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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2015-09-27
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

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 Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1

BRETHREN, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.


Gospel Reading

1st Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 5:1-11

At that time, Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Martyr Callistratus and Companions in the Fourth Mode

Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

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

For many have taken part with the holy apostles in their labors, and still do so, especially those who inquire into the meaning of what is written in the holy Gospels ... For the net is still being drawn, while Christ fills it, and calls to conversion those who, according to the Scripture phrase, are in the depths of the sea, that is to say, those who live in the surge and waves of worldly things.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Homily XII, Taken from: Cyril of Alexandria. Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke. Trans. R. Payne Smith. Long Island, N.Y.: Studion Publishers, Inc., 1983, 105., 5th Century

For now they were well instructed beforehand...But mark both their faith and their obedience. For though they were in the midst of their work when they heard His command, they delayed not, they procrastinated not, they said not, "let us return home, and converse with our kinsfolk," but "they forsook all and followed."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

Because such is the obedience which Christ seeks of us, as that we delay not even a moment of time, though something absolutely most needful should vehemently press on us.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
September 27

Callistratus the Martyr and his 49 Companions

These Martyrs contested for the Faith during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288. Saint Callistratus was arrested as a Christian, and after being tormented, was enclosed in a sack and cast into the sea. The sack burst, and the Saint came to dry land safe and sound. Forty-nine soldiers, seeing this, also confessed Christ, and with him were cast into prison, then beheaded.


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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Sunday Worship Hours:

Please NOTE that our Fall/Winter schedule for Worship Services has begun. Orthros begins at 8:30 am, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00am.  The Sunday Church School Divine Liturgy begins at 9:45 am in Saint Catherine Chapel.

40 Day Baby Blessing:

 The daughter of Lianna Golden and Nathan Hunt will be Churched today.

Sacrament:

The son of Mark and Diana Patterson was Baptized yesterday, Saturday, October 3rd and given the name of Jonah.  His Godparents are Daniel and Jilian Sussman.

Sunday Church School:

Our Panagia Sunday Church School has begun.  Divine Liturgy begins promptly at 9:45am. Sunday Church School classes takes place immediately following the Divine Liturgy in Plato School.  If you have not, as yet, registered your child for the 2015-16 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.

Coffee Fellowship:

Today’s Coffee Fellowship is hosted by the Sunday Church School Teachers and Staff.  Join us for fellowship in Plato Hall.

Have You Made Your 2015 Stewardship Pledge Yet?

We have entered the last 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.

Church Music Sunday Recognition Today:

Today, October 4th, the Sunday closest to the name day of St. Romanos, the patron Saint of Church Musicians, parishes throughout our Archdiocese observe Church Music Sunday.  This is an opportunity to thank those who week after week, year after year, offer their God-given talent to the music ministry of our faith.

On behalf of the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, a thank you is given to these invaluable people for their dedication, commitment and service.  It is through their stewardship of serving our music ministry that those who worship in our parishes are lifted to a higher level of spiritual awareness.  The result of the uplifting offering of the hymns and responses brings each of us to a beautiful and meaningful worship experience.  Whether you are a chanter, choir director, choir member, organist or religious educator, your service is valued and appreciated.  And to the Hierarchs and clergy, for they are the leaders of our music ministry, a heartfelt expression of appreciation is extended to them for their service, guidance, and support.

 Dates to Remember:

Monday, October 5th
7:00 p.m. – Adult Bible Study will meet in
St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Sunday, October11th
SCS Celebration of the 90 Acts of Kindness
in Plato Hall following the Divine Liturgy

Friday, October 16th
7:30 p.m. The Youth Ministries (GOYA, Jr. GOYA, and JOY)
will meet at the Oak Brook Park District

Sunday, October 18th
5:00 pm – 90th Anniversary Dinner Dance
at Carlisle Banquets in Lombard, IL

 Monday, October 19th
7:00 p.m. – Adult Bible Study will meet in
St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Saturday, October 24th
4:00 pm – Harvest Day celebration in Plato Hall

Monday, October 26th
Feast Day of St. Demetrios
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, October 27th
6:00 pm – Metropolitan’s Names Day
Dinner at the Chateau Ritz

 90th CHURCH ANNIVERSARY NEWS UPDATE:

Only two weeks remain until our blessed Parish of Panagia celebrates its Ninetieth Anniversary.  This gala event will take place on the evening of October 18, 2015, at the Carlisle Banquets in Lombard, Illinois.  The Theme for this evening of celebration and joy is “Panagia:  Honoring the Past – Embracing the Future”.  In addition, on this evening, our Panagia Community will be honoring our Proistamenos, Father Timothy Bakakos, in celebration of his thirty five years of ordained Ministry to the Church, and also Nicholas Georgiafentis for fifty years as Protopsalti of the Parish.  The 90th Anniversary Committee would like to update you on the following:

The Reservations Committee is asking that all reservations be accompanied with payment so that collection on the night of the event will not be necessary.  Table seating and placement are assigned as the reservation/payment is received.  For further info, please speak with Betty Tsiolis (847.813.6491) or Ann Dervis (630.627.2895).  Reservations may also be made during the Coffee Fellowship Hour each Sunday in Plato Hall following Worship Services.

The Patron Book/Ad Book Committee reminds everyone that the final day to submit entries for inclusion into the Patron Book/Ad Book is Friday, October 2nd.  You are invited to join this celebration by participating in our Patron Book of “Assumption Angels.” There can be no greater recognition of the angels of the past, than to become an angel of the present.  The enclosed Patron Book form should be returned to the Church Office by October 2, 2015.  A form can be found in this bulletin and also will be available in Plato Hall where reservations are being taken.

For further information, please feel free to contact the Church office (773.626.3114), or see the General Chairman, Dr. Peter J. Panton.  The Church appreciates the continued support and love from all our faithful stewards.

The Next Orthodox Adult Bible Study Monday October 5, 2015:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet Monday evening, October 5, 2015, at 7:00 pm, in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.  We will continue with our study of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians.  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.

Youth Ministries:

A big thank you to all who came for our Youth Kickoff Night! We are off to a great start to our ministry year and hope to continue growing as the year goes on. Our next youth night (Joy, Jr. GOYA and GOYA) will be Friday, October 16th at 7:30pm at the Oak Brook Park District. We look forward to seeing everyone there! Also in October will be Harvest Day on Saturday, October 24th at 4pm. We hope that everyone will plan on attending these fun and fruitful events! If you have any questions regarding Assumption Youth Programs, please contact Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.

 Sunday Church School 90 Acts of Kindness Challenge:

Our Church School students have successfully completed all 90 Acts of Kindness!!! One month earlier than planned! We are so very proud of all their hard work!!

Act of Kindness #1-89 Completed – Please visit our website or our bulletin board to see who has benefited from these Acts of Kindness

Act of Kindness #90 Will be presented at the Anniversary Gala on October 18th. Be sure to make your reservation!!

Thank you to all our fellow parishioners for the continued support of our 90 Acts of Kindness Program. We invite you to join us at our celebration on Sunday, October 11th. We will look back at all the good we did and meet some of the people that benefited from our Acts of Kindness!!

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.

Hellenic Link-Midwest Scholarship:

A number of scholarships, $2,000 or more each, will be awarded for the academic year 2015-16.  Awards will be presented to the recipients during the Annual Dinner Dance and Scholarship Award celebration in January 2016.  Only college level and university level students, undergraduate or, when need is show, graduate students, are considered. Applicants must be residents of a Midwestern state (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio or Wisconsin), must have completed at least one year (as of June 2015) full time study at an accredited college or university, have at least one parent of Greek descent and should not have received a Hellenic Link-Midwest scholarship in the past.  Call the Church Office, 773-626-3114 to receive the Scholarship Application Form.  Applications and all related materials and documents must be post-marked no later than November 1, 2015.

 Hellenic Bar Association
65th Annual Scholarship Ball

 The Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois’ 65th Annual Scholarship Ball will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 6 PM at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Chicago, awarding scholarships to worthy law students. Honorees at the event will be Tom Demetrio, of the firm of Corboy and Demetrio; Mariyana Spyropoulos, Board President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago, with a special tribute to her father, philanthropist Ted Spyropoulos; Paul Vallas, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools and recent Lt. Governor candidate; and the 90 Acts of Kindness of the Assumption Church. The Mistress of Ceremonies for the event will be Andrea Darlas, award winning WGN radio and TV personality, with the entertainment of the Linardakis Band and Kosta DJ. Please support this wonderful event!

Tickets may be purchased online at www.Hellenicbar.org, and information for the event can be obtained by calling (312) 913-8649.

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:

Oct. 18              Dec. 13           Dec. 27                               

Nov. 22              Dec. 20

Assumption Prayer Ministry:

The Assumption Adult Bible Study Group has developed an idea that may be of interest to parishioners and friends of our Panagia Parish.  They are interested in being able to form a ministry comprised of individuals who would like to pray for the health of those individuals who may be ill or experiencing health issues.  Our Orthodox Faith teaches us that the ‘power of prayer’ literally works miracles, and Jesus instructs us in the Bible that we should “always pray for one another in the fellowship of love and through the Holy Spirit”.   As a Panagia Parish, we are united as brothers and sisters in Christ, and we are encouraged to pray for one another as any family would do.  So, how do we plan to do it?  It’s simple, easy, and spiritually uplifting and rewarding.  Here is what we can all do:

  • If you are interested in participating, you need only submit your name and email address to the Church Office or Fr. Timothy.
  • When a name is submitted to be prayed for, you will be contacted by email, given the first name of the person to be prayed for, along with the prayer to be read by you, offering the prayer for the intercession of God upon that individual, and asking that the afflicted be healed by God’s abundant blessing.
  • Your prayer, together along with the many others who are offering a prayer for the person who is ill, will bring comfort beyond comprehension.

Just think about that….our prayers collectively praying for a person who needs the loving and tender Hand of God during his/her special time of need.  It’s that simple.  Just provide us with your email address, and you can join this ministry team who will pray for the person who needs help the most.  It costs nothing, takes only a few seconds to do, but will make us all part of a spiritual family that looks and cares for one another.

  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.

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:

Individuals/Families interested in purchasing graves at Elmwood Cemetery, please be advised of the following prices:  $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, 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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