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Home , Nativity Fast

DECEMBER 2019

VoiceSAINT GEORGE GREEKof St. ORTHODOX GeorgeCHURCH OF THE DESERT

74-109 LARREA ST., PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA Inside this issue Lessons from LESSONS FROM THE STAR OF the Star………….pg. 1 The appearance of the worshippers of the stars were and glorify; for, You are our Star leading the Wise Men by a star instructed to wor- God; we know no other god Encyclical……...pg. 2 to Bethlehem confirms ship You, the Sun of Right- but You. It is Your Name that Christ is God, the eousness and to know You as that we invoke.” Spiritual Thoughts………..pg. 3 Creator of the universe. Orient on high. Glory to In sum, then, through the God used the Star to tell You, O Lord.” The Star is Sunday School...pg. 4 us that, His Only- the “light of knowledge,” Hymn of the , the Begotten Son is “the Sun guiding worshipers (such Church & Star is the work of the Ho- of Righteousness,” as is as the Wise Men) to know Wellness……….pg. 5 ly Spirit, enlightening all expressed through the Christ through Whom we of humanity that Christ is St. Nicholas……..pg. 6 Hymn of our Church. find True Wisdom. God, the Creator of the Furthermore, righteous- 2020 Festival & All human beings are the universe and confirming ness is the fruit of enlight- AHEPA News…pg. 7 beneficiaries of the grace the fact that Christ is the enment, symbolized by of the Holy Spirit, since Savior of all people -- the Parish Council; “light” that emanates they are created in the Im- Jewish People (as the St. George; from a star or the sun. En- age and Likeness of God. Chosen Ones) and the Book Store; lightenment leads to The Wise Men represent Gentiles (all other people Outreach……….pg. 8 k n o w l e d g e a n d all who are not the Chosen of the world), as repre- knowledge leads to wor- Philoptochos…..pg. 9 People of the Old Testa- sented by the Wise Men, ship, which brings us ment, the message being the “worshipers of stars.” Dec. 2019 Parish back to Christ, the “Sun of that, in essence, every hu- Calendar………pg.11 Christ God is the “Sun of Righteousness.” man individual is created to Righteousness.” Since He Inserts: December The image of the Star of be an Orthodox Christian. Himself is the , we “Matinee Movie” flier; Bethlehem is before us The Star is a vehicle for seek His enlightenment 2020 Festival during the the Holy Spirit to enlight- during the Divine Liturgy “Sponsorship/ Ad as we celebrate our Sav- en the world, revealing through the prayer that is Form. ior’s Nativity when the that Christ is the only said prior to the reading Mailing Address Apolytikion Hymn is St. George Church God. As did the Wise of the Gospel: “Shine with- chanted: “Your Nativity, P.O. Box 4755 Men, we now confess that in our hearts the pure light Palm Desert, CA 92261 [i.e., Your birth into the Tel: (760) 568-9901 Christ is God with these of Your knowledge, that we FAX: (760) 568-9492 world] O Christ our God, words: “We venerate Your may comprehend the mes- has caused the light of Email: pdsaintgeorge@gmail Cross, O Christ, and Your sage of Your Gospel…so Website:www.go-stgeorge.org knowledge to rise upon the Holy Resurrection we praise that, putting aside our own -Fr. Theodore Pantels, Pastor-- world. For therein the -Dcn. Euthym Kontaxis, M.D. Page 2 bodily desires, we may pursue a spiritual way of life, ADVENT MESSAGE, 2019 thinking and doing only that which is well-pleasing to Brethren in the Lord: You.” Nicholas Cabasilas, in his classic book, The Life in Having begun the Nativity Fast period and as we enter the holiday season, we have entered a rich Christ, explains that Christ is the Image of each of us in as much as we were created according to time in our lives as Orthodox Christians. Like the His Image and Likeness. As such, Christ’s right- beauty of the decor that will fill our homes, the eousness defines our own human standard of Church fills us with spiritual beauty in this sea- son, calling us to become more aware of God’s righteousness. The “The “New Adam” reverses the consequence of the “Old Adam’s” disobedi- presence in our lives. ence to God. This festive season begins with our American cel- In outlining the Beatitudes, Cabasilas notes, “We ebration of Thanksgiving. Our homes will be must regard Christ as the Archetype of the former Ad- open to our family and friends for a feast that cel- am created from Him.” (pg. 191). Gentleness, com- ebrates how we have been blessed by God. As passion and glory to God, are the virtues that de- we gather at the table, consider the following scribe the Person of Christ and, by extension, benediction from the Book of Sirach: “Bless the they are virtues that we are able to personify in God of all, who in every way does great our own character, due to the very nature of our things...May He give us gladness of heart!” (Sirah created being. “It was not the old Adam who was the 50:22-23). Our first action this season is to model for the New; but the New Adam was generat- acknowledge that God blesses us every day for ed...because of the corruption which the old Adam ini- which we should bow our heads in thanks. tiated. (Romasn 8:3).” (pg.190). Then we will celebrate some of the most re- The enlightens the whole nowned saints of our Church: Katherine the world of the miracle of Christ being born into the Great Martyr who was just celebrated, Andrew world. Yet, it is Christ Himself Who enlightens the First-called, Barbara the Great Martyr, John of us so that we can live with the purpose for which Damascus, Savas the Sanctified , Nicholas of My- we were created. ra, Spyridon of Trimythous, and Eleftherios of +FR. THEODORE Illyria. They adorn our calendar with beauty and light. Each in their unique lives, they are exam- ples of lives lived in Christ. They are examples of METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO faith, of witness, and of suffering, but they are -LAITY CONFERENCE--The Metropo- also examples of philanthropy, of excellence in lis of San Francisco Clergy-Laity Conference is teaching, and of pastoral leadership. As we cele- scheduled for February 24-26, 2020 at the St. brate their feasts we should strive to study their Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, lives as models for our imitation as followers of California. Christ today. Those who attend as delegates for our parish are Finally, we will reach the culmination of the sea- asked notify our Parish Council in order to ob- son when we begin the celebration of the Nativi- tain information and discuss requirements relat- ty of our Savior Christ. For us, desiring to ed to serving as a delegate of our parish at this know God, we look to Jesus Christ. God enters important event. history and the world when Christ is born. As the Gospel of John states, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Continued on the next page ------> Page 3 ADVENT ENCYCLICAL, Continued SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS OF THE MONTH by Son from the Father” (John 1:14). The Euthym of Christ is a mystery, that is to say, it is far be- “Sit in the presence of the Lord every moment of yond our understanding. Saint Gregory the Theo- your life, as you think of Him and recollect Him logian taught, “He was laid in a -but he in your heart. Otherwise, when you do not see was glorified by angels, and proclaimed by a star, only Him, after a period of time, you will lack and worshiped by the Magi.” We will all sing in freedom to converse with Him, out of shame; for the of Christmas, “for to us there has great freedom of converse is born out of constant been born a little child, God before the ages." association with Him.” St. the Syrian Dearly Beloved, the Church invites us to prepare We don't want any awkward moments with God, to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ so it is important that we clean things up with through this rich and meaningful season. A hymn Him daily. If we contemplate Him at all times, of Christmas begins, “Make ready….” These days immediately return to Him when we fall, and im- are our time to ready ourselves through the fast, itate Christ in our decisions, we are comfortable through prayers, through philanthropic acts, and in His presence. The awe we have in His presence reflection upon the mystery of the incarnation (considering His creation, His love and His great and on the lives of God’s Saints, and as we con- mercy) leads us to choosing the "one good thing" tinually thank Him for His divine condescension. who is Jesus Christ Himself. Loss, suffering, chal- God’s presence in our lives must be evident by lenges, all are part of our existence... let us allow our awareness of this mystery of the incarnation, God to walk with us during these times as well as through this season of beauty, lights and color. during the successes and joys that life brings. Glo- As we grow in awareness, as we see the lights ry be to His Holy Name. and colors of the season, let us share them with “From a person with an argumentative character, our brothers and sisters who are in need. At a you can hardly expect anything else. In the spir- time when many live in the darkness of isolation itual life there is nothing worse and more harm- and loneliness, of poverty, and ostracization and ful than argumentativeness. For a while it is marginalization, our families and parishes can sometimes concealed, but then it again is re- radiate the beauty and light of faith in Jesus vealed in its former strength.” St. Ambrose Christ through acts of hospitality, understanding, This is a difficult teaching considering the world and philanthropy. In so doing we bear witness to today. It puts us in a very difficult position if we the light so that the world might believe (cf John don't "stand up for ourselves" or "assert our- 1, 7-8). selves" etc. Some just want to confirm their own May our Savior, Who is coming to us as a little beliefs so they argue to prove they are right. babe, grant you all His Kindness and Mercy. With Some argue because they get a rush from it. Some Love in Christ, argue out of insecurity and the realization that ++GERASIMOS, there may be ideas that they haven't considered. Metropolitan of San Francisco All of it stems from ego and pride. A person con- fident in their relationships with Christ allows God to do the work. Say your opinion by all

means...just don't say it a hundred times in a hun- dred different ways...its the same opinion, have a little humility and listen. Let the Lord convince

through the peace of our convictions and the quality of our thoughts, arguing gets us "stuck" Continued on the next page ------> Page 4 SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS, Continued an active part in the liturgical aspects of our Church by cleaning Communion Cloths on a making ourselves God and forgetting the one once-a-month basis. As the New Year begins, who created us. they plan to learn how to bake prosforo. Congrat- “Keep in mind that you must always be setting ulations to the students who have been reading an example through your moral life and your ac- the passages during the celebration of the tions. For the sick find and recognize good doc- Divine Liturgy on Sundays. They all read with tors, not just through their words, but through great love from their hearts and inspire us all. their actions.” St. Anthony of Egypt The Sunday School bulletin board in our parish Live as a Holy . Shine the light of Christ in hall has become a ray of joy for all of us, proving the world... our actions speak loudly and attract to be an inspiring addition to our Sunday coffee those who seek the peace of God. As we move hour gatherings. forward in our lives remember that every step we take leaves a path. Let us try to have that path lead others who follow it, to the Lord himself. How beautiful if someone comes to God not be- cause we hit them over the head with a Bible, but because we witnessed Christ with our actions and our demeanor. Petty comments, anger, envy, self righteousness, cold heartedness, lack of em- pathy, cruelty all turn others away from God. Mercy, kindness, generosity, forgiveness all bring others to Christ...let us focus on that which The Sunday School bulletin board located in our parish hall shows saves and put aside that which keeps others from an inspiring picture of the beauty of our Sunday School students’ learning. the living God. PLAN FOR FUTURE OF HEALTH NEEDS SUNDAY SCHOOL The notes and forms that were presented to our Brace yourselves for a truly inspiring October Philoptochos General Members Meeting Christmas Program which will be by Nelly Zombrano, entitled Plan for the Worst presented by our Sunday School students on Case Senario, are now available. Her lecture out- Sunday, December 15, 2019 immediately follow- lined services offered by adult care facilities, as ing the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. See the well as information related to giving consent to enclosed “Sunday School Christmas Pageant” physicians, case workers and loved ones regard- flier. ing decisions to be made related to one’s care. Sunday School students will be on “Christmas Please see Fr. Ted to obtain a copy. break” following the conclusion of the Christmas Recall that, during this meeting, Fr. Ted also Program and will return to class following the spoke reminding those in attendance that, as Or- New Year - the Eve of on Sunday, thodox Christians, they are to avoid requesting January 5, 2020. physician-assisted suicide and setting up plans As has become tradition, our Sunday School stu- for cremation. He also reminded everyone that dents will be Christmas caroling on Christmas he and Deacon Euthym are to be informed about Eve Day, following the Divine Liturgy commem- admittance to a hospital or rehabilitation facility orating the Eve of the Nativity (December 24th). in order that they may be offered the . The Sunday School students have begun taking Page 5 CHURCH & WELLNESS intoned by the priest as he completes the ser- The Treasures of Life vice of the Preparation of the Holy Gifts, The Wise Men remind us that the breath of God which will become the very Body and Blood lives in every human being on earth at any time of Christ during the celebration of the Divine and in any place. It is evidence that each of us is Liturgy. Our prayers rise to our Lord with the definitely created in the Image and Likeness of incense. In return, incense becomes a vehicle God and that all people are “wired” to embrace of Christ’s breath of the Holy Spirit, filling the Orthodox Christian Faith. These Wise Men our lives with divine grace. This is why the were not of the Chosen People. They were not priest or deacon censes the of the necessarily students of the Proph- church and the faithful in attendance. Fr. Em- ets. They were “worshipers of stars.” None the manuel Hatzidakis writes, “Censing was in- less, they traveled in order to find the -- herited from the Jewish worship…[representing] the Second Person of the Holy , Jesus the grace of God [filling] every nook of the church Christ, the Savior of humanity. Not only did they with its fragrance, so the grace of God is being travel “from the East” (representing the rising of spread over the world.” (The Heavenly Banquet, the sun for a new day in human history), but they pg. 142). Incense reminds us of our love for brought gifts, knowing by way of the Holy Spirit God and our neighbor. The message is that that they were going to worship a King. It fol- each person in the world is worth the blessing lows that these Wise Men were predisposed to of God’s Grace. Our purpose in life is to con- bring gifts: , , and . In that vey God’s grace to others through a life of Christ is born in the flesh, these gifts have mean- prayer and worship. ing for each of us, since, through the Christ 3) Myrrh. Myrrh oil was commonly used in the Child, we are now all God’s children. In a way, ancient world to honor one’s suffering and then, these gifts honor both the Lord Himself, as death. Myrrh (Holy Chrism) is used to impart well as each person who is born into the world. the grace of the Holy Spirit upon newly bap- 1) Gold. A King is honored with a gift of gold. It tized individuals. As one is born through the is a gift of great value. The Wise Men honored baptismal font, one is given the “breath of the Kingship of Christ our God, through life” through the Holy Spirit. Baptism is the Whom people are to reclaim their original of our death and resurrection in kingship over the created world, consistent Christ. We then are to live a life-style that is with the purpose of their creation as recorded guided by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit im- in the Book of Genesis. The honor bestowed parts to us the Divine energies needed to live on Christ is transferred to each of us, as well, as did the Apostles, who inspired the whole since we are brothers and sisters in Christ. It world to worship Christ our God. This new is not without notice that the Orthodox way of life, filled with joy and purpose, Church places the Book of with a comes through Christ’s death on the Cross. golden cover on Her Altar. The spiritual Our life in Christ is constantly one in which “gold” that we give to Christ is our humble we each “pick up our cross” and follow our surrender to God’s Will with our love. The Savior with faith and love. message of our reconciliation with God and With these gifts come the sanctity of human life the opportunity to commune with God and, as the Heavenly Host announced, “good will through prayer and the Sacraments means among all.” that our lives are more precious than gold. +FR. THEODORE 2) Frankincense. “We offer to You incense as a breath of spiritual fragrance; send in return upon us the grace of the Holy Spirit.” These words are Page 6 ST. NICHOLAS, OF : POINTING TO parishioner lost all of his wealth through trage- THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS dy. He wanted to provide for the marriages of his daughters. This involved a dowry so that the In the late era of the Roman Empire, the message girls could marry good husbands. But their fa- of Christ reached the upper classes among the ther had no resources. He would need to give up citizens. One of the most outstanding of those of his daughters into a slave arrangement. St. the upper classes who received the Gospel mes- Nicholas sought to help this poor man and his sage was Nicholas. In short order, he became the daughters, since he had inherited great wealth bishop of Myra. His identification as a doer of from the estate of his parents. He secretly gath- good deeds and follower of Jesus Christ became ered many gold coins so that the eldest daughter so well-known that even in Western Europe, his could marry. He did the same for the second name became synonymous with charity and sac- daughter - and, once again, St. Nicholas gathered rifice for promoting the meaning of the Gospel. more gold coins for the third daughter. While the Nicholas became bishop during the reign of Con- father was not sure of the identity of this “gift- stantine the Great and he changed the way Chris- giver,” he grew more suspicious and watchful. In tians looked at the deeds of bishops. People of time, he discovered that it was indeed St. Nicho- the upper classes were beginning to turn to las who had been arranging for his daughters’ Christ as the Lord and Master of their lives, if marriages. However, St. Nicholas begged him even secretly. The powerful emperors such as not to say how the money was given, but that it Diocletian and his successor, Galerius, consid- was like the miracle at Cana of Galilee. Yet, the ered this to be a threat to the Empire. Subse- truth became known that St. Nicholas was a ben- quently, they attacked the Church and their per- efactor of the poor. St. Nicholas used his wealth secution of Christians became ruthless and great- to help his flock. He showed the example of how ly violent -- the greatest attempt to stamp out human wealth can assist the human needs of and reverse the spread of . people in the Church. Not only was Christianity attacked from outside As the advocate for the poor, St. Nicholas freed the Church; attacks came from within the certain sailors who were unjustly accused of a Church, as well. St. Nicholas rose to prominence crime. The knowledge of his love spread even in his defense of against the heretic into Russia. Arius and his followers. Arius proclaimed that St. Nicholas fell asleep in the Lord on December Christ is not truly God, since “there was a time 6, 342 A.D., when Constantius II was the Emper- when He was not.” St. Nicholas was one of the or. Since this was the Advent season, St. Nicho- Saints of the Church who were present at the las’ reputation for helping the poor became asso- First in Nicaea and partici- ciated with the celebration of Christmas. Howev- pated in the official proclamation of the Nicene er, the Church remembers St. Nicholas as being Creed, which we recite during the celebration of more than a wonderful “.” He is hon- the Divine Liturgy to this day. Over time, St. ored as the teacher of the True Christian Faith; as Nicholas became a well known figure of the a vigilant bishop of the Church who excelled in Church by the time of the Emperor Justinian. pastoral care; as leader for Christians every- The story of his rescue of sailors in the Aegean where, who inspired his own people, as well as Sea during his lifetime established St. Nicholas as those of future generations in the spirit of genu- the Patron Saint for travelers and seafarers. ine Christian love and philanthropy. --MATTHEW DAVIS Associating his name to the Christmas season may be attributed to a well-known incident sur- rounding one of his parishioners. St. Nicholas’ Page 7 2020 GREEK FESTIVAL AHEPA NEWS Many thanks to our AHEPA brother, Silas “Pete” Peterson, who gave a On November 14th, most inspirational speech in honor of our mil- our 2020 Greek Fes- itary veterans on the occasion of this year’s Vet- tival (February 22- erans Day Program, held at our St. George 23, 2020) was fea- Church on November 10, 2019. His presentation tured at a commu- included a clear picture of the sacrifices that mili- nity events fair at tary personnel make in order to preserve the the Fantasy Springs freedoms that we enjoy as a nation -- particularly, Hotel and Spa. the freedom of religion. His theme was, “When you see a Veteran, thank a Veteran.” This early exposure to the public in ad- AHEPA is grateful to those who did participate vertising our Festi- in the annual AHEPA Thanksgiving Luncheon val rivaled our Publicizing our 2020 Festival at Fan- on November 24th. We look forward to every- tasy Springs Hotel- (left to right) “regular” efforts to one’s support going forward, since AHEPA is George Argyros, Elias Doubaratzis, advertise our Festi- now committed to two special efforts: John Petalas and Pete Snarskis. val at the annual 1) the continued support of the Fr. T.P. Golf Cart Parade, held on El Paseo in October. Theophilos Memorial Scholarship Fund. 2) the “Win For Wynn” effort to provide Our next 2020 Greek Festival Meeting will take guide dogs to wounded military veterans. place at our parish hall on Wednesday, Decem- ber 4, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. For details related to these two important local AHEPA Chapter efforts, please go to the AHEPA Reports will include plans for Festival parking 528 website: www.ahepa528.org/. and requirements for city approvals. In addition, there are still many availabilities to volunteer in The next AHEPA 528 meeting will be on helping toward the success of this year’s Festival: Wednesday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. at our  Obtaining and/or contributing for an ad in parish hall. The agenda topics include: Member- our 2020 Festival Program Book. ship; AHEPA District 20 Mid-Winter Conference; the Super Bowl Party, and 2020 Festival  Help for baking. Baking days will begin on January 8, 2020 and continue throughout the weeks leading up to the Festival dates.

 Help with the set-up of the Festival lay-out. Set-up begins around the second week of Feb- ruary.

 Volunteer from now to help at the various Festival stations during the days of the Festi- val itself (February 22-23, 2020).

 Sponsor a paid worker for the Festival set-up, Military Veterans honored at the annual St. George take-down, and/or Festival weekend station Program: (left to right) - Michael Greenwood (Air Force), Bill services. Piggott (Air Force), Mary Piggott (Air Force), George Megalonakis (Navy), John Manesis (Navy), Silas “Pete” Peterson  Donate toward the costs of Festival items. (Navy), Lou Karagianis (Air Force), George Spanos (U.S. Marines). Page 8 PARISH COUNCIL & GENERAL ASSEMBLY ST. GEORGE PARISH BOOK STORE Parish Council: The Parish Council met on Tues- During this season of Advent, attention is given day, November 5, 2019 in order to plan for the to our parish book store. Fall General Assembly, scheduled for Sunday, Book Suggestions: The Life in Christ, by Nicholas November 17th. Cabasilas; Thirty Steps to Heaven, by Vassilios

Papavassiliou. The Parish Council voted to install surveillance cameras following a price analysis to be given by Icon greeting cards, as well as incense, hand cen- the same organization that monitors our alarm sers, crosses and book marks make great Christ- system. mas gifts. In addition, the Council voted to begin renting Our book store will be open on Sundays follow- the parish hall to people throughout our general ing the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. In addi- community. Final details still need to be ad- tion, it will be open upon request. dressed and reported to the Parish Council as plans continue to develop. GOLF TOURNAMENT Mark your calendars for April 25, 2020 and plan The agenda for the Fall General Assembly was to join us for our annual St. George Golf Tourna- approved. ment. This year, our tournament will be held at General Assembly: Following the celebration of Desert Willow Country Club in Palm Desert. the Divine Liturgy on December 17, 2019 our St. The schedule for the day will, as always, feature George Fall General Assembly was held. the golf tournament itself, followed in the even- -The 2020 Proposed Budget was passed; the Festi- ing with the awards dinner, which is always fab- val Report was given with the appeal for partici- ulous. pation and support from everyone. OUTREACH TO THE HOMELESS -As part of the Festival report, it was noted that Over the past few years our parishioners have the format of the Festival Program Book, which joined in the Philoptochos efforts to feed the allows for various levels of sponsorships and ads homeless, working with the Street Life Project. promises to add much to the Festival’s net profit. With the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christ- -A glowing Stewardship report was given, noting mas and New Year, parishioners have extended that parishioners have made impressive commit- their efforts to help feed the homeless by volun- ments in support of our St. George parish. It was teering at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. announced that the 2020 Archdiocese Steward- ship Campaign is “Stewardship of Time.” We received encouraging news that Palm Springs has opened a facility to house and feed the home- -Nominations for candidates to serve as members less and we look forward to helping to meet the of the 2020 Parish Council was closed after the needs of the homeless there. following candidates were announced: Tony Dalkas, Becky Allen, and Pete Snarskis. The Coachella Valley communities have banded together to help the homeless. We look forward -Parish Elections will take place on Sunday, De- to getting involved either through monetary do- cember 8, 2019 immediately following the cele- nations, or “hands-on” help as 2020 unfolds. bration of the Divine Liturgy.

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PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS canned, boxed, and bagged food donations on to the pantry shelves. Another group of eight volun- Can you believe the holidays are here! teers are scheduled to help out on Tuesday, Dec. That was fast! Our November General 24th with the meal. Duties will in- Members Meeting was held on Monday, clude kitchen prep, pantry organizing, and serv- Nov. 11th. We had 28 members present. High- ing food. lights of our meeting included a presentation from guest speaker Norma Vazquez, Safe House The Philoptochos Christmas luncheon is sched- of the Desert, Community Director. She gave an uled for , Dec. 7th at Palm Valley Coun- informative presentation about Human Traffick- try Club starting at 11:30 AM. We look forward ing and how their organization assists victims. to seeing everyone there. Reservations were due Currently they are housing children aged 11-18 in as of Sunday. Dec. 1st. their facility, assisting them with basic care, coun- We will be assembling and delivering the annual seling, training, and more. Our Philoptochos Christmas baskets for the homebound in our Chapter will be providing eighteen children with community on Friday, Dec. 13th from 10:00-12:30 Christmas Gifts through our “Giving Tree” initi- PM. We are in need of volunteers to help assem- ative for the holiday. Parishioners may review the ble and deliver baskets. Please let us know if you sign-up sheet to see the wish list of the children can assist. and commit to purchase one of the gifts. All gifts are to be brought back to the church, unwrapped, The next “Movie Matinee” event will be held on and placed in the bins under the Thursday, Dec.19th from 2:30-4:30 PM. Our mov- prior to December 15th. ie will be “Christmas With The Karountzoses” , a comedy featuring Greeks and Greek culture. The Philoptochos bank balance was $10,722.81 as This movie is appropriate for the entire family! of Nov. 11, 2019. The tray for the Ecumenical Pa- Our own Fanny Nicholas is in the movie, and will triarchate was $170 and our chapter added anoth- be on hand to speak to the attendees about her er $100 for a total donation of $270. In addition, role and how she became involved with the film we made a donation of $250 for the service dogs Please be sure to RSVP by Dec. 15th if you plan for warriors program sponsored by our own Saint on attending. This is a free event and we provide George AHEPA group. “movie snacks and refreshments. Our annual holiday bake sale will begin on De- cember 8th through December 15th. Both kou- lourakia and sweet bread will be available for purchase. We prepared 100 sandwiches for the homeless and delivered them to Miles Avenue Park on Tuesday, Nov. 17th in conjunction with the Street Life Project group. This makes our year- to-date total 1155 meals served for 2019! Unfortu- nately, both cities of Palm Springs and Indio are not issuing permits to the group for Thanksgiving and Christmas events like the ones we have par- ticipated in the past where we provided hot food, Norma Vasquez from Safe House of the Desert, addressed the St. toys, clothing and more. Therefore, we have shift- George Ladies of Philoptochos with information regarding Human ed our future efforts with assisting Coachella Val- Trafficking. (November 11, 2019). ley Rescue Mission in Indio. A group of five vol- unteers worked in the pantry at CVRM on Satur- day, Nov. 23rd for three hours, organizing Continued on the next page ------> Page 10

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS, Continued Our January General Members Meeting will be held on Friday, Jan. 19th at 11:30 AM in the church hall. The Ladies Philoptochos wishes you a joyous holiday season and happy new year! --RHONDA LATKOVIC, Philoptochos Chapter President

St. George parishioners, Vincent and Eve-Marie Gandrillion, (pictured to the right) helped Pauline and Rhonda Latkovic (pictured to the left) serving meals at the Coachella Rescue Mis- sion during the Thanksgiving holiday. Not pictured among those who helped at this event is Angelo Veroulis. Helping the homeless is a major project of our St. George Philoptochos. Page 11

St. George of the Desert 74-109 Larrea St. / P.O. Box 4755 Palm Desert, California 92261 web: www.go-stgeorge.org/ email: [email protected] Telephone: (760)568-9901 / FAX: 9760) 568-9492 DECEMBER 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1-14th Sunday of 2 3 4-ST. BARBARA 5- 6-ST. NICHOLAS 7 St. Luke -8:30 a.m Choir Practice- Orthros-8:30 am Philoptochos Ep.-Eph 2:14-22 D.Liturgy-9:30am D.Liturgy-9:30 am Christmas 1:00 p.m.______Gos.Luke18-35-43 Bible Study- Parish Council- Luncheon at at St. 10:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Palm Valley Nicholas Greek County Club Orthodox Church, Adult Greek Festival Mtg.-6pm 11:30 a.m. Murrietta, CA- School-6:00 p.m. AHEPA -6:30 p.m 7:00 p.m. 8-10th Sunday of 9- ST. ANNA 10 11 12 13 14 St. Luke Orthros-8:30 a.m. ST.SPYRIDON Ep.-Eph. 4: 1-7 D. Liturgy-9:30 am. Bible Study- Orthros-8:30 a.m. Gos.-Luke 13: 10:00 a.m. D.Liturgy-9:30 am 10-17 Choir Practice- Philoptochos Adult Greek 1:00 p.m.______Board Meeting- Parish Elections School-6:00 p.m. Parish Council- 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.

15-11th Sunday of 16 17- 18 19 20 21 St. Luke ST.DIONYSIOS Ep. 2 Tim 1:8-18 Orthros-8:30 am Gos. Luke 14: D.Liturgy-9:30am Choir Practice- 16-24 1:00 p.m. Bible Study- Christmas 10:00 a.m. Program

22-Sunday Before 23 24-EVE OF THE 25-CHRISTMAS: 26 27-ST. STEPHEN 28 the Nativity NATIVITY-Royal THE NATIVITY Orthros-8:30 a.m. Ep. Heb.11:9-10 Hours- 8:00 a.m. OF OUR GOD & D.Liturgy-9:30 am 32-40 D. Liturgy- SAVIOR, JESUS Gos.Matt.1:1-25 9:30 a.m.______CHRIST- S. School carol- Orthros-8:30am ing-11 a.m.____ D.Liturgy- CVRM*: 2-4 p.m. 9:30 a.m.

29-Sunday After 30 31 JANUARY 1 * Philoptochos Sunday Schedule: the Nativity New Year’s Day Outreach to the Orthros-8:30 a.m. Ep. Gal.1:11-19 Homeless, serving D.Liturgy-9:30 am. Bible Study- CIRCUMCISION Gos. Matt.2:13-23 food for Chrismas Sunday OF THE LORD/ 10:00 a.m. at the Coachella School-10:30 a.m. FEAST OF ST. Valley Rescue BASIL THE Mission (CVRM) GREAT in Indio. Orthros-8:30 a.m D.Liturgy-9:30 am