V O L U M E 1 8 , I S S U E 7 A U G U S T 2 0 1 2

08.12 St. George Greek

Orthodox Church

St. Paul, Minnesota

Basics for Living Our Orthodox Christian Faith: Confession

By Father Richard Andrews

Dear Brothers and Sisters in

Christ:

In our continuing series on

the Top 10 Basics for Living

our Orthodox Christian Faith,

we have covered four so far:

Prayer, Worship, Fasting, and

Scripture. This month we’ll

start delving into the Holy Sac-

raments/Mysteries of the

Church beginning with Confes-

sion. The following is from a

sermon given on January 2,

2010, titled: Confessing our

Sins. Please be sure to follow

the fast of the Theotokos

(Aug.1-15), to attend some

Paraklesis Services, celebrate

the Dormition of the Virgin

Mary (Aug.15) and volunteer

for our annual Greek Festival

(Aug.18-19). +Fr. Rick

R emember back

when we were

children, how

easy it was to take

something that was not ours.

Whether it was a toy from

our toddler playmates, a

piece of candy or gum at the

convenience store, a nice

shirt, purse or jersey left be-

hind at school, we wanted it,

it was there and we claimed

it. Yet, when we took these

items that belonged to some-

one else, we usually did not

hold up to our parents or oth-

ers and say, “Hey look what I

found.” We often took it and

kept it stealth so no one else

would notice. Why? Because

we knew it was not ours and

it was wrong to take it. When

our parents confronted us

asking, “Where did you get

that?”, we might say, “I

found it or my friend gave it

to me or I don’t know.” Why?

Because we knew that: 1) We

probably would have to re-

turn it, and/or 2) We might

have some consequence for

taking it, and 3) the worst

outcome--being transported

back to the store with our

mom or dad and having to

tell the owner or the clerk, “I

stole this and I’m sorry.” Yet,

that little experience taught a

us a valuable lesson that

served us well for the rest of

our lives: The Eighth of the

Ten Commandments- “Thou

shall not steal” (Ex.20:15).

The imprint of the lesson

was strong because of the

emphasis on relationship. In

other words, our action af-

fected another human being.

What caused us to commit

the sin in the first place—a

selfish, self-centered attitude

of entitlement—is countered

with an experience of ac-

countability towards another

person. I have a responsibil-

ity to respect my neighbor.

Having to take responsibility

for my disrespect towards

another person is initiated

and/or confirmed by a fellow

human being, either by the

one I have wronged or a third

person like a parent, teacher

or priest, or God-forbid a law

-enforcement officer. Another

lesson we learn is that, be-

cause of my sinful, selfish

imperfections, I will disre-

spect again but I can quickly

make things better and hope-

fully right by admitting my

wrong-doing and taking re-

sponsibility for it. I don’t nec-

essarily need another person

make me do that.

This is what’s going on in

the gospel reading on the

Sunday before Theophany

(Mark 1:1-8). John the Baptist

is “preaching a baptism of

repentance for the remission

of sins” (v.4) and all the peo-

ple in Judea and Jerusalem

are coming to him to be bap-

tized, “confessing their

sins” (v.5). Were they con-

fessing privately to them-

selves in their thoughts or

quietly to God in prayer? I

doubt it. Likely they were

(Continued on page 2)

in this issue

Regist ry P.3

Par i sh News P.4-5

Youth P.6-7

page 2

confessing either to John himself or to

the other people who gathered in the

wilderness or both. The Greek word

here is “exomologoumenoi” coming

from the two words “exo” meaning

“outside” and “omologo” meaning

“confess”. Thus, the people were mak-

ing an open, exterior and public confes-

sion of sins.

This practice continued in the early

Church after Pentecost. For we hear,

Jesus bestowing the grace upon the

Apostles to forgive sins: John 20:22-23

“21So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to

you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send

you.” 22And when He had said this, He

breathed on them, and said to them,

“Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive

the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if

you retain the sins of any, they are re-

tained.” We see new converts in the

Book of Acts 19:18 “And many who had

believed came confessing and telling their

deeds”. St. Paul teaching us the impor-

tance and power of revealing sin:

Eph.5:11-13 “11And have no fellowship

with the unfruitful works of darkness, but

rather expose them. 12For it is shameful

even to speak of those things which are done

by them in secret. 13But all things that are

exposed are made manifest by the light, for

whatever makes manifest is light.” St.

Iakovos/James shows us that confession

is not for punishment but for healing:

Jam.5:16 “Confess your trespasses to one

another, and pray for one another, that you

may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer

of a righteous man avails much.” And

John the Evangelist reveals the neces-

sity for confession in order for Christ to

live within us: 1John 1:8-10 “8If we say

that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,

and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our

sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us

our sins and to cleanse us from all un-

righteousness. 10If we say that we have not

sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word

is not in us.”

What we know of now as the Sacra-

ment of Confession was not in the early

Church a private meeting between the

priest and the penitent. It was a humble

public confession of sins before the

whole body of the local church. Think

how difficult it can be to admit our

wrongs to even one other person and

imagine standing up here before every-

one present and saying our sin. We still

are influenced by the fallen passion of

pride, often trying to hide our trans-

gressions in order to preserve our fa-

çade of righteousness. Yet, that is the

very purpose of confession, whether to

our parents, our spouse, our siblings,

our priest or the one whom we have

wronged—to smash that façade so we

can begin to see ourselves truly as we

are.

Some of us may not even know di-

rectly, or we have forgotten, the experi-

ence of sacramental confession with the

priest. We may have never participated

in this Mystery of Reconciliation or it’s

been many years since our last time.

Why? In his excellent book, “The For-

gotten Medicine: The Mystery of Re-

pentance”, Archmandrite Seraphim

Aleksiev, gives several common rea-

sons why people do not participate

regularly in the Sacrament of Confes-

sion. He addresses each objection with

some thoughtful statements.

1.I am too sinful! God will never for-

give my many sins. I’m too damaged,

beyond repair. In Orthodox Christian-

ity, we believe that we cannot save

ourselves, only God can. We must

trust in God that was “impossible

with men, is possible with God.” God

can and He wants to repair us and

heal us.

2.The opposite of #1. I have no sins or

at least no serious ones. The fact of

the matter is that we become too ac-

customed to the stench/foul odor of

our sins. It’s like going into some-

one’s messy room or house and they

think it’s normal because they live in

it every day. Think of it this way, a

nice wristwatch or grandfather clock

will usually stop running with an ac-

cumulation of dust over many years.

In addition, what is the likelihood of

us being injured and killed by a wild

beast versus a microbe of bacteria?

3.I confess to God in prayer. Why do I

need a priest? We are not ashamed

before the Omnipotent God because

we don’t see Him but the priest is the

icon/image of Christ to us. But the

priest is sinful with this fault and that

problem. Yet, the priest’s sinfulness

does not hinder God’s grace. Other-

wise, why would we let him give us

communion or baptize our children

or marry us? As seen above Christ

bestowed upon the apostles, and all

the bishops and presbyters who came

after them the grace to loose and re-

mit sins. The priest may tell others

about my sin. The confidentiality of

confession is very sacred and every

priest knows this and very few vio-

late it. More importantly, confessing

to one man (the priest) will prevent

our sins from being discussed by

many people.

4.Why should I confess when I know I

will sin again tomorrow? This is true

but how can we expect to grow and

mature without trying? Abba Sisoes

says to get up after falling until your

death. Applying the same logic, we

should all stop washing our hands

because they are going to get dirty

again very soon.

(Continued from page 1)

(Continued on page 6)

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 bulletin board by the kitchen) and return it to the office.

Registry

Raising the Widow’s Son at

Nain Righteous Melchisedek

Birth

June 19, 2012 Alexandros Joseph. Parents are Adam & Angie McMahon; grand-

parents are Panayiotis & Aristea Kontinakis.

Memorial

June 10, 2012 Theofanis Mavromatis (40 days)

Address Changes

Giorgi Pochkhidze 1609 Woodridge St. St. Paul, MN 55117

Ari Assimacopoulos 933 West Elm St. Littleton PK., AZ 85340

David Kalogerson 1852 Holton St. Falcon Heights, MN 55113

Daniel & Patricia Nodes 88 Sugar Creek Place Woodway, TX, 76712

Ms. Sophia Petrow 19407 Hamilton Circle Elkhorn, NE 68022

Justin & Nicole Birge 1219 N 131st Street Omaha, NE 68154

Angie Kontenakos 19252 Snider House CT. Leesburg, VA 20176

Milam & Maria Paraschou 3709 Copper Spring Drive Fort Collins, CO 80528

Barbara Fillion 730 South Plaza Drive Apt. #204 Mendota Heights, MN 55120

Ms. Katrina Pagonis 2250 Latham St. Apt. #10 Mountain View, CA 94040

Angie & Dustin Kelsey 981 Gershwin Ave. N Oakdale, MN 55128

Church Staff and Office Hours

Church Office Hours

(Monday-Friday)

8:00 AM--2:15 PM

Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter

(651) 222-6220

Email: FatherRick@usa.com

Lori Kurtyka,

Administrative Assistant

(651) 222-6220

Email: office@stgeorgegoc.org

Tom Lampros,

Parish Council President

(651) 644-3924

Email: tlampros@hotmail.com

Reva Adkins,

Philoptochos President

(651) 337-1118

Email: rradkins@comcast.net

Andrea Faches,

Sunday School Director

(507) 665-8053

Email: afaches@msn.com

Stella Hofrenning,

Greek School Director

651-917-2668

Jennifer Argeros,

Glad Tidings—Editor

Email: GladTidings

@stgeorgegoc.org

Sue Gnetz & Sandra Thole,

Loaves and Fishes Coordinators

Email: gnetzsue@gmail.com,

quadmom196@yahoo.com

Submissions for upcoming issues

are due by the 11th of the preceding

month.

page 3

St. Paul. MN

Festal Icons Needed

page 4

Dormition Fast

On August 1st, the two week prepara-

tion for the Feast of the Dormition of

the Theotokos begins. It includes a

strict fast and some Paraklesis worship

services. This is a very special and holy

time for everyone to devote themselves

more fervently to the Lord, looking to

His mother for a near perfect example.

Pre-Communion Prayers

With the blessing and encouragement

of our hierarch, Metropolitan Iakovos,

we will say the Pre-Communion Prayers

together. The choir will sing “One is

Holy…Eis Agios…” twice (English &

Greek), then the prayers will be read,

then the choir will sing the Commun-

ion Hymn until the priest is ready to

distribute the Eucharist. The Alleluias

should start after the priest receives the

blood of Christ. We understand that

this is different from our previous prac-

tice and will require some time to ad-

just to and perfect. Thanks for your pa-

tience!

Funds for New Furnace: Needed

The 43 year old furnace for the Sunday

School rooms and lower level must be

replaced soon. Bids have been obtained

and a special campaign has begun re-

questing $5,500 in donations for a 95%

efficient unit. These donations would

be above and beyond stewardship con-

tributions. Can you help us provide a

comfortable learning environment for

the youth and teachers? Please clearly

mark donations with “New Furnace.”

Maids of Athena & Sons of Pericles

The Minneapolis chapters of Ahepa

and the Daughters of Penelope are re-

starting their youth chapters on Satur-

day June 23rd at 2:00.The age is14 and

older. These organizations supplement

the church youth program with philan-

thropic, educational, and mission ac-

tivities. Anyone interested may contact

is Angie Speliopoulos 612-481-9292.

Greek American Studies Fund

This fund was established by John &

Nancy Lambros to preserve and share

the Greek immigrant experience. It has

supported the Greek America collec-

tion at the Immigration History Re-

search Center at the University of Min-

nesota. In Spring 2011 it sponsored the

first ever post-doctoral researcher to

visit IHRC. The fund has exceeded its

initial goal of $150,000 and has set a

new goal of $250,000 in order to host

future scholars for an entire semester of

research. Please consider supporting

this effort by sending a check to the

Greek American Studies Fund and mail

to John W. Lambros, 3213 Ridgewood

Road, Arden Hills MN 55112-3437.

Gifts are tax deductible.

Loaves & Fishes Coordinator Needed

Sandra Thole and Sue Gnetz have

served as L&F co-coordinators for 4

years and will be stepping aside at the

end of 2012. It is imperative that some-

one assumes responsibility for this mis-

sion ASAP as we only have 3 more

months to fulfill our obligation for this

year. We must give the organization 2

months notice so they can replace St.

George Church on the schedule if we

are not continuing. PLEASE search

within yourselves and come forward to

chair this mission so we can continue in

this wonderful opportunity to serve the

Lord. Call or visit with Sue and Sandra

for more information.

Trinity Mission

The food drive for Trinity Mission con-

tinues throughout the year. Some peo-

ple have much more than they need

and then there is the growing popula-

tion of poor that need so much; includ-

ing basic human necessities like food,

clothing and shelter. Please remember

those who cannot afford food while

you are grocery shopping, and pur-

chase one or more extra items for them.

Trinity Mission accepts donations of

any non-perishable food. A list of the

items needed is posted in the lower

level of St. George, by the red bins la-

beled "Trinity Mission". Thank you!

Want to Work with Youth?

Our parish is seeking candidates for a

paid part-time (10-15 hours per week)

youth minister. Under the supervision

of the priest, the youth minister pri-

marily works with children (toddlers

through high school ages) and their

parents to plan, create and lead activi-

ties throughout the year, encouraging

greater participation on all levels. This

is challenging, yet rewarding position

for a faithful, committed person with

good people and organizational skills

and who loves leading kids to Christ.

Contact Fr. Rick for more info or to ap-

ply.

Host an Exchange Student

Hosting an exchange student is a won-

derful way for your family to give back

together, while experiencing a new cul-

ture. Exchange students are between

the age of 15 and 18 and come from

more than 60 countries around the

world. They come with their own

Parish Parish

NewsNews

St. Paul. MN

page 5

spending money and health insurance,

and have studies English for at least 3

years. Most of all, they are eager to

learn about your American family! Is

this the opportunity your family has

been waiting for? To learn more about

hosting and how you can make a dif-

ference, please contact Sheri Delich at

(651) 329-2782 or sheridelich@msn.com

Killebrew Memorabilia Available

A parishioner donated a framed

Harmon Killebrew poster to the church

in order that the church may sell it and

keep the proceeds. If interested contact

Fr. Rick.

1135 Summit Update

At the Parish Assembly meeting on

July 1st, a proposal was put forth by the

parish council to exercise our right of

first refusal on the property for sale

adjacent to the church. A motion was

made to purchase the property and af-

ter much discussion the motion was

defeated. We thank everyone for their

preparation and participation. May we

continue to work together to discern

God’s will and answer His call towards

growth and maturation for each of us

and collectively as members of the

Body of Christ.

AHEPA News

At the Ahepa District Convention,

hosted by the St. Paul Chapters, the

following awards were given: Lifetime

Achievement Award to Ahepan Atha-

nasios Contolatis, Ahepan of the Year to

Christ Kontenakos, Lifetime Achieve-

ment Award to Daughters of Penelope

member Georgia Ehrich, Female Athlete

of the Year to Marisa Christina Mortari.

In addition Demetrios Demetriou was

elected District Treasurer.

Greek Festival 2012 August 18-19

It’s almost here!! Please volunteer for the Greek Festival today! This is a special op-

portunity for the St. George community to share our wonderful Greek culture, religion and

food with our neighbors and friends. Volunteers are the heart of the Festival. The Festival Committee would appreciate if you would join the fun and commit to a shift, two shifts or join us for the entire weekend. There will be singing, dancing and lots of delicious Greek food.

Volunteers are needed for all of the following activities the week before the Greek Festival:

Monday, August 13th Baking - Kourambiethes 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 14th Baking - Karidopita 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 16th Lamb preparation Start at 9:00 a.m.

Bakery and Coffee Cafe set up Start at 9:00 a.m. Friday, August 17th Lamb preparation Start at 9:00 a.m. Tent and equipment set up Start at 2:00 p.m.

Please see Greek Festival insert for more information, or visit the Greek Festival website at

www.stgeorgegoc.org for everything you need to know about the Festival.

Find us on Facebook.

OPA!

page 6

5.I need the priest only for prayer of ab-

solution! This is not so much a prob-

lem in the Greek tradition as in the

Slavic churches. The main issue is the

desire for forgiveness without actual

confession to anyone. Yet, this is just

like receiving Holy Communion with-

out proper preparation (see 1Corin-

thians 11:27). The knots of our con-

science need to be touched by the

priest in order to be untied. Water

must be touched to become clean. Ill-

ness must be diagnosed correctly to be

treated properly for an improper dose

of medicine can harm instead of heal.

In conclusion, John the Baptist bap-

tized with water (v.8) but he prophesies

that another One comes after who is

mightier than I” (v.7). John is speaking

about Jesus Christ and says that He will

baptize us with the Holy Spirit (v.8).

The coming Feast of Theophany on

January 6th is the celebration of the

event of Christ’s baptism by John in the

Jordan river but more importantly it is

Jesus’ Chrismation, in which the Holy

Spirit descends upon Him in the form of

dove so that He becomes the Messiah

(Greek = Christ). While most of us were

baptized into Christ and received the

gift of the Holy Spirit in Chrismation to

enter the life of the Church, the Body of

Christ, all of us need to be renew our

baptism in the blessed Holy Water

(Greek = Agiasmo) of Theophany and in

tears of repentance in the Sacrament of

Holy Confession. This continual process

of renewal is a necessary requirement in

order to receive continually the grace of

the Holy Spirit and thus live our lives

according to God’s will, strength and

purpose. Amen!

(Continued from page 2)

Confession continued

courtesy: www.scribd.com

page 7

St. Paul. MN

St. George St. George St. George

YouthYouthYouth

Youth Ministry Contacts

If you have questions about youth activities please contact the respec-

tive parent youth advisors.

HOPE (3-5 years old) – Jason & Kelly Barbes

JOY (1st – 5th grades) – Georgia Panopoulos & Kyle Bruer, Lisa &

Misael Jordan, Tom & Dawn Lampros

JrGOYA (6-8th grades) – Daniel Simon & Tina Bovis-Fuller

GOYA (9-12th grades) Presvytera Jane Andrews & Jean Pliakas.

We thank them for their dedication and involvement.

The Feast of the Dormition or Falling Asleep of the Theotokos

commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of

Christ's mother. To help us in our preparation of the feast, it is

preceded by a two week fast. As with the Nativity of the Virgin

(September 8/21) and the feast of her Entrance to the Temple

(November 21/December 4), the Feast of the Dormition also

comes from the Tradition of the Church.

There we learn that Mary died as all people die because she had

a mortal human nature affected by the corruption of this world.

The Church proclaims that Mary needed to be saved by Christ

just as all of us are saved from trials, sufferings, and death of

this world. Having truly died, she was raised by her Son as the

"Mother of Life" and already participates in the eternal life of

paradise which is prepared and promised to all who "hear the

word of God and keep it." (Luke 11:27-28) Finally, we celebrate

the fact that what happens to Mary happens to all who imitate

her holy life of humility, obedience and love.

It is important to remember that there are no relics of the The-

otokos. Their existence has never been mentioned throughout

history. At one time in Constantinople there was a center of pil-

grimage where the belt and veil of the Virgin were venerated.

Adapted from The Orthodox Church, Volume II: Worship, by Fr.

Thomas Hopko.

From the Tradition of the Church

Following the day of Pentecost, the Theotokos remained in the

city of Jerusalem, comforting the infant Christian community.

She was living in the house of the beloved Apostle John, later

the Evangelist. At the time of her death (tradition states she was

in her early fifties) many of the Apostles were scattered

throughout the world preaching the Gospel. All but Thomas

were miraculously brought to the Virgin aloft on clouds.

As they stood around her bedside, she commended her spirit to

the Lord and Jesus descended from Heaven, taking up her soul

in His arms. The Apostles sang the funeral hymns in her honor

and carried her body to a tomb in Cedron near Gethsemane.

When a Jewish man tried to interrupt their solemn procession,

an angel of the Lord came and punished him by cutting off his

hands, which were later healed.

The Apostle Thomas arrived on the third day and wished to see

the Virgin for the last time. They discovered an empty tomb.

Church tradition relates that the Theotokos was resurrected

bodily and taken to heaven, the same reward that awaits all the

righteous on the Last Day.

Source: www.theologic.com

Youth Parking Event

The Jr/GOYA was successful in raising $365 for

charity on Sunday, June 3 by parking cars for

Grand Old Day. Thank you to the parent and

youth volunteers on a job well done.

Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos

ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

1111 Summit Avenue

St. Paul, Minnesota 55105

Phone 651.222.6220 Fax 651.225.9276

www.stgeorgegoc.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage PAID

Twin Cities, MN

Permit No. 177

Glad Tidings August 2012

REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICESREGULAR WEEKLY SERVICESREGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES

Holy Confession: By Appointment

Vespers: (Sept. - May) Saturday 5:00 pm

Orthros: Sunday 9:00 am

Sunday School: (Sept. - May)

following Communion

Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:30 am

WEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEWEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEWEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULEDULEDULE

Paraklesis Services

Wednesday, August 1, 5:30pm Thursday, August 2, 12:00pm Tuesday, August 7, 7:00pm Wednesday, August 8, 5:30pm Thursday, August 9, 6:00pm Monday, August 13, 7:00pm

Transfiguration

Divine Liturgy—Monday, August 6, 9:00am

The Dormition of the Theotokos Vespers at St. Mary GOC—Tuesday, August 14, 7:00pm

Orthros—Wednesday, August 15, 8:00am Divine Liturgy—Wednesday, August 15, 9:00am

Beheading of the Forerunner John

Divine Liturgy—Wednesday, August 29, 8:00am

See you there!

Greek Festival

2012

August 18th and 19

th

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4+PROCESSION+PROCESSION+PROCESSION+PROCESSION

OF HOLY CROSS; OF HOLY CROSS; OF HOLY CROSS; OF HOLY CROSS;

7 MACCABEAN 7 MACCABEAN 7 MACCABEAN 7 MACCABEAN

CHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDRENCHILDREN

+12:00pm+12:00pm+12:00pm+12:00pm

+5:30pm +5:30pm +5:30pm +5:30pm PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS

PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS

*6:30pm Greek

Festival Mtg.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11+9TH SUN. +9TH SUN. +9TH SUN. +9TH SUN. +TRANSFIGURATION+TRANSFIGURATION+TRANSFIGURATION+TRANSFIGURATION +ST. HERMAN+ST. HERMAN+ST. HERMAN+ST. HERMAN

MATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEW OF ALASKA & OF ALASKA & OF ALASKA & OF ALASKA &

APOSTLE APOSTLE APOSTLE APOSTLE

+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS +9:00am +9:00am +9:00am +9:00am MATTHIASMATTHIASMATTHIASMATTHIAS

+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY LITURGYLITURGYLITURGYLITURGY

+5:30pm +5:30pm +5:30pm +5:30pm

PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS +6:00pm +6:00pm +6:00pm +6:00pm

*6:30pm Choir PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS

+7:00pm VESPERS+7:00pm VESPERS+7:00pm VESPERS+7:00pm VESPERS Practice +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm *6:30pm Greek *7:00pm Parish

PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS Festival Mtg. Council

12 13 14 15 16 17 18+10TH SUN. +10TH SUN. +10TH SUN. +10TH SUN. +DORMITION OF+DORMITION OF+DORMITION OF+DORMITION OF +ST. STAMATIOS+ST. STAMATIOS+ST. STAMATIOS+ST. STAMATIOS +FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY

MATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEW THEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOS

+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS +8:00am ORTHROS+8:00am ORTHROS+8:00am ORTHROS+8:00am ORTHROS

+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY +9:00am LITURGY+9:00am LITURGY+9:00am LITURGY+9:00am LITURGY

*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK

*12:00pm Acolyte FESTIVALFESTIVALFESTIVALFESTIVAL

Training *5:00pm Loaves

& Fishes +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm *6:30pm Greek

*4:00pm Feed VESPERS at St.VESPERS at St.VESPERS at St.VESPERS at St. Festival Mtg.

the Hungry at +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm +7:00pm Mary GOCMary GOCMary GOCMary GOC

FOCUS MN PARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESISPARAKLESIS

19 20 21 22 23 24 25+11TH SUN. +11TH SUN. +11TH SUN. +11TH SUN. +PROPHET +PROPHET +PROPHET +PROPHET +FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY +FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY

MATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEW SAMUELSAMUELSAMUELSAMUEL

+9:30am Divine+9:30am Divine+9:30am Divine+9:30am Divine

+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS Liturgy in EauLiturgy in EauLiturgy in EauLiturgy in Eau

+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY Claire, WIClaire, WIClaire, WIClaire, WI

*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK*11:00am GREEK

FESTIVALFESTIVALFESTIVALFESTIVAL

*7:00pm Bible

Study at Fr. Rick's

*4:00pm Feed House

the Hungry at

FOCUS MN

26 27 28 29 30 31+12TH SUN. +12TH SUN. +12TH SUN. +12TH SUN. +ST. PHANOURIOS+ST. PHANOURIOS+ST. PHANOURIOS+ST. PHANOURIOS +BEHEADING OF+BEHEADING OF+BEHEADING OF+BEHEADING OF +ST. ALEXANDROS+ST. ALEXANDROS+ST. ALEXANDROS+ST. ALEXANDROS +BELT/SASH OF+BELT/SASH OF+BELT/SASH OF+BELT/SASH OF

MATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEWMATTHEW FORERUNNER FORERUNNER FORERUNNER FORERUNNER THEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOSTHEOTOKOS

+STRICT FAST DAY+STRICT FAST DAY+STRICT FAST DAY+STRICT FAST DAY +FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY+FAST DAY

+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS+8:15am ORTHROS

+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY+9:30am LITURGY +8:00am LITURGY+8:00am LITURGY+8:00am LITURGY+8:00am LITURGY

*4:00pm Feed

the Hungry at

FOCUS MN

August 2012

St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

+ Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651) 222-6220 -- www.stgeorgegoc.org +

+ FAST OF THE DORMITION +

+ FAST OF THE DORMITION +

+ FAST OF THE DORMITION +

Coming in September...

1 Beginning of Ecclesiastical Year

3 Labor Day Holiday

8 Nativity of Theotokos

13 Parish Council Meeting

14 Exaltation of Precious Cross

16 Church Picnic

26 St. John the Theologian

facebook

Rain or shine!

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Greek Dancers of MinnesotaPerform on Saturday & Sunday

Greek Music & DancingGreek ImportsChurch ToursOrthodox Info Booth

Gyros & SouvlakiLamb & Chicken DinnersGreek Pastries & CafeKid’s Games

1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul Corner of Lexington & Summit Ave.

www.stgeorgegoc.org 651-222-6220

St. George Greek Orthodox Church

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Please purchase advance sale tickets at $10 each, a $2 savings off the $12 face value. Advance sale tickets are available until Friday, August 17th. Ten tickets have been mailed to each parishioner. Please support the Greek Festival and purchase all ten tickets. Festival tickets make great gifts to friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members. You can purchase additional tickets on Sundays after Liturgy or on-line at www.stgeorgegoc.org Thank you for your support in making the Greek Festival a success!

DON’T FORGET to sign up for a shift or two at the festival. It is fun, especially with many hands and smiling faces. What a great way to meet others from the com-munity! Contact Penny Davidson at pkdavidson51@yahoo.com or signup using Google Docs link fromFather Rick.

.

Festival Yard Signs are available at the church to pick up. Please place them in your yard to help ad-vertise the festival. They have been a big help in bringing your neighbors. Thank you!

Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes – due to Health Department regulations, NO SANDALS ARE ALLOWED IN THE FOOD AREAS. Go directly to your work station, and check-in with your team leader. Bring your Greek Festival hat. An apron will be provided when you arrive for your shift. Please return the apron at the end of your shift.

Saturday & SundayAUGUST 18 11AM-8PMAUGUST 19 11AM-6PMADVANCE TICKET SALES

VOLUNTEER SIGNUP

YARD SIGNS ARE HERE

VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105

www.stgeorgegoc.org

JOHN PITSAVAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

NAME OF APPLICANT: ___________________________________

CHURCH AFFILIATION: ___________________________________ NAME OF PARENTS: ______________________________________ SCHOOL/GRADE, OR COLLEGE YOU ARE ATTENDING: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ LIST SOME OF CHURCH/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

Essay Subject: (2012) St. John the Baptist, Prophet

and Forerunner

Please write a five (5) page essay (12pt font, double spaced) detailed explanation of the icon of St. John the Baptist that appears on the St. George Church iconostasi. Include brief explanations of Orthodox iconography’s purpose and technique. Also include how this icon helps you understand God’s calling at this point in your life. ATTACH ESSAY: DATE OF SUBMISSION: _______________________________ Note: Application form and essay deadline is

August 15th

.

JOHN PITSAVAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

GUIDELINES I. MISSION STATEMENT

The John Pitsavas Memorial Scholarship is set up to provide the children of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, assistance in their pursuit of education by providing them an opportunity to share and express their Orthodox Christian faith through a written essay. In addition, the Scholarship is meant to motivate active participation in t he youth programs and parish life of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. II. RULES OF QUALIFICATION

Grants are available only to children affiliated with the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, provided that the children are attending church and participating in its activities. Eligibility applies to children attending twelfth grade, or a vocational school or an academic institution of higher education seeking to obtain a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. III. STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Students interested in participating will be required to write and submit an essay to the Parish Council on a selected subject related to Orthodox faith no later than August 15th. A one-time grant in the amount of $1,000.00 will be given to a student with the best essay. This award will be for the Quarter/Semester the student will be attending, provided a copy of their registration is forwarded to the Parish Council. The winner will be announced on September 6. IV. COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

A committee shall be formed and overseen by the Parish Council to administer the scholarship program. In addition to the Parish Council President and priest, the Committee shall consist of no more than four parishioners in good standing, pursuant to the St. George By-Laws, who do not have a child who is eligible for and seeking scholarship. One of the four parishioner members of the Committee shall be the Youth Director of St. George, if one is employed.

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St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Parish Council Meeting Minutes

May 10, 2012

Attendees: President Tom Lampros, Vice President Joe Weiser, Secretary Sophronis Mantoles, Treasurer George Kanavati, Alexis Bighley, Nanette Gomez,, Frank Nemeth, Dan Simon, Steve Zeece, Absent: Fr. Demetrius Andrews, Diane Anastos. I. Call to Order: 7:05pm

II. Opening Prayers: 7:07pm

III. Submission of minutes: The April 5th minutes were approved without any changes. Motion made by Alexis seconded by Frank Nemeth. Motion passed.

IV. Financial Reports:

a. Treasurer’s report: Mr. Kanavati presented the financial report for April. George highlighted the items below:

1. April report shows Stewardship deficit of $515.74 from the same period last year.

2. Some items are over the budgeted amounts. 3. The funds for the Metropolis retreat center were sent. 4. Financial reports are due to the Metropolis on or before May 15th. Reports are

drafted. Tom and Fr. to review the reports and then they will be sent.

V. Committee reports:

a. Sanctuary Master Planning: The committee does not have an update. b. Stewardship: Alexis highlighted all the activity going on. Meeting with Fr., Tom and Alexis

discussed estate planning and how that can relate to the Church. Alexis is working the details to start a series of meetings in someone’s home to have a social time and discuss Stewardship. Alexis to host the first meeting. She needs three possible days from everyone in July. Tentative date set for Thursday July 19th.

c. Buildings and Grounds: Storage rental unit needs to be renewed. Lights replaced in the dome. Elevator glitch on Sunday caused some issues. Furnace bids taken in from three different companies. Motion made by George Kanavati to allocate funds not to exceed $5,500.00 to replace the furnace with a 120K dual stage 95% or better efficiency unit. Motion seconded by Joe Weizer. Motion passed. The board’s intention is to solicit specific donations for the furnace. Garbage disposal contracts discussion took place.

d. Outreach: No update from committee. e. Festival of the Nations / Greek festival update: Festival of the Nations report will be

prepared by George Kanavati by next meeting. Father (via a written note) and Parish Council members expressed thanks to all the volunteers especially Jean Pliakas and Dan Simon. Making final arrangements for future leadership for both events.

2

f. Investment Committee: Written report received from the committee. Account changes requested at last meeting were completed. A few additional Parish Council questions about the 2011 year end report require follow up.

VI. Father’s Report: No report this meeting due to Father’s attendance at the Metropolis Clergy Retreat.

VII. Unfinished Business

a. Ushering Schedule: Tom will be circulating the schedule. b. Roselawn Cemetery Monument report: Frank Nemeth reported on progress. Everything is

on schedule at this time. c. Accounting Outsourcing discussion: Alexis briefed the board on the cost, advantages and

disadvantages of having a professional company deal with our financial reports and the board agreed to move forward with organizing a proposal for a future meeting.

d. Social Hall Rental: List of action items went out to the council. Still holding off on rentals to non-parisioner renters.

e. Debrief on Holy Week, Feast day events, Pascha Dinner: Fr. expressed his thanks for all the help during Holy Week. Thanks to Jason, Kelly, Gus, Jackie and Andrew Barbes, Pres. Jane, Pat McAdams, and Penny Davidson, for the Paschal dinner work and preparations. Thank you to Frank Mortari for the sound system setup on Good Friday. Thanks Georgia Panopoulos, Jason Barbes Sophronis and Lucille Marinos for hosting the Feast day dinner. Thank you to the Choir and the Chanters for the extra effort for the Paschal services.

f. Admin office furniture status: Furniture company working on the final details with the furniture company.

VIII. New Business

a. Dinner for Paul and Jean Pliakas: An informal thank you and farewell dinner is being organized for Jean and Paul. Dates and details TBD.

b. Reschedule June PC meeting: Move the meeting to Tuesday June 12th. c. People with disabilities (Pew configuration and Archiodiocese guidance): Guidelines

distributed from Archdiocese. Pew configuration changes to enable wheel chair access is desired. Working on the details.

d. Candles Report: The council analyzed the report. No changes to be made at this time. e. Spring Cleaning: Set for Saturday May 19th at 9:00 am. f. Money available for camp: More promotion of compa scholarships will be done via the

bulletin and Glad Tidings. No parishioner should not attend camp due to financial reasons because of the scholarships available.

I. Adjournment and Closing Prayer: 9:40pm. Motion to adjourn made by Joe Weiser seconded

by George. All documents and reports submitted at the meeting are on file with the original copy of the minutes at the church.