A Monthly Publication

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May 2017 A Monthly Publication Volume 18 Issue 5 CHRIST IS RISEN!

This is the time we share in the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem, the passion of our Lord and His Holy Resurrection.

My thanks also to Rosa, Sanaa, Denise and their families who made the fried bread on Lazarus Saturday and to those who decorated candles and made palm crosses.

We thank Raed Kakish and the Kakish family for the amazing floral decorations. (Raed has decorated both St. Mary and St. George Churches for over 20 years!).

1 May 2017 A Monthly Publication Volume 18 Issue 5 CHRIST IS RISEN! We have just completed the most holy time in the church year from Lazarus Saturday to Palm Sunday through Holy Week to Great and Holy Pascha! This is the time we share in the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem, the passion of our Lord and His Holy Resurrection. My most sincere appreciation to the clergy and altar boys, the choir, chanters, Arabic choir and the children s choir who greatly enriched these services. My thanks also to Rosa, Sanaa, Denise and their families who made the fried bread on Lazarus Saturday and to those who decorated candles and made palm crosses. The Palm Sunday fish dinner was wonderful our thanks to Sanaa and Denise! And thanks to Paul Abrass for putting together the candles. We thank Raed Kakish and the Kakish family for the amazing floral decorations. (Raed has decorated both St. Mary and St. George Churches for over 20 years!). This year was very special due to placing the stones from the actual tomb of Christ in our tomb on Saturday night. We were directed to do this by His Grace, Bishop ANTHONY, in a moment of inspiration, when he was with us prior to Christmas. Last fall, Tom and Mary Rudquist were privileged to go the tomb, which was open for the first time in many years, and bring back stones from the tomb. Many of our faithful were able to witness the smell of myrrh from these stones! Our Paschal celebration was completed with Paschal Agape Vespers followed by an Easter egg hunt sponsored by Tom and Mary at the church! We were then invited to the Rudquist home for a great feast and another Easter egg hunt! We all ate until we were full! On behalf of all the members and friends of St. George, I thank Tom and Mary and all those who helped cook and prepare the meal for all of us to enjoy! A special Paschal blessing to all of you! In our Risen Lord, Fr. Tom LAST MINUTE ITEM FOR THE NEWSLETTER? inside... Sunday School Pascha Event ACH Stewardship Deposit Page 4 Page 8 Page 7 to: FtBegley@aol.com By 5/15/2017

Birthday in May 3 - Lynden Awada 5 - Anya Kathleen Hafiz 6 - Patricia Burbank 7 - Jacob Joseph 7 - Lucas James Joseph 7 Sami Smith 8 - T. J. Perry 9 - John Damian 9 - Michael James Etoll 9 - Lisa Price 10 - Michelle Apman 11 - Denise Ferraro 12 Kh.

Zeresenay 20 - Michael Joseph Etoll 20 - Rachel E. Hafiz 20 - Anna Mikhail 21 - Saed Kakish 22 - George Saba 23 - Phyllis Hodge 23 - Roula Bchara 24 - Jean L.

2 Birthday in May 3 - Lynden Awada 5 - Anya Kathleen Hafiz 6 - Patricia Burbank 7 - Jacob Joseph 7 - Lucas James Joseph 7 Sami Smith 8 - T. J. Perry 9 - John Damian 9 - Michael James Etoll 9 - Lisa Price 10 - Michelle Apman 11 - Denise Ferraro 12 Kh. Beth Begley 12 - Jeffrey Brown 13 - Kayla Burbank/Boyden 13 - Ole Percy 14 - David Hafiz 15 Millen Biniam 18 Isaiah Phelps 18 - Justin Sicora 19 - Robert Korluka 19 - Souad Bchara 19 - Thomas Zeresenay 20 - Michael Joseph Etoll 20 - Rachel E. Hafiz 20 - Anna Mikhail 21 - Saed Kakish 22 - George Saba 23 - Phyllis Hodge 23 - Roula Bchara 24 - Jean L. Droubie 24 - Peter Paul Karos 24 - Jennifer Patton Towner 25 - Emily Nasseff 25 - Helen Haile 26 - Rebecca Michaels 26 Elias Hodge 27 - Kevin Scott 27 - Dillon Hafiz 28 - Sandra Heuer 29 - Mary Slaieh 29 - Eugene Tennis 31 - Anna Artemesia Karos Birthdays & Anniversaries Anniversary in May 2 - Farid & Haifa Jiryis 3 Joseph & Antoinette Sassine 7 Mark & Ranya Phelps 8 Steven & Lydia Kojack 12 - Walter & Maria Golden 31 Neal & Jennifer Buddensiek The Parish of St. George joins in wishing each of the celebrants congratulations and best wishes for a joyful, peaceful, healthful year. Each month we endeavor to provide a complete list of Birthdays and Anniversaries so that we will know who to commemorate in our prayers and to greet on their special day. If we have inadvertently omitted someone, please let Father Tom know so that we can include you. The purpose of the list is to be inclusive rather than exclusive. Please help us keep the list updated. Thank you and all our prayers on your special day! Brigitte Khoury is our Sunshine Lady. If you know of anyone to whom a card should be sent, please contact Brigitte at: or bgkstgeorge@gmail.com THANK YOU! $2650 was raised at the Palm Sunday fish dinner (hosted by the Jubran and Ferraro families) for St.. Elizabeth Orthodox Church in St. Paul. A wonderful meal and wonderful outpouring of generousity! Dear St. George Parishioners, I would like to thank all those that attended the Pancake Breakfast in memory of my brother Jim Hafiz, on April 23, Attendance was down a bit from years past, but I m happy to be able to report two donations to the church - $700 to the St. George Building Fund, and $200 to the St. George Ladies Society in memory of Jim Hafiz. A lot of effort goes into the pancake breakfast each year, and a special thank you is well deserved to my cochairs Paul Abrass and Assaad Haddad. In addition, many family and friends assist the day of the breakfast and each of them deserves a big thank you Norma Haddad, George Khoury, Walter Awada, Mary Meisinger, Jaki Hafiz, Andy Nelson, Becky Fillinger, Barbara Weston, Robert (III) Hafiz, Rachel Hafiz and Katie Price. Again, thank you to all and God Bless! Sincerely, Rob Hafiz Are you no longer interested in receiving this St. George newsletter? Please let us know by sending an to Brigitte at bgkstgeorge@gmail.com Page 2

Ascension and Council Corner Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! In the Orthodox Church, the feast of Christ's resurrection is commonly referred to as "Pascha" (PAS-ka), the Greek term for "Passover.

Every Sunday is dedicated to the resurrection of Christ, so that we never lose sight of the centrality of Christ's victory over death.

"Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!" we sing.

3 Ascension and Council Corner Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! In the Orthodox Church, the feast of Christ's resurrection is commonly referred to as "Pascha" (PAS-ka), the Greek term for "Passover." Jesus' rising from the dead is the point of reference for all Orthodox thought and life. Every Sunday is dedicated to the resurrection of Christ, so that we never lose sight of the centrality of Christ's victory over death. Yet in the Feast of Feasts--after a period of fasting and spiritual preparation that lasts almost two months called Great Lent-- the Orthodox faithful celebrate the greatest of all holy days, Pascha. "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!" we sing. ASCENSION Thursday, May 25 Troparion (Tone 4) O Christ God, You have ascended in Glory, Granting joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured That You are the Son of God, The Redeemer of the world! Kontakion (Tone 6) When You did fulfill the dispensation for our sake, And unite earth to Heaven: You did ascend in glory, O Christ our God, Not being parted from those who love You, But remaining with them and crying: I am with you and no one will be against you. English: Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Arabic: Al Maseeh Qam! Haqan Qam! Greek: Kristos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! Romanian: Kristos A Inviat! Adeverat a Inviat! Russian: Kristos Voskresey! Voyistino Voskresey! COUNCIL CORNER The Parish Council met on Apri18, 17. Among the items discussed: March stewardship was 34% below budget. March expenses were 8% below budget. Account balances as of March 31, 2017: o Checking - $20, o Savings - $ 1, o Building Fund - $ o Total - $ 2, o Mortgage Balance - $90, Next Meeting: May 16 th at 6:30 p.m. Page 3

Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday, children proudly decorated candles

commemorating Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm

Thank you to Myrna Rezcallah and the other families that helped

Almsgiving For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I

.. Matthew 25:35 Thank you to everyone who generously donated to

express gratitude to the directors, clergy, parish council,

The Church School was shaped under the tireless leadership of

It has continued to thrive over the last decade due to Lisa

Looking ahead, Christina Worrall will be taking over the duties

Christina is seeking your feedback on how to ensure that St.

4 C S NEWSLETTER M 2017 My House Shall Be Called A House Of Prayer For All Nations Mark 11:17 Lazarus Saturday Following the Divine Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday, children proudly decorated candles with ribbons and flowers to carry in the processional commemorating Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Thank you to Myrna Rezcallah and the other families that helped and guided the children. Almsgiving For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink... Matthew 25:35 Thank you to everyone who generously donated to the food shelves this Lenten season and to those who filled Food for Hungry Banks. It is truly a blessing to help those less fortunate than ourselves. If you still have a bank, please turn it in as soon as possible to Lisa Mikhail. Last Day of Church School is May 21 Gratitude: Past, Present, and Future As another St. George Church School year comes to a close, we would like to express gratitude to the directors, clergy, parish council, teachers and parents for supporting our precious youth! The Church School was shaped under the tireless leadership of JoAnne Droubie for many, many years. It has continued to thrive over the last decade due to Lisa Mikhail s direction and commitment,. Looking ahead, Christina Worrall will be taking over the duties of church school director with the help of all of you. Christina is seeking your feedback on how to ensure that St. George Church School continues to prosper. She is also looking for volunteers. Please Christina at worrall.christina@gmail.com with your feedback and interests. Or please feel free to Christina with your responses to the following questions as a teacher, parent, and/or parishioner of St. George: What s working well? What would you like to see improved/changed and how? In addition to prayer, how would you like to help in 2017/2018? Teach Substitute teach Help organize rooms, curriculum and resources for teachers Coordinate Creative Arts Festival Coordinate service projects, e.g., school supplies, food drive, Focus, coffee hour Coordinate spiritual/social events, e.g., Christmas program, Lazarus Saturday, family activity Other Thank you for your feedback! Page 4

Antiochian Women and Announcements The Antiochian Women look forward to a number of activities in the next 2 months. On May 14, we will provide and serve a meal for Focus.

Please contact one of them if you have a graduate you would like honored. We will serve lunch in honor of our men on Fathers' Day. Watch for information on the circle assignments.

If interested in taking part in this worthwhile volunteer opportunity, contact Cindy Karos or Debby Etoll. Again this year, the AW are sponsoring a summer camp scholarship contest (details to follow).

The Pan Orthodox Tea was held at our church April 22. Doria Saros from St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church spoke about the importance of visitation of those in need.

YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE Come celebrate the start to Summer with YAL at the Tin Fish - Braemar location. Date - Friday, May 26 Time - Stop by any time between 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location - Braemar Golf Course 6364 John Harris Dr.

5 Antiochian Women and Announcements The Antiochian Women look forward to a number of activities in the next 2 months. On May 14, we will provide and serve a meal for Focus. We are asking for donations to cover the cost of this meal and donations of homemade bars or cookies to serve as dessert. Any volunteers who want to help serve the meal are welcome! May 20 is the date for our Ladies Spring Outing when we will enjoy lunch at the Lake Elmo Inn. A sign-up sheet is in the hall and the cost is $26 per person. We would like to car pool from the church for those that are interested. During June,we will honor our graduates. Sue Perry and Nancy Toenniges are coordinating this event. Please contact one of them if you have a graduate you would like honored. We will serve lunch in honor of our men on Fathers' Day. Watch for information on the circle assignments. On June 20, we will provide dinner for Families Moving Forward at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. Volunteers are also needed to take part in the evening activities. If interested in taking part in this worthwhile volunteer opportunity, contact Cindy Karos or Debby Etoll. Again this year, the AW are sponsoring a summer camp scholarship contest (details to follow). Two $100 scholarships will be awarded! Our next meeting will be on Thursday June 1 at 6:30 pm after a dinner at 6:00. All church women are welcome. The Pan Orthodox Tea was held at our church April 22. Doria Saros from St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church spoke about the importance of visitation of those in need. The men and women in attendance were very engaged and shared ideas. Thank you to those that helped make this a special day. We are truly blessed to have each other! YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE Come celebrate the start to Summer with YAL at the Tin Fish - Braemar location. Date - Friday, May 26 Time - Stop by any time between 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location - Braemar Golf Course 6364 John Harris Dr. Edina, MN YAL is for Twin Cities Orthodox young adults, ages Questions? Contact Fr. Jason FRjason@stmarysgoc.org, Katherine Pappas kaypapps@gmail.com, or Alexandra Richardsonalrich91@aol.com The Annual Diocese of Toledo Parish Life Conference - June 21-25, 2017, St. George Church of Cicero, IL, is honored to be the host at the Oak Brook Marriott and give the parishioners of our diocese the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Cicero. For more information on the Parish Life Conference, go to toledo.html Diocese of Toledo Parish Life Conference Committee THE WORD MAGAZINE Anyone interested in receiving the WORD Magazine please contact Fr. Tom. Any member of St. George may receive the WORD free. Following Lazarus Compline service, OCF students from the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas joined us for a delicious dinner. Jerry Jubran is the President of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship and a college graduate this year! Page 5

Announcements LAUNCH INTO LITURGY EXPLORATION We wish to invite all the children of your parish to Vacation Church School at St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church, June 12-16, 8:45-12:00 p.m. This year we will explore and learn about Divine Liturgy in a fun, easy to understand way with a NASA/ space theme to help us relate to what it all means!

6 Announcements LAUNCH INTO LITURGY EXPLORATION We wish to invite all the children of your parish to Vacation Church School at St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church, June 12-16, 8:45-12:00 p.m. This year we will explore and learn about Divine Liturgy in a fun, easy to understand way with a NASA/ space theme to help us relate to what it all means! Hope you will join us. St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church Please see Fr. Tom if you would like a registration form! Don't miss the 10th Annual St. George Middle Eastern Festival on July , 2017 Plan to join us for a fun-filled weekend of fantastic food, great entertainment and warm hospitality! Enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, homemade pastries, silent auction, Middle Eastern marketplace and much, much more! Visit the festival website at Follow us on Facebook at SUMMER CAMP Early Bird Registration will open April 18 at 10:00 AM! Registration Fees: Early Bird Discount: $425 from 4/18-5/5/2017 Standard Fee: $475 from 5/6-25/2017 at 4:30 PM Please register at: stmaryscamp.com The 2017 Summer Camp Scholarship Contest for 6-12 grades! Open to our entire Pan-Orthodox Community! Two Camp scholarship rebate coupons will be awarded in memory of Presbytera Mary Coniaris and James H. Zubulake. Camp registration fees will be rebated to two contest winners. The 2017 theme for camp is Faithful Still. This year s essay question is, "What is the biggest challenge that you have faced in your life and how did you remain faithful to God?" There will be two divisions: Junior Division- open to campers entering 6-8 grades Fall Contestants are required to submit a 250- word (typed) essay on the theme. Senior Division- open to campers entering 9-12 grades Fall Contestants are required to submit a 500- word (typed) essay on the theme. Entries must remain as close to the word limits (250 or 500) as possible. ENTRIES ARE DUE NO LATER THAN SUNDAY MAY 21, Please submit entries to: frbenjamin@stmarysoca.org Save the Date Pentecost MEOCCA Vespers 4pm on Sunday, June 4th St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church 3450 Irving Ave. So. Minneapolis, MN Gather for the Kneeling Vespers of Pentecost with prayers of good-will for all those who have served the Sunday Lenten meals and opened their churches during the Great Fast. A meal courtesy of ME- OCCA will follow vespers. If you would like to host a coffee hour by yourself or with someone, sign up on the sign -up sheets located in the hallway or contact Sanaa Jubran to reserve a date. All that is asked is that hosts strictly follow the Fasting traditions of our Holy Orthodox Church. And as always everyone is invited for this period of fellowship. GENERAL INFORMATION IN CASE OF ILLNESS OR NEED. Please be sure our Priest and the Sunshine Lady are aware. Only then can they carry out their duties! Also, if you would like to have your home blessed, call the Priest to make arrangements. MOVING?? OR HAVE YOU MOVED? Don t forget to tell your church about your new address. Please contact Joannie Alevizos so she can update our mailing list. HOLY BREAD SCHEDULE If you would like to offer the Holy Bread in memory of loved ones or for the health of your family, etc., call Joannie Alevizos to secure a date in advance. The same is true for the Memorial Wheat. NOTE: STAMP FOR HOLY BREAD NOW RESIDES IN THE CHURCH KITCHEN. Page 6

7 Automated Stewardship Contributions \MONTHLY AUTOMATIC DONATION SIGN-UP FORM Return to Financial Secretary First Name: Last Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Address: Phone #(s): NOTE: Donation withdrawals will begin the $irst month after the of$ice processes this form. You will receive an con$irmation of your start date. If you have any questions, please contact the church of$ice at (651) or Financial Secretary Denise Ferraro at By signing below, you authorize St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church to initiate ongoing ACH debits to collect donations using your provided account information. This authorization will remain in full force and effect unless you request in writing that your donation to be changed or stopped. Bank Name: Bank Account #: Fund Designation: GENERAL Monthly Donation Amount: $ Payment Options (Check one): Withdraw full monthly amount on 1st day of every month. Withdraw full monthly amount on 15th day of every month. Split donation: Withdraw half of my monthly amount on the 1st day of every month and the remaining half on the 15th day of every month. Signature: Date: ********PLEASE ATTACH A VOIDED CHECK FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT HERE******* Office Use Only: Envelope # Added Changed Confirm Start Date Page 7

8 St. George Antiochian Church 1250 Oakdale Ave. West St. Paul, MN ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No inside... St. George Newsletter 5/17 * Announcements * Council Corner * ACH Stewardship Program

where all misfortunes are concentrated,

where all misfortunes are concentrated, April 2015 A Monthly Publication Volume 16 Issue 4 Through this time of the passion of Christ, we witness His love through His willingness to be mocked, suffer, and die for us! He redeems us through His