Publish-header
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-08-06
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Parish News and Events
Transfiguration
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. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Peter's Second Universal Letter 1:10-19.

BRETHREN, be more zealous to confirm your call and election, for if you do this you will never fall; so there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to arouse you by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. And I will see to it that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Gospel Reading

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
The Reading is from Matthew 17:1-9

At that time, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead."

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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion for Holy Transfiguration in the Grave Mode

Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Thy disciples Thy glory as each one could endure. Shine forth Thou on us, who are sinners all, Thy light ever-unending, through the prayers of the Theotokos. Light-bestower, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Grave Mode

You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father.

Apolytikion of the Church in the First Mode

In giving birth, O Theotokos, you have retained your virginity, and in falling asleep you have not forsaken the world. You who are the Mother of Life have passed over into life, and by your prayers you deliver our souls from death.

Kontakion in the First Mode

You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father.

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 Lord does not always appear in glory to all who stand before Him. To beginners He appears in the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7); to those able to follow Him as He climbs the high mountain of His transfiguration He appears in the form of God, the form in which He existed before the world came to be (John 17:5).
St. Maximos the Confessor
Second Century on Theology, 13., 7th Century

It is therefore possible for the same Lord not to appear in the same way to all who stand before Him, but to appear to some in one way and to others in another way, according to the measure of each person's faith.
St. Maximos the Confessor
Second Century on Theology, 13., 7th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Transfiguration
August 06

Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5).

Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross.

Allsaint
August 07

The Holy Righteous Martyr Dometius

This Martyr, who lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, was a Persian by race and an idolater by religion. He was catechized by a certain Christian named Abarus. He went to Nisibis, a city of Mesopotamia, where he was baptized and donned the monastic habit in a certain monastery. He afterwards ascended a mountain and there endured in extreme ascetical struggles, working miracles for those that came to him, and converting many unbelievers. Julian the Apostate learned of these things as he was marching against the Persians in 363, and at his command the Saint and his two disciples were stoned to death, as they were chanting the Sixth Hour.

Allsaint
August 08

Emilian the Confessor & Bishop of Cyzikos

This Saint was one of the illustrious Orthodox Bishops called to Constantinople by the holy Patriarch Nicephorus to defend the veneration of the holy icons against Leo the Armenian (see Mar. 8). Saint Emilian was sent into exile by Leo about the year 815, and gave up his soul to the Lord amidst many afflictions and sufferings for the sake of his confession.

Allsaint
August 09

The Holy Apostle Matthias

After Judas by transgression fell from his apostleship (Acts 1: 25), and hanging himself out of despair ended his life with a wretched and shameful death (Matt. 27: 5), then, that the number of the Twelve not be lacking, all the disciples gathered in one place after the Ascension of the Savior (the number of men and women being 120), and they chose two men from among them, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was also surnamed Justus, and Matthias, and they set them in the midst. Then they prayed to God and cast lots, "and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles" (Acts 1: 15-26). And thus, having taken the place of Judas, Matthias fulfilled the work of apostleship and the prophecy concerning Judas, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David: "And his bishopric let another take" (Ps. 108:7). After this, it is said, Matthias preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, and completed his life there in martyrdom.

Allsaint
August 10

Laurence the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Rome

This Saint, who was born in Spain, was the Archdeacon of the Church of Rome, caring for the sacred vessels of the Church and distributing money to the needy. About the year 257, a harsh persecution was raised up against the Christians by Valerian. Pope Sixtus, who was from Athens, was commanded to worship the idols, and refused; before his martyrdom by beheading, he committed to Laurence all the sacred vessels of the Church. When Laurence was arrested and brought before the Prefect, he was questioned concerning the treasures of the Church; he asked for three days' time to prepare them. He then proceeded to gather all the poor and needy, and presented them to the Prefect and said, "Behold the treasures of the Church." The Prefect became enraged at this and gave command that Laurence be racked, then scourged with scorpions (a whip furnished with sharp iron points - compare II Chron. 10:11), then stretched out on a red-hot iron grill. But the courageous athlete of Christ endured without groaning. After he had been burned on one side, he said, "My body is done on one side; turn me over on the other." And when this had taken place, the Martyr said to the tyrants, "My flesh is now well done, you may taste of it." And when he had said this, and had prayed for his slayers in imitation of Christ, he gave up his spirit on August 10, 258.

Allsaint
August 11

Euplus the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Cantania

This Martyr was from Catania in Sicily and contested during the reign of Diocletian. He presented himself of his own accord to Calvisianus the Governor, who put him to exceedingly harsh torments. As Euplus was on the rack, Calvisianus commanded him to worship Mars, Apollo, and Aesculapius; he answered he worshipped the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He was beheaded in the year 304.

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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Summer Sunday Worship Hours:

Please make note that we are presently in our summer schedule for Sunday Worship Services.  Orthros begins at 8:00 am, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am.  We will return to our regular schedule on Sunday, September 10th.

Coffee Fellowship:

The Coffee fellowship is hosted by the Szubert Family.  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.

Sunday Church School – Help Needed!

Just around the corner is the start of our Sunday Church School year, September 10th to be exact. Now more than ever we need your help!

We are in need of teachers and assistants to join our team. Specifically grades 5 and 6. Unfortunately, if these teaching slots are not filled there will be no Church School for the children of 5th or 6th grade. In addition we have several teachers who could use the assistance of aides. I ask that you prayerfully and lovingly consider giving some of your time and talent back to our church. Our program can only succeed and grow with your participation and dedicated involvement, the teachers and I cannot continue to do it on our own.

If you have any questions or if you need more detailed information regarding joining our team please feel free to contact Mrs. Christina Arvanites.

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.

Stewardship:

2017 Stewardship Pledge commitment are due.  We ask that you please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment for 2017, complete the pledge card and mail it to the Church Office.  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.

2018 EPIPHANY PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LANDS:

It is with great joy and love in our Lord Jesus that Fr. Timothy, along with Fr. John Kalomas from the St. Andrew Church (Chicago), will again be leading an Eleven Day Pilgrimage from January 15th through 25th, 2018.  This pilgrimage will exclusively include the Holy Lands in Jerusalem, Israel, and Palestine.  Among the many places/sites to be visited include the Church and Tomb of St. George in Lydda,  the Holy Sepulcher where we will see the Holy Calvary, Holy Tomb, Chapel of Mary Magdalene, Temporary Prison of Christ, Saint Loginos, Finding of the Cross, Column of the Thorns, and the Chapel of Adam.  We then will walk to the Patriarchate to meet His Beatitude Patriarch of Jerualem, Theophilos III, follow Jesus’ footsteps on “Via Dolorosa” the Way of the Cross, Pretorium, Lithostrotos, the House of Nicodemos, the Prison of Saint Peter, the birthplace of Theotokos and the House of Saint Ann. Continue to the Tomb of Most Holy Mother of God in Gethsemane. We will visit Saint Stephanos, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Last Prayer.

We also will visit the Jordan River where we will enter the Holy Site of the Original Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ in the borders of Israel-Jordan.  We will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany at Jordan River with His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, who will bless the water.  We then visit St. Gerasimos, Mt. of Temptation in Jericho and the Dead Sea.

The following morning we will attend the Patriarchal Celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany in the Holy Sepulcher.  After the Divine Liturgy, we will visit Mount Zion, the Last Supper & Upper Room, King David’s Tomb, the Wailing Wall and the House & Tomb of Saint Simeon the Righteous in Katamonas.  We then will visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross and the House of Saint John the Baptist in Oreini.

In addition, we will visit the Mount of Olives for a panorama view of the Jerusalem, visit the Church of the Ascension, and small Galilea Saint Thedosius, Shepherds Field, Monastery of Saint Sabbas. We then return to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, the Holy Cave and the Manger of Christ, and the tombs of the infants killed by King Herod.

We then will depart for Tiberias, stopping first to visit the Tomb of Lazarus in Bethany and the Monastery of Martha & Maria. We continue through the Jordan Valley to Tiberias where we will spend the night.  The next morning we will cross the Sea of Galilee by boat to Capernaum. Here we will visit the ruins of the city where Jesus started His ministry, and see the site of the Synagogue where He was teaching.  We proceed to Tabgha, site of the Multiplication of  Five Loaves and Two Fishes.  From here, we will then drive to Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee and visit the Monastery of the twelve Apostoles in Capernaum.  We then return to our hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.  The next morning, we again visit Jordan River for our baptism (becoming a hatzi - a true pilgrim).

In this email as well as on our website (www.assumptionchicago.org), you will find a Flyer and Fact Sheet detailing the Trip, including dates, places, pricing, and other particulars.  Also included in this email is the brochure that describes each day's activities.  Because there is special pricing/discount given for registering early, you are urged to reply as soon as you can if you are interested in participating in this trip.  Should you have any questions, I urge that you please call me immediately.  Fr. John is advertising this Pilgrimage Trip in his own Parish, and we have decided to limit the size of this group, so space will be limited.  Again, if you have any questions, please see/speak to Fr. Timothy as soon as possible.

  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..

Metroplis of Chicago Family Synaxis Retreat:

Labor Day Weekend Family Retreat: Join other Orthodox families at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Wisconsin over Labor Day Weekend for a fun-filled time reconnecting with your family and reconnecting with God. Retreat leader Fr. Stephen Freeman, a priest, author, blogger and podcaster (learn more at GloryToGodForAllThings.com), will present workshops on the theme Living the Mystery. Children’s workshops will also be provided, as will childcare for babies. Find more information and register online at www.GOCFamilySynaxis.org or email Chicago.Family.Synaxis@gmail.com . Register by Aug. 18 for the best rate.

Registration for the Family Synaxis Labor Day Weekend Retreat is now open.  Register today to ensure the lodging you prefer. There is limited lodging space available onsite and we are assigning accommodations in the order that registrations are received (i.e., first-come-first-booked).  Registrations are time stamped as they come in, so we will have the information we need to do so. You will indicate your lodging preferences on your registration form. 

Registration costs for those registering by August 18, 2017, will be as follows:

Base registration fee: $225 - this fee covers the oldest two members of your family (i.e., the couple, or one adults and oldest child)

Children age 12+: $50 each
Children age 3-11: $25 each
Children under 3: free
*Cost will be capped at $375/family.

Due to the popularity of the speaker and the lodging space limitations of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, we are offering a Saturday-only rate this year (price includes Saturday lunch and workshops). The cost is $125/family (up to 5 people) plus $12/additional family member ages 4+.  Day rate is capped at $150.  

When you register, you will let us know who is attending and their ages.  From this information, we will generate an invoice for you, which you'll receive via email within a few days.  You may pay this with any credit card online, or by printing it out and sending a check to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plains, IL.  

We look forward to spending Labor Day weekend with you!  Please spread the word to your family and friends.

…........................................

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Eleni Anast at 708-250-0034 or chicago.family.synaxis@gmail.com.
 
In Christ’s Abiding Love,
Family Synaxis Planning Committee of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago

Byzantine Music Class:

This fall, our parish will be introducing a Byzantine Music class for all those interested in learning the art of Orthodox music. Classes will be led by Fr. Dimitri and are for students in middle school through college. If interested in registering or if you have any questions, please contact Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.

Dates to Remember:

 2017 August Religious Calendar
For The Feast Of The Dormition
Of The Virgin Mary

Sunday, August 6
The Holy Transfiguration
Of Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ
8:00 a.m. – Orthros
9:30 a.m. – Divine Liturgy

Monday, August 7
Dometios of Persia, Wonderworker Nikanor
6:00 p.m. – Holy Confession
7:00 p.m. – Small Paraklesis Service

Tuesday, August 8
Emilian, Bishop of Cyzikos, Myron the Wonderworker
Triandaphyllos the New Martyr
6:00 p.m.      Great Paraklesis Service
(There is No Holy Confession)

Wednesday, August 9
Apostle Matthias, Apostle of the 70
Anthony of Alexandria
6:00 p.m. – Holy Confession
7:00 p.m. – Small Paraklesis Service

 Thursday, August 10
Archdeacon Laurentios, Sixtus of Rome
6:00 p.m. – Holy Confession
7:00 p.m. – Great Paraklesis Service

Friday, August 11
Martyr Eupius the Deacon
7:00 p.m. – Akathist Hymn, Epitaphios and
Lamentations to the Virgin Mary

Monday, August 14
Forefeast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos
8:00 a.m. – Orthros
9:30 a.m. – Divine Liturgy
7:00 p.m. – Hierarchical and Panegyric Great
Feast Day Vespers

ALL NIGHT VIGIL
11:00 p.m. – Small Supplication to the Theotokos
12:00 a.m. – Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos
(Names of the living inaudibly commemorated.)

 Monday, August 15
ALL NIGHT VIGIL CONTINUES
THE FALLING ASLEEP OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY
THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER VIRGIN MARY
2:00 a.m. – Sacrament of Holy Unction

First Divine Liturgy
4:30 a.m. – Orthros
5:30 a.m. – Divine Liturgy

Second Divine Liturgy
8:30 a.m. – Hierarchical Orthros
10:00 a.m. – Hierarchical Divine Liturgy

Annual Panagia Names Day Appeal:

The Annual Panagia Appeal has been sent to all parishioners/stewards/supporters of our blessed Parish of Assumption.  As we approach the Feast of the Dormition of the Panagia, we respectfully ask that you remember your Church and the Patron Saint of this Parish, the Blessed Theotokos, with your prayers and loving gift.  It is because of your continued support and love that allows this Church, through the intercession of the Theotokos, to minister and continue to spread the Grace, Love and Word of Jesus Christ.  Included in the packet being mailed will also include the complete schedule of Worship Services during the fifteen day Panagia period, as well as a form to write the names of your loved ones to be remembered/commemorated at these Services.  Blank prayer list forms for your departed souls and living loved ones can also be found on the Pangari, as well as offering envelopes.

Annual Blessing of the Grapes on August 6th (Feast of The Transfiguration):

The Annual Blessing of the Grapes will take place at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, August 6th.  This tradition occurs in our Orthodox Churches on August 6th each year, giving thanks to our Lord for the ‘first fruits of harvest’ given to us by our God.  Should you wish to contribute to defray the expense of the grapes, please call the Church office at 773-626-3114.

Panagia Feast Day Flowers:

We are forever grateful for the love and support of our parishioners and friends of Panagia who generously defray the expenses of the flowers that so beautifully adorn our Icons of our Patron Saint, the Blessed Theotokos, on Her Feast Day.  If you are interested in making this gift specifically for the flowers decorating the Icons of the Panagia, please inform the Church Office (773.626.3114), or see Father Timothy.

Artoclasia Service for Panagia Feast Day Observance:

As is the tradition, our Parish honors the Feast Day of the Dormition of the Panagia with the Service of Artoclasia at BOTH the Great Vespers on Monday evening, August 14th, and the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday morning, August 15th.  Those individuals/families wishing to offer the bread (artos), oil, and wine for the health of their family are asked to call the Church Office (773.626.3114), or 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:

Aug. 13                       Sept. 17              Oct. 15              Nov. 19  

Aug. 20                       Sept. 24              Oct. 22              Nov. 26

Sept. 3                        Oct. 1                  Oct. 29              Dec. 3

Sept. 10                      Oct. 8                  Nov. 12              Dec. 1

   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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