TODAY
We pray that one and all enjoy a most blessed, healthy, peaceful, prosperous and
Happy New Year!
DURING THE WEEK
There is no fasting at all this week except on Thursday, Jan. 5, in preparation for the Feast of Theophany.
Wednesday, January 4
10:00 a.m. Funeral for Helen Spenos
Thursday, January 5
6:30 p.m. Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Theophany & Great Blessing of the Waters
Friday, January 6: Holy Theophany
The Baptism of our Lord
8:30 a.m. Matins, Great Blessing of the Waters, and Divine Liturgy (in that order)
Sunday, January 8: Sunday After Theophany
8:15 a.m. Matins, Divine Liturgy & Parish Vasilopita
NEWS
Donating in Time of Need:
Your charity is always appreciated. We deeply thank all those who participated in our various holiday philanthropic drives, as well as all those who made a special gift to Saint Demetrios during Christmastime.
We are always accepting non-perishable foods to assist those in need, and items may be dropped off in the Narthex (foyer) at services on Sunday and Feastdays. Likewise, as weather turns colder, our Philoptochos Ladies are seeking donations of Coffee to assist the City Rescue Mission of Hammond, a local homeless shelter. Again, donations can be left in the Narthex or at the Parish Office during the week.
Holy Theophany, the Festival of Lights
On the evening of Thursday, January 5, Great Vespers and Divine Liturgy will be offered beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed immediately by the Great Blessing of the Waters. On January 6, Matins and Divine Liturgy will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Great Blessing of the Waters preceding the Divine Liturgy. We begin and end our observance of the feast with receiving Holy Communion.
Beginning Monday, January 9, Father David will be available for the traditional blessing of homes during the Festival of Lights, and you may contact the Parish Office by phone or by email to schedule a visitation.
Parish Vasilopita: Sunday, January 8
Following the Divine Liturgy of Sunday, January 8, our Philoptochos Society will be hosting the traditional New Year observance of the Cutting of the Vasilopita.
May the Lord Grant Rest
We are sad to announce that Mrs. Bessie Stamos has fallen asleep in the Lord after a valiant struggle with illness. On Monday, January 9, visitation will occur at Saint Demetrios beginning 9:30 a.m., directly followed by the funeral at 10:00 a.m. Internment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
50th Wedding Anniversarty/85th Birthday
Due to the Pandemic, we stopped our long practice of honoring couples on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary or persons on their 85th birthday. If you know of a couple or person that has not been rightly honored, please inform us through the Parish Office or contact Father David directly.
Although we honor couples and persons once (and it may occur "after the fact" if not done at the time), we do make an exception for those reaching their 100th year as well.
Parish Email List:
If you have not been receiving our emails, please forward your email address to our Parish Office. The Sunday Parish Bulletin with all updates and activities will be sent to each email on our list on the evening of the Friday before. Submissions or requests for Parish-wide emails should be directed to Father David.