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+Spyridon the Wonderworker of Trymithous - December 12
Spyridon, the God-bearing Father of the Church, the great defender of Corfu and the boast of all the Orthodox, had Cyprus as his homeland. He was simple in manner and humble of heart, and was a shepherd of sheep. When he was joined to a wife, he begat of her a daughter whom they named Irene. After his wife's departure from this life, he was appointed Bishop of Trimythus, and thus he became also a shepherd of rational sheep. When the First Ecumenical Council was assembled in Nicaea, he also was present, and by means of his most simple words stopped the mouths of the Arians who were wise in their own conceit. By the divine grace which dwelt in him, he wrought such great wonders that he received the surname 'Wonderworker." So it is that, having tended his flock piously and in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord about the year 350, leaving to his country his sacred relics as a consolation and source of healing for the faithful.
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Epistle Reading for the Day
St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11
BRETHREN, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away; anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.
Gospel Reading of the Day
The Gospel according to Luke 14:16-24
The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"
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Απόστολος της Ημέρας
Πρὸς Κολοσσαεῖς 3:4-11
Ἀδελφοί, ὅταν ὁ Χριστὸς φανερωθῇ, ἡ ζωὴ ἡμῶν, τότε καὶ ὑμεῖς σὺν αὐτῷ φανερωθήσεσθε ἐν δόξῃ. Νεκρώσατε οὖν τὰ μέλη ὑμῶν τὰ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, πορνείαν, ἀκαθαρσίαν, πάθος, ἐπιθυμίαν κακήν, καὶ τὴν πλεονεξίαν, ἥτις ἐστὶν εἰδωλολατρεία, διʼ ἃ ἔρχεται ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐπὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς τῆς ἀπειθείας· Ἐν οἷς καὶ ὑμεῖς περιεπατήσατέ ποτε, ὅτε ἐζῆτε ἐν αὐτοῖς. Νυνὶ δὲ ἀπόθεσθε καὶ ὑμεῖς τὰ πάντα, ὀργήν, θυμόν, κακίαν, βλασφημίαν, αἰσχρολογίαν ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ὑμῶν· μὴ ψεύδεσθε εἰς ἀλλήλους, ἀπεκδυσάμενοι τὸν παλαιὸν ἄνθρωπον σὺν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν νέον, τὸν ἀνακαινούμενον εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν κατʼ εἰκόνα τοῦ κτίσαντος αὐτόν· ὅπου οὐκ ἔνι Ἕλλην καὶ Ἰουδαῖος, περιτομὴ καὶ ἀκροβυστία, βάρβαρος, Σκύθης, δοῦλος, ἐλεύθερος· ἀλλὰ τὰ πάντα καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν Χριστός.
Ευαγγέλιον της Ήμέρας
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 14:16-24
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωπός τις ἐποίησε δεῖπνον μέγα καὶ ἐκάλεσε πολλούς· καὶ ἀπέστειλε τὸν δοῦλον αὐτοῦ τῇ ὥρᾳ τοῦ δείπνου εἰπεῖν τοῖς κεκλημένοις· ἔρχεσθε, ὅτι ἤδη ἕτοιμά ἐστι πάντα. καὶ ἤρξαντο ἀπὸ μιᾶς παραιτεῖσθαι πάντες. ὁ πρῶτος εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἀγρὸν ἠγόρασα, καὶ ἔχω ἀνάγκην ἐξελθεῖν καὶ ἰδεῖν αὐτόν· ἐρωτῶ σε, ἔχε με παρῃτημένον. καὶ ἕτερος εἶπε· ζεύγη βοῶν ἠγόρασα πέντε, καὶ πορεύομαι δοκιμάσαι αὐτά· ἐρωτῶ σε, ἔχε με παρῃτημένον. καὶ ἕτερος εἶπε· γυναῖκα ἔγημα, καὶ διὰ τοῦτο οὐ δύναμαι ἐλθεῖν. καὶ παραγενόμενος ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος ἀπήγγειλε τῷ κυρίῳ αὐτοῦ ταῦτα. τότε ὀργισθεὶς ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης εἶπε τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ· ἔξελθε ταχέως εἰς τὰς πλατείας καὶ ῥύμας τῆς πόλεως, καὶ τοὺς πτωχοὺς καὶ ἀναπήρους καὶ χωλοὺς καὶ τυφλοὺς εἰσάγαγε ὧδε. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ δοῦλος· κύριε, γέγονεν ὡς ἐπέταξας, καὶ ἔτι τόπος ἐστί. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ κύριος πρὸς τὸν δοῦλον· ἔξελθε εἰς τὰς ὁδοὺς καὶ φραγμοὺς καὶ ἀνάγκασον εἰσελθεῖν, ἵνα γεμισθῇ ὁ οἶκος μου. λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδεὶς τῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐκείνων τῶν κεκλημένων γεύσεταί μου τοῦ δείπνου. Πολλοί γὰρ εἰσιν κλητοί, ὀλίγοι δέ ἐκλεκτοί.
ΜΙΚΡΟΣ ΣΥΝΑΞΑΡΙΣΤΗΣ
+ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΟΣ ΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΥ ΤΡΙΜΥΘΟΥΝΤΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΘΑΥΜΑΤΟΥΡΓΟΥ -
12 Δεκεμβρίου - Ο άγιος Σπυρίδων είναι της Κύπρου το «πανθαύμαστον γέννημα» και της «Κερκύρκύρας τοκαύχημα». Από ποιμένα προβάτων το πνεύμα του Θεού τον κατέστησε ποιμένα λογικών προβάτων της αγίας ποίμνης του Χριστού. Η αγία και χριστοκήρυκτος ζωή του και τα πολλά θαύματα που επιτελεί, δίκαια του χαρίζουν τη προσωνυμία του Θαυματουργού. Ο Ποταμός των θαυμάτων: Η καθαρότητα του βίου του αγίου Σπυρίδωνα και η μεγάλη του αρετή, όχι μόνον έλαμπαν σε όλο τον κόσμο, αλλά έγιναν αιτία να δοξαστεί από τον ίδιο τον Θεό που έβλεπε στο πρόσωπό του το φιλόξενο Αβραάμ, τον γιατρό των τυφλών και των δαιμονιζομένων, τον ελεήμονα, τον ένθερμο υποστηρικτή των αδυνάτων, τον ακούραστο φιλάνθρωπο που έκανε τα πάντα για τους ανθρώπους.
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+Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΟΣ - 15 Δεκεμβρίου - Ο ΄Αγιος Ελευθέριος έφθασε μέχρι αίματος και μαρτυρίου. Επισφράγισε τη νεανική του δραστηριότητα υπέρ του Χριστού με τη θυσία της ζωής του. Το μαρτυρικό του τέλος ήλθε να πειστέψει μία ζωή, η οποία αναλώθηκε στο «μαρτύριον του Κυρίου ημών». Έδινε πάντοτε την καλή και έμπρακτη μαρτυρία περί του Σωτήρος Χριστού, και της εξαγιαστικής του δυνάμεως. Με το θάνατό του έλαβε το στέφανο διπλού μαρτυρίου.
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Η ΑΓΙΑ ΑΝΘΙΑ - 15 Δεκεμβρίου
Πρόκειται για την μητέρα του Αγίου Ελευθερίου, που όταν αγκάλιασε το νεκρό σώμα του γιου της, οι δήμιοι αποκεφάλισαν και αυτή.
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+Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΔΙΟΝΥΣΙΟΣ ο Νέος, ο Ζακυνθινός Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αιγίνης - 17 Δεκεμβρίου
Γόνος ευσεβέστατης και αρχοντικής οικογένειας της Ζακύνθου (πατρός Μωκίου Σηκούρου και Παυλίνας), ανατράφηκε απ' αυτή με τα διδάγματα του Ευαγγελίου. Έτσι γρήγορα διακρίθηκε στα γράμματα και την αρετή. Νωρίς,μόλις ενηλικιώθηκε,ασχολήθηκε με τη διδασκαλία του θείου λόγου,φροντίζοντας συγχρόνως να συντρέχει στην ανακούφιση των φτωχών. Κατόπιν έγινε μοναχός στη βασιλική Μονή των Στροφάδων,όπου ασκήθηκε στην αγρυπνία, την εγκράτεια και τη μελέτη των Γραφών. Έπειτα πήγε στην Αθήνα, για να βρεί καράβι προκειμένου να ταξιδέψει στα Ιεροσόλυμα. Αλλά ο τότε αρχιερέας των Αθηνών, άκουσε κάποια Κυριακή το λαμπρό του κήρυγμα και μετά από πολλές παρακλήσεις τον έκανε επίσκοπο Αιγίνης, με την επίσημη κατόπιν έγκριση της Εκκλησίας Κων/πολης. Τα ποιμαντικά του καθήκοντα, επετέλεσε άγρυπνα και άοκνα. Αναδείχτηκε διδάσκαλος, πα- τέρας και παιδαγωγός του ποιμνίου του. Η φήμη του είχε διαδοθεί παντού, αλλ' αυτός παρέμενε απλός και ταπεινός. Ασθένησε όμως από τους πολλούς κόπους και παραιτήθηκε. Γύρισε στη Ζάκυνθο, όπου μέχρι το 1579 ήταν προσωρινός επίσκοπος. Μετά αποσύρθηκε στη Μονή της Θεοτόκου της Αναφωνητρίας,όπου ασκήτευε και με αγάπη κήρυττε και βοηθούσε τους κατοίκους του νησιού. Ήταν τόση η αγάπη που είχε, ώστε προστάτεψε ακόμα και τον φονιά του αδελφού του. Ό Διονύσιος πέθανε σε βαθιά γεράματα, 17 Δεκεμβρίου 1624. Τάφηκε στη Μονή Στροφάδων και κατά την εκταφή το λείψανό του βγήκε ευωδιαστό και αδιάφθορο. Ετσι παραμένει μέχρι σήμερα και η Ζάκυνθος τιμά και πανηγυρίζει τον Άγιο, σαν προστάτη και πολιούχο της.
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READINGS FROM OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS | |
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The holy hierarch, Saint Dionysios, who was born and reared on Zakynthos, was the son of pious and wealthy parents, Mocius and Paulina by name. In his youth he entered the ancient monastery of the Strophada Islands, which lie south of Zakynthos, and there he donned the monastic habit. Later, he was appointed Archbishop of Aegina, and adorned its throne for a considerable time. Thereafter he returned to his homeland. One incident in his life especially reveals to what virtue he attained. A man came to him in desperation, witnessing that he had committed a murder, and was being pursued by the slain man's family. He asked Saint Dionysios to give him refuge. The Saint agreed to this, upon learning that it was his own brother whom the man had slain, he said nothing, but concealing the agony of his grief, hid him. When the Saint's kinsmen arrived at the monastery, he told them that the Murderer had gone by such and such a way. When they had departed, he admonished the man concerning the gravity of his sin, instructed him in repentance, and sent him off in peace having forgiven him his brother's murder. According to local tradition, this man later returned and became a monk at this same monastery. Saint Dionysios reposed in peace in 1621, leaving behind his sacred and incorrupt relics as a treasure for his fellow citizens. ~Commemorated on December 17
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“You cannot be too gentle, too kind. Shun even to appear harsh in your treatment of each other. Joy, radiant joy, streams from the face of one who gives and kindles joy in the heart of one who receives. All condemnation is from the devil. Never condemn each other, not even those whom you catch committing an evil deed. We condemn others only because we shun knowing ourselves. When we gaze at our own failings, we see such a morass of filth that nothing in another can equal it. That is why we turn away, and make much of the faults of others. Keep away
from the spilling of speech. Instead of condemning others, strive to reach inner peace. Keep silent, refrain from judgement. This will raise you above the deadly arrows of slander, insult, outrage, and will shield your glowing hearts against the evil that creeps around.” +Saint Seraphim of Sarov
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“What does our Christ instruct us to do? Meditate on our sins, on death, on hell, on paradise, and on our soul, which is more precious than the entire world. We are to eat and drink moderately, similarly, to clothe ourselves moderately, and to use the remaining time for our soul-to make it a bride for our Christ. And then we can call ourselves human beings and earthly angels. But if we concern ourselves with what we shall eat and what we shall drink, how we shall commit sin, how to dress up this stinking body which tomorrow will be eaten by worms, and do not concern ourselves about our soul which is eternal, then we can’t be called human beings, but animals. So make your body a servant of the soul, and then you can call Yourselves human beings.” +Saint Kosmas of Aetolia
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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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GIFT OF LIGHT
This week’s Gift of Light is given by an Anonymous Donor for their health and well-being.
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+SAINT EUPHROSYNOS KITCHEN MEAL
Following the Divine Liturgy, preparation, and delivery of meals to our homebound parishioners. If you would like to volunteer or if you know someone who can benefit from this ministry, please contact the church office at: 773-626-3114.
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 12, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker of Trymithous
Tuesday, December 13, 11:30 a.m. - Philoptochos Feed the Hungry at
Annunciation Cathedral
Thursday, December 15 - 6:00 p.m. - Annual YAL Christmas Party at Gulliver’s Pizza,
17W517 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Saturday, December 17, 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - YAL Gathering at Fr. Apostolos’ Home
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 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 $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 13 & 14 - Family Ski Trip *Grand Geneva Resort, Lake Geneva, WI* Deadline for discounted room rates is December 19. See insert for more information.
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
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. Pick up on Sunday, December 18th after Liturgy in Plato Hall.
Feed the Hungry Donations – Warm gloves or a bag of individually wrapped pieces of 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 January and February dates: January 15, 22, & 29, February 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 12, 9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker
Friday, December 23, 9:00 a.m. - Service of the Great Hours
+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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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 Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all! |
Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago
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