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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2021-08-15
Bulletin Contents
Dormitio
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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




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

Dormitio
August 15

The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary

Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers. When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God.

With reverence and many lights, and chanting burial hymns, the Apostles took up that God-receiving body and brought it to the sepulchre, while the Angels from Heaven chanted with them, and sent forth her who is higher than the Cherubim. But one Jew, moved by malice, audaciously stretched forth his hand upon the bed and immediately received from divine judgment the wages of his audacity. Those daring hands were severed by an invisible blow. But when he repented and asked forgiveness, his hands were restored. When they had reached the place called Gethsemane, they buried there with honor the all-immaculate body of the Theotokos, which was the source of Life. But on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, and raised up the artos (bread) in Jesus' Name, as was their custom, the Theotokos appeared in the air, saying "Rejoice" to them. From this they learned concerning the bodily translation of the Theotokos into the Heavens.

These things has the Church received from the traditions of the Fathers, who have composed many hymns out of reverence, to the glory of the Mother of our God (see Oct. 3 and 4).


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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 2:5-11

Brethren, have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.


Gospel Reading

The Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary
The Reading is from Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that you sucked!" But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"


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Wisdom of the Fathers

What Mary might well have said to Martha, the Lord, anticipating her, replied that she had left everything to sit at the Lord's feet, and bless God all day long. You see, her sitting was for love's sake.
St. Makarios the Great
Homily XII, 4th Century

Receptacle of great graces ... she only is the frontier between created and uncreated nature, and there is no man that shall come to God except he be truly illumined through her ... It was through the Theotokos alone that the Lord came to us.
St. Gregory Palamas
Homily on the Dormition., 14th Century

But that God's word may be made clearer, listen to this. If any one loves Jesus, and attends to Him in earnest, and not in a casual way, but in love abides by Him, God is already devising to make some return to that soul for its love, although the man does not know what he is to receive or what portion God is about to give to the soul.
St. Makarios the Great
Homily XII, 4th Century

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Parish News and Events

Sunday - August 15, 2021

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

 

  *  *  *  *  *  GIFT OF LIGHT  *  *  *  *  *

 This Week's Gift of Light (August 15, 2021)

In Memory

of

Mrs. Connie Coussis

+++

We Welcome

His Eminence

Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago!

~~~

~ Baptism ~

  Saturday, August 21

 Baby Georgia Evathia Veremis 

Congratulations to her

 Proud Parents ~

Andreas & Katerina Veremis

~ + ~ 

Chronia Polla! 

After Sunday Divine Liturgy, please stop by our table outside the church for a “to-go” lunch.

~ ~ ~

NEXT Coffee Hour  Sunday, August 22

We Thank Our Gracious Hosts In Advance, Dr. Voula Spyropoulos and Assumption's YAL.  Please see the flyer below to support their School Supply Drive as they will be collecting on that same day.

If you wish to sponsor a Coffee Hour Sunday, please contact the Church Office. 

~ + ~

   Welcome Guests and Visitors If you are visiting with us today, we welcome you and hope that you will join us regularly for prayer and fellowship. If you would like to join our mailing list or would like more information about our Church, please see a Parish Council Member or Father Apostolos.

 
Attending Services In-Person Given recent updates to COVID-19 guidelines, we recommend all parishioners to wear face masks, regardless of vaccination status. 

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

Church Order Please come to 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 procedures.

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, if you are still wearing a mask. 

 A Few More Announcements.... 

 

2021 AUGUST RELIGIOUS CALENDAR FOR THE FEAST OF THE DORMITION OF THE VIRGIN MARY
 
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

FOREFEAST OF THE DORMITION                               ΠΡΟΕΟΡΤΙΑΤΗΣΚΟΙΜΗΣΕΩΣΤΗΣΤΗΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ

       7:00 p.m.        Hierarchical and Great Feast Day  Vespers of the Dormition of the Theotokos

       7:00 μ.μ.         Πανηγυρικός Μέγας Εσπερινός 

ALL NIGHT VIGIL / ΟΛΟΝΥΚΤΟΣ ΑΓΡΥΠΝΙΑ

       10:30 p.m.      Small Supplication to the Theotokos    (Names of the living inaudibly commemorated)

       10:30 μ.μ.       Ο Κανών της Μικρής Παρακλήσεως     (Μνημόνευσις ονοματών ζώντων μυστικώς)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15

ALL NIGHT VIGIL CONTINUES THE DORMITION OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER VIRGIN MARY /  Η ΚΟΙΜΗΣΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΥΠΕΡΑΓΙΑΣ ΔΕΣΠΟΙΝΗΣ ΗΜΩΝ ΤΗΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΑΕΙΠΑΡΘΕΝΟΥ ΜΑΡΙΑΣ

       12:00 a.m.       Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos            12:00 π.μ.       Ακάθιστος Ύμνος της Θεοτόκου

       2:00 a.m.         Sacrament of Holy Unction                    2:00 π.μ.         Ακολουθία του Αγίου Ευχελαίου

 First Divine Liturgy / Πρώτη Θεία Λειτουργία

          4:00 a.m.         Orthros                                            4:00 π.μ.         Όρθρος

          5:00 a.m.         Divine Liturgy                                   5:00 π.μ.         Θεία Λειτουργία 

 Second Divine Liturgy / Δεύτερη Θεία Λειτουργία

        8:00 a.m.         Orthros                                            8:00 π.μ.         Όρθρος

       10:00 a.m.       Hierarchical Divine Liturgy                10:00 π.μ.       Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία

MONDAY, AUGUST 23

APODOSIS OF THE DORMITION OF THE HOLY THEOTOKOS / ΑΠΟΔΟΣΙΣΤΗΣΕΟΡΤΗΣΤΗΣΚΟΙΜΗΣΕΩΣΤΗΣΤΗΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ

         9:00 a.m.         Orthros and Divine Liturgy                      9:00 π.μ.         Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 

 Upcoming Parish Events
  • August 28 - Liturgy in the Park II - St. Iakovos Retreat Center (Kansasville, WI) - Details below!

 Donations Needed for the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos 2021 

Below is a list of items that we need donated for the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos. Please consider giving with what you can. The flowers, icons and vessels enhance the beauty of our Divine Services. May God bless you in your giving. To make your donation, please contact the Church Office 773-626-3114. Thank you for your continued love and support to our beloved Church of Panagia!  

ITEMS STILL NEEDED FOR HOLY ICONS

Flowers for the Icon of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos on the Icon Screen - $250.00 per family (1 family still needed) 

Flowers for the two Icons of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos in the Narthex - $250.00 per family (2 families still needed)

 God bless you and thank you for your continued love and support of our beloved Church of Panagia!

Orthodox Catechism Classes

If you are interested in learning about the Orthodox Faith, join our catechism classes beginning in September 2021 (TBA). The program is made for people from various backgrounds, Christian or not, and is intended to familiarize you with the theology, traditions, and daily life of Orthodox Christians. The lessons usually take about an hour, but we might run over occasionally on some more challenging topics. Besides actually coming to classes, in order to get yourselves acquainted with the practical aspects of the faith, I strongly suggest that you participate in as many Church services (including weekday services) as possible moving forward. Check our website www.assumptionchicago.org for updates on the calendar. Worship is the most important aspect of our faith, and it is important that you get familiar with it. In the meantime, I highly recommend “Becoming Orthodox” by Peter Guilquist. It is a story of every believer who is searching for the Church. Where Christ is Lord. Where holiness, human responsibility, and the Sovereignty of God are preached. I also highly recommend purchasing your own copy of the Orthodox Study Bible. If you have any question, please don’t hesitate to call.  ~Father Apostolos

Philoptochos News

We wish everyone a Blessed Holiday and best wishes to those who celebrate their Feast Day today as we commemorate the Dormition of the Theotokos. 

Chronia Polla! 

After the Divine Liturgy, please stop by our table outside for “to-go” refreshments.

Wedding Anniversary

Did you know that the Orthodox Church has a prayer service for Wedding Anniversaries?

While planning with your spouse what you will do on your day of remembrance, don’t forget to contact the Church Office to set-up an appointment for the prayer service with Father Apostolos. While it is suggested that the prayer be read on your Wedding Anniversary, it may also be read on Sundays after Church services.

 Sunday School News

The Sunday Church School year begins on September 12--mark your calendars! Divine Liturgy will take place in St. Catherine's Chapel, followed by Open House for students and families in the classrooms. Back to school celebration during Coffee Fellowship Hour in Plato Hall. To register, go to: tinyurl.com/AssumptionSCS2021 or complete a registration form and drop off at the church office. 

 Liturgy in the Park II

Please join us Saturday, August 28th, at the Saint Iakavos Retreat Center (920 224th Ave, Kansasville, WI 53139) for our second Liturgy in the Park and community picnic beginning at 10 am. Come out and enjoy the day with your Panagia family!   This is a great back-to-school event and open to all ages.    Bring your backpack or work bags so Father Apostolos can bless it for your school year!  Our space is limited so please do not hesitate to sign up, first.   

You will be required to wear masks when indoors at the Retreat Center and the Retreat Center does require that food is pre-plated or pre-packaged.   Lastly, we will email you the appropriate consent forms after sign up. Here is the link to the Liturgy in the Park II sign up form, https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E054BA5AB22A4FF2-liturgy1

Special Collection for Greek Fire Relief in Greece 

As you are aware, Greece has again been going through wildfires and our Archdiocese has been called upon to offer our support to our brothers and sisters in need. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago kindly asks that our Parish support and raise humanitarian relief to assist the people of Greece who have been afflicted by this tragedy. An open tray Greek Fire Relief 2021 will be placed in the Narthex for your giving. Please give generously. Thank you. 

 Stewardship

Stewards 258

Amount Pledged $206,314.29

Average Pledge $802.78

Numbers reflected as of (8/13/2021)

If you have not received a Stewardship Packet, please contact the church office at stewardship@assumptionchicago.org 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, Thou are the Good Steward, who redeemed Adam and Eve of their failed stewardship by offering Thyself for the life of the world. Thou didst teach us in the feeding of the multitudes that whatever we give to God is returned to us manifold. Thou didst praise those good and faithful servants in the parable of the talents who returned to the Master their gifts multiplied. So help us to learn the joy of stewardship, remembering that everything we have comes from Thee. For Thou art the Good Steward and to Thee we offer thanksgiving, praise and glory, together with Thy Father who is everlasting and Thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit now and ever and onto the ages of ages. 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!

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 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. 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. Reservations, with your donation to Assumption Church, can also 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.

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 flyer & announcement page for important upcoming and current events.

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: Athanasia, Paul, Terry, Vic, Kyriakos, Becky, Salem, Mantia, Georgia, Vicki, Maria, Vasilios, Nektaria, John, Violet, Cynthis, Fr. Jon-Stephen Hedges,  Evangelos, 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   office@assumptionchicago.org or call Panagia office at 773.626.3114

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