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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-02-23
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

Sunday Services
8:45 am - Orthros
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Sunday School after Communion

 

Weekday Services in Chapel of St. Catherine
9:00 am - Orthros
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

 

The Mission of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Is to lead the faithful into the Kingdom of God by:

Proclaiming and teaching the Gospel in accordance with the Orthodox Faith;

Sanctifying the faithful through God’s grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy and the sacraments;

Enhancing the spiritual life of the faithful;

Adding to the numbers of the faithful by receiving persons into the church through instruction, baptism and/or chrismation.


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Mode

O God, when You come upon the earth in glory, the whole world will tremble. A river of fire will bring all before Your Judgment Seat and the books will be opened, and everything in secret will become public. At that time, deliver me from the fire which never dies, and enable me to stand by Your right hand, O Judge most just.
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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
February 23

Boswell, Abbot of Melrose Abbey


Lastjudgement1
February 23

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables -- especially that of the Prodigal Son -- have presented to us God's extreme goodness and love for man. But lest certain persons, putting their confidence in this alone, live carelessly, squandering upon sin the time given them to work out their salvation, and death suddenly snatch them away, the most divine Fathers have appointed this day's feast commemorating Christ's impartial Second Coming, through which we bring to mind that God is not only the Friend of man, but also the most righteous Judge, Who recompenses to each according to his deeds.

It is the aim of the holy Fathers, through bringing to mind that fearful day, to rouse us from the slumber of carelessness unto the work of virtue, and to move us to love and compassion for our brethren. Besides this, even as on the coming Sunday of Cheese-fare we commemorate Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight -- which exile is the beginning of life as we know it now -- it is clear that today's is reckoned the last of all feasts, because on the last day of judgment, truly, everything of this world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat and meat products, are allowed during the week that follows this Sunday.


Allsaint
February 23

Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna

This apostolic and prophetic man, and model of faith and truth, was a disciple of John the Evangelist, successor of Bucolus (Feb. 6), and teacher of Irenaeus (Aug. 23). He was an old man and full of days when the fifth persecution was raised against the Christians under Marcus Aurelius. When his pursuers, sent by the ruler, found Polycarp, he commanded that they be given something to eat and drink, then asked them to give him an hour to pray; he stood and prayed, full of grace, for two hours, so that his captors repented that they had come against so venerable a man. He was brought by the Proconsul of Smyrna into the stadium and was commanded, "Swear by the fortune of Caesar; repent, and say, 'Away with the atheists.'" By atheists, the Proconsul meant the Christians. But Polycarp, gazing at the heathen in the stadium, waved his hand towards them and said, "Away with the atheists." When the Proconsul urged him to blaspheme against Christ, he said: "I have been serving Christ for eighty-six years, and He has wronged me in nothing; how can I blaspheme my King Who has saved me?" But the tyrant became enraged at these words and commanded that he be cast into the fire, and thus he gloriously expired about the year 163. As Eusebius says, "Polycarp everywhere taught what he had also learned from the Apostles, which also the Church has handed down; and this alone is true" (Eccl. Hist., Book IV, ch. 14,15).


Allsaint
February 23

Proterios, Archbishop of Alexandria


Allsaint
February 23

Gorgonia the Righteous, sister of Gregory the Theologian


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2

Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.


Gospel Reading

Judgment Sunday (Meatfare Sunday)
The Reading is from Matthew 25:31-46

The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

He indicates the dispositions of each, calling the one kids, the other sheep, that He might indicate the unfruitfulness of the one, for no fruit will come from kids; and the great profit from the other, for indeed from sheep great is the profit, as well from the milk, as from the wool, and from the young, of all which things the kid is destitute.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily on Matt. XXV, 4th Century

For when one has pity on the poor, he lends to God; and he who gives to the least gives to God--sacrifices spiritually to God an odour of a sweet smell.
St. Cyprian of Carthage
The Lord's Prayer, 33. B#41, p.102, 3rd century

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Parish News and Events

 Sunday Feb.23

Meatfare Sunday

8:45am Orthros                

10am Divine Liturgy  

Integrated Choir      

Memorials:            

22yr James Karabas 

22yr Peter Karabas  

Apokreatiko Glendi Luncheon after church 

Youth Room Grand Opening today 

 

Tuesday Feb.25 St. Tarasios    

9am Orthros               

10am Divine Liturgy

 

Saturday Feb.29

2nd Saturday of Souls               

9am Orthros               

10am Divine Liturgy

Saturday of Souls Memorial Service   

 

Sunday March 1

Cheesefare Sunday       

8:45am Orthros                

10am Divine Liturgy   Memorials:            

13yr Michael Gekas 8yr Efimia Effie Gekas

 

SAINTS COMMEMORATED TODAY:    Polycarp the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Smyrna, Proterios, Archbishop of Alexandria, Gorgonia the Righteous, sister of Gregory the Theologian, Damian the New Martyr of Mount Athos, Boswell, Abbot of Melrose Abbey

Epistle Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2 

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

Greeting before the Sermon- At the beginning of the sermon, Father will say “Christ is in our Midst.”  The response from the parish is “He Was, Is, and Always Shall Be.”

Attention Philoptochos Chapter 2002!  We hope to see you at our next Philoptochos General Meeting on Sunday April-5 at 12:15 in St. Catherine's.  Not a member?  All ladies are welcome and encouraged to join.  Speak with any member or our Church office to get signed up! 

Calling all 21-35 year olds currently in our community or were in the past! Please come join us for appetizers on Thursday February 27 at 7pm at Lake Street Bar and Grill. Bring a friend or two, and join us to reconnect and create new memories together. We hope to see you there! RSVP to Katherine Celik at kcelik3@yahoo.com or 847-208-6013 by February 26. 

Philoptochos OfficersAdvisor: Valerie Green, President: Catherine Karabas, Patricia Karabas, Demetra Lakerdas, Treasurer: Melia Linardos, Vice President: Evelyn Maggos, Betty Tsiolis.  

Sit back and get to coffee hour Please know that we have a chair lift to make sure that all people can get to coffee hour in Plato Hall.  If you need to use it, please don’t hesitate to contact a Parish Council Member.  Remember too, we also have an elevator.  Take advantage of these tools to help get you where you need to be in church. 

"We've come this far through Faith"  and are planning a wonderful evening to celebrate! Ready to reminisce, dine, and dance? Don't miss this Gala. We look forward to seeing everyone... Young and young-at-heart together for this event and milestone. Please mark your calendar and help our church family celebrate 95 years! October 11th, 2020 Concorde Banquets Kildeer.

Nursery/Cry Room is COMING! A dedicated Nursery/cry room is being developed for our church.  The room will have video transmission of the service, and also a comfortable area for moms and children. If you have items to donate to the Nursery/Cry room, please contact Father Peter directly.

Coffee Hour ItemsWe would like to have parishioners bring a box of cookies so we can stock our coffee hour supplies.  Please consider bringing some sealed cookies to church on occasion or hosting a coffee hour.

Altar Renewal Father Peter is going to purchase and have some altar items repaired and re-plated.  Some parishioners have asked about the specific items and cost. New clear acrylic top for altar table, $400.  New Altar table Candlestands- Donated. Repair and replacing of large lanterns behind altar table. $600.  2nd Chalice Set-Donated. Hot water “Zeon” gold pitcher,-Donated. Repair and Replating tabernacle-Donated.  Gospel Book rebinding and replating- Donated. Cherubim Set and cross behind altar table- Donated.  THANK YOU TO ALL THE DONORS!!!!

Assumption Scholarship and Ionian Village Opportunity  If your senior in High School, or current student it interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact the church office for a current application.  If your young adult is interested in attending Ionian village, please contact the church office or Fr. Peter.  There is a scholarship to attend IV for 2020. 

Assumption Communications Department If you have questions, ideas, or talents to volunteer to Assumption's communications efforts, please contact us at communications@assumptionchicago.org 

HOLY LIGHT Father Peter has brought to us the Holy Light from the Tomb of Christ in Jerusalem that is miraculously lit every Easter Service at the tomb of Christ.  The light was brought to America and given to Father.  If you would like to take the light home with you, please bring a lantern candle or purchase a 3 day candle, and Father will give out the light on Sunday after church.  You can read more about the “Holy Fire” online.

Stewardship Father is very grateful and thanks all of you for your stewardship over the years. For those who have already submitted your stewardship for 2020. Thank you!!!

Church Order Please come into the church prior to the start of the sermon, but remain in the back if the sermon has started. Please follow the direction of our Parish Council for the new procedure for receiving Holy Communion.

Shut-insInterested in supporting our shut-in program? Contact Christina Arvanites to get more information on helping.  

YouTube Father recommends watching the interview with Elder Thaddeus on his YouTube Channel under educational videos.  Elder Thaddeus has also written a book, “Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives.”  www.YouTube.com/FatherPeterSpiro

Open ArmsWe will be celebrating liturgies in the Main Church on Sundays.  Please make every effort to embrace the children and refrain from scolding or “shushing” someone else’s child.  Fr. Peter will never ask a child to leave the service, and he also asks that you also focus your attention on the services and not other people within the church. In a Christian family we are all different, with differing abilities, working together to pray, and grow.  We need to make all people within our church feel welcome, and Father is asking for your help.

Metropolis Men’s and Women’s Retreat for 2020 through the Metropolis of Chicago Family Synaxis  Please go to https://www.gocfamilysynaxis.org for information and to register.

Communication for Emergencies If you need Fr. Peter because of an emergency, please call 847-452-5989. 24/7.

Crossroad High School Summer Institute -High School juniors and seniors explore life’s biggest questions-  Who am I? Who is God? Who is my neighbor? visit crossroadinstitute.org for more information.  July 20-30 in Chicago.

Choir- Please consider joining our choir and making our choir loft full!  Fr. Peter would like everyone to know that children and teens are welcome to join. Give it a try!

Fanari Summer Camp Registration will open February 12, 2020 at 11am. Dates and other information can be found at www.fanari.camp.

Lighthouse, a camp for 12th Grade Grads: will be launched June 7-14, 2020! A program to help prepare our grads for college. Registration is open now at: https://chicago.goarch.org/light-house 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST   (put this in your prayer corner at home)

O Lord our God, Who by word alone did heal all diseases, Who cured the mother in law of Peter, You Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your goodness; grant aid to these Your servants (Names) and heal them of every sickness of which they are grieved; lift them up from their pain, and send down upon them Your great mercy. For to you we send up Glory: to Father, and to Son, and to Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

PRAYERS FOR: William, Momcilo, Jill, Panagiotis, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Panagiota, Betty, Dimitri, Alexander, Vasiliki, Eleni, Panagiotis, George, Thomas, Nicholas, Sophia, Susan, Mary Lou, Rosemary   (Contact Fr. Peter to add names)

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Flyers

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