Memorials
40 Days ~ Nicolaos Georgiafentis
Sacrament
Saturday March 9
Wedding ~ Dimitria Siliras to Santino Scarlato
Sponsor ~ John Vranas
Coffee Fellowship will be hosted by the Georgiafentis Family in memory of Nicolaos Georgiafentis.
Dates to Remember
Saturday, March 9
Second Saturday of the Souls
8:30 am Orthros
9:30 am Divine Liturgy
Monday, March 11
Clean Monday Lenten Meal
immediately following Great Compline
5:30 pm
Saturday, March 16
Third Saturday of the Souls
8:30 am Orthros
9:30 am Divine Liturgy
Lenten Family Retreat
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Plato Hall
Lenten/Easter Needs:
As we enter the Lenten Period we again look for donors for the flowers that are used during the Lenten/Easter Season. Should you wish to offer a donation for one of the items below, please call the Church Office - 773-626-3114
Icon for The Salutations to the Theotokos (5 Friday’s) 4 weeks DONATED
March 15th, March 22nd, March 29th, April 5th, April 12th $195 per week
Jonquils for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, March 31st DONATED
Palm Leaves for Palm Sunday, April 21st DONATED
Icon for Bridegroom Services, April 22nd- 24th DONATED
Large Icon of the Last Supper, April 25th $400
2 Wreaths for Holy Thursday, April 25th $340 each
Rose Petals, Holy Friday, April 26th DONATED
Carnations, Holy Friday, April 26th DONATED
Lavaro, April 27th & 28th DONATED
26-Easter Lilies for Holy Pascha, April 28th $25 each/8 DONATED
2 Priest Pascal Candles DONATED
Welcome Metropolitan Nathanael:
We welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael as He visits our parish, leading us in worship services this morning and also commemorating the 40 day memorial of our Niko Georgiafentis, our beloved protopsalti, who faithfully served this parish for 55 years.
Outing to the National Hellenic Museum
The Assumption Church will be visiting the National Hellenic Museum, the repository of greatest collection of Greek American in the world, on Sunday, March 31st. After having a Lenten box lunch in Plato Hall, we will be travelling by bus to the Museum. We will be met by tour guides who will provide age-appropriate explanations of the artifacts for both children and adults.
Panagia has strong ties to the NHM, as three of the exhibits are sponsored by Assumption stewards! They include: “The Greek Story in America” (the late Angela Paterakis), which details the Greek-American experience; “Monumental” (Alice and the late Dr. Andrew Kopan), which introduces ancient Greek architecture to children; and “Change: The Story of Coins” (George Dervis), a collection of authentic ancient coins from Alexander to Rome.
The cost of the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children. We will be returning to the Church at approximately 4:30 PM.
To make reservations, please call the Church Office at 773-626-3114.
Funding for this event is being provided, in part, from the Hellenic Foundation.
Stewardship 2019
We are forever grateful to our many stewards who faithfully contribute their stewardship gift to our Panagia Church without fail. It is with the support of each member, supporter, and friend to Panagia and Her Church that allows this Parish to continue to offer its ministry to the faithful who enter its doors.
Stewardship is our way to give to back to God a portion of the ‘never-ending blessings’ that He unceasingly give to us each and every day. That is a gift that can only be measured by us, and God expects us to make that determination honestly and with an open and loving heart. Our Parish of Panagia is grateful to the vast majority who understand how we are expected to be ‘caretakers’ of His Earthly Church. We call upon those individuals and families who have not, as yet, completed their 2018 Stewardship, to do so.
2019 pledge Commitment Packets were mailed to all current stewards last month. If you have not submitted your pledge card, please do so at your earliest convenience. Stewardship Pledge Cards and information is located on the Pangari in the Narthex. Please consider making your gift. Thank you.
Philoptochos
Thank you for celebrating the pre-Lenten Apokreatiko Glendi festivities as a church family last Sunday. Due to efforts of Marina Demos and her entire family, Nikki Massouras, Maria Kartsimas and Demetra Lakerdas, children and adults enjoyed a fun filled evening of crafts, treats, food, dancing. Kudos and special thanks to this great team! Please see the church website for photos of the event and some great costumes! Kai tou chronou!
On Sunday, March 17th and 31st the Assumption Parish Children and Philoptochos will be hosting a ‘Lemonade and Loukoumathes’ fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Fund, originally established to provide medical assistance to critically ill children, whose families are unable to afford the necessary medical treatment. Biennially, the National Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon fundraiser is hosted by a different Metropolis Philoptochos. In November, the Chicago Metropolis Philoptochos has the distinction of hosting this event which is expected to be widely attended by Philoptochos members from Metropolises throughout the United States. More importantly, grants will be awarded to children’s hospitals and special programs which will benefit children within our Metropolis who are sick or who are unable to help themselves.
On Sunday, February 28th, Maria Kartsimas, Assumption Philoptochos Corresponding Secretary and teacher by profession, presented a video in St. Catherine’s Chapel, demonstrating the importance and significance of our children raising funds to help children – thus the Lemonade fundraiser. Likewise, the Assumption Philoptochos will be participating with the sale of Loukoumathes. We hope you enjoy the refreshments offered on these two Sundays and that you will support the Children’s Medical Fund.
The Assumption Philoptochos is sponsoring their annual Easter Bake Sale and currently accepting orders. Order forms are available on the Pangari, in Plato Hall and included in the bulletin. Please note that payments must accompany all orders and no orders will be taken after April 14th. Please submit your completed order forms at the Philoptochos table on Sundays in Plato Hall. All orders will be available for pick up following the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, April 21, 2019.
Lastly, a reminder that the next Philoptochos General Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 21st, 10:30 a.m. in St. Catherine’s Chapel. Father Dimitrios will be presenting an informative and inspirational Lenten Lecture. Please attend this special meeting.
Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday)
On Monday, March 11th, our Church begins its journey through this solemn Season of Great Lent. On this day, which is called Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday), Church Services will be held on the first evening of Lent beginning at 5:30 pm with the Great Compline Service. Following this solemn Worship Service, the traditional Lenten Meal will be served in Plato Hall. Suggested donation is $10.00. A Flyer can also be found in this Weekly Bulletin. To RSVP, please call the Church Office at 773-626-3114.
Lenten Retreat March 16th
On Saturday, March 16th, we will be having our annual Lenten Retreat from 11am-2pm (immediately following the Divine Liturgy for the Saturday of Souls). The theme for the retreat will be, "The Humility of Christ in Holy Week". This year, we are offering an expanded version of the retreat for both high schoolers and adults, too! On top of our usual youth sessions, crafts, and service projects, we will have a movie screening for high schoolers and a spiritual reflection for adults. Whether you have no kids or a family of eight, all are welcome! Come join us as we continue our Lenten journey to Pascha as one spiritual journey! Please RSVP to Fr. Dimitri at frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org.
Thinking of Converting to Orthodoxy?
If you, a family member, or friend who are not of the Orthodox Faith may be considering conversion to Orthodoxy, please contact the Church Office (773.626.3114) or speak with Fr. Timothy or Fr. Dimitrios. If there is a need and interest, a Confirmation/Chrismation Class will be formed to prepare those who have expressing an interest to convert to Orthodoxy. This also includes couples who are planning to be married in the Orthodox Church in the near future, and where one of the couple is contemplating converting to the Orthodox Faith.
Adult Bible Study
The next gathering of our Adult Bible Study will take place on Monday, March 18th, at 7 p.m., in Saint Catherine’s meeting room. You need only to bring your Bible. We continue with our study of the O.T. Book of Psalms. All are welcome! Future dates: April 1 - April 15
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: March 24th - 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.
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 2019? 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 2019 Year:
April 14
May 5, 19, 26
June 2, 9, 30
July 7, 14, 21, 28
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, Peter Panton