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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-04-02
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Parish News and Events
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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

Proistamenos Very Rev. Timothy Bakakos

frtimothy@assumptionchicago.org | 773-626-3114

Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Dimitrios Burikas


frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org | 773-626-3114

Services Schedule

Worship Hours:

Sunday

8:30 am - Orthros

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday Summer Hours
8:00 am - Orthros

9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday Church School 

 9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Weekday Services

8:30 am - Orthros

9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

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

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14.

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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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.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal Fourth Mode

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Mary, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

Apolytikion of Great Martyr Catherine in the Plagal of the First Tone

Let us praise the most auspicious bride of Christ, the divine Catherine, protectress of Sinai, our aid and our help. For, she brilliantly silenced the eloquence of the impious by the sword of the spirit, and now, crowned as a martyr, she asks great mercy for all.

Kontakion of Great Martyr Catherine in the Second Tone

O friends of martyrs, now divinely raise up a renewed chorus, praising the all-wise Catherine. For, she proclaimed Christ in the arena, trampled on the serpent, and spat upon the knowledge of the orators.
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Wisdom of the Fathers

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For with this object He reveals their deficiencies, that after these things thou mightest know what manner of men they became by grace. ... No one shall sit on His right hand nor on His left.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

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April 02

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.

Allsaint
April 03

Nicetas, Abbot of the Monastery of Medicium

Saint Nicetas lived in the eighth century and became the Abbot of the Monastery of Medicium, which was near the city of Triglia on the Sea of Marmara. For his Orthodox confession of the veneration of the holy icons, he was persecuted and exiled twice by the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian, but recalled by Michael the Stutterer, and reposed, adorned with the twofold crown of holiness and of confession of the Orthodox Faith, about the year 824.

Allsaint
April 03

Joseph the Hymnographer

Saint Joseph was from Sicily, the son of Plotinus and Agatha. Because Sicily had been subjugated by the Moslems, he departed thence and, passing from place to place, came with Saint Gregory of Decapolis (see NOV. 20) to Constantinople, where he endured bitter afflictions because of his pious zeal. Travelling to Rome, he was captured by Arab pirates and taken to Crete, whence he later returned to Constantinople. He became an excellent hymnographer and reposed in holiness shortly after 886 (according to some, it was in 883). The melismatic canons of the Menaion are primarily the work of this Joseph; they bear his name in the acrostic of the Ninth Ode. He also composed most of the sacred book known as the Paracletike, which complements the Octoechos For this reason, Joseph is called par excellence the Hymnographer.

Lazarus
April 08

Lazarus Saturday

Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, the friends of the Lord Jesus, had given Him hospitality and served Him many times (Luke 10:38-4z; John 12:2-3). They were from Bethany, a village of Judea. This village is situated in the eastern parts by the foothills of the Mount of Olives, about two Roman miles from Jerusalem. When Lazarus - whose name is a Hellenized form of "Eleazar," which means "God has helped," became ill some days before the saving Passion, his sisters had this report taken to our Saviour, Who was then in Galilee. Nonetheless, He tarried yet two more days until Lazarus died; then He said to His disciples, "Let us go into Judea that I might awake My friend who sleepeth." By this, of course, He meant the deep sleep of death. On arriving at Bethany, He consoled the sisters of Lazarus, who was already four days dead. Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled at the death of His beloved friend. He asked, "Where have ye laid his body?" and He wept over him. When He drew nigh to the tomb, He commanded that they remove the stone, and He lifted up His eyes, and giving thanks to God the Father, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." And he that had been dead four days came forth immediately, bound hand and foot with the grave clothes, and Jesus said to those standing there, "Loose him, and let him go." This is the supernatural wonder wrought by the Saviour that we celebrate on this day.

According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him; then he lived another thirty years on Cyprus and there reposed in the Lord. It is furthermore related that after he was raised from the dead, he never laughed till the end of his life, but that once only, when he saw someone stealing a clay vessel, he smiled and said, "Clay stealing clay." His grave is situated in the city of Kition, having the inscription: "Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ." In 890 his sacred relics were transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo the Wise, at which time undoubtedly the Emperor composed his stichera for Vespers, "Wishing to behold the tomb of Lazarus . . ."

Allsaint
April 08

The Holy Apostles of the Seventy Herodion, Agabus, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon, and Hermes

The Apostle Herodion, whom Saint Paul mentions in his Epistle to the Romans (16:11) and calls his "kinsman," was ordained presbyter and then Bishop of New Patras, where he was slain by Jews and pagans. Saint Agabus is mentioned in Acts 21:10-11, where he prophesied SaintPaul's arrest in Jerusalem at the hands of the Jewish leaders. In Acts 11:27-28 it is mentioned also that this Saint foretold the great famine that would come to pass in the time of Claudius Caesar. Having preached the Gospel throughout various regions, he departed to the Lord. The Apostle Rufus became Bishop of Thebes in Greece. The Apostles Asyncritus and Phlegon preached Christ in many places, suffered many afflictions at the hands of the pagans and Jews, and departed unto the Lord. The Apostle Hermes is mentioned with them in the Epistle to the Romans (16:13-14).

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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

This Sunday, the Sunday Church School Students, teachers and families will be worshipping in the main Church as a ‘Church Family’.

Memorials:

40 Days ~ Helen (Eleni) Maggos, Right Pews 1 - 2
1 Year ~ Paul (Pavlos) Basil Javaras, Right Pew 3
3 Years ~ Peter (Panagiotis) Wonais, Right Pews 4 - 5
16 Years ~ Maria Rodel, NO PEWS

 Coffee Fellowship:

This Sunday the Coffee Fellowship is hosted by the Assumption Community.  All are invited to stay, and enjoy fellowship.

  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.

Sunday Church School Happiness Challenge:

The children of our Sunday Church School continue to spread happiness from organization to organization.

January:            Cards for a child with leukemia
                           Dinner for families staying at Ronald McDonald House (Loyola Hospital)
February:          Valentine Cards for children at LaRabida Children's hospital                  

Every month the children will have an opportunity to put our faith in action with various philanthropic service projects. We will have monthly bulletin updates to show our children’s progress as well as updates to our website with pictures that will show a glimpse of the beautiful example of our faith in action that our children continue to offer.

Sunday Church School - Journey Through Lent 40 Charities in 40 Days:

With the blessing of Fr. Timothy and Fr. Dimitrios and their Spiritual Guidance our Church School is excited to kick off a new program that we will participate in during Great Lent.  40 Charities in 40 days!! (this does not replace our Happiness Challenge which is our hands-on service projects we have committed to). 

During the course of Great Lent, we will have an opportunity to learn about and donate to 40 different charitable organizations. Each day there will be a SCS email sent with a name/brief description of the chosen organization and their need. Our hope is that our Lenten Journey will be one that is spiritually enriching; that along with prayers, fasting and attendance in some of our many church services during Great Lent there will be an opportunity to talk to our children about each of these organizations and let them decide or maybe even shop for the item that is being collected. There will be 40 boxes labeled with the organization's name where donations can be dropped off.  During Bright Week students of the SCS will deliver all the donations. 

Every month the children will have an opportunity to put our faith in action with various philanthropic service projects. We will have monthly bulletin updates to show our children’s progress as well as updates to our website with pictures that will show a glimpse of the beautiful example of our faith in action that our children continue to offer.

Charities #1-10 RECAP:
Charity #1: Peace Corner Youth Center,  Collecting:  crayons, markers, colored pencils
Charity #2: Thumbuddy Special , Collecting: Hand lotion, nail polish
Charity #3: Mission Congo, Collecting: Spare change for copier purchase
Charity #4: OPRF Food Pantry, Collecting: Food seasonings and Spices
Charity #5: Easter Seals, Collecting: Art supplies(glue sticks, crayons, markers etc.
Charity #6 Anti Cruelty Society, Collecting: Newspapers
Charity #7 The Boulevard, Collecting: ToiletriesCharity #8: Deborah’s Place, Collecting: hand soap, bars of soap, shampoo and conditioner
Charity #9: Sarah’s Inn, Collecting: nonperishable food items
Charity #10:  Bridge to Success, Collecting: gently used professional clothing

Charities #11-20 RECAP:
Charity #11: Covenant House, Collecting: gently used backpacks, drawstring athletic bags, & new socks
Charity #12: Ronald McDonald House, Collecting: pop tabs
Charity #13: New Moms, Collecting: kitchen cleaning supplies
Charity #14: Phil’s Friends, Collecting: knit hats, puzzle books (word search, crossword etc.)
Charity #15: The Night Ministry, Collecting: Plastic Grocery Bags
Charity #16: Bernie's Book Bank, Collecting: Gently used, children's books (ages birth- 6th grade)
Charity #17: Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, Collecting: Cleaned, used mascara wands
Charity #18: IOCC, Collecting: metal nail files/nail clippers, combs or band aids
Charity #19: The GrayMatters Foundation, Collecting: Bright, colorful stickers
Charity #20: Muscular Dystrophy, Collecting: Pens 

Charities #21-30 RECAP:
Charity #21: Sunny Patch, Collecting: Craft sticks or Garden Markers
Charity #22: Featherfist, Collecting: Gently used clothing
Charity #23: Teen Living Program, Collecting: Snack Items (Granola bars, fruit snacks, chips, etc.)
Charity #24: Jesse Brown VA, Collecting: Magazines (new/gently used 3 months old or newer)
Charity #25: Random Acts of Flowers, Collecting: Vases (new or gently used)
Charity #26: Fisher House, Collecting: Kleenex
Charity #27: Cradles to Crayons, Collecting: Gently used shoes all sizes
Charity #28: San Jose Obrero Mission, Collecting: DVDS/board games/puzzles (new or gently used)
Charity #29: Connections for Abused Women & Children, Collecting: Hand Sanitizer
Charity #30: Support Our Troops, Collecting: Hard candy/Breath mints, Gum, or granola bars

Charities #31-40 RECAP:
Charity #31: Lake County Haven, Collecting: Baby Wipes or Hand Soap
Charity #32: A Safe Haven, Collecting: New Washcloths
Charity #33-40: TBA

Stewardship:

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 and mail in the the envelope provided.  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.

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, April 23, 2017 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/.

Philoptochos News:

 Philoptochos Baking:

The Philoptochos Ladies will be baking melomakarona and kourabiethes for the Easter Bake Sale will be on Saturday, April 1st, in Plato Hall kitchen starting at 9:30 a.m.  You may place your order on Sundays after Divine Liturgy in Plato Hall.

Easter Bake Sale

Just a reminder, the Easter Bake Sale will be Sunday, April 9th after Divine Liturgy.     Flyers can be found on the Pangari.

Easter Lambades

If you need Lambades for your Children or Godchildren, please stop by and check out the Lambades that the Sunday Church School Ladies and the Assumption Philoptochos Ladies will be selling every Sunday from March 12th up to Palm Sunday, April 9th during the Coffee Fellowship.

 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.

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 3rd, March 10th, March 17th, March 24th, March 31st - $175 per week

Jonquils for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross March 19th - DONATED

Palm Leaves for Palm Sunday April 9th- DONATED

Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday April 9th - $300

Icon for Bridegroom Services, April 10th, April 11th, April 12th - $175

Large Icon of the Last Supper – April 12th - DONATED

3 Wreaths for Holy Thursday, April 13th - DONATED

Rose Pedals, Holy Friday, April 14th - DONATED

Carnations, Holy Friday, April 14th - DONATED

Lavaro, April 15th and April 16th - $200

Easter Lilies for Holy Pascha, April 15th and April 16th- DONATED

2 Priest Pascal Candles - DONATED

Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon:

Please reserve Sunday, April 9, 2017 for our Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon in Plato Hall.  Donation:  Adults $12.00, Children $6.00.  For reservations, please contact either Mrs. Demetra Spyropoulos: 630-789-4559 or 630-833-1773, call the Church Office at 773-626-3114, or stop by the Church’s Bookstore in Plato Hall during the Coffee Fellowship Hour.  The cost of luncheon has been graciously underwritten by an anonymous donor.  Proceeds will benefit the Sunday Church School’s Lenten Project: 40 Charities in 40 Days.   Please join us in Plato Hall to enjoy fellowship..

Dates to Remember:

  Monday, April 3rd
6:00 pm – Great Compline Service
7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study will meet in St. Catherine
Meeting Room

Saturday, April 8th
Saturday of the Resurrection of Lazarus
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy Main Church

 Palm Sunday, April 9th
8:30 am – Orthros
10:00 am – Divine Liturgy
Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy
7:00 pm – Service of the Bridegroom

Monday, April 10th
Great and Holy Monday
7:00 pm – Service of the Bridegroom

 Tuesday, April 11th
Great and Holy Tuesday
7:00 pm – Service of the Bridegroom

Wednesday, April 12th
Great and Holy Wednesday
2:30 pm – Sacrament of Holy Unction
7:00 pm – Service of the Bridegroom
Holy Unction will be distributed after the service.

Thursday, April 13th
Great and Holy Thursday
9:00 am – Vespers and Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil
7:00 pm – The Holy Passion of Our Lord

 Friday, April 14th
Great and Holy Friday
9:00 am – Reading of the Royal Hours
3:00 pm –  Removal of Christ from the Cross
7:00 pm – Service of the Lamentations

        Saturday, April 15th
Great and Holy Saturday
9:00 am – Vespers and Divine Liturgy
11:00 pm – Canon of the Holy Resurrection

Sunday, April 16th
HOLY PASCHA
12:00 Midnight Resurrection Service and Divine Liturgy
11:00 am – Vespers of the Feast of Agape

Tuesday of Bright Week, April 18th
Feast of Panagia Portaitissa
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

 Friday of Bright Week, April 21st
Zoodohos Peghe - The Life-giving Fountain
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

 Sunday, April 23rd
Saint George the Great Martyr
8:30 am – Orthros
10:00 am – Liturgy

SUNDAY SOLEMN VESPERS SERVICES

  Sunday, April 2, 2017 (St. Mary Egypt)
Solemn Vespers beginning at 7:00
St. Demetrios Church, Hammond, IN
Rev. Fr. Athanasios Minetos, Preacher

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 late March.

   Adult Bible Study Monday April 3, 2017:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet Monday evening, April 3, 2017, 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.

 Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed:

Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2017?  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 2017 Year:

April 23                          May 28                  July 9                    Aug. 6      

May 7                            June 4                   July 16                  Aug. 13

May 14                          June 25                 July 23                  Aug. 20

May 21                          July 2                    July 30                  Aug. 27

  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.

 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.

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:

 Ted Pappas, Christina Arvanites, Tom Collis, James Lakerdas

 

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