We wish to thank the Teuta Society for a recent donation to St. George.  Below is a short note from them to the parish: 

"Out of the Bazaar proceeds - Teuta has donated $10,000 to the church - $5,000 for the General fund, and $5,000 for the Future Fund. We will also use some of the funds to tackle some much needed projects, so stay tuned. Thank you to eveyone who showed their support.  We appreciate all of you!"

Many years to the Teuta Society! - they remain the major organizer of fund-raising and fellowship events for the parish. 

Congratulations to Nancy Poltrack who was received into the Orthodox Church on Sunday, Dec 7th during Divine Liturgy.  Nancy participated in the Service of Reception of Converts on Sat, Dec 6th, and the sacrament of Holy Chrismation on Sunday.  Pauline Dionis served as Nancy’s sponsor. May God grant Nancy and her family Many Years! Click onto the more information link to view a few photos.

On Sat, Dec 6th, there was an Albania Independence Day Party held in the Church Hall. This was also a fundraising event for St. George. The official observation date for Albania Independence Day (or Flag Day) is November 28th.  St. George also recognized Albanian Flag Day (Dita e Flamurit) on Sunday, Nov 23rd with a Doxology service (a prayer of praise to God) after Divine Liturgy. This event raised over $2000 for St. George. Thanks to Nardi Tolkuci and Aida Kalapo for organizing and coordinating the event.  Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

St. George wishes to congratulate Fr. Sergei Bouteneff on the occasion of his 48th anniversary of his ordination into the Priesthood which is today, Tuesday, Nov 25th.  Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet! to Fr. Sergei and to his family. 

On Sunday, Nov 23rd, a Doxology service (a prayer of praise to God) was held after Divine Liturgy recognizing Albanian Flag Day (Dita e Flamurit).  The official observation date for Flag Day (or Albanian Independence Day) is November 28th.  Click onto the following link to view a text of the Doxology service that was used.  Our thanks go to Fr. George Coca who served Divine Liturgy and the Doxology service for us on this day, to Nardi Tollkuci and Kosta Nani for holding the Albanian and American flags, and to our Parish youth who stood in vigil during the prayer service. Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

On Wednesday evening, Nov 19th, volunteers from St. George gathered to make fleece-tie blankets that will be distributed to children in need for Christmas.  The blankets (or Binky’s) will be sent to the Binky Patrol - Comforting Covers organization, specifically to the Monroe-Trumbull Chapter who will distribute them.  Earlier this year, St. George hosted a major blanket making event with Binky Patrol on January 16th to make and send blankets to children affected by the large wildfires in California - click onto the following to view that event's News Update. 

Twenty volunteers gathered in the evening and made 23 blankets.  Many thanks go out to Sharon Buzi and Laura Coughlin who coordinated and organized the event, and to Jeanne Malgioglio (founder and area coordinator of the Monroe-Trumbull Chapter) who did significant prep cutting of fleece before the gathering which sped up the effort.  Click onto the more information link below to view some photos from the event.
 
About Binky Patrol: Binky Patrol is an all-volunteer, national, non-profit organization making and distributing homemade blankets to children born drug-addicted, infected with AIDS or who are battling other chronic & terminal illnesses, homeless, victims of violent crimes, those who are abused, in foster care, or experiencing trauma of any kind. Their recipients are 0 to 18 years old.  The Monroe-Trumbull Chapter, which was established in January 2014 by Jeanne Malgioglio, have distributed over 26,000 blankets. They have made deliveries to the following organizations: Bridgeport Hospital, Yale Children’s Hospital, Griffin Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Ruth’s House, The Ronald McDonald House and the Center for Family Justice. They send bags of blankets to schools in order to comfort children after a tragedy, and give out blankets individually as needs arise.
 

The Teuta Ladies sponsored a Lakror Workshop & Social on Saturday, Nov 16th. Lakror is a traditional Albanian pie typically made with a vegetable and cheese filling. The workshop purpose was to learn how to make lakror or to brush up on techniques, but also to be social and fun. At the end of the baking session, the group had a lunch sampling their creations. Many thanks to Laura Denisevich who organized, purchased the ingredients, and coordinated the event.  Click onto the more information link below to view photos from the day.

On Sunday November 9th after Divine Liturgy (two days before Veteran’s Day), St. George recognized our Military Veterans for their service to our country. Our Church School prepared some hand-made Thank-you cards which they gave to the Vets. Many Years to our Veterans!  We also wish to thank Fr. Danaks Rhodes who served Divine Liturgy for us today.  Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.