Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead.

Apolytikion for Sun. of Orthodoxy in the Second Mode

We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.

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 Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Saints and Feasts

March 08

Felix of Burgundy, Enlightener of East Anglia

March 08

Sunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundred years the Church of Christ was troubled by the persecution of the Iconoclasts of evil belief, beginning in the reign of Leo the Isaurian (717-741) and ending in the reign of Theophilus (829-842). After Theophilus's death, his widow the Empress Theodora (celebrated Feb. 11), together with the Patriarch Methodius (June 14), established Orthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen venerated the icon of the Mother of God in the presence of the Patriarch Methodius and the other confessors and righteous men, and openly cried out these holy words: "If anyone does not offer relative worship to the holy icons, not adoring them as though they were gods, but venerating them out of love as images of the archetype, let him be anathema." Then with common prayer and fasting during the whole first week of the Forty-day Fast, she asked God's forgiveness for her husband. After this, on the first Sunday of the Fast, she and her son, Michael the Emperor, made a procession with all the clergy and people and restored the holy icons, and again adorned the Church of Christ with them. This is the holy deed that all we the Orthodox commemorate today, and we call this radiant and venerable day the Sunday of Orthodoxy, that is, the triumph of true doctrine over heresy.

March 08

Theophylact the Confessor, Bishop of Nicomedia

Theophylact was from the East; his native city is unknown. In Constantinople he became a close friend of Tarsius, who afterwards became Patriarch of Constantinople (see Feb. 25).Theophylact was made Bishop of Nicomedia. After the death of Saint Tarsius, his successor Nicephorus (see June 2) called together a number of Bishops to help him in fighting the iconoclasm of Emperor Leo the Armenian, who reigned from 813-820. Among them was Euthymius, Bishop of Sardis (celebrated Dec. 26), who had attended the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787 - he was exiled three times for the sake of the holy icons, and for defying the Emperor Theophilus' command to renounce the veneration of the icons, was scourged from head to foot until his whole body was one great wound, from which he died eight days later, about the year 830; Joseph of Thessalonica (see July 14); Michael of Synnada (see May 23); Emilian, Bishop of Cyzicus (see Aug. 8); and Saint Theophylact, who boldly rebuked Leo to his face, telling him that because he despised the long-suffering of God, utter destruction was about to overtake him, and there would be none to deliver him. For this, Theophylact was exiled to the fortress of Strobilus in Karia of Asia Minor, where, after 30 years of imprisonment and hardship, he gave up his holy soul about the year 845. Leo the Armenian, according to the Saint's prophecy, was slain in church on the eve of our Lord's Nativity, in 820.

March 08

Hermas the Apostle of the 70

March 08

Dometios the Righteous

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40

Brethren, by faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets -- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign enemies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated -- of whom the world was not worthy -- wandering over deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Reading is from John 1:43-51

At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

Wisdom of the Fathers

Moses... was himself saved by means of wood and water before the Law was given, when he was exposed to the Nile's currents, hidden away in an Ark (Exod. 2:3-10). And by means of wood and water he saved the people of Israel, revealing the Cross by the wood, Holy Baptism by water (Exod. 14:15-31). Paul, who had looked upon the mysteries, says openly, 'They were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud' (I Cor. 10:2). He also bears witness that, even before the events concerning the sea and his staff, Moses willingly endured Christ's Cross, 'Esteeming', he says, 'the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt' (Heb. 11:26). For the Cross is the reproach of Christ from the standpoint of foolish men. As Paul himself says of Christ, 'He endured the cross, despising the shame' (Heb. 12:2).

St. Gregory Palamas

Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Eleven para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pg. 123, 14th century

Peter, when after so many miracles and such high doctrine he confessed that, "Thou art the Son of God" (Matt. xvi. 16), is called "blessed," as having received the revelation from the Father;

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72, 73, 4th Century

Parish News and Events

Sunday March 8 Sunday of Orthodoxy

8:45am Orthros

10am Divine Liturgy

6:30pm Pan Orthodox Vespers at St. George Antiochian Church in Cicero, IL

Monday March 9

6pm Great Compline

Tuesday March 10

7:15pm Parish Council

Wednesday March 11

10am Presanctified Liturgy

Friday March 13

7pm 2nd Salutations

Sunday March 15

8:45am Orthros

9:45am 40 day Blessing Spencer Arnold

10am Divine Liturgy Memorial: 7yrs Mary (Stavroula) Maniatis

12pm 95th Gala Meeting

SAINTS COMMEMORATED TODAY: Theophylact the Confessor, Bishop of Nicomedia,Hermas the Apostle of the 70, Paul the Confessor, Dometios the Righteous, Felix of Burgundy, Enlightener of East Anglia

Epistle Reading: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40

Gospel Reading: John 1:43-51

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

Pan Orthodox Vespers Tonight March 8th at 6:30pm there will be a Pan Orthodox Vespers with all the different Orthodox jurisdictions coming together to celebrate Vespers at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church located at 1220 S. 60th Court in Cicero, Illinois.

Assumption Family Retreat at Saint Sava Monastery Saturday March 28th 10am-1pm rsvp- frpspiro999@gmail.com or call the church office. We will meet at the Monastery at 10 am. 32377 IL-21 Libertyville, Illinois “Meet two of the newest Saints in the Orthodox Church from Libertyville. Yes, Libertyville! St. Mardarios (incorrupt) and also St. Nikolai are two saints who came from the Serbian Orthodox Church, and lived and worked in Libertyville. We will meet at the Monastery and I will introduce you to these new heavenly “friends” and “intercessors” that will intercede for you as you ask them for help. From the monastery we will go to the Seminary about 15 minutes away. It’s an extraordinary church to see. A replica of the grand church in Serbia.” -Fr. Peter

Bring money for candles and any souvenir icon or book. Also bring a snack or bag lunch to eat afterwards. Lunch not provided No cost for retreat itself.

Philoptochos We”ll see you at our next Philoptochos General Meeting on Sunday April-5 at 12:15 in St. Catherine's. Not a member? All ladies are welcome and encouraged to join. Speak with any member or our Church office to get signed up!

Church Communications Survey: We are conducting a brief survey to improve how our parish shares news and information with YOU! It takes just a few minutes to complete. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5X2FLS7

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!

"We've come this far through Faith" and are planning a wonderful evening to celebrate! Ready to reminisce, dine, and dance? Don't miss this Gala. We look forward to seeing everyone... Young and young-at-heart together for this event and milestone. Please mark your calendar and help our church family celebrate 95 years! October 11th, 2020 Concorde Banquets Kildeer. For more information visit www.assumption95th.com

Nursery/Cry Room is COMING! A dedicated Nursery/cry room is being developed for our church. The room will have video transmission of the service, and also a comfortable area for moms and children. If you have items to donate to the Nursery/Cry room, please contact Father Peter directly.

Altar Renewal Thank you to all the donors. EVERY item was donated! They will be coming in the near future.

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.

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.

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.

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

Metropolis Lenten Family Retreat: Resolving Conflict in Marriage and Family Life is the topic of this year’s Lenten Family Retreat, organized by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Family Synaxis and hosted by St. Athanasios Church in Aurora on Saturday, March 21. Dynamic workshops for adults, interactive sessions for children, “coffee talks” for teens, as well as childcare for babies! This year’s retreat is co-hosted by the Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Me ministry, and parallel and inclusion programming will be available for children with special needs. Find more information and register online at www.GOCFamilySynaxis.org or email Chicago.Family.Synaxis@gmail.com

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 This year Father Peter is asking that the flowers that adorn the kouvouklion are brought in by parishioners. How is this done? Bring a bunch of flowers, on Holy Wednesday, or on Holy Thursday. The flowers that are offered will be used to adorn the kovouklion. Extra roses will be used for Holy Friday evening as well. If you have questions, please contact Katherine Karabas or Father Peter.

Items needed:

Icon for The Salutations to the Theotokos (5 Friday’s) Please call to schedule bringing 2 vases of flowers.
Jonquils for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, $225
Palm Leaves and Bay leaves for Palm Sunday, $1,650
3 Wreaths for Holy Thursday, $340 each
Carnations, Holy Friday, $520
26-Easter Lilies for Holy Pascha, $30 each
1 Priest Pascal Candle oil filled and reusable $150
Easter candy for children- contact Fr. Peter directly

Welcome to Assumption….Welcome Home!

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 (Contact Fr. Peter to add names)