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THE HOLY PROTECTION OF THE THEOTOKOS
October 1
The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the early sixth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.
Epistle Reading of the Day
St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 6:16-18; 7:1
Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God.
Gospel Reading for the Day
Luke 6:31-36
The Lord said, "As you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."
Απόστολος της Ημέρας
Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 6:16-18, 7:1
Ἀδελφοί, ὑμεῖς ἐστε ναὸς Θεοῦ ζῶντος, καθὼς εἶπεν ὁ θεός ὅτι Ἐνοικήσω ἐν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐμπεριπατήσω· καὶ ἔσομαι αὐτῶν θεός, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔσονταί μοι λαός. Διὸ, Ἐξέλθετε ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν καὶ ἀφορίσθητε, λέγει κύριος, καὶ ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε· κἀγὼ εἰσδέξομαι ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἔσομαι ὑμῖν εἰς πατέρα, καὶ ὑμεῖς ἔσεσθέ μοι εἰς υἱοὺς καὶ θυγατέρας, λέγει κύριος παντοκράτωρ. Ταύτας οὖν ἔχοντες τὰς ἐπαγγελίας, ἀγαπητοί, καθαρίσωμεν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ παντὸς μολυσμοῦ σαρκὸς καὶ πνεύματος, ἐπιτελοῦντες ἁγιωσύνην ἐν φόβῳ θεοῦ.
Ευαγγέλιον της Ήμέρας
Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 6:31-36
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· καθὼς θέλετε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς ὁμοίως. καὶ εἰ ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας αὐτοὺς ἀγαπῶσι. καὶ ἐὰν ἀγαθοποιῆτε τοὺς ἀγαθοποιοῦντας ὑμᾶς, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσι. καὶ ἐὰν δανείζητε παρ᾿ ὧν ἐλπίζετε ἀπολαβεῖν, ποία ὑμῖν χάρις ἐστί; καὶ γὰρ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς δανείζουσιν ἵνα ἀπολάβωσι τὰ ἴσα. πλὴν ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ὑμῶν καὶ ἀγαθοποιεῖτε καὶ δανείζετε μηδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες, καὶ ἔσται ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολύς, καὶ ἔσεσθε υἱοὶ ὑψίστου, ὅτι αὐτὸς χρηστός ἐστιν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀχαρίστους καὶ πονηρούς. Γίνεσθε οὖν οἰκτίρμονες, καθὼς καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν οἰκτίρμων ἐστί.
ΑΓΙΟΛΟΓΙΟ ΚΑΙ ΕΟΡΤΕΣ
Η αγία «Σκέπη» - (1 Οκτωβρίου)
Πόθος των ανθρώπων βαθύτατος είναι η ειρήνη. Γι’ αυτό ο Κύριος εμακάρισε τους ειρηνοποιούς, εχαιρέτιζε τους μαθητές του με το «ειρήνη υμίν» και η Εκκλησία δέεται στη Θεία Λειτουργία «υπέρ της ειρήνης του σύμπαντος κόσμου». Ο πόλεμος δεν μπορεί να δικαιωθεί, παρά σαν εκδήλωση βαρβαρότητος και σαν αποτέλεσμα της αμαρτίας. Γι’ αυτό πάλι η Εκκλησία δέεται να υποτάξη ο Θεός στους ευσεβείς Βασιλείς «πάντα τα βάρβαρα΄Εθνη, τα τους πολέμους θέλοντα». Είναι η μόνη περίπτωση που βρίσκει δικαίωση ο πόλεμος, μόνον δηλαδή, σαν άμυνα των λαών, να διατηρήσουν την ελευθερία τους απέναντι σε βαρβάρους κατακτητάς, που δυστυχώς ακόμα υπάρχουν πολλοί στη γή, εκείνοι που ξεκινούν να υποτάξουν τον κόσμο με την φωτιά και το σήδηρο. Η σημερινή ημέρα για μας, τους ΄Ελληνες είναι Εθνική μα, και Θρησκευτική εορτή, σαν επέτειος ηρωϊκής άμυνας «υπό την σκέπην» της Παναγίας ενός ελεύθερου λαού εναντίον της βαρβαρότητας.
O AΓΙΟΣ ΙΕΡΟΘΕΟΣ πρώτος επίσκοπος Αθηνών - (4 Οκτωβρίου)
Ο Ιερόθεος ήταν αρεοπαγίτης, όπως και ο άγιος Διονύσιος. Διδάχτηκε τη χριστιανική πίστη από τον απόστολο Παύλο, βαπτίστηκε και χειροτονήθηκε από αυτόν επίσκοπος Αθηνών. Ο Ιερόθεος ήταν άνδρας μεγάλης κοινωνικής παιδείας, έκανε πρώτος επίσκοπος Αθηνών και εργάστηκε για το ποίμνιό του με πίση και πολύ ζήλο. Σύμφωνα με κάποια παράδοση Ο Ιερόθεος ήταν παρών και κατά την κοίμηση της Παναγίας στην Ιερουαλήμ.
Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΘΩΜΑΣ, ο απόστολος - (6 Οκτωβρίου)
΄Ηταν μεταξύ των δώδεκα μαθητών του Κυρίου και ανήκε σε οικογένεια αλιέων. Ο Θωμάς μετά την Ανάσταση του Χριστού και την πρώτη εμφάνισή Του στους μαθητές, δυσπιστούσε σε αυτά που του έλεγαν οι μαθηταί. Αλλά ο Κύριος επανεμφανίστηκε στους μαθητές μέσα στο υπερώον, όταν μεταξύ τους βρισκόταν και ο Θωμάς. Τότε ο Κύριος προέτρεψε το Θωμά να ψηλαφήσει τις πληγές από τα καρφιά που Τον σταύρωσαν, και να μην γίνεται άπιστος αλλά πιστός. Εκθαμβούμενος ο Θωμάς, προσκύνησε και ανεβόησε: « Ο Κύριός μου και ο Θεός μου». Η δε απάντηση του Κυρίου ήταν τέτοια, που θα διδάσκει όλους όσους θέλουν να δυσπιστούν στην αλήθεια του Ευαγγελίου. Είπε λοιπόν ο Κύριος: « ότι εώτακάς με, πεπίστευκας, μακάριοι οι μη ιδόντες και πιστεύσαντες». - Δηλαδή: Μακαριότεροι είναι εκείνοι που, άν και δεν με είδαν πίστεψαν. Η παράδοση αναφέρει ότι ο Θωμάς μετά την επιφοίτηση του Αγίου Πνεύματος, πήγε και κήρυξε το Ευαγγέλιο στους Πέρσες, Μήδους και Ινδούς. Στην χώρα δε των τελευταίων, μαρτύρησε με θάνατο δια λογχισμού.΄Ετσι τον αξίωσε ο Θεός όχι μόνον να κηρύξει το Ευαγγέλιο Του, αλλά και να δώσει τη ζωή του γι’ Αυτόν.
READINGS OF OUR ORTHODOX SAINTS
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Saint Romanos the Melodist - October 1
Saint Romanos flourished during the reign of Anastasius (491-518). He was from Emesa of Syria, and apparently was born of Jewish parents, for a hymn written in his honour in Greek says he was "of Hebrew stock," and it has furthermore been noted that he uses many Semitic idioms in his writings. He was baptized an Orthodox Christian, and at some time became a deacon in the Church of Beirut. He was the first composer of the kontakia, the foremost of which is that of the feast of Christ's Nativity, On this day the Virgin .... In composing many of his kontakia. Saint Romanos was inspired by the hymns of Saint Ephraim of Syria.
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Saint Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens - October 4
According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus' concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.
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Saint Thomas the Apostle of the 12 – October 6
The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.
Meditations:
“The Most Holy Mother of God prays for us ceaselessly. She is always visiting us. Whenever we turn to her in our heart, she is there. After the Lord, she is the greatest protection for mankind. How many churches there are in the world that are dedicated to the Most Holy Mother of God! How many healing springs where people are cured of their ailments have sprung up in places where the Most Holy Theotokos appeared and blessed those springs to heal both the sick and the healthy! She is constantly, by our side, and all too often we forget her.” +Elder Thaddeus, Homily on the Dormition of the Theotokos delivered Auguest 15/28
“O Virgin, in the hour of my death rescue me from the hands of the demons, and the judgment, and the accusation, and the frightful testing, and the bitter toll-houses, and the fierce prince, and the eternal condemnation, O Mother of God.” ~8th Ode of the Matins canon on Friday in the 4th tone
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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
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This week’s Gift of Light is given for the Health and Well-Being of Sabin Oana.
MEMORIAL
40 days for the late Athanasia Assimakopoulos
May her memory be eternal!
COFFEE HOUR
Please join us for coffee hour following the Divine Liturgy in Plato Hall.
YAL KAFENIO KICK-OFF MEETING
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.
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.
Available Dates in October and November: October 8 and November 19 and 26
Please note: November 15 is the beginning of the Christmas Fast.
November 19 and 26, only Lenten items please.
Thank you to our beloved parishioners and friends of Assumption Panagia for your continued love and support!
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
Our St. Euphrosynos Kitchen Ministry has grown significantly. We need more volunteers. Currently, we are looking for more people to deliver meals one Sunday a month to our homebound parishioners and friends of Assumption Church. The geographic area that is in the most need of delivery drivers is the Northwest side of Chicago. If you or someone you know is willing to share some time to deliver or would like more information about volunteering for this or any other Outreach ministry, please email Christina Arvanites arvanites795@gmail.com
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. 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
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.
A Word about Cremation
Orthodox Christians should reject cremation, in accordance with the Church’s teachings about the sanctity of the human body and its role in our salvation. Orthodox Christians believe that in the General Resurrection, our bodies and souls will be restored to each other. Cremation is the deliberate desecration and destruction of what God has made and is viewed as the denial of the Resurrection. Cremation treats the body violently, without the respect due to it as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Those who voluntarily request cremation upon death will not receive an Orthodox funeral, either in the church, or the funeral home or any other place. Memorial services with kolyva are not allowed since the connection of the “kernel of wheat” as a sign of the Resurrection has been intentionally destroyed. It is an honor for Orthodox Christians to have a church funeral - our salvation and the state of our souls and bodies should always be at the forefront in our lives and for the lives of our loved ones.
View Parish Calendar
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PHILOPTOCHOS CORNER
Please watch for information regarding future events. Meanwhile, please Save the Date for the Christmas Luncheon – Saturday, December 2nd, Greek Islands, Lombard. Details to follow. All ladies and gentlemen are welcome!
GOAL BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL (STAG TEAM)
We have some exciting news! Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Christian Church is teaming up again with the STAG (St. Andrew, St. George, Annunciation and Assumption churches) basketball and volleyball teams for boys and girls in 3rd to 12th grade. If you are interested in learning more or having your kid play you must contact me, George Demas george@assumptionchicago.org (or reply to this email)/ 773.626.3114 so I can approve through the pastoral team and then also sign-up with Stavros Lazos at stavroslazos@hotmail.com / 773.251.5933 who is in charge of introductions, registrations as well as team scheduling and organization.
*Please remember that at least one of the player’s parents/guardians or the player himself/herself, must be a member in good standing of our parish.
The STAG official kick-off and open gym is Thursday, Oct 5th at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church with basketball, volleyball, pizza and fellowship.
Practice during the year will be every Thursday at St. Andrew’s designated sometime within 6-9pm.
Games will start on November 11 and will be played on either Saturday or Sunday (after church) during the season.
We thank you for your love and support of all Panagia's programs.
UPCOMING 2023 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.
Sunday, November 5 - Fall Parish Assembly Meeting
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A BLESSED WEEK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!!
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Assumption Panagia Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago
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