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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2016-03-13
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Eden
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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






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 Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4.

Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.


Gospel Reading

Forgiveness Sunday
The Reading is from Matthew 6:14-21

The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Second Mode

O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen."

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

For I know, yea I know many, not merely fasting and making a display of it, but neglecting to fast, and yet wearing the masks of them that fast, and cloaking themselves with an excuse worse than their sin.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 20 on Matthew 6, 4th Century

What He said is like this: Bury not gold in the earth, nor do any other such thing, for you do but gather it for the moth, and the rust, and the thieves. And even if you should entirely escape these evils, yet the enslaving of thine heart, the nailing it to all that is below, you will not escape: "For wheresoever thy treasure may be, there is thine heart also." ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 20 on Matthew 6, 4th Century

For the same is both treasure and seed; or rather it is more than either of these. For the seed remains not for ever, but this abides perpetually. Again, the treasure germinates not, but this bears thee fruits which never die.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 20 on Matthew 6, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Eden
March 13

Forgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.


Benedict
March 14

Benedict the Righteous of Nursia

This Saint, whose name means "blessed," was born in 480 in Nursia, a small town about seventy miles northeast of Rome. He struggled in asceticism from his youth in deserted regions, where his example drew many who desired to emulate him. Hence, he ascended Mount Cassino in Campania and built a monastery there. The Rule that he gave his monks, which was inspired by the writings of Saint John Cassian, Saint Basil the Great, and other Fathers, became a pattern for monasticism in the West; because of this, he is often called the first teacher of monks in the West. He reposed in 547.


Allsaint
March 16

Sabine the Martyr of Egypt

The holy Martyr Sabine was from Hermopolis in Egypt, and was known for his zeal and piety. During the persecution of Diocletian, he concealed himself with other Christians in a small dwelling outside the city. But when he was discovered, and professed his faith in Christ, he was taken before Arian the Governor, and after he had been tortured he was drowned in the river. Concerning Arian the Governor, See also December 14.


Christodulos
March 16

Christodulus the Wonderworker of Patmos

Saint Christodulus, who was from the region of Nicaea of Bithynia, was the son of Theodore and Anna, and was given the name John. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth and was renamed Christodulus ("slave of Christ" in Greek). At first, he lived the ascetical life in various places, then he received permission and monetary aid from the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus (reigned 1081-1118), and built on the island of Patmos a church and monastery named in honour of Saint John the Evangelist. These buildings stand to this day. However, when the Arabs attacked that place, he fled with his disciples and went to Euboia (Euripus), where also he completed the course of his life about the end of the eleventh century on the 16th of March. The disciples of this righteous man took his sacred incorrupt remains and transferred them to his own monastery, where they repose to this day for the sanctification of those who have recourse to them with faith.


Allsaint
March 18

Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem

This Saint was born in 315, and succeeded Maximus as Archbishop of Jerusalem in 350. He was zealous for the Orthodox Faith, and was a defender of the poor. He was exiled three times by the Arian Emperors Constantius and Valens. But after their death, he was recalled to his throne; he reposed in peace in 386. Of his writings, the most prominent are his catechetical lectures, which are considered the most ancient systematic summary of Christian teaching. Before Saint Cyril, there had been two dioceses, one of Jerusalem, and one of Holy Sion; under Saint Cyril, they were united into one bishopric. See also May 7.


Theotyrn
March 19

First Saturday of Lent: The Commemoration of the Miracle of Kollyva wrought by Saint Theodore the Tyro

Julian the Apostate, knowing that the Christians purify themselves by fasting most of all during the first week of the Fast -- which is why we call it Clean Week -- planned to defile them especially at that time. Therefore he secretly commanded that during those days the markets be filled with foods that had been defiled with the blood of animals offered in sacrifice to idols. But by divine command the Martyr Theodore (see Feb. 17) appeared during sleep to Eudoxius, then Archbishop of Constantinople. The Saint revealed to him the tyrant's plan, then told him to call the faithful together immediately on Monday morning and prevent them from purchasing those foods, but rather to make kollyva to supply their needs. The bishop asked what kollyva might be, and the Saint answered, "Kollyva is what we call boiled wheat in Euchaita." Thus, the purpose of the Apostate was brought to nought, and the pious people who were preserved undefiled for the whole of Clean Week, rendered thanks to the Martyr on this Saturday, and celebrated his commemoration with kollyva. These things took place in 362. Wherefore, the Church keeps this commemoration each year to the glory of God and the honour of the Martyr.


Chrysanthos
March 19

The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria

Saint Chrysanthus, who was from Alexandria, had been instructed in the Faith of Christ by a certain bishop. His father, who was a senator by rank and a pagan, had him shut up in prison for many days; then, seeing the unchanging disposition of his mind, he commanded that a certain young woman named Daria be brought from Athens. She was a very beautiful and learned maiden, and also an idolater, and Chrysanthus' father wedded him to her so that he might be drawn away from the Faith of Christ because of his love for her. Instead of this however, Chrysanthus drew Daria unto piety, and both of them boldly proclaimed Christ and received the crown of martyrdom in 283, during the reign of Numerian, when they were buried alive in a pit of mire.


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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Memorial:
6 Months ~ Bessie (Vasiliki) Trihas, Right Rows 1 - 2

Sacrament:

The son of Armand and Vilma Zike will be baptized today at 1:00 pm and will take the name Matteo.  The sponsor is Katerina Tole.

Loukoumades Sunday:

The Assumption Philoptochos will be selling loukoumades and serving coffee.  Proceeds will go towards Philanthropic endeavors.

Thought for the Week:

“People are looking for what we have. It is not enough for us to share our cultural heritage.  In our pluralistic society, it is our religious heritage that will endure and what many people are looking for.  As we share our faith, our own faith and community will become stronger.  No need to be afraid because this is God’s will. 
-”The Late Bishop Kallistos of Denver

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, 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

Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday):

Tomorrow, Monday, March 14th, is Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday), and our Church begins its journey through this solemn Season of Great Lent.  As is the tradition, Church Services will be held on this first evening of Lent beginning at 5:30pm, with the Great Compline Service.  Following this solemn Worship Service, the traditional Lenten Meal will be served in Plato Hall.  Donation is $10.00.  To RSVP, please call the Church Office (773.626.3114).

 The Next Orthodox Adult Bible Study Monday March 21, 2016:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet Monday evening, March 21, 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 continues his 3-part adult education program on Sunday, March 27th, (there has been a change to the date from the 20th to the 27th)  in our St. Catherine's Chapel immediately following SCS Divine Liturgy.

 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.

Lenten/Easter Needs:

As we enter the Lenten Season and as in the past we look for donors for the flowers that are used during the Lenten/Easter Season.  Should you wish to offer a donation for one of the items below, please call the Church Office - 773-626-3114

Icon for The Salutations to the Theotokos (5 Friday’s)
March 18th, March 25th, April 1st, April 8th - $175 per week

Jonquils for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross - $245

Palm Leaves for Palm Sunday April 24th- $1,160.00

Icon for Bridegroom Services, April 24th, April 25th, April 26th and April 27th - $175

Large Icon of the Last Supper – April 27th - $400

3 Wreaths for Holy Thursday, April 29th - $325 each – 1 has been donated

Rose Pedals, Holy Friday, April 29th - Donated

Carnations, Holy Friday, April 29th - $500

Lavaro, April 30th and May 1st - $200

Easter Lilies for Holy Pascha, April 30th and May 1st- $624

Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Family Synaxis Ministry:

Lentin Family Retreat:  Join other Orthodox families at St. Spyridon Church in Palos Heights on Saturday, April 2 for a one-day Lenten Retreat Title Family & Forgiveness, given by Dr. Peli Galiti, Program Manager for the International Forgiveness Institute at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  Workshops for adults and children, as well as child-care for babies!  Find more information and
register online at www.GOCFamilySynaxis.org or email Chicago.Family.Synaxis@gmail com

   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.

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.

 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:

March 27              June 5           July 10           Sept. 11       

April 10                June 12          July 17           Sept. 18

May 15                June 19          July 31           Sept. 25

May 22                June 26          Aug. 21          Oct. 2

May 29                July 3             Sept. 4            Oct. 9

 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 FOR WORSHIP

ENTERING THE CHURCH
When entering an Orthodox church, reverently make the sign of the Cross. First, light your candle. Candles represent the light of Christ and the flame of the Holy Spirit. Candle-stands are in the narthex. You may then venerate the icons before you.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUNCTUALITY
The Orthodox Divine Liturgy begins when the priest intones, “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” We need to arrive early enough to receive this blessing. Arriving later causes a distraction for others who are praying. If an occasional problem occurs and you have to come in late, enter the church reverently and quietly. Try not to interrupt the Liturgy by your entrance. The best way to avoid this situation is to arrive on time.

STANDING IN CHURCH
It is the custom of some Orthodox Christians to stand throughout the Divine Liturgy. If you choose to stand, please do so near the sides so that the view of the Altar is not blocked for those who are seated. If you are accustomed to sitting during the Divine Liturgy, remember to stand at these times:

  • When the Liturgy begins and the priest gives the blessing;
  • During the Small and Great Entrances
  • When the priest turns and faces the congregation, giving his blessing
  • When the priest is censing the icons and congregation
  • During the Gospel reading
  • At the Anaphora
  • For Holy Communion
  • At the final blessing

RECITATION OF NICENE CREED AND LORD’S PRAYER
We must remember that when the Orthodox Divine Liturgy is celebrated, it is ‘interactive’. That means we are not merely spectators but participants. The Nicene Creed is the foundation and principle tenets of our Orthodox Faith. Therefore, we should recite it together, loudly and with conviction, as it defines us as ‘believers’ and ‘Orthodox Christians’. Likewise, the Lord’s Prayer is to be recited loudly and boldly. It is the one prayer that Jesus Christ authored and recited when preaching here on earth.

HOLY COMMUNION
Orthodox Christians are invited to approach and receive Holy Communion if they are properly prepared. The church school students and their teachers should approach first. All others who are prepared to do so may then approach the holy chalice. The cloth held by the priest and the altar servers is there to prevent any particles of the gifts from falling onto the floor.

CHILDREN
If a baby or toddler needs a snack, please clear away any leftover pieces. However, the child should not have anything in his/her mouth when he/she comes to Holy Communion. It is not acceptable at any time to chew gum in church (at any age). Plan to have your children use the restroom and get a drink before church begins, and don’t allow them to come and go continually.

RESPECTFUL BEHAVIORS
Remember that you are in church to worship God, the Holy Trinity. The priest says, “With the fear of God, faith, and love draw near.” Let this be the way you approach your worship:

  • Refrain from socializing during the Liturgy: Save your greetings and conversations for the fellowship hall. We are in the Liturgy to pray and worship God, not to distract others.
  • Mobile devices: The use of mobile phones is never proper during the Liturgy. If you have a professional reason to carry one for emergencies, keep it on mute, not vibrate, and sit near the exit so that leaving for an emergency will not be a distraction to others. Otherwise, turn off your phone before entering the sanctuary.
  • We do not clap in church.
  • Lipstick: Do not wear lipstick while taking Holy Communion or when kissing the cross, an icon, the priest’s or bishop’s hand, or any sacred object. It is best not to wear it at all in the church.
  • Leg crossing: One should not be too casual in the Divine Liturgy. In our North American culture, we tend to cross our legs to get comfortable when sitting. Crossing one's legs in church is not permitted, not because it is "wrong" but rather because it is too casual and relaxed for being in church. Keeping your feet on the ground also enables you to remain attentive and to stand when necessary.
  • Church Dress: Respectful attire is also an important part of attending Orthodox services. You do not need to be dressed "fancy" but respectfully and modestly so as to present yourself to God. No shorts, short skirts, or revealing clothing please. Men and boys must remove their hats when entering the church.

HANDLING THE HOLY BREAD (ANTIDORON)
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of holy bread or antidoron. While antidoron is not Holy Communion, it is blessed bread and as such should be eaten carefully so that crumbs do not fall. Both adults and children should always remember to eat the antidoron with respect. Leaving Church without receiving antidoron and the final blessing from the priest is foreign to our Orthodox culture. This includes the chanters, choir, parish council members, and ushers as well.

LEAVING BEFORE DISMISSAL
Leaving church before dismissal deprives us of a blessing. Worship has a beginning ("Blessed is the Kingdom...") and an end ("Let us depart in peace..."). To leave immediately after Communion is to treat the church with disrespect.

NOTE: Worship services are vital instruments and components to our prayer development. In order to do this, we need to be cognizant of our fellow parishioners and all those around us. For those parents with children, we encourage you to expose them to the worship experience. If a child is 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:

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

 

 

 

 


 

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