**FLOWERS FOR THIS WEEK**
In front of the Icon of Our Lord, In front of the Icon of The Theotokos,
and on the Center Icon Table are donated by
ST. GEORGE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH
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Altar Candles are offered by Anthony DelNuevo
In Loving Memory of Thy Handmaiden of God: Florence! May her memory be eternal.
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TODAY’S WEEKLY MESSENGER IS SPONSORED BY:
ST. GEORGE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH
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PARISH THEME FOR 2015: Orthodox Christian Stewardship
Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed. During this year, let us come together as a parish family and recommit ourselves to both spiritual growth of our Life in Christ as well as through Christian Stewardship: Time, Talents, and Treasures.
St. George Orthodox Catholic Church
2 Nottingham Terrace - Buffalo, NY 14216
(716) 875-4222
NO. 95 JUNE 7, 2015______JUNE 7, 2015 NO. 95
THE WEEKLY MESSENGER
Published weekly in the interest of the parishioners and friends
of Saint George Orthodox Church, Buffalo, NY
a parish of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey
and The Orthodox Church in America
ST. GEORGE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH
2 Nottingham Terrace 716-873-9106 Buffalo, NY 14216
(hall rentals)
Rev. Jason Vansuch, Rector
2 Nottingham Terrace 716-875-4222 Buffalo, NY 14216
Cell Phone: 609-851-3811 Email:
Deacon Mark Hoeplinger, Attached
Reader John Kirwan, Choir Director
Mrs. Annette Andrews, Parish Council President
1st SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST — Tone 8.All Saints. Hieromartyr Theodotus, Bishop of Ancyra (303). Hieromartyr Marcellinus, Pope of Rome, and with him Claudius, Cyrenus, and Antonina (304). Hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop of Rome, and those with him: Sisinius and Cyriacus—Deacons, Smaragdus, Largus, Apronian, Saturninus, Papias, Maurus, Screcentian, Priscilla, Lucina, and Princess Artemia (304, 305, 306, 310). Martyrs Cyriaca, Caleria, and Mary, of Cæsarea in Palestine (284-305).
EPISTLE: Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom GOSPEL:
Hebrews 11:33-12:2 Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30
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GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST! GLORY FOREVER!
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W E L C O M E!
We welcome all of you to the Divine Liturgy this morning, especially those who are visiting with us at St. George Orthodox Catholic Church. Everyone is invited to the Parish Fellowship Hall following the Divine Liturgy for Christian Fellowship. It is our prayer that your experience this morning was spiritually uplifting and you will return very soon to pray with our parish family.
May the Lord bless you with many years of good health and happiness.
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THE SCHEDULE OF WEEKLY SERVICES and ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY JUNE 7, 2015
THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS
The Hours – 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy– 10:00 AM
NO COFFEE HOUR TODAY!! PARISH OPEN HOUSE AT RECTORY: 12:00-3:00 PM
The Service of General Confession will be served IMMEDIATELY following Divine Liturgy
MONDAY JUNE 8, 2015
Monthly Healing Prayer Service – 6:30 PM
TUESDAY JUNE 9, 2015
Akathist to St. George – 9:30 AM
SATURDAY JUNE 13, 2015
Great Vespers – 4:00 PM
SUNDAY JUNE 14, 2015
THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS OF NORTH AMERICA
The Hours – 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy– 10:00 AM
Coffee Hour Fellowship in Parish Fellowship Hall following Divine Liturgy!
The Service of General Confession will be served IMMEDIATELY following Divine Liturgy!
ANNUAL WALK FOR MISSIONS (Annunciation Church to St. George Church)
Meet and Registration at Annunciation Church – 12:30 PM
Lenten Lunch and beverages will be served prior to the walk.
Walk for Missions to St. George Church – 1:00 PM
Lenten Snacks and Refreshments will be served in our parish hall following the walk.
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MATUSHKI
Matushka Katia (Vansuch) Matushka Paraskeva (Vansuch) Matushka Joanna(Bohush)
Family/Friends/Parishioners of St. George Orthodox Catholic Church
Catherine Ivan/Marina Bonnie (Dan) Zaeband Remnant(Fr. Peter)
Serena Edwina John (Tony) Karen Lumya
Sarah Irene Catherine (Tony) Reader Victor Carol
Lilian Ann Carol (Frank’s friend) June Helen (Fadell)
Evelyn (Friend of Julie) Billy (William – Mat. Christine’s cousin) Frank
Andrew(Wytick) Mary (Massey) Jeanne (Mat. Christine Friend)
Ramona Jason (Relatives of Dn. Mark) Tita Silviu (Dan)
Steven (relative of Reader John and Susan) Robert (Rdr. John’s Brother) Nicholas
Xenia (Mat. Katia Relative) Saba and Sada (relatives of Fr. Peter/Mat. Mary)
Holly (Tita’s relative) Danielle, Xenia, Justin(Family Friends of Fr. Jason/Mat. Katia)
Jeremy Stewart (nephew of Bill George) Barbara (Tita/George’s Cousin)
Diocesan Prayer List
Archpriest Igor (Burdekoff) Archpriest John (Udics)
Archpriest Stephen (Mack) Archpriest Paul (Kucynda)
Mothers Expectant Mothers
Kathy and Nadine (Fr. Jason’s cousin) Renee (Orr)
Those Serving in The Armed Forces
Kenneth, Nadine, Jason, Robert, Andrew, Justin, Joseph
Those Celebrating their birthdays/anniversaries
FOR THY DEPARTED SERVANTS OF GOD:
All of the pastors and parishioners of This Holy House who have departed this life.
Ever-Memorable Archpriest Eugene Vansuch Ever-Memorable Archpriest George Timko
Ever-Memorable Priest Johnn Bohush Matushka Dorothy (Timko) Florence
Dorcas, Jack(Family Friend of Fr. Jason/Mat. Katia) Joseph (Family Friend of June)
*If anyone would like to have their loved ones added to the prayer list for
remembrance during the Divine Liturgy, please see or contact Fr. Jason.*
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***Always remember to check out our parish website ( the Diocesan Website ( and The OCA Website ( periodically for updates on “What is Happening in the Life of our Church”! ***
*Please refer to the Weekly Bulletin and Church Website for any changes to the calendar!*
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HYMNS FOR THE DIVINE LITURGY
Troparion for Resurrection – Tone 8
Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One!
Thou didst accept the three day burial to free us from our sufferings!//O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to Thee!
Troparion for Feast of All Saints — Tone 4
As with fine porphyry and royal purple, Thy Church has been adorned with Thy martyr’s blood shed through- out all the world. She cries to Thee, O Christ God: “Send down Thy bounties on Thy people,// grant peace to Thy habitation and great mercy to our souls!”
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion for Feast of All Saints – Tone 6
The universe offers Thee the God-bearing Martyrs as the first fruits of creation, O Lord and Creator. By their prayers keep Thy Church, Thy habitation, in abiding peace// through the Theotokos, O mostMerciful One!
PROKEMEINON Tone 8
Pray and make your vows before the Lord, our God!
v. In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel.
THE SECOND PROKEMEINON
God is wonderful in His saints, the God of Israel.
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ALLELUIA VERSES
The righteous cried and the Lord heard them and delivered them out of all their troubles.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous; the Lord will deliver them out of them all.
THE HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS
It is truly meet to bless You, O Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. Without defilement, You gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos, we magnify You!
COMMUNION HYMN
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous; praise befits the Just! Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
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PARISH COUNCIL QUARTERLY REPORT TO THE PARISH
SUNDAY JUNE 28, 2015
Eve of the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul
The Hours – 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy – 9:30 AM
Coffee Hour Fellowship in Parish Fellowship Hall following Divine Liturgy.
Quarterly Report to the Parish during Coffee Hour.
Great Vespers with Litiya – 12:30 PM
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An Invitation to Support the Ministry of the DDB!
In order to fundnecessary ministries and fulfill the work of the Church in the Diocese of New York and New Jersey, Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors generously contribute financial support. To learn more about the DDB, please go to the following link: and watch a 60 second video inviting you to join the ever-growing list of Distinguished Diocesan Benefactors of The Diocese of New York and New Jersey who joyfully support the on-going work of our diocese. Their support allows us to provide assistance to new mission parishes, scholarships to seminarians, support the departments of The Diocese, and much-needed encouragement to older struggling parishes. How about you? Our parish is a member of the DDB. If anyone would like to join, please see Fr. Jason as well as take a pamphlet from the table in the back of the church. May God continue to bless and guide you for your continued support.
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“Lessons in Our Faith” Video presented by His Grace Bishop MICHAEL
His Grace Bishop Michael presents a series of talks on matters of faith, belief, and the teachings of the Church. These instructional videos are concise and "to the point," offering Orthodox Christians much-needed information, helpful advice for their spiritual journey, and assistancein answering questions that may come from non-Orthodox friends or acquaintances.The goal is that we might better know and better live our faith.
These instructional videos can be found at the Diocesan Website: We will also be playing these videos during Coffee Hour once a month beginning in September. For those who do not have internet, please see the handouts from each lesson which are located on the table in the back of the parish hall. There are 14 videos! Be sure to check them out!
* * * * * PRAYERFUL REMEMBRANCE * * * * *
PLEASE REMEMBER TO KEEP IN OUR DAILY PRAYERS
FOR THE HEALTH OF THY SERVANTS:
HIERARCHS
Metropolitan THEODOSIUS Metropolitan HERMAN
CLERGY
Archpriest Herman, Matushka Cynthia and George {Schick} Dn. Mark and Mat. Christine
Archpriest Rastko and Popadia Vicki
Archpriest Timmothy/Mat. Michelle (Holowatch)
Archpriest Vincent and Mat. Patricia (Severeno)
Archpriest Alexey and Matushka Anastasia (Karlgut)
Priest Vladimir and Matushka Jeanne Priest Peter and Matushka Mary
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But the days will come, when the Bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast."[2] In the immediate sense, Christ was referring to his being taken to be crucified; but in the wider sense it is understood in terms of his Ascension into heaven, and his commission to preach the Gospel, which can only be accomplished with prayer and fasting.The tradition of the Fast has existed at least since Pope Leo I (461 AD), as is evidenced by his homilies,[3] though it has subsequently been forgotten in the West. The Fast is thought to have been instituted out of thanksgiving to God for the witness of the apostles of Christ. With this Fast, believers express their thanks for the apostles' endurance of persecution during their mission.
Practice
The Apostles' Fast is not as severe as Great Lent or the Dormition Fast, but entails fasting from red meat, poultry, meat products, eggs, dairy products, fish, oil, and wine. Fish, wine and oil are allowed on all days except Wednesdays and Fridays.[4] These fasting rules are much the same as those observed during the Nativity Fast.As with the three other Fasts of the Church year, there is a Great Feast that falls during the Apostles' Fast; in this case, the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24).In some places, the services on weekdays during the Apostles' Fast are similar to the services during Great Lent (with some variations). Many churches and monasteries in the Russian tradition will perform the lenten services on at least the first day of the Apostles' Fast.
Duration of the Fast
The length of the Fast is variable, being determined by the date of Pascha (Easter). Eight weeks after Pascha comes the Sunday of All Saints. The next day, Monday, the Fast of the Holy Apostles begins. The Fast lasts until June 29, the Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. In other words, depending on the date of Pascha, the Apostles' Fast can begin as early as May 18 or as late as June 21. Thus, it may be as short as eight days or as long as forty-two days in duration. The Apostles' Fast may not be observed at all in certain years for those Orthodox using the new calendar, but is always observed by the Orthodox using the traditional calendar.The Oriental orthodox Church (i.e the Coptic Orthodox Church) Fasts until July 11th (4th Epip), and the Feast day is the 12th (equivalent to June 29th on the Julian calendar).
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EPISTLE LESSON FOR TODAY
Hebrews 11:33-12:2
BRETHREN:
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented – of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not received the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should be made perfect apart from us.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
GOSPEL LESSON FOR TODAY
Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30
Let us Attend!
Therefore whoever confesses Me before me, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
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Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”
So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the Throne of His Glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters of father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
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= = = Scriptural Readings for the Week = = =
Monday Romans 2:28-3:18 Matt. 6:31-34;7:9-11
Tuesday Romans 4:4-12 Matt. 7:15-21
Wednesday Romans 4:13-25 Matt. 7:21-23
Thursday Romans 5:10-16 Matt. 8:23-27
Friday Romans 5:17-6:2 Matt. 9:14-17
Saturday Romans 3:19-26 Matt. 7:1-8
Sunday Romans 2:10-16 Matt. 4:18-23
Hebrews 11:33-12:2 (All Saints of N.A.) Matt. 4:25-5:12
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SS PETER AND PAUL FAST
Monday June 8-Sunday June 28
A NOTE ON HOSTING COFFEE HOUR
DURING SS PETER AND PAUL FAST
When we are hosting Coffee Hours during The SS Peter and Paul Fast (June 8-29), we must be mindful that we are in a period of strict fasting. Therefore, when preparing foods or beverages, please refrain from using any meat or dairy products as well as use non-dairy creamer. If anyone has any questions or concerns with regards to fasting or hosting coffee hour, please see Fr. Jason and he will be able to guide you. May GOD continue to bless and guide all of you. Have a Blessed and Prayerful Ss Peter and Paul Fast!
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ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE WEEKLY BULLETIN
If anyone would like to have an announcement or recognition of some sort in the weekly bulletin or would like to have an announcement made on Sunday Morning, please get it to Fr. Jason by Thursday Afternoon and he will make sure it is placed in the weekly bulletin. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to see or contact Fr. Jason at the Rectory – (716) 875-4222 or on his cell phone (609) 851-3811. You may also contact Father via his email address: . Thank You very much for your cooperation! May God continue to bless you and guide you.
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WEEKLY BULLETIN and FLOWER and ALTAR CANDLE SIGN-UP SHEETS
Do you want to remember a loved one who has fallen asleep in the Lord? Do you want to honor someone on their birthday, anniversary or a great accomplishment in their life? You can by bringing flowers to church and placing them on the Tetrapod or in front of the Icons of Christ/Theotokos on the Iconostasis. This is not only a beautiful way to remember or honor our loved ones but also it is a way in which we beautify our church.
Also, If you would like to bring flowers, sponsor the weekly bulletin, donate the Altar Candles (5 of them and burn from Sunday to Sunday), please see the sign-up sheets on table in the back of church. The donation to sponsor the weekly bulletin is $15.00. The donation for the Altar Candles is $15.00. Please see Matushka Christine Hoeplinger to hand in your donation or send it in to the church. If you have any questions or concerns, please see or contact