Publish-header
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2015-07-12
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Parish News and Events
Allsaint
Organization Icon
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 Romans 12:6-14

BRETHREN, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:1-8

At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Apolytikion of Martyrs Proclus & Hilary 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 Proclus & Hilary in the Second Tone

As kinsmen, ye did prove to be of like spirit in your life and of one accord in all things, O renowned Martyr Proclus and godly-minded Hilary; for having yourselves become images of the Passion of Christ, ye were counted worthy of glory, and ye grant divine forgiveness unto all.

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.
BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

Here he names a comprehensive thing. For the Apostleship even is called a ministry, and every spiritual work is a ministry. This is indeed a name of a peculiar office (viz. the 502 diaconate); however, it is used in a general sense. "Or he that teacheth, on teaching." See with what indifference he places them, the little first and the great afterwards, again giving us the same lesson, not to be puffed up or elated...."Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation." And this is a species of teaching too. For "if ye have any word of exhortation," it says, "speak unto the people." (Acts xiii. 15.) Then to show that it is no great good to follow after virtue unless this is done with the proper rule, he proceeds, "He that giveth" (<greek>metadidois</greek>, imparteth), "let him do it with simplicity." For it is not enough to give, but we must do it with munificence also, for this constantly answereth to the name of simplicity...For it is not enough to show mercy, but it behooves us to do it with a largeness and an ungrudging spirit, or rather not with an ungrudging, but even with a cheerful and rejoicing one, for not grudging does not amount to rejoicing...writing to the Corinthians also, he insisted very strongly upon. For to rouse them to such largeness he said, "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. (2 Cor. ix. 6.) But to correct their temper he added, "Not grudgingly or of necessity." (ib. 7.) For both the shower of mercy ought to have, both ungrudgingness and pleasure.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on Romans 7, 4th Century

. . . every spiritual work is a ministry. . . It is not enough to give, but we must also do it with magananimity, for this always answers to the name of simplicity. . . It is not enough to show mercy, but it behooves us to do it with openhandedness and an ungrudgin spirit. . . even with a cheerful and rejoicing one. . . He said, "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (II Cor. 9:6). . .In this way the widow outweighed many talents by the two mites, for her spirit ws large.
Saint John Chrysostom
Homily XXI on Romans XII., Fourth Century

In this case indeed He discloses also another sign, and that no small one, of His own Godhead, and of His equality in honor with the Father. For whereas they said, "To unbind sins pertains to God only," He not only unbinds sins, but also before this He makes another kind of display in a thing which pertained to God only; the publishing the secrets in the heart. For neither had they uttered what they were thinking.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 29 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

In this case in fact He also discloses another sign - and that no small one - of His own Godhead, and of His equality in honor with the Father. For when they said, "To unbind sins pertains to God alone," He not only unbinds sins, but prior to this He makes another kind of display of a thing which pertained only to God: publishing the secrets of the heart. For they had not vocalized what they were thinking.
Saint John Chrysostom
Homily XXIX on Matthew IX, 1, 2, Fourth Century

In this place He gives a complete likeness of the resurrection. Healing wounds of mind and body, He forgives the sins of souls and makes an end of the infirmity of the flesh: This is to cure the whole man. And though it is a great thing to forgive men their sins. . . nevertheless, it is a much more divine work to give resurrection to their bodies, because the Lord is Himself the resurrection.
Saint Ambrose
The Healing of the Paralytic, P. L. 15 (col. 1638), Fourth Century

God listens, not to our voice, but to our heart. He does not need to be prodded with shouts, since He sees our thoughts, as the Lord proved when He asked, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?" And elsewhere He stated: "All the assemblies shall know that I am He who searches minds and hearts."
Saint Cyprian of Carthage
The Lord's Prayer, Third Century

Forasmuch then as they had demonstrated such great faith, [the Lord] also demonstrated His own power with all authority absolving [the paralytic's] sins, and signifying in all ways that He is equal in Honor with Him who begat Him
Saint John Chrysostom
Homily XXIX on Matthew IX, 1, 2, Fourth Century

Though in the beginning He Himself went about and did not require so much faith of those who came to Him, in this case they approached Him, and faith was also required on their part. For the words "Seeing their faith refer to the faith of those who had let the man down."
Saint John Chrysostom
Homily XXIX on Matthew IX, 1, 2, Fourth Century

He puts an end to the woman's fear ... He sets her right, in respect of her thinking to be hid ... He exhibits her faith to all, so as to provoke the rest also to emulation ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 31 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

For though it is a grace, yet it is not poured forth at random, but framing its measure according to the recipients, it lets as much flow as it may find the vessel of faith that is brought to be capable of holding. . .
Saint John Chrysostom
Homily XXI on Romans XII, Fourth Century

If your heart is brazenly confident of your works and knowledge, then know that this foreshadows impending tribulation.
St. Isaac of Syria
The Four Books, 7th century

[The Lord] does not on all occasions require faith on the part of the sick - as for instance when they are mentally ill or in any other way, through their disease, have no self control. However, in this case the sick man also had part in the faith, for he would not have allowed himself to be let down, unless he had believed.
Saint John Chrysostom
Homily XXIX on Matthew IX, 1, 2, Fourth Century

The Lord looks with affection on the humble. . .Learn, you who are sick, to gain health through prayer. Should you be diffident because of your grave sins, seek the prayers of others, call upon the Church to pray for you, and in His regard for her, the Lord will give what He could refuse to you.
Saint Ambrose
The Healing of the Paralytic, P. L. 15 (col. 138), Expos., in Toal, IV: 182, 183., Fourth Century

Through the toil of prayer and the anguish of your heart commune with those who are grieved at heart, and the Source of mercy will be opened up to your petitions.
St. Isaac of Syria
Unknown, 7th century

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
July 12

Proclus & Hilary the Martyrs of Ancyra

These Martyrs contested in Ancyra in 106, during the reign of the Emperor Trajan. Saint Proclus was seized as a Christian and, confessing his faith, was burned on his sides and belly, was hung upon a beam with heavy stones tied to his feet, and finally was taken away to be shot with arrows. As he was being led forth, his nephew Hilary encountered him and greeted him, and was himself seized. After his uncle had been slain with arrows, Hilary, because he would not deny Christ, was tormented, then beheaded.

17_marina
July 17

The Holy Great Martyr Marina (Margaret)

This Martyr lived during the reign of Claudius II (268-270). She was from Pisidia of Cilicia and was the only daughter of a certain priest of the idols. On being orphaned by her mother, she was handed over to a certain woman who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. When she was fifteen years old, she was apprehended by the ruler of Olmbrius, and when asked her name, homeland, and faith, she answered: "My name is Marina; I am the offspring of the Pisidia; I call upon the Name of my Lord Jesus Christ." Because of this she endured bonds, imprisonment, and many whippings, and was finally beheaded in the year 270. Saint Marina is especially invoked for deliverance from demonic possession.

BACK TO TOP

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 ~ Stefan Wiseman, Right Rows 1 – 2
40 Days ~ Olga Mantzakides, Left Rows 1 - 2
6 Months ~ Emile Mantzakides, Left Rows 1 - 2
2 Years ~ Bessie Kuchuris, No Pews

40 Day Baby Blessing:
The son of Diana and Mark Patterson will be Churched today.

Coffee Fellowship:
Today's coffee fellowship is hosted by the Wiseman, Thomopoulos, Cotsirilos, Xanos Families and Michael Walsh in memory of Stefan Wiseman.  Please join us in Plato Hall to enjoy fellowship.

Sacraments:

The daughter of Michael and Jessica Pullos was Baptized yesterday, July 18th and given the name Rose. The Godparents are Luke Politis and Georgia Politis.

The son of Nicholaos and Jennifer Solomos was Baptized yesterday, July 18th and given the name Theodore. The Godparents are Panagiotis and Athina Margaris.

Have You Made Your 2015 Stewardship Pledge Yet?

We closed 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:

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 ONE week away!

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

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 #1-75 Completed – Please visit our website or our bulletin board to see who benefited from these Acts of Kindness

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.

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.

Philoptochos News:

The Chicago Metropolis Philoptochos has requested the following items needed at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Wisconsin, such as, white hand towels, white face towels, white pillowcases, pens, first-aid kits, small size toiletries by September 1, 2015 (complete list of items is posted on the bulletin board in the tunnel), or contact Ann Dervis or Mary Zouras for more information.

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. 15        Dec. 20     

Aug. 16             Sept. 13         Oct. 18            Nov. 22        Dec. 27

Aug. 30             Sept. 20         Nov. 8             Dec. 13

 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:

Dean Bastounes, Nick Mansour, John Vassiliades, Joann Stavropoulos, Mary Zouras

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BACK TO TOP