VOICE THE. May the memory of Father Nikiforos be eternal. THE VOICE February Volume No In Memoriam

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1 THE VOICE THE VOICE February Volume No. 259 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Article... 1 Stewardship Community Events... 7 Cherubs... 8 Academy... 9 New Year s Eve Greek Letters Parish Events Κοινοτικά Νέα Liturgical Schedule Community Events Philoptochos News ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL WWW. SAINT- SPYRIDON.ORG In Memoriam For this month s article, allow me to take a break from our series on the eleven eothina, in order to reflect upon a very special person who fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, January 10th: Our beloved Fr. Nikiforos Tzerdimos. Beloved by all and already sorely missed, Fr. Nikiforos served as a priest of our Church for over fifty years. He was ordained on August 15th, 1962, at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. During the last fifty years, Fr. Nikiforos and Presvytera Eleni served at the parishes of the Assumption in East Moline, St. Spyridon in Sheboygan, WI, and after retiring they served at St. Nicholas in Oak Lawn and during last twelve years we had the blessing to have them with us at St. Spyridon. May the memory of Father Nikiforos be eternal

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... Vice-President Konstantine Labrakis... Vice President James Xeros... Secretary Frank Kopanis... Assistant Secretary Gus Kolyvas... Treasurer Nicholas Chibucos... Assistant Treasurer Auxiliary Officers Stylianos Bonanos... Chanter Toula Georgiopoulos... Philoptochos Georgia Theoharis... P.T.A. Kiki Kazazakis... Kentro Lambrini Stavrou... Plutarchos Greek School Anna Angelos... Academy Zoe Kopanis... Sunday School Director Nicky Glikis... Choir Director Dana Vasilakos... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Joanne Spinos... Cherubs Presvytera Georgia... HOPE Fr. Tilemahos... Byzantine Music Panagiotis Mihalopoulos... Iconography Fr. Tilemahos... Bible Study Vicki Drikos... 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. Fr. Nikiforos was truly loved in every community he served. Most of all, he was loved by the children because Father was a kid at heart. One only need to visit his home and see all the toys he kept around. Especially around Christmas time he had all the dancing Santas and reindeer out for the kids to play, including the ever so popular singing filet of fish. Most of all, however, the altar boys of St. Spyridon occupied a special place in his heart. He always wanted to bring them together, to treat them to some pizza and spend time with them. In turn, they never forgot about him, but as young men they continued to visit him and take care of him as the years went by. Despite his disability that kept him in a wheelchair for the last ten years, Father always looked forward to coming to the divine services. Renowned for his speedy chanting, he always prayed with his heart and often with tears. The services to the Panagia were his favorite. He harbored a great love for the Mother of God in his heart, a love which was given to him by his mother. When he was a little boy, his family had to flee their home in Smyrna and travel to Crete. His father, however, was held captive by the Turkish government, and his mother prayed daily to the Panagia for his safe return. A year later, his father found them at their home in Crete; Panagia had performed her miracle for which Father Nikiforos was grateful his whole life. Without a doubt, Presvytera Eleni was the one person he loved and cared for the most. The two of them were from different worlds. Father grew up in Greece with his music, style and ways of the old world. Presvytera grew up in Chicago, a conservative educated Greek- American woman of the 50 s. Married later in life, they made it work. Father prayed earnestly for her health and well being, in gratitude for her continued love and dedication. They served their small communities together with great zeal and love for their parishioners. They had so many experiences together as they traveled all over the world. They respected and loved each other to the end of their days. In our community, both Father and Presvytera were our inspiration. Hundreds of parishioners from the southside, from East Moline and from Sheboygan, and throughout the area came to pay their respects during the all night vigil. The funeral for Fr. Nikiforos was held on January 15th, with His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos presiding, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, and area clergy. The forty day memorial will be on Sunday, February 17th, and we will all be called again to remember him in our prayers. For our community of Saint Spyridon, Father Nikiforos will always be remembered as a true man of God, faithfully serving His Church and reflecting His love upon us all. May the Lord grant Fr. Nikiforos rest with the Saints, and may God "remember his priesthood in His Kingdom always, now and forever and unto the ages of ages." Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos 2 The Voice

3 STEWARDSHIP 2013 Stewardship 2013 Progress Report As of January 28th, 2013 Pledged Stewards: 96 Stewardship Goal for Stewards The Stewardship Committee thanks our 356 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2012 year and our 96 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2013 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. STEWARDS 2013-JANUARY 1ST-JANUARY 27TH Mr. & Mrs. Gus Alikakos Fr. & Pres. Tilemahos Alikakos Mr. & Mrs. John Angelos Mr. John Arger Mr. & Mrs. John Arvanites Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Bart Dr. & Mrs. Ted Bechrakis Mr. & Mrs. James Berdusis Mr. Angelo Besbekos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Boe Mr. & Mrs. Antone Botonakis Mrs. Morfo Bountinas Mrs. Theoney Bouris Mr. & Mrs. Zaharias Bousies Mrs. Effie Bouzios Mr. & Mrs. Christos Catsogiannis Mr. & Mrs. Polyx. Christopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Harry Deligiannis Mr. & Mrs. Gus Dendrinos Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Doulas Mrs. Martha Eliopulos Ms. Ruth Ellen Faklis Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Garinis Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Gatsinos Mr. & Mrs. George Gatsios Ms. Vicki Georgakas Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Ted Georgiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Paul Glikis Mr. & Mrs. James Halikas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Haniotakis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hix Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Intzes Mrs. Zafira Jouras Mr. & Mrs. Christos Katsoulis Mr. & Mrs. Emman. Kekempanos Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kekempanos Mr. &Mrs. Stanley Ketsios Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Kladis Mrs. Tasia Kladis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Klioris Dr. & Mrs. Chris Kolyvas Ms. Emily Kolyvas Mr. Gus Kolyvas Mr. & Mrs. Pete Kolyvas Ms. Sophia C Kolyvas Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kopanis Mr. & Mrs. Domenicos Kosteris Mr. & Mrs. James Kotsiviras Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kottaras Mr. & Mrs. Chris Koulogeorge Mr. & Mrs. George Kyroudis Mr. & Mrs. Konstadinos Labrakis Mr. & Mrs. Mike Lamonto Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Les Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Les Mrs. Betty J. Lillios Mr. &Mrs. Peter Manasses Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Meklis Mr. & Mrs. Chris Manolitsis Ms. Catherine Nakos Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Panou Mr. & Mrs. George Papadopoulos Mrs. Panagiota Paraskis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paraskis Ms. Christina Partridge Mr. & Mrs. John Pavlopoulos Mr. Bill Perakis Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Perakis Mrs. Beatrice Perkins Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Prevett Mr. & Mrs. Nick Petinatos Mrs. Despina Petropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Poulos Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Primbas Ms. Demetria T. Proutsos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Rougas Mrs. Matexea Siomos Mrs. Demitra Stameson Mr. Peter Stribakos Mr. & Mrs. George Theoharis Mrs. Fay Thiakos Ms. Catherine Tomaras Mr. & Mrs. Tom Tomaras Mr. & Mrs. William Toulios Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Treantafeles Mr. Iosef Tripolitakis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Tsakiris Mr. Peter Tsakiris Mr. John Tsikouris Mr. & Mrs. Louis Tsonis Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Wagner Mr. & Mrs. Christos Vavaroutsos Mrs. Ellie Zaharopoulos Mrs. Anastasia Zappas Ms. Jane Zappas St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 Mr. & Mrs. Nika Alex Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Alexakos Dr. & Mrs. Alex Alemis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Alexopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Vassilios Alexopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Alikakos Fr. T& Pr. Tilemahos Alikakos Mr. & Mrs. Tareq Amin Ms. Eleni Anagnopoulos Mrs. Virginia Andrews Mr. & Mrs. Nichol Andricopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Rick Angell Mr. & Mrs. John Angelos Mrs. Dena Anton Mr. John Arger Mr. & Mrs. John Arvanites Mr. & Mrs. Pete Ayaleanos Mr. & Mrs. John Baltsas Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Bart Mr. & Mrs. Gus Banakis Mrs. Chryssi Bastas Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Battersby Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Bechrakis Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Bepis Mrs. Aspasia Berdusis Mr. & Mrs. James Berdusis Mr. Angelo Besbekos Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Besbekos Mr. & Mrs. Mark Besbekos Mr. & Mrs. Sam Bisbikis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Bisbikis Ms. Eleni Bizoukas Mr. & Mrs. Leo Bizoukas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Boe Mr. Stylianos Bonanos Mr. & Mrs. John Booras Mrs. Morfo Boutinas Ms. Patricia Boutinas Mrs. Theoney Bouris Mr. & Mrs. Mihalis Bourtsos Mr. & Mrs. Zaharias Bousies Mrs. Effie Bouzios Mr. & Mrs. Gornet Bremmer Mr. & Mrs. Christos Catsogiannis Mr. & Mrs. Sam Charalambos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Chiagouris Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Chibucos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Christy Mr. & Mrs. James Curtis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Dagres Ms. Elena Dalleck Mr. Dimitris Dandinidis With Gratitude to all our Stewards for 2012 Mr. & Mrs. John Davros Mr. & Mrs. Harry Deligiannis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Delis Ms. Calliope Demakis Mr. & Mrs. Gus Dendrinos Mr. & Mrs. Alex Dimitrakakos Mrs. Steve Doimas Mr. & Mrs. George Drikos Mr. George Eliacostas Mr. & Mrs. John Eliacostas Mr. Vasilis Eliadis Mr. & Mrs. Chris Eliopulos Mrs. Martha Eliopulos Mrs. Angela Evangelopoulos Mrs. Georgia Evangelopoulos Ms. Ruth Faklis Mr. & Mrs. Scott Falcone Mr. & Mrs. John Farsatis Mrs. Maria Farsatis Mrs. Sophia Felecos Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Flaburis Mr. & Mrs. John Fotopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Garinis Mr. & Mrs. George Gatsios Mr. & Mrs. Theofanis Gatsios Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Gatsinos Mr. & Mrs. John Georgakas Mr. & Mrs. A. Georgiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Ted Georgiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tim Georgiopoulos Ms. Irene Giardina Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Glikis Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Glikis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Glikis Mr. & Mrs. Gus Goudis Mr. & Mrs. Mark Gountanis Mrs. Maria Goutis Mrs. Vasiliki Goutis Mr. & Mrs. Gus Grapsas Mr. & Mrs. James Halikas Mr. & Mrs. Aris Halikias Mr. & Mrs. Michael Haniotakis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Harris Mr. Christos Hatzis Mr. & Mrs. Leonidas Hatzis Mr. & Mrs. Demosteni Hioureas Ms. Djamila Hushetdinova Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Intzes Mr. & Mrs. Amjad Janinah Mr. & Mrs. Willie Jenkins Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Jones Mrs. Zafira Jouras Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kalanzis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Kallas Mr. & Mrs. Panicos Kaloghirou Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Kalpakidis Mr. & Mrs. Steve Kapsalis Ms. Bessie Karabis Mr. & Mrs. Dim. Karamagianis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Karamagianis Mr. & Mrs. Akela Karampelas Mr. Dean Karampelas Ms. Denise Karioris Mr. & Mrs. John Karopulos Mr. Demetrios Karuntzos Mrs. Goergia Karuntzos Mr. & Mrs. Tom Katris Mr. Evan Katsenis Ms. Patricia Katsenis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Katsis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Katsoulis Mrs. Irene Kavooras Mr. & Mrs. John Kavroulakis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kavroulakis Mr. & Mrs. Kavvadas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kazazakis Mr. & Mrs. Em. Kekempanos Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kekempanos Mr & Mrs. Stanley Ketsios Mrs. Helen King Mrs. Koula Kintonis Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Kladis Mr. & Mrs. John Kladis Mr. & Mrs. Pavlos Kladis Mr. & Mrs. George Kleopa Mrs. Sofia Kleopa Ms. Jennifer Kliaris Mr. & Mrs. Louis Klioris Mr. & Mrs. Tonis Klioris Ms. Tina Kliros Dr. & Mrs. Chris Kolyvas Ms. Emily Kolyvas Mr. Gus Kolyvas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kolyvas Ms. Sophia Kolyvas Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kontaris Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Kontaris Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kopanis Mr. & Mrs. Chris Korbakes Mr. & Mrs. George Korbakes Mr. James Korbakes Mr. & Mrs. Peter Korbakes Mr. & Mrs. John Korbakis Mrs. Zoe Korbakis Mr. George Kosionis & Mrs. Jan Augustine Mr. Peter Kosionis Mr. & Mrs. Domenicos Kosteris Mr. & Mrs. George Kotsis Mr. & Mrs. James Kotsiviras Mr. Prokopios Kotsiviras Mr. & Mrs. Theo Kotsores Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Kottaras Mr. & Mrs. Chris Koulogeorge Mr. & Mrs. Koutras Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Koutsis Ms. Margaret Koutsoubas Mr. & Mrs. John Koziocas Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Kremmidas Mr. & Mrs. George Kristo Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kunz Mr. & Mrs. Greg Kyriakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Kyroudis Mr. & Mrs. Kosta Labrakis Mr. & Mrs. Demetra Lambros Mr. & Mrs. Mike Lamonto Mr. & Mrs. Brian Latka Mr. & Mrs. John Lavvas Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Les Mr. & Mrs. Tom Les Mrs. Nicholas Lillios Mr. & Mrs. George Limperis Mr. & Mrs. William Limperis Mr. Angelo Lolis & Family Mr. George Maglaris Mr. & Mrs. Andre Malamis Ms. Georgia Malamis Mr. & Mrs. Taso Malamis Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Malfas Mr. Labros Malfas Mr. & Mrs. Evan Manolis Mr. & Mrs. Chris Manolitsis Mr. & Mrs. Konst. Manzilas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrius Marines Mr. Harry Marines Mr. & Mrs. Spyr. Marinopoulos Mr. Eustratios Marinos Mr. & Mrs. Frank Marinos Mr. & Mrs. Theofanis Marinos Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Markos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Mastorakos Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Mastoras Mr. Nicholas Mataragas Mr. Alex Mazarakos Mr. John Mazarakos 4 The Voice

5 Mr. James Meintanis Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Meklis Ms. Nectaria Meyer Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Mezes Mr. & Mrs. Deno Mihas Ms. Catherine Nakos Mrs. Marie Nicholson Mrs. Christina Nikolopoulos Mrs. Bessie Ntovas Mrs. Violet O Donnell Mr. & Mrs. William Pagunas Ms. Tessie Pallas Mr. & Mrs. Nick Panagiotaros Mr. Peter Panagiotaros Mr. & Mrs. P. Panagiotopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tas. Panagiotopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Panos Ms. Anastasia Panouses Mr. Demetre Papadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. G. Papadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Papaioannou Mr. & Mrs. Philip Papamakarios Mr. & Mrs. Sam Papanastasatos Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Papoulias Mr. & Mrs. Alex Pappas Dr. & Mrs. Amiel Pappas Mr. Andrew Pappas Ms. Catherin Pappas Ms. Constance Pappas Mrs. Effie Pappas Mr. George A. Pappas Ms. Kathryn Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Pappas Ms. Panagiota Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Pappas Mrs. Panagtiota Paraskis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paraskis With Gratitude to all our Stewards for 2012 Mr. & Mrs. Odysseas Parr Mrs. Christina Patridge Mr. & Mrs. John Pavlopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paxinos Mrs. Despina Petropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Bill Perakis Mr. & Mrs. John Perakis Mr. & Mrs. Steven Perakis Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Perakis Mr. & Mrs. Brian Perkins Mr. Athanasios Perros Mr. & Mrs. Alekos Perros Dr. Mary Peters Mr. & Mrs. Nick Petinatos Mr. & Mrs. James Petrakos Mr. & Mrs. Phil Petropoulos Mr. Marinos Petropoulos Mr. Peter Polmen Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Polyzos Mrs. Penny Poninski Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Poulos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Poulos Mrs. Panayiota Poziopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Prassas Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Primbas Mr. Dennis Priovolos Mr. & Mrs. Ted Proutsos Mr. Nick Pyknis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Retsinas Mr. & Mrs. Rob Righetti Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Riley Mr. & Mrs. Vasi. Rodogiannis Mrs. Evagelia Rogiokos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Rougas Mr. & Mrs. Em. Rousonelos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sacha Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Schultz Stewardship 2012 A great stewardship year for Saint Spyridon s 357 Stewards!!! Mr. & Mrs. Glynn Searl Mr. & Mrs. Louie Shaheen Mr. & Mrs. Tony Shamma Ms. Angeline Sieracki Mr. & Mrs. Peter Simandirakis Mrs. Metaxea Siomos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Skiadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Theodoros Smirnis Mr. Alexander Michael Soteris Mr. & Mrs. Tim Spanos Ms. Mary Sperlakis Ms. Rita Sperlakis Mrs. Sophie Speros Mr. & Mrs. Nick Spinos Mr. & Mrs. John Spiro Mr. & Mrs. Alex Stamatoglou Mr. & Mrs. John Stamatoglou Mr. & Mrs. Simon Stamatoglou Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Stameson Mrs. Demitra Stameson Mr. & Mrs. Panayiotis Stamus Ms. Suzan Stark Fr & Pr Anargyros Stavropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Than. Stavropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Stavrou Mr. & Mrs. George Stefos Mr. & Mrs. Kost.. Stergiopoulos Mr. James Stive Mr. Peter Stribakos Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Styliaras Mr. & Mrs. Omar Sweiss Mr. & Mrs. John Synadinos Mr. Nick Theofanopoulos Mr. & Mrs. S. Theofanopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Theodorou Mr. & Mrs. George Theoharis Mrs. Fay Thiakos With heartfelt gratitude we pray that the Lord our God may guide and bless all our stewards and our community to continue to worthily serve in His vineyard and to give glory to His Name. Ms. Catherine Tomaras Mr. & Mrs. Tom Tomaras Mrs. Connie Tovar Mrs. Ida Trakadas Mrs. Diane Tembone Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Treantafeles Mr. & Mrs. Christos Tsakiris Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Tsantilis Mr. Peter Tsakiris Mr. & Mrs. James Tsipakis Mr. & Mrs. George Tsikouris Mr. John Tsikouris Ms. Athena Tsinoukas Mr. & Mrs. Anestis Tsonis Mr. & Mrs. Louis Tsonis Mr. & Mrs. Vasileios Tsoukalas Mr. & Mrs. George Tsourdinis Fr. & Pr Nikiforos Tzerdimos Mr. & Mrs. Jim Vainikos Mr. Michael Valaris Ms. Theodosia Valavanidis Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Vallas Mr. & Mrs. Ted Vanwermeskerken Mr. & Mrs. George Vasilakos Mr. & Mrs. Sofoklis Vasiliades Mr. Konstantinos Vasilopooulos Mr. Peter Vasilopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Vassilakis Mr. & Mrs. Antonis Vassiliou Ms. Ourania Vassiliou Mr. & Mrs. Christos Vavaroutsos Mrs. Maria Venardos Mr. & Mrs. John Virosztko Mr. & Mrs. Labros Vlachos Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Vlahos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Vlahos Mr. & Mrs. Alex Vlassis Mr. Christ Vournazos Mr. & Mrs. George Vythoulkas Mr. & Mrs. John Willis Mr. & Mrs. James Xeros Mrs. Elle Zaharopoulos Mrs. Anastasia Zappas Ms. Jane Zappas Mr. & Mrs. Tom Zentefis Mrs. Effie Zorbas Mr. & Mrs. Bob Zougras St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

6 P.T.A. NEWS On January 27th, we held our Annual Artoclasia in honor of the feast of the Three Hierarchs, the patron saints of Greek Religious Education. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Gus Alikakos and Mrs. Maria Vassilakis for preparing the Artous. Congratulations to all the Greek Scholl teachers and their students for their beautiful performances during the various Metropolis Hellenic Letters celebrations! In the month of February, the P.T.A. is planning a Valentines Day Fundraiser, during Greek School hours on February 1st, 4th and 8th. Send your Valentine a flower and chocolates. We are also preparing for our 1st Talent Show, Greeks Got Talent. Students will showcase their amazing talent! Please turn in forms ASAP if your child is interested in participating. Volunteers are needed to help make this a successful event. Please contact a PTA member for more information. School Spirit Day, on Friday, February 15th. Wear your Plutarchos School T-shirt! February Coffee Social Hour Schedule February 10th Jr. Choir, February 17th and February 24th GOYA The P.T.A. is planning its Greek Independence Day celebration on Sunday, March 24th, with a luncheon and festive program by our Greek School students and Greek Dancers. The P.T.A. is seeking volunteers and donors for the event. Our next meeting will be held on Friday, February 8th, during Greek School. Georgia Theoharis P.T.A. President 6 The Voice

7 COMMUNITY VASILOPITA CELEBRATION The annual Community Vasilopita celebration took place on Sunday, Jan. 8 th after the Divine Liturgy. Fr. Tilemahos honored all St. Spyridon organizations and ministries with a slice of Vasilopita. The winners of the special coin, flouri, were our Altar Boys represented by Chris Koulogeorge. Special Thanks to Mrs. Kathy Korbakes for baking this year s Vasilopita NEW PARISH COUNCIL BOARD Congratulations to our new Parish Council for St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 CHERUBS Happy New Year! Καλή Χρονιά! Just prior to Christmas break Cherubs had two very special visitors...santa and Mrs. Claus came to wish the children well and pass out presents! The kids were so excited! It was wonderful to see how happy they were. We started off 2013 with lots of fun activities already. We joined the Academy kids at an in school field trip to watch the Amazing Animals Show. The kids were really amazed! Wow, how fun and amazing that was. We also gathered to cut our very own Cherubs vasilopita. Father joined us to bless it and cut it for us. February will be a month filled with celebrations at Cherubs! Valentines Day is approaching and the little ones will be busy creating special Valentines for their families. We also have a couple birthday celebrations this month! Vasili Riley celebrated his birthday and Constantine Georgakas will be celebrating as well! Happy Birthday to our Cherubs! We will also continue with our Animal theme that began with The Amazing Animals show. The Cherubs program has grown so much and is stronger than ever. Please join us every Tuesday to participate in all the fun activities she will have prepared for the children. A blessed New Year to us all! Joanna Spinos, Cherubs Advisor Support St. Spyridon s Academy Coffee Social Bake Sale Raffle Sunday, February 17, 2013 The parents and children of Academy thank you in advance for your support School Year REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Please be aware that applications are accepted on a first come first serve basis, with priority given to St. Spyridon stewards and alumni. We have limited space so please plan accordingly. Applications are available in the office and on our website. Please contact Mrs. Anna at archangels@saint-spyridon.org or (708) to set up a visit and check out our school, you will not be disappointed. Our preschool is for 3 and 4 year olds, and it runs from 9am to 12 noon Monday through Thursday. 8 The Voice

9 Academy Preschool was very excited to sponsor a visit for its students from Scott Heinrichs, founder and director of the Animal Adventures and Flying Fox Conservation Fund. Mr. Heinrichs brought a variety of animals for the preschoolers along with the Cherubs play group to see, touch and hold; from a fluffy white bunny to a red tailed boa constrictor. Children learned if the animals were nocturnal and who was a herbivore or carnivore and even who made for a good pet. All in all it was a fantastic in-school field trip. students holding a red tailed boa constrictor, Nadia and Christine petting a kinkajou, Nayia and Evan petting a fox, Vasili and the fox checking each other out, George let the lizard sit on his head. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 NEW YEAR S EVE DINNER DANCE On December 31st, our community of Saint Spyridon hosted its New Year s Eve Celebration with great success. Over two hundred guests enjoyed delicious food, music and fellowship as they welcomed the new year Many thanks to Mr. Ted Georgiopoulos and his committee for organizing this events, to Mr. Kosta Alexopoulos for his generous support of the event, and all the donors and volunteers who made the evening a success. May the new year 2013 be full of blessings for all our parishioners and their families! On Sunday, January 27th, our community welcomed Fr. Alexios from the parish of the Annunciation in Piraeus, Greece. Fr. Alexios was visiting family here in Chicago and graciously came to our community to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and offer the sermon. His beautiful voice and his pious character made his visit truly memorable. We asked Fr. Alexios for cd s of recorded services from his parish in Greece, which he left in our bookstore. We hope that Fr. Alexios will come and visit us again sooon. 10 The Voice FR. ALEXIOS VISIT

11 GREEK LETTERS CELEBRATION/VASILOPITA In celebration of Greek Letters in honor of the Three Hierarchs, Sts. Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chysostom, our Metropolis of Chicago organizes a series of events to mark the occasion. Our Greek School Plutarchos participated in two of those events. The Pansholiki, a gathering of all the Chicago area Greek Schools, each one presenting a unique short program in celebration of Greek Letters. Our Plutarchos Greek School was represented by our choir of students who sang three songs about different places in Greece. There was also a poem presentation on the topic of the Three Hierarchs. The second event was the Hellenic Letters Luncheon, on Sunday, January 27th. Our kids performed three beautiful Greek songs. Congratulations to all of them! St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

12 Chicago s South Suburban Greek Orthodox Parishes cordially invite Orthodox Seniors to the Christian Fellowship Tuesday, February 19, 2013 St. Spyridon Church Palos Heights, IL Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Followed by luncheon and fellowship. Free of Charge Call St. Spyridon (708) or your parish office to make a reservation. Hosted by the Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 12 The Voice

13 SUMMARY OF NEW YEAR S EVE We wish to thank everyone who attended the New Year s Dance. As you can see from the results in the comparative table below our Church had a successful Dance. We wish to thank all the parishioners who participated either by attending and/or through their various donations and contributions REVENUES Ticket Sales $ 10,668 Donations 1,411 Total Revenue 12,079 EXPENSES Music 1,000 Other Expenses 3,735 Total Expenses 4,735 Profit $ 7,344 Number of Paid Attendance 273 More detail to NY Eve Dance Results is available to any Steward who Contacts the Church Office. THANK YOU to all of you who contributed to the collection for St. Basil s Academy. May God bless all of you! to the Sunday School teachers & P.T.A. ladies for making all the Vasilopites for our Sunday & Greek School Vasilopita Celebration and the P.T.A. for the St. Basil Coin that was awarded to all the winners. to Ted Georgiopoulos and his entire committee and the Parish Council for organizing the New Year s Eve Dinner Dance. to all the donors for donating food items for the New Year s Eve Dinner Dance. to our volunteers who repaired the ceiling by the cry room. To all the students and their families who participated in the Pansholiki Greek Letters Celebration at St. Demetrios, Elmhurst, and at the Greek Letters Luncheon at the Chateau Ritz in Niles. To our choir director, Mrs. Nicki Glikis for preparing our children to perform beautifully at these events. IN MEMORIAM MEMORIALS Sunday, January 13th + 40 days for Nikoletta Katzioris, + 9 mon. for Eleftheria Diakogiannis. Sunday, January 20th +2yrs for Nicholas Lillios, +2yr for Korina Stribakos, + 3yr for Epaminontas Theodoropoulos, + 8yr for Evgenia Mazarakos, +33 years Alex Georgiou, +12 years Vasiliki Georgiou. Sunday, January 27th +1yr for Areti Tsoulos Staudohar, +1yr for Anastasios Kintonis. BAPTISMS The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Dagres was baptized on January 13th and given the name Nikoletta Maria. Mr. & Mrs. Kostas and Zoe Retsinas were the sponsors. The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Rocky Wagner was baptized on January 26th and given the name Demetra Lily. Mr. & Μrs. Timothy and Kathy Perakis were the sponsors. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13

14 ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ Ευχαριστούμε τις 96 οικογένεις που εκπλήρωσαν τις υποσχέσεις τους για το έτος Υπενθυμίζουμε σε όλους ότι έχουν ταχυδρομηθεί οι Καταστάσεις Υπόσχεσης του Καλού Οικονόμου για το τρέχον έτος. Σας παρακαλούμε να ανανεώσετε την συνδρομή σας το γρηγορώτερο δυνατόν. Xρειαζόμαστε την βοήθεια και την υποστήρηξη όλων σας. ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΦΙΛΟΞΕΝΙΑ H Φιλόπτωχος Αδελφότης του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος προσκαλεί όλους τους ηλικιωμένους πιστούς των νοτίων προαστίων του Σικάγου για την ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΦΙΛΟΞΕΝΙΑ την Τρίτη, 19 Φεβρουαρίου, εορτή της Αγίας Φιλοθέης της Αθηναίας. Οι ιερείς των πέντε ενοριών της περιοχής θα προεστούν στην Θεία Λειτουργία, και θα ακολουθήσει γεύμα και διασκέδαση. Για κλείσεις θέσεων, τηλεφωνήσετε το κοινοτικό γραφείο. ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ Μαθητές του Ελληνικού μας σχολείου συμμετείσχαν στην Πανσχολική Εορτή όλων των Ελληνικών Σχολείων της παροικίας του Σικάγου πού ετελέσθη στον Ι.Ν. Αγίου Δημητρίου στο Elmhurst, IL, το Σάββατο 19 Ιανουαρίου. Ευχαριστούμε όλους τους γονείς καί παιδιά που προσήλθαν στον εορτασμόν αυτόν. Την Κυριακή, 27 Ιανουαρίου, στο εορταστικό γέυμα της Μητροπόλεως Σικάγου, εδώθησαν τα βραβεία στους αριστούχους του διαγωνισμού ΤΟ ΑΡΙΣΤΕΙΟΝ από τό σχολείο μας, τον Παναγιώτη Παναγιωτόπουλο καί Γαβριέλα Συνοδινού. Συγχαρητήρια στους μαθητές μας, και σέ όλους όσους συμμετείσχαν στον εορτασμόν των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων. Το Ελληνικό μας σχολείο θα παρουσιάσει το πρόγραμμα της Εορτής των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων την Παρασκευή, 1 Φεβρουαρίου στις 4:30 μ.μ.. Ο εορτασμός της 25ης Μαρτίου θα γίνει την Κυριακή 31 Μαρτίου, μέ γεύμα, ποιήματα και ελληνικούς χορούς. APOKΡΕΑΤΙΚΟ ΓΛΕΝΤΙ Κυριακή 10η Μαρτίου 2013, μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. ΒΙΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΦΙΛΟΘΕΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΘΗΝΑΙΑΣ Η Αγία Φιλοθέη γεννήθηκε το έτος 1522 μ.χ. στην τουρκοκρατούμενη τότε Αθήνα. Οι ευσεβείς γονείς της ονομάζονταν Άγγελος και Συρίγα Μπενιζέλου. Η μητέρα της ήταν στείρα και απέκτησε την Αγία μετά από θερμή και συνεχή προσευχή. Σε ηλικία 14 χρονών, οι γονείς της την πάντρεψαν, παρά την θέλησή της, με έναν από τους άρχοντες της Αθήνας. Αργότερα, αφού πέθαναν οι γονείς και ο σύζυγός της, ήρθε η ώρα να πραγματοποιήσει ένα μεγάλο πόθο της. Αφιερώνεται εξ ολοκλήρου στον Χριστό, γίνεται μοναχή και παίρνει το όνομα Φιλοθέη. Κατ' αρχήν, ύστερα από εντολή του Αγίου Ανδρέα του Πρωτόκλητου, τον οποίο είδε σε όραμα, οικοδόμησε ένα γυναικείο μοναστήρι. Η Οσία, παρά τις αντιδράσεις των Τούρκων, οικοδομεί διάφορα φιλανθρωπικά ιδρύματα, νοσηλευτήρια, ορφανοτροφεία, «σχολεῖα διὰ τοὺς παίδας τῶν Ἀθηναίων, διὰ ν ἀνοίξη τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν πρὸς τὴν παράδοσιν καὶ τὴν δόξαν τῶν προγόνων των». Μάταια οι Τούρκοι προσπαθούν να ανακόψουν την δράση της. Ώσπου μια νύχτα, ανέβηκαν στον εξωτερικό τοίχο και πήδησαν μέσα στην αυλή άρπαξαν την Αγία και την μαστίγωσαν με μανία και βαναυσότητα και την εγκαταλείπουν ημιθανή έξω από τη μονή της. Η Αγία Φιλοθέη υποκύπτει στα τραύματά της στις 19 Φεβρουαρίου 1589 μ.χ. 14 The Voice

15 Friday, February 1st Saturday, February 2nd Sunday, February 3rd Monday, February 4th Friday, February 8th Saturday, February 9th Sunday, February 10th Monday, February 11th Saturday, February 16th Sunday, February 17th Monday, February 18th Tuesday, February 19th Saturday, February 23rd Sunday, February 24th Monday, February 25th Friday, March 1st Saturday, March 2nd Sunday, March 3rd Monday, March 4th Saturday, March 9th Sunday, March 10th Schedule of Divine Services St. Tryphon, Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Agiasmos Service 8:00 a.m. The Presentation of Our Lord & Savior into the Temple, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.* Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. 15th Sunday of Matthew, Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. Paraklesis 6:00 p.m. St. Theodore the Commander Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Gr. Vespers at St. Haralambos Church in Niles, IL 7:00 p.m. 16th Sunday of Matthew, St. Haralambos the Holy Martyr, Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. Paraklesis 6:00 p.m. Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. Sunday of the Canaanite Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Paraklesis 6:00 p.m. St. Philothei of Athens Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. St. Polycarp Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee, Triodion Begins Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Paraklesis 6:00 p.m. Agiasmos 9:00 a.m. Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. Paraklesis 6:00 p.m. Saturday of Souls Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Vespers 6:00 p.m. Meatfare Sunday, Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. Παρασκευή 1 Φεβρουαρίου Αγ. Τρύφωνος, Ορθρος, Λειτουργία & Αγιασμός 9:30 π.μ. Σάββατο 2 Φεβρουαρίου Υπαπαντή του Κυρίου, Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. * Μέγας Εσπερινός 5:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 3 Φεβρουαρίου 15η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 4 Φεβρουαρίου Παράκλησις 6:00 μ.μ. Παρασκευή 8 Φεβρουαρίου Αγίου Θεοδώρου Στρατηλάτου Όρθρος, Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 9 Φεβρουαρίου Μ. Εσπερινός στον Ιερό Ναό του Αγίου Χαραλάμπους 7:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 10 Φεβρουαρίου 16η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Ιερ.Χαραλάμπους, Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 13 Φεβρουαρίου Παράκλησις 6:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 16 Φεβρουαρίου Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 17 Φεβρουαρίου 17η Κυριακή του Ματθαίου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη, 19 Φεβρουαρίου Αγίας Φιλοθέης -Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 23 Φεβρουαρίου Αγίου Πολυκάρπου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 24 Φεβρουαρίου Κυριακή του Τελώνου και Φαρισαίου (Αρχίζει το Τριώδιο), Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 25 Φεβρουαρίου Παράκλησις 6:00 μ.μ. Παρασκευή, 1 Μαρτίου Αγιασμοός 9:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 2 Μαρτίου Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 3 Μαρτίου Κύριακή του Ασώτου, Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 4 Μαρτίου Παράκλησις 6:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 9 Μαρτίου Ψυχοσάββατο, Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία & Μνημόσυνο 8:00 π.μ * Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 10 Μαρτίου Κυριακή Απόκρεω, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

16 February 2013 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 1 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Three Hierarchs Program Byzantine Music 6:30 GS B-ball 6:30 p.m. 3 Sunday School Souperbowl of Caring for the IOCC 10 Sunday School Basketball at St. Nicholas 17 Sunday School Bake Sale Bone Marrow Drive 24 Sunday School Triodion begins 4 Greek School-4:30 pm Greek Bible Study- 7pm 11 Greek Greek School-4:30 pm Greek Bible Study- 7pm 18 No No Greek School 25 Greek School-4:30 pm Greek Bible Study- 7pm 5 Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Parish Council Meeting 7:30 p.m. 12 Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Cherubs 10:30 a.m. 19 Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Cherubs 10:30 a.m. 26 Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Cherubs 10:30 a.m. 6 Iconography - 6 pm GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm HS B-ball at St. Nicholas 8 p.m. 13 Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Iconography - 6 pm GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm HS B-ball at St. Nicholas 8 p.m. 20 Iconography - 6 pm GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm HS B-ball at St. Nicholas 8 p.m. 27 Iconography - 6 pm GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm HS B-ball at St. Nicholas 8 p.m. 7 Academy 14 Academy 21 Academy 28 Academy 8 Greek School 4:30 p.m. PTA Meeting 5:00 p.m. Byzantine Music 6:30 GS B-ball 6:30 p.m.. 15 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Byzantine Music 6:30 GS B-ball 6:30 p.m. 22 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Byzantine Music 6:30 GS B-ball 6:30 p.m. 1 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Byzantine Music 6:30 Talent Show 6:30 p.m. 2 Altar Boy Mtg 10:30 am Handmaidens 10:30 am HOPE 10:30 a.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:30 a.m. Basketball at St. Nicholas vs. Sts. Constantine 9 Altar Boy Mtg 10 am Handmaidens 10 am HOPE 10 a.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m. Pee-Wee Game at Holy Cross 16 Altar Boy Mtg 10 am Handmaidens 10 am HOPE 10 a.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m. 23 Altar Boy Mtg 10 am Handmaidens 10 am HOPE 10 a.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m. 2 Altar Boy Mtg 10 am Handmaidens 10 am HOPE 10 a.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:00 a.m.

17 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Dear Friends of Philoptochos, May the birth of our Lord bring many blessings to you and your loved ones and good health and happiness for the New Year! The Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Spyridon started the New Year focusing again on charitable events and planning many philanthropic projects. One such event was the 53rd Anniversary Vasilopita Celebration that took place at St. Nectarios Church in Palatine, Illinois. Fr. Tilemahos along with many of our members enjoyed the festivities and the camaraderie that took place with all the Parishes in our Metropolis. With your generous donations and love, we were able to give $1,000 dollars for the children of the St. Basil s Academy. With great sadness we heard of the passing of our beloved Fr. Nikiforos Tserdimos. We will always remember his kindness and for his love and support to Philoptochos. All the Philoptochos ladies send their condolences to Presbytera Helen and to the family. May his Memory be Eternal. Stewardship Drive 2013 With our busy schedules it is easy to forget to make your contribution for the year Many of you have already made your stewardship commitment, and I thank you for your generous offering. Let s not forget that the Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Society is dedicated to assisting people in need. It is our mission to offer kind acts and to serve faithfully to those in need. Your active participation will be appreciated! UP -COMING EVENTS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Luncheon- February 19, 2013 Apokreatiko Luncheon- March 10, 2013 Kathara Deftera Lenten Dinner after the Compline Service March 18, 2013 Presanctified Liturgy with His Eminence on Friday, April 26th, 2013.Palm Sunday Traditional Luncheon April 8th, 2013.Palm Sunday Bake Sale- April 8th, 2012 Proceeds will benefit the needy in our community. May God bless all of you and your loved ones! In Christ, Toula Georgiopoulos Philoptochos President APOKREATICO LUNCHEON Hosted by the Ladies Philoptochos Society of St. Spyridon Sunday, March 10th, 2013 Immediately following the Divine Liturgy Adults $15 & Children $7 Please make your Reservations by calling the Church Office 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.