St. George learned today that Vanessa O. Tallcouch passed away on Saturday, July 11th.  We offer condolences to her father, Ted Tallcouch, her mother Kathleen Frasco of Arizona, her brother Damon Tallcouch and wife Amy and nephew Braylon, her 1st cousin Chris Tallcouch, her 3rd cousin Nardi Tollkuci, and to her extended Tallcouch family. Memory Eternal!

St. George celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration on Sunday, August 9th.  (This feast normally falls on August 6th, however this year St. George transferred the celebration of this feast day to Sunday, August 9th). As is common practice in the Orthodox Church, grapes and other fruits (and vegetables) were blessed after Divine Liturgy. 

Additionally, one of the Orthodox Church in America’s commemorations on this day, Aug 9th, is for the Glorification of Venerable Herman of Alaska.  Fr. Sergei, who served Divine Liturgy for us, brought in his icon of Saint Herman that contains his relics.

Finally, we wish to thank Evan Nani for reading the Gospel lesson in Albanian for this Feast.

Click onto the more information link below to view some photos and read more about the history of the St. Herman icon.

The final tally of St. George's Charity Tray collections to support the Back-to-School Backpack Drive is complete.  The total monetary donations from June and July totaled $1,800.00!  This will allow FOCUS Bridgeport to purchase 180 backpacks for the students in Bridgeport.  FOCUS Bridgeport announced that with all of the donations from the local Orthodox Churches, they made their goal of 400 backpacks. There next step is to fill these backpacks with items that will support children and families as they begin the school year.

This collection for the Backpack Drive is the highest donation amount St. George has ever collected for a Charity. We had a few very generous donations, however it was obvious that many, many parishioners participated. 

To the parishioners of St. George: Thank you again for your generosity - Well done!

St. George learned that a former parishioner Gloria (Vasil) Marhevka passed away on Fri, July 24th in Phoenix, AZ.  Gloria was baptized and married at St. George, and was a parishioner until 1983 when her family moved to Southern California.  St. George offers our condolences to her sister, Linda (Vasil) Gilbert of Concord, NH, her children Glen and Lisa, and her extended family. We will post any additional information when it becomes available. Memory Eternal!

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.

FOCUS Bridgeport Ministry Update

Glory to God! June was a month of tremendous blessings and we’re so grateful to see God at work through the people and parishes that make up FOCUS Bridgeport!

June Highlights

Thanks to your prayers and support, Bridgeport Public Schools acknowledged this ministry with its “In It, To Win It” Recognition Award for “exemplary dedication and meaningful contributions” to students and families at Beardsley School. This recognition is ultimately a reflection of God’s grace and the generosity, faithfulness, and commitment of the Orthodox community–working, praying, serving, and contributing to this ministry.

Throughout June, volunteers made and distributed 325 healthy snack bags to Beardsley School students, served nearly 100 neighbors at our monthly Community Meal, and shared a hot meal with more than 140 children and family members at our Beardsley Father's Day Family Night.

We wish to acknowledge Cathy Hotova who has volunteered at several events, and to Pam Buzi, and to Bob Lazar with his grandchildren who recently volunteered at an event - feel free to talk to them about their experiences.

Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos from a few FOCUS Bridgeport events that were held in June. 

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!