A Word from Father Rick · Xristougenna! Blessed Nativity of our Lord! In Christ, +Fr. Rick A Word...
Transcript of A Word from Father Rick · Xristougenna! Blessed Nativity of our Lord! In Christ, +Fr. Rick A Word...
V O L U M E 2 0 , I S S U E 1 1 D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4
12.14 St. George Greek
Orthodox Church
St. Paul, Minnesota
in this issue
Par ish Accompl ishments
P.3
Par ish News P.4-5
Youth News P.6
Rose lawn Program P.7
Dear Brothers & Sisters in
Christ,
As we enter into the month of
December we are already two
weeks along in the Advent Fast.
I hope that we are using this
time well to prepare for the
Feast of the Nativity of our Lord
on Dec.25th by fasting from all
meat and dairy products, spend-
ing time in personal reflection,
moral self-inventory, repentance
and confession, and communal
worship. These ascetical efforts
will help Jesus Christ be incar-
nate in the world through our
words and actions.
Looking ahead we invite eve-
ryone to participate in the
Philoptochos Advent Luncheon
and Family Night on Saturday
December 6th, Parish Council Elections on Dec. 7th, Loaves &
Fishes on Mon. Dec. 8th, Church
Cleaning on Sat. Dec. 20th, and
the Nativity services on Dec.24-
25th. Thus, there are numerous
opportunities to get involved.
Just a reminder that we are
well into our season (October
through May) of Saturday Ves-
pers services which begin at
5pm and last about 45 minutes.
Participating in the Vespers wor-
ship is a great way to prepare for
Sunday Divine Liturgy but is an
acceptable substitute if not able
to attend Sunday liturgy. They,
along with weekday services
provide a slightly different at-
mosphere (less people, more
quiet) to experience the presence
of God and bow down before
Him. All this could be said
about Sunday morning Orthros
(year round) too, that begins at
8:15am. I encourage everyone to
make a point of participating in
these worship services at least a
few times a year.
As usual, I will be visiting sick
and homebound parishioners the week or two before Christ-
mas. If you would like to also
visit them or have me bring a
gift to them, please let me know.
If there is someone that needs a
visit, please let me know. Visita-
tions are one of the core minis-
tries of our parish. Please pray
for those who are not able to
attend worship and fellowship
activities.
As we reflect on the Birth of
our Savior, much of our time
this season, like previous years,
will be spent going to holiday
parties, family get-togethers and
shopping. All of these are rooted
in the celebration rituals sur-
round the Feast of Jesus’ Nativi-
ty. But how many of them actu-
ally specifically outwardly re-
member and acknowledge that
fact? Unfortunately, some go in
the opposite direction. Some
holiday parties involve raucous
revelry with excess eating and
drinking. Some families gather
but not at church for liturgy on
Christmas Day. Some shopping
is for those who have more than
enough while starving, hungry,
homeless people remain so.
Some gift giving does not in-
clude generosity to the Church
in thanksgiving for God’s great
gift of His only-begotten Son,
born in the flesh.
While lamentable, all these
things are easily overcome by
turning our hearts and minds
back towards God through re-
newed habits of heart and mind
leading to new habits of behav-
ior. It’s called repentance and
it’s a never-ending task of our
lives in relationship to God. The
fleeting happiness of worldly
events can be turned into a deep,
enduring joy through a life in
communion with our Creator.
It’s what He seeks; it’s how He
made us; it’s where our true
home is. Let us be like the Magi,
the three Wise Men, who intent-
ly listened for the signs of a
coming Savior; who diligently
searched for the mysterious
King; who brought Him gifts
and bowed down before Him.
For the year 2015, the Archdi-
ocese Stewardship theme high-
lights the Family. Stewardship
pledge card and brochures will
be mailed very soon. Please con-
sider your commitment prayer-
fully. Also, please give gener-
ously during this month of De-
cember in order for all of us to
work together to fulfill our sup-
port the ministries of our parish,
Metropolis of Chicago, Archdio-
cese of American and many
charitable organizations. Kala
Xristougenna! Blessed Nativity
of our Lord!
In Christ, +Fr. Rick
A Word from Father Rick
page 2
2014 Accomplishments (as reported at 11-16-2014 Parish Assembly Meeting)
page 3
Church Staff and Office Hours
Church Office Hours
M-F 9:00 AM—3:00 PM
Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter
(651) 222-6220
Email: [email protected]
Julie Delton,
Administrative Assistant
(651) 222-6220
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]
Glad Tidings—Editor
Email:
GladTidings @stgeorgegoc.org
Andrea Faches & Eric Chadwick,
Loaves and Fishes Coordinators
Email: [email protected]
Submissions for upcoming issues
are due by the 11th of the preceding
month.
St. Paul. MN
We need several festal icons relating to the Sundays of Matthew. Please consider donating one
or more of these at $75 per icon. Please include donor name and names of dear loved ones
(departed or living). See list in social hall for other icons to be donated. Thank you!
Festal Icons Needed
Jesus Raises
Widow’s Son at Nain
1. Various Capital Projects
— Iconography Program Plan and Recommendation (vote today)
— New sanctuary skylights and stained glass cleaning & repair
— Repaired back building wall
— Long-term brick repair plan in place for the building
— Parking Lot seal, repair and striping plan in place
2. Completion of Nickitas Memorial Donation & national video scholarship funding
3. Roselawn revenue received
4. Successful Greek Festival and Festival of Nations
5. Festival equipment donations received
6. Parish increased its giving and average pledge donation
7. Maintained and Improved Positive Financial Condition
8. Implemented Managed Investment Fund strategy
9. Landscaping and grounds improvements
10.Permanent Admin. Assistant hired
11.Improved longer term planning process and mentality
12.Increased Missions & Benevolence activities
13.Launched youth ushering and youth stewardship programs
14.Increase in family and youth social events
15.Close to final decision for youth minister selection
16.75th Anniversary Program Kickoff
17.Hierarch visits, Bishop Demetrios visited twice
18.National Clergy-Laity Conference attendance in Philadelphia,
brought some good ideas & presentation to be scheduled
Parable of Rich Man & Lazaros
page 4
Parish Elections Dec. 7
New Candidates running for election
to the Parish Council are:
Steve Arsenault
Alexis Bighley
Phyllis Kapetanakis
Dan Simon
Andrea Walkush
Christmas Services Christmas-Eve
8:00 a.m. Royal Hours
10:00 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy
Christmas
9:00 a.m. Orthos
10:00 a.m. Liturgy
Praying for Others The parish
council is initiating an effort to en-
courage prayers for those in need who
welcome the prayers of others. At the
person’s request, his/her name will be
placed in the bulletin so that her/she
may be remembered in prayer by all
during the Divine Liturgy and in per-
sonal prayers throughout the week.
Personal circumstances, such as medi-
cal condition, will NOT be listed, only
names. If you would like your name
included in the bulletin to request
prayers, please contact the church
office, Fr. Rick or a parish council
member.
Stewardship 2015: Please begin
considering how you will increase
your giving of Time, Talents and
Treasures to the parish in Year 2015.
Brochures and pledge cards will be
mailed and available in the church
office.
Adopt-A-Family for Christmas
This year St. George parish will be
adopting several families
for FOCUS . Please sign up for an in-
dividual(s) in the social hall. Lists of
what is needed will be available. Let’s
make this the best Christmas ev-
er. Items due Sunday, December
14. Please contact Iulian Ciuta or
George Mastorgiorgis of the Missisons
& Benevolence Committee if you have
any questions.
Donate a Coat/Jacket Fall and
winter coats needed at FOCUS Minne-
sota who is partnering with two local
high schools to help youth at risk,
both boys & girls, ages 14-20. It does
not need to be new but it must be
clean and in working order. Please
consider this easy way to help a
young person in need this winter. Call
Vera Proctor with any questions: 651-
324-2705. Drop-off times at FOCUS
Minnesota: Wed. Thurs. Friday 10:00am
- 2:00 pm;Sun5pm. As always, you can
drop of items (including jackets/coats)
here at church and someone will de-
liver to FOCUS-MN.
Got Any Photos of St. George?
For our 75th Anniversary year, we are
soliciting photos. You can scan and
email them [email protected].
Or the office can scan them for your
and return them. Thanks for sharing!
Birthday, Wedding, Baptism
Dates Needed We are updating our
database and missing some infor-
mation. Please email or call the church
office to update this information. 651-
222-6220 or [email protected]
Support Nathan Hoppe Missions
OCMC missionary Nathan Hoppe and
his work in Albania. To learn more
aboutNathan, go to this link (http://
www.ocmc.org/about/
view_missionary.aspx?
MissionaryId=1). We are encouraging
everyone to become regular support-
ers of Nathan’s work through OCMC.
You can do that by making a monthly
or yearly donation on this
page: www.ocmc.org/donate/
donation_info.aspx?
DonationType=Missionary. Be sure to
select “The Hoppe Family (Albania)”
in the missionary tab. Thanks in ad-
vance for your support.
Axios! Chris Avromopoulos, the dioce-
san Youth Director was ordained to
the Deaconate on November 22nd.
St. George Community Night is Saturday, Dec. 6—Feast of Saint Nicholas
A fun evening is planned for everyone
to participate. Please check the Youth
Page for details.
Christmas Program is Dec. 21 Rehearsals are Dec. 7 and Dec. 14
Parents, please check out the details
on the Youth Page if you would like
your children to participate .
Address Change
Sam and Joan Kantos
41301 Woodhaven Drive W
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(Nov. 1– April 30)
Parish Parish
NewsNews
St. Paul. MN
page 5
"SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY ~ MISSIONS & BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE
In celebration of St. George's upcoming 75th Anniversary, an organization of the church will be featured each
month. On December 7, 2014 we will spotlight the Missions & Benevolence committee. Members will feature
history & interesting facts of their ministry in the Social hall following the Divine Liturgy. We invite all those
who have served on this committee over the years to reunite on this Sunday for a group photo, which will be fea-
tured in the 75th Anniversary Commemorative Album.
The Saint George Missions and Benevolence Committee is concerned with promoting philanthropy in its original
and purest expression i.e., love for one’s fellow man, love expressed in thought, word, and deed, cognizant of the
fact that God is love. To accomplish this goal, the Missions and Benevolence Committee will emulate the work of
the Greek Orthodox Archdioceses National Philanthropy at the parish level, working closely with various commu-
nity organizations and our ladies¹ Philoptochos Society.
On October 27, 2014, Peter Nickitas, on behalf of his sister Athena Priest and our St. George parish, travelled to New
York and presented Steven Christoforou and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America the $15,000 bequest of his
father, James W. Nickitas. These funds will be matched two-for-one by Leadership 100 Endowment to form the new
James W. Nickitas Scholarship Fund for the Orthodoxy in Motion Youth Video Contest. The contest is for all youth
across the US to create short videos about the Orthodox Faith. Judges will evaluate the videos and recognize the top
three who will be awarded scholarships from the newly created fund. Also accompanying Peter were Jim's rela-
tives Elena Kyrkostas, Kathy & George Boulukos of New York. Parish Assembly meeting on April 27, 014 authorized
the transfer of his bequest from our parish to the Archdiocese.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
1940
Fr. Constantine Capoyianis
Parish Priest 1940-1949
page 6
Makers Mall- a Celebration of Giving Feast Day of Saint Nicholas Saturday, Decelmber 6 following Vespers
Join your Church family and friends this month for our
first ever Makers Mall. Let’s celebrate this season of giv-
ing- by creating gifts. The Social Hall will be set up ‘mall-
style’ with creation stations manned by expert arti-
sans. Come and make to your heart’s desire.
Who’s on your shopping list? Each child will receive an
elderly parishioner (or two if they are ambitious) whom
they can add to their own shopping list. They can then
create a unique greeting card and small gift for their pa-
rishioner and all the others on their list.
6:00 Pasta Dinner
6:30 Celebration of Giving/shopping lists
6:45 Makers Mall will be open for ‘business’!
Bonus: Optional for those interested. A Cookie Exchange-
add sharing to giving. Bring 3 dozen cookies to share and
take home 3 dozen!
Christmas Program Sunday December 21st --
Remaining Rehearsals: 12/ 7 ; 12/1 4 . Just a
quick reminder - the St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Christmas Program is just around the corner. The Sunday
School children will be performing the play "The Christ-
mas Path" by Gail Meena. Please make every effort to
have your child participate so that he/she will understand
what we expect of them. For other Sundays, it would be
appreciated if a few parents/SS teachers could plan a
quick lunch on these days. As we won't have full access
to the kitchen, peanut butter jelly and fruit/salads would
be great. On 12/1 4 , we will have a dress rehears-
al. Everyone is encouraged but not required to partici-
pate. However, the more that participate the more our
praises to God will be heard. If you have any ques-
tions and/or would like to help out , please email Lani
at [email protected] or call 763-227-1544 . Thank
you to all of the parents and the children that are helping
out with the play!!
Links for the youth ~
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Youth Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GOAyouth
Follow on Twitter ~
@GOA_Youth Follow
YouTube Channels ~
Y2AM and Y2AM REAL Orthodoxy
Reflections ~
http://blogs.goarch.org/y2am/theladder
Laughter ~
http://goa-youngadults.tumblr.com/
St. George St. George St. George YouthYouthYouth
page 7
St. Paul. MN
Parshioners at IOCC Dinner Nov. 13
Roselawn Cemetery Program “Buy now, Save now” Program With the year coming to a close, the Roselawn Cemetery Committee is offering a year-end incentive to allow parishioners the opportunity to reserve a lot at today’s pricing and pay for it over the next 12 months. With lot prices increasing every year, we anticipate costs going up again in 2015.
Creating a common resting area for yourself and your family within the St. George Section at Roselawn Ceme-tery is a great way to establish a family legacy and support the church with needed funds for program develop-ment, sustainment and growth. These lots are now owned outright by the parish so all revenue directly bene-fits St. George and our ministries.
The program guidelines are as follows: Reserve a lot before December 31, 2014 and receive 2014 pricing. A down payment of 1/3 of the cost is re-quired to reserve a lot. On or before June 1, 2015 a payment of 1/3 of the cost must be made to the church. The balance must be paid on or before December 31, 2015.
You may pay for your lot in full up front or at any time prior to December 31, 2015. If, for any reason, all funds are not paid by the end of next year December 31, 2015, monies paid will be returned and the reserved lot will go back into inventory
2014 Pricing Monument Lot (2 graves) $5,440 Marker (Flat) Lot (2 graves) $3,060 Individual Grave (1 grave) limited availability $1,700
How do I take advantage of this program? Contact the church office, Jon Kennedy or Tom Lampros. A map of available lots is available in the church office for your review. Once you’ve identified which lot(s) you’d like to purchase, the church administrator, Jon or Tom will work with you on the necessary paperwork.
We hope all parishioners consider taking advantage of this program for the benefit of your family and church.
Luke Simon AHEPA
Athlete of the Year
Frank Mortari Ahepan of the Year
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 December 2014
REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICESREGULAR WEEKLY SERVICESREGULAR 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
WEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEWEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEWEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULEDULEDULE
Saturday, December 6 Saint Nicholas
Liturgy 9:00 a.m.
Monday December 22 Saint Ignatios
Orthros 8:00 a.m. Liturgy 9:00 a.m.
Monday December 22 Saint Anastasia Pharmokalytria
Liturgy 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve
Royal Hours 8:00 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 25 Nativity of Christ Orthros 9:00 a.m. Liturgy 10:00 a.m.
December 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
+PROPHET AARON
ADVENT FAST
2
ADVENT FAST
7pm-9pm Catechism Class
3
+FAST DAY
ADVENT FAST
11:30am-4:30pm FOCUS MN - Food Shelf
4
+ST. BARBARA & +ST.JOHN DAMASCUS
ADVENT FAST
10am-2:30pm FOCUS MN - Work Day (odd jobs)
5
+FAST DAY
+ST. SAVAS
ADVENT FAST
10:30am-2:30pm FOCUS MN - Clothes Closet
8pm Christmas Concert - Liturgical Hymns of Nativity (St Mary's Orthodox Cathedral)
6
+ST. NICHOLAS
ADVENT FAST
9:00am LITURGY
9:30am Divine Liturgy (Eau Claire, Wisc.)
11:30am Philoptochos Advent Luncheon (Pool and Yacht Club)
5pm VESPERS
6pm Family Night
7
10TH SUN. LUKE
ADVENT FAST
8:15am ORTHROS
9:30am LITURGY
11:30am Parish Council Elections
4pm-7:30pm FOCUS MN - Serve a Meal
8
ADVENT FAST
5pm-7pm Loaves & Fishes (Faith Lutheran Church)
7pm-Parish Council Mtg.
9
+CONCEPTION OF ST. ANNA
ADVENT FAST
12pm-1pm OCF at UST (UST)
10
+FAST DAY
ADVENT FAST
11:30am-4:30pm FOCUS MN - Food Shelf
11
ADVENT FAST
10am-2:30pm FOCUS MN - Work Day (odd jobs)
12pm-2pm MEOCCA Meeting (St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Church)
12
+FAST DAY
+ST. SPYRIDON
ADVENT FAST
10:30am-2:30pm FOCUS MN - Clothes Closet
13
+ST. HERMAN OF ALASKA
ADVENT FAST
5pm VESPERS
14
+11TH SUN. LUKE
ADVENT FAST
8:15am-9:30am ORTHROS
9:30am-11am LITURGY
12pm-12:30pm Acolyte Training
4pm-7:30pm FOCUS MN - Serve a Meal
15
+ST. ELEFTHERIOS
ADVENT FAST
16
ADVENT FAST
17
+FAST DAY
+ST. DIONYSIOS & PROPHET DANIEL
ADVENT FAST
11:30am-4:30pm FOCUS MN - Food Shelf
6:30pm-8pm Choir Practice
18
ADVENT FAST
12am-2am Ahepa Mtg (Gyropolis)
10am-2:30pm FOCUS MN - Work Day (odd jobs)
19
+FAST DAY
ADVENT FAST
10:30am-2:30pm FOCUS MN - Clothes Closet
20
+ST. IGNATIOS THE GODBEARER
ADVENT FAST
8:00am ORTHROS
9:00am LITURGY
5pm VESPERS
21
+SUN. B4 NATIVITY
ADVENT FAST
8:15am ORTHROS
9:30am LITURGY
11:30am Children’s Christmas Program
4pm-7:30pm FOCUS MN - Serve a Meal
22
+ST. ANASTASIA PHARMOKALYTRIA
ADVENT FAST
9:00am LITURGY
23
ADVENT FAST
24
+CHRISTMAS EVE
+FAST DAY
ADVENT FAST
8am ROYAL HOURS
10am VESPERAL LITURGY
11:30am-4:30pm FOCUS MN - Food Shelf
25
+NATIVITY OF CHRIST
9:00am ORTHROS
10:00am LITURGY
Office Closed
26
+NO FASTING
+SYNAXIS OF THEOTOKOS
Office Closed
27
+NO FASTING
+ST. STEPHANOS PROTOMARTYR
28
+NO FASTING
+SUN. AFT. NATIVITY
8:15am ORTHROS
9:30am LITURGY
4pm-7:30pm FOCUS MN - Serve a Meal
29
+NO FASTING
30
+NO FASTING
31
+APODOSIS OF NATIVITY- ST. MELANIE
+NO FASTING
11:30am-4:30pm FOCUS MN - Food Shelf
COMING IN JANUARY
1 CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD / ST. BASIL
3 Ahepa Holiday Party
6 THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD
11 Vasilopita
18 STS. ATHANASIOS & CYRIL
19 Martin Luther King Holiday
25 ST. GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105
651-222-6220 www.stgeorgegoc.org
CHURCH FLOWER DECORATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS
We welcome your donations for floral decorations for Christmas.
Please print clearly the names of loved ones you wish to memorialize.
Names will be listed in the Christmas Bulletin. Mark your check as
“Christmas Flowers” to be credited for this donation.
Deadline for donation is Sunday December 21th
.
St. George Christmas Flowers Donation
In memory of: (Please Print Clearly) _______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Please print your name here: _____________________________________________________
Amount Enclosed: ___________
A donation must accompany this form.
Please make your check payable to St. George Christmas Flowers.
Thank You!
Parish Christmas Card Now is the time to sign up for the Parish Christmas card. To be included simply
submit the names to be listed in the card and return this form to the
Church Office.
Deadline is Sunday December 14th
St. George Community Christmas Card Names:________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Please print your name here_______________________________________________________
Amount Enclosed: ___________________ A donation must accompany this form.
Please make your check payable to St. George Christmas Card.
Thank You!
Christmas at the St. George Bookstore One of the best places for Christmas gifts is to be found in our own St.
George Bookstore. We feature Orthodox materials, hard to get anywhere else.
We have a new shipment of greeting cards for $1.00, including Christmas cards, and icon cards.
We have excellent books for the Christmas Fast and Christmas gifts for adults and children.
Com
Always
A
“Family
Price”
We can order any
icon, any size.
New stock
of childrens
books and
toys
Orthodox
Books
Unique
gifts
We are open
Sundays after
church
Cookbook
s
Books for the Fast Greeting Cards
Adult
Children
New Iconography at St. George
On Sunday, November 16, 2014 the Parish Assembly approved a resolution to engage
two iconographers and a woodcarver to complete (1) four festal icons above the altar area and
(2) the icon of the hierarchs plus Christ in the apse, under the Platytera. Mother Theodora and
Andreas Sitorengo have accepted to complete the iconography, and Doug Trail-Johnson has
accepted to be the woodcarver and framer for the project. You may remember that Mother
Theodora is the iconographer who completed the icons on our iconostasis, and Doug Trail-
Johnson is the woodcarver who carved and installed our iconostasis just a few years ago.
Andreas Sitorengo is new to our community.
The Parish Assembly resolution is the culmination of work by the 12 member Master
Plan Committee who have met since late in 2011. The Committee has worked hard looking at the
iconographers’ designs, availability, and timing so that the two projects may be completed in
2015, the church’s 75th
anniversary.
The new iconography will bring the Feasts and the Hierarchs into the Eucharistic
celebration and greatly aid in bringing us into communion with God.
Hierarchs Iconography Four Feast Day Icons
The Committee has chosen to complete four icons above the altar; however there are
additional icons to be funded and completed.
The two iconography projects are 74% fully funded and there are opportunities for people
to contribute to the church’s icon projects.
Upon receiving blessing and approval from our hierarch Metropolitan Iakovos in
Chicago, we will commence the work.
Please see Fr. Rick for details on gifts and memorials directed to the church’s
iconography projects.
Steve Arsenault, Chairman Master Plan Committee
ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55105 • Tel.: (651) 222-6220 • Fax:
(651) 225-9276
Web: www.stgeorgegoc.org • E-mail: [email protected]
November 24, 2014
� St. Clement Bishop of Rome
Dear Parishioners:
This year's elections for the Parish Council will be held on December 7th .
The Parish Council members whose terms are ending are the following:
Steve Arsenault
Alexis Bighley
Eleni Hoffhines
Phyllis Kapetanakis
Tom Lampros
Dan Simon
The new candidates running for election to the Parish Council are the following:
Steve Arsenault
Alexis Bighley
Phyllis Kapetanakis
Dan Simon
Andrea Walkush
Absentee Ballots:
Requests for an absentee ballot must be made by Monday December 1st. Absentee ballots must be
received in the mail or in person by Saturday, December 6th. Please contact a Board of Elections member
to receive an absentee ballot. If you request an absentee ballot, you must use an absentee ballot to vote
and will not be able to vote in person on Election Day, December 7, 2014.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the committee members below.
Sincerely,
Board of Elections
Stella Hofrenning
Irene Loudas
Mary Makredes
Georgia Panopoulos
� Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter
Mr. Jon Kennedy, Parish Council President
1
STATE OF THE PARISH ADDRESS 2014
St. George Greek Orthodox Church -- Saint Paul, Minnesota
The Church is Christ’s Hospital (11-16-2014)
The foreign outbreak of Ebola and the treatment of a few patients here in America infected with the disease has
created quite a stir causing us to think twice about hospital care. How many of us have ever been to a hospital?
Probably most of us and what was that experience like? Were we afraid? We probably were afraid because most
people go to the hospital because of serious injury, illness or disease. If it was serious, then we felt that our health
and our well-being, even our very life were in danger. We may have gone to the emergency room, on our own or
taken by ambulance, because the danger was imminent. Treatment was necessary right now, it could not wait any
longer. A broken bone, bleeding, difficulty breathing, a heart attach, a stroke are just some of the emergent
conditions that require immediate care. One of the other main reasons we go to the hospital is for surgery. It could
be part of an emergency but often, although it is important, it does not require immediate attention but can be
planned and scheduled a few days or weeks in advance. These types of procedures often include either orthopedic
repairs of bones and joints, cardiac procedures on our heart, or surgical oncology—the removal of cancerous tissue.
Considering how vulnerable we feel when being admitted to the hospital, we are then hypersensitive to how we
are treated once there. To the clerks, nurses and doctors do we seem like a number or a person? We have witnessed a
transformation in hospital care from a numbers approach to a more humane, person-oriented approach. Most, not all,
but most of the personnel at a modern day hospital are very attentive to that vulnerability we feel, seeking to
reassure us that everything will be ok, making us feel like we are the most important person under their care and that
we will be treated with the highest standards of medicine. This is accomplished by little things: using our first name,
speaking in calm tone of voice, placing their hand on our hand, and frequently checking on us just to name a few.
Even the way hospitals are decorated has changed. The interior design has transformed to feel less institutional and
more like home with warm colors, carpeted hallways and relaxing music. Why the difference in care from yesteryear
to now? It is because the medical profession realized that one of the most important components of healing is the
mental and emotional disposition of the patient, not just the medicine they receive and the procedures they undergo.
Spiritual care in hospitals has similarly transformed. When hospitals were first turned over to county governments
and private healthcare, chaplain care was put to the side. “That’s what church hospitals do but it’s not necessary.”
They realized they were wrong, spiritual care is extremely important to patients and their healing.
Now having all these memories and images of our own hospital experience, translate that to the Church and to our
parish specifically. Why do this? Well, in today’s Gospel reading, for the Feast Day of St. Matthew the Apostle and
Evangelist (Matthew 9:9-13), Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick”
(v.12). Now Jesus said this in response to the Pharisees who were questioning His disciples about why their Teacher
ate with tax collectors and sinners (v.11) because this was forbidden according to strict interpretation of Mosaic
Law. So, Jesus is inferring that sinners are sick, that they have an illness. Jesus is also implying that He Himself is a
physician, one who can help heal other people. This is no surprise for we know from the Gospel accounts that Jesus
healed many people, often miraculously. Jesus foretold this when He quoted from the Prophecy of Isaiah right after
His baptism and temptation in the wilderness. 18"The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of
the LORD." Luke 4:18-19 [Is.61:1-2]
The healing ministry of Jesus Christ was given to His Apostles. 1And when He had called His twelve disciples to
Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of
disease. (Matthew 10:1) 8Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9And
heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' (Luke 10:8-9)
This healing ministry must have been unique and distinct from the medical profession because St. Luke the
Evangelist was a medical physician (Colossians 4:14) before he became an Apostle. From the Church’s perspective
medical healing is not in opposition to spiritual healing but it is part of a larger whole. In addition, the healing
ministry of the Church is not somehow different than that of Jesus Christ. Rather, the Church becomes the main
vehicle of the healing that comes from God in Christ Jesus. What do we pray? Everyday we pray the Trisagion
Prayers which include the prayer: “All-holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord forgive our sins; Master pardon our
transgressions; Holy One visit and heal our infirmities.” In the Divine Liturgy, right before the Holy Body of our
Lord is lifted up and placed in the chalice, the priest’s prays, “Therefore Master, guide the course of our life for our
benefit according to the need of each of us. Sail with those who sail; travel with those who travel and heal the sick,
Physician of our souls and bodies.” When the priest anoints the faithful with the Holy Unction oil he prays, “Holy
Father, Physician of our souls and bodies, have mercy, forgive, save and heal your servant.”
2
Thus, returning to our little hospital of St. George parish, we must ask the following questions: First, do I consider
myself a sinner who is spiritual sick and in need of healing? If not, then Christ does not need you and you do not
need Him because He also said at the end of today’s Gospel reading, “For I have come to call not the righteous but
sinners” (v.13).
Second, if I do consider myself a sinner and in need of spiritual healing, have I come to Jesus’ hospital, the
Church, for treatment? The Church has a lot of procedures to treat Her patients. I already mentioned the
Mystery/Sacrament of Holy Unction. This is the one we turn to when we are physically ill. But what about when we
are spiritually ill, when we feel overwhelmed by temptation and sin, when we feel alienated from God, when we
know we have hurt other people? Do we turn to Holy Unction for that? Do we turn to the Mystery/Sacrament of
Holy Confession to pour out our heart and become accountable to our spiritual father? Do we turn to the Mystery of
the Holy Eucharist to receive as the priest says for every communicant “the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting”?
These are the only Sacraments of the Church that we can and should partake of repeatedly on a frequent and regular
basis.
Third, if I am a sinner, and I do come to the Church for sacramental healing, how am I treated? Does the medical
staff know me by name? Do they treat me special or am I just a number? Do they reassure me that everything will be
ok and then provide me with top-notch care? Fourth, when we think of the church’s medical staff, who do we think
of? The priest, the secretary, the youth minister? Well, they are certainly some of the most important staff people but
in truth we are all members of the church hospital staff. We all have a responsibility to provide care to those who
come to us, whether they be members or visitors or seekers. And the best way we can be prepared to help them is if
we ourselves have sought out and received healing. What would you think if you went to Regions or United hospital
and the reception desk was empty, the halls were vacant, no one was in the exam rooms or surgery center? You
would feel pretty strange, like you were in the wrong place. Think about that when our visitors and guests arrive at
9:30am for Divine Liturgy on any given Sunday and only a few of our hospital staff are present. Similarly, what if
you were at the hospital and the nurses were coughing and sneezing all over you? What would you do if the doctors
had open gaping bleeding wounds? A healthy hospital has a healthy staff. They also have a well-trained and
knowledgeable staff. What if your nurse was not sure where or how to inject a needle for an iv? What if the doctor
did not know the human anatomy to find the proper organ to operate on? A healthy, well-trained staff also applies to
the church.
Fourth, does anyone know about our parish hospital and the services we provide? In today’s Epistle reading
(Romans 10:11 – 11:2), also for St. Matthew, the Apostle Paul asks the Christians in Rome, “How can they call on
One in whom they have not believed?” He continues, “And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never
heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless
they are sent?” (vv.14-15). To state it another way, if Jesus can save everyone who calls upon Him for help and
healing (v.13), then they have to first believe that He is Lord and supreme Physician. And they can only believe in
Jesus if they have first heard about Him and His healing capabilities. And they can only hear about Christ if
someone is advertising and proclaiming Him as Lord and the Great Healer. And finally, Jesus can only be
proclaimed if people are sent out for this specific purpose. That is the meaning of the word ‘apostle’ – ‘one who is
sent.’
Medical hospitals and healthcare systems have huge advertising budgets and well-developed marketing
campaigns. We just heard the Apostle Paul’s plan to advertise and market Christ the Healer and His hospital the
Church. This campaign is nothing new. It’s been around for 2,000 years. It’s a sure-fire, time-tested plan but even
the best plan cannot work without resources. So the fifth and final question is: Do we have the resources to run our
parish hospital and reach out to those in need of help and healing? It reminds me of the pastor of a parish that was
starting a campaign to build a new church facility. At the kick-off event he told the faithful that had gathered, “I
have good news and I have bad news. The good news is that we already have all the money we need to build this
church. The bad news is that it is still in your pockets.” The word ‘evangelist’ means ‘the one who brings the good
news.’
In conclusion, when we pray over and over during the liturgy, “Lord, have mercy,” let us remember that mercy
comes from the Greek word ‘eleos’ that is related to the word ‘elaion’ or ‘oil’. We use oil in our church to light the
lamps, to be the vehicle of divine protection in the sacrament of Baptism, the seal of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament
of Chrismation, and to be the healing grace of Christ in the sacrament of Unction. So, mercy is about healing and
forgiveness. When Jesus says in today’s Gospel, 13Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’
[Hosea 6:6], He is not denigrating sacrifice itself but empty sacrifices that do not serve the main purpose of God’s
plan for salvation through the mercy of healing. We the faithful of St. George parish do have the time, the talents
and the treasures to build, repair, expand, staff, train and advertise our little spiritual hospital. We are stewards,
caretakers, the staff, the nurses and the doctors of our parish. Go and learn what this means! Amen!