St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church

The St. George Messenger

November, December 2007

Dear Beloved Family of St. George,

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) --JESUS--

“You shall be holy for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:16)

--GOD--

“Be all that you can be.” -- US ARMY--

One of best slogans ever made by military recruiters, actually applies better to the Orthodox Christian faith than it does to the Army. Some of you are fully enlisted in the process of being all that you can be – being holy even as God is holy - and experiencing the abundant life in Christ. However, to assist everyone towards reaching their goal of having life abundantly, our parish is offering a one month life strategy for spiritual renewal. To guide us along the way, we are using the newest book by Forrest Long: TURNAROUND: The Orthodox Purpose Driven Life. Concerning this book, Metropolitan ISAIAH of Denver writes: “This book is a must for those who seek to live a Christ-like life.” He also says that “Many Orthodox Christians know about their faith, but they have no concept of how to live their lives in Christ. TURNAROUND is truly refreshing in that it allows all Christian believers to apply the teachings of the Orthodox Church to their daily lives. It takes us back to Apostolic days, reflecting on how the followers of Christ lived.” Forrest Long approaches his writings from a rather unique perspective. For 28 years he was a Baptist minister in churches in eastern Canada and the State of Maine . He presently lives in Alabama with his wife, Patsy. Forrest has been on a personal spiritual journey, which ultimately brought him into the Orthodox Church. He attends St. Gregory the Theologian Orthodox Church in Tuscaloosa , Alabama . His time is devoted now to freelance writing and painting. Forrest Long wrote: “It’s a sad reality today that many professing Christians have a take it or leave it attitude toward the Church. If they feel the Church isn’t meeting their needs, isn’t living up to their expectations, or is embroiled in controversy of division, they move on to another or simply give up on the Church altogether. … Some are on an ongoing quest to find the ‘perfect’ local church, or a ‘New Testament church’, not really clear about what the criteria for either would be.” Forrest writes that he intends that this book will not simply be “an information book. This is a roadmap--the daily stopping points having been used by many for centuries--which will guide you into four essential areas that will impact your spiritual development: · Focusing on God · Understanding Myself · Building with Spiritual Disciplines · Ministry in Motion I encourage every teenager and adult to buy this book and diligently use it in your daily life. You may purchase (order if out of stock) this book through Ann or Gayle at the Church Store and journey through it at your own pace. With a sincere effort to read and pray through this book as well as to interact and apply the principles learned, you should be blessed indeed. My prayer is that everyone will try it. If you do, you’ll benefit from this 31-Day Journey for Spiritual Renewal. Be all that you can be in the Lord’s Army! Fr Paul

Holy Land Vacation 2008

If you have never been to the Holy Land and would like to go with friends, Fr. Paul, Kh. Jane and Rana Saba are in the process of planning an October, 2008 12-day trip to the Holy Land with possible side extensions to Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, or Syria. Details will be communicated soon. Contact Fr. Paul if you are interested in this trip of a lifetime.

Choir

Choir rehearsals/warm-ups are again being held 45 minutes before the start of Divine Liturgy. During this time we work on aspects of singing in a choir such as dynamics and blending with the other voices, as well as correct notes. Additionally, we go over “trouble spots” and any special music being sung that Sunday or the next. The choir members who attend these sessions have indicated how much they appreciate the chance to warm up their voices and work on parts at that time, rather than during the Divine Liturgy when both the choir and the congregation are called to worship.

There is so much beautiful music that we can sing during Divine Liturgy as well as to harmonize using the melodies found in the “White Book”. Some of the music has been sung in prior years that the newer members have never sung. Some of the music is from the Antiochian website for use within the Divine Liturgy or for singing as the congregation goes forward to venerate the cross which will be new to the choir. We will do a lot of sight reading and perfecting. It should be exciting, if the choir members will make it a point to attend.

For anyone wishing to become a new choir member, the rehearsal/warm-ups are an opportune time to look at the music for that Sunday and other music, as well.

Church Office Hours :

Volunteers staff the office Monday and/or Tuesday and/or Friday, from 10 am to 1 pm . Please contact Fr. Paul if you can help out on other days. Volunteers needed!

Fellowship:

Throughout the month of November, please give generously to our food pantry so that local families have food for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

On December 5^th, we will once again sponsor an Evening with St. Nicholas. The children will be treated to a story, special craft, and visit from St. Nicholas. This is a great opportunity to introduce our children to the lives of the saints.

Holy Bread and Coffee Hour Sponsors

There are several openings for Holy Bread and Coffee Hour Sponsors before the end of the year. If you have not been a sponsor this year, please consider signing up. (See the list of Holy Bread and Coffee Hour sponsors on a separate insert in the Messenger for you to post at home.) And, keep reading!!!

Have you wanted to offer the Holy Bread, but don’t know how to bake it or don’t have the time to bake it? Or, would you like to sign up for coffee hour, but need help with the treats or set-up? Then, Mickey Mokhiber is the man to call. Mickey is offering a great service to help out. He is willing to bake 7 loaves of holy bread and deliver them to the church for you for only $25, of which he will donate $5 to the church. Smaller orders are also available. For coffee hour, he will bake sweet rolls for $6 per dozen. That price includes delivery to the church and set-up for Coffee Hour. Now, how easy is that?

Altar Servers

This is a reminder that all boys seven years and older who are enrolled in Sunday School are eligible to serve on the altar. Boys should arrive at church by 9:55 AM and regularly attend Sunday School. Proper dress is a shirt with a collar, dress pants (no jeans) and shoes (no sneakers). It is truly a spiritual and memorable experience to serve the Lord as an altar server. Please see Sub-Deacon Tom for details.

Memory Eternal : Deaths of Parishioners

November 1 Robert M. Kinan (1987-20 years)

November 3 Naif Shahin (1975)

November 4 Sam Kinan (1954)

November 5 Lorraine C. Galabinski (2004)

November 6 George Bishara (1956)

Mabel Slaiman (1978)

November 8 Helen A. Aswad (1986)

November 10 Selma Karam Anderson (1959)

November 14 George Kinan (1984)

November 17 Julie Karam Delaney (1979)

Catherine Milkie (2002-5 years)

November 19 Mary E. Bishara Anton (2001)

November 21 Giannoula Kontos (1973)

November 22 Ernest Fadel (1974)

November 23 Albert P. Mazhir (1997-10 years)

November 26 Angelo Costas (1973)

November 27 Samuel Delaney (1980)

November 29 Thomas Petrakis (2003)

________________________________________________________

December 2 Edward Milkie (1993)

December 4 Charles A. Kinan (2003)

December 6 Sheba N. Aswad (1965)

December 7 Bessie Sargent (1975)

December 9 Rachel Mokhiber (1966)

Peter Menegato (1993)

John Moshides (1998)

December 17 Natalie Anne Zaleski (1985)

Carl A. Bishara (2001)

December 18 Miladie Nassif (2004)

December 19 Fahada Aswad (1971)

Christina Poulos (2000)

December 21 Gus Demakis (1988)

December 22 George Slaiman (1959)

Bernard J. Galabinski (1996)

December 23 Helen Christus (1989)

December 25 Alice E. Bishara (1994)

December 26 Mary Gebran (1961)

December 28 Frank S. Bishara (1995)

Deaths since last Messenger: Name: Ethel Anthony; Age: 87

Death: October 8, 2007

Funeral: October 12, 2007

Name: Robert Fadel; Age: 83

Death: October 12, 2007

Funeral: October 17, 2007

Please continue to pray for the souls of our departed. May their memory be eternal.

Baptisms :

Name: Pe rsephone Rose Marie Santillo

Date of Baptism: August 25, 2007

Mother’s Maiden Name: Chelsea Rose Marie Kendra

Father’s Name: David Michael Santillo II

Sponsors: Franklin L. Pullano

Jeannie M. Dickinson

All services were performed by Fr. Paul Solberg

-- People to Visit or Send a Card--

At Our Lady of Peace , 5385 Lewiston Rd. , Lewiston , NY 14092 :

Agnes Fadel and Bonnie (Ruby) Haick

At Beechwood Continuing Care :

2235 Millersport Hwy. , Getzville , NY 14068 :

Raymond Fadel, Phone 504-1000

At Crestwood Health Care Center :

2600 Niagara Falls Blvd. Tonawanda

Lorraine Bialek ( Mail: c/o Renee Zaleski, 2914 Weston Ave., NF , 14305 )

At home :

Samir Abdo – 45 Summerview Rd. , Williamsville , NY 14221 689-0376

Elaine Baia , 377 Brentwood Dr. , Youngstown , 14174 745-9702

Irene Kargatis – 1564 Bedell Rd. , Grand Island , 14072 773-9227

Esma Kinan – 804 College Terrace, NF 14305

284-4695

Lotti Meterko – 248 69^th St. , NF 14304

283-8561

Dorie Mezhir , 3047 Madison Ave., NF , 14305

284-6548

Najla Mokhiber – 2489 Niagara Ave., NF 14305

282-4323

If you know of anyone who should be added to this list, please contact Rev. Deacon Raphael at (716) 284-3815 or Rev. Deacon David at (905) 835-2884 . If you are a family member, please let us know when it is a good time to visit. Thank you! And, don’t forget to call the office with the information, so that it can be put in the Sunday Bulletin and in the Messenger!

Emergency Weather Church Closings

We have signed up with Channel 2 News Closing Central so that we might quickly and effectively announce the cancellation of various Church activities in the winter months due to weather, etc. Organization leaders have been instructed on the proper procedures for broadcasting notice of cancellation of any activity.

So, in case of severe weather, you may now watch Channel 2 News Daybreak with Jodi Johnston, Pete Gallivan and Meteorologist Chesley McNeil between 5 AM and 7 AM , or go to WGRZ.com for the most up-to-date closing information.

“Thank You” from the Salhany’s

Dear Family, Friends, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We, the family of Tina Salhany, wish to express our deepest gratitude for all your love and support during our time of great need. Your response to the benefit for Tina was overwhelming. Your generosity of spirit and your monetary gifts are a testament to your faith. They were a blessing to all of us in so many ways. Truly you live by our Lord's commandment that we " love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

We will never forget your kindness, prayers and numerous donations. We give thanks to God that we are part of such a loving community. All of you will be in our prayers. May God continue to bless each of you in coming year with health, happiness, peace, and abundant love.

Sincerely,

The Salhany and Scarfone Families

Marriage Preparation Classes

Getting married in 2008? Thinking about getting married? Then, this is the class for you. There will be a series of 5 classes for all couples getting married in 2008. See Fr. Paul for more information as to dates and times of classes.

Antiochian Women

Christ is in our Midst! He is and ever shall be!

The Antiochian Women are off to a great year…..

I am grateful to the women who open their homes and host each month to make these meetings more on a personal level. ( Please consider joining us the second Tuesday of each month - place & time varies, check the weekly bulletins and/or announcements ).

In October, we held a Basket Auction & Pound Auction to celebrate Breast Cancer survivors. The funds raised (approximately $600) went to Roswell Park Cancer Institute for their research efforts in Breast Cancer. Thanks to Denise Filosofos and Sylvia Bailey, who organized a fantastic evening! Thanks to the women who donated baskets and the ladies (Hi! JuJu, Rachael, & Hannah) who came out for the evening with their hearts in their wallets. Everyone had a blast competing to make the highest bids. I think Ruby’s friend was the one to keep the momentum going. It was encouraging to be around such giving souls.

Our next meeting will be held November 13 @ 7 PM . Thanks to Kh. Jane and Gail Rainville, we'll have more fellowship making a holiday craft together. In December, plans are under way for our Christmas Dinner. Stephanie Perakis has agreed to organize the dinner and has some great ideas up her sleeve. Welcome Stephanie! You will be an added blessing to our organization. (Remember, all ladies are invited. If you attend church, then you are already a member of the Antiochian Women. Grace us with your presence!)

Please continue to pray for our church - St. George, for those that shepherd us, Fr. Paul & Kh. Jane. Pray for Fr. George and Kh. Grace. Pray for the leadership of each organization at St. George. They (I) cannot lead without your prayerful support. May all our efforts Glorify God!

Kelley Barberg, President

Religious Education Opportunities for all

Divine Liturgies – every Sunday at 10 AM as well as evening Divine Liturgies on November 20^th (Feast of the Entry of St. Mary) and December 5^th (open house).

Church School – every Sunday immediately after Holy Communion, lasting until noon for all children.

Adult Bible Study – every Sunday in the room beside the kitchen after Divine Liturgy; every Wednesday evening following Vespers (currently discussing the “31-Day Spiritual Adventure”).

Vespers – Every Saturday at 5 PM and on Wednesdays at 6 PM .

Inquirers Class – every Saturday following Vespers through December 1.

Pre-Marriage Counseling – monthly on a Saturday night following Vespers, scheduled for Nov. 3^rd, Dec. 1^st, Feb. 2^nd, March 1^st, April 5^th, and May 3^rd.

Kids Night Out for ages Pre-K through 6^th grade – 3^rd Wednesday following Vespers (Nov. 21 is the next “Night Out”). Then, in December, our Evening Divine Liturgy on December 5^th will be followed by an open house and a visit from “St. Nicholas”. So, everyone come and enjoy the evening and bring along a friend who might be interested in learning more about the Orthodox Church.

Teen Soyo for 7^th through 12^th graders – 3^rd Wednesday following Vespers (Nov. 21) – check your Sunday Bulletin for details.

Theological Discussion Group – every other Monday evening. (Check with Todd Mokhiber or Kevin Boddecker for dates and discussion material).

This is a long list, giving every parishioner the opportunity for spiritual growth. If you would like to attend one of these services or classes and don’t have transportation, please contact the church so that a ride can be arranged.

Keep reading on this page for additional opportunities to grow spiritually .

Web-based Orthodox Articles about the Orthodox faith : G o to www.antiochian.org, click on Articles & Orthodox Christian Resources, scroll down to Article Archives and click on it, then choose your article.

Christmas Advent Retreat

The Council of Orthodox Christian Churches on the Niagara Frontier is sponsoring an Advent Retreat on Saturday, November 10^th at St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church at 177 Weber Road in Lackawanna . The Retreat speaker is Fr. Theodore Pulcini, Professor at Dickinson University and priest of St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Chambersburg , Pa. The theme of the retreat is “Turning the World Upside Down – An Orthodox Response to Contemporary Culture”. Cost: $15 and includes continental breakfast & lunch. Registration begins at 9:30 AM and departure is scheduled for 2:30 PM . Call Mary Danakas at 716-912-8300 for more info. Please call the church if you would like to attend, but need a ride.

Christian and family-friendly Orthodox Christian alternative to MySpace

At www.orthodoxcircle.com is a web site providing a private, laity-run ministry that provides a unique and exciting way for Orthodox Christians to come together on the internet like never before. Created and operated by fellow Orthodox Christians, the purpose and goal of OrthodoXCircle is to serve our people around the world by offering a Christian and family-friendly alternative to community sites like MySpace.com.

Their mission is to help advance and nourish a spirit of pan-Orthodox fellowship and unity. OrthodoXCircle has made it possible for Orthodox Christians from every church, ethnic group and jurisdiction to fellowship, create new friendships and celebrate the unity of the Faith.

‘The very best instruction is worthless, unless a child learns with a love of doing that which is God’s will.’

-- St. Clement--

Subscription to Web-based Daily Epistle, Gospel, and Saints : Go to www.goarch.org , click on any of the daily readings.

“Idle time!” (a repeat, just in case you missed it the first time) : You’ve probably heard the old adage that “idle time is the Devil’s workshop”. The St. George Parish Office is looking for someone who can spare a little idle time each week in the “Lord’s Workshop”. We’re looking for those of you who could, with just a little effort, re-arrange your schedules to produce some idle time to serve the Lord in the church office.

Specifically, what are you doing on Mondays, Tuesday or Fridays from 10 AM until 1 PM ? Do you have any clerical skills whatsoever? If not, are you willing to be trained? The St. George Parish Office needs someone to compliment Patti Haick’s volunteer ministry --- starting immediately. And, don’t forget, the pay is out of this world! If you can help out, please contact Fr. Paul or Patti Haick at 297-2668 .

Needed :

1. Prayers & cards for our sick and shut-ins .
2. Prayers for our clergy .
3. Office volunteers on Thursday & Friday .
4. Church School adult helpers .
5. Items for our Food Pantry.
6. E-mail addresses for future Messengers.
7. Holy Bread for: Evening Divine Liturgies on November 20^th and December 5^th , for Sundays of December 23^rd and 30^th , and for Christmas Morning Divine Liturgy on December 25^th.
8. Coffee Hour Sponsors for: Evening Divine Liturgy on November 20^th and December 5^th , for Sundays of December 23^rd and 30^th , and for Christmas Divine Liturgy on December 25^th .

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Did You Know? Checklists posted at each exit are to help insure that all thermostats are properly set, doors are locked, appliances are off, water isn’t running, etc. before the last person leaves. If you are the last person to leave, please follow the checklist. Please contact the church office with any inputs for these lists.

Attention Talented Musicians

Musicians are wanted to take part in a Silver Anniversary Celebration Concert to be given at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Toronto , Ontario . Date: Saturday, November 24, 2007 . For details, contact Venise Kousaie; e-mail: vkousaie@hotmail.com.

New additions to our church - Carillon Tower & Chanter’s Stand

One of our parishioners is donating a carillon tower for our church!!! Ground breaking and construction has begun. The location is as close to the “curve around” as permitted and directly in line with the sign next to the road and the St. George Orthodox Church lettering on the side of the building. What a wonderful, wonderful addition to our church!!!

In addition, Rich and Patti Chown have donated a Chanter’s Stand in memory of Patti’s mother, Catherine Elias. What a wonderful way to keep the memory of our loved ones alive. May her memory be eternal.

St. George Nursery

There is still a need for items for our nursery for infants and toddlers. Additionally, funds are needed to purchase supplies. Please contact Gretchen Judge to find out what is needed or if you can help in any other way.

Attention Area College Students

On Thanksgiving Day, the Orthodox Christian Fellowship will be serving the homeless from 10:30 AM to 1 PM at the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Buffalo . Volunteers are needed!

St. Ignatius of Antioch Orthodox Mission Station, St. Catharines by Dn. David Scott

Our new series of four Discovery Nights in November has the general theme, “Preaching Christ since 33 A.D.” That is, of course, what the Orthodox Church has been doing one way or another since Christ founded it in or around 33 A.D.! All four Discovery Nights are on Thursdays at the St. Catharines Public Library at 54 Church Street . We start at 7 PM and finish at 8:30 PM . How did the Ancient Church live out the Christian life? How have those practices continued to the present day? Why are people being drawn into this faith? These and other questions we intend address on Discovery Nights in November. Our first session on November 1^st is on “The Ancient Church and the Gospel”, led by Dn. David. The 2nd Discovery Night is on Nov. 15^th. The topic is “The Ancient Church and Worship”, led by Dn. David w/ input from Mr. Jim McQuiggin on how Orthodox worship drew him to the Church. The third Discovery Night is on November 22^nd, on the topic “The Ancient Church and Prayer”, led by Dn. David with input from Mr. Gordon Froese on the role of his visit to Mount Athos in his conversion to Orthodoxy. The fourth session is November 29^th on the topic, “The Ancient Church and Missions”, led by Dn. David and Dn. Raphael Barbert, who will tell us about his visit this summer to Alaska , the first mission to N. America by the Orthodox Church. We now worship more frequently at St. Olga’s School than at Saints Cyril & Methodius, since we can hold services at the school on Sunday mornings. When Fr. Paul services the Divine Liturgy, we meet on Saturday mornings. We remember the recently departed Robert Fadel, whose generosity and interest meant so much to us. May his memory be eternal. For current information on when and where the services are held, please call 905-835-5314 . Special Liturgies and Events :

Vespers every Sat. @ 5 pm & Wed. @ 6 PM

Sat., Nov. 10^th @ 9:30 am -Advent Retreat @ St. Stephens Church, Lackawanna

5 pm -Vespers @ St. George,

followed byHealing Service

Tue., Nov. 20th @ 6 pm – Evening Divine

Liturgy (Feast of the Entry of

St. Mary)

Wed., Nov. 21^st @ 6 pm -Vespers followed by

Kids’ Night Out & Teen SOYO

Wed., Dec. 5^th @ 6 pm – Evening Divine

Liturgy & open house

Sat., Dec. 8^th @ 5 pm -Vespers followed by Healing Service

Mon. Dec. 24^th@ 7 pm -Vespers & Carol Sing

With candlelight

Tue., Dec. 25^th @ 9:30am – Orthros

10:30 am – Christmas D. Liturgy

Future “Messengers” and other info to be e-mailed!

In an effort to save your hard-earned donation dollars for other important church and outreach needs, we are requesting all parishioners who have internet accounts to provide their e-mail addresses so that future Messengers and other communications can be e-mailed. Please submit your e-mail address to the church office as soon as possible so that the list can be set up. Bonus: You will receive your Messenger a few days earlier! And we may save a few trees along the way!

Messenger Publication is bi-monthly: January, March, May, July, September, and November. Deadline for the January-February issue of The Messenger is December 20th. Articles may not be included if they are submitted after the deadline.

When submitting articles for your organization, please include events for the next 3 months. Fax articles for that issue to 297-2668 or put in the box in the social hall by the water fountain.