WEEKDAY CALENDAR

Tuesday, January 13th — 10 a.m. Bible Study

Thursday, January 15th, 6:30 p.m. — Orthodox Christian Catechism
(online) [Email Fr. Ted at tpantels@stgeorgepd.org to receive a Zoom link.]

Saturday, January 17th — ST. ANTHONY THE GREAT............Orthros followed by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy - 8:30 a.m. &
VESPER SERVICE followed by Catechumen Lesson - 5:00p.m.

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STEWARDSHIP
As the year draws to a close, now is the time to complete your 2025 Stewardship pledges. Please do all you can to fulfill your commitment so that we may begin 2026 with a clean slate. Thank you for your generous contributions throughout 2025.
For questions, please see Debbie Pousen after services.
There are two ways to submit your stewardship:
-Mail or bring your check (address on the first page of The Ladder). Please write “Stewardship” on the check for proper recording.
-Pay online using our secure system: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZN30/campaign/C-151YF

VASILOPITA
Today, following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, everyone is invited to our parish
hall to join in the annual Vasilopita celebration. Many thanks to Tina Veroulis and her
committee of Philoptochos members who prepared the Vasilopita again this year.
Bake Sale
50% of the proceeds will continue to support the administries of St. Basi lincluding the
children currently being served & others residing. The remaining 50% will be used to
support youth social services & other youth programs throughout the Archdiocese of
America.

HOUSE BLESSINGS
Throughout this month, Fr. T ed will be most happy to visit those who request the priest
to bless their homes with Holy Water. Make an appointment with Father T ed at
(760) 880-5869.

PHILOPTOCHOS

Come join us at our next general meeting this January 12th. We will be having a guest

speaker - Kimberly Lee founder and primary attorney at Desert Law Group in Indian

Wells. She has dedicated her career to guiding individuals and families through the

complexities of estate planning, trust, and probate administration and wealth

preservation. A lunch will be served at 11:30. RSVP with Irene Stambolos at 818-517-

3169, istambolos@gail.com, or istambolos@stgeorgepd.org

Upcoming events:
-January 12, 2026: General Meeting
-January 24, 2026: Game Day
(Mexican Train Dominos-2:00 p.m., church hall)

ST. GEORGE FESTIVAL
Save the dates! Our Greek Festival will be held February 21–22, 2026. This joyful event is
produced by all of us—the stewards of St. George. Let us come together in faith and love to
make it a success.

To volunteer, please see Fr. Euthym Kontaxis after Sunday services and sign up in the
parish hall. Be sure to check the updated “Feed the Festival/Nourish the Faith” chart
posted in the hall, along with the printed Festival Baking Schedule, which is also posted
in our parish hall. Donations of time, talent, and treasure are always welcome and deeply
appreciated.'

2026 Festival Preparations
As we enter the first full week of January 2026, plan to join in our festival preparation
efforts with the spirit of fellowship and love for God. See the enclosed “Volunteer for
the 2026 Festival” form.
As we begin the New Year, 2026 Festival preparations will be in full swing, beginning
on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Help is needed to organize initial preparation
materials at 8:00 a.m. on January 7 th th
. However, since January 7 is the Feast Day of St.
John the Baptist (with Orthros beginning at 8:30 a.m. followed by the celebration of the
Divine Liturgy) every attempt will be made to arrange the day’s work around the
morning Church Services.
Everyone is invited to join in the Festival efforts following the celebration of the Divine
th
Liturgy on January 7 .

St. George Golf Tournament

Volunteers Needed: Annual Parish Golf Tournament & Taverna Dinner
This is an important request to find a committed group to work together
for this important church fundraiser.
Our parish is at a crossroads as we look ahead to this year’s Annual Golf
Tournament and Taverna-style Dinner. This event has long been a valued
tradition and a vital fundraiser for our church—but it can only happen if we
form a dedicated group of volunteers to help plan and carry it out. You don’t
need to be a golfer or know anything about golf. There’s a variety of things to
accomplish.
The Parish Council must soon decide whether we will host the tournament
this year. With a committed volunteer committee, it is likely that we can
continue the tournament and the Taverna dinner again this year.
Other than an initial organizational meeting, most of the work will take place
after the Festival, making this a manageable commitment for many.
This event is more than a day on the course—it is an important fundraiser that
supports the life and ministries of our church. Your time, talent, and
willingness to help can make the difference between continuing this tradition
or seeing it come to an end in 2026.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please e-
mail Jim Christopoulos at goofy_
328@yahoo.com or Nick Speliopoulos at
nspelio@me.com. Let us come together to ensure the success of this
meaningful parish event.

Did You Know?  

Question: What is Vasilopita?
Vasilopita, meaning "Basil's pie,
" is a traditional cake or bread served on New Year's Day in
Greece. It is typically baked with a hidden coin (which, in Greek is called “flourie” φλουρί) inside,
which is believed to bring good luck to the person who finds it. The tradition is linked to the feast
day of Saint Basil, celebrated on January 1st, and is a way to honor his legacy of generosity and
kindness. The origins of vasilopita can be traced back to the story of St. Basil of Caesarea, since
he would conceal coins in bread to return valuables to his followers during a time of crisis. This
act of kindness evolved into the moder custom of baking vasilopita, where the hidden coin
symbolizes fortune and blessings for the coming year.

The January 2026 Ladder is sponsored by Nicholas and Carol Speliopoulos