THE PARISH COUNCIL This is the governing body of the parish. It is made up of twelve practicing Orthodox Christians residing within the parish boundaries, who are sacramentally in good standing with the Church. They serve two-year terms and six are elected annually by the congregation for the purpose of working together with the priest in fulfilling the goals and needs of our parish. ALTAR BOYS Boys ten years of age through high school are encouraged to serve during divine services in the Holy Altar. Boys wishing to serve in this capacity may apply through their Church School teacher. ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION These are offered through Bible study Groups or Family Nights or in the form of specially scheduled lectures or retreats. The existence or formation of any of these activities are publicized in the monthly newsletter or in the weekly Sunday Bulletins which are distributed in Church. ATHENA PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY The history of the Athena Philoptochos Society is a long and honorable one, which is impossible to condense into a few paragraphs. The complete story remains to be written. What follows is merely a synopsis of the history of a society that has served St. George and the community at large with distinction since 1926. In October of 1926, the bylaws of the Athena Society of St. George were established. With the advice and encouragement of Fr. Michael Mandillas, the first parish priest of St. George, the guidelines of the newly formed organization were established; and its goals were clearly defined as both charitable and religious in nature. The name Athena, the Greek Goddess of wisdom, was chosen by a consensus of the women in the parish as an appropriate one for a society dedicated to the wise collection, management, and disbursement of funds for the benefit of the needy and the church. The first official meeting of the Athena Society was held on November 21, 1927. In 1939, the then Archbishop Athenogoras sent the parish a copy of the bylaws of the National Philoptochos, which had been established in 1931. On June 23, 1939, he came to Fresno to organize a Philoptochos chapter and was delighted to find a church affiliated philanthropic organization already in existence. A contingent of women met with the Archbishop and requested that the name Athena Society be retained in the chapter’s title. He readily agreed, and the Athena Society became the Athena Philoptochos Society of St. George. Today, the Athena Philoptochos continues to help the poor and to support the church. The society has played an ever-expanding role in the life of the community, and it has been recognized on both a national and diocesan level as one of the leading and most progressive Philoptochos chapters in the area. Every woman in the parish 18 years of age and older should regard membership in the Philoptochos as both a duty and a privilege; for in becoming a "friend of the poor", she also becomes a friend of Christ. Above all, it is He who inspires and guides the charitable work of the society with these beautiful words, "For inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." CHURCH SCHOOL The St. George Church School offers a program of Orthodox Christianity to our parish children. The staff is responsible for presenting materials that have been prepared primarily by the Religious Education Department of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. The Church School meets every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM, September through mid-June, in the Education Building which is located on the North side of the Church complex. A library of religious books and audio-visual materials is also housed in the Education Building. The first Sunday of every month is designated as Family Sunday. The Church School students attend the entire Liturgy and are encouraged to participate in Holy Communion with their siblings, parents, grandparents and god parents. Once a month, each child’s name day is celebrated in Church with a nameday gift and ribbon. We urge all parish children to attend Church School. Parents may enroll their children on any Sunday morning that Church School is in session. CHOIR In 1937, a group of young men and women joined together to form our first choir. Several of the original twenty-one members are still active today. All the members of the St. George choir feel very honored and blessed that God has given them the voices to praise him. With the Grace of God, the choir will always be a major part of our beautiful and inspiring Liturgy. Those interested in joining the choir should contact our choir director at any time during the year. GREEK SCHOOL Greek language in written and oral form is taught. Currently, children of Hellenic parentage are participating, however, adults or children of non-Greek speaking parents may be enrolled. A nominal fee is charged. Emphasis is given to teaching the language. We hope to include the teaching of History and Geography in the future. GOLDEN AGE GEMS The St. George Golden Age Gems consists of members of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church who are 55 years of age or older. The purpose is fellowship and social. They meet once a month and plan many socials, including Christmas parties, barbecues and members birthday celebrations. Many trips, both one-day and longer, are planned throughout the year. All senior members of St. George are welcome to join this group. FOLK DANCING Organized Greek folk dancing in Fresno, begun in the early 70’s, was originally intended for entertainment, but quickly developed into a vehicle for cultural education and social development. Today, many parish children and young adults take part in perpetuating the culture for future generations by wearing authentic Greek costumes, dancing to taped and live music, and singing the old Greek songs. The dance groups also participate in the annual Folk Dance Festival and have won many awards and honors. For information as to practice days and particulars, please contact the Church Office. YOUTH GROUP - GOYA The St. George Youth Group is an organization that includes three groups of young people: -Beginners group ages 7 to 9, -Junior High ages 10 to 13, -Senior High ages 14 to 18. The purpose is to bring the young people of our parish together to learn about their faith and to give them an opportunity to put their faith into practice through retreats and philanthropic fundraising. It also affords our youth the opportunity to join together in fellowship through participating in such activities as bowling, soccer, camping, ice skating, roller skating, dances and movies. Young people of our parish are encouraged to join. ATHLETICS - BASKETBALL LEAGUE Our youth and young adults are involved in a local basketball league. Games are played on Sundays during late Winter and Spring. Athletic tournaments are also planned periodically during the year.