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, MAY 29, 2022 - ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 29 ΜΑΪΟΥ 2022

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ! – ΑΛΗΘΩΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!
CHRIST IS RISEN! – TRULY HE IS RISEN!

READINGS AND PRAYERS
SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN
The Lord Jesus was coming from the Temple on the Sabbath, when, while walking in the way, He saw the blind man mentioned in today's Gospel. This man had been born thus from his mother's womb, that is, he had been born without eyes (see Saint John Chrysostom, Homily LVI on Matthew; Saint Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book V:15; and the second Exorcism of Saint Basil the Great). When the disciples saw this, they asked their Teacher, "Who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?" They asked this because when the Lord had healed the paralytic at the Sheep's Pool, He had told him, "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee" (John 5:14); so they wondered, if sickness was caused by sin, what sin could have been the cause of his being born without eyes. But the Lord answered that this was for the glory of God. Then the God-man spat on the ground and made clay with the spittle. He anointed the eyes of the blind man and said to him, "Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam." Siloam (which means "sent") was a well-known spring in Jerusalem used by the inhabitants for its waters, which flowed to the eastern side of the city and collected in a large pool called "the Pool of Siloam."Therefore, the Saviour sent the blind man to this pool that he might wash his eyes, which had been anointed with the clay-not that the pool's water had such power, but that the faith and obedience of the one sent might be made manifest, and that the miracle might become more remarkable and known to all, and leave no room for doubt. Thus, the blind man believed in Jesus' words, obeyed His command, went and washed himself, and returned, no longer blind, but having eyes and seeing. This was the greatest miracle that our Lord had yet worked; as the man healed of his blindness himself testified, "Since time began, never was it heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind," although the Lord had already healed the blind eyes of many. Because he now had eyes, some even doubted that he was the same person (John 9:8-9); and it was still lively in their remembrance when Christ came to the tomb of Lazarus, for they said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have caused that even this man should not have died?" Saint John Chrysostom gives a thorough and brilliant exposition of our Lord's meeting with the woman of Samaria, the healing of the paralytic, and the miracle of the blind man in his commentaries on the Gospel of Saint John.
 
Epistle Reading for the Day
Acts of the Apostles 16:16-34
IN THOSE DAYS, as we apostles were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by soothsaying. She followed Paul and us, crying, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." And this she did for many days. But Paul was annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the rulers; and when they had brought them to the magistrates they said, "These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or practice." The crowd joined in attacking them; and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's fetters were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, with all his family. Then he brought them up into his house, and set food before them; and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God.
 
Gospel Reading
The Gospel According to John 9:1-38
At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." They said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash'; so I went and washed and received my sight." They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. The Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes and I washed, and I see." Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" There was a division among them. So they again said to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet. "The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight, and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself." His parents said this because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess him to be Christ he was to be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, "He is of age, ask him. "So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise; we know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether he is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I know, that though I was blind, now I see." They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I have told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you too want to become his disciples?" And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is a marvel! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you." He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.

Μικρός Συναξαριστής
H ANAΛΗΨΗ ΤΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΑ
Την τεσσαρακοστή ημέρα από της Αναστάσεως του, ο Χριστός έκανε την τελευταία εμφάνισή Του στους Αποστόλους. Έφαγε μαζί τους για να τους στερεώση την πίστη της Αναστάσεώς του, για την οποίαν είχαν αμφιβολίες ακόμη. Έπειτα τους είπε, ότι τώρα που σας έφυγε κάθε αμφιβολία, πρέπει να καταλάβετε, ότι όλα όσα σας έλεγα, όταν ήμουν μαζί σας τα προείπαν οι προφήτες και πραγματοποιήθηκαν. Κατόπιν τους παράγγειλε, ότι προτού άρχίσουν τις αποστολικές περιοδείες στον κόσμο, να περιμένουν στα Ιεροσόλυμα την επιφοίτηση του Αγίου Πνεύματος. Και τέλος τους οδήγησε στο Όρος των Ελαιών. Εκεί αφού τους ευλόγησε, αποχωρίστηκε απ’ αυτούς και αναλήφθηκε στους υρανούς. Γύρισαν τότε στα Ιεροσόλυμα, χαίροντες χαρά μεγάλη για την υπόσχεση της επιφοιτήσεως σε αυτούς του Αγίου Πνεύματος.        (Αγ. Ιωάννης ο Χρυσόστομος)
 
        Η ΑΓΑΠΗ ΚΑΝΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΨΥΧΗ ΜΑΣ ΕΥΡΥΧΩΡΟΤΕΡΗ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΟΥΡΑΝΟ!
Η ΥΠΟΜΟΝΗ Η ΚΑΛΩΣΥΝΗ ΚΑΙ Η ΑΓΑΠΗ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΠΡΑΓΜΑΤΑ ΠΟΥ ΔΕΝ ΓΕΡΝΟΥΝ!
 
 
Meditations
*Patiently endure the distressing and painful things that befall you, for through them God in His providence is purifying you. +St. Thalassios the Libyan
*At the beginning of every task, call on the name of the Lord your God, and begin it with prayer, that the Lord may prosper you to begin it and complete it. And from this it is evident that a Christian ought not to begin anything that is contrary to the Law of God, but only that which is in agreement with it. +St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
*The husband and wife should be like the hand and eye. When the hand hurts, the eyes should be crying, and when the eyes cry, the hand should wipe away the tears.
+St. John Chrysostom 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST - Prayers for: Tom, William, Anastasios, Polyxeni, Julia, Helen, Peter, Sophia
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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This week’s Gift of Light is given in loving memory of Father George Massouras, Triantaphyllos and Vasiliki Kotsogiannis.

MEMORIAL
5 years for the late Metropolitan Iakovos
May his memory be eternal!

BAPTISM: 2:00 p.m. - Child of Mr. and Mrs. John Kaldis

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES AND EVENTS THIS WEEK:

MONDAY, MAY 30 - MEMORIAL DAY     
Church Office Closed                                    
 
TRISAGION SCHEDULE AT ELMWOOD CEMETERY:
Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, Fr. Apostolos will be at Elmwood Cemetery from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1
11:00 a.m. - Agiasmos Service

THURSDAY, JUNE 2                                       
+Holy Ascension of Our Lord                   
9:00 a.m. - Orthros & Divine Liturgy             
 
SATURDAY, JUNE 4
WEDDING: 3:30 p.m. - Lindsay Hatzis to Dimitrios Parhas
 
SPONSORS NEEDED FOR COFFEE HOUR
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. We truly appreciate all your love and support to our beloved parish!
Available dates: June 5, 12, July 3, July 10 & July 31
 
Church Office Hours - 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.


GRADUATES SUNDAY
Our parish is compiling a list of names to honor students that are Graduating this year, 2022, from public or private schools: 8th grade, High School, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctorate Degree or other Graduate Degrees. A day of acknowledgement will take place on Sunday, June 5, 2022, immediately after Church services recognizing the achievements of our young parishioners who have successfully completed their academic requirements. A certificate, as well as a gift from our Parish, will be given to those who participate.
 
If you are graduating this year, please submit your name, school that you attend(ed) and your grade of completion or Degree received, and (if applicable) school/university attending in the future to the church office by May 31. Please call 773-626-3114 or email: office@assumptionchicago.org
 
SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Spring General Assembly Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022, following the Divine Liturgy in Plato Hall. We request that you make sure you have submitted your 2022 Stewardship pledge card prior to June 5, 2022. Only Stewards who have made a 2022 Stewardship pledge will be allowed to participate in the General Assembly.

OUTREACH THANK YOU
Sincerest thanks for the overwhelming support of our Outreach projects, your donations, kind words and participation in Outreach events is much appreciated. Special thanks to our Ladies Philoptochos for hosting our St. Euphrosynos Kitchen May meal. Your continued love and support of our Beloved parish and ministries is heartwarming. Additional thanks to Elli Loumakis and Elizabeth Koulouris for their delicious baked goods which were added to our Easter baskets for our St. Euphrosynos Kitchen. If you would more information about Outreach events our wish to volunteer your time, please see Christina Arvanites.

ASSUMPTION LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS
There will not be a General Meeting on Sunday, June 5th. The General Assembly will be taking place. A report on our Philoptochos activities will be given at that meeting.
 
Upcoming Events: Oak Park Farmers Market Bake Sale, Saturday, July 16th.
 
JOIN THE ASSUMPTION PANAGIA CHOIR!!!
We welcome choir members to join our Assumption choir ministry once a month in the choir loft. No choral experience is needed. It's a great way to share in the Divine Liturgy spiritually with your fellow parishioners! For more information, contact Marika Panton at mmpanton@comcast.net or 708-337-7435.
 
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
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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

CHURCH ETIQUETTE: Please turn off or silence your cell phones.
God has once again blessed us with the return of the summer months and with summer comes warmer weather. Although it is appropriate to wear more open clothing during these sometimes extremely heated months, we must all remember to attend church wearing “respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control” (1 Timothy 2:9). This means men should come to church wearing dress pants with a sleeved shirt (no tanks, flip-flops, or shorts). Women should attend church wearing skirts that fall no higher than right above the knee; dress shoes/dress sandals, and sleeved tops (no flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, spaghetti straps, halter/tube tops, low-cut dresses/tops and mini skirts). While it easy for us to put on apparel that makes us comfortable, I pray that you understand the importance of dress when worshipping the Lord in His holy sanctuary. Have a Blessed and Safe Summer!           

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sat. & Sun., May 28 - 29, Greek Orthodox Metropolis Junior Olympics at Saints Constantine & Helen
  
Sunday, June 5 - Graduates Sunday at the end of the Divine Liturgy. Please submit your names.
Spring General Assembly Meeting following the Divine Liturgy.

Sunday, June 19 - Father’s Day Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy in Plato Hall














A BLESSED MEMORIAL DAY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES! 


Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago
Learn more: assumptionchicago.org