VOICE THE. Wishing all of you a blessed Holy Week and a Glorious Pascha! THE VOICE APRIL Volume No Hymn of Note

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1 THE VOICE THE VOICE APRIL Volume No.0261 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Article... 1 Stewardship... 3 Iconography Update... 4 Philoptochos... 5 Kentro Update... 5 Parish News... 6,12,13 Sunday School... 7 Metropolis News... 8 P.T.A. News... 9 Archangels Cherubs March 2012 Pictures Κοινοτικά Νέα Liturgical Schedule Community Events ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL WWW. SAINT- SPYRIDON.ORG Hymn of Note Throughout the year and more so during Holy Week we find hymns that are monologues of Christ or the Panagia. These hymns express their feelings and thoughts in words that are not contained in the scriptures or in any historical account. Rather, these words are both the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as always, but also a very human expression of their emotions and thought process as they carried out the will of God for the salvation of the world. Monologues of the Panagia are found primarily in the hymnology of the Annunciation as she ponders the message of the Archangel Gabriel. During Holy Week, there are many hymns that express the anguish of the Theotokos at the sight of Christ s Passion, and as a Mother she cries out in this hymn from the evening of Holy Thursday: Seeing her own Lamb led to the slaughter, Mary His Mother followed Him with the other women and in her grief she cried: Where are you going, my Child? Why do You run so swiftly? Is there another wedding in Cana, and are You hastening there, to turn the water into wine? Shall I go with You, my Child, or shall I wait for You? Speak some word to me, O Word; do not pass me by in silence. You have preserved me in virginity, and You are my Son and God. Wishing all of you a blessed Holy Week and a Glorious Pascha!

2 The Voice - H ΦΩNH Official Monthly Community Publication of St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL REV. FR. TILEMAHOS ALIKAKOS IERATIKOS PROESTAMENOS Church Office Hours:... Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: , 2313 or 0787 Fax: office@saint-spyridon.org Web: Parish Council Officers Taso Panagiotopoulos... President James Korbakes... 1st Vice-President Konstantinos Labrakis... 2nd V. President Tom Zentefis... Secretary Larry Kekempanos... Assistant Secretary Nicholas Chibucos... Treasurer Gus Kolyvas... Assistant Treasurer Auxiliary Officers Stylianos Bonanos... Chanter Toula Georgiopoulos... Philoptochos Georgia Theoharis... P.T.A. Ida Trakadas... Kentro Lambrini Stavrou... Plutarchos Greek School Anna Angelos... Archangels Academy Zoe Kopanis... Sunday School Director Nicky Glikis... Choir Director Dana Vasilakos... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Joanne Spinos... Cherubs Patrice Pagunas... HOPE Fr. Tilemahos... Byzantine Music Panagiotis Mihalopoulos... Iconography Fr. Tilemahos... Bible Study Angela Sinzianu... Handmaidens Nick Chibucos... Altar Boys John Angelos... Athletics And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. In the movie the Passion of the Christ that was made a few years ago, I had my reservations about the depictions of Christ s suffering and the strange role of Satan. However, the presentation of Panagia s pain was quite in line with what we see in our hymnology. In the movie, the Virgin Mary, as she watched the suffering of her Son, would bring to mind fond memories from the past. At one point, she remembered how her Son, as a toddler, stumbled and hurt his knee, and His mother ran to Him and embraced Him. Now in His passion, she could not go near Him and comfort Him. Rather she watches Him pass by in silence on the horrific path to Golgotha. In another hymn of Holy Thursday evening, this time words are placed in Jesus mouth which once again would have been very appropriate and fitting as He proceeded to His voluntary Passion: Thus says the Lord to the Jews: O My people, what have I done unto you? Or wherein have I wearied you? I gave light to your blind and cleansed the lepers, I raised up the man who lay upon his bed. O My people, what I have done to you, and how have you repaid Me? Instead of manna you have given me gall, instead of water vinegar; instead of loving Me, you have nailed Me to the Cross. I can endure no more. I shall call My Gentiles and they shall glorify Me with the Father and the Spirit; and I shall bestow on them eternal life. While Jesus did not utter these words from the Cross, it is certain as He was both God and Man that He pondered these questions in His heart. The injustice that was done to Jesus is beyond any injustice in history since it was both extremely cruel and completely undeserved. While we may endure suffering and injustice from time to time, we are never completely innocent and we will never be as perfect and benevolent as Jesus Christ. His consolation was that He would call the Gentiles to recognize His love for man and to glorify the name of the Holy Trinity. As we move His words to the present time, could Jesus be addressing us instead of the Jews? Could we be the ones who repay His love and benevolence with the gall and bitter pain of our sins? Is Jesus saying to us that He can endure no more? We certainly hope not. During these most holy days we will gather in the sacred services to worship our suffering Lord and to praise His Mother for the love they continue to show us despite the pain they endured for our sake. We will come to forgive one another and declare to the heavens that their sacrifice was not in vain. Finally, we will rejoice in the Lord s Resurrection and along with the Panagia we will run to share the good news that Christ is Risen! May the Lord s Passion and Resurrection be a time of renewal, of joy and heavenly blessings for you and your loved ones. Amen. Fr. Tilemahos 2 The Voice

3 STEWARDSHIP 2012 Stewardship 2012 Progress Report As of March 26th, 2012 Pledged Stewards: 175 Average Stewardship: $ Amount of Stewardship donated: $65,315 Stewardship Goal for Stewards The Stewardship Committee thanks our 175 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2012 year. We wish to express our gratitude for your commitment to the Lord s work through our Church of Saint Spyridon. And to you who have not yet pledged, we ask of you to commit yourself and your family so that the Word of God may continue in His glorious name. ΓΙΝΔ ΚΑΛΟ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟ ΣΗ ΔΚΚΛΗΙΑ ΣΟΤ ΑΓΙΟΤ ΠΤΡΙΓΧΝΑ Ευχαριστούμε τις 175 οικογένεις που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποσχέσεις τους για το έτος Τπενθυμίζουμε σε όλους ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθεί οι Καταστάσεις Τπόσχεσης του Καλού Οικονόμου για το τρέχον έτος. ας παρακαλούμε να ανανεώσετε την συνδρομή σας το γρηγορώτερο δυνατόν. Οι δραστηριότες και τα έξοδα της ενορίας μας χρειάζονται την βοήθεια και την υποστήρηξη όλων σας. STEWARDS 2012-FEBRUARY 24TH-MARCH 24TH Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Alexopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Banakis Mrs. Aspasia Berdusis Mr. George Eliacostas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Gatsinos Mr. & Mrs. Tim Georgiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Goudis Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kalanzis Mr. &Mrs. Panicos Kaloghirou Mr. & Mrs. Akela Karampelas Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Kavvadas Mr. &Mrs. Theo Kotsores Mrs. & Mrs. Kosta Labrakis Mrs. Demetra Lambros Dr. & Mrs. Evan Manolis Mrs. Bessie Ntovas Mr. Andrew Pappas Mr. Marino Petropoulos Mr. Dennis Priovolos Mr. & Mrs. Emman. Rousonelos Mr. James Stive Mrs. Ida Trakadas Mr. & Mrs. Vasileios Tsoukalas Mrs. & Mrs. T. VanWermeskeren Mr. & Mrs. George Vythoulkas Mrs. & Mrs.Tom Zentefis EASTER FLOWER DONATIONS & PASCHA OFFERINGS We wish to thank the following parishioners and friends for donating towards the church, the needy, the flowers and adornment of our St. Spyridon Church during the Great Lent and Pascha Season: Mr.& Mrs. Dimitrios Alexakos Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Chibucos Mrs. Mary Fotopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Ted Georgiopoulos Mrs. Helen King Mrs. Koula Kintonis Mr. & Mrs. Chris Koulogeorge Mrs. Christina Nikolopoulos Mrs. Joanne Les Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Meklis Mr. & Mrs. John Panos & Family Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Koutras Mr. & Mrs. Mike Lamonto Mrs. Joanne Les Mrs. Steve Doimas Mr. & Mrs. John Farsatis Mr. & Mrs. William Limparis Mrs. Pat Poziopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Spinos Mrs. Mary Tsingos St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS AT ST. SPYRIDON, FRIDAY, APRIL 6TH On Friday, April 7th at 6:30 p.m. His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos will officiate at the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts. Following the service, the Philoptochos will be hosting the Lenten Meal. All faithful are invited to attend. Please make every effort to attend this special service. ICONOGRAPHY PROJECT UPDATE On Sunday, March 4th, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, our parish of Saint Spyridon launched the final phase of our church iconography. All our Sunday School children processed in the church holding prints of all the icons that will be soon adorning our church. The iconography brochure was distributed to the all the parishioners and is available both in print and on-line. So far in the month of March the following icons have been either pledged or donated: The Ascension of our Lord The Virgin Mary with the Christ Child St. Moses the Ethiopian St. Triantafylos of Zagora St. Leonidas the Martyr St. Nikitas of Goth St. Tilemahos the Peacemaker St. Arsenios of Cappadocia We appeal to all you, our dedicated faithful of Saint Spyridon to help complete the project. You may pledge an icon by filling out the iconography pledge cards available in the church office and on-line. A financing schedule for your donation can be arranged. Our goal is to complete this project before our parish s 100th anniversary which will take place in That gives us five short years. However, I sincerely believe that, with the blessings of our patron Saint Spyridon and with your loving generosity, we can complete our church much sooner. Kindly consider donating to the iconography of our church and to adorning our house of worship with your expression of love for our beloved parish. Η τελική φάση της εικονογράσης της εκκλησίας μας άρχισε τήν Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας, 4η Μαρτίου, Σα παιδιά του κατηχητικού σχολείου λιτάνευσαν μέσα στον ναόν μέ τίς εικόνες που θα τοποθετηθούν μέ τήν δική σας δωρεά καί αγάπη. Ήδη έχουν αρχίσει οι δωρεές για τήν εικονογραφία καί προτρέπουμε όλους σας να προσφέρετε τό δώρο σας ή την εικόνα πού επιθυμείτε να αφιερώσετε στην εικονογράφηση τού ναού μας. Για περαιτέρω πληροφορίες παρακαλούμε όπως επικοινωνήσετε με τον π. Σηλέμαχο ή με το κοινοτικό γραφείο. 4 The Voice

5 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Dear Friends and Parishioners, As we approach the most sacred period of the Great Lent which is Holy Week, we pray that Our Lord s Resurrection give us health, love and humility so that we may continue to work for our Holy Orthodox Church. The ladies of Philoptochos started the Lenten Season with the Kathara Deftera Lenten Dinner that took place after the Compline Service. It was a very spiritual evening and we thank the ladies who helped with the preparations and the serving of the traditional Lenten foods. We urge all of you to donate baked goods like Tsourekia, Greek Bread, Koulourakia, Paximadia and whatever else you may want to donate for this special Bake Sale. Your contribution will bring the revenues that will be given to our brothers and sisters in need. May God bless you all! On April 6th we will host our Annual Lenten Dinner after the Presanctified Liturgy. His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos will preside and we will welcome all the faithful from the many parishes of our Metropolis. On Palm Sunday we will host the traditional Palm Sunday luncheon. We invite all of you to join us. Please make your reservations as soon as possible. On the same day we will also hold our annual Bake Sale of Easter pastries; the proceeds will help the needy in our community. Please don t forget our Annual Mother s Day Luncheon that will take place on May 13, My sincere thanks and appreciation to all of you for your continuous support and your love for philanthropy. Kali Anastasi, Toula Georgiopoulos Philoptochos President MYROFORES Once again, the tradition of the Myrofores during Holy Week and Pascha continues. The Myrofores, this year, will be led by Eleni Alexakos and Vasi Vasilopoulos. Please let them or the church office know that you are willing to participate in the Myrofores. While a white robe is provided, the girls need to come dressed appropriately for church and with white shoes and white stockings. The Myrofores need to be at the church fifteen minutes before the start of the following services: Palm Sunday, April 8 th Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 p.m. Holy Monday, April 9 th - Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 p.m. Holy Tuesday, April 10 th - Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 p.m. Holy Friday, April 13 th The Epitaphios Service 7:30 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 14 th The Resurrection Service 11:00 p.m. PASCHA Sunday, April 15 th The Agape Service 12 noon KENTRO Anticipating Holy Week and the Resurrection of our Lord, our Kentro of Orthodox Martyria Bookstore has ordered appropriate books, music and worship items, including lambades candles for the Orthodox Community that we serve. As in the past years, we feature Greek-English liturgical works such as THE SERVICE OF THE SMALL PARAKLESIS TO THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, THE S E R V I C E O F T H E G R E A T PARAKLESIS, THE AKATHISTOS HYMN, HOLY WEEK PASCHA and more. And for your Lenten meals, we carry a wide variety of Lenten cookbooks. For your prosfora needs, take a look at our high quality wood prosfora seals imported from Greece. Available in three sizes, these seals (sfrayides) were crafted with loving care and skill by monks from the monastery. The fine, exacting cut carved into these seals ensures a sharp, deep impression not obtained by plastic seals of lesser quality. For truly distinctive prosfora, consider purchasing one of our seals. And for your home, we have renewed our supply of incense (livani) and charcoal. Please check out our newly expanded line of 3x4 wood icons which include many of the better known Saints. These icons not only make fine gifts, they also are a means of introducing young people to the meditative windows that the Saints images represent and inspire. As always we appreciate your patronage and pray that the upcoming Holy Week will be spiritually fulfilling for you and your family. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

6 PARISH NEWS LENTEN MEALS During the Great Lent period we will have Lenten Meals hosted by the different Parish organizations of our community. Each dinner is pot-luck and always delicious. We ask for the members of each organization to bring a Lenten dish for the meal. The Lenten Meals will be held every Wednesday of Great Lent after the Presanctified Liturgy. All Free Will Donations will benefit the Saint Iakovos Camp & Retreat Center. The Lenten Meal schedule is as follows: Wednesday, April 4th Altar Boys Friday, April 6th Philoptochos Society HOLY CONFESSION Please observe the Holy Confession Schedule as outlined in page 15. You may also make an appointment with Fr. Tilemahos by calling the church office at (708) PLEASE NOTE THAT NO CONFESSIONS WILL BE HEARD AFTER HOLY TUESDAY, APRIL 10th. RED PASCHA EGGS The dying and wrapping of the Red Pascha Eggs will be on Thursday, April 12 th, Holy Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to help. DECORATING THE EPITAPHION The Epitaphion of our Lord will be decorated during the All-Night Vigil on Holy Thursday Evening on April 12 th. All parishioners and friends are invited to this beautiful Orthodox Tradition in which everyone can participate. WANTED!!! FOREIGN LANGUAGE READERS We are looking for foreign language readers for the Agape Service on Sunday, April 15 th at noon. If you can read any language other than English and Greek, please contact Fr. Tilemahos. SUMMARY OF CRAFT SHOW RESULTS The table below reflects the final financial results of our annual Church Craft show held in December that were recognized by the Church for our Operating needs. The Annual Craft Show is coordinated by the Philoptochos of our Church with the assistance and participation by several parishioners and parish council members REVENUES $ 7, $ 7, $ 7, $ 4, EXPENSES $ $ $ $ PROFIT $ 6,801.00$ $ 6, $ 6, $ 4, We wish to thank all the parishioners who participated either by helping and attending or through their various donations and contributions. The Funds raised are critical to the annual operating budget of our parish and are used to pay Operating expenses. More detail to Craft Show Results is available to any Steward who Contacts the Church Office. IMPORTANT REMINDER The Advertisers listed in the last two pages of the VOICE provide the support that enable this publication. Generously, our advertisers give $400-$1000 annually in order to cover the cost of printing of the VOICE. Please show your thanks to our advertisers by calling on their businesses when looking for products and services, and to mention that you did so because of the advertisement in the VOICE. You may also offer your help by including your business or encourage someone to purchase advertising space. Please contact the church office for more information. MANY THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS 6 The Voice

7 During the Month of March our Sunday School students participated in the Oratorical Festival and in the Procession of Icons on Sunday of Orthodoxy. This year was a special procession with all the students carrying prints of the new icons that adorn our church once the iconography project is complete. In this very fitting way, our students introduced the final phase of our church iconography to all the parishioners. Our Sunday School families had the chance to host and to enjoy the Family Synaxis of the Metropolis of Chicago. Fifty families from around Chicago and as far as Cedar Rapids, Iowa, joined our families in this annual event where clergy and youth workers work with the parents and the children in enhancing Orthodox values in our homes. Many thanks to the ladies of the P.T.A. and all the volunteers for a truly wonderful event. In the month of April, all our Sunday School students are expected to receive Holy Communion together on Saturday of Lazarus, April 7th, Orthros & Divine Liturgy will start at 8:00 a.m. and it will be followed by the Annual communion Pancake Breakfast prepared by our P.T.A.. Following the Breakfast the altar boys will have a quick training session, while all the children will be making palms and also have the opportunity to go to confession with Fr. Tilemahos. Finally, we wish all our Sunday School families and dedicated staff a blessed Holy Week and a joyous Pascha! St. Spyridon s P.T.A. invites the children and families of the parish to worship together at the SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Saturday of Lazarus Divine Liturgy followed by the Annual Communion Pancake Breakfast Saturday, April 7th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. After Liturgy, please join us for the Lenten Communion Pancake Breakfast and preparation of the palms for Palm Sunday Worship. This is a wonderful Lenten opportunity to come together as a family to prepare the palms and enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast. Students are encouraged to prepare themselves through prayer, fasting and confession to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 METROPOLIS NEWS Orthodox Christian Clergy Association of Chicago Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 Time: 7:00 p.m. Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church Speaker: Fr. Moussa Haddad Pastor of St. Mary s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Palos Heights, IL FANARI Camp FANARI Camp is a ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, and is set in a wonderful setting of Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, WI. Fanari affords the youth of the Metropolis the ability to share their common faith and heritage through its many programs. Literally thousands of young people have attended the camp throughout these years, often attending all six years as campers and then serving many years as staff members. Hundreds of young adults have donated their time to serve as counselors and mentors to our campers since the beginning of this ministry. Countless lifelong friendships were gained and strengthened through the Camp. ARCHDIOCESE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE Applications are now available for three Archdiocese of America scholarships that will be awarded for the year. Two of these scholarships are for undergraduate studies: the George and Naouma Gioles Scholarship and the Katina John Malta Scholarship; the third one is the Paleologos Graduate Scholarship, which is awarded for graduate work, of a non-theological nature. The deadline for these scholarships is April 20th. For more information, visit Applications may be requested by at scholarships@goarch.org. FOREIGN POLICY TRIP SCHOLARSHIPS The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) is accepting applications for its fourth annual college student foreign policy study trip to Greece and Cyprus. The program is intended to help Greek American college students better understand the core foreign policy issues important to the Greek American community. The 2012 trip is scheduled for June A $250 deposit is required along with an application. The deadline to apply is April 10th. For more information, visit 8 The Voice

9 Congratulations to our Plutarchos Greek School teachers, students, Greek Dance teachers and St. Spyridon Dance Troupe, on a job well done for the celebration of March 25 th - Greek Independence Day. The program of poems, skits, songs and dances was very well received by all! Και του χρόνου! We would like to acknowledge the entire 25 th of March Luncheon Committee for their hard work and dedication. Finally, a very big Thank You to all our donors. Congratulations to all the Oratorical Festival Participants, Sunday P.T.A. School teachers and parents, and many thanks to the Festival judges, donors and volunteers. Congratulations and good luck to the winners that will represent our community at the Metropolis Oratorical Festival. P.T.A. has a very eventful April from the start! Please keep these days in mind... Friday, April 6th-- School Spirit Day. Wear your blue School shirts for a chance to win a Pizza Party at the end of the School Year! Saturday, April 7th Saturday of Lazarus. A Pancake breakfast will follow the Divine Liturgy along with Making of Palms. This is a free event and everyone is welcomed. Sunday, April 22nd Greek Independence Day Parade in the Greek Town. Easter Candle Sale Don t wait till the last minute to buy your Easter Candles! The P.T.A has beautifully decorated Candles for sale. Donation: $15 per candle. Coffee Social Hour For the month of April the following families will be serving during the Coffee Social Hour: 4/1-- Polyzos, Harris & Stamus families 4/22--Bousies, Kekempanos & Matoras families 4/29--Kosteris family ATTENTION GRADUATES On Sunday, May 20 th following the Divine Liturgy, we will honor all the High School and College Graduates in the church. Please submit the names of the graduates in your family by Monday, May 7th, so that they may be honored and included in the graduation program. Attention, all high school seniors - Deadline for submitting applications and materials for the Annual P.T.A. Scholarship is May 1 st. Please drop off your completed application at the Church Office. Greek School students have received their applications. Principal Lambrini Stavrou will announce the date for the in-class essay competition. Hope to see many familiar faces over the next few weeks. Many thanks, to everyone for your time and support for our children and Parish. The P.T.A. wishes our entire St. Spyridon community a blessed Holy Week and Easter. Georgia Theoharis P.T.A. President ATHLETICS Σhe 31st Annual Junior Olympics will take place on May 25th 27th, 2012 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills. Our community will be represented by numerous athletes in individual sports and teams in softball, soccer, basketball and volleyball. Registration for the Junior Olympics will be held during the Coffee Social Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Or if you are interested in joining a team or competing for an individual sport, please contact Mr. John Angelos, Athletic Director, or the Church Office. ALTAR BOYS The altar boys will be hosting the Presanctified Dinner on Wednesday, April 4th. All the Altar Boy Families are asked to bring a Lenten dish to the dinner which benefits the St. Iakovos Camp & Retreat Center. Also all the altar boys are asked to attend the Pre- Sanctified Liturgy with His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago on Friday, April 6th at 6:30 p.m. Finally, the altar boys will have a short training session for Holy Week on Saturday, April 7th, following the Divine Liturgy. Holy Week and Pascha is time for all the altar boys to shine in their dedication and service to the altar and the worship services. BYZANTINE MUSIC & ICONOGRAPHY Our advanced Byzantine Music students have been busy learning the Holy Week Music and our beginner students are still working on their notation. The Iconography and music classes will resume after the break for Holy Week & Pascha, on Wednesday, April 25th. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 ARCHANGELS ACADEMY REGISTRATION IS OPEN UNTIL APRIL 30TH. What are the benefits of your child attending preschool? Research shows that the right preschool experience can give a child a head start academically and socially over peers without preschool. The Archangels Academy Preschool provides the foundation for learning that will help your child succeed in elementary school. Established in 2005, our bi-lingual Orthodox staff is not only experienced, but nurturing and caring. For more information please visit our website at saintspryidon.org/archangels. Leonidas (2006), Yiorgos (2008), Angelica (2010) Maria (2010), & Maria Anna (2009) Dionisia (2010) Constantinos (2010) Steven (2007),Ava (2009), Nina (2010) & Katerina (2008) Stavroula (2008), Katerina (2008), Maria (2009) What an honor to have our alumni come and spend time helping out our preschoolers. Thank you to all our visitors to being such wonderful guests and assistants during your visits. CHERUBS It's been another fun filled month at Cherubs. It's such a blessing working with our little ones and watching the program grow and flourish! They look forward to coming to "school"! This month we learned about music, and the sounds that different instruments make. The Children also made their own maracas! Father visited the class and spoke the children about The Annunciation, and reminded us of the importance of repeating hymns such as Ti Ypermaho at home so that the children may also learn them. Our little Cherubs also decorated their own Greek flags that are proudly on display in the St. Katherine's Nursery window. 10 The Voice

11 MARCH 2012 IN PICTURES Pictures are from the March 25th Greek Independence day program and the Procession of Icons on Sunday of Orthodoxy St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

12 PARISH NEWS Seniors' Christian Fellowship Luncheon Chicago's South Suburban Greek Orthodox Parishes cordially invite their Senior Parishioners on Friday, April 20, 2012 to celebrate together our Lord's Holy Resurrection during Bright Week, which is being hosted by the: St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos Society S. Kolmar Ave. Oak Lawn, IL Orthros Begins - 8:30 A.M. Followed by luncheon & fellowship So as to prepare appropriately, please make your reservation by calling the St. Nicholas Church office: Admission: Free of charge PLUTARCHOS GREEK SCHOOL Friday, April 6 th will be the last day of class, Easter vacation begins. Classes will resume on Friday, April 20 th. Saturday, April 7 th, Saturday of Lazarus, Divine Liturgy & Communion Saturday for Greek & Sunday School students, followed by the Communion Breakfast and making of the Palms. Sunday, April 22 nd, the Annual Greek Parade will be held at Greektown, Halsted Street in Chicago, beginning at 2:30 p.m. We will be leaving St. Spyridon Church at 12:00 p.m. after the Divine Liturgy. Attendance in the Greek Parade is mandatory and is taken into account when attendance awards are considered. Students are required to wear the Ethnic Greek Costume (Tsolia and Amalia) or the blue and white school uniform. BAPTISMS The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Dean Eliacostas was baptized on March 11th and given the name Grace. George Eliacostas was the sponsor. Να σας Ζήσει! IN MEMORIAM Mrs. Helen Meklis fell asleep in the Lord on March 2nd and her funeral took place at Saint Spyridon s on March 6th. The internment was at Evergreen. May her memory be eternal. MEMORIALS Sunday, March 4th 40 days for Anastasios Kintonis, 40 days for Areti Tsioulos Staudohar and 1 year for Stamo Kavvadas. Sunday, March 11th 1 year for Demetra Proutsos Sunday, March 18th 40 days for Bernadette Christ, 2 years for Maria Kotsores, 3 years for Nicholaos Kotsores and 19 years for Thrasivoulos Kotsores. THANK YOU To the Anonymous donors for donating food to our Food Pantry and for the Easter Baskets. To all the Philoptochos ladies for hosting the Lenten Dinner on Clean Monday. To all the Parish Organizations for organizing the Lenten Dinners. To the P.T.A. and the volunteers and donors for hosting this year s Family Synaxis. To all the donors and volunteers for the P.T.A. March 25th Luncheon. To all the teachers and students for a wonderful Greek Independence Day Program. To Mr. & Mrs. Bill Selimos donation to the Mission Fund. To Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Zervakis and Mr. Milton Kentes in memory of Helen Meklis. To Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Rousonelos for the Web Camera Donation. To Mr. Kosta Stergiopoulos for painting our church office, the bride s room & cry room. 12 The Voice

13 TREE OF LOVE In the main hallway of St. Spyridon stands a golden and bronze Tree of Love with an icon of our patron saint at its base. This Tree of Love is a symbol of our commitment to the ministry of our community. With great hope for our community s future and with love for St. Spyridon, we invite you to join the numerous supporters whose names are engraved on these golden and bronze leaves in recognition of their gifts to the Church. There are numerous ways to contribute to our Tree of Love such as to honor a friend or in memory of loved ones. For more information, please call the Church Office. A memorial service for all the souls commemorated on the Tree of Love will be held on Sunday, May 27th, Please Join Us for Our 7th Annual Mother s Day Luncheon PASCHA GREETINGS From our Priests Fr. Tilemahos, Fr. Nikiforos & Fr. George the President of the Parish Council Mr. Taso Panagiotopoulos and the board members the President of the Philoptochos Mrs. Toula Georgiopoulos and its members the President of the P.T.A. Georgia Theoharis and its members the Teachers of Archangels Academy, the Greek and Sunday Schools the Church Staff and all the Parish Organizations wish all parishioners a Blessed Lent and a Glorious Pascha! Hosted by The St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society Sunday May 13th, 2012 Immediately following the Divine Liturgy Reservations Required Please call the Church Office (708) St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13

14 ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ ΔΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΥΟΛΔΙΟ ΠΛΟΤΣΑΡΥΟ Σην Παρασκευή, 6 Απριλίου, το Ελληνικό χολείο μας διακόπτει τα μαθήματά του για τις Εορτές της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας και του Αγίου Πάσχα. Θα λειτουργήσει πάλι κανονικά την Παρασκευή, 20 Απριλίου, στις 4:30 μ.μ. Σο άββατο, 7 Απριλίου, άββατο του Λαζάρου οι μαθητές του Ελληνικού και Κατηχητικού χολείου θα εκκλησιασθούν, θα κοινωνήσουν και μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία θα έχουν πρωινό και στην συνέχεια θα ετοιμάσουν τα βάια και τα στραυρουλάκια για την Κυριάκη των Βαϊων. Σην Κυριακή, 22 Απριλίου και στις 2:30 μ.μ. θα γίνει η Ελληνική Παρέλαση στην Ελληνική Παροικία του ικάγου. Πρέπει όλοι μας να εκκλησιασθούμε και στην συνέχεια να υποστηρίξουμε την Παρέλασή μας. Οι μαθητές του Ελληνικού χολείου πρέπει υποχρεωτικά να έλθουν όλοι στην Παρέλαση, διότι θα ληφθούν απουσίες. Η ενδυμασία θα είναι μπλε και άσπρο κι όσοι από τους μαθητές μας έχουν την Εθνική ενδυμασία της Αμαλίας και του Εύζωνα να την φορέσουν. Όλα τα μέλη της ενορίας είναι ευπρόσδεκτα να παρελάσουν με τους μαθητές του σχολείου μας. ΛΟΤΛΟΤΓΙΑ ΜΔΓΑΛΗ ΣΔΑΡΑΚΟΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΥΑ Υέτος και πάλι, παρακαλούμε όλους όσους έχουν την ευχαρίστηση να προσφέρουν χρήματα για την αγορά λουλούδιων για τον στολισμό των εικόνων των Φαιρετισμών της Παναγίας, της αρακοστής, της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας, του Επιταφίου, καθώς και για τις γλάστρες με τα παραδοσιακά κρίνα, να επικοινωνήσουν με το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας μας. ΙΔΡΑ ΔΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΙ Σο εσώκλειστο πρόγραμμα υποδυκνείει τίς ώρες για Ἱερά Ἐξομολόγηση πού θα προσφέρεται στην εκκλησία μας. Μπορείτε επίσης να κανονίσετε διαφορερική ώρα επικοινονώντας με το κοινοτικό γραφείο. Επίσης σημειώσετε ότι δεν θα ακούγονται εξομολογήσεις μετά τήν Μεγάλη Τρίτη, 10 Απριλίου. ΠΡΟΦΟΡΑ ΣΟΤ ΚΑΦΔ Για τον μήνα του Υεβρουαρίου ο καφές μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία θα προσφέρεται από τον ύλλογο Γονέων και Διδασκάλων. ΒΑΦΙΜΟ ΑΤΓΧΝ Όλοι μας είμαστε καλεσμένοι να βοηθήσουμε στο βάψιμο των κόκκινων αυγών που θα γίνει την Μεγάλη Πέμπτη, 12 Απριλίου, αρχίζοντας στις 10:00 π.μ. μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. ΔΟΡΣΗ ΣΗ ΜΗΣΔΡΑ Σήν Κυριακή 13 Μαΐου, ἑορταστικό γεῦμα θά δωθεῖ στήν Κοινοτική Αἲθουσα πρός τιμήν τῆς ἑορτῆς τῆς Μητέρας, μετά τήν Θεία Λειτουργία. Παρακαλοῦμε νά τηλεφωνήσετε στό Γραφεῖο γιά κλείσεις θέσεων. ΑΠΟΘΗΚΗ ΣΡΟΦΙΜΧΝ Μή ξεχνάτε ότι η εκκλησία μας παρέχει τρόφιμα σε 22 οικογένειες που έχουν ανάγκη. Μπορείτε να φέρετε τις δωρεές σας στο κοινοτικό γραφείο. All Sunday School & Greek School Students, Parents, and Parishioners are invited to the GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE SUNDAY, APRIL 22nd 2:30 p.m. IN GREEKTOWN 14 The Voice

15 SCHEDULE OF DIVINE SERVICES Sunday, April 1 st Fifth Sunday of Lent Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Solemn Vespers All Saints Church, Joliet, IL 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 2 nd Great Compline 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3 rd OCCA Akathist Hymn hosted by St. Spyridon 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 th Holy Confession 10 a.m. 1:00 p.m. The 9 th Hour and Prescanctified Liturgy 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 6 th Holy Confession 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 9 th Hour & Hierarchical Presanctified Liturgy 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7 th Saturday of Lazarus Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Holy Confession 12 noon 6:00 p.m. * Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 8 th Palm Sunday Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Holy Confession 5:00 p.m. * Orthros of the Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 9 th Holy & Great Monday, 9 th Hour & Presanctified Liturgy 9:00 a.m. Holy Confession 5:00 p.m. * Orthros of the Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 th Holy & Great Tuesday, 9 th Hour & Presanctified Liturgy 9:00 a.m. Holy Confession 5:00 p.m. * Orthros of the Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 th Holy & Great Wednesday, 9 th Hour & Presanctified Liturgy 9:00 a.m. Holy Unction 4:00 p.m. Orthros of Holy Thursday 7:00 p.m. (Unction offered during the service) Thursday, April 12 th Holy & Great Thursday, Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 8:00 p.m. Service of the Twelve Gospels 6:30 p.m. * All-Night Vigil Friday, April 13 th Holy & Great Friday, Royal Hours 8:00 a.m. Apokathelosis Service 4:00 p.m. Service of the Lamentations & the Procession of the Epitaphios 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14 th Holy Saturday *Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 6a.m.(Tentative) & 8:30 a.m. Mesonyktikon 11:00 p.m. Sunday, April 15 th HOLY PASCHA -Orthros & Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection 12:00 a.m. Vespers of Agape (Reading of the Gospel in many languages) 12 noon Tuesday, April 17 th Raphael, Nicholas & Irene, Orthros, Div. Liturgy & Artoklasia 8:00 a.m. Friday, April 20 th Life Giving Fountain of Mother of God Orthros & Div. Liturgy at St. Nicholas Church, Oak Lawn, IL 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 21 st Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 22 nd Sunday of Thomas, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, April 23 rd St. George the Trophybearer Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28th Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 29 th 3rd Sunday of Pascha, Myrrhbearers, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Note on Holy Confession: Please observe the Holy Confession Schedule as outlined. You may also make an appointment with Fr. Tilemahos by calling the church office at (708) PLEASE NOTE THAT NO CONFESSIONS WILL BE HEARD AFTER HOLY TUESDAY, APRIL 10 th. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

16 APRIL 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Sunday School Monastery Bake Sale 8 PALM SUNDAY Palm Sunday Luncheon & Bake Sale 15 PASCHA After the service, Easter Baskets will be given to all the children of the community ( donated by the P.T.A.) 22 Sunday School Greek Parade 29 Sunday School 2 Archangels Academy Greek School-4:30 pm Byzantine Music 5pm Greek Bible Study- 7pm 9 HOLY MONDAY 16 Bright Week (No fasting all week) * No community activities * (parish office closed) 3 Archangels Academy Cherubs 10:00 a.m. 10 HOLY TUESDAY 17 Archangels Academy Cherubs 10:00 a.m. 4 Archangels 9 a.m. Lenten Meal hosted by the Altar Boys 11 HOLY WEDNESDAY 18 Archangels Academy 5 Archangels Academy Byz. Music 6:30 pm GOYA Meeting 7:00 p.m. 12 HOLY THURSDAY 19 Archangels Academy Byz. Music 6:30 pm GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm Parish Council 7:00 p.m. 6 Greek School, School Spirit Day 4:30 p.m. Lenten Meal hosted by the Philoptochos 13 HOLY FRIDAY GREAT & HOLY WEEK Consult Calendar on pg. 15 for Schedule of Divine Services / Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθιών στην σελ Archangels Greek School-4:30 pm 30 Archangels Greek School-4:30 pm Greek Bible Study- 7pm 24 Archangels Academy Cherubs 10:00 a.m. 25 Archangels Academy Byzantine Music 6pm Iconography - 6 p.m. 26 Archangels Academy Byz. Music 6:30 pm 20 Senior Christian Fellowship St. Nicholas Greek School 4:30 p.m. 27 Greek School 4:30 p.m. 7 Saturday of Lazarus Communion Breakfast (hosted by the P.T.A.) and making of the Palms Altar Boy Meeting 11 a.m. 14 HOLY SATURDAY

17 Κυριακή 1 Απριλίου Δευτέρα 2 Απριλίου Σρίτη 3 Απριλίου Σετάρτη 4 Απριλίου Παρασκευή 6 Απριλίου άββατο 7 Απριλίου Κυριακή 8 Απριλίου Δευτέρα 9 Απριλίου Σρίτη 10 Απριλίου Σετάρτη 11 Απριλίου Πέμπτη 12 Απριλίου Παρασκευή 13 Απριλίου άββατο 14 Απριλίου Κυριακή 15 Απριλίου Σρίτη 17Απριλίου Παρασκευή 20 Απριλίου άββατο 21 Απριλίου Κυριακή 22 Απριλίου Δευτέρα 23 Απριλίου άββατο 28 Απριλίου Κυριακή 29 Απριλίου ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Αγίας Μαρίας της Αιγυπτίας, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Κατανυκτικός Εσπερινός στον Ι.Ν. Σων Αγίων Πάντων, Joliet 7:00 μ.μ. Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ. OCCA Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 7:00 μ.μ. Ιερά Εξομολόγησις 10:00 π.μ. 1:00 μ.μ. * 9η Ωρα & Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 6:30 μ.μ. Ιερά Εξομολόγησις 10:00 π.μ. 1:00 μ.μ. 9η Ωρα & Αρχιερατική Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 6:30 μ.μ. Σάββατο του Λαζάρου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Θεία Κοινωνία για όλους τους μαθητές του Ελληνικού και Κατηχητικού * Ιερά Εξομολόγησις 12 6:00 μ.μ. * Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή των Βαίων, Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία και Ευλογία των Βαίων 8:00 π.μ. * Ιερά Εξομολόγησις 5:00 μ.μ. * Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου 7:00 μ.μ. Μεγάλη Δευτέρα, Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9:00 π.μ. Ιερά Εξομολόγησις 5:00 μ.μ * Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου 7:00 μ.μ. Μεγάλη Τρίτη, Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9:00 π.μ. Ιερά Εξομολόγησις 5:00 μ.μ * Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου (Σροπάριον της Κασσιανής) - 7:00 μ.μ. Μεγάλη Τετάρτη, Προηγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 9:00 π.μ. * Ακολουθία του Ιερού Ευχελαίου και Μύρωσις των Πιστών 4:00 π.μ. Ὁρθρος της Μεγάλης Πέμπτης και Μύρωσις των Πιστών 7:00 μ.μ. Μεγάλη Πέμπτη, Εσπερινός και Θεία Λειτουργία του Μ. Βασιλείου 8:00 π.μ. Ακολουθία των Παθών του Φριστού (Σα δώδεκα Ευαγγέλια) 6:30 μ.μ. * Αγρυπνία και τολισμός του Επιταφίου. Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, Μεγάλες Ωρες 9:00 π.μ * Ακολουθία της Αποκαθήλωσης 4:00 μ.μ * Επιτάφιος Θρήνος και Περιφορά του Επιταφίου 7:30 μ.μ. Μεγάλο Σάββατο, Εσπερινός & Θεία Λειτουργία Μεγάλου Βασιλείου 6:00 π.μ. & 8:00 π.μ. ΜΕΟΝΤΚΣΙΚΟ, ΣΕΛΕΣΗ ΣΗ ΑΝΑΣΑΕΩ ΚΑΙ ΠΑΦΑΛΙΝΗ ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΣΟΤΡΓΙΑ 11:00 μ.μ. ΑΓΙΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ, Εσπερινός της Αγάπης και Ανάγνωση του Ευαγγελίου σε διάφορες γλώσσες 12:00 το μεσημέρι Tων Αγίων Ραφαήλ, Νικολάου & Ειρήνης Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία & Αρτοκλασία 8:00 π.μ. Ζωοδόχου Πηγής Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία, I.Ν. Αγίου Νικολάου 8:30 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή τοῦ Θωμά -Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Αγίου Γεωργίου του Μεγαλομάρτυρος, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. 3η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, των Μυροφόρων, Όρθρος & Θ. Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 17

18 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL Address Correction Requested Attend Church Regularly with Your Family! Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit #52 Palos Heights, IL. CALENDAR OF EVENTS April 3rd OCCA Akathist Hymn April 6th Last day of Greek School April 6th Pre-Sanctified Liturgy with His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos co-officiating April 7th Saturday of Lazarus Communion & Breakfast Altar Boy Meeting April 8th Palm Sunday Luncheon Philoptochos Bake Sale April 9th 15th Holy Week & Pascha April 19th Parish Council Meeting April 20th Seniors Fellowship April 22nd Greek Parade May 13th Mother s Day Luncheon May 20th Sunday School Graduation May 25th-27th Jr. Olympics May 27th Tree of Love Memorial June 8th Plutarchos Graduation Please join us on Sunday, April 8th Orthros & Divine Liturgy beginning at 8 a.m. Immediately following the Divine Liturgy the Philoptochos invites you to a Palm Sunday Luncheon Salmon with Rice and Green Beans Fish Sticks with Tatar Tots and Corn Lenten Dessert Table with Coffee If prepaid by April 6th Adults $20.00 Children $10.00 Please make your reservations by April 6th