The Trophybearer CROSSING THE THRESHOLD

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1 C H U R C H S T A F F The Trophybearer Parish Priest/Editor: Fr. Christodoulos Margellos Parish Council President: Mary Rankin CROSSING THE THRESHOLD F E B R U A R Y Philoptochos President: Susan Matos Sunday School Director: Dn Paul Speed Caretaker: Jason Leon I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : QC Family Entertainment February Calendar Stewardship Page February Service Schedule Cheesefare Luncheon flier Lenten Lecture flier Community News On February 2 nd we commemorate the Presentation of Christ into the Temple. As one of the great feast days of the Lord, it is a time of prayer when we consider the One Who gave the Law to Moses being presented into the Temple fulfilling the Law which He gave. The Feast of the Presentation, along with the Feast of Theophany, commemorating Christ s baptism in the River Jordan at the hands of John, shows all too clearly that it took God Himself to show us how to bow down before our Creator. It took a New Adam to give us a greatest example of how to truly be human beings. At the Presentation, the young Mary brings her Son and our Lord to the Temple and in doing so shows us the best of our humanity. The Law must be fulfilled. God s divine will must be fulfilled, not through force or deception, but rather through the humble obedience of a pious young woman. Certainly if the cares of a passing world and the knowledge of events to come would not discourage the young virgin from proclaiming to God s angel, Let it be to me according to your word ; then, certainly there would be nothing to prevent her from observing all that the Law demanded. In the Feast of the Presentation we see that even the Christ needed to be carried across the threshold of the Temple. Indeed, even saints, holy men and women who changed the world in which they lived and intercede for us before God had to be carried across the threshold of the Church to be presented to God. The question that is before us now and every Sunday is, Who will bring our children across the threshold of the Temple of God? Will parents have the humility and patience to be as the Theotokos and bring their children to the Church? Will we as godparents, be true to the responsibility entrusted to us and bring our godchildren to Holy Communion? Will we as family and friends be examples ourselves of how important it is to present ourselves to God, not just once or twice a year, but at every opportunity? These are questions we answer not only as individuals but also as a community. The doors of Christ s Church are always open; the threshold is always there for us to cross. Christ and the Virgin Mary show us all how to do so in this great Feast of the Presentation. May we have the humility and courage to follow their example and step into the Temple of God! 1

2 COME JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FUN & FELLOWSHIP At QUAD CITIES ENTERTAINMENT CENTER IN MOLINE On February 15 th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. We will have a great day of bowling and Laser Tag As well as the area s largest Video Arcade We will provide everyone with a game of bowling And a pizza lunch. Shoes and any other activities you will need to get on your own So Join us for a great day of good clean fun

3 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 16 th Sunday of Luke Publican & Pharisee Triodion Opens Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 8 17 th Sunday of Luke Prodigal Son Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 15 Judgment Sunday (Meatfare) Orthros: Divine Liturgy: Sunday School Youth outing to QC Family 22 Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare) Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. Cheesefare Luncheon Followed by Forgiveness 2 Presentation of our Lord to the Temple Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m Saint Haralambos Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Parish Council Meeting Green Room 7:00 p.m CLEAN MONDAY GREAT LENT BE- GINS Great Compline: 6:00 p.m. 24 February 2015 Great Compline: 6:00 p.m. Religious Education 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Youth Night JOY 5:00 7:00 p.m. Religious Education 9:30 a.m Youth Night GOYA 6:00-8:00 p.m. 25 Religious Education 9:30 a.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy with 9 th hour: 5:00 p.m. Lenten Meal to follow Religious Education 6:30 p.m. 26 Great Compline: 6:00 p.m. Religious Education 7:00 p.m st Salutation Service to the Theotokos: 7:00 p.m. St. George Mardi Gras From 5:00-8:00 p.m. food Performance by Eleni Matos at 8:00 p.m. 50 inch LED HDTV for Raffle & Auction. 1 st Saturday of Souls Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Memorial Service Great Vespers: 5:00 p.m. Byzantine Music Class: 2 nd Saturday of Souls Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Great Vespers: 5:00 p.m rd Saturday of Souls Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Great Vespers: 5:00 p.m. Byzantine Music Class:

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6 ALTAR BOY SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY 2015 On Sunday, February 1 st, 2015: Team 1 Gabriel Florence, Ethan Kirkpatrick, Charlie Cudworth, Andrew Leon, George Elias, Zach Elias, Gabriel Elias, Tomas Elias. On Sunday, February 8 th, 2015: Team 2 Nikolas Jacobs, Alek Jacobs, John T. Jones, John Mott, Michael Pyevich, Ben Florence, Peter Matos, Ian Matos. On Sunday, February 15 th, 2015: Team 1 Gabriel Florence, Ethan Kirkpatrick, Charlie Cudworth, Andrew Leon, George Elias, Zach Elias, Gabriel Elias, Tomas Elias. On Sunday, February 22 nd, 2015: Team 2 Nikolas Jacobs, Alek Jacobs, John T. Jones, John Mott, Michael Pyevich, Ben Florence, Peter Matos, Ian Matos. Tomas Elias. On Sunday, March 1 st, 2015: Team 1 Gabriel Florence, Ethan Kirkpatrick, Charlie Cudworth, Andrew Leon, George Elias, Zach Elias, Gabriel Elias, Tomas February 2015 Parish Council Sunday Duty List On Sunday, February 1 st, 2015 members on duty: Harry G. Coin, Brad Crosson, Mike Patramanis. On Sunday, February 8 th, 2015 members on duty: Steve Eckert, Mary Rankin, Mary Kay Eckert. On Sunday, February 15 th, 2015 members on duty: Mary Rankin, Joe Burmeister, Gus Pappas. On Sunday, February 22 nd, 2015 members on duty: Harry G. Coin, Brad Crosson, Mike Patramanis. On Sunday, March 1 st, 2015 members on duty: Steve Eckert, Mary Rankin, Mary Kay Eckert. Coffee Hour Hosts for February 2015 On Sunday, February 1 st, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: On Sunday, February 8 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: Volunteers needed On Sunday, February 15 th, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: Connie Allen. On Sunday, February 22 nd, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: Marina Pikis On Sunday, March 1 st, 2015 Coffee hour will be hosted by: Lina Assaf & Souad Boutros. READERS FOR FEBRUARY 2015 On Sunday, February 1 st, 2015: Bill Johnson On Sunday, February 8 th, 2015: Michael Pyevich. On Sunday, February 15 th, 2015: Mary Rankin. On Sunday, February 22 nd, 2015: Angela Spurgetis On Sunday, March 1 st, 2015: Ethan Kirkpatrick. On Sunday, March 8 th, 2015: Kay Coin On Sunday, March 15 th, 2015: Alexa Florence On Sunday, March 22 nd, 2015: Bill Johnson 6

7 FEBRUARY 2015 SERVICE SCHEDULE Sunday, February 1 st 16 th Sunday of Luke Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 2 nd Presentation of our Lord to the Temple Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Sunday, February 8 th 17 th Sunday of Luke Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 10 th Saint Haralambos the Great Martyr Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14 th 1 st Saturday of Souls Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14 th Great Vespers 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 15 th Judgment Sunday Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Meatfare Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21 st 2 nd Saturday of souls Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 21 st Great Vespers 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22 nd Forgiveness Sunday Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Cheesefare Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. Sunday, February 22 nd Forgiveness Vespers 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 23 rd Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24 th Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25 th Pre-Sanctified Liturgy with 9 th hour 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 26 th Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 27 th 1 st Salutation Service to the Theotokos 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28 th 3 rd Saturday of Souls Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, March 1 st Sunday of Orthodoxy Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Special procession with Sunday School Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m. 7

8 CHEESEFARE PRE-LENTEN MAKARONADA With CHEESE LUNCHEON On Sunday, February 22 nd Following the Divine Liturgy. We will be offering a Makaronada with Greek Cheese Luncheon. There is no cost, but if you like we will be accepting a free will offering. Join us for this great meal. 8

9 PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY With LENTEN MEAL & DISCUSSION to follow Following Pre-Sanctified Liturgy throughout Lent we will be offering a Lenten meal along with our Lenten Lecture Series. Everyone is welcome to join. The Pre-Santified Liturgy with 9 th hour will begin at 5:00 p.m. We hope to see many of you there. God Bless 9

10 Community News PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Will be on Tuesday, February 10 th at 7:00 p.m. in the Green room. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Will be meeting on Wednesday, February 11 th, with classes at 9: 30 a.m. for the morning class & 6:30 p.m. for the evening class. We will be studying the book by Saint John Chrysostom On Marriage & Family Life. Please join us if you are interested in learning more about our Orthodox faith and life. YOUTH BOWLING AND FUN DAY: On Sunday, February 15 th at 1:00 p.m. we will be going with our youth to Quad Cities Family Entertainment in Moline. We had to reschedule our January date due to inclement weather. It is a wonderful complex where we will rent some lanes and have fun bowling. But there is more to do! They also have the largest Laser Tag area in the Quad Cites Area as well as an arcade. We will be providing the bowling and food. Anything else will need to paid for on your own. Please R.S.V.P. with Fr. Christodoulos or Dn. Paul Speed if you are interested in attending. CHANTING CLASSES: will ne continuing on Saturday, February 14 th & 28 th following Great Vespers at 6:00 p.m. Fr. Christodoulos will begin teaching a class on Byzantine Chanting. Everyone is welcome to attend. The classes will begin by being held twice a month and following Pascha we will start having them more often. This class will teach the basic needed to be able to chant the divine services of the church. Please join us so we can continue this church s rich tradition of Byzantine Chant. HOSPITAL VISITS: If you or a family member are in the hospital, please call the office. Ever since the change in the privacy laws, hospitals are reluctant to call churches. Please call us so that we can avoid missing our parishioners in their time of need. KOLYVA FOR MEMORIALS: As many of us know in order to have a memorial in the Orthodox Church we need to have Kolyva. Because of this we have started offering to make Kolyva for anyone who needs to have one and either does not have time or does not know how to make them. We will charge $ for a tray, with proceeds going to the Church. Families are welcome to help with the making of the Kolyva as well. For more information on ordering Kolyva contact the church office. SATURDAY OF SOULS: We will be having Saturday of Souls on Saturday, February 14 th, 21 st & 28 th. Everyone is encouraged to submit names of Orthodox family or friends that have passed away. Services will begin on all three dates with Orthros at 8:30 a.m. and Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. The Memorial service will be conducted at the tail end of service. We hope too see you all there. May their Memory be Eternal. FORGIVNESS VESPERS & CHEESEFARE LUNCHEON: On Sunday, February 22 nd following Divine Liturgy we will be serving a Makaronada with Greek Cheese Luncheon for the Parish. There will be no charge for this meal only a free will offering. Following the luncheon we will be heading back into the church around 1:30 p.m. to do the Forgivness Vespers. It is a service that begins our Lenten journey. The Church is transformed in front of your eyes from the bright gold and reds to the more somber purples and blacks. Everyone is welcome to join us for the entire day or for what ever parts you can make. SENIOR CITIZENS OUTING: On Wednesday, March 18 th our parish senior group will be going to the Circa 21 s performance of Les Miserables. This will be a wonderful time and anyone in our parish who would like to go of any age is welcome to come. The doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the curtain goes up at 1:30 p.m. A meal is included in the cost of this outing. If we get more then 20 people going the cost will $40.75 if under 20 go it will be $ The ticket, meal, tax and gratuity is included. Please R.S.V.P. to the office by Friday, March 6 th. Join us for an afternoon in another world. PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY WITH LENTEN MEAL TO FOLLOW: It is customary that on Wednesday s during the Lenten season we have what is known as a Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. It is a beautiful service and an opportunity to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ to help strengthen us during our ascetical struggle of fasting,. One thing we are going to be doing this year is alternating with Assumption Parish each week on holding this service. It is one of the most difficult services to chant and this way we can do it together as one church in Christ. Also following these services at both parishes we will have a little Lenten dinner offered. Along with the dinner we will have a small Lenten Lecture Series. The first day on February 25 th will be hosted by us here at St. George s Church and Fr. Tom will offer a small Lenten message to help invigorate us for our journey towards the resurrection. Please Join us for a night of prayer, food and spiritual nourishment. 10

11 SENIOR CITIZENS OUTING: On Wednesday, March 18 th our parish will be going to the Circa 21 s performance of Les Miserables. The doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the curtain goes up at 1:30 p.m. A meal is included in the cost of this outing. If we get more then 20 people going the cost will $40.75 if under 20 go it will be $ The ticket, meal, tax and gratuity is included. Please R.S.V.P. to the office by Friday, March 6 th. 11

12 St. George Greek Orthodox Church st Ave Rock Island, IL Phone: Fax: Priest Office The Feast day of the Three Heirarchs: This common feast of these three teachers was instituted a little before the year 1100, during the reign of the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus, because of a dispute and strife that arose among the notable and virtuous men of that time. Some of them preferred Basil, while others preferred Gregory, and yet others preferred John Chrysostom, quarreling among themselves over which of the three was the greatest. Furthermore, each party, in order to distinguish itself from the others, assumed the name of its preferred Saint; hence, they called themselves Basilians, Gregorians, or Johannites. Desiring to bring an end to the contention, the three Saints appeared together to the saintly John Mavropous, a monk who had been ordained Bishop of Euchaita, a city of Asia Minor, they revealed to him that the glory they have at the throne of God is equal, and told him to compose a common service for the three of them, which he did with great skill and beauty. Saint John of Euchaita (celebrated Oct. 5) is also the composer of the Canon to the Guardian Angel, the Protector of a Man's Life. In his old age, he retired from his episcopal see and again took up the monastic life in a monastery in Constantinople. He reposed during the reign of the aforementioned Emperor Alexis Comnenus ( ). 12