Sunday Services
8:30 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.
This Martyr contested in Byblos of Syria during the reign of Diocletian, in 289. Because she taught other young maidens to turn from the idols to Christ, she was brought before the governor. Her ears were pierced with heated spits until blood ran from her nostrils; finally she was beheaded, at the age of ten or twelve.
The heresiarch Arius was a Libyan by race and a protopresbyter of the Church of Alexandria. In 315, he began to blaspheme against the Son and Word of God, saying that He is not true God, consubstantial with the Father, but is rather a work and creation, alien to the essence and glory of the Father, and that there was a time when He was not. This frightful blasphemy shook the faithful of Alexandria. Alexander, his Archbishop, after trying in vain to correct him through admonitions, cut him off from communion and finally in a local council deposed him in the year 321. Yet neither did the blasphemer wish to be corrected, nor did he cease sowing the deadly tares of his heretical teachings; but writing to the bishops of other cities, Arius and his followers requested that his doctrine be examined, and if it were unsound, that the correct teaching be declared to him. By this means, his heresy became universally known and won many supporters, so that the whole Church was soon in an uproar.
Therefore, moved by divine zeal, the first Christian Sovereign, Saint Constantine the Great, the equal to the Apostles, summoned the renowned First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, a city of Bithynia. It was there that the shepherds and teachers of the Church of Christ gathered from all regions in the year 325. All of them, with one mouth and one voice, declared that the Son and Word of God is one in essence with the Father, true God of true God, and they composed the holy Symbol of Faith up to the seventh article (since the remainder, beginning with "And in the Holy Spirit," was completed by the Second Ecumenical Council). Thus they anathematized the impious Arius of evil belief and those of like mind with him, and cut them off as rotten members from the whole body of the faithful.
Therefore, recognizing the divine Fathers as heralds of the Faith after the divine Apostles, the Church of Christ has appointed this present Sunday for their annual commemoration, in thanksgiving and unto the glory of God, unto their praise and honour, and unto the strengthening of the true Faith.
Fathers of the 1st Council
The Reading is from Acts of the Apostles 20:16-18, 28-36
IN THOSE DAYS, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesos, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. And from Miletos he sent to Ephesos and called to him the elders of the church. And when they came to him, he said to them: "Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.' " And when he had spoken thus, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
Fathers of the 1st Council
The Reading is from John 17:1-13
At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; and now, Father, you glorify me in your own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made.
"I have manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you; for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you did send me. I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."
Sunday - June 13, 2021
8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy
* * * * * GIFT OF LIGHT * * * * *
This Week's Gift of Light (June 13, 2021)
For the Health
& Well-Being of
A Family of
Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church
MEMORIALS
35 Years - Haritine Jatos
45 years William (Vasilios) Jatos
May their memory be eternal.
+++
Live Streaming begins at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and 9:30 a.m. on Weekdays and Saturday.
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.
Reminders...
LET’S STAY CONNECTED - Help us to update our mailing lists. If you have moved, changed telephone numbers, or are not receiving our Church mailings, please call the Church Office. Also, our Church’s Listserv provides information and events related to the church, the weekly bulletins etc. Simply subscribe your email address through our Church’s website www.assumptionchicago.org under General Church Information link. Thank You!!
HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION—Orthodox Christians in good standing are encouraged to receive Holy Communion frequently, provided they have prepared themselves spiritually, mentally and physically. They must be on time for the Divine Liturgy, and be in a Christ-like, calm state of mind. They should be in a confession relationship with their priest or spiritual father, and they should have self -examined their conscience. On the day of receiving Holy Communion, it is not proper to eat or drink anything before coming to church. When you approach to receive Holy Communion, state your Christian (baptismal) name clearly, remove your mask and open wide. Do not hold or touch the red communion cloth and do not blot your lips. Please wait about 10 – 15 seconds before placing your mask on your face as to allow your lips to dry.
WORSHIPPING FROM HOME AT THIS TIME? Come to church when you feel comfortable doing so. We will be here for you. Thank you for your prayers during this trial and trying time. We will continue to pray for those suffering and those who help the suffering.
A Few More Announcements....
Liturgy this Week
Upcoming Parish Events
Philoptochos News
The Assumption Philoptochos is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of three Sunday Church School students who participated in the 38th Annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical and Fine Arts Festival on May 8, 2021. Billy Panos participated in the Essay Senior Division addressing Practicing as an Orthodox Christian During the Pandemic Closure.
Julia Voulgarakis and Agapi Gialamas participated in the Essay Junior Division. The topic of Julia’s essay was The Prodigal Son. Agapi’s essay addressed the topic What Prayer Means to Me.
The Assumption Philoptochos and entire Parish offer their warmest congratulations to Billy, Julia and Agapi. May you enjoy many blessings and continued success in the years to come!
Acolyte (Altar Boy) Greet and Meet - Wed. June 23
This would be a good time for our boys and young men (and their parents) to think about the privilege and honor of serving the Lord in the Altar. They must be at least nine years of age but there is no upper limit on the age. There have been new Acolytes who have been in high school and several men who are adults who may continue to serve even when they go on to college/university.
We use the term Acolyte for the young men that we see in robes on Sundays serving in the holy Altar. The word Acolyte is derived from Greek akolouthos "following, attending on," as a noun, "a follower, attendant." The acolyte ministry has its roots even in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, where the prophet Samuel is seen assisting Eli, the Levite priest, and Elisha is seen assisting Elijah the Prophet.
If you know of someone who may want to serve in the Holy Altar, they should contact me to express their desire. This truly is a wonderful holy experience. Not only do they have the privilege to serve with the Priests at the Divine Liturgy, but they also experience the Liturgy in a very personal way. It is also a growth experience since they learn responsibility, discipline, and develop leadership. Our responsibility, as a Church, is to cultivate future Clergymen at which our Panagia parish has so humbly offered.
A meet and greet gathering, for all our current and new Acolytes (Altar Boys), will be held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at The Patio located at 2780 South Highland Avenue, Lombard, IL 60148. Please join us! - and email our Church office for reservations: assumptionorthodoxchurch@gmail.com
Stewardship
Stewards 234
Amount Pledged $192,839.29
Average Pledge $824.10
Numbers reflected as of (6/4/2021)
If you have not received a Stewardship Packet, please contact the church office at assumptionorthodoxchurch@gmail.com or 773-626-3114. It may be that we do not have you in our records as a Steward, or do not have your current address on file. If you are moving, or have moved recently, please contact the church office with your new address.
Stewardship Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Thou are the Good Steward, who redeemed Adam and Eve of their failed stewardship by offering Thyself for the life of the world. Thou didst teach us in the feeding of the multitudes that whatever we give to God is returned to us manifold. Thou didst praise those good and faithful servants in the parable of the talents who returned to the Master their gifts multiplied. So help us to learn the joy of stewardship, remembering that everything we have comes from Thee. For Thou art the Good Steward and to Thee we offer thanksgiving, praise and glory, together with Thy Father who is everlasting and Thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit now and ever and onto the ages of ages. Amen.
Memorials
Please contact our church office in advance if you wish to have a memorial for a loved one. We will do our best to accommodate you, but please be aware that sometimes it is difficult to reserve for large groups due to space limitations. If desired, you may inquire with the office about the alternative option of Father offering the memorial at the gravesite.
Weekly Offering
Please remember to make an offering this week to support the work of our parish in serving the needs of our many faithful! You may do this in person at the end of the Divine Liturgy (there will be an acrylic box on a stand in the narthex of the church), or if you are watching from home you may use the following link: www.assumptionchicago.org. Every little bit helps, and no gift is too small. We appreciate your support!
Church Services
In order to give more worshippers the chance to attend the Divine Liturgy, we ask that for the time being you sign up for a maximum of two Sundays per month. We will be sure to update you with any revisions to this guideline. We encourage you to also take advantage of our weekday services if your schedule permits. You may visit our website for information and for the link to reserve a spot for church. Schedule of upcoming services and sign up to attend a service can be made through our Church’s website: www.assumptionchicago.org. Please be aware that on-line signups will not be available on the day before the service; the list will be closed for administrative purposes.
Other Notes
* Who May Receive Holy Communion? Because receiving Holy Communion or any other Sacrament is an expression of our acceptance of the dogmatic and moral teachings of the Orthodox Faith, only Orthodox Christians (by baptism or chrismation) in good standing may participate. For this reason, persons who do not agree with these teachings, or who are not in good standing (for example, married outside the church, or civilly divorced but not ecclesiastically divorced, etc.), must return to good standing in order to participate in Orthodox Sacraments such as Holy Communion and Unction; this also applies to those who have been asked to be a Godparent for a Baptism or a Sponsor for a Wedding. If you or another person(s) have fallen into any of these (or other) predicaments, please contact Father Apostolos and he will direct you with information needed to attain complete restoration in the Church.
* The Gift of Light Please give the “Gift of Light” to Assumption Panagia’s Church. We need a family or an individual, to sponsor, per week, the lighting of our vigil lamps and candles in both of our holy Altars of Panagia and Saint Catherine. This includes the daily lighting of both of our holy Altars throughout the week. Suggested donation for this ministry is $100.00. Sign up can be made through our Tithe.ly platform. Through our Church’s Website simply click on the big green GIVE button, request your week and make your donation. Reservations, with your donation to Assumption Church, can also be made through the church office. Simply, ask for the week you desire and remember to offer the names of your loved ones, both the living and those who have fallen asleep, so that they may be commemorated at the Prothesis Table of Oblation) during the Sunday Orthros of that week.
An acknowledgement in the weekly bulletin will be printed. Please specify if you would like your donation posted either in memory of… or for the health and wellbeing of…. Our Church is blessed to have two consecrated Altars. During the Consecration service, and forever after, the Lord entrusts to the angelic powers to keep the holy Altar pure and holy. As Saint Symeon of Thessaloniki reminds us, the Holy Altar is the border between heaven and earth, it is the throne of glory and the dwelling place of God and the workshop of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We all need prayers, and your “Gift of Light” will help.
Donations and Stewardship may be sent via US mail or electronically through our Tithe.ly platform. Through our Church’s Website simply click on the big green GIVE button and scroll down to where you wish to give. You also have the option to set up recurring payments for your Stewardship through this page.
People Helping People A number of parishioners have made known their desire to help people who need assistance. The church office is keeping a list of volunteers. Call the office if you would like your name added to the list of volunteers. There can’t be too many. If you know of anyone who needs any sort of help call the church office 773-626-3114 to make the connection. Remember, many people are ashamed/afraid to ask for help. Keep your eyes and ears open and ask about needs with kind concern.
Please be sure to review flyer & announcement page for important upcoming and current events.
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: Terry, Kyriakos, Becky, Salem, Mantia, Georgia, Vicki, Maria, Vasilios, Nektaria, John, Violet, Cynthis, Fr. Jon-Stephen Hedges, Evangelos, William, Momcilo, Jill, Panagiotis, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Panagiota, Betty, Dimitri, Alexander, Vasiliki, Eleni, Panagiotis, George, Thomas, Nicholas, Sophia, Susan, Mary Lou, Mehmet. (Contact Assumption Business Office to add names at assumptionorthodoxchurch@gmail.com or call Panagia office at 773.626.3114
Everything the BEST to all Graduates on this year's Graduate Sunday at Assumption Panagia.
If you are caring for elderly, disabled or terminally ill. A safe and confidential space to share concerns, experiences and resources.
Ignite-Illumine-Radiate. June 26-July 3 at Marquette University . See flyer for Learning Objectives. Offered by Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago.
Take me out to the ball game... Assumption White Sox Game outing v. Houston Astros. Sunday, July 18, 2021 Simply click on last line of flyer to take you straight to Reservations Page!