On December 30, 2022, Chelsey O’Brien was married to Hans Lugus in Narragansett, RI. We wish them many happy and healthy years!

Congratulations to Alexis and Peter Dacey who were blessed with the successful arrival of Elizabeth Post Dacey. She was born on December 30th, 2022, weighing 7lbs 2oz and a length of 20.5 inches.

Unfortuantely due to illness, Divine Liturgy was not held for the Feast of Theophany on Sunday, January 8th (transferred from Fri, Jan 6th).  In a protective mask, Fr. Sergei did conduct the service for the Great Blessing of Water.  Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos. 

The parish of St. George extends our heartfelt thanks to the many people who helped to make our Christmas services beautiful and meaningful celebrations, and to those who helped support St. George with their dedicated stewardship work over the past year. Click onto the more information link below to view the details.

St. George was saddened to learn that Shirley Jordan passed away Saturday morning, Jan 14, 2023. We extend our condolences to Shirley’s daughters, Beth Veneri and Susan Batura, and to their families. Memory Eternal!

On Sunday, January 15th, St. George celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Teuta Society with prayers after Divine Liturgy and at our coffee hour. Click onto the more information link to read a short history summary of the founding of the Teuta Society along with a few photos.

Congratulations go out to Christopher and Gina Buzi who celebrated the birth of their daughter Elira Joy Buzi on Tuesday, January 24th. She weighed in at 7.1lbs and was 21 inches long.  Congratulations also go out to the grandparents: Greg and Sharon Buzi. 

We congratulate the members of the Teuta Ladies’ Society on their celebration of their Patronal Feast Day, the Meeting of the Lord - "Papandia".  (The celebration of Feast of the Meeting of the Lord was transferred this year from February 2nd to February 5th.)

This year, as in years past, the ladies present were called to stand vigil in prayer around their offerings of bread, wheat, wine and oil, and a boiled wheat-sugar-nut confection (called grure in Albanian) for the health of the parish family.

The Teuta Ladies, who recently celebrated their 90th anniversary, were also recognized and thanked by the parish for all their support to St. George by singing God Grant you Many Years.

Click onto the more information link below to view a photo. 

St. George was saddened to learn that Krisanthi Peters passed away on Wednesday, Feb 8th. Krisanthi, who was 101 years old, was our oldest parishioner. We extend our condolences to her sons, Kenneth and Gregory, and their families. Memory Eternal!

From November 2022 through early February 2023, St. George’s parishioners collected frozen hams and turkeys as a charity project with the goal of distributing them to local soup kitchens when food donations are historically low.  On Tuesday, Feb 21st, those donations were made to the Thomas Merton Center (Bridgeport) who operate a meal program, and to the Beth-El Center (Milford) who operate a soup kitchen. Our thanks go out to Brooke & Sophie Dionis, their grandmother Pauline Dionis, and to Fr. Sergei for making the deliveries.  Also, many thanks to our parishioners who purchased and donated the foods for this charity effort.  Click onto the more information link below to view 2 photos.  

On Sunday, Feb 26th, St. George learned of the passing of Vangjo “Petri” Kostandini.  We extend our condolences to Vanjgo’s wife Lirika, his sons Redi and Teodor, his brother and sister-in-law Koli & Lluiza Tollkuci, and his extended family. May his memory be eternal!

On Sunday, March 5th, after Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, some of the children tied this bracelet on their right hand. They will keep it on until Paschal Vespers, when they cut it off, and place it on the bushes for the birds. Veror is an Albanian folk spring-time tradition - whose origin is clouded in time - there was the practice of children wearing string bracelets for a period of time, bracelets that they would cut off and throw on the bushes so that the birds would take them for their nesting material. In our parish, this folk custom was integrated into the church as a Lenten effort/reminder during Great Lent. Some of the adults of the parish wear this bracelet in solidarity with the children. The bracelets are crocheted with red and white yarn - a reminder of the nature of Christ: both God and man.  Thanks go out to Lluiza Tollkuci who made the red & white bracelet material this year.

From February 19th through March 5th, the St. George parish dedicated its weekly charity collections to support the relief efforts from the February 6th earthquake in Turkey and Syria.  St. George was able to collect $2,600.00 and forwarded those funds to the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities), an international humanitarian aid agency who will be coordinating relief efforts to their regional partners.  We thank the many for their generosity to assist in helping with this humanitarian crisis.  

St. George welcomed and thanked Fr. John Jillions who served Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 12th for us in Fr. Sergei's absence.  Fr. John is recently retired after serving as the pastor at Holy Ghost Church in Bridgeport, and was also a former Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America. 

St George was saddened to learn that Nancy Peters passed away on March 23rd “after a prolonged illness”.  We offer our condolences to her family. Memory eternal!

On April 9th, St. George celebrated Palm Sunday, which marks the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem. After Divine Liturgy, there was a procession of palms lead by some members of the Church School, and the blessing of the palms which were held high by the parishioners.  This year, due to difficulty acquiring pussy willow branches, a mix of pussy willow branches, boxwood branches, and palm fronds were bundled for blessing.  Thanks to Donna Kerma for providing the pussy willows. Click on the more information link below to view a few photos.

On Thursday evening, April 13th, St. George continued its cycle of services for Holy Week with the Matins service of Great and Holy Friday with the Twelve Gospel readings. Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos. 

St. George completed services for Good Friday with the afternoon Vespers Service of Taking down from the Cross, and the Friday evening Matins service for Great and Holy Saturday, with the Praises (or Lamentations) at the Tomb of Christ.  Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos from the services.
 

The St. George community recently completed the service cycle of Great Lent and Holy Week to Holy Pascha, with the celebration of the Midnight Paschal Liturgy on April 16th.  Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen!  Krishti U-Ngjall! Vërtet U-Ngjall! are the traditional Orthodox Christian Paschal greetings in both English and Albanian.  Click Here to view the Paschal greeting in numerous languages. Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many people who helped to make Lent, Holy Week and Pascha beautiful and meaningful celebrations.

Thank you to Zoe Michael, Diana Michael, Karen Masek & Laura Coughlin for their donation of flowers for the Petafi in memory of Father Llambi & Priftresha Dhoxhi Michael and family.

Thanks to Louise Gallagher and Bill Kovachi for their donation of Prayer Plants and Easter Lillies for the Altar.

Thank you to Pauline Dionis who decorated the Cross for the Petafi, and to the ‘Myrrh-bearing Women” who decorated the Petafi: Jean Brideau, Laura Coughlin, Diane Cryan, Laura Denisevich, Mary DiIulio, Pauline Dionis, Louise Karoli Gallagher, and Dolores Nauchy.

A special thanks to Diane Cryan, Laura Denisevich, Louise Karoli Gallagher, Elsie Gartsu, and Kim O’Brien for donating the dyed Pascha Eggs.

Thanks to Jennifer Goetz for decorating the Church for Holy Pascha.

To Curt, Nicole, Brooke & Sophie Dionis for filling the plastic eggs with candy, and to Sue, Melissa, and Erin Galich, Madeline Leighton, and Nicole, Brooke & Sophie Dionis for preparing and organizing the successful Children’s Easter Egg Hunt after the Paschal Vesper service.  Also thanks to all the parishioners who made donations of candy which was needed to fill the plastic eggs. 

Fr. Sergei Bouteneff who served all the Lenten, Holy Week and Paschal services for us, and for continuing to assist us, and serve all the Liturgies at St. George.

Luba Csernica and Cathy Hotova for the live-streaming of services.

Cantors Peter Dacey and Charles Soter for their dedication and reading at all the services.

Thanks to Louise Gallager and Bob Lazar who faithfully change the table cloths when required by feast or church season.  And thanks to Louise who also irons and prepares all the table cloths ahead of time so they are ready to be switched out.  

The Choir and Karen Masek for their singing on Palm Sunday, the Holy Wednesday Matins with Unction service, the Holy Thursday Matins with Passion Gospel Readings, the Holy Friday Matins with Lamentations, and the midnight Paschal Liturgy. 

All of our volunteer readers who helped during all of the Holy Week services. 

Louise Gallagher and Cathy Hotova for all their efforts with the coffee hour set-up each Sunday.

Bob Lazar for his assistance in the sanctuary – he faithfully helps at all services.

To the Altar Servers for their time and assistance.

And to all those who came to pray and celebrate the services. 

On Tuesday, April 25th, the Holy Synod canonically elected Archimandrite Nikodhim as Bishop of Boston and the Albanian Archdiocese.

Click onto the following link to view the OCA announcement.

Click onto the following link to view a few Photos.

On Sunday, April 30th, the parish welcomed Fr. John & Matushka Denise Jillions to St. George.  Fr. John served Divine Liturgy for us in Fr. Sergei's absence. Many in the parish were able to greet Fr. John & Matushka Denise at coffee hour after Divine Liturgy. Fr. John is recently retired after serving as the pastor at Holy Ghost Church in Bridgeport, and was also a former Chancellor of the Orthodox Church in America. 

On Saturday, May 6th,  Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Post Dacey was received in to the Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. Lizzie is the daughter of Alexis & Peter Dacey. Many Years!

On Sunday, May 14th, St. George was blessed and excited to welcome The Right Reverend Archimandrite Nikodhim, Bishop-elect of Boston and the Albanian Archdiocese. Fr.  Nikodhim is presently the Administrator of the Albanian Archdiocese, and is scheduled for his episcopal ordination in September 2023.  Additionally we welcomed the newly ordained Deacon Juxhin (Eugene) and his wife Livia Shkurti. Deacon Juxhin is our Archdiocesan Seminarian currently finishing his 2nd year of studies at St. Vladmir’s Seminary. Coincidentally, May 14th was Mother’s Day, and prayers were said for all of our departed and living mothers from our parish. After Divine Liturgy, a special Coffee Hour was held to welcome our visitors and congratulate all of our mothers on Mother’s Day.  Click onto the more information link below to view several photos.

On Sunday, May 21st after Divine Liturgy, the Teuta Ladies Society of St. George held a luncheon for its members at Casa Nova Restaurant in Shelton. Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

On Sunday, May 28th, St. George recognized Memorial Day by praying for all of our deceased military veterans from the parish family. Memorial Day is a holiday that was established to officially remember those who have died in service to our country (Veterans Day was established to officially thank our living veterans).  St. George has had only one parishioner, Michael J. Vani, who died during his military service (during World War II).  St. George expanded our remembrance to include all the deceased veterans of our “parish family”, adding relatives of our parish family that served in the military and are now deceased. The living military veterans participated during the Memorial Service by standing in vigil.  Prayers were said for 103 deceased veterans - click onto the following to view the list of names: St George - Names of Deceased Military Veterans  Memory Eternal!  Please click onto the more information link below to view a larger photo from the service.

God bless and Many Years to Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Post Dacey, to her parents Alexis & Peter Dacey, to grandmother Bev Dacey, and to her sponsers Blaise & Marica Ancona on her recent "churching" (her presentation to the church community) on Sunday, June 4th (which was the Feast of Pentecost - looked at as the birth of the Church).

Lizzie was received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation on May 6th.  Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.   
 

Congratulations to the Students and Teachers of our Church School as they completed their 2022-2023 academic year.  After Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 11th, we marked the end of the Church School year with a short recognition ceremony.  Specific thanks go out to first to our students and their parents for their attendance; to Curt Dionis our Church School Coordinator; to Pauline Dionis who is our Church School “Superintendent” or lead teacher; to our Assistant Teachers: Nicole Dionis, Greg Buzi, Haley Dionis and Lauren Dionis; to Louise Gallagher and Bob Lazar for their assistance with candles and icon organization and support of the children’s procession during the Great Entrance; to Sue & Joe Galich, Melissa Galich, and Erin Galich for their work organizing the St. Nicholas Christmas Party and our Easter Egg Hunt after Pascha; and to Fr. Sergei Bouteneff for his weekly meetings with the students before Church School instruction.  Click onto the more information link to view 3 photos.

St. George congratulates Lluiza Tollkuci who recently became a US citizen. Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet! 

St. George recognized Fathers’s Day on Sunday, June 18th 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.

St. George welcomed and thanked Fr. Dennis Rhodes for serving Divine Liturgy for us on Sunday, July 2nd.  Fr. Dennis was our parish priest from 2010 through 2018, afterwhich he retired after serving 40 years as a priest.  

We wish to congratulate Nikollaq Tollkuci who recently became a US citizen. Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet! 

St. George was pleased to host Deacon Eugene & Livia Shkurti during their visit to St. George on Sunday, July 9th.  Deacon Eugene assisted serving Divine Liturgy with Fr. Sergei. He has completed his second year of studies at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary and is taking an intense program of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) this summer. His visits are part of his parish internship. Deacon Eugene will be visiting with us periodically in the future as his schedule permits. The photo to the left is of Deacon Eugene reading the Gospel lesson of the day. 

We were saddened to learn that Irene Billings passed away in her sleep on Thursday morning, July 20th.  St. George offers it’s condolences to her children Peter, April, and Christopher, “surrogate” daughter Donna Mladina, her grandchildren Alexa, Katrina, and Peter, Jr., her brothers James and Theodore Petro, and to her extended family. May her memory be eternal!

We thank the members of the Teuta Ladies’ Society for their donation of $5,000.00 to St. George’s Future Fund.  The Teuta Society is a major contributor to St. George, organizing numerous social and fundraising events.  Many years to the Teuta Ladies Society!

We congratulate the following young adults who are receiving scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year from the Thomas and Katherine LaBache Scholarship Fund:

Erin Galich
James Goetz

On Sunday, August 6th, St. George celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration with Divine Liturgy.  After Divine Liturgy, Fr. Sergei, assisted by Deacon Eugene Shkurti, blessed grapes, fruit, and vegetables that is traditional on this feast day.  The blessing of grapes and other fruits and vegetables is an ancient tradition of the Orthodox Church, stretching all the way back to the early church, and is a sign of God's renewal of all creation through Christ. Afterwards, parishioners shared their blessed fruits or vegetables at coffee hour. Click onto the more information link below to view some photos.

Below are the prayers that were offered during the blessing of fruits and vegetables:

Prayer at the partaking of grapes on the sixth day of August:
Bless, O Lord, this new fruit of the vine, which, through temperate weather, through showers of rain and times of calm, has attained to ripeness at this hour, according to Thy good pleasure.  May our partaking of this birth of the vine be for gladness, and for the offering of a gift unto Thee for the cleansing of sins, through the sacred and holy Body of Thy Christ, with whom thou art blessed, together with thy most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

Prayer for those who offer first fruits:
O Master, Lord our God, who commandest everyone to offer to Thee thine own of thine own, according to their intention, granting them in return thine eternal good things, and who didst favourably accept the offering of the widow which was according to her ability: now also accept these things offered by Thy servants [here present], counting them worthy to lay up the same in thine eternal treasury.  And grant them an abundant harvest of thine eternal good things, together with all things that are profitable unto them.  For blessed is Thy Name, and glorified is Thy kingdom: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

On Saturday, August 12th, donations of over 50 lbs of frozen hams were made to the Thomas Merton Center (Bridgeport) who operate a meal program. Our thanks go out to Sophie Dionis, her mother Nicole, and to Fr. Sergei for making the delivery.  Also, many thanks to our parishioners who purchased and donated the hams for this charity effort.  Click onto the more information link below to view a larger photo.  

On Saturday, August 19th, Sienna Ann Moras was received into the Orthodox Church through the Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation.  Sunday September 3rd was Sienna's Churching service (presentation in the context of community) during Divine Liturgy.  Many Years!  Për Shumë Vjet!  Click onto the more information link below to look at an enlarged version of the photo.

On Sunday, August 20th, St. George celebrated the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. The celebration of this feast was transferred from Tuesday, August 15th, the normal date it is celebrated. This feast commemorates the repose (dormition) or "falling-asleep" of the Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and also commemorates the assumption into heaven of the body of the Theotokos.  After Divine Liturgy, there was the blessing of fragrant herbs and flowers, which is customary on this feast. St. George wishes to thank Fr. Dennis Rhodes who served Divine Liturgy for us on this day. Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

St. George held a Parish Picnic after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, August 27th.  The picnic was held outside on the rear yard, and was a fundraiser hosted by the Teuta Ladies Society. Many thanks to all that supported the picnic by cooking and preparing salads and sides of food, managed the grills, set-up and broke down the tents, tables, chairs, and grills, and helped with all the final clean-up.  And finally a thank you to all who supported the event by participating. We would especially like to thank Mary, John, & Maribeth DiIlulio, and Pierre Rhodes (Maribeth's boyfriend and owner of Beyond All Drones).  Pierre took numerous drone photos and put together a unique video of the picnic from above - click onto the following link to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dljNnQX_XA8   Click onto the more information link below to view numerous photos from the picnic, several are also from a drone camera.

St. George learned James Karoli passed away on Thursday, August 31st.  We send our condolences to wife, Rachel, his sister Louise Gallagher, and the rest of the Karoli family. Memory Eternal!

The following is a status of some of our young adults currently enrolled in college. We give our best wishes for their continued success!

Erin Galich - is a Senior majoring in Psychology at Central Connecticut State University (New Britain). 
James Goetz - is a Senior attending University of Maryland, majoring in Economics.
Pandora Kerma – is majoring in Photography at CT State Community College (the old Housatonic Community College).  

The beginning of the 2023 - 2024 Church School Year began on Sunday, Sept 10th.  Click onto the more information link below to view a few photos.

St. George was saddened to learn that Walter Ostrowski passed away on Monday, September 11th.  Walter was the brother-in-law to Jen Goetz. We extend our condolences to the Ostrowski, Goetz, and Lopen families. May his memory be eternal!

Congratulations to Chelsey (O'Brien) and Hans Lugus on the birth of their son, Otto Wallace, born on September 7, 2023. He weighed in at 7lbs 8oz. Proud grandparents are Kim and John O'Brien and Jennifer and Kristjan Lugus.  His great-grandmothers are Toni Barmashi and Mary O'Brien.  Per Shume Vjet! Many Years!

We recently learned of the passing of Florence Costoulas.  Florence is the maternal aunt of Bev Dacey. St. George extends our condolences to the Dacey family. Memory Eternal!

On Friday, September 15, 2023, the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America held it’s annual Archdiocesan Assembly at St. George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral in Boston.  At that Assembly, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America canonically elected Archimandrite Nikodhim to Diocesan Bishop of the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese. 

The next day, on Saturday September 16th at a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy presided by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archimandrite Nikodhim was consecrated to the episcopacy of the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America.  The consecration was held at St. George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral.

St. George wishes to thank Cathy Hotova and Bob Lazar who represented our parish as delegates to the Assembly on Friday.   Additionally, we thank Laura Coughlin and Karen Masek who attended the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Ordination on Saturday. Finally, thanks to Pauline Dionis, Curt & Nicole Dionis and their daughters Brooke & Sophie who on Sunday, September 17th attended Bishop Nikodhim’s first service as our Diocesan Bishop.

Click onto the following link to view the OCA News update (photos can be viewed at a link at the bottom of the article:  https://www.oca.org/news/headline-news/episcopal-ordination-of-bishop-nikodhim-as-bishop-of-boston-and-the-albanian-archdiocese

Click onto the following link to view 2 videos from the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZ89Wnj586M  and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF2rII0uQJA

Also click onto the more information link below to view a few photos from the Hieracrchical Divine Liturgy and Episcopal Ordination, and from Bishop Nikodhim's 1st Divine Liturgy service as the Archdiocesan Bishop .

St. George welcomed and wishes to thank Fr. David Koles for serving Divine Liturgy for us on Sunday, September 24th. Fr. David is recently retired, and was the former pastor at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in New Britain, CT.  

It is with great sadness, but hope in the resurrection that we inform you of the passing of the Very Reverend Protopresbyter Arthur E. Liolin, former pastor of St. George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral and Chancellor Emeritus of the Albanian Archdiocese in America.

Click onto the following link to view an In Memoriam from the OCA. https://www.oca.org/in-memoriam/protopresbyter-arthur-e-liolin   

The Visitation and Funeral were held on Friday and Saturday, Oct 6th & 7th. A video of the Divine Liturgy held on Sat, Oct 7th can be viewed on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StGeorgeOrthodoxChurch  Thanks to Laura Chadwick for posting the streamed service. 

St. George held a Memorial Service for Fr. Arthur on Sunday, October 1st after Divine Liturgy.  Click onto the more information link below to view a photo. I perjetshem kujtimi! 

On Sunday October 1st, after Divine Liturgy, St. George recognized it’s Choir and Readers as part of a national recognition of “Church Musician Sunday”. 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. The Parish Council hosted a coffee hour in honor of the Choir in the Church Hall.  Click onto the more information link below to view 2 photos.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Bindner on Saturday, October 7th.  St. George extends its condolences to Mary Lazar Bindner and the Lazar family. Memory Eternal!

St. George held it's annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, October 28th, it was a successful event on a beautiful warm and sunny day.  A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all who had their hand in assisting with the Bazaar in some way - with organizing, set-up, cooking, baking, donating, working the event, and cleaning up at the end.  The Bazaar featured Ethnic dishes, Take-out meals, Albanian pastries, Take-A-Chance table, and Handcrafted items for sale.  We especially wish to recognize and thank the women of the Teuta Society who are the major driver and effort behind this event.  The Bazaar is St. George's major fundraising event during the calendar year. We unfortunately have not been able to hold a Bazaar the past 3 years due to risks from the COVID pandemic  - so it was rewarding to see it’s return.  Click onto the following link to view the 2023 Bazaar Ad Book - we ask you to review and note the businesses that supported us, and return the gesture by supporting their businesses. On Nov 5th after Divine Liturgy, Diane Cryan, President of the Teuta Society confirmed the success of the Bazaar, thanked everyone who supported it this year, and reported that the proceeds from the Bazaar will net at least $11,200 (there remains some final donations and expenses to finalize, but the final proceeds will at minimum be in that range). Click onto the more information link below to view several photos.

St. George held a 40-Day Memorial Service for the Very Reverend Protopresbyter Arthur E. Liolin on Sunday, November 5th after Divine Liturgy. Fr. Arthur was the  former pastor of St. George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral and Chancellor Emeritus of the Albanian Archdiocese in America. Click onto the following link to view an In Memoriam from the OCA:  https://www.oca.org/in-memoriam/protopresbyter-arthur-e-liolin 

On November 8th, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, have unanimously decided and decree for the Glorification (or canonization - the official recognition of a person as a saint of the Church) of Matushka Olga of Kwethluk, Alaska. 

Click onto the following links to view a 6 minute Video from His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon. 

On Sunday November 12th after Divine Liturgy (the day after Veteran’s Day), St. George recognized our Veterans for their service to our country. Children from our Church School prepared some hand-made Thank-you cards which they gave to the Vets.  Click onto the following link to view the Veteran’s Day Prayer that was read during the recognition.  Click onto the more information link below to view a several photos. Many Years!

Following Divine Liturgy on November 19th, Diane Cryan, the President of the Teuta Society, presented a check of $10,000 from profits of the recent Fall Bazaar to Bill Kovachi, the President of the Parish Council for St. George’s Future Fund.  Diane again thanked everyone for the great teamwork and efforts that had made the annual Bazaar a success. Many Years to the Teuta Society of St. George! Click onto the more information link to view a larger photo.

On Saturday, November 25th (the 2nd day after Thanksgiving),  St. George wishes to congratulate Fr. Sergei Bouteneff on the 46th anniversary of his ordination into the Priesthood. Many Years! Për Shumë Vjet! to Fr. Sergei, Prifteresha Elisabeth, and his family.
 

St. George is extremely saddened to learn of the repose of Prifteresha Elisabeth (Lisa) Bouteneff, beloved wife of Fr. Sergei Bouteneff, on Saturday, November 25th.  Their ministry together faithfully served our parish of Saint George beginning in 1989 for 21 years, and most recently over the past 5 years in their retirement, filling in during our parish priest vacancy. The funeral and burial services were held on Thursday, November 30th at St. George Orthodox Church and at St. John's Cemetery in Monroe. We extend our deepest condolences to the Bouteneff family. Click onto the following link to view an In Memoriam.  May her memory be eternal!

On Sunday, Dec 3rd after Divine Liturgy, the parish held its annual St. Nicholas Party during it's Coffee Hour. The Feast day for St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, is commemorated each year on December 6th  This event is held specifically for the parish children, but also for the parish community to gather for fellowship and seasonal joy.  There is a visit from Santa for the children, and all are requested to donate a Christmas gift to donate to local charity drives.  Click on the more information link below to view several photos. 

We were saddened to learn that Priscilla Christianson died on Thursday, Dec 7th.  St. George extends our condolences to her husband Daniel, her sister JoAnn Mahoney, and their extended family.  Click onto the following link to view Priscilla's Obituary. Memory Eternal!

On Saturday, Dec 16th, a group of "St. George Elves" delivered a bag of Christmas Cheer to some of our senior parishioners who are restricted at home or haven't been able to attend church services due to age or health. The gifts were assembled and delivered to help remind these parishioners that they remain in our thoughts and prayers.  The Christmas Cheer bag contained homemade cookies, candies and baked treats, some seasonal teas, a home-made Christmas decoration, a Poinsettia plant, and a handmade card from one of our church school children. Our sincere thanks go out to: Pam Buzi, Sharon Buzi, Laura Chadwick, Laura Coughlin, Diane Cryan, Luba Csernica, Laura Denisevich, Sue Galich, Jennifer Goetz, and Kim O'Brien. We also wish to additionally thank our Church School children who created the holiday cards and Dave Dougiello from Commerce Hill Funeral Home for a generous donation that was used to support this project. Click onto the more information link below to view some photos.

The St. George Parish Family wishes you a joyous celebration of the Nativity of our Lord.  Christ is Born! Glorify Him!  Krishti U-Lind! Lavdërojeni! Click onto the more information link below to view larger photos of the Community Christmas Card.  We wish to acknowledge a donation from "Brendan and Jane Quinn Family", however we received it after we went to the printer.  

Christ is born! Glorify Him! & Krishti U-Lind! Lavdërojeni! are the traditional Orthodox Christian Christmas greetings in both English and Albanian.  Additionally, on Sunday, Dec 24th during Divine Liturgy (on the Eve of the Nativity of Christ), St. George joyously witnessed Sally Balis being received into the Orthodox Church.  Many God grant Sally Many years!  Please click onto the more information link below to several few photos.

Click onto the following link to view a Prayer for the New Year.