Assumption. Greek Orthodox Church. Agape news

Transcript

1 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Agape news December 2011

2 PARISH LIFE National Presbyters Retreat Fr. Nick Jonas of St. Constantine & Helen Parish, (Palos Hills) and Fr. Jon at St. Anthony s Monastery Decorating for Christmas Assumption and St. George youth at Incredible Pizza

3 PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! In the Month of December there is much happening: the St. Nicholas Gifting, the Philoptochos Bake Sale, the Sunday School Christmas Program, the Metropolis Christmas Open-House, a visit from Santa and countless other Christmas events. Let us not forget that the root of all that happens in December is Christmas - the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we celebrate this season through the giving of gifts and through Christian Fellowship, let us also take time - if necessary make time - to thank the Lord for His gift to us, His Only Begotten Son, through whom we can achieve salvation. Make sure that time is given to the Church Services not only each and every Sunday, but also for Christmas Great Vespers. It is especially difficult to leave our homes on Christmas Eve, but this small sacrifice makes a huge statement to our families and all in the community that Christmas first and foremost is a Feastday of the Faithful. I pray that as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord together that each of us grows in our faith. Wishing you a Blessed Nativity, I remain, In His Service, Rev. Father Jon Boukis PROISTAMENOS

4 SUNDAY SCHOOL Cereal Club Each month our Sunday School children of the level 2 class will each bring in a box of cereal to aid in the fight against hunger in the Quad Cities. The cereal will be delivered to different food pantries and charities throughout the year. All children with cumulative attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed monthly in the Agape News. Congratulations to: Vasilia Boukis Elianna Lovejoy Naina Ninan Naveen Ninan Peter Stopoulos Tony Stopoulos Stephanie Theofilis ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Monday Evenings from 6:00pm- 7:30pm and on Thursday Mornings from 9:30am-11:00am to study the Book of Acts. We will also study the lives of the Apostles. Bible Study is an opportunity for us to apply the Scriptures to our everyday lives. The Bible is the Good News that enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of every issue that we face. This can only be done through obtaining the mind of the Holy Fathers. Let the scripture come alive in your life today!!!

5 YOUTH FELLOWSHIP CHRISTMAS CAROLING The Children are truly excited about Christmas. In order to wish you a Blessed Christmas, they will be Christmas Caroling in December. Here is the Schedule: Saturday, December 10 - East Moline and Silvis Saturday, December 17 - Moline and Iowa Because of the many stops that must be made, we ask you to not feed the children. There is no need to RSVP, if we re in your neighborhood, we ll be stopping. DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 st Tony Argeros 2 nd Demos Mekus 5 th Judy Cherevko 7 th Kathy Panouses 8 th Roger Lovejoy 9 th Jim Jannes 10 th Susan Mekus 15 th Lydia Dounoulis 16 th Nicolas Bagatelas 16 th Dimitrios Dokolas 16 th Maria Fotos 16 th Tom Lingris 19 th Billy Mihalopoulos 20 th Pauline Bagatelas 20 th Denny Mekus 21 st Paul Bagatelas 22 nd Miltos Diakogeorgiou 22 nd Christa Kaldis 25 th Frank Kaldis 26 th Bill Kotrogiannis 27 th Ilias Nikolopoulos 29 th Angie Dokolas Just a few Saints (Namedays) commemorated in December... 4 th Barbara 17 th Daniel 6 th Nicholas, Nicoletta 25 th Christmas (Christos, Christina) 15 th Eleftherios, Eleftheria 27 th Stephen, Stephanie

6 CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS Mitten Tree Please bring mittens, gloves, hats, socks and scarves to hang on our Mitten Tree in the hallway of the Church. Offerings should be for Children ages 12 and under and for women. generosity! God Bless your St. Nicholas Gifting On Sunday, December 4 th, please bring a gift (cost $5-$10) for a child of your same sex and age. The gift should be wrapped and labeled accordingly. Following HOLY COMMUNION, the children will place their special gift on the Solea. The gifts will be distributed to children in need. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Sunday, December 18 th following the Divine Liturgy This year our kids will be doing something new for you. Don t miss it!!! Visit from Santa Please come and meet Santa on December 18 th and just maybe he ll have a surprise for you. God Bless you all!!! Metropolis Open House On December 18 th, Fr. Jon will be going to the Metropolis for the Annual Christmas Open House to visit with His Eminence Metropolitan IAKOVOS. All are invited to come along so that we may show our love to our Spiritual Father by accepting his invitation and wishing him a Blessed Nativity.

7 FITNESS SEMINAR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 TH FOLLOWING THE DIVINE LITURGY Is your life fit? In less that an hour you will know and have the tools in front of you to make a change, should you wish. Here is what will be addressed: SPIRITUAL FITNESS The focus of the sermon will be on Spiritual Fitness. What does this mean? Are you fit spiritually? FINANCIAL FITNESS This presentation will focus on financial principles that everyone should know, including wealth accumulation and preservation, risk transference and debt management. Presented by Senior Vice President Greg Vermeer of Primerica Financial Services. PHYSICAL FITNESS Physical Fitness is an area of science that is constantly changing. Pete Crampton, the owner of Fitness Express will come and share with us the concepts that he has put to use in his new Gym in Moline. SPECIAL BONUS Fr. Jon will give out a copy of a liver cleanse program that he has personally used. The potential exists immediately for lower cholesterol, better general health, better sleep and better weight control (including upfront weight loss of up to 20 pounds in 3 weeks!).

8 PHILOPTOCHOS BAKE SALE

9 PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CARD With the change of the color of the trees and the drop in temperature, there is no doubt that Christmas is on its way. Save time, energy and postage while supporting our GOYA Kids. Wish a Blessed Christmas to the entire Parish of the Assumption by filling out the form below and giving it to a GOYA member at the Coffee Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Your investment is only $20 to send your greetings to the entire Parish!!! The Deadline is December 11 th. ASSUMPTION CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARD APPLICATION Please include my name (family) on the Christmas Card as follows: (Please Print) Twenty Dollars ($20) must accompany this form. Please make Checks payable to: Assumption GOYA Send to: 4900 Kennedy Drive, East Moline, Illinois 61244

10 SAINT NICHOLAS Commemorated December 6 This Saint lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, and reposed in 330, As a young man, he desired to espouse the solitary life. He made a pilgrimage to the holy city Jerusalem, where he found a place to withdraw to devote himself to prayer. It was made known to him, however, that this was not the will of God for him, but that he should return to his homeland to be a cause of salvation for many. He returned to Myra, and was ordained bishop. He became known for his abundant mercy, providing for the poor and needy, and delivering those who had been unjustly accused. No less was he known for his zeal for the truth. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of the 318 Fathers at Nicaea in 325; upon hearing the blasphemies that Arius brazenly uttered against the Son of God, Saint Nicholas struck him on the face. Since the canons of the Church forbid the clergy to strike any man at all, his fellow bishops were in perplexity what disciplinary action was to be taken against this hierarch whom all revered. In the night our Lord Jesus Christ and our Lady Theotokos appeared to certain of the bishops, informing them that no action was to be taken against him, since he had acted not out of passion, but extreme love and piety. The Dismissal Hymn for holy hierarchs, The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock... was written originally for Saint Nicholas. He is the patron of all travelers, and of sea-farers in particular; he is one of the best known and best loved Saints of all time.

11 SAINT SPYRIDON Commemorated December 12 Saint Spyridon, the God-bearing Father of the Church, the great defender of Corfu and the boast of all the Orthodox, had Cyprus as his homeland. He was simple in manner and humble of heart, and was a shepherd of sheep. When he was joined to a wife, he begat of her a daughter whom they named Irene. After his wife's departure from this life, he was appointed Bishop of Trimythus, and thus he became also a shepherd of rational sheep. When the First Ecumenical Council was assembled in Nicaea, he also was present, and by means of his most simple words stopped the mouths of the Arians who were wise in their own conceit. By the divine grace which dwelt in him, he wrought such great wonders that he received the surname 'Wonderworker." So it is that, having tended his flock piously and in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord about the year 350, leaving to his country his sacred relics as a consolation and source of healing for the faithful. About the middle of the seventh century, because of the incursions made by the barbarians at that time, his sacred relics were taken to Constantinople, where they remained, being honoured by the emperors themselves. But before the fall of Constantinople, which took place on May 29, 1453, a certain priest named George Kalokhairetes, the parish priest of the church where the Saint's sacred relics, as well as those of Saint Theodora the Empress, were kept, took them away on account of the impending peril. Travelling by way of Serbia, he came as far as Arta in Epirus, a region in Western Greece opposite to the isle of Corfu. From there, while the misfortunes of the Christian people were increasing with every day, he passed over to Corfu about the year The relics of Saint Theodora were given to the people of Corfu; but those of Saint Spyridon remain to this day, according to the rights of inheritance, the most precious treasure of the priest's own descendants, and they continue to be a staff for the faithful in Orthodoxy, and a supernatural wonder for those that behold him; for even after the passage of 1,500 years, they have remained incorrupt, and even the flexibility of his flesh has been preserved.

12 HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ME? DENO KANDIS Born: November 2 nd in Davenport, Iowa Nameday: May 21 st (Baptized: Constantinos) The thing I most enjoy doing is: Spending time with my family and working in my yard. The persons who have influenced me most are: My parents and grandparents. One thing people may not know about me is: I love animals (maybe not as much as my wife Ann) Currently we have two dogs, six horses, one donkey, numerous cats, two lovebirds, raise tropical fish, goldfish, and Koi Carp. DENNY MEKUS Born: December 20 th in Moline, Illinois Nameday: May 21 st (Baptized: Constantinos) The thing I most enjoy doing is: Spending time with my family, friends, and my 2 dogs Rocky and Rambo. The person who has influenced me most is: My Papou Chuck Mekus. One thing people may not know about me is: I play guitar, bass, drums, and do a mean Neil Diamond impression. DAPHNE OLVERA Born: November 30 th in Moline, Illinois Nameday: April 17 th The thing I most enjoy doing is: Vacationing at the ocean, preferably in Florida. The persons who have influenced me most are: My parents. One thing people may not know about me is: I am a very big chocoholic - especially dark chocolate. I also have a collection of Cherubs and Greek Vases.

13 SERVICE SCHEDULE December 4 Sunday 10 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 6 Tuesday Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 11 Sunday 11 th Sunday of Luke 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 12 Monday Feast of St. Spyridon the Wonderworker 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 18 Sunday Sunday Before the Nativity of the Lord 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 24 Saturday Eve of the Feast of the Nativity 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers December 25 Sunday The Nativity of the Lord 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy December 31 Saturday Eve of the Feast of St. Basil the Great 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθίων 4 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Ι του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 6 Δεκεμβρίου Τρίτη Άγιος Νικόλαος ο Θαυματουργός 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 11 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΑ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 12 Δεκεμβρίου Δευτέρα Άγιος Σπυρίδον ο Θαυματουργός 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 18 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή Προ της Γεννήσεως Χριστού 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 24 Δεκεμβρίου Σάββατο Προεορτή της Γέννησις του Ιησού Χριστού 6:00 μ.μ. Μέγας Εσπερηνός 25 Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή Γέννησις του Ιησού Χριστού 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 31 Δεκεμβρίου Σάββατο Προεορτή του Μεγάς Βασίλειος 6:00 μ.μ. Μέγας Εσπερηνός

14 CHURCH. D E C E M B E R Sunday Monday Tuesday Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Fast Free 10th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School St. Nicholas Gift Giving Fitness Seminar Coffee Hour All English Sunday 11th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Christmas Program Practice Coffee Hour Parish Council Elections Sunday Before the Nativity Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Christmas Program Visit from Santa Metropolis of Chicago Christmas Open House 25 The Great Feast of the Holy Nativity of the Lord Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Coffee Hour 5 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 12 Feast of St. Spyridon Divine Liturgy 10:00am No Bible Study 19 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study No Bible Study 26 6 Feast of St. Nicholas Divine Liturgy 10:00am 11:00am Bake Sale Packaging

15 . CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 1 2 9:30am Tiropita/Spanakopita Packaging :30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 9 10 Philoptochos Bake Sale 9:00am-Noon Youth Christmas Caroling 4:00pm-8:00pm :30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 6:30pm - Parish Council Meeting 16 Youth Christmas Caroling 4:00pm-8:00pm No Bible Study Eve of the Holy Nativity Great Vespers 6:00pm No Bible Study Great Vespers 6:00pm New Year s Eve Dinner 7:00 p.m.

16 ALBUMS AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS!!! The Consecration and 90 th Anniversary Album is now available!!! What great gifts!!! Available at the Church Office. STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Recently a young couple came to their Priest s office to make a stewardship donation to the parish which was many times the average of the parish. They were not wealthy and didn t display significant means. Letting his curiosity get the best of him, the Priest asked the young couple how they determined the amount they were offering. They responded, Our parents sacrificed and worked for years to build and preserve our parish. We want to follow their good example. Notice the Priest viewed the parish as the parish, but the couple said our parish. How do you view the Assumption? How hard did your parents work for the Church? Don t let your pledge be routine. Ask yourself if your offering to His Church displays your gratitude and if you ve followed the good example of those who have gone before us? Stewardship Sunday is December 11, 2011

17 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule December 4 Maria Kotrogiannis December 11 Marena Panousis December 18 Kathy Panouses December 25 Paraskevi Stamatoukos Coffee Hour December 4 Marina Pikis December 11 Kathy Panouses December 18 Mihalopoulos Family December 25 Not Yet Reserved Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings December 4 Gospel Luke 13:10-17 Epistle Galatians 3:23-4:5 December 11 Gospel Luke 14:16-24; Mt. 22:14 Epistle Colossians 3:4-11 December 18 Gospel Matthew 1:1-25 Epistle Hebrews 11:9-10, December 25 Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 Epistle Galatians 4:4-7 Parish Council Ushering Teams & Schedule St. Matthew St. Mark St. Luke St. John 9:00 Celia Lubbers Cathy Diakogeorgiou Biju Ninan Deno Kandis 9:25 Nick Passini Michael Haney John Thodos Lambros Mihalopoulos 9:50 Diane Lamacki Abraham Chirackal Elizabeth Gorman Roger Lovejoy December 4 St. Matthew December 11 St. Mark December 18 St. Luke December 25 St. John

18 Άγιος Νικόλαος Άγιος Νικόλαος 6 Δεκεμβρίου Ο Κύριος, στην επί του Όρους ομιλία του, είπε: "Γίνεσθε οικτίρμονες, καθώς και ο πατήρ υμών οικτίρμων εστί". Να γίνεσθε, δηλαδή, σπλαγχνικοί προς τον πλησίον και συμπονετικοί στις δυστυχίες του και τις ανάγκες του, καθώς και ο ουράνιος Πατέρας σας είναι ευσπλαγχνικός προς όλους. Μιά τέτοια προσωποποίηση της χριστιανικής ευσπλαγνίας υπήρξε και ο Άγιος Νικόλαος. Γεννήθηκε τον 3ο αιώνα μ.χ. στα Πάταρα της Λυκίας, από γονείς ευσεβείς και πλουσίους. Όμως, σε νεαρή ηλικία έμεινε ορφανός και κληρονόμος μιάς μεγάλης περιουσίας. Αλλά ο Νικόλαος, εμπνευόμενος από φιλάνθρωπα συναισθήματα, διέθετε την περιουσία του για να ανακουφίζει άπορα ορφανά, φτωχούς, χήρες, στενοχωρημένους οικογενειάρχες. Ένας, μάλιστα, θα διέφθειρε τις τρείς κόρες του, προκειμένου να εξασφαλίσει χρήματα. Όταν το έμαθε αυτό ο Νικόλαος, μυστικά σε τρείς νύκτες εξασφάλισε την προίκα τριών κοριτσιών, αφήνοντας 100 χρυσά φλουριά στην κάθε μία. Έτσι, οι τρείς κόρες αποκατατσάθηκαν και γλύτωσαν από βέβαιη διαφθορά. Έπειτα ο Νικόλαος, μετά από ένα ταξίδι του στην Ιερουσαλήμ, χειροτονήθηκε ιερέας στα Πάταρα. Και όταν απεβίωσε ο τότε Αρχιεπέσκοπος Μύρων της Λυκίας, οι επίσκοποι, δια θεϊκής αποκαλύψεως, έκαναν Αρχιεπίσκοπο το Νικόλαο. Από τη νέα του θέση ο Νικόλαος επεξέτεινε τους αγώνες του για την προστασία τών φτωχών και τών απόρων. Έκανε πολλά θαύματα και ήταν σημαντική η συμμετοχή του στην Α Οικουμενική Σύνοδο. Πέθανε ειρηνικά το έτος 330 μ.χ.

19 Άγιος Σπυρίδων Άγιος Σπυρίδων 12 Δεκεμβρίου Γεννήθηκε από οικογένεια βοσκών, που ήταν κάπως εύπορη, το 270 μ.χ. Άν και μορφώθηκε αρκετά στην πατρίδα του Κύπρο, όμως δεν άλλαξε επάγγελμα. Συνέχισε και αυτός να είναι βοσκός. Ήταν χαρακτήρας απλός, αγαθός, γεμάτος αγάπη για τον πλησίον του. Τις Κυριακές και τις γιορτές, συχνά έπαιρνε τους βοσκούς και τους οδηγούσε στους ιερούς ναούς, και κατόπιν τους εξηγούσε την ευαγγελική ή την αποστολική περικοπή. Ο Θεός τον ευλόγησε να γίνεται συχνά προστάτης χηρών και ορφανών. Νυμφεύθηκε σύζυγο και απέκτησε παιδιά. Γρήγορα, όμως, η σύζυγός του πέθανε. Για να επουλώσει το τραύμα του ο Σπυρίδων αφοσιώθηκε ακόμα περισσότερο στη διδαχή του θείου λόγου. Μετά από πολλές πιέσεις, χειροτονήθηκε ιερέας. Και πράγματι, υπήρξε αληθινός ιερέας του Ευαγγελίου, έτσι όπως τον θέλει ο θείος Παύλος: "Ανεπίληπτον, νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον, διδακτικόν, τέκνα έχοντα εν υποταγή μετά πάσης σεμνότητος". Δηλαδή ακατηγόρητο, προσεκτικό, εγκρατή, σεμνό, φιλόξενο, διδακτικό, και να έχει παιδιά που να υποτάσσονται με κάθε σεμνότητα. Έτσι και ο Σπυρίδων, τόσο σωστός υπήρξε σαν ιερέας, ώστε όταν χήρεψε η επισκοπή Τριμυθούντος στην Κύπρο, δια βοής λαός και κλήρος τον εξέλεξαν επίσκοπο. Από τη θέση αυτή ο Σπυρίδων προχώρησε τόσο πολύ στην αρετή, ώστε τον αξίωσε ο Θεός να κάνει πολλά θαύματα. Στις 12 Δεκεμβρίου το 350 μ.χ. απεβίωσε. Το λείψανό του πήγε στην Κωνσταντινούπολη και μετά στην Κέρκυρα όπου βρίσκεται μέχρι σήμερα.

20 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Parish Council Meeting Minutes October 25, 2011 Call to Order John Thodos called the meeting to order at 6:50 P.M. and Fr. Jon led the group in prayer. Roll Call No quorum Present: John Thodos, Deno Kandis, Roger Lovejoy, Liz Gorman, Biju Ninan, and Abraham Chirackal. Excused: Celia Lubbers, Diane Lamacki, Cathy Diakogeorgiou, Lambros Mihalopoulos, Mike Haney, and Nick Passini. Festival Report: No report this month. Priest s Report: Churches United No Gala Gala being planned. Clergy Laity - Very Good. Patriarch provided opening address via Skype live Broadcast. Most important was a spreadsheet that showed the finances of all the churches under the Metropolitan of Chicago. East Moline was 9 th in Average Stewardship per family. Stewardship A 2012 stewardship letter was presented pending Stewardship committee review. The Church and New York have come to an agreement and a resolution drafted for the rebuilding of St. Nicholas at Ground Zero. Metropolitan Iakovos Names day diner coming up and we need people to attend. Father will drive. Anyone who can do it can contact him. Parish council term up in December Diane L., Celia L., Nick P., Abraham C., Mike H., John T., and Deno K.. Basketball tournament need council approval for the church to sponsor the men s team. Treasurer s Report Checking account has $721 does not include recent deposits and transfer from festival account Budget was reviewed and discussed showed additions of $1,700 for Diocese Camp, $500 for the Philoxenia House in Rochester MN, and $500 for the Campus Ministry house U of IL. Old Business None

21 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES New Business Fr. Jon and Fr. Chris discussed combined events for the two churches. The Assumption would hold the New Years Eve party and St. George would hold the Mardi Gras. Youth event Incredible Pizza 12 November General Assembly Meeting planned for 13 November. Abraham on behalf of the Indian church requested that the council donate to it s mission effort in India to build a new church. Will bring this up at next council meeting. 6 November Special meeting after church to get council approval for the 2012 budget. Motion to adjourn by Abraham C. 2 nd by Biju N. Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM 2012 Budget Meeting Minutes November 6, 2011 Meeting was called to order at 12:20 PM Present for the meeting: John Thodos, Celia Lubbers, Cathy Diakogeorgiou, Biju Ninan, Abraham Chirackal, Mike Haney, Liz Gorman, Roger Lovejoy, and Deno Kandis. The 2012 Budget was reviewed. Motion to accept the budget was made by Mike H. and seconded by Biju N. Motion carried, With no other business to conduct motion to adjourn was made by Mike H. and seconded by Abraham C. Meeting was adjourned ant 12:30 PM FINANCIAL REPORT 2011 Budgeted General Fund Expenses $198,000 General Fund Expenses Year-to-date (as of Nov. 30, 2011) $176, Stewardship Year-to-date (as of Nov. 30, 2011) $108, Year-to-date shortfall $68, Month-to-date November General Fund Expenses $21, Month-to-date November Stewardship $9, November Shortfall $11,744.32

22 PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS Parish Council Elections will take place on Sunday, December 11, 2011, following the Divine Liturgy and will remain open for 30 minutes. As defined by the UPR and the Parish Bylaws, the Parish Council consists of the Priest, as the head of the Parish, and 12 elected lay members. Each year 6 members will be elected to serve a two year term. Nominated for the term at the Parish General Assembly held on November 13, 2011, were the following candidates: Orest Akulow Deno Kandis Sherry Kontos Celia Lubbers Nicholas Passini John Thodos ALBUMS Please look at your 2012 Calendars and consider sponsoring a coffee hour. The new sign-up will be available in a few weeks. It would truly be a blessing to see it full by the new year. If you would like to sponsor a coffee hour but are unable to do the work, speak with Fr. Jon and we will do the work for you with your sponsorship. SACRAMENTS On Saturday, October 22 nd, the Servant of God Nikolaus was Baptized at the Assumption Church. Proud parents are Nicholas and Lidsay Ramos. His Godparent is Kayla Theofilis. On Saturday, November 26 th, the Servants of God Denny and Molly Mekus had their Marriage Blessed in the Orthodox Church. Their Koumbara is Elianna Lovejoy. May God continue to bless all the efforts of those who promote Christian Fellowship.

23 POINSETTIA DONATIONS Please call Fr. Jon if you would like to donate a Poinsettia ($20), which will adorn our Church for Christmas. Donations for Poinsettias should be offered in one of the following formats: Offered for the Health of Offered in Memory of MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!! HOME BLESSINGS Following Epiphany Fr. Jon will be blessing the homes and businesses of the Parishioners who so request. If you would like your home or business blessed, please call the church prior to January 1, 2012, and be put on the list. A schedule will be created after all requests have been received.

24 CHRISTMAS PARTY Christ is Born - Χριστός Γεννάται Let us now Celebrate HIS Birth!!! Where: Short Hills Country Club When: Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 Time: Cocktails (Cash Bar) 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Awesome Holiday Buffet: Mixed Garden Greens with Assorted Toppings Caesar Salad Pasta Salad Sliced Roast Beef with Mushrooms and Wine Pecan Chicken Vegetable Medley Oven Roasted Redskin Potatoes Long Grain and Wild Rice Dinner Rolls, Butter Assorted Dessert Display Coffee, Tea or Milk Cost (inclusive) Adults $32 Children 12 and under $16 Alternative Kid's Meal for $8.00: chicken tenders, French fries, fruit, milk, and ice cream. Pop cannot be substituted for milk.. RSVP: No Later Than Sunday, Dec. 18 th Prepayment Required: No money will be collected at the party.

25 NEW YEAR S EVE Assumption - St. George New Year s Eve Celebration 2012 is Almost Here!!! Come and celebrate the changing of the year in a safe environment with plenty of good food, fun and fellowship - or just come and have a great meal, celebrate the Asuncion* New Year and be home by 10:00 p.m. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers 7:00 p.m. Dinner is served 9:00 p.m. - Happy New Year at the Asuncion* 12:00 Midnight - Happy New Year WHAT WILL BE SERVED YOU ASK: A fantastic buffet completely prepared at the Assumption by our Master Chefs of Greek Chicken, Pork Loin, Meatballs, Greek Potatoes, Pasta, Spanakopita, Tiropita, Homemade bread (that s right - homemade!) and much more!!! TICKETS: Adults: $20 before December 26 th or $25 at the door Kids 10 and under $10 Please R.S.V.P to the Church Office by Monday, December 26 th, so that we may plan accordingly. * Asuncion - of Latin origin meaning Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is also the capital of Paraguay, which is 3 hours ahead of us. A great option to celebrate early at the Asuncion and still be rested for Church the next day!!!

26 Agape News SPONSORS The Agape News is made possible by the generous support of the following parishioners: Fr. Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Vasilia Boukis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Family Theodore and Karen Bagatelas In Memory of Jimmy Boukis Steve, Vaso and Lynn Boukis Kleo Caras Victor and Judy Cherevko Marcus and Barbara Paraskevi Georgiadis Couch Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou The Fotiadis George and Maria Georgiadis The Gorman Family Litsa Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Mike and Helen Haney James Jannes Deno and Dr. Ann Kandis Family Frances Kandis Mike and Terri Kandis Michael Evangelos Karfaridis In Memory of Sophia Kollias George and Helen Kontos Sherry, George, Lexi and Nick Kontos Joyce Coughlin and JoAnn Kontos Tom Lingris and Judy Larson Bob and Bessie Lemen Peter and Sue Lingris Roger, Georgia and Elianna Lovejoy Roger, Celia, Alex and Kristin Nick and Charlotte Maroudas Michael and Roseanne Monn Ninan Family Spiro and Carol Pappaspiros Christ and Helen Petaros Ann Polillo Steve and Nancy Pyevich In Memory of Nickolaus, Halina, Andrei and Nickolaus Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Bill and Tracey Theofilis and Family Rick and Maria Krakos Thompson In Memory of George and Grace Vretis Sponsors offer $20 for the Ecclesiastical Year (beginning and ending Sept. 1 st ) Do you enjoy the Agape News? Then become a supporter!!! Here is my support of $25 $20. Please list my sponsorship as follows:

27 The Windmill FAMILY RESTAURANT Reserve our banquet room today for your next celebration. Let us help create a special memory for you with our award-winning dishes. ADVERTISEMENTS Avenue of the Cities East Moline, IL (309) COME SEE US AT OUR NEW LOCATION Miltos Diakogeorgiou, Parishioner Jose Zepeda, Chef Owners Owned by Parishioners Chris and Kathy Panouses 3629 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL Gulliver's Travel Southpark Mall Northpark Mall Duck Creek Plaza Todd Bagatelas, President Olympic Gyros Open 7 Days a Week 207 W. 53rd St. Davenport, IA Advantage Pest Control Servicing Assumption for 4 years Call Steve Today! LCV Company Now selling retail to the public For wonderful Greek Foods including Feta, Olives, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & much more Lambros Mihalopoulos See Your Ad Here FULL COLOR ADVERTISEMENTS 2.5 x 3 $400 $ x 1.5 $250 $ x 1.5 $150 $100 Ecclesiastical Year Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 Orthodox Study Bible! 1st & 2nd Shipments SOLD OUT List w/shipping $60 Your Price $40!!!

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