A Word from Father Rick - St. George Greek Orthodox Church

A Word from Father Rick
Dear Faithful:
We continue with Chrysostom’s excellent sermon about
attending church...
Registry
P.3
Parish News
P.4
Youth News
P.6
how can you pray fervently,
having such a dress? Do you
want to seem decent? Wear
Christ, not gold. Dress in charity, philanthropy, chastity, and
humble-mindedness. These are
(Third and final in a series)
worth more than all the gold.
Attending Church
These make the beautiful one
by Saint John Chrysostom
more beautiful, and the ugly one
they beautify. Know, O woman,
Our dress
But even our dress in church, that, when you adorn yourself a
lot, you become more lewd than
in every aspect let it be good.
a naked woman, because you
Let it be proper and not wild,
because what is proper is chaste, have cast off decency.
whereas what is wild is unAttention and prayer
chaste.
As long as we are in the
This is precisely what the
church
let our conduct be propapostle Paul also commands us
er,
as
befits
a person who is bewhen he says, “I desire then that
fore God. Let us not occupy
in every place the men should
pray, lifting holy hands without ourselves with purposeless conversations, but let us stand with
anger or quarreling; also that
women should adorn themselves fear and dread, with attention
modestly and sensibly in seemly and eagerness, with our gaze
turned to the ground and our
apparel, not with braided hair
or gold or pearls or costly attire soul elevated to Heaven.
Many come to church mechanbut by good deeds as befits
women who profess religion” (1 ically repeating psalms and
prayers, and leave without
Tim. 2:8-10). So, if He forbids
to women those things which are knowing what they have said.
The lips move but the ears don’t
a proof of wealth, much more
does He forbid whatever makes hear. Y ou are not hearing your
one curious, like make-up, paint- prayer, and you want God to
hear it? I knelt, you say. But
ing the eyes, hip swaying,
your mind was flying far away.
strange clothes and the like.
Your body was in church and
What do you say, O woman?
Are you coming to the church to your soul outside. The mouth
was saying the prayer and the
pray, and you adorn yourself
with jewelry and comb yourself mind was counting interest, contracts, exchanges, fields, estates,
to show-off? Did you come
meetings with friends. All these
maybe to dance? Or maybe to
things happen because the devil
take part in a wedding feast?
There the jewelry and the luxu- is wicked. He knows that at the
time of prayer we gain many
ries have a place. Here none of
these are needed. Did you come things; for this reason he attacks
then with greater violence. At
to ask God for forgiveness of
other times we might be lying in
your sins? So, why are you
bed, not thinking of anything,
adorning yourself? This is not
the appearance of a woman who and he leaves us alone. We come
to church to pray, however, and
is beseeching. How can you
the devil puts a bunch of passigh, how can you shed tears,
sionate thoughts into us so that
we might not benefit at all.
Truly, if God asks you to account for the indifference or the
impiety you show in worship
services, what will you do?
There, at the time He is speaking
to you, instead of praying you
have started a conversation with
your neighbor about unbeneficial things. Even if God overlooks all our other sins, this one
alone would suffice for us to be
deprived of salvation. Don’t
consider it a small transgression. To understand its graveness, think of what happens
among people when they converse. Let’s suppose that you are
discussing something with an
official person or with your bosom buddy, and while he is
speaking to you, you turn your
head indifferently and begin
talking to someone else. Won’t
the other person be insulted by
your impropriety? Won’t he get
angry? Won’t he seek an explanation from you?
O woe! You are in the Divine
Liturgy, and while the Royal
Table is prepared, while the
Lamb of God is sacrificed for
your sake, while the priest is
struggling for your salvation,
you are indifferent. At the time
when the six-winged Seraphim
cover their faces from awe and
all the heavenly powers together
with the priest beseech God for
you, at the moment the fire of
the Holy Spirit descends from
Heaven and the blood of Christ
is shed from His immaculate
side in the holy Chalice, at this
Continued on next page
Attending Church, from page 1
moment, I wonder, doesn’t your conscience
censure you for your lack of attention? Think,
O my man, before Whom you are standing at
the time of the dreadful mystagogy [divine
service], and together with whom—the Cherubim, the Seraphim, and all the heavenly powers. Consider together with whom you are
chanting and praying. This should suffice for
you to come to your senses, when you recall
that, while you have a material body, you are
granted to hymn the Lord of creation together
with the bodiless angels.
So don’t partake in that sacred hymnody
with indifference. Don’t have your mind on
earthly thoughts. Chase away every earthly
thought and ascend mentally to Heaven, near
to the throne of God. Fly there together with
the Seraphim, flutter with them, chant the
thrice-holy hymn to the All-holy Trinity.
Divine Communion
And when the moment of divine Communion comes and you are about to approach the
Holy Altar Table, believe unshakably that
Christ, the King of all, is present there. When
you see your priest offering the Lord’s Body
and Blood, don’t think that the priest is doing
this, but believe that the hand stretching out is
Christ’s. He Who brightened with His presence the table of the Mystical Supper now also
adorns the Altar Table of the Divine Liturgy.
He is truly present there and examines each
one’s disposition. He observes who is approaching with piety befitting the holy Mystery
and who with a wicked conscience, with filthy
and impure thoughts, or with defiled actions.
So you also, consider which fault of yours you
have corrected, which virtue you have
achieved, which sin you have quenched with
confession, in what you have become better. If
your conscience informs you that you have
strived enough to close the wounds of your
soul, if you did something more than fasting,
then, with the fear of God, commune. Otherwise, remain far from the immaculate Mysteries. When you are cleansed of all your sins,
then approach.
So approach divine Communion with fear
and dread, with a pure conscience, having
fasted and prayed, quietly, without trampling
or pushing your neighbors, because this comprises the greatest craziness and the worst
scorning of the divine Mysteries.
Tell me, O man, why are you making noise?
Why are you rushing? Are you pressured by
all the things you have to do? I wonder, does
the thought that you have jobs to do pass
page 2
through you at the time you are going to commune? Or maybe do you have the feeling that
you are on earth? Do you think that you are
together with people and not with the choirs of
the angels? Something like this is a sign of a
stone heart…
present, His angels stand by, and your brethren
are still communing, you abandon them and
leave? Christ offers you His holy Flesh, and
you won’t wait a bit, to thank Him at least in
words? When you sit at a supper you don’t
dare leave the moment you have been filled,
while your friends are still sitting at the table.
And now when the dreadful Mysteries of
And when do we commune?
There also is another matter: many comChrist are being performed, you drop everymune once a year, others twice, others more
thing in the middle and leave?
often. W hich of them are we to commend?
Do you want me to tell you whose work
None of them, but only those who approach
those who leave before the Divine Liturgy
the holy Chalice with a pure heart, with a
finishes—and thus don’t partake in the last
blameless life. Let them commune always. The thanksgiving prayers—are doing? Probably
others, the unrepentant sinners, let them stay
what I’m going to say will be grave, but I must
far from the immaculate Mysteries, because
say it. W hen Judas took part in the Mystical
otherwise they prepare judgment and condem- Supper of Christ, while everyone was sitting at
nation for themselves. The holy Apostle says, the table, he got up before the others and left.
“W hoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks So those people imitate that Judas...If he had
the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner
not left then, he would not have become a bewill be guilty of profaning the body and blood trayer, he would not have perished. If he hadof the Lord…causing his condemnation” (1
n’t separated himself from the flock, the wolf
Cor. 11:27). In other words, he will be punwould not have found him alone, to devour
ished as strictly as the crucifiers of Christ,
him. [Fr. Rick note– leaving early was a probsince they became guilty of a sin before His
lem in the early Church; arriving late is the
body.
contemporary problem. Both are equally conMany believers have reached such a point of demned.]
scorning the holy Mysteries that, while they
are full of innumerable evils and don’t correct After attending church
themselves at all, they commune at the feasts
Let us depart from the Divine Liturgy like
unprepared, not knowing that a presupposition lions who are producing fire, having become
of divine Communion is not the feast itself,
fearsome even to the devil, because the holy
but, as we said, the pure conscience. Just as
Blood of the Lord that we commune waters
one who doesn’t feel any evil in his conour souls and gives us great strength. When
science ought to daily approach divine Comwe commune of it worthily, it chases the demunion, so also one who is burdened with sins mons far away and brings the angels and the
and doesn’t repent should not commune even Lord of the angels near us. This Blood is the
at the feast. For this reason also I ask all of
salvation of our souls; with this the soul is
you not to approach the divine Mysteries unwashed, with this it is adorned. This Blood
prepared just because the feast demands it.
makes our minds brighter than fire; this makes
Rather, if at some point you decide to take part our souls brighter than gold.
in the Divine Liturgy and to commune,
So draw our brethren to church. Exhort the
cleanse yourself well for many days before
deceived. Counsel them not only with words,
with repentance, prayer, and charity, striving
but also with works. Even if you don’t say
for spiritual things.
anything, but merely come out of the worship
service showing to those who were absent—
with your appearance, with your gaze and
Staying till the dismissal
So, you came to church and were granted to your voice, by the way you walk, and with all
meet Christ? Don’t leave if the service hasn’t your chastity—the gain you procured from
finished. If you leave before the dismissal, you church, this is enough for exhortation and
are guilty as much as a fugitive. When you go counsel, because thus it is that we should
to the theater, you don’t leave if the show has come out of church, as if from sacred sanctunot finished. You enter church, the Lord’s
aries, as if we were descending from Heaven
home, and do you turn your back on the imitself. Teach whoever doesn’t attend church
maculate Mysteries? At least fear Him Who
that you chanted with the Seraphim, that you
said: “W hoever scorns God, will be scorned
belong to the heavenly lifestyle, that you met
by Him” (See Proverbs 13:13).
with Christ and spoke with Him. If we live the
What are you doing, O man? While Christ is Divine Liturgy thus, we will not have to say
St. Paul. MN
anything to those who were absent. But seeing our benefit, they will feel their own harm and will quickly
run to church to enjoy the same goods, with the grace and philanthropy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom,
together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, belongs eternal glory. Amen.
Church Staff
and Office Hours
Church Office Hours
M-F 9:00 AM—3:00 PM
Translated by Fr. Nicholas Palis from a pamphlet “Voice of the Fathers” No. 30,
Translated from the original Hellenistic Greek of Saint John Chrysostom
into Modern Greek by the Sacred Paracletos Monastery, Oropos, Attica, 2003;
Edited by Irene Maginas.
Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius
Andrews, Presbyter
(651) 222-6220
Email: [email protected]
Julie Delton
Administrative Assistant
Registry
(651) 222-6220
Email: [email protected]
Memorials
March 27
Constantina Kapetanakis (40 days) name
Address Changes
Athena Grant
Marcelle Triantafilou
5919 Centerville Rd., #27
1023 Jones St., Apt. 601
North Oaks, MN 55127-6834
Omaha, NE 68102-2938
Festal Icons Needed
(Thanks to a generous anonymous person who donated all three icons from last month’s
newsletter!)
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
Nathaniel Kostick
Youth Minister
(763) 221-7196
Email: [email protected]
Jon Kennedy
Parish Council President
(651) 653-9756
Email: [email protected]
Lani Hattling
Sunday School Director
(763) 551-4876
Email: [email protected]
Stella Hofrenning
Greek School Director
(651) 917-2668
Email: [email protected]
Reva Adkins
Philoptochos President
(651) 337-1118
Email: [email protected]
Julie Delton
Editor, Glad Tidings Newsletter
Email: GladTidings
@stgeorgegoc.org
revolving bulletin board in the social hall) and return it to the office.
George Mastrogiorgis
Loaves and Fishes Coordinator
FOCUS-MN Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Alexandra Drivas
Bookstore
Email: [email protected]
Saint Theodosia
May 29
Saint Therapon
May 25
Prophet Job
May 6
Submissions for upcoming issues
are due by the 10th of the preceding
month.
page 3
Website Updates: Please notice new
updates throughout our parish website,
especially on the home page. Thank you
to our webmasters Nick Kanavati and
Michael Merkouris for the numerous hours
they devote to keeping our website current. If you notice any info that needs
updating or changing, please email [email protected].
Farewell: to Eleni Kassar who has retired and recently moved to Cyprus to
be with family and friends. Enjoy in
good health!
Summer Camp Fee Reduced! The
parish council approved $100 assistance
to benefit each youth from our parish
attending this year's summer camp, July
2-8, 2016. Funds will be drawn from the
James Nickitas Camp Scholarship Fund.
This scholarship is also available to families with financial need. For more info
and application stgeorgegoc.org/youth/
scholarships. Let's get a big group of
kids to take advantage of this generous
offer!
Pilgrimage to Greece: Fr. Rick will colead a Pilgrimage to Greece with Catholic priest Fr. Stanley Sled z. It is a 12 day
tour titled "Walking Together in the
Footsteps of St. Paul," Sep tem ber 29 October 10, 2016. Price is $3,867. An optional 3 day extension to Constantinople
and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Oct.1113, is $773. For detailed info, see insert
and contact Fr. Rick. We look forward to
this historic opportunity!
page 4
Support our Seminary! On the third
Sunday of Lent each year we Venerate
the Holy Cross as inspiration to continue
our journey to Pascha. We also remember our Seminary named after the Holy
Cross and it’s mission to train priests,
ministers and theologians for spreading
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We encourage people of all ages to listen for God’s
call to ministry, and if appropriate consider pursuing a seminary education.
Thank you for your support!
Scholarship Winner: Congratulations
to Katherine (Katie) Kno ck e on being
awarded the John Pitsavas Memorial
Scholarship for the 2015-2016 school
year. Katie attends Wheaton College in
Chicago, IL. Thank you to Mrs. Theo lo gia Pitsavas for generously sponsoring this
scholarship.
Save the Date: for a St George Parish
Get-together on Sund ay June 12th, after
church at the Bighley's. Come join us to
relax and enjoy a light lunch with lake
views!
Fr. Rick in Social Hall: the Parish
Council is encouraging everyone to allow Father Rick to interact with all parishioners in the so cial hall after liturgy
on Sundays. To accomplish this, if you
have a serious or more involved issue,
please call him or make an appointment
with him d uring the w eek . Please do not
stop him in the exonarthex.
Memory Eternal! George Leaskas fell
asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, Ap ril 5th
in Las Vegas where he lived for the last
40 years. George is the brother of Nick
Leaskas and Helen Zubulake. Our sympathies to all!
Congratulations! to Dino and Stephanie Contolatis, on the birth of their baby girl,
Panorea, Monday, April 4th.
Thank You! from Lily Zahariad es to
everyone who called and visited during
her stay in transitional care, and to those
who prayed for her health. She was
touched by the outpouring of goodwill,
and is happy to be home.
Festival of Nations (FON) May 5-8:
Please volunteer at the Greek Café, the
Greek School Bazaar booth, the Greek
Cultural booth or enjoy one of the three
Greek dance troupes. For more information and helpful links, see insert.
Contact To m Lam p ro s or Em ilio
Kapetanakis with any questions.
Mother’s Day Honorees-The Ladies of
the Philoptochos would like once again
to honor the women of our church for
Mother’s Day, May 8. Please consider a
donation to Philoptochos to honor the
special women in your life. Contact
Reva Adkins for more information; deadline
is May 2.
Elevator Lobbies Painted: Please notice that that all elevator lobbies were
painted recently to match the warm colors in our social hall and nave. This was
overlooked when the original painting
was done several years ago.
History Displayed: several historical
photos of our parish were recently
framed and hung in the hallway of the
lower level. This is part of our continuing effort to make the archives accessible
to our members and visitors.
Churches Merge: According to the
April 3, 2016 Journal Sentinel, members
of the Greek Orthodox Church in Appleton have merged with the Fond du Lac
church since their church officially
closed earlier this year, dropping the
number of Greek Orthodox Churches in
Wisonsin to six: Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Racine, Sheboygan, Madison
and Fond du Lac.
St. Paul. MN
Mural Icons
Progress—
from Mother
Theodora
How To Stop Sexualizing Everything
because either they aren’t free to express it or they see it through an
overlay of sexualization (or both). I think the fact that most people
who think they’re homosexual and bisexual are high on the “feeling”
personality scale by overwhelming margins gives some support to this.
I’m certainly a case in point. I’m an INFP (introverted, intuitive, feelBy D.C. McAllister
ing, perceiving). The number of lesbians with this personality type is
From The Federalist.com blog, December 28, 2015
(this is the fourth of a 6-part article, to be continued in the June Glad Tidings)
much higher than any other (though it’s not the only type by any
means). I feel passionate about people, my friends in particular. Men
Stimulating Confusion Over Sexuality
or women, I love them in a very intimate way. They make my heart
The more friendship is misunderstood and ignored, the more people pound, my cheeks flush, and my face glow.
will identify as homosexual and bisexual. The more we condition our
I’m 100 percent straight and so confident in that fact that I can kiss
perceptions in a sexual way and the more children are exposed to sex
my female friends and tell them I love them.
even before they develop meaningful friendships, the less likely they
Though I’m an introvert, I need people to fill me up—just in a more
will be able to separate healthy nonsexual feelings from sexual ones.
quiet way. My best friend, Kate, for example, delights me just by beSex will become the defining feature of all their feelings. Eros will
ing in her presence. I can talk to her for hours and I leave happier than
have slain phileo.
before I saw her. I love to wrap my arms around her and feel her
Many people confuse phileo with eros because either they aren’t free warmth. I have another friend who is a constant source of joy, and eveto express it or they see it through an overlay of sexualization (or
ry time I see her name in my email inbox, I smile. Whenever I go to
both).
DC where she lives, I get excited at the possibility of seeing her, hearGallup issued a poll a few years ago that found an increase in homo- ing her voice, and watching her expressive brown eyes light up when
sexuality. More and more people are identifying as gay, and this isn’t
she laughs.
just because they’re coming out of the closet. If that were the case,
Does that sound gay? Probably some of you think so. But I’m not
older people would be identifying as gay at an increasing rate. But this
gay. I’m 100 percent straight and so confident in that fact that I can
isn’t what’s happening. The increases are among younger people more
affected by a sexualized culture coupled with an acceptance of the ho- kiss my female friends and tell them I love them. I can get excited
about male friends without it becoming erotic. But I’ve had to develop
mosexual lifestyle.
that confidence in the face of a culture that both disapproves of such
My point is not to say there are no genuine homosexual relationships. There are. But I do think many people confuse phileo with eros expressions and defines them in a sexualized context.
Our society needs a phileo resurgence so we can express ourselves
with the nonsexual passion and love we really feel.
page 5
Drs. George & Shannon
(not pictured) and family
visited St. Nicholas Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, FL
during a recent vacation.
Youth in Oratorical Festival
St. Mary’s Summer Camp: will be held July 2- 8, 2016. Registration begins Tuesday, Ap ril 12that 10am at
www.stmaryscamp.com. The Early Bird discounted price is
$425 per camper, payable by cash, check or credit card through
May 1st. After that, the fee is $475, payable by credit card only on
the website.
Nickitas Camp Scholarship is available to St. George youth,
info at stgeorgegoc.org/youth/scholarships.
As our youth program grows, we find ourselves striving again
and again for new and more challenging goals. Towards the end
of the presentation, I had given a few ideas that we would like
to try to achieve for the current year. Now that we have established consistent nights and events for our youth, we would like
to begin reaching out to more and more families to come join
our events. In addition to this, we would like to continue reaching out to other churches and finding ways to join together our
youth communities to grow in faith as one. We have done this
Summer Camp Fee Reduced! The parish council approved
in the past with St. Mary's GOC, and we look forward to contin$100 assistance to benefit each youth from our parish attending uing the effort.
this year's summer camp, July 2-8, 2016. Funds will be drawn
Many have graciously contacted me with ideas on what we
from the James Nickitas Camp Scholarship Fund. This scholarcan do to with our youth to get them involved in our communiship is also available to families with financial need. For more
ty. I noted a few suggestions on possible ministries such as volinfo and application stgeorgegoc.org/youth/scholarships. Let's
unteering for the elderly, or creating supply socks. It is also my
get a big group of kids to take advantage of this generous offer! hope, now that we have a stronger program, that we can organize these types of activities. Yes, we are called to worship. Yes,
Message from our Youth Director:
we are called to learn. Yes, we can have fun as we grow. But we
To our Beloved Community,
are also called to serve our neighbor.
Recently at St. George, we had a parish assembly meeting.
Please continue to contact me with your suggestions and conThere, I was asked to give a brief look into how the youth procerns. The biggest point I wished to make at the assembly meetgram has developed over the past year and a half. Here is a reing was that it is the committed families who are the strongest
cap of our presentation and our thoughts:
example of Orthodox Christians. Our youth program is meant
I have said many times that in my opinion, the absolute best
to be a supplement to your fine example, and I thank each and
way to learn about our Orthodox Christian Faith is to be active- every one of you for your involvement and your support.
ly involved in it. To this end, we really pushed for the encourIn Christ,
agement of our youth to participate on Sunday mornings during Nathaniel Kostick
our Divine Liturgy. They have been offered the opportunity to
p.s. We're always in need of volunteers and chaperones. If you
serve behind the Altar with Fr. Rick, sing in the choir, read the
are interested in coming to our youth events, please contact me
Epistles, or help Usher in the back of the Church. I am proud to by phone or email.
say that many have taken the opportunity to explore their faith [email protected]
in these roles and we would like to keep it up!
763-221-7196
page 6
St. Paul. MN
LENTEN LECTURE SPEAKERS
< Robert Chandler
˅ Steve Willwerschied
MEOCCA clergy at Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers on March 27, 2016.
Fr. Rick and Pres. Jeannie Constantinou,
our Lenten Retreat speaker.
Greek Dancers of Minnesota
Greek School Youth Dancers
Stewardship Update 2016
Highlights from Parish Assembly Meeting on April 10, 2016
Presentation by Alexis Bighley, Stewardship Committee Chairperson

Thanks to each of you for your generosity in 2015. Congratulations for meeting the stewardship goals for the first
time in ten years!
 Stewardship Income for the past five years: 2010: $196,621; 2011: $214,154; 2012: $215,996; 2013: $207,744; 2014
$209,395; 2015: $231,338.
 Our goal for 2016 is $240,800
 2016 pledges received through March 31st: 95 pledgers for a total of $147,266; increase of $14,000 YTD; 34 parishioners increased their pledge amounts; 14 new pledgers this year compared to last year; how about you, have you
increased your pledge over the last several years?
page 7
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 177
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
ST. GEORGE GREEK
ORTHODOX CHURCH
1111 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
Phone
Fax
651.222.6220
651.225.9276
www.stgeorgegoc.org
Glad Tidings
May 2016
WEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 9
Bright/Renewal Tuesday
Liturgy 9:00 a.m.
Saturdays, May 7, 14
Great Vespers 5:00 p.m.
Please see our online calendar and bulletin for latest schedule updates:
http://stgeorgegoc.org/calendar/
http://www.bulletinbuilder.org/stgeorgegoc-saintpaul/current
Also visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/
stgeorgegoc.saintpaul.mn
REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES
Holy Confession: By Appointment
Vespers: (Sept. - May) Saturday 5:00 pm
Orthros: Sunday 8:15 am
Sunday School: (Sept. - May)
following Communion
Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:30 am

May 2016
Sun
1
Mon
2
+GREAT & HOLY
PASCHA!!!
+PROPHET
JEREMIAH
11am AGAPE
VESPERS
4p-7:30p FOCUS MN
- Serve a Meal
4:30pmGreek Dance
Practice
8
9
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
3
4
5
6
7
9am LITURGY
11am Bright Week
Breakfast
1:30pm Philoptochos
Meeting
+FAST DAY
Festival of Nations
11:30a-4:30p FOCUS
MN - Food Shelf
6p-8p HOPE & JOY
Youth
+ST. IRENE
Festival of Nations
9am National Day of
Prayer Service
10a-2:30p FOCUS MN
- Work Day (odd jobs)
12pm OCF at UST
(UST)
+FAST DAY
Festival of Nations
+PROPHET JOB
5pm VESPERS
Festival of Nations
10:30a-2:30p FOCUS
MN - Clothes Closet
7p-8:30p Annual St
Alexis (Toth) Lecture
12
13
10
11
+ANTIPASCHA - ST. +PROPHET ISAIAH
THOMAS
ST. AMALIA & ST.
JOHN THEOLOGIAN
8:15am ORTHROS
9:30am LITURGY
12pm Acolyte Training
Festival of Nations
4p-7:30p FOCUS MN
- Serve a Meal
4:30pm Greek Dance
Practice
+APOSTLE SIMON
THE ZEALOT
+FAST DAY
10a-2:30p FOCUS MN +FAST DAY
5pm VESPERS
11:30a-4:30p FOCUS - Work Day (odd jobs) 10:30a-2:30p FOCUS 6p-9p Orthodox Game
MN - Food Shelf
MN - Clothes Closet League
15
17
16
18
19
+3RD SUN. PASCHA 6:30pm Parish Council 11am LOMCP Board
- MYRRHBEARERS Mtg.
Mtg.
8:15am ORTHROS
9:30am LITURGY
4p-7:30p FOCUS MN
- Serve a Meal
4:30pm Greek Dance
Practice
+FAST DAY
11:30a-4:30p FOCUS
MN - Food Shelf
6p-8p GOYA Youth
6:30p-8p Choir
Practice
10a-2:30p FOCUS MN +FAST DAY
- Work Day (odd jobs) 10:30a-2:30p FOCUS
12p-2p MEOCCA
MN - Clothes Closet
Meeting
7p-9p Ahepa Mtg
+STS.
CONSTANTINE &
HELEN
9:30am Divine Liturgy
in Eau Claire, WI w Fr
Grivna
5pm VESPERS
22
25
26
28
23
24
+4TH SUN. PASCHA
8:15am ORTHROS
9:30am LITURGY
11am Graduation
Sunday
4p-7:30p FOCUS MN
- Serve a Meal
4:30pm Greek Dance
Practice
29
27
21
+FAST DAY
10a-2:30p FOCUS MN +FAST DAY
11:30a-4:30p FOCUS - Work Day (odd jobs) 10:30a-2:30p FOCUS
MN - Food Shelf
10a-12p Glad Tidings MN - Clothes Closet
Mailing
30
+5TH SUN. PASCHA
8:15am ORTHROS
9:30am LITURGY
12:30pm Memorial
Service at Roselawn
4p-7:30p FOCUS MN
- Serve a Meal
20
14
31
Coming in June…
5 Grand Old Day- Youth Parking Fundraiser
6 Loaves & Fishes at St. Matthew Catholic Church
9 ASCENSION OF OUR LORD
11 APOSTLE BARTHOLOMEW- Patriarch’s Nameday
12 Parish Summer Social at Bighley Home
19 PENTECOST & Father’s Day
25 Divine Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI
26 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul Minnnesota 55105; phone 651-222-6220
www.stgeorgegoc.org
Parish Council Meeting Minutes Summary March 21, 2016
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Call Meeting to Order -7:15 p.m.
Opening Prayers: Readings: Prov. 3:34-4:22, Is 4:2-5:7, Gen. 3:21-47 – 7:20 p.m.
Enrichment Session - the Parish Council attended the Compline Service at 6 p.m.
Submission of past Parish Council Meeting Minutes: – Stephen Arsenault – 7:30 p.m.
Motion: to accept the Parish Council Minutes of February 15, 2015. Motion passed unanimously
V.
Treasurer’s Report and Update on Investments – Dan - 7:30 p.m.
Year to Date 29 Feb 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________
General FON
G. Festival 75th Income Total Expense Total Net
__________________________________________________________________________
INCOME
39,428
32,016
71,444
EXPENSES
(56,321) (650)
(20,292)
(77,303)
BUDGET
40,140
NET
(16,893)
11,684
(5,209)
VI.
After discussion, Motion: To accept the Treasurer’s Report. Passed unanimously.
Committee Reports –
A. Stewardship Report -Alexis Bighley - 7:47 p.m.
We are ahead of last year in pledges and dollars. Presented tonight is a “to do” list of 2016.
B. Scholarship Committee – Fr. – 8:02 p.m.
There is an update to website page for scholarships. The committee is about to move on the Pitsavas award.
Summer Camp Program:
The Council responding to the need of our children and the cost of Summer Camp passed unanimously the following
Motion: that for 2016, the parish give each camper $100 to reduce the camp fee; funds to be taken from the Nickitas Scholarship.
Expressed is the need to coordinate all of the scholarships available to parishioners.
C. Landscaping/Grounds Report – Nanette Gomez - 7:55 p.m.
Nanette is getting proposals from True Green on landscaping clean-up and lawn care.
D. Website Project – Fr. Rick Andrews – 8:04 p.m. Home page changes made.
E. Missions and Benevolence (M & B) Report – George Mastrogiorgis – 8:05 p.m.
The committee looked at missions for 2016. An M & B Scholarship Program has been established for students. The details are to be worked-out. Initiatives for
2016 include a fish fry and a fundraiser dinner for Focus.Motion: to accept the committee report.
F. Capital Projects Status and Discussion and Review – Dan Simon – 8:20 p.m.
G. Iconography Project Update – Stephen Arsenault- 8:25 p.m.
The iconography is progressing. Steve will present an update at the April 10th Parish Assembly.
H. 75th Anniversary Projects Updates - Fr. Rick Andrews – 8:26 p.m.
Photos are being scanned, help is needed to complete the Album.
I. Welcome and Outreach – Jon Kennedy – 8:27 p.m.
The committee is looking at ways we outreach to families within our community. Considered tonight are examples of outreach and various ideas for
consideration. Also discussed is a schedule of ushers.
VII. On Going Business
A. Greek Festival Progress Report- Phyllis Kapetanakis - 8:35 p.m.
Some details on the Festival ideas considered: purchases, volunteers, tickets, kitchen area workflow
B. Parish Advertising and Promotion Project Update - George Mastrogiorgis - 8:50 p.m. Discussed tonight is the on-line budget dollars
update: last year’s budget and implementation.
C. Spring Assembly – Jon Kennedy – 9:08 p.m.
The agenda items are similar to last year and will be sent out and put in the Glad Tidings. This year Jason will do the luncheon, and Reva will speak for
Philoptochos.
D. Youth Program Review/Report Card – Fr. Rick Andrews – 8:54 p.m.
Fr. Rick presented a review of the youth program. Nathaniel Kostick will present a report at the Parish Assembly.
E. Table Top Refinishing – Fr. Rick Andrews – 9:15 p.m. Fr. has three bids for a decision.
VIII. New Business.
A. St. George Summer Camp (See above VI. B.)
B. New Usher Schedule. (See VI. I. above)
C. Automatic Door Installation – Jim Theros – 8:10 p.m.
The doors to be included are the outer doors and elevator doors and handicap bathroom door. Proposals are being worked
D. New Chairs for Board Room – Jon Kennedy– 9:21 p.m. Jon is working on a match for the chairs.
E. Other New
IX.
1. ACH payments to the church – Dan Simon - 9:15 p.m.
Discussed are the costs associated with the ACH program through Associated Bank or another institution.
2. Parking Lot Update – Fr., Dan Simon – 9:23 p.m. Work cannot be done until temperatures are above 70 F.
3. Exhaust fan over candle stand. – Jon Kennedy and Jim Theros – 9:25 p.m. Jon has a contractor in mind.
4. Moisture in the library room in the basement – Fr. Rick Andrews – 9:26 p.m.Fr., Dan and Jon will work on this.
5. Archdiocese Clergy/Laity July 3d to 8th weekend. – Fr. Andrews – 9:26 p.m.
6. Lenten Lectures – Fr. Rick Andrews – 9:28 p.m.
Palamas Retreat with Jeannie Constantinou. Sunday after vespers is a PC sponsored dinner.
7. The Next Parish Council April 18 before Holy Week.
8. May 9th to the 14th Fr. will not be here – Clergy Retreat
9. Fr.’s Tour of a Catholic group to Greece in September 29 to October 10. (See handout)
Adjournment and Closing Prayer. – 9:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: Stephen Arsenault, PC Secretary
2016 Stewardship
Pledges Received
Thank you to the following
faithful servants who have
submitted their stewardship
pledge cards for 2016 (as of
April 18). Please join them
today!
Aida Abebe
Ronald & Reva Adkins
John & Carol Alexis
Ms. Diane Anastos
Fr. Richard & Pres. Jane
Andrews
James M. & Maria Andrews
Lucy Angelis
John & Marina Antoniou
Steve Arsenault & Minda
Pearson
Mr. Philip Barbatsis
Scott & Michelle Berge
John & Alexis Bighley
Peter & Susan Boosalis
Mrs. Evelyn Boosalis
Tina & Jeff Bovis-Fuller
Drs. George & Shannon
Canas
Mr. James Canelake
Eric Chadwick & Andrea
Faches
Mrs. Evelyn Charnell
Mr. Iulian Ciuta
William Clemons
Mr. Constantine Contolatis
Penny Davidson
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Dokos
Vesna Ellingson
Louis & Mary Ellis
Mark Flumerfelt &
Stephanie George
Adam Fuller
Halefom Gabresalassie
Chris & Mary Georgantones
Mr. John Georgolopolos
Richard & Sue Gnetz
Mike & Nanette Gomez
Warren & Kiki Gore
Dimitri & Kimberly
Gounaikis
Mr. & Mrs. John Grant
Miss Katina Hatjistilianos
Eleni Hoffhines
Mr. Petko Ivanov
Daria Jmill
Harold & Cecelia Johnson
Mark & Kalley Johnson
Nicole Johnson
Misael & Lisa Jordan
Senait Kahsai & Kibrom
Hailu
Mr. Richard Kanavati
Dimitrios & Dimitra
Kaniamos
Peggy & Jon Kennedy
Ms. Dina Kiprose
Mathew & Ellene Kritikos
James Lake
Mrs. Stella Lake
Thomas & Dawn Lampros
Miss Georgia Lucas
Michael & Margery
Makredes
Mrs. Mary Makredes
Ms. Georgia Mann
Ms. Jo Ann Mann
Michael & Christine Manos
Sophronis Mantoles & Anna
Marinos
Anastasia & George
Mastrogiorgis
Dan & Jackie Matuska
Mrs. Patricia McAdams
Alex Moran
Caroline Moran & Aaron
Hareid
Linda & Thomas Moran
Katerina & Savvas
Nikolaides
Mr. Chris Panayoton
Dr. Tasso & Carey Pappas
Milam & Maria Paraschou
James & Sally Pathos
Nik & Karen Patronas
Mike & Jill Patrou
Spero & Lana Payton
Mr. Lampros Petanitis
Dimitri & Sofia Pitsavas
Mrs.Theologia Pitsavas
Nikola & Rada Popov
Athanasios Poulios
Paul & Elizabeth Poulios
John & Sue Poulos
Mrs. Alexandra & Mr.
Shawn Powell
Dr. Nicholas & Effie Psimos
Steve & Rallou Rice
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Roumel
Theodore Roungou
Ms. Tina Sageotis
Fr. Daniel & Pres. Eileen
Simon
Mr. Daniel Simon
Clark & Denise Smith
Miss Kathryn Strenglis
Mr. James S. Theros
Sandra & Gordon Thole
Mr. Spero Thomaidis
Dean & Dena Tortorelis
Peter & Dana Tountas
Louis & Kathy Trigas
Kostas & Naomi Tsantir
Joanna Tzenis & Dean Natto
Mersina & Jason Van Cleave
Andrea Walkush
Caryl Wedes
Joseph Weiser
Ms. Lily Zahariades
Mr. Steve Zeece Sr.
Festival of Nations
May 5-8, 2016
For 84 years, the Festival of Nations has inspired
people throughout the region to discover more
about our world and embrace the rich cultural
diversity brought to us by immigrants from around
the globe. The Saint George community has been
involved from the beginning. This event is a fun way
to celebrate and share a culture that many
parishioners share and the proceeds benefit our
church and its ministries.
Please join us the week after Pascha by
volunteering at the Greek Café, supporting the
Greek School Bazaar booth and the Greek Cultural
booth or by enjoying one of the three dance
troupes that will participate. The 2016 Festival of
Nations theme is Folklore & Fairytales! This theme is
sure to inspire some fascinating programming that
will illuminate cultural perspectives and connect
individuals like no other medium. Learn more about
the FON at their website:
http://www.festivalofnations.com.
Volunteers are needed at the Greek Café for all
shifts and roles such as food prep, server, clean up,
move-in /setup and breakdown/move-out. Sign up
to volunteer at the SignUpGenius website:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CA5AD2B
ABFF2-festival, or contact Tom Lampros or Emilio
Kapetanakis.