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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2016-11-13
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Parish News and Events
Johnchry
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. First Mode. Psalm 48.3,1.
My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart shall bring forth understanding.
Verse: Hear this all you nations.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:26-28; 8:1-2.

Brethren, it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.

Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

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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 John Chrysostom, Abp. Of Constantinople in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Grace shining forth from thy mouth like a beacon hath illumined the universe, and disclosed to the world treasures of uncovetousness, and shown us the heights of humility; but while instructing us by thy words, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.

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

The example of the good Samaritan shows that we must not abandon those in whom even the faintest amount of faith is still alive.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

But you cannot be a neighbour unless you have compassion on him; for no one can be called a neighbour unless he have healed, not killed, another. But if you wish to be called a neighbour, Christ says to you: "Go and do likewise."
St. Ambrose of Milan
Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

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Saints and Feasts

Johnchry
November 13

John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher, and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Libanius was a pagan, and when asked before his death whom he wished to have for his successor, he said, "John, had not the Christians stolen him from us." With such a training, and with such gifts as he had by nature, John had before him a brilliant career as a rhetorician. But through the good example of his godly mother Anthusa and of the holy Bishop Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), by whom he was ordained reader about the year 370, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. From the years 374 to 381 he lived the monastic life in the hermitages that were near Antioch. His extreme asceticism undermined his health, compelling him to return to Antioch, where Saint Meletius ordained him deacon about the year 381. Saint Meletius was called to Constantinople later that year to preside over the Second Ecumenical Council, during which he fell asleep in the Lord. In 386 Bishop Flavian ordained John presbyter of the Church of Antioch. Upon his elevation to the priesthood his career as a public preacher began, and his exceptional oratorical gifts were made manifest through his many sermons and commentaries. They are distinguished by their eloquence and the remarkable ease with which rich imagery and scriptural allusions are multiplied; by their depth of insight into the meaning of Scripture and the workings of God's providence; and, not least of all, by their earnestness and moral force, which issue from the heart of a blameless and guileless man who lived first what he preached to others. Because of his fame, he was chosen to succeed Saint Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken away by stealth, to avoid the opposition of the people, and consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople on February 28, 398, by Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who was to prove his mortal enemy.

At that time the Emperor of the East was Arcadius, who had had Saint Arsenius the Great as his tutor (see May 8); Arcadius was a man of weak character, and much under the influence of his wife Eudoxia. The zealous and upright Chrysostom's unsparing censures of the lax morals in the imperial city stung the vain Eudoxia; through Theophilus' plottings and her collaboration, Saint John was banished to Pontus in 403. The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city; this so frightened the Empress Eudoxia that she begged Arcadius to call Chrysostom back. While his return was triumphant, his reconciliation with the Empress did not last long. When she had a silver statue of herself erected in the forum before the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia) in September of 403, and had it dedicated with much unseemly revelry, Saint John thundered against her, and she could not forgive him. In June of 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia. From here he exchanged letters with Pope Innocent of Rome, who sent bishops and priests to Constantinople requesting that a council be held. Saint John's enemies, dreading his return, prevailed upon the Emperor to see an insult in this, and had John taken to a more remote place of banishment called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was filled with bitter sufferings for the aged bishop, both because of the harshness of the elements and the cruelty of one of his 310 guards. He did not reach Pityus, but gave up his soul to the Lord near Comana in Pontus, at the chapel of the Martyr Basiliscus (see May 22), who had appeared to him shortly before, foretelling the day of his death, which came to pass on September 14, 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things." His holy relics were brought from Comana to Constantinople thirty-one years later by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria his sister, the children of Arcadius and Eudoxia, with fervent supplications that the sin of their parents against him be forgiven; this return of his holy relics is celebrated on January 27.

Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom ("Golden-mouth") because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian.

It should be noted that, because September 14 is the Exaltation of the Cross, the Saint's memory has been transferred to this day.

Mattevng
November 16

Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist

This Apostle, who was also called Levi, was the son of Alphaeus and had Galilee as his homeland. A publican before being called by Christ, he became one of the Twelve Apostles, and an Evangelist. While still in Palestine, he wrote his Gospel first in Hebrew, being also the first of all to write the Gospel. When he is depicted in icons, there is portrayed next to him the likeness of a man, one of the symbolic living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1.10), which, as Saint Irenaeus writes, is a symbol of our Saviour's Incarnation.

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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Memorial:

3 Years ~ James (Demetrios) Leakakos, No Pews
7 Years ~ Nicholas S. Dallas, No Pews

Coffee Fellowship:

This Sunday the coffee fellowship is hosted by the Joan and William Leakakos in memory of James Leakakos.  All are invited to stay and enjoy fellowship following the Divine Liturgy.

Sacrament:

Christopher Torchia was Chrismated Saturday, November 12, 2016.  His sponsor is Dr. Constantine Politis.

  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.

Ministry, Ministry, Ministry!

Every Christian who has accepted salvation has also accepted the responsibility of working in the ministry of the Church.  The clergy have been called apart and given the grace and blessing to perform the specific sacramental functions of the church, but all Christians, clergy and laity alike, have been called to serve in our Lord’s ministry.  If this is not what the Church is doing, then we have entered into serious error.  Everything that we do as a Church should be in direct support of Christ’s ministry of salvation.  If we build buildings, they should be to support ministry.  Any event sponsored by the Church should be ministry or in support of ministry.  The Church’s budget should be driven by its ministry, not the ministry to be limited by its budget.

We are still in need of a 11th/12th Grade High School SCS Teacher:

Our Church puts out the call for a qualified and loving individual (man or woman) to join our Sunday Church School teaching staff for the 2016-17 school academic year.  We are in need of a teacher for our 11th/12th grade students.  There is no more rewarding or fulfilling feeling, nor gift that we can give back to our Lord, other than to impart to His children the Word of God and the blessed teachings of our Holy Orthodox Church.  Helping to mold the formation of a child’s faith and belief in the Lord is a commission that each of us is bestowed with as baptized Orthodox Christians.

Therefore, we ask that you give thought and prayer to the enormous opportunity of becoming a Sunday Church School assistant to assist the teacher and children. Please speak with Fr. Timothy, or the Sunday Church School Director, Mrs. Christina Arvanites.

Sunday Church School:

Our Happiness Challenge is off to a great start. On September 24th over 30 volunteers attended Feed My Starving My Children. On October 9th our SCS students packed toiletry kits and made cards for veterans that will be receiving treatment at Rush University Medical Center as part of the Road Home program.  On October 23rd our SCS made 200 sack lunches and soup to be served to Chicago area homeless in Humboldt Park by our 6 volunteers.

Just as in the Parable of the Sower, the youth of our parish have sowed seeds of kindness during their 90 Acts of Kindness participation that have now flourished into a garden of love and happiness, growing from organization to organization.  They will continue to sow; working on new ideas of how to put our faith in action!

Stewardship Sunday November 20th:

The Parish Council has designated Sunday, November 20th as Stewardship Sunday.  This week, 2017 stewardship packets were mailed to all faithful (stewards) of this Parish.  We ask that you please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment for 2017, complete the pledge card that is in the mailing, and bring it to Church on November 20.  Following the Divine Liturgy on that day, you will have the opportunity to deposit your completed 2017 Pledge Commitment Card (in the envelope provided), into the tray/basket that one of the Parish Council members will be holding as you exit the Church that day.  We are forever grateful to the many loving stewards, supporters, and friends of this Parish who stand tall in their commitment to our Lord, the Blessed Panagia and this ministry.

Parish Council Elections Set For Sunday, December 4th:

Please be advised that on Sunday, December 4th, our Parish will hold Parish Council elections for the 2017-18 term.  You are asked to please give serious consideration to offer your time, talent and service to God and His Church.  We are in need of new faces, stewards who want to work and offer service to our blessed Parish of Panagia.  Enclosed in this bulletin, you will find the guidelines for placing your name for consideration on the Parish Council along with a form to place your name into nomination.  Deadline for submission is Monday, November 21st.  Please return the form to either Fr. Timothy or to the Church Office in a sealed envelope.

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APPLICATION FOR NOMINATION FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL
                     ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Qualifications to be a Candidate for the Parish Council:

1.  Must be spiritually, canonically and financially in good standing:

     a. SPIRITUALLY: Attend Divine Services regularly and receive the Holy Sacraments;
         uphold the teachings and traditions of the Church.

     b. CANONICALLY: If married, married in the Orthodox Church.  If divorced, have an
         ecclesiastical divorce. Must live his/her life and activities in accordance with the Faith and
         Canons of the Holy Orthodox Church.

      c. FINANCIALLY: Must be a member of the Parish for at least one year immediately
          preceding the date of elections.

2.   Must be willing to take the following oath:

“I do solemnly swear that I will uphold the dogma, teachings, traditions, holy canons, worship, and moral principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the constitutional charter, discipline, and regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will fulfill faithfully and sincerely the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council.  So help me God.”

3.   Must attend a mandatory Seminar conducted by the Parish priest in accordance with the
UPR, Article VIII,  Section 3:

All candidates shall attend a seminar conducted by the priest prior to the election at which the priest shall discuss the Uniform Parish Regulations and explain them to the candidates, particularly the oath of office. At the conclusion of the seminar all candidates will acknowledge by signing a statement that they understand the Uniform Parish Regulations and, if elected, will abide by them and the oath of office. If a candidate for the Parish Council refuses to attend the seminar and sign the declaration, his or her name shall be deleted from the list of candidates.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. To participate in the sacramental life of the Church setting an example for the parish, to collect the revenue of the Church and to administer the affairs of the parish in such a manner to aid the Priest in the fulfillment of its aims and  purposes.

2.  After appropriate discussion, to support and cooperate “fully” with all majority decisions of the Parish Council.

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PARISH COUNCIL APPLICATION

 I wish to place my name in nomination for election to the Parish Council of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.  As required by the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.  I hereby declare that I have been a member in good standing for at least one year prior to the date of elections, and I understand the duties and responsibilities which are expected of the members of the Parish Council.

Please print:

Name___________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________

City____________________State____________Zipcode__________

 

Signature of Applicant_____________________________________

 

Please return this application to:
THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
601 S. Central Avenue / Chicago, Illinois 60644

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21st

ELECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE DIVINE LITURGY IN PLATO HALL UNTIL 1:00 PM, ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH

Adult Education Program:

Once again, Fr. Dimitrios is continuing the Adult Education Program (AEP) one Sunday each month for the 2016-17 year.  The next AEP will be held this Sunday, November 13, 2016 in St. Catherine Chapel following the SCS Liturgy.

Did you miss the last Adult Education Program session? Have no fear! The hard working video team at Assumption will be recording all of the AEP sessions and posting them on the parish website. You can watch all of the videos at http://www.assumptionchicago.org/video/educational-videos/.

 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

Also, our parish is starting a database of all college students in the community. If you have a college student in your family or if you are a college student, please send your name, school, area of study, address, and email address to Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.

Dates to Remember:

      Sunday, November 13th
Feast of St. John Chrysostom
8:30 am – Orthros
10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sunday, November 13th
Adult Education Program will be held in
St. Catherine Chapel following SCS Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, November 15th
Christmas Fast Begins

Wednesday, November 16th
Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Thursday, November 17th
10:30 am – Philoptochos general meeting in
St. Catherine Meeting Room

Friday, November 18th
7:30 pm – Youth Night at the Oak Brook
Park District

Sunday, November 20th
Stewardship Sunday

Monday, November 21st
Entrance of the Theotokos
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study will meet
In St. Catherine Meeting Room

 Thursday, November 24th
7:00 pm – St. Catherine Vesper Service and
Coffee Fellowship

Friday, November 25th
Feast Day of St. Catherine
8:30 am – Orthros
10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Sunday, November 27th
SCS Students, Teachers and families
will be worshipping in the main
Church as a ‘Church Family’

Wednesday, November 30th
Feast of St. Andrew
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

  Adult Bible Study Monday November 21, 2016:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet Monday evening, November 21, 2016, at 7:00 pm, in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.  We will continue with our study of the Epistles written by Saint Paul the Apostle.  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.

Philoptochos News:

The Philoptochos will have their general meeting on Thursday, November 17, 2016 in St. Catherine meeting room at 10:30 am.  On the agenda are plans for St. Catherine Vespers and Feast Day, Christmas Party and Sing-Along, Feed the Hungry, and Christmas Bake Sale.

Parade of Prizes:

Thanks to your generosity we collected 170 prizes for the raffle!  Our proceeds of $2,300 after expenses will benefit Bright Pink, a national nonprofit organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer; and IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) renowned for their prompt response to offer emergency relief worldwide; and other philanthropies. The ladies of Philoptochos thank you and everyone who helped make this event a success.

 Church Basketball Season:

Basketball Season has started.  Tom Demos is our Youth Athletic Director and he has provided the dates of game days.  Should you have questions about the schedule please contact Tom by email at thomasdemos@gmail.com.

This is an incredible opportunity for the kids to represent the Church, enjoy memorable times with their friends, encourage fellowship amongst our families, the opportunity to travel and compete against other local Greek Orthodox Churches, enjoy friendly competition and learn about sportsmanship and playing the game the right way.

 

GAME INFORMATION:
Players' please arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to our official game times which are normally at 5:30pm.

Sunday, November 13 @ St. Andrew's - 5pm
Saturday, November 19 @ St. Spyridon - 5pm
Saturday, December 10 @ St. Constantine and Helen - 5pm
Sunday, December 11 v. St Haralambos @ Westchester - 5pm
Saturday, December 17 v. St. Demetrios Elm @ Westchester - 5pm
Saturday, January 14 v. St. Peter and Paul @ Westchester - 5pm
Sunday, January 15 v. Holy Trinity @ Westchester - 5pm
Saturday, January 21 v. St. Demetrios Chi @ Westchester - 5pm
Sunday, January 22 v. St. Nectarios @ 133 North Roselle Rd, Palatine, IL-5pm

TEXT UPDATES:
Please take a moment to sign up to receive text updates at http://remind.com/join/8dc48g.   This will be used to help communicate any last minute issues.

PAPERWORK:
Paperwork is due this weekend.   If you have not submitted your paperwork copies can found on the Pangari in the main Church, as well as in St. Catherine Narthex.   Please fill out and return to me with a picture/image of your child.   This can be submitted electronically.

  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 date for the 2016 year is:       November 27

 The 2016-17 PanHellenic Scholarship Application is Now Available!

The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation's 2016-17 scholarship application is now available! This year, the Foundation will once again distribute $250,000 in scholarship awards. The Foundation will accept applications from eligible college students through January 31, 2017. The scholarship application and the qualification criteria, requirements, and guidelines are available on our website info@panhellenicscholarships.org, or call the Church office (773-626-3114) for additional information.

To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, applicants must:  

 Be US Citizens or US permanent residents

  • Be of Hellenic descent
  • Be a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited 4-year university in Fall 2016
  • Have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA

If you are an undergraduate of Hellenic descent, we encourage you to apply for the scholarship awards!

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.

 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 a few 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).

   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.

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.

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 Liturgy 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).

 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.

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.

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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