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''I behold a strange and most glorious mystery,” the Church sings with awe, “Heaven, a Cave; the Virgin the Throne of the Cherubim; the Manger a room, in which Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain is laid.” (Irmos of the 9th Ode of the Nativity Canon). Having given birth to the divine Infant without travail, the Most Holy Virgin “wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger” (Luke 2:7). In the stillness of midnight (Wisdom of Solomon 18:14-15), the proclamation of the birth of the Savior of the world was heard by three shepherds watching their flocks by night. An angel of the Lord (St Cyprian says this was Gabriel) came before them and said: “Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). The humble shepherds were the first to offer worship to Him Who condescended to assume the form of a humble servant for the salvation of mankind. Besides the glad tidings to the Bethlehem shepherds, the Nativity of Christ was revealed to the Magi by a wondrous star. St John Chrysostom and St Theophylactus, commenting on St Matthew’s Gospel, say that this was no ordinary star. Rather, it was “a divine and angelic power that appeared in the form of a star.” St Demetrius of Rostov says it was a “manifestation of divine energy” (Narrative of the Adoration of the Magi). Entering the house where the Infant lay, the Magi “fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented Him gifts: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt. 2:11).
Christ is born, glorify Him. Christ is from heaven, go to meet Him. Christ is on earth, be ye lifted up. Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing out with gladness, all ye people.
For He is glorified (First Ode of the Christmas Canon).
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshiped the stars were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness and to know Thee, the Orient from on high [Lk 1.78, translated as Dawn or Day spring]. O Lord, glory to Thee! (Troparion).
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Epistle Reading for the Day
St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 4:4-7
BRETHREN, when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir of God through Christ.
Gospel Reading of the Day
The Gospel according to Matthew 2:1-12
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it is written by the prophet: 'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will govern my people Israel.'"
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star appeared; and he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." When they had heard the king they went their way; and lo the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
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Απόστολος της Ημέρας
Πρὸς Γαλάτας 4:4-7
Ἀδελφοί, 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. Ὅτι δέ ἐστε υἱοί, ἐξαπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν, κρᾶζον, Ἀββᾶ, ὁ πατήρ. Ὥστε οὐκέτι εἶ δοῦλος, ἀλλʼ υἱός· εἰ δὲ υἱός, καὶ κληρονόμος θεοῦ διὰ Χριστοῦ.
Ευαγγέλιον της Ήμέρας
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 2:1-12
Τοῦ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦ γεννηθέντος ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς ᾿Ιουδαίας ἐν ἡμέραις ῾Ηρῴδου τοῦ βασιλέως, ἰδοὺ μάγοι ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν παρεγένοντο εἰς ῾Ιεροσόλυμαλέγοντες· ποῦ ἐστιν ὁ τεχθεὶς βασιλεὺς τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων; εἴδομεν γὰρ αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀστέρα ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ καὶ ἤλθομεν προσκυνῆσαι αὐτῷ. ᾿Ακούσας δὲ ῾Ηρῴδης ὁ βασιλεὺς ἐταράχθη καὶ πᾶσα ῾Ιεροσόλυμα μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ, καὶ συναγαγὼν πάντας τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ γραμματεῖς τοῦ λαοῦ ἐπυνθάνετο παρ᾿ αὐτῶν ποῦ ὁ Χριστὸς γεννᾶται. οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· ἐν Βηθλεὲμ τῆς ᾿Ιουδαίας· οὕτω γὰρ γέγραπται διὰ τοῦ προφήτου· καὶ σὺ Βηθλεέμ, γῆ ᾿Ιούδα, οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν ᾿Ιούδα· ἐκ σοῦ γὰρ ἐξελεύσεται ἡγούμενος, ὅστις ποιμανεῖ τὸν λαόν μου τὸν ᾿Ισραήλ. Τότε ῾Ηρῴδης λάθρα καλέσας τοὺς μάγους ἠκρίβωσε παρ᾿ αὐτῶν τὸν χρόνον τοῦ φαινομένου ἀστέρος, καὶ πέμψας αὐτοὺς εἰς Βηθλεὲμ εἶπε· πορευθέντες ἀκριβῶς ἐξετάσατε περὶ τοῦ παιδίου, ἐπὰν δὲ εὕρητε, ἀπαγγείλατέ μοι, ὅπως κἀγὼ ἐλθὼν προσκυνήσω αὐτῷ. οἱ δὲ ἀκούσαντες τοῦ βασιλέως ἐπορεύθησαν· καὶ ἰδοὺ ὁ ἀστὴρ ὃν εἶδον ἐν τῇ ἀνατολῇ προῆγεν αὐτούς, ἕως ἐλθὼν ἔστη ἐπάνω οὗ ἦν τὸ παιδίον· ἰδόντες δὲ τὸν ἀστέρα ἐχάρησαν χαρὰν μεγάλην σφόδρα, καὶ ἐλθόντες εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν εἶδον τὸ παιδίον μετὰ Μαρίας τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ πεσόντες προσεκύνησαν αὐτῷ, καὶ ἀνοίξαντες τοὺς θησαυροὺς αὐτῶν προσήνεγκαν αὐτῷ δῶρα, χρυσὸν καὶ λίβανον καὶ σμύρναν· καὶ χρηματισθέντες κατ᾿ ὄναρ μὴ ἀνακάμψαι πρὸς ῾Ηρῴδην, δι᾿ ἄλλης ὁδοῦ ἀνεχώρησαν εἰς τὴν χώραν αὐτῶν.
READINGS FROM OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS
+Saint John of Kronstadt on the Nativity of Christ
“The Nativity of Christ. — He has come upon earth, He Who in the beginning created us from earth and breathed His Divine breath into us; He has come Who “giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts xvii. 25.); He has come, He Who by a single word called all things visible and invisible from non-existence into existence, Who by a word called into being birds, fishes, quadrupeds, insects, and all creatures, existing under His almighty providence and care; He has come, He Whom the innumerable hosts of Angels continually and joy. And in what humility has He come! He is born of a poor Virgin, in a cave, wrapped in poor swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. Riches, honours, glory of this world! fall down, fall down in humility, tearful devotion, and deep gratitude before the Saviour of men, and share your riches with the poor and needy. Do not pride yourselves on your visionary, fleeting distinctions, for true distinction can only be found in virtue. Glory of this world! learn here, before the manger, your vanity. Thus, let us all humble ourselves; let us all fall down in the dust before the boundless humility and exhaustion of the Sovereign of all, of God, Who has come to heal our infirmities, to save us from pride, vanity, corruption, and every sinful impurity.”
This Nativity night bestowed peace on the whole world;
So let no one threaten;
This is the night of the Most Gentle One – Let no one be cruel;
This is the night of the Humble One – Let no one be proud.
Now is the day of joy – Let us not revenge;
Now is the day of Good Will – Let us not be mean.
In this Day of Peace – Let us not be conquered by anger.
Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
So, rich one, invite the poor to your table.
Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask;
So let us give alms to those who implore and beg us.
This present Day cast open the heavenly doors to our prayers;
Let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.
Today the DIVINE BEING took upon Himself the seal of our humanity,
In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of DIVINITY.
+Saint Isaac Syrian, Nativity Sermon
"All the saints wrote many praises to our Panagia. But I, the poor one, have found no words more elegant or sweet to describe her, than to cry out to her at every moment: "My dear Mother! My dear, sweet Mother! When my soul departs may it come into your hands, and through them may it be given to its Creator, your Only-begotten Son."
+Saint Joseph the Hesychast
"Do not hope in the world. Be careful in your social interactions. Never listen to what the world is telling you. Temptations come; we're human. The devil has many feet, altars and traps. Everything will be faced during marriage with love, meekness and patience. Have faith in God and prayer and everything will go according to the will of God."
+St. Iakovos of Evia
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+Saint Stephen, Archdeacon & First Martyr – December 27
Saint Stephen was a Jew, by race, and, as some say, a disciple of Gamaliel, the teacher of the Law mentioned in Acts 5:34 and 22:3. He was the first of the seven deacons whom the Apostles established in Jerusalem to care for the poor, and to distribute alms to them. Being a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, he performed great signs and wonders among the people. While disputing with the Jews concerning Jesus, and wisely refuting their every contradiction, so that no one was able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit whereby he spake, he was slandered as a blasphemer and was dragged off to the Sanhedrin of the elders. There with boldness he proved from the divine Scriptures the coming of the Just One (Jesus), of Whom they had become the betrayers and murderers, and he reproved their faithless and hardheartedness. And finally, gazing into Heaven and beholding the divine glory, he said: "Lo, I see the Heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God." But when they heard this, they stopped up their ears, and with anger cast him out of the city and stoned him, while he was calling out and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then, imitating the long-suffering of the Master, he bent his knees and prayed in a loud voice for them that were stoning him, and he said, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," And saying this, he fell asleep (Acts 6, 7), thus becoming the first among the Martyrs of the Church of Christ.
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+Saint Melania the Younger, Nun of Rome – December 31
Saint Melania the Younger, who was born in 388, was the grand-daughter of Saint Melania the Elder (see June 8). Her father Publicola was an Eparch of Rome. She was joined in wedlock to a husband and became the mother of two children, both of which she lost shortly thereafter. Thus, having agreed with her husband to pass the rest of their lives in abstinence and chastity, and taking her mother Albina with her, she went off to Africa. They ransomed 8,000 captives; furthermore, they built two monasteries - one for men and one for women - in the city of Tagaste, which was in the district of Tunis. After seven years they moved to Jerusalem. Thereafter Melania shut herself up in a small and narrow hermitage by the Mount of Olives, and wearing away her body with fasting and vigil, she reposed in 434.
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A Child’s Evening Prayer
Lord, Jesus Christ, You received the children who came to You. Receive also from Your child this evening prayer. Shelter me under the protection of Your wings that I may lie down in peace and sleep. Awaken me in due time that I may glorify You, for You alone are good and love all people.
Into Your hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, I commend my spirit and body; bless me, save me, and grant me eternal life.
The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my shelter. Holy Trinity, glory to You. Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.
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ΜΙΚΡΟΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ
Η ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ! Η ΘΕΙΑ ΕΝΑΝΘΡΩΠΗΣΗ! ΤΟ ΜΕΓΑ ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΟ -25 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ
Η Γέννηση του Χριστού, σημαίνει ότι για πρώτη φορά στην ανθρώπινη φύση (πήρε πραγματικό αν- θρώπινο σώμα και ψυχή). Το σώμα του Χριστού είναι το πρώτο ανθρώπινο σώμα που έφτασε τελικά στην Ανάσταση, νίκησε τη φθορά και το θάνατο. Με τη Γέννησή Του ο Χριστός «πήρε μορφή δούλου κι έγινε άνθρωπος», διότι «δεν ήρθε για να τον υπηρετήσουν, αλλά για να υπηρετήσει και να προσφέρει τη ζωή του».Με τη γέννησή Του«οι άνθρωποι που κατοικούν στο σκοτάδι είδαν φώς δυνατό και γιά όσους μένουν στη χώρα που τη σκιάζει ο θάνατος ανέτειλε ένα φώς για χάρη τους». Τώρα αυτή τη στιγμή «γεννάται» ο Χριστός, ετοίμασε το σπήλαιό σου. Ο Θεός γίνεται τέλειος και αληθινός άνθρωπος χωρίς να παύσει να είναι τέλειος και αληθινός Θεός, για να κάνει τον άνθρωπο τέλειο υιό Του Θεού και Θεόν κατά χάριν. Η Γέννηση του Χριστού σημαίνει ότι φια πρώτη φορά στην ιστορία ενώθηκε ο Θεός και ο άνθρωπος. Το σώμα του Χριστού είναι το πρώτο ανθρώπινο σώμα που έφτασε τελικά στην Ανάσταση, νίκησε τη φθορά και το θανάτο.Η γέννηση του Χριστού κατά σάρκα απο την Παρθένο Μαρία είναι ένα μεγάλο ανερμήνευτο γεγονός πέρα από τα όρια της ανθρώπινης λογικής. Τα Χριστούγεννα εορτάζονται και πανηγυρίζονται σαν τα σωτήρια του κόσμου, η γενέθλιος ημέρα της ανθρωπότητας, η κοινή εορτή πάσης «Κτίσεως» (Μ. Βασίλειος). Ο Θεός γίνεται τέλειος και αληθινός άνθρωπος «άνθρωπος εν πληγή», χωρίς να παύση να είναι τέλειος και αληθινός Θεός, για να κάνει τον ανθρωπο πλήρη και τέλειο υιό του Θεού και Θεόν κατά χάριν. Η εορτή των Χριστουγέννων είναι το κεντρικό μυστήριο όλης της θείας Οικονομίας. «Ο αχώρητος παντί, εν τη γαστρί της Παρθένου εχωρήθη!».
Η ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ - Η ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΗΤΡΟΤΗΤΟΣ - Η Σύναξις της Θεοτόκου!
Τιμάμε και δοξάζουμε την Παναγία γιατί είναι Θεοτόκος. Γιατί αξιώθηκε, άνθρωπος Αυτή, να γεννήσει τον Υιό και Λόγο του Θεού. Το Θεό! Αυτή είναι η πηγή της Χάρης Της, αυτή είναι η αφορμή της τιμής μας,από εκεί αντλεί τη δυνατότητα της πρεσβείας Της. Δεν την λατρεύουμε σαν Θεό, αλλά την τιμάμε σαν Μητέρα του Θεού. O Mεσσίας, λυτρωτής του κόσμου, ο Χριστός ήλθε «γενόμενος εκ γυναικός».
Και η γυναίκα αυτή είναι η εκλεκτή του Θεού, η Παναγία Παρθένος, την οποία η Εκκλησία εορτάζει σε ιδιαίτερη λειτουργική πράξη.
Ο Άγιος Στέφανος ο Πρωτομάρτυρας - 27 Δεκεμβρίου
Ο Άγιος Στέφανος ο Πρωτομάρτυρας, ήταν Ιουδαίος και ένας από τους πιό διακεκριμένος μεταξύ των επτά διακόνων που εξέλεξε η πρώτη χριστιανική Εκκλησία και χειροτόνισαν οι ίδιοι οι Απόστολοι. Έργο τους ήταν η φροντίδα των φτωχών και η διανομή των ελεημοσυνών. Ο Στέφανος ήταν γεμάτος πίστη και είχε δυνατό χάρισμα ευγλωττίας. Εκανε μεταξύ του λαού θαύματα που προκαλούσαν κατάπληξη και αποδείκνυαν την αλήθεια της χριστιανικής πίστης. Επειδή απέδειξε με στοιχεία απο τις Γραφές την έλευση του «δικαίου» του οποίου οι Εβραίοι υπήρξαν «προδόται και φονείς» εκείνοι τον έβγαλαν έξω απο την πόλη και τον θανάτωσαν με λιθοβολισμό.
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Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
May the Star of Bethlehem shine in our hearts and homes this Christmas and always!!!
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Prayers for: Katheryn, Demetri, Andrea, 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 for the health and well-being of The Gilroy Family and
in loving memory of Andriana and Gerasimos Vasilatos.
2023 Calendars
Calendars were mailed out to Stewards who did not pick up their 2023 Calendar last Sunday.
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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Tuesday, December 27, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Holy First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen
12:00 p.m. - Tenderhearted Ministry in Saint Catherine’s Chapel
Church Office Hours
December 26 & 27 - Closed
December 28 - 30, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
January 2 - Closed
View Parish Calendar
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PARISH MINISTRIES AND EVENTS | |
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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. 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!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
December 27 - 12:00 p.m. - Tenderhearted Ministry - Bring a dish to share and a grab bag gift of $10. 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 8 - Annual Parish Vasilopita Cutting following the Divine Liturgy in Plato Hall
January 13 & 14 - Family Ski Trip *Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, WI* Deadline for discounted room rates is January 1. See insert for more information.
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR FAMILY SKI TRIP BOOKING
**** The deadline to book your room for the Assumption Family Ski Trip to receive the group room rate has been extended to JANUARY 1ST! So far 11 rooms have been booked and we are looking to fill the additional 9 rooms available.
Rooms can be booked directly through the Grand Geneva Resort via the provided phone number in the flyer or through the QR code / web link here - https://tinyurl.com/usx7zbpj
Please RSVP to Andriana Filippou (847-828-5888 / andrianagilroy@gmail.com) once you have booked your room and please fill out the RSVP form (see QR code in flyer) or click here - https://forms.gle/WKsJ9jMxLPnpWZVe9
If we reach capacity for the 20 room block you will still be able to book rooms at the regular rate.
If you choose to make your own accommodation arrangements that is fine please just let us know in the RSVP form and you are welcome to join in for the Friday evening dinner and talk as well as skiing at the resort the next day, Saturday.
Update on the Friday 1/13 dinner and talk at 7pm: It will be held at the Lake Como Clubhouse in Lake Geneva, WI (see flyer for address) We will be serving Lenten pasta for adults and pizza for children.
January 22 - 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.
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PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
A Blessed and Merry Christmas to all!
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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 January and February dates: January 15, 22, & 29, February 26
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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JANUARY WEEKDAY SERVICES
Thursday, January 5, 9:00 a.m. - Hours, Vesperal Liturgy and Blessing of Waters
+Eve of the Holy Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Friday, January 6 - 9:00 a.m., Orthros & Divine Liturgy - Great Blessing of Waters
+Holy Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Saturday, January 7, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Synaxis of St. John the Baptist and Forerunner
Tuesday, January 17, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Saint Anthony the Great
Wednesday, January 18, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Saints Athanasios and Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria
Monday, January 30, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Three Hierarchs
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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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A BLESSED AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS!!!
ΕΥΛΟΓΗΜΕΝΑ ΚΑΙ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ!!!
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Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago
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