St. George Greek Orthodox Church

30 East Forge Road - Media, PA 19063-4345 Telephone: 610-459-0366 FAX: 610-459-1015

Email: office@stgeorgemedia.org FrAnastasios@stgeorgemedia.org

Volume 35, Issue 2 Check the St. George website for the most up to date information February 2021

Presentation of Christ in the Temple

Icon of The Presentation of Christ written by the hand of Athanasios Clark and used with permission.

© Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Introduction This feast, celebrated on February 2, is known in the Orthodox Church as The Presentation of Christ in the Temple.

Another name for the feast is The Meeting of our Lord. Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians call the feast, The Purifi-

cation of the Holy Virgin. About 450 AD in Jerusalem, people began the custom of holding lighted candles during the

Divine Liturgy of this feast day. Therefore, some churches in the West refer to this holy day as Candlemas. The Feast of

the Presentation concludes the observances related to the Nativity of Christ, a period that opened on November 15 with

the beginning of the Nativity fast.

Biblical Story The story of the Presentation is told in Luke 2:22-29. Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews and observed their religious cus-

toms. An important custom was for the couple to take their first-born son to the Temple. The baby was taken to the

Temple forty days after his birth and was dedicated to God. In addition, if the parents were wealthy, they were to bring a

lamb and a young pigeon or a turtle dove to be offered as a sacrifice at the Temple. The custom provided that if the par-

ents were poor, they were to offer two pigeons or two turtle doves for the sacrifice.

When Jesus was forty days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to the Temple in Jerusalem. They were not wealthy, so they

took two turtle doves with them to offer as a sacrifice at the Temple. As they arrived at the Temple, Mary and Joseph were

met by a very old man named Simeon. He was a holy man and was noted as a very intelligent scholar. Simeon spent much

time studying about the prophets of Israel. It was during his studies that he learned of the coming of the Messiah. The Jew-

ish people were waiting for the Messiah to come and deliver Israel from their conquerors. From that time on, Simeon spent

his time praying for the Messiah to come. He spent many years in prayer. Finally, while Simeon was praying he heard the

voice of God. God promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

Continued on page 8

mailto:office@stgeorgemedia.orgmailto:FrAnastasios@stgeorgemedia.orghttp://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Luke2

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America +

Metropolis of New Jersey V. Rev. Constantine Moralis, Chancellor

St. George Greek Orthodox Church Presiding Priest - Fr. Anastasios P. Bourantas, Protopresbyter

2021 Parish Council Members Demetrios Psihalinos, President

Angelica Politarhos-Santora, 1st Vice-President

Constandean Lambardakis, 2nd Vice-President Demetrios Christoforatos, Treasurer

Filaretos Hanos, Financial Secretary

Drew M. Nayman, Assistant Financial Secretary

Sonya Bohmann, Secretary

Speroula Fotiades-Alexander

Athanasios Arsenlis Christos Christou

Paraskevi Galiatsatos

Steve Kanteliotis

Maria A. Stamoulas Koudelis

Nikolaos Liolios Emmanuel Papadopoulos

Constantina Vasques

Organizations

Office Manager - Katherine B. Mudrick Chanters - Michael Matekovic, Anastasios Lazaridis Choir - Stephanie Kalogredis, Director Custodian - Accountant - George Kaffes Philoptochos - Ai Mirophoroi – Paraskevi Galiatsatos, President GOYA - Nikola Vasquez, GOYA President, Coordinator: Anthoula Psihalinos JOY- Anthoula Psihalinos, Advisor HOPE - Daisy Diavastis Sunday School Director - Sonya Bohmann, Director Bookstore - Presvytera Nicoletta Bourantas GOYA Basketball - George Apostolopoulos, Demetrios Psihalinos Coaches (boys), Constantina Vazques, Demetrios Christoforatos Coaches, (girls) Basketball Liasion - Demetrios Christoforatos Vacation Church School - Anthoula Psihalinos Greek Folk Dance - (HOPE) Daisy Diavastis, Madeline Psihalinos (JOY) Anthoula Psihalinos, Fotini Gouliaberis(Assistant) (GOYA) Phil Voutsakis Young Adult Leaders: Phil Voutsakis Aristotle Academy at St. George - Elias Pantelidis, Director, Alexander Kopatsis, President Chion Society of St. Markella - Marco Tourlitis, President AHEPA - Emmanuel Papadopoulos, President Daughters of Penelope - Vicki Wilson, President Youth Protection: Demetrios Christoforatos, Dina Christou

Parish Council Committee Chairpersons

Building Expansion - Constandean Lambardakis, Demetrios Psihalinos, Demetrios Christoforatos, Nikolaos Yiantsos

Bylaws - Peter Dionisos Executive Committee - Parish Council Officers and Past President Facilities - Nikolaos Liolios, Demetrios Christoforatos, Constandean Lambardakis, Christos Christou, Nikolaos Yiantsos, Athanasios Arsenlis Festival - Angelica Politarhos-Santora, Demetrios Psihalinos, Nikolaos Yiantsos, Constandean Lambardakis, Paraskevi Galiatsatos, Filaretos Hanos, Demetrios Christoforatos Finance - Demetrios Christoforatos, Filaretos Hanos, Drew M. Nayman, Peter Dionisos, Constandean Lambardakis Greek School - Constandean Lambardakis Hall Rental - Paraskevi Galiatsatos IATV/Audio Visual - Constandean Lambardakis, Nikolaos Yiantsos Personnel - Executive Committee Stewardship - Drew M. Nayman Web Master & Strategic Planning - Constandean Lambardakis Youth Liaison - Sonya Bohmann, Constandean Lambardakis Golf Classic - Demetrios Christoforatos, Filaretos Hanos, Steve Kanteliotis, Constandean Lambardakis Honorary Pangari Captain: Judge Kenneth N. Miller

February 2021 Check the St. George Website for the most up to date information

www.stgeorgemedia.org

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2Presentation of our Lord, Orthros/

Litrugy 8:30 am

3 4 5 6

7 16th Sunday of

Matthew

Orthros 8:15 am

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

8 9 Zoom DOP Meeting 7PM

10 Haralambos the Martyr,

Orthros/Litrugy

8:15 am

11 Virtual

Parish Council

Meeting

7 pm

12 13

14 Sunday of the

Canaanite

Orthros 8:15 am

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

15 16 17 18 19 20

21 Sunday of the

Publican and

Pharisee

Orthros 8:15 am

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

22 23 24 DVYC Meeting 7pm

25 26 27

28 Sunday of the

Prodigal Son

Orthros 8:15 am

Divine Liturgy

9:30 am

Sacramental Registry

Funeral * On, Thursday, January 7, John F. “Spanky” Santora, age 78. * On, Friday, January 15, Stavroniki “Theresa” Maneos Katsis, age 71. * On, Friday, January 22, Lazarus P. “Larry” Kirifides, age 88.

President’s Message

To our Faithful St. George Parishioners,

As we enter the second month of the year, we celebrate the Presentation of our Lord and Savior in the Temple. On February 2nd, after Mary’s forty days of purification, Mary took her Son, our Lord and Savior, to the Temple in Jerusalem where Jesus was dedicated to the Lord. This feast celebrates the Forty Day Infant Blessings with prayers of joyful thanks for the safe delivery of mother and child. The service blesses the mother who has been absent from the sacramental life of the Church for forty days, and formally presents the newborn child to the Church family for the first time. The priest also formally brings the infant into the Sanctuary where the infant is being dedicated to the Lord.

Likewise, being part of a church provides a connection with God, the ability to practice gratitude, a social con-nection, the teaching of forgiveness, and allows for deeper meanings in our lives. There are no words to ex-press the appreciation for our St. George family. Ever since the pandemic, the love and support for our St. George was clear. Because of all of our parishioners, our St. George was able to stay afloat financially. Even in unprecedented times, our stewardship for 2020 had exceeded expectations.

In addition, we have reached a remarkable milestone, OUR DOME HAS ARRIVED! With all of your blessings, we were able to reach our financial goal. Soon enough we will be celebrating the installment of our new dome!

LOOKING AHEAD: ST. GEORGE SPRING FESTIVAL

DATES: MAY 13, 14, 15 & 16

Let’s celebrate the spring season with the Taste Of Greece! Enjoy a hand carved gyro and a glass of wine in our beautiful outdoors!

In Christ,

Demetrios Psihalinos Parish President “

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” Thessalonians 1:2

THIS MONTH AT THE BOOKSTORE

Stop by and visit the BOOKSTORE to purchase these featured books and many other Religious books, gifts, handmade jewelry and other helpful resources that are now available for purchase. The bookstore is open Sunday’s following Liturgy.

YOUTH BOOK : “Painting Angels”

by Melinda Johnson What happens when you can’t get away from the person who drives you craziest? Sam and Macrina are about to find out. Stuck working together to help the nuns, Sam and Macrina come up with a thousand rea-sons to disagree. Sam is too rude. Macrina is too bossy. Summer at the monastery will be miserable if they can’t find some common ground. With the help of three friendly nuns, a runaway bunny, and Saucer the trusty corgi, Macrina and Sam discover a big secret that helps put them on the road toward peace.

A chapter book for ages 7–12 About the Author: Melinda Johnson is an Orthodox Christian, wife, mother, and writer. She is the bemused and enchanted guardian of a corgi named Ferdinand who supervises the writing of her books. Ferdinand also bosses Melinda’s office, the deer in her backyard, her family’s daily schedule, and her attempts to read quiet-ly on the sofa. If you enjoy the Sam and Saucer books, you may give all the credit to Ferdinand.

ADULTS BOOK: “Wounded by Love, The Life and the Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios” by Elder Porphyrios I have run to the fragrance of your myrrh, O Christ God, for I have been wounded by your love; do not part from me, O heavenly Bridegroom Elder Porphyrios, a Greek monk and priest who died in 1991, stands in the long tradition of charismatic spiritual guides in the Eastern Church which continues from the apostolic age down to figures such as Saint Seraphim of Sarov and Staretz Silouan in modern times. In this book he tells the story of his life and, in simple, deeply reflected and profoundly wise words, he expounds the Christian faith for today. The vibrant personality of Elder Porphyrios at all times shines through his words with great transparency and charm. In his introduction to the Greek edition Bishop Irenaeus of Chania writes: 'The words of blessed Elder Porphyrios are the words of a holy Father, of a man with the gift of clear sight, who was ever retiring, humble, simple and ardent and whose life was a true and authentic witness to Christ, to His truth and to His joy. Through his presence, love, prayer, counsel and guidance he supported an untold number of people in the difficult hours of illness, mourning, pain, loss of faith and death. He is a god-bearing Father of our days, a true priest and teacher who in his ascetic way fell in love with Christ and faithfully served his fellow man.' This book was compiled after Elder Porphyrios's death from an archive of notes and recordings of his reminiscences, conversations and words of guidance, and was first published in Greek in 2003.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Dear St. George Families: I hope that this February finds you enjoying the middle of winter and staying warm. Father celebrated services for Theophany, Blessing of the Waters, and we celebrated the cutting of the Vasilopita as a church family. I hope that if you did not join in person, you were able to join virtually. There are many great resources for families that want to learn more about these special times in our church. This time of year we typically celebrate Godparents Sunday. While we can’t all be together in person, I encourage you to make connections with each other. Create a craft or a card to send along to your Godparents, to thank them for their spiritual guidance. Looking forward, the Sunday School has previously taken on the mission of helping those who are food unstable in our community and beyond. Statistics show that 1 in 6 children, or 13 million US children are considered food inse-cure and do not have enough to eat. Delaware and Chester Counties reported there are over 30,000 children who are not sure from where or if their next meal is coming. I encourage you to contribute to a local food pantry program that feeds those in need if you are able. Get your kids involved, have them do the research and perhaps together decide where to contribute your resources. These opportunities help our youth realize that our mission is to reach outside of our walls and help those who are less fortunate in our communities. It also allows us to demonstrate how easy it is to provide a helping hand to those in need. Together we can make a difference.

Isaiah 58:10 “If you give some of your own food to (feed) those who are hungry and to satisfy (the needs of) those who are humble,

then your light will rise in the dark, and your darkness will become as bright as the noonday sun.”

In Christ,

Sonya Bohmann

Sunday School Director

Community Shelter

Outreach Thank you to all who have shown an interest in our parish’s Safe Harbor Shelter Ministry. Due to the restrictions of COVID – 19, we have not been able to serve dinner as we did before. . We are resuming Safe Harbor in October 6. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, at this time we are providing 12 to 15 individu-ally wrapped dinners to be dropped off at the West Chester location. Because of social distancing re-quirements they are increasing the numbers slowly. They will keep us posted. Signups are now accept-ed. We are also accepting donations for Anna’s Place in Chester. If you are interested in providing

gro- ceries, food or a monetary donation to this shelter, please email me at Ehionis@hotmail.com - subject : Shelter Mission. We thank Maria Georgalas for being our contact with Ann’s Place in Chester. Special thanks: Thank you so much to the Eleni and Harry Lupia for starting the year off with a delicious meal for the residents! Happy and Healthy New Year!

Feb – 2 – John, Katina, Sophia and Juliette Kalogredis Mar – 2 – open April -6 - open

Please remember, if you have already obtained a civil divorce, you must also receive an Ecclesiastical Divorce from the Church

This brief process is confidentially handled by the parish priest. You must complete this process in order to be in good standing with the Church, meaning that you may not partake in the Sacramental life of the Church, (example: being a sponsor at a wedding or baptism, receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Holy Unction, serving on the Parish Council, voting at Parish Assemblies and entering into another marriage). Please consider your personal situation and be in good standing with the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Fr. Anastasios directly.

Hello to all St. George from the Philoptochos Ladies: It’s been quite some time since I reached out and said hello from all the ladies. Although we are at a standstill with regard to any fund raising efforts, I am happy to let you know we made money with the selling of the Christmas and New Year’s bread. Part of this money went to Father’s Discretionary Fund for parishioners in need. Philoptochos still has monthly commitments, these are sent to the NJ Metropolis. If you are in need or know of someone or a family that we can help, please contact myself or Father Anastasios. Until we are able to get our ladies together enmasse, I wish each of you well. Be vigilant with you family and your health. In Philoptochos Love, Peggy Bottos Galiatsatos Philoptochos President

mailto:Ehionis@hotmail.com

When Simeon saw Jesus, he took the baby in his arms and blessed the Lord and said:

"Lord, now let Your servant go in peace according to Your promise, because my eyes have seen

Your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revela-

tion to the Gentiles, and the glory to your people Israel."

Also, in the Temple was Anna the Prophetess. She had been a widow for many years. Anna was

about eighty-four years old and spent her time in the Temple worshiping, fasting, and praying.

When she saw the Christ Child she praised God and spoke of him to all who were awaiting the

Messiah.

After Jesus was presented in the Temple, the family returned to Galilee to the town of Naza-

reth. The Bible tells us that Jesus grew and became strong, and was filled with wisdom.

Icon of the Feast The Holy Icon shows that the meeting takes place inside the Temple and in front of the altar. The

altar has a book or a scroll on it and is covered by a canopy. The Theotokos stands to the left

and is holding out her hands in a gesture of offering. The one hand of the Theotokos is covered

by her cloak or as it is known, the maphorion. She has just handed her Son to Simeon.

Christ is shown as a child, but He is not in swaddling clothes. He is clothed in a small dress and

his legs are bare. Jesus appears to be giving a blessing. Simeon holds Jesus with both hands which

are covered. This shows the reverence Simeon had for the Messiah. Simeon is bare headed and

there is nothing to show that he is a priest. Some biblical scholars say that Simeon was probably a

priest of the Temple or a Doctor of the Law.

Joseph is behind the Theotokos. He is carrying the two turtle doves for the sacrifice. Anna the

Prophetess is also standing behind the Theotokos and is pointing to the Christ child.

The words Simeon spoke when he saw the Christ Child are known as "St. Simeon's Prayer." This prayer is sung daily at the

evening Vespers services of the Orthodox Church.

In the Orthodox Church, both baby boys and baby girls are taken to the Church on the fortieth day after their birth.

This is done in remembrance of the Theotokos and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to the Temple.

Orthodox Celebration of the Feast of the Presentation This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is conducted on the day of

the Feast and preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening before the day of the Feast.

Scripture readings for the Feast are the following: at Great Vespers – extracts from Exodus 12:15-13:16; Leviticus 12 and

Numbers 8; Isaiah 6:1-12, and 19:1,3-5,12,16,19-21; at Matins – Luke 2:25-32; at the Divine Liturgy – Hebrews 7:7-17 and Luke

2:22-40.

Hymns of the Feast

Apolytikion (First Tone)

Hail Virgin Theotokos full of Grace, for Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness, has dawned from you, granting light

to those in darkness. And you, O Righteous Elder, rejoice, taking in Your arms, the Deliverance of our souls, who grants

us Resurrection.

Kontakion (First Tone)

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ

our God, give peace to your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom you love, as only

the loving one.

http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Exodushttp://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Leviticushttp://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Numbers8http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Isaiah6http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Isaiah19http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Luke25http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Hebrewshttp://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Luke2http://www.goarch.org/special/listen_learn_share/presentation/scripture#Luke2

AHEPA #79 Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. For the Chester-Delco Chapter of AHEPA, I would say it was a good year! We managed to give 15 scholarships, with the help of our community, to very deserving St. George youth. That made me very proud, not only of our Chapter, but also the youth of our community. Our Chapter gave the most scholarships in PA than any other Chapter. The youth of our community is our future. Our Chapter through the year supported various causes that benefit the community in the area. We are planning to do the same in 2021. Looking forward to 2021 with great anticipation! We closed 2020 with our Chapter donating dinner at the Safe Harbor Shelter in West Chester for its residents. We plan to continue to support Safe Harbor Shelter during 2021. Safe Harbor Shelter provides emergency housing and meals for homeless men and women with addictions or mental health issues. Once again for this year Applications for the AHEPA Chapter #79 scholarships are open for High School Seniors and Current College Undergraduate students. All applications must be received on-line by March 31, 2021. The link for the application and for additional instructions is as follows:

https://fs30.formsite.com/AHEPA79/7ahuzewcpz/index.html With the New Year comes our push for the new scholarship year. While we can’t promise to have the funding to pre-sent 15 scholarships every year, we do want to give as many as we can. Our eligible pool of qualified candidates is growing. The need for funding is greater than ever, as we saw last year. We always need help. If you can donate a full scholarship or money towards the scholarship fund, it would be greatly appreciated. It’s a great way to memorial-ize a loved one, too. Candidates – watch the weekly and monthly bulletins and your email for updates when the new application will be available and all deadline dates. We have one major fundraiser this year. We will start selling the annual 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be $25. Proceeds will go towards the Chapter’s Scholarship fund and its other charitable and philanthropic endeavors. Please ask any of the AHEPA Brothers if you want to buy raffle tickets. Our Chapter appreciates everyone’s support. Donations will go towards the Chapter’s Scholarship fund and its other charitable and philanthropic endeavors. For additional information please contact me at 610-715-9572 or at m_b_papadopoulos@msn.com. Still looking for members. Come and be part of something special. It doesn’t cost much, doesn’t require a lot of time, and the friendships you make will last forever! On behalf of the Brothers of Chester-Delco AHEPA Chapter #79, we hope you have a Happy, Prosperous, Blessed and Healthy 2021! Manoli Papadopoulos

https://fs30.formsite.com/AHEPA79/7ahuzewcpz/index.html

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE #246 Dear St. George Community: Happy New Year to our wonderful St. George community! We hope this year is a safer, healthier and more prosperous one. Once again, thank you to all who supported our biggest fundraiser, Penelope’s pastries. Remember, we are always on the lookout to add more members to this great philanthropic organization, so if you want to feel connected, do great work and have fun, please consider joining us – we’d love to have you! The sisterhood and comradery you make here become lifelong friendships Our first meeting of the new year is going to be February 9th at 7pm via zoom. If you are interested in joining this great organization give me a call at 610-764-6153. Please continue to stay safe until we can get together again. Yours in Christ,

Vicki Wilson

President Daughters of Penelope Laodice Chapter #246

Priest Discretionary Fund The Priest Discretionary Fund is used by the priest to assist those in need. Examples of how this fund is used includes, assisting the hungry and homeless, assist a parishioner in times of crisis, emergency and/or extreme financial need. The monies used to establish this Discretionary Fund will come from the generous donation of our parishioners and other anonymous donations of our community. If you have a question or a desire to contribute, please ask Father Anastasios about the use of the Discretionary Fund and how you can help.

PROSPHORA /ARTOCLASIA Would you like to donate the Prosphora for a special feast day or your name day, they are available for purchase at $10.00 each. Please contact the church office for more details. Thank you. Artoclasia is available for purchase to celebrate a name day or special occasion from the Philoptochos Society, 5 loaves for $50. Please contact the church office or any Philoptochos member to order. For all memorial services and Artoclasia, we kindly ask that you also supply wine and oil for the Altar. Thank you.

Free Bulletin Advertising

For 2021

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message complimentary. Please submit your business card size message

printer ready to the church office at office@stgeorgemedia.org

ADVERTISING SPACE

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302-655-1348

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Late Night Fare

Great Place for Brunch!

DR. TED TOURLITIS, CHIROPRACTOR

Saint George Greek Orthodox Church 30 East Forge Road Media, PA 19063-4345 Rev. Fr. Anastasios Bourantas, Protopresbyter Return Service Requested

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Bulletin mailed January 28, 2021

2021 Year of The Youth

At the annual meeting in October 2020, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America declared 2021 the Year of the Youth, with the intent of augmenting ministry to children, teens, and young adults across the country. The yearlong festivities will focus on the youth’s presence and potential within the Church by celebrating and enhancing their God-given talents. The presence of Youth, as full members of the Body of Christ, is essential to the life of our communities. The Youth are our present and future. Our hope stems from a faith that is not only lived on a daily basis but is passed on from generation to generation, ensuring continuity in witnessing Christ’s love in the world. The presence of Youth in our Church gives us hope and purpose, following the words of the Psalmist: “He es-tablished a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God but keep His command-ments…” (Psalm 78:5-7). The Assembly of Bishops, in collaboration with the Orthodox Youth Directors of North America, is planning a variety of exciting events in the coming months. The plan includes a series of online events and webinars as well as opportunities for youth, youth workers, and parents to witness the faith and celebrate their good works in Christ. More details will be made available in the coming weeks and months at orthodoxyouth.net and assemblyofbishops.org.

http://orthodoxyouth.net/https://www.assemblyofbishops.org/