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The Holy Fathers have appointed the commemoration of Adam's exile from the Paradise of delight here, on the eve of the holy Forty-day Fast, demonstrating to us not by simple words, but by actual deeds, how beneficial fasting is for man, and how harmful and destructive are insatiety and the transgressing of the divine commandments. For the first commandment that God gave to man was that of fasting, which the first-fashioned received but did not keep; and not only did they not become gods, as they had imagined, but they lost even that blessed life which they had, and they fell into corruption and death, and transmitted these and innumerable other evils to all of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these things before us today, that by bringing to mind what we have fallen from, and what we have suffered because of the insatiety and disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligent to return again to that ancient bliss and glory by means of fasting and obedience to all the divine commands. Taking occasion from today's Gospel (Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fast unencumbered by enmity, we also ask forgiveness this day, first from God, then from one another and all creation.
Epistle Reading for the Day
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4
Brethren, salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
As for the man who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not for disputes over opinions. One believes he may eat anything, while the weak man eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains pass judgment on him who eats; for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for God is able to make him stand.
Gospel Reading of the Day
The Gospel According to Matthew 6:14-21
The Lord said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
"And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
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Απόστολος της Ημέρας
Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 13:11-14, 14:1-4 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα
Ἀδελφοί, νῦν ἐγγύτερον ἡμῶν ἡ σωτηρία ἢ ὅτε ἐπιστεύσαμεν. Ἡ νὺξ προέκοψεν, ἡ δὲ ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν· ἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους, καί ἐνδυσώμεθα τὰ ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός. Ὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ, εὐσχημόνως περιπατήσωμεν, μὴ κώμοις καὶ μέθαις, μὴ κοίταις καὶ ἀσελγείαις, μὴ ἔριδι καὶ ζήλῳ. Ἀλλʼ ἐνδύσασθε τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, καὶ τῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε, εἰς ἐπιθυμίας. Τὸν δὲ ἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει προσλαμβάνεσθε, μὴ εἰς διακρίσεις διαλογισμῶν. Ὃς μὲν πιστεύει φαγεῖν πάντα, ὁ δὲ ἀσθενῶν λάχανα ἐσθίει. Ὁ ἐσθίων τὸν μὴ ἐσθίοντα μὴ ἐξουθενείτω, καὶ ὁ μὴ ἐσθίων τὸν ἐσθίοντα μὴ κρινέτω· ὁ θεὸς γὰρ αὐτὸν προσελάβετο. Σὺ τίς εἶ ὁ κρίνων ἀλλότριον οἰκέτην; Τῷ ἰδίῳ κυρίῳ στήκει ἢ πίπτει. Σταθήσεται δέ· δυνατὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θεὸς στῆσαι αὐτόν.
Ευαγγέλιον της Ήμέρας
Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 6:14-21 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· ᾿Εὰν γὰρ ἀφῆτε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, ἀφήσει καὶ ὑμῖν ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀφῆτε τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, οὐδὲ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ἀφήσει τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν. ῞Οταν δὲ νηστεύητε, μὴ γίνεσθε ὥσπερ οἱ ὑποκριταὶ σκυθρωποί· ἀφανίζουσι γὰρ τὰ πρόσωπα αὐτῶν ὅπως φανῶσι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύοντες· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἀπέχουσι τὸν μισθὸν αὐτῶν. σὺ δὲ νηστεύων ἄλειψαί σου τὴν κεφαλὴν καὶ τὸ πρόσωπόν σου νίψαι, ὅπως μὴ φανῇς τοῖς ἀνθρώποις νηστεύων, ἀλλὰ τῷ πατρί σου τῷ ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ, καὶ ὁ πατήρ σου ὁ βλέπων ἐν τῷ κρυπτῷ ἀποδώσει σοι ἐν τῷ φανερῷ. Μὴ θησαυρίζετε ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, ὅπου σὴς καὶ βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται διορύσσουσι καὶ κλέπτουσι· θησαυρίζετε δὲ ὑμῖν θησαυροὺς ἐν οὐρανῷ, ὅπου οὔτε σὴς οὔτε βρῶσις ἀφανίζει, καὶ ὅπου κλέπται οὐ διορύσσουσιν οὐδὲ κλέπτουσιν· ὅπου γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρὸς ὑμῶν, ἐκεῖ ἔσται καὶ ἡ καρδία ὑμῶν.
ΜΙΚΡΟΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ
H Λειτουργία των Προηγιασμένων
Η θεία Λειτουργία των Προηγιασμένων, ονομάζεται έτσι, διότι τα τίμια δώρα, είναι ήδη αγιασμένα από τη Λειτουργία της προηγουμένης Κυριακής . Η γενεσιουργός αιτία της Λειτουργίας αυτής, είναι ο πένθιμος χαρακτήρας της Μεγ. Τεσσαρακοστής κατά την οποία οι χριστιανοί δεν επιτρέπεται να τελούν πανηγυρική Λειτουργία, εκτός Σαββάτου ακι Κυριακής. Τελείται αυτή κάθε Τετάρτη και Παρασκευή της Μεγ. Τεσσαρακοστής, καθώς και σε ορισθείσες εκ του Τυπικού εορτές, μετά τις Ώρες με τον Εσπερινό.
Α΄ ΧΑΙΡΕΤΙΣΜΟΙ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ – Από την κατάρα της Εύας στη χαρά της Παναγίας
Χαίρε αναστάεως τύπον εκλάμπουσα – Χαίρε των Αγγέλων τον βίον εμφαίνουσα!
Ο ιερός υμνογράφος του Ακάθιστου Ύμνου παραλληλίζει τη χαρά της παναγίας με την άρα (κατάρα) της Εύας. Η Εύα με την αλόγιστη παρακοή της έγινε κατάρα για το ανθρώπινο γένος καταδικάζοντάς το στο θάνατο. Η Παναγία αντίθετα, με την υπακοή της στο θέλημα του Θεού, μετέτρεψε την κατάρα σε ευλογία, την πίκρα του Θανάτου σε χαρά ζωής. Ω! Πάνσεπτε Υπεραγία Θεοτόκε μεσίτευσε τις προσευχές μας στον Υιόν σου και Θεό και ικέτευε Αυτόν δια μέσου εσού να σώσει την ψυχήν μας.
ΤΟ ΠΝΕΥΜΑΤΙΚΟ ΝΟΗΜΑ ΤΗΣ ΝΗΣΤΕΙΑΣ
Νηστεία σωματική χωρίς την πνευματική δεν είναι νηστεία, αλλά υποκρισία. Αληθινή νηστεία είναι η εκκοπή των παθών, η απομάκρυνση απο την αμαρτία, η εκρίζωση των κακών συνηθειών, η εγκράτεια των αισθήσεων. Τι ωφελεί να νηστεύει το στομάχι και ο λογισμός να είναι βυθισμένος στην ακολασία. Ποιό το κέρδος να νηστεύει η κοιλιά και η γλώσσα να κατεσθίει με την καταλαλιά της υπολήψεις των συνανθρώπων;
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Prayers for: Jon, Steve, Anastasia, Kathryn, Demetri, Andrea, Elaine, James, 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 by an Anonymous Donor for health and well-being.
CHRISMATION - We welcome Michael Grabner as he is Chrismated today into the Christian Orthodox Faith. He will receive the name Μιχαήλ.
MEMORIALS
40 days for the late Ioannis Lagios
Many years for the late Andreas Lagios
Many years for the late Georgia Lagios
May their memory be eternal!
FELLOWSHIP HOUR
Please join us in Plato Hall following the Divine Liturgy. The families of Michael Grabner in honor of his Chrismation invite you all for a traditional Makaronada Luncheon (Spaghetti with burnt butter and cheese), coffee and cake will also be served.
12:00 p.m. - YAL Table Discussion and Philoptochos Lenten “Mini” Bake Sale following the Divine Liturgy in Plato Hall.
Please join us this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. for the Forgiveness Vespers.
Σήμερα στις 1:30 μ.μ. θα έχουμε τον Κατανυκτικό Εσπερινό.
SCHEDULE OF LITURGICAL SERVICES THIS WEEK:
Clean Monday, February 27 - 5:30 p.m. Great Compline Service - Great Lent Begins
Wednesday, March 1 - 9:00 a.m. 9th Hour, followed by Presanctified Liturgy at 9:30 a.m., and Agiasmos Blessing of the Waters at 11:00 a.m.
Friday, March 3 - 6:30 p.m. 1st Salutation Service
Saturday, March 4 - 9:00 a.m., Orthros and Divine Liturgy - 3rd Saturday of Souls
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR FLOWERS FOR THE ICON OF PANAGIA
As we prepare our Church for this Lenten season, we ask parishioners to help with the cost of flowers. Each week, the icon of Panagia is adorned for the Salutations. We request that one family per week contribute to help continue this tradition. A donation of $250.00 is needed per week. As you may know, decorating the Church is a labor of love. We appreciate your help as we prepare for what is the center of our Orthodox faith, the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Please contact the Church office if you would like to donate. Thank you and God bless!
Ecclesiastical Items Needed
As we enter the period of the Great and Holy Fast, preparations are being made so that we may celebrate the remembrance of Our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection.
The following items are needed for Church services as they will enhance its beauty and Liturgical function:
Portable Icon Stand - This solid pine wooded stand will be used to display icons in the middle of the Solea for veneration. Donation $975.00.
Small Chrome Holy Water Font - The font will be used monthly at the beginning of each month. Donation $471.00
Sanctification Cross - The Cross will be used monthly at every Holy Water Blessing. Donation $281.00
Paschal Embroidered Cover Chalice Set - This three-piece set will be used during the forty days of Pascha. A beautifully embroidered icon of the Holy Resurrection is sewn on the Aer (Holy Cloth that covers the Paten and Chalice during the Divine Liturgy). Donation $675.00
Paschal Embroidered Ribbons - These ribbons are for the two candle stands in front of Iconostasion. Donation $125.00
Communion Cloths - Donation $85.00
The above items are available for viewing. See Father Apostolos.
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PARISH MINISTRIES AND EVENTS | |
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FORGIVENESS VESPERS
Please join us today, Sunday, February 26 at 1:30 p.m. for Forgiveness Vespers.
Why is Forgiveness Vespers an important part of Forgiveness Sunday? We begin Great Lent with Forgiveness Vespers so that we can begin the Lenten fast as forgiven people. Our Lord said, “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses (Matthew 6:14).” We pray the Lord’s Prayer daily, “…forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us…” Forgiveness Vespers offers us the opportunity to forgive and receive forgiveness of our whole Church family.
Forgiveness Vespers reminds us of the importance of asking God and each other for forgiveness. At the end of the service, we ask each other for forgiveness, and extend forgiveness to each other.
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.
2023 STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship packets have been mailed out and are also available in the Narthex and in the Church office. 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 beautiful parish of Panagia!
View Parish Calendar
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UPCOMING WEEKDAY SERVICES | |
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Monday, March 6 - 5:30 p.m. Great Compline Service
Wednesday, March 8, 9:00 a.m. Service of the 9th Hour
9:30 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
Friday, March 10, 6:30 p.m. 2nd Salutation Service
Monday, March 13 - 5:30 p.m. Great Compline Service
Wednesday, March 15, 9:00 a.m. Service of the 9th Hour
9:30 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
Friday, March 17, 6:30 p.m. 3rd Salutation Service
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PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
TODAY - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26th - LENTEN ‘MINI’ BAKE SALE
Lenten food items and baked goods will be available for purchase during coffee hour. All items are featured in The Lenten Recipe Collection. Great Lent begins Monday, February 27th. Start off well with some fasting items already prepared for you.
General Meeting ON SUNDAY March 12th: Father Apostolos will give a talk regarding Lent. Also, the 2023 budget will be presented for review and approval.
Thank you to all who supported the Apokreatiko Glendi last week. We hope you enjoyed the afternoon. Thanks to all who worked to host the Glendi with their time, baked goods and creativity. Proceeds from the event will benefit St. Euphrosynos Kitchen ministry, a liturgical item for our church and other philanthropic endeavors.
A huge thank you to the individual who underwrote the cost of the event in memory of his mother, a long time Philoptochos member and board member! May her memory be eternal.
Kali Sarakosti! Wishing you strength for a blessed Lent!
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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.
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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UPCOMING 2023 EVENTS
March 5 - 6:30 p.m. Triumph of Orthodoxy, Pan-Orthodox Vespers will be held at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 5701 North Redwood Drive Chicago, Illinois 60631. Homilist: The Most Reverend Daniel Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America. Sponsored by the Orthodox Christian Clergy Association of Greater Chicago. Responses chanted by The Pan Orthodox Choir of Greater Chicago Gordana Tribuhovich, Director.
March 11 - 10:00 a.m. - Wedding Couple Seminar for couples getting married in 2023 - meeting will be held in Plato Hall
March 18 - Nerf Wars Youth Event
April 2 - Parish Oratorical Festival
April 8 - Saturday of Lazarus Retreat
April 22 - 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. - Feed My Starving Children - 555 Exchange Court, Aurora, IL 60504. 25 Spots have been reserved for Assumption.
May 22, 2023 - Golf Outing - More information to follow.
UPCOMING YAL EVENTS
All young adults are invited and encouraged to attend.
Feb 26 - 12:00 p.m. - Coffee Table Discussion at coffee hour
March 26, 12:30 p.m. - Lenten baking in Plato Hall
April - Whirly Ball - TBD weeknight
May 28 - Talk with Father - Topic to be announced.
June - Trivia night at Gulliver’s - TBD
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ΚΑΛΗ ΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗ!!!
A BLESSED AND GREAT HOLY LENT!!!
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Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago
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