St. George Greek Orthodox Church

30 East Forge Road - Media, PA 19063-4345 Telephone: 610-459-0366 FAX: 610-459-1015

Email: office@stgeorgemedia.org FrAnastasios@stgeorgemedia.org

Volume 34, Issue 11 Check the St. George website for the most up to date information November 2020

The 40-Day Nativity Fast is our preparation for the Birth of Christ. In addition to fasting, we await his arrival through prayer, repentance, Scripture reading, and almsgiving, for without these, fasting is done in vain. The Fast begins Thursday, November 15 and continues through and including December 24, which is a Strict Fast Day. Christmas Day through and including January 4 are Fast Free, in celebration of the Birth of Christ.

From November 15 through and including December 12: On Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays: Abstinence of meat, meat

products and dairy products. Fish, olive oil & wine are allowed. On Wednesdays & Fridays: Abstinence of meat, meat products,

dairy products, fish, olive oil & wine.

From December 13 through and including December 24: All days during this period: Abstinence of meat, meat products, dairy products and

fish. Olive oil & wine are permitted only on Saturdays & Sundays.

Did you know…?

Did you know that the true celebration of Christmas begins on Christmas Day and continues through January 5 (even though January 5 is a strict Fast Day in

preparation for the Theophany of our Lord)? So, when you celebrate your Christmas festivities, remember the Nativity,

December 25, and celebrate at the proper time for the proper reason, the Birth of Jesus Christ. Remember, we are called to be in the world but not of the world, in other

words, don’t let the world with its secularism rule you as an

“Let us come before Him with Thanksgiving”

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!

mailto:office@stgeorgemedia.orgmailto:FrAnastasios@stgeorgemedia.org

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America +

Metropolis of New Jersey St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Presiding Priest - Fr. Anastasios P. Bourantas, Protopresbyter

2020 Parish Council Members Demetrios Psihalinos, President

Angelica Politarhos-Santora, 1st Vice-President

Constandean Lambardakis, 2nd Vice-President

Demetrios Christoforatos, Treasurer Filaretos Hanos, Financial Secretary

Drew M. Nayman, Assistant Financial Secretary

Sonya Bohmann, Secretary

Speroula Fotiades-Alexander

Athanasios Arsenlis Christos Christou

Paraskevi Galiatsatos

Steve Kanteliotis

Nikolaos Liolios

Emmanuel Papadopoulos

Constantina Vasques

Organizations

Office Manager - Katherine B. Mudrick

Chanters - Michael Matekovic, Anastasios Lazaridis Choir - Stephanie Kalogredis, Director

Custodian - James Stylios

Accountant - George Kaffes

Philoptochos - Ai Mirophoroi – Paraskevi Galiatsatos, President

GOYA - Nikola Vasquez, GOYA President, Coordinator: Anthoula Psihalinos

JOY- Anthoula Psihalinos, Advisor

HOPE - Daisy Diavastis

Sunday School Director - Sonya Bohmann, Director

Bookstore - Presvytera Nicoletta Bourantas

GOYA Basketball - George Apostolopoulos, Demetrios Psihalinos Coaches (boys), Constantina Vazques,

Demetrios Christoforatos Coaches, (girls)

Basketball Liasion - Demetrios Christoforatos

Vacation Church School - Anthoula Psihalinos

Greek Folk Dance - (HOPE) Daisy Diavastis, Madeline Psihalinos (JOY) Anthoula Psihalinos, Fotini Gouliaberis(Assistant) (GOYA) Phil Voutsakis

Young Adult Leaders: Phil Voutsakis

Aristotle Academy at St. George - Elias Pantelidis, Director, Alexander Kopatsis, President

Chion Society of St. Markella - Marco Tourlitis, President

AHEPA - Emmanuel Papadopoulos, President

Daughters of Penelope - Vicki Wilson, President

Parish Council Committee Chairpersons Building Expansion - Constandean Lambardakis, Demetrios Psihalinos, Demetrios Christoforatos, Nikolaos Yiantsos

Bylaws - Peter Dionisos

Executive Committee - Parish Council Officers and Past President

Facilities - Nikolaos Liolios, Demetrios Christoforatos, Constandean Lambardakis, Christos Christou,

Nikolaos Yiantsos, Athanasios Arsenlis

Festival - Angelica Politarhos-Santora, Demetrios Psihalinos, Nikolaos Yiantsos, Constandean Lambardakis,

Paraskevi Galiatsatos, Filaretos Hanos, Demetrios Christoforatos

Finance - Demetrios Christoforatos, Filaretos Hanos, Drew M. Nayman, Peter Dionisos, Constandean Lambardakis

Greek School - Constandean Lambardakis

Hall Rental - Paraskevi Galiatsatos

IATV/Audio Visual - Constandean Lambardakis, Nikolaos Yiantsos

Personnel - Executive Committee

Stewardship - Drew M. Nayman Web Master & Strategic Planning - Constandean Lambardakis

Youth Liaison - Sonya Bohmann, Constandean Lambardakis

Golf Classic - Demetrios Christoforatos, Filaretos Hanos, Steve Kanteliotis, Constandean Lambardakis

Honorary Pangari Captain: Judge Kenneth N. Miller

November 2020 Check the St. George Website for the most up to date information

www.stgeorgemedia.org

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5th Sunday of Luke

Orthros 8:15am

Liturgy 9:30am

Baptism 1pm

2 Virtual Aristotle Academy

Greek School Classes

4-7 pm

Parish Council

Meeting

6:30 PM

3 Transfer Relics of

St. George

Orthros/Liturgy

9:00 am

St. George serves dinner @ Shelter 5:30 pm

4 GOYA Dance

Rehearsal 7pm

5 Virtual Aristotle Academy

Greek School Classes

4-7 pm

GOYA Meeting

6pm

6 7 Philoptochos kitchen use 7 am

8 7th Sunday of Luke

Orthros 8:15am

Liturgy 9:30am

General Assembly following Services

9 St. Nektarios

Orthros/Liturgy

9:00 am

Virtual Aristotle Academy

Greek School Classes

4-7 pm

10

Virtual HOPE

Meeting 6pm

11 GOYA Dance

Rehearsal 7pm

12 Virtual Aristotle

Academy Greek School

Classes 4-7 pm

13

JOY Zoom

Gathering

6:00 pm

14

15 8th Sunday of Luke

Orthros 8:15am

Liturgy 9:30am

Nativity Fast Begins

Baptism 1pm

16 St. Matthew

Orthros/Liturgy

9:00 am

Virtual Aristotle Academy

Greek School Classes

4-7 pm

Penelope Pastries kitchen use 4:30 pm

17

Virtual HOPE

Meeting 6pm

18 GOYA Dance

Rehearsal 7pm

19 Virtual Aristotle Academy

Greek School Classes

4-7 pm

GOYA Chat 6pm

20 Great Vespers

Entrance of Theotokos

into the Temple

6:00 pm

21

22 9th Sunday of Luke

Orthros 8:15am

Liturgy 9:30am

JOY Loukoumades

Fundraiser following

services

Penelope Pastries Thanksgiving Pick-up 12-2 pm

23 Virtual Aristotle Academy

Greek School Classes

4-7 pm

24 GOYA Friendsgiving

6 pm

25 St. Katherine

Orthros/Liturgy

9:00 am

GOYA Dance

Rehearsal 7pm

26 Happy Thanksgiving Office closed

27 Office closed

28

29 13th Sunday of Luke

Orthros 8:15am

Liturgy 9:30am

Baptism 1pm

30 St. Andrew

Orthros/Liturgy

9:00 am

Virtual Aristotle Academy

Greek School Classes

4-7 pm

Penelope Pastries kitchen use 4:30 pm

President’s Message

Dearest St. George Faithful, Our St. George is honored and blessed to have Father Anastasios as our presiding priest, and to have celebrated with him his 25th Anniversary of being ordained a priest. Father Anastasios has created a warm, welcoming environment. There is no other love and dedication like Father has for each and every one of our parishioners. Father Anastasios guides us daily towards the righteous path. He is always teaching us about ourselves through the words of God. Father Anastasios today and everyday is AXIOS!!!! Congratulations Father!!! Wishing everyone the gift of faith and the blessing of hope this Thanksgiving day! In Christ, Demetri Psihalinos Parish Council President

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

THIS MONTH AT THE BOOKSTORE

Stop by and visit the BOOKSTORE to purchase these featured books and many other Religious books, gifts, handmade jewelry and other helpful resources that are now available for purchase. The bookstore is open during office hours and Sunday’s following Liturgy.

YOUTH BOOK: “The Lost Saint” ages 10-14 years By: Christine Rogers Marko’s life changes in an instant when he spies an armada of Ottoman ships on the horizon. After a battle separates him from his family, he finds help and guidance with a small group of monks. But when they stumble upon an abandoned church and a mysterious icon, Marko must conquer his own fears in order to make peace with God and to reunite with his family. Journey back to 1522, Rhodes, Greece, and experience with Marko what it means to be lost, then found. About the Author: Khouria Christine Rogers is married to Fr. John Rogers and is the mother of four. A lifelong Alaskan, she enjoys indoorsy activities like reading, baking, and not camping, although fishing is occasionally allowed (but not hiking). Christine has served twice in Kenya as an OCMC missionary and is a certified doula, as well as the author of Spyridon’s Shoes.

ADULTS BOOK: “RENEWING YOU, A PRIEST, A PSYCHOLOGIST AND A PLAN” By: Rev. Dr. Nicholas G. Louh & Dr. Roxanne K. Louh Are you struggling in your walk with Christ? Do you want to rediscover your reason for living, the person you were created to be? Renewing You: A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan gives you the keys to unlock areas of your life that hold you back from fully experiencing the renewal and transformation God has in mind for you. Co-authored by a priest and a psychologist, Renewing You combines principles of spiritual growth with psycho-logical tools to help you become your best self, fully connected with God's purpose for you. Rev. Dr. Nicholas Louh is a priest, and Dr. Roxanne Louh is a clinical psychologist. In their book and in their ministry, the Louhs are a marriage of two different worlds and fields of study. Their work unites the seemingly opposing fields of faith and psychology to support the kind of inward reflection that leads to lasting outward transformation. For the last 10 years, Fr. Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne have worked together to help people seek the changes they want most for their lives.

Praise for Renewing You: A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan "Fr. Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh have blended not only their lives in marriage, but also what they have learned in their vocations to provide insights and practical suggestions for becoming the person you were de-signed to be. I highly recommend this book for all who aspire to reach their potential for God and good in the world." -Gary Chapman, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling author of The Five Love Languages "We all want to live healthier, more productive lives. Yet so often we get sidetracked by unhealthy habits and addictions. That leads to dis-couragement about our lack of spiritual progress. Father Nicholas and Dr. Roxanne Louh can help. Renewing You: A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan is a practical primer on how to become your best self. Here are the tools you need to build better habits and stronger relationships, starting today!" -Michael Hyatt, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, blogger, speaker, and founder and CEO of Michael Hyatt & Company "Drawing deeply from Scripture and the wisdom of the ancient Church, Father (Dr.) Nicholas and Presvytera (Dr.) Roxanne Louh inspire you to grow in relationship with the Lover of your soul, expel guilt, receive peace, nurture life and health in personal relationships, and aspire to spiritual and emotional maturity for the greater benefit of the Kingdom of God. I highly recommend this book!" -Hank Hanegraaff, presi-dent of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast and the Hank Unplugged podcast and author of numer-ous books, including Truth Matters, Life Matters More: The Unexpected Beauty of an Authentic Christian Life

PROSPHORA /ARTOCLASIA Would you like to donate the Prosphora for a special feast day or your name day, they are available for purchase at $10.00 each. Please contact the church office for more details. Thank you. Artoclasia is available for purchase to celebrate a name day or special occasion from the Philoptochos Society, 5 loaves for $50. Please contact the church office or any Philoptochos member to order. For all memorial services and Artoclasia, we kindly ask that you also supply wine and oil for the Altar. Thank you.

https://store.ancientfaith.com/spyridons-shoes/

Sacramental Registry Funeral * On, Friday, October 9, Annette Alvanitakis Vanaskey, age 68. Baptism * On Sunday, October 4, Maria Vargiamis was baptized, Godparent - Stavros Kalaitzoglou. * On Sunday, October 4, Vasiliki “Vivian Eliana” Bebos was baptized, Godparents - Athanasios and Danielle Melisiotis. * On Sunday, October 18, Violetta Olivia Engle was baptized, Godparent - Anastasia Karavidas.

Chrismation * On Monday, October 19, Edward Joseph Junier was Chrismated, Godparent - Vasilios J. Kalogredis.

Community Shelter Outreach

Thank you to all who have shown an interest in our parish’s Safe Harbor Shelter Ministry. Due to the re-strictions of COVID – 19, we have not been able to serve dinner as we did before. We are resuming Safe Harbor in October 6. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, at this time we are providing 12 to 15 individually wrapped dinners to be dropped off at the West Chester location. Because of social distancing requirements they are increasing the numbers slowly. They will keep us posted. Signups are now accepted. We are also accepting donations for Anna’s Place in Chester. If you are interested in providing groceries, food or a monetary donation to this shelter, please email me at Ehionis@hotmail.com - subject : Shelter Mission. We thank Maria Georgalas for being our contact with Ann’s Place in Chester. Special thanks: To the Sitaras Family who provided the dinner in October in Memory of their be-

loved father /grandfather and great-grandfather “Theodore Aristoklis” and all their departed loved ones. Nov. 3 – open Dec. 1 – AHEPA – (tentative) Jan – 5 - open

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Dear St. George Families: We are excited to announce that Sunday School has resumed for our faithful students. While things look and maybe feel different the spirit of our youth is still the same. We are starting with virtual lessons and hope when it is safe to do so, will move to a hybrid system and then again when safe, return fully in person. We look forward to teaching the children again and sharing our faith. November is a month that we often think about what we are Thankful for, or what blessings we have been given.

We would like to suggest that we all make this a focus of our prayer and teachings this month. In a time when the world feels isolating and challenging, what blessings has GOD given to you and your family?

As a Sunday School Team

We are thankful for:

Our strong St. George Community. For eager and engaged youth.

Supportive parents who encourage our youth to learn about their faith.

Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Lovingly in Christ, St. George Sunday School Team

mailto:Ehionis@hotmail.com

G.O.Y.A. Dear St. George Parishioners, As we move into the fall season and even closer to the Nativity of our Lord, GOYA would like to congratu-late Father Anastasios on 25 years of serving as a priest. On October 26th, we celebrated his 25 years of being or-dained as a priest. We wish Father Anastasios many more healthy years of serving to come.

Launching into the new GOYA year, we have some new names on the 2020-2021 GOYA board that I would like to introduce everyone. Nikola Vasques is the president along with Margarita Lambardakis and Christina Konstan-topoulos as the co-vice presidents. Dionysi Christoforatos is the treasurer, Laine Koudelis is the recording secretary and Constantine Bourogiannis is the corresponding secretary. Finally, Christina Tsaousis is the sergeant of arms. As many of you know, the last weekend of September was the annual St. George Greek Orthodox Church food festival. It was a great success and us GOYANs worked diligently all weekend by helping prepare the food, packaging, and assisting with take out. We helped make sure everything ran smoothly during the entirety of the weekend and even though we were exhausted by the end of the weekend, we were glad we could help give back to our church and our community. Even though COVID-19 is limiting the activities our GOYA can partake in, we are still able to gather, while social distancing, be-cause it is important to remain connected as a GOYA. Greek dance instructor Phil Voutsakis is holding dance every Wednesday, in 2 differ-ent groups (7pm & 8pm), in an effort to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance at all times. Additionally, we are practicing dances that do not require hand holding so there is no contact amongst GOYANs. In addition to Greek dance practice, we are also meeting every first and third Thursday of the month; the first being a GOYA meeting with a full agenda and the third being a GOYA chat. GOYA chats are events, such as a bonfire, that allow GOYANS to meet and discuss various topics while remaining socially distant from each other. Our GOYA has been diligently working to give back to the community during these unprecedented times. We have gathered many philanthropic ideas with the help of Mrs. Georgia Hanos and plan to carry them out before the end of this GOYA year. On October 15th, we began to collect “birthday bags” to deliver to the Ronald McDonald House. The purpose of the birthday bags is to provide a family at the Ronald McDonald House with a “birthday party in a bag” so the families of those who are unfortunately sick have all the supplies they need to be able to throw a birthday party for their loved ones. We collected cake mix, plates, icing, sprinkles, etc. in birthday gift bags and plan to deliver them on the week of November 1st. In Christ, Nikola Vasques GOYA President

PARISH COUNCIL of St. GEORGE

The Parish Council of St. George is comprised of 15 members that serve the

mission of the of the Church— “...to keep, practice and proclaim the Orthodox Christian Faith

pure and undefiled.” These members serve a three-year term, and are elected by the members of

our St. George Church.

Suitable Candidates Parishioners are often nominated as candidates for the Parish Council be-

cause of their education, business experience or legal background. The best Parish Council members are not necessarily those who are only business-oriented, but rather, those who are Church-oriented and Christ-centered.

To be a good council member, one must be active in the worship and sacramental life of the Church.

The best candidates are easy to find—they are in Church!

If you are interested in one of the 5 positions of the Parish Council, please see Fr. Anastasios or any of the current members for more

advice… Nomination forms have been sent to your home. You can also place your name on the ballot at the

General Assembly on Sunday, November 8, 2020

Immediately following Divine Liturgy

Parish Council Elections, Sunday, December 6, 2020

Collection of tabs will be ongoing, please

bring to church in a zip lock bag.

Priest Discretionary Fund The Priest Discretionary Fund is used by the priest to assist those in need. Examples of how this fund is used includes, assisting the hungry and homeless, assist a parishioner in times of crisis, emergency and/or extreme financial need. The monies used to establish this Discretion-ary Fund will come from the generous donation of our parishioners and other anonymous do-nations of our community. If you have a question or a desire to contribute, please ask Father Anastasios about the use of the Discretionary Fund and how you can help.

Please remember, if you have already obtained a civil divorce, you must also receive an Ecclesiastical Divorce from the Church

This brief process is confidentially handled by the parish priest. You must complete this process in order to be in good standing with the Church, meaning that you may not partake in the Sacramental life of the Church, (example: being a sponsor at a wedding or baptism, receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Holy Unction, serving on the Parish Council, voting at Parish Assemblies and entering into another marriage). Please consider your personal situation and be in good standing with the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Fr. Anastasios directly.

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE #246 Dear St. George Community: We hope everyone is doing well and staying safe as we navigate through the pandemic. First, the Daughters of Penelope would like to send our heartfelt congratulations to Father Anastasios on his 25th Anniversary as a priest. AXIOS! We wish him many more years. Thank you, Father, for your many years of serving St. George as its shepherd. It is that time again and the Daughters are getting ready to begin making and baking the wonderful pastries that every-one has come to know and expect. It’s all hands-on deck starting at 4:30 pm, Thursday, October 29, 30 and 9:00 am October 31. If you are willing to lend a hand, we would be happy to have you. See me and we can add you to the list. Remember we are taking every precaution as per the CDC to stay safe as we continue to work to make this a successful fundraiser. Be sure to fill out the order form! We have strict deadlines for ordering and pick up as part of our efforts to keep every-one safe. See the attached flyer to put in your orders.

Save the date for our Hat party which is scheduled for May 22, 2021 at the Springfield Country Club. So, hold on to

that date ladies, we look forward to seeing you there!

Remember, we are always on the lookout to add more members to this great philanthropic organization, so if you want to feel connected, do great work and have fun, please consider joining us – we’d love to have you! Come to one of the baking events to start. We hope and pray that everyone stays healthy and safe! Yours in Christ,

Vicki Wilson

President Daughters of Penelope Laodice Chapter #246

ADVERTISING SPACE

AVAILABLE

CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE

610-459-0366

Hollywood Grill 1811 Concord Pike

Wilmington, DE 19803

302-655-1348

Open Daily 6am to 11pm

Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and

Late Night Fare

Great Place for Brunch!

DR. TED TOURLITIS, CHIROPRACTOR

Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 30 East Forge Road Media, PA 19063-4345 Rev. Fr. Anastasios Bourantas, Protopresbyter Return Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 435 MEDIA, PA 19063

Bulletin mailed October 23, 2020

Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki - Nov. 14 This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of

Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a

youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in

asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at

Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being

treated for an illness that came from his harsh

manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at

the Council that was convened in 1341 against

Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347

against Acindynus, who was of like mind with

Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the

grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the

Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas

of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that

divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated

energies of God which are poured forth throughout

creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace

were created, for man to have genuine communion

with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed

Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock

in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and

wrote many books and treatises on the most

exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for

a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord

in 1359.His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica.