The Reading is from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; Saint George for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. The Reading is from Gospel According to Saint Luke. Greek Orthodox

At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Church Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the king- dom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." 40 DAY OF LITURGY: We will once again this year will be doing a 40 day’s of liturgy for the Christmas fast season. This year we will be doing it in conjunction with Assumption parish in East Moline. We will be splitting the liturgies between the two parishes. Below is a list of this week’s liturgies and where they will be taking place. If you would like your names read please complete the form that was included in the Monthly Trophybearer.

Monday, November 25th St. Katherine the Great Assumption, East Moline. Fr. Christodoulos Margellos Orthros: 8:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Priest Tuesday, November 26th St. George, Rock Island Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27th Assumption, East Moline Divine Liturgy: 9:00 2930 31st Avenue a.m. Thursday, November 28th (Thanksgiving) St. George, Rock Island Divine Rock Island, IL 61201 Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. Friday, November 29th St. George, Rock Island Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. (309)-786-8163 Saturday, November 30th St. Andrew the First Called Saint George, Rock Island, Orthros: 8:00 a.m Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m. www.stgeorgeri.il.goarch.org Sunday, November 24th, 2013 FROM GOD’S WORD: Christ came not to be served but to serve. He is the 13th Sunday of Luke good Shepherd Who willingly laid down His life for His friends. Christ was a Saint Clement, Pope of Rome GIVER and He DESIRES that His FOLLOWERS ALSO BE GIVERS. Chris- , Archbishop of tians are not only to refrain from doing evil but also seek eagerly to do good when- ever possible and insofar as it is in their hands. strive to imitate God’s READINGS: Epistle: Galatians 6: 11-18 perfect love. In the words of the Sermon on the Mount: “You must be perfect – Gospel: Luke 18: 18-27 just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 4:49). THE NICENE CREED & LORD’S PRAYER: Cards are located in the backs of It is in this spiritual perspective that Jesus challenges the rich young man in the pews. Everyone is encouraged to recite them out loud. today’s Gospel to follow, just as Jesus Himself did, the highest example of self- COMMUNION PRAYERS: Everyone who is planning to receive Holy Com- giving by devoting himself completely to God’s work, leading a celibate life and munion is encouraged to read the prayers before Holy Communion on page 29 in practicing poverty for the sake of the Kingdom. Jesus did not usually ask people the service books. to sell their material possessions but only to share them with those in need. But this man, who was probably unmarried and initially showed a desire for the high- COUNCIL DUTY: Harry S. Coin, Mike Patramanis, Vickie Pyevich, Tom est perfection, suddenly turned away from Christ for it seemed that Jesus’ chal- Bakeris. lenge was impossible. Do we not also want to turn away when we realize how demanding Christ’s TODAY’S FELLOWSHIP HOUR: Will be hosted by Marsha Allen & Rachel teachings are? Do we not silently think to ourselves: “Who then can be Dooley. saved?” (Luke 18:26). TRISAGION We may not be called by Christ to a life of celibacy or poverty but all of us are Bill “Vassilios” Yokas Stephanie “Stavroula” Yokas called to a life if Christian perfection. Christian life involves a creative tension George Yokas Dorothy Yokas between what we now are and what we can be tomorrow. The road to Christian Anastasios Yokas Mary Yokas perfection is endless. What seems impossible to us is possible by the grace of Nickolas Chirekos Steve Coin God. Christians can follow the road to a more perfect obedience when they May Their Memory be Eternal prayerfully seek a DEEPER COMMUNION WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CONTINUE TO GROW IN THEIR LOVE FOR JESUS CHRIST. ROCK ISLAND THANKSGIVING ECUMENICAL SERVICE: Will be held Tuesday, November 26th here at St. George beginning at 7:00 p.m. Our choir will SAINT OF THE DAY: Saint Peter Archbishop of Alexandria: Saint Peter be performing and Fr. Christodoulos will be participating. We will also be taking illustriously occupied the throne of Alexandria for twelve years, and, as a collection for local food pantry’s so please if you can bring a non-perishable food says, "was a divine example of a on account of the excellence of his life item. We will also be taking a monetary collection for local food banks. Please and his study of the sacred Scriptures" (see Eusebius, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 3 2; join us in giving thanks to God for all the blessing bestowed upon us. Book VIII 11, 13; and Book IX, 6). He excommunicated Arius for his sympathy with the Meletian schism. When Arius learned that Saint Peter had been impris- PARISH COUNCIL NOMINATIONS: The parish council plays an instrumen- oned, he sent many priests and deacons to him, asking that he receive him back tal part with the life of the church. It is in conjunction with the priest and the par- into the communion of the Church before his martyrdom. When the ambassadors ish council that the church moves forward. This postion of laity leadership is no of Arius, who had not, like Saint Peter, perceived the ruin he would engender, small undertaking, and if you are interested you must be willing to devote the time were astonished at the vehemence with which Saint Peter refused to receive Arius needed to do a proper . If you would like to join the parish council for this up- again, he revealed to them a dread vision he had seen, in which the Master Christ coming election . Please submit your name to Fr. Christodoulos by Tuesday, De- had appeared to him as a child wearing a garment torn from head to foot. When cember 3rd. You must be a member in Good standing with the church and must Saint Peter asked the Lord who rent His garment, the Lord answered that it was have turned in your 2014 stewardship pledge card before the election as well. Arius, and that he must not be received back into communion. The holy hieromar- SACRAMENT OF HOLY CONFESSION: As we begin the Nativity Fast tyr Peter was beheaded during the reign of Maximinus in the year 312; he is (Advent), we should all prepare for the Birth of our Savior by partaking of the called the "Seal of the Martyrs," because he was the last Bishop of Alexandria to Sacrament of Holy Confession. It is through confession that we can re-establish suffer martyrdom under the pagan Emperors. His successors to the throne of Al- our connection with God. Make an appointment with your Spiritual Father. For exandria, Alexander and Athanasius the Great, brought to final victory the more details, see Fr. Christodoulos. battle against Arius' heresy which Saint Peter had begun.