Feast Day of our Patron Saint Spyridon CHURCH ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX DECEMBER VOLUME NO. 334

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1 DECEMBER VOLUME NO. 334 SAINT SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH TABLE OF CONTENTS... 2 Catechism Stewardship... 4 Sunday School... 5 PTA News... 6 GOYA... 7 Cherubs... 7 Parish News Kοινοτικά Νέα December Program Λειτουργικό Πρόγραμμα Philoptochos News Coming Events ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL WWW. SAINT-SPYRIDON.ORG On November 3 rd we had our 10 th annual Walk for IOCC. What a great way to start the month off by supporting a charity that offers help to Christians Worldwide. The IOCC is celebrating 25 years of providing emergency essentials like medical supplies, water sanitation, educational assistance as well as basic needs. This year, the IOCC helped people in Ethiopia, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Tanzania, Greece, Uganda, Bosnia and Georgia. They have also helped here in the United States in places like Missouri, North Carolina, West Virginia and Texas. The IOCC has proven to be responsible with the support they receive by spending a very small percentage on operations. Many thanks to Frank and Zoe Kopanis for once again organizing this great annual event and to all the donors and participants for coming out and supporting the IOCC. Feast Day of our Patron Saint Spyridon Sunday, December 9th, 2018 History Panel Presentation 12 noon Tuesday, December 11th, 2018 Hierarchical Vespers 7:00 p.m. Tonsuring of our new Readers Wednesday, December 12th, 2018 Orthros & Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Sealing of the 100th Anniversary Time Capsule

2 On November 8th we celebrated our feast day of Archangels with artoklasia during which the children chanted the hymn: Πλούσιοι επτώχευσαν. During the month we also honored our community helpers. We were very fortunate to have some of our parents visit as well as a couple of naturalists from the Little Red School House. They talked to us about their jobs in the community. We wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year DECEMBER SCHOOL CALENDAR Thursday, December 13th: Field Trip to MVCC to see Red Riding Hood s Holiday Adventure Friday, December 21st: Last day of class before Christmas break Christmas program & 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 7th: School reconvenes Registration for school year opens 2 The Voice

3 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: or 2313 Fax: office@saint-spyridon.org Web: Parish Council Officers James Korbakes President Konstantine Labraκis Vice-President George Papadopoulos Vice President Frank Kopanis Secretary James Xeros Assistant Secretary Gus Kolyvas Treasurer Nicholas Chibucos Assistant Treasurer Auxiliary Officers Angelo Angelos Chanter Toula Georgiopoulos Philoptochos Tessie Jones P.T.A. Kiki Kazazakis Kentro Lambrini Stavrou Plutarchos Greek School Jan Prible Zoe Kopanis Sunday School Director Nicky Glikis Choir Director Sofea Malamis G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Debbie Petrakos Cherubs Demetria Papadopoulos HOPE Panagiotis Mihalopoulos Iconography Fr. Tilemahos Bible Study Tammy Stamus Handmaidens Nick Chibucos Altar Boys Labros Malfas Altar Boys Nicky Glikis Jr. Choir Director Fr. Tilemahos Byzantine Music Angelo Angelos Greek Dance John Farsatis Athletics Zachary Bousies Athletics Cindy Polyzos Floga Dance Troupe Stella Parhas Food Pantry Effie Papadopoulos Church Office Marianna Haniotakis Church Office Soteria Simantirakis Custodian Catechism 101 Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. Acts 3:6 These words of St. Peter resonate loudly in these days of Advent as we prepare to celebrate the great feast of the Nativity of our Lord. The context of these words is the encounter between the Apostle Peter and a paralytic who was laid at the door of the Temple of Solomon asking for alms. Peter did not have any money to give him, not because he had forgotten to take some with him, but because he had denounced all his material possessions. Yet, he was compelled to offer something to this man. What he was going to give him was greater than any monetary gift. He offered him his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. With that faith, and the presence of the Holy Spirit he had received, the Apostle gave him the miracle of healing in the name of Jesus Christ. For the first time in his life, the man born lame, was now walking, leaping for joy, glorifying and praising God. In our discussion on this first apostolic miracle, we focused on the fact that the apostles Peter and John began their ministry not by amassing funds, donors, and capital campaigns, but by concentrating on their faith in the Resurrected Christ. They relied on the presence of the Holy Spirit they had received on Pentecost. They openly declared the glory of God and the promises that Jesus Christ had made. Personally, they forsook all attachment to material possessions, yet they were never discouraged from pursuing the command of Christ to go and baptize all nations. They took on the task of declaring the glory of Jesus Christ to all the world with their boldness and unwavering faith as their only possession. Silver and gold has its place in the church as it has a place in our everyday lives. However, as a Church, we must never forget that our essential purpose is to offer salvation through Jesus Christ. Our parish buildings, our ministries, the workers in the vineyard both locally and around the world, is aided by silver and gold but they are not sustained by it. The Church is sustained by the presence of the Holy Spirit, the words of our Lord Jesus, and the love of God the Father. Let s think of the following example: Can any monetary donation change bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ? Can silver and gold declare that our sins are forgiven? Can any amount of wealth serve as a covenant for eternal life? All these are only possible by the mercy and the presence of God in His Church. All the church edifices and ministries are wonderful to have, but the essence of all we do remains the person of Jesus Christ. While all other endeavors have their place, the Divine Liturgy, the sacraments of the Church, and the presence of the Holy Spirit are the real treasure of the Church and the sustenance that will help bring everyone into the loving embrace of the Lord. It is worth, however, to further our discussion of this verse, during this St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 Stewardship (...continued from page 3) time of gift giving and Christmas cheer. The offering of gifts in honor of our Lord s Nativity, is based first and foremost on offering the love of Christ to one another. He came on earth and became incarnate in order to reveal His love for all mankind. We must continue His mission by declare His love, His promises and His gospel as our gift to others. All that is silver and gold and the things that are bought and sold with it, is of much less value than the heavenly gifts we can offer to one another. The gifts of compassion, kindness, joy, forgiveness, mercy, hope, faith, and love, are all gifts that will elevate the hearts, minds, and souls of our loved ones, so that together with us they may praise and glorify the Newborn King. Let the good news of our Savior be the first and most important gift you offer to one another this Christmas season. Share all the blessings God has given you, share each other s burden, share your gratitude and love for our Lord and Savior Who was born in order to share His life with us forever. Amen. Fr. Tilemahos Christmas Caroling December 21st 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 21st, 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m., for this Christmas tradition, they may contact the church office as soon as possible to make reservations. Stewardship 2018 Progress Report The Stewardship Committee thanks our 361 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2018 year. We wish to express our gratitude for your commitment to the Lord s work through our Church of Saint Spyridon. And to you who have not yet pledged, we ask of you to commit yourself and your family so that the Word of God may continue in His glorious name. STEWARDSHIP GOAL: 400 STEWARDS Invite your family and friends to become Stewards of our parish. AVERAGE STEWARDSHIP GOAL: $50/month or $600/year Our current average Stewardship is $430, ranging from $250 to $3,600 annually. Please help us reach our stewardship goal! Stewardship Goal: 400 Stewards Year to date New Stewards 2018-October 26th November 25th Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Tsaldaris Mr. & Mrs. John Zorbas Mr. & Mrs. John Korbakis Ms. Catherine Pappas Mrs. Athena Tsinoukas Ms. Georgia Malamis Mr. & Mrs. John Karopulos Mr. Gregory Petinatos Ms. Demetra Alikakos Mr. Konstantinos Alikakos Ms. Melpomeni Pappas Mr. Peter G. Korbakes Mr. & Mrs. Ian Nelson Mr. & Mrs. George Karras Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Synadinos Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Priovolos Mr. & Mrs. McNeill Mr. & Mrs. Dean Eliacostas Mr. Andreas Tsantilis Dr. & Mrs. Michael Hohlastos 10 STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY JANUARY 13th, The Voice

5 Sunday School On November 3 rd we had our 10 th annual Walk for IOCC. What a great way to start the month off by supporting a charity that offers help to Christians Worldwide. The IOCC is celebrating 25 years of providing emergency relied essentials like medical supplies, water sanitation, educational assistance as well as basic needs like food. This year, the IOCC helped people in Ethiopia, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Tanzania, Greece, Uganda, Bosnia and Georgia. They have also helped here in the United States in places like Missouri, North Carolina, West Virginia and Texas. The IOCC has proven to be responsible with the support they receive by spending a very small percentage on operations. This is one of my favorite charities for many reasons, and I am so grateful to everyone who came out to support this worthy organization. Our first Walk for IOCC had only 5 participants. I wondered at that time if it was worth doing again, because I felt it was a failure. Here we are 10 years later, growing a bit each year. With your support, it has become a success. I look forward to its continued success and participation of all our Sunday School families. This month our families also helped collect coats, socks, hats and gloves for the homeless. I was truly overwhelmed when I saw the mound of items that were donated by our families. The items were distributed to the homeless individuals who received a hot meal prepared by our Ladies Philoptochos on November 13 th for their annual Feed the Hungry initiative. Many of them expressed their gratitude as they received the items that would help keep them warm during these cold winter months. Thanks to everyone who supported this. Our next Sunday School service project will be for The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. Please support the children and teens who are fighting cancer by providing them with a toy or $5 gift card. Please bring the toys unwrapped (no stuffed animals please) so we can help put a smile on the face of children and teens fighting cancer. We will have class on December 2 nd, 9 th and 16 th. Our various Christmas Pageant roles will be chosen during class on December 9 th. We will ask first for volunteers who would like to participate. A mandatory Christmas Pageant practice will take place on Saturday December 22 nd at 10am. The pageant will take place Sunday December 23 rd, immediately after the Divine Liturgy. There will be family worship on December 30 th. On behalf of all the Sunday School teachers, I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Zoe Kopanis, Sunday School Director 5 The Voice

6 P.T.A. News Greetings! During our meeting, we have a lot of great ideas and information. With only a limited amount of members at the meeting, it is hard to spread the word of what is going on. We are looking for a forum/platform to put out the information for those that are not able to attend. If you have any information on how to do this please send an to tpalas23@yahoo.com. Paint Night was held on Tuesday, November 27 th. What a great event. We are planning a parent and child paint night for the spring time. On December 12 is our Patron Saint, Saint Spyridon s Feast day, PTA along with Philoptochos will be hosting the fellowship hour. On Friday, December 14, the PTA will be hosting a Christmas party for the children. Parents are needed to help with the kitchen, craft stations, game stations and to monitor the children. Teachers will be holding conferences in the classroom during this time. The Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 23. Sunday school snacks will be set up on a designated table during the fellowship hour. The children can help themselves to a snack. Please arrive at church at 9:30 and assist with getting the community room ready. We will head into church and come back after communion to finish set up. Help is needed pouring coffee, pouring water, clearing empty trays, washing and drying and folding the table cloths at the end. We thank you for helping with the fellowship hour. DECEMBER COFFEE SOCIAL 9th - 1st and 2nd 16th - Kindergarten 23rd - Preschool 25th - All Grades 30th - 5th and 6th The last day for Greek school for Christmas break is Friday, December 21 and will resume on Monday, January 7 th. Have a blessed and joyous Christmas! Tessie Jones, PTA President St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 6

7 GOYA News Our Goyans came together to show their thankfulness by helping feed those in need. They gathered all the non-perishable items for our thirty families that were in need of Thanksgiving Baskets this year. Thank you to all the families that donated to this wonderful cause. On November 7th, Mr. Zach Bousies, spoke to our GOYANs about Veteran s Day and honoring all our men and women of the military service. They continued with a night of Dodge Ball fun. On November 13th, they had their very own Thanksgiving dinner! Everyone came together, bringing a variety of dishes to celebrate a night of fun and fellowship. The kids talked with Father about all the things we should be thankful in our lives. The Goyans also decorated the Christmas Tree during their November 28th meeting, and they decorated the front of the church with Christmas lights and our manger icon. The Goyans will be caroling later this month and they are planning on having their annual lock-in on Friday, December 28th. We enjoyed the month of November by playing with the outdoor leaves and making adorable leaf people. We also completed our festive turkey craft for thanksgiving. Cherubs wishes you and your family a very blessed Christmas and Happy News Years. CHERUBS St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 Parish News Congratulations Dr. Chris Our Saint Spyridon parish congratulates our very own Dr. Chris Kolyvas for being honored at the Presence Saint Joseph Medical Centers 25th Anniversary Gala on November 3rd, The following is the write-up in the evening s program: Chris Kolyvas, MD, FACC Chris was born in Greece and immigrated to the south side of Chicago with his family in1967. He attended the University of Illinois where he received a Master s Degree in Chemistry. He then attended medical school at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. He remained there to finish his residency in Internal Medicine where he met his wife Jann, a nurse at Hines VA. He completed a Fellowship in interventional Cardiology and began working in Joliet in He is a founding member of Heartland Cardiology Group. Chris and Jann have 4 children. Chris s passions in life are his family, his Orthodox Faith, his parents and golf. Philosophy of Care Chris has been practicing cardiology for 26 years with a philosophy to educate, support and encourage patients and their families to be involved in their care. He takes time to answer patient s questions about their conditions and treatment options. Many patients he sees require invasive procedures and it is important they understand the risks and benefits of these procedures as well as all other noninvasive options to treat their condition such as lifestyle changes and medical interventions. He is compassionate and respectful care for patients as if they were his own family. Awards and Accolades: Rated as Top 3 Cardiologist ThreeBestRated.com, Patient Choice Award, Physician of the Year finalist at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Research and Clinical Trials: Primary investigator for Platinum trial at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION Sunday, November 11th On Sunday, November 11th, we had the opportunity to honor our veterans, both living and those who have fallen asleep, by offering a memorial and an artoklasia service. Our very own Peter Polmen, a WWII veteran, was among the honorees. ELLINOMATHIA EXAMS On November 9th, Katerina Polyzos, Katerina Alikakos, and Maria Glikis (not pictured) received their Ellinomathia certificate at the Hellenic American Academy. The Elinomathia is a Greek Language proficiency examination administered by the Greek government and is recognized by the State of Illinois. Students who achieve the B1 level of proficiency also earn the seal of biliteracy by their school district. A seal of biliteracy can be used in one s resume and to earn foreign language credit in high school and college studies. Our children are prepared for this exam in our Friday Greek Language Seminar. 8 The Voice

9 Parish News DIAKONIA AGAPES - ALMSGIVING 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). We wish to thank all our parishioners and friends of St. Spyridon for remembering our Food Pantry. Monday, November 19th, thirty four families received Thanksgiving Food Baskets. As you know, our Food Pantry helps families that have a need for assistance. Many thanks to Stella Parhas and their committee of volunteers and donors who helped with the Thanksgiving Baskets. The baskets contained turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing, rolls, oil, canned yams, butter, salt, salad dressing, brownie mix, rice, corm, beans, pancake mix, syrup, pasta, celery, carrots, onions, potatoes, fruit, pumpkin pie, vegetables, and peas. 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. If you wish to donate food or monetary donation for our Food Pantry and Christmas Baskets, please bring your items/donations to the Church office or the Pantry Donation Box. Please remember the food bank for the needy in the narthex. Thanks to your generosity this past year we have been able to offer financial relief to families and individuals in need. Thanksgiving Baskets Average Cost/food basket: $62 Baskets given: 34 Approximate people fed: 168 Total Cost: $2, th Anniversary Update On Sunday, November 25th, our Centennial Album was distributed to our faithful. The album committee, headed by Kathy Korbakes, did an amazing job in publishing this book that features the history of our parish and the stories of our parish families. The album is available for purchase by contacting the church office. While everyone was going through the album, the first part of the history panel video was shown with an introduction by Peter C. Korbakes. The second installment of the history panel will be presented on Sunday, December 9th. These videos, along with the album, will be placed in the Time Capsule which will be sealed on Saint Spyridon s feast day on December 12th. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 St. Spyridon Feast & Christmas Flowers Once again we call upon your kindness and generosity in donating towards the purchase of flowers for the adornment of our Church and the Icons for the feast day of St. Spyridon and the Christmas season. Please send your Feast Day and Christmas Donations to the Church office. Community Christmas Card - Wish all our parishioners and friends a Merry Christmas by signing up for the Community Christmas Card. Please complete the Christmas Card form along with the $25 donation and return to the Church office by December 10th. Altar Boys All our altar boys are called to serve on the feast of St. Spyridon on Tuesday, December 11th, at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 12th, at 8:00 a.m. We will be practicing for the feast day services on Monday, December 9th at Parish News Baptisms The son of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Spirovski was baptized on November 10th, and was given the name Nicholas. His Godparents were Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Tsaldaris. The daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Makis Limperis was baptized on November 11th, and was given the name Elisaveth. Her Godparents were Dr. & Mrs. Harry Siavelis. The son of Dr. & Mrs. Elias Hohlastos was baptized on November 11th, and was given the name Sebastian Elias. His Godparents were Dr. & Mrs. Michael Dovolos. The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Khalil Sweis was baptized on November 17th, and was given the name Sophia. Her Godparents were Mr. & Mrs. Yianni Koliavas. Να σας Ζήσουν! 6:00 p.m. Ten of our altar boys will be tonsured as Readers at the conclusion of the Vespers Service. Finally, on December 27th, St. Stephen s day, we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and take our annual photo, followed by lunch. Please plan to attend. Community Vasilopita The Community Vasilopita will be on Monday, January 1st, after the Divine Liturgy. We ask that all parishioners and friends join us for this very special beginning for the New Year. Athletics Our basketball season has begun and our children are having a great time and they have even won some games! Our high school team will be playing at the Thanksgiving Tournament final which was postponed due to weather. Many thanks to Tom Primbas for sponsoring the uniforms for our Grammar School team, as well as all the coaches and volunteers. Christmas Fast & 40-Day Liturgy The forty day fast for the feast of the Nativity began Thursay, November 15th. According to the Church canons, fish, wine and oil are allowed until December 17th, except for Wednesdays and Friday. Strict fast is observed from December 18th to the 24th. This year, we will once again celebrate the Sarantaleitourgo, forty liturgies during the Christmas Fast. The schedule for the services is included in this bulletin Funerals Elftheria Marinoglou fell asleep in the Lord on November 15th. Her funeral took place on November 19th and she was interned at Bethenia. Gust Vlahos fell asleep in the Lord on November 20th. His funeral took place on November 23rd and his funeral service was at Holy Apostles. Memorials Sunday, November 4th 9 days Konstantinos Katsifas 6 months for Sam Bisbikis Sunday, November 11th 16 years for Ioannis Bisbikis 19 years for Anastasia Bisbikis Sunday, November 18th 40 days for Antonia Bogas Sunday, November 25th 6 months for Peter Klioris May their memory be eternal! HISTORY PANEL PRESENTATION & ANNIVERSARY ALBUM Sunday, December 9th, 2018 Following the Divine Liturgy Presentation of the Parish History, The History Panel Videos will be introduced by Peter C. Korbakes. The Anniversary Book will be distributed on those Sundays as well. We will conclude the 100th Anniversary Celebration with the sealing of the Time Capsule during our feast day, December 12th, St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

11 Parish Events Advertise in the VOICE We call upon all our faithful and friends to continue to sponsor our monthly newsletter by advertising your business for the benefit of all the parishioners. Your ad will reach our 375 parish families, four hundred addresses in our listserv, over 1,000 followers of our Facebook page, and of course everyone who picks up a copy of our Voice newsletter from the church narthex or community center. Please contact the church office for more information or to submit an advertisement for your business. The advertising opportunities are the following: Small 1.25 x2.5 - $100/year * Medium 2.5 x $150/ year * Large 3 x $250/year Parish Council Elections December 9th, 2018 In accordance with the by-laws of the Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church of Palos Heights, Illinois, it is once again time for our parish to conduct elections for the Parish Council. The Parish Council is an important component of the Church; Together with the Proestamenos the Parish Council is the executive authority of the Parish. Elections will be held on Sunday, December 9th, after the Divine Liturgy, 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. The following 27 candidates are running for the 25 seats on the Parish Council: Nika Alex Dimitrios Alexakos Nick Argyropoulos Zach Boussies Nick Chibucos Dean Eliacostas John Farsatis Toula Georgiopoulos Michael Haniotakis Tom Hronis Gus Kolyvas Peter Kolyvas Frank Kopanis James Korbakes Peter C. Korbakes Nick Kournetas John Koziokas Konstantine Labrakis Labros Malfas Anastasios Panagiotopoulos George Papadopoulos Nicholas Petinatos Andy Poulos Panagiotis Stamus Dana Vasilakos George Vythoulkas James Xeros St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

12 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 τις διδασκαλίες του Κυρίου και την αποστολή της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας μας. Η Εκούσια Εισφορά θέτει την ευθύνη για την υποστήριξη της Εκ-κλησίας εκεί που ανήκει, δηλαδή σε μας τους ίδιους. Ευχαριστούμε πολύ τις 361 οικογένειες που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποχρεώσεις τους για την φετινή χρονιά. Οι υπόλοιποι παρακαλούνται να ανανεώσουν την συνδρομή τους προς την Εκκλησία μας, συμπληρώνοντας την Κάρτα Υποσχέσεως και επιστρέφοντάς την, μαζί με το δώρο της αγάπης τους, στο γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. Προσφορα Καφε Για τον μήνα Δεκέμβριο η Συλλόγου Γονέων και Διδασκάλων θα προσφέρει τον καφέ και τα γλυκίσματα στο εκκλησίασμα τις Κυριακές μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. Η βοήθεια όλων των μελών του Συλλόγου είναι αναγκαία κάθε Κυριακή. Σαρανταλειτουργο Την Πεμπτη 15 Νοεμβρίου, άρχισε η 40ήμερη νηστεία των Χριστουγέννων. Σύμφωνα με τους Ιερούς Κανόνες της Εκκλησίας μας επιτρέπονται το ψάρι, το λάδι και το κρασί ως και τις 17 Δεκεμβρίου, εκτός Τετάρτη καί Παρασκευή. Από τις 18 Δεκεμβρίου ως και τις 24 Δεκεμβρίου τηρείται αυστηρή νηστεία. Εφέτος, θά τελεσθεί Σαρανταλείτουργο που άρχισε την Πέμπτη 15 Νοεμβρίου. 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 21 Δεκεμβρίου, 7:00 μ.μ. 9:00 μ.μ., σας παρακαλούμε να επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. 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 ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ δωρείσετε για τα μπουκαλάκια αγιασμού, παρακαλούμε να επικινωνήσετε με το Γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. Ελληνικό Σχολείο «ΠΛΟΥΤΑΡΧΟΣ» Την Παρασκευή 14 Δεκεμβρίου θα έχουμε συνάντηση Γονέων Διδασκάλων και ελέγχους για το 1ο τρίμηνο. Την Παρασκευή 21 Δεκεμβρίου, μετά το τέλος των μαθημάτων, θα αρχίσουν οι διακοπές των Χριστουγέννων. Τα μαθήματα θα αρχίσουν και πάλι την Δευτέρα 7 Ιανουαρίου, με την κοπή της Βασιλόπιττας του Ελληνικού Σχολείου. Η διευθύντρια του σχολείου μας κ. Λαμπρινή Σταύρου και όλο το διδασκαλικό προσωπικό, σας εύχονται Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευλογημένο το ΑΠΟΘΗΚΗ ΤΡΟΦΙΜΩΝ Θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε όλους όσους, με μεγάλη γενναιοδωρία, δώρησαν τρόφιμα και χρήματα για την εορτή των Ευχαριστηρίων. Ευχαριστούμε ιδιαίτερα τις κ. Πάρχα που προετοίμασε και μοίρασε τα καλάθια τροφίμων για την εορτή των Ευχαριστηρίων σε 30 οικογένειες. Τούτον τόν μήνα ζητούμε την υποστήριξη όλων για να μπορέσουμε να διαθέσουμε τα απαραίτητα αγαθά για το τραπέζι της εορτής των Χριστουγέννων σε 30 οικογένειες. 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! St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 12

13 December 2018 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 2 Craft Show Sunday School 9 Sunday School History Panel Presentation Parish Council Elections Basketball at St. Haralambos 3:30 p.m. 16 Sunday School 23 Jr. Choir Christmas Pageant 30 Family Worship 3 Greek School-4:30 pm Parish Council 7:00 p.m. 10 Greek School-4:30 pm 17 Greek School-4:30 pm 24 Royal Hours & Vesperal Liturgy 8am 4 Parish Council 7pm HS Basketball at St. Nicholas 7:00 p.m. 11 Feast of St. Spyridon Hierarchical Vespers 7pm 18 Confession 10:30 2pm HS Basketball at St. Nicholas 7:00 p.m. 25 Christmas Day Office Closed 31 1 Orthros & Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m. Communivty Vasilopita 5 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Vespers at St. Nicholas 7pm 12 Feast of St. Spyridon Orthros & Hierarchical Divine 8:00 a.m. Bible Study 7pm Floga 7pm, Goya 8pm 19 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study - 7:00 pm Floga Practice 7:00 p.m. GOYA 8:00 pm 26 Office Closed 6 Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas 8:30 a.m Confession 10:30 2pm 27 Altar Boy Day 7 Greek School 4:30 p.m. 3rd-8th Grade Basketball Practice 6:45 p.m. 14 Confession 10:30 2pm Greek School Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30 p.m. P.T.A. Christmas Party 3rd-8th Grade Basketball Practice 6:45 p.m. 21 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Holy Unction 5:00 p.m. GOYA Caroling 7 p.m. 28 GOYA Lock-in Royal Hours 8:00 a.m. 1 Divine Liturgy & Agiasmos 8:30 a.m. Craft Show Great Vespers 6 p.m. 8 Confession - 3pm-6pm Great Vespers 6 p.m. 15 Orthros & Liturgy at Sts. Constantine & Helen, Ordination of Dn. Chris Avramopoulos 8:30 am Basketball at Holy Apostles 3:30 p.m. Great Vespers 6 p.m. 22 Confession 10:30 2pm Pageant Rehearshal10 a.m. Great Vespers 6 p.m. 29 Great Vespers 6 p.m. 5 Orthros, Liturgy, & Agiasmos 8:00 a.m. 13 The Voice

14 ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Σαββάτο 1 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα, Θεία Λειτουργία & Αγιασμός 8:30 π.μ. 10:15 π.μ. Εξομολόγηση 11:00 π.μ. 2:00 μ.μ. * Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 2 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Πορφυρίου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 3 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Τρίτη 4 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίας Βαρβάρας, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. 10:15 π.μ. Τετάρτη 5 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Εσπερινός στον Ι. Ναό του Αγ. Νικολάου 7:00 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 6 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Αγίου Νικoλάου) Παρασκευή 7 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Σαββάτο 8 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Εξομολόγηση 3:00 μ.μ. 6:00 μ.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 9 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 10 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Τρίτη 11 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Αρχιερατικός Εσπερινός Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος 7:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 12 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος, Όρθρος και Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 13 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Παρασκευή 14 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Εξομολόγηση 10:30 π.μ. 2:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 15 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Ελευθερίου, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία στον Ι.Ν. Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου και Ελενης, Χειροτονία του Ιεροδιακόνου Χρήστου Αβραμόπουλου 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 16 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 17 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Τρίτη 18 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Εξομολόγηση 10:30 π.μ. 2:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 19 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Πέμπτη 20 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Εξομολόγηση 10:30 π.μ. 2:00 μ.μ. Παρασκευή 21 Δεκεμβρίου 1η Ώρα & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ.* Ιερό Ευχέλαιο 5:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 22 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. 9:45 π.μ. Εξομολόγηση 10:30 μ.μ. 1μ.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 23 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 24 Δεκεμβρίου Ακολουθία τῶν Μεγάλων Ὡρῶν, Εσπερινός και Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. 11 π.μ. Τρίτη 25 Δεκεμβρίου ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. 11:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 27 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Στεφάνου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 29 Δεκεμβρίου Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 30 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ.

15 Philoptochos News Dear Philoptochos Members and Parishioners, May the birth of our Lord bring many blessings to you and your loved ones and good health and happiness for the New Year! As we focus to the end of the year, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your love and dedication to Philoptochos. It is truly a blessing to have such wonderful co-workers who give so much of themselves in fulfilling our Philoptochos goals. I THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A WONDERFUL REFLECTION OF GOD S SPECIAL LOVE! CRAFT SHOW Our Craft Show took place on December 1st & 2nd. We are thankful for your support which made our event the most successful ever. Thank you for baking; thank you for buying: thank you for responding so willingly to our call for assistance. CHRISTMAS PARTY On December 30 th all our Philoptochos members and many friends will express their well wishes for the New Year in our annual Philoptochos Christmas Party. We will announce the place where it would take place at a later date. UP-COMING EVENTS Sunday, January 13 th 2019 the Metropolis 58 th Anniversary Vasilopita Celebration will take place at St. Constantine and Helen Church in Palos Hills. All proceeds will benefit the St. Basil Academy in Garrison, New York. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Our Stewardship Drive has begun. We thank the two Chairmen, Kathy Korbakes and Dana Vasilakos for spearheading our 2019 Membership Dive so enthusiastically! Please remember to make your contribution and fill out your Stewardship card and give it to Dana and Kathy. May our Lord bless you richly throughout these Holy days of Christmas and fill your life with Love, Joy and Peace! With Sisterly Love, Toula Georgiopoulos, Philoptochos President St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

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