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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2014-12-14
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Bulletin Inserts
Sunday Solemn Vesper Services
Hymns of the Day
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America News
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Message from Archbishop Demetrios
Parish News and Events
Forefathers
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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (773) 626-3114
  • Fax:
  • (773) 626-3141
  • Street Address:

  • 601 South Central Avenue

  • Chicago, IL 60644-5089

Contact Information

Proistamenos Very Rev. Timothy Bakakos

frtimothy@assumptionchicago.org | 773-626-3114

Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Dimitrios Burikas


frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org | 773-626-3114

Services Schedule

Worship Hours:

Sunday

8:30 am - Orthros

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday Summer Hours
8:00 am - Orthros

9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday Church School 

 9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Weekday Services

8:30 am - Orthros

9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11

BRETHREN, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away; anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel Reading

11th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"

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Bulletin Inserts

    Survey on Science & Technology

    Survey on Science & Technology

    In an effort to better serve our Archdiocese, the Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science & Technology (AACST) has developed a simple survey to learn about the particular interests and concerns of our people. The survey will take you less than 3 minutes to complete and your identity is completely protected.

    Hellenic College Holy Cross Open House - October 11, 2014

    Hellenic College Holy Cross Open House - October 11, 2014

    Join the HCHC Community on Saturday, October 11, 2014 for an Open House from 10 AM - 4 PM. Meet professors and sit in on mini-classes; discover our dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs; tour our stunning campus overlooking the Boston skyline; find out about applying and paying for a college education; celebrate your faith; connect with other Orthodox Christian youth; hear beautiful Byzantine chant by seminarians; and more! Register Online at http://hchcopenhouse.eventbrite.com 

    St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - B&W

    St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - B&W

    A Ground Blessing for the new St. Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center will be held on October 18, 2014, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will preside at this historic event. Share the information with your parish!

    St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - Color

    St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - Color

    A Ground Blessing for the new St. Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center will be held on October 18, 2014, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will preside at this historic event. Share the information with your parish!

    CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now!

    CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now!

    CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now! Calling all high school juniors & seniors who may be interested in applying to this 10-day summer program at Hellenic College Holy Cross! For more information, visit our website: http://www.crossroadinstitute.org/

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for 11th Sun. of Luke in the Second Mode

By faith didst Thou justify the Forefathers, when through them Thou didst betroth Thyself aforetime to the Church from among the nations. The Saints boast in glory that from their seed there is a glorious fruit, even she that bare Thee seedlessly. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Apolytikion of Martyrs Thyrsus & companions in the Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion of Martyrs Thyrsus & companions in the Fourth Tone

As we gather on this day, let us all honour with divine and sacred songs the luminaries of the Church as we extol them with hymns of praise as trophy-bearers and Martyrs of Christ our God.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was before all the ages. Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God.

Apolytikion of Great Martyr Catherine in the Plagal of the First Tone

Let us praise the most auspicious bride of Christ, the divine Catherine, protectress of Sinai, our aid and our help. For, she brilliantly silenced the eloquence of the impious by the sword of the spirit, and now, crowned as a martyr, she asks great mercy for all.

Kontakion of Great Martyr Catherine in the Second Tone

O friends of martyrs, now divinely raise up a renewed chorus, praising the all-wise Catherine. For, she proclaimed Christ in the arena, trampled on the serpent, and spat upon the knowledge of the orators.
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America News

The 42nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress Convenes in Philadelphia July 6-10

06/20/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/pre-clcongress-rel-06202014
The 42nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will convene in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 6- 10, 2014, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel and it will focus on the theme of this Congress “The Orthodox Christian Family: A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness of His Gospel.”

New Survey to Assess Resources of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

06/12/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/youthsurvey-06-12-2014
The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y2AM), of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, designed an online survey to assess its existing resources and channels of communication with young people with the goal of creating more effective means of ministering to youth and young adults.

Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek Scheduled for June 23

06/12/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/greeklanguageexam-06-12-2014
The 2014 Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek will be administered on Monday, June 23, from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., according to an announcement from the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Joins Pope Francis at a Vatican Invocation for Peace

06/09/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/VaticanInvocationforPeace
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Joins Pope Francis at a Vatican Invocation for Peace

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for October 10-28, 2014

10/10/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/archbishopsschedule101012014-en

Rebuilding of Saint Nicholas at WTC to Commence with Ground Blessing Oct. 18

10/10/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/st%20nicholas%20groundblessing-10102014
A Ground Blessing ceremony for the Saint Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center is set for Saturday October 18, 2014 at 12:00 noon. The ceremony will include a combined prayer service of blessing of the site (agiasmos), and a doxology (a service of thanksgiving). Contact: Press Office/Stavros Papagermanos (212) 570-3530

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for National Leadership 100 Sunday - October 26, 2014

10/09/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclialleadership1002014
On this Sunday, October 26, the Feast of Saint Demetrios and following the Feast of Saint Iakovos on October 23, we give thanks to God for the steadfast and abounding labor of the members of Leadership 100 and celebrate the great accomplishments of the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, as its celebration of its 30th Anniversary comes to a close.

Archbishop Demetrios to Make Official Visit to Cyprus

10/06/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/cyprusvisit-10062014
On the invitation of the President of the Republic of Cyprus Mr. Nikos Anastasiades and with the unanimous agreement of the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will embark on an official visit to Cyprus, October 20-27, 2014.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Join Pope Francis for Vatican Prayer Summit

06/06/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/vaticanprayersummit2014
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of over 300 million Orthodox Christian faithful worldwide, will join Pope Francis at the Vatican for a prayer summit on the evening of June 8, 2014 in an intensive spiritually-focused initiative for Middle East peace process. Together with the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will participate in an interfaith prayer service of Muslims, Jews and Christians for peace in the region.

Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Urges Church To Lift Ban on Ordination of Married Priests in Eastern Catholic Churches in North America

06/06/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/orthodox-catholic-consultation-married-priests
The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation voted in early June to encourage the "lifting of the restrictions regarding the ordination of married men to the priesthood in the Eastern Catholic Churches of North America."

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for June 3-15, 2014

06/03/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/adschedule-06-03-2014

Saint Basil Academy to Celebrate 70th Anniversary

06/03/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/stbasil70thanniv-06032014
Saint Basil Academy will celebrate its 70th Anniversary, June 21, 2014, in its magnificent campus by the Hudson River, in Garrison, NY.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for May 20-June 6, 2014

05/21/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/ScheduleofArchbishopDemetrios

EWTN Network to Broadcast Live Ecumenical Celebration of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis in Jerusalem

05/20/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/goa_news.2014-05-20.7388304289
On Sunday, May 25, 2014, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis will meet at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to commemorate a meeting in the Holy Land fifty years ago by their revered predecessors, Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI.

Ecumenical Patriarchate Announces Official Delegation for Meeting with Pope Francis in Jerusalem May 25, 2014

05/16/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/patriarchaldelegation-05162014
The Ecumenical Patriarchate today released a list of persons accompanying Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of over 300 million Orthodox faithful worldwide, on his pilgrimage to meet Pope Francis in Jerusalem. The trip commemorates the 1964 meeting of their predecessors; Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I.

Archbishop Demetrios, Catholic Archbishop Kurtz Celebrate Growing Closeness Between Orthodox and Catholics Ahead of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis Meeting in Jerusalem

05/15/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/jerusalem-join-statement
Fifty years ago, in January 1964, two great Christian leaders met in Jerusalem. Pope Paul VI of Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople swept aside centuries of hostility and embraced one another in the city where Christ was crucified and rose from the dead.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for AHEPA Sunday - May 18, 2014

05/15/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/sundayahepaencyclical05182014-en
In this blessed Paschal season filled with the light and joy of our Lord’s Holy Resurrection, we observe a special day among our parishes and our Greek American community, AHEPA Sunday. On this day we recognize the history, accomplishments, and ongoing service of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and the members of the AHEPA family.

The Meeting of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis in the City of Jerusalem

05/10/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/apostolicpilgrimage
On Sunday, May 25, 2014, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis will meet at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to commemorate a meeting in the Holy Land fifty years ago by their revered predecessors, Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI.

Archimandrite Cleopas Strongylis Elected Metropolitan of Sweden

05/05/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/cleopasstrongylis-05052014
The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople elected unanimously today the Very Reverend Archimandrite Cleopas Strongylis Metropolitan of Sweden and All Scandinavia. His Grace Metropolitan elect Cleopas Strongylis has been serving as the Dean of the Annunciation Cathedral in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

This parable ... proclaims beforehand both the casting out of the Jews, and the calling of the Gentiles; and it indicates together with this also the strictness of the life required, and how great the punishment appointed for the careless ....
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

And when were they bidden? By all the prophets; by John again; for unto Christ he would pass all on, saying, "He must increase, I must decrease;" by the Son Himself again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you;" and again, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

But not by words only, but also by actions did He bid them, after His ascension by Peter, and those with him. "For He that wrought effectually in Peter," it is said, "to the apostleship of the circumcision, was mighty also in me towards the Gentiles." ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

And yet the calling was of grace; wherefore then doth He take a strict account? Because although to be called and to be cleansed was of grace, yet, when called and clothed in clean garments, to continue keeping them so, this is of the diligence of them that are called.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

What was the nature of the invitation? God the Father has prepared in Christ for the inhabitants of earth those gifts which are bestowed upon the world through Him, even the forgiveness of sins, the cleansing away of all defilement, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the glorious adoption of sons, and the kingdom of the heavens.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Translation courtesy of "The Orthodox New Testament" Volume 1, 4th Century

Come, O faithful, Let us enjoy the Master's hospitality, The banquet of immortality. In the upper chamber with uplifted minds Let us receive the exalted words of the Word Whom we magnify.
Last Ode of the Compline Canon

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Saints and Feasts

Forefathers
December 14

11th Sunday of Luke

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eleventh of this month, we commemorate Christ's forefathers according to the flesh, both those that came before the Law, and those that lived after the giving of the Law.

Special commemoration is made of the Patriarch Abraham, to whom the promise was first given, when God said to him, "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22:18). This promise was given some two thousand years before Christ, when Abraham was seventy-five years of age. God called him and commanded him to forsake his country, parents, and kinsmen, and to depart to the land of the Canaanites. When he arrived there, God told him, "I will give this land to thy seed" (Gen. 12:7); for this cause, that land was called the "Promised Land," which later became the country of the Hebrew people, and which is also called Palestine by the historians. There, after the passage of twenty-four years, Abraham received God's law concerning circumcision. In the one hundredth year of his life, when Sarah was in her ninetieth year, they became the parents of Isaac. Having lived 175 years altogether, he reposed in peace, a venerable elder full of days.

Allsaint
December 14

The Holy Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius, and Callinicus of Asia Minor, and Philemon, Apollonius, and Arian of Alexandria

Of these, the Martyrs who were from Asia Minor contested for piety's sake during the reign of Decius, in 250. Saint Leucius, seeing the slaughter of the Christians, reproached the Governor Cumbricius, for which he was hung up, harrowed mercilessly on his sides, then beheaded. For boldly professing himself a Christian and rebuking the Governor for worshipping stocks and stones as gods, Saint Thyrsus, after many horrible tortures, was sentenced to be sawn asunder, but the saw would not cut, and became so heavy in the executioners' hands that they could not move it; Saint Thyrsus then gave up his spirit, at Apollonia in the Hellespont. Saint Callinicus a priest of the idols, was converted through the martyrdom and miracles of Saint Thyrsus, and was beheaded.

During the reign of Diocletian (284-305), the Governor of Antinoe in the Thebaid of Upper Egypt was Arian, a fierce persecutor who had sent many Christians to a violent death, among them Saints Timothy and Maura (see May 3) and Saint Sabine (Mar. 16). When he had imprisoned Christians for their confession of faith, one of them, named Apollonius, a reader of the Church, lost his courage at the sight of the instruments of torture, and thought how he might escape torments without denying Christ. He gave money to Philemon a flute-player and a pagan, that he might put on Apollonius' clothes and offer sacrifice before Arian, so that all would think Apollonius to have done the Governor's will, and he might be released. Philemon agreed to this, but when the time came to offer sacrifice, enlightened by divine grace, he declared himself a Christian instead. He and Apollonius, who also confessed Christ when the fraud was exposed, were both beheaded. Before beheading them, Arian had commanded that they be shot with arrows, but while they remained unharmed, Arian himself was wounded by one of the arrows; Saint Philemon foretold that after his martyrdom, Arian would be healed at his tomb. When this came to pass, Arian, the persecutor who had slain so many servants of Christ, himself believed in Christ and was baptized with four of his bodyguards. Diocletian heard of this and had Arian and his body-guards brought to him. For their confession of Christ, they were cast into the sea, and received the crown of life everlasting.

Elefther
December 15

The Holy Hieromartyr Eleutherius, Bishop of Illyricum

This Saint had Rome as his homeland. Having been orphaned of his father from childhood, he was taken by his mother Anthia to Anicetus, the Bishop of Rome (some call him Anencletus, or Anacletus), by whom he was instructed in the sacred letters (that is, the divine Scriptures). Though still very young in years, he was made Bishop of Illyricum by reason of his surpassing virtue, and by his teachings he converted many unbelievers to Christ. However, during a most harsh persecution that was raised against the Christians under Hadrian (reigned 117-138), the Saint was arrested by the tyrants. Enduring many torments for Christ, he was finally put to death by two soldiers about the year 126. As for his Christ-loving mother Anthia, while embracing the remains of her son and kissing them with maternal affection, she was also beheaded.

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Message from Archbishop Demetrios

Encyclical of the Holy Eparchial Synod on the Rebuilding of Saint Nicholas

04/29/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/synodencyclical-stnicholas-04282014
We, the Hierarchs who constitute the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, greet all the Parishes around our great Nation with love and joy, and with significant good news.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy Pascha 2014

04/19/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/paschaencyclical2014
On this beautiful and glorious Feast of Feasts, our hearts and minds are filled with brilliant light and abundant joy in the presence of the Risen Christ. He is in our midst now and forever, in all His holiness and glory, having offered Himself as a pure sacrifice for our sins. He is before us and within us as the Victor over corruption and death, offering true and abundant life through His grace. Our Lord embraces us on this day of exaltation and praise as our Redeemer, guiding us in the way of salvation and sanctifying us for eternal life.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Greek Independence Day Parade - March 30, 2014

03/21/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/paradeencyclical2014
In the joy and fellowship of our shared heritage and faith, I invite you to participate in our annual Greek Independence Day Parade. This year’s parade will be held on Sunday, March 30 on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, and through a strong and vibrant presence of our Omogeneia, we have a tremendous opportunity to affirm publicly an enduring witness of truth and freedom.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day 2014

03/21/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalannunciation2014
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, the crown of our salvation and ultimate human restoration, and the revelation of the mystery that is from all eternity. We worship in adoration and thanksgiving the Son of God who became the Son of the Virgin. We join with the Archangel Gabriel and the heavenly hosts in honoring the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. In the midst of this solemn and holy Lenten season, we exult in this manifestation of the grace of God for our liberation from evil and guilt.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Beginning of Great Lent 2014

02/27/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicallent2014
On this journey we are led by the prayers and services of the Church to reflect on our struggles and our spiritual challenges. We are called into the holiness of worship and the presence of God, so that we might see our weaknesses and the aspects of our lives that are contrary to His divine and saving will. However, Lent is not a time of despair, hopelessness and defeat. It is a season of grace.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of St. Photios and St. Photios National Shrine Day

02/03/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/stphotiosencyclical2014
Events, as the above, are also witnesses of the strength of faith in our lives as Greek Orthodox Christians and in our Greek American community. We have and continue to see how our faith brings us together in mutual support and commitment to the mission of the Church and the sharing of the Gospel. Many who are members of our Hellenic organizations are also members of our parishes and contribute their time and resources regularly to ministry at all levels of the Church in America. In addition, they lead and serve both in the parish and the Greek American community in promoting the cherished relationship of our heritage and our faith.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters Day - January 30, 2014

01/24/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/threehierarchs2014
The teaching and witness of the Three Hierarchs presents to us an authentic synergy between person and community. Each of us is called individually through the Gospel to meet the Risen Christ, to believe in Him and receive the forgiveness and grace of God. We are offered the opportunity to be renewed through communion with Him, to live daily according to His will, to strive toward our created potential as human beings, and to receive the gift of eternal life. We are also called to live, worship, and serve in community. We gather together to worship the One who gives us life and purpose. Through our worship, the Holy Sacraments, and through the preaching and teaching ministries of the Church we receive strength and guidance in the life of faith. As the family of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, we join together in service to one another and to any in need.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of Saint Basil and the New Year

12/27/2013

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalnewyear2014
Thus, at the beginning of this new year and the beginning of each and every day, our hope must rest securely in Christ. We might anticipate what may come in the months ahead, but our anticipation should come from a foundation of hope in the will and power of God. This is a hope that cannot be quenched or extinguished. It is a hope that can withstand any struggle or challenge that may come. It is a hope that can carry our souls to great spiritual heights when the wondrous and marvelous work of God is revealed.

Encyclical of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for Christmas 2013

12/16/2013

http://www.goarch.org/news/patriarxikiapodixeisxristougennon2013-en
The sweetness of the Holy Night of Christmas once again embraces the world. And in the midst of human trial and pain, of unending crises, of passion and enmity, of concern and despair, it presents the mystery of the Incarnation of the Divine Word as a genuine and timely solution. For He descended as dew in a field of cotton inside the womb of the ever-Virgin Mary in order to give rise to righteousness and much peace. (See Ps. 71.7)

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity of Christ 2013

12/16/2013

http://www.goarch.org/news/archbishopschristmas2013encyclical-en
It is into the midst of the plight of humanity and these challenges that we carry the message of this Feast: For unto us a Child is born and unto us a Son is given! We share a Gospel of hope and promise. Christ has become man, and this unique gift to us has become the spiritual foundation for our offering to others in need. In gratitude to Him, in our compassion for our fellow human beings, and as a witness of the greatest gift of all, we offer to those who have lost everything, who carry the burden of despair, who suffer under conditions they cannot control or change, who have been victims of the abuse of others. They need to hear and see that God has given Himself to them, that His grace is revealed through Christ so that they might have hope and true life.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Thanksgiving Day 2013

11/22/2013

http://www.goarch.org/news/thanksgiving2013encyclical-en
When we commune with Him and offer our prayers of thanksgiving for all that He gives to us, we have no need for anxiety or worry. From day to day and year to year the circumstances of our lives will change. Challenges will come. Great joy and happiness will be experienced. Dear family members and friends will leave this temporal life. New relationships will begin. Through all of this, we are encouraged by the Apostle Paul to have no anxiety about anything because our trust is in our Creator and Redeemer.

Archiepiscopal Encyclical Calling for Prayers and Support for the Victims of the Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines

11/15/2013

http://www.goarch.org/news/philippines-encyclical-11152013
On behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, bringing to your attention the dreadful devastation produced by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines on November 8th and asking for your prayers and assistance at these difficult times for millions of people.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Archangels - November 8, 2013

11/06/2013

http://www.goarch.org/news/goa_news.2013-11-06.5632953259
The power to bring sanctity into any place in this world is also given to each of us when we live in Christ, and we seek to bear fruit in the lives of others. On this feast we recognize this especially in the ministry offered by Saint Michael’s Home in New York. For over fifty years, the staff and directors of Saint Michael’s have offered compassionate service to the elderly, and in so doing have created a place of love, grace, and holiness.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries - November 1, 2013

10/29/2013

http://www.goarch.org/news/holyunmerceriesencyclical102913-en
This commemoration of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian and our offering of support to the philanthropic ministries of our Patriarchate represent the very meaning of philanthropy. In response to God’s grace in their lives, Cosmas and Damian used their skills to offer compassionate service to all. Their motivation to respond was not based on the worthiness of a person, nor was it dependent on the social or economic status of the one in need. Freely they had received the power of healing through the grace of God, and freely they gave as a witness of the true life that is found in Christ.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day - October 28, 2013

10/23/2013

http://www.goarch.org/news/oxiday2013archbishopsencyclical-en
As Orthodox Christians, we are called to live and do justly, to confront the machinations of evil, and to do so in the grace of God with a love for life and for others who are created in His image and likeness. Our just and holy ways should also be characterized by dignity and humility. True, decent humility is not a sign of weakness, but of great strength and faith, revealing a deep and abiding trust in the sacredness of the human person and in the power and promises of God.
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Parish News and Events

 PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Weekday Service:
Monday, December 15th
Feast Day of St. Eleftherios
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Memorials:
1 Year ~ Sam (Sotirios), Right Rows 1 - 2
1 Year ~ Effstathia (Effie) Georgiafentis , Right Rows 3 - 4
23 Years ~ Louis (Elias) Sedaris, No Pews

Sunday Church School Annual Christmas Pageant:

This morning following Divine Liturgy Worship Services, the children and young people of our Sunday Church School will present their Annual Christmas Pageant.  This year’s Pageant is entitled, “Christ if Born”.  We invite you to enjoy and receive the Gift of Christmas as they present this short program to us this morning.

Philoptochos Annual Bake Sale and Coffee Fellowship:

Today’s Coffee Fellowship is hosted by the Assumption Philoptochos.  Come join us not only for coffee but to also purchase the delicious sweets, either for your home or to give as a gift that the Ladies are offering at their Annual Bake Sale. Please join us in Plato Hall to enjoy fellowship and to support the Philoptochos Society.

 Sunday Church School:

Divine Liturgy begins promptly at 9:45am in St. Catherine's Chapel. Classes will take place immediately following the Divine Liturgy in Plato School.  If you have not, as yet, registered your child for the 2014-15 school year, please do so by contacting the Church Office, securing a registration form online at our Church’s Website (www.assumptionchicago.org), or by speaking with our SCS Director, Mrs. Christina Arvanites.

 Stewardship Thought For The Week:

The Story of the Magi is not simply a cute part of Christmas, but it represents central characters who model a path of faith and stewardship worthy of imitation.  They offer an example of a sincere search for God using the intellectual gifts they possessed; a willingness to overcome any obstacles or challenging inconveniences in their journey towards God; and the witness of offering the best they had once they encounter the Christ Child.                 + Fr Luke Veronis

 Stewardship Message:

 We Have The Use But Not The Ownership

Make your house a Church, the place of the treasury. Be the guardian of the sacred money, the self-ordained Steward of the poor. Charity offers you this priesthood... The gospel must be at your bed together with your almsgiving.

We have all the use of goods, but nobody the ownership. Although the goods remain, yet, when we die, we have to leave them to others. We can only make use of them during life and we are deprived of their possession in the life hereafter. Thence, it is obvious that only the ones who despise their use and disregard their satisfaction can hold a real possession of them. Because whoever disposes of his belongings, distributing them to the poor, proves that he makes proper use of them. Thus he will have their dominion in life and their possession beyond his death. However, if someone wishes to have both their possession and use in life, let him be deprived of these goods. God has made you rich. Why then do you make yourself poor? He made you rich in order to help the needy ones and by this action to obtain remission of your sins. He gave you the money not to hide it and thus be the subject of damnation, but to impart it and through this generous action justify your salvation...The greatest thing is not to possess money, but to possess godly fear and full piety...                                                                                           St. John Chrysostom

2014 Stewardship:

We fast approach the end of the year 2014.  We ask that our stewards who have not as yet completed their pledge commitment for the current year to please do so as soon as possible.  2015 Stewardship pledge packets have been sent to all faithful of this Parish, and we ask that you complete and return your “commitment of love” pledge card in the envelope that was provided as soon as possible.  Your Parish of Panagia is forever grateful for your continued and ongoing support and love to Christ and His Church.

Dates to Remember:

Sunday, December 14th
SCS Annual Christmas Pageant following the Divine Liturgy

Sunday, December 14th
The Assumption Philoptochos is having their Annual Christmas
Bake Sale in Plato Hall

Sunday, December 14th
5:00 pm - The Annual Christmas Open House at the Metropolis

Monday, December 15th
Feast Day of St. Eleftherios
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Monday, December 15th
7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study will meet in
St. Catherine's Meeting Room

Friday, December 19th
7:30 pm - GOYA Meeting will meet at the
Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, IL

Saturday, December 20th
Ice Skating at Rosemont, IL

Wednesday,December 24th
Christmas Eve
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy
5:00 pm - Great Vespers

Thursday, December 25th
Christmas Day
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

 Friday, December 26th
Synaxis of the Theotokos
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

 Saturday, December 27th
Feast of St. Stephen the First Martyr
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Ladies Philoptochos Membership Drive November and December:

During the months of November and December, the Ladies Philoptochos will be holding its “2015 Membership Drive”.  All ladies of our Parish of Panagia are invited and encouraged to become a member and participate in the many good works and acts of philanthropy that this organization participates in.  There will be a table set up in Plato Hall each Sunday during coffee fellowship hour, and Demetra Lakerdas and Pat Karabas will be available to answer any questions and to register you.  In addition, all current members of Philoptochos are encouraged to pay their 2015 dues.

Christmas Offering Appeal and Parish Christmas Card Signup:

The Annual Appeal for Christmas where our faithful and supporters are able to make their prayerful gift to our Panagia Parish and our Lord’s Ministries have been mailed this past week to all stewards.  We ask that you please consider and remember your Spiritual Home with your gift of love.

In addition, the annual invitation to include your name and be part of our Parish Family Christmas Card has also been mailed to all steward’s homes as well.  For your convenience, a form can also be found in this week’s bulletin.  If you would like to have your name added to the Christmas Card, please complete the form and return it together with your check in the amount of $25.00 made payable to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.  Deadline for inclusion in the Parish Family Christmas Card is tomorrow, Monday, December 15th.

Outing to the Art Institute of Chicago, January 18, 2015:

 On January 18, 2015, the Assumption Church will sponsor an outing to the Art Institute of Chicago to view Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium.  The exhibit consists of 63 pieces of Byzantine art and iconography--most of which have previously never left Greece.  Sponsored by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Benaki Museum in Athens, the exhibit previously visited the National Gallery of Art (Washington, D.C.) and the Getty Museum (Los Angeles).

A chartered bus will leave the Assumption Church immediately after the Divine Liturgy and will return to the Church at 4.00 PM. A private guided tour by the professional staff of the Art Institute will be provided.

The cost per person is:  Students greater than 13 years old--$20; Adults--$30.00; Seniors greater than 65 years old--$24.  Seating is limited.  Please call the Church Office at 773-626-3114 for reservations.

Sunday Church School 90 Acts of Kindness Challenge:

Our 90 Acts of Kindness Challenge continues to progress!  Thank you to all our fellow parishioners for the continued support of our Sunday Church School and its events. Together we are making a positive difference one kind act at a time!

Act of Kindness #1-29 Completed – Please visit our website or our bulletin board to see who benefited from these Acts of Kindness

Act of Kindness #30 – We will be collecting lovingly and gently, used Icons to pack and mail to OCMC. Collection will take place 11/2- 1/18. Boxes are in the St. Catherine’s Narthex.

Act of Kindness #31 – Now thru December 21st we are collecting fuzzy socks, nail files and polishes for Christmas Goody Bags for pediatric patients at Rush Hospital

Act of Kindness #32 – SCS Students will be creating get well cards for patients that our Parish Priests visit.

There’s so much more kindness to spread and our Sunday Church School is just the right group to do it!! Our goal is 90 by our Anniversary Dinner on October 18, 2015! You can watch our progress as we fill in a “thermometer” that is displayed in St. Catherine’s Meeting room. *Do you have a suggestion for an Act of Kindness or have an organization that you would like to see benefit? Please let Mrs. Christina Arvanites know.

Next Orthodox Adult Bible Study, Monday, December 15th:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet on Monday evening, December 15th, at 7:00 pm, in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.  We have moved into study of another Epistle written by Saint Paul the Apostle, the Epistle to the Ephesians.  This class is open to all, and it is hoped that you will avail yourself to the opportunity to study the Bible in-depth.  All you need to bring along with you is your Bible.  For further information and/or questions, please see Father Timothy.

Panagia’s Monthly Book Club:

Our Monthly Book Club has commenced for this fall.  The next gathering will be Thursday, January 8, 2015 at the Pan Arcadian House, 880 North York Road, Elmhurst, IL.  The discussion will center on the Everyday Saints.  The Monthly Book Club will meet the 2nd Thursday of each month.  If you would like to join the group or want further information, please contact Father Athanasios.

 Establishment of Assumption Prayer Ministry:

The Assumption Adult Bible Study Group has developed an idea that may be of interest to parishioners and friends of our Panagia Parish.  They are interested in being able to form a ministry comprised of individuals who would like to pray for the health of those individuals who may be ill or experiencing health issues.  Our Orthodox Faith teaches us that the ‘power of prayer’ literally works miracles, and Jesus instructs us in the Bible that we should “always pray for one another in the fellowship of love and through the Holy Spirit”.   As a Panagia Parish, we are united as brothers and sisters in Christ, and we are encouraged to pray for one another as any family would do.  So, how do we plan to do it?  It’s simple, easy, and spiritually uplifting and rewarding.  Here is what we can all do:

  • If you are interested in participating, you need only submit your name and email address to the Church Office or Fr. Timothy.
  • When a name is submitted to be prayed for, you will be contacted by email, given the first name of the person to be prayed for, along with the prayer to be read by you, offering the prayer for the intercession of God upon that individual, and asking that the afflicted be healed by God’s abundant blessing.
  • Your prayer, together along with the many others who are offering a prayer for the person who is ill, will bring comfort beyond comprehension.

Just think about that….our prayers collectively praying for a person who needs the loving and tender Hand of God during his/her special time of need.  It’s that simple.  Just provide us with your email address, and you can join this ministry team who will pray for the person who needs help the most.  It costs nothing, takes only a few seconds to do, but will make us all part of a spiritual family that looks and cares for one another.

Assumption Choir:

Mrs. Marika Panton, our Choir Director, has again put out the call to any and all interested people who might like to become a part of the Church Choir.  They are always looking for energetic voices to compliment the fine voices who are already a part of our Assumption Choir.  If you are interested, you may contact Marika at 708.366.7435.

 College Students -- Check Out OCF  (Orthodox Christian Fellowship):

To our young people who are going away to college for the first time, or to those returning to school to continue their studies, Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the organization which keeps you connected to your Church and your Orthodox Faith.  OCF has 300 chapters in colleges and universities throughout North America.  So be sure to check out their web site to locate and find out about your chapter --  WWW.OCF.NET.  We also encourage our college young people to share their e-mail addresses with our Church so that we may keep them informed of their “Spiritual Home” while they are away.  And always remember, your Assumption Church’s weekly Divine Liturgy Services are just a click away on your computer each Sunday as we now broadcast live each Sunday.  Just access it by going to our website at:  www.assumptionchicago.org

 Bookstore:

Do you need gifts for your family or relatives?  Then please visit the Bookstore in Plato Hall after the Divine Liturgy on Sundays.  There you will find unique gifts for everyone, such as books for children and adults, icons of your or your children’s patron saints, crosses, key chains and other beautiful items, which will make much appreciated gifts this year.  Please stop in and browse, you’ll be glad you did.

Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed:

Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2015?  You might want to celebrate a family event, a memorial, or just want to share time with the Church family.  Please call the Church Office (773.626.3114) to book a date and for more information.  Available dates for the first half of 2015 are:

Jan. 4          Feb. 8          March 8       April 19        May 17        June 21

Jan. 18        Feb. 15        March 15     April 26        May 24        June 28

Jan. 25        Feb. 22        March 22     May 3          May 31        July 5

Feb. 1          March 1       March 29     May 10        June 14       July 12

Prosfora Bakers Needed:

One of the blessings of Stewardship that we are given is the ability to serve our Church in a number of ways.  Our Church is in need of individuals who can offer the weekly Prosforo (Bread) for the Divine Liturgy.  Should you be able to offer your service, please inform the Church office or see either Fr. Timothy or Mrs. Demetra Spyropoulos.  With the help of each steward/member, we come together as a Church family to better offer our thanks to our Lord.

Cemetery Graves Update:

The Parish Council announces that effectively immediately, prices for graves at Elmwood Cemetery will be the following:  $1,995.00 (members), and $2,295.00 (non-members).  Our Parish has only forty-six (46) graves remaining in the Panagia section, and the Church pricing is about 50% less than the graves that are being sold at Elmwood.  For more information, please call the Church office and speak with Gail (773.626.3114).

Proper Church Etiquette:

Worship Services are vital instruments and components to our prayer development.  In order to help us achieve this, we need to be cognizant of our fellow parishioners and all those around us.  Therefore, please make sure that cell phones are completely turned off during Services.  In addition, while we most welcome children to participate in the liturgical life of the Church, it remains the responsibility of parents to make sure that children do not become a distraction to those around them.  Therefore, if a child is crying, or in some way in need of attention, please feel free to take him/her to the Narthex or Cry Room.  You are most welcome to enter and exit the Church proper as many times as necessary.  By doing this, all who are in attendance will be afforded the opportunity to worship and pray together. (Please keep in mind that we are also privileged to have a complete Sunday School Liturgy celebrated in Saint Catherine’s Chapel each week for your use as well).  We ask for your cooperation.  Ushers will be available to help you, if needed.

Holy Communion Announcement:

While we pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all the world’s Christians, the reality remains that there is still no intercommunion between our Orthodox Churches and the Churches of the West.  This means that only baptized, chrismated, and observant Orthodox faithful are allowed to receive Holy Communion in our churches.  At the same time, we warmly welcome all non-Orthodox to join us in prayer and celebration, and humbly offer to all present the Antidoro bread of fellowship at the end of the worship service.  We offer this important symbol ‘instead of the Gifts’, in the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘Till we all come to the unity of the Faith’ (Eph. 4.13).

We Need Your E-mail Address:

Are you receiving the weekly bulletin online in your e-mail mailbox each week?  How about our Assumption Church’s Newsletter and the Saint Catherine’s Newsletter?  If not, please give the Church Office your e-mail address so that you can stay informed about the schedule of religious services, events, and news of our Community.

Website News:    www.assumptionchicago.org

We are excited to announce that many additions/changes have been made to our Church’s Website.  In addition to upcoming events in our Parish and throughout our Metropolis of Chicago, we are constantly updating information as well regarding our faith.  You can find articles and resources for the Orthodox Church on our web site.  They include the history of Orthodoxy, special Services and Blessings, Spirituality, Teachings of the Orthodox Church, how to become a member of the Orthodox Church, the meaning and celebration of The Holy Eucharist, the form and characteristics of Orthodox worship, the Sacrament of Confession, Holy Week Meditation and Study Guide, Fasting, and many others.  We have up loaded the current editions of the Assumption Newsletter and the St. Catherine Newsletter, and are available for reading online.  Through the help of Mr. Chris Panos, we have also uploaded all previous newsletters dating back to 2008. They are now available online.  Just log on to our website www.assumptionchicago.org, and see the many changes we have made.

Our Sunday Church Services are broadcast live on the Internet each week:

A reminder to all, in April of last year, our Parish of Panagia began broadcasting live to the internet each Sunday.  This is of particular benefit to our shut-ins, elderly, college students, and vacationers who are away from home, yet need to receive the benefit and blessing of the weekly Divine Liturgy experience.  All you need to do is log on to our website www.assumptionchicago.org, and click the link to begin watching the Worship Service live.  We have also archived our Services allowing anyone to click and watch the Service/sermon at their leisure.  We encourage you to give it a try.

Ushers:

Andrew Kanel, Tom Poulos, Chris Caprio, Diane Berbas, Peter J. Panton

 

 

 

 

 

 

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