ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
601 South Central Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60644
Main: 773-626-3114
Fax: 773-626-3141
Father Apostolos N. Georgiafentis – Protopresbyter
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022 - ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 30 ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΥ 2022
Των Μεγάλων Ιεραρχών και Οικουμενικών Διδασκάλων,
Βασιλείου του Μεγάλου, Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου και Ιωάννου του Χρυσοστόμου
The Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and
St. John Chrysostom
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+The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior
into the Temple - Feb. 2
When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.
THE THREE HIERARCHS - JANUARY 30
This common feast of these three teachers was instituted a little before the year 1100, during the reign of the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus, because of a dispute and strife that arose among the notable and virtuous men of that time. Some of them preferred Basil, while others preferred Gregory, and yet others preferred John Chrysostom, quarreling among themselves over which of the three was the greatest. Furthermore, each party, in order to distinguish itself from the others, assumed the name of its preferred Saint; hence, they called themselves Basilians, Gregorians, or Johannites. Desiring to bring an end to the contention, the three Saints appeared together to the saintly John Mavropous, a monk who had been ordained Bishop of Euchaita, a city of Asia Minor, they revealed to him that the glory they have at the throne of God is equal, and told him to compose a common service for the three of them, which he did with great skill and beauty. Saint John of Euchaita (celebrated Oct. 5) is also the composer of the Canon to the Guardian Angel, the Protector of a Man's Life. In his old age, he retired from his episcopal see and again took up the monastic life in a monastery in Constantinople.
Epistle Reading for the Day
The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 13:7-16
Brethren, remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God; consider the outcome of their lives, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is well that the heart be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited their adherents. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go forth to him outside the camp and bear the abuse he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Gospel Reading for the Day
The Gospel According to Matthew 5:14-19
The Lord said to his disciples, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
Απόστολος της Ημέρας
Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 13:7-16 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα
Ἀδελφοί, μνημονεύετε τῶν ἡγουμένων ὑμῶν, οἵτινες ἐλάλησαν ὑμῖν τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ· ὧν ἀναθεωροῦντες τὴν ἔκβασιν τῆς ἀναστροφῆς, μιμεῖσθε τὴν πίστιν. Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς χθὲς καὶ σήμερον ὁ αὐτός, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Διδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις μὴ παραφέρεσθε· καλὸν γὰρ χάριτι βεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν, οὐ βρώμασιν, ἐν οἷς οὐκ ὠφελήθησαν οἱ περιπατήσαντες. Ἔχομεν θυσιαστήριον, ἐξ οὗ φαγεῖν οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν οἱ τῇ σκηνῇ λατρεύοντες. Ὧν γὰρ εἰσφέρεται ζῴων τὸ αἷμα περὶ ἁμαρτίας εἰς τὰ ἅγια διὰ τοῦ ἀρχιερέως, τούτων τὰ σώματα κατακαίεται ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς. Διὸ καὶ Ἰησοῦς, ἵνα ἁγιάσῃ διὰ τοῦ ἰδίου αἵματος τὸν λαόν, ἔξω τῆς πύλης ἔπαθεν. Τοίνυν ἐξερχώμεθα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς, τὸν ὀνειδισμὸν αὐτοῦ φέροντες. Οὐ γὰρ ἔχομεν ὧδε μένουσαν πόλιν, ἀλλὰ τὴν μέλλουσαν ἐπιζητοῦμεν. Διʼ αὐτοῦ οὖν ἀναφέρωμεν θυσίαν αἰνέσεως διὰ παντὸς τῷ θεῷ, τοῦτʼ ἔστιν, καρπὸν χειλέων ὁμολογούντων τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ. Τῆς δὲ εὐποιΐας καὶ κοινωνίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε· τοιαύταις γὰρ θυσίαις εὐαρεστεῖται ὁ θεός.
Ευαγγέλιον της Ήμέρας
Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 5:14-19 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα
Εἶπεν ὁ Κὐριος τοῖς ἑαυτοῦ μαθηταῖς· ῾Υμεῖς ἐστε τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσμου. οὐ δύναται πόλις κρυβῆναι ἐπάνω ὄρους κειμένη· οὐδὲ καίουσι λύχνον καὶ τιθέασι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον, ἀλλ᾿ ἐπὶ τὴν λυχνίαν, καὶ λάμπει πᾶσι τοῖς ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ. οὕτω λαμψάτω τὸ φῶς ὑμῶν ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὅπως ἴδωσιν ὑμῶν τὰ καλὰ ἔργα καὶ δοξάσωσι τὸν πατέρα ὑμῶν τὸν ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς. Μὴ νομίσητε ὅτι ἦλθον καταλῦσαι τὸν νόμον ἢ τοὺς προφήτας· οὐκ ἦλθον καταλῦσαι, ἀλλὰ πληρῶσαι. ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν, ἕως ἂν παρέλθῃ ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ, ἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κεραία οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου ἕως ἂν πάντα γένηται. ὃς ἐὰν οὖν λύσῃ μίαν τῶν ἐντολῶν τούτων τῶν ἐλαχίστων καὶ διδάξῃ οὕτω τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, ἐλάχιστος κληθήσεται ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ποιήσῃ καὶ διδάξῃ, οὗτος μέγας κληθήσεται ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν.
Η ΥΠΑΠΑΝΤΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΟΥ - 2 Φεβρουαρίου - Μία απο τις Δεσποτικές εορτές της Εκκλησίας,τις εορτές τις αφιερωμένες στο Δεσπότη Χριστό, είναι και η εορτή της Υπαπαντής.Ο Ευαγγελιστής Λουκάς περιγράφει τα περιστατικά του καθαρισμού της Παναγίας σαράντα ημέρες μετά τη θεία Γέννηση και της αφιερώσεως του Ιησού στο Θεό «κατά το νόμο του Μωυσέως» Ούτε το ένα, ούτε το άλλο ήταν ανάγκη να γίνει. Τι να καθαρισθή η πανάχραντη Θεοτόκος; Και σε ποιόν να αφιερωθή ο Θεός;όμως γίνονται και τα δύο.Συμορφώθηκε ο Ιησούς Χριστός προς το νόμο και υπεβλήθηκε η Παναγία στις διατάξεις του καθαρισμού για να φανεί πώς όλοι, χωρίς εξαίρεση οφείλουν να εκτελούν με ταπεινό φρόνημα ό,τι ορίζει η Εκκλησία μας.
Meditation:
...Send your treasures to the heavenly storage room. Deposit your wealth in God’s Bank, distributing to the poor, the orphans and the widows, so that you can receive a million times more in the Second coming of Christ… +Saint Joseph the Hesychast
COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST - Prayers for: Polyxeni, Julia, Helen, Peter, Sophia, Alexandra, Marina, Christos, Reem, Athanasia, Terry, Becky, Salem, Mantia, Georgia, Vicki, Maria, Vasilios, Nektaria, John, Violet, Cynthis, Fr. Jon-Stephen Hedges, Evangelos, William, Momcilo, Jill, Panagiotis, Vasiliki, Elizabeth, Panagiota, Betty, Dimitri, Alexander, Vasiliki, Eleni, Panagiotis, George, Thomas, Nicholas, Sophia, Susan, Mary Lou, Mehmet.
O 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
Anastasios, Joanne, Alexandra and George Stamatis.
MEMORIALS
1 year for the late Dimitrios Tsiribas
1 year for the late Dena (Konstandina) Zarkos
May their memory be eternal!
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
10:30 a.m. - Agiasmos Service
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2
+Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple
9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy
ASSUMPTION PANAGIA NEWLY ELECTED PARISH COUNCIL
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago has ratified the election results for our 2022-2023 Parish Council. The Parish Council Elections took place on December 12, 2021. We congratulate the elected members and thank them for their time and efforts in supporting Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church.
2022-2023 Parish Council Members:
Kristin Callahan, Mitchell Celik, Thomas Demos, James Lakerdas, Chris Limperis, Anastasia Lynch, Peter Panton, Theodore Pappas, Stavroula Spyropoulos, JoAnn Stavropoulos, Eileen Szubert, John Szubert, Christos Takoudis, John Vassiliades and Bill Vranas.
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago COVID-19 Updates – 1/5/2022
Dear Stewards and Friends,
As you may have seen, the COVID-19 cases in our area continue to rise, as a result, we are making a few adjustments so Parishioners can still enjoy our services, together, but also remain safe.
- We are going to postpone the following events for the month of January: coffee hour fellowship, our tenderhearted ministry, and our Orthodox studies classes. We will look to pick these ministries back up in February after we have had time to evaluate the progress.
- We will also be conducting all services upstairs in our main Church as the space is larger and allows for more spacing and better air circulation.
- We will continue to have our Sunday School classes because those classrooms do allow for the children to space out, and we ask that the teachers assist the students to space properly.
- We will continue to ask all Parishioners to sign in at the Pangari upon entry for tracing purposes.
- We will continue our masking policy, highly recommending that all Parishioners remain masked throughout the service.
- We ask that you exercise more caution and that you are more aware of the spacing between you and other Parishioners.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Parish Council and we can help answer any questions.
We look forward to celebrating the Divine Liturgy with you and thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. May God bless you and your families with a safe, happy, and healthy new year.
In Christ,
Assumption Church Parish Council
Church office hours are Monday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας λειτουργή απο Δευτέρα με Παρασκευή 9:30 π.μ. εώς 2:00 μ.μ.
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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.
2022 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!
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.
SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL
Sunday Church School has begun its second semester of the year. We are looking forward to learning further about our Orthodox faith and developing friendships that will last a lifetime. New families are welcome!
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. The 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.
PHILOPTHOCHOS CORNER
We look forward to a New Year fulfilling the benevolent mission of Philoptochos by improving the lives of those in need. Enclosed is the 2022 Membership form and LINK: https://forms.gle/K45YDE3ty5M5fy3c8 for online registration. We hope women and men of all ages will join us!
YOUNG ADULTS
Hello Orthodox Young Adults!
Happy New Year! A handful of the Chicago area church YAL teams got together and created a zoom bible study. Below is the link to join us but please let me know if you are able to.
We are so excited to announce our first session will be on Tuesday, February 1st, 2022, at 7:00pm via zoom! Mark your calendars! Sessions will be held every 2 weeks on Tuesdays, starting with a 6 session series for a total of 10 weeks (see flyer attached) for more info.
Please use this zoom link to join our bible study sessions:
We are so excited to get to know you and learn more about our faith with fellow young adults! If you have a specific topic you are interested in discussing, please respond to this email and let us know!
See you soon and have a blessed week!
Assumption YAL team and The Young Adult Bible Study Team
UPCOMING EVENTS:
February 12, 11:00 a.m. - Altar Boy Meeting and Lunch at Assumption Church
February 13, St. Euphrosynos’ Kitchen - A new ministry delivering meals and ecclesiastical items and church information to our homebound parishioner’s and friends of Assumption.
February 13, 12:00 p.m. - Godparent Sunday and Brunch in Plato Hall
February 13, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., “Love in a Bag” meal bags will be distributed to the Austin Community. Donations of food items or monetary donations are appreciated. Please drop off items by February 11. See flyer in your bulletin for food items needed. For more information, please contact the church office at: 773.626.3114.
February 20, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - AGAPE Baking Class - Open to all
February 27, Assumption Philoptochos Apokreatiko Glendi following the Divine Liturgy in Plato Hall. Catered by Greek Islands Restaurant. More information to follow.
February 28, 11:00 a.m. - Tenderhearted Ministry for our senior adults (65 and over) - Gathering begins with a Church Service, followed by lunch and the day’s event. Please contact the church office to reserve a seat.
February 28, 6:00 p.m. - Orthodox Studies - Join us for a monthly study as we explore the mystery of the Holy Spirit and Its Divine Grace through the Divine Liturgy. Refreshments will be provided before Father Apostolos’ presentation.
March 13, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. YAL Telos - Round Table Talk - Open to all young adults
March 19, 10:00 a.m. - Pre-Marital Seminar for couples getting married in 2022
March 21, 6:30 p.m. - Orthodox Studies
March 28, 11:00 a.m. - Tenderhearted Ministry for our senior adults (65 and over)
April 11, 6:30 p.m. - Orthodox Studies
April 16, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Saturday of Lazarus Family Retreat
April 25, 11:00 a.m. - Tenderhearted Ministry for our senior adults (65 and over)
FEBRUARY / MARCH WEEKDAY CHURCH LITURGY SCHEDULE
Wednesday, February 2 - 9:00 a.m., Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Presentation of Our Lord into the Temple
Thursday, February 10 - 9:00 a.m., Orthros & Divine Liturgy
+Saint Haralambos the Hieromartyr
Saturday, February 26 - 9:00 a.m. - +1st Saturday of Souls
Tuesday, March 1 - 10:30 a.m. - +Agiasmos Service
Saturday, March 5 - 9:00 a.m. - 2nd Saturday of Souls
Monday, March 7 - 5:30 p.m. - Great Compline
+Clean Monday - Great Lent Begins
Wednesday, March 9 - 9:00 a.m. - 9th Hour
9:30 a.m. - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
Friday, March 11 - 7:00 p.m. - 1st Salutation Service
Saturday, March 12 - 9:00 a.m. - 3rd Saturday of Souls
Monday, March 14 - 5:30 p.m. - Great Compline
Wednesday, March 16 - 9:00 a.m. - 9th Hour
9:30 a.m. - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
Friday, March 18 - 7:00 p.m. - 2nd Salutation Service
The Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
Friday, March 25 - 8:00 a.m. - Services will be held at the
Annunciation Cathedral - 1017 N. LaSalle Drive in Chicago
Friday, March 25 - 7:00 p.m. - 3rd Salutation Service
Monday, March 28 - 5:30 p.m. - Great Compline
Wednesday, March 30 - 9:00 a.m. - 9th Hour
9:30 a.m. - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy
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AA blessed, happy and healthy week to you and your families!
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Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago
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