Schedule for Saturday, September 11th through Sunday, September 19th

Saturday, September 11th: Father Jeffrey serving in Lake Havasu, 5pm Great Vespers, confessions heard following
Sunday, September 12th:

Commemorations This Week

Sunday, September 12th, we continue to commemorate

the Nativity of the Theotokos

According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.

The traditional teaching which is celebrated in the hymns and verses of the festal liturgy is that Joachim and Anna were a pious Jewish couple who were among the small and faithful remnant—“the poor and the needy”—who were awaiting the promised messiah. They prayed earnestly to the Lord for a child. In answer to their prayers, and as the reward of their unwavering fidelity to God, the elderly couple was blessed with the child who was destined, because of her own personal goodness and holiness, to become the Mother of the Messiah-Christ.

The feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos is a glorification of Mary’s birth, of Mary herself and of her righteous parents. It is a celebration as well of the very first preparation of the salvation of the world. For the “Vessel of Light,” the “Book of the Word of Life,” the “Door to the Orient,” the “Throne of Wisdom” is being prepared on earth by God Himself in the birth of the holy girl-child Mary.

On the feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, as on all liturgical celebrations of Christ’s Mother, we proclaim and celebrate that through God’s graciousness to mankind every Christian receives what the Theotokos receives, the “great mercy” which is given to human persons because of Christ’s birth from the Virgin.

Apolytikion for The Nativity of the Theotokos, Mode 4
Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting.

Kontakion for The Nativity of the Theotokos, Mode 4
Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death, O immaculate one, by thy holy Nativity, which thy people, redeemed from the guilt of offences, celebrate by crying to thee: The barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.

Holy Theotokos, pray to your Son and our God that He may save our souls!

On Tuesday, September 14th, we commemorate The Exaltation of the

Precious and Life-Giving Cross

Great Vespers and Matins are Monday evening, beginning at 6pm, along with the procession of the cross. Divine Liturgy begins at 8am on Tuesday. Rest from labour. A Strict Fast is observed on this Feast, whatever day of the week it may be.

The pagan Roman emperors tried to completely eradicate from human memory the holy places where our Lord Jesus Christ suffered and was resurrected for mankind. The Emperor Hadrian (117-138) gave orders to cover over the ground of Golgotha and the Sepulchre of the Lord, and to build a temple of the pagan goddess Venus and a statue of Jupiter. Pagans gathered at this place and offered sacrifice to idols there.

Eventually, by Divine Providence, the great Christian sacred remains, the Sepulchre of the Lord and the Life-Creating Cross were again discovered and opened for veneration. This took place under the Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337) after his victory in the year 312 over Maxentius, ruler of the Western part of the Roman empire, and over Licinius, ruler of its Eastern part. In the year 323 Constantine became the sole ruler of the vast Roman Empire.

In 313 he had issued the Edict of Milan, by which the Christian religion was legalized and the persecutions against Christians in the Western half of the empire were stopped. The ruler Licinius, although he had signed the Edict of Milan to oblige Constantine, still fanatically continued the persecutions against Christians. Only after his conclusive defeat did the 313 Edict of Milan extend also to the Eastern part of the empire. The Holy Equal of the Apostles Emperor Constantine, having gained victory over his enemies in three wars with God’s assistance, had seen in the heavens the Sign of the Cross, and written beneath: “By this you shall conquer.”

Ardently desiring to find the Cross on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, Saint Constantine sent his mother, the pious Empress Helen (May 21), to Jerusalem, providing her with a letter to Saint Macarius, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Saint Helen, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. The empress gave orders to destroy the pagan temple and the statues in Jerusalem. Searching for the Life-Creating Cross, she made inquiry of Christians and Jews, but for a long time her search remained unsuccessful.

Finally, they directed her to a certain elderly Hebrew by the name of Jude who stated that the Cross was buried where the temple of Venus stood. They demolished the pagan temple and, after praying, they began to excavate the ground. Soon the Tomb of the Lord was uncovered. Not far from it were three crosses, a board with the inscription ordered by Pilate, and four nails which had pierced the Lord’s Body. Of the three crosses, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation.

At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Christians came in a huge throng to venerate the Holy Cross, beseeching Saint Macarius to elevate the Cross, so that even those far off might reverently contemplate it. Then the Patriarch and other spiritual leaders raised up the Holy Cross, and the people, saying “Lord have mercy,” reverently prostrated before the Venerable Wood. This solemn event occurred in the year 326.

Saint Helen took part of the Life-Creating Wood and nails with her to Constantinople. The holy emperor Constantine gave orders to build at Jerusalem a majestic and spacious church in honor of the Resurrection of Christ, also including under its roof the Life-Giving Tomb of the Lord and Golgotha. The temple was constructed in about ten years. Saint Helen did not survive until the dedication of the temple, she died in the year 327. The church was consecrated on September 13, 335. On the following day, September 14, the festal celebration of the Exaltation of the Venerable and Life-Creating Cross was established.

In the year 614, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country. Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.

In a sermon on the Exaltation of the Cross, Saint Andrew of Crete says: “The Cross is exalted, and everything true gathers together, the Cross is exalted, and the city makes solemn, and the people celebrate the feast”.

Apolytikion for The Cross, Mode 1

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, grant Thou unto the faithful
victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy cross do Thou preserve Thy
commonwealth.

Kontakion for The Cross, Mode 4

Thou Who wast raised up on the cross by Thine own will, O Christ our God, do Thou
bestow Thy compassion upon this, Thy new commonwealth named after Thee.
Gladden with Thy sov’reign our most Orthodox hierarchs, and vouchsafe them
victory over every false teaching; and as Thy help in war may they possess the
weapon of peace, the trophy invincible.

Epistle and Gospel Readings for Sunday, September 12th

Matins Gospel: The Gospel According to Matthew 28:16-20

At that time, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Amen."

St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18

BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

The Gospel According to John 3:13-17

The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."

Homily Archives

Click here for recordings of recent homilies and reflections by Fr. Jeffrey

Community News and Ministries

New Ministry:

St. George Prayer Chain

We have so much to be thankful for... yet all of us at some time need the prayers from others to help us in any situation that may arise. That there is no greater thing that we can do for one another than keep you in our prayers, and when we pray in numbers, our blessings are multiplied. In light of this, our St. George Sisterhood has started a Prayer Chain Ministry.

If you would like to be a part of the Prayer Chain to share requests, and pray for others, please contact Anne Lunsford by email amd1713@gmail.com or phone (602) 380-5880. If you'd like to know more before joining, contact Anne or Ellen Winn.

Procedure for a prayer request:

Always contact Father Jeffrey first if urgent prayers & assistance are needed.
Contact Anne by email or phone with your request.
Prayer request(s) will go out to the chain by email. If a computer is not available, you will receive a call. If you receive answer to prayer(s), please let us know so we can share in the news and offer our thanks.
When receiving a request(s), make a list with the request and place it where it will be seen constantly during the day.
If you are comfortable with it, your first name only (not the request) will also be included in the parish prayer list printed in the weekly bulletin. Please indicate if you'd like your name printed there or not.

St. George Small Groups

Our parish is in the midst of forming small groups that will meet weekly for fellowship, reading Scripture, and discussion. All parishioners are invited to be a part of a group. If you haven't yet received an invite, but are interested in learning more, please see Kenny Scott or Ty Freedman.

Gyros Booth

Fall Fest at the Courthouse Square

Saturday, October 2nd and Sunday, October 3rd

This is a wonderful opportunity to show the community who we are, and talk to people who might be interested in attending our church. Most of all, it is a chance to get better acquainted while we work together, and enjoy each other's company. We hope you’ll take time out of your busy schedules to help support our parish, and let people know about our faith. Please see Ellen Winn to volunteer, helpers are always needed and appreciated.

Coffee Hour Hosts

This Sunday 9/12: Ellen Winn

Next Sunday 9/19: Please see Ellen Winn to sign up

Coffee Hour hosts are greatly needed! Thankfully, our wonderful Sisterhood has developed a simple way for us to enjoy coffee, snacks, and fellowship on Sundays after Divine Liturgy, but we are in great need of folks who can "host" or serve. All supplies and snacks are provided by the Sisterhood, and stocked and set up prior to Sunday morning. All a host needs to do is commit to coming early to start the coffee maker, set up the coffee & snack tables towards the end of service, serve during coffee hour, and then stay for a quick clean up. The whole process is quite streamlined, and written instructions are provided. Ideally, we need 2 people each Sunday to make it work smoothly. Would you please consider volunteering? See Ellen Winn to sign up or more information.

Greeters

This Sunday 9/12: Laura Scott & Ty Freedman

Next Sunday 9/12: Ty Freedman & George Moshen

Click Here to Register

Links to the Weekly Update emails (like this one) can now be found on the church website. Click on "Media", then "Bulletins/Newsletters".

Lectio Divina (Holy Reading) will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. We will meet in the nave of the church at 9am (time subject to change based on participation).

We will practice reading a brief biblical passage in a way that is prayerful and reflective, seeking to find the application of this particular biblical passage to our life.

We will include a little bit of time at the end for discussion. But the for the most part this is a time for us to gather to pray, and to quietly read the Scriptures together.

Please bring a Bible and something to take notes.

A Description of Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading). From- In the Spirit of Happiness, by the Monks of New Skete.pdf

Did you know? We have a parish-wide Meal Train set up for those in need of a little extra help with meals help during a major life event.

If you, a family member, or another parishioner are recovering from illness, injury, or a medical procedure, have experienced a death in the family, have a new baby, or have moved, please let either Father Jeffrey or Presbytera Marisa know.

Presbytera will connect with you to coordinate details that work for you, and then set up the online Meal Train at mealtrain.com, which organizes all of the details from dates & drop-off times to meal preferences.

It's Evangelism Season!

During the Evangelism Season (June 20th to November 15th) we ask our parishioners to consider how they might engage in evangelism. Each week will be providing some quotes to consider on what the church teaches about evangelism as well as a challenge. The challenge is meant to encourage you to take chances and step out of your comfort zone a bit as well as prepare for an encounter with someone who asks you about your faith.

I pray that you will take advantage of this time and look forward to hearing your stories about how you are sharing with others what was given to you.

In Christ,
Kenny Scott

Why do you go to church?

If someone asked you why you keep going to church, what would you say? What do you think your life would be like if you stopped going to church? Block out an hour of uninterrupted time this week and write down why it is that the Church matters to you as if you were talking to a friend. Try to make it short, like an elevator speech, something you could say in three to five minutes. When you are done, share it. If you are part of our Facebook group, share it there so we can all read your experience. If you are not part of the group, share it with someone at church. Even better, memorize it, so it is something that easily comes off your lips when asked.

From the Metropolis and Archdiocese

Beloved in the Lord,

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our world. The enormity of this tragedy which befell our country 20 years ago will forever be remembered. We continue to pray for the lives of all those lost in these vicious attacks on our country, and the brave first responders who perished trying to save others. And though this was the darkest day in the history of our nation, we must look to the light that shines from within the walls of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center which now stands as a beacon of our Orthodox Christian faith. This is more than just a church – it is a place of healing, a place of unity, and a place that demonstrates that good does conquer evil, and that a place of tragedy can be transformed into a place of hope. Beseeching the Lord’s blessings upon all who labor to bring Saint Nicholas Church and Shrine to its full completion so that the doors may welcome those who seek the Lord’s grace, peace and mercy, I remain,

With Love in Christ,

Learn more about Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at www.stnicholaswtc.org

A Historic Joint Statement by

***Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis,* *and Archbishop of Canterbury***

***Justin Welby* *on Climate Change***

For the first time in the two-thousand-year history of Christianity, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the Pope of Rome, and the Archbishop of Canterbury have issued a joint statement. On September 1, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, His Holiness Pope Francis, and His Eminence Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury published this "Joint Message for the Protection of Creation," calling for urgent action to deal with the worldwide crisis of climate change and environmental degradation. Explaining with pastoral urgency the lessons of Scripture, they issue an urgent call for an effective collective response to this global threat.

Click Here to Read The Full Statement

Click here to learn more and donate