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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-08-01
Bulletin Contents
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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
8:30 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.


Past Bulletins


Saints and Feasts

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August 01

Procession of the Precious Cross

Because of the many diseases that occur in the month of August, the custom prevailed of old in Constantinople to carry the precious Wood of the Cross in procession throughout the city for its sanctification and its deliverance from illnesses. It was brought forth from the imperial treasury on the last day of July and placed upon the Holy Table of the Great Church of the Holy Wisdom; and beginning today, until the Dormition of the Theotokos, it was carried in procession throughout the city and was set forth for veneration before the people.


Allsaint
August 01

The Holy Seven Maccabee Children, Solomone Their Mother, and Eleazar Their Teacher

The names of the Holy Maccabees are Abim, Anthony, Guria, Eleazar, Eusebona, Achim, and Marcellus. They were Jews by race and exact keepers of the Laws of the Fathers. They lived during the reign of Antiochus, who was surnamed Epiphanes ("Illustrious"), the King of Syria and an implacable enemy of the Jews. Having subjugated their whole nation and done many evil things to them, not sparing to assail the most sacred matters of their Faith, he constrained them, among other things, to partake of swine's flesh, which was forbidden by the Law. Then these pious youths, on being apprehended together with their mother and their teacher, were constrained to set at nought the Law, and were subjected to unspeakable tortures: wrackings, the breaking of their bones, the flaying of their flesh, fire, dismemberment, and such things as only a tyrant's mind and a bestial soul is able to contrive. But when they had endured all things courageously and showed in deed that the mind is sovereign over the passions and is able to conquer them if it so desires, they gloriously ended their lives in torments, surrendering their life for the sake of the observance of the divine Law. The first to die was their teacher Eleazar, then all the brethren in the order of their age. As for their wondrous mother Solomone, "filled with a courageous spirit, and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly wrath" (II Macc. 7:21), she was present at her children's triumph over the tyrant, strengthening them in their struggle for the sake of their Faith, and enduring stout-heartedly their sufferings for the sake of their hope in the Lord. After her last and youngest son had been perfected in martyrdom, when she was about to be seized to be put to death, she cast herself into the fire that they might not touch her, and was thus deemed worthy of a blessed end together with her sons, in the year 168 before Christ.


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:6-14

Brethren, having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.


Gospel Reading

6th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:1-8

At that time, getting into a boat Jesus crossed over and came to his own city. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on his bed; and when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say 'Rise and walk?' But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins" he then said to the paralytic -- "Rise, take up your bed and go home." And he rose and went home. When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Here he names a comprehensive thing. For the Apostleship even is called a ministry, and every spiritual work is a ministry. This is indeed a name of a peculiar office (viz. the 502 diaconate); however, it is used in a general sense. "Or he that teacheth, on teaching." See with what indifference he places them, the little first and the great afterwards, again giving us the same lesson, not to be puffed up or elated...."Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation." And this is a species of teaching too. For "if ye have any word of exhortation," it says, "speak unto the people." (Acts xiii. 15.) Then to show that it is no great good to follow after virtue unless this is done with the proper rule, he proceeds, "He that giveth" (<greek>metadidois</greek>, imparteth), "let him do it with simplicity." For it is not enough to give, but we must do it with munificence also, for this constantly answereth to the name of simplicity...For it is not enough to show mercy, but it behooves us to do it with a largeness and an ungrudging spirit, or rather not with an ungrudging, but even with a cheerful and rejoicing one, for not grudging does not amount to rejoicing...writing to the Corinthians also, he insisted very strongly upon. For to rouse them to such largeness he said, "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. (2 Cor. ix. 6.) But to correct their temper he added, "Not grudgingly or of necessity." (ib. 7.) For both the shower of mercy ought to have, both ungrudgingness and pleasure.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on Romans 7, 4th Century

Through the toil of prayer and the anguish of your heart commune with those who are grieved at heart, and the Source of mercy will be opened up to your petitions.
St. Isaac of Syria
Unknown, 7th century

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Parish News and Events

Sunday - August 1, 2021

 8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy

 

  *  *  *  *  *  GIFT OF LIGHT  *  *  *  *  *

 This Week's Gift of Light (August 1, 2021)

In Memory of 

Eleanor Georgalas 
and
For the Health & Well-Being of

James Georgalas Family

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MEMORIALS
 

6 Months - Dimitrios Tsiribas

 
May His Memory Be Eternal.
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Join us for Coffee Hour on Sunday, August 1

If you want to sponsor a Coffee Hour Sunday, please contact our Church Office. 

~ + ~

   Welcome Guests and Visitors If you are visiting with us today, we welcome you and hope that you will join us regularly for prayer and fellowship. If you would like to join our mailing list or would like more information about our Church, please see a Parish Council Member or Father Apostolos.

 
Attending Services In-Person Given recent updates to COVID guidelines for Phase IV in the City of Chicago, we will no longer require reservations to attend church services in-person at Assumption. While pre-reservation will no longer be required, the health and safety of our community remain our top priority, and we need your help in adhering to the public health protocols we've set in place in accordance with Metropolis guidelines. Seating is first-come, first-serve.

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, if you are still wearing a mask. 

 A Few More Announcements.... 

 

2021 AUGUST RELIGIOUS CALENDAR FOR THE FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE VIRGIN MARY
 
MONDAY, AUGUST 2
 
    10:30 a.m.          Agiasmos Service (Blessing of the Waters)
 
      6:30 p.m.          Small Paraklesis Service  6:30 μ.μ.         Μικρή Παράκλησις 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

       6:30 p.m.        Great Paraklesis Service6:30 μ.μ.           Μεγάλη Παράκλησις

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4

       6:30 p.m.        Small Paraklesis Service6:30 μ.μ.           Μικρή Παράκλησις

 THURSDAY, AUGUST 5

       Forefeast of the Holy Transfiguration       Great Festal Vespers at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Harvard, IL

 FRIDAY, AUGUST 6        

THE HOLY TRANSFIGURATION   OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST / ΑΝΑΜΝΗΣΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΙΑΣ ΜΕΤΑΜΟΡΦΩΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΘΕΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΗΜΩΝ ΙΗΣΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ

       8:30 a.m.         Orthros                                               8:30 π.μ.         Όρθρος

       9:00 a.m.         Divine Liturgy                                     9:00 π.μ.         Θεία Λειτουργία

       NO EVENING PARAKLESIS SERVICE                        ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΤΕΛΕΣΘΕΙ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΗ ΠΑΡΑΚΛΗΣΙΣ

MONDAY, AUGUST 9

       6:30 p.m.        Small Paraklesis Service                       6:30 μ.μ.         Μικρή Παράκλησις

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10

       6:30 p.m.        Great Paraklesis Service                       6:30 μ.μ.         Μεγάλη Παράκλησις

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11

       6:30 p.m.        Small Paraklesis Service                       6:30 μ.μ.         Μικρή Παράκλησις

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12

       6:30 p.m.        Great Paraklesis Service                       6:30 μ.μ.         Μεγάλη Παράκλησις 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13

       10:00 a.m.       Small Paraklesis Service                      10:00 π.μ.       Μικρή Παράκλησις

        6:30 p.m.        Vespers, Epitaphios, and Lamentations to the Virgin Mary               6:30 μ.μ.         Εσπερινός, Επιτάφιος και Ύμνος της Κοιμήσεως 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

FOREFEAST OF THE DORMITION                               ΠΡΟΕΟΡΤΙΑΤΗΣΚΟΙΜΗΣΕΩΣΤΗΣΤΗΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ

       7:00 p.m.        Hierarchical and Great Feast Day  Vespers of the Dormition of the Theotokos

       7:00 μ.μ.         Πανηγυρικός Μέγας Εσπερινός 

ALL NIGHT VIGIL / ΟΛΟΝΥΚΤΟΣ ΑΓΡΥΠΝΙΑ

       10:30 p.m.      Small Supplication to the Theotokos    (Names of the living inaudibly commemorated)

       10:30 μ.μ.       Ο Κανών της Μικρής Παρακλήσεως     (Μνημόνευσις ονοματών ζώντων μυστικώς)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15

ALL NIGHT VIGIL CONTINUES THE DORMITION OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER VIRGIN MARY /  Η ΚΟΙΜΗΣΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΥΠΕΡΑΓΙΑΣ ΔΕΣΠΟΙΝΗΣ ΗΜΩΝ ΤΗΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΑΕΙΠΑΡΘΕΝΟΥ ΜΑΡΙΑΣ

       12:00 a.m.       Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos            12:00 π.μ.       Ακάθιστος Ύμνος της Θεοτόκου

         2:00 a.m.         Sacrament of Holy Unction                    2:00 π.μ.         Ακολουθία του Αγίου Ευχελαίου

 First Divine Liturgy / Πρώτη Θεία Λειτουργία

          4:00 a.m.         Orthros                                            4:00 π.μ.         Όρθρος

          5:00 a.m.         Divine Liturgy                                  5:00 π.μ.         Θεία Λειτουργία 

 Second Divine Liturgy / Δεύτερη Θεία Λειτουργία

        8:00 a.m.         Orthros                                            8:00 π.μ.         Όρθρος

       10:00 a.m.       Hierarchical Divine Liturgy             10:00 π.μ.       Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία

MONDAY, AUGUST 23

APODOSIS OF THE DORMITION OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS / ΑΠΟΔΟΣΙΣΤΗΣΕΟΡΤΗΣΤΗΣΚΟΙΜΗΣΕΩΣΤΗΣΤΗΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ

         9:00 a.m.         Orthros and Divine Liturgy                      9:00 π.μ.         Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 

 Upcoming Parish Events
  • August 28 - Liturgy in the Park II - St. Iakovos Retreat Center (Kansasville, WI) - Details coming soon! 

Items needed for the Feast Day of Panagia

As we prepare for the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, we will need one family per week to donate the flowers to don the Icon of Panagia for the Paraklesis/Supplication Services and for the feast day of Panagia. Donation: $400.00 each per Icon.
More items will be needed and will be posted in your bulletin. Please contact the Church office if you would like to donate or need more information. God bless you and thank you for your continued love and support of our beloved Church of Panagia!

Orthodox Catechism Classes

If you are interested in learning about the Orthodox Faith, join our catechism classes beginning in September 2021 (TBA). The program is made for people from various backgrounds, Christian or not, and is intended to familiarize you with the theology, traditions, and daily life of Orthodox Christians. The lessons usually take about an hour, but we might run over occasionally on some more challenging topics. Besides actually coming to classes, in order to get yourselves acquainted with the practical aspects of the faith, I strongly suggest that you participate in as many Church services (including weekday services) as possible moving forward. Check our website www.assumptionchicago.org for updates on the calendar. Worship is the most important aspect of our faith, and it is important that you get familiar with it. In the meantime, I highly recommend “Becoming Orthodox” by Peter Guilquist. It is a story of every believer who is searching for the Church. Where Christ is Lord. Where holiness, human responsibility, and the Sovereignty of God are preached. I also highly recommend purchasing your own copy of the Orthodox Study Bible. If you have any question, please don’t hesitate to call.  ~Father Apostolos

Philoptochos News

Please be reminded that there will be a brief general meeting following the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, August 1st in the meeting area adjoining Saint Catherine Chapel.  We are delighted to finally conduct an in-person Philoptochos meeting and look forward to seeing you!  Discussions will primarily focus on the reception preparations for the Dormition of Panagia Vespers and Feast Day.  Also, Philoptochos Logo aprons will be available for purchase, $20 each.   

May you have a blessed 15-day fast in preparation for the Dormition Feast of the Theotokos.  Chronia Polla to all who celebrate their Feast Day during this time!

Wedding Anniversary

Did you know that the Orthodox Church has a prayer service for Wedding Anniversaries?

While planning with your spouse what you will do on your day of remembrance, don’t forget to contact the Church Office to set-up an appointment for the prayer service with Father Apostolos. While it is suggested that the prayer be read on your Wedding Anniversary, it may also be read on Sundays after Church services.

 Stewardship

Stewards 252

Amount Pledged $202,564.29

Average Pledge $803.83

Numbers reflected as of (7/29/2021)

If you have not received a Stewardship Packet, please contact the church office at stewardship@assumptionchicago.org 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!

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: Athanasia, 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   office@assumptionchicago.org or call Panagia office at 773.626.3114

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Share Your Talents & Treasures....

    Clergy-Laity Assembly 2021- St. Louis

    Clergy-Laity Assembly 2021- St. Louis

    "Meet me in St. Louis!" Metropolis of Chicago's Clergy-Laity Assembly happens October 2021. See online for details: chicago.goarch.org/clergy-laity


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