Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Mode

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were guarding Thine immaculate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.

Apolytikion for Apodosis of the Presentation 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.

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.

Saints and Feasts

February 09

Nicephoros the Martyr of Antioch

This Martyr, who was from Antioch in Syria, contested during the reign of Gallienus, about the year 260. Through the working of the evil one, his friendship with a certain Christian priest named Sapricius was turned to bitter hatred. Nicephoros, repenting of his enmity, tried both through intermediaries and in person to be reconciled with Sapricius, but to no avail. Later, when the persecution broke out under Valerian and Gallienus, Sapricius was seized as a Christian. When Saint Nicephoros learned that Sapricius had been arrested by the pagans and was enduring torments for Christ, he sent intermediaries to Sapricius, begging his forgiveness; but Sapricius would not forgive him. Later, as Sapricius was being taken to beheading, Nicephoros, hoping that Sapricius, at his end, in such a holy hour, would at last forgive him, met him on the way, fell before him, and fervently asked his forgiveness; but Sapricius forgave him not. Wherefore, though Sapricius had passed through many sufferings, and the crown of martyrdom was now awaiting him, because he disdained the chief commandments of love and forgiveness, the grace of God, which had been strengthening him in his torments, departed from him, and he told his executioners he would sacrifice. Nicephoros immediately confessed Christ before them, and being himself beheaded, took the crown that Sapricius had cast away.

Should the Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple fall on this day the service to Saint Nicephoros is chanted on the 8th.

February 09

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.

Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.

All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.

February 09

Leavetaking of the Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

February 09

Teilo, Bishop of Llandaff

February 09

Markellos, Philagrios, & Pankratios the Hieromartyrs

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15

TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Reading is from Luke 18:10-14

The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Wisdom of the Fathers

It is possible for those who have come back again after repentance to shine with much lustre, and oftentimes more than those who have never fallen at all, I have demonstrated from the divine writings. Thus at least both the publicans and the harlots inherit the kingdom of Heaven, thus many of the last are placed before the first.

St. John Chrysostom

AN EXHORTATION TO THEODORE AFTER HIS FALL, 4th Century

When lately we made mention of the Pharisee and the publican, and hypothetically yoked two chariots out of virtue and vice; we pointed out each truth, how great is the gain of humbleness of mind, and how great the damage of pride.

St. John Chrysostom

CONCERNING LOWLINESS OF MIND., 4th Century

Parish News and Events

Sunday- Feb. 9 God Parent Sunday

Triodion Begins

8:45am Orthros

10am Divine Liturgy

Youth/Senior Choir Singing

Memorials:

1yr Emmanouel Dimitrakopoulos

1yr Louis Demos

6yr James Demos

Godparent Prayer

Special tray for Australia Fire Victims

Rededication of Fr. George Massouras Memorial Library in St. Catherine’s

7pm Vespers at St. Haralambos in Niles

Monday Feb.10 St. Haralambos

9am Orthros

10am Divine Liturgy

Tuesday Feb.11

7:15pm Parish Council

“In all things give thanks.” - 1 Thess. 5:18

Special Collection Tray The Metropolis has asked us to pass a special tray for the fire victims in Australia. The tray will be passed at the end of the Liturgy.

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 our new Philoptochos Board Members. The 2020 Board Members are: Advisor: Valerie Green, President: Catherine Karabas, Patricia Karabas, Demetra Lakerdas, Treasurer: Melia Linardos, Vice President: 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-Donated. Hot water “Zeon” gold pitcher,-Donated. New Altar table Candlestands 2@$1,000 each. Repair and Replating of the tabernacle (large church on top of altar table)-Donated. Gospel Book rebinding and replating Donated. 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. 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)