The

Voi

ce O

f St

. Geo

rge:

Dec

embe

r 2018

St. George Greek Orthodox Church Fresno, CA

Rev. Fr. James C. Pappas, Presvyter

Ron Burkhard, Pastoral Assistant

Christ is Born,Christ is Born,

Glorify Him!Glorify Him!

God Becomes Human To Show Us the Way What shall we offer you, O Christ? Who for our sake appeared on earth as a human? Every creature made by you offers you thanksgiving. The angels offer you a hymn, The heavens, a star, The magi, gifts, The shepherds, their wonder, The earth, its cave, The wilderness, a manger, And we offer to you, a Virgin Mother. -Vesper Hymn

The simplicity of the story of Christ’s birth reveals the depth of God’s love and the mystery of His actions in our life. As we celebrate Christmas anew this year, once again Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and wise men, the angels and animals direct our attention to the Lord Jesus. He who is truly the ‘way, the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:1) who reveals Himself in the humble cir-cumstances of a cave in Bethlehem. All of time is centered upon his coming. All of creation surrounds Him who fashioned the creation!

The Expression of Divine Love The story of the birth of Christ is a vivid reminder of the depth of God’s love for us. He loves us so much that he has entered into life in this world in the person of Christ. The infinite God mysteriously accepted the limitations of our humanity. It was not enough for God to act through signs and wonders of the physical world. It was not enough for God to guide us through the prophets and teachers of old. No, this was not enough for our God. To express his boundless love for us, the Living God ap-peared among us in the person of Christ Our Lord. By fully identifying himself with us, Christ has come to teach us, to heal us and to lead us back to the Father. He has come to remind us that we are the Father’s precious daughters and sons. As St. John the Evangelist says: “God so loved the world that he sent His Only begotten Son so that all who believe in him will not be lost but will have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).

Many years before the Beatitudes were taught and many years before His glorious Resurrection, Christ revealed God’s love for us through the simple events of his birth. The Lord of Glory demonstrated his love for us simply be entering into our life and by sharing in all that is truly human. St. Basil the great reminds us of this saying: “Every act and every word of our Savior is a guide for holiness and virtue. For this reason he became human, so that in images he may depict both holiness and virtue for us…For this reason he bears a body so that we may imitate His life” (Ascetical Principles, 1) Through His birth in Bethlehem, Our Lord reveals to us the breath and depth of God’s love for us. Whether we see him as the child in Bethlehem, the teacher in Galilee, or the Risen Lord in Jerusalem; Christ is truly the greatest gift of the Father ‘for us and for our salvation.’

A Sense of Wonder The story of Christ’s birth speaks to us about the mysterious ways of God. The Triune God acts in ways that we do not always expect! His ways are truly wonder-filled. For centuries, the Ancient Israelites had expected the Messiah. The prophets, especially Isaiah and Jeremiah, called the people to readiness and openness to God’s actions. Their message provided the people with indi-cations about the coming Messiah.

Yet, when ‘the fullness of time had come’ (Gal. 4:4), the Messiah did not arrive as a conquering hero in a golden chariot with pomp and splendor. He was not robed in expensive clothing. He did not appear in the capital city. Throngs of adoring follow-ers did not accompany him.

When the Messiah finally arrived, he came first as a baby. He was born to a young girl who was not formally married. The event occurred in the simple village of Bethlehem. He was sheltered in a place reserved for animals because the inn was full. There, in such simple circumstances, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth…” (Jn.1: 14). This is the mysterious way of God!

Through the Christmas story, Our Lord reveals that God acts in ways that we do not always expect. We cannot shape the mighty acts of God to our limited understanding. The Triune God is greater than our limited perceptions of Him. He acts in mysterious and wondrous ways to draw us to Him and to one another in love. An Open Heart The persons who are involved in the story of Christ’s birth were all quite different. Mary and Joseph were humble travelers seeking a place of shelter. The shepherds were simple men of the land tending their flocks. The wise men were wealthy and aris-tocratic foreigners wandering in a strange land.

Yet, each of them shared a common characteristic. They opened their hearts to the actions of the Lord who mysteriously led them to the village of Bethlehem. Each of them permitted God to act in their lives.

Mary and Joseph were willing to change their whole life to nurture and protect the child Jesus. The shepherds were willing to hear the words of the angels. The wise men were willing to follow the star. We remember them to this day because they opened their hearts and trusted in the Lord. Through His birth in Bethlehem, Jesus reveals that we too must open our hearts to his presence and actions. God wants us to share in His work of reconciliation. Like the participants in the first Christmas, we too are called to be person whose hearts are open to the divine presence and actions.

Centering the Season on Christ The story of the birth of Christ and its true significance is often clouded by the commercialism of the season. There is a very frenzied pace to these days which can so easily depersonalize us and dampen the true joy of the season. The stores tempt us for weeks on end to buy this thing or by that thing. Some of us prefer to speak of the ‘Holiday Season’ rather than of Christmas. Many schools have forbidden the remembrance of Christ’s birth in the classroom. Yes, throughout our society, many fail to re-member that the coming of Christ is truly at the heart of the Christmas celebrations.

What can we do? Let us remember that the season celebrates the love of God revealed in the coming of Christ. For those with faith, the colored lights, the green trees, the wreaths and the flowers are the symbols of the joy of Christmas. Let us celebrate the joy of Christ’s coming! Let us share the love of God with others. Christ has come to bear witness to the Father’s love for us. We too can share this love with others, especially with the poor and less fortunate among us. We can be sensitive to those who cannot easily celebrate be-cause of a loss in their lives. Let us be the ambassadors of God who share His care and philanthropy.

Let us seek the Lord with an open heart as the shepherds and wise men did. This means that we find opportunities for prayer and meditation, for reading the Scriptures related to Christ’s coming. This means that we can make Christmas a special day by participating in the Divine Liturgy and by receiving Holy Communion with reverence for God, with faith and with love. To Christ Our Lord be glory, now and forever and unto the ages of ages.

Amen. By Father Thomas Fitzgerald Professor of Church History at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Mass.

Parish Council Ashley Hyatt —President

Peter Vallis-Vice-President Mark Archon – Secretary

Michael Osborn-– Treasurer Dio Stefanopoulos—Past President Advisor

Lorraine Bukilica, James Daniel Burkdoll, Zachary Jar-vie, Najwa Kaileh, Ramzy Khoury, Tony Kokalis Jr,

& Amanda Sopp

Ministries and Organizations A.H.E.P.A. & DOP Dr. Ted Nassar, Aida Nassar

Athena Philoptochos Society Elaine Sotiropulos

Bible Study & Studies In The Faith Fr. Jim Pappas 233-0397

Bookstore Cindi Boukidis, Madelyn Jones

Choir Themis Michailides 233-0397

Coffee Hour Pam Sopp at 209-986-5273

Cretan Club Edward Crossman

Dance Ministries Maria Burkhard 233-0397

“Friends of St. George” Eve Taylor & Ron Burkhard

Greek School Helen Sexton 325-7528

Stewardship Committee Parish Council

Sunday School, Youth & Young Adult Ministries, Altar Boys Ron Burkhard 233-0397 rondalburkhard@gmail.com

Youth Choir Pres. Donna Pappas 233-0397

Sunday Duties for December 2018

PC Members December 2nd Peter Vallis Ramzy Khoury Lorraine Bukilica Najwa Kaileh

December 9th Mark Archon Michael Osborn Amanda Sopp Lorraine Bukilica December 16th Ashley Hyatt Dio Stefanopoulos Tony Kokalis James Daniel Burkdoll

December 23 Peter Vallis Ramzy Khoury Lorraine Bukilica Najwa Kaileh

December 30th Mark Archon Michael Osborn Amanda Sopp Lorraine Bukilica

Epistle Readers December 2nd English: Michael Makredes Greek: Phyllis Makredes

December 9th English: Ron Burkhard Greek: Themis Michailides

December 16th English: Ed Crossman Arabic: Aida Nassar

December 23 English: Samhar Gebregziabihe Romanian: Cristian Panoff

December 30th English: Tony Kokalis Greek: Helen Sexton

Lord’s Prayer December 2nd Spanish Angelica Terlikas

December 9th Russian Luda Guibor

December 16th Arabic George Akel

December 23 Romanian Cristian Panoff

December 30th Eritrean Tesfai Family

Prosforo December 2nd Kara Zografos Gigi Tahan

December 9th Georgia Brandon

December 16th Helen Sexton

December 23 Marie Antoniou Melissa Kokalis

December 30th Mia Papangellin

Angie Hyatt Helen Sexton Kara Zografos Phyllis Makredes

Coffee Hour Brew Crew December 2nd Ramzy Khoury

December 9th Dr. Ted Nassar

December 16th Nick Svigos

December 23 Ramzi Khachadourian

December 30th Ramzy Khoury

Put Your Stewardship on Cruise Control Life gets busy, consider putting your stewardship on cruise control. You can setup automatic bill pay through your bank or go to the church website, http://stgeorgefresno.org/giving/treasure, and signup for auto-matic recurring monthly stewardship payments through PayPal.

Host a Sunday Coffee/Social Hour Dates to host a Coffee Hour are open. Hosting a Coffee Hour is a great way to celebrate any occa-sion. You can choose to host the entire Coffee

Hour or partner with other families. For info please con-tact Pam Sopp at 209-986-5273. Coffee Hour Dates for December & January December 2nd: Open December 9th: Community Christmas Luncheon December 16th: The Vallis family December 23rd: Open December 30th: Open January 6th: Vasilopita January 13th, 20th & 27th: International Coffee Hour January Newsletter As a reminder, we will not publish a January newsletter. In lieu of a newsletter, we will be mailing out the 2019 Orthodox calendars.

Thr

ough

The

Gra

pev

ine

Thr

ough

The

Gra

pev

ine

Thr

ough

The

Gra

pev

ine

Memorials in December December 2nd: Issa Namouche 1-year Savemart SHARES If you haven't already signed up for the Savemart SHARES program, sign up today! Here are a few instructions to help you enroll: Go to: www.savemart.com/shares Click on "Enroll Today!". When prompted to select an Nonprofit Organization please select (or type in) Greek Community of Fresno (the name required by our Letter of Incorporation). Once you have completed the sign up forms you can start using the phone number you entered the next time you go to Save-mart or Foodmaxx. Just to remind you, this is a wonder-ful, free way to support your church. A percentage of your grocery purchase is automatically donated back to our church. The Church received a donation of $81.04 in October. Sunday School Christmas Program Celebrate Christ's birth with a short

Christmas program presented by the St. George Sunday School. Join us on Sunday, December 16, 2018 & enjoy a

combination of traditional Christmas carols and Bible verses.

Alexa’s Angel Tree Starting Sunday, November 25th, you may pick an

ornament from our Angel Tree. There are two

different ornaments to choose from. You may

choose a “movie ticket” ornament or a “wrapped

gift” ornament. For more information contact

Marcia Taylor at 439-8605 or 351-3200. Please

return your wrapped gift or movie tickets with the

ornament by December 9th.

Strategic Plan - Next Steps On Sunday, October 28 the St. George Community of Fresno formally approved "St. George Greek Orthodox Church Vision 100" as our strategic plan for the next five years. In order to help make all of our improvement plans come to fruition we need community sup-port and involvement in the form of committees to help guide the implementation of our expected outcomes. We are seeking signups for the following committees:

Stewardship Committee - This committee will help foster wide spread financial support to help all community initiatives succeed.

Outreach Committee - This committee will help create a strong and large network of community volunteers to share in completing our many activities and tasks (food festival, service work, food drives, etc.) and will include encouraging attendance on Sunday at church as well as other church activities.

Welcome Ministry Committee - This committee will help new comers to our church feel welcome and connected to our community by reaching out to them.

Retreat Committee - This committee will help select, support and organize retreats for a variety of church members.

Building Facilities Committee - This committee will help in the planning, budgeting, and city approval process of the proposed new building for the St. George property.

We will limit the number of people who can sign up to the first 12 people for each committee. Even if you can only help out a little bit, please sign up. We can use all the help you can offer.

If you can help out please sign up at this web link: bit.ly/stgeorgesignup If you do not have Internet access you can find a Sign Up sheet in the Church and Narthex Office.

Go to this website ( http://www.stgeorgefresno.org/) if you are interested in reading our Vision 100 Strategic Plan. Once again you can find extra copies of the Vision 100 Strategic Plan in the Church and Narthex Office.

St. George Bookstore

The 2019 Icon calendars are now available in the St. George Bookstore. This 2019 icon cal-endar features icons of Christ and His Parables 11" X 12" full-color calendar features large calendar boxes (1-3/8" X 1-3/4") for recording your important date reminders. Major saints and feast days traditionally celebrated in Orthodox countries around the world are listed. There are two 11" X 12" pages for each month, with a large size icon image on the top page, and a calendar page be-low. A hole is drilled at the top of the calendar, so that it is easy to hang on your wall.

Please return this to the Narthex office or church office. Don’t forget you can also go online and fill out this form. Please do not fill out the online form and the paper form. Thank you for your Time and Talent.

Athena Philoptochos Society

October and November were busy prep and baking months for us as we prepared for our annual Tiropitakia and Christmas Pastry sales. This year, we also made Galaktobouriko in ready-to-bake pans! Look for Christine Gonos after Church if you wish to purchase any of our wonderful prod-ucts!

In addition, Athena Philoptochos is in Year 5 of our Angel Babies project. After a delivery to Hinds Hospice in Novem-ber, our donation totals are 1175 Angel Baby Gowns, 167 An-gel Wraps (for the babies too small to dress in our smallest gowns), 582 Teeny Diapers, 618 knitted or crocheted blankets, 694 knitted or crocheted caps, and 620 quilted document enve-lopes. Hinds Hospice has requested that we also make tiny pillows for the baby foot-

prints so that effort will begin on our next work day. See upcoming dates below. You don't have to be a member of Philop-tochos to join in on the Angel Babies project!

We thank Dina Fotopoulos for the beautiful Artoklasia loaves for our Founders Day cele-bration on November 18th. We also re-membered our women who founded and sustained Athena Philoptochos through a memorial service with Koliva paid for in advance by Eleni Koungoulas, of blessed memory. She even gave us the brandy ahead of time so that we would have it ready for her memorial. Memory Eternal to all!

In partnership with the Daughters of Penelope, Athena Philoptochos is hosting the Community Christmas Luncheon on Sunday, December 9th. If you would like to reserve a table, please contact Aida Nassar. If you would like to donate a raffle item, please contact Madelyn Jones. We will need help with food preparation and hall set up on Saturday, Decem-ber 8th, serving and clean up on December 9th, and table cloth laundering after the event.

Our Annual Community Vasilopita and Auction will be on Sunday, January 6th, im-mediately following the Divine Liturgy. If you are a baker and would like to donate a Vasilopita for our auction, please con-tact Elaine Sotiropulos.

If you are a member, please remember to send in your 2019 Dues! If you are not a member, but would like to see what we are about, please feel free to join us at a meeting or a work day. If you would like to join, please see Mia Papangellin or Cindi Boukidis.

Upcoming Dates: Saturday, December 8: Christmas Luncheon Food Prep and Hall Set Up 9:00 AM Sunday, December 9: Community Christmas Luncheon serving, clean up, and laundry. No meeting or Angel Babies work days in December. Next Meeting: Monday, January 14 at 6:30pm. Fun and Fellowship begins at 5:30pm. Angel Babies: Monday, January 28 from 2pm to 8pm

Go Paperless! If you would like to opt out of receiving paper mailings from St. George Church please fill out the in-formation below. By going paperless you will receive all church publications through your email. By

doing this you will save the church money on expensive paper, printing and postage.

I, _______________________________ would like to stop the postal delivery of my Newsletter, and other publications, and receive them via email only.

I am already on the St. George listserve.

I am not currently signed up for the listserve, please add me.

_____________________________________@______________________

You will receive a confirmation email once you have been enrolled in the listserve. *Please turn in to the Narthex office or the church office.

Sunday Church School It’s never to late to register your child for Sunday Church School.

We have an exciting year underway.

Upcoming Church School Events: Sunday, December 2nd: Family Sunday

Sunday, December 16th: Church School Program, at the end of services

The kids have been working hard on the Christmas Program

Sunday Church School Lessons for December December 2nd: Family Sunday

December 9th-30th: The 2– 5 Year Olds will focus on the meaning of Christmas, why we celebrate, how and why it’s im-

portant to give back to the community. Grades 1-6

December 9: Nativity of Jesus Christ December 16: Church of the Nativity, Compline Hymn

December 23: Break..Merry Christmas! December 30: St. Basil, Vasilopita

GOYA Winter Camp: Grades 6th-12th

Cost $250 per person; gosfyouth.org/goya/#/goya-winter-camp-2018

Young Adult Winter Retreat: AGES: 18-30's

COST: $260 per person; www.gosfyouth.org

Family Night Growing Together in God’s Love

Join us as we continue our Family Wellness Ministry with Fr. Jim and Pres. Donna Pappas

Thursday, December 20th: Prayer Service at 5:30pm followed by Family Night at 6:00pm

Our Lesson for this month is: The True Gifts

The evening will include: -Dinner -Fellowship -Activities for children

-Family Wellness Ministry with Fr. Jim And Pres. Donna

Upcoming Family Night Dates: Dec. 20th, Jan. 15th, Feb. 28th, Mar. 28th, May 30th

“Connecting individuals, couples, families and clergy through the heart toward healthy Christ-centered relationships.”

~Family Wellness Ministry Mission Statement

Studies In The Faith Studies in the Faith will meet on Sundays, following Divine Liturgy. Join us in the journey of

our Orthodox faith.

Thursday Morning Bible Study Join us for Morning Bible Study Thursdays at 9:30am in Room 7. We look forward to another

exciting year of studying God’s word.

Young Adult Bible Study If you are interested in attending Young Adult Bible Study contact Rondal Burkhard at

233-0397 for upcoming dates.

Communications Outreach Supporters: Our Angels and Archangels The Angel and Archangel Supporters no longer just support the St. George Monthly Newsletter. This ministry will now support the Communication Outreach program. Through this new multi faceted approach to communication, information will reach parishioners more effectively. If you would like to help offset the cost of the communication outreach ministry, which includes the monthly newsletter, parish website, text messaging system and list serve, we ask that you consider contributing $30.00 a year to become an Angel Booster, or $60.00 a year to become a Archangel Booster. Your name or the name of a loved one who’s memory you wish to commemorate, will be printed in The

Voice of St. George Newsletter for the calendar year of 2019. We thank you for your support which enables us to better inform the parishioners of St. George.

Archangel Supporter: $60.00 for 2019 Calendar Year (Per Family Name of Individual) Angel Supporter: $30.00 for 2019 Calendar Year (Per Family Name or Individual)

All donations towards the Archangel/Angel Supporter are for the Calendar year 2019. All names will run through Jan. 2020

Please print clearly the name or names exactly as you wish them to appear in the Newsletter. Name or Names: ______________________________________________________________________________________

And / Or In Memory of: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Stewardship of our faith in Jesus Christ calls us to

do those things that reflect our faith to others, living our faith through

others.

St. George Greek Orthodox Church

2019 Confidential Family Information Form/Stewardship Commitment Form2019 Confidential Family Information Form/Stewardship Commitment Form Did you know that out of the 400+ families that our church ministers to, only 220 families are stewards? Of those 220 families, 78

families give less than $500 per year. If each of these 220 families gave at least $2,075 per year, we would be able to fulfill the financial obligations of our church. This would free up income from fundraisers, like the Food Festival, to use on property improvements and

future growth. We ask that if you have the means, please consider giving at least $2,075 per year in stewardship. If you already give at least $2,075 per year, we ask that you consider increasing your stewardship by 10% for 2019.

No matter what you are financially able to give, you are a valued member of St. George Church.

In gratitude and thanksgiving for God’s blessings, I/we offer Him through His Church the following Annual Tithe

An annual amount of: _____$2,075_____$2,400 _____$3,000 _____$3,600 _____$4,800 Other:______________

($173/mo) ($200/mo) ($250/mo) ($300/mo) ($400/mo)

Name: (first/last) __________________________________Cell Phone: _________________Home Phone: _____________

Spouse: (first/last) ____________________________Cell Phone: ______________Address: _________________________

___________________________City/State: _________________ Zip: _________

Please fill out the information below if you would like to make your stewardship donation using your credit card. Name on card:__________________________________________________________ Card number: __________________________________ Expires: ________________ CSC#: __________ Billing address:_________________________________________ _________________________________________ Monthly amount: _____________ Or One time donation amount:_____________

Would you like more information about the following? ___ Sunday Church School ___ Youth Activities ___ Young Adults (OCF) ___ Morning Bible Study ___ Evening Bible Study ___ Friends of St. George ___ Philoptochos ___ Prison Ministry ___ Choir/Chant

Stewards Stewards of the of the Faith Faith

All Things Are Possible To

The One Who Believes In Christ

Stewards of the Faith

Having faith can be difficult. Keeping faith in the face of doubt is the ongoing struggle of every Christian since the earliest days of Christianity. We dedicate the first Sunday after Easter to Thomas the Apostle, for-ever remembered as “Doubting Thomas” because he doubted the first reports of the Resurrected Christ.

In the Gospel of Mark (9:22 NKJV), we read that when the disciples couldn’t help him, a father brings his epileptic son to Jesus in desperation, saying, “...if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus replies to the father’s lack of faith, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The father’s response is a prayer we can pray every day: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Faith is our trust in God. Faith is our trust that He watches over us and has a plan for us: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV). Living with the uncertainty of daily life requires faith. Uncertainty also invites doubt. But doubt does not indicate a lack of faith. As theologian and philosopher Paul Tillich has written, “Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is one element of faith.” Doubt is a part of our journey of faith, but we need to face our doubt honestly and directly.

Faith is often accompanied by struggle as we search for the truth. Doubt instills humility. Doubt motivates us to learn and to grow. In spite of his doubt, the Apostle Thomas remained open to the truth of the Resurrection. When he saw the Risen Christ, he immediately believed and became a great apostle of the faith. His doubt led him to a greater faith. Stewardship of our faith in Jesus Christ calls us to do those things that protect and strengthen the faith that lies within us. Tak-ing the time to learn about our Orthodox Christian Faith, praying to God for understanding and guidance, and worshiping with others as the Body of Christ – all these things protect and strengthen our faith. As stewards of the faith, Saint Peter instructs us to “…always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you….” (1 Peter 3:15 NKJV). Faith is not a big rule book of “dos and don’ts.” It is about loving and seeing Jesus Christ in the other. Stewardship of our faith in Jesus Christ calls us to do those things that reflect our faith to others, living our faith through our actions. As Jesus tells us, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NKJV). There is no better way of sharing the faith that lies within us than to see Christ in others and to love and care for them.

Through faith, God’s will is accomplished in the world. Our great example is Mary, the Theotokos, the Mother of our Lord. When Archangel Gabriel came to her at the Annunciation, tradition and hymnology hold that all creation awaited her response. In faith and obedience to the will of God, Mary replied to the angel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be accord-ing to your word” (Luke 1:38 NKJV). Mary responds with faith in order to fulfill God’s will for all the world. Research has shown that Christians we seek three things from their church: Transcendence, Significance and Fellowship (Lost in America, Clegg & Bird 2001). Transcendence is to know God and to experience His presence. This we do through prayerful participation in Liturgy and the sacraments. Significance is the desire to have a purpose – to do something meaningful – most often in service to our fellow man. Fellowship is connecting with others through meaningful relationships. The Church offers opportunities for Transcendence, Significance and Fellowship, and in their pursuit, we also serve and support the Church and fully become members of the Body of Christ. To be stewards of the faith we are also called to be stewards of our local church which nurtures our faith and the faith of others.

Stewardship is an act of faith. When we believe, stewardship follows. Stewardship is faith in action; action motivated by humble gratitude to God for his blessings in our life. As Saint John tells us about all that is written in his Gospel, “…these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31 NKJV).

Thank you to the following people Thank you to the following people

who have donated in 2018.who have donated in 2018.

With the holidays upon us, and we draw to the end of another year, don’t forget to add “Stewardship” to your list of things to do. As stewards of St. George, it’s important that our giving is from the heart.

As you wrap up your 2018 stewardship, you can donate electronically. Go to the church website, www.stgeorgefresno.org, click on the Giving link and go to Treasure. Here you can make a one-

time stewardship donation, or setup automatic monthly stewardship donations.

Stewardship donations received January 1, - November 18, 2018. Anonymous Donors Randy and Litsa Acedo Randy and Litsa Ajluni Eli and Mirielle Akel George and Dina Akel Michel and Mona Akel Nadia Akel Katina Alfieris Steven and Fotini Alfieris Mike and Kathy Angelos Tony and Marie Antoniou Joan Arabatzis Mark and Holly Archon Vi Archon Alex and Georianne Aretakis Christine Bagetakos Mihaela Banea John and Maria Barbis Bedoush, Fadi & Marean (Bechara) Keith and Vassi Boone Bill Booras Danny & Amalia Booras David Boosalis Evelyn N. Boosalis Evelyn T. Boosalis James N. Boosalis Alexander T. Borgeas Kelly Bottcher Jim and Cindi Boukidis Georgia Brandon Nick Brotsis Michael and Lorraine Bukilica Daniel and Mina Burkdoll Tom Carroll Tom and Stephanie Carrooll Jr. Paul and Anita Chiames James and Tula Chrisman Niccolina Clements Marie Papulias Cook Bob and Angie Crank John and Marina Crowe Ziad Dagher and Fairoz Moussa R. J. DeKlotz Paul Dictos Aaron and Elena Edwards Bill and Rebecca Farray

Angelia Foanene George and Dina Fotopoulos Nora George Roubini Giannopoulos George and Dorothea Gianopulos Wayne Gomes Michael Gomez and Alexandra Stavropoulos-Gomez Art and Christine Gonos Elias Gonzales Thomas and Darlene Goumas Efi Gregory Alex and Kristin Guirguis Dr. Harry G. Harris Hisham and Dida Hemaidan Diana Hewett Tom and Irma Hill Ashley Hyatt Tom and Angie Hyatt Zachary Jarvie Bob and Madelyn Jones Mary Katherine Jones Nathan Jones & Alexis Rau-Jones Zoe Kaffen Husam and Najwa Kaileh Tom and Katie Kallos Sam and Gloria Karabinis Nabil and Pauline Karam Jim Karas Mrs. Andione Karastathas Gus Kavalos Sophia Kavalos Rick and Gina Kazanjian Ramzi and Ilham Khachadorian Raed and Karen Khoury Ramzy & Doris Khoury Cheryl Kinnamon Tony Kocolos Tony and Mellissa Kokalis Jr. Ioannis Kokkinidis Adolphe & Shahira Korkis Elaine Kourafas Pat Kourafas Raymond and Christine Kulina Goldie Lewis Mina Lighthall Nick Linneman Nickie Livanis John and Donna Macris

Dean and Voula Makredes S. Michael and Phyllis Makredes Kostas and Vera Margiolas David and Mary Marin Gloria Mas Greg and Dorie Mas Andrew Mastoras Chris McNaughton Alexandra McGrady Demi Mehas George and Cheryl Mehas Dr. Paul Michaelides Phillip Michaelides Chris and Patricia Miljevich Cris and Amy Moradian Jim and Georgia Moran Art Murillo Christina Naswari Allan and Karen Nassar Crystal Nassar Ramzi and Melissa Nassar Sabrina Nassar Sami and Tania Nassar Dr. Ted and Aida Nassar Crystal Nassar Janet Natsues Nicholas Nomicos Michael and Kara Osborn John and Elaine O’Mara Penny Pacheco Dean Paleologos Thalia Panas Daniel and Dana Panoff Mary Jane Papadopoulos Jeff and Lisa Pape Elaine Pappas George and Barbara Pappas Fr. Jim and Pres. Donna Pappas Mavra Patropulos Bessie Petropulos Patrick Pfister Michael and Marsha Philipou Petre Pitulice Alice Ramirez Chris and Helen Rockas Pete and Dora Rokas Joy Rose Samaan Family Saul Jimenez-Sandoval & Mariana Anagnostopoulos

Kay Schlotthauer Bob and Helen Sexton Cathy and Charles Snow Talbert and Melanie Simonian Efi Sofianides Dorothy Skoufis Jervy and Marice Smith Charles and Cathy Snow Efi Sofianides Amanda Sopp Ernie and Pam Sopp Melissa Sopp Kopi and Elaine Sotiropulos Vasili Sotiropulos Dan and Joyce Souza Mr. and Mrs. Sngelo Stalis Ms. Bessis Stalis George Stalis Galatia Stanley Helen Stavros Dio and Kate Stefanopoulos Elena Stefanopoulos Spero and Lauren Stefanopoulos Tom and Peggy Stefanopoulos Plato Sterios Dee Stonebraker Wilson and Rawida Tadros Deeb and Fahda Tayar Dan and Eve Taylor Marcia Taylor Richard and Angela Taylor Saki and Angelica Terlikas Yesmane Tesfai Mitchel & Kimberly Thabit Peter and Teri Theodore Jim and Thekla Tousounis Peter and Demitra Vallis Carl and Dixie Waddle Bill and Joanne Weaver Ben and Clio Weber William and Georgeanne White Catherine Wille Penney Wills Michael and Georgette Winton Mark and Ellen Wolfshorndl Voula Xenos James and Tracy Zografos Paul and Nickie Zografos Matthew and Julie Zoolakis

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 559-233-0397 sggoc@comcast.net www.stgeorgefresno.org

DECEMBER 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am Elections

3 4 Sts Barbara and Savas Orthros 9am, Divine Lit 9:45am

5 6 St. Nicholas Orthros 9am, Divine Lit 9:45am

7 8

9 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am Christmas Luncheon

10 11 St. Spyridon Vespers at 6pm

12 13 Bible Study 9:30am FOSG mtg 5:30pm

14 15

16 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am Christmas Program

17 18 PC Meeting 6:30pm

19 20 Bible Study 9:30am Prayer service at 5:30pm and Family Night at 6pm

21 22

23 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am

24 Christmas Royal Hours 9:00am Christmas Eve Vespers 5:30pm

25 Christmas Services– Orthros at 9:00am, Divine Lit at 9:45am

26 St. Stephen Vespers 5:30pm

27

28 29

30 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am

31 Services 5:30pm

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 559-233-0397 sggoc@comcast.net www.stgeorgefresno.org

JANUARY 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5

6 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am Vasilopita

7 8 9 10 Bible Study 9:30am FOSG Mtg 5:30pm AHEPA/DOP Mtg 7:00pm

11 12

13 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am

14 Philoptochos Mtg. 6:30pm

15 Prayer service at 5:30pm and Family Night at 6pm

16

17 Bible Study 9:30am

18 19

20 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am

21 22 23 24 Bible Study 9:30am

25 26

27 Orthros at 8:30am, Divine Liturgy at 9:30am

28 Angel Babies 2:00pm-8:00pm

29 30 31 Bible Study 9:30am

Archangels Tony & Marie Antoniou Daisy Addicott & Cynthia Radoumis Wayne A. Gomes Mary K. Jones & Family Harry & Michelle Kallas John & Demetra Kallas Tony & Melissa Kokalis Elaine Kourafas Family in m/o Nick T. Kourafas Dean & Voula Makredes Judie Moradian in m/o Mary Alfieris PJP & TPP H.N. & L.K. Papadakis George Savaros in m/o Diamond Savaros Plato D. & Jackie Sterios Cathy & Tom Armstrong in m/o Arthur & Muriel Chimiklis of Stockton, CA Evelyn N. Boosalis in m/o Dr. Nicholas G. Boosalis Georgia Brandon in m/o Dave and brother George E. Anthony Cisneros in m/o Connie Ohanesian Paula Ann Costis in m/o Dr. Harry G. Costis & Alexander G. Costis Joanne & Bill Dau in m/o Gus Kossaras Denney Family in m/o Reda Denney George Efthemon & Elizabeth Wellington in m/o Sam & Helen Efthemon Goumas Family in m/o Gust & Betty Goumas Dan & Donna Hlebakos in m/o Frank, Margaret & William Hlebakos and Louie & Marion Bolan Angela & Mitchell Hutcheson in m/o Lilly &George Tousounis John & Demetria Kallas in m/o Pauline Kallas John & Demetria Kallas in m/o Demetrios & Vasiliki Vergou Jim & Toni Kalogrides in m/o Nick & Eleni Paleologos Ramzi & Ilham Khachadourian in m/o Habayeh & Khachadou-rian families Anne Kossaras Charlie & Elaine Long in m/o Richard & Viola Abrahamian Irene Mabry in m/o Dennis Mabry Irene Mabry in m/o Vicky & George Kokalis Demi Mehas in m/o Peter Mehas

Ralph & Carol Merrick-Miles in m/o Marigo K. Merrick Judie Moradian in m/o Marjorie & Marvin Koontz Sami & Tania Nassar in m/o Nassar, Zacharia, Dirlik, Magliola Janet Duke Natsues in m/o Stephen Natsues Dena Noula Mariska Karaszi, Noula Pappas in m/o Zoltan Karaszi & Mike Pappas Angela Pappanastos in m/o Edna & Pete Petropulos & Stella Vlahiotis Mike, Marsha & Demi Philippou in m/o James & Madeline Willis Kay Scholtthauer Frank, Dena, Stephanie & Laura Siskey in m/o Bill & Anthie Kourafas Harry Skofis in m/o Elis, Koula & George Skofis Dorothy & Joann Skoufis in m/o Frederic C. Skoufis George Soles & Michael Soles in m/o Spiros Soles N.E. Stamoulis in m/o Nina M. Stamoulis Plato Sterios in m/o Evelyn June Frank, Dena, Stephanie & Laura Siskey in m/o Bill & Anthie Kourafas Marcia Taylor in m/o Bud Taylor Jeff & Patricia Savaros Trafican in m/o Alexandra Moosios Athanasios & Connie Triantis & Family in m/o Triantis family & Strusis family Jim & Thekla Tousounis in m/o Emanuel & Sophie Tousounis Voula Xenos in m/o Spiros Xenos Matthew & Julie Zoolakis in m/o Melina Katarina Zoolakis Licouris-Wills families in m/o Patricia, Tom Licouris and Pete James In m/o John, Bessie & George Antonaros In m/o Thalia, Stravos, Elaine (VanderBeek) Kuretsos, Elaine (Woods) Dorothy, Mary Giannopoulos In m/o Mrs Eleni Koungoulas In m/o Jim Kourafas In m/o Mary Jeannette Sopp In m/o Evangelos & Evangelea Stamoulis In m/o Spero & Helen Stamoules John & Susan Stockton Paul & Nickie Zografos

Angels Joan Arabatzis Ernie & Andriana Bouskos Michael & Lorraine Bukilica Paul & Anita Chiames Nora George The Fanopoulos Family John & Demetra Kallas James & Sophia Nicolaou Fr. Jim & Pres. Donna Pappas N.E. Stamoulis Pauline Shartz in Honor of Fr. Cosmas Shartz Cynthia & Jerry Stiavelli Charlie & Elaine Long in m/o Richard & Viola Abrahamian Nabil & Pauline Karam in m/o Habib Saba

Nadia Karam in m/o Elias Karam

Nabil & Pauline Karam in m/o Berta K. Saba Tilly & Sunny Salazar Dan & Eve Taylor Mina Lighthall in m/o David R. Lighthall Tom & Irma Hill Mitch & Angela Hutcheson Lempesis Family Andrew Mastoras Melinda Mastoras Bessie Mattly In m/o Alexander “Pappy” Papulias Chris & Gina Potzernitz in m/o Potzernitz & Papulias families Katina LaBerge Smith & Jerry Smith in m/o Daphne Yordan

St. George Greek Community of Fresno

2219 N. Orchard St.

Fresno, CA 93703

Return Service Requested

www.facebook.com/ stgeorgegreekorthodoxchurch

@412fouronetwo sggoc@comcast.net

www.stgeorgefresno.org

559-233-0397

559-233-0564

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Fresno, California

Permit No. 1978

Orthros at 8:30am and Divine Liturgy at 9:30am

St. George Dance Group

Crab Feed

Saturday, February 2, 2019

More info to follow