St. George Orthodox Church

Women's Council Meeting - Sat, May 19th

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Women’s Council of Easter Orthodox Churches of Greater Bridgeport will hold its next Regular Meeting on Saturday, May 19, at 1:30 p.m., in St. Nicholas Church Hall, Park Avenue, Bridgeport. The meeting will be hosted by the St. Dimitrie ladies. Please try to attend.

Teuta Society Meeting - Sun, May 20th

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Teuta Ladies’ Society will hold its next meeting following Liturgy on Sunday, May 20th.

Also, in preparation for our June 16th Food Festival, the following workdays have been set:

-Pierogies will be made on May 26th.

-Lakror will be made on May 19th and June 2nd.

Summer Schedule begins Sun, June 3rd

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

From the first Sunday in June (the 3rd) through Labor Day, the first Sunday in September (the 2nd) we will be on Summer Schedule. This means that the Divine Liturgy will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Please take note!

Cemetery Visitations - Sat, May 26th

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

On Saturday, May 26th, we will visit our local cemeteries to bless the graves. The schedule will be as follows:

10:00 a.m. Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport (starting at Fr. Kovachi’s grave site) 1:00 p.m. Oaklawn Cemetery, Fairfield 2:30 p.m. Gate of Heaven, Trumbull

If there are other cemeteries you would like Father Dennis to visit for grave blessings, please contact him to make arrangement.

Food Festival Program Booklet - deadline Sun, June 10th

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Our upcoming Food Festival will feature a special Program Booklet that will include the menu and names of individuals and businesses who wish to support this event.

If you would like your name or business included, fill out the form available at the Candle Desk and give it to a Parish Council member or send it to the Church along with your donation. If you would like us to print your business card, please include that as well. All ads must be submitted by Sunday, June 10th.

This booklet will help to defray the costs of the Festival.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Food Festival volunteers needed - Sat, June 16th

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

In preparation for our Food Festival to be held on Saturday, June 16th, we need people to bake.

While we would prefer ethnic pastries, other items will be gratefully received as well.

All items must be dropped off at the Church on Friday evening, June 15th.

FORCC Scholarships - Applications due June 1st

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Each year, the Fellowship of Orthodox Churches of Connecticut (FORCC) offers scholarships to the young people of member parishes who are graduating from high school and entering college. The scholarships are awarded at the organization’s annual banquet, which will be held on October 7th this year.

Applications are now available and must be submitted by June 1, 2012. Contact Father Dennis to obtain one.

Church Health Team

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Church Health Team has received the results of the NCD Parish Health Survey that was taken in January. Here are the Eight Quality Characteristics and their scores:

Empowering Leadership - 57
Gift-based Ministry - 60
Passionate Spirituality - 42
Effective Structures - 51
Inspiring Worship - 53
Holistic Small Groups - 43
Need-oriented Evangelism - 45
Loving Relationships - 61

The Team, under the leadership of Coordinator Laura Coughlin will soon begin organizing Focus Groups.

Update from March 11th:

Our Church Health Team is currently organizing and holding Focus Group meetings which will help us learn why Fervent Spirituality was our Minimum Factor in the Natural Church Development survey.

The first Focus Group was held this past week. Speak to a member of the Church Health Team to see when you can join one yourself.

They are:

Laura Coughlin, Chairperson

Bob Lazar

Bill Kovachi

Charlie Soter

Greg Buzi

Laura Chadwick

George Barmashi

Update from March 18^th:

Our Church Health Team met this week to review the results of the Natural Church Development survey that was taken in January.

Since Fervent Spirituality was the Minimum Factor in the survey with a score of 42, it was decided that the Focus Groups would address this issue.

Fervent Spirituality refers to living a life committed to God and practicing our faith with joy and enthusiasm. If our spiritual life is fervent, our prayer and relationship with God will not be limited to Sunday mornings and formal Church services, but will affect all parts of our lives.

The Focus Groups will involve as many parishioners and friends as possible. In the first round, participants will discuss why Fervent Spirituality is our Minimum Factor. The second round will address what we can do to improve in this area.

The first Focus Group will be held in early in March, and will continue over the next several weeks.

Please speak to a member of the Church Health Team to see when you can join one yourself.

New England Youth Rally 2012 - Aug 13th thru 18th

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

We have just received word that the New England Youth Rally 2012 will be held August 13^th through 18^th.

Put the date on your calendars! See Father Dennis for details.

Relay for Life Update - Fri/Sat June 8th & 9th

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The 2012 Relay for Life of Trumbull/Monroe will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 8th and 9th.

Sharon Buzi is organizing a team from our parish called The Wonderworkers of Saint George.

Update from April 29, 2012:

Our team in the 2012 Relay for Life has filled up! So we are forming a second team – Wonderworkers 2. Sign up today to be a part of this great effort to support the fight against cancer.

Contact Sharon Buzi at 203-414-7738 or email her at sharcare1011@aol.com for information.

Update from March 4, 2012:

The Wonderworkers, our Relay for Life team is sponsoring Coffee Hour next Sunday, March 11th.

Since the theme for this year’s Relay is “We Walk to Remember,” we ask parishioners to bring in pictures and other memorabilia of St. George church and its members, in the spirit of remembering. We will put everything on a display table at coffee hour.

Also, the team will be collecting bottles and cans as a fund-raiser.

The 2012 Relay for Life of Trumbull/Monroe will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 8th and 9th. Our parish team, The Wonderworkers, currently consists of Sharon Buzi, Captain, Sue Galich, Co-Captain, and members Janet, Hope & Philip Caliendo; Michelle, Brandon & Colin Francisco; Laura Chadwick; and Laura & Kelly Coughlin.

Contact Sharon Buzi at 203-414-7738 or email her at sharcare1011@aol.com for information.

Bible Study - 1st & 3rd Wednesdays each Month

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Adult Education/Bible Study Group is held at Saint George in the Church Hall on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays if each month during Great Lent. Bible study will begin immediately after the completion of Presanctified Liturgy which begins at 6:00 PM.

This group is open to all. Please join us!

Mother's Day

Sun, 13 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

On Sunday at Divine Liturgy, all of the living and departed mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers of our Parish community were remembered in prayer. Our thanks to Ron Dougiello who donated flowers for in front of the Iconostasis, and long-stemmed roses as a gift to all mothers.

Many Years!

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America at its regular Spring Session elevated our hierarch, Bishop Nikon, to the rank of Archbishop. He is now known as “His Eminence, Nikon, Archbishop of Boston, New England and the Albanian Archdiocese.” His Eminence will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his consecration as a Bishop on May 25th. God grant him Many Years!

Congratulations

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Matthew Masek and Jeannine Bellizzi were married at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in Oxford, Conn., on April 21st. Their marriage will be blessed in the Orthodox Church at a later date. Matthew is the son of Karen and Albert Masek. Many Years to the happy couple!

Thank you!

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Many thanks to our “Myrrhbearing Women” who decorated the Petafi (Christ’s Tomb) on Holy Friday and who removed the flowers for distribution to the faithful Holy Friday evening: Gloria Athanas, Vi Bowe, Sharon Buzi, Janet Caliendo, Pandora Dionis, Pauline Dionis, Mary Nastu, Dolores Nauchy, Andrea Snedegar, and Jo Ann Soter. Thanks also to Hope and Philip Caliendo who cleaned the glass covering the holy Icons.

Thank you!

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

We extend our thanks to the many people who helped to make Lent, Holy Week and Pascha a beautiful and meaningful celebration: Mary Nastu for donating the flowers for the Cross on the Petafi in memory of her brother, Arthur Lika. Pandora Dionis for decorating the Holy Cross for the Petafi. The women and children who decorated the Petafi on Holy Friday morning (it was done in a record-breaking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes!) Bob Lazar, Cheryl Themel and Jennifer Goetz for decorating the church for Holy Pascha. Ron Dougiello for the flowers that beautify the inside of the church. The Teuta Ladies Society for the beautiful red eggs. Nancy Hurd for the donation of a candle on the Petafi for the blessings and health of her family. Mary Nikola for the donation of a candle on the Petafi in memory of her husband Steve. Cantors Van Michael and Charles Soter for their dedication and singing at every service. The Choir for their preparation and singing throughout Holy Week and Pascha. Our volunteer readers. Bob Lazar for his assistance in the sanctuary. The altar servers for their time and assistance. Sue Wight for organizing the Children’s Egg Hunt and Coffee Hour. Those who simply came to pray and celebrate the services.

Congratulations

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Victoria Nichio, daughter of Richard Nichio, Jr., has been accepted into the Nutritional program at the University of Rhode Island. Julia Garofalo, daughter of Deborah Garofalo, has been accepted into the Architectural program at Harvard University. Many Years to our scholars!

Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen! is the traditional Orthodox Christian Paschal greeting. The St. George community recently completed the service cycle of Great Lent, Holy Week with the celebration of midnight Pascal Liturgy.

Click Here to view the Paschal greeting in numerous languages.

Many Years to Savannah Rae

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Many Years to Savannah Rae Smith who received the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation in Saint George Church last Sunday. The Godparents were Joseph Cote and Nicolette Nassif. Savannah is the daughter of Donald and Carley Cagle Smith.

Congratulations

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Many Years also to Dr. Robert Patrignelli, grandson of Jack and Helen Reh, who has been named one of Connecticut’s top Doctors of Dermatology by Connecticut Magazine.

Memory Eternal

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

We have learned of the passing of Deacon John Zarras on Sunday, April 1st. Deacon John visited with us and served Divine Liturgy numerous times at St. George. He had been, for many years, a member at Holy Trinity Greek Church in Bridgeport and most recently was serving as a deacon at Christ the Savior Church in Southbury. May Deacon John’s memory be eternal!

May 2012 Charity Tray

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

In May, we will be collecting to help a priest and parish in Nanticoke, PA, where the rectory burned down in a Sunday morning fire.