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
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We Welcome
His Eminence
Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago!
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~ 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.
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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.
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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