THE VOICE DECEMBR VOLUME NO. 303

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1 THE VOICE DECEMBR VOLUME NO. 303 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Article... 1 Stewardship... 3 Philoptochos... 4 Parish Registry... 5 PTA News... 6 Archangels... 7 Announcements... 8 Sunday School News... 9 Choir Conferences... 9 Godparent Sunday OXI DAY Cherubs Make A Difference Day Κοινοτικά νέα Liturgical Schedule Community Events Πρόγραμμα Ακολουθιών ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL WWW. SAINT- SPYRIDON.ORG Catechism 101 One of my favorite icons in our new iconography at Saint Spyridon is the one depicting the journey of the Holy Family to Egypt. Obeying the command of God s messenger, Joseph takes Mary and the Christ Child away from Bethlehem and together they flee to Egypt. Iakovos, the youngest of Joseph s children is with them and is pulling the donkey who is carrying Panagia as she stretches her hands out to receive the young Jesus in her arms. As they approach Egypt, the idols of that pagan country fall down at the sight of the Son of God. Distant relatives in Egypt are eager to receive the refugees who come to their doorstep. The Holy Family fled to Egypt because of King Herod s madness. Fearful of losing his kingdom, Herod ordered the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem. Thousands were killed and great lamentation was heard in Feast Day of our Patron Saint Spyridon Friday, December 11th Hierarchical Great Vespers 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12th Orthros & Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.

2 The Voice - H ΦΩNH Official Monthly Community Publication of St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL REV. FR. TILEMAHOS ALIKAKOS PROTOPRESBYTER Church Office Hours:... Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: , 2313 or 0787 Fax: office@saint-spyridon.org Web: Parish Council Officers James Korbakes... President Konstantine Labraκis... Vice-President Taso Panagiotopoulos... Vice President Frank Kopanis...Secretary George Papadopoulos...Assistant Secretary Gus Kolyvas... Treasurer James Xeros... Assistant Treasurer Auxiliary Officers Angelo Angelos... Chanter Olga Paxinos... Philoptochos Demetra Mikroulis... P.T.A. Kiki Kazazakis... Kentro Lambrini Stavrou... Plutarchos Greek School Jan Prible... Zoe Kopanis... Sunday School Director Nicky Glikis... Choir Director Dana Vasilakos... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Janine Riley... Cherubs Demetria Papadopoulos... HOPE Angelo Angelos... Byzantine Music Panagiotis Mihalopoulos... Iconography Fr. Tilemahos... Bible Study Vicki Drikos... Handmaidens Nick Chibucos & Labros Malfas... Altar Boys John Farsatis... Athletics And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Judea as it was prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah and quoted by the Evangelist Matthew: A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more. (Matthew 2:18) This prophecy of Jeremiah was fulfilled in this horrific event. The central figure in the prophecy is Rachel, and the implications of her being mentioned in this event is the topic of this month s Catechism 101. The figure of Rachel leads us to the 35 th chapter of Genesis. Jacob has just dedicated the altar to God at Bethel and is returning home. On the way, his beloved wife Rachel goes into labor and dies after giving birth to Jacob s youngest son Benjamin. Jacob would not be able to take Rachel s body to the tomb of his forefathers so he buries her along the way which happened to be the town of Bethlehem. Rachel s tomb exists till this day and is a sacred site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. When Herod s soldiers carried out the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem, the weeping and lamentation of their families was felt in the hearts of all, including their ancestors. Rachel, a matriarch of Israel, represents all those who share in the pain and cries of their descendants. Even though she is removed from the events by a few centuries, it does not diminish the connection that exists between her and her descendants. These are her children being slaughtered, and are her descendants in both flesh and spirit. They are her people in that her body was laid to rest in the place that experienced such pain and sorrow. All that we experience in this life effects everyone around us, before and after us. Our sorrow in this world is not limited to our experience, but it is rather shared and experienced by all humanity. If the book of Genesis provides us with one major lesson it is that we share in the common ancestry of Adam and Eve in the flesh, in the common ancestry of Noah and his family in obedience, in the common ancestry of Abraham in our faith. In Christ Jesus, we all share in the one Body of our Lord and Savior. In this Christmas celebration, I hope and pray that we realize that as children of God we remember the ties of humanity that bind us and the calling to eternal life that gives us purpose. Those who have lived before us do not only experience our anguish and fear with us, but they also experience our joy, our acts of kindness, our remembrance of them and the remembrance of God in the world. We should act to fill their experience of us with joy and gladness so that those who come after us will do the same for us. Ultimately, Christ who was born to ascend on the cross shed his blood to wash away even the sins we have not yet committed. We are connected through Him with all humanity. Therefore, everything that we do and say affects us all, even those who are not yet born. Let us realize our common heritage and perhaps we can also realize our common destiny in the redemption and mercy that Christ Child provides for us. Let us be glad and rejoice in Him this Christmas season and always. Amen. Fr.Tilemahos 2 The Voice

3 ANNUAL GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF CHICAGO CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos will once again joyously open the Metropolis home at 40 East Burton Place in Chicago, Illinois, to the clergy, faithful, and many friends of the Greek Orthodox Community during the Christmas holiday season. This year, the Metropolis Open House will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2015 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Stewardship Committee thanks our 358 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2015 year. We wish to express our gratitude for your commitment to the Lord s work through our Church of Saint Spyridon and we encourage everyone to offer their stewardship for the good of the Church. There is still time to pledge for 2015 and make our goal of 400 stewards for the year. To you who have not yet pledged, we ask of you to commit yourself and your family to the ministry of our Church and the glory of His name. STEWARDSHIP 2015 Stewardship 2015 Progress Report As of November 26th, 2015 Pledged Stewards: 358 Average Stewardship: $378 Amount donated: $135,325 The 2016 stewardship packets and the new 2016 calendars will be available by Christmas Day. Please help us save money on postage by picking up your stewardship packet & calendar in the fellowship hall or the church office by January 5th, and let us work together to make 2016 another year of growth and renewed blessings for our beloved parish of Saint Spyridon. STEWARDS 2015 OCTOBER 26TH NOVEMBER 27TH Mr. & Mrs. John Karopulos Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Kekempanos Mr. & Mrs. John Kladis Mrs. Zoe Korbakis Mr. & Mrs. Robert McNeil Mr. George Pappas Dr. Mary Peters & Family Ms. Andrea Petrakos Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Synadinos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Proutsos Ms. Alayne Theodore Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Theodorou Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Theodorou Mr. Manny Zaharopoulos ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΡΤΑ Save time and postage by joining the St. Spyridon family to wish all your friends and family a Merry Christmas. Community Card forms have been mailed to all the parishioners. Please submit your completed form with a check for $25. The deadline is December 12th. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Dear Fellow Parishioners, Kalo Mina. November was a busy month for Philoptochos. On November 1 st, which was our Feast Day, we presented the Philoptochos Scholarship to Peter Xeros, who is now attending Purdue University. We were also honored that day to have Metropolitan Athenagoras with us for the Divine Liturgy. On November 3 rd we hosted an informative lecture and presentation Getting Smart About Breast Cancer. Guest speaker, Dr. Thomas J. Vasdekas of Palos Community Hospital and Silver Cross Hospital, spoke on the most recent findings, treatments options and prevention tactics for breast cancer. Dr. Vasdekas specializes in general, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Attendees included our own parishioners as well as from other neighboring parishes. A lively discussion and question/answer period followed Dr. Vasdekas presentation. With appreciation, we presented Dr. Vasdekas with an icon of St. Luke, who was also a physician. Thank you to Kathy Korbakes for chairing the event. On November 10 th we provided lunch for over 100 needy people at the Annunciation Cathedral. We also took winter clothing for them. I would like to thank Kiki Davros and Irene Giardina for organizing a phenomenal clothes drive. Thanks to all the Sunday School classes who brought items to keep the less fortunate warm for the winter. On November 14 th, we had a Make a Difference Day. From November 15 th to the 18 th a few of us attended the Clergy Laity Conference in Madison. Diverse and important topics were discussed and we came away more knowledgeable and inspired to share them all with our members. The Archons explained to us how there is not religious freedom in Turkey where the Phanar is. We were informed about the Christian genocide in the Middle East. Someone from TASC explained to us how they were trying to break the cycle of drug addiction and crime. Someone from homeland security explained how we as citizens can be diligent in keeping our communities safe from within. Outreach on bringing Orthodoxy out to the media was discussed. Why I left the Church and came back was presented by two dynamic figures. The stopping of Human trafficking was talked about. Software in Parishes, Understanding Hospice, Ministering to those with special needs, welcoming back the incarcerated, and Stewards of the Environment were some of the other topics. The Martha and Mary home for unwed mothers was established in Niles.IL. New initiatives were established including each parish to feed the needy throughout the year. All topics were presented professionally. On December 5 th and 6 th we will be having our annual craft show. Please bring your sweet donations on Thursday the 3 rd so we can package them. We also need help both days of the show. Please come out and help. On December 11 th and `12 th are our Vespers and Feast Day. Please bring your Lenten sweets to church on Thursday the 10 th. Our Christmas party will be at the Odyssey right after church on the 27 th of December. We are looking forward to a fun filled afternoon. I wish our Protopresbyter Father Tilemahos, Presbytera Georgia and their family and all our church families a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in church, Love, Olga Paxinos, Philoptochos President 4 The Voice

5 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Baptisms The son of Mr. & Mrs. Andy and Stephanie Theodorou was baptized on November 14th and given the name Angelos. Mr. Aristoteli Theodorou and Ms. Eleni Theodorou were the sponsors. Να σας Ζήσουν! PARISH REGISTRY IN MEMORIAM Dimitrios Manikas fell asleep in the Lord on October 31st. His funeral took place on November 6th and the internment was at Bethania Cemetery. Gregory Dendrinos fell asleep in the Lord on November 5th. His funeral took place on November 9th and the internment was at Evergreen Cemetery. Ida Trakadas fell asleep in the Lord on November 6th. Her funeral took place on November 10th and the internment was at Evergreen. Alexandra Flamburis fell asleep in the Lord on November 11th and her funeral took place on November 16th. The internment was at Evergreen. May their memory be eternal! Our deepest sympathy to their families MEMORIALS Sunday, November 1st Past Philoptochos members +1 year for Connie Meklis Sunday, November 8th +9 days for Demetrios Manikas +6mon for Peter Xeros Sunday, November 29th +6 mon for Peter Chiagouris +29 for Daniel Pappas +18 for Irene Pappas and +3 months for Patricia Bobis May their memory be eternal! Our deepest sympathy to their families. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

6 P.T.A. NEWS The P.T.A. hosted the Godparents Luncheon on Sunday, November 8th. The church was filled with Godparents and their Godchildren who then enjoyed a beautiful luncheon. This year s Godparents Celebration was given in memory of Mr. Nick Vardalos who, for many years, donated and personally prepared the Godparents Brunch for Saint Spyridon. May his memory be eternal. We also thank all the donors and volunteers who stepped up to cook, serve and clean up. Your continued support is what helps make our Godparents celebration a wonderful success every year. Saint Spyridon children also participated in Make a Difference Day on November 14th, hosted by our Philoptochos and P.T.A.. We had a great turnout and all the kids worked together to fill goodie bags and write thank you cards for our Palos Heights Police Officers, Firefighters, and Dispatchers. It was a morning spent giving thanks, socializing with friends, playing basketball, and working together as a community. The PTA is looking for volunteers for the annual Christmas Party on Friday, December 18th. This event has been organized and executed by Greek School parents the past three years. Students enjoy and look forward to this party and we would like to continue to host it. There has been only one parent who has volunteered for this event so far! If you would like to help, please see one of the board members. We have some Lenten food items in the freezer and PTA can help serve. The Valentine Party and Greek Gt Talent Show are two more events that will need volunteers. Please look for more information on those events coming up. The PTA is looking forward to the Saint Spyridon Feast Day, the Christmas Pageant, and the Vasilopita events to start the new year. The Sunday School vasilopita will take place on Sunday, January 10th, and the Greek School Vasilopita on Monday, January 11th. Anyone interested to make the vasilopita for their child s classroom please contact your child s teacher or sign up on the volunteer board. December Coffee Hour Schedule December 13th Delis, Demetrakopoulos, Drikos, and Dwyer Families (Lenten) December 20th Eliopoulos, Evangelopoulos, Farsatis, Georgakas Families (Lenten) December 25th P. Glikis, J. Glikis, Grimmanis, Haniotakis, Hioureas Families December 27th Jones, Kalpakidis, Kambylis, Karopoulos Families If any of the families are not able to host the coffee hour on their assigned day, please let one of the board members know. We appreciate your support. Demetra Mikroulis, PTA President 6 The Voice

7 We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy & Healthy New Year During the month of November we celebrated our community helpers. We were very fortunate to have some of our student s parents visit and talk to us about their jobs in the community. DECEMBER SCHOOL CALENDAR Tuesday, Dec. 8th In school Field trip, Dave Herzog s Marionettes Friday, Dec. 18th Christmas Program Christmas Break December 19th to January 3rd Monday, January 4th School reconvenes, Registration opens St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 ANNOUNCEMENTS FLOWERS FOR ST. SPYRIDON & CHRISTMAS If anyone is interested in donating towards the purchase of flowers for the adornment of our Church and Icons for the feast day of St. Spyridon and the Christmas season, please contact the Church office. ALTAR BOYS All our altar boys are called to serve on the feast of St. Spyridon on Friday, December 11th, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 12th, at 8:00 a.m. There will be a training session in preparation for the vespers on Saturday, December 5th at 10:30 a.m. Finally, on December 27th, St. Stephen s day, we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and take our annual photo, followed by special fellowship hour. Please plan to attend. GOYA CAROLING The Goyans will be Christmas Caroling once again this year. We are looking forward to spreading Christmas cheer with our fellow parishioners. If anyone is interested in opening their homes on Friday, December 18th, 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. for this Christmas tradition, please contact the church office to make reservations. Goyans will be caroling at the Greek American Nursing on Saturday, December 19th at 2:00 p.m. PLUTARCH AGORA Our Greek students are organizing a small store selling pencils, erasers, and other school items during Greek School. All proceeds will benefit our Greek School program. THANK YOU We wish to extend a special thank you: George Eliacostas and his company for painting the Narthex, Choir loft, and auxiliary rooms of our church. To all the donors of our Food Pantry and Fund for the Needy. To Becky Righetti and Stella Parhas for preparing and distributing Thanksgiving Baskets for 25 needy families. To all the participants and donors of the IOCC walkathon To all who donated in memory of Nick Vardalos, Connie Meklis, Ida Trakadas, Alexandra Flamburis, Gregory Dendrinos, and Demetrios Manikas. To Mrs. Helen Katris for her 100th Anniversary donation To Hills Funeral Home for donating this year s Ecclesiastical Calendars. To all the parishioners who participated in the Feed the Hungry program. To all who donated and assisted in our Christmas Craft Show. To the families for donated and prepared the Godparents Sunday Brunch. To all who have baked prosfora, and bring wine, oil, and kolyva for our Sarantaleitourgo. DIAKONIA AGAPES - ALMSGIVING We wish to thank all our parishioners and friends of St. Spyridon for remembering our Food Pantry for Thanksgiving (30 families). As you know, our Food Pantry helps our St. Spyridon families that have a need for assistance. Our Food Pantry also helps the friends of St. Spyridon, on a daily and weekly basis. It is very important that we keep our Food Pantry filled at all times, so that we do not turn anyone away because of lack of food. We also with to thank all who donate in the Narthex donation box for the poor. Your generosity has enabled us to offer over $5,000 of assistance so far this year to those in need of assistance with rent, college expenses, food, medicine, and clothing. The majority of our monetary assistance is received by Orthodox faithful in need. If anyone wishes to donate items for this special delivery, please contact Effie at the church office. All donations should be at Church by December 15 th. But whoever has this world s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (John 3:17). Please remember the bank for the needy in the narthex and the mission bank as you leave the Church each Sunday. 8 The Voice

9 CHOIR CONFERENCES In early October, four of our choir members represented our church at the 58th Annual Choir Conference of the Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians - Metropolis of Chicago which took place in Minneapolis this year. We wish to congratulate Ruth Faklis, Pat Katsenis, Maria Paraskis, and Alex Mikosz for their attendance, participation, devotion and dedication to events such as these and up in our choir loft as well. On November 21st, twelve of our St. Spyridon Junior choir members participated in the Youth Choir Conference which took place at St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church in Aurora, IL. The participants did an awesome job. On Sunday morning, seven of our members went on to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with the rest of the conference participants. Congratulations go to all who participated. It was an amazing event. HOPE Our HOPE group has had a wonderful month learning about our faith, working on crafts together and participating in fellowship with each other. The children especially enjoyed going into our beautiful church to search for icons of the Archangels, Jesus & the Children, Saint Andrew and Saint Nicholas. We also helped assemble bags for our parish s Make Difference Day - thanking our local police, fire and dispatch professionals. We welcome your little ones on Saturdays from 10:30 11:30 a.m. We will reconvene after the New Year. We wish all of you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Καλά Χριστούγεννα και ευτυχισμένος ο καινούργιος χρόνος! Demetria S. Papadopoulos, HOPE Advisor Sunday School News As the holidays approach, it is a perfect time to reflect on the many blessings we have, and to help those who are less fortunate. Please consider donating Christmas food items to our food pantry, which provides food to families in our own community. Giving to those in need is something we should do year round. As we all remember what we are thankful for, let s share that thankfulness with our communities. For the month of December, we will have class on December 6th & 13th. The students who are interested in parts for the Christmas Program will be selected during class on December 13th. Once again this year, we will be celebrating a combined Sunday & Greek School Christmas Program, which will be held on December 20th, immediately after church. On Saturday December 19th, there will be a mandatory rehearsal for all Sunday School students. Please make every effort to attend. We will also need some parent volunteers to help us get the students ready. Please contact Dana Vasilakos or Zoe Kopanis if you are able to help. I would like to thank the Sunday School staff for all their support and hard work throughout the year. We all work together to provide the students of St Spyridon with an Orthodox foundation and hope that more parents get involved and volunteer their time to share their talents with us. Whether you are able to help with one Sunday School class, or several, you are always welcome. On behalf of the Sunday School team, we wish everyone a Happy Christmas and many blessings for the New Year. Zoe Kopanis, Sunday School Director St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 10 The Voice GODPARENT SUNDAY

11 OXI DAY CELEBRATION St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

12 CHERUBS During November our playgroup learned about colors and abc's. We painted Turkey feathers and as always enjoyed playtime and snacks. We were thankful for our families, our homes, our teachers, and each other. Janine Riley, Cherubs Advisor 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION You are invited to join in the planning of our church's landmark celebration years of service to our families. Committee members met on November 19th to discuss the commemorative album. Our theme for the anniversary is Generations of Faith and Tradition. We are looking members to join the following committees: Anniversary Banquet Special Events Commemorative Album We are still looking for new members to help plan the year-long celebration of our 100th anniversary which will begin in October of 2016 and culminate in a grand celebration on October 15th, NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, January 19th, 7:00 p.m. ICONOGRAPHY UPDATE We have been spending the last few weeks cleaning our icons and the difference is amazing. We also had a crew donated by George Eliacostas paint the narthex, cry room, bride s room, and the choir loft. With the cleaning and final touch-ups our church iconography is finally complete. Our church now has 200 icons surrounding us with scenes from the life of Christ, Panagia, and Saint Spyridon, as well as individual saints who stand as witnesses to the beauty of our Orthodox faith. May this beauty inspire all of us and the generations to come. There is still time to donate toward the icons that are not yet pledged. The following icons are still available: Raising of Lazaros - $10,000 Veneration by the Wise Men - $11,910 Christ s Flight in to Egypt - $14,800 The Mystical Supper $11,875. The amounts reflect the balance that is still not pledged on these icons. 12 The Voice

13 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY The children of our parish, got together Saturday, November 14 th for a very special Make A Difference Day project. The children, ranging from pre-school thru high school, undertook a special project to honor our Palos Heights police, firemen, and dispatchers. Our Philoptochos joined forces with our P.T.A. to guide the children as they lined up to assemble thank you bags for those that serve our community. Each bag was filled with all sorts of goodies to help our service people thru the day, even koulourakia! After a pizza lunch, the thank you bags were then delivered to the Palos Heights police station, a fire station and the dispatchers facility. The kids were received with kindness and hospitality by everyone, even getting to try on a fireman s uniform and sit in the fire truck! Not only did the St. Spyridon kids recognize the importance of saying thank you to our hometown heroes, but the heroes were pleasantly surprised with their act of kindness and appreciation! Because the Make A Difference project was such a success with our children and so well received by the Palos Heights community, the Philoptochos and the P.T.A. decided to do team up again for future projects involving the children of our parish. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13

14 ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ Το Χριστιανικό πρόγραμμα της Εκούσιας Εισφοράς μας δίνει την ευκαιρία να ανταποκριθούμε στην αγάπη του Χριστού με το να διαιωνίσουμε την αποστολή της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας μας. Ευχαριστούμε πολύ τις 358 οικογένειες που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποχρεώσεις τους για την φετινή χρονιά. Όλοι παρακαλούνται να ανανεώσουν την συνδρομή τους προς την Εκκλησία μας με το δώρο της αγάπης τους, στο γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. Εις τέλος, μπορείτε να λάβετε απο το γραφείο τις νέες κάρτες και τα νέα ημερολόγια για το 2016 από τα Χριστούγεννα εως τα Θεοφάνεια. ΑΠΟΘΗΚΗ ΤΡΟΦΙΜΩΝ Θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε όλους όσους, με μεγάλη γενναιοδωρία, δώρησαν τρόφιμα και χρήματα για την εορτή των Ευχαριστηρίων. Ευχαριστούμε ιδιαίτερα τις κ. Ριγγέτι και Πάρχα που προετοίμασαν και μοίρασαν τα καλάθια τροφίμων για την εορτή των Ευχαριστηρίων σε 25 οικογένειες. Τούτον τόν μήνα ζητούμε την υποστήριξη όλων για να μπορέσουμε να διαθέσουμε τα απαραίτητα αγαθά για το τραπέζι της εορτής των Χριστουγέννων σε 25 οικογένειες. ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΑ ΚΑΛΑΝΤΑ Αυτή τη χρονιά τα παιδιά της Ενορίας μας είναι ανυπόμονα να συνεχίσουν το όμορφο έθιμο των Χριστουγεννιάτικων Καλάντων. Αν επιθυμείτε να έρθουν τα παιδιά στο σπίτι σας για να σας πουν τα κάλαντα την Παρασκευή, 18 Δεκεμβρίου, 6:30 μ.μ. 9:00 μ.μ. σας παρακαλούμε να επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΟ ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ Θα θέλαμε να σας ενημερώσουμε ότι την Κυριακή 20 Δεκεμβρίου, οι μαθητές του Κατηχητικού και του Ελληνικού Σχολείου θα παρουσιάσουν το Χριστουγεννιάτικο πρόγραμμα της Γεννήσεως του Χριστού μας, μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. ΛΟΥΛΟΥΔΙΑ ΠΡΟΣ ΣΤΟΛΙΣΜΟ Εαν θέλετε να δώσετε χρήματα για την αγορά των Λουλουδιών για τον στολισμό του Ιερού Ναού μας κατά την εορτή του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα, καθώς και την εορτή των Χριστουγέννων, ή αν επιθυμείτε να δωρείσετε για τα μπουκαλάκια αγιασμού, παρακαλούμε να επικινωνήσετε με το Γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. Ελληνικό Σχολείο «ΠΛΟΥΤΑΡΧΟΣ» Την Δευτέρα 14 Δεκεμβρίου θα έχουμε συνάντηση Γονέων Διδασκάλων και ελέγχους για το 1ο τρίμηνο. Την Παρασκευή 18 Δεκεμβρίου, μετά το τέλος των μαθημάτων, θα αρχίσουν οι διακοπές των Χριστουγέννων. Τα μαθήματα θα αρχίσουν και πάλι την Δευτέρα 4 Ιανουαρίου. Η κοπή της Βασιλόπιττας του Ελληνικού Σχολείου θα γίνει την Δευτέρα 11 Ιανουαρίου. Η διευθύντρια του σχολείου μας κ. Λαμπρινή Σταύρου και όλο το διδασκαλικό προσωπικό, σας εύχονται Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευλογημένο το Το Παζάρι της Ενορίας μας Το Σάββατο 5 Δεκεμβρίου από τις 9:00 το πρωί μέχρι τις 4:00 το απόγευμα, καθώς και την Κυριακή 6 Δεκεμβρίου από τις 11:00 το πρωί μέχρι τις 3:00 το απόγευμα η Φιλόπτωχος Αδελφότητα θα έχει το Ετήσιο Γιορτινό Παζάρι. ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΕΣ ΕΥΧΕΣ Ο πατήρ Τηλέμαχος, ο πρόεδρος και τα μέλη του Κοινοτικού μας συμβουλίου, η πρόεδρος και τα μέλη της Φιλοπτώχου Αδελφότητας, η πρόεδρος και τα μέλη του Συλλόγου Γονέων και Διδασκάλων, οι Διδάσκαλοι του Ελληνικού, του Κατηχητικού Σχολείου και της Ακαδημίας των Αρχαγγέλων, και ολόκληρο το προσωπικό της Κοινότητας του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνα σας εύχονται: ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ & ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ ΕΤΟΣ! 14 The Voice

15 Schedule of Divine Services Tuesday, December 1st Orthros & Divine Liturgy & Agiasmos 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 2nd St. Porphyrios, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3rd Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Friday, December 4th St. Barbara, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers at St. Nicholas 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6th 10th Sunday of Luke, St. Nicholas, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, December 7th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 8th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 9th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Friday, December 11th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Feast Day of Saint Spyridon, Great Vespers 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12th St. Spyridon the Wonderworker Orthros & Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13th 11th Sunday of Luke, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, December 14th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 15th St. Eleftherios Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Holy Confession 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 16th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Holy Confession 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 17th St. Dionysios, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Friday, December 18th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 19th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Holy Confession 10:30 a.m. Sunday, December 20th Sunday before Nativity, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, December 21st Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 22nd St. Anastasia, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Holy Confession 10:30 a.m. Holy Unction 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 23rd Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Thursday, December 24th Royal Hours & Vesperal Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Friday, December 25th CHRISTMAS DAY Orthros & Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Sunday, December 27th St. Stephen the First Martyr Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Holy Confession is also available by appointment. Please call Fr. Tilemahos at the church office. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

16 December 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 6 Sunday School Junior Choir Christmas Craft Show 13 Sunday School Metropolis Open House 20 Christmas Pageant SS Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills 2:15 p.m. 27 Altar Boy Sunday Family Worship Philoptochos Christmas Party 7 Greek Bible 10:30am Greek School-4:30 pm 14 Greek Bible 10:30am Greek School-4:30 pm 1 Byzantine Music 6 pm Jr. GOYA 7pm 8 Byzantine Music 6 pm Parish Council 7pm 15 2 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. BBall Grammar 6:45 pm BBall High School 7 pm Bible Study 7 pm 9 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. BBall Grammar 6:45 pm BBall High School 7 pm Bible Study 7 pm 16 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. BBall Grammar 6:45 pm BBall High School 7 pm BBall Grammar 6:45 pm BBall High School 7 pm GOYA Ice skating 30 BBall Grammar 6:45 pm BBall High School 7 pm 3 Craft Show table set up 6 p.m Greek School 4:30 p.m. Craft Show preparations 11 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Feast of St. Spyridon Hierarchical 7:00 p.m. 18 Archangels Christmas Program Greek School 4:30 p.m. GOYA Caroling 6 p.m Christmas Day 31 5 Craft Show Altar Boys 10:30 a.m. Jr. Choir 10:30 a.m. 12 Feast of St. Spyridon Orthros & Hierarchical Divine 8:00 a.m. 19 Pageant Rehearshal10 a.m. GOYA Caroling at Nursing Home 2 pm 26

17 ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Τρίτη 1 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τετάρτη 2 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Πορφυρίου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 3 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παρ. 4 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 5 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός στον Ι. Ναό του Αγ. Νικολάου 7:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 6 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Νικολάου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 7 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 8 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ Τετάρτη 9 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 10 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παρασκευή 11 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Αρχιερατικός Εσπερινός Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος 7:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο. 12 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος Όρθρος και Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός 5:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 13 Δεκεμβρίου 11η Κυριακή του Λουκά -Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 14 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 15 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Ελευθερίου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Ι. Εξομολόγηση 10:30 π.μ. Τετάρτη 16 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θ Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Ι. Εξομολόγηση 10:30 π.μ. Πέμπτη 17 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παρ. 18 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σαββάτο 19 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ Ι. Εξομολόγηση 10:30 π.μ. Κυριακή 20 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή προ των Χριστουγέννων Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 21 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 22 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Ι. Εξομολόγηση 10:30 π.μ. Ακολουθία του Ευχελαίου 6:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 23 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 24 Δεκεμβρίου Βασιλικές Ώρες και Εσπερινή Λειτουργία του M. Βασιλείου 8:00 π.μ. Παρασκευή 25 Δεκεμβρίου ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Κυριακή 27 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Στεφάνου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 17

18 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL Attend Church Regularly with Your Family! CALENDAR OF EVENTS December 5th & 6th Christmas Craft Show Dec. 8th Parish Council Meeting Dec. 11th & 12th St. Spyridon s Feast Day Dec. 13th Metropolis Open House Dec. 14th Plutarchos Parent Teacher Conferences Dec. 16th General Assembly Dec. 18th Archangels Christmas Celebration Dec. 18th & 19th Goya Caroling Dec. 20th Christmas Pageant Dec. 25th CHRISTMAS DAY Dec. 27th Altar Boy Day Dec. 27th Philoptochos Christmas Party Jan. 10th Community Vasilopita Jan. 19th 100th Anniversary Meeting Come do your Christmas shopping at the Annual Philoptochos ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Crafts, Greek Pastries, Greek Food Saturday, December 5th 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. & Sunday, December 6th 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.