|
THE ELEVATION OF THE VENERABLE AND LIFE-GIVING CROSS – SEPT. 14
Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place.
Epistle Reading of the Day
St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18
Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Gospel Reading for the Day
John 3:13-17
The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him."
Απόστολος της Ημέρας
Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18
Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.
Ευαγγέλιον της Ήμέρας
Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ.
ΑΓΙΟΛΟΓΙΟ ΚΑΙ ΕΟΡΤΕΣ
΄Υψωσις Τιμίου Σταυρού - 14 Σεπτεμβρίου
Το έτος 326 μ.Χ. η Αγία Ελένη πήγε στην Ιερουσαλήμ, για να προσκυνήσει και να ευχαριστήσει το Θεό για τα κατορθώματα του γιού της, του Μ. Κωνσταντίνου. Ύστερα από εντολή του γιού της, η Αγία Ελένη άρχισε να αναζητεί τον πραγματικό Σταυρό του Θεανθρώπου. Κατά την πρώτη ανασκαφική έρευνα, σύμφωνα με την ιστορία, βρέθηκε ο Σταυρός του Κυρίου, που ήταν σκεπασμένος από ειδωλολατρικό ναό. Η χαρά και η αγαλλίαση της Ελένης ήταν μεγάλες. Ο τότε Πατριάρχης Ιερουσολύμων, Μακάριος για να ικανοποιήσει την επιθυμία των πιστών, ύψωσε με τα δύο του χέρια τον Τίμιο Σταυρό. Ο Σταυρός υψώθηκε και για δεύτερη φορά στην Κωνσταντινούπολη το 628 μ.Χ..Τότε ήταν που ο αυτοκράτορας Ηράκλειος επέστρεψε νικητής απο τον πόλεμο εναντίων των Περσών, οι οποίοι είχαν λεηλατήσει την Παλαιστίνη και είχαν πάρει στην χώρα τους το Σταυρό.
Ο Σταυρός του Κυρίου δεν είναι μόνο το ιερό μας έμβλημα, το ιερό σύμβολο της χριστιανικής μας πίστης! Είναι προπάντων το θυσιαστήριο, μέσω του οποίου πληρώθηκε «το λύτρον αντί πολλών» και εξαγοράσθηκε το ανθρώπινο γένος απο τη δουλεία της αμαρτίας και των συνεπειών αυτής. Ο Απόστολος Παύλος με δυό λέξεις εκφράζει τη μεγάλη αυτή αλήθεια: «ηγοράσθητε τιμής». Έχετε εξαγορασθεί με το αίμα, με τη θυσία, με το Σταυρό του Σωτήρος
Χριστού. Ο Σταυρός του Κυρίου υπενθυμίζει σε όλον τον κόσμο και σε εμάς ότι, όταν διαλέξουμε το Σταυρό, ώς τρόπο της ζωής μας, ώς πολίτευμα του εκκλησιαστικού μας βίου, τότε έχουμε και την Ανάσταση. Τότε έχουμε την αληθινή μας ελευθερία, την αληθινή αναύπασή μας μέσα στην αγάπη του Θεού και την αγάπη των αδελφών μας, την αληθινή ειρήνη της ψυχής. - Το Αήττητο Τρόπαιο! Ο Σταυρός του Βασιλέως της δόξης. Για εμάς τους Χριστιανούς δεν είναι το ξύλον της κατάρας, αλλά ο θρόνος της δόξης του Χριστού, δεν είναι το επαίσχυντον τέλος του βίου του Ιησού, αλλά η θύρα προς την ένδοξον ανάστασίν Του.
Δια τούτο η Εκκλησία ψάλλουσα, πρσκυνεί τον Σταυρόν και δοξάζει την ανάστασιν: «Τον Σταυρό Σου προσκυνούμεν Δέσποτα και την αγίαν Σου Ανάστασιν δοξάζομεν – Σταυρός,
ο φύλαξ πάσης της οικουμένης! Σταυρός, η ωραιότης της Εκκλησίας». Γι’ αυτό σήμερα που εορτάζομε την εύρεση του Τιμίου Σταυρού στα Ιεροσόλημα απο την Αγία Ελένη και την ύψωσή Του στον άμβωνα της Εκκλησίας για να τον δεί ο λαός. Ήταν το όργανο θανατικής εκτελέσεως των κακούργων και των ατίμων, ξύλο καταισχύνης και κατάρας. Από τότε όμως που επάνω σε αυτόν πέθανε ο αναμάρτητος Σωτήρας του κόσμου, ο Σταυρός έγινε«τίμιον ξύλο» . Στολίζει τα στέμματα των χριστιανών Βασιλέων και παντού είναι το φυλακτό και το στολίδι των χριστιανών.
READINGS OF OUR ORTHODOX SAINTS
| |
|
Saints Menodora, Metrodora, & Nymphodora the Martyrs - September 10.
These Martyrs, sisters according to the flesh, were from Bithynia. They lived in virginity on a mountain near the Pythian hot springs of Bithynia, devoting themselves to asceticism and prayer. Betrayed to the local governor, Fronto, they were subjected to frightful tortures, and so gave up their holy souls into the hands of God. They contested for the Faith during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304.
| |
 | |
Saint Euphrosynos the Cook - September 11
Saint Euphrosynos the Cook was a monk who lived in Alexandria during the ninth century. He worked in the kitchen of the monastery, prepared the food and serving his fellow brethren while praying and fasting. Obedience and patience were his strongest virtues, as he endured disapproval and many reproachments from his fellow brethren without ever complaining.
There is one incident in the life of this humble monk that made him known: The Elder monk of the monastery prayed to the Lord to show the Elder the blessings prepared for the righteous in the age to come. In what the Elder thought was a dream, he saw with fear and joy the mystifying beauties of Paradise along with an image of a monk of his monastery, the cook Euphrosynos next to a tree bearing luscious apples. In the vision, the Elder monk asked the cook how he came to be there and if the cook would give him three of the apples from the surrounding beauty of Paradise. Euphrosynos the cook replied that he was in Paradise through the great mercy of God, picked three apples, wrapped them in a cloth and handed them to the Elder.
When the Elder monk awoke in the morning, he found next to him the three apples of Paradise wrapped in the cloth, emitting a splendid aroma. He sought out Euphrosynos in the monastery and asked him to reply under oath where he was the night before. The cook replied that he was where the Elder monk also was. Then the cook continued that the Lord, in fulfilling the prayer of the Elder, had shown him Paradise and had bestowed the fruit of Paradise through him, "the lowly and unworthy servant of God, Euphrosynos."
Later in the day, the Elder monk gathered the brethren of the monastery and revealed everything he had experienced, describing the spiritual heights of Euphrosynos in pleasing God. Deeply remorseful but also impressed, the monks ran to the kitchen to pay respect to Saint Euphrosynos only to find that he was gone. The apples were kept and distributed for blessing and for the healing of the sick.
| |
|
Saint Theodora the Martyr of Alexandria - September 11
This saint lived in the fifth century. Out of remorse for the adultery that she committed with another man, she fled from her husband's house, renamed herself Theodore, clothed herself as a man, and pretending to be a eunuch, entered a monastery of men. Her identity as a woman was discovered only after her death.
| |
|
Prayers for: Panagioti, Kathy, Madalyn, Petros, Elaine, Kristine, Jon, Steve, Anastasia, Kathryn, Demetri, Andrea, Elaine, James, William, Anastasios, Polyxeni, 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
| | |
|
MEMORIAL
40 days for the late Dimitrios Mantis
May his memory be eternal!
COFFEE HOUR - SUNDAY SCHOOL FIESTA
Please join us during coffee hour for a Sunday School Fiesta following the Divine Liturgy in Plato Hall. The Sunday Church School year begins today, September 10. Divine Liturgy will take place in St. Catherine's Chapel, followed by Taco Bout a welcome back! It’s a Sunday School Fiesta in Plato Hall! Don’t forget to sign up your children for Sunday School! Welcome back to our teachers and students!
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK:
Tuesday, September 12 - 9:00 a.m. Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Apodosis (Leave Taking) of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Thursday, September 14 - 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+The Elevation of The Holy Cross
Saturday, September 16 - Austin Community Meal
VASILIKO (Βασιλικό) FOR THE +EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
On Thursday, September 14 the service for the +Exaltation of The Holy Cross will be held. We are asking for parishioners to please bring vasiliko for the day of the service.
Με βαθύ σεβασμό και αίσθημα ευγνωμοσύνης θα θέλαμε να παρακαλέσουμε όλους τους πιστούς να συμβάλουν φέρνοντας έναν βασιλικό στην Εκκλησία για την ημέρα του εορτασμού της υψώσεως του Σταυρού.
|  | |
|
YOUNG ADULTS
Hello Young Adults (18-35yrs old)! We firstly would like to collect all Young Adult contact information for communication purposes! Parents of Young Adults are encouraged to help submit their child’s contact information too. We will also be having our kick-off meeting on Sunday, October 1 in St. Catherine’s Hall at our Kafeneio Table. We will be enjoying Greek coffees and sweets and will speak about this year’s events and plans together.
Please submit your contact information to george@assumptionchicago.org or office@assumptionchicago.org or call the Church Office: 773.626.3114.
To our College Students
The vision of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is to be the loving presence of Christ and the Orthodox Church on college campuses; to be an integral part of students’ spiritual formation by challenging them to explore the Faith; and to inspire students to commit to living an Orthodox Christian way of life daily. Through national programs, weekend retreats, virtual gatherings, and over 250 on-campus chapters, OCF is an invitation to thrive during your time in school. Orthodox Christian Fellowship offers college students rich community in Christ, inspiring a life-long love of God and neighbor. To get connected, visit ocf.net/get-connected
GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO DIVE FOR THE CROSS
‘Metropolis of Chicago Dive for the Cross and BBQ’ that will be held on Saturday, September 16th, at Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church (Chicago, IL), from 10:30am – 1:30pm. All parishes are encouraged to bring their JOY, JR. GOYA, GOYA, Sunday and Greek School children, and YAL/OCF to participate in the blessing of the waters of Lake Michigan, followed by the Holy Cross thrown into the Lake for the Youth of our Holy Metropolis of Chicago to retrieve. Prizes will be awarded for each group, followed by a BBQ lunch at Saint Andrew’s. You are asked to RSVP no later than September 12th to get a count for food. For reservations, please contact church office at (773) 626-3114.
GIFT OF LIGHT
Please give the “Gift of Light” to Assumption Panagia’s Church. We need a family or an individual, to sponsor, per week, the lighting of our vigil lamps and candles in both of our holy Altars of Panagia and Saint Catherine. This includes the daily lighting of both of our Holy Altars throughout the week. Suggested donation for this ministry is $100.00. Through our Church’s Website, sign up can be made through our Tithe.ly platform. simply click on the big green GIVE button, request your week and make your donation.
There are many weeks available. Please contact the church office to sponsor a week for the health and well-being of your family or in loving memory of a loved one.
ASSUMPTION PANAGIA BOOKSTORE
Please visit our Religious Bookstore! Not only do we have beautiful Icons for your home and to give as gifts, we also have books for all ages, baby’s bibs for baptisms and much more! Our bookstore is open following the Divine Liturgy on Sundays in Plato Hall.
2023 STEWARDSHIP
Thank you to all who have sent in their Stewardship for 2023! If you haven’t done so already, please pick up a Stewardship packet. Packets are available at the Pangari 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 in the enclosed envelope. Thank you for supporting our beautiful parish of Panagia!
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.
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.
View Parish Calendar
| |
|
PHILOPTHOCHOS CORNER
A couple of weeks away! Please join us for The Annual Metropolis of Chicago Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Luncheon - Saturday, September 23, Concorde Banquets, Kildeer – Fellowship Hour 11:00 a.m. – Lunch 12:00 p.m.
Tickets $60.00. If you wish to attend and be seated at the Assumption table, please contact Jeanne Jurasek (630-399-6244) and submit your payment (262 S. Linden Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126) as soon as possible.
Agiasmo and General Meeting – Sunday, September 17 after Church in St. Catherine’s meeting Room. Please attend for an Ecclesiastical New Year blessing and to learn about upcoming events. The Philoptochos Calendar is available on the Pangari.
OCTOBER SCHEDULE OF WEEKDAY SERVICES:
Friday, October 20 - 9:00 a.m., Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Saint Artemios the Great Martyr and +Saint Gerasimos of Cephalonia
Saturday, October 28 - 9:00 a.m., Orthros and Divine Liturgy
+Holy Protection of the Holy Theotokos
| |
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 in September and October: September 17 & 24 and October 1, 8, 22 & 29
Thank you to our beloved parishioners and friends of Assumption Panagia for your continued love and support!
| | |
|
UPCOMING 2023 EVENTS
Saturday, September 16 - 12:30 a.m., Austin Community Meal in Plato Hall.
Sunday, September 17 - 12:00 p.m., Saint Euphrosynos Kitchen Meal. Please contact the church office if you would like to volunteer or if you know of someone in need of this ministry.
Monday, September 18 - 6:30 p.m., Join us for Orthodox Studies. We will be meeting in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room. The study on the Beatitudes will be presented by Father Apostolos. Coffee and sweets will be offered.
Friday, September 22 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Family Night at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523. Join us for some food, fellowship, spiritual talk with George Demas and Father Apostolos and play some basketball and games. Please reserve to: office@assumptionchicago.org or contact the church office. All youth, people and families are welcome!
Monday, September 25 - 12:00 p.m., Tenderhearted Ministry for seniors ages 65 and over. Join us in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room for lunch and a small presentation. Call church office for reservations.
Sunday, October 1 - 12:00 p.m., YAL Kafenio Kick-off Meeting (Young Adults ages 18-35) in Saint Catherine’s Meeting Room. Join us for Greek coffees and sweets as we discuss and plan this year’s upcoming events.
Friday, October 13 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Family Night at Oak Brook Park District, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523.
Saturday, October 14 - 12:30 a.m., Austin Community Meal in Plato Hall.
Saturday, October 14 - 5:00 p.m., Harvest Day and Trivia Night
Sunday, October 15 - 12:00 p.m., Saint Euphrosynos Kitchen Meal.
Saturday, October 28 - 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Community Fall Fest and Pumpkin Patch.
Sunday, October 29 - 6:00 p.m., Grand Raffle Dinner Celebration at Venuti’s Italian Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 2251 W. Lake Street, Addison, IL 60101. You may purchase tickets during the week, by contacting the church office at: (773) 626-3114. Tickets are also available every Sunday during the coffee hour in Plato Hall. Please see flyer for additional details.
| |
|
A BLESSED WEEK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!!
|
Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago
| | | | |
