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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2016-11-20
Bulletin Contents
Allsaint
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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 First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.

BRETHREN, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.


Gospel Reading

9th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 12:16-21

The Lord said this parable: "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." As he said these things, he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."


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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 for Forefeast of the Entry of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode

By blossoming forth the only Ever-virgin as fruit, today holy Anna doth betroth us all unto joy, instead of our former grief; on this day she doth fulfil her vows to the Most High, leading her with joy into the Lord's holy temple, who truly is the temple and pure Mother of God the Word.

Kontakion of Gregory Decapolite in the Third Tone

The Church knoweth thee to be a shining sun that enlight'neth all men with the rays of cures and with the beauty of virtue. Hence, O truly blessed Father, Christ's faithful servant, we all celebrate thy venerable memorial, O wise Gregory most righteous; and we now honour thy valiant struggles for Christ.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

The whole world is filled today with joy and gladness on the Theotokos's auspicious and resplendent feast, whereon with great voice it crieth out: The heavenly tabernacle is she in truth.

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

I cannot be silent about the story of Hesychius the Horebite. He passed his life in complete negligence, without paying the least attention to his soul. Then he became extremely ill, and for an hour he left his body.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

And when he came to himself, he begged us all to leave him immediately. And he built up the door of his cell, and he stayed in it for twelve years without ever uttering a word to anyone, and without eating anything but bread and water.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
November 20

Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople

Saint Proclus lived during the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger. A disciple and scribe of Saint John Chrysostom, he was ordained Bishop of Cyzicus about the year 426, but because the people there unlawfully elected another bishop before his arrival, he remained in Constantinople. In 429, Nestorius, who had been Archbishop of Constantinople for about a year, and had already begun his blasphemous teaching that it is wrong to call the holy Virgin "Theotokos," invited Bishop Proclus to give a sermon on one of the feasts of our Lady, which he did, openly defending in Nestorius' presence the name "Theotokos," that is, "Mother of God." Saint Proclus was elevated to the throne of Archbishop of Constantinople in 434. It was he who persuaded Emperor Theodosius the Younger and his holy sister Pulcheria to have the most sacred relics of his godly teacher Saint John Chrysostom brought back from Comana, and triumphantly received them upon their return to the imperial city (see Jan. 27 and Nov. 13). He reposed in peace in 447.


Allsaint
November 20

Gregory the Righteous of Decapolis

Saint Gregory who was from Irenopolis of the Decapolis of Asia Minor, was the son of Sergius and Mary. He became a monk as a young man, and after struggling for many years in virtue and prayer under obedience to a wise spiritual father, he was informed by revelation that it was the will of God for him to live, like the Patriarch Abraham, with no certain dwelling, moving from place to place. His journeyings took him to Ephesus, Constantinople, Corinth, Rome, Sicily, Thessalonica, and again to Constantinople, where, after many labours in defence of Orthodoxy against Iconoclasm, he reposed in peace in the first half of the ninth century. He had two disciples, one of whom was Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (see Apr. 3), who wrote the Menaion service for Saint Gregory, his father in Christ.


Vmentrnc
November 21

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph.


Allsaint
November 24

Our Holy Father Clement, Pope of Rome

Saint Clement was instructed in the Faith of Christ by the Apostle Peter. He became Bishop of Rome in the year 91, the third after the death of the Apostles. He died as a martyr about the year 100 during the reign of Trajan.


Allsaint
November 24

Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria

Saint Peter illustriously occupied the throne of Alexandria for twelve years, and, as Eusebius says, "was a divine example of a bishop on account of the excellence of his life and his study of the sacred Scriptures" (see Eusebius, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 3 2; Book VIII 11, 13; and Book IX, 6). He excommunicated Arius for his sympathy with the Meletian schism. When Arius learned that Saint Peter had been imprisoned, he sent many priests and deacons to him, asking that he receive him back into the communion of the Church before his martyrdom. When the ambassadors of Arius, who had not, like Saint Peter, perceived the ruin he would engender, were astonished at the vehemence with which Saint Peter refused to receive Arius again, he revealed to them a dread vision he had seen, in which the Master Christ had appeared to him as a child wearing a garment torn from head to foot. When Saint Peter asked the Lord who rent His garment, the Lord answered that it was Arius, and that he must not be received back into communion. The holy hieromartyr Peter was beheaded during the reign of Maximinus in the year 312; he is called the "Seal of the Martyrs," because he was the last Bishop of Alexandria to suffer martyrdom under the pagan Emperors. His successors to the throne of Alexandria, Saints Alexander and Athanasius the Great, brought to final victory the battle against Arius' heresy which Saint Peter had begun.


Katherin
November 25

Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria

Saint Catherine, who was from Alexandria, was the daughter of Constas (or Cestus). She was an exceedingly beautiful maiden, most chaste, and illustrious in wealth, lineage, and learning. By her steadfast understanding, she utterly vanquished the passionate and unbridled soul of Maximinus, the tyrant of Alexandria; and by her eloquence, she stopped the mouths of the so-called philosophers who had been gathered to dispute with her. She was crowned with the crown of martyrdom in the year 305. Her holy relics were taken by Angels to the holy mountain of Sinai, where they were discovered many years later; the famous monastery of Saint Catherine was originally dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord and the Burning Bush, but later was dedicated to Saint Catherine. According to the ancient usage, Saints Catherine and Mercurius were celebrated on the 24th of this month, whereas the holy Hieromartyrs Clement of Rome and Peter of Alexandria were celebrated on the 25th. The dates of the feasts of these Saints were interchanged at the request of the Church and Monastery of Mount Sinai, so that the festival of Saint Catherine, their patron, might be celebrated more festively together with the Apodosis of the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos. The Slavic Churches, however, commemorate these Saints on their original dates.


Mercurios
November 25

Mercurius the Great Martyr of Caesarea in Cappadocia

Saint Mercurius came from Cappadocia, and was the son of Gordian, a Scythian. A young man, and a soldier of high rank, he refused to offer sacrifice to the idols, and after torments was beheaded during the reign of Valerian (253-260).


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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Artoclasia:

The Artoclasia today is being offered for the Health and Welfare of the Members of the Daughters of Penelope, Homer Chapter #98 and their families.  Left Rows 1 - 2

Daughters Of Penelope Founder’s Day – 87 Years!

The Daughters of Penelope were founded on November 16, 1929 in San Frisco, CA.  This year we celebrate 87 years in existence.  Founder, Alexandra Apostolides formed the first chapter Eos #1 and 95 additional chapters.  She became the first Grand President and advocated the pursuit of knowledge and higher learning for Greek women.  She emphasized the importance of ethnicity and patriotism and consistently stresses the significance of kindness and love towards one another.  Homer #98 is proud to be part of this wonderful philanthropic organization.

Coffee Fellowship:

This Sunday the coffee fellowship is hosted by the Daughters of Penelope Homer 98.  All are invited to stay and enjoy fellowship following the Divine Liturgy.

40 Day Baby Blessing:

The 40-day baby blessing will take place following the Divine Liturgy for the son of Harriet and Nicholas Senese

  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.

GIVING THANKS THIS THANKSGIVING:

As we busily prepare this coming week to share the spirit of Thanksgiving with our loved ones and friends, please take a moment to give ‘thanks’ to our Lord for the true gifts that He gives each of us.  I share this story with you that was passed on to me by a fellow parishioner:

NEED WASHING?

A little girl had been shopping with her mom in WalMart.  She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.

It was pouring outside.  The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the drain.  We all stood there, under the awning, just inside the door of the WalMart.  We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day.

I am always mesmerized by rainfall.  I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world.  Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

Her little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in,  'Mom, let's run through the rain.' she said.
'What?' Mom asked.

'Let's run through the rain!', the little girl repeated.
'No, honey.  We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

This young child waited a minute and repeated:  'Mom, let's run through the rain.'
'We'll get soaked if we do,'
  Mom said.

'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,'  the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

'This morning?  When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?'

'Don't you remember?  When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, ' If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything!'

The entire crowd stopped dead silent.  I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain.  We all stood silently.  No one left.  Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.

Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly.  Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life.  A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right.  Let's run through the rain.  If GOD lets us get wet, well maybe we just need washing,'  Mom said.

Then off they ran.  We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles.  They got soaked.

They were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did.  I ran.  And I got wet.  I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health.  But no one can ever take away your precious memories.  So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories every day.

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.  As we celebrate the gifts that our Lord gives us on this Thanksgiving Day, I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them.  In giving love to those around us, we also give love to Jesus Christ, our Savior!                                   Happy Thanksgiving

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 this Sunday, November 20th as Stewardship Sunday.  The 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 20th.  Following the Divine Liturgy on this 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 today.  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

Christmas Offering Appeal and Parish Christmas Card Signup:

The Annual Appeal for Christmas where our faithful and supporters are able to make their prayerful gift to our Panagia Parish and our Lord’s Ministries have been mailed this past week to all stewards.  We ask that you please consider and remember your Spiritual Home with your gift of love.

In addition, the annual invitation to include your name and be part of our Parish Family Christmas Card has also been mailed to all steward’s homes as well.  For your convenience, a form can also be found in this week’s bulletin.  If you would like to have your name added to the Christmas Card, please complete the form and return it together with your check in the amount of $25.00 made payable to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.  Deadline for inclusion in the Parish Family Christmas Card is Monday, December 12, 2016.

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 on Sunday, December 4, 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/.

Annual Christmas Toy Drive

It's that wonderful time of year!! Our neighbor, Loretto Hospital has once again reached out to us for assistance in collecting toys for their Annual visit with Santa/Toy Drive. Please see attached flyer for more information. 

For those that are new to our Church School program: For the last 20+ years Loretto Hospital has hosted a Visit with Santa at the Columbus Park Refectory for children of the Austin area to visit with Santa and be given a gift that has been graciously donated by local area organizations. Our parish as well as other local area businesses has stepped forward to assist by collecting gifts that will be given to these children.

 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 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.

 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.


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!

The Kulis Foundation Scholarships:

The Kulis Foundation is offering over 30 scholarships for current college undergraduate and graduate students of Greek heritage and/or Orthodox faith.  Applications will be available December 1, 2016.  For detailed information email: steven@kulisfoundation.org.

Philoptochos News:

The ladies of the Philoptochos will be teaming up with the ONE WARM COAT ORGANIZATION and collecting clean winter coats and jackets on Sundays, November 27th, December 4th and December 11th.  If you wish to donate any items there will be a box in the St. Catherine narthex.

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:

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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