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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2015-07-05
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Parish News and Events
Athanasiosathos
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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 5:22-26; 6:1-2

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Gospel Reading

5th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1

At that time, when Jesus came to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, two demoniacs met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one would pass that way. And behold, they cried out, "What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" Now a herd of many swine was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, "If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." And he said to them, "Go." So they came out and went into the swine; and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and perished in the waters. The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, and what had happened to the demoniacs. And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood. And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city.

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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 Athanasius of Athos in the Third Mode

The Angels' ranks were awed by thy life in the flesh, how, though corporeal, and clad with earthly clay, thou didst set forth with courage to invisible wars and wrestlings and didst boldly smite the hordes of the demons with mortal wounds. Wherefore, Christ rewarded thee with abundant gifts in return. Entreat Him that our souls find salvation, O most renowned Father Athanasius.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

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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Wisdom of the Fathers

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance, suppresses anger, restrains pride and envy, draws down the Holy Spirit into the soul and raises man to heaven.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
Unknown, 4th century

Patience is a labor that does not crush the soul. It never wavers under interruptions, good or bad...Patience sets a boundary to the daily onslaught of suffering...Patience comes from hope and mourning, and indeed to lack those is to be a slave of despondency.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 27: On Stillness; Paulist Press pg.271, 6th century

One, to teach them that are delivered from those wicked tyrants, how great the malice of their insidious enemies: another, that all might learn, how not even against swine are they bold, except He allow them; a third, that they would have treated those men more grievously than the swine, unless even in their calamity they had enjoyed much of God's providential care. For that they hate us more than the brutes is surely evident to every man.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

Now, should any one say, "And wherefore did Christ fulfill the devils' request, suffering them to depart into the herd of swine?" this would be our reply, that He did so, not as yielding to them, but as providing for many objects thereby.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Athanasiosathos
July 05

Athanasius of Mount Athos

Saint Athanasius had Trebizond for his homeland. He first entered the monastic life on the mountain called Kymaeos or Kyminas, which is in Mysia of Bithynia, then he went to Mount Athos and founded a large monastery, which is known as the Great Lavra. He became so renowned for his virtue that from Rome, Calabria, Georgia, and elsewhere, rulers, men of wealth and nobility, abbots, and even bishops came to him and were subject to him. When the time for his departure was at hand, God revealed to him how it would take place, so that he was able to instruct his spiritual children not to be troubled when it should come to pass. A new church was being built for the sake of the many who came to him, and only the dome had not been finished. Together with six of the brethren, the Saint went to the top of the church to help the workmen. The dome collapsed, and they fell. Five were killed at once, and the Saint died three hours later. His holy body remained incorrupt and he worked many miracles after his death. He reposed about the end of the tenth century.

Allsaint
July 05

Uncovering of the Holy Relics of Our Righteous Father Sergius of Radonezh

Our righteous Father Sergius was born in Rostov, north of Moscow, about the year 1314. Named Bartholomew in Baptism, he was brought up in Radonezh, and at the death of his parents he withdrew to the wilderness to become a monk. It is notable that without having been trained in a monastery, he was of such a spiritual stature as to be able to take up the perilous eremitical life from the beginning, without falling into delusion or despondency. When he had endured with courage the deprivations of the solitary life, other monks began to come to him, for whom he was made abbot against his will. On the counsel of Philotheus, Patriarch of Constantinople, he organized his monks according to the cenobitic life, appointing duties to each. While Anthony and Theodosius of Kiev, and the other righteous Fathers before Sergius, had established their monasteries near to cities, Sergius was the leader and light of those who went far into the wilderness, and after his example the untrodden forests of northern Russia were settled with monks. When Grand Duke Demetrius Donskoy was about to go to battle against the invading Tartars, he first sought the blessing of Saint Sergius, through whose prayers he was triumphant. Saint Sergius was adorned with the highest virtues of Christ-like humility and burning love for God and neighbour, and received the gift of working wonders, of casting out demons, and of discretion for leading souls to salvation. When he served the Divine Liturgy, an Angel served with him visibly; he was also vouchsafed the visitation of the most holy Theotokos with the Apostles Peter and John. He was gathered to his Fathers on September 25, 1392. At the recovery of his holy relics on July 5, 1422, his body and garments were found fragrant and incorrupt. His life was written by the monks of Epiphanius, who knew him.

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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Summer Sunday Worship Hours:

Please make note that we have begun our summer schedule for Sunday Worship Services.  Orthros begins at 8:00 am, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am.  We will return to our regular schedule on Sunday, September 13th.

Memorials:
40 Days ~ Mary (Maria) Arvis, Right Rows 1 – 2
10 Years ~ Helen (Eleni) G. Kanel, Left Row 1
21 Years ~ George J. Kanel, Left Row 1

Assumption Church Scholarship To Be Awarded Today:

Through the generosity of a bequest, three years ago the Parish Council established ‘The Assumption Scholarship’ that is made available and awarded to worthy and qualified college students, and to seminarians attending our Greek Orthodox Seminary (who are stewards of Panagia).  Following Worship Services this morning, one scholarship will be awarded.  In addition to the initial bequest, memorial and general donations have been received and made towards this Scholarship Fund, allowing this ministry to continue and be of benefit to deserving young college bound young people.  A presentation will be made to the recipient this morning following the Divine Liturgy.

40 Day Baby Blessing:

The son of Maria and Konstantinos Kordopitoulas will be Churched today.

Coffee Fellowship:
Today's coffee fellowship is hosted by the Kott Family.  Please join us in Plato Hall to enjoy fellowship.

Fr. Athanasios to be Reassigned:

Few communities experience the unique gift of two clergymen ministering to their needs at the same time.  For the past four years we have been blessed to have been served by Fr. Athanasios Papagiannis as the Associate Priest of our beloved Assumption Parish.

As you might be aware, each Presbyter of the Church serves as an extension of the hierarch’s ministry within the unified Church, our Holy Metropolis of Chicago and serves at his discretion.  We have been informed that effective August 1st, 2015, Fr. Athanasios will be called to a new ministry for the benefit of the Holy Church.  With his agreement, Fr. Papagiannis will be assigned as the Associate Priest of St. John the Baptist Church in Des Plaines, Illinois, where it is hoped that he will utilize his professional skills in the service of that parish’s parochial school.

Because of the short notice, and our Parish’s Annual Festival at the end of this month, the Parish Council struggled with finding a time to adequately acknowledge Fr. Athanasios and Presvytera Katherine.  Therefore, please be advised that the Parish Council has scheduled a public farewell reception gathering next Sunday, July 19th, at 6:00pm, in Plato Hall.  It is hoped that you will be able to attend and thank Fr. Athanasios and Presvytera Katherine for their four years of ministry to our Panagia Parish, and wish them the best as they enter a new phase of ministry to our Orthodox Church.

Deacon Dimitrios Burikas to be assigned to Panagia on August 1st:

At the same time, it gives us great pleasure to inform our faithful that His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos has, effective August 1st, 2015, assigned the Reverend Deacon Dimitrios Burikas to our Parish to serve liturgically and as a Pastoral Assistant.  Deacon Dimitrios was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, June 6, 2015, and will, very shortly after assuming his duties here, be ordained into the Holy Priesthood, and serve as the Associate Pastor under the direct supervision of the Proistamenos.  Deacon Dimitrios is married to Diakonissa Danielle (Petroula) nee Hillas.  The Parish Council will host a reception on Sunday, August 2nd, immediately following the Divine Liturgy, to formally welcome both Deacon Dimitrios and Diakonissa Dannielle.

It is an exciting time for our Panagia Parish and its faithful because we welcome an energetic young man who offers his love and commitment to us and our Lord’s ministry and Church.  It is hoped that you will be present on August 2nd to welcome the new Deacon to our Parish.

Stewardship Thought for the Week:

“To find ourselves, we must offer ourselves.”
Archbishop Anastasios of Albania

In the early part of the 20th century, a generous man by the name of Harold Kitchings grew wealthy from oil and gave large sums to Baylor University to construct buildings and educate young Christians.  He gave a great deal of money to his church and even sent his pastor, Dr. George W. Truett, to Europe to preach to the soldier boys during the First World War.  Then, in the stock market crash of 1929, the man lost his fortune.

One day, a friend who saw how humbly he was living – and remembered how wealthy he had once been – asked, "When you think about all the money you gave away, do you ever wish you had it back?"  He didn’t hesitate.  "Friend," he said.  "The only thing I have left is what I gave away."

‘Stewardship is not an obligation, it is a gift that our Lord asks us to share with everyone.  Is that not what He, Himself, did’. 

Have You Made Your 2015 Stewardship Pledge Yet?

We are approaching the end of the first half of 2015.  We thank and are appreciative to all stewards who have pledged and remained committed to our beloved Parish of Panagia.  The Parish Council reminds all stewards and supporters of our beloved Panagia Parish to complete your stewardship pledge card for 2015 and return it to the church office.  Pledge cards and info can be found at the Pangari in the Church Narthex.  May our Lord continue to bless us abundantly.

Dates to Remember:

Thursday, July 16th
10:30 a.m. - Philoptochos General Meeting
in St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

 Friday, July 17th
Feast Day of St. Marina
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Saturday, July 18th
10:00 a.m. - Philoptochos baking in Plato Hall

Monday, July 20th
Feast Day of the Prophet Elias
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Friday, July 24th
10:00 a.m. - Philoptochos packing
sweets & setup for Festival

Saturday, July 25th
Annual Church Festival
3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 26th
Annual Church Festival
Noon to 9:00 p.m.

Monday, July 27th
Feast Day of St. Panteleimon
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Annual Assumption Church Festival:

Our Greek Fest is only TWO weeks away!

The Festival will take place on Sat. & Sun., July 25 (3-10p) & 26 (12-9p). See the attached Flyer for more details!

Early Bird Raffle – The second and final Early Bird Raffle Drawing was held on Sunday, June 28th.  Congratulations to Ted and Kathy Pappas, winners of $100.

The Grand Raffle will be held on Sunday, July 26th at 8:30pm – Kindly return your paid* raffle tickets to the Church Office or see Eileen Szubert (708-610-5682. Tickets are $20 each or 6 for $100 – request additional tickets through the Church Office. Thank you to those who have already turned them in.

* payment can be in the form of cash, check or credit card (through the Church Office.)

Volunteers & Donations – your commitment of time and service is what we need the most right now. It takes a LOT of volunteers to get this Festival up and running.  Please see Nick Mansour (Volunteer Coordinator) to offer your time and talents. A form is available on the back of this bulletin for your use.

This is a terrific opportunity for our youth to earn some community service hours for school or any other organizational requirements. Individuals from middle school-age and up are welcome!  Every hour committed is a valuable resource to the Festival.

Consider providing resources for Festival Supplies- your donations will help ensure the success of the Festival, which is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.  Please refer to the list in this bulletin for items in need - Any amount will help to defray these costs and is truly appreciated.

You may also speak with Chris Limperis or Eileen Szubert, who serve as Co-Chairmen for this year’s event, about any other questions or suggestions you may have.  We look forward to seeing and celebrating with you in July!

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 #1-74 Completed – Please visit our website or our bulletin board to see who benefited from these Acts of Kindness

Act of Kindness #75 – On Saturday, July 18th from 2pm-4pm we will be volunteering at Feed My Starving Children, Schaumburg. If you are interested in volunteering please contact the church office 773-626-3114. SPACE IS LIMITED!!

Act of Kindness #76 – On Sunday, August 2nd we will packing “homework kits” for students at VOCEL, a nonprofit early education center whose innovative approach is rooted in language development and an open, intentional teaching style.

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.

SEWonderful Quilts
To our parishioners that have a quilt kit please complete it and return it to the collection box in the St. Catherine's Narthex at your earliest convenience.  If you are unable to complete the quilt please return the kit.

Church School on FACEBOOK:

Our Sunday Church School has created a FACEBOOK page. Like our page: Assumption Sunday Church School! See our progress on our Acts of Kindness Challenge, keep up to date on upcoming events and view photos from recent events.

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:

Aug. 9               Sept. 6           Oct. 4              Nov. 8          Dec. 13     

Aug. 16             Sept. 13         Oct. 18            Nov. 15        Dec. 20

Aug. 30             Sept. 20         Nov. 1             Nov. 22        Dec. 27

 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:

In addition our Parish’s website, we encourage you to keep abreast on the latest news and happenings about Orthodoxy from our Metropolis of Chicago and our Holy Archdiocese.

Please use the links below to access any of the three sites:

Assumption Church:               www.assumptionchicago.org
Metropolis of Chicago:           www.metropolisofchicago.org
Archdiocese of America         www.goarch.org

All three websites will provide you with articles and resources for the Orthodox Church.  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, the Orthodox Calendar, and much more.  Specifically, on our Parish’s website, we have uploaded past and current editions of the Assumption Newsletter and the St. Catherine Newsletter, and are available for reading online.

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

A reminder to all, 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, Dr. Peter Panton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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