We were saddened to learn of the death of Wally Hurd on Tuesday, Oct 13th.  Wally was a long-term friend of St. George and husband to Nancy Yapo Hurd, who pre-deceased him back in June 2022.  The St. George parish expresses our condolences to their 2 sons Wally and Robert, and to their extended families.  Click onto the following link to view his Obituary.

On Sunday October 4th, after Divine Liturgy, St. George recognized it’s Choir and Readers as part of a national recognition of “Church Musician Sunday”. We thank Fr. Theophan Whitfield for leading the recognition. The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America has designated the Sunday on or following the commemoration of Saint Romanus the Melodist (October 1st) as “Church Musician Sunday.” Church Musician Sunday highlights the essential role of liturgical music in Orthodox Christian worship and the important role of church musicians in the life of the Church. Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

St. George celebrated the feast of the Elevation of the Cross (also known as the Exaltation of the Cross) with Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 20th. This feast day was transferred from Monday, September 14th. This feast commemorates the finding of Christ’s Cross by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine in the fourth century. Additionally this Sunday was the first day of the 2026-2027 Church School year. We wish to thank Fr. Theophan Whitfield who lead the parish in prayer for the beginning of the new Church School year with the Church School children and teachers gathered around the center aisle.  Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

Below is an update for September 2026 from Linda Kolton, the Center Director for FOCUS Bridgeport:

Volunteer Opportunities

Fall is full of opportunities to get involved with FOCUS! We’re ramping up our Beardsley snack bag program so that every child—325 to be exact!—receives a nourishing snack bag each time we visit. We’ll also make and serve dinner to Beardsley families in October, hold a food drive for Thanksgiving, and a toy drive for Christmas. The rhythm of our monthly Community Meals will continue, giving us an opportunity to offer a hot meal, clothing, and a welcoming connection to our neighbors. Come when you can, bring a friend, and find a way to serve that works for you. Our programs are scheduled on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends!

See more about our upcoming opportunities to help:     https://www.signupgenius.com/go/FOCUSBridgeport     Note: If you wish to use your phone to sign-up using a QR code, click onto the FOCUS Bridgeport September Update PDF document link at the bottom of this Announcement. 

Help us fill our snack bags for hungry children:

One simple way to help is through our FOCUS Amazon Wish List, where you can purchase items that we regularly need.
 
SHOP OUR AMAZON WISH LIST:   FOCUS Bridgeport Amazon Wish List     NOTE: If you wish to use your phone to purchase items using the FOCUS Amazon Wish List QR code, click onto the FOCUS Bridgeport September Update PDF document link at the bottom of this Announcement.

Don't shop on Amazon? You can shop for these items at your favorite grocery store or warehouse club and arrange a drop-off with us. We’re looking for nourishing, individually packaged, shelf-stable, nut-free foods, including:
 
🍎 Fresh fruit — apples, oranges, pears, and bananas
🍏 Unsweetened applesauce cups or pouches, fruit cups packed in water or 100% juice
🍇 Raisins or other dried fruit in individual packages
🥨 Whole-grain pretzels, crackers, popcorn
🍓 Fruit and grain bars — please choose nut-free varieties
🧃 100% fruit juice boxes
 
Please check labels carefully for peanuts, tree nuts, and “may contain” warnings.
Contact Linda Kolton to schedule a drop off: Lkolton@focusna.org

Backpacks for Beardsley!
 
FOCUS is possible because so many people continue to say yes!

Thank you to everyone who supported our Backpack Challenge. The outpouring of generosity from churches and individuals across the region was absolutely incredible!
 
Our backpack distribution day at the end of August was a wonderful celebration of generosity and seeing God's love in action! Over the summer, teens and volunteers helped unpack, sort, and organize hundreds of backpacks and school supplies in preparation for distribution day. Father Mark performed a blessing that included not only the backpacks, but the students, teachers, administrators, and everyone who was involved in this tremendous effort!
 
When the big day arrived, volunteers filled one side of the cafeteria with backpacks and the other with tables of supplies, everything from notebooks and crayons to socks (thanks, Bombas!) and toothbrushes. Our volunteers welcomed families, helped children choose their backpacks and supplies, and made the experience feel like shopping for school. The smiles of the children and parents made our hearts swell with gratitude for what this community accomplished.
 
Our backpacks also made it to the children at Luis Muñoz Marín School, where FOCUS ran our summer lunch program. The principal and staff were thrilled to be included and deeply grateful.
 
These backpacks became so much more than school supplies. They became an opportunity for us to live out our faith and show our kids that God–and their community cares about them. God bless everyone for being a part of this wonderful initiative!  

Click onto the more information link below to veiw some photos.

NOTE: To obtain and use QR codes from your phone, click onto the following document link:  FOCUS Bridgeport September Update