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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2015-03-29
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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

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

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14

BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
The Reading is from Mark 10:32-45

At that time, Jesus taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."


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Bulletin Inserts

    Survey on Science & Technology

    Survey on Science & Technology

    In an effort to better serve our Archdiocese, the Archdiocesan Advisory Committee on Science & Technology (AACST) has developed a simple survey to learn about the particular interests and concerns of our people. The survey will take you less than 3 minutes to complete and your identity is completely protected.


    Hellenic College Holy Cross Open House - October 11, 2014

    Hellenic College Holy Cross Open House - October 11, 2014

    Join the HCHC Community on Saturday, October 11, 2014 for an Open House from 10 AM - 4 PM. Meet professors and sit in on mini-classes; discover our dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs; tour our stunning campus overlooking the Boston skyline; find out about applying and paying for a college education; celebrate your faith; connect with other Orthodox Christian youth; hear beautiful Byzantine chant by seminarians; and more! Register Online at http://hchcopenhouse.eventbrite.com 


    St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - B&W

    St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - B&W

    A Ground Blessing for the new St. Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center will be held on October 18, 2014, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will preside at this historic event. Share the information with your parish!


    St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - Color

    St. Nicholas National Shrine Ground Blessing - Color

    A Ground Blessing for the new St. Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center will be held on October 18, 2014, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will preside at this historic event. Share the information with your parish!


    CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now!

    CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now!

    CrossRoad 2015 Applications Available Now! Calling all high school juniors & seniors who may be interested in applying to this 10-day summer program at Hellenic College Holy Cross! For more information, visit our website: http://www.crossroadinstitute.org/


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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 for Sun. of St. Mary of Egypt in the Plagal Fourth Mode

In thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlook the flesh, for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal. Wherefore, O righteous Mary, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

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

But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For with this object He reveals their deficiencies, that after these things thou mightest know what manner of men they became by grace. ... No one shall sit on His right hand nor on His left.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

For that throne is inaccessible to all, I do not say to men only, and saints, and apostles, but even to angels, and archangels, and to all the powers that are on high. ... But for whom is it prepared? For them who could become distinguished by their works.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Seest thou how they were all in an imperfect state, when both these were lifting themselves up above the ten, and those envying the two? But, as I said, show me them after these things, and thou wilt see them delivered from all these passions.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Hear at least how this same John, he who now came to Him for these things, everywhere gives up the first place to Peter, both in addressing the people, and in working miracles, in the Acts of the Apostles. And he conceals not Peter's good deeds, but relates both the confession, which he openly made when all were silent, and his entering into the tomb, and puts the apostle before himself.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Let us then become lowly, that we may be high. For most utterly doth arrogance abase. ... Abraham saith, "I am dust and ashes," and prevailed over countless barbarians, and having fallen into the midst of Egyptians, returned, bearing a trophy more glorious than the former, and, cleaving to this virtue, grew ever more high.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp.399-401,403., 4th Century

Before He humbled Himself, only the angels knew him. After He humbled Himself, all human nature knew Him. You see how His humbling of Himself did not make Him have less but produced countless benefits, countless deeds of virtue, and made His glory shine forth with greater brightness? God wants for nothing and has need of nothing. Yet, when He humbled Himself, He produced such great good, increased His household, and extended His kingdom. Why, then, are you afraid that you will become less if you humble yourself?
St. John Chrysostom
On the Incomprehensible Nature of God. 8.46-47. Taken from: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Vol: Mark. Intervarsity Press, 2005, p. 143.

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Saints and Feasts

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March 29

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.


Allsaint
March 29

Mark, Bishop of Arethusa

Saint Mark was Bishop of Arethusa in Syria. In the days of Saint Constantine the Great, Saint Mark, moved with divine zeal, destroyed a temple of the idols and raised up a church in its stead. When Julian the Apostate reigned, in 361, as the pagans were now able to avenge the destruction of their temple, Saint Mark, giving way to wrath, hid himself; but when he saw that others were being taken on his account, he gave himself up. Having no regard to his old age, they stripped him and beat his whole body, cast him into filthy sewers, and pulling him out, had children prick him with their iron writing-pens. Then they put him into a basket, smeared him with honey and a kind of relish of pickled fish, and hung him up under the burning sun to be devoured by bees and wasps. But because he bore this so nobly, his enemies repented, and unloosed him.


Allsaint
March 29

Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him

Saint Cyril was a deacon from Heliopolis in Phoenicia. During the reign of the Emperor Constantius, son of Saint Constantine, he had also broken the idols in pieces. When Julian came to power, Saint Cyril was seized by the idolaters and his belly was ripped open. The other holy Martyrs celebrated today, martyred in Gaza and Ascalon during the reign of Julian, were men of priestly rank and consecrated virgins; they were disemboweled, filled with barley, and set before swine to be eaten. The account of all the above Saints is given in Book III, ch. 3, of Theodoret of Cyrrhus' "Ecclesiastical History."


Lazarus
April 04

Lazarus Saturday

Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, the friends of the Lord Jesus, had given Him hospitality and served Him many times (Luke 10:38-4z; John 12:2-3). They were from Bethany, a village of Judea. This village is situated in the eastern parts by the foothills of the Mount of Olives, about two Roman miles from Jerusalem. When Lazarus - whose name is a Hellenized form of "Eleazar," which means "God has helped," became ill some days before the saving Passion, his sisters had this report taken to our Saviour, Who was then in Galilee. Nonetheless, He tarried yet two more days until Lazarus died; then He said to His disciples, "Let us go into Judea that I might awake My friend who sleepeth." By this, of course, He meant the deep sleep of death. On arriving at Bethany, He consoled the sisters of Lazarus, who was already four days dead. Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled at the death of His beloved friend. He asked, "Where have ye laid his body?" and He wept over him. When He drew nigh to the tomb, He commanded that they remove the stone, and He lifted up His eyes, and giving thanks to God the Father, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." And he that had been dead four days came forth immediately, bound hand and foot with the grave clothes, and Jesus said to those standing there, "Loose him, and let him go." This is the supernatural wonder wrought by the Saviour that we celebrate on this day.

According to an ancient tradition, it is said that Lazarus was thirty years old when the Lord raised him; then he lived another thirty years on Cyprus and there reposed in the Lord. It is furthermore related that after he was raised from the dead, he never laughed till the end of his life, but that once only, when he saw someone stealing a clay vessel, he smiled and said, "Clay stealing clay." His grave is situated in the city of Kition, having the inscription: "Lazarus the four days dead and friend of Christ." In 890 his sacred relics were transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Leo the Wise, at which time undoubtedly the Emperor composed his stichera for Vespers, "Wishing to behold the tomb of Lazarus . . ."


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Parish News and Events

 PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcome Bishop Demetrios to St. Catherine’s for today’s Divine Liturgy:

His Grace Bishop Demetrios will be visiting our Saint Catherine’s Church and celebrate this morning’s Divine Liturgy with our SCS children.  This visit will afford His Grace the opportunity to visit with our children and young people, and also give them the chance to see His Grace up close in a more informal setting.  We welcome His Grace to our Panagia Parish this morning.

Memorials:

40 Days ~ Lillian (Evangelia) Pierce, Right Rows 1 – 3

1 Year ~ Peter (Panayioti) Wonais, Left Rows 1 - 2

14 Years ~ Marie (Maria) Rodel, No Pews

30 Years ~ Donald J. (Demetrios) Pierce, Right Rows 1 – 3

Coffee Fellowship:

Today’s Coffee Fellowship is hosted by the Assumption Community.  Please join us in Plato Hall to enjoy fellowship.

 Sunday Church School:

Divine Liturgy begins promptly at 9:45am in St. Catherine's Chapel. Classes will take place immediately following the Divine Liturgy in Plato School.  If you have not, as yet, registered your child for the 2014-15 school year, please do so by contacting the Church Office, securing a registration form online at our Church’s Website (www.assumptionchicago.org), or by speaking with our SCS Director, Mrs. Christina Arvanites.

Stewardship Message:

Faithful To The Gifts

A banquet was being given in honor of a great man.  The whole town gathered to pay homage to one of its leading citizens.  One by one, speakers extolled the virtues of this prominent philanthropist, his aid for the local children's home, his gift that enabled the city to build a new museum and the money he had generously offered to start worthy projects in town.

Finally, it came time for the man himself to speak.

His response was characteristically humble. "I want you to know," he said, "that what I have done is only what I should have done, given my circumstances in life.  I had no hand in my birth. God placed me in a family with great wealth and influence.  This was a gift, not my doing.  I could have done none of this without God's gift. All I did was to try, in my own small way, to be faithful to the gifts."                                                                       William H. Willimon

Have You Made Your 2015 Stewardship Pledge Yet?

We have come to the end of the first quarter of 2015.  We thank and are appreciative to all stewards who have pledged and remained committed to our beloved Parish of Panagia.  The Parish Council reminds all stewards and supporters of our beloved Panagia Parish to complete your stewardship pledge card for 2015 and return it to the church office.  Pledge cards and info can be found at the Pangari in the Church Narthex.  May our Lord continue to bless us abundantly.

Lenten/Easter Needs:

We are in need of donors for the flowers that are used during the Lenten/Easter Season.  Should you wish to offer a donation for one of the items below, please call the Church Office - 773-626-3114

 Palm Leaves for Palm Sunday April 5th - DONATED

Palm Sunday Crosses - $250

Icon for The Salutations to the Theotokos - DONATED

Jonquils for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross - DONATED

Icon for Bridegroom Services, April 5th, April 6th, April 7th and April 8th - $175

Flowers for the Large Icon of the Last Supper – DONATED

3 Wreaths for Holy Thursday, April 9th - DONATED

Rose Pedals, Holy Friday, April 10th - DONATED

Carnations, Holy Friday, April 10th - DONATED

Lavaro, April 11th and April 12th -DONATED

Easter Lilies for Holy Pascha, April 11th and April 12th - $624

2015 Pan-Hellenic Parade:

In honor of our 90th Anniversary and of our hard work with our 90 Acts of Kindness we will be participating in the Pan-Hellenic Parade today at 2:30pm in Greek Town on Halsted Street Assumption is group #18.  We are meeting at Peoria and Randolph at 1:45 pm.  ALL are encouraged to participate so that we have a strong Assumption representation! 90 YEARS STRONG!! For more information please see James Lakerdas or Christina Arvanites.  See the flyer in the Bulletin.

Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon:

Please reserve Sunday, April 5th for our Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon in Plato Hall.  Donation:  Adults $12.00, Children $6.00.  For reservations, please contact either Demetra Spyropoulos: 630-789-4559 or 630-833-1773, call the Church Office at 773-626-3114, or stop by the Church’s Bookstore in Plato Hall during the Coffee Fellowship Hour.  The proceeds this year will benefit the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas Shrine/Church at Ground Zero in New York City.

  Dates to Remember:

PRE-LENTEN TRIODION PERIOD THROUGH
PASCHA AND BRIGHT WEEK 2015

  Monday, March 30th
6:00 pm Great Compline Service
7:00 pm - Adult Bible Study

 Saturday, April 4th
Saturday of the Resurrection of Lazarus
8:30 a.m.  Orthros
9:30 a.m.  Divine Liturgy Main Church

Sunday, April 5th
Palm Sunday
Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon following Services
7:00 p.m.  Service of the Bridegroom

Monday, April 6th
Great and Holy Monday
7:00 p.m.  Service of the Bridegroom

Tuesday, April 7th
Great and Holy Tuesday
7:00 p.m.  Service of the Bridegroom

Wednesday, April 8th
Great and Holy Wednesday
2:30 p.m.  Sacrament of Holy Unction
7:00 p.m.  Service of the Bridegroom
Holy Unction will be distributed after the Service.

 Thursday, April 9th
Great and Holy Thursday
9:00 a.m.  Vespers and Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil
7:00 p.m.  The Holy Passion of Our Lord

 Friday, April 10th
Great and Holy Friday
9:00 a.m.  Reading of the Royal Hours
3:00 p.m.  Removal of Christ from the Cross
7:00 p.m.  Service of the Lamentations

Saturday, April 11th
Great and Holy Saturday
9:00 a.m.  Vespers and Divine Liturgy
11:00 p.m.  Canon of the Holy Resurrection

 Sunday, April 12th
HOLY PASCHA
12:00 Midnight Resurrection Service & Divine Liturgy
11:00 a.m. Vespers of the Feast of Agape

Thursday, April 16th
7:00 p.m. Assumption Book Club

Friday, April 17th
Friday of Bright Week
Feast of The Life-giving Fountain
8:30 a.m.  Orthros
9:30 a.m.  Divine Liturgy

Saturday, April 18th
4:00 p.m. Spring Event, "Country Western Barbeque"
hosted by the SCS High School Class

Monday, April 20th
7:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study

Wednesday, April 23rd
Feast Day of Saint George the Great Martyr
8:30 a.m. Orthros
9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Easter Lambades:

If you need Easter Lambades for your children or Godchildren please stop by and check out the Lambades that the Ladies of the Assumption Philoptochos will be selling every Sunday from March 1st up to Easter during the Coffee Fellowship.

Philoptochos:

Just a reminder, the Easter Bake Sale will be April 5th after Divine Liturgy. Also, on behalf of the Sunday School and Philoptochos many thanks to all our generous parishioners for supporting the "Buy a Raffle for Chris" fundraiser, which was an "Act of Kindness".  A check for $1,060.00 was sent. We pray for little Chris's recovery.

 George Mougolias Memorial Scholarship:

The GMMF Scholarship Program was created to give the Orthodox youth in the community the opportunity to further their academic studies.  The awards are based on need and their involvement in the Orthodox community and their academic achievements.  For further information, or to obtain an application, please call the Church Office (773.626.3114).  Deadline for submitting application is April 15th.

Upcoming Philoptochos Fellowship Event:

Tapas & Wine, a culinary demonstration and wine tasting, Sunday, April 26, 2016, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Dave's Specialty Foods, 106 W. Prospect, Mount Prospect.  Chef Dave will prepare dishes, share recipes and techniques and provide generous tastings, along with various wines.  Donation $50.  Space is limited there are only 40 spots available--for reservations or more information contact Evie Maggos, phone 847-253-8835 or email:  evelynmaggos@comcast.net.  Reservations will be confirmed when payment is received.

 Annual Assumption Church Festival:

Mark Your Calendars!  The dates for the Annual Church Festival July 25 – 26, 2015.  We need volunteers for the planning and preparation for the Picnic.  Please speak with Chris Limperis or Eileen Szubert, who serve as Chairpersons for this year’s event.

Sunday Church School 90 Acts of Kindness Challenge:

Our 90 Acts of Kindness Challenge continues to progress!  Thank you to all our fellow parishioners for the continued support of our Sunday Church School and its events. Together we are making a positive difference one kind act at a time!

Act of Kindness #1-61 Completed – Please visit our website or our bulletin board to see who benefited from these Acts of Kindness

Act of Kindness #62 – On April 19th we will be making sack lunches for The Night Ministry and will have the opportunity to distribute them to the area homeless from 4pm - 5pm All Volunteer spots to distribute the sack lunches are filled. THANK YOU!

Act of Kindness #63 – On April 25th from 10am-12 we will be doing a craft or game with disabled children of Marklund Home in Bloomingdale. Volunteers ages 9 and up needed. Please see Christina Arvanites to volunteer

Act of Kindness #64 – On Sunday, April 26th students will have a jump rope contest and raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, we will also be wearing orange to raise awareness and support this organization.

Act of Kindness #65 – On Saturday, May 2nd from 10am-11:30am we will be visiting the Animal Care League (Oak Park) children will have an opportunity to tour the facility, learn about the organization, make “Kitty go home kits” and Stuff Kongs, there will also be a chance for interaction with one of the animals. Volunteers needed. Please see Christina Arvanites or George Rodinos to volunteer

Act of Kindness #66 – We will be making quilts for the SEWonderful Quilts. SEWonderful Quilts recycles designer fabric into one-of-a-kind quilts which are gifted, free of charge, to children suffering with life-threatening illnesses, as well as children who have been sexually abused.

Act of Kindness #67 – On Sunday, May 3rd Students will be packing care packages for cancer patients that Phil’s Friends will be delivering to local area hospitals.

Act of Kindness #68 – We will be making goody bags for homeless teens that will be going to prom with the help of the organization TLP

There’s so much more kindness to spread and our Sunday Church School is just the right group to do it!! Our goal is 90 by our Anniversary Dinner on October 18, 2015! You can watch our progress as we fill in a “thermometer” that is displayed in St. Catherine’s Meeting room. *Do you have a suggestion for an Act of Kindness or have an organization that you would like to see benefit? Please let Mrs. Christina Arvanites know.

Church School on FACEBOOK:

Our Sunday Church School has created a FACEBOOK page. Like our page: Assumption Sunday Church School! See our progress on our Acts of Kindness Challenge, keep up to date on upcoming events and view photos from recent events.

Next Orthodox Adult Bible Study Monday, March 30, 2015:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet on Monday evening, March 30, 2015, at 7:00 pm, in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.  We have moved into study of another Epistle written by Saint Paul the Apostle, the Epistle to the Philippians. This class is open to all, and it is hoped that you will avail yourself to the opportunity to study the Bible in-depth.  All you need to bring along with you is your Bible.  For further information and/or questions, please see Father Timothy.

Panagia’s Monthly Book Club:

Our Monthly Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 7:00 pm at the Pan Arcadian House, 880 North York Road, Elmhurst, IL.  The discussion will center on the Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives  by Elder Thaddeus.  The Monthly Book Club meets the 2nd Thursday of each month.  If you would like to join the group or want further information, please contact Father Athanasios.

 Establishment of 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.

  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.

Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed:

Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2015?  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 first half of 2015 are:

April 26        May 31        July 5            Aug. 9        Sept. 6        Oct. 18

May 3          June 14       July 12          Aug. 16      Sept. 13       Nov. 1

May 17        June 21       July 19          Aug. 23      Sept. 20       Nov. 8

May 24        June 28       Aug. 2          Aug. 30       Oct. 4           Nov. 15

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.

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

Cemetery Graves Update:

The Parish Council announces that effectively immediately, prices for graves at Elmwood Cemetery will be the following:  $1,995.00 (members), and $2,295.00 (non-members).  Our Parish has only forty-six (46) graves remaining in the Panagia section, and the Church pricing is about 50% less than the graves that are being sold at Elmwood.  For more information, please call the Church office and speak with Gail (773.626.3114).

Proper Church Etiquette:

Worship Services are vital instruments and components to our prayer development.  In order to help us achieve this, we need to be cognizant of our fellow parishioners and all those around us.  Therefore, please make sure that cell phones are completely turned off during Services.  In addition, while we most welcome children to participate in the liturgical life of the Church, it remains the responsibility of parents to make sure that children do not become a distraction to those around them.  Therefore, if a child is crying, or in some way in need of attention, please feel free to take him/her to the Narthex or Cry Room.  You are most welcome to enter and exit the Church proper as many times as necessary.  By doing this, all who are in attendance will be afforded the opportunity to worship and pray together. (Please keep in mind that we are also privileged to have a complete Sunday School Liturgy celebrated in Saint Catherine’s Chapel each week for your use as well).  We ask for your cooperation.  Ushers will be available to help you, if needed.

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).

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.

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.

Our Sunday Church Services are broadcast live on the Internet each week:

A reminder to all, in April of last year, 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.

Ushers:

Ted Pappas, Rose Marie Stewart, James Lakerdas, Voula Spyropoulos, Tom Collis

 

 

 

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