Office

30 Anna Street

Worcester, MA 01604

Telephone: (508) 752-9150

Fax: (508) 753-5623

E-mail: StGeoWorc@AOL.com

Web Page:http://members.aol.com/StGeoWorc/

Pastor's Residence

14 Bryant Avenue

Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Telephone: (508)842-1230

Fr. Ephraim's Home Phone

(508) 752-2171

Tone Of Today: 8

Eothinon: 11

Vespers: 5:00PM

Saturday

Matins: 9:00AM

Confession: 9:15 - 9:45AM

Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM

Church School: 9:10AM

SUNDAY, February 1, 2004

ALTAR SERVERS: Prophet Elias

Captains: Elias Ayoub and Elias Kanaan

Matthew Wood; Daniel Peters; Joshua Caron; Thomas Somi; Alexander Beliveau; Michael Mikhael; Michael Bourisk; Michael Dowd; Trevor Laham; Spencer Koury

Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul's second letter to the Timothy

(Chapter 3:10-15)

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at Iconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE (Chapter 18:10-14)

The Lord spoke this parable: "Two men went up into the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a Publican, (a tax collector). The Pharisee stood and prayed thus within himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this Publican. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess.' But the Publican, standing afar off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

The Gates Of Repentance

Sunday Of The Publican And The Pharisee

"Open unto me the gates of repentance, O Giver of Life..." sings the Church at Matins for the first time on this Sunday, which is the first of four Sundays which prepare us for lent. Indeed, this Sunday could be thought of as a gate: a gate which we enter through in order to enter the sacred period which leads us on to Easter; a gate which opens into that atmosphere of repentance, to that life of repentance which Lent should bring to each one of us. But we must remember that the word "penitence" or "repentance" is a translation of the Greek gospel term Metanoia: and that this means "change of spirit." Much more is involved than the observance of some kind of outward repentance. What is asked of us is radical change, renewal, conversion. On this Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, let us all commit ourselves to this change, renewal, conversion which will make our lives more pleasing to God.

Women's Club: On Tuesday, Feb. 3^rd at 6:30pm, we will have dinner from Caio Bella and a speaker. Linda Sutton, one of our Sunday School teachers and the Director of Child Care Services at the Learning Center for Deaf Children - Walden School, will give us some insight into deaf culture, sign language and working in a deaf environment. She will speak on working with children of multiple needs. We hope to see as many Ladies as possible at this meeting. All new members will dine for free. For reservations, please call Carol Swydan (508) 842-1234. Dinner is $10.

Church School: All children are reminded to return their filled Advent Calendars for the Children's Relief Fund at this time. Teachers, make sure that you are keeping track of how many are past into your class, so that we can determine which class wins the Pizza Party or the Ice Cream Sundae Party.

There will be a VERY brief meeting of all Church School Staff next Sunday, February 1^st, in the boardroom immediately following Divine Liturgy.

Men's Club: Attention all past, present and potential new members Thursday, Jan. 29^th at 6pm. Join Us! Be a Part of It! . Any questions or comments please contact Dan Abraham at (508)757-3855 or (508)755-9246.

Vacation Church School: Is calling all youth and adult volunteers to a meeting on Saturday, January 31^st at 3:30pm. It is imperative that all volunteers attend as we will be discussing the schedule and determining assignments for this years Vacation Church School. The dates for this years Vacation Church School is August 9^th to August 13^th. Mark it on your calendars. Any questions please call Samir Tokatli (508) 753-5591.

Choir Rehearsal for the Sunday of Orthodoxy: will be held here at St. George at 7:00pm on the following dates: Thursday, Jan. 29^th, Feb. 5^th, 12^th, 19^th, and 26^th. Any member of the parish interested are welcome to attend rehearsals and with the choir on the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

The Village Campers: are running a raffle at their annual Hafli on Saturday, February 14^th, and would like to ask parents and friends for donations such as, baskets, gift certificates or other items for this raffle. To donate to the raffle or for any questions please contact Ferial Mikhael at (508) 943-6373

"Haffle" the Night away at St. George's Fifth Annual Hafli: Saturday, February 14^th at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, Worcester. Arabic music featuring Mitchell Kaltsounas, Wayne Rawan and Bruce Rawan, sponsored by the family of George N. Hayeck. Tickets $20 for adults and $10 for children 6-15, mazza included. Dooors open at 7:30pm, music from 8:30pm to midnight. Fill out the reservation form below and return with your payment to reserve your table NOW!!!

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Hafli Reservation Form RSVP by February 7, 2004

** No reservations or reserved tables will be accepted without payment**

Name: _____________________________________________________ Table of 8 or 10 ______

Telephone: Day________________ Night________________

Number of Adults ($20) ________ Children ($10) __________ Total amount enclosed: $_________

Send reservations to: St. George Campers Association For more information call:

C/O Judy Shaughnessy Judy Shaughnessy 508-752-7358

33 Chicopee St. Worcester, MA 01602

Annual Super Bowl Party: Sunday, February 1^st. Pregame begins at 3pm, Buffet opens at 4pm, Kickoff at 6:30pm. Buffet includes: Fr. Michael's Famous Chili, Subway Subs, Chicken Wings, Dessert Bar .... And lots more!!! Tickets $7 each (with $2 on each ticket going to IOCC Charities). Tickets may be purchased each Sunday after Liturgy. For more information contact Kyle Laham @ (508) 366-3966.

New England Region Antiochian Women: will be holding a raffle to supplement the regional contribution toward the National Project - the Endowment Fund for Orphanages. Prizes are 1^st: An overnight stay for 2 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Boston, 2^nd: $150 cash, 3^rd: $100 cash, and 4^th: $50 cash. The drawing will be held at the Regional Meeting at St. Mary's, Cambridge on March 20^th. Donation is $1.00 per ticket or 6/$5.00. Tickets will be on sale at coffee hours until March 14^th.

STILL LOOKING FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS .............................

APRIL 29, 2004 DREW MORTGAGE ASSOCIATES PRESENTS: "Humor your Stress", starring Loretta LaRoche, acclaimed consultant, author and TV personality seen on PBS, CNN, ABC and NBC affiliates. This second annual event will be held at Mechanics Hall at 6:30pm. The evening is sponsored by Drew Mortgate Associates. Sonoma Restaurant will again be serving delicious gourmet foods. Tickets are $50, just call Market Connections at (508) 421-4438 or 4437. Proceeds to benefit Holy Trinity Nursing Home and Umass Memorial Children's Medical Center pediatric AIDS program, and St. George Women's Club. Anyone who may be interested in serving on a committee, please call Kristen Rawan at (508) 579-0139, we would love to have you!!

January is "Orthodox Education Month" in our Archdiocese: Teen SOYO has initiated a new project for the education of Parish Youth Workers. The Teens have recognized the great importance of well educated Parish Youth Workers and with the blessing of Metropolitan PHILIP, have chosen to actively assist in this process by establishing The NAC Teen SOYO St. John Chrysostom Youth Worker Scholarship Fund. More information about this Fund along with education opportunities for Parish Youth Workers is now available on line at: www.teensoyo.org and in the January issues of The Word. Your help and support of our scholarship program guarantees a good investment in strengthening out youth programs for the local parishes. Your contribution may be made online or through your parish teen group. Please be generous and make your checks payable to "The NAC Teen SOYO Youth Worker Fund" and mail to: NAC Teen SOYO Youth Worker Fund, Department of Youth Ministry, PO Box 389, Westwood, MA 02090.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS:

1. Vladimir S. Swydan - any graduating high school senior that is a member of St. George Cathedral is eligible. Deadline: March 26, 2004. Contact Paul Swydan 7 Tavern Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or call (508) 842-1234

2. Greater Worcester Community Foundation - Offers over 40 different scholarships to find out if you are eligible contact the Foundation at (508 755-0980 or to apply on line go to www.greaterworcester.org. Deadline: March 12, 2004 at 5:00PM.

AHEPA Family of Worcester: invites you to an evening of Dinner and Dance filled with Greek music and dancing to benefit Holy Trinity. Saturday, February 21^st at The Manor Restaurant, 39 Franklin Street, West Boylston, MA. Music by the Arion Orchestra featuring the famous Greek singer directly for Greece, George Gertsios. Cocktails 6:30 to 7:30pm, Dinner 7:30 to 9:00pm, Dancing 9:00 to 1:00am. Dinner and Dancing $50 per person, Dancing only, after 9:00pm $20 per person. For more information contact Chris Singas (617-699-9517), Aris Felis (508-798-3890) or Bernadette Petralias (508-892-8800). Choice of meal, Prime Rib or Baked Haddock, seating of 10 only. Make checks payable to: Order of AHEPA #80, P.O. Box 20910, Worcester, MA 01602. Deadline is February 16th

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Prayers Of Oblation For The Health Of:

- Our granddaughter, Nicole Caron from Albert and Margaret Gammal

- Barbara and Sheryl Bourisk & Paul Minda from Dr. Audrey and Janet Peters

- Christina (Paldino) Florence with love and prayers for a complete recovery. Mom and Dad

- Brian Szczurko with love and prayers for a complete recovery from Lisa and Paul Paldino & family

- Gail Gicas and Pam Braverman from Patricia A. Wood

- Nicole Caron from Patricia A. Wood

- Herbert and Bea Haddad from Ernie and Shirley George

- Pam and Henry Braverman from Dean and Gail Gicas

- Bill Peters, Gail Gicas and Louise Bayrouty from Eleanor and Eli Aramony

- Herbert and Beatrice Haddad from Margaret H. George

- Gail Gicas from Gladys Dowd

- Henry and Pam Braverman; Gail Gicas from Paul and Lisa Paldino

- Fr. Michael, Fr. Ephraim and Dn. Seraphim and their families from Gladys Dowd

- Bill Peters and Pat Salem from Michael and Pam Haddad

- Judy Rizkalla and Karen Mitchell from Deirdre Souza

- A special thank you to Selma Abdelahad and Mary Ann Kourey for all their love and help during Nicole's sickness in PA, also to those people who held her in their prayers from Michael and Sandra Caron

- Gail Gicas, wishing you a speedy recovery and best of health always, Mom

- Gail Gicas from Alex Dowd

- Herbert Haddad from the Men's Club

- Continued good health and God's blessing of Carol Swydan on her birthday from Paul, Paul A., Laila, Mary Ellen and Summer

- Conintued good health and God's blessing of Aunt Anne Swydan, Aunt Gloria Swydan, Gail Gicas, Henry and Pam Braverman from Carol, Paul, Paul A., Laila, Mary Ellen and Summer

- My daughter, Lauren David, on her 18^th birthday and for the recovery of my husband Henry Braverman from Pam David-Braverman

For Parishioners in the Hospital:

Nancy Kangas @ VA Hospital in West Roxbury

This weeks Coffee Hour is sponsored in Memory of: Barbara Abraham

By Dan Abraham

Trisagion Prayers of Mercy & Holy Kurban in Loving Memory of:

- Barbara Abraham (1 yr) from Dan Abraham

- Vladimir Kangas, Waldemor Kangas, Elizabeth - ASA Loukoo, John Ronnholm, Herbert Gage and Helvo Kangas from Nancy Kangas

Prayers of Oblation in Loving Memory Of:

- Adele Orfalea

- Wajeha Kalil

- Alice Abdow from Madeline and George Wood

- Minerva Houssan from Isam Wehbe and Family

- Andraos El Houssan, Elias Rizk, Michael Rizkalla and Michael Ansara from Isam Wehbe and Family

- My beloved father, Braheem Thamer Milhem from Ken and Alberta Milhem

- Alexander Prohotski

- Wajeha Kalil from Barbara and William Abraham

- Our cousin, Alice Abdow from Mary and Shirley Mahassel

- Michael Anber, Wajeha Kalil, Mary Margaret Murray from Mary and Shirley Mahassel

- The family of the late Ms. Alice Abdow, wishes to express their gratitude, with special prayers to Philip G. Haddad, Jr. for arranging a long distance funeral in Washington DC with class and dignity from Mr. and Mrs. George Busada

- Adelle Orfalea from Patricia A. Wood

- Mitri and Andraos El Houssan, Minerva Houssan from George and Christine El Houssan & family

- George and Aurel from Anca and Cristian Stefan

- John Bourisk, Jr. from Dr. Audrey and Janet Peters

- Minerva Houssan from Alex Dowd

- Alice Abdow from Leo and Jeanette Forzley

- Minerva Houssan from Susan and Jay Evangelista

- Minerva Houssan from Michael Houssan & family

- Alice Abdow (Marion Busada's sister) in sympathy from Yvonne Eid

Prayers Of Oblation For The Health Of:

- Bruce Bartolini, Gabriel George, Adam George, Daniel Kangas & Jonathan Ota for a safe return from Operation Iraqi Freedom

- Our sister, Freda Abysalh from Madeline and George Wood

- Gail Gicas from Susan and Jay Evangelista

- The newborn baby Alex Hassan, his father, mother, sisters and brother; Mirna El Houssan & her family from George and Christine El Houssan & family

- Anca, Cristian, Rodica and Paraschiva from Anca and Cristian Stefan

- Gail Gicas, Louise Bayrouty and Bill Peters from Adele K. George

- Herbert Haddad from Adele K. George

- Devon and Morgan, on their adoption, love Mom and Dad

- Nicole Caron from Richard and Gloria Rizkalla

- Alexandria Florence, our granddaughter, on the occasion of her birthday (1/29). May God grant her many more. Love, Lisa and Paul Paldino