Great Lent 2016 FORGIVENESS AND HEALING

Transcript

1 You Belong Here! 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) Great Lent 2016 FORGIVENESS AND HEALING To forgive does not mean to forget what has happened, but to shoulder the weight of another person s frailty or even another person s evil. St. Paul says, Learn to carry one another s burdens. These burdens are often the failure of each of us to be worthy of our calling our incapacity to love one another, to accept one another, to serve one another, to help one another on the way that leads to God. Let each of us pass a judgment on our whole soul, on our whole life, judge ourselves honestly and ask forgiveness not only from God but from our neighbor, which is sometimes much harder than asking forgiveness from God. We are all frail. We are all in need of support. Do we give this support to one another? Or do we chose those whom we want to support because we like them, because supporting them is a joy, because supporting them means that they also respond to us by gratitude, by friendship? Let us avoid seeking reasons not to forgive. I remember a man who said to me, I can forgive every person who has sinned against me, I can even love them, but I must hate the enemies of God. I thought of something which is told to us in the life of one of the saints, in which a priest was praying to God to punish those who betrayed Him by their lives if not by their words. And Christ appeared to him and said, Never pray for the punishment or the rejection of any one. If there was only one sinner in the world, I would choose to be incarnate again, and again to die upon the cross for this only sinner. Remember, if we do not forgive our brother, it is not only he who goes away with pain and tears in his heart, but we are wounded. If we do not forgive, we are ourselves not healed. The evil that occurred to us at the hands of another person remains with us, damaging our soul, destroying us. Let us learn to forgive, so that others may be healed, but also that we may be healed ourselves. Come and bow before the icon of Christ and of the Mother of God, then turn to one another with the readiness to be forgiven and to forgive, whatever the cost to us. Metropolitan Anthony Bloom of Sourozh from a Forgiveness Vespers sermon given in 1999 (from In Communion, the journal of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship, January 2010)

2 WORSHIP SCHEDULE March 2016 Saturday, March 5 Saturday of the Souls ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ 8:30 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy Sunday, March 6 Meat-Fare Sunday 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Wed, Mar 9 The Forty Martyrs of Sevasteia 8:30 am-orthros and Liturgy Saturday, Mar 12 Saturday of the Souls ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ 8:30 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy Sunday, March 13 Cheese-Fare Sunday 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm Forgiveness Vespers GREAT LENT BEGINS Monday, March 14 (Καθαρά Δευτέρα) 5:30 pm Great Compline Tuesday, March 15 6:00 pm Great Compline Wednesday, March 16 6:00 pm Liturgy of the Presanctified Thursday, March 17 6:00 pm Great Compline Friday, March 18 7:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos Saturday, March 19 Saturday of the Souls ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ 8:30 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy Sunday, March 20 Sunday of Orthodoxy 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Wednesday, March 23 6:00 pm--presanctified Liturgy Friday, March 25 The ANNUNCIATION 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy Sun, March 27 St Gregory Palamas 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine Liturgy Monday, March 28 6:00 pm Great Compline Wednesday, March 30 6:00 pm--presanctified Liturgy OUR SISTER COMMUNITY of the Annunciation Cathedral in Chicago invites you to Great Vespers on Thursday evening, March 24, in honor of the feast of the Annunciation, and to Liturgy on Friday morning, March 25. (Of course, Liturgy WILL be celebrated at St Haralambos on March 25.) HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NILES, ILLINOIS Proistamenos.....Fr. Constantine P. Botsis Synefimerios Fr. George Lamberis Pastoral Assistant Deacon John G. Suhayda Chanter Nick Harisiadis Parish Council Officers President Perry Giannopoulos Vice President Nick Andrews Treasurer.... David Loomos Secretary Argy Koutsikos Phase III Chairman...Perry Giannopoulos Stewardship.. Budget Committee Chairman...Perry Giannopoulos Building & Grounds Chairman.. Michael Pontikes and Theodoros Karabatsos Decor Committee Chairman...Stephan Aliferakis Finance Committee Chairman... Tom Sikoral Outreach Committee John Pierce Board Chairman...Olympia Bournias Audit Committee Chairman......Evan Houpis.. Food Fest Chairman. Philoptochos President.....Maria Dimitriou PTA Co-Presidents (Afternoon )....Anna Sikoral and Kathy Ioannidis PTA President (Preschool).....Marianna Memmos PTA Co-Presidents (Saturday )....Angelo Mihalopoulos and Georgia Pipikios Greek Principal... Mrs. Anastasia Liapi Saturday Director..Mrs. Andrianna Panayiotou Preschool Director......Mrs. Rita Petratos Sunday Director...Presvytera Georgia Botsis Athletic Director David Loomos Scoutmaster George Alpogianis Asst Scoutmaster Vasili Zimbrakos Asst Cubmaster John Frake Little Angels...Mrs. Christine Blackaby YAL President......Christina Pappadis GOYA President Alex Anton Jr. Goya Advisor.... Jolynn Ruggerio Bookstore Manager Jolynn Ruggerio Web Master George Houpis STEWARDSHIP 2016! What does your church mean to you? What does it offer to you? What keeps the doors open to serve your needs? How important is Baptism, Holy Communion, forgiveness and the many other blessings you derive from your church? What gives the church the fuel to power its activities and programs? ANSWER: STEWARDSHIP! And these are the questions we should ask when we determine our level of stewardship every year! Everyone should have a different stewardship level from everyone else, and every year it should change according to our means and our love! Our stewardship level should be an amount that reflects our love for God and our appreciation for the blessings and benefits we derive from our Church. If you have not yet made your 2016 commitments, please do so. There is no minimum, but true stewardship means giving in proportion to our resources and income.

3 HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH From Father Dean Dear Stewards and Friends, March 2016 What a wonderful Dinner Dance! Our Be the Future event took place on February 14 at Empress Banquets in Addison, and it was delightful evening with excellent food and excellent music! Our Master of Ceremonies was Taso Tzotzolis, and Mr. Tom Tsaganos gave a moving narrative of the early days of our community, along with hope and vision for the future. We were also gratefully surprised by a generous contribution from Jim and Eleni Bousis to underwrite the cost of the banquet! We thank them and the chairpersons for the evening, Richard and Eleni Kozlowski, Eleni Lanzourakis and Argy Koutsikos for their marvelous and detailed planning! We are also excited as our March 31st deadline comes up for donations and pledges to benefit our Community Center Expansion Project! If our members have been supportive, that will be the day we learn that we can begin construction this summer! We have not taken on a major project like this for many years. As everyone knows, these projects do not happen often (our church was constructed way back in 1988), and when a community decides to build, it requires extraordinary support from all the members. That s why we have asked you for a 3-year pledge. There have been several generous gifts and we are thankful for them! There have been too many other gifts, however, which make me think that many people do not understand, because the level of giving over 3 years is very low to reach a level of $3.6 million (which is only 60% of our goal). Of course we are grateful for every donation! If you have not yet made your pledge, please know that we are depending on you. Please send in your pledge by March 31st! With everyone s love and contribution, construction can begin this summer! Please be generous. Great Lent begins on March 14, and all the special, beautiful services of Lent will begin. On the first day of Lent, Pure Monday, we will have our annual Lenten Dinner following the Compline Service. Plan to join us as we begin our Lenten Journey together. Besides our parish services, the Solemn Vespers (Κατνυκτικός Εσπερινός) will take place in various churches every Sunday evening of Lent, and during the Third Week of Lent, we are invited to the annual Celebration of Orthodox Books at Holy Apostles Church in Westchester. Lent is a special season for Orthodox Christians, and it helps us get ready for our most important holiday. No one celebrates Holy Week and Pascha like the Orthodox! We wish you a prayerful and productive Lenten season! Καθαρά Δευτέρα -- First Day of Great Lent LENTEN DINNER 7:00 pm on Monday, March 14, 2016 Sunday, March 20, 2016 is SUNDAY of ORTHODOXY Plan to come to our annual Pan-Orthodox Vespers at St. Demetrios Church in Elmhurst PAN-ORTHODOX AKATHIST HYMN 7:30 IN THE EVENING, TUESDAY, APril 19, 2016 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 St. Haralambos Philoptochos presents its Annual Spring Bake Sale Home-made Pastries for Easter! Wednes-Thurs April 20-21, 2016 St. Haralambos Community Center 2016 STEWARDSHIP YOU BELONG HERE! 2016 STEWARDSHIP UPDATE As of February 26, 2016: 306 families have committed $ 183,015 Have you become a 2016 steward yet?

4 COMMUNITY NEWS 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 begins soon, 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 and please do not wait until Holy Week! MARTHA AND MARY MATERNITY HOUSE is a Pan Orthodox ministry that offers practical, emotional and spiritual support for expectant mothers who are alone or without a safe home, through pregnancy and childbirth. Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, it provides housing, meals, access to medical care, privacy and confidentiality. Any woman in need of crisis pregnancy support can contact: info@marthamarychicago.org ORTHODOX MISSIONS BENEFIT DINNER Mission Team Chicago is sponsoring its 19th Annual Missions Benefit Dinner at 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 10 at St. John the Baptist Church in Des Plaines. The guest speaker will be Fr. Chad Hatfield, from St. Vladimir Seminary in New York. The donation is only $35, and proceeds will benefit the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. For reservations, please call or visit MTCbenefit@yahoo.com by March 3. DATES TO REMEMBER: Sat. Mar 5 First Saturday of the Souls Sat, Mar 5 Apokreatiko Glendi Thurs, Mar 10 Missions Dinner (Des Plaines) Sat. Mar 12 Second Saturday of the Souls Sun, Mar 13 Forgiveness Vespers Monday, March 14 First day of Great Lent Lenten Dinner Sat. Mar 19 Third Saturday of the Souls Sunday, March 20 The Sunday of Orthodoxy ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ ΚΑΤΑΝΥΧΤΙΚΟΣ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ «ΤΗΣ ΣΥΓΓΧΩΡΗΣΕΩΣ»- Η Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή αρχίζει την Δευτέρα, 14 Μαρτίου, και ξεκινάμε την Σαρακοστή με τον Κατανυχτικό Εσπερινό την παραμονήν, την Κυριακή. Σας περιμένουμε το βράδυ, 13 η Μαρτίου στις 7:00 μ.μ. για να ξεκινήσουμε την Σαρακοστή. ΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΙΑΝΟ ΔΕΙΠΝΟ ΔΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΠΡΩΤΗ ΜΕΡΑ ΤΗΣ ΜΕΓΑΛΗΣ ΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗΣ-Την Δευτέρα, 14 Μαρτίου είναι η πρώτη μέρα της Μεγάλης Σαρακοστής, και θα έχουμε ακολουθίες κάθε μέρα την πρώτη εβδομάδα της Σαρακοστής. Είναι έθιμο να έχουμε Σαρακοστιανό Δείπνο την πρώτη μέρα της Σαρακοστής, και μετά το τέλος του Μεγάλου Απόδειπνου την Καθαρά Δευτέρα, 14 Μαρτίου, και στις 7:00 μμ, η Φιλόπτωχός μας σας προσκαλεί στο ετήσιο Σαρακοστιανό Δείπνο στην κοινοτικήν μας αίθουσα. Μας δίδεται έτσι η ευκαιρία να είμαστε μαζί και να ξεκινήσουμε την Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή απολαμβάνοντας ένα Σαρακοστιανό δείπνο. Το δείπνο προσφέρεται δωρεάν, σας περιμένουμε! ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ Το Σάββατο, 5 Μαρτίου, είναι το πρώτο από τα Ψυχοσάββατα. Καθώς προετοιμαζόμεθα δια τον εορτασμό του Πάσχα, μνημονεύουμε τους κεκοιμημένους όπως προσδοκούμε την Ανάσταση όλων μας. Είναι μεγάλη ευλογία που η θρησκεία μας αναγνωρίζει την σπουδαιότητα της μνημόνευσης των κεκοιμημένων γονέων μας, συγγενών, διδασκάλων και φίλων. Σχεδιάστε να λάβετε μέρος και εσείς εις αυτή την παράδοση. ΠΑΝΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑΣ θα λάβει χώραν την Κυριακή, 20 Μαρτίου 2016, εις τις 6:30 μμ εις την Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία του Αγίου Δημητρίου, εις Elmhurst. Σας περιμένουμε να εορτάσουμε μαζί με τους αδελφούς Ορθόδοξους Χριστιανούς από διάφορες χώρες την αναστήλωσιν των Αγίων Εικόνων, η οποία εορτάζεται πάντα την πρώτη Κυριακή της Σαρακοστής. ΤΟ ΜΥΣΤΗΡIΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΕΩΣ--Συvηθίζεται vα γίvονται εξoμoλογήσεις κατά τηv διάρκειαv της Μ. Σαρακoστής. Δια να γίνει αυτό πρέπει να κανονίσετε συνάντηση με τον π. Κωνσταντίνο. Σας παροτρύνουμε να κανονίσετε ημερομηνία εξομολογήσεως το συντομότερον δυνατόν και παρακαλούμε μην περιμέvετε vα εξoμoλoγηθείτε την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα! ΠΕΡΙ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΤΙΚΩΝ ΕΥΧΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΩΝ ΕΥΧΕΣ ΝΕΟΓΕΝΝΗΤΩΝ ΤΕΚΝΩΝ--Κάθε μάνα και το παιδί της, σαράντα ημέρες μετά την γέννησή του προσέρχονται στην εκκλησία για να λάβουν την Ευλογία των 40 Ημερών, κατά μίμησην του Ιησού Χριστού ο οποίος παρουσιάσθηκε στον Ιερόν Ναόν σαράντα ημέρες μετά την γέννησή του. Παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας για να κανονίσετε την ευλογία αυτή. ΒΑΠΤΙΣΕΙΣ Παρακαλούμε όπως τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια να προγραμματίσετε Βαπτίσεις. Σχεδιάστε πολύ ενωρίτερα!-υπάρχουν μερικές μέρες που δεν γίνονται βαπτίσεις. ΓΑΜΟΙ-Παρακαλούμε όπως κανονίζετε συνάντηση με τον π. Κωνσταντίνο τουλάχιστον οκτώ μήνες πριν την προτεινόμενη ημερομηνία του γάμου δια τις απαιτούμενες προετοιμασίες. ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΗ Οι Εξομολογήσεις κανονί-ζονται κατόπιν ραντεβού. Δια να προγραμματίσετε εξομολογήσεις, παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνείτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας. ΜΕΡΙΜΝΑ ΑΡΡΩΣΤΩΝ Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί που θα ήθελαν να λάβουν τα Άγια Μυστήρια και δεν μπορούν να έλθουν στην εκκλησία (βρίσκονται εις νοσοκομεία ή ανήμποροι εις τα σπίτια τους) παρακαλούνται να επικοινωνούν με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια να μπορέσουν να τα λάβουν. Παρακαλούμε να επικοινωνείτε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας εαν κάποιος συγγενής σας είναι στο νοσοκομείο! Τα νοσοκομεία πλέον δεν μας πληροφορούν όταν έχουν αρρώστους από την ενορία μας. ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΑ Επιμνημόσυνες δεήσεις γίνονται για την αιώνιον ανάπαυση των τεθνεώντων. Συνήθως, αυτές οι δεήσεις γίνονται κατά τις 40 ημέρες, τους 6 μήνες, τον 1 ον χρόνο και τον 3 ον χρόνο. Όταν έχουν περάσει τρία χρόνια, είναι πιο αρμόζον να ενθυμούμεθα τους αποθανόντας κατά τα Ψυχοσάββατα.

5 SACRAMENTS AND BLESSINGS MINISTRY TO PERSONS WHO ARE SICK-We urge Orthodox Christians who would like to receive Holy Sacraments but are unable to attend church (hospitalized or at home) to contact the church office so Holy Sacraments can be administered to them. If your loved one is hospitalized please call us, even if the illness is not serious! In a wholistic approach to healing and wellbeing, a visit from the priest can be very positive. Most hospitals do not inform us when they receive patients from our parish. We depend on you! 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. B A P T I S M S 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 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. MEMORIAL S ERVICES 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 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.

6 Preparation for the Mystery of Holy Confession In order to properly receive the Mystery of Holy Confession one must prepare adequately and in advance. Without justifications or self-pity, one must make a prayerful examination of one s spiritual condition and actions regarding all aspects of one s life. As an aid, one can reflect on one s life in the light of the Ten Commandments, looking at the deeper significance of each Commandment as it pertains to one s individual sinfulness: I am the Lord your God, and you shall have no other gods before me. Has God been the source, center and hope of my life? Have I put myself, others or things before God? Have I failed to trust in God s existence, love and mercy? Have I failed to pray to God, to worship Him and to thank Him for His blessings? Have I tried to serve God and keep His commandments faithfully? Have I murmured or complained against God in adversity? Have I truly praised and glorified God through my words and deeds? You shall not make for yourself a graven image in order to worship it. Have I valued anyone or anything above God? Have I given to anyone or anything the love, honor and worship that belong to God alone? Have I made an idol of any person, idea, occupation, or thing? You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Have I blasphemed God s holy name in any way? Have I sworn a false oath? Have I broken any solemn vow or promise? Have I entered into an agreement, promise or contract against God s law? Have I cursed or used foul language? Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Have I worshipped regularly on Sundays and major feastdays and have I helped others to do the same? Have I worked on Sundays or major feastdays or caused others to do so? Do I spend the Lord s day in an edifying and wholesome manner? Do I regularly miss Sunday worship, or attend the services late? Honor your father and mother. Have I loved and respected my parents as I should? Have I neglected them or failed to help them? Have I disobeyed them, deceived them or caused them pain by my words or deeds? Have I treated all my family members with patience and love? You shall not kill. Have I caused the harm, injury or death of anyone? Have I wished my own or anyone s harm or death? Have I been cruel to animals or destroyed any life unnecessarily? You shall not commit adultery. Have I committed any immoral acts alone or with others? Have I caused others to commit immoral acts? Have I committed immoral acts in my heart? You shall not steal. Have I taken anything that was not mine from anyone or from anywhere? Have I cheated anyone? Have I caused anyone to steal or cheat? Have I paid my debts? Have I given to the poor and to philanthropic causes in proportion to what I have been blessed with by God? Have I given all that I can of my time, talent, and treasure to His Church? You shall not bear false witness. Have I given false testimony against anyone? Have I spoken evil, told lies or spread rumors about anyone? Have I disclosed to anyone the sins and faults of another? Have I made careless statements or done anything else to harm the name and reputation of another? Have I engaged in gossip or idle talk? You shall not covet. Have I looked with envy, jealousy or hatred toward the possessions, talents or achievements of others? Have I desired the downfall or loss of others? Have I been angered or grieved that God has bestowed greater blessings on others than on me? Am I not satisfied with what I have been blessed with? Do I always want more than God has given? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

7 It s Time for Change by Father George Lamberis It s time for change! Can there be a more classic political slogan? As many have been watching the presidential debates, this is essentially what each candidate proclaims will happen if he or she is elected to lead the country. Each candidate has a plan a certain strategy and set of goals they plan to implement in order to make our country more stable, secure and resourceful for our future. Unfortunately, the debates are full of candidates lashing out at each other. They spend millions of dollars on campaign advertisements often with the purpose of exposing the weaknesses of the other candidates. As Holy and Great Lent approaches, the Orthodox Christian Church whispers in our ears these same words -- It s time for change! But this type of change is followed by a strategy that has proven to be successful if followed with the correct spirit. This period is meant to cultivate a heightened awareness of ourselves and our surroundings. With this in mind, we can ask ourselves, What do I struggle with? and What do those around me need in order to promote healthy spiritual growth? How can we change and become more Christ-like? As proven by the Saints, the Church prescribes the three Pillars of Great Lent -- fasting, prayer and almsgiving -- to help bring understanding to these questions. All of these are meant to be integrated together. If we focus on only one of these pillars, then we run the risk of completing that task in a dangerous, and may I dare say, diabolical manner. When you ask parents or a group of kids, What does Great Lent mean to you? fasting is always the first to be mentioned. Yes, the Church teaches us to fast from meat and dairy products. Those who really want to be challenged can implement xerophagia (the eating of dry foods no oil), but many don t understand WHY we fast. Many people say, I can t wait to fast because I will lose weight; I will physically look better and I will feel better. Yes, the physical body is important, and fasting, in its truest form (xerophagia), has been proven by doctors and dietitians to be very healthy. But our external advantages only scratch the surface with the potential one has for internal change. Our fast is to make us conscious of our dependence on God. If practiced seriously, the fast involves a considerable measure of real hunger, and also a feeling of tiredness. The purpose, however, is to turn to a sense of inward brokenness and contrition and appreciate the words of Christ -- Without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:5). At first, self-denial may seem to be extremely difficult, but one soon becomes aware of the dependence on God and the soul becomes more alert and responsive to the voice of the Spirit. As one fasts, however, abstinence should not only be from food but from sins. In the words of St. John Chrysostom, the fast should be kept not by the mouth alone but also by the eye, the ear, the feet, the hands and all the members of the body: the eye must abstain from impure sights, the ear from malicious gossip, the hands from acts of injustice. If fasting is understood in this way, one can begin to see a glimpse of transformation. Fasting must also be accompanied with prayer. Without prayer and an increased awareness of our spiritual life, fasting can become irritable and even prideful. One can be satisfied that they fasted from food, but have no transformation. When fasting, however, is combined with prayer, we see the power that can lead to change. In both the Old and New Testament fasting is seen, not as an end in itself, but as an aid to more intense and living prayer. It is a preparation for decisive action or for a direct encounter with God. Jesus instructed the disciples that certain demons could only be cast out through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). The Lord fasted for forty days in the wilderness in preparation for his public ministry (Matt. 4:1-11). Moses fasted on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28) and Elijah on Mount Horeb (3 Kings 19:8-12), and both cases were linked with a theophany. It is to be the same with us. Whenever we have an important decision to make, or when we are asking God to reveal something to us, we should implement these two pillars and trust that He will guide us and help us move forward toward His Kingdom. But we cannot exclude the third pillar, almsgiving, from the equation. Once we have truly fasted and prayed, we can put these into action with almsgiving. Our sacrifice and reliance on God, made possible through fasting, and our prayer (private and corporate) which prepares us for action and to see God, leads us to love others in a practical way. Eight days before the fast begins, the Church has us read the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats reminding us that when the Lord will come to judge, the help we have given to those around us will be the criterion. The money saved through our fast and motivated by our prayer is meant to be used for the needy. The giving of money cannot replace having a close personal involvement with those in distress. Alternatively, to offer reassuring words and no material assistance is equally wrong. If we can help both spiritually and materially, then this allows fertile ground for change! The beauty is that the ground is fertile for those in need to experience God and change, but ultimately, His laborers are the ones that go through and experience ultimate transformation! As we approach Holy and Great Lent, beloved faithful, let us ascend the spiritual mountain by looking inward to find true meaning of our fast. Let us accompany this with deep, intimate prayer so that we may take action and have a direct encounter with God through our almsgiving. Brothers and sisters, it s time for change! Yes, only God saves, but there is an essential synergy/cooperation between us and God. Only as we ourselves grow in it can we influence other people, social structures and institutions. The goal is holiness, and it is holiness that brings about change in ourselves and in the world around us.

8 IONIAN VILLAGE SUMMER CAMP IN GREECE The Ionian Village summer camp program is a unique opportunity for teens and young adults to encounter our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage. The Camp is a beautiful site that lies on the shore of the Ionian Sea, offering a great staff and facilities, and the chance to meet other teens from all parts of America. This summer, there will be two sessions for teens (grades 8-12) and one session for young adults: June 1-12, 2016 Spiritual Odyssey for young adults, ages June 19-July 8, 2016 Summer Camp Session 1 for grades 8-12 July 17-August 5, 2016 Summer Camp Session 2 for grades 8-12 REGISTRATION BEGINS ON MARCH 1st AT 12:00 pm EST! The Camp has filled quickly in the past! Visit for 2016 MISSION TEAMS ARE NOW FORMING! The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is forming teams to serve the church s needs all around the world! You must be in good health and at least 18 years of age. For more info, visit

9 THE SAINT HARALAMBOS COMMUNITY CENTER EXPANSION INSPIRED BY FAITH. COMMITTED TO BUILD. Progress report Our new project will include a Multi-Purpose Gymnasium/Reception Hall/Auditorium, a large new Kitchen, a Chapel, four Pre- Rooms, seven Classrooms, a Library/Meeting Room, a Youth Center, storage and additional parking! This expansion project is expected to cost about $6.0 million, of which 60% must be pledged before construction can begin. (This level of commitment is necessary to minimize the ongoing financial burden of a large mortgage.) We have envisioned this project for a long time, and now we need everyone to take part in making it a reality. Our Expansion presents each of us with a unique opportunity to participate in something that has a long-lasting impact on our community and our children. It is important for each of us to provide as much support as we can! The time has come! We ask you to make a generous pledge commitment to be paid over the next three years. We have already raised 20% of the construction cost but to complete a project of this magnitude, the majority of our community must step forward with $5000 to $10,000 pledges to be paid over the next three years. As of February 25, we have about $1,766,755 in donations and pledges for our Expansion. In order to meet our goal of beginning construction in July 2016, we ask that you return your completed pledge form to the church office by March 31st. Help us meet our target! We are depending on you! DONATIONS FOR HOLY WEEK AND PASCHA The St. Haralambos Church is very grateful, because every year we have so many thoughtful donors who step forward with Easter donations for general purposes and for those things that are needed for our celebration of Holy Week and Easter. If you would like to make a donation to cover any of the items listed below, please call the church office at 847/ potted Easter Lilies $35.00 each 3 Priest's Easter Candles ea 2 Vigil Lambathes each Candles for the Cross (6 sets of 3) per set 5 Flower Wreaths (stefani) boxes Vaia each 1 white sheets boxes Palms Olive Oil, Flour (for Unction Service) All Easter donations, whether for these specific items or for the general needs of our Church, are greatly appreciated, and we thank you!

10 March 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 6 Απόκρεας Meat-Fare Sunday 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 13 Cheesefare 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 6 pm Jr. GOYA 7 pm-forgiveness Vespers 20 Sunday of Orthodoxy 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 6:30-Orthodoxy Vespers 27 Second Sunday of Lent 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 7 5:30 pm Family Night 7:30 pm 14 PURE MONDAY (First Day of Great Lent) 5:30 Great Compline 7:00-Lenten Dinner 21 5:30 pm Family Night 7:30 pm Sr. GOYA 28 6:00-Great Compline 7:30-Jr GOYA Confession 1 11:30 am Little Angels 5:45-PTA Mtg 7:30-Bible Study 8 11:30 am Little Angels 7:30-Bible Study 7:30-Phase :30 am Little Angels 6 pm Great Compline 22 11:30 am Little Angels 29 11:30 am- Little Angels (No Greek -Spring break) 2 3 TSIKNOPEMPTI 9 40 MARTYRS OF SEVASTIA 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy 7:30- Philoptochos 16 6:00-Liturgy of Presanctified 8:00 pm Parish Council Mtg 23 10:30-Preschool Mar 25 Program 6:00-Liturgy of Presanctified 30 6:00-Liturgy of Presanctified 6:00 pm TSIKNOPEMPTI DINNER 10 6:30-Mission Team Chicago Benefit Dinner at St John/Des Plaines 17 6 pm Great Compline 4 No classes-preschool 11 10:00 am-preschool Apokreatiko 18 7 pm Salutations to the Theotokos THE ANNUNCIATION of the THEOTOKOS 8:30 am Orthros and Liturgy 31 7 pm Salutations to the Theotokos with 5 8:30 am-orthros and Liturgy 9:00 am Saturday Greek 5:00 pm- APOKREATIKO GLENDI 12 8:30 am-orthros and Liturgy 9:00 am Saturday Greek 19 Saturday of Souls Saturday of Souls WINTER CAMP Saturday of Souls 8:30 am-orthros and Liturgy 9:00 am Saturday Greek 11:30-Mar 25 Program (morning) 4:00 pm-mar 25 Program (afternoon school) 26 9:00 am Saturday Greek

11 FOODS PERMITTED DURING GREAT LENT One of the great disciplines of the Lenten season is fasting. After His baptism, even Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness; to fast, therefore, is one way of imitating Christ. In Orthodox Christian tradition, we can distinguish two kinds of fasting. One is absolute fasting, which means to eat or drink nothing at all. Obviously, absolute fasting is observed only for short periods of time; this, for example, is the fast that we keep from the time we wake up until receiving Holy Communion. We also observe certain seasons of fasting, such as the 40 day period of Great Lent which precedes Holy Week and Pascha. This kind of fasting may be called ascetical fasting, because it consists mainly in abstinence from certain foods over a longer period of time. Its goal is to train and liberate us from the dominance of the flesh. To restore the primacy of the soul over the body requires a slow and patient effort; through fasting, we discover that we do not live "by bread alone". During these fasting periods, we continue to keep this ascetical fast even after receiving Holy Communion, and meats and fats are not permitted. But what can we eat? Here is a list of foods that are permitted during Great Lent: 1. Sea foods (other than fish): Shrimp, lobster, squid, octopus, oysters, clams, scallops, etc. 2. All fresh, canned or dried fruits. 3. All fresh, canned or dried vegetables. 4. Olives. 5. Bread and pastas: Spaghetti, macaroni, couscous, etc. 6. Grains and legumes: Rice, beans, chick peas, lentils, etc. 7. All kinds of nuts: Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. 8. On weekends, oil and wine are permitted, also. Note: Fish is permitted on March 25 and Palm Sunday HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE NILES, IL Address Service Requested