On Thursday, July 16th, a group of volunteers from FOCUS Bridgeport packed up and gave out snack bags to children at Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School in Bridgeport. Marin School, located on Helen Street, is another school that is partnering with FOCUS Bridgeport. The volunteers prepared the snack bags at Holy Ghost Church and proceeded to Marin School to hand them out to the children. Marin school is located on the opposite side of Boston Ave, across from Lakeview Cemetery, and is close to Holy Ghost and Beardsley Elementery School.  Marin School is the host of a Summer Program, which runs from July 1st through August 7th, that features academic enrichment, recreation, arts, and STEM activities.  Children from other schools attend the Summer Program at Marin School because Marin is the only school with air conditioning.  Below is a thank you letter from Linda Kolton to the volunteers: 

Dear Friends,
Thank you for bringing smiles and support to the children of Marin School yesterday. This summer program gave us a wonderful opportunity to connect with another neighboring school in a community with great needs.
Never underestimate the impact of a simple lunch, a warm smile, or a kind word. By sharing what we have, we are sharing God's love with children who need to know they are seen, valued, and cared for.
I hope the images of the children stay in your heart. Their joy, gratitude, and excitement are a beautiful reminder that even the smallest acts of love can make a lasting difference.
Thank you for giving your time, your energy, and your hearts to this ministry. It is a blessing to serve alongside each of you.
With gratitude,
Linda
FOCUS Bridgeport

Many thanks to Cathy Hotova who participated at this event. Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

St. George recognized Fathers’s Day on Sunday, June 21st during Divine Liturgy.  Prayers were offered for all of the living and departed fathers, stepfathers, sons, stepsons, husbands, brothers, stepbrothers, great grandfathers, great grandsons, grandfathers, grandsons, great-uncles, uncles, nephews, godfathers, and all those who "fathered" us in our time of need. Memory Eternal! I Përjetshim Kujtimi! for our departed fathers, and Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet! for those living fathers.  Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

Congratulations to Kosta Nani who recently completed his studies and graduated from Joel Barlow High School. We extend our best wishes to him for continued success!

On Sunday, June 14th, St. George welcomed and wishes to thank Fr. Theophan Whitfield for serving Divine Liturgy for us on All Saints of America, the 2nd  Sunday after Pentecost.  Fr. Theophan will be assisting St. George by serving a few Sundays each month along with Fr. Sergei Bouteneff and Fr. George Coca.  Fr. Theophan is attached to Christ the Savior Church in Southbury, CT (Diocese of New England).

On Sunday May 31st,  St. George welcomed and thanked Linda Kolton, the Center Director for FOCUS Bridgeport for her visit with us. After Divine Liturgy, Linda spoke to our parish community during our Coffee Hour talking about the programs and progress they have experienced during the first half-year of FOCUS Bridgeport’s service.  Additionally, Linda presented some volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. Click onto the more information link below to view two photos. Click onto the following link to view the FOCUS Bridgeport June 2026 Newsletter, and below please find a thank you note from Linda: 
 
On Tue, Jun 2, 2026 at 1:23 PM, Linda Kolton
Dear Curt, Cathy, Father George, Father Sergei, and the Faithful of St. George's Church,

Thank you for the opportunity to visit St. George's and share about the work taking place through FOCUS Bridgeport. I am deeply grateful for your warmth, hospitality, and genuine interest in the families and neighbors we serve and it reminded me how it was St. George's who showed the earliest signs of faith in this ministry by contributing the hams and turkeys for our first meal!

It was a blessing to connect with your parish community, share stories from our ministry, and witness the spirit of compassion and generosity that is so alive at St. George's. Encouragement from parishes like yours reminds us that this work truly belongs to the entire Orthodox community.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the offer to pledge contributions from your baskets in June and July. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we would be honored to direct these gifts toward our Backpack Drive, which aims to provide local children with backpacks and essential school supplies. For many families, these items can be a significant financial burden, and your support will help students begin the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed.

Thank you again for welcoming me so warmly and for partnering with us in serving our neighbors. We are grateful for your prayers, your generosity, and your commitment to putting our Orthodox faith into action.

With gratitude in Christ,
Linda
FOCUS Bridgeport
--
Linda Kolton
FOCUS Bridgeport Center Director
Bridgeport, CT
203-615-8139
Donate to FOCUS today!
 

St. George recognized Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10th during Divine Liturgy.  Prayers were offered for all of the living and departed mothers, stepmothers, daughters, stepdaughters, wives, sisters, stepsisters, great grandmothers, great granddaughters, grandmothers, granddaughters, great-aunts, aunts, nieces, godmothers, and all those who "mothered" us in our time of need. Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.