PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Memorial:

1 Year ~ Bessie (Vasiliki) Trihas, Right Rows 1 – 2

40 Day Baby Blessing:

The son of Andrea and Michael Tierney will be churched today.

 Coffee Fellowship:

This Sunday the coffee fellowship is hosted by the Assumption Community.  All are invited to stay and enjoy fellowship following the Divine Liturgy.

Sacraments:

Steve Apostolou and Lauren Turner were joined in Holy Matrimony Saturday, September 10, 2016.  The sponsors are Vasili and Joanna Apostolou.

Nicolette Ferguson and Brendan Gleespen will be joined in Holy Matrimony, Thursday, September 15, 2016.  The sponsor is Catherine Kaczmarczyk.

Sunday Worship Hours:

Please make a note that TODAY we will return to our Fall/Winter/Spring schedule for Worship Services.  In the main Church, Orthros begins at 8:30 am, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am  The Sunday Church School Divine Liturgy begins promptly at 9:45 am in Saint Catherine Chapel.

Sunday Church School BEGINS TODAY:

The Assumption Sunday Church School begins TODAY.  Divine Liturgy begins promptly at 9:45am, with SCS Classes taking place immediately following the Divine Liturgy in Plato School.  If you have not, as yet, registered your child for the 2016-17 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.

   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.

Quote for the Week:

‘O my Christ, rekindle my little lamp, and shine on me once more.’
                                                                                                                St. Gregory the Theologian

Scripture for the Week:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.”                                                                                                                                                      Isaiah 60:1

 Question for the Week:

If I had a candle that represented the fervor of my faith right now, how would I describe the strength of the flame?  Is it fully ablaze?  Is it struggling as the winds of life buffet it or the shadows threaten to overtake it?  Has it been snuffed out?  If so, how can I allow the Lord to re-ignite me with His perfect ‘Fos’?

Ministry, Ministry, Ministry!

Every Christian who has accepted salvation has also accepted the responsibility of working in the ministry of the Church.  The clergy have been called apart and given the grace and blessing to perform the specific sacramental functions of the church, but all Christians, clergy and laity alike, have been called to serve in our Lord’s ministry.  If this is not what the Church is doing, then we have entered into serious error.  Everything that we do as a Church should be in direct support of Christ’s ministry of salvation.  If we build buildings, they should be to support ministry.  Any event sponsored by the Church should be ministry or in support of ministry.  The Church’s budget should be driven by its ministry, not the ministry to be limited by its budget.

Ladies Philoptochos To Pass Special Tray Supporting our Seminary Today:

This morning following Worship Services, our Ladies Philoptochos Society will come forward to pass a ‘special tray’ in support for our Greek Orthodox Theological School.  Holy Cross Seminary is located in Brookline, Massachusetts, and is the Institution that trains and educates our young men for service to God and Ordination into the Holy Priesthood.  Our Ladies will pass a tray both in the main Church as well as in Saint Catherine’s Chapel following the Sunday Church School Divine Liturgy.  Our Ladies Philoptochos Society will add to the amount collected today, and forward the total amount to our Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts.  We ask that you give as generously as your heart and abilities allow.

Have You Made Your 2016 Stewardship Pledge Yet?

We thank you 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 2016 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.

The Call is Sent Out For Sunday Church School Teachers and Assistants:

Our Church puts out the “call” for qualified and loving individuals (men and women) to join our Sunday Church School teaching staff for the 2016-17 school academic year.  There is no more rewarding or fulfilling feeling, nor gift that we can give back to our Lord other than to impart to His children, the Word of God, and the blessed teachings of our Holy Orthodox Church.  Helping to mold the formation of a child’s faith and belief in the Lord is a commission that each of us is bestowed with as baptized Orthodox Christians.

Therefore, we ask that you give thought and prayer to the enormous opportunity of becoming a Sunday Church School assistant to assist the teacher and children. Please speak with Fr. Timothy, or the Sunday Church School Director, Mrs. Christina Arvanites. The SCS academic year begins on Sunday, September 11th.

Welcome Back to Sunday Church School:

Today we joyfully kick off another Sunday Church School Year! This year our church school theme is “Welcome Home”. After all, Assumption is our home, a home filled with faith, love, kindness, and fellowship. Today our children are celebrating the start of a new school year with a “Backyard Bash”. Lots of fun activities to include an opportunity for each child to meet their teachers in the Assumption Church School way by having FUN in doing so……. dunking them in a dunk tank.

We are also excited to kick off a Happiness Challenge program. After the very successful 90 Acts of Kindness and just as in the Parable of the Sower, the youth of our parish have sowed seeds of kindness that flourished into a garden of love and happiness, growing and growing from organization to organization.  Our Church School now takes on the Happiness Challenge.  Every month beginning next Sunday, September 18th the children will have an opportunity to make sure that  ‘Happiness’  blossoms  where they have  planted seeds of kindness.  They will also continue to sow; working on new ideas of how to put our faith in action! We will have monthly bulletin updates to show our children’s progress as well as updates to our website with pictures that will show a glimpse of the beautiful example of our faith in action that our children will once again offer.

Youth Ministry:

Our first Youth Night will be Friday, September 16th from 7:30-9pm at the Oak Brook Park District (same location as last year - 1450 Forest Gate Rd, Oak Brook). Our Youth Nights are for all children grades Pre-K to 12th. We have a great night planned, so I hope to see everyone there!

A service outing to Feed My Starving Children at the Aurora location on Saturday, September 24th from 2-4pm. This is part of the new Happiness Challenge we are embarking on this year (which is to do two service projects a month). We have 32 spots reserved, so space is limited. RSVP as soon as possible to me (Fr. Dimitri) at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org by September 18th.

Dates to Remember:

   Wednesday, September 14th
Elevation of the Holy Cross
8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Thursday, September15th
7:00 pm – Philoptochos General Meeting
at the Pan-Arcadian Building in Elmhurst

Friday, September 16th
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Youth Night
For all grades Pre-K to 12th grade
at the Oak Brook Park District
Additional information can be found
on the Pangari in the Narthex

Sunday, September 18th
Adult Education Program begins
In St. Catherine Chapel following the Divine Liturgy
Additional information can be found
on the Pangari in the Narthex

Monday, September 19th
7:00 pm – Adult Bible Study
begins Monday, September 19, 2016
in St. Catherine's Meeting Room

 Saturday, September 24th
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Feed My Starving Children
Additional information can be found
on the Pangari in the Narthex

Sunday, September 25th
SCS Students, Teachers and families
will be worshipping in the main
Church as a ‘Church Family’

  Philoptochos General Meeting September 15, 2016:

The September general meeting will be on Thursday, September 15th, 7:00 pm at the Pan-Arcadian Building in Elmhurst.  Come and hear guest speaker Peter (Chris) Zouras who will describe his experiences in building a Greek Orthodox Church in Havana, Cuba.  Guests and spouses are welcome to attend.  See any Philoptochos members for more information.

Adult Bible Study To Begin Monday September 19, 2016:

Our Adult Bible Study will meet Monday evening, September 19, 2016, at 7:00 pm, in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.  We will continue with our study of the Epistles written by Saint Paul the Apostle.  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:

Another year of our youth ministries is here! We are happy to announce that we will be having our first youth night on Friday, September 25th at the Oak Brook Park District at 7:30pm. Since we will be having all of our groups (GOYA, Jr. GOYA, Joy) meeting on the same night this year, we will need some extra hands to facilitate smooth and enjoyable sessions. If you are interested in committing to be an adviser for one of our youth groups this year, please call the church office or speak to/email Fr. Dimitrios at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.

Parade of Prizes is Back!

The Assumption Philoptochos will be hosting the Parade of Prizes Fundraiser, on Thursday, November 3rd.  Please start to gather any donations you may have including housewares, accessories, holiday items, costume jewelry, wine, tickets to events, gifts for men, women, children or pets.  PLEASE - NEW ITEMS IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING ARE PREFERRED.   Collections will begin on Sunday, September 11, 2016.  Any questions?  Please contact Demetra Lakerdas (630-732-1133).

 Hellenic Link-Midwest

The Hellenic Link-Midwest Board is pleased to announce its 2016-17 scholarship program for those college and graduate students of Hellenic descent who reside in the Midwest and have completed a scholastic year as of June 30, 2016 with a B average (3.0/4.0).  Completed applications must be received by November 1, 2016.  If interested, please call the Church Office, 773-626-3114 for an application to be mailed to you.

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 2016 year are:

Sept. 18                      Oct. 16                      Nov. 20                     

Oct. 2                          Oct. 23                      Nov. 27            

Oct. 9                          Oct. 30                      Dec. 11    

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

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.

 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 a few 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).

   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.

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.

PROPER CHURCH ETIQUETTE FOR WORSHIP

ENTERING THE CHURCH

When entering an Orthodox Church, reverently make the sign of the Cross. First, light your candle. Candles represent the light of Christ and the flame of the Holy Spirit. Candle-stands are in the narthex. You may then venerate the icons before you.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUNCTUALITY

The Orthodox Divine Liturgy begins when the priest intones, “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” We need to arrive early enough to receive this blessing. Arriving later causes a distraction for others who are praying. If an occasional problem occurs and you have to come in late, enter the Church reverently and quietly. Try not to interrupt the Liturgy by your entrance. The best way to avoid this situation is to arrive on time.

STANDING IN CHURCH

It is the custom of some Orthodox Christians to stand throughout the Divine Liturgy. If you choose to stand, please do so near the sides so that the view of the Altar is not blocked for those who are seated. If you are accustomed to sitting during the Divine Liturgy, remember to stand at these times:

• When the Liturgy begins and the priest gives the blessing
• During the Small and Great Entrances
• When the priest turns and faces the congregation, giving his blessing
• When the priest is censing the icons and congregation
• During the Gospel reading
• At the Anaphora
• For Holy Communion
• At the final blessing

RECITATION OF NICENE CREED AND LORD’S PRAYER

We must remember that when the Orthodox Divine Liturgy is celebrated, it is ‘interactive’. That means we are not merely spectators but participants. The Nicene Creed is the foundation and principle tenets of our Orthodox Faith. Therefore, we should recite it together, loudly and with conviction, as it defines us as ‘believers’ and ‘Orthodox Christians’. Likewise, the Lord’s Prayer is to be recited loudly and boldly. It is the one prayer that Jesus Christ authored and recited when preaching here on earth.

HOLY COMMUNION

Orthodox Christians are invited to approach and receive Holy Communion if they are properly prepared. The Church school students and their teachers should approach first. All others who are prepared to do so may then approach the holy chalice. The cloth held by the priest and the altar servers is there to prevent any particles of the gifts from falling onto the floor.

CHILDREN

If a baby or toddler needs a snack, please clear away any leftover pieces. However, the child should not have anything in his/her mouth when he/she comes to Holy Communion. It is not acceptable at any time to chew gum in Church (at any age). Plan to have your children use the restroom and get a drink before Liturgy begins, and don’t allow them to come and go continually.

RESPECTFUL BEHAVIORS

Remember that you are in Church to worship God, the Holy Trinity. The priest says, “With the fear of God, faith, and love draw near.” Let this be the way you approach your worship:

• Refrain from socializing during the Liturgy: Save your greetings and conversations for the fellowship hall. We are in the Liturgy to pray and worship God, not to distract others.
• Mobile devices: The use of mobile phones is never proper during the Liturgy. If you have a professional reason to carry one for emergencies, keep it on mute, not vibrate, and sit near the exit so that leaving for an emergency will not be a distraction to others. Otherwise, turn off your phone before entering the sanctuary.
• We do not clap in Church.
• Lipstick: Do not wear lipstick while taking Holy Communion or when kissing the cross, an icon, the priest’s or bishop’s hand, or any sacred object. It is best not to wear it at all in the Church.
• Leg crossing: One should not be too casual in the Divine Liturgy. In our North American culture, we tend to cross our legs to get comfortable when sitting. Crossing one's legs in Church is not permitted, not because it is "wrong" but rather because it is too casual and relaxed for being in Church. Keeping your feet on the ground also enables you to remain attentive and to stand when necessary.
• Church Dress: Respectful attire is also an important part of attending Orthodox services. You do not need to be dressed "fancy" but respectfully and modestly so as to present yourself to God. No shorts, short skirts, or revealing clothing please. Men and boys must remove their hats when entering the Church.

HANDLING THE HOLY BREAD (ANTIDORON)

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of holy bread or antidoron. While antidoron is not Holy Communion, it is blessed bread and as such should be eaten carefully so that crumbs do not fall. Both adults and children should always remember to eat the antidoron with respect. Leaving Church without receiving antidoron and the final blessing from the priest is foreign to our Orthodox culture. This includes the chanters, choir, parish council members, and ushers as well.

LEAVING BEFORE DISMISSAL

Leaving Church before dismissal deprives us of a blessing. Worship has a beginning ("Blessed is the Kingdom...") and an end ("Let us depart in peace..."). To leave immediately after Communion is to treat the Church with disrespect.

NOTE: Worship services are vital instruments and components to our prayer development. In order to do this, we need to be cognizant of our fellow parishioners and all those around us. For those parents with children, we encourage you to expose them to the worship experience. If a child is 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).

 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.

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.

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.

NOTE:  Please note that this morning’s Divine Liturgy, as well as prior Divine Liturgies, are available for rebroadcast.  Simply log on to our Parish’s website (www.assumptionchicago.org), and click on the “Watch Worship Services Online” link.

Ushers:
Andrew Kanel, Tom Poulos, Chris Caprio, Diane Berbas, Dr. Peter J. Panton