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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-02-21
Bulletin Contents
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
Parish News and Events
Share Your Talents & Treasures....
Publphar
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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

Church Office


assumptionorthodoxchurch@gmail.com | 773.626.3114

Services Schedule

Sunday Services
8:30 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


Saints and Feasts

Publphar
February 21

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.

Allsaint
February 21

Timothy the Righteous

Saint Timothy took up the monastic life from his youth, became a vessel of the Holy Spirit, and reposed in deep old age.

Allsaint
February 21

John III, Patriarch of Constantinople

Allsaint
February 21

Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch

Saint Eustathius, the great defender of piety and illustrious opponent of Arianism, was from Side in Pamphylia. He became Bishop of Beroea (the present-day Aleppo), and in 325 was present at the First Ecumenical Council. From thence he was transferred to the throne of Antioch. But Saint Constantine the Great, led astray by the slanders directed against the Saint by the Arians, banished him to Trajanopolis in Thrace, where he reposed in 337, according to some. Others say he lived until 360.

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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."

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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

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Parish News and Events

Sunday - February 21, 2021  

 8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy

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MEMORIALS

3-Years:  Tula (Dimitroula) Ellis

5 Years:  John (Yiannis)  Ellis

15 Years:  James (Athanasios) Kacheres

18 Years:  Estelle (Stavroula) Philiotis

33-Years: Amelia (Amalia) Kacheres

38-Years:  George (Georgios) Kacheres

57-Years:  Louis (Ilias) Kacheres  

May Their Memory Be Eternal.

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  * * * * * GIFT OF LIGHT * * * * *

 This Week's Gift of Light (February 21, 2021)

For the Health & Well-Being of

Thalia Karabis & Families

* * *  * * *  * * *

 

Reservations  for Church services are available.   Please go to https://tinyurl.com/sunday-assumption-services to register.

Live Streaming begins at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and 9:30 a.m. on Weekdays and Saturday.

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.

 

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.

 

  Reminders...

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

                                                                                                

 

 ~~~ ABOUT 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

 

A Few More Announcements.... 

 

Welcome Guests and Visitors

We are delighted to have you join us at our service today as we continue in our worship of the Savior.

 Sunday School 

Our church school classes for the youth of the parish are going strong in this time of public health crisis. Making a connection with other kids, teachers, and clergy seems especially important for our children during this long time of “stay-at-home” orders. Church school is held Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. Zooming with Jesus is this year's theme! To learn more about Sunday Church School at Assumption, please visit our new family web site: www.assumptionsundaychurchschool.org. Thank you for helping your kids get connected with each other and the Church of Christ! 

Stewardship 

2021 Stewardship Cards and letter have been mailed. If you have not received a Stewardship Packet, please contact the church office at assumptionorthodoxchurch@gmail.com or 773-626-3114. It may be that we do not have you in our records as a Steward, or do not have your current address on file. If you are moving, or have moved recently, please contact the church office with your new address.

Stewardship Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, our God, accept our offerings as You have accepted the gifts of Your people throughout the ages. We offer these gifts to Your glory, for the support of the ministries of Your holy Church, for the alleviation of suffering and hunger, and for the proclamation of Your Gospel to the whole world. Grant us Your blessing, Lord our Savior, that we may always be faithful stewards, continuing to share the gifts you have given us, by the power of Your grace, mercy, and love. May Your name be glorified forever. Amen.

Memorials

Please contact our church office in advance if you wish to have a memorial for a loved one. We will do our best to accommodate you, but please be aware that sometimes it is difficult to reserve for large groups due to space limitations. If desired, you may inquire with the office about the alternative option of Father offering the memorial at the gravesite.

Weekly Offering

Please remember to make an offering this week to support the work of our parish in serving the needs of our many faithful! You may do this in person at the end of the Divine Liturgy (there will be an acrylic box on a stand in the narthex of the church), or if you are watching from home you may use the following link: www.assumptionchicago.org. Every little bit helps, and no gift is too small. We appreciate your support!

Church Services

In order to give more worshippers the chance to attend the Divine Liturgy, we ask that for the time being you sign up for a maximum of two Sundays per month. We will be sure to update you with any revisions to this guideline. We encourage you to also take advantage of our weekday services if your schedule permits. You may visit our website for information and for the link to reserve a spot for church. Schedule of upcoming services and sign up to attend a service can be made through our Church’s website: www.assumptionchicago.org. Please be aware that on-line signups will not be available on the day before the service; the list will be closed for administrative purposes.

Other Notes 

* Who May Receive Holy Communion? Because receiving Holy Communion or any other Sacrament is an expression of our acceptance of the dogmatic and moral teachings of the Orthodox Faith, only Orthodox Christians (by baptism or chrismation) in good standing may participate. For this reason, persons who do not agree with these teachings, or who are not in good standing (for example, married outside the church, or civilly divorced but not ecclesiastically divorced, etc.), must return to good standing in order to participate in Orthodox Sacraments such as Holy Communion and Unction; this also applies to those who have been asked to be a Godparent for a Baptism or a Sponsor for a Wedding. If you or another person(s) have fallen into any of these (or other) predicaments, please contact Father Apostolos and he will direct you with information needed to attain complete restoration in the Church. 

* The Gift of Light - The oil lamps on both Altar Tables are lit daily through the weekly donations ($100) made by our Stewards and friends. This includes the oil lamps lit during church services and candles in the Altar. Sign up can be made through our Tithe.ly platform. Through our Church’s Website simply click on the big green GIVE button, request your week and make your donation.

* Donations and Stewardship may be sent via US mail or electronically through our Tithe.ly platform. Through our Church’s Website simply click on the big green GIVE button and scroll down to where you wish to give. You also have the option to set up recurring payments for your Stewardship through this page.

* People Helping People  -   A number of parishioners have made known their desire to help people who need assistance. The church office is keeping a list of volunteers. Call the office if you would like your name added to the list of volunteers. There can’t be too many.

    If you know of anyone who needs any sort of help call the church office 773-626-3114 to make the connection. Remember, many people are ashamed/afraid to ask for help. Keep your eyes and ears open and ask about needs with kind concern.

Please be sure to review flyers page for important upcoming and current events.

May God be with you and your families!

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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: Evangelos, 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

 

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Share Your Talents & Treasures....

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