Publish-header
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-01-19
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Parish News and Events
Flyers
Allsaint
Organization Icon
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (773) 626-3114
  • Fax:
  • (773) 626-3141
  • Street Address:

  • 601 South Central Avenue

  • Chicago, IL 60644-5089

Contact Information

Proistamenos Rev. Dr. Peter J. Spiro


frpspiro999@gmail.com | 773-626-3114

Associate Pastor Rev. Dimitrios Burikas


frdimitrios@assumptionchicago.org | 773-626-3114

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 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 Macarius the Great of Egypt in the First Mode

Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Macarius, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.

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 First Mode

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
January 19

Branwallader, Bishop of Jersey

Lepers
January 19

12th Sunday of Luke

Allsaint
January 19

Macarius the Great of Egypt

Saint Macarius the Great was from the Thebaid of Egypt, a disciple, as some say, of Saint Anthony the Great. He was born about 331 and struggled in asceticism in the desert at Scete. Although young, he was called "the child elder" because of his great wisdom and austere manner of life. He was ordained presbyter and reposed in 391, at the age of sixty. There are fifty homilies ascribed to him.

It is said of Saint Macarius that he became as a God upon earth, for even as God protects the whole world, so did he cover the faults he saw as if he did not see them. Once he came back to his cell to find a thief taking his things and loading them on a camel. Macarius' non-possessiveness was so great that he helped the thief load the camel. When the camel refused to rise, Macarius returned to his cell and brought a small hoe, said that the camel wanted the hoe also, loaded it on, and kicked the camel telling it to get up. The camel obeyed Macarius' command, but soon lay down again, and would not move until everything had been returned to Macarius. His contemporary, Saint Macarius of Alexandria, was so called because he came from Alexandria and was therefore of that Greek-speaking colony; while Saint Macarius the Great is also called "of Egypt," that is, he belonged to the ancient race native to Egypt, the Copts.

Markephesus2
January 19

Mark, Bishop of Ephesus

The great teacher and invincible defender of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Saint Mark, was the offspring and scion of the imperial city, Constantinople. Reared by most pious parents, and instructed in secular and spiritual wisdom, he became preeminent in both. Saint Mark lived as an ascetic on the Prince's Islands and later in the monastery of Saint George Magana in Constantinople. He passed through all the degrees of the priesthood, and was finally advanced to the dignity of Archbishop and the lofty throne of the Metropolis of Ephesus. At the insistence of Emperor John Paleologos, the Saint was sent to the council of the Latins in Florence, to unite the churches that had been divided for so many years. He astounded the papal teachers with the divine wisdom of his words, and was the only one who did not sign the blasphemous decree of that false council. Because of this, the Holy Church of Christ has ever honored this great man as a benefactor, teacher, sole defender, and invincible champion of the Apostolic Confession. He reposed in 1443.

Allsaint
January 19

Arsenius of Corfu

Saint Arsenius, who had Palestine as his homeland, was born in 876, the son of devout parents. From childhood he was consecrated to God and assumed the monastic habit. He studied in Seleucia, where he also received the dignity of the priesthood. After he had moved from thence to Constantinople, he was appointed Metropolitan of Corfu. He adorned the throne there by his virtue and instruction. When advanced in age, he returned to Constantinople and appeased the unjust rage of Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus against the leaders of Corfu. Finally, during his journey back to his see, he fell ill at Corinth and reposed in the Lord about the middle of the tenth century.

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

12th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11

Brethren, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Gospel Reading

12th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 17:12-19

At that time, as Jesus entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said: "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus's feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus: "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And he said to him: "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

Having met the Savior, therefore, the lepers earnestly besought Him to free them from their misery, and called Him Master, that is. Teacher. No one pitied them when suffering this malady, but He Who had appeared on earth for this very reason, and had become man that He might show pity to all, He was moved with compassion for them, and had mercy on them.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homilies 113-116. B#42, pp. 465-466, 4th Century

And why did He not rather say, I will, be you cleansed; as He did in the case of another leper, but commanded them rather to show themselves to the priests? It was because the law gave directions to this effect to those who were delivered from leprosy (Lev. 14-2); for it commanded them to show themselves to the priests, and to offer a sacrifice for their cleansing.
St. Cyril of Alexandria
Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homilies 113-116. B#42, pp. 465-466, 4th Century

BACK TO TOP

Parish News and Events

Sunday- Jan. 19

8:45am Orthros  

10am Divine Liturgy  

Memorials:                 

10 yr Catherine Koclanes Kanelos     

15 yr  Peter Kanelos 

LOOKING AHEAD

Lent Begins March 2 

 Palm Sunday/Western Easter    April 12

 Holy Friday April 17 

Orthodox Easter   April 19          

Ascension May 28

Pentecost June 7                     

 

“God became like us so we can become like God” -Saint Athanasios the Great 300’s AD

SAINTS COMMEMORATED TODAY:   

Macarius the Great of Egypt, Mark, Bishop of Ephesus,Arsenius of Corfu, Makarios of Alexandria, Makarios, Hierodeacon of Kalogera, Patmos, Removal of the Honorable Relics of Saint Gregory the Theologian, Branwallader, Bishop of Jersey

 

Epistle Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11 

Gospel Reading: Luke 17:12-19 

Open Arms We will be celebrating liturgies in the Main Church on Sundays.  Please make every effort to embrace the children and refrain from scolding or “shushing” someone else’s child.  Fr. Peter will never ask a child to leave the service, and he also asks that you also focus your attention on the services and not other people within the church. In a Christian family we are all different, with differing abilities, working together to pray, and grow.  We need to make all people within our church feel welcome, and Father is asking for your help to do so

Sermon Note Please come into the church prior to the start of the sermon.  When the sermon is in progress, please remain in the rear of the church until the sermon is over.   After the sermon, then make your way to your pew or place your candle on the solea, etc.

Communion Note Please follow the direction of our Parish Council for the new procedure for receiving Holy Communion. A Parish Council member will be on the solea gently directing the lines to approach the Chalice with a steady flow.  Please follow their direction. 

FULL PARISH COUNCIL This past year we have had 5 vacant seats on the Parish Council.  Father Peter has administered the Oath of Office to 5 new volunteer members of the Parish Council this past month.  We welcome our 5 newest Members to the Parish Council.  Eileen Szubert, Kristin Callahan, Christina Arvanites, Vincent Nicholas, and John Szubert.  Please make them feel welcome to the Parish Council and congratulate them on their new service to our church.  Thank you!

Office Staff We welcome Sandy Klaud as our new secretary in the church office. Sandy has worked for the Catholic Archdiocese, and in the hospital setting as well.  She has a warm personality that you will find embracing.  Please make her feel welcome and be patient as she is being trained to take proper care of our church office.  Presbytera Dana is currently working with Sandy in the office, helping this time of transition.

House Blessings If you would like your home or business blessed, please email Fr. Peter in order to set up a time to have him bless your home or business.  Please note that distance from church is not a problem.  Father has a philosophy that “if someone comes to the church, then the priest can certainly go to their home, no matter where they live.”

See It Again Today’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. Sermons on Father Peter’s YouTube channel.  www.YouTube.com/FatherPeterSpiro

Prosfora Bakers Needed Our Church is in need of individuals who can offer the weekly Prosforo (Bread) for the Divine Liturgy.  If you are interested in learning how to make Prosforo, please contact Fr. Peter

Coffee Fellowship Hosts Needed  Please consider hosting a coffee hour so the we can share time together in fellowship. If you have questions please contact Fr. Peter. Hosts needed for : January 19, 26 - February 2, 9, 16, 23 - March 8, 15.

Telos Project Please visit https://tinyurl.com/agocya to submit basic contact info for any young adult ages 21-35 with a connection to Assumption. This will help us build our young adult ministry.

Metropolis Men’s and Women’s Retreat for 2020 through the Metropolis of Chicago Family Synaxis  Please go to https://www.gocfamilysynaxis.org for information and to register.

Youth Game Room We will be developing a youth game room.  If you have any table top games or fun items for the game room, please contact Fr. Peter.’

Communication and Emergencies If you need to contact Fr. Peter by email, his email is frpspiro999@gmail.com  The emergency number for our church which is on 24/7 is 847-452-5989.  This number is Fr. Peter’s cell phone number if you have an emergency (severe injury, severe pastoral need, or death).  Please do not text important, time sensitive information or emergencies.  For non-emergencies, please send an email or contact the office at (773) 626-3114.

Yearly Calendar Please see one of our Parish Council members today to pick up your calendar.  They can also be picked up in the church office during office hours M-F 9-2pm. Happy New Year!

Crossroad High School Summer Institute -High School juniors and seniors explore life’s biggest questions-  Who am I? Who is God? Who is my neighbor? visit crossroadinstitute.org for more information.  July 20-30 in Chicago.

OCMC Annual Mission Benefit Thursday February 13th at St. John’s in Des Plaines, the Missions Center has its annual benefit dinner. $35 per person. More information or tickets at MissionTeamChicago.org or MTCBenefit@yahoo.com

Coffee Hour Items We would like to have parishioners bring a box of cookies so we can stock our coffee hour supplies.  Please consider bringing some sealed cookies to church on occasion or hosting a coffee hour. 

Shut-ins If you are interested in supporting our shut in program, please contact Christina Arvanites to get more information on helping.  

Choir- Please consider joining our choir and making our choir loft full!  Fr. Peter would like everyone to know that children and teens are welcome to join. Give it a try!

Scholarship The Pan Hellenic Foundation is offering scholarships to High School Seniors.  If you are interested in applying please go to https://www.panhellenicsf.org/apply/

 PRAYERS FOR HEALTH & HEALING:

O Lord our God, Who by word alone did heal all diseases, Who cured the mother in law of Peter, You Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your goodness; grant aid to these Your servants (Names) and heal them of every sickness of which they are grieved; lift them up from their pain, and send down upon them Your great mercy. For to you we send up Glory: to Father, and to Son, and to Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

PRAYERS FOR: William, Nicholas, Alexandra, Momcilo, Jill, Panagiotis, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Panagiota, Betty, Dimitri, Alexander, Vasiliki, Eleni, Panagiotis, George, Thomas, Nicholas, Sophia, Jeff, Josie      (Contact Fr. Peter to add names) 

BACK TO TOP

Flyers

BACK TO TOP