Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Bulletin

ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

601 South Central Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60644

Main: 773-626-3114

Email: office@assumptionchicago.org

Website: assumptionchicago.org

Father Apostolos N. Georgiafentis - Protopresbyter

Mr. George Demas - Pastoral Assistant

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2022

13TH SUNDAY OF LUKE

READINGS AND PRAYERS

Saint Andrew the First - Called Apostle - November 30

This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew.

Epistle Reading for the Day

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:14-22

Brethren, Christ is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Gospel Reading of the Day

The Gospel according to Luke18:18-27

At that time, a ruler came to Jesus and asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.' " And he said, "All these I have observed from my youth." And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." But when he heard this he became sad, for he was very rich. Jesus looking at him said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?" But he said, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Απόστολος της Ημέρας

Πρὸς Ἐφεσίους 2:14-22 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα

Ἀδελφοί, Χριστός ἐστιν ἡ εἰρήνη ἡμῶν, ὁ ποιήσας τὰ ἀμφότερα ἕν, καὶ τὸ μεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγμοῦ λύσας, τήν ἔχθραν ἐν τῇ σαρκί αὐτοῦ, τὸν νόμον τῶν ἐντολῶν ἐν δόγμασιν, καταργήσας· ἵνα τοὺς δύο κτίσῃ ἐν ἑαὐτῷ εἰς ἕνα καινὸν ἄνθρωπον, ποιῶν εἰρήνην, καὶ ἀποκαταλλάξῃ τοὺς ἀμφοτέρους ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι τῷ θεῷ διὰ τοῦ σταυροῦ, ἀποκτείνας τὴν ἔχθραν ἐν αὐτῷ· καὶ ἐλθὼν εὐηγγελίσατο εἰρήνην ὑμῖν τοῖς μακρὰν καὶ τοῖς ἐγγύς· ὅτι διʼ αὐτοῦ ἔχομεν τὴν προσαγωγὴν οἱ ἀμφότεροι ἐν ἑνὶ πνεύματι πρὸς τὸν πατέρα. Ἄρα οὖν οὐκέτι ἐστὲ ξένοι καὶ πάροικοι, ἀλλὰ συμπολῖται τῶν ἁγίων καὶ οἰκεῖοι τοῦ θεοῦ, ἐποικοδομηθέντες ἐπὶ τῷ θεμελίῳ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ προφητῶν, ὄντος ἀκρογωνιαίου αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἐν ᾧ πᾶσα οἰκοδομὴ συναρμολογουμένη αὔξει εἰς ναὸν ἅγιον ἐν κυρίῳ, ἐν ᾧ καὶ ὑμεῖς συνοικοδομεῖσθε εἰς κατοικητήριον τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν πνεύματι.

Ευαγγέλιον της Ήμέρας

Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 18:18-27

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄρχων λέγων· διδάσκαλε ἀγαθέ, τί ποιήσας ζωὴν αἰώνιον κληρονομήσω; εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· τί με λέγεις ἀγαθόν; οὐδεὶς ἀγαθὸς εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός. τὰς ἐντολὰς οἶδας· μὴ μοιχεύσῃς, μὴ φονεύσῃς, μὴ κλέψῃς, μὴ ψευδομαρτυρήσῃς, τίμα τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ τὴν μητέρα σου. ὁ δὲ εἶπε· ταῦτα πάντα ἐφυλαξάμην ἐκ νεότητός μου. ἀκούσας δὲ ταῦτα ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἔτι ἕν σοι λείπει· πάντα ὅσα ἔχεις πώλησον καὶ διάδος πτωχοῖς, καὶ ἕξεις θησαυρὸν ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ δεῦρο ἀκολούθει μοι. ὁ δὲ ἀκούσας ταῦτα περίλυπος ἐγένετο· ἦν γὰρ πλούσιος σφόδρα. ἰδὼν δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς περίλυπον γενόμενον εἶπε· πῶς δυσκόλως οἱ τὰ χρήματα ἔχοντες εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ! εὐκοπώτερον γάρ ἐστι κάμηλον διὰ τρυμαλιᾶς ῥαφίδος εἰσελθεῖν ἢ πλούσιον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν. εἶπον δὲ οἱ ἀκούσαντες· καὶ τίς δύναται σωθῆναι; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· τὰ ἀδύνατα παρὰ ἀνθρώποις δυνατὰ παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ ἐστιν.

ΜΙΚΡΟΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ

O AΓΙΟΣ ΑΝΔΡΕΑΣ ο Απόστολος, ο Πρωτίκλητος - (30 Νεοεμβρίου). Ο Ανδρέας, ψαράς το επάγ- γελμα και αδελφός του Αποστόλου Πέτρου, ήταν από τη Βηθσαϊδά της Γαλιλαίας. Επειδή κλήθηκε απο τον Κύριο πρώτος στην ομάδα των μαθητών, ονομάσθηκε πρωτόκλητος. Η ιστορία της ζωής του Ανδρέα μέχρι τη Σταύρωση, την Ανάσταση και την Ανάληψη του Κυρίου,υπήρξε σχεδόν ίδια με εκείνη των άλλων μαθητών. Μετά το σχηματισμό της πρώτης Εκκλησίας, ο Ανδρέας κήρυξε στη Βυθυνία Eύξεινο Πόντο, Θράκη, Μακεδονία και Ήπειρο. Τελικά κατέληξε στην Αχαϊα. Εκεί η διδασκαλία του καρποφόρησε, με τις προσευχές του θεράπευσε θαυματουργικά πολλούς ασθενείς. Ετσι η χριστιανι- κή αλήθεια ειχε μεγάλες κατακτήσεις στο λαό της Πάτυρας. Ακόμα και η Μαξιμίλλα,σύζυγος του αν- θυπάτου Αχαϊας Αγεάτου, αφου τη θεράπευσε ο Απόστολος απο τη βαρειά αρρώστια που είχε, πίσ- τεψε στο Χριστό. Το γεγονός εκνεύρισε τον ανθύπατο, και με την παρότρυνση των ειδωλολατρών ιε- ρέων συνέλαβε τον Ανδρέα και τον σταύρωσε σε σχήμα Χ.. ‘Ετσι ο Απόστολος Ανδρέας παρέστησε τον εαυτό του στο Θεό «δόκιμον εργάτην». Δηλαδή δοκιμασμένο και τέλειο εργάτη του Ευαγγελίου Το λείψανό του έθαψε με ευλάβεια ο πρώτος επίσκοπος Πατρών Στρατοκλής.

SAYINGS FROM OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS

“It is a great art to succeed in having your soul sanctified. A person can become a saint anywhere. He can become a saint in Omonia Square*, if he wants. At your work, whatever it may be, you can become a saint through meekness, patience, and love. Make a new start every day, with new resolution, with enthusiasm and love, prayer and silence - not with anxiety so that you get a pain in the chest.” +Saint Porphyrios

+Saint James the Great Martyr of Persia - November 27

This Saint was from the city of Bythlaba and was of noble birth; he was the closest and most honoured friend of Isdiger (or Yazdegerd) I, King of Persia (reigned 399-420). Though a Christian from his youth, James renounced Christ because he was allured by the King's friendship and flatteries. When his mother and his wife learned of this, they declared to him by letter that they would have nothing more to do with him, since he had preferred a glory that is temporal to the love of Christ. Wounded in soul by these words and coming to himself, the Saint wept over his error, and repudiated the worship of the idols. Therefore, becoming exceedingly wroth, the King - this was Bahram (or Varahran) V (reigned 421-438), Isdiger's son and successor - condemned him to a most bitter death, the likes of which not even a brute beast was ever condemned to: that is, his body was dismembered at every joint of his arms and legs. And so, when he had been cut asunder limb by limb to his very hips and shoulders, the courageous Martyr was finally beheaded, in the year 421.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Prayers for: 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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This week’s Gift of Light is given for the health and well-being of Mariana Oana.

MEMORIALS

1 year for the late Theodoros A. Maniatis

15 years for the late Nick Mestousis

May their memory be eternal!

COFFEE HOUR

Thank you to The Mestousis Family for sponsoring today’s coffee hour in loving memory of Nick Mestousis. May God rest his soul and may his memory be eternal.

Today is Stewardship Sunday. Presentations to be made following the Divine Liturgy.

What is Christian Stewardship?

Christian Stewardship is about becoming good caretakers of all that God has given us. God has given each of us special and unique gifts. And through Holy Scripture He teaches us all that we have is a loan. He lends everything to us, and reminds us that one day He will ask us to give a detailed accounting of what we have done with the gifts He has given us. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania has noted that “we find ourselves by offering ourselves.” Have we learned the blessedness of generously giving to others of all we have?

One day, a person complained to his priest that the Church and Christianity is one continual “give, give, give.” To which the priest replied, “Thank you very much for the finest definition of Christianity I have ever heard. You’re right, Christianity is all about a constant “give, give, give.” God giving His only Son to the world to show His unconditional love. His Son Jesus giving His life on the cross to forgive our sins and destroy death. Then our Lord’s disciples giving all they had to make sure God’s Good News of love was preached to all people everywhere. They not only gave away their homes and businesses, but even gave up their lives as martyrs in gratitude to God!

Seeing the world as God’s gift…

Through Holy Communion, we are drawn out of ourselves and embrace the mission of our parish. We carry the fire of God’s love within us with the power to renew all things. When we understand the true meaning of the Holy Eucharist, we bridge the gap between liturgy and life, between the love of Jesus on cross and our daily lives, between our beautiful theology and practical stewardship. As Eucharistic Orthodox Christians, we see the world as God’s gift. We offer the world back to God in thanksgiving with the words, “Thine own of Thine own we offer to Thee….”

“I don’t get anything out of Church.”

How many times have you heard people say, “I don’t get anything out of liturgy”? The truth is that we don’t come to church to get something, but to give ourselves – our whole being --- to God. We have to give ourselves as an offering to God and what we get in return is the presence of Jesus Christ within us. As we come to know Jesus this way, we are drawn into the communion of the Church.

SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK:

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK:

Monday, November 28, 12:00 p.m. - Tenderhearted Ministry (seniors 65 and over) -Please join us in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room. Presentation by Maria Delis, RD, LDN who is a Registered Dietician and will speak to us about important nutritional facts.

Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy

+Saint Porphyrios

Saturday, December 3, 12:00 p.m. - Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon at Greek Islands in Lombard, IL

3:00 p.m. - Santa Letter Writing - Meet in Plato Hall and then join us immediately following for the tree lighting.

5:00 p.m. - Deck the Hall and Christmas Tree Lighting

View Parish Calendar

PARISH MINISTRIES AND EVENTS

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 2022 EVENTS:

Please see your inserts for more information.

December 3 - 12:00 p.m. - Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon at Greek Islands in Lombard

3:00 p.m. - YAL Santa Letter Writing - Meet in Plato Hall and then join us immediately following for the tree lighting. RSVP to Katherine at: kcelik3@yahoo.com or 847-208-6013. Anyone else who would like to volunteer to write letters on behalf of Santa please contact Christina Arvanties at: arvanites795@gmail.com

5:00 p.m. - Deck the Hall and Christmas Tree Lighting

December 9 - GOYA LOCK-IN (Grades 6-12) - Partnered with and hosted by St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago. Begins at 7:00 p.m. and ends December 10 at 8:00 a.m.

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 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 Christmas Bake Sale

January 13 & 14 - Family Ski Trip *Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, WI* See insert for more information

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

Christmas Luncheon Saturday, December 3rd, - Greek Islands, Lombard - Reservations are needed by Sunday, November 27th See the enclosed flyer for details. All are invited for an afternoon of fellowship and merriment! Please bring a bag of individually wrapped candy for the December Feed the Hungry goodie bags.

Christmas Bake Sale, Sunday December 18^th – See the form enclosed to order your favorite holiday sweets! Numerous ways to order and pay!

Donations for Feed the Hungry, December 13^th – We need 110 pairs warm unisex gloves. A bag of individually wrapped candy would also be appreciated. Collection box in St. Catherine’s narthex.

Warm wishes to those who celebrated their Names Day on the Feast of Saint Catherine. Chronia Polla!

Thank you for your continued support of our fund-raising activities!

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

*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!

DECEMBER WEEKDAY SERVICES

Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy

+Saint Porphyrios

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, 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

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.”

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.

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.

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

December 18 - Annual Christmas Pageant