Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

From on high didst Thou descend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Presentation of Our Lord in the First Mode

Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee hath risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, thou also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also granteth unto us the Resurrection.

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.

Saints and Feasts

February 02

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.

The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.

February 02

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

February 02

Gabriel the New Martyr of Constantinople

February 02

Jordan the New Martyr

February 02

Agathadoros the Martyr of Cappadocia

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:7-17

BRETHREN, it is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Here tithes are received by mortal men; there, by one whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not according to a legal requirement concerning bodily descent but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
The Reading is from Luke 2:22-40

At that time, the parents brought the child Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Symeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

"Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Symeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Wisdom of the Fathers

The Ancient of Days, who in times past gave Moses the Law on Sinai, appears this day as a babe. As Maker of the Law He fulfills the Law, and according to the Law He is brought into the temple and given over to the Elder.

Anatolios

Festal Menaion. Great Vespers.

Simeon the righteous receives Him, and beholding the fulfillment of the divine ordinance now brought to pass, rejoicing he cries aloud, "My eyes have seen the mystery hidden from the ages, made manifest in these latter days, the Light that disperses the dark folly of the Gentiles without faith and the Glory of the newly chosen Israel."

Anatolios

Festal Menaion. Great Vespers.

Parish News and Events

Sunday- Feb. 2 Presentation of Christ into the Temple

8:45am Orthros

9:45am 40 Day Blessing- Theodore Borkowski

10am Divine Liturgy Senior

Choir Singing

Philoptochos Board Members Oath of Office

Fanari Summer Camp Registration opens Feb. 12

Chicago Wolves Greek Night Feb. 16

Philoptochos Drive Feb. 16

Apokreatiko Luncheon Feb.23

Young Adult Conference Feb. 14-17

Winter Fanari Feb. 28 - March 2

In all things…Give thanks. - 1 Thess. 5:18

SAINTS COMMEMORATED TODAY: The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple,Gabriel the New Martyr of Constantinople, Jordan the New Martyr, Agathadoros the Martyr of Cappadocia

Epistle Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:7-17

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 22-40

Greeting before the Sermon-Father will say “Christ is in our Midst.” The response from the parish is “He Was, Is, and Always Shall Be.”

Philoptochos We congratulate the new Philoptochos Board Members who will receive the Oath of Office today following the Liturgy. We thank them as well as the past Board Members for their commitment and service to the Philoptochos and our church. The 2020 Board Members are: Valerie Green, Catherine Karabas, Patricia Karabas, Demetra Lakerdas, Melia Linardos, Evelyn Maggos, Betty Tsiolis. Keep the Philoptochos in your hearts and in your prayers as they set out to help so many around us.

The Philoptochos Membership Drive is Feb-16 to coincide with Heart Healthy month! Calling all Ladies to stop by our table in Plato Hall during coffee hour to meet the new Board, share in some sisterly fellowship and renew or initiate your membership!

Altar Renewal Father Peter is going to purchase and have some altar items repaired and re-plated. Some parishioners have asked about the specific items and cost. 2nd Chalice Set-$1,300. Hot water “Zeon” gold pitcher, 2@$225 each. New Altar table Candlestands 2@$1,000 each. Repair and Replating of the tabernacle (large church on top of altar table), $1,650. Gospel Book rebinding and replating, $270. Cherubim Set and cross behind altar table, $1850. New clear acrylic top for altar table, $400. Repair and replacing of large lanterns behind altar table. $600.

Assumption Scholarship and Ionian Village Opportunity If your senior in High School, or current student it interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact the church office for a current application. If your young adult is interested in attending Ionian village, please contact the church office or Fr. Peter. There is a scholarship to attend IV for 2020.

NEW Director of Communications- Fr. Peter has asked Viki Conner to be the Director of Communications for our parish. Viki brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and will work with Father to network our parish activities, press, and communications to our community and to those online. More information to come. Thank you to Viki for accepting Father’s invitation to coordinate our communication efforts.

HOLY LIGHT Father Peter has brought to us the Holy Light from the Tomb of Christ in Jerusalem that is miraculously lit every Easter Service at the tomb of Christ. The light was brought to America and given to Father. If you would like to take the light home with you, please bring a lantern candle or purchase a 3 day candle, and Father will give out the light on Sunday after church. You can read more about the “Holy Fire” online.

Apokreatiko/Mardi Gras Reservations are now being accepted for this year’s Apokreatiko Glendi Luncheon, to be held in Plato Hall on Feb-23 following Liturgy. We invite everyone to please stop by our table in Plato Hall during coffee hour for the next 3 Sundays. Reservations ensure we have ample food for everyone! Adults $15; Children 12 and under eat free!!

Stewardship Father is very grateful and thanks all of you for your stewardship over the years. For those who have already submitted your stewardship for 2020. Thank you!!!

Church Order Please come into the church prior to the start of the sermon, but remain in the back if the sermon has started. Please follow the direction of our Parish Council for the new procedure for receiving Holy Communion.

Shut-insInterested in supporting our shut-in program? Contact Christina Arvanites to get more information on helping.

YouTube Father recommends watching the interview with Elder Thaddeus on his YouTube Channel under educational videos. Elder Thaddeus has also written a book, “Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives.” www.YouTube.com/FatherPeterSpiro

Open ArmsWe 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.

Full Parish Council This past year we have had 5 vacant seats on the Parish Council. We welcome our 5 newest Members to the Parish Council. Eileen Szubert, Kristin Callahan, Christina Arvanites, Vincent Nicholas, and John Szubert. Please welcome and congratulate them on their new service to our church. Thank you!

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 for Emergencies If you need Fr. Peter because of an emergency, please call 847-452-5989. 24/7.

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.

Coffee Hour ItemsWe 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.

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!

ScholarshipsScholarships to High School Seniors. Please go to https://www.panhellenicsf.org/apply/

Fanari ❄ Winter Camp Session 2 in February! Our Junior (Middle School) are invited to join us for our annual Fanari Winter Camp at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center! Feb 28-Mar 2 for Junior GOYAns ONLY. Registration OPEN NOW at fanari.org.

Fanari Summer Camp Registration will open February 12, 2020 at 11am. Dates and other information can be found at www.fanari.camp.

The YAL Chicago Conference: is back this coming President's Day Weekend, Feb 14-17, 2020. Registration and more information is open at yalchicago.com. We are requesting donations and sponsorships from our parishes; please see attached for more information.

Lighthouse, a camp for 12th Grade Grads: will be launched June 7-14, 2020! A program to help prepare our grads for college. Registration is open now at: https://chicago.goarch.org/light-house

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST (put this in your prayer corner at home)

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, Momcilo, Jill, Panagiotis, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Panagiota, Betty, Dimitri, Alexander, Vasiliki, Eleni, Panagiotis, George, Thomas, Nicholas, Sophia, Susan, Mary Lou, Rosemary (Contact Fr. Peter to add names)