Assumption. Greek Orthodox Church. Agape news

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1 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Agape news February 2013

2 PARISH LIFE PHILOPTOCHOS VASILOPITA CUTTING & AUCTION BEER TASTING PARISH COUNCIL AFFIRMATION

3 PASTORAL MESSAGE Dear Parishioners of our Beloved Assumption, Greetings in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! On February 2 nd, the Church celebrates the Great Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple - which is in our more common terms, His 40 day blessing. When each of us was brought to the Church for this blessing, it was so that we might be introduced to the Lord. It is our 1 st act of offering in obedience to the Lord. Does it make sense that Jesus would need to be presented to the Lord? Is He not the Lord Himself? This is the great irony of how we understand what is happening around us. We perceive, thus we believe. We use our human senses to draw conclusions that are not based on truth but based on our perception. This is why so many say that perception is more important than reality - which may be true in marketing, but not in the Faith. Returning to His 40 day blessing - what is really occurring? We know that if the Temple is holy it is because the Lord is present. Jesus is not sanctified by going to the Temple, it is the Temple that is sanctified by Him, specifically, Simeon who is waiting for his arrival - for it was revealed to Simeon 3 centuries earlier that he would not die until he put his eyes upon the Savior. Therefore, to the unknowing, it looks as though Christ is being presented to Simeon, when in fact, Simeon is being presented to Christ; it looks as though Christ is presented to be sanctified by the Temple when it is He who is sanctifying the Temple by His presence. Let us not be like those who think they understand because their eyes have seen, when in fact their eyes don t have the ability to comprehend. Let us present ourselves that He may be presented to us. In His Service, Rev. Father Jon Boukis PROISTAMENOS

4 SUNDAY SCHOOL Students with cumulative attendance of 80% or better have hit the mark and will be listed here monthly. Congratulations to: Vasilia Boukis Daniel Dounoulis Evan Dounoulis Lydia Dounoulis Naina Ninan Naveen Ninan Peter Stopoulos Tony Stopoulos Attendance is Important!!! Hit the Mark!!! Godparents Sunday is February 10 th!!! ORTHODOX BIBLE STUDY 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!!! The Orthodox Bible Study will meet on Wednesday Evenings from 6:00pm-7:30pm and on Thursday Mornings from 9:30am-11:00am. Make a commitment to learning His Word!

5 PHILOPTOCHOS RUMMAGE SALE It s never too early to donate to the rummage sale. We have made space in the garage to store your clean, gently used treasures until August. Please bring them in a closed box so they can be stacked in the garage. You may bring them on Sundays. Leave them in your car and you can unload them into the garage during coffee hour. Next Philoptochos Meeting Feb. 10 th SACRAMENTS On Sunday, December 30 th, the Servant of God, Dionysios (Dennis) Collier, was received into the Faith by Holy Chrismation at the Assumption Church. His Godparents is John Arvanitis. On Friday, January 25 th, the Handmaiden of God, Anastasia (Jacy) Hajostek, was Baptized at St. George Church. Her Godparents is Lambros Mihalopoulos. On Sunday, December 30 th, the Servants of God, Dennis and Pam Collier, had their marriage blessed at the Assumption Church. Their Koumbara is Presbytera Doreece. On January 17 th the Servant of God, Bob Lemen, was given an Orthodox Funeral at the Assumption. May His Memory be Eternal. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 st Louis Constantinou 1 st Alex Yarema 2 nd Kostas Theofilis 3 rd Melissa Mekus 4 th Bill Panouses 6 th Enzo Passini 10 th Stacy Olvera 13 th Bessie Lemen 16 th Joan Stopoulos 17 th Ann Kandis 17 th Barbara Staken 17 th Nick Staken 19 th Spiro Dokolas 24 th John Nikolopoulos 25 th Mike Kandis 29 th Nick Kontos Just a few Saints (Namedays) commemorated in February th Haralambos 17 th Theodore / Theodora

6 Saturday, March 9 th MARDI GRAS The Parish of St. George has invited us to come and enjoy the Mardi Gras celebration with them as an Orthodox Family of the Quad Cites. We have also been most generously asked to bring Silent Auction Items that will benefit the Parish of the Assumption. Please consider donating an item or a basket to aid in the ministries of our Beloved Parish. Put March 9 th on your calendar and come and enjoy the food, fellowship and fun of our last Hoorah before Great and Holy Lent. ASSUMPTION TRIVIA NIGHT Trivia Night at the Assumption Fellowship Hall Saturday, February 23 rd, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. DETAILS 5:30 p.m. Doors Open - 6:30 p.m. Start Time $10 Registration per person - Teams of 8 Cash Bar First and Second Place Cash Prizes Bring your own snacks or buy a Greek Pastry or Gyro RSVP TO JOHN ASAP (309)

7 HOSPITAL VISITATION Hospital Visitation is a ministry that we as Orthodox take very seriously, because it is at times when our fallen humanity is failing that we often times also experience spiritual weakness. Just a reminder, hospital visitations and visitation to our homebound parishioners are of utmost importance, but will only occur when the request comes from the family directly. Please respect this policy and also the Church and the Clergy. With pastoral love, Rev. Father Jon S. Boukis PROISTAMENOS Fr. Jon s Contact Numbers Church: (309) Home: (309) FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY The Assumption can now benefit from YOU shopping at Up to 5% of your monthly spending will be automatically transferred to the Church. Worried about the cost of gas - Schnucks is at the Locust St. exit (2nd exit off I-74 in Iowa) - less than 4 miles away!!! Iowa has no tax on food - it s a wash!!! Call Fr. Jon and get signed up for an escrip card and begin shopping at Schnucks today!

8 THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD Commemorated February 2 When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master..." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.

9 SAINT THEODORE THE COMMANDER Commemorated February 8 The holy Martyr Theodore was from Euchaita of Galatia and dwelt in Heraclea of Pontus. He was a renowned commander in the military, and the report came to the Emperor Licinius that he was a Christian and abominated the idols. Licinius therefore sent certain men to him from Nicomedia, to honor him and ask him to appear before him. Through them, however, Saint Theodore sent back a message that it was necessary for various reasons, that Licinius come to Heraclea. Licinius, seeing in this a hope of turning Saint Theodore away from Christ did as was asked of him. When the Emperor came to Heraclea, Saint Theodore met him with honor, and the Emperor in turn gave Theodore his hand, believing that through him he would be able to draw the Christians to the worship of his idols. Seated upon his throne in the midst of the people, he publicly bade Theodore offer sacrifice to the gods. But Theodore asked that the emperor entrust him with the most venerable of his gods, those of gold and silver, that he might take them home and himself attend upon them that evening, promising that the following day he would honor them in public. The Emperor, filled with joy at these tidings, gave command that Theodore's request be fulfilled. When the Saint had taken the idols home, he broke them in pieces and distributed the gold and silver to the poor by night. The next day a centurion named Maxentius told Licinius that he had seen a pauper pass by carrying the head of Artemis. Saint Theodore, far from repenting of this, confessed Christ boldly. Licinius, in an uncontainable fury, had the Saint put to many torments, then crucified. While upon the cross, the holy Martyr was further tormented -- his privy parts were cut off, he was shot with arrows, his eyes were put out, and he was left on the cross to die. The next day Licinius sent men to take his corpse and cast it into the sea; but they found the Saint alive and perfectly whole. Through this, many believed in Christ. Seeing his own men turning to Christ, and the city in an uproar, Licinius had Theodore beheaded, about the year 320. The Saint's holy relics were returned to his ancestral home on June 8, which is also a feast of the Great Martyr Theodore.

10 CHURCH. F E B R U A R Y Sunday Monday Tuesday 15 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour All-English Sunday 16 th Sunday of Matthew/ Godparent s Sunday Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am Family Worship Coffee Hour Philoptochos Meeting 17 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour All-English Sunday 16 th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Sunday School Coffee Hour :30pm - Parish Council Meeting :30pm - General Festival Meeting 26

11 . CALENDAR Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Great Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Divine Liturgy 10:00am 6 7 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study 8 9 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study :30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study :00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study :30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study :00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study Trivia Night 6:30pm 27 6:00pm-7:30pm Orthodox Bible Study 28 9:30am-11:00am Orthodox Bible Study Fasting Symbols Strict Fast Wine and Oil Allowed Dairy Allowed Fast Free

12 SERVICE SCHEDULE February 2 Saturday Presentation of the Lord 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy February 3 Sunday 15th Sunday of Matthew (Lawyer) 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. All-English Divine Liturgy February 10 Sunday 16th Sunday of Matthew (Talents) 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy February 17 Sunday 17th Sunday of Matthew (Canaanite) 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. All-English Divine Liturgy February 24 Sunday 16th Sunday of Luke (Publican and Pharisee) 9:00 a.m. Orthros 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy Πρόγραμμα Ιερών Ακολουθίων 2 Φεβρουαρίου Σάββατο Η Υπαπαντή του Κυρίου 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 3 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΕ του Ματθαίου 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΣΤ του Ματθαίου 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 17 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΖ του Ματθαίου 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 24 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή Κυριακή ΙΣΤ του Λουκά 9:00 π.μ. Όρθρος 10:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία

13 DIAKONIA Prosforo Schedule February 3 Kulla Anggeloplos February 10 Katherine Moraetes February 17 Marena Panousis February 24 Maria Kotrogiannis Coffee Hour February 3 Dennis and Pam Collier February 10 Not Yet Reserved February 17 Arlene Fenno-Gust February 24 Not Yet Reserved Sunday Gospel and Epistle Readings February 3 Gospel Matthew 22:35-46 Epistle II Corinthians 4:6-15 February 10 Gospel Matthew 25:14-30 Epistle II Timothy 2:1-10 February 17 Gospel Mark 12:13-17 Epistle II Corinthians 6:16-7:1 February 24 Gospel Luke 18:10-14 Epistle II Corinthians 4:6-15 Parish Council Ushering Schedule February 3 rd - Denny Mekus 10 th - George Georgiadis 17 rd - Kosta Dounoulis 24 th - John Stopoulos March 3 rd - Orest Akulow 10 th - Cathy Diakogeorgiou 17 th - Matt Miller 24 th - Paris Fotos 31 st - Mike Haney April 7 th - Denny Mekus 14 th - George Georgiadis 21 st - Kosta Dounoulis 28 th - John Stopoulos For each Sunday, the council member listed is to be present at 9:00 a.m. The council member listed for the week following will be assigned to help during the Divine Liturgy beginning at 9:50 a.m. through the processing of the collection.

14 Η Υπαπαντή του Κυρίου 2 Φεβρουαρίου Το γεγονός αυτό εξιστορεί ο ευαγγελιστής Λουκάς στο κεφάλαιο β, στ Συνέβη σαράντα μέρες μετά τη γέννηση του παιδιού Ιησού. Σύμφωνα με το Μωσαϊκό νόμο, η Παρθένος Μαρία, αφού συμπλήρωσε το χρόνο καθαρισμού από τον τοκετό, πήγε στο ναό της Ιερουσαλήμ μαζί με τον Ιωσήφ, γιά να εκτελεσθεί η τυπική αφιέρωση του βρέφους στο Θεό κατά το "πάν άρσεν διανοίγον μήτραν (δηλαδή πρωτότοκο) άγιον τω Κυρίω κληθήσεται "και για να προσφέρουν θυσία, που αποτελούνταν από ένα ζευγάρι τρυγόνια ή δύο μικρά περιστέρια. Κατά τη μετάβαση αυτή, δέχθηκε τον Ιησού στην αγκαλιά του ο υπερήλικας Συμεών, όπως θα εξιστορίσουμε αύριο στη μνήμη του. Αυτό το γεγονός αποτελεί άλλη μιά απόδειξη ότι ο Κύριος Ιησούς Χριστός δεν ήλθε να καταργήσει τον Μωσαϊκό νόμο, όπως ισχυρίζονταν οι υποκριτές Φαρισαίοι και Γραμματείς, αλλά να τον συμπληρώσει, να τον τελειοποιήσει. Κατά την ολονυκτία της Υπαπαντής στην Κωνσταντινούπολη, οι βασιλείς συνήθιζαν να παρευρίσκονται στο Ναό των Βλαχερνών. Η συνήθεια αυτή εξακολούθησε μέχρι τέλους της βυζαντινής αυτοκρατορίας.

15 Άγιος Χαράλαμπος Ιερομάρτυς 10 Φεβρουαρίου Ήταν ιερέας στη Μαγνησία της Μ. Ασίας. Η ζωή του ήταν μία συνεχής υπηρεσία αφοσίωσης στο Χριστό και αγάπης πρός τον πλησίον. Όταν το 198 ο Σεπτίμιος Σεβήρος εξαπέλυσε διωγμό κατά των Χριστιανών, ο έπαρχος Λουκιανός έφερε μπροστά του το Χαράλαμπο και τον απείλησε ότι θα τον βασάνιζε πολύ σκληρά για να αρνηθεί το Χριστό. Ο γέροντας ιερέας χαμογέλασε και απάντησε: "Εμείς οι χριστιανοί είμαστε εξοικειωμένοι με τους αγώνες και τους πολέμους, όπως οι γενναίοι στρατιώτες δεν επιθυμούν τον ήσυχο θάνατο στο κρεβάτι, αλλά τον δοξασμένο της μάχης. Σε μένα υπάρχουν τα γηρατειά, αλλά να μάθετε καλά ότι στους δικούς μας αγώνες το πάν είναι η ψυχή, η αποφασιστικότητα, η αυταπάρνηση. Αυτά δεν πέφτουν με την ηλικία, αλλά μένουν πάντοτε ανθηρά και νέα. Αμφιβάλλεις έπαρχε; Δοκίμασε. Και θα δείς ότι με τη χάρη του Κυρίου μου Ιησού Χριστού θα κουρασθούν όλοι οι ακμαίοι δημιοί σου, χωρίς ο ιερέας Χαράλαμπος να ζητήσει την επιείκειά σου".εκνευρισμένος από τα λόγια αυτά ο έπαρχος, διατάζει και τον γδέρνουν ζωντανό. Αυτός όμως αντί να σπαράζει από τον πόνο, δοξολογούσε το Θεό για την αντοχή που του έδινε. Τότε πολλοί δήμιοι, που έβλεπαν αυτό το θαύμα πίστεψαν στο Χριστό. Φοβισμένος ο έπαρχος τον άφησε ελεύθερο. Αργότερα ο ίδιος ο Σεβήρος, μη μπορώντας να τα βγάλει πέρα μαζί του, τον αποκεφάλισε σε ηλικία 113 ετών.

16 PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES Parish Council Meeting Minutes December 23, 2012 Call to Order at 12:30pm Present: Orest Akulow, Liz Gorman, Mike Haney, Kosta Dounoulis, Cathy Diakogeorgiou, Paris Fotos, Deno Kandis Excused: Denny Mekus, Tom Kouris, John Stopoulos Minutes: Correction needed: Cathy was present at prior meeting Priest s Report / New Business: Discussion/Viewing of the light bulbs in the back of the church and alter. Will replace the cans and lights. Fridge needs to be fixed: $625 approved needed asap Motion made by Costas, 2nd by Mike. Motion carried. Rugs: Want to switch to only outsourcing 2 rugs rather than all 6. Motion by Orest and 2nd by Mike to purchase 4 rugs that won t get cleaned by vendor on a regular basis only the 2 we outsource will. Motion carried. Philoptochos gave $1,500 to the building fund will use that to cover the rugs, lights, and the fridge. Thank you!! Pam Collier would like to use the hall on 12/30. All approved. Kosta motioned, Deno 2nd. Goya Outing: would like to plan one in February The Key Policy was reviewed and it will not change (no adjustments to be made). Treasurer s Report: Balance is low should be able to get through mid-january based on expected bills and income. Old Business: Greek Cultural Festival Update: Saturday, January 19th at 6pm --- Potluck Festival Kick-Off Party (use leftover beer/wine); Kronos is donating the gyros, sauce, and pita bread; $2,500 sponsors will have a VIP area to enjoy; Still working on ideas for a band. Beer Tasting Event January 12th John working with Kyle to get it catered. Super Bowl Party February 3rd Motion to adjourn by: Mike motioned, 2nd by: Paris

17 2013 STEWARSHIP UPDATE Stewardship Pledges received as of January 31, 2013 Haline Akulow Orest Akulow John Arvanitis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis Bill Bagatelas Paula Baker Ludmilla Cherevko Victor and Judy Cherevko Abraham and Molly Chirackal Ashor Chirackal George and Nancy Coin Dr. Costas and Yvonne Constantinou Angie Dokolas Lee Dokolas Dr. Konstantinos and Allison Dounoulis George and Georgia Eleftheropoulos Gus and Toula Fotos Elizabeth Gregory Tom Gregory Mike and Helen Haney Deno and Dr. Ann Kandis Francis Kandis Mike and Terri Kandis Georgiana and Patricia Kutrumanes Peter Lingris Georgia and Roger Lovejoy Celia Lubbers Christ and Susan Mekus Demos Mekus Lambros and Lisa Mihalopoulos Matt Miller Bill and Linda Minas Michael and Roseann Monn Katherine Moraetes Orion Naco Biju and Sholly Ninan Daphne Olvera Saki Padazopoulos Bill Panouses Helen Panouses Spiros and Carol Pappaspiros Jimmy Pliakos Ann Polillo Colette Spurgetis Frank Spurgetis Soc Spurgetis Paraskevi Stamatoukos Anthony and Joan Stopoulos Jim and Kristel Stopoulos Bill and Tracey Theofilis Kostas Theofilis John and Tricia Thodos Frank Vretis 53 Stewardship Pledges received for a total of: $72,780 These same 53 stewards pledged $74,479 in with an average of $1,492 per Assumption Family!!! Please take a moment and fill our you pledge card today.

18 Agape News SPONSORS The Agape News is made possible by the generous support of the following parishioners: Fr. Jon, Presbytera Doreece and Vasilia Boukis In Memory of Harry and Alfreda Arvanis Michael and Nancy Avgenackis In Memory of George Bagatelas Paul and Christine Bagatelas Family Theodore and Karen Bagatelas Paula Baker In Memory of Sadie (Elias) Bakeris In Memory of Jimmy Boukis Steve, Vaso and Lynn Boukis Kleo Caras Victor and Judy Cherevko Dennis and Pam Collier Miltos and Cathy Diakogeorgiou Dounoulis Family Litsa Gregory Tom P. Gregory Pete and Arlene Gust Mike and Helen Haney James Jannes Mike and Terri Kandis George and Helen Kontos Joyce Coughlin and JoAnn Kontos Anastasios and Dimitra Korovilas Ninan Family In Memory of Christ T. Panousis Fr. Basil and Christina Papanikolaou 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 Rick and Maria Krakos Thompson John and Mary Velon 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 $20. Please list my sponsorship as follows:

19 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) Miltos Diakogeorgiou, Parishioner Jose Zepeda, Chef Owners Owned by Chris & Kathy Panouses Presenting Sponsor of the 2012 Greek Cultural Festival Annual Golf Tournament 3629 Avenue of the Cities Moline, IL LCV Greek & Mediterranean Food Store Now selling a nice selection of Greek & Middle Eastern Products to the public Noon-5pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am-Noon Saturday and by appointment th Ave. East Moline, IL Olympic Gyros Open 7 Days a Week 207 W. 53rd St. Davenport, IA Advantage Pest Control Servicing Assumption for 5 years Call Steve Today! 985 Ave. of the Cities Silvis, Illinois Owned by Parishioners John & MaryBeth Stopoulos Gulliver's Travel Southpark Mall Northpark Mall Duck Creek Plaza Todd Bagatelas, President

20 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