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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2014-12-28
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
Allsaint
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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 Galatians 1:11-19

BRETHREN, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.

Gospel Reading

Sunday after Nativity
The Reading is from Matthew 2:13-23

When the wise men departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they were no more." But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaos reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

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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 Fourth Mode

Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Nativity in the Fourth Mode

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined the light of knowledge upon the world; for thereby they that worshipped the stars were instructed by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Sun. after Nativity in the Second Mode

O Joseph, proclaim the wonders to David, the ancestor of God. Thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; thou hast given glory with the shepherds; thou hast worshipped with the Magi; and thou hast been instructed through an Angel. Entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

On this day the Virgin beareth the Transcendent in essence; * to the Unapproachable, * the earth doth offer a small cave; * Angels join in choir with shepherds * in giving glory; * with a star the Magi travel upon their journey; * for our sakes is born a young Child, * He that existed * before the ages as 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

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity 2014

12/16/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/nativityencyclical2014

Επίσκεψη του Υπαρχηγού Γ.Ε.Σ. στον Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής Δημήτριο

12/12/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/visit-ltgeneraleconomou-12122014
Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριος δέχθηκε σήμερα την επίσκεψη του υπαρχηγού του Γενικού Επιτελείου Στρατού της Ελλάδος αντιστρατήγου Αλέξανδρου Οικονόμου με τον οποίο συζήτησαν θέματα κοινού ενδιαφέροντος αφορώντα στην επίσκεψη του κ. Οικονόμου στις Η.Π.Α.

Patriarch John X of Antioch Visits Archdiocese

12/10/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/patriarchjohnantiochvisit-12092014
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed today, Dec. 9, 2014, His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Dec. 9-20, 2014

12/08/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/adschedule-12-08-2014

Election of New Bishop

11/29/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/election-koufallakis-11282014
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, on behalf of the Holy Eparchial Synod announces the unanimous election of Archimandrite Apostolos Koufallakis, Chancellor of the Metropolis of...

Visit of Pope Francis to Ecumenical Patriarchate will be broadcast LIVE on EWTN, Nov. 29 and 30

11/27/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/popevisittopatriarchate-ewtn-11262014
The visit of Pope Francis to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople and his meetings with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on November 29 and 30, 2014, will be broadcast live in the United States by EWTN, Global Catholic Network.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for Nov. 24 – Dec. 7, 2014

11/24/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/adschedule-11-24-2014

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Thanksgiving Day 2014

11/20/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalthanksgiving2014
These foundations of Thanksgiving Day, and its place within the history and life of this nation as a regular observance have made this a holiday shared by many as well as a time for families to gather in fellowship and gratitude. The focus on giving thanks to God, the attitude of gratefulness for the blessings in our lives, and the traditions centered upon the family resonate with our emphasis on the family as a dwelling of Christ and a witness of His Gospel.

Pope Francis will visit Ecumenical Patriarchate and meet with His-All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

11/20/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/popevisitspatriarch-11202014
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will welcome Pope Francis to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople on November 29 and 30, 2014. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew extended the invitation to the Pope during His Holiness’ inaugural Mass in March 2013.

Επίσκεψη Υπουργού Ενέργειας και Περιβάλλοντος Γιάννη Μανιάτη και Αρχηγού του ΓΕΣ Αντιστρατήγου Χρήστου Μανωλά

11/06/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/minister-maniatis-visit-11062014
Ο Υπουργός Περιβάλλοντος, Ενέργειας και Κλιματικής Αλλαγής της Ελλάδος, κ. Γιάννης Μανιάτης επισκέφθηκε σήμερα τον Σεβασμιώτατο Αρχιεπίσκοπο Αμερικής κ. Δημήτριο και τον ενημέρωσε για τις επαφές που είχε τις προηγούμενες ημέρες στην Ουάσιγκτον και για το σχεδιασμό της Ελληνικής Κυβερνήσεως επί ενεργειακών θεμάτων. (φωτ. Δημήτρης Πανάγος/GOA)

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Archangels - November 8, 2014

11/05/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalarchangels2014
The blessed ministry of the angels is also reflected in the quality of care and compassionate service offered by our beloved Saint Michael’s Home. On this feast we recognize the faithful service of the trustees, directors, and staff, affirming that in a sacred environment, filled with the presence of God, they are being faithful to His command to offer comfort, love, and healing.

Schedule of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios for November 4-19, 2014

11/04/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/adschedule-11-04-2014

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries - November 1, 2014

10/28/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/unmercenariesencyclical2014
We are led in this effort by our National Ladies Philoptochos Society, and on Sunday, November 2, local chapters throughout our Holy Archdiocese will have a special offering for these ministries. I ask that you contribute generously to assist the work of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate at a time when critical needs there and throughout the Middle East are growing. As we are witnessing, long established ministries are challenged for resources as new humanitarian crises and desperate pleas for assistance are growing.

Συναντήσεις του Αρχιεπισκόπου Δημητρίου με την ανώτατη πολιτική ηγεσία της Κύπρου

10/28/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/cyprusday72014

Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Δημήτριος γιόρτασε τα ονομαστήρια του, διαβεβαίωσε για συνέχιση του αγώνα για τα δίκαια της Κύπρου

10/27/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/cyprusday62014
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Wisdom of the Fathers

Nathanael too enters ... saying, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" ... Nevertheless, He is not ashamed to be named even from thence, signifying that He needs not ought of the things of men; and His disciples also He chooses out of Galilee.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 9 on Matthew 2, 4th Century

At His birth [He] is laid in a manger, and abides in an inn, and takes a mother of low estate; teaching us to think no such thing a disgrace, and from the first outset trampling under foot the haughtiness of man, and bidding us give ourselves up to virtue only. For why do you pride yourself on your country, when I am commanding thee to be a stranger to the whole world?
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 9 on Matthew 2, 4th Century

The Ancient of Days, who in times past gave Moses the Law on Sinai, appears this day as a babe. As Maker of the Law He fulfills the Law, and according to the Law He is brought into the temple and given over to the Elder.
Anatolios
Festal Menaion. Great Vespers.

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
December 28

20,000 Martyrs burned in Nicomedia

All these Saints, some 20,000 in number, were burned alive in the year 303, while they were gathered in church. This came to pass during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian. According to the Synaxarion, this took place on the day of Christ's Nativity. Eusebius (Eccl. Hist. VIII, 6) says that, of the Christians then living in Nicomedia, all were slain by imperial decree - some by the sword, and others by fire, and that, because of their divine and inexpressible ardour, both men and women cast themselves into the fire. Besides those burned in church. the following, who were slain in the same Persecution, are commemorated today. Indus, Gorgonius, and Peter were cast into the sea; Glycerius the Presbyter and Mardonius were burned; Dorotheus the Prefect and Zeno were beheaded; Theophilus the Deacon was stoned; Mygdonius was buried alive; and Domna, who had been a priestess of the idols, believed in Christ, and was baptized, was beheaded and cast into the fire. See also the account of Saint Anthimus on September 3.

Nativity
December 28

Sunday after Nativity

On the Sunday that falls on or immediately after the twenty-sixth of this month, we make commemoration of Saints Joseph, the Betrothed of the Virgin; David, the Prophet and King; and James, the Brother of God. When there is no Sunday within this period, we celebrate this commemoration on the 26th.

Saint Joseph (whose name means "one who increases") was the son of Jacob, and the son-in-law - and hence, as it were, the son - of Eli (who was also called Eliakim or Joachim), who was the father of Mary the Virgin (Matt. 1:16; Luke 3:23). He was of the tribe of Judah, of the family of David, an inhabitant of Nazareth, a carpenter by Trade, and advanced in age when, by God's good will, he was betrothed to the Virgin, that he might minister to the great mystery of God's dispensation in the flesh by protecting her, providing for her, and being known as her husband so that she, being a virgin, would not suffer reproach when she was found to be with child. Joseph had been married before his betrothal to our Lady; they who are called Jesus' "brethren and sisters" (Matt. 13:55-56) are the children of Joseph by his first marriage. From Scripture, we know that Saint Joseph lived at least until the Twelfth year after the birth of Christ (Luke 2:41-52); according to the tradition of the Fathers, he reposed before the beginning of the public ministry of Christ.

The child of God and ancestor of God, David, the great Prophet after Moses, sprang from the tribe of Judah. He was the son of Jesse, and was born in Bethlehem (whence it is called the City of David), in the year 1085 before Christ. While yet a youth, at the command of God he was anointed secretly by the Prophet Samuel to be the second King of the Israelites, while Saul - who had already been deprived of divine grace - was yet living. In the thirtieth year of his life, when Saul had been slain in battle, David was raised to the dignity of King, first, by his own tribe, and then by all the Israelite people, and he reigned for forty years. Having lived seventy years, he reposed in 1015 before Christ, having proclaimed beforehand that his son Solomon was to be the successor to the throne.

The sacred history has recorded not only the grace of the Spirit that dwelt in him from his youth, his heroic exploits in war, and his great piety towards God, but also his transgressions and failings as a man. Yet his repentance was greater than his transgresssions, and his love for God fervent and exemplary; so highly did God honour this man, that when his son Solomon sinned, the Lord told him that He would not rend the kingdom in his lifetime "for David thy father's sake" (III Kings 12:12). Of The Kings of Israel, Jesus the Son of Sirach testifies, "All, except David and Hezekias and Josias, were defective" (Ecclus. 49:4). The name David means "beloved."

His melodious Psalter is the foundation of all the services of the Church; there is not one service that is not filled with Psalms and psalmic verses. It was the means whereby old Israel praised God, and was used by the Apostles and the Lord Himself. It is so imbued with the spirit of prayer that the monastic fathers of all ages have used it as their trainer and teacher for their inner life of converse with God. Besides eloquently portraying every state and emotion of the soul before her Maker, the Psalter is filled with prophecies of the coming of Christ. It foretells His Incarnation, "He bowed the heavens and came down" (Psalm 17:9), His Baptism in the Jordan, "The waters saw Thee, O God, The waters saw Thee and were afraid" (76:15), His Crucifixion in its details, "They have pierced My hands and My feet .... They have parted My garments amongst themselves, and for My vesture have they cast lots" (21:16, 18). "For My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink" (68:26), His descent into Hades, "For Thou wilt not abandon My soul in Hades, nor wilt Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption" (15:10) and Resurrection, "Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered" (67:1). His Ascension, "God is gone up in jubilation" (46:5), and so forth.

As for James, the Brother of God, see October 23.

Jcmerciful
January 01

Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Since the Mosaic Law commands that if a woman give birth to a male child, he should be circumcised in the foreskin of his flesh on the eighth day (Lev. 12:2-3), on this, the eighth day from His Nativity, our Saviour accepted the circumcision commanded by the Law. According to the command of the Angel, He received the Name which is above every name: JESUS, which means "Saviour" (Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31 and 2:21).

01_basil2
January 01

Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia

Saint Basil the Great was born about the end of the year 329 in Caesarea of Cappadocia, to a family renowned for their learning and holiness. His parents' names were Basil and Emily. His mother Emily (commemorated July 19) and his grandmother Macrina (Jan. 14) are Saints of the Church, together with all his brothers and sisters: Macrina, his elder sister (July 19), Gregory of Nyssa (Jan. to), Peter of Sebastia (Jan. 9), and Naucratius. Basil studied in Constantnople under the sophist Libanius, then in Athens, where also he formed a friendship with the young Gregory, a fellow Cappadocian, later called "the Theologian." Through the good influence of his sister Macrina (see July 19), he chose to embrace the ascetical life, abandoning his worldly career. He visited the monks in Egypt, in Palestine, in Syria, and in Mesopotamia, and upon returning to Caesarea, he departed to a hermitage on the Iris River in Pontus, not far from Annesi, where his mother and his sister Macrina were already treading the path of the ascetical life; here he also wrote his ascetical homilies.

About the year 370, when the bishop of his country reposed, he was elected to succeed to his throne and was entrusted with the Church of Christ, which he tended for eight years, living in voluntary poverty and strict asceticism, having no other care than to defend holy Orthodoxy as a worthy successor of the Apostles. The Emperor Valens, and Modestus, the Eparch of the East, who were of one mind with the Arians, tried with threats of exile and of torments to bend the Saint to their own confession, because he was the bastion of Orthodoxy in all Cappadocia, and preserved it from heresy when Arianism was at its strongest. But he set all their malice at nought, and in his willingness to give himself up to every suffering for the sake of the Faith, showed himself to be a martyr by volition. Modestus, amazed at Basil's fearlessness in his presence, said that no one had ever so spoken to him. "Perhaps," answered the Saint, "you have never met a bishop before." The Emperor Valens himself was almost won over by Basil's dignity and wisdom. When Valens' son fell gravely sick, he asked Saint Basil to pray for him. The Saint promised that his son would be restated if Valens agreed to have him baptized by the Orthodox; Valens agreed, Basil prayed, and the son was restored. But afterwards the Emperor had him baptized by Arians, and the child died soon after. Later, Valens, persuaded by his counsellors, decided to send the Saint into exile because he would not accept the Arians into communion; but his pen broke when he was signing the edict of banishment. He tried a second time and a third, but the same thing happened, so that the Emperor was filled with dread, and tore up the document, and Basil was not banished. The truly great Basil, spent with extreme ascetical practices and continual labours, at the helm of the church, departed to the Lord on the 1st of January, in 379. at the age of forty-nine.

His writings are replete with wisdom and erudition, and rich are these gifts he set forth the doctrines concerning the mysteries both of the creation (see his Hexaemeron) and of the Holy Trinity (see On the Holy Spirit). Because of the majesty and keenness of his eloquence, he is honoured as "the revealer of heavenly things" and "the Great."

Saint Basil is also celebrated on January 30th with Saint Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom.

Rest from labour.

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Message from Archbishop Demetrios

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Nativity 2014

12/16/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/nativityencyclical2014

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Thanksgiving Day 2014

11/20/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalthanksgiving2014
These foundations of Thanksgiving Day, and its place within the history and life of this nation as a regular observance have made this a holiday shared by many as well as a time for families to gather in fellowship and gratitude. The focus on giving thanks to God, the attitude of gratefulness for the blessings in our lives, and the traditions centered upon the family resonate with our emphasis on the family as a dwelling of Christ and a witness of His Gospel.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Archangels - November 8, 2014

11/05/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalarchangels2014
The blessed ministry of the angels is also reflected in the quality of care and compassionate service offered by our beloved Saint Michael’s Home. On this feast we recognize the faithful service of the trustees, directors, and staff, affirming that in a sacred environment, filled with the presence of God, they are being faithful to His command to offer comfort, love, and healing.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries - November 1, 2014

10/28/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/unmercenariesencyclical2014
We are led in this effort by our National Ladies Philoptochos Society, and on Sunday, November 2, local chapters throughout our Holy Archdiocese will have a special offering for these ministries. I ask that you contribute generously to assist the work of our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate at a time when critical needs there and throughout the Middle East are growing. As we are witnessing, long established ministries are challenged for resources as new humanitarian crises and desperate pleas for assistance are growing.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day - October 28, 2014

10/21/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicaloxiday2014
As we commemorate OXI Day on October 28 and remember the valiant stand of the people of Greece in 1940 against the advancement of the forces of Fascism, we are aware that struggles for freedom and peace and against tyranny are very much a part of our modern world. Just as some of us and most certainly our fathers and mothers saw and experienced the brutality and inhumane actions of an occupying force, so too we are witnesses today of persecution, violence, and death.

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.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross

09/10/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/encyclicalcross2014
We lift up the Cross because while it was used as an instrument of torture and indignity, it brought honor and glory to God. It was used as a means of ending life, but it became entrance to eternity. It was used as a violent weapon, but for believers it became a weapon of true peace. The Cross, a symbol of suffering and defeat, through Christ it became a symbol of hope and victory. Instead of death, our Lord through the Cross brought us life and abundance of life.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Ecclesiastical New Year and the Day for the Protection of our Natural Environment

08/27/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/indictionencyclical2014
As we commemorate this Feast of the Indiction, the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year, we ask our great and merciful God to “bless the crown of this year which His goodness has allowed us to begin” (Hymn of Orthros). It is His goodness and grace that has brought us to the beginning of one more ecclesiastical year and to another blessed cycle of the feasts and observances of our Holy Orthodox Faith. In anticipation of the marvelous and wonderful things our Lord will accomplish in our lives, parishes, and families, we look forward to the blessings that will come through our worship, prayer, and service.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos - August 15, 2014

08/11/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/dormitionencyclical2014
We commemorate this blessed Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, honoring and celebrating her faith in God and the witness of the miraculous power of grace in her life through her willing obedience to His will. As a result of the amazing level of personal holiness and the abundance of grace, the Theotokos offers us a superb example of a relationship with God and a deep connection with Him that is essential for our lives and the sacred institution of the family.

Archbishop Demetrios calls for prayers for the Christians in the Middle East

07/29/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/call-for-prayer-middleeast-07292014
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, For decades, the region considered a cradle of civilization and the birthplace of Christianity has become an arena of violence, resulting in the loss of countless lives. While the source of violence has varied in each instance, what is consistent in every case is that the blood of innocent victims has saturated the Middle East. This is especially true of Christians, who have endured unimaginable suffering because of their faith.

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Independence Day - July 4, 2014

06/27/2014

http://www.goarch.org/news/archiepiscopal4thjuly2014encyclical-en
On this Independence Day we offer thanksgiving and praise to God for the freedom we have as human beings created in His divine image and as citizens of a nation that values, protects and promotes freedom as essential to human life, well-being, and potential. As Orthodox Christians we know and affirm that God is the source of our freedom because He is the absolutely Free and the Creator of genuine freedom.

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.

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.
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Parish News and Events

 PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Weekday Service:

Thursday, January 1, 2015
New Year's Day
Feast Day of St. Basil
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Coffee Fellowship:

Today’s Coffee Fellowship is hosted by the Assumption Community.  Please join us in Plato Hall to enjoy fellowship.

 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.

  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.

2015-16 Parish Council “Oath of Office” today:

Following Worship Services this morning, the elected Parish Council members for the 2015-16 term will be given the “Oath of Office” by Father Timothy.  Immediately thereafter, the Parish Council will gather in Saint Catherine Chapel to conduct elections for their officers.

Dates to Remember:

Thursday, January 1, 2015
New Year’s Day – Feast Day of St. Basil
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

 Monday, January 5, 2015
Eve of Epiphany
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Monday, January 5, 2015
7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study in St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

 Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Feast of Holy Epiphany
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Feast Day of St. John the Baptist
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Thursday, January 8, 2015
7:30 pm – Book Club Meeting at the Pan Arcadian Bldg. in Elmhurst, IL

Saturday, January 10, 2015
Dive For The Cross
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Oak Brook Park District

Sunday, January 11, 2015
Annual Parish and Metropolis Vasilopita

Wednesday, January 14, 2015
SCS Staff Meeting in St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Friday, January 16, 2015
7:30 pm – Jr. GOYA meeting at the Oak Brook Park District

 Saturday, January 17, 2015
Feast Day of St. Antonios
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Sunday, January 18, 2015
Outing to Art Institute of Chicago-following Divine Liturgy

Monday, January 19, 2015
7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study in St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Friday, January 23, 2015
7:30 pm – GOYA meeting at the Oak Brook Park District

Sunday, January 25, 2015
Greek Letters Luncheon, Chateau Ritz, Niles, IL

Friday, January 30, 2015
Feast Day of the Three Hierarchs
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Friday, January 30, 2015
7:30 pm – JOY Meeting at the River Forest Community Center

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:

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.

2nd Annual Dive For The Cross  -  Saturday, January 10th:

Once again, our Parish will sponsor our Annual Dive for the Cross on Saturday, January 10th, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, IL.  This is an opportunity for our children and young people to take part in a blessed event that many Churches throughout our Archdiocese participate in as we commemorate the Feast of Epiphany (January 6th).  We will have the children participate in the dive for the Cross (age appropriate), followed by swimming, food, and fellowship.  Please refer to the Flyer that can be found in the weekly bulletin.  Please call the Church Office (773.626.3114) for more info and to make reservations.

Annual Parish Cutting of the Vasilopita Sunday, January 11th:

Following Worship Services on Sunday, January 11th, we will conduct the Annual Parish Cutting of the Vasilopita in Church.  This annual event is sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society, with the entire proceeds benefitting the Saint Basil’s Academy in Garrison, New York.  After each Organization/Department Head receives a piece of Vasilopita, representing his/her co-workers, we will invite all parishioners to receive a piece of Saint Basil’s Bread that is a centuries old tradition of our Orthodox Christian Church.  A member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society will be in the back of the Church as you exit where you can offer your gift to Saint Basil’s Academy.

Metropolis Vasilopita Celebration:

On January 11th, 2015, the Annual Metropolis Vasilopita Celebration will be held at St. Demetrios Church, Elmhurst.  The Assumption Philoptochos have been given 200 tickets to sell, and the ladies will have tickets available in Plato Hall for the next few weeks.  The proceeds from the sale of the tickets will benefit St. Basil Academy.

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 #1-30 Completed – Please visit our website or our bulletin board to see who benefited from these Acts of Kindness

Act of Kindness #31 – 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 #32 – SCS Students will be creating get well cards for patients that our Parish Priests visit.

Act of Kindness #33 – We will be collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital

Act of Kindness #34 – SCS students will be making trail mix that will be used by the Night Ministry program. The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization that works to provide housing, health care and human connection to members of our community struggling with poverty or homelessness. For more information visit www.thenightministry.org

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, January 5, 2015:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet on Monday evening, January 5, 2015, 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.

  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. 22        March 22     May 3           May 31        July 5

Jan. 18        March 1       March 29     May 10        June 14       July 12

Jan. 25        March 8       April 19        May 17        June 21       July 19

Feb.15         March 15     April 26        May 24        June 28       Aug. 2

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.

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

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:

Chris Limperis, Jack Woods, Mary Ellen Woods, John Vassiliades, Dean Sarantos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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