October 25
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-10-25
Bulletin Contents
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Parish News and Events
Axios! Axios! Axios!
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
Services Schedule
Sunday Services
8:45 am - Orthros
10:00 am - Divine Liturgy
Sunday School after Communion
Weekday Services in Chapel of St. Catherine
9:00 am - Orthros
10:00 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
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-18
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-11
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-04
- Publish Date:
- 2020-09-27
- Publish Date:
- 2020-09-20
- Publish Date:
- 2020-09-13
Saints and Feasts
October 25
The Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries
These Martyrs were disciples of Saint Paul the Confessor (see Nov. 6). Martyrius was a subdeacon, Marcian a chanter and reader. They were beheaded by the Arians in the year 346. Miracles were wrought at their tomb, and demons were cast out; Saint John Chrysostom began the building of the church in their honour in Constantinople, and it was completed by patriarch Sisinius.
October 25
Tabitha, who was raised from the dead by Peter the Apostle
October 26
The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer
Saint Demetrius was a Thessalonian, a most pious son of pious and noble parents, and a teacher of the Faith of Christ. When Maximian first came to Thessalonica in 290, he raised the Saint to the rank of Duke of Thessaly. But when it was discovered that the Saint was a Christian, he was arrested and kept bound in a bath-house. While the games were under way in the city, Maximian was a spectator there. A certain friend of his, a barbarian who was a notable wrestler, Lyaeus by name, waxing haughty because of the height and strength of his body, boasted in the stadium and challenged the citizens to a contest with him. All that fought with him were defeated. Seeing this, a certain youth named Nestor, aquaintance of Demetrius', came to the Saint in the bath-house and asked his blessing to fight Lyaeus single-handed. Receiving this blessing and sealing himself with the sign of the precious Cross, he presented himself in the stadium, and said, "O God of Demetrius, help me!" and straightway he engaged Lyaeus in combat and smote him with a mortal blow to the heart, leaving the former boaster lifeless upon the earth. Maximian was sorely grieved over this, and when he learned who was the cause of this defeat, he commanded straightway and Demetrius was pierced with lances while he was yet in the bath-house, As for Nestor, Maximian commanded that he be slain with his own sword.
October 26
Commemoration of the Great Earthquake in Constantinople
The great earthquake commemorated here took place in 740, during the reign of Leo the Isaurian, the first of the Iconoclast emperors.
October 28
The Holy Protection of the Theotokos
The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the tenth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.
In the Greek tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 28, while in the Slavic tradition, this feast is celebrated on October 1.
October 29
Our Righteous Father Abramius
Our Righteous Father Abramius, born in Edessa in Mesopotamia in 296, took up the monastic life and brought many pagans to Christ. Mary, his niece, upon the death of her parents, joined Abramius at his hermitage and under his guidance advanced swiftly in the love of God. Through the wiles of the evil one, however, she fell into sin, and falling from them into despair, she left her uncle and became a harlot. When he learned where his niece was, Abramius put on the clothes of a man of the world and went to visit her in disguise. Through his exhortations, Mary returned to her first hope in the mercy of God, was rescued from the life of harlotry, and ended her life in great holiness. He himself reposed in the year 366. Saints Abramius and Mary were friends of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, and it was he who wrote their account.
October 30
Cleopas and Artemas of the 70 Apostles
October 31
Amplias, Apelles, Stachys, Urban, Aristobulus & Narcissus of the 70
Of these holy Apostles, Stachys became the first Bishop of Byzantium, consecrated by the Apostle Andrew. Having shepherded his people for sixteen years, he reposed in the Lord. As for the others, each one shone forth in the episcopal see appointed to him: Apelles, Bishop of Heraclea; Amplias, Bishop of Odyssopolis; Urban, Bishop of Macedonia; Narcissus, Bishop of Athens; and Aristobulus, Bishop of Britain.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 1:11-19
Brethren, I would have you know that the gospel which was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it; and I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and had called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.
Gospel Reading
6th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 8:26-39
At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.
Wisdom of the Fathers
For if we, going about on the earth which is familiar and well known to us, being encompassed with a body, when we are journeying in a strange road, know not which way to go unless we have some one to lead us; how should the soul, being rent away from the body, and having gone out from all her accustomed region, know where to walk without one to show her the way?
Homily 28 on Matthew 8, 4th Century
Some say, 'Why do they [demons] possess people?' I answer those who wish to have this explained that the reason of these things is very deep. Somewhere one of His saints addressed God by saying, 'Your judgments are a vast abyss.' As long as we bear this in mind, we will perhaps not miss the mark.
Commentary on Luke, Homily 44. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture; vol 3: Luke, Intervarsity Press)
Parish News and Events
Sunday October 25, 2020
8:45 a.m. Orthros
10 a.m. Divine Liturgy
This week's Gift of Light (October 25, 2020) is given For The Health & Well-Being of Fr. Apostolos, Presbytera Sophia & Family.
BAPTISM this afternoon:
Baby Charles George Huber ~~ Congratulations to Proud Parents Jonathon & Athena Huber
~~~GIFT OF LIGHT~~~
Please give the “Gift of Light” to Assumption Panagia’s Church. We need a family or an individual, to sponsor, per week, the lighting of our vigil lamps and candles in both of our holy Altars of Panagia and Saint Catherine. This includes the daily lighting of both of our holy Altars throughout the week. Suggested donation for this ministry is $100.00. Reservations, with your donation to Assumption Church, can be made through the church office. Simply, ask for the week you desire and remember to offer the names of your loved ones, both the living and those who have fallen asleep, so that they may be commemorated at the Prothesis Table of Oblation) during the Sunday Orthros of that week.
An acknowledgement in the weekly bulletin will be printed. Please specify if you would like your donation posted either in memory of… or for the health and wellbeing of…. Our Church is blessed to have two consecrated Altars. During the Consecration service, and forever after, the Lord entrusts to the angelic powers to keep the holy Altar pure and holy. As Saint Symeon of Thessaloniki reminds us, the Holy Altar is the border between heaven and earth, it is the throne of glory and the dwelling place of God and the workshop of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We all need prayers, and your “Gift of Light” will help. -Father Apostolos
From Father Apostolos this week....
- In the Churchall work together, all con-celebrate...The Liturgy is not just a sermon. It is not something to be listened to or watched. We should not go to church in the same way we go to the theater, but we should go in order to pray with the whole body of the Church and to be transfigured.
- When we hear the priest say “let us bow our heads unto the Lord,” we should bow reverently thus giving more meaning to the words and getting into more active participation in the Liturgy.
Reviewing the News....
AXIOS! AXIOS!! AXIOS!!! Our Church rejoices at the great proclamation from our Mother Church which elected this week our very own Chancellor of The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and former Proistamenos of our Parish, Bishop Elect Timothy (Bakakos) of Hexamilion. Details of Bishop elect Timothy’s ordination to the Episcopacy are forth coming.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED - Help us to update our mailing lists. If you have moved, changed telephone numbers, or are not receiving our Church mailings, please call the Church Office. Also, our Church’s Listserv provides information and events related to the church, the weekly bulletins etc. Simply subscribe your email address through our Church’s website www.assumptionchicago.org under General Church Information link. Thank You!!
HOW TO RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION—Orthodox Christians in good standing are encouraged to receive Holy Communion frequently, provided they have prepared themselves spiritually, mentally and physically. They must be on time for the Divine Liturgy, and be in a Christ-like, calm state of mind. They should be in a confession relationship with their priest or spiritual father, and they should have self -examined their conscience. On the day of receiving Holy Communion, it is not proper to eat or drink anything before coming to church. When you approach to receive Holy Communion, state your Christian (baptismal) name clearly, remove your mask and open wide. Do not hold or touch the red communion cloth and do not blot your lips. Please wait about 10 – 15 seconds before placing your mask on your face as to allow your lips to dry.
WORSHIPPING FROM HOME AT THIS TIME? Come to church when you feel comfortable doing so. We will be here for you. Thank you for your prayers during this trial and trying time. We will continue to pray for those suffering and those who help the suffering
Weekday Services for this week:
- Monday, October 26, 8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy - Saint Demetrios the Myrrh Streamer
- Wednesday, October 28, 8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy - Holy Protection of the Theotokos
Upcoming Weekday Services for October and November
- Monday, November 9, 9:00 – 11:00am Feast of St. Nektarios: Othros & LIturgy
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Tuesday, November 24, 7:00-9:00pm Vespers of Saint Katherine the Great Martyr
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Wednesday, November 25, 8:30 – 11:30am Katherine the Great Martyr Orthros - LiturgyMonday, November 30, 9:00am – 12:00pm St. Andrew Orthros - Liturgy
Reservation spots are available. Please go to https://tinyurl.com/sunday-assumption-services to register.
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.
Welcome to Assumption….Welcome Home!
~ Your Assistance is Appreciated for Thanksgiving in A Bag ~
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we will not be able to host our Thanksgiving Meal to the Austin Community. However, the need for food is now more critical than ever in the Austin area. Our outreach team, partnering with the 15th District CPD has created Thanksgiving In A Bag program to help with some of this need. We are asking that our parishioners take a bag and fill it with some of theessentials needed to provide a Thanksgiving meal as well as a Jewel gift card for perishables and/or turkey purchase. All the details are included on the bag flyer attached. Bags with instructions are located in the Narthex. Filled bags need to be returned by Sunday, November 15th . Monetary donations can also be made and will be used to shop for the items. Bags will be distributed from our NE lot located at Central & Harrison on Sunday, November 22nd.
Coming Soon: Information on volunteer opportunities to help with the distribution of the bags and packing additional bags!
$$$ SCHOLARSHIP MONEY FOR Engineering Students of Hellenic descent! $$$
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO: NOVEMBER 15, 2020
The Hellenic Link Midwest added a scholarship specific to community college AES students.
The L&PH AES Scholarships for Illinois Community College Students Academic Year 2020-21
Two $750 scholarships will be awarded to Illinois Community College students of Greek descent that are residents of Illinois. For eligibility rules and the application, open the PDF version of the application.
The scholarships will be awarded to the recipients in January of 2021. Applications and all related materials and documents must be post-marked no later than November 15, 2020
Here is a link to it: http://www.helleniclinkmidwest.org/HLMW-scholarship.html .
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: Jenna, William, Momcilo, Jill, Panagiotis, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Panagiota, Betty, Dimitri, Alexander, Vasiliki, Eleni, Panagiotis, George, Thomas, Nicholas, Sophia, Susan, Mary Lou, Mehmet. (Contact Assumption Business Office to add names at assumptionorthodoxchurch@gmail.com or call office at 773.626.3114
Axios! Axios! Axios!
Thanksgiving In A Bag
Panagia is partnering with 15th District CPD. You are kindly being asked to take a bag and fill it with foods for a Thanksgiving meal for those of the Austin community. Details on Flyer. As always, thank you for your generosity!
On Bishop-Elect Timothy
Read about Bishop-elect Timothy here.