greek DAY PRESANCTIFIED St. Herman OCA *12:00pm Greek School LITURGY SERVICE Independence Day *7:00pm Catechism +8:00am ORTHROS *7:30pm LENTEN *7:30pm LENTEN *5:00pm Radio Celebration Class +9:00am LITURGY LECTURE LECTURE Program KKMS *4pm Lenten Vespers * 7pm Stewardship *7pm Welcome & St. George Greek Cmte. Meeting Outreach Cmte. +5:00pm VESPERS RD SUN. LENT- VENERATION OF CROSS +8:30am ORTHROS +9:45am LITURGY +12:00pm Youth Procession of Cross +6:00pm COMPLINE SERVICE *6:15pm Greek School *7:00pm Catechism STRICT FAST OF GREAT LENT *4pm Lenten Vespers St. Holy Trinity Serbian St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651)

10 Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Annual St. Gregory Palamas, an articulate defender of Orthodoxy and true prayer in the 14 th century, is commemorated the second Sunday of Great Lent each year. He is the inspiration for this weekend festival featuring lectures, worship and fellowship. Orthodox Monasticism- Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World Guest Speaker: Kyriacos Markides Many people dismiss monasticism, its teachings and traditions, as only for monks and nuns and zealots. But people living in the world have a great deal to learn from its rich heritage. Friday, March 21 Saturday, March 22 6:00PM Akathistos/Salutations Service 7:30PM Lenten Dinner 8:00PM Lecture: Re-Discovering Orthodoxy on Mt. Athos 10:00AM Coffee and Fellowship 10:30AM Morning Presentation: How To Encounter God 12:00PM Lenten Potluck Luncheon 1:00PM Afternoon Presentation : A Pictorial Journey 3:00PM Sunday, March 23 8:30AM 9:45AM 4:00PM Great Vespers Service Orthros Service Divine Liturgy Pan Orthodox Lenten Vespers For directions to Saint George Greek Orthodox Church visit our website at stgeorgegoc.org or call Kyriacos C. Markides, Ph.D. is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Maine and author of six books on Christian mystics and Eastern Orthodox spiritual guides and elders. In his last two books, The Mountain of Silence: A Search for Orthodox Spirituality (Doubleday paperback) and his recent Gifts of the Desert: The Forgotten Path of Christian Spirituality (Doubleday, 2005), he explores mystical Christianity through his association with the charismatic elder Father Maximos, a monk from Mount Athos. Professor Markides books are widely read and have been published in thirteen other countries and languages. He has also given regular lectures and workshops around the United States, Canada and overseas. Furthermore, he has appeared on national television and has been interviewed on national and international radio stations as well as newspapers and magazines. Professor Markides books are available in major bookstores and in amazon.com and at this retreat. He lives in Stillwater, Maine with his wife Emily from Famagusta, Cyprus. They have two grown up children, Constantine and Vasia. isbn=

11 GRIEF, LOSS & HEALING IN ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY Instructor/Facilitator: Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews Mondays- March 10, 17, April 7 & 14 7:00 8:30PM Losses due to death and other life changes are common to all people. Learning how to cope and heal is a challenge in today s world that often denies the reality of death and loss. This series of classes will explore the resources in consonance with the Orthodox Christian Tradition that can serve us. Classes are open to everyone and will include some time for personal reflection and sharing in discussion. March 10 March 17 April 7 April 14 Defining Death and Loss; Sharing our Story The Grief Response- What Can I Expect? Life After Loss- A Healthy Progression Helping Others in Grief St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1111 Summit Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota fatherrick@usa.com These classes are offered concurrently with the cooperative catechism classes sponsored by the Minnesota Eastern Orthodox Christian Clergy Association (