Publish-header
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2016-02-21
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Parish News and Events
Publphar
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

Prokeimenon. Plagal Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15.

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from Luke 18:10-14

The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

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 Timothy the Righteous in the Fourth Tone

O God of our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to Thy gentleness: take not Thy mercy from us, but by their entreaties guide our life in peace.

Kontakion of Timothy the Righteous in the Fourth Tone

Thou didst rise up from the East like a most bright star, shining with the splendour of the virtues of thy miracles within the hearts of all faithful men, O wonder worker of godly mind, Timothy.

Apolytikion of Eustathius of Antioch in the Third Tone

O God of our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to Thy gentleness: take not Thy mercy from us, but by their entreaties guide our life in peace.

Kontakion of Eustathius of Antioch in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Since thou hadst wholly purified thyself with godly deeds, thou wast a notable example of a true high priest, while excelling in divine vision and a pure life. As a pillar and foundation of the Church of Christ, thou withstoodest all temptations with great steadfastness. Hence we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father Eustathius.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Let us flee from the boasting of the Pharisee and learn through our own sighs of sorrow the humility of the Publican. Let us cry out to the Savior, "Have mercy on us, for through You alone are we reconciled."

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

It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those who have never fallen at all, I have demonstrated from the divine writings. Thus at least both the publicans and the harlots inherit the kingdom of Heaven, thus many of the last are placed before the first.
St. John Chrysostom
AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

When lately we made mention of the Pharisee and the publican, and hypothetically yoked two chariots out of virtue and vice; we pointed out each truth, how great is the gain of humbleness of mind, and how great the damage of pride.
St. John Chrysostom
CONCERNING LOWLINESS OF MIND., 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Publphar
February 21

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.

Allsaint
February 21

Timothy the Righteous

Saint Timothy took up the monastic life from his youth, became a vessel of the Holy Spirit, and reposed in deep old age.

Allsaint
February 21

Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch

Saint Eustathius, the great defender of piety and illustrious opponent of Arianism, was from Side in Pamphylia. He became Bishop of Beroea (the present-day Aleppo), and in 325 was present at the First Ecumenical Council. From thence he was transferred to the throne of Antioch. But Saint Constantine the Great, led astray by the slanders directed against the Saint by the Arians, banished him to Trajanopolis in Thrace, where he reposed in 337, according to some. Others say he lived until 360.

BACK TO TOP

Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Memorials:
3 Years ~ Diane (Adamandia) Psarras, No Pews
5 Years ~ Jorgiana Andrea Apostol, No Pews
7 Years ~ Jennie (Bottis) Flesor, Right Row 1
9 Years ~ Nick (Nicolaos) Livaditis, Right Row 2
15 Years ~ Pauline Kavis, No Pews
17 Years ~ Louis W. Mitchell, No Pews
18 Years ~ Eugenia George, No Pews
34 Years ~ Alexandra Mitchell, No Pews
53 Years ~ Thomas Bottis, Right Row 1
56 Years ~ Peter George, No Pews
73 Years ~ William Mitchell, No Pews

Sacrament:

The son of Maria and Luke Bolchert will be baptized, Saturday. February 27, 2016 at 11:00 am and will be given the name Gabriel.  The sponsor is Constantina Papadakis.

Thoughts on Servant Leadership:

“ …the only true and valid model of Christian leadership is The Servant.
As Christian leaders, we must take servanthood as our icon and model.”

“When followers see and believe that the leaders love them and have seen and experienced that love in their actions (not just their words), then what results is trust.”                                        Oriented Leadership - Williams & McKibbon

“Christian leadership is accomplished only through service.”                                                                                                                                                                                                               Henri Nouwen - The Wounded Healer

Coffee Fellowship:

Today's coffee fellowship is hosted by the Assumption Community.  Please join us in Plato Hall for fellowship.

Sunday Church School:

Our Panagia Sunday Church School Divine Liturgy begins promptly at 9:45am. Sunday Church School classes takes place immediately following the Divine Liturgy in Plato School.  If you have not, as yet, registered your child for the 2015-16 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.

Dates to Remember:

  Sunday, February 21st
Triodion Begins

Sunday, February 21st
Adult Education Program will be held after the SCS Divine Liturgy
in St. Catherine's Chapel

Saturday, February 27th
5:00 pm - Sledding in Bartlett

Sunday, February 28th
SCS Students, Teachers and families
will be worshipping in the main
Church as a "Church Family"

Saturday, March 5th
1st Saturday of the Souls
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Sunday, March 6th
Apokreatiko Glendi
4:00 pm Reception - 5:00 pm Dinner
Diplomat West Banquet Hall, Elmhurst, IL

Monday, March 7th
7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study will meet in
St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Wednesday, March 9th
7:30 pm – SCS Staff Meeting in
St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Saturday, March 12th
2nd Saturday of the Souls
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Sunday, March 13th
CHEESE FARE SUNDAY
SCS Students, Teachers and families
will be worshipping in the main
Church as a "Church Family"

Assumption Philoptochos will be selling
Loukoumades at the coffee hour

Monday, March 14th
GREAT LENT BEGINS
5:30 pm – Great Compline Service
7:00 pm – Lenten Dinner in Plato Hall

Wednesday, March 16th
6:00 pm – Presanctified Liturgy

Thursday, March 17th
10:30 am – Philoptochos General Meeting
in St. Catherine’s Meeting Room
7:30 pm – Youth Night at the Oak Brook Park District

Friday, March 18th
7:00 pm - 1st Salutations to the Theotokos

Saturday, March 19th
3rd Saturday of the Souls
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Sunday, March 20th
SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

Monday, March 21st
6:00 pm – Compline Service
7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study will meet in
St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Wednesday, March 23rd
9:00 am – Presanctified Liturgy

Friday, March 25th
Annunciation of our Lord
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy
7:00 pm – 2nd Salutations to the Theotokos

Monday, March 28th
6:00 pm – Compline Service

Wednesday, March 30th
6:00 pm – Presanctified Liturgy 

 The Next Orthodox Adult Bible Study Monday March 7, 2016:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet Monday evening, March 7, 2016, at 7:00 pm, in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.  We will continue our study of St. Paul’s Epistle to Timothy.  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.

Adult Education Program:

Father Dimitrios begins a 3-part adult education program today that will be held in our St. Catherine's Chapel immediately following SCS Divine Liturgy.  It is a 3-part series "Introduction To The Divine Liturgy".  The dates are Sunday, February 21st, Sunday, March 20th and Sunday, April 10th.

 Thinking of Converting to Orthodoxy?

 If you, a family member, or friend, who are not of the Orthodox Faith, and may be considering conversion to Orthodoxy, please contact the Church Office (773.626.3114) or speak with Fr. Timothy or Fr. Dimitrios. A Confirmation/Chrismation Class is being formed to prepare those who have expressed interest to convert to Orthodoxy.  This also includes couples who are planning to be married in the Orthodox Church in the near future, and where one of the couple is contemplating converting to the Orthodox Faith.  We plan to begin this process in March.

 Apokreatiko Glendi:

Our Philoptochos Sisterhood invites everyone to join them for their “Back to the 80’s”. This fun-filled Glendi will take place on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at the Diplomat West Banquets in Elmhurst, IL. Reception is at 4:00pm and dinner promptly at 5:00pm. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite awesome fashion styles from the 1980’s.  There will be a delicious dinner, dancing and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.  Reservations and payment can be made every Sunday in Plato Hall, or by calling Nancy Pilafas at 708-246-7833, or Tina Sarantos at 708-955-6957.  Adults $35; Teens 13-18 $25. Looking forward to seeing you on the March 6th!

   Youth Ministries:

Our next youth night (Joy, Jr. GOYA and GOYA) will be Friday, March 17, 2016 at 7:30pm at the Oak Brook Park District. We look forward to seeing everyone there!  If you have any questions regarding Assumption Youth Programs, please contact Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.

Be The Bee Youth Retreat:

Be the Bee Youth Retreat will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church.  Sts. Peter and Paul in Glenview will be hosting a Metropolis of Chicago Be the Bee Retreat with the Archdiocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director, Steven Christoforou (possibly better known as the 'Be the Bee Guy').

The day retreat (9:30am-roughly 3pm) is intended to be a PanOrthodox event for Youth (6th-12th Grades), Parents, and Youth Workers.  There will also be an evening event for Young Adults (18-35 year olds) at a TBD location in the city with Steve, beginning at 7pm.

Registration will be done online at: bethebee.goarch.org/retreats.

AHEPA 13th District Scholarships Available:

Applications for the Order of AHEPA’s 13th District Scholarship Awards are now being accepted.  Eligible students must be high school seniors, have a minimum four-year cumulative grade point average of ‘B’, and be either of Greek heritage or have a parent that is an active member of the AHEPA family.  For further info, or to obtain an application, please call the Church Office (773.626.3114).  Deadline for submitting application is March 15, 2016.

The Greek Women’s University Club:

The Greek Women’s University Club (GWUC) was founded in 1931.  It has been the mission of our organization to promote higher education and to support a variety of endeavors in the arts, literature, and sciences within our community.  Since its inception, the GWUC has supported women of Greek descent by offering academic scholarships. The Greek Women’s University Club is pleased to offer two (2) scholarships of $2,500 each for the 2016-17 schoolyear.

Selection of Award Recipients is made by an independent selection committee appointed by the GWUC Board of Directors. This committee will work independently and make decisions based on the criteria set forth in the scholarship application, including academic achievement, a written statement of academic objectives, faculty recommendations, and extracurricular activities. The semi-finalists are then invited for a personal interview. All candidates are advised of their status after each step in the process. Final notifications will be made by mid-May, 2016.

Application forms are available to any eligible women in the Church Office.  Please call 773-626-3114 if you wish to receive an application.

Application materials must be returned by March 31st, 2016, via email to:

Eleni Fosses
Email: elenifosses@gmail.com
773-617-2945

 AJM Architecture & Design Scholarship:

The Andreas J. Mourelatos Architectual & Design Scholarship fund is presented by the Mourelatos family in honor of Andreas who passed away in August of 2014.  The scholarship is open to all Greek American students across the United States in the fields of architecture, interior and exterior design, and construction management.  Please contact the AJM Architecture and Design to receive an application at:  www.AJMscholarship.com or AJMarchdesign@gmail.com.   Due date is May 30th.

 Outing to the Field Museum of Chicago, February 28, 2016:

THE GREEKS

Agamemnon to Alexander the Great

 SUNDAY,
FEBRUARY 28, 2016

(Bus Leaving Directly following Divine Liturgy)

See more than 500 artifacts
From ancient Greece
At The Field Museum

Explore epic stories from the perspectives of the ancient Greeks
themselves, including men and women known to us through historical
accounts, mythological tales, and the archaeological record.

RESERVATIONS:

$27 per Adults:  $20 for students:  including bus and lunch (at the museum)
Please call the Church Office #773.626.3114 or email office@assumptionchicago.org to make your reservations.

RSVP:  No Later than February 21, 2016

Church School on FACEBOOK:

Our Sunday Church School has created a FACEBOOK page. Like our page: Assumption Sunday Church School! Keep up to date on upcoming events and view photos from recent events.

Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed:

Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2016?  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 2016 year are:

Feb. 28                May 22         June 26         Aug. 7         

March 27              May 29         July 3           Aug. 21

April 10                June 5          July 10         Aug. 28

May 8                  June 12         July 17         Sept. 4

May 15                June 19         July 31         Sept. 11

 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.

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:

Individuals/Families interested in purchasing graves at Elmwood Cemetery, please be advised of the following rates:  $1,995.00 (members), and $2,295.00 (non-members).  Our Parish has only twenty-six (26) 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.

NOTE:  Please note that this morning’s Divine Liturgy, as well as prior Divine Liturgies, are available for rebroadcast.  Simply log on to our Parish’s website (www.assumptionchicago.org), and click on the “Watch Worship Services Online” link.

Ushers:

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

 

 

 

 


 

BACK TO TOP