On Sunday, January 14th, Nicole Dionis, wife of Curt Dionis, was enrolled as a Catechumen, in preparation for formally entering the Holy Orthodox Church. Her sponsor is Laura Denisevich. Many Years!  Për Shumë Vjet!

On Monday, January 8th, His Grace, Bishop Mark (Forsberg), former bishop of our Archdiocese, fell asleep in the Lord.

On Thursday, January 11th, Richard Taylor, Jr., also fell asleep in the Lord. A wake for Richard will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. tomorrow evening, January 15th, at Abriola Parkway Funeral Home on White Plains Road in Trumbull. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16th, in Christ the King Catholic Church on Madison Avenue in Trumbull.

Memory Eternal!  I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

On January 21st at the General Parish Meeting, we elected the Parish Council for 2018. With the blessing of Archbishop Nikon, they are being installed in office today. They are: Bill Kovachi, Chairman; Peter Dacey, Vice-Chairman; Cathy Hotova, Treasurer; Luba Csernica, Financial Secretary; Louise Gallagher, Recording Secretary; Laura Chadwick, Corresponding Secretary; Joe Chadwick, Corresponding Secretary; Bob Lazar, Building and Grounds; and Joe Galich, Building and Grounds.  Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

We extend our sympathy to Carol Jaworski on the recent deaths of her cousins, Nico Mallozzi and James Pandeli.  Memory Eternal!  I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

We extend our sympathy: to the Buzi Family on the death in December of their friend, Kevin Donnelly; and to Shirley Jordan on the death last Saturday of her cousin James Balta.  Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

We congratulate today the members of the Teuta Ladies’ Society on their celebration of their Patronal Feast Day, the Meeting of the Lord - "Papandia".

We learned this week of the deaths of Lawrence Beck, Father-in-Law of Fr. Peter Paproski, and Matushka Barbara Kucynda , the wife of the Pastor of Jennifer Goetz’ home parish and an old friend of Father Dennis’. Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

On Monday, February 26th, Eileen Bochino, mother of Jeff Jaworski and grandmother of Jason Jaworski and Amy Leighton, departed this life at the age of 91.  Her funeral was held on Friday, March 2nd.  May her memory be eternal!

On Saturday, March 3rd, Wayne Joseph, III, and Greyson Cole Moras were received into the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. Their Godparents were Michael & Dana Moras and Chad & Holly Walter. The boys are the children of Wayne & Lauren Moras and the grandchildren of Wayne & Melissa Moras. Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet! 

On Saturday, March 10, 2018, our good friend and parishioner and chanter, Van Michael departed this life. We extend our condolences to his wife, Diana, his children Laura Coughlin and Jonathan Michael, and his grandchildren Kelly and TJ Coughlin, and Alexandria Michael.

Thank you for the outpouring of support for Fairfield County Giving Day on March 1st.  Your contributions helped LifeBridge come in second place for unique donors, which earned a $10,000 bonus for the children and families who benefit from our many services. You are making an important difference in our community. I greatly appreciate your willingness to help me help others.  Thank you for your love and support.  Laura Coughlin

We extend our gratitude to the family of James Dionis for donating to our Church several books from his collection:  A commemorative album from the 50th Anniversary of the Albanian Archdiocese, and two Albanian-language service books. Thank you!  And may James’ Memory be eternal!

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 16th.  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.  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:

·       The “Myrrhbearing Women” –Mary DiIulio, Louise Karoli Gallagher, Dolores Nauchy, JoAnn Soter, Pauline Dionis, Jean Brideau and Jeanette Nichio—who decorated the Petafi on Holy Friday morning.

·       Alice Vasil, who donated toward the Petafi flowers and Easter Eggs in memory of her husband William Vasil.

·       Karen Masek, who also donated toward the Petafi flower in memory of the departed members of the Michael Family.

·       Nancy and Wally Hurd, who also donated toward the Petafi flowers in memory of Andrew Yapo.

·       Louise Karoli Gallagher, who also donated toward the Petafi flowers in memory of James Gallagher.

·       Jennifer Goetz for decorating the Church for Holy Pascha.

·       Mary DiIulio for the new bows which adorn the Paschal Banner.

·       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 Charles Soter and Peter Dacey for their dedication and singing at all the services.

·       The Choir and its Choir 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.

We offer our congratulations to Nicole Marie Dionis, who was received into the Holy Orthodox Church on Holy Saturday through the Mystery of Chrismation. Laura Denisevich is her sponsor.  Nicole is the wife of Curt Dionis and the mother of Sophie and Brooke.  Many Years!  Për Shumë Vjet!

On March 12, 2018, Evan Joseph was born to Dan and Rebecca (Chadwick) Rakowitz.  Evan is the grandson of Joe and Laura Chadwick and the great-grandson of Jim and Vi Bowe.  Many Years!  Për Shumë Vjet!

Thank you to all who helped to make last Sunday’s Spring Brunch such a success. We raised over $500.00, which will be given to Tim Halvorsen to support his upcoming Mission trip to Albania.

On May 5th, Mira Noelle Bouteneff and Heather Lynn Bouteneff were received into the Holy Orthodox Church through the sacred Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. Mira’s sponsors were Michael Bouteneff and Anna Bouteneff. Heather’s sponsor was Elizabeth Bouteneff.  Mira is the daughter of Serge and Heather Bouteneff and the granddaughter of Fr. Sergei and Lisa Bouteneff.  Many Years!  Për ShumëVjet!

On Sunday during Divine Liturgy, the parish of St. George remembered all of the living and departed mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all the special women in over lives, in prayer.  Additionally, our thanks go out to Ron Dougiello of Commerce Hill Funeral Home, who donated long-stemmed roses which were given out as a gift to all mothers in attendance.

On Friday, May 11th, Mary Galich, mother of Joe Galich, departed this life. The St. George parish offers our condolences to Joe and his whole family. Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

We remember today all those who gave their lives in defense of our country. Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

On Saturday, May 19th, Nikola Nikola departed this life. He was the brother of the late Steve Nikola. Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

Congratulations to the Students and Teachers of our Church School as they completed their academic year. Specific thanks to Sue Galich, the Chruch School Coordinator, and to Melissa Galich and Erin Galich for their help with instruction this year.

On Monday, June 4th, Mildred Paproski, the mother of Father Peter Paproski, departed this life. We extend our condolences to Father Peter and his entire family.  Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

St George recognized and celebrated Fr. Dennis' 70th Birthday on Sunday, June 10th. The parish also welcomed his family who joined us for Liturgy and a luncheon.  Many years!

We welcomed to Saint George today His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon who is making his annual Archpastoral visit. We also welcomed Fr. Sergei Bouteneff and Protodeacon Paul Nimchek.

St. George recognized Father’s Day with prayers during Liturgy to all of the Fathers, Grandfathers and Godfathers of our Parish community.  Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

We offer our condolences to Father George Lardas and his family on the death of his father, Nicholas Lardas earlier this month. Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

We offer our condolences to Susan Galich and her family on the death of her friend, Karen Marlin last Sunday.  Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

We offer our condolences to Patty Ivanov and her family on the death of her aunt, Jean Nelson, on Monday, July 2, 2108.  Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

Congratulations to our 2018 Graduate who recently graduated.  We extend our best wishes to him for continued success!

Adam Nichio graduated from Norwalk Community College in the spring with an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design

 Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

We welcome to Saint George Church today, Fr. Sergei Bouteneff, who is celebrating the Divine Liturgy while Father Dennis is away.

On Saturday, July 28th, Evan Joseph Rakowitz was received in to the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. Evan is the son of Rebecca & Daniel Rakowitz, the grandson of Joe & Laura Chadwick and the great-grandson of Jim & Vi Bowe.

We offer our condolences to Julia Pikulik, whose brother, Stephen Moros, died on Tuesday, August 7th.

On Saturday, August 11th, Ryan Joseph Moras was received in to the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. His sponsors were Wayne Moras and Timothy & Sam Tiedemann. Ryan is the son of Michael & Dana Moras and the grandson of Melissa & Wayne Moras. 

Also, at the same time Ryan’s mother, Dana Marie Moras, was received into the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Confession and Chrismation. Her sponsor was Melissa Moras. 

Many Years!  Për ShumëVjet!

On Saturday, August 18th, River Madison Davis was received in to the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. 

River is the daughter of Sarah & Brian Davis, the granddaughter of Kim & John O’Brien, and the great-granddaughter of Toni Barmashi. 

Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet!

We recently learned that Gowan Dacey, the father of our Parish Vice-President Peter Dacey, fell asleep in the Lord yesterday, August 16th. We offer our condolences to Peter, his mother, Bev, and his entire family at this difficult time.

Gowan’s family has asked that this service be limited to immediate family and invited guests. Therefore, unless you fall into one of those categories, please do not come to the memorial, but extend your condolences with a note or telephone call. A memorial service will be celebrated in Church at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 19th. 

May his memory be eternal!

We offer our condolences to Pauline Dionis, whose brother, Joseph Shultz, died on Thursday, August 16th. Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi!

On Saturday, August 25th, Mia Keti Bettencourt was received in to the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. Tom & Priscilla Carameta were the Godparents.  Mia is the daughter of Alfred & Arjana (Vllahu) Bettencourt.  Many Years!  Për Shumë Vjet!

On Saturday, September 1st, Malia Jules Green was received in to the Holy Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. Jeanette Nichio was her Godmother. Malia is the daughter of Alicia (Nichio) Green and the granddaughter of Richard & Jeanette Nichio.  Many Years! Për ShumëVjet

The following is a status of some of our young adults currently enrolled in college. We give our best wishes for their continued success!
 
Kristen Babich –  Junior majoring in Elementary Education at Saint Joseph's University (Pennsylvania).
Hope Caliendo – Senior attending King’s College (Pennsylvania) pursuing a double-major in Criminal Justice and Sociology.     
TJ Coughlin – Junior majoring in Finance at the University of Maryland.
Allie Cryan – Attending Housatonic College majoring in marketing
Haley Flynn – Junior attending the University of New Hampshire.
Eric Flynn - Junior attending the University of Rhode Island.  
George Goetz - Sophomore majoring in Business at Penn State.
Jackie Goetz – Junior majoring in Biology at the University of Connecticut.
Amy Hurd – Senior at Bryant University (Rhode Island).
Kristina Tolkuci – Senior at Arcadia University (Pennsylvania). 
John Veneri - Sophomore majoring in Business Management attending Coastal Carolina University (South Carolina)
Jordan Paige Veneri – Senior attending Saint Anselm College (New Hampshire) majoring in Biology.
Eve Wight - Junior attending the University of Vermont.
Owen Wight – Freshman at the University of Connecticut

St. George celebrated Fr. Dennis Rhodes retirement on Sunday, September 23rd with a Retirement Dinner at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.  Numerous clergy from the Fellowship of Orthodox Churches of Connecticut and also from the Connecticut Deanery of the Orthodox Church in America joined many parishioners from St. George to thank and celebrate Fr. Dennis's 39 years of Ministry.  

St. George welcomes Fr. Sergei Bouteneff, who, with the blessing of Archbishop Nikon, began serving Sunday Divine Liturgies while a search for a new pastor is underway.  Many thanks to Father Sergei for helping us during our transition.

We congratulate the following students who are receiving scholarships for 2018 from the Thomas and Katherine LaBache Scholarship Fund:

- Kristen Babich
- Hope Christine Caliendo
- Timothy Coughlin
- George Goetz
- Jacqueline Goetz
- Jennifer Soter
- Kristina Tollkuçi

Many Years!   Për Shumë Vjet!

St George held it's annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, October 27th.  Many thanks to all who had their hand in assisting with the Bazaar in some way - with organizing, set-up, cooking, baking, donating, working the event, and cleaning up at the end. The Bazaar is St. George's major fundraising event during the calnedar year.

The parish of St. George was saddened to learn that Pandora Dionis passed away on November 1st.   Our condolences go out to Sandra, Andrea, Laura, Teddy, and their families.  Memory Eternal!
 

We extend our sympathy to the family of Judith Petro who passed away on Monday.  She is the wife of Jim and sister-in-law of Irene Billings.  May Judy’s memory be eternal!

On the occasion of the Veteran's Day Holiday, the St. George parish extends a heartfelt thank you to all our Veterans for their service to our country. May God Grant you Many Years! 

It is the Veteran

It is the Veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the Veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Veteran, who salutes the Flag, 
It is the Veteran, who serves under the Flag, 
To be buried by the flag, 
So the protester can burn the flag.

Author: Anonymous

We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family of George Terzakis who passed away on Tuesday, November 13.  He is the father of Beth Michael, father-in-law of Mark Michael and grandfather to Michael Moccia and Christopher Michael.  May George’s memory be eternal!

Following a pre-Christmas Choir rehearsal, members from the Choir assembled their annual Care Packages to our parish college students.  Snacks, energy bars, and candies were packed and mailed to the students as they begin their final exams before semester break.

At the Christmas Eve services, following the Compline with the blessing of the bread, the parish community sang carols.  The next day on December 25th, the St. George parish celebrated the feast liturgy of the Nativity. This was followed by the traditional carol sing that accompanied our Church School children's reenactment of the Nativity story in a series of tableaux. Many thanks to Jennifer Geotz for all of the program coordination, and to the choir for leading us with the singing of the carols.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Gloria Ruseski who passed away this past week.  We also extend our condolences to the family of Barbara Maynard who also passed away this past week.  Memory Eternal.