Catechism 101. THE VOICE July / August Volume No. 299

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1 THE VOICE July / August Volume No. 299 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Article th Anniversary... 2 Stewardship... 3 Golf Outing... 3 Plutarchos Graduation... 4 P.T.A Youth Ministry... 8 Philoptochos... 9 Philoxenia Archangels Camp Parish News Iconography Greek Article on Panagia Εκκλ. Ημερολόγιo Transfiguration of Christ Liturgical Schedule ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL WWW. SAINT- SPYRIDON.ORG Catechism 101 Now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God (Romans 6:22) How does Orthodox Christianity define freedom? How does someone faithful to Christ live out his freedom? God honored man with self-determination and free will because He wished to give man the ability to freely choose to return His love. Freedom and immortality are is not inherent in our nature. Our existence is entirely dependent on the will of God. We were created to receive both life and freedom from their source which is God. Our freedom has always been associated with the choice to seek or to reject a life with God. In the garden of Eden we were told: The day that you eat of this tree [the tree of the knowledge of good and evil], you will die. (Genesis 2:17) Man is not self-created and consequently does not have life or freedom in his nature. The rejection of creationism by modern culture and education promotes a freedom without any divine context and a human history that will stretch to eternity. It is true that we are made so free as to be able to reject our own Creator, but the result of this choice is the depravity of death. If indeed we choose to believe that we are creatures of a cosmic happenstance heading to an indefinite nirvana then we can stop reading this article and delve back into a vain struggle of self-preservation. However, if we choose to believe that God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is our Creator, and that life and existence stem from our connection with our Creator, then our freedom from our very self will be realized. Only when we commit to limit our freedom within the will of God do we become free from our own mortality. Only then will we fulfill the desire of our Creator which is for us to freely choose to live with Him. It sounds like an oxymoron, but

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... Archangels Academy 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. to be truly free and alive is to choose to become slaves to God, aligning our freedom with the will of our Creator and Lord. Apart from God and His will, man becomes broken in his own attempt to escape his inner conflicts that are utterly and tragically demonstrated in our inevitable mortality, the separation of body and soul. Only in the Risen Christ can one find the source of wholeness, the hope of restoration of that unity through His Body and Blood, and the imminent resurrection that is so wondrously displayed in the precious relics of the saints. The tragic history of mankind is expressed in the deception that freedom is fulfilled and realized in the satisfaction of every desire without limit, judgment, guilt, or condemnation. When the motto and goal of the secular man is to do what I want, how I want, when I want, all that shows is that man has enslaved himself to himself. Of course the reason for this degradation is that the satisfaction of our passions comes much easier to our nature because it is fallen. An even more tragic result of this deception is the belief that at the end of this rainbow of unchecked and limitless subjection to man s desires lies a better and more just world. One need only turn on the nightly news to realize that man s attempt to establish freedom apart from God has not resulted in a world that is free of violence, division, injustice, and chaos. As faithful Christians, all we can do is stand as the voice of freedom; a freedom that exists only through our connection to Life and Freedom Himself. This connection is based on our exercising the freedom to believe, to love God and neighbor, and to obey His commandments of healing for our world. Our witness to this freedom has to be based on our sincere effort to avoid sin and to attain virtues in the manner of the saints of the Church. Our speaking out of these eternal truths is not hate speech but rather an act of compassion for our world that has thrown out its moral compass. We must point to Christ and invite our fellow men to realize that true freedom can only be found in the service and communion to the only Man that is truly free, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 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 June 16th to discuss the commemorative album and to look over ideas for our logo. Our theme for the anniversary is Generations of Faith and Tradition. Many logo ideas were passed around and we are still looking for ideas and help in designing our logo. We are looking for graphic designers who would be able to assist with this logo which should be finalized by the end of summer. On the album side, we met with two publishers and we are in the process of defining the structure of this book. We are looking to make this album a compilation of family histories. We will invite families to offer photos and a narration of their family history so that their story will always be part of the history of our community. More details to follow in the fall. At our next meeting we will finalize our logo ideas and album proposals. 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, We wish to take a moment to thank Ruth Faklis for helping us begin our effort as she decided to step off the role of chairman of the committee for personal reasons. We will miss her guidance and leadership. NEXT MEETING TUESDAY, August 18th, 7:00 p.m. 2 The Voice

3 STEWARDSHIP 2015 Stewardship 2015 Progress Report As of June 28th, 2015 Pledged Stewards: 261 Average Stewardship: $371 Amount of Stewardship donated: $96,831 The Stewardship Committee thanks our 261 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 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. STEWARDS 2015-MAY 21ST-JUNE 28TH Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Battersby Mr. & Mrs. James Demeter Ms. Fay Elefteriadis Ms. Nicole Elefteriadis Mr. Dan Eliopulos Mr. Sam Eliopulos Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Glikis Mr. & Mrs. George Kotsis Mr. Michael Kotsis Mrs. Mary Limparis Mr. Emmanuel Nicholaou Mrs. Marie Nicholson Mr. & Mrs. Bob Papadatos Ms. Constance Pappas ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ Ευχαριστούμε τις 261 οικογένειες που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποσχέσεις τους για το έτος Υπενθυμίζουμε σε όλους ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθεί οι Καταστάσεις Υπόσχεσης του Καλού Οικονόμου για το τρέχον έτος. Σας παρακαλούμε να ανανεώσετε την συνδρομή σας το γρηγορώτερο δυνατόν. Χρειαζόμαστε την βοήθεια και την υποστήρηξη όλων σας. Let s hit the links! St. Spyridon s 18 th Annual Golf Outing Enjoy a fantastic day of golf and a delicious dinner! Tuesday, August 25th, :00 p.m. Shotgun Start Odyssey Country Club, Tinley Park $125 per golfer ($75 for students) Registration Fee includes: 18 holes of golf, Golf Cart, Lunch, & Dinner Sponsorship Opportunities for your Business or Family: $150 per hole Reserve your sponsorship & tee times now! For more information, call the Church Office at οr at Office@Saint-Spyridon.org St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 PLUTARCHOS GRADUATION We wish to extend a special thank you to all the dedicated and hard working Greek School teachers, Principal Mrs. Lambrini Stavrou, Presbytera Georgia Alikakos, Mrs. Maria Poulos, Mrs. Afrodite Karbo, Mrs. Katerina Alexakos, Mrs. Marianna Haniotakis, Mrs. Nicky Glikis, Mrs. Mina Mastorakos and Mr. Angelo Angelos and all their hardworking Teachers Aides on a very productive year. We wish all the children a fun and healthy summer! Our afternoon Greek School is held twice a week on Mondays and Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and recognized by the Education Department of Greece, the FEK 49/T.B/ and the State of Illinois Board of Education. Grade levels are Pre-School through 8th Grade. The curriculum encompasses the Greek language, Reading, Writing, Speaking, History, Religion, Ecclesiastical Hymns, Geography of Greece, Greek Ethnic Hymns and Greek Dance. Our school is divided into seven classes and we have an educated and experienced staff of seven teachers. Registration for the new school year of will be held during the first two weeks in September. Classes will begin on Friday, September 11th with an Agiasmos service. We ask all parents to enroll their children so that our youth will keep in their hearts and minds our Greek heritage, our Greek language and our Greek customs and traditions. 4 The Voice

5 PLUTARCHOS GRADUATION St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

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7 P.T.A. NEWS On Friday, June 5th we celebrated our Plutarchos Greek School Graduation with a lovely program and delicious dinner. Our sincere thanks to everyone who came together to help cook and serve our celebratory meal! We also wish to thank all our Greek School staff and assistants for their dedication in teaching our children the beauty of the Greek language and culture. Your commitment and diligence will have long term gains for our youth. This year s Greek School Scholarship recipient is Yiorgos Spinos. Congratulations on a job well done! As our current PTA Board s term comes to a close, we reflect on all the support we have received the past two years from our parishioners, families, friends, and community. It was with everyone s loving support and cooperation that we were able to lay the groundwork needed for our new programs and events, as well as continue old traditions. Furthermore, the dedication and assistance we received from all of you with our fundraising efforts, allowed us incredible success. The following accomplishments have been realized due to the outpouring of love and assistance from all of you. Our community parish is crucial in realizing our goals and for that we are sincerely grateful! The PTA donated $5,000 to our beloved Iconography Project. We purchased classroom furniture for our Plutarchos and Sunday School classrooms. We also opened up our St. Spyridon Frappe Cafe! The revenue from our Cafe helped us to purchase portable room dividers. We even purchased our very own vending machine which has already begun raising funds. The vending machine revenue is allocated for our students educational materials as well as improvements to our Community Hall. As the PTA Board reviewed the past two years of activities and events that have taken place at St. Spyridon for our children, parishioners and guests, we felt the need to create a fund specifically for the much needed improvements to our Community Hall. The Church Community Hall is the hub of fellowship, activities, the center of our school programs, Metropolis events, luncheons, school retreats, camps, and more. As the current PTA Board steps down, we leave $8,000 in a Community Hall Improvement Fund. It is our hope that all of St. Spyridon s auxiliary groups may work together to raise funds for needed improvements in our Community Hall and take pride as a community in seeing this goal fulfilled. I wish to thank my Board for all their hard work and support throughout it all! Presvytera Georgia Alikakos, Effie Papadopoulos, Connie Papadatos, Patti Lee, & Cindy Polyzos. Ladies, it has truly been a pleasure and an honor working alongside each of you. Our PTA will be passing the torch to the following wonderful ladies whom have stepped forward and volunteered to carry on the important work of the PTA. We warmly welcome St. Spyridon s new PTA Board which will be officially assuming duties at our next meeting on August 22nd: President Demetra Mikroulis, Vice President Yianna Halikias, Treasurer Connie Papadatos, Treasurer Helen Halikias, Secretary Sofea Malamis. We are always looking for new people to take on ministries of the P.T.A. and to assist our new volunteer team of parents who will lead us for the next two years. Welcome aboard ladies and we look forward to assisting you in whatever way we can! We wish everyone a wonderful summer! Angela Evangelopoulos St. Spyridon Church School Back to School Retreat & Blessing of the Backpacks Saturday, August 22nd, am-12 noon Grades Pre-Kindergarten-8th High School Volunteers needed Join us for a day of prayer and fellowship as we prepare for the new school year. The children will enjoy a variety of presentations and fun activities. First Day of Archangels Academy Tuesday, September 8th First Day of Greek School Friday, September 11th First Day of Sunday School Sunday, September 13th All Parish Ministry Programs: GOYA, Jr. GOYA, Hope, Cherubs, Altar Boys, Handmaidens, Byzantine Music, Jr. Choir, Iconography, Athletics, & Adult Religious Education begin in September St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 YOUTH MINISTRY On Tuesday, June 23rd, a meeting was held to discuss plans for our youth ministry at Saint Spyridon. Present in the meeting were Fr. Tilemahos, James Korbakes, Nicholas Chibucos, Zoe Kopanis, Demetra Mikroulis, Mena Mastorakos, Dana Vasilakos, John Farsatis, and Angie Koutsis. Religious Education Our religious education director, Mrs. Zoe Kopanis, reported that we are looking for new Sunday School teachers. We need at least two teachers for each classroom, especially the younger grades. We discussed the importance of Sunday School Registration and the Oratorical Festival. Registration and attendance in Sunday School should be connected with participation in the GOAL Basketball program, Oratorical Festival and Junior Olympics. Stricter observance of the requirement for participation in Metropolis programs should be enforced by being more proactive in the sign up process. We will be sending out Sunday School registration, the informational packet and the Jr. Olympics sign up form along with Greek School registration in order to increase the number of Greek School students that are active in our Sunday School. A parent information night/fellowship hour should be held in late August or September. We also discussed re-evaluating the family worship days throughout the year. The pre-packaged snacks for our students will continue. Athletics Our new athletics director, John Farsatis, will be putting together an athletics committee to promote and organize more programs for our children. GOAL Basketball needs coaches for Grammar School/Biddy teams as we continue to combine our teams and coaching staff with St. Nicholas. An effort will be made to keep our gym open on Fridays in order to hold more family/open gym nights. A rotation of basketball, volleyball, or open gym (relay races etc.) or movie nights to be held on Fridays throughout the year. Open gym will be offered to GOYA after the family night activities end for the evening around 8 p.m. We can also grow the Pee-Wee b-ball program to be more like the JOY B- ball program, but it will be kept on Saturday. Special efforts will be made to organize for the Jr. Olympics, beginning with registration forms in September, and coaches organizing their teams in February/March in preparation for the Jr. Olympics in May. John will be putting together a team to organize all of the athletic programs. Youth Ministry GOYA (High School) will be switching to monthly or bi-monthly weekend activities which Dana Vasilakos and Angie Koutsis will be putting together with Fr. Tilemahos. Jr. GOYA (Jr. High) will still hold meetings weekly, on Tuesday nights, with discussions, open gym, etc. Altar Boys will look to have an activity like a car wash in late August/ September. We had a good year and we will keep our Saturday morning meetings for next year. Handmaidens would like to join the altar boys in some activities while trying to make the meetings have a more religious character. We would like to have Jr. Choir practices during our meetings. HOPE on Saturday mornings is the youth group for children too young to be in altar or handmaidens. Demetria Papadopoulos has taken a lead in this ministry, but she will need help for next year. Cherubs on Wednesday morning is for toddlers too young to be in Archangels Academy. Both of these groups focus on crafts and games. Jr. Choir We all agreed we would like to have practices for Jr. Choir. The ideal time is for the Saturday prior to their chanting at the Divine Liturgy. Otherwise, there should be a practice on the Sunday prior, after Sunday School. Softball Game & Family Picnic Saturday, July 25th, 2015 Location - Sts. Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills Time 4:00 p.m. Come join the fun as our Saint Spyridon and Saints Constantine & Helen come together for a game of softball for parents and adults and children. More details to follow. 8 The Voice

9 The St. Spyriodon Philoptochos held elections in May and the following officers and board are in place for : President Olga Paxinos, 1 st Vice President, Kathy Korbakes, 2 nd vice President, Dina Katsoulis, Corresponding Secretary, Ruth Faklis, Recording Secretary, Pat Katsenis, Treasurer, Christine Alexopoulos, Assistant Treasurer, Becky Righetti, Advisor to the Board, Toula Georgiopoulos. Board members: Prebytera Georgia Alikakos, Litsa Alikakos, Anna Angelos, Rosie Ayalianos, Kiki Davros, Andriana Kavvadas, Irene Giardina. Good Strength to the board and entire Philoptochos. The St. Spyridon Philoptochos once again awarded the annual Philoptochos Award to two deserving students chosen by the principal and school staff. This years recipients of the certificate and $100 gift were Evagelia Prassas and Katerina Papadopoulos. We are proud of them. Congratulations. Remember our youth is our future. Και εις ανώτερα! We are busily preparing for our Annual Church Festival and encourage all to sign up on the clip boards for setting up and working the days of the Festival. It will only be successful if everyone commits to a time slot so that things can run smoothly. Thank you all for signing up and helping out. We wish all a very happy summer with your families as we relax and get ready for the Fall. On a personal note: I would like to extend my warmest Thank You to Father Tilemahos and Presbytera Georgia, the board and members of Philoptochos, the Church Board, The PTA, The Hand Maidens, the Goya, the altar boys and all those who have supported the Philoptochos the last two years, and always, in any way that they could. It has been my honor to serve as President. With Sisterly Agape, Olga Paxinos, Philoptochos President June 6, 2015 A Letter to the Board Dear President, James Korbakes, executive board, and all board members of the St. Spyridon Church Thank you for partnering with the Philoptochos for the Christian Philoxenia Luncheon on Tuesday, June 2, You have no idea what accolades St. Spyridon received that afternoon. They loved the food, they loved the entertainment, but mostly the Philoxenia of the St. Spyridon Parish as a whole. It was an endeavor that warmed the hearts of the seniors. We provided a wonderful afternoon to many who otherwise would not have gone out, and opened the hearts of those who can get out. Our honoring the founding member, Koula Pitsis, who had this vision years back of uniting the southside churches to minister to the seniors was a great highlight. Our own youth dancing and playing the piano was heartwarming. Together we can move mountains! St. Spyridon Philoptochos PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 10 The Voice PHILOXENIA LUNCHEON

11 ARCHANGELS SUMMER CAMP St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

12 PARISH REGISTRY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SCHOOL YEAR Our 10th Summer Camp that was held June 1st 12th was a great success! Thank you to our wonderful camp volunteer Gabriella Synadinos for all her hard work and dedication. We would like to extend a sincere apology for unintentionally omitting Joanna Spinos and Patricia Vythoulkas from the 10 year Banquet/ Graduation program. Joanna served as a teacher assistant and as an after-school art teacher. Patricia was a part of our Graduation/ Fundraiser Committee. The committee helped to raise funds which enabled us to purchase materials to enrich our classroom environment. Thank You, to you both, for all the time and dedication to Archangels Academy. We hope that everyone is enjoying their families and the beautiful weather we finally got in the Chicagoland area. It s hard to believe the lazy days of summer will soon come to an end! As the school year approaches we, at Archangels Academy, have been busy preparing for the upcoming year. Parents should be looking in the mail for the beginning of the year information that will be send home in early August. Included in the packet will be the school calendar. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Jan at archangels@saint-spyridon.org. Dates to remember: Wednesday, September 2nd, 6pm to 7:30 pm, New Parent Orientation Tuesday, September 8th, 9am to 11am, Agiasmos Service at 10:30 a.m., and classroom visit with parents and students Wednesday, September 9th, 9am to12 noon, first day of school WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR!!! 12 The Voice SACRAMENTS BAPTISM The son of Mr. & Mrs. John Booras was baptized on June 6th, and given the name Athanasios Christos. Fillipa Xiotis and Katerina Benetatos were the sponsors. WEDDINGS George Eliacostas & Angela Mockwere joined in the sacrament of marriage on Saturday June 6th. Their sponsor was Mr. John Eliacostas. Sam Eliopulos and Caitlin Polzin were joined in the sacrament of marriage on Saturday, June 27th. Their sponsor was Mr. Dan Eliopulos. Richard Rimbo and Vivian Dandinidis were joined in the sacrament of marriage on Sunday, May 28th. McGinn. Να ζήσετε! Their sponsor was Mary MEMORIALS Sunday, June 7th 40 days for Spiro Drikos 3 yrs for Ekaterini Vilanueva 10 yrs for Panagiotis Manolis 71 yrs for 218 victims of Distomo Sunday, June 14th 9 days for Peter Chiagouris 40 days for Vasiliki Lollis Sunday, June 21st 1 year for Presvytera Eleni 40 days for Beatrice Perkins Funerals Jeannie Mitsis fell asleep in the Lord on June 7th. Her funeral took place on June 11th, and her internment was at Elmwood Cemetery. Peter Chiagouris fell asleep in the Lord on June 6th. His funeral took place on June 9th and his internment took place at Evergreen Cemetery. PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS Flowers for Panagia Everyone is invited to donate flowers for the icon of Panagia which is decorated for the Paraklesis Service. Please contact the Church Office. Coffee social For the month of June the Sunday Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy will be hosted by the Philoptochos for the month of July and by the P.T.A. for the month of August. Food Pantry We accept Food Pantry donations every day from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. During the summer months, we are concentrating on school supplies for the children of our families in need, as well as breakfast items such as cereals, oatmeal, pancake mix, and other non-perishable breakfast foods and paper goods. TREE OF LOVE In the main hallway of St. Spyridon stands a golden and bronze Tree of Love with an icon of our patron saint at its base. This Tree of Love is a symbol of our commitment to the ministry of our community. With great hope for our community s future and with love for St. Spyridon, we invite you to join the numerous supporters whose names are engraved on these golden and bronze leaves in recognition of their gifts to the Church. There are numerous ways to contribute to our Tree of Love such as to honor a friend or in memory of loved ones. For more information, please call the Church Office.

13 ICONOGRAPHY PROJECT On August 1st, 2015, we are scheduled to begin the installation of the final phase of our Iconography Project. Also included in the project are six medallions that will be placed in the altar. Below you will find a list of the icons still available for donation and the remaining balance on each. If you wish to offer a donation toward any of these icons please contact Fr. Tilemahos. Την 1ην Αυγούστου, είναι προγραμματισμένη η τοποθέτηση της τελικής φάσης της εικονογραφίας του ναού. Πρόσθετες θα είναι έξι εικόνες που θα τοποθετηθούν στο ιερό. Οι εικόνες που αναμένουν δωρεές από τους πιστούς μας είναι οι ακόλουθες: Η Ανάσταση του Λαζάρου, Η Προσκύνησις των Μάγων, Η Φυγή στην Αίγυπτον, Ό Μυστικός Δείπνος. Saint Alexander August 30th Saints Alexander, John and Paul, Patriarchs of Constantinople, lived at different times, but each of them happened to clash with the activities of heretics who sought to distort the teachings of the Church. St Alexander ( ) was a vicar bishop during the time of St Metrophanes (June 4), the first Patriarch of Constantinople. Because of the patriarch s extreme age, Alexander substituted for him at the First Ecumenical Synod at Nicea (325). Upon his death, St Metrophanes left instructions in his will to elect his vicar to the throne of Constantinople. During these times His Holiness Patriarch Alexander had to contend with the Arians and with pagans. Once, in a dispute with a pagan philosopher the saint said to him, In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ I command you to be quiet! and the pagan suddenly became mute. When he gestured with signs to acknowledge his errors and affirm the correctness of the Christian teaching, then his speech returned to him and he believed in Christ together with many other pagan philosophers. The faithful rejoiced at this, glorifying God Who had given such power to His saint. The heretic Arius was punished through the prayer of St Alexander. Arius had apparently agreed to enter into communion with the Orthodox. When the Emperor asked him if he believed as the Fathers of Nicea taught, he placed his hand upon his breast (where he had cunningly concealed beneath his clothes a document with his own false creed written upon it) and said, This is what I believe! St Constantine (May 21), unaware of the deceitful wickedness of Arius, set a day for receiving him into the Church. All night long St Alexander prayed, imploring the Lord not to permit this heretic to be received into communion with the Church. In the morning, Arius set out triumphantly for the church, surrounded by imperial counselors and soldiers, but divine judgment overtook him. Stopping to take care of a physical necessity, his bowels burst forth and he perished in his own blood and filth, as did Judas (Acts 1:18). His Holiness Patriarch Alexander, having toiled much, died in the year 340 at the age of 98. St Gregory the Theologian (January 25) mentioned him afterwards in an encomium to the people of Constantinople. The Service to St Alexander was printed in Venice in According to some ancient manuscripts, St Alexander ought to be commemorated on June 2. Today he is remembered together with the holy Patriarchs John the Faster (September 2) and Paul the New (eighth century). Saint Alexander s icon will be placed in the altar ICONOGRAPHY PROJECT The final phase of our iconography will be completed by August Below you will find a list of the icons still available for donation and the remaining balance on each. Raising of Lazaros... $10,000 Veneration by the Magi... $11,910 Flight to Egypt... $14,900 Last Supper... $12,875 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13

14 Η ΥΠΑΚΟΗ ΤΗΣ ΠΑΝΑΓΙΑΣ Οι άνθρωποι δυσκολευόμαστε πολύ όταν στη ζωή μας γίνεται λόγος για υπακοή, είτε αυτή έχει να κάνει με πρόσωπα, θεσμούς και νόμους, είτε με ιδέες, είτε με την καθημερινότητά μας. Η έννοια της υπακοής φαίνεται ότι έρχεται σε αντίθεση μ αυτό που ονομάζουμε «θέλημα», αυτό που πηγάζει από τη βούλησή μας να αισθανόμαστε ελεύθεροι και να το δείχνουμε. Η υπακοή προϋποθέτει ένταξή μας σε αυτό που ονομάζουμε κοινωνία, είτε με την μορφή της μικρότερης κοινότητας (οικογένεια, χώρος εργασίας, διαπροσωπικές σχέσεις, σχολείο), είτε με την ευρύτερη μορφή της (θρησκεία, κράτος, πατρίδα, οικουμένη). Η υπακοή προϋποθέτει την αποδοχή κάποιων ευρύτερης σημασίας αξιών, που εκφράζονται μέσω του θελήματος των θεσμών ή σημαντικών προσώπων και που αποσκοπεί στην παιδαγωγία, στην συνύπαρξη και στην ποιότητα της προσωπικής ζωής, η οποία γίνεται κτήμα για την σύνολη κοινωνία. Η υπακοή προϋποθέτει «εκκοπή», θυσία του ιδίου θελήματος, πνεύμα μαθητείας, αλλά και σταθερή απόφαση υπέρβασης των όποιων αντιξοοτήτων. Τα αποτελέσματά μας όμως δεν είναι πάντοτε ευχάριστα. Μπορεί η υπακοή να κρύβει θάνατο, ακόμη κι αν αυτός γίνεται ζωή. Στο αποστολικό ανάγνωσμα της εορτής της Κοιμήσεως της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου η Εκκλησία μας αναφέρεται στο πρόσωπο του Χριστού, ο Οποίος έλαβε σάρκα από την Παναγία Μητέρα Του, επέλεξε ο Ίδιος για τον Εαυτό Του την ταπείνωση, όχι μόνο κατά την κένωση -πρόσληψη της ανθρώπινης φύσης, αλλά και κατά την ανάπτυξή Του κατά άνθρωπον, και υπάκουσε στο θέλημα του Θεού «γενόμενος υπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δε σταυρού»(φιλιπ. 2, 7-8). Τα πάντα στο Χριστό ήταν υπακοή στο θέλημα του Πατρός. Η υπακοή του Χριστού δεν ήταν αποτέλεσμα εξαναγκασμού, ούτε ιδεολογική επιλογή, επειδή αυτό θα ήταν το καλύτερο για Εκείνον και για τον κόσμο, αλλά η μέγιστη έκφραση της αγάπης προς τον Πατέρα από την μία, και η μέγιστη έκφραση της αγάπης προς το ανθρώπινο γένος από την άλλη. Μέσα από την υπακοή ο Χριστός σηματοδότησε μία οδό αιώνιου νοήματος και αιώνιας κοινωνίας για την ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη. Όποιος επιλέγει την υπακοή της αγάπης στο θέλημα του Πατρός από την μία και την υπακοή της αγάπης στη δίψα για σωτηρία κάθε ανθρώπινης ύπαρξης από την άλλη, νικά ακόμη και το θάνατο, ακόμη κι αν περάσει από το θάνατο. Ο δρόμος του Χριστού ακολουθήθηκε και από την Παναγία Μητέρα Του. Μόνο που ο Χριστός, επειδή ήταν τέλειος Θεός και τέλειος άνθρωπος, είχε τελικά την δύναμη, μέσα από την κοινωνία με την θεότητα, να νικήσει το θάνατο, να αναστηθεί και να οδηγήσει την ανθρώπινη φύση συνολικά στην υπέρβαση του θανάτου και την αιώνια κοινωνία με το Θεό. Η Παναγία δεν είχε αυτή τη δύναμη από μόνη της. Την έλαβε όμως ως δωρεά μέσα από τη σχέση με τον Υιό της και έτσι κατέστη «μετά θάνατον ζώσα», το τέλος έγινε Πάσχα για εκείνην, αξιώθηκε να δει και να βιώσει και την μετάσταση του σώματός της στον ουρανό, όπου ζει ως σύνολη ύπαρξη την αιωνιότητα. Η δωρεά αυτή ήρθε ως μέγιστη απάντηση στην επιλογή της Παναγίας να υπακούσει στο θέλημα του Θεού, καθόλη της τη ζωή. Η Παναγία είχε, όπως όλοι οι άνθρωποι, θέλημα. Η επιλογή της υπακοής δεν ήταν αυτόματη, μηχανιστική διαδικασία. Πάλεψε με τον εαυτό της, με το λογισμό της, με τη φύση της, με ό,τι γνώριζε για τον άνθρωπο και τις δυνατότητές του. Όμως δε νικήθηκε από το θέλημά της. Επέλεξε να είναι μέλος της κοινότητας που γεννά η σχέση με το Θεό, ακόμη κι αν αυτή η σχέση θα την έφερνε σε ρήξη με τον περίγυρό της, τις μικρότερες ή μεγαλύτερες κοινότητες στις οποίες και εκείνη ήταν ενταγμένη. Δεν ήταν μία ιδεολογική προτίμηση η επιλογή της Παναγίας να υπακούσει στο θέλημα του Θεού. Δεν ήταν αποδοχή κάποιων αξιών ή εξαναγκασμός. Ήταν η κατάφαση στην κλήση του Θεού να γίνει η Μητέρα του Υιού Του. Γιατί η σχέση στο βάθος δεν είναι τίποτε άλλο παρά το ΝΑΙ του ανθρώπου στο κάλεσμα του Θεού ή/και του συνανθρώπου για κοινωνία. Και η αποδοχή της κλήσης λειτουργεί ως «δρόσος» που καταλαμβάνει την σύνολη ανθρώπινη ύπαρξη και την κάνει να μην μπορεί να ζήσει αλλιώς. Η υπακοή δεν είναι συμμόρφωση, αλλά ελεύθερη και συνεχής ανταπόκριση στο κάλλος του Θεού. Στην αγάπη του Θεού. Στο Πρόσωπο του Θεού. Μπορεί ο άνθρωπος να ζήσει χωρίς το Θεό; Να επιλέξει τον εαυτό του, τις μέριμνές του, την καταξίωσή του, την ανάπτυξη του «εγώ» του; Όμως ζει την κένωση της παραίτησης από όλα αυτά, γιατί είναι ατελεύτητη η χαρά της κοινωνίας με το Θεό, που όλα γίνονται σκύβαλα. Η υπακοή της Παναγίας γέννησε στην ίδια και τη ζωή του κόσμου χαρά ανεκλάλητη. Την καταξίωσε ως Μητέρα, ως Γυναίκα, ως Άνθρωπο. Μέσα από την υπακοή μας δείχνει το αληθινό νόημα της συνύπαρξης, που έγκειται πρώτα στην αποκατάσταση του κατ εικόνα Θεού εντός μας και στη συνέχεια στη θέασή του στο πρόσωπο του κάθε ανθρώπου. Όταν επιλέγουμε την οδό της θέωσης κατά χάριν, σ αυτή την οδό χωρούν και οι άλλοι, όσοι ελεύθερα το επιθυμούν. Γι αυτό και η συνάντηση μαζί τους αποτελεί αφορμή μοναδικής χαράς. Αλλά ακόμη κι αν οι άλλοι δεν το θέλουν, ούτε το επιζητούν, η υπακοή γεννά τόση αγάπη που γίνεται προσευχή, δάκρυ, μνημόνευση στο Θεό και για εκείνους. Γι αυτό και η Εκκλησία λειτουργεί όπως η Παναγία. Διασώζοντας την υπακοή στο θέλημα 14 The Voice

15 του Θεού, όπως αυτό αποτυπώνεται στο Ευαγγέλιο και την παράδοση ανά τους αιώνες, ακολουθώντας την οδό της συνεχούς επανεβαίωσης εν παιδαγωγία και ζώντας την συνύπαρξη της αγάπης για τους άλλους, μέχρι θανάτου. Και, τελικά, ο θάνατος γίνεται ανάσταση και ζωή, ως δωρεά για το κάθε μέλος της Εκκλησίας. Ζούμε σε μία εποχή ανυπακοής και αποστασίας από το θέλημα του Θεού. Συνήθως προσπαθούμε να προσαρμόσουμε το θέλημά Του στο δικό μας θέλημα, δυσανασχετούμε με τις παιδαγωγίες που υφιστάμεθα, δεν μας συνέχει η δίψα για συνεχή κοινωνία μαζί Του, αλλά δίδουμε ένα μικρό μέρος του χρόνου μας σ Εκείνον στην καλύτερη των περιπτώσεων, επιλέγοντας θρησκευτικά και όχι αφιερώνοντας την καρδιά μας, και σταθμίζουμε τις ανθρώπινες χαρές ως σημαντικές. Γι αυτό και δυσκολευόμαστε να αγαπήσουμε και να συνυπάρξουμε. Να μοιραστούμε και να συμπαρασταθούμε. Ο πολιτισμός και ο κόσμος στον οποίο ζούμε θεοποιεί την ελευθερία και την αυτοδιάθεση ως ιδέα, μόνο όμως σε ό,τι αφορά στην ικανοποίηση του ιδίου θελήματος και στη δικαίωση των παθών. Αρνείται την υπακοή στο Θεό και επιβάλλει άλλες υπακοές, οι οποίες τελικά οδηγούν τον άνθρωπο στη μεγαλύτερη υποδούλωση: την ήττα της ψυχής από την επιβίωση και την θεοποίηση των αγαθών που καθιστούν το θάνατο κυρίαρχο. Η Παναγία μας υπενθυμίζει την κλήση του Θεού, η οποία μας δίδει ζωή και εν τω παρόντι και εν τω μέλλοντι αιώνι. Και μεσιτεύει για τον καθένα μας να λάβει, εφόσον το επιλέξει, την δρόσο της κοινωνίας μ Εκείνον. Στη χαρά της γιορτής λοιπόν ας επαναθεωρήσουμε τους προσανατολισμούς μας και ας ξαναδούμε, με τη βοήθειά της, τι σημαίνει κοινωνία με το Θεό στο Πρόσωπο του Κυρίου Ιησού, όχι απλώς ως ιδέα, αξίες, θρησκεία, αλλά ως επανεύρεση της οδού της αγάπης που γίνεται Ζωή. ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ ΙΟΥΛΙΟΣ 2015 Τετάρτη 1 Ιουλίου Κoσμά και Δαμιανού των Αναργύρων Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία και Αγιασμός 8:00 π.μ. Κυριακή 5 Ιουλίου 5η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 7 Ιουλίου Αγίας Κυριακής, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 11 Ιουλίου Αγίας Όλγας, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερίνός 5:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 12 Ιουλίου Αγίου Παϊσίου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία -8:00 π.μ. Κυριακή 19 Ιουλίου Κυριακή των Πατέρων της 4ης Οικουμενικής Συνόδου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Κυριακή 26 Ιουλίου 8η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 27 Ιουλίου Αγίου Παντελεήμωνος, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 28 Ιουλίου Αγίας Ειρήνης Χρυσοβαλάντου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8π.μ. ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΣ 2015 Σάββατο 1 Αυγούστου Αγιασμός 9:00 π.μ. * Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 2 Αυγούστου 9η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 3 Αυγούστου Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Τρίτη 4 Αυγούστου Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 5 Αυγούστου Μέγας Εσπερινός στην Ι.Μ. Mεταμορφώσεως 7:00 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 6 Αυγούστου Η Θεία Μεταμόρφωση του Κυρίου ημών Ιησού Χριστού, Όρθρος,Λειτουργία & ευλογία των σταφυλιών 8:00 π.μ. Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Παρασκευή 7 Αυγούστου Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 8 Αυγούστου Μ. Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 9 Αυγούστου 10η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία 8 π.μ. Δευτέρα 10 Αυγούστου Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Τρίτη 11 Αυγούστου Θαύμα του Αγ. Σπυρίδωνος, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία 8 π.μ. Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 12 Αυγούστου Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 13 Αυγούστου Παράκληση 7:00 μ.μ. Παρ. 14 Αυγούστου Μέγας Εσπερινός στον Ιερό Ναό της Κοίμησης της Θεοτόκου στο Orland Park, Chicago, και στο Hegewisch, IL. 7:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 15 Αυγούστου Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου, Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία & Αρτοκλασία 8:00 π.μ. Κυριακή 16 Αυγούστου 11η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία 8 π.μ. Σάββατο 22 Αυγούστου Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 23 Αυγούστου 12η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία (Ευλογία Φανουροπιτών) 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 24 Αυγούστου Αγίου Κοσμά Αιτωλού, Αγ.Διονυσίου, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία 8 π.μ. Πέμπτη 27 Αυγούστου Αγίου Φανουρίου, Όρθρος & Λειτουργία (Ευλογία Φανουροπιτών) 8:00 π.μ. Παρασκευή 28 Αυγούστου Αγίου Μωυσέως Αιθίοπα, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 29 Αυγούστου Αποκεφάλιση του Αγ. Ιωάννη του Βαπτιστού Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μ. Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 30 Αυγούστου 13η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Αγίου Αλεξάνδρου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. ΤΟ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ ΤΗΣ ΕΝΟΡΙΑΣ ΜΑΣ Το ετήσιο Φεστιβάλ της Ενορίας μας θα γίνει στις 11 και 12 Ιουλίου. Μην ξεχνάτε ότι από την επιτυχία του Φεστιβάλ εξαρτώνται κατά πολύ τα προγράμματα της Ενορίας μας. Ζητάμε την βοήθεια όλων σας για τις προετοιμάσιες, καθώς και για την προώθηση των λαχείων. Μόνο με την αγάπη, την βοήθεια και την υποστήριξή σας το Φεστιβάλ θα έχει επιτυχία. Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες επικοινωνήσατε με το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

16 ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΠΛΟΥΤΑΡΧΟΣ Οι Εξετάσεις του Ελληνικού Σχολείου μας έγιναν την Παρασκευή 5 Ιουνίου, με τραγούδια, σκετς και χορούς από τους μαθητές. Θερμά ευχαριστήρια στον Σύλλογο Γονέων και Διδασκάλων και τα μέλη του Συμβουλίου της Ενορία μας για το υπέροχο δείπνο που προσέφεραν αυτή την εορταστική βραδιά. Ευχαριστούμε το Bon A Pit Restaurant, Southfork Restaurant, 95th Produce, Kronos Foods, και όλους τους δωρητές και εθελοντές που βοήθησαν με το γεύμα. Με την ευκαιρία της λήξης της σχολική χρονιάς θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε θερμά τη διεθύντρια του Σχολείου μας κ. Λαμπρινή Σταύρου και όλο το διδασκαλικό προσωπικό αυτής της σχολικής χρονιάς, για την σκληρή και αποδοτική τους δουλειά κατά την διάρκεια της σχολικής χρονιάς. Ευχόμαστε σε όλους, δασκάλους και μαθητές, χαρούμενο καλοκαίρι. Η επόμενη σχολική χρονιά θα ξεκινήσει την Παρασκευή 11 Σεπτεμβρίου. Ολοι οι μαθητές, ηλικίας 6 14 χρονών προσκαλούνται να λάβουν μέρος στην κατασκήνωση «Καλοκαιράκι» που γίνει 3 7 Αυγούστου. Ευχόμαστε σε όλους, μαθητές και γονείς ένα: Καλό και Ξεκούραστο Καλοκαίρι! ΘΕΡΜΑ ΣΥΓΧΑΡΗΤΗΡΙΑ ΣΤΟΥΣ ΑΠΟΦΟΙΤΟΥΣ ΤΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ ΜΑΣ Αλικάκου Μαρίνα Δαγρέ Αθανάσιο Κεκεμπάνου Ανδριάνα Μπο Κωνσταντίνο Παπαδοπούλου Κατερίνα Σελίμο Ιωάννη Σπίνο Γεώργιο Βασιλειάδη Κλεοπάτρα Συναδινού Γαβριέλα Και εις ανώτερα! The transfiguration of Christ is one of the central events recorded in the gospels. Immediately after the Lord was recognized by his apostles as the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the Living God, he told them that he must go up to Jerusalem and suffer many things... and be killed and on the third day be raised (Mt 16). The announcement of Christ s approaching passion and death was met with indignation by the disciples. And then, after rebuking them, the Lord took Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain by tradition Mount Tabor and was transfigured before them.... and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as snow and behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah. He was still speaking when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my Beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, Rise, and have no fear. And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead (Mt 17:1-92, see also Mk 9:1-9; Lk 9:28-36; 2 Peter 1:16-18). The Jewish Festival of Booths was a feast of the dwelling of God with men, and the transfiguration of Christ reveals how this dwelling takes place in and through the Messiah, the Son of God in human flesh. There is little doubt that Christ s transfiguration took place at the time of the Festival of Booths, and that the celebration of the event in the Christian Church became the New Testamental fulfillment of the Old Testamental feast in a way similar to the feasts of Passover and Pentecost In the Transfiguration, the apostles see the glory of the Kingdom of God present in majesty in the person of ChriSt They see that in him, indeed, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, that in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily (Col 1:19, 2:9). They see this before the crucifixion so that in the resurrection they might know who it is who has suffered for them, and what it is that this one, who is God, has prepared for those who love him. This is what the Church celebrates in the feast of the Transfiguration. Thou wast transfigured on the mount. O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee (Troparion). On the mountain wast Thou transfigured, O Christ God, and Thy disciples beheld Thy glory as far as they could see it; so that when they would behold Thee crucified, they would understand that Thy suffering was voluntary, and would proclaim to the world that Thou art truly the Radiance of the Father (Kontakion). Besides the fundamental meaning which the event of the Transfiguration has in the context of the life and mission of Christ, 16 The Voice Transfiguration of our Lord

17 and in addition to the theme of the glory of God which is revealed in all of its divine splendor in the face of the Saviour, the presence of Moses and Elijah is also of great significance for the understanding and celebration of the feast. Many of the hymns refer to these two leading figures of the Old Covenant as do the three scripture readings of Vespers which tell of the manifestation of the glory of God to these holy men of old (Ex 24:12-18; 33:11-34:8; 1 Kings 19:3-16). Moses and Elijah, according to the liturgical verses, are not only the greatest figures of the Old Testament who now come to worship the Son of God in glory, they also are not merely two of the holy men to whom God has revealed himself in the prefigurative theophanies of the Old Covenant of Israel. These two figures actually stand for the Old Testament itself: Moses for the Law and Elijah for the Prophets. And Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Mt 5:17). They also stand for the living and dead, for Moses died and his burial place is known, while Elijah was taken alive into heaven in order to appear again to announce the time of God s salvation in Christ the Messiah. Thus, in appearing with Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration, Moses and Elijah show that the Messiah Saviour is here, and that he is the Son of God to whom the Father himself bears witness, the Lord of all creation, of the Old and New Testaments, of the living and the dead. The Transfiguration of Christ in itself is the fulfillment of all of the theophanies and manifestations of God, a fulfillment made perfect and complete in the person of Christ. The Transfiguration of Christ reveals to us our ultimate destiny as Christians, the ultimate destiny of all men and all creation to be transformed and glorified by the majestic splendor of God himself. The icon of the Transfiguration is one of the icons which will be placed at our church this August. Wednesday, July 1 Sunday, July 5 Tuesday, July 7 Saturday, July 11 Sunday, July 12 Sunday, July 19 Sunday, July 26 Monday, July 27 Tuesday, July 28 Schedule of Divine Services July 2015 SS. Cosmas and Damian the Holy Unmercenaries Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Agiasmos 8:00 a.m. 5th Sunday of Matthew, Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. St. Kyriaki, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. St. Olga, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Vespers 5:00 p.m. St. Paisios, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Sunday of the Holy Fathers, Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. 8th Sunday of Matthew, Orthros & Liturgy 8 a.m. St. Panteleimon, Orthros & Liturgy 8:00 a.m. St. Irene Chrysovalantou, Orthros & Liturgy 8a.m. August 2015 Saturday, August 1 Agiasmos 9:00 a.m. * Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 2 9 th Sunday of Matthew, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 3 Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4 Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 5 Great Vespers at the Holy Transfiguration Monastery 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 6 Transfiguration of our Lord, (fish permitted), Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Blessing of the Grapes 8:00 a.m. * Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 7 Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 8 Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 9 10 th Sunday of Matthew, Orthros & Liturgy 8 a.m. Monday, August 10 Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 11 Miracle of St. Spyridon, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 12 Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 13 Paraklesis 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 14 Vespers at Assumption Church, Orland Park, Chicago, and Hegewisch, IL. 7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15 The Dormition of the Theotokos, Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Artoclasia 8:00 a.m. Sunday, August th Sunday of Matthew, Orthros & Liturgy 8a.m. Saturday, August 22 Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August th Sunday of Matthew, St. Kosmas & St. Dionysios, Orthros & Divine Liturgy (Blessing of Phanouropites) 8:00 a.m. Thursday, August 27 St. Phanourios Orthros & Divine Liturgy (Blessing of Phanouropites) 8:00 a.m. Friday, August 28 St. Moses the Ethiopian, Orthros & Liturgy 8 a.m. Saturday, August 29 Beheading of St. John the Baptist, (fast), Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 30 St. Alexandros, Sunday, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 17

18 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL Address Correction Requested Attend Church Regularly with Your Family! Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit #52 Palos Heights, IL. CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 7th Parish Council Mtg. July 9th & 10th Festival Preparations Greek Festival July 11th-12th, 2015 July 13th Festival Clean-Up Softball & Picnic July 25th Camp Kalokairaki August 3rd-7th 18th ANNUAL GOLF OUTING August 25th, 2015 Back to School Retreat August 22nd P.T.A. Meeting August 22nd COMMUNITY LABOR DAY PICNIC Monday, September 7th, 2015 Tuesday, September 8th 1st Day of Archangels Academy Friday, September 11th 1st Day of Greek School Sunday, September 13th 1st Day of Sunday School Authentic Greek Cuisine Homemade Greek Pastries Greek Music & Dancing Kiddie Rides Plus, Car Raffle! St. Spyridon Dancers Saturday & Sunday St. Spyridon s Greek Festival S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL July 11th & 12th Saturday from 3 p.m. 11 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m. 11 p.m. Admission: Adults $2 Children under 12 FREE For more info, call (708) FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE