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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-11-11
Bulletin Contents
Menas
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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

Sunday -MAIN CHURCH
8:30 am - Orthros
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy
Sunday Summer Hours - MAIN CHURCH
8:00 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy
Sunday Church School 
 9:45 am - Divine Liturgy

Weekday Services
8:30 am - Orthros
9:30 am - Divine Liturgy

 

The Mission of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Is to lead the faithful into the Kingdom of God by:

Proclaiming and teaching the Gospel in accordance with the Orthodox Faith;

Sanctifying the faithful through God’s grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy and the sacraments;

Enhancing the spiritual life of the faithful;

Adding to the numbers of the faithful by receiving persons into the church through instruction, baptism and/or chrismation.


Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode

Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Martyr Menas 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.

Apolytikion of Great Martyr Catherine in the Plagal of the First Tone

Let us praise the most auspicious bride of Christ, the divine Katherine, 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.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Menas of Egypt
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 4:6-15

Brethren, it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.


Gospel Reading

8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For the One Maker fashioned us, the One Creator breathed life into us; we all enjoy the same sky and air, the same days and nights, and, though some be good, others bad, some righteous, others unrighteous, yet GOD is bountiful to all, kind to all.
St. Gregory the Dialogist
Sermon 12, On the Fast, 6th century

The example of the good Samaritan shows that we must not abandon those in whom even the faintest amount of faith is still alive.
St. Ambrose of Milan
Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11

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Saints and Feasts

Menas
November 11

Menas of Egypt

Saint Menas, who had Egypt as his fatherland, contested in Cotyaeion of Phrygia in 296 during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian. A soldier distinguished for his valour in war, he renounced his rank and withdrew to devote himself to ascetical struggles and prayer in the mountains. Filled with zeal and more than human courage, he presented himself in the midst of a pagan festival in Cotyaeion and declared himself to be a Christian. After terrible torments which he endured with astonishing courage, he was beheaded. His martyrium in Egypt became a place of universal pilgrimage; evidence of ancient journeys to his shrine have been found as far away as Ireland. The glory and refuge of the Christians of Egypt, he has been revealed to be a worker of great miracles and a swift defender for all who call on him with faith; besides all else, he is also invoked for help in finding lost objects.


Victor
November 11

Victor and Stephanie

Saints Victor and Stephanie contested in Damascus in 160, during the reign of Antoninus Pius. The pagans arrested Saint Victor as a Christian and cut off his fingers, put out his eyes, and beheaded him. As Saint Stephanie, the wife of a certain soldier, and a Christian, saw Victor's nobility in his sufferings, she loudly cried out to call him blessed and to say that she saw two crowns prepared, one for him, and one for herself. She also was taken, and was tied to two palm trees which had been bowed down; when they were released, she was torn asunder.


Allsaint
November 11

Theodore the Studite

Saint Theodore the Studite was born in Constantinople in 759; his pious parents were named Photinus and Theoctiste. He assumed the monastic habit in his youth, at the monastery called Sakkoudion, and became abbot there in 794. About the year 784 he was ordained deacon, and later presbyter by the most holy Patriarch Tarasius. On joining the brotherhood of the Monastery of Studium (which was named after its founder Studius, a Roman consul), the Saint received the surname "Studite." He proved to be a fervent zealot for the traditions of the Fathers and contested even unto death for the sake of his reverence for the holy icons. He endured three exiles because of his pious zeal. During the third one, to which he was condemned by the Iconoclast autocrat, Leo the Armenian, he endured courageously - being beaten and bound and led from one dark dungeon to another - for seven whole years. Finally he was recalled from exile by Michael the Stutterer. Receiving thus a small respite from his labours of long endurance, he reposed in the Lord on November 11, 826, a Sunday, while his disciples, who stood round about him, chanted the 118th Psalm. Some say that after receiving the immaculate Mysteries, he himself began chanting this psalm. And on reaching the verse, ' I will never forget Thy statutes, for in them hast Thou quickened me" (Ps. 118:93), he gave up his spirit, having lived for sixty-seven years. In addition to his other sacred writings, he composed, with the collaboration of his brother Joseph, almost the whole of the compunctionate book of the Triodion (see also July 14).


Allsaint
November 11

Holy Martyr Vincent

Saint Vincent is the most illustrious of the Martyrs of Spain. Because of his virtue, he was ordained deacon by Valerius, Bishop of Saragossa, who, because of his advanced age and an impediment in his speech, commissioned Vincent to be preacher of the Gospel. In 303, the impious Emperors Diocletian and Maximian sent Dacian to Spain as governor, with an edict to persecute the clergy. Saint Vincent was brought with Bishop Valerius to Valencia; the bishop was sent into exile, but the holy deacon was tortured on a rack, and after suffering other cruel torments, gave up his soul into the hands of God on January 22 in the year 304.


Allsaint
November 15

Nativity Fast Begins

The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.


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Parish News and Events

Memorials

40 Days ~ John Fotias
29 Years ~ Georgia Fotias
 
Coffee Fellowship

Today's Coffee Fellowship is being hosted by the Assumption  Stewardship Ministry. 

Dates to Remember

Sunday, November 11th
Stewardship Sunday
Plato Hall
 
Tuesday, November 13th  
Feast of St. John Chrysostom
8:30 am Orthros
9:30 am Divine Liturgy
 
Thursday, November 15
Christmas Fast Begins
8:30 am Orthros
9:30 am Divine Liturgy
 
Friday, November 16th
Feast of St. Matthew
8:30 am Orthros
9:30 am Divine Liturgy
 
Philoptochos

We are sincerely grateful for your donations last Sunday as we observed the feast day of Philoptochos Patron Saints Cosmas and Damianos. Your generous gifts benefit the philanthropic programs and charities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. We thank you and appreciate your loyal support of the Philoptochos Society.

Our Membership Drive continues this Sunday and most Sundays in November and December in Plato Hall during the Coffee Fellowship Hour. We encourage you to stop by our table and learn about our activities and accomplishments. Please consider sharing your special talents with us!

The next General Meeting of the Philoptochos Society is scheduled one week earlier than usual, Thursday, November 15th, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Catherine’s meeting room. The meeting will follow the Divine Liturgy, marking the beginning of the Nativity Fast. Please try to attend both the Divine Liturgy and the meeting. We will discuss the remainder of the Fall events as well as review the 2019 calendar. Refreshments will be served. Please note, this is the last meeting of 2018.

Stewardship Sunday November 11th
The Parish Council has designated Sunday, November 11th as ‘Stewardship Sunday’.  This past week, 2019 stewardship packets were mailed to all faithful (stewards) of this Parish.  We ask that you please prayerfully consider your pledge commitment for 2019, complete the pledge card and commitment card that are included in the packet, and bring it to church on November 11th.  Following the Divine Liturgy on that day, you will have the opportunity to deposit both completed 2019 commitment cards (in the envelope provided) and place them into the tray/basket that one of the Parish Council members will be holding as you exit the Church.  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.
 
Assumption Family Retreat November 17th
The Assumption Family Retreat will be taking place on Saturday, November 17th at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center (920 224th Ave., Kansasville, WI). This all-day retreat will give our families an opportunity to grow closer to God, bond with each other, enjoy fellowship with their fellow Orthodox families, and deepen their faith. The theme of the retreat is: "Why Church? Making the life of the Church relevant for our families". There is no cost to attend the retreat, and all three meals will be provided. If you would like to register, there is an online registration at tinyurl.com/GORetreat. There are also hard copies of the registration packet available at church. Please feel free to contact Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org with any questions or concerns.
 
IOCC Sunday November 18th
On Sunday, November 18th, our parish will be showcasing International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC).  "IOCC, in the spirit of Christ's love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond" (IOCC Mission Statement). Our goal is to raise awareness and generate support for this worthy organization and ministry of our Holy Orthodox Church.
 
Austin Community Thanksgiving Day Luncheon at Assumption
For the second consecutive year, Assumption Church will open our doors on Thanksgiving Day to welcome any and all who have need — for a meal, for warmth, for conversation, and for community. Our Thanksgiving Day meal will be served from 11:30am-2:30pm. Volunteers are needed to setup, prepare food, serve and socialize with our guests. Volunteers can come as early as 8:30 am to help for however long their schedule permits. Food donations are welcomed and we will once again be offering meal deliveries to our shut-ins. For more information or to volunteer, please email outreach@assumptionchicago.org or contact our church office at 773-626-3114.

Bears Game Day Event

Please join us on Sunday December 9th as we cheer on our Chicago Bears against the Los Angeles Rams starting at noon.  Big Screens will be provided.  No reservations are necessary, but a quick ‘Yes, I will be there’ to Cece Carlson via text (630) 292-1835 or e-mail assumptionrsvp@gmail.com would be helpful for planning.  Free-will donations accepted, as well as pot-luck sides.  This is a fasting period, so no meat items.  We kindly ask that you stick around after the game to help prepare Plato Hall for the school student's use the following day.

Parish Council Elections Set For Sunday, December 2nd

Please be advised that on Sunday, December 2nd, our Parish will hold Parish Council elections for the 2019-20 term.  You are asked to please give serious consideration to offer your time, talent and service to God and His Church.  We are in need of new faces, stewards who want to work and offer service to our blessed Parish of Panagia.  Below, you will find the guidelines for placing your name for consideration on the Parish Council along with a form to place your name into nomination.  Deadline for submission is Wednesday, November 21st.  Please return the form to either Fr. Timothy or to the Church Office in a sealed envelope.

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APPLICATION FOR NOMINATION FOR THE PARISH COUNCIL

                      ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

 Qualifications to be a Candidate for the Parish Council:

 1.  Must be spiritually, canonically and financially in good standing:

      a. SPIRITUALLY: Attend Divine Services regularly and receive the Holy Sacraments;

          uphold the teachings and traditions of the Church.

      b. CANONICALLY: If married, married in the Orthodox Church.  If divorced, have an

          ecclesiastical divorce. Must live his/her life and activities in accordance with the Faith and

          Canons of the Holy Orthodox Church.

       c. FINANCIALLY: Must be a member of the Parish for at least one year immediately

           preceding the date of elections.

  2.   Must be willing to take the following oath:

 “I do solemnly swear that I will uphold the dogma, teachings, traditions, holy canons, worship, and moral principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the constitutional charter, discipline, and regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will fulfill faithfully and sincerely the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council.  So help me God.”

 3.   Must attend a mandatory Seminar conducted by the Parish priest in accordance with the

 UPR, Article VIII,  Section 3:

 All candidates shall attend a seminar conducted by the priest prior to the election at which the priest shall discuss the Uniform Parish Regulations and explain them to the candidates, particularly the oath of office. At the conclusion of the seminar all candidates will acknowledge by signing a statement that they understand the Uniform Parish Regulations and, if elected, will abide by them and the oath of office. If a candidate for the Parish Council refuses to attend the seminar and sign the declaration, his or her name shall be deleted from the list of candidates.

 Additional Responsibilities:

 1. To participate in the sacramental life of the Church setting an example for the parish.  This means frequent AND regular attendance at worship services.

 2. to collect the revenue of the Church and to administer the affairs of the parish in such a manner to aid the Priest in the fulfillment of its aims and purposes

 3. After appropriate discussion, to support and cooperate “fully” with all majority decisions of the Parish Council.

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 PARISH COUNCIL APPLICATION

I wish to place my name in nomination for election to the Parish Council of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.  As required by the Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.  I hereby declare that I have been a member in good standing for at least one year prior to the date of elections, and I understand the duties and responsibilities which are expected of the members of the Parish Council.

Please print:

Name___________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________

City____________________State____________Zipcode__________

 

Signature of Applicant_____________________________________

Please return this application to:

THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

601 S. Central Avenue / Chicago, Illinois 60644

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RETURNED BY WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21st

ELECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE DIVINE LITURGY IN PLATO HALL UNTIL 1:00 PM, ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

Adult Education Program

Fr. Dimitri will be conducting monthly religious education lectures for adults on the following dates after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy in St. Catherine's Chapel. This year's theme is "Send down your Holy Spirit: The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church". The tentative dates for the lectures are:

November 18th - December 9th - January 27th - February 17th - March 10th - April 7th - May 5th

Young Adult League

The Assumption Church is revitalizing their Young Adult ministries. In order to do so, we are asking young adults (ages 18-27 who are out of high school) and families with young adults to contact the church to provide contact information. All we need is a name, phone number, and email address to create a young adult database for our parish. Please email contact info to frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org. Our hope is to periodically organize social events for the young adults and support the Metropolis of Chicago YAL events and programs.

Food Drive

Our Parish will again collect non-perishable food items that will be part of food baskets for those families in need this Christmas Season.  Beginning today, and through December 2nd, we ask that you please bring your items and leave them in the Narthex of the main Church or in Saint Catherine's Chapel Narthex. Also, if you prefer to make a monetary donation towards perishable items that will be included in the food baskets, you may do so as well (please make your check payable to Assumption Church, indicating it for the Christmas Food Drive).  We ask that you please be part of this effort and contribute what you can.  The SCS high school students will help with the packing. 

Toy Drive

It's that wonderful time of year!! Our neighbor, Loretto Hospital has once again reached out to us for assistance in collecting toys for their Annual Visit with Santa/Toy Drive. Please see attached flyer for more information.
For those that are not familiar with Visit with Santa: For the last 28 years Loretto Hospital has hosted a Visit with Santa at the Columbus Park Refectory for children of the Austin area to visit with Santa and be given a gift that has been graciously donated by local area organizations. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 8th. Our parish as well as other local area businesses has stepped forward to assist by collecting gifts that will be given to these children. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

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 website 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 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.

Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed

Have you considered selecting a day to host the Weekly Fellowship Hour following Worship Services on a specific Sunday in 2018?  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 2018 Year:            

December   9, 23, 30 

January    13, 20, 27

We are in the Loop!

Through a generous donation by Mr. and Mrs. Chris Maniates in memory of Mrs. Helen Maniates, we are delighted to announce that we are now part of a growing number of places with a hearing loop. If you need assistance, please see one of the Parish Council Ushers for assistance.

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 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, 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 with the many others who are offering a prayer for the person who is ill, will bring comfort beyond comprehension.

Just think about that….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 Fr. Dimitrios.  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?  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, which 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, Evelyn Maggos, Peter Panton, George Sefer, Lynn Voulgarakis, Stavroula Spyropoulos

PROPER CHURCH ETIOUETTE FOR WORSHIP

ENTERING THE CHURCH
When entering an Orthodox Church, reverently make the sign ofthe 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 PRA YER
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 and ecclesiastically in order with the Church. The Church school students and their teachers should approach first. Once the children have communed, all others who are prepared to do so may then approach the Holy Chalice. Please come as close to the Chalice as possible to avoid accidents. The red cloth held by the priest and the altar servers is there to prevent any particles ofthe giftsfromfalling onto thefloor.

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 Divine Liturgy: save your greetings and conversations for the fellowship hall. We are in the Liturgy to pray and worship God, not to distract others. This especially applies to the Narthex where parishioners and Parish Council members gather.
  • 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 or 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.
  • Lipstick: Do not wear lipstick when approaching to take 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 för 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 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 inpeace... 'Y). To leave immediately after Communion is to freat 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

 

 

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