n those days, many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles; Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church and they were all together in Solomon’s portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people I held them in high honor. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both 1250 Oakdale Avenue, West Saint , Minnesota 55118 of men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds Parish Website: http://www.saintgeorge-church.org and pallets, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also Church Phone: 651-457-0854 gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spir- its, and they were all healed. The Most Reverend Metropolitan JOSEPH, of New York, But the chief priest rose up and all who were with him, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and Metropolitan of all North America filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night an Right Reverend Bishop ANTHONY, Auxiliary angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said: “Go and stand in the Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

Right Reverend Archimandrite John Mangels, Pastor GOSPEL: Reverend Father John Chagnon, attached Very Reverend Archpriest Paul Hodge, attached The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John. (20:19-31) Reverend John Mikhail, attached n the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples Very Reverend Archpriest Thomas Begley, retired Rt. Reverend Archimandrite Duane Pederson, retired were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be Reverend Father Daniel Simon, retired O to you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples Reader Michael Begley, Music Director were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has Pastor’s email: [email protected] Pastor’s Cell: 303-520-0981 sent me, even so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, Signing up for services: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0444A8AC23ABF85-stgeorge “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Sunday, May 9, 2021 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands New Sunday or Anti-Pascha the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I Sunday of Thomas the Apostle, called “The Twin” will not believe.” Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors Commemoration; Prophet Isaiah; Martyr Christopher of Lycia; were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be to you.” Then He said to Translation to Bari of the Relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to THE OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM him, “Thomas, you have believed because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” EISODIKON Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this In the gathering places bless ye God the Lord, from the springs of Israel. Save us, O Son of God, book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that Who art risen from the dead, who sing to Thee: Alleluia. believing you may have life in His Name.

APOLYTIKION FOR THOMAS SUNDAY IN TONE SEVEN HOLY BREAD While the tomb was sealed, Thou didst shine forth from it, O Life. While the doors were closed, Holy Bread is offered by Khouriyah Vergin for the health and welfare of all the Ladies of St. Thou didst come in to Thy Disciples, O Christ God, Resurrection of all, renewing in us through them George, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all members of the Khoury, Mardini, an upright spirit, according to the greatness of Thy mercy. Bismargi families, all Covid victims, their families and all St. George parishioners.

KONTAKION OF PASCHA IN TONE EIGHT In loving memory of all the departed Ladies of our Parish, Archpriest John Khoury, ZuZu, Danny, all deceased of the Khoury, Mardini, Bismargi families, all Covid victims and all departed mem- Though Thou didst descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of bers of St. George Parish. Hades, and didst arise as victor, O Christ God, calling to the myrrh-bearing women, Rejoice, and giving peace unto Thine Apostles, O Thou Who dost grant resurrection to the fallen. ELCOME to all our guests and visitors. We are delighted to have you visiting and wor- shipping with us this morning and hope that you return soon. We invite you to participate EPISTLE: W in the Divine Liturgy, but, sadly, due to the divisions in Christianity, only bap- Great is our Lord, and great is His power. tized/chrismated members of the Orthodox Church who have made their Confession Praise you the Lord, for the Lord is good. before an Orthodox priest and prepared themselves by fasting may receive Holy Communion. Please come forward after Liturgy to venerate the Cross and partake of the The Reading from the Acts of the Apostles. (5:12-20) Antidoron-Holy Bread. Please turn off your cell phones and all electronic devices. HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY ANNOUNCEMENTS To all of our mothers, grandmothers and God-mothers, we wish a very happy Mother’s Day! PRAY FOR THE SICK Please pray for Deb Korluka, Tatiana Cronk, Mikhail & Nikolai Lehnen, Mark Bchara, Judy Mock, ST GEORGE BOOKSTORE is online! Our bookstore offers an array of quality Ortho- Niko Newell, Jeffrey Brown, Ibrahim, George Droubie, Helen Katsampes, James Awada Sr., Low- dox Christian books, icons, jewelry, music, and gifts. Visit our store online and discover the rich- ell Colliander, Elizabeth Swanson, Ethen Leff, Elizabeth Henry, James and Emily, Corrie Fox, ness and beauty of our Orthodox faith. Go to https://bit.ly/2UHrUno and start shopping! Contact Lauretta Villareal, Genevieve Lehnen, Jim Etoll, Michael Etoll, Dwight Johnson, George & Ellie Deb Korluka at 612-889-5868 for pricing and to place your order. Arrangements will be made for Saba, Anna Windsor, Peter Hafiz, Fr. Duane, John and John Etoll, Wally, Maria, Allen, Nick, Jack- payment and pickup at St. George Church. Quantities are limited. Your support of our bookstore is greatly appreciated. son & Hunter Golden, Yasmin Kakish, Carol Haddad, Camille Goll, Kh. Vergin Khoury, Margaret Boalbey, Norm Holmes, Phyllis Hodge, Lamese McDowell, Edgard Siouffy, Berhane Haliemi- Wisdom from the : Before the Resurrection of Christ death was the second nature chael, Fr. Dan & Eileen Simon, Joseph Kammeyer, Marilyn Perry, Nancy Maker, Dawn Tillbury, of mankind, life being first. But by His Resurrection the Lord has changed everything: immortality Joshua & Richard Lang, Eva Etoll, Alan & Mary Poulsen, Natalie Mozey, Mervat & Abigail Lot- has become the second nature of mankind. St. Justin Popovich (+1979) falla, Samira Shehata. If you are ill or having surgery and wish to be remembered in the Liturgy and daily prayers SOYO BIBLE STUDY of the priest, please contact Fr. Mangels. Every Sunday night at 6:15, SOYO meets for bible study on Zoom. It is a time for fellowship, spiritual nourishment, and connection among the youth at St. George. Right now, we are making BULLETIN & NEWSLETTER ANNOUNCEMENT PROCEDURE our way through the Gospels, starting with Matthew. Anyone 8th Grade and up is welcome and ANY announcement in the weekly bulletin and Newsletter is subject to approval by Fr. Man- encouraged to join… We would love to have you with us! We start each meeting with a prayer, gels/and the Council. It is important to notify Brigitte by e-mail ([email protected]) or then read/discuss together, and close with prayer. Contact Joseph Karos at josephka- phone with all your bulletin information by NOON Wednesday of the week before you offer the [email protected] or 612-500-327 if you are interested! Holy Bread in order to print the bulletin in a timely manner. Think About It: If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical HOLY BREAD LIST explanation is that I was made for another world. C. S. Lewis May 16, Bumgarner Family 40 Day Memorial for Garrett Bumgarner May 23, Damian 40 Day Memorial for Charlotte Damian CHURCH SUPPORT DURING THIS TIME May 30, Starling Foster Memorial for Joe Etoll ank you so much for your continued support of your parish during this time! We are very much To schedule Holy Bread and/or memorial, contact Joan Alevizos (651-453-1894). It is aware of what a hardship this crisis is putting on people throughout the country. If you are able, completely proper to offer more than one memorial or Holy Bread on the same Sunday. Coffee please continue to financially support your Church during this time. hour, due to the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, has been suspended in the Parish Hall. e Parish Council has approved numerous ways to donate to St. George. 1. Venmo is a free secure app that can be downloaded and installed on a mobile phone. Donors THIS WEEK AT ST. GEORGE that install the Venmo app can directly transfer money from their bank account to St. George's

Saturday, May 15, Vespers at 5:00pm Old National Bank account with no fees incurred. However, if a credit card transaction is used Sunday, May 16, Matins & Divine Liturgy at 9:00am by the donor, the donor will incur a 3% fee. Venmo your donation to @stgeorgeaoc. e church is automatically emailed a notification of your donation. 2. From your online bank account, do an External Transfer directly to the church's Old National MANY THANKS! Bank account. Info you will need: Routing Number 086300012 Account Num- Christ is risen! ber 322042. Please send an email to [email protected] so that our Financial would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kind gifts, cards and good Secretary can properly record your donation. wishes at Holy Pascha! It is so kind of you to remember me and I so appreciate it. I want to 3. From your online bank account, schedule Bill Pay and a paper check will be written to the I thank also, my brother Clergy who served so faithfully with me during Holy Week and church. Pascha, to our Subdeacon Joseph, and all of our servers. A special thanks to Michael Begley, our 4. A paper check can be written and mailed to the church. Music Director and the chanters and choir for the magnificent music during these great day. All 5. When you come to Church, the collection tray will not be passed. Please leave your offering of you who cooked and cleaned and prepared for these great days as well as those of you who in the plate on the Candle Table before or after Services. donated to the flower and candle fund. PROFOUND THANKS TO ALL OF YOU! Right Reverend John A. Mangels FESTIVAL BAKE SALE Preparations are underway for our Festival Bakesale to be held in July. We had an extremely suc- CHURCH SCHOOL cessful Drive through Bakesale in October and we are now preparing for our July Bakesale which Thanks to everyone for your participation in and support of St. George Church School during this will take the place of the Festival this year. The success of these events is achieved through your unusual year. Just a reminder that our last day of classes is Sunday, May 16th. Please continue to help and hard work. The first baking event will be on Tuesday, May 11th at 9:30am. Pat Percy and keep the faith! Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

Doreen Skaff will chair the baking of the apricot fingers. Social distancing and masks will be in Older Camper Session July 7-10 Price this year is $310 per camper and camp registration is done place. We can use your help! on our Camp Website Enroll your child in Orthodox Camp where lifetime memories and friend- ships are made in a community of worship, witness, service, and fellowship centered on Jesus THE CHURCH FATHERS SPEAK: If an earthly king wrote you a personal letter, would you Christ! For more information, go to https://stmaryscamp.com/camp-2021-camp-is-back/ not read it with careful attention and great joy? The King of Heaven has sent a letter directly to you. But do you despise this priceless treasure? Whenever you read the Gospel, Christ Himself is FOCUS speaking to you. And while you read, you are praying and talking with Him. St. Tikhon of Zadonsk (+1783) • WEBSITE HELP Starting immediately, FOCUS Minnesota is requesting 2-3 hours per month from someone able to update, refresh, and maintain our Squarespace website. If THE SECOND OFFERING is for Patriarch John, X of Antioch. We read the letter from Met- you have the technical expertise to add photos, change copy, and the like, please contact ropolitan Joseph requesting our yearly support of the . We will be receiving this second Vera. offering throughout the month of May. Thank you for your kind offerings for His Beatitude the • WE'RE GETTING A NEW FLOOR! MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK! Patriarch, and his works of mercy. As previously announced, FOCUS is the recipient of a generous Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation grant that is funding a new HVAC system, technology needs, and new lower FOOD FOR HUNGRY PEOPLE level floors. To prepare for the flooring installation at the end of May, we need 6-8 Please bring your alms boxes or checks today or next Sunday for the FFHP drive 2021. Thanks to volunteers to empty out the lower level food shelf, kitchen and conference room. This will everyone who participated in this annual drive for the needy throughout the world. be a workout, as everything must be moved to other spaces in the lower level, main floor or second floor, either by stair or elevator. Moving dates are: Friday, May 21, 6-8pM ANTIOCHIAN WOMEN AND Saturday, May 22, 9am-12pm. If you're willing to skip the gym and work out with • PAN ORTHODOX TEA Here is the zoom link for the Twin Cities Pan Orthodox Tea on us, please contact Vera! Sunday, May 16, 5pm-6pm. Topic: Father Perry and Presbytera Cassie, from St. George Greek • SUMMER INTERN This summer, we would like to launch a laundry program similar Orthodox Church, will speak on their ministry and the joys and challenges of raising children to one we offered at our Lake Street location. We are looking for a volunteer summer intern with special needs. to design and develop this worthwhile ministry by reaching out to six local laundromats, • https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81225757159?pwd=VVNXdFprRlRNaGdPRHhselV2aG8xUT09 designing the program, writing copy, and so on. This person will be provided guidance and • JUNE Graduates We will be honoring the graduates in June. Please give the names of materials from the previous program as a starting point. Please let Vera know if you're your High School and College and whatever graduates to Beverly Zaine [email protected] interested! Start date is June 14, 2021. • MOTHER’S DAY SOCIAL May 22nd, Saturday, we will be gathering at Carmine's Thank you for all you do to help us serve those in need in our neighborhood. Please contact Vera Restaurant in BLOOMINGTON at 1:00 PM for our Mother's Day Social for a delicious meal or Judy if you have any questions. In Christ, Judy Purman, Administrative Coordinator 651-222- and wonderful fellowship. Address is 9805 Normandale Blvd. MN 55437. The cost is $14.00 0712 per person. Children under 8 years old are $6.00. Only room for 45 people. Pay for your meal the day of the event, either cash or write a check to "St. George Ladies". Any questions, please contact Katy Price, the Ladies Treasurer and Coordinator of this event, at 612-385-3747 and Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! not by email. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex located on the bulletin board. Hope to Al Maseeh Qam! Haqan Qam! see you in person! Your sister in Christ, Katy Price Kristos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! PASCHAL FLOWER & CANDLE FUND Many thanks to all who contributed to the flower and candle fund this year. John & Ramona Etoll, Kristi Unjhal! Vertet Unjhal! Mary Baker, Rosanne Athey, omas Wilson, Eva Etoll, Heat Nelson, Dani Delcheva-Woiwood, Kristos a Inviat! Adeverat a Inviat! e Youssef Haddad family, e Pentecost Family in commemoration of Ruth, Harvey, Gilbert, Paul, Jeannette, Dorothy, Clarence, John Alice and Steve. And e Sassine Family in memory of Kristos Voskresey! Voyistino Voskresey Fouad.

THE CHURCH FATHERS SPEAK: Judas the betrayer was fainthearted and unskilled in battle; And thus the enemy, seeing his despair, attacked him and persuaded him to hang himself. But Peter, a firm rock, when he fell into great sin, like one skilled in battle did not despair nor lose heart, but shed bitter tears from a burning heart. And the enemy, seeing these tears, his eyes were scorched as by fire, then fled from him wailing in pain. St. Seraphim of Sarov (+1833)

CHURCH CAMP 2021 St. Mary's Orthodox Camp is Back! Registration open from Tuesday, May 4 - Tuesday, May 25 at https://stmaryscamp.com/camp-2021-camp-is-back/ Location is Camp Courage in Maple Lake, MN Camp Week is July 3- 10 Session 1: Younger Camper Session July 3-6 Session 2:

The Sunday of Saint Thomas

Every day during the week of Easter, called Bright Week by the Church, the paschal services are celebrated in all their splendor. The Easter baptismal procession is repeated daily. The royal gates of the sanctuary remain open. The joy of the Resurrection and the gift of the Kingdom of eternal life continue to abound. Then, at the end of the week, on Saturday evening, the second Sunday after Easter is celebrated in remembrance of the appearance of Christ to the Apostle Thomas “after eight days” (Jn 20.26).

It is important to note that the number eight has symbolical significance in both Jewish and Christian spiritual tradition. It signifies more than completion and fullness; it signifies the Kingdom of God and the life of the world to come since seven is the number of earthly time. The sabbath, the seventh day, is the blessed day of rest in this world, the final day of the week. The “first day of the week,” the day “after Sabbath”; stressed in all of the gospels as the day of Christ’s Resurrection (Mk 16.1, Mt 28.1, Lk 24.1, Jn 20.1, 19), is therefore also “the eighth day,” the day beyond the confines of this world, the day which stands for the life of the world to come, the day of the eternal rest of the Kingdom of God (see Heb 4).

The Sunday after Easter, called the Second Sunday, is thus the eighth day of the paschal celebration, the last day of Bright Week. It is therefore called the Antipascha, and it was only on this day in the early church that the newly-baptized Christians removed their robes and entered once again into the life of this world.

In the Church services the stress is on the Apostle Thomas’ vision of Christ and the signif- icance of the day comes to us in the words of the gospel:

Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet be- lieve” (Jn 20.27–29).

We have not seen Christ with our physical eyes nor touched His risen body with our phys- ical hands, yet in the Holy Spirit we have seen and touched and tasted the Word of Life (1 Jn 1.1– 4), and so we believe.

At each of the daily services until Ascension Day we sing the Easter Troparion. At each of the Sunday services beginning with Antipascha, we sing the Easter canon and hymns, and repeat the celebration of the “first day of the week” on which Christ rose from the dead. At all of the liturgies the epistle readings are taken from the Book of Acts telling us of the first Christians who lived in communion with the Risen Lord. All of the gospel readings are taken from the Gospel of Saint John, considered by many to be a gospel written particularly for those who are newly-baptized into the new life of the Kingdom of God through death and new birth in Christ, in the name of the Holy Trinity. The reason for this opinion is that all of the “signs”—as the miracles in Saint John’s Gospel are called—deal with sacramental themes involving water: wine and bread. Thus, each of the Sundays after Thomas Sunday with the exception of the third, is dedicated to the memory of Sunday, May 9, 2021 one of these “signs.” New Sunday or Anti-Pascha Sunday of Thomas the Apostle, called “The Twin”