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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2015-12-20
Bulletin Contents
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Saints and Feasts
Parish News and Events
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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

Proistamenos Very Rev. Timothy Bakakos

frtimothy@assumptionchicago.org | 773-626-3114

Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Dimitrios Burikas


frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org | 773-626-3114

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

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Daniel 3.26,27.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers.
Verse: For you are just in all you have done.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:9-10; 32-40.

BRETHREN, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundation, whose builder and maker is God.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated - of whom the world was not worthy - wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us,that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel Reading

Sunday before Nativity
The Reading is from Matthew 1:1-25

The book of the Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.

And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asa, and Asa the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.

And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne a son; and he called his name Jesus.

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Nativity in the First Mode

O Bethlehem, rejoice; Ephratha, make thou ready; * for in her womb the Ewe-lamb doth bear the Great Shepherd, * and lo, she now urgently maketh haste to give birth to Him. * On beholding Him, the righteous God-bearing Fathers * all rejoice, and with the shepherds sing hymns in praise of * the Virgin that nursed a child.

Apolytikion for Sun. before Nativity in the Second Mode

Great are the achievements of faith! In the fountain of flame, as by the water of rest, the Three Holy Children rejoiced. And the Prophet Daniel proved a shepherd of lions as of sheep. By their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.

Apolytikion for Ignatius the God-Bearer in the Fourth Mode

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Ignatius. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Mode

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the Angels and the shepherds now glorify Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

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

Great indeed was the faith of Abraham. . . It was necessary to go beyond human reasoning. . . to manifest also something more.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily XXV on Hebrews XI, 1,2. translation found in The Bible and the Holy Fathers for Orthodox, Monastery Books, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood, NY 2003, p. 955., 4th Century

The tribes of Judah and Levi were united by a fusion of their lines of descent, and that is why Matthew assigns Christ's family to the tribe of Judah. And the Apostle says, 'for our Lord has sprung out of Judah' (Heb. 7:14).
St. Ambrose of Milan
Seven Exegetical Works, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

20_ignatius2
December 20

Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch

Saint Ignatius was a disciple of Saint John the Theologian, and a successor of the Apostles, and he became the second Bishop of Antioch, after Evodus. He wrote many epistles to the faithful, strengthening them in their confession, and preserving for us the teachings of the holy Apostles. Brought to Rome under Trajan, he was surrendered to lions to be eaten, and so finished the course of martyrdom about the year 107. The remnants of his bones were carefully gathered by the faithful and brought to Antioch. He is called God-bearer, as one who bare God within himself and was aflame in heart with love for Him. Therefore, in his Epistle to the Romans (ch. 4), imploring their love not to attempt to deliver him from his longed-for martyrdom, he said, "I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of God."

Johnkronstadt
December 20

Holy Father John of Kronstadt

Saint John of Kronstadt was a married priest, who lived with his wife in virginity. Through his untiring labours in his priestly duties and love for the poor and sinners, he was granted by our Lord great gifts of clairvoyance and miracle - working, to such a degree that in the last years of his life miracles of healings - both of body and of soul - were performed countless times each day through his prayers, often for people who had only written to him asking his help. During his lifetime he was known throughout Russia, as well as in the Western world. He has left us his diary My Life in Christ as a spiritual treasure for Christians of every age; simple in language, it expounds the deepest mysteries of our Faith with that wisdom which is given only to a heart purified by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Foreseeing as a true prophet the Revolution Of 1917, he unsparingly rebuked the growing apostasy among the people; he foretold that the very name of Russia would be changed. As the darkness of unbelief grew thicker, he shone forth as a beacon of unquenchable piety, comforting the faithful through the many miracles that he worked and the fatherly love and simplicity with which he received all. Saint John reposed in peace in 1908.

Treejesse
December 20

Sunday before Nativity

On the Sunday that occurs on or immediately after the eighteenth of this month, we celebrate all those who from ages past have been well-pleasing to God, beginning from Adam even unto Joseph the Betrothed of the Most Holy Theotokos, according to genealogy, as the Evangelist Luke hath recorded historically (Luke 3:23-38); we also commemorate the Prophets and Prophetesses, and especially the Prophet Daniel and the Holy Three Children.

Nativity
December 25

The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

The incomprehensible and inexplicable Nativity of Christ came to pass when Herod the Great was reigning in Judea; the latter was an Ascalonite on his fathers's side and an Idumean on his mother's. He was in every way foreign to the royal line of David; rather, he had received his authority from the Roman emperors, and had ruled tyrannically over the Jewish people for some thirty-three years. The tribe of Judah, which had reigned of old, was deprived of its rights and stripped of all rule and authority. Such was the condition of the Jews when the awaited Messiah was born, and truly thus was fulfilled the prophecy which the Patriarch Jacob had spoken 1,807 years before: "A ruler shall not fail from Judah, nor a prince from his loins, until there come the things stored up for him; and he is the expectation of the nations" (Gen.49:10).

Thus, our Saviour was born in Bethlehem, a city of Judea, whither Joseph had come from Nazareth of Galilee, taking Mary his betrothed, who was great with child, that, according to the decree issued in those days by the Emperor Augustus, they might be registered in the census of those subject to Rome. Therefore, when the time came for the Virgin to give birth, and since because of the great multitude there was no place in the inn, the Virgin's circumstace constrained them to enter a cave which was near Bethlehem. Having as shelter a stable of irrational beasts, she gave birth there, and swaddled the Infant and laid Him in the manger (Luke 2:1-7). From this, the tradition has come down to us that when Christ was born He lay between two animals, an ox and an ass, that the words of the Prophets might be fulfilled: "Between two living creatures shalt Thou be known" (Abbacum 3:2), and "The ox knoweth his owner and the ass his master's crib" (Esaias 1: 3).

But while the earth gave the new-born Saviour such a humble reception, Heaven on high celebrated majestically His world-saving coming. A wondrous star, shining with uncommon brightness and following a strange course, led Magi from the East to Bethlehem to worship the new-born King. Certain shepherds who were in the area of Bethlehem, who kept watch while tending their sheep, were suddenly surrounded by an extraordinary light, and they saw before them an Angel who proclaimed to them the good tidings of the Lord's joyous Nativity. And straightway, together with this Angel, they beheld and heard a whole host of the Heavenly Powers praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men" (Luke 2:8-14).

Glykophilousa
December 26

Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos

This Synaxis - which is to say, our coming together to glorify the Theotokos - is celebrated especially in her honour because she gave birth supernaturally to the Son and Word Of God, and thus became the instrument of the salvation of mankind.

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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Welcome Metropolitan Iakovos:

We respectfully welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos to our Parish as He leads us in worship this morning.  May He continue to be blessed by our Lord as He serves as Spiritual Shepherd of the Metropolis of Chicago.

Memorial:
5 Years ~ James (Demitrios) Dionesotes, Right Rows 1 - 2
20 Years ~ Athanasia Haralampopoulos, Left Rows 1 – 2
40 Years ~ Argyrios Haralampopoulos, Left Rows 1 – 2

Coffee Fellowship:

Today's coffee fellowship is hosted by Assumption Community.  Please join us in Plato Hall for fellowship.

Sunday Church School:

Our Panagia Sunday Church School 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.

Supporting Parish Ministry

Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God.  A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs.  As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him.  Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed.

An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church.  The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards.  And each year the Steward is expected to carefully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commitment of time, talent, and treasure to support the Parish and her Ministries, which in turn support the National Ministries of our Archdiocese, Metropolises, and institutions.

Effective stewardship ministry is not a single event or project.  Rather, it is going out to our people wherever they are in their walk with Christ, listening to their concerns, helping them to realize their importance as branches of the True Vine, and encouraging them to offer their gifts in His service.  We use various resources to support our efforts, but unless we meet with our people personally, sincerely listen to their ideas and concerns, and share a vision for the future of the parish, our efforts will not reach their full potential.

In ‘Oriented Leadership’, their book on Orthodox Christian leadership, Williams and McKibben define stewardship as the “call of the faithful to share willingly the gifts that God has bestowed on them, including sharing these gifts for God’s work”.  Stewardship is devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as a Parish, as a Metropolis, as a National Church, and as the Church Universal. Stewardship is our active commitment to use ALL our time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgement of Christ’s redeeming love.

  • Stewardship is caring for the needs of others.
  • Stewardship is offering one's self to God as He offered Himself to us.
  • Stewardship is what a person does after saying "I believe..." as proof of that belief.

                                                                                                                     Williams and McKibben in Oriented Leadership

In the words of the late Fr. William Chiganos, “…people do not give to need; they give to vision…. Church people do not stretch their giving because of need to meet the budget; they give more because they are able to see a vision of people being reached and God’s purposes being accomplished in the life of the church and its ministry.”  Parishes with successful Orthodox Christian Stewardship Programs have found that incredible support is unleashed from Stewards who unselfishly and joyfully offer their time, talent, and treasures, which in turn enhances the spirituality and ministry of the local parish.

Christmas Offering Appeal:

The Annual Appeal for Christmas where our faithful and supporters are able to make their prayerful gift to our Panagia Parish and our Lord’s Ministries have been sent to all stewards.  We ask stewards, supporters, and friends of our Panagia Parish please consider and remember your Spiritual Home with your gift of love.  Christmas Appeal envelopes can be found on the candle Pangaria in the Church Narthex.

3rd Annual Dive For The Cross – Saturday, January 9th:

Once again, our Parish will sponsor our Annual Dive for the Cross on Saturday, January 9th, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, IL.  This is an opportunity for our children and young people to take part in a blessed event that many Churches throughout our Archdiocese participate in as we commemorate the Feast of Epiphany (January 6th).  We will have the children participate in the dive for the Cross (age appropriate), followed by swimming, food, and fellowship. Please call the Church Office (773.626.3114) for more info and to make reservations.

Annual Parish Cutting of the Vasilopita Sunday, January 10th:

Following Worship Services on Sunday, January 10th, we will conduct the Annual Parish Cutting of the Vasilopita in Church.  This annual event is sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society, with the entire proceeds benefitting the Saint Basil’s Academy in Garrison, New York.  After each Organization/Department Head receives a piece of Vasilopita, representing his/her co-workers, we will invite all parishioners to receive a piece of Saint Basil’s Bread that is a century’s old tradition of our Orthodox Christian Church.  A member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society will be in the back of the Church as you exit where you can offer your gift to Saint Basil’s Academy.

 Metropolis Vasilopita Celebration:

On January 10th, 2016, the Annual Metropolis Vasilopita Celebration will be held at St. Demetrios Church, Elmhurst.  The Assumption Philoptochos have been given 200 tickets to sell, and the ladies will have tickets available in Plato Hall for the next few weeks.  The proceeds from the sale of the tickets will benefit St. Basil Academy.

Dates to Remember:

Thursday, December 24th
Christmas Eve
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy
5:00 pm - Great Vespers (No Communion)

Friday, December 25th
Christmas Day
8:30 am - Orthros
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy

Saturday, December 26th
Synaxis of the Theotokos
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

Friday, January 1, 2016
New Year’s Day
Feast Day of St. Basil
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

 Monday, January 4,2016
7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study in
St. Catherine’s Meeting Room

Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Eve of Epiphany
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

 Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Feast Day of Holy Epiphany
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Thursday, January 7, 2016
Feast Day of St. John the Baptist
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Saturday, January 9, 2016
3rd Annual Dive for the Cross
at the Oak Brook Park District,call the Church Office
to make a reservation 773-626-3114

90th Anniversary Gala Wrap-Up:

As we approach the Holiday Season, let's recall the joy of our 90th Anniversary Gala:  ‘Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future’ from last October.  Through all of our efforts, this event was spiritually uplifting (the restoration of our original Epitaphios and the unveiling of our new icon--Panagia Portaitissa); and emotionally uplifting (the recognition of our former Proistamenoi--Fathers Treantafeles and Massouras, and our Psalti--Nick Georgiafentis).

Through the great generosity and support of our parishioners, supporters, and friends, our Church realized a financial success as well.  Ticket sales were approximately $53,000, patron book listings brought in an additional $59,500.  Expenses were $35,500.  The net income was slightly over $77,000. 

The Clergy, Parish Council, and 90th Anniversary Committee thank everyone who helped make this a special occasion.  Your presence and your financial support made this an evening that will benefit our Beloved Panagia for years to come.

Ladies Philoptochos Membership Drive November and December:

During the months of November and December, the Ladies Philoptochos will be holding its “2016 Membership Drive”.  All ladies of our Parish of Panagia are invited and encouraged to become a member and participate in the many good works and acts of philanthropy that this organization is involved in.  There will be a table set up in Plato Hall each Sunday during coffee fellowship hour, and Demetra Lakerdas and Pat Karabas will be available to answer any questions as well as register you.  In addition, all current members of Philoptochos are encouraged to pay their 2016 dues.

The Next Orthodox Adult Bible Study Monday January 4, 2016:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet Monday evening, January 4, 2016, at 7:00 pm, in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.  We will continue our study of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Thessalonians.  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.

Metropolis of Chicago Family Synaxis Women's Retreat 2016
Please save the date!

Friday, January 15 - Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Saint Iakovos Retreat Center

The retreat leader will be Presvytera Vassi Haros from Transfiguration of our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence, South Carolina.  She is a graduate of Hellenic College/Holy Cross. She is currently program coordinator at Orthodox Christian Network.  In addition to being a Presvytera and mother, Presvytera Vassi writes a blog called "In Service and Love."

She runs workshops on Orthodox topics including women’s concerns, practical expression of the Orthodox faith, and
the church calendar.

Please check our website www.gocfamilysynaxis.org for more details and to register online starting Friday, December 18th.

Dn. Chris Avramopoulos, Director 
Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries 
312-337-4130;   312-587-7963 Fax;   708-288-2876 Cell 
gochicagoyouth@aol.com or www.chicago.goarch.org

Youth Ministries:

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, January 15, 2016 at 7:30pm at the Oak Brook Park District. We look forward to seeing everyone there! If you have any questions regarding Assumption Youth Programs, please contact Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.

5th/6th Basketball Team – Practice Schedule

Our 5th/6th Basketball Team will playing in the division of the Greek Orthodox Athletic League.  The following is the where and when the practices will be held.  If you have any questions, please see either Fr. Dimitri or Tom Demos.

Sun Dec 20, 2015 4:00pm Place TBD
This was not originally scheduled, if this causes a conflict for anyone, please contact Tom Demos

Sun Jan 3, 2016 4:15pm – 5:15pm
6th G.O.A.L Game - 5649 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660

Fri Jan 8, 2016 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Basketball Practice - Bulls/Sox Academy6200 River Bend Dr., Lisle, IL

Sat Jan 9, 2016 4:15pm – 5:15pm
7th G.O.A.L. Game - 5649 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660

Sat Jan 16, 2016 4:15pm – 5:15pm
8th G.O.A.L. Game - St Haralambos Greek Orthodox, 7373 N Caldwell Ave, Niles, IL 60714

Sun Jan 24, 2016 4:15pm – 5:15pm
9th G.O.A.L. Game - Saint Spyridon's Hellenic Orthodox Church, Worth Township, 12307 S Ridgeland Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463

Fri Jan 29, 2016 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Basketball Practice - Bulls/Sox Academy6200 River Bend Dr., Lisle, IL

Sat Jan 30, 2016 4:15pm – 5:15pm
10th G.O.A.L Game - 5649 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660

Fri Feb 5, 2016 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Basketball Practice - Bulls/Sox Academy6200 River Bend Dr., Lisle, IL

Sat Feb 6, 2016 4:15pm – 5:15pm
11th G.O.A.L. Game - 11025 S Roberts Rd, Palos Hills, IL 60465

 Church School on FACEBOOK:

Our Sunday Church School has created a FACEBOOK page. Like our page: Assumption Sunday Church School! Keep up to date on upcoming events and view photos from recent events.

Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed:

Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2016?  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 2016 are:

Jan. 3             March 6         April 10            May 29          

Jan. 31           March 13        April 17           June 5

Feb. 7             March 20        May 8             June 12

Feb. 21           March 27        May 15           June 19

Feb. 28           April 3            May 22           June 26

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 rates:  $1,995.00 (members), and $2,295.00 (non-members).  Our Parish has only twenty-six (26) 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:

Dean Bastounes, Nick Mansour, John Vassiliades, Joann Stavropoulos, Mary Zouras

 


 

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