Agape S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H O C T

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1 S T. G E O R G E Agape G R E E K S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H O C T Wake Up! Watch Out! By Father Stephen Freeman "Why didn't I see that?" The question comes often enough. It is the experience that tells us that experience itself is flawed. It can be deeply upsetting, as when we look up and realize the car in front of us has suddenly applied its brakes. It can be numbing and frustrating, as when something that should have been noticed or understood has failed to register. It is a commonplace experience in our lives, and has a spiritual counterpart. The fathers describe our failure to see and hear as dullness, sleep, drunkenness. It is a condition of the heart. Its cure is the state of watchfulness, of being awake: nepsis. Christ speaks of this state of the heart in the context of His coming: Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect (Mat 24:42-44). Those who apply this verse simply to the moment of the Second Coming, fail to heed its warning. They look to world politics and attempt to match Bible and the news cycle. But the Son of Man comes repeatedly to them unobserved and unheeded. They fall asleep under the heavy weight and dullness of false teaching. I saw an interview on Youtube recently with one of the contemporary great Elders of Orthodoxy. In the conversation the Elder repeatedly directed his attention to the state of the heart. The young man conducting the interview kept asking questions about world events. He wanted a sensational prophecy. It was the spiritual opportunity of a lifetime, squandered. The dullness of the heart is perhaps the most fundamental characteristic of our brokenness. As noted above (Matt. 13), it is the condition that stands in the way of our healing and salvation. So what is the nature of watchfulness (nepsis)? In one of the great revolutions in human consciousness, the Enlightenment championed the use of rational observation. The scientific method, using experimentation and observation, became the most powerful technological tool in the history of the world. To be objective about whatever is seen became synonymous with truth and understanding. The disinterested observer, the individual who suspended his own commitments and judgments was the most reliable witness. Reality should speak for itself. A common assumption of this objective world-view is that the observer has no relationship with what is observed: he is independent of the world around him. Quantum physics has removed this assumption at a certain level, but the habits of centuries remain. The world as machine and man as mechanic are images that seem to abide. But watchfulness is not the view held by the mechanic. The mechanic ultimately seeks to manage and to control. It is the use of each element of reality that draws his attention. The feats of technology are a testament to the power of the human mind and the predictability of creation. Applying the methods of the mechanic, humanity has worked virtual miracles in the course of a few short centuries. But though the mechanic has transformed his world, he has failed to transform himself. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and to lose his soul? The nature of watchfulness is not marked by the observation of the world and its control, but the awareness of the true self and the transformation into the image of Christ. The soul of the watchful man is not unaware of the world around him, but its control and management are not its primary concern. The created world is given as a means of communion. The watchful soul eats to live; the soul of the mechanic lives to eat. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate (Gen 3:6). Building a Stronger Orthodox Christian Community by: Spiritually growing together; Sharing the Orthodox Faith through fellowship, outreach, and philanthropy; Worshipping in a traditional Byzantine church; Supported through Stewardship 202 Hillview #1 Eugene, Oregon Website: Phone: (541) frgerasimos@sntgrg.org

2 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H The curse that flows from the sin in the Garden thrives in the midst of technology. Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; For dust you are, and to dust you shall return." (Gen 3:17-19 NKJ) The mechanic labors to reduce his toil. The thorns and thistles of the ground are suppressed with poisonous technology, which infects the very bread the mechanic eats. The sweat of his face is transformed into fear and anxiety, the inevitable price of control. The goal of watchfulness, at every moment, is union with God and with God through all creation. The feast that is Paradise was given for the purpose of communion - we eat to live. We do not say that the fruit is good for food: we say that it is good because through it we can know God. It is only in perceiving all things in communion with God that we see the truth of all things. This is wakefulness, nepsis. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me (Rev 3:20). Fr. Stephen Freeman s newest book, Everywhere Present is being read in our Mid-Week Tweak class. If you liked reading this article please join us on Wednesdays! From your Parish Council Our visit by the Metropolitan is finally upon us. This week! He will spend Saturday with the Roseburg community and return to Eugene for Vespers Saturday evening, October 5. We have not been blessed by a visit of the Metropolitan for nearly four years, and I hope you have marked this as a don't miss weekend both for the Saturday Vespers and Liturgy Sunday morning. Page 2 While you surely want to be part of our infrequent visits by the Metropolitan he also wants, and needs, to see you. Each of you. This is an important opportunity for him to get the authentic pulse of the St. George family and appreciate what is going on up here 'in the woods.' So please make every effort to participate in Vespers next Saturday and certainly be here for the archpastoral Liturgy on Sunday. This is our church, let's really show it off for all that it is. You will have noticed in the weekly bulletin that we are slowly falling behind in our total stewardship against the weekly requirements. Now that summer is over, and we are all moving back into our normal routines, please be sure your own stewardship is current. This is also a time to remind all of us that we are working with a deficit budget as passed by the Parish Assembly. That meant we collectively committed ourselves to make up about a $6000 shortfall. This we have not done. To partially address the deficit we have asked for all to add a one time $100 gift. If nearly all of us do this it would completely clear the shortfall. I want to especially thank those of you who have answered this call, and share the need again to the rest of us. David Shafer For the Parish Council Financial Report As of August 22nd, or week 38, we should have received $95,000 dollars in stewardship. The actual amount received as of this date is $90,083. Some of our stewards paid ahead to help us over the summer and therefore have fulfilled their commitment early. In addition, about a quarter of our stewards gave an extra $100 dollars to help with the difference of nearly $6000 dollars between the amount pledged ($124K) and what the budget needs in stewardship income ($130K). This means we have more work to do in order for us to finish the year well. You will be receiving a third-quarter statement of giving in October and be receiving a financial report at the October Parish Assembly. If you have questions now, please contact the church office.

3 A G A P E Page 3 PHILIA Plans are in full force for our International Luncheon and Show on November 10. The Ladies of Philia are deciding on scrumptious dishes and practice has begun. However, we do need an audience to share in the food and the fun! It is a Philia fundraiser and contributions in any amount will be gratefully accepted. The money we raise helps both St. George and our parishioners in need. So, bring your family and friends and support our efforts! Michael Creech is working hard on the soundproofing project. It is a matter of matching the right product with available funds. While Michael researches, we will continue saving money. With the departure of the Merritt family, our girls groups have dwindled down substantially, but thanks to parishioner support they were still able to make an impact on the community. Their August School Supply Drive for Foster Kids was so successful that the impressed personnel at Sleep Country sent their photo to the corporate office. Thank you to all of the parishioners who contributed items to the Big Box and to the Jr. Philia and the Sunshine Girls who made the effort of collecting and delivering the supplies to the sponsoring agency. The girls next fundraiser will be for the Whittaker Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Look for the Big Box to make a re-appearance on its pedestal by the side door. Posted on it will be a list of needed items, which will be collected until mid- November. Traditionally, on Thanksgiving Day we gather as a family and give thanks for our many blessings. This project will allow us to expand this feeling to those in our community who, for whatever reasons, may be encountering hardships. For more information, you can visit their website at wcdinner.org. For cash donations, please see either Cassandra or Julie. The Rada information moved to the bookshelf next to the crowns and candles display case. Some of the products make fine gifts and 40% of the profits go towards Philia! If interested, please submit an order form to Melita. For info on wedding or baptismal items contact Gloria at or via at zeazeastimmons@gmail.com. And Lenny Buck had created some great looking icon boxes for us which sell for $ Check them out! Plans for the future: International Luncheon and Show on November 10. Please put this date on your calendars and Philia s Craft sale on December 14 & 15. Held in conjunction with the Pastry Sale. Reminder: Philia is a philanthropic organization open to ALL women in the parish. Come and join us! We could always use helping hands and helpful minds. Our next meeting is on October 13. Please plan to attend to finalize the plans for our upcoming activities. New ideas are always welcome! Julie Lenkoff, Philia Coordinator

4 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H Page 4. Bookstore News We have a small supply of the Church (Ecclesiastical) year [starting September 1] calendars on the table. If you are one of those who prefers this option, pick one up now. Recall, these are the day planner type with room for daily notes. It also has saints of the day and the lectionary text identified for you. The 'other' planner some of you like is the more devotional one with a daily mini-lesson or homily page for each day. We will take advance orders for those after Thanksgiving, for those interested. A second idea for you is The Arena written by Bishop Ignatius [19th century]. This has become a classic of Orthodox literature and this represents a quality English translation making it accessible to all of us. The vast majority of this book applies to all Orthodox, although the Bishop did have new monastics in mind as he wrote. I would call it a how-to manual for progressing in the holy life of Orthodoxy. There are about ten chapters regarding prayer, most fairly specific and short. These materials alone are well worth the $16 for the book. Thirdly, I we have had a number of greatly successful books enter and sell out of the store over the last two years. If any of you didn't make your purchase decision prior to our sell out, please let me know and I will include that title in our Advent order, not many weeks away now. The most obvious of these books is Everyday Saints much discussed and read in the entire Orthodox world and now translated into numerous languages. I bet this has been the best, best seller among Orthodox specific literature, following the Bible of course, in history. Recent history for sure. Any takers? Columba COFFEE CHAT : Another reminder that we have parishioners with peanut allergies. They do not need to be ingested and just mere contact may create a reaction. To be safe, simply avoid nuts in foods. Julie Lenkoff, Fellowship Coordinator Fundraising Committee We are looking forward to our annual Holiday Bake Sale & Craft Show, Dec. 14 & 15. It will be quite a festive event and our biggest fundraiser! Plan on coming and bringing friends - we want to introduce our lovely pastries to everyone in town! Also, we will need extra hands to help us bake cookies for the sale (no experience necessary). We will start baking in October. Please watch for the announcement. Thank you to all who have volunteered at and supported our fundraisers. Our next meeting is after church, Oct. 27.

5 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H Page 5 Sunshine Girls & Jr. Philia Dear all, As the holidays are fast approaching the Sunshine Girls and Jr. Philia are gearing up for our next fundraising effort. This year we are hoping to raise donations for the free Thanksgiving dinner in the Whiteaker neighborhood. They are looking to serve about 2500 of our homeless and low income population this Thanksgiving and we would like to help out their valiant effort.this program is much more than a free meal. It is a chance for the disenfranchised among us to be treated with dignity and respect on this important holiday. If you would like to find out more about this program check out their website / As well as being given a turkey dinner with all of the trimmings there is a wonderful clothing/ supply giveaway after the meal. This is where our girls' group would like to help out. We will be collecting adult & children's hats, gloves, socks, scarves and coats. As well as personal hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss. There will be a box in the fellowship hall across from the coffee table to collect these items. If you feel that you would like to help out but don't have the time to shop we are also accepting cash donations. You may give the donation to either myself or Paras. Our girls will go on a shopping trip with the accrued cash donations once we get closer to the donation drop off date. Last year I was able to take in Pete's generous donation of children's coats (thank you again Pete) and I really cannot begin to tell you all how grateful the people were. Please let's show them again just how generous our parish is! In Christ, Cassandra (Evgenia) October Celebrations Birthdays October 1st-Eleni Radcliffe, Sara Sebastian October 2nd-John Lallas October 5th-Father Jerry October 7th-Bob Graham October 12th-Jo Ann Kluge, Felicity Merritt October 16th-Stephen Kaelin October 19th-Joshua Knerl Feast Days October 6th-St Thomas Ray Knerl October 20th-St. Gerasimos Metropolitan Gerasimos Father Jerry October 26th-St. Demetrios James Stephenson Dimitri Kokkino Demetre Markopoulos Dimitri Lilles Wedding Anniversaries Baptized in Christ/Chrismated Many Years! Chronia Polla!

6 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H Page 6 News and Events What s New! First Saturday Breakfast: The dates for this month s First Saturday Breakfast events are Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th. Additional volunteers are needed to help in this ministry to the homeless. For more info, please contact Bonnie or Bob Graham, Metropolitan s visit: The Metropolitan will be visiting St. George and the Roseburg Mission on Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th. Please mark those dates down on your calendar and plan to be with us. His Eminence will travel to Roseburg on Saturday for liturgy and to meet with the Mission faithful. He will join us at St George for Great Vespers on Saturday evening at 5:30 pm (different time), and the Divine Services on Sunday the 6th. Please plan to join us on Sunday following the Divine Services for a luncheon in honor of our Metropolitan. St Anne s Greek Festival: St Anne Orthodox Church in Albany will hold its ninth annual Greek Festival, Saturday and Sunday, October 12th and 13th. Flowers: Diane Monger has volunteered to coordinate flowers for the nave. Please contact her if you wish to bring flowers to decorate the church so that we can best utilize our resources and be coordinated in our effort. Welcome College Students! It s that time again when students return to school and we restart OCF. Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is a ministry to college kids that seeks to help them stay connected to Christ, and His Church, during their college years. We eagerly await their return and seeing them at St. George. We especially welcome Samantha and Nicole Bales from Roseville, CA who will be attending the U of O. Crib: If anyone is in need of a baby crib please see Ray or Sarah Knerl. Fall Parish Assembly: Our Fall Parish Assembly will take place on Sunday, October 27th, following the Divine Services. All of our Assemblies are important so please make every effort to attend and participate. The focus of this Assembly will be the 2014 Budget. Jr. Philia and Sunshine Girls deliver donated school supplies to Sleep Country. Below is an received by Julie. "This was an incredible donation that we were so thrilled to hear about! Thank you and the girls again!! Jarrett Tomalin, Sleep Country

7 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H Page 7 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 FELLOWSHIP Luncheon in honor of Met Shafer Markopoulos Green GREETER Sharon S. Liana C. Ann L. Ann C. PROSFORON Hauser Shafer Beauchamp Lilles FLOWERS OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN READERS Brad Thomas Brad Thomas Brad Thomas Brad Thomas CLEANING CREW 10/5 Knerl Green 10/12 Black 10/19 10/26 A & L Lilles GET INVOLVED!!! Look through this list of organizations, programs, and ministries at our parish, then call the contact person and get involved!!! PARISH COUNCIL David Shafer ACOLYTES Bob Graham BOOKSTORE David Shafer PHILIA WOMEN S GROUP Julie Lenkoff CHURCH SCHOOL Lisa Lilles CHANTER/CHANT GROUP Brad Thomas , Ann Marie Kaelin FRIENDS OF ST. JOHN CONVENT Art Mehas FELLOWSHIP Julie Lenkoff STEWARDSHIP Brian Kaelin GREETERS Sarah Shafer OUTREACH/1ST SAT. BREAKFAST Bonnie Graham O.C.F. Ann Campbell GREEK LANGUAGE CLASS Dimitri Kokkino FUNDRAISERS Presbytera Maria SUPPER FOR SIX Kay Mehas

8 Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 202 Hillview 1 Eugene, OR A good word from the Fathers St. Silouan on the condition of man People, until they come to know something greater, are satisfied with the little they have. Man is like a village rooster who lives in a small enclosure with few people and farm animals about, who knows his ten hens and is content with this life, because he knows no more. But an eagle, who circles high in the clouds, and sees great distances with his sharp eyes, who hears the sounds of the earth and revels in its beauty, who knows many lands, seas and rivers, and sees a multitude of animals and birds, would not be content to live in a small enclosure with a rooster. It is the same in the spiritual life. Whoever has not known the grace of the Holy Spirit is like the rooster who does not know the flight of the eagle; he cannot comprehend the sweetness of tender emotion and love of God. He knows God from nature and from Scripture, he is satisfied with the law and is content with his lot as is the rooster, and does not feel sorrow that he is not an eagle. But he who has experienced the Lord through the Holy Spirit, he prays day and night, because the grace of the Holy Spirit calls him to love the Lord, and the sweetness of the Lord s love gives him the ability to carry the burdens of the world with ease. His soul pines only for the Lord and searches constantly for the grace of the Holy Spirit.