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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-12-03
Bulletin Contents
Zephania
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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 -MAIN CHURCH

8:30 am - Orthros

10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday Summer Hours - MAIN CHURCH
8:00 am - Orthros

9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday Church School 

 9:45 am - Divine Liturgy

Weekday Services

8:30 am - Orthros

9:30 am - Divine Liturgy


Past Bulletins


Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 5:8-19.

Brethren, walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart.


Gospel Reading

14th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 18:35-43

At that time, as Jesus drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" And Jesus stopped, and commanded him to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.

Apolytikion of Prophet Sophonias in the Second Tone

As we celebrate the memory of Thy Prophet Sophonias, O Lord, through him we beseech Thee to save our souls.

Kontakion of Prophet Sophonias in the Fourth Tone

Thou wast shown to be illumined by the Divine Spirit, O Prophet Sophonias, proclaiming God's manifestation, and thou didst preach: Rejoice greatly, O daughters of Sion and of Jerusalem; behold, your King cometh, bringing salvation.

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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

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

We may learn from this that when we ask with faith, God does not give something other than what we ask for, but the very same thing. However, when we ask for one thing and receive something else, it is clear that either we did not make a good request or we did not ask with faith.
Blessed Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria
The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Luke, 11th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Zephania
December 03

The Holy Prophet Sophonias (Zephaniah)

This Prophet, who is ninth in order among the minor Prophets, was the son of Chusi (Cushi), from the tribe of Levi, or according to some, the great-grandson of King Hezekias. He prophesied in the years of Josias, who reigned in the years 641-610 before Christ. His book of prophecy is divided into three chapters. His name means "Yah is darkness."


Barbara1
December 04

Barbara the Great Martyr

Saint Barbara was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia and lived during the reign of Maximian.

She was the daughter of a certain idolater named Dioscorus. When Barbara came of age, she was enlightened in her pure heart and secretly believed in the Holy Trinity. About this time Dioscorus began building a bath-house; before it was finished he was required to go away to attend to certain matters, and in his absence Barbara directed the workmen to build a third window in addition to the two her Father had commanded. She also inscribed the sign of the Cross with her finger upon the marble of the bath-house, leaving the saving sign cut as deeply into the marble as if it had been done with an iron too. (When the Synaxarion of Saint Barbara was written, the marble of the bath-house and the cross inscribed by Saint Barbara were still preserved, and many healings were worked there.) When Dioscorus returned, he asked why the third window had been added; Barbara began to declare to him the mystery of the Trinity. Because she refused to renounce her faith, Dioscorus tortured Barbara inhumanely, and after subjecting her to many sufferings he beheaded her with his own hands, in the year 290.


Nicholas
December 06

Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra

This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock ... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travellers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.


Anna
December 09

The Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos

According to the ancient tradition of the Church, since Saint Anna, the Ancestor of God, was barren, she and her husband Joachim remained without children until old age. Therefore, sorrowing over their childlessness, they besought God with a promise that, if He were to grant them the fruit of the womb, they would offer their offspring to Him as a gift. And God, hearkening to their supplication, informed them through an Angel concerning the birth of the Virgin. And thus, through God's promise, Anna conceived according to the laws of nature, and was deemed worthy to become the mother of the Mother of our Lord (see also Sept. 8).


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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Memorias:

 6 Months ~ Metropolitan Iakovos
  1 Year ~ John G. Lamperis, Right Rows 1 - 3
  3 Years ~ Mary Lamperis, Right Rows 1 - 3
3 Years ~ Sophia Karagiannis, NO PEWS
3 Years ~ Aspasia Vasdekis, NO PEWS
7 Years ~ Elizabeth Phillips, NO PEWS
8 Years ~ Peter (Panagiotis) Karagiannis, NO PEWS
17 Years ~ Magdalene Dervis, NO PEWS
23 Years ~ George Lamperis, Right Rows 1 - 3
32 Years ~ Alexandra Dervisis, NO PEWS
32 Years ~ Nicholaos Vasdekis, NO PEWS
35 Years ~ Harry (Aristarchos) Phillips, NO PEWS
51 Years ~ Vasilios Dervisis, NO PEWS
63 Years ~ Mary Dervis Sothras, NO PEWS

Parish Fall General Assembly Meeting Today, December 3rd:

Please be advised that immediately following Worship Services and the Coffee Fellowship Hour today, the Fall General Assembly Meeting will take place in Plato Hall for all current (2017) Stewards of this Parish.  The announcement for the meeting, including minutes, balance sheet, and proposed 2018 budget had been mailed to all current members (Stewards) in good standing.  We hope that you will be able to remain following Worship Services for this meeting.

Coffee Fellowship:

Today’s coffee fellowship is hosted by George Dervis in memory of his Parents and Sisters.  All are invited to stay and enjoy fellowship.

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 2018:

We are forever grateful to our many stewards who faithfully contribute their stewardship gift to our Panagia Church without fail.  It is with the support of each member, supporter, and friend to Panagia and Her Church that allows this Parish to continue to offer its ministry to the faithful who enter its doors.

Stewardship is our way to give to back to God a portion of the ‘never-ending blessings’ that He unceasingly give to us each and every day.  That is a gift that can only be measured by us, and God expects us to make that determination honestly and with an open and loving heart.  Our Parish of Panagia is grateful to the vast majority who understand how we are expected to be ‘caretakers’ of His Earthly Church.  We call upon those individuals and families who have not, as yet, made your stewardship contribution for the year 2018, to consider doing that today.  Stewardship cards and information is located on the Pangari in the Narthex.  Please consider making your gift.  Thank you.

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 will be mailed this week to all stewards and friends of this Parish.  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 will also be mailed to all steward’s homes this week 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 15th, 2017.

ASSUMPTION CHRISTMAS ‘SHARE THE GIFT OF LIFE’ FUNDRAISER:

For the first time in our Church’s History we will decorate and Light the Tree to celebrate Christmas.  We will transform the 60-foot Spruce Tree in front of the Church into a joyful tree of light.

December 9th will be a special night for the Panagia community.

Join us for “Decorate the Hall” festivities and light the tree to celebrate Christmas.  The tree lighting symbolizes an outpouring of love for our community and the surrounding Austin Community, along with the Good we can do Where we Give.

A flyer is included in the bulletin with more information.

Assumption Basketball Season:

Once again, it's basketball season! If you have questions about this program contact Tom Demos at thomasdemos@gmail.com.

Below is the basketball schedule for our grade school team.

Game Times are at 4:30 pm

Sun 12/10 v St Nectarios (Westchester Park District)
Sun 12/17 v St Andrews (Westchester Park District)
Sun 1/7 v. St Demetrios Elmhurst
Sat 1/13 at Holy Trinity
Sun 1/14 v St Johns (Westchester Park District)
Sat 1/20 at St Demetrios - Chicago
Sat 1/21 v. Holy Apostles (Westchester Park District)

Philoptochos:

Please stop by our table in Plato Hall following the Divine Liturgy as the 2018 Membership Drive continues every Sunday through December 17th during the Coffee Fellowship.  Please join, rejoin or reinstate your Philoptochos membership. 

If you are able to participate, volunteers are welcome to help serve for Feed the Hungry at Annunciation Cathedral, Tuesday, December 12th, at 9:30 a.m.  For a truly heartwarming experience, please join us!  Contact any Board member.

On Saturday, December 16th, 9:30 a.m., we will be baking for the Christmas Bake Sale on Sunday, December 17th in Plato Hall following the Divine Liturgy and Christmas Pageant.  If you would like to donate home baked goods, please bring them on Saturday, December 16th.  Join us for a lively day of baking, packaging, wrapping and comradery!

We are grateful for your assistance and continued loyalty to the Assumption Philoptochos

  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..

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.

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:

 Sunday, December 3rd
Stewardship Sunday and
Fall General Assembly

Adult Education Program
following the Divine Liturgy in
St. Catherine’s Chapel

 Monday, December 4th
Feast Day of St. Barbara

8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study will be
held in St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Wednesday, December 6th
Feast Day of St. Nicholas

8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Saturday, December 9th
Conception of the Theotokos

8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

10:30 am – Philoptochos will be Baking &
Packaging for their Bake Sale
In Plato Hall

 4:30 pm – Decorate the Hall & The
Tree Lighting

 Sunday, December 10th
Philoptochos Bake Sale

Following the Divine Liturgy in
Plato Hall

 Tuesday, December 12th
Feast of St. Spyridon

8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

10:00 am – Philoptochos will be at "Feed the Hungry" at
Annunciation Cathedral

Friday, December 15th
7:00 pm - Youth Night at the Oak Brook
Park District

 Saturday, December 16th
9:00 am – Philoptochos will be Baking &
Packaging for their Bake Sale
In Plato Hall

 Sunday, December 17th
Annual Christmas Pageant
in Main Church
following the Divine Liturgy

Philoptochos Bake Sale in Plato Hall following
Divine Liturgy

 Monday, December 18th
7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study will be
held in St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

 Sunday, December 24th
Christmas Eve

5:00 pm – Great Vespers

 Monday, December 25th
Christmas Day

8:30 am – Orthros
10:00 am – Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, December 26th
Synaxis of the Theotokos

8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

 Wednesday, December 27th
Feast Day of St. Stephen

8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

    Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed:

Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2018?  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 2018 Year:

Jan. 7                      Feb. 11                   March 11                           April 29

Jan. 21                    Feb. 18                   March 25                          May 6

Jan. 28                    Feb. 25                   April 15                            Mary 13

Feb. 4                     March 4                   April 22                            May 20

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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