St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
of Boston, MA

January 6, 2008 Church Bulletin

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Sunday, January 6,  2008

FEAST OF THE DIVINE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD AND GOD JESUS CHRIST

Today's CelebrantsV. Rev. Fr. Timothy Ferguson;

Rt. Rev. Fr. Constantine Yanney;

Rev. Dn. Nicholas Belcher; Subdeacon Douglas Howdy;

Subdeacon Khalil Samara; Subdeacon Chadi Saad; Subdeacon James Irving

VARIATION IN TODAY'S DIVINE LITURGY

At the entrance (Service Book page 97):

1) TROPARION FOR THE EPIPHANY - Tone 1: When you were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was revealed to the world. For the voice of the Father witnessed to you by calling you his beloved Son, and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truth of his words. O Christ, our God, you have appeared to us and enlightened the world. Glory to you.

2) THE ENTRANCE HYMN: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. The Lord is God and hath appeared unto us. O son of God who was baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing unto thee, Alleluia.

3) Repeat #1 above.

4) TROPARION OF ST. GEORGE - Tone 4: As deliverer of captives and defender of the poor, healer of the infirm, champion of kings, victorious, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ our God for our soul's salvation.

5) KONTAKION FOR THE EPIPHANY - Tone 4: Today, you have appeared to the world, O Lord, and your light shines forth on us who sing your praises with understanding: You have come, you have revealed yourself to us, O inaccessible light.

6) INSTEAD OF The Trisagion ("Holy God...") Sing: As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ, Alleluia.

Prokeimenon:  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

                        Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.


The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to Titus. (Chapters 2:11-14; 3:4-7.)

TITUS, my son, the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awating our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority.  Let no one disregard you.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, (Chapters 3:13-17.)

At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.  John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"  But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."  Then he consented.  And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with who I am well pleased."

Special note:  Except for those who are elderly and/or disabled, please remain standing during Holy Communion.

NEXT WEEK'S HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:  Ephesians 4:7-13; Matthew 4:12-17.

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WINTER COAT DRIVE FOR ST. FRANCIS HOUSE - we will be collecting new or clean, gently used adult winter coats, hats, gloves, scarfs and hooded sweatshirts.  If you have any of these items, please bring them to church by Sunday, January 13th .  We will be delivering them on Monday, the 14th of January.  If you have any questions please talk to Valerie Irving.  If anyone can help with the delivery, please let Val know.


ARABIC TRANSLATOR NEEDED

We would like to have several volunteers to translate articles for our new WEB PAGE from English to Arabic.  Must be computer literate with Arabic text in Unicode.  Please contact Father Timothy if you can assist with this important task.  Thank you.

Mitch Corey is looking for someone to take on the responsibility of the St. George Seniors.  If anyone is interested please see Mitch or call him at 617.325.7956.

2008 PLEDGE FORMS and ENVELOPES are at the Candle Stand

2007 Pledge Update

Total Pledged              $235,884.16  

Total Received              $227,237.92

Difference                        $8,646.24

Percent Received                      96%

 


ANNUAL PARISH MEETING - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2008  AT 12 NOON

If you wish to nominate a candidate for member (4) of the Parish Council please submit their/your name to Father Timothy or Tom Peters prior to the meeting date.  Please secure your nominee's consent before his/her name is placed in nomination.

All parishioners who are regular in their weekly participation in the Divine Liturgy and have their pledges up-to-date are welcome to vote.  We encourage you to also come for confession and communion before the Annual Meeting.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding our Annual Meeting:

Who Can Vote?

1.  Person 18 years of age and over

2.  Orthodox Christian

3.  Is in financial and spiritual good standing

 

What are the Qualifications for Election to the Parish Council?

Same as above.

Nominations and Elections

Nomination committee is made up of the Pastor and at least four (4) members from the voting membership.  The nominating committee shall nominate at least as many people as there are vacancies to be filled.

Any Voting Member at the Annual Meeting may make additional nominations from the floor, provided that nominees are present and indicate their willingness to serve if elected.

Question on Qualifications for Re-election?

No elected, appointed or ex-officio member shall be eligible for re-election or reappointment after he or she has served two (2) successive two (2) year terms until he or she has retired for one (1) year.

 

 


CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

Sunday, January6th    EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD Blessing of Water

  • Ladies Society Meeting - 12Noon

Monday, January 7th St. John the Baptist

Tuesday, January 8th AA Meeting - 7-8:30PM

Wednesday, January 9th Adult Fellowship Meeting - 7:30PM

Thursday, January 10th  St. Gregory of Nyssa

Friday, January 11th  St. Theodosios the Great

Saturday, January 12th Martyr Tatiana

  • JYFC Event - 1-4PM
  • GREAT VESPERS followed by Teen Progression Dinner - 5PM

Sunday, January 13th -SUN. AFT. EPIPHANY

  • Sophia White Baptism - 12Noon

Please note that during Coffee Hour at our Bookstore and Religious Items Cases: DA Separate Book of Psalms - $15;

14 Carat gold crosses available - prices vary

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church | V. Rev. Fr. Timothy Ferguson, Pastor
55 Emmonsdale Road P.O.Box 320164 | West Roxbury, MA 02132
(o) 617.323.0323 | (f) 617.323.6301 | email us | map

St. George is a parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
in the Diocese of Worcester and New England under the omophorion of His Eminence Metroplitan PHILIP