Della Theodos passed away on Wednesday morning, January 15th.  The parish extends it's condolences to Sharon Stockel, Melissa Moras, Louis Theodos and their families.   May Della’s memory be eternal!

Thomas Nicholas, Sr., passed away on Friday, January 17^th.  The St. George parish extends it's condolences to Thomas Nicholas, Jr,  Paul Nicholas, Suzanne Wilson and their families.  May Thomas’ memory be eternal!

We congratulate the new members of our Parish Council for 2014: Cathy Hotova, Jeff Jaworski, and Bill Kovachi.  They were elected to 3-year terms by the Parish body at the February 2^nd Parish Meeting. They join the current Council members James Bowe, Peter Dacey, Joseph Galich, Louise Karoli Gallagher, Bob Lazar, and Mary Nikola.   Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

Our sincere thanks to the outgoing members of the Parish Council who completed their 3-year terms: Luba Csernica, Kim O’Brien, and Joann Soter.

Congratulations to the Teuta Ladies’ Society which is holding its annual Nameday Celebration today.  May God bless you for all the work you do for our Church!

We extend our best wishes to Caelyn Audrey Baird who was received into the Holy Orthodox Church on Saturday through the Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation. Caelyn is the daughter of Jessica Chadwick and Kevin Baird, the granddaughter of Joe & Laura Chadwick, and the great granddaughter of Jim & Vi Bowe. Her godparents are Joseph Galich and Rebecca Chadwick.  Many Years!

The members of our Parish Council for 2014 were installed into office today. They are: James Bowe, Peter Dacey, Louise Karoli Gallagher, Mary Nikola, Robert Lazar and Joseph Galich, joined by newly-elected William Kovachi, Jeff Jaworski and Catherine Hotova.  Many Years!

We have learned that Catherine Panoli passed away Friday afternoon at St. Vincent’s Hospital. Her funeral will be celebrated in Church on Monday, March 17^th, at 11:00 a.m. Calling hours will be held before the funeral, beginning at 9:30 a.m. We offer our condolences to her son, Robert, and all her family.  Memory eternal!

From Sharon Buzi & Sue Galich:  “We'd like to thank all those who came out to support our Relay for Life team at our ‘Spring into Fabulous’ event. It was a fun evening and we raised $642 for the American Cancer Society. If you weren't able to attend, we have some other fundraisers in the works (Pampered Chef, Zumba and Chips Restaurant). Details to follow. Thank you!”

On Sunday, March 30^th, St. George recognized and congratulated Fr. Dennis Rhodes on the occasion of his 35^th Anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood.  Archbishop Nikon visited St. George and celebrated Divine Liturgy, and a Lenten luncheon was held afterwards in Fr. Dennis’ honor.   The parish also gave Fr. Dennis a check to help offset his expenses when he travels to Albania to in June to complete mission work there.

We welcomed to Saint George Church on Sunday, March 30th His Eminence, our Archbishop Nikon, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. We also welcomed Deacon Gregory Curran from Christ the Savior Church in Southbury, Conn., and Subdeacon Michael Arida from Holy Trinity Cathedral in Boston, who assisted in the celebration. Click on the more information link below to view a few photos.

Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!  Krishti U-Ngjall! Vërtet U-Ngjall! are the traditional Orthodox Christian Paschal greetings in both English and Albanian. The St. George community recently completed the service cycle of Great Lent and Holy Week to Holy Pascha, with the celebration of the Midnight Paschal Liturgy on April 27th. Click Here to view the Paschal greeting in numerous languages.

We extend our thanks to the many people who helped to make Lent, Holy Week and Pascha beautiful and meaningful celebrations: Pandora Dionis for decorating the Holy Cross for the Petafi; The “Myrrhbearing Women” – Vi Bowe, Sharon Buzi, Pandora Dionis, Mary DiIulio, Louise Karoli Gallagher, Dolores Nauchy, JoAnne Soter and Pauline Dionis – who decorated the Petafi on Holy Friday morning, with the assistance of our “Apostles” – Jim Bowe, Bob Lazar and John DiIulio; Those who made donations for the Petafi flowers: Nancy Hurd, in memory of Meropi and Todo (Theodore) Yapo and Andrew Yapo; Mary Nikola, in memory of Steve Nikola; and Pauline Dionis, in memory of Peter Dionis; Jennifer Goetz for decorating the Church for Holy Pascha; Ron Dougiello of Commerce Hill Funeral Home in Bridgeport for the lilies that beautify the inside of the Church; The Teuta Ladies Society for the beautiful red eggs; Cantors Van Michael and Charles Soter and their assistants Jim Bowe, Greg Buzi II and Peter Dacey for their dedication and singing at every service; The Choir and its Directors, Karen Masek and Laura Chadwick 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 Galich and her helpers for organizing the Children’s Egg Hunt and Coffee Hour; Those who simply came to pray and celebrate the services.

Yesterday, May 3^rd, Penelope Robyn Gordon was received into the Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Holy Baptism and Chrismation. Penelope is the daughter of Matthew and Victoria (DesRosiers) Gordon and the Granddaughter of Pamela Drake. Loni Peristere, Brittany Phillips and Jessica Chadwick were Godparents. Many Years!

Jonathan and Sanja Michael are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Alexandra Illyria, on May 2, 2014, in Maine. May God grant her Many Years! Her proud Grandparents are Van and Diana Michael.

We learned that Christy Kovachi passed away on Monday, May 19^th.   Christy was the brother of Bill Kovachi and the son of our late pastor, Fr. Alexander and Prifteresha Virginia Kovachi.  St. George offers it's condolences to the Kovachi family.  May Christy’s memory be eternal!

At Divine Liturgy on the Sunday during Memorial Day weekend, we remembered those who have given their lives in the defense of our country. Memory Eternal! I përjetshim Kujtimi!

We recently learned of the deaths of two people: Lillian Kohlbacker was the mother-in-law of Mary Nikola’s son Paul. Lawrence Miller was the husband of Millie (Peters) Miller. We extend our condolence to both families. Memory Eternal! I përjetshim Kujtimi!

To commemorate Father's Day, prayers were offered for the living and departed fathers of St. George's parish during Divine Liturgy.  There was also a Father's Day breakfast held during coffee hour.  Finally,  we extend our thanks to Ron Dougiello of Commerce Hill Funeral Home who supplied the special Father’s Day “gifts” for us today.

The following is a list of our young adults who recently graduated from high school, technical schools, and college.  We extend our continued best wishes to them for continued success!

Sarah Csernica -  graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Accounting.

James Denisevich - graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Math Statistics and a minor in Music.

Nicholas Demetri – graduated from Porter & Chester Technical Institute in Stratford in the fall of 2013.

Victoria Demetri - graduated from Shelton High School

Tyler Nikola - graduated from Elon University (North Carolina) with a BS in Philosophy and a minor in Psychology and Conflict Resolution

Anne Snedegar – graduated with a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Maryland.

Caroline Snedegar – graduated from James Madison University (Virginia) with a BS in Sports & Recreational Management.

We have recently learned that Archpriest Spero L. Page fell asleep in the Lord on July 3rd. Fr. Spero was a retired pastor from St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Worcester MA , which is one of our sister parishes in the Albanian Archdiocese.  May his memory be eternal!

We extend our best wishes to Louis and Nancy Theodos, whose daughter, Lexah was born on June 20, 2014.  Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

On Sunday, July 20^th, Dylan Joseph Masek was born. He is the son of Michael and Megan Masek and the grandson of Karen and Al Masek. Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet! 

We have learned of the death of Barbara Tymoczko.  May her memory be eternal!

On Sunday, July 27^th, Tessa Marie Moras, the new-born child of Michael and Dana Moras passed away. We extend our condolences to her parents and to her grandparents, Wayne and Melissa Moras as well as her entire family. Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

We are saddened by the passing of two members of our parish family – Harry Adam and Pandora Plasa .  Harry Adam, the brother of Jeanette Nichio, died on August 20th; and Pandora Plasa died on August 21st.  May Harry's and Pandora's memory be eternal!  I Përjetshim Kujtimi!s.

We extend our condolences to the families of Augustine Schiavone, Sharon Buzi’s relative who died the prior week.  Memory Eternal!

Yesterday, Emily Margaret Masek was received into the Holy Orthodox Church through the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation. She is the daughter of Matthew and Jeannine Masek, the granddaughter of Karen and Al Masek, and the great-granddaughter of Zoe Michael. Godparents were John Bellizzi and Danielle Masek.  Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

The following is a status of some of our young adults currently enrolled in college.  We give our Best Wishes for their continued success!

 Kelly Coughlin - Senior at the College of New Jersey majoring in Criminology.

Sarah Csernica – pursuing her Masters degree in Accounting at the University of Connecticut.

Allison Cryan – attending Housatonic Community College (Connecticut) pursuing a General Studies program.

Andrew Cryan – Junior at the University of Bridgeport pursuing a degree in Industrial Design.

Victoria Demetri -  attending Gateway Community College (Connecticut) studying Nutrition.

Kellie Hurd – Sophomore at the University of Rhode Island.

Adam Nichio - attending Norwalk Community College

Anthony Nichio - attending Southern Connecticut State College (New Haven)

Victoria Nichio – Senior at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Nutrition.

Jennifer Nikola - Graduate School at Fairfield University pursuing a Masters Degree in Sociology.

Meghan Quinn - a senior at Keene State College (New Hampshire) majoring in Dance with a minor in Business Management

Lauren Rubis - Junior at Marist College (New York).

Julia Snedegar – Graduate School at the University of Rhode Island pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

Luiza Tollkuci – Sophomore at the University of Rhode Island.

On Wednesday evening, October 8th, after the Akathist Service, Dr. Albert Rossi who is the Director of Field Education at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary and a popular speaker and retreat leader, spoke in our Church Hall on "Prayer and Intimacy with Christ".  Thanks to everyone who participated and helped organize the event.

We extend our congratulations to Jessica Chadwick and Kevin Baird who were united in marriage in our Church last Sunday. Jessica is the daughter of Joe & Laura Chadwick and the granddaughter of Jim & Vi Bowe. The bride’s sister, Rebecca Chadwick, was the sacramental sponsor. Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

On Saturday, October 25th, the parish held it's annual Teuta Bazaar.  Proceeds from this year’s Teuta Bazaar were $8,830.50.  We extend our thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the it a success. Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

We have received news that Marie Lopoukhine, mother of Prifteresha Lisa Bouteneff, fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, November 2nd.  We express our condolences to Prifteresha and her family and pray that Marie’s memory be eternal!

To recognize Veteran's Day, today we congratulated and asked God’s blessings on all the Veterans and active-duty military in our Parish community.

We extend our sympathy to the families of:

Katherine Kane, sister of Pandora Dionis, who passed away the prior week in Philadelphia; and 

Rita Vangel, who passed away on Friday, November 14th.

Memory Eternal!  I Përjetshim Kujtimi

On Saturday November 15th, Lexah Lambert Theodos was received into the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. She is the daughter of Louis and Nancy (Lambert) Theodos. Her sponsors were Katherine Lambert and Alexander Momtaheni.   Many Years!  Për Shumë Vjet!

We offer our thanks to Ron Dougiello of the Commerce Hill Funeral Home for his traditional Thanksgiving Day gifts for our parishioners.

A Flag Day Dance to recognize Albanian Independence Day was held on Saturday evening, November 29th after Great Vespers.  Many thanks to Aida Corbaxhi and Nardi Tollkuçi for organizing the event, and to all those others who made the event a success!

On Sunday, Dec 7th after Divine Liturgy, the parish held its St Nicholas Party during it's Coffee Hour.  It is an annual event specifically for the parish children, but also for the parish community to gather for fellowship and seasonal joy.  There is a visit from Santa for the children, and all are requested to donate a Christmas gift to donate to local charity drives.

The parish recognized long-time parishioner Mary Nikola with prayers for Many Years! after Divine Liturgy as she is relocating to Southbury CT.   Mary was given an Icon of St. George by the parish.

Christ is born! Glorify Him!  Krishti U-Lind! Lavdërojeni! are the traditional Orthodox Christian Christmas greetings in both English and Albanian. The St. George Community recently completed the service cycle of Advent with the Christmas Eve Compline and Divine Liturgy (including a traditional singing of Christmas Carols after services) for the Nativity of the Lord.

We welcome to St. George today Father Sergei Bouteneff, who is here to celebrate the Divine Liturgy while Father Dennis is away.