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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-07-23
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

Prokeimenon. Plagal Second Mode. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7.

BRETHREN, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of your Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.


Gospel Reading

7th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 9:27-35

At that time, as Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.

As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons."

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.


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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode

Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Phocas 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 Phocas. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Apolytikion of Prophet Ezekiel in the Second Tone

As we celebrate the memory of Thy Prophet Ezekiel, O Lord, through him we beseech Thee to save our souls.

Kontakion of Prophet Ezekiel in the Fourth Tone

O divine Ezekiel, as God's true Prophet, thou foretoldest unto all the Incarnation of the Lord, the Lamb of God, the Artificer, the Son of God, the Eternal made manifest.

Apolytikion of the Church in the First Mode

In giving birth, O Theotokos, you have retained your virginity, and in falling asleep you have not forsaken the world. You who are the Mother of Life have passed over into life, and by your prayers you deliver our souls from death.

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

And then at last He for His part lays His hand upon them, saying, "According to your faith be it unto you." And this He does to confirm their faith, and to show that they are participators in the good work ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

He delivered them first from their want of faith. The affliction of the dumb man was not natural ... wherefore also he needs others to bring him. ... For this cause neither does He require faith of him, but straightway heals the disease.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 32 on Matthew 9, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
July 23

Phocas the Holy Martyr, Bishop of Sinope

This saint was known for the many miracles he worked and for his apostolic zeal in shepherding the flock of Sinope. He contested for the Faith during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, in the year 102, when he was burned to death in a bath-house. A homily in his honour was composed by Saint John Chrysostom. The translation of his holy relics is celebrated on July 23.


Ezekiel
July 23

Ezekiel the Prophet

The Prophet Ezekiel ("God is strong") was the son of Buzi and a priest by rank. He was taken captive and brought to Babylon during the reign of Jechonias. In the fifth year of this captivity, about 594 or 593 B.C., he began to prophesy. Having prophesied for about twenty-eight years, he was murdered, it is said, by the tribe of Gad, because he reproached them for their idolatry. His book of prophecy, divided into forty-eight chapters, is ranked third among the greater Prophets. It is richly filled with mystical imagery and marvelous prophetic visions and allegories, of which the dread Chariot of Cherubim described in the first Chapter is the most famous; in the "gate that was shut," through which the Lord alone entered, he darkly foretold of the Word's Incarnation from the Virgin (44:1-3); through the "dry bones" that came to life again (37:1-14), he prophesied both of the restoration of captive Israel, and the general resurrection of our race.


Allsaint
July 26

The Holy Hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus, and Hermocrates

Saint Hermolaus and those with him were priests of the Church in Nicomedia, living in hiding after the Emperor Maximian had burnt to death the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia (see Dec. 28). It was Hermolaus who converted Saint Panteleimon to Christ. When Saint Panteleimon was seized as a Christian and was asked by Maximian who it was that had turned him from the idols, the Saint, enlightened by God that the time of his teacher's martyrdom also was at hand, revealed to Maximian that it was Hermolaus the priest. Saint Hermolaus was taken with Saints Hermippus and Hermocrates, and when they had confessed Christ to be the only true God, they were beheaded in the year 305. Saint Hermolaus is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.


26_paraskevi
July 26

Paraskeve the Righteous Martyr of Rome

Saint Paraskeve, who was from a certain village near Rome, was born to pious parents, Agatho and Politia. Since she was born on a Friday (in Greek, Paraskeve), she was given this name, which means "preparation" or "preparedness" (compare Matt. 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, and John 19:31, where 'Friday' is called "the day of the preparation"). From childhood she was instructed in the sacred letters and devoted herself to the study of the divine Scriptures, while leading a monastic life and guiding many to the Faith of Christ. During the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, she was apprehended because she was a Christian and was urged to worship the idols, but she answered with the words of Jeremias: "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jer. 10:11). Because of this she endured exceedingly painful torments, and was beheaded in the year 140. The faithful pray to her for the healing of eye ailments.


27_pante
July 27

Panteleimon the Great Martyr & Healer

This Saint, who had Nicomedia as his homeland, was the son of Eustorgius and Eubula. His father was an idolater, but his mother was a Christian from her ancestors. It was through her that he was instructed in piety, and still later, he was catechized in the Faith of Christ by Saint Hermolaus (see July 26) and baptized by him. Being proficient in the physician's vocation, he practiced it in a philanthropic manner, healing every illness more by the grace of Christ than by medicines. Thus, although his parents had named him Pantoleon ("in all things a lion"), because of the compassion he showed for the souls and bodies of all, he was worthily renamed Panteleimon, meaning "all-merciful." On one occasion, when he restored the sight of a certain blind man by calling on the Divine Name, he enlightened also the eyes of this man's soul to the knowledge of the truth. This also became the cause for the martyrdom of him who had been blind, since when he was asked by whom and in what manner his eyes had been opened, in imitation of that blind man of the Gospel he confessed with boldness both who the physician was and the manner of his healing. For this he was put to death immediately. Panteleimon was arrested also, and having endured many wounds, he was finally beheaded in the year 305, during the reign of Maximian. Saint Panteleimon is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is held in special honor among them, even as Saint George is among the Martyrs.


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Parish News and Events

PARISH NEWS AND EVENTS

Summer Sunday Worship Hours:

Please make note that we are presently in our summer schedule for Sunday Worship Services.  Orthros begins at 8:00 am, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am.  We will return to our regular schedule on Sunday, September 10th.

Memorial:

1 Year ~ Gus (Constantinos) Pontikis, Right Rows 1 - 2

Sacraments:

Erica Spear and Jeffrey Williams were joined in Holy Matrimony on  Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 1:30 pm.  The Sponsor was Peter Spear.

Coffee Fellowship:

The Coffee fellowship is hosted by the Assumption Community.  All are invited to stay, and enjoy fellowship.

  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.

Sunday Church School – Help Needed!

Just around the corner is the start of our Sunday Church School year, September 10th to be exact. Now more than ever we need your help!

We are in need of teachers and assistants to join our team. Specifically grades 5 and 6. Unfortunately, if these teaching slots are not filled there will be no Church School for the children of 5th or 6th grade. In addition we have several teachers who could use the assistance of aides. I ask that you prayerfully and lovingly consider giving some of your time and talent back to our church. Our program can only succeed and grow with your participation and dedicated involvement, the teachers and I cannot continue to do it on our own.

If you have any questions or if you need more detailed information regarding joining our team please feel free to contact Mrs. Christina Arvanites.

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.

Stewardship:

2017 Stewardship Pledge commitment are due.  We ask that you please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment for 2017, complete the pledge card and mail it to the Church Office.  We are forever grateful to the many loving stewards, supporters, and friends of this Parish who stand tall in their commitment to our Lord, the Blessed Panagia and this ministry.

2018 EPIPHANY PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LANDS:

It is with great joy and love in our Lord Jesus that Fr. Timothy, along with Fr. John Kalomas from the St. Andrew Church (Chicago), will again be leading an Eleven Day Pilgrimage from January 15th through 25th, 2018.  This pilgrimage will exclusively include the Holy Lands in Jerusalem, Israel, and Palestine.  Among the many places/sites to be visited include the Church and Tomb of St. George in Lydda,  the Holy Sepulcher where we will see the Holy Calvary, Holy Tomb, Chapel of Mary Magdalene, Temporary Prison of Christ, Saint Loginos, Finding of the Cross, Column of the Thorns, and the Chapel of Adam.  We then will walk to the Patriarchate to meet His Beatitude Patriarch of Jerualem, Theophilos III, follow Jesus’ footsteps on “Via Dolorosa” the Way of the Cross, Pretorium, Lithostrotos, the House of Nicodemos, the Prison of Saint Peter, the birthplace of Theotokos and the House of Saint Ann. Continue to the Tomb of Most Holy Mother of God in Gethsemane. We will visit Saint Stephanos, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Last Prayer.

We also will visit the Jordan River where we will enter the Holy Site of the Original Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ in the borders of Israel-Jordan.  We will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany at Jordan River with His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, who will bless the water.  We then visit St. Gerasimos, Mt. of Temptation in Jericho and the Dead Sea.

The following morning we will attend the Patriarchal Celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany in the Holy Sepulcher.  After the Divine Liturgy, we will visit Mount Zion, the Last Supper & Upper Room, King David’s Tomb, the Wailing Wall and the House & Tomb of Saint Simeon the Righteous in Katamonas.  We then will visit the Monastery of the Holy Cross and the House of Saint John the Baptist in Oreini.

In addition, we will visit the Mount of Olives for a panorama view of the Jerusalem, visit the Church of the Ascension, and small Galilea Saint Thedosius, Shepherds Field, Monastery of Saint Sabbas. We then return to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity, the Holy Cave and the Manger of Christ, and the tombs of the infants killed by King Herod.

We then will depart for Tiberias, stopping first to visit the Tomb of Lazarus in Bethany and the Monastery of Martha & Maria. We continue through the Jordan Valley to Tiberias where we will spend the night.  The next morning we will cross the Sea of Galilee by boat to Capernaum. Here we will visit the ruins of the city where Jesus started His ministry, and see the site of the Synagogue where He was teaching.  We proceed to Tabgha, site of the Multiplication of  Five Loaves and Two Fishes.  From here, we will then drive to Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee and visit the Monastery of the twelve Apostoles in Capernaum.  We then return to our hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.  The next morning, we again visit Jordan River for our baptism (becoming a hatzi - a true pilgrim).

In this email as well as on our website (www.assumptionchicago.org), you will find a Flyer and Fact Sheet detailing the Trip, including dates, places, pricing, and other particulars.  Also included in this email is the brochure that describes each day's activities.  Because there is special pricing/discount given for registering early, you are urged to reply as soon as you can if you are interested in participating in this trip.  Should you have any questions, I urge that you please call me immediately.  Fr. John is advertising this Pilgrimage Trip in his own Parish, and we have decided to limit the size of this group, so space will be limited.  Again, if you have any questions, please see/speak to Fr. Timothy as soon as possible.

  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

Also, our parish is starting a database of all college students in the community. If you have a college student in your family or if you are a college student, please send your name, school, area of study, address, and email address to Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org..

Metroplis of Chicago Family Synaxis Retreat:

Labor Day Weekend Family Retreat: Join other Orthodox families at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Wisconsin over Labor Day Weekend for a fun-filled time reconnecting with your family and reconnecting with God. Retreat leader Fr. Stephen Freeman, a priest, author, blogger and podcaster (learn more at GloryToGodForAllThings.com), will present workshops on the theme Living the Mystery. Children’s workshops will also be provided, as will childcare for babies. Find more information and register online at www.GOCFamilySynaxis.org or email Chicago.Family.Synaxis@gmail.com . Register by Aug. 18 for the best rate.
…........................................
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Eleni Anast at 708-250-0034 or chicago.family.synaxis@gmail.com.
 
In Christ’s Abiding Love,
Family Synaxis Planning Committee of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago

Byzantine Music Class:

This fall, our parish will be introducing a Byzantine Music class for all those interested in learning the art of Orthodox music. Classes will be led by Fr. Dimitri and are for students in middle school through college. If interested in registering or if you have any questions, please contact Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.

Dates to Remember:

Wednesday, July 26th
Feast of St. Paraskeve

8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

Thursday, July 27th
Feast of St. Panteleimon

8:30 am – Orthros
9:30 am – Divine Liturgy

    Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed:

Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2017?  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 2017 Year:

July 30                       Aug. 27               Sept. 24             Oct. 22   

Aug. 6                        Sept. 3                Oct. 1                Oct. 29

Aug. 13                      Sept. 10              Oct. 8                Nov. 5

Aug. 20                      Sept. 17              Oct. 15              Nov. 1

   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.

 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.

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:

Chris Limperis, Vincent Nicholas, Rose Marie Stewart, Bill J. Vranas, Mary Zouras

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