November 15
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2020-11-15
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:
- 2020-11-08
- Publish Date:
- 2020-11-01
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-25
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-18
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-11
- Publish Date:
- 2020-10-04
Saints and Feasts
November 15
Nativity Fast Begins
The Nativity Fast is one of four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives individuals the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25. By abstaining from certain food and drink, particularly from meat, fish, dairy products, olive oil, and wine, as well as focusing more deeply on prayer and almsgiving, we can find that the primary aim of fasting is to make us conscious of our dependence upon God.
November 15
Guria, Shamuna, and Habib, Martyrs and Confessors of Edessa
Of these most illustrious Martyrs of the city of Edessa in Syria, Guria and Shamuna contested during the reign of Diocletian, in 288; after many tortures, they were cast into prison, then beheaded. Saint Habib, a deacon, contested in the days of Licinius, in the year 316, and was burned alive; he was buried with Saints Guria and Shamuna. The three have one common feast, and it is always together that they are portrayed in icons and invoked by the faithful. On account of a renowned miracle they worked, they are invoked for help in marital difficulties. A certain Goth had come with the Roman army to Edessa and was quartered in the house of a pious widow named Sophia. The Goth asked Sophia for the hand of her daughter, Euphemia; after resisting for a long time, Sophia at last agreed. When it was time for the army to return home, Sophia made the Goth vow by the power in the holy Martyrs Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, to keep Euphemia as the apple of his eye. As he was nearing his home, however, the treacherous man revealed to Euphemia that he already had a wife. Euphemia was compelled to serve the Goths wife, who dealt with her mercilessly. After extreme sufferings, which included being sealed alive in a tomb and left there to die, Euphemia was miraculously conveyed to Edessa, to the very shrine of the holy Martyrs whose surety they had taken, and was reunited with her mother through their holy prayers.
November 15
Thomas, Archbishop of Constantinople
November 16
Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist
This Apostle, who was also called Levi, was the son of Alphaeus and had Galilee as his homeland. A publican before being called by Christ, he became one of the Twelve Apostles, and an Evangelist. While still in Palestine, he wrote his Gospel first in Hebrew, being also the first of all to write the Gospel. When he is depicted in icons, there is portrayed next to him the likeness of a man, one of the symbolic living creatures mentioned by Ezekiel (1.10), which, as Saint Irenaeus writes, is a symbol of our Saviour's Incarnation.
November 18
Holy Martyr Romanus
Saint Romanus, who was from Antioch, lived during the reign of Maximian. He presented himself before Asclepiades the Eparch, and rebuked him, saying, "The idols are not gods; even a little child could tell you that." Then the Saint asked that a child be brought in from the market, that he might be the judge of the matter at hand. Therefore, when the child was asked, "Which God must we worship?" he replied, "Christ." The child was beaten mercilessly and beheaded at the command of the tyrant. As for Saint Romanus, his tongue was cut out, and then he was cast into prison, where he was strangled in the year 305.
November 20
The Forefeast of the Presentation of the Theotokos into the Temple
November 21
The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple
According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph.
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Epistle Reading
8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:4-10
Brethren, God who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God: not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Gospel Reading
8th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 10:25-37
At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live."
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Wisdom of the Fathers
But you cannot be a neighbour unless you have compassion on him; for no one can be called a neighbour unless he have healed, not killed, another. But if you wish to be called a neighbour, Christ says to you: "Go and do likewise."
Two Books of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Concerning Repentance, Chapter 11
When a man reveres God with all his heart and with faith, he receives through God's providence the power to control anger and desire; for it is desire and anger which are the cause of all evils.
On the Character of Men no. 12, Philokalia Vol. 1 edited by Palmer, Sherrard and Ware; Faber and Faber pg. 331, 4th century
Godly love cannot be perfect unless a man love his neighbor also. Under which name must be included not only those who are connected with us by friendship or neighborhood, but absolutely all men, with whom we have a common nature, whether they be foes or allies, slaves or free.
Sermon 12, On the Fast, 6th century
Parish News and Events
Sunday - November 15, 2020
8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy
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This Week's Gift of Light (November 15, 2020) is given
In Loving Memory of Our Parents George P. & Demetra G. Karahalios
~~~ THE 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 ....
- In the Church all 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
Weeday Services
* Friday, November 20 - 10:30 a.m. - Paraklesis of St. Catherine
* Saturday, November 21 - 9 a.m. - Entrance of Theotokos
Upcoming Weekday Services for November
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Monday, November 23 9:30 a.m. -- Divine LiturgyMonday, November 23 6:00 p.m. -- Sacrament of Holy UnctionTuesday, November 24 9:30 a.m. -- Divine Liturgy7:00-9:00 p.m. -- Vespers of Saint Catherine the Great MartyrWednesday, November 25 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. -- Catherine the Great Martyr Orthros - Liturgy
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Thursday, November 26 9:30 a.m. -- Divine LiturgyFriday, November 27 9:30 a.m. -- Divine LiturgySaturday, November 28 9:30 a.m. -- Divine LiturgyMonday, November 30 9:00 a.m. – 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!
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FEED THE HUNGRY
It is with pleasure that we announce our participation in the ‘Feed the Hungry’ program on Tuesday, December 8th. In past years, we hosted the annual Christmas Luncheon at Greek Islands Restaurant, requesting that attendees donate a bag of wrapped candy for distribution at ‘Feed the Hungry’.
This year, we kindly ask that if you are attending Church services and wish to donate a bag of wrapped candy, there will be a box in the Narthex to collect these donations until Sunday, November 29th. New scarves are also desired.
Should you wish to make a monetary donation in any amount, please make your check payable to Assumption Chicago Philoptochos and mail it to:
Mrs. Melia Linardos, Treasurer
Assumption Philoptochos
550 Renee Court
Geneva, IL 60134
Cell: 630.660.4643
We are sincerely grateful for your collaboration in the work of the Assumption Philoptochos!
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Assumption Philoptochos Apron Sale
The perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook and bake!
Sundays, November 15 & 22 - See table in St. Catherine's meeting room.
$20 check, cash or Zelle Quick Pay: assumptionphiloptochos@gmail.com
Please have exact payment--no change available
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$$$ SCHOLARSHIP MONEY FOR Engineering Students of Hellenic descent! $$$
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO: NOVEMBER 30, 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 30, 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!
The perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook and bake!
Assumption Philoptochos Apron Sale Sunday, November 15 & 22 at St. Catherine's meeting room table. $20 check, cash or Zelle Quick Pay: assumptionphiloptochos@gmail.com Please have exact payment--no change available. Thank you for supporting our philanthropic endeavors!
Give the Gift of Gobble!
You are needed. Help out with shopping, packing and distributing "Thanksgiving In A Bag" for the church area community. Pick one day or two!
On Bishop-Elect Timothy
Read about Bishop-elect Timothy here.