HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS PHONE (847)

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1 The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS PHONE (847) Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) APRIL 2011 PALM SUNDAY CHRIST S TRIUMPHAN TENTRY INTO JERUSALEM The celebration of Christ s Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem has a very direct correlation to Christ raising Lazaros from the dead. By now, word had spread through most of Jerusalem concerning what Christ had done in Bethany and how He raised Lazaros from the dead. As you can imagine people were shocked and amazed. Many who had heard Christ preach and believed in Him as Lord came to worship Him. Others, who had heard of His healings and teachings came to see both Jesus and Lazarus with their own eyes so they too can believe. We read in the Gospel of John (12.14) how it is that Christ finds Himself riding on a young donkey and understand how it is to fulfill what was written in the scriptures. (Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey s colt). The people s response was one of spontaneity and reverence. The crowd saw Jesus coming and looking around them picked up palms and branches, some carried them in their arms and waved them, while others placed them on the road He was taking into Jerusalem. Still others spread out their garments while all shouted Hosanna! Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord! Christ s triumphant entry into Jerusalem is a messianic event, through which His Divine authority is declared. The events of Palm Sunday call each of us to lift up our voices and praise God; and behold our King, the Word of God made flesh. Palm Sunday summons us to accept both the rule and the Kingdom of God as the goal and content of our Christian life. We are all called to be active participants in this celebration. We are not simply commemorating an event which took place in the past rather, we are called to open our hearts and our souls and joyfully welcome and praise God shouting Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

2 March/April Schedule of Services Friday, April 1 7:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos Fourth Sunday of Lent, April 3 St. John of the Ladder 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy Monday, April 4 6:00 pm Great Compline Wednesday, April 6 6:00 pm The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete Friday, April 8 7:00 pm The Akathist Hymn Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 10 St. Mary of Egypt 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy Monday, April 11 6:00 pm Great Compline Tuesday, April 12 PAN-ORTHODOX AKATHIST HYMN AT HOLY MOTHER OF GOD SERBIAN ORTHODOX MONASTERY IN GRAYSLAKE, IL Wednesday April 13 6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy Saturday of Lazaros, April 16 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy with Commentary PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 17 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy HOLY WEEK SERVICES Palm Sunday, Apr 17 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Monday, Apr 18 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Tuesday, Apr 19 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Wednes, Apr 20 2:30 pm Holy Unction 7:00 pm Orthros of the Mystical Supper Holy Thurs, Apr 21 6:00 am Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm The 12 Passion Gospels Holy Friday, Apr 22 9:00 am Royal Hours 2:00 pm The Descent from the Cross 7:00 pm The Epitaphios Lamentations Holy Saturday morning, Apr 23 8:30 am Liturgy of the First Resurrection Holy Saturday Evening 11:00 pm Orthros Midnight Resurrection, Liturgy of PASCHA PASCHA SUNDAY (Apr 24) 11:30 am The AGAPI SERVICE 2011 STEWARDSHIP As of March 25, 295 stewards have committed $176, SACRAMENTS AND BLESSINGS BLESSINGS OF INFANTS Forty days after birth, a child and its mother come to church to receive a 40 Day Blessing, imitating Christ who was presented in the Temple 40 days after He was born. Please call the church office to arrange this blessing. BAPTISMS Please call the church office to schedule Baptisms. Plan ahead! there are some days when Baptisms are not performed. Keep in mind that there should be only one Godparent and that a child is supposed to be given but one name when he or she is baptized. WEDDINGS Please arrange an appointment with Fr. Dean at least eight months before the proposed wedding date to allow time for all necessary marriage preparation. CONFESSION Confessions are arranged by appointment. Please call the church office to schedule Confession. MINISTRY TO PERSONS WHO ARE SICK Orthodox Christians who would like to receive Holy Sacraments but are unable to attend church (hospitalized or at home) should contact the church office so Holy Sacraments can be administered to them. Please inform the church office if your loved one is hospitalized! Most hospitals no longer inform us when they receive patients from our parish. MEMORIAL SERVICES Memorial Services are offered for the eternal rest of persons who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Customarily, these services are offered at 40 days, at 6 months, at 1 year and at 3 years. When three years have passed, the departed are more properly remembered on the Saturdays of the Souls. DID YOU KNOW?... OUR CHURCH S TEACHING ABOUT CREMATION The New Testament teaches that the body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The body is further sanctified by the incarnation of Christ God becoming Man in the body. Consistent with this teaching, the body is an integral part of the whole person, and the Church teaches and expects the resurrection from the dead of the body and the soul, when God s Kingdom comes in its fullness. The Church considers cremation to be the deliberate desecration and destruction of what God has made, and insists that the body be buried for the natural process to take place. As the denial of the resurrection, in cases where there is intention for the body of a deceased person to be cremated, a church funeral is not allowed, either in the church, or the Funeral home or any other place. Additionally, memorial services with kolyva are not allowed, since the significance between the kernel of wheat and the body has been willfully destroyed. Have you become a 2011 Steward yet? 2

3 HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS PHONE: 847/ From Father Dean April 2011 Dear Friends and Parishioners, We have a flurry of activity in these days before Holy Week. In addition to our Lenten church services, our Ladies are sponsoring the annual Spring Bake Sale on April 12 and 13, the annual Pan-Orthodox Akathist will take place at the Serbian Monastery of the Holy Theotokos in Grayslake on the evening of April 12, and the Midwest premiere of the new movie, Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer will take place at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge on the evening of Thursday, April 14. This movie will be of great interest to all of us, and seeing it just before Holy Week may be a particularly special experience. The showing of the movie will benefit our new St. Iakovos Retreat Center! As the Lord was going to His voluntary Passion, He was said to His apostles: Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be delivered up, as it is written. Come, therefore, and let us accompany Him, with purified minds, and let us be crucified with Him, and for His sake let us mortify the pleasures of this life, that we may also live with Him, and hear Him declare: No longer do I go to the earthly Jerusalem to suffer, but I go to My Father, and your Father, to My God and your God. And I will raise you up with Me to the upper Jerusalem, in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Bridegroom Service, Palm Sunday evening) In a few days, we will begin the solemn and sacred journey to Jerusalem. This period of preparation should be seen not as a requirement, but a joyful journey of discovery, as we recognize and conquer our temptations and shortcomings. As the hymn so beautifully says, let us purify ourselves to be able to celebrate our Lord s glorious Resurrection! Καλό Πάσχα! Fr. Dean A PLEA TO ALL SUNDAY SCHOOL PARENTS: Sunday begins at 9:30 every Sunday. Please help your children be on time! HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NILES, ILLINOIS Proistamenos..Fr. Constantine P. Botsis Synefimerios Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres Pastoral Assistant..... Deacon John G. Suhayda Chanter......Nick Harisiadis Parish Council Officers President.. George Anastasiadis Vice President..... Nick Andrews Treasurer... Perry Giannopoulos Secretary Niki Tziavaras Budget Committee Chairman...George Conopeotis Building & Grounds Chairman.....Michael Pontikes and Theodoros Karabatsos Decor Committee Chairman...Stephan Aliferakis Finance Committee Chairman...George Kotsionis Phase III Chairman...Pete Zouras Board Chairman Stewardship Com Chairman...Dr. Thomas Bournias Philoptochos President......Ritsa Bazianos PTA Co-Presidents (Afternoon )...Linda Politis and Pauline Sarantopoulos PTA Co-Presidents (Preschool)... Vicky Mazur and Kathy Ioannides Greek Principal... Mrs. Anastasia Liapi GSL Director...Mrs. Evangelia Vlahou-Khouri Preschool Director......Mrs. Rita Petratos Sunday Director...Presvytera Georgia Botsis Athletic Director David Loomos Scoutmasters...John Melonides and George Alpogianis Little Angels... Christina Pappadis YAL President... Kyriakos Anastasiadis GOYA Co-Presidents......Evangeline Alpogianis and Nicolette Grivas Bookstore Manager... Jolynn Ruggerio Web Page George Houpis Office Staff.Barbara Skaouris and Alexandra Grivas IN THIS ISSUE: Letter from our Priest (pg 3) Announcelments (pg 4) Ανακοινώσεις (pg 5) Thoughts on Holy Week (pg 6) Bake Sale (pg 7) Holy Week Schedule (pg 8) Youth News (pg 9) Calendar (pg 10) OUR 2011 BIG GREEK FOOD FeSt will take place July this summer. Mark your calendar! Please consider planning your vacation before or after our Fest so you can help! 3

4 COMMUNITY NEWS AND ACTIVITIES 2011 STEWARDSHIP A NEW PERSPECTIVE With the Apostolic invitation Come and See, we have discovered a new perspective about faith, about Church, about love, about salvation and about Stewardship! Acquiring this new perspective, coming from the heart, we will see the world as God s gift, and then we will want to respond in a new way to His command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Our Stewardship from this new perspective will give our church the power and means to invite others to Come and See; to see what our Church can become, not just surviving, but expanding, serving and witnessing for God; to see what we can become, lifted up to new heights by God s grace and blessings; to see what we can offer and share in the broken world where we live, with God working through us! Come and See! Coming from the heart, this new perspective calls us to commit our time, talents and treasure to God. In so doing, we see how proper it is to determine a fair, proportional level of our household income. So far 10% of our stewards have indicated that they are, in fact, setting their stewardship level in proportion to their income! (Check out our Proportional Givers List on the Stewardship Board!) Many thanks to all our Stewards! IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT We would like to remind everyone that, on Holy Wednesday, Holy Unction will only be given by anointing. If there is a need for the anointing of the sick or those who are unable to attend the service, the priest will visit and anoint those persons by arrangement at the proper time. Holy Unction will no longer be given out. SHUT-INS Please inform the Church office about elderly or ill individuals who would like our priest to visit them and bring them Holy Communion during this holy season. HOLY CONFESSION--Great Lent has begun, and it is customary to receive the Sacrament of Holy Confession during Lent. This can be done by appointment with Fr. Dean. We urge you: schedule your confession as early as possible; please do not wait until Holy Week! OUR PARISH ORATORICAL FESTIVAL AND CRAFT SALE will take place after church services on Sunday, April 10. Our Sunday students and Goyans will present a creative program of talks, essays, poetry and iconography, reflecting their understanding of our Faith. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to observe and encourage our young people as they grow in their faith plan to stay and watch them! ANNUAL EASTER BAKE SALE The St. Haralambos Ladies Philoptochos invite you to their Annual Easter Bake Sale, taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, April in our Community Center. A great opportunity to buy your Easter Tsourekia, red eggs and pastries! Lunch will be served both days, and the Coffee Shop will be open! Please tell your friends, and bring them with you to shop for all your Easter Pastries and breads! The Bake Sale will be from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. SATURDAY OF LAZAROS FAMILY RETREAT PROSPHORA: OUR OFFERING TO GOD --Our Annual Sunday Saturday of Lazaros FAMILY RETREAT will take place on April 16 th, beginning at 9:00 am with a TEACHING LITURGY!!! Have you ever wondered about the real meaning behind what happens in the Divine Liturgy? Then come and experience the Teaching or Commentary Liturgy! The Retreat Program will include a Lenten Lunch, Lesson, and a Craft Project. Proper Church clothes are required, and Pre-Registration is only $20/family! Moms, dads, grandparents and kids are welcomed! You must register so there will be enough supplies! Registrations will be accepted until Thursday, April 14th. ANNUAL PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON April 17 is Palm Sunday! The St. Haralambos PTA invites you to its annual Palm Sunday Luncheon, after church services on Sunday, April 17. Because of space limitations, reservations will be required. The donation will be $15 for fish with skordalia, and $8 for spaghetti with marinara sauce; a number of "To Go" orders will also be available at $15. To make reservations, please call the Church office ( ). 4 VILLAGE FEAST LAMB ROAST! - The Saint Haralambos Community is hosting a Village Feast Lamb Roast beginning at 6:30pm on Bright Friday, April 29 on the Church grounds. A delicious Roast Lamb Dinner will be served, and there will be Loukoumathes, music and good parea or fellowship! Reservations are required so that enough food will be available please call the Church office (847) by April 26 for reservations! OUR 2011 BIG GREEK FOOD FEST OF NILES will take place July this summer, and planning has already begun. Of course, we will need much help; new ideas and new people are always welcomed! OUR FOOD FEST RAFFLE Win a luxurious new 2011 AUDI A4 SEDAN, a new Harley Davidson or $20,000! Get your Book of Tickets and qualify for a $1000 drawing on Father s Day, June 19 th! A NEW FILM, MYSTERIES OF THE JESUS PRAYER will be shown on Thursday evening, April 14 at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge. In this feature film, an unprecedented, insiders' view into the lives of contemporary Christian ascetics is presented, from a profoundly thoughtful -- if surprisingly cheerful -- collection of Orthodox monks and nuns. This is the Midwest Premiere of this movie, and the proceeds will benefit the St. Iakovos Camp. The donation is $20, and tickets are now available from our church office! (Free popcorn and soft drinks included!) IOCC ANNUAL BANQUET will take place at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 12 at Rosewood Banquets, 9421 W. Higgins Road in Rosemont. The donation is $125. IOCC provides desperately needed food and medical supplies worth millions of dollars to people in need and to disaster victims around the world in the name of our Orthodox Church. They truly deserve our support! Please call the St. Haralambos Church Office ( ) to make your reservations! GOYA DINNER DANCE--The St. Haralambos GOYA will be holding its annual Dinner Dance on Sunday, May 22 in the St. Haralambos Community Center, and they are asking your support! Ad contracts for their annual ad book are now available in the church office would you consider buying an ad and supporting our GOYA? Your generosity is highly appreciated! CONGRATULATIONS TO..... Our Aristotle GSL students Vasiliki Karabatsos, Anna Maria Harisiadis, Christina Harisiadis, Billy Rosenzweig, George Panoutsos, Costas Vroustouris and Jasmine Gloria, who were awarded Certificates for their participation in the annual Agrafon Greek Essay Competition sponsored by the Metropolis of Chicago!...Mr. George Alpogianis, who was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Village of Niles Chamber of Commerce for ΣΥΓΧΑΡΗΤΗΡΙΑ!

5 ΕΝΟΡΙΑΚΕΣ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ STEWARDSHIP 2011 ΈΡΧΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΙΔΕ! ΜΙΑ YΠΕΝΘΥΜΙΣΗ-Έχετε γίνει steward δια το έτος 2011; Βασιζόμεθα στην υποστήριξή σας. Ο Θεός μας θεωρεί άξιους των άφθονων ευλογιών που μας δίνει ας γίνουμε άξιοι όχι μόνον να λαμβάνουμε αλλά άξιοι και να δίνουμε! Ενα μεγάλο «ευχαριστώ» σε ολα τα μέλη της ενορίας μας! ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ Θα θέλαμε να υπενθυμίσουμε εις όλους ότι την Μεγάλη Τετάρτη, το Άγιον Ευχέλαιον θα δίδεται μόνον κατόπιν χρίσεως από τους ιερείς. Εαν υπάρχει ανάγκη να χρισθεί κάποιος άρρωστος ή κάποιος που δεν μπορεί να έλθει στην εκκλησία, ο ιερέας θα φροντίσει να επισκεφτεί τα άτομα αυτά και να τα χρίσει στο σπίτι την καθορισμένη ώρα. To Άγιον Ευχέλαιον δεν θα δίδεται πλέον εκτός εκκλησίας. ΕΣΩΚΛΕΙΣΤΑ ΑΤΟΜΑ-Παρακαλούμε όπως πληροφορείτε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια τους ηλικιωμένους ή αρρώστους που θέλουν να λάβουν την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν και δεν δύνανται να έλθουν στην εκκλησία, ούτως ώστε ο ιερέας μας να προγραμματίσει να τους προσφέρει την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν όπου διαμένουν. ΤΟ ΜΥΣΤΗΡIΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΕΩΣ-Η Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή άρχισε και συvηθίζεται vα γίvονται εξoμoλογήσεις κατά τηv διάρκειαv της Νηστείας. Δια να γίνει αυτό πρέπει να κανονίσετε συνάντηση με τον π. Κωνσταντίνο. Σας παροτρύνουμε να κανονίσετε ημερομηνία εξομολογήσεως το συντομότερον δυνατόν-- μηv περιμέvετε vα εξoμoλoγηθείτε την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα! Η ΕΤΗΣIΑ ΜΑΣ ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΓΛΥΚIΣΜΑΤΩΝ θα λάβη χώραv τηv Τρίτη και Τετάρτη, Απριλίου στην κοινοτική μας αίθουσα! Ελάτε vα πρoμηθευτείτε τα Πασχαλιvά σας γλυκίσματα και ψωμιά! Ολα είvαι σπιτίσια και voστιμώτατα! Η Πώληση γλυκισμάτωv θα διαρκέσει από τις 9:00 π.μ. έως τις 6:00 μ.μ. ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΞΗ ΤΟΥ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ «ΤΑ ΠΡΟΣΦΟΡΑ ΠΟΥ ΠΡΟΣΦΕΡΟΥΜΕ ΣΤΟΝ ΘΕΟΝ» Η Ετήσια ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΞΗ το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου θα λάβει χώραν την 16 η Απριλίου και θα αρχίσουμε στις 9:00 π.μ. με Διδακτικήν Λειτουργία! Η Σύναξη περιλαμβάνει νηστήσιμο πρόγευμα, μάθημα και χειροτεχνία. Εγγραφή είναι $20 η οικογένεια! Προσκαλούνται όλοι μητέρες, πατέρες, παπούδες, γιαγιάδες και παιδιά! Πρέπει να εγγραφείτε για να έχουμε αρκετές προμήθειες! Ημερομηνία λήξεως εγγραφών είναι η Πέμπτη, 14 Απριλίου. ΕΤΗΣΙΟ ΓΕΥΜΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ-Το PTA του Αγ. Χαραλάμπους σας προσκαλεί στο ετήσιο Γεύμα της Κυριακής των Βαίων, 17 Απριλίου, μετά το τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας. Επειδή ο χώρος είναι περιορισμένος, χρειάζεται να κρατήσετε θέσεις. Η δωρεά είναι μόνον $15 δια το μπακαλάο με σκορδαλιά, και $8 δια τα μακαρόνια. Επίσης δεχόμεθα παραγγελίες To Go με $15. Δια κρατήσεις θέσεων παρακαλούμε όπως τηλεφωνείτε εις το γραφείο της εκκλησίας (847/ ). ΠΑΣΧΑΛΙΝΟ ΓΛΕΝΤΙ ΜΕ ΨΗΤΟ ΑΡΝΙ -Η κοινότητα του Αγίου Χαραλάμπους ετοιμάζει ένα «Πασχαλινό Γλέντι με Ψητό Αρνί» που θα λάβει χώρα στις 6.30 μμ την Παρασκευή του Πάσχα, 29 Απριλίου στον εξωτερικό χώρο της εκκλησίας. Θα σερβιρισθεί Δείπνο με Ψητό Αρνί, λουκουμάδες, μουσική και καλή «παρέα»! Χρειάζονται κρατήσεις θέσεων δια να έχουμε αρκετό φαγητό για όλους! Παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας για κρατήσεις θέσεων. ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΦΙΛΑΝΘΡΩΠΙΚΗ ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ «IOCC» θα λάβει χώραν την Πέμπτη, 12 Μαϊου εις το Rosewood εις Rosemont. Αυτή η ετήσια φιλανθρωπική εκδήλωση του Διεθνούς Χριστιανορθόδοξου Φιλανθρωπικού Οργανισμού καθιστά εφικτή την δυνατότητα παροχής τροφής και φαρμάκων στους έχοντας ανάγκη ανά τον κόσμον. Δια κρατήσεις θέσεων παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας ( ). Σας παρακαλούμε όπως υποστηρίξετε την εκδήλωσιν αυτή! ΕΤΗΣIΟΣ ΧΟΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ «GOYA» Ο ετήσιoς χoρός της GOYA του Αγίου Χαραλάμπους θα λάβει χώραv τηv Κυριακή, 22 Μαίoυ εις την Κοινοτική Αίθουσα του Αγ. Χαραλάμπους. Χρειάζονται την βοήθειά σας! Διατίθενται συμβόλαια για διαφημίσεις στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας. Σχεδιάζετε να υποστηρίξετε το διαφημιστικό βιβλίο της GOYA; Η γενναιδωρία σας θα εκτιμηθεί τα μέγιστα. ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ ΤΟΥ Το Φεστιβάλ της Κοινότητάς μας για το 2011 θα λάβει χώραν εις τις Ιουλίου, και οι ετοιμασίες άρχισαν. Θα χρειαστούμε βοήθεια εις τον προγραμματισμόν, και πάντα ενδιαφερόμαστε για νέες ιδέες και καινούργιους εθελοντές! Εαν έχετε την ευχαρίστησιν να βοηθήσετε, παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνείτε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας ( ). Ο ΠΡΩΤΟΣ ΛΑΧΝΟΣ θα είναι ένα καινούργιο αυτοκίνητο 2011 AUDI A4 ή ένα καινούργιο HARLEY DAVIDSON! Και χρειαζόμεθα την βοήθειά σας δια την πώληση των λαχείων. Οποιαδήποτε βοήθεια είναι πολύ, πολύ εκτιμητέα! PAN-ORTHODOX AKATHIST HYMN 7:00 pm - Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Holy Protection Serbian Monastery Grayslake, IL 5

6 THOUGHTS FOR HOLY WEEK BY WHAT AUTHORITY DOES HE SPEAK? He was baptized as man (not because He needed purification Himself, but that He might sanctify the water) but He remitted sins as God. He was tempted as man, but He conquered as God; indeed, He bids us to be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world. He hungered, but He fed thousands; indeed, He is the Bread that gives life; and that is of heaven. He thirsted, but he cried out, If any man thirsts, let him come to Me and drink, indeed, He promised that fountains should flow from those who believe. He was wearied, but He is the rest to those who are weary and heavy-laden. He was heavy with sleep, but He walked lightly over the sea. He rebuked the winds, He made Peter light as he began to sink. He pays tribute, but it is out of a fish; indeed, He is the king of those who demanded it....he weeps, but he causes tears to cease. He asks where Lazaros was laid, for He was man; but He raises Lazaros, for He was God! He is sold, and very cheap, for it is only for 30 pieces of silver; but He redeems the world, and at a great price, for the price was His own blood. As a sheep He is led to slaughter, but He is the shepherd of Israel, and now of the whole world as well. As a lamb He is silent, yet He is the Word, and is proclaimed by the voice of one crying in the wilderness. He is bruised and wounded, but He heals every disease and infirmity. He is lifted up and nailed to the tree, but by the tree of life He restores us; indeed, He saves even the robber crucified with Him, indeed He wrapped the visible world in darkness. He is given vinegar to drink mingled with gall. Who? He who turned water into wine; who is the destroyer of the bitter taste, Who is sweetness and altogether desired. He lays down His life, but He has power to take it again....he dies, but He gives life, and by His death destroys death. He is buried but He rises again; He goes down into hell, but He brings up the souls! St. Gregory of Nazianzos (Third Theological Oration, 20. B#7, p. 174) (St. Gregory of Nazianzos is also known as St. Gregory the Theologian, one of the Three Hierarchs who we celebrate on January 30. St. Gregory became Patriarch of Constantinople, and is one of the most prolific writers and theological minds in the history of the Church.) The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life, Give me not the spirit of laziness, meddling, love of power and gossip; Give, rather, the spirit of purity, humility, patience and love to me, Your servant. Yea, O Lord and King, Grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother, For You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. LOOKING AHEAD. VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL will take place this summer during the week of June This is one of our very popular programs, and everyone has a great experience. Moms and Dads are needed to help! Please mark your calendar and reserve the dates! OUR BIG GREEK FOOD FEST OF NILES will take place July this summer, and planning has already begun. Of course, we will need much help, and we are always looking for new ideas and new people to get involved! Please talk to Niki Tziavaras, Bill Bozikis, Tom Andrews, George Anastasiadis, Fr. Chris or Father Dean if you would like to offer your help. 6 ON HIS BETRAYAL But look, O my soul, and see how the King of Heaven was welcomed by His subjects, in what manner they honored their God Incarnate...Who cleansed the lepers, healed the sick, made the paralytic walk and the blind man see; Who straightened the lame and the crippled, Who raised the dead and fed the many thousands who were hungry. Oh, shame covers my face, awe grips my heart, and my tongue trembles to speak! His holy Evangelist cries out in grief: He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. Terrible and piteous are these words!...listen, heaven, and hearken, earth! Men did not accept their God; servants did not receive their Lord; subjects rejected their King! O, my God, all this You knew, and yet You came to save me, perishing; to find me, the lost! You were not turned away by the wickedness and the ingratitude of Your enemies; You surrendered Yourself to Your love and kindness; You were persuaded by my wretchedness...they called you a glutton and a drunkard, the friends of publicans and sinners, and they vomited forth all manner of blasphemies against You, their Lord and Benefactor, against You Who are beyond all glory! Oh, the cruelty and ingratitude of men!...you looked into them, Reader of hearts; yet You suffered in silence...you witnessed this evil design, this iniquitous bargain; and You permitted it, desiring to suffer for my sake, Your unworthy servant, to cleanse me by Your blood, to give me new life by Your death, to honor me through Your disgrace. Glory be to You for all, O my Lover!..They judged You, the Judge of the living and the dead! They insulted and dishonored You, spat in Your holy face, to which angels dare not lift their gaze! And they buffeted Your cheek and condemned You to death You, the Life of all! They preferred a robber and a murderer to You, the Son of God, the only good and just One! Oh prodigy! Oh fearful and unheard of crime! St. Tikhon of Zadonsk. (Confession and Thanksgiving. B#26, pp ) (Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk ( ) was a Russian Orthodox bishop and spiritual writer in the 18th century, and is considered one of the true spiritual giants because of his great wisdom, holiness, and asceticism.) NEWS! OUR PHASE III COMMITTEE HAS BEEN REACTIVATED and is considering options for future development, to present to the parish General Assembly! The Committee is revisiting previous concepts and budgets, and exploring other avenues as related to adjacent properties. Watch for more news!

7 PAN-ORTHODOX AKATHIST HYMN 7:00 IN THE EVENING, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 Holy Mother of God Serbian Orthodox Monastery Rt. 45, 1 mile south of Rt 132 (Grand Av.) Third Lake (Grayslake), IL RESPONSES WILL BE SUNG BY THE PAN-ORTHODOX CHOIR OF GREATER CHICAGO MIDWEST PREMIERE OF A NEW FILM: MYSTERIES OF THE JESUS PRAYER ΤΟ ΠΑΝΗΓΥΡΙ! St. Haralambos invites you to A PASCHAL FEAST ROAST LAMB DINNER Loukoumathes - Music on our church grounds 6:30 pm Friday, April 29, 2011 Dinner will be served at 6:30 Please call the church office An unprecedented, insiders' view into the lives of contemporary Christian ascetics from around the world. Thursday, April 14, :00 pm Pickwick Theatre Park Ridge Donation $20 (includes popcorn and soft drink!) All proceeds to benefit the St. Iakovos Retreat Center! IOCC ANNUAL BANQUET 6:00 pm, on Thursday, May 12, 2011 Rosewood Banquets 9421 W. Higgins Road in Rosemont Donation: $125 Please call the St. Haralambos Church Office ( ) to make your reservations! 7

8 GREAT AND HOLY WEEK 2011 Η ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ MΕΓΑΛΗ EΒΔΟΜΑΣ 2011 THE SATURDAY OF LAZAROS (April 16) 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy with Commentary PALM SUNDAY (April 17) 8:00 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine Liturgy PALM SUNDAY EVENING 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom GREAT AND HOLY MONDAY (April 18) 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom GREAT AND HOLY TUESDAY (April 19) 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom; Hymn of Cassiani GREAT AND HOLY WEDNESDAY (April 20) 2:30 pm The Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:00 pm Orthros of the Last Supper, Holy Unction Anointing GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY (April 21) 6:00 am Divine Liturgy of the Mystical Last Supper (Holy Communion) 7:00 pm The Twelve Passion Gospels GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY (April 22) 9:00 am The Royal Hours 2:00 pm The Descent from the Cross 7:00 pm Service of the Lamentations GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY (April 23) 8:30 am Liturgy of the "First Resurrection" (Holy Communion) HOLY SATURDAY EVENING 11:00 pm Orthros 12:00 am THE RESURRECTION, LITURGY OF PASCHA PASCHA SUNDAY (April 24) 11:30 am THE "AGAPI" EASTER VESPERS OF LOVE BRIGHT FRIDAY (April 29) THE LIFE-GIVING FOUNTAIN 8:30 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy HAPPY EASTER! ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ (16 Απριλίου) 8:30 πμ Όρθρος 9:30 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ (17 Απριλίου) 8:00 πμ Όρθρος 9:30 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ ΒΡΑΔΥ 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου~Κασσιανή ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ (18 Απριλίου) 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΡΙΤΗ (19 Απριλίου) 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου, Ύμνον της Κασσιανής ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ (20 Απριλίου) 2:30 μμ Το Μυστήριον του Ευχελαίου 7:00 μμ Όρθρος του Μυστικού Δείπνου, Ευχέλαιον ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ (21 Απριλίου) 6:00 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία του Μυστικού Δείπνου (Θεία Κοινωνία) 7:00 μμ Τα Πάθη (Δώδεκα Ευαγγέλια) ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ (22 Απρ) 9:00 πμ Οι Βασιλικές Ωρες 2:00 μμ Εσπερινός της Αποκαθηλώσεως 7:00 μμ Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος ΑΓΙΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ (23 Απριλίου) 8:30 πμ Λειτουργία «Πρώτης ναστάσεως» (Θεία Κοινωνία) ΜΕΓΑ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΒΡΑΔΥ 11:00 μμ Όρθρος 12:00 πμ H ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ (24 Απριλίου) 11:30 πμ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ ΤΗΣ ΛΑΜΠΡΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΖΩΟΔΟΧΟΥ ΠΗΓΗΣ (29 Απριλίου) 8:30 πμ Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ! 8

9 NEWS FOR YOUTH GOYA CONFESSION NIGHTS Monday nights, April 4 and April 11 will be CONFES- SION NIGHTS for all our GOYANS, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. GOYANS are invited to come for Confession so that they might be prepared to celebrate PASCHA! SATURDAY OF LAZAROS FAMILY RETREAT PROSPHORA: OUR OFFERING TO GOD 9:00 am to 2:00 pm SATURDAY, April 16, 2011 A day of Liturgy, Crafts, Lenten Lunch and Learning for the whole family! Come and help us make palm crosses and decorate the Church for Palm Sunday! Come to our Holy Friday Family Retreat 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Friday, April 22, 2011 SATURDAY OF LAZAROS The Neglected Holiday As Holy Week approaches, one beautiful holiday, the Saturday of Lazaros, seems to get neglected. The great miracle of raising Lazaros from the dead is an important holiday, and vital to us in understanding Palm Sunday and in our anticipation of our Lord s Resurrection, a few days later! This year, we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Saturday of Lazaros, April 16 at 9:00 am. This will be a Liturgy with Commentary, and an excellent learning opportunity as the Liturgy is EXPLAINED. We urge everyone especially families to attend! Please plan to remain after the Liturgy to help make palm crosses, to be passed out on Palm Sunday. Our Family Retreat will take place after the Liturgy, as well. Learn about Prophora: Our Offering to God. Call the church office to register for the Retreat! CAMP FANARI IS THE OFFICIAL Summer Camp Program Of the Metropolis of Chicago. CAMP FANARI will be is session June 19-25, 2011! Applications are now available! Get your application in early! IONIAN VILLAGE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER CAMP 2010: Teens who have completed grades 7-12 may attend either Summer Travel Camp (STC) July 1-20, 2010 or Byzantine Venture (BV) July 25-August 13, For more information about the program or to register for Summer Camp 2010 visit or contact the Ionian Village office at The Little Angels is a new fun group for children, ages 4 and under, that meets on Tuesdays from 11:30 am to 1:00 am. Snacks are provided. This is a great way for our kids and parents to meet each other and get to know one another. Join us! get ready for the JUNIOR OLYMPICS! Junior Olympics will take place the weekend of May More information will be available soon! 9

10 April 2011 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 9:00 am GSL 4:30 pm No Greek 7:00-Salutations 3 ST JOHN OF THE LADDER 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy 4 6:00-Compline 7:00 Cub Scouts 7:30 GOYA Confession Night 5 11:30--Little Angels 4:30 pm Greek & PTA meeting 5:30 pm Greek Sch Conferences 7:30 pm Orthodoxy 102 7:30 pm Philoptochos Mtg 6 6:00-Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete 7 8 4:30 pm Greek 7:00-Akathist Hymn 9 9:00 am GSL 10 ST MARY OF EGYPT 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Liturgy 11 5:30 pm Family Night 6:00-Compline 7:30 GOYA Confession Night 12 11:30-Little Angels 4:30 pm Greek 7:00 pm Pan-Orthodox Akathist 7:30 pm Orthodoxy SPRING BAKE SALE 6:00-Liturgy of Presanctified 7:30 pm Parish Council mtg 14 7:00 pm Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer at the Pickwick Theater 15 4:30 pm Greek 16 SATURDAY OF LAZAROS Retreat Day! 8:30-Orthros and Liturgy (No GSL) 17PALM SUNDAY 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Liturgy LUNCHEON 7:00 pm- Bridegroom Service 18 HOLY MONDAY 7:00 pm-- Bridegroom Service 19 HOLY TUESDAY 7:00 pm-- Bridegroom Service 20 HOLY WEDNESDAY 2:00-Holy Unction 7:00 pm-orthros of the Mystical Supper 21 HOLY THURSDAY 6:00 AM Liturgy of the Mystical Supper 7:00 pm The 12 Passion Gospels 22 HOLY FRIDAY 9:00 am The Royal Hours 2:30 pm-descent from the Cross 7:00 pm-the Lamentations 23 HOLY SATURDAY 8:30 am-liturgy of the First Resurrection 11:00 pm-holy Resurrection Η ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ 24 PASCHA! 11:30 AM The Vespers of Agapi 25 ST. GEORGE (Liturgy at St. George Church in Chicago) 26 11:30 -Little Angels 4:30 pm Greek 7:30 pm Orthodoxy THE LIFE-GIVING FOUNTAIN 8:30am-Orthros and Liturgy 4:30 pm Greek 30 9:00 am GSL LAMB ROAST 10

11 For information about ad sponsorship, please call St. George Publishing at or St. George Publishing, Inc. N0194 4c LP

12 HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE NILES, IL Address Service Requested PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MILWAUKEE, WI PERMIT #5654 St. Haralambos PTA Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 17, 2011 following church services Adults: $15 (Fish and skordalia) Children : $8 (Spaghetti dinner) $15 Orders to go Seating is limited! Please make reservations right away! Call our Church Office (847/ ) to make your reservations! 12