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+Saint Barbara was from Heliopolis of Phoenicia and lived during the reign of Maximian.
She was the daughter of a certain idolater named Dioscorus. When Barbara came of age, she was enlightened in her pure heart and secretly believed in the Holy Trinity. About this time Dioscorus began building a bath-house; before it was finished he was required to go away to attend to certain matters, and in his absence Barbara directed the workmen to build a third window in addition to the two her Father had commanded. She also inscribed the sign of the Cross with her finger upon the marble of the bath-house, leaving the saving sign cut as deeply into the marble as if it had been done with an iron tool. (When the Synaxarion of Saint Barbara was written, the marble of the bath-house and the cross inscribed by Saint Barbara were still preserved, and many healings were worked there.) When Dioscorus returned, he asked why the third window had been added; Barbara began to declare to him the mystery of the Trinity. Because she refused to renounce her faith, Dioscorus tortured Barbara inhumanely, and after subjecting her to many sufferings he beheaded her with his own hands, in the year 290. ~Commemorated on December 4
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Epistle Reading for the Day
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5
Brethren, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Gospel Reading of the Day
The Gospel According to Luke 13:10-17
At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him.
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Απόστολος της Ημέρας
Πρὸς Γαλάτας 3:23-29, 4:1-5 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα
Ἀδελφοί, πρὸ τοῦ δὲ ἐλθεῖν τὴν πίστιν, ὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα, συγκεκλεισμένοι εἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι. Ὥστε ὁ νόμος παιδαγωγὸς ἡμῶν γέγονεν εἰς Χριστόν, ἵνα ἐκ πίστεως δικαιωθῶμεν. Ἐλθούσης δὲ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκέτι ὑπὸ παιδαγωγόν ἐσμεν. Πάντες γὰρ υἱοὶ θεοῦ ἐστε διὰ τῆς πίστεως ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Ὅσοι γὰρ εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε, Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε. Οὐκ ἔνι Ἰουδαῖος οὐδὲ Ἕλλην, οὐκ ἔνι δοῦλος οὐδὲ ἐλεύθερος, οὐκ ἔνι ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ· πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς εἷς ἐστε ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Εἰ δὲ ὑμεῖς Χριστοῦ, ἄρα τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ σπέρμα ἐστέ, καὶ κατʼ ἐπαγγελίαν κληρονόμοι. Λέγω δέ, ἐφʼ ὅσον χρόνον ὁ κληρονόμος νήπιός ἐστιν, οὐδὲν διαφέρει δούλου, κύριος πάντων ὤν· ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ ἐπιτρόπους ἐστὶν καὶ οἰκονόμους, ἄχρι τῆς προθεσμίας τοῦ πατρός. Οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς, ὅτε ἦμεν νήπιοι, ὑπὸ τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου ἦμεν δεδουλωμένοι· ὅτε δὲ ἦλθεν τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου, ἐξαπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ, γενόμενον ἐκ γυναικός, γενόμενον ὑπὸ νόμον, ἵνα τοὺς ὑπὸ νόμον ἐξαγοράσῃ, ἵνα τὴν υἱοθεσίαν ἀπολάβωμεν.
Ευαγγέλιον της Ήμέρας
Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 13:10-17 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ῏Ην δὲ διδάσκων ἐν μιᾷ τῶν συναγωγῶν ἐν τοῖς σάββασι. καὶ ἰδοὺ γυνὴ ἦν πνεῦμα ἔχουσα ἀσθενείας ἔτη δέκα καὶ ὀκτώ, καὶ ἦν συγκύπτουσα καὶ μὴ δυναμένη ἀνακῦψαι εἰς τὸ παντελές. ἰδὼν δὲ αὐτὴν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς προσεφώνησε καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ· γύναι, ἀπολέλυσαι τῆς ἀσθενείας σου· καὶ ἐπέθηκεν αὐτῇ τὰς χεῖρας· καὶ παραχρῆμα ἀνωρθώθη καὶ ἐδόξαζε τὸν Θεόν. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ ἀρχισυνάγωγος, ἀγανακτῶν ὅτι τῷ σαββάτῳ ἐθεράπευσεν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, ἔλεγε τῷ ὄχλῳ· ἓξ ἡμέραι εἰσὶν ἐν αἷς δεῖ ἐργάζεσθαι· ἐν ταύταις οὖν ἐρχόμενοι θεραπεύεσθε, καὶ μὴ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ σαββάτου. ἀπεκρίθη οὖν αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος καὶ εἶπεν· ὑποκριτά, ἕκαστος ὑμῶν τῷ σαββάτῳ οὐ λύει τὸν βοῦν αὐτοῦ ἢ τὸν ὄνον ἀπὸ τῆς φάτνης καὶ ἀπαγαγὼν ποτίζει; ταύτην δέ, θυγατέρα ᾿Αβραὰμ οὖσαν, ἣν ἔδησεν ὁ σατανᾶς ἰδοὺ δέκα καὶ ὀκτὼ ἔτη, οὐκ ἔδει λυθῆναι ἀπὸ τοῦ δεσμοῦ τούτου τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ σαββάτου; καὶ ταῦτα λέγοντος αὐτοῦ κατῃσχύνοντο πάντες οἱ ἀντικείμενοι αὐτῷ, καὶ πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος ἔχαιρεν ἐπὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ἐνδόξοις τοῖς γινομένοις ὑπ᾿ αὐτοῦ.
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ΜΙΚΡΟΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ
Η ΑΓΙΑ ΒΑΡΒΑΡΑ η Μεγαλομάρτυς - 4 Δεκεμβρίου
Αποτελεί κόσμημα των μαρτύρων του 3ου αιώνα μ.χ. Ο πατέρας της ήταν από τους πιο πλούσιους ειδωλολάτρες της Ηλιουπόλεως και ονομαζόταν Διόσκορος. Μοναχοκόρη η Βαρβάρα, διακρινόταν για την ομορφιά του σώματός της, την ευφυΐα και σωφροσύνη της. Στη χριστιανική πίστη κατήχησε και είλκυσε τη Βαρβάρα μια ευσεβής χριστιανή γυναίκα. Τη ζωή της μέσα στο ειδωλολατρικό περιβάλλον η Βαρβάρα περνούσε "εν πάση εύσεβεία και σεμνότητι". Α' πρός Τιμόθεον, Β' 2.. Δηλαδή με κάθε ευσέβεια και σεμνότητα. Όμως το γεγονός αυτό, δεν έμεινε για πολύ καιρό μυστικό. Ο Διόσκορος έμαθε ότι η κόρη του είναι χριστιανή και εκνευρισμένος διέταξε τον αυστηρό περιορισμό της. Αλλά η Βαρβάρα κατόρθωσε και δραπέτευσε. Ο πατέρας της τότε εξαπέλυσε άγριο κυνηγητό μέσα στις σπηλιές και τα δάση, όπου κρυβόταν η κόρη του. Τελικά, κατόρθωσε και τη συνέλαβε. Αλλά ο άσπλαχνος και πωρωμένος ειδωλολάτρης πατέρας, παρέδωσε την κόρη του στον ηγεμόνα Μαρκιανό. Αυτός, αφού στην αρχή δεν κατόρθωσε με δελεαστικούς τρόπους να μεταβάλει την πίστη της, διέταξε και τη μαστίγωσαν ανελέητα. Κατόπιν τη φυλάκισε, αλλά μέσα εκεί ο Θεός θεράπευσε τις πληγές της Βαρβάρας και ενίσχυσε το θάρρος της. Τότε ο ηγεμόνας θέλησε να τη διαπομπεύσει δημόσια γυμνή. Αλλά ενώ έβγαζαν τα ρούχα της, άλλα ωραιότερα εμφανίζονταν στο σώμα της. Ο ηγεμόνας βλέποντας το θαύμα, διέταξε να αποκεφαλισθεί. Χωρίς καθυστέρηση, ο ίδιος ο κακούργος πατέρας της, ανέλαβε και την αποκεφάλισε.
Ο ΟΣΙΟΣ ΣΑΒΒΑΣ ο Ηγιασμένος - 5 Δεκεμβρίου
Ο θεοκίνητος Παύλος συμβουλεύει τους αγωνιζόμενους χριστιανούς:
"Ειδέναι έκαστος υμών το εαυτού σκεύος κτάσθαι εν αγιασμώ και τιμή". Α' προς Θεσσαλονικείς, δ' 4. Πρέπει δηλαδή να γνωρίζει ο καθένας από σας, να συγκρατεί στην κυριαρχία και κατοχή του το σώμα του και να το διατηρεί πάντοτε αγιασμένο και τιμημένο. Μέσα σ' αυτά τα πλαίσια αγωνίστηκε και ο όσιος Σάββας ο ηγιασμένος. Έζησε στα χρόνια του αυτοκράτορα Ιουστινιανού (527 μ.Χ.). Καταγόταν από το χωριό Μουταλάσκη της Καππαδοκίας και ήταν γιος ευσεβών γονέων, του Ιωάννη και της Σοφίας. Από μικρός είχε μοναχικές τάσεις και μπήκε στο μοναστήρι των Φλαβιανών. Ήταν τόσο εγκρατής, ώστε για λόγους ασκήσεως ορισμένα συνηθισμένα τρόφιμα δεν τα έβαλε ποτέ στο στόμα του. Σε ηλικία 16 χρονών πήγε στην Ιερουσαλήμ, στη Μονή του Μεγάλου Ευθυμίου. Αυτός, λόγω του νεαρού της ηλικίας του Σάββα, τον έστειλε στη Μονή του Αγίου Θεοκτίστου. Εκεί, ο Σάββας προόδευσε ακόμα περισσότερο στην ασκητική ζωή και έγινε πατέρας και ποιμένας πολλών μοναχών της ερήμου. Προσείλκυσε με τη ζωή του πλήθη μοναχών στην περίφημη κτισθείσα από αυτόν Λαύρα. Για την αγιότητα της ζωής του και για τη μεγάλη του φήμη, είχε σταλεί από τον Πατριάρχη Ιεροσολύμων δυο φορές πρεσβευτής στην Κων/πολη, προς το βασιλιά Αναστάσιο και έπειτα προς τον Ιουστινιανό. Πέθανε ειρηνικά σε ηλικία 94 χρονών.
READINGS FROM OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
+Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra
This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock ... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travellers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time. ~Commemorated on December 6
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Prayers for: Katheryn, Demetri, Andrea, Matthew, Elaine, James, Tom, William, Anastasios, Polyxeni, Julia, Helen, Peter, Sophia
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 the living will be retained on the list for 40 days. Contact Church Office to add names at office@assumptionchicago.org or call Panagia office at 773.626.3114
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This week’s Gift of Light is given in honor of Sophie Koutselas as she celebrates her 90th Birthday Chronia Polla! Χρόνια Πολλά!
MEMORIALS
40 days for the late Diana Artemisia Harokopos
40 days for the late George Papagiannopoulos
3 years for the late Freda (Francine) Efrosini Youroukos
3 years for the late Anthony Antonios Garbis
5 years for the late Kleanthis Dervis
22 years for the late Magdalene Dervis
37 years for the late Alexandra Dervisis
56 years for the late Vasilios Dervisis
68 years for the late Mary Dervis
May their memory be eternal!
COFFEE HOUR
Today’s coffee hour is sponsored in loving memory of the late: Kleanthis, Magdalene and Mary Dervis and Alexandra and Vasilios Dervisis. May their memory be eternal.
We thank Mr. & Mrs. George and Ann Dervis for hosting today’s coffee hour!
DECK THE HALL AND TREE LIGHTING
Join us following the Divine Liturgy and coffee hour in Plato Hall for some Christmas Cheer!
Metropolis Christmas Open House today from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Carlisle in Lombard. Please see flyer for more information.
CHRISTMAS HOMEBOUND VISITATIONS
Father Apostolos will be visiting our Parishioners who are homebound the week before Christmas: Dec 19-23. Please contact the Church Office so Father may visit, administering prayers and the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
THE GIVING TREE - Above all things: Forget not the poor, but support them to the extent of your means. Give to the orphan, Protect the widow, and permit the mighty to destroy no man. Take not the life of the just or the unjust, nor permit him to be killed. Destroy no Christian soul, even though he be guilty of murder.” (The Primary Chronicle, A.D. 1096.) – Vladimir Monomakh in his Testament to his children. The Christmas tree located in Saint Catherine’s has been designated as the charity tree of our parish. Money that has been clipped onto the tree will be distributed to the poor through our Outreach Ministry. We ask that you give generously so we can brighten the holiday season of those who are not as blessed as we are.
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SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK: | |
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SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK:
Monday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Savas the Sanctified
Tuesday, December 6, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra
Friday, December 9, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Conception by Saint Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos
View Parish Calendar
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PARISH MINISTRIES AND EVENTS | |
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POINSETTIAS
We are asking for families to donate a poinsettia this year for our Christmas season as we decorate our church and await the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Donation: $120 per family. If you are interested in donating, please contact the church office at:
773-626-3114 or email: office@assumptionchicago.org
Thank you for your continued love and support of our beloved Assumption Panagia!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
December 8 - Smyrna Movie Night - Show time at 7:15 p.m. at Marcus Theaters-Addison Cinema, 1555 West Lake Street, Addison, IL, 60101. $12.50 a ticket. Please RSVP immediately. Tickets are limited and selling out quickly. Contact George Demas at: 773-626-3114 or george@assumptionchicago.org
December 9 - GOYA CITY-WIDE LOCK-IN (Grades 6-12) - Overnight retreat will be held at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona St., Chicago, IL 60625. It will be held Friday, 7:30 p.m. - Saturday morning, December 10 at 8:00 a.m. RSVP by December 6 to George Demas at: 773-626-3114 or george@assumptionchicago.org
December 11 - General Assembly Meeting. Must be current Stewards of Assumption Church in order to participate. Meeting will be held in Plato Hall following the Divine Liturgy.
December 11 - 12:30 p.m. - Saint Euphrosynos Kitchen Meal. Preparing and delivering meals to our homebound parishioner’s.
December 13 - 11:30 a.m. - Philoptochos Feed the Hungry at Annunciation Cathedral
December 15 - 6:00 p.m. - Annual YAL Christmas Party at Gulliver’s Pizza, 17W517 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181. RSVP no later than Dec. 10 to Katherine Celik 847-208-6013 or YAL@Assumptionchicago.org
December 18 - 11:30 a.m. - Sunday Church School Christmas Pageant.
12:00 p.m. - Toy Drive Giveaway in Plato Hall and Philoptochos Bake Sale
December 19 - 6:00 p.m. - Orthodox Studies - Meeting in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.
December 27 - 12:00 p.m. - Tenderhearted Ministry - Bring a dish to share and a grab bag gift of $20. Meeting in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room.
January 7 - 6:00 p.m. - Theophany Cross Dive and Swim at Oak Brook Park District. Open to all ages.
January 13 & 14 - Family Ski Trip *Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, WI* See insert for more information.
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PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
Baking Day - We are looking for volunteers to help bake Greek sweets and package orders on Saturday, December 17th. We are also in need of homemade Christmas cookies for our hostess platters and ‘day of’ sales. If you can assist with either, please contact Ann Dervis, Jeanne Jurasek or Betty Tsiolis for details.
Reminder: Christmas Bake Sale Pre Orders are due on Sunday, December 11th. Form enclosed.
Feed the Hungry Donations – Warm gloves or a bag of individually wrapped candy would be appreciated. Due on Sunday, December 11th.
Thank you for your continued support of our fundraising activities!
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SPONSORS NEEDED FOR HOSTING |  | |
Please contact the Church office at: 773.626.3114 or email at: office@assumptionchicago.org if you would like to sponsor a coffee hour in memory of a loved one, a special occasion or just because.
Available dates: December 11, January 15, 22, & 29, February 19 & 26
*Please note: Nativity Fast begins Nov. 15 - Dec. 25. Please Lenten items only during fast.
Procedures for sponsoring coffee hour are as follows:
Please note, we no longer can purchase or order items on your behalf for coffee hour. If you are unable to shop for the food items, we have a list of vendors that will be able to deliver on Sunday mornings (delivery please by 11:30 a.m. for 100 people), or you may order from other places that you would like and have them delivered.
Additionally, we request a fee of $75 made directly to Assumption Church for set-up, clean-up, tablecloths, plates, napkins, coffee, and supplies.
Thank you to our beloved parishioners and friends of Assumption Panagia for your continued love and support!
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DECEMBER WEEKDAY SERVICES
Monday, December 5, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Savas the Sanctified
Tuesday, December 6, Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
Friday, December 9, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+The Conception by Saint Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos
Monday, December 12, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker
+Eve of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Saturday, December 24, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
5:00 p.m. - Vespers Service
+The Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Sunday, December 25, 8:30 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
Tuesday, December 27, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Stephen the First Martyr
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ARTOKLASIA – THE BLESSING OF BREAD
The Blessing of Five Loaves of Bread is a brief service of thanksgiving through which we express our gratitude for all the blessings of life. Oil, wine, wheat, and the loaves of bread which are used in the service, are viewed as the most basic elements necessary for life. The Blessing reminds us of the miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish by which Christ fed the multitude. This Blessing is usually offered during Vespers or after the Divine Liturgy on Feast days and other special occasions. After the Service, the bread is cut and distributed to the congregation. If you would like to offer an Artoklasia, please contact the church office at: 773.626.3114 or email: office@assumptionchicago.org to reserve a date.
“The wealthy have become poor and gone hungry but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.”
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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
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.
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2022 STEWARDSHIP
If you haven’t done so already, please pick up a Stewardship packet which is located on the Pangari or contact the church office and we will mail you one. Please fill out the pledge card (it is important that you enter a pledge amount) and the information card completely and return it back in the enclosed envelope. Thank you for supporting our beloved parish of Panagia!
LET’S STAY IN TOUCH - If you would like to receive information about services, activities and events that are happening at our church, please visit our website at: assumptionchicago.org to sign up or call the church office and submit your email address.
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SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS
December 18 - Annual Christmas Pageant
Register your children for Sunday School. Please use the following link. Click here for registration link
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A BLESSED WEEK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!! |
Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago
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