Assumption. Greek Orthodox Church. Agape news

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1 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Agape news March 2013

2 PARISH LIFE It is truly a blessing to see the Lord s children offer themselves as stewards of the time and talents given to them. It is especially moving when these talents are offered freely with joy in our hearts. The Assumption would like to recognize a few of those individuals for their efforts since the beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year (September 1): John Arvanitis for not only being the master chef for our many events, but for going to others and bringing their potential out of them with regards to their offering of talents Dennis and Pam Collier for renovating and deep cleaning the men s restroom that so many thought was beyond hope (including the polishing of the plumbing and cleaning of the porcelain) and for helping so greatly in our kitchen Ludmilla Cherevko for her help in repairing and cleaning our Altar Robes and Clothes, meticulously cleaning the marble solea that was in great need of attention, and for chanting and teaching our youngest Sunday School Class John Stopoulos for stepping up at a difficult time to lead our parish with a vision of where we can go if we put our minds to it. The Members of the Philoptochos who bake and bake and bake and then give to the Parish in our time of need in every way Denny and Molly Mekus for cleaning the bar which badly needed attention Arlene Gust for taking the maintenance of coffee hour supplies upon herself Helen Petaros for Chanting at our Sunday and Daily Services Matt Miller for his work on building upon the foundation that was set for the Greek Fest and adding to it Litsa Gregory for chanting and leading our Philoptochos and Golden Circle Bill Theofilis for aiding in electrical upgrades and fixing what needed it Deno Kandis for playing the organ week-in and week-out and for decorating the Christmas Tree George s Classic Cleaners for wonderfully cleaning our Altar Cloths. Fr. Jon for managing the LED changeover of our lights as to be cost and energy efficient and for changing the many burned out light bulbs in the hall. All of our ladies you bake prosforo fresh for our Divine Liturgy Services. Orest Akulow for always helping in the kitchen and the office MaryBeth Stopoulos and Tracey Theofilis for hosting a great wine tasting event Victor Cherevko for repairing our Altar Candles Stands Celia Lubbers for her hosting of the It s Greek to Me Tours Sue Miller for bringing and implementing new exciting ideas to the Greek Fest Presbytera Doreece Boukis for her work with the Christmas program, Sunday School, the decorations of Christmas and in preparing every Agape News Biju Ninan for his diligent work with the older class of our Sunday School and as our IT guy. The Members of the Parish Council who have shown their support for our many ministries and have stepped up in these difficult times. If anyone was missed, it was not by intention. Know that all our efforts are greatly appreciated - and it is only the Lord s approval that truly is important.

3 PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The period of the Triodion is here and on Monday, March 18 th, Great and Holy Lent will begin. Holy Lent brings us many beautiful liturgical services filled with some of the most beautiful and moving hymns and prayers. During March, 3 such services will be celebrated: the Great Compline on the first day of lent, the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and the Salutations to the Theotokos. As we fast and pray in each of our homes, it is also important that we come to the Lord s House and pray together as a community. Great Lent is filled with opportunity for spiritual growth. It takes all the necessary elements and blends them into the perfect combination to allow for a complete transformation of the soul in a short 48 day period. Begin with fasting and prayer, add the liturgy of the Church and finish with Holy Confession and the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord - this is the recipe for spiritual health. Follow it year after year to eternity. In Christ s Love, Rev. Father Jon Boukis PROISTAMENOS

4 SUNDAY SCHOOL All children with cumulative attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed monthly in the Agape News. Congratulations to: Vasilia Boukis Daniel Dounoulis Lydia Dounoulis Naina Ninan Naveen Ninan Sunday of Orthodoxy Procession On Sunday, March 24 th, the children of our Sunday School will participate in a Procession of Holy Icons. Please bring an Icon from home to the DIVINE LITURGY for this Blessed Procession. ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY Bible Study is an opportunity for us to apply the Scriptures to our everyday lives. The Bible is the Good News that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of every issue that we face. This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!! The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm and on Thursday Mornings from 9:30am-11:00am. Make a commitment to learning His Word!

5 PHILOPTOCHOS RUMMAGE SALE It s never too early to donate to the rummage sale. We have made space in the garage to store your clean, gently used treasures until August. Please bring them in a closed box so they can be stacked in the garage. You may bring them on Sundays. Leave them in your car and you can unload them into the garage during coffee hour. Do You know of anyone in our parish graduating from High School or College? Please let us know so that we may properly recognize our graduates. Next Philoptochos Meeting is Sunday, March 10 th following the Divine Liturgy. MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1 st Orest Akulow 3 rd Georgia Anderson 5 th Christy Kouris 5 th Dale Melchin 7 th Shebah Chirackal 7 th Marena Panousis 8 th Toula Fotos 9 th Christ Petaros 10 th Terry Kotrogiannis 10 th Dimitri Papageorgiou 11 th Marie Olvera-Sanchez 13 th Alejandra Olvera 14 th Sherry Kontos 14 th Jimmy Pliakos 17 th Helen Haney 17 th Alex Lubbers 17 th Brenda Ray 17 th Christopher Theofilis 20 th Steve Pyevich 21 st Stephanie Theofilis 24 th Bobby Nikolopoulos 26 th Celia Lubbers Just a few Saints (Namedays) commemorated in March th Alexios, Alexia 25 th Evangelos, Evangelia

6 GOLDEN CIRCLE PASTA LUNCHEON On the Sunday of Orthodoxy - March 24 th - the Golden Circle will be sponsoring a Pasta Lunch following the Divine Liturgy for the benefit of the ministries of our Beloved Saturday, March 9 th Assumption Parish. Come and support the Golden Circle as they work to support our parish!!! $7 per Person MARDI GRAS The Parish of St. George has invited us to come and enjoy the Mardi Gras celebration with them as an Orthodox Family of the Quad Cites. We have also been most generously asked to bring Silent Auction Items that will benefit the Parish of the Assumption. Please consider donating an item or a basket to aid in the ministries of our Beloved Parish. Put March 9 th on your calendar and come and enjoy the food, fellowship and fun of our last Hoorah before Great and Holy Lent.

7 HOSPITAL VISITATION Hospital Visitation is a ministry that we as Orthodox take very seriously, because it is at times when our fallen humanity is failing that we often times also experience spiritual weakness. Just a reminder, hospital visitations and visitation to our homebound parishioners are of utmost importance, but will only occur when the request comes from the family directly. Please respect this policy and also the Church and the Clergy. With pastoral love, Rev. Father Jon S. Boukis PROISTAMENOS Fr. Jon s Contact Numbers Church: (309) Home: (309) FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY The Assumption can now benefit from YOU shopping at Up to 5% of your monthly spending will be automatically transferred to the Church. Worried about the cost of gas - Schnucks is at the Locust St. exit (2nd exit off I-74 in Iowa) - less than 4 miles away!!! Iowa has no tax on food - it s a wash!!! Call Fr. Jon and get signed up for an escrip card and begin shopping at Schnucks today!

8 SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY Sunday of Orthodoxy Great Vespers Come and Celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy as the Orthodox Community of the Quad Cities Area Commemorates the Restoration of the Icons into the Church. The Parish of St. George will host Great Vespers March 24 th, 2013, at 5:00pm with a reception immediately following.

9 GREAT AND HOLY LENT The Liturgical services of the Church are filled with beautiful hymns whose imagery can truly move you. This is especially true during the services of Great and Holy Lent! Don t let another year pass by without experiencing the Great Compline on the Mondays of Lent; the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on the Wednesdays of Lent and the Salutations to the Theotokos on the Fridays of Great Lent. Make this the year that you attend all the services as you fast and pray in preparation for the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord!!! Fasting without Prayer is like driving a car without gasoline Fasting allows each of us to create within us a controlled need for the Lord...it is preparing the ground for planting. We must sow into our fasting the seeds of prayer. During Great Lent, pray the Prayer of St. Ephrem...then reflect on its meaning. Allow this powerful prayer of the Lenten Season to reside in your heart, which fasting has softened! Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.

10 THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS Celebrated March 25 Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most high overshadowed her allblameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38). Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55)

11 SERVICE SCHEDULE March 3 Sunday Sunday of the Prodigal Son 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. All-English Divine Liturgy March 9 Saturday 1st Saturday of the Souls 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy March 10 Sunday Judgment Sunday (Meatfare) 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy March 16 Saturday 2nd Saturday of the Souls 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy (at St. George in Rock Island) March 17 Sunday Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare) 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy March 18 Monday Great Compline / 1st Day of Lent (7:00 p.m.) March 20 Wednesday Presanctified Liturgy (7:00 p.m.) March 22 Friday 1 st Salutations to the Theotokos (7:00 p.m.) March 23 Saturday 3rd Saturday of the Souls 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy March 24 Sunday Sunday of Orthodoxy 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. All-English Divine Liturgy 5:00 p.m. Great Vespers of the Sunday of Orthodoxy (at St. George in Rock Island) March 25 Monday ANNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy March 27 Wednesday Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (7:00 p.m.) March 29 Friday 2 nd Salutations to the Theotokos (7:00 p.m.) March 31 Sunday Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

12 CHURCH. M A Sunday Monday Tuesday 17 th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour All-English Sunday R C H Judgment Sunday Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Philoptochos Meeting Forgiveness Sunday Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour Fr. Jon Out of Town Sunday of Orthodoxy Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Children s Icon Procession Golden Circle Pasta Lunch 5pm- Great Vespers (St. George) All-English Sunday Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour 31 Clean Monday (1st Day of Lent) Great Compline 7:00pm Annunciation Divine Liturgy 10:00am 6:30pm - Parish Council Meeting 6:30pm - General Festival Meeting 19 26

13 . CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 6 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study :30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy 10am Mardi Gras (St George) 16 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 20 6:00pm-6:45pm Orthodox Bible Study 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 21 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study Fr. Jon Out of Town 22 Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy 9:30am (At St. George in Rock Island, IL) 23 Saturday of the Souls Divine Liturgy 10:00am Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm 1st Salutations to the Theotokos 7:00pm 27 6:00pm-6:45pm Orthodox Bible Study 28 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm 2nd Salutations to the Theotokos 7:00pm Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Dairy Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free

14 Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθίων 3 Μαρτίου Κυριακή Κυριακή του Ασώτου 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 9 Μαρτίου Σάββατο Α Ψυχοσάββατο 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10 Μαρτίου Κυριακή Κυριακή της Απόκρεω 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 16 Μαρτίου Σάββατο Β Ψυχοσάββατο 9:30 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία (στο Άγιο Γεώργιο) 17 Μαρτίου Κυριακή Κυριακή της Τυροφάγου 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 18 Μαρτίου Δευτέρα Μέγα Απόδειπινο 7:00 μ.μ. 20 Μαρτίου Τετάρτη Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 7:00 μ.μ. 22 Μαρτίου Παρασκευή Α Χαιρετισμοί 7:00 μ.μ. 23 Μαρτίου Σάββατο Γ Ψυχοσάββατο 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 24 Μαρτίου Κυριακή Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 4:00 μ.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 25 Μαρτίου Δευτέρα ΕΥΑΓΓΕΛΙΣΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 27 Μαρτίου Τετάρτη Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 7:00 μ.μ. 29 Μαρτίου Παρασκευή Β Χαιρετισμοί 7:00 μ.μ. 31 Μαρτίου Κυριακή Β Κυριακή των Νηστειών 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία

15 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule March 3 Ludmilla Cherevko March 10 Helen Petaros March 17 Paraskevi Stamatoukos March 24 Toula Poulimas March 31 Litsa Gregory Coffee Hour March 3 Barbara Staken March 10 Bill Theofilis Family March 17 Celia Lubbers March 24 Golden Circle Pasta Luncheon March 31 Bill Bagatelas Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings February 3 Gospel Matthew 22:35-46 Epistle II Corinthians 4:6-15 February 10 Gospel Matthew 25:14-30 Epistle II Timothy 2:1-10 February 17 Gospel Mark 12:13-17 Epistle II Corinthians 6:16-7:1 February 24 Gospel Luke 18:10-14 Epistle II Corinthians 4:6-15 Parish Council Ushering Schedule March 3 rd - Orest Akulow 10 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 17 th - Matt Miller 24 th - Paris Fotos 31 st - Mike Haney April 7 th - Denny Mekus 14 th - George Georgiadis 21 st - Kosta Dounoulis 28 th - John Stopoulos May 5 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 12 th - Matt Miller 19 th - Paris Fotos 26 st - Mike Haney For each Sunday, the council member listed is to be present at 9:00 a.m. The council member listed for the week following will be assigned to help during the Divine Liturgy beginning at 9:50 a.m. through the processing of the collection.

16 Η Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας 4 Μαρτίου Διάφοροι λόγοι και προπάντων η απομάκρυνση απο το πνεύμα της Ορθόδοξης Παράδοσης υποκίνησαν το κακό της Εικονομαχίας, που διάρκεσε απο το 726 μέχρι το 843 και ταλαιπώρησε τόσο πολύ την Εκκλησία. Κατάληξε όμως στο θρίαμβο της Ορθοδοξίας, που γιορτάζουμε την Κυριακή αυτή. Ο αυτοκράτορας του Βυζαντίου Λέων Γ ο Ίσαυρος, δέκα χρόνια μετά την άνοδό του στο θρόνο, σ ένα δημόσιο λόγο του, διακήρυξε οτι η τιμή στις άγιες εικόνες ήταν ειδωλολατρία. Απο τότε άρχισε ένα άγριο και αιματηρό κυνηγητό, ενάντια στις άγιες εικόνες και σ αυτούς που τις υποστήριζαν. Η κατάσταση αυτή συνεχίστηκε με τον γιό του Κωνσταντίνο τον Ε ( ) και ο διωγμός ξεθύμανε αρκετά με τον βασιλιά Λέοντα τον Δ ( ) και αργότερα με τη σύζυγό του Ειρήνη, η οποία συγκάλεσε την Ζ Οικουμενική Σύνοδο (787) που άρχισε στη Νίκαια και τελείωσε στην Κωνσταντινούπολη (Πατριάρχης τότε ήταν ο γραμματέας της Ειρήνης Ταράσιος). Στη Σύνοδο αυτή καταδικάστηκε η Εικονομαχία και έχουμε τον πρώτο θρίαμβο της Ορθοδοξίας. Όμως, νέα περίοδος άρχισε αργότερα με τον αυτοκράτορα Λέοντα Ε τον Αρμένιο ( ), την συνέχισε ο Μιχαήλ Β ο Τραυλός ( ) και τελευταίος εικονομάχος αυτοκράτορας ήταν ο γιός του Θεόφιλος ( ), που αποδείχτηκε πολύ φανατικός και μισούσε την Ορθοδοξία. Αλλά μετά τον θάνατό του, η ευσεβής σύζυγός του Θεοδώρα, στερέωσε και πάλι την Ορθοδοξία (843), με συμπαραστάτη τον Πατριάρχη Μεθόδιο. Έτσι την Κυριακή αυτή, με λιτανεία που έκανε η ίδια η Θεοδώρα με τον γιό της Μιχαήλ τον αυτοκράτορα, καθώς και μ όλο τον κλήρο και τον λαό, αναστήλωσαν τις άγιες εικόνες και στόλισαν πάλι μ αυτές την Εκκλησία του Χριστού. Αυτού του γεγονότος την ανάμνηση γιορτάζουμε λοιπόν αυτή την Κυριακή, όλοι οι Ορθόδοξοι χριστιανοί με χαρά.

17 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου 25 Μαρτίου Είναι το χαρμόσυνο μήνυμα της θείας ενσάρκωσης, που με τόσο σαφή τρόπο μας το παρουσιάζει ο ευαγγελιστής Λουκάς στο Ευαγγέλιό του (κεφ. Α στίχ ). Την ημέρα αυτή, ο θεόσταλος αρχάγγελος Γαβριήλ παρουσιάζεται και λέει στην Παρθένο Μαρία οτι θα γεννήσει υιό, που θα είναι ο Σωτήρ του κόσμου. Αξίζει, όμως, να δούμε πως οι εμπνευσμένοι υμνωδοί της Εκκλησίας μας έψαλαν το κοσμοσωτήριο άγγελμα: "Σήμερον χαράς Ευαγγέλια, παρθενική πανήγυρις, τα κάτω τοις άνω συνάπτεται, ο Αδάμ καινουργείται, η Εύα της πρώτης λύπης ελευθερούται και η σκηνή της καθ ημάς ουσίας τη θεώσει του προσληφθέντος φυράματος ναός Θεού κεχρημάτικεν. Ώ μυστήριον! Ο τρόπος της κενώσεως άγνωστος, ο τρόπος της συλλήψεως άφραστος. Άγγελος λειτουργεί τω θαύματι, παρθενική γαστήρ τον Υιόν υποδέχεται, Πνεύμα άγιον καταπέμπεται, Πατήρ άνωθεν ευδοκεί, και το συνάλλαγμα κατά κοινήν πραγματεύεται βούλησιν, εν ώ και δι ού σωθέντες, συνωδά τω Γαβριήλ, προς την Παρθένον βοήσωμεν, χαίρε, κεχαριτωμένη, ο Κύριος μετά σου, εξ ής η σωτηρία, Χριστός ο Θεός ημών, την καθ ημάς προσλαβόμενος φύσιν προς εαυτόν επανήγαγεν".

18 PASCHA DONATIONS NEEDED Icon Wreaths ($50 each) 1st Salutations 2nd Salutations 3rd Salutations 4th Salutations Akathist Hymn Saturday of Lazarus Palm Sunday Palm Sunday Bridegroom Holy Monday Bridegroom Holy Tuesday Bridegroom Holy Wednesday Last Supper Wreath for Holy Cross Holy Friday Apocathelosis Holy Friday Crucifixion Holy Saturday Resurrection Resurrection (Round) FINANCIAL POSITION Daffodils (Holy Cross Sunday) ($50) Palms for Palm Sunday ($150) Holy Unction Supplies ($25) Epitaphion Flowers (Donated) Gardenias for Epitaphion ($40) Bay Leaves ($150) Easter Lilies (30 x $10) Pascha Eggs ($50) Ribbon and Tulle for Eggs (Donated) Pascha Resurrection Meal ($200) Resurrection Priest Candle (Donated) Candy and Plastic Eggs ($100) Rose Petals for Flower Girls ($50) Charcoal (2 x $25 each) More will be listed as we further determine what else may be needed for the proper expression of worship in our beloved parish. Please call Fr. Jon and make an offering today! Donations will be offered in the following 2 formats: For the health of and In Memory of 2013 Budgeted General Fund Expenses $202,600 Total General Fund Expenses through February 28 th $39, Total Stewardship through February 28 th $20, YTD 2012 Shortfall of Expenses to Stewardship $18, Other General Fund Income (Candles, Events, Etc.) $4, Year-To-Date 2013 Shortfall $14,369.93

19 2013 STEWARSHIP UPDATE Stewardship Pledges received as of February 28, 2013 Haline Akulow Orest Akulow John Arvanitis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis Bill Bagatelas Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Paula Baker Ludmilla Cherevko Victor and Judy Cherevko Abraham and Molly Chirackal Ashor Chirackal George and Nancy Coin Dennis and Pam Collier Dr. Costas and Yvonne Constantinou Angie Dokolas Lee Dokolas Dr. Konstantinos and Allison Dounoulis George and Georgia Eleftheropoulos Susan Fotiadis Gus and Toula Fotos Michael and Elizabeth Gorman Elizabeth Gregory Tom Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Mike and Helen Haney Jim Jannes Deno and Dr. Ann Kandis Francis Kandis Mike and Terri Kandis Georgiana and Patricia Kutrumanes 61 Stewardship Pledges received for a total of: $85,070 Peter Lingris Thomas Lingris Georgia and Roger Lovejoy Celia Lubbers Christ and Susan Mekus Demos Mekus Lambros and Lisa Mihalopoulos Matt Miller Bill and Linda Minas Michael and Roseann Monn Katherine Moraetes Orion Naco Biju and Sholly Ninan Angela Olvera Daphne Olvera Saki Padazopoulos Bill Panouses Helen Panouses Spiros and Carol Pappaspiros Jimmy Pliakos Ann Polillo Colette Spurgetis Frank Spurgetis Soc Spurgetis Paraskevi Stamatoukos Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Bill and Tracey Theofilis Kostas Theofilis John and Tricia Thodos Frank Vretis That s an average of $1517 per Assumption Family!! Please take a moment and fill our you pledge card today.

20 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Parish Council Meeting Minutes February 12, 2013 Call to Order at 7:01pm. Fr. Jon led the opening prayer. Roll Call: Present: John Stopoulos, Cathy Diakageorgiou, Mike Haney, Paris Fotos, Kosta Dounoulis, Denny Mekus and George Georgiadis Excused: Orest Akulow and Matt Miller Treasurer s Report: Current Balance is $3, (January 30 th, 2013 balance was $2,131.23, which is $7 less than last year). Need $1, to pay upcoming bills and dues to the Archdiocese. Motion made by Denny to transfer/borrow $8, with intent to reimburse from the Memorial Fund. 2 nd by: Cathy. Priest s Report/New Business: Looking at possibly holding General Assembly in April, date will be decided next meeting. Debit Option for Stewardship. Cost would be $0.50 one-time authorization fee and $0.25 per transaction. Motion to have Fr. Jon check into setting up Debit Transfer Account made by Kosta. 2 nd by: Paris. Mardi Gras on March 9 th, Need to know by February 27 th, 2013 who will bring baskets to auction? March 15 th, 2013 thru March 18 th, 2013 Fr. Jon will be in Boston. We will have a substitute fill in for Church services on March 17 th, Still need member s pictures for photo directory. It s Greek to Me, will be held on the Tuesday before festival on June 11 th, Need person to coordinate event? Typically have 20 people visit the church for lunch and learn about the culture, take a tour of the church, etc. All keys to the church are accounted for. Thanks to Pam and Dennis Collier for painting the Men s Bathroom. Solea Lights. The seven large can lights above the alter need to be rewired. Quote is $1, from West Maintenance Inc. Wiring is not

21 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES up to code and needs to be repaired/replaced. Motion to use West Maintenance Inc. to make required repairs by George. 2 nd by: Kosta. Golf Tournament date needs to be changed since it is currently scheduled the Monday before the festival. Denny and Paris will be part of the Golf committee and will also look for volunteers to assist with making this event a success. Looking at possible dates of 6/24/2013 or 5/20/2013. Trivia Night Saturday February 23 rd, Currently have 7-8 tables. Need to try and add a few more teams. Patio Upgrades. Funding is available to do some upgrades to assist with the festival. Looking to make electrical upgrades to help benefit and save on costs for festival. Will get specifications and figures for next general assembly. Abraham has requested and it has been approved to use the facility on April 6 th, 2013 for 40 people. LED lights Proceeding with upgrading of lights that will bring significant savings annually. Motion made by Kosta, 2 nd by: Denny. Festival: Website for the festival should be up and running. Food menu and prices have been set. Have been contacting old and new sponsors for festival 1 st Annual Hercules Hustle Road Race is now set-up and people can register online. Corn Belt Running Club is assisting with the organization of the event and we will hold the packet pick-up the day before the event at the Church during Friday s festival. Parking across the street has been Ok d with the churches across the street. Kosta should have the Festival Board for the Church Hall up in 1-2 weeks. American band, Brother Trucker, has been secured for Saturday night and is being denoted by Pam and Dennis Collier and Denny and Molly Mekus. Will look to have Credit Card access during festival. Motion to adjourn by: Denny motioned, 2 nd by: Mike. Meeting adjourned at 9:05pm

22 Agape News SPONSORS The Agape News is made possible by the generous support of the following parishioners: Fr. Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Vasilia Boukis In Memory of Harry and Alfreda Arvanis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis In Memory of George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Family Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Paula Baker In Memory of Sadie (Elias) Bakeris In Memory of Jimmy Boukis Steve, Vaso and Lynn Boukis Kleo Caras Victor and Judy Cherevko Dennis and Pam Collier Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou Dounoulis Family Litsa Gregory Tom P. Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Mike and Helen Haney James Jannes Mike and Terri Kandis George and Helen Kontos Joyce Coughlin and JoAnn Kontos Anastasios and Dimitra Korovilas Ninan Family In Memory of Christ T. Panousis Fr. Basil and Christina Papanikolaou Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros Christ and Helen Petaros Ann Polillo Steve and Nancy Pyevich In Memory of Nickolaus, Halina, Andrei and Nickolaus Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Rick and Maria Krakos Thompson John and Mary Velon In Memory of George and Grace Vretis Sponsors offer $20 for the Ecclesiastical Year (beginning and ending Sept. 1 st ) Do you enjoy the Agape News? Then become a supporter!!! Here is my support of $20. Please list my sponsorship as follows:

23 The Windmill FAMILY RESTAURANT Reserve our banquet room today for your next celebration. Let us help create a special memory for you with our award-winning dishes. ADVERTISEMENTS Avenue of the Cities East Moline, IL (309) Miltos Diakogeorgiou, Parishioner Jose Zepeda, Chef Owners Owned by Chris & Kathy Panouses Presenting Sponsor of the 2012 Greek Cultural Festival Annual Golf Tournament 3629 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL LCV Greek & Mediterranean Food Store Now selling a nice selection of Greek & Middle Eastern Products to the public Noon-5pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-Noon Saturday and by appointment th Ave. East Moline, IL Olympic Gyros Open 7 Days a Week 207 W. 53rd St. Davenport, IA Advantage Pest Control Servicing Assumption for 5 years Call Steve Today! 985 Ave. of the Cities Silvis, Illinois Owned by Parishioners John & MaryBeth Stopoulos Gulliver's Travel Southpark Mall Northpark Mall Duck Creek Plaza Todd Bagatelas, President

24 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 4900 Kennedy Drive East Moline, Illinois Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID E. Moline, IL. Permit No. 153