GENERATIONS OF FAITH & TRADITION

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1 NOVEMBER VOLUME NO. 323 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Article... 1 Stewardship... 3 P.T.A. News... 4 Archangels... 5 Philoptochos News Sunday School... 7 Parish News th Anniversary Youth Ministry Community Calendar Liturgical Schedule... 15,17 Κοινοτικά Νέα ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL GENERATIONS OF FAITH & TRADITION Our centennial celebration now belongs in the annals of history. A century of sacrifices and the labor of countless blessed souls is now our inheritance in the form of great examples of love and dedication to our Orthodox Faith and to our beloved Saint Spyridon parish. Reflecting upon this inheritance we gathered to celebrate in fellowship and love, just as our forefathers did for the first time on Christmas Day, They came together to form a new parish and set the foundation for our community. We thank them and we honor their legacy by forging ahead to a new century of service to our fellow man and of glorifying God. While we honored our predecessors in a variety of ways, our patron Saint Spyridon chose to exalt their efforts and the love of our community at this point in history by allowing his sacred Right Hand to grace and adorn our anniversary celebration. This kind of historic visit doesn t just happen because an invitation was issued. This is an expression of Saint Spyridon s special bond with our humble, dedicated, and faithful community. He willed that his first visit to the United States be centered WWW. SAINT- SPYRIDON.ORG

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 PROTOPRESBYTER Church Office Hours:... Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Phone: , 2313 or 0787 Fax: office@saint-spyridon.org Web: Parish Council Officers James Korbakes...President Konstantine Labraκis... Vice-President George Papadopoulos... Vice President Frank Kopanis... Secretary James Xeros... Assistant Secretary Gus Kolyvas... Treasurer Nicholas Chibucos... Assistant Treasurer Auxiliary Officers Angelo Angelos... Chanter Toula Georgiopoulos... Philoptochos Tessie Jones... P.T.A. Kiki Kazazakis... Kentro Lambrini Stavrou...Plutarchos Greek School Jan Prible... Zoe Kopanis... Sunday School Director Nicky Glikis... Choir Director Fr. Tilemahos... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Debbie Petrakos... Cherubs Demetria Papadopoulos... HOPE Fr. Tilemahos... Byzantine Music Panagiotis Mihalopoulos... Iconography Fr. Tilemahos... Bible Study Tammy Stamus... Handmaidens Nick Chibucos & Labros Malfas... Altar Boys John Farsatis & Zachary Bousies... Athletics And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. around our small parish family. Perhaps the saint came so that we can all express our gratitude to him. Or he came so that we can personally ask him to take care of our loved ones who have moved on to eternity. Or he came for our children to always remember that our Church is a living Church and that the saints are ever present in their journey in life. Thousands of area faithful had the opportunity to venerate the sacred relic in its historic visit. So many approached with tears in their eyes and proceeded to stay in the pews for hours just to feel near to the presence of our patron saint. Many came day after day and sat by the icon stand where his relics stayed for five days, and enjoyed the scent of holiness that emanated from his sacred right hand. I hope and pray that all their petitions to our patron Saint will be heard and fulfilled according to God s will. Personally, I wish to express my gratitude to all who helped make this blessing possible. So many efforts came together by the grace of God, and so many of our faithful contributed to this magnificent event. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Kerkyra and to those who accompanied him and helped with all the arrangements and the divine services. We are mindful of the prayers of Metropolitan Iakovos of blessed memory who certainly rejoiced at this celebration that he had initiated over two years ago. We are thankful to His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas who always honors us in our milestone celebrations and helped tremendously in our centennial, as well as all the clergy who traveled a long way to be with us. We are also mindful of the many prayers of our Saint John Chrysostom monastery which were instrumental in the relic s visit to our parish. May our patron Saint extend a special blessing to our sponsors and generous benefactors, as well as to all the volunteers who arranged all the details, big and small: transportation, hotels, airlines, airport security and overnight security, flowers, decorations, gifts, icons, continuous hospitality and cleaning, flyers and brochures, publicity and banners, mailings, pictures and favors, cooking and baking, all the building and painting of our church edifice, all of which came together as we prepared to welcome this wonderful celebration in our parish. The choir federation added grandeur to our Sunday Divine Liturgy, while all our brother priests from our Metropolis, along with our chanters, our altar boys and ushers served with great dedication in the solemn vigils during the relic s visit. All our organizations and faithful stepped up to provide whatever was needed to welcome our patron saint to his home and to add a bright page in the history of not only our parish but of Orthodoxy in the Americas. While the veneration of the relic of Saint Spyridon was the spiritual high- 2 The Voice

3 light of our celebration, we also had the opportunity to participate in a magnificent Gala, a culmination of a yearlong centennial celebration. Over nine hundred faithful, including a great number of our young people, packed the hall and provided for a truly festive and memorable evening. The messages from His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew and all the speakers highlighted the meaning of that gathering and of the entire event. Our faithful committee members should be proud of our 100 th anniversary celebration and especially for the anniversary Gala. It took a tremendous amount of labor and dedication, and the end result was truly amazing and unforgettable. I am humbled and grateful for having experienced with you the 100 th anniversary of our beloved Saint Spyridon. With your love and support we had the opportunity to celebrate God s presence among us, and to provide a good start and a great legacy for the generations which will take up the torch of our parish s next centennial. As I mentioned at the gala, I am looking forward to seeing what our children will be able to accomplish by God s grace. Through the prayers of Saint Spyridon, may the good Lord look over our children and over all of you and guide you unto every good work for the glory of His Name. Amen. Fr. Tilemahos STEWARDSHIP 2017 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PARISH STEWARDSHIP Prayerful Our parish gathers in prayerful gratitude at the Sunday Liturgy. Throughout the Liturgy we "lift up our hearts to the Lord... Let us give thanks to the Lord our God... lt is right to give Him thanks and praise." monetary gifts at the time of the collection symbolize our self-donation. We prayerfully offer ourselves through Jesus to the Father. Planned We need to decide through careful reflection how much our responsible donation should be. This should be done as part of our family budget. Proportionate Stewardship requires that "the first fruits" (Lv 23:10) be given to the Lord. This means that the Lord is taken care of first then the other obligations can be satisfied. If there are emergencies, a sudden illness or unemployment, adjustments can be made accordingly. Sacrificial A sacrifice involves giving from our substance rather than from our abundance. Remember Jesus observation of the widow's mite (Lk 21. I-4). It means giving from what we think we need for ourselves. We are changed spiritually when this sacrifice is offered for the sake of Christ. It identifies us with the sacrifice of Jesus and helps us to be poor in spirit" (Mt 5:3). We thank the 346 stewards who renewed their pledge for Stewardship cards are available in the narthex and on-line for everyone who wishes to pledge their 2017 stewardship. Please consider making your 2017 Stewardship pledge today or STEWARDS 2017-OCTOBER 1ST 25TH Ms. Cynthia Dendrinos Mr. & Mrs. Sam Dendrinos Mr. & Mrs. Gust Grapsas Mr. & Mrs. Aris Halikias Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Kalpakidis Mr. Bill Katsenis Mr. Peter G. Korbakes Mr. & Mrs. George Kosionis Mr. & Mrs. McNeill Ms. Denise Mikroulis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Papoulias Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Polyzos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Scarlatis Mr. & Mrs. Tim Spanos Mrs. Athena Tsinoukas St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 What a blessed October! P.T.A. NEWS The right hand of Saint Spyridon was a spiritual and breathtaking experience. Many parishioners from Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and even Tennessee came to venerate the right hand. It was an honor working alongside the Philoptochos Ladies to ensure that all our guests were welcomed at our church. On Sunday, October 15th, we celebrated our 100th dinner dance at Georgios Banquets. PTA would like to thank all those involved in making this gala memorable with over 900 people in attendance! It was amazing. The OXI day program was celebrated on Friday, October 27th. The students proudly recited their poems and songs. Thank you to our Plutarchos teachers who put together a great program. Also, thanks to our 1st and 2nd grade families for hosting the reception following the program. Our upcoming November events include the IOCC walk at Lake Katherine on Saturday, November 4th. Godparents Sunday will be held on November 12th. Please call the church office at for reservations by November 4th. We will host a Pallet Painting night on Saturday, November 18th with a maximum of 35 people. There will be an event created on Eventbrite by Kayla Nicole Designs and the cost will be $45. Our next meeting will be Friday, November 17th. We are looking to increase our attendance at the meetings to hear your opinion and ideas for any upcoming events. Tessie Jones, PTA President IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Saturday, November 4th IOCC Walk at Lake Catherine 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 11th Handmaidens, Altar Boys & Hope 10:30 a.m. Sunday, November 12th Godparents Sunday Friday, November 17th PTA Meeting 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18th Pallet Painting 7:00 p.m. CHERUBS This month our cherubs children had so much fun! We joined the archangels academy and went on our first field trip to the children's farm. We embraced the season by making many fall fun crafts and playing games with the fall leaves! The children always have fun when we sit in a circle and sing our songs! We even got to wish our wonderful Father Tilemahos a happy birthday by singing to him. Debbie Petrakos, Cherubs Advisor 4 The Voice

5 ARCHANGELS ACADEMY It was a warm but rainy day for our first Field Trip of the school year. But we were still able to enjoy a real hands on experience at the Children s Farm in Palos Park. Everyone was able to hold baby chicks and rabbits and to pet a variety of different farm animals. Thank you to all the chaperones who attended the trip with us. LIBRARY AWARDS Students check out library books on a daily basis at. Once they have read 25 books they receive an award and get to pick out of the prize box. USBORNE BOOK FAIR FUNDRAISER is sponsoring a book fair to help replenish our current library. Everyone is invited to attend. Books make great gifts. Hope to see you at our fundraiser November 5th and November 8th. NOVEMBER SCHOOL CALENDAR: Tuesday, November 2nd... Class Art begins Sunday, November 5th Usborne Book Fair, after Divine Liturgy Wednesday, November 8th. Archangels Feast Day, Usborne Book Fair November Thanksgiving Break St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

6 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Dear Fr. Tilemahe, Philoptochos Sisters, Parish Council President, Parish Council Members, and Friends and Parishioners of St. Spyridon, Greetings! The Master was full of praise. Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let s celebrate together! Mathew 25:21 What an incredible and spiritually uplifting week we ve had! May our Lord bless Fr. Tilemahos, the ladies of Philoptochos, the ladies of the PTA and the entire St. Spyridon parish with good health so that we may continue to work with Agape for His Holy Church. The Celebration of our church s 100 th Anniversary had monumental significance. The elation will forever stay with us! I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all our ladies of Philoptochos and the ladies of our parish for their generous contribution of the delicious home baked pastries and for assisting with the on going receptions; as the faithful came to venerate the Right Hand of our beloved St. Spyridon. As our Lord reminds us in the above Biblical verse of Mathew, our work must continue for He has faith in us to do greater things, in His name. The Ladies Philoptochos Sisterhood has scheduled many philanthropic events for November. On the 14 th we will participate in the Feed the Hungry Program at the Annunciation Cathedral. We will campaign for donations of winter clothing for our brothers and sisters who are in need. We have worked with our Sunday school children and with Mrs. Zoe Kopanis, the director, to initiate the School Kit Drive for Children in Greece. This project is in partnership with IOCC and the humanitarian agency, Apostoli, in Athens, Greece. Our Philoptochos members have also voted and made the commitment to participate in the PADS Program. St.. Luke s church provides shelter for women during the winter months. We will provide dinner and hot breakfast for the women that stay at the shelter from January to April. Visitations to our area Nursing Homes and to our elderly that are homebound will continue. We are planning special events during the holiday season. Hopefully this will bring them joy and a smile, knowing that we think of them and that we love them! For the women in our community who are 18 years and older, please join our ministry and help us celebrate with our Lord as he is asking us to do in the Biblical verse, above. In closing, I would like to thank all of you again for supporting our St. Spyridon Philoptochos Society. May God Continue to smile upon all of you and your families; for all that you do in With Sisterly Agape, Toula Georgiopoulos, Philoptochos President PARISH NEWS IN MEMORIAM MEMORIALS Sunday, October 1st 40 days for Anastasios Stathakis 1 year for Ekaterini Tsantilis 7 years for Eustratios Vasilakos 21 years for Konstatna Vasilakos Sunday, October 8th 6 months for Evagelos Marinoglou 1 year for Nicholas Mastoras Sunday, October 22nd 3 years for Thomas Katris Sunday, October 29th 40 days for Angelo Besbekos 1 year for Peter Reveliotis 2 years for Demetrios Manikas 3 years for Nick Vardalos May their memory be eternal! Our deepest sympathy to their families. Baptisms The son of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Melone was baptized on October 8th and was given the name Nicholas. His godmother was Ms. Angela Serlas. The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gregory and Anna Maria Smirnis was baptized on October 28th and was given the name Elizabeth. Her godmother was Mrs. Konstantina Shipley. 6 The Voice

7 Sunday School is thrilled to have many students coming each week to learn about our Orthodox faith. It is truly heartwarming to see our pews filled with so many students. Thank you to the parents and/or yiayia and papou for bringing them! During the month of October, we collected school supplies for children in Greece as an effort to help the Philoptochos in their nationwide initiative for the IOCC. Thank you to the families who donated items to include in these school kits. As many of you know, for the last 8 years, we have hosted our own Walk for the IOCC. On Saturday November 4 th at 9:30am, we will host our 9 th. This year, once again at scenic Lake Katherine in Palos Heights. Please join us for this fun outing, enjoying the outdoors and each other s company. Coffee, hot chocolate and morning snacks will be provided. Please register so we can get a head count. We hope to see you all there. SUNDAY SCHOOL During the month of November, we have so many exciting events taking place at church. Godparent Sunday on November 12 th is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with our Godparent s. Please also keep in mind our service project for the month of November. On November 14 th, our parish Philoptochos will be feeding the homeless at the Annunciation Cathedral. At that time, we also take coats, jackets, hats, gloves and new socks to offer them. Please consider donating something to a less fortunate family. As the temperature drops outside, let the warmth in our hearts fill our giving hands. We also collect canned goods, pasta, and cereal each month to our Food Pantry. Over 20 families depend on our food pantry throughout the year. Bringing in a food item is a great way to start the practice of giving. As Greek Orthodox Christians, we are known for our generosity and hospitality (thanks to yiayia - who never lets us leave empty handed!). Through Sunday School, our children have the opportunity to contribute toward a variety of philanthropic projects, and develop their own sense of hospitality and generosity toward church. Let s get our children into the habit of giving. The Food Pantry box is located by the East door of the Community Center. We are all working together to provide our children with an excellent Orthodox foundation and hope that you will continue to bring them to Sunday School each week. This month, there will be no class on November 12 th for Godparent s Sunday and November 26 th for Thanksgiving break. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 PARISH NEWS Christmas Fast The forty day fast for the feast of the Nativity begins Wednesday, November 15th. According to the Church canons, fish, wine, and oil are allowed until December 17th, except for Wednesdays and Friday. Strict fast is observed from December 18th to the 24th. This year, we will once again celebrate the Sarantaleitourgo, forty liturgies during the Christmas Fast. It is a custom of the Orthodox Church to celebrate forty consecutive liturgies leading up to Christmas Day. Starting on November 15th, the first day of the Christmas Fast, our community will celebrate the Divine Liturgy every morning. All parishioners are called to give their lists of names, of both the living and those who have fallen asleep, to be commemorated during the forty consecutive liturgies. Commemoration sheets are available in the narthex. Services will begin each morning at 8:00 a.m. FOOD PANTRY Monday, November 13th, we will be preparing for feeding the hungry after church. On Tuesday, November 14th we will be going to the Annunciation Cathedral for the Feed the Hungry Program. At that time we also distribute coats, jackets, socks, t-shirts, hats, and gloves for the homeless as they prepare for the cold winter months. Please remember to bring such items to our Food Pantry as well as food for the needy that continuously come to our door for assistance. We wish to thank all our parishioners and friends of St. Spyridon for remembering our Food Pantry. If you wish to donate food or monetary donation for our Food Pantry and Thanksgiving Baskets, please bring your items/donation to the Church office. Christmas Craft Show & Food Festival The Christmas Craft Show will be held on December 3rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and December 4th from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Anyone wishing to help with baking sweets and bread or helping in the kitchen, call Mrs. Toula Georgiopoulos. Please, give the Philoptochos a helping hand! Fall General Assembly Meeting Our Fall General Assembly Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 19th, immediately after the Divine Liturgy Service. We urge all parishioners to attend this very important meeting. It is our obligation and responsibility as parishioners of St. Spyridon Church to attend and participate in the decisions of our Church and Community. All Parishioners will receive an individual mailing regarding the date and agenda for the meeting. 8 The Voice

9 SAINT SPYRIDON 100TH ANNIVERSARY In honor of the 100 th Anniversary of Saint Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church in Palos Heights, Illinois, His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios accompanied the Right Hand Relic of Saint Spyridon to the United States for the first time in history. Prior to the centennial celebration, Metropolitan Nektarios visited the St. John Chrysostom Monastery in Wisconsin, where a vigil was held on October 10 th. Abbess Melanie, the sisterhood and many faithful had the opportunity to venerate the holy relic. A Trisagion service was read over the tomb of Metropolitan Iakovos of blessed memory who had issued the invitation to Metropolitan Nektarios over two years ago. In his remarks at the vigil, Metropolitan Nektarios praised the efforts of Geronta Ephraim and Abbess Melanie, and all the monasteries which, along with the parishes, stand to declare the truth of our faith in Christ with our spiritual life and service to those in need. On Wednesday, October 11 th, the relic of Saint Spyridon was received at the parish of Saint Spyridon, beginning a five-day celebration of services and vigils in honor of the patron saint. Faithful from throughout the Chicago area kept streaming into the church which stayed open from morning till midnight. On Friday, October 13 th, Fr. Themistoklis, who accompanied Metropolitan Nektarios, offered a special presentation to over 200 children about the life of Saint Spyridon. He emphasized the importance of the saints and the meaning of relics as a living message of the resurrection. Hellenism and Orthodoxy is not just a combination of ideals from the past which gives identity to today s faithful. It is a creed for our life today which makes us different, which keeps us free, and which gives us hope in our God, Fr. Themistoklis stated. The celebration culminated with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on October 15 th. The church was filled beyond capacity as faithful came to venerate the Right Hand of Saint Spyridon. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios, joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas, and clergy who have either served or were raised at the Saint Spyridon parish. During his sermon, Metropolitan Nektarios spoke on the parable of the sower, urging the faithful to see their neighbor as a person and as a brother. His Eminence continued: In order for the word of God to take root, to find the hope in our communion with Jesus Christ, our hardness of heart must be defeated by love. His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas, who had served at Saint Spyridon while Chancellor in Chicago, addressed the congregation and offered his gratitude on behalf of all the faithful for the coming of the relic and the paternal love of Metropolitan Nektarios. The Choir Federation of the Metropolis of Chicago, which was holding its annual conference at Saint Spyridon, offered their melodic responses during the Divine Liturgy with over eighty participants from throughout the metropolis. The centennial event concluded with the Anniversary Gala on Sunday evening, at Georgios Banquets in Orland Park. Over nine hundred people enjoyed the fellowship and memories from the past 100 years. The evening was highlighted by video messages from His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew and His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios who had already departed for Greece that afternoon. Remarks were also offered by members of the anniversary committee, the clergy, and finally by His Eminence Metropolitan Nιkitas who expressed his love for the Saint Spyridon parish and his hopes for an even brighter future ahead. 100TH ANNIVERSARY ALBUM Our Anniversary Album committee has planned a unique anniversary album featuring the history of our parish as well as the history of our families. Our committee is collecting the family stories of our parishioners and is eagerly waiting for your family s entry into this beautiful tribute to our parish anniversary. Feel free to include memories at St. Spyridon, and your own family memories. For example: How did your family come to the United States? How did you meet your spouse? How did you choose St. Spyridon as your parish? Or maybe you would like to dedicate your page to a loved one that has passed away - a memorial tribute page with photos. Please remember, our 100th Anniversary Book Committee is here to help. Please call or & we'll be happy to help you get started. This book will be a beautiful keepsake for your children and grandchildren for years to come. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 100TH ANNIVERSARY

11 100TH ANNIVERSARY

12 PARISH NEWS Visit to the old Saint Spyridon in Roseland On Sunday, October 1st, a group of about 40 parishioners went to visit the old Saint Spyridon church in Roseland. We were graciously welcomed by Pastor Crawley, his wife and members of the community. Pastor Crawley has been the pastor there since our last liturgy there in The few parishioners that are left in the New Alpha Progressive Baptist Church hold their services in the basement. The main church is in great disrepair with boarded up windows and crumbling walls. The front sign, however, is still inscribed with Saint Spyridon s name, and a few icons remain in what was once our beautiful sanctuary. We joined in prayer at the footsteps of the church for the souls of the departed who served and worshipped at our old church. Many thanks to Georgia Xeros and her committee for organizing this memorable visit. All Greek Orthodox Seniors of the South Suburbs are invited to the Christian Philoxenia hosted by the parish of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Homer Glen S. Bell Road, Homer Glen, IL Thursday, November 9th, 2017 Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:15 a.m. Followed by the Luncheon, music and fellowship hosted by The Assumption Philoptochos Society Free of Charge Because seating is limited, please call for reservations Mary Liontakis (708) by Monday, November 6, The Voice

13 On Sunday, October 29th, our Sunday School families assembled the IOCC School Supply Kits donated by our faithful Many thanks to all who donated or volunteered. Also on October 29th, our Handmaidens held their Ornament Sale. The money raised will be enough to buy the food needed to make sack lunches for the homeless. On November 11th, at 10:30 a.m., the Handmaidens will have their next meeting to make and package the lunches and write words of encouragement. Our Youth Ministry has seen new life at Saint Spyridon. Our GOYA meets on Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. with fifteen to twenty Goyans coming every week. Mr. Peter Mihalopoulos has many new students who are eager to learn the art of iconography. The class meets every Wednesday, at 6:00 p.m. Our new Greek Dance class has began with great success as seventeen young dancers have been coming every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. to spend an hour learning new Greek Dances. Seeing the practices, there is definitely great potential in our young dance troupe. Our athletics have also taken on a new development. Our High School basketball team is getting ready for the GOAL season. Our 3rd 8th graders will practice on Friday nights at 6:30 p.m., with training sessions and pick-up games. The program will start on November 3rd. YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13

14 November 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 5 Sunday School Philoptochos Sunday 12 Sunday School Godparent Sunday 19 Sunday School General Assembly 26 Family Worship 6 Greek Bible Study 10:30 am Greek School-4:30 pm Byzantine Music - 5:00 pm 13 Greek Bible Study 10:30 am Greek School-4:30 pm Byzantine Music - 5:00 pm 20 Greek Bible Study 10:30 am Greek School-4:30 pm Byzantine Music - 5:00 pm 27 Greek Bible Study 10:30 am Greek School-4:30 pm 7 Parish Council 7 pm GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm 14 Feed the Hungry GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm 21 GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm 28 GOYA & Jr. GOYA 7pm 1 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Iconography - 6 pm Bible Study 7 p.m. Greek Dance 7:00 p.m. Highschool Bball 8:00 pm 8 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Iconography - 6 pm Bible Study 7 p.m. Greek Dance 7:00 p.m. Highschool Bball 8:00 pm 15 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Iconography - 6 pm Bible Study 7 p.m. Greek Dance 7:00 p.m. Highschool Bball 8:00 pm 2 9 Orthodox Assumption Church Thanksgiving Day Office Closed 29 Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Iconography - 6 pm Bible Study 7 p.m. Greek Dance 7:00 p.m. Highschool Bball 8:00 pm 30 3 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Biddy & Grammar B-ball 6:30 p.m. 10 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Biddy & Grammar B-ball 6:30 p.m. 17 Greek School 4:30 p.m. Biddy & Grammar B-ball 6:30 p.m. 24 Office Closed 4 IOCC Walk 11 Altar Boy Mtg 10:30 am Handmaidens 10:30 am HOPE 10:30 a.m. 18 PTA Pallet Paining The Voice

15 SCHEDULE OF DIVINE SERVICES Wednesday, November 1st Sts. Cosmas & Damian, Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Agiasmos 8:00 a.m. Thursday, November 2nd Divine Liturgy at the Nursing Home, Wheeling, IL 10 a.m. Saturday, November 4th Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 5th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 8th Synaxis of the Archangels, Orthros, Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Thursday, November 9th St. Nectarios, Orthros & Liturgy at Assumption Church in Homer Glenn 9:00 a.m. Saturday, November 11th Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers at the St. John Chrysostom Monastery 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 13th Orthros & Liturgy at the St. John Chrysostom Monastery 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 14th Apostle Philip, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 15th Beginning of Christmas Lent, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Thursday, November 16th Apostle & Evangelist Matthew, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Friday, November 17th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, November 18th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 19th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, November 20th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 21st Entrance of the Theotokos, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 22nd Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Thursday, November 23rd Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Friday, November 24th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers at Assumption Church in Chicago Saturday, November 25th St. Katherine the Great Martyr, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 26th St. Stylianos, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, November 27th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 28th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 29th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Great Vespers at St. Andrew s 7 pm Thursday, November 30th St. Andrew the First Called Apostle, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 1st Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Agiasmos 8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 2nd St. Porphyrios, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 3rd Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, December 4th St. Barbara, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 5th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Great Vespers at St. Nicholas 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 6th Orthros & Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn 8:30 a.m. Thursday, December 7th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Friday, December 8th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m.. * Great Vespers 6 p.m. Sunday, December 10th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday December 11th Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Feast Day of Saint Spyridon, Great Vespers 7:00 p.m. Tueaday, December 12th St. Spyridon the Wonderworker Orthros & Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

16 ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ Ιερό Λείψανο του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος στο Σικάγο προς τιμήν εκατονταετηρίδος Το Σικάγο των ΗΠΑ επισκέφθηκε ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Κερκύρας, Παξών και Διαποντίων Νήσων κ. Νεκτάριος, προσκεκλημένος από την Ιερά Μητρόπολη Σικάγου και την ενορία Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος, η οποία συμπληρώνει φέτος 100 χρόνια από την ίδρυσή της. Ο Μητροπολίτης Κερκύρας μετέφερε μαζί του το τμήμα της δεξιάς χειρός του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος, το οποίο φυλάσσεται ξεχωριστά από το σκήνωμα του Αγίου στην Κέρκυρα. Με Αρχιερατικό Συλλείτουργο στον Ιερό Ναό του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος στο Palos Heights του Σικάγου ολοκληρώθηκε η επίσκεψη του Σεβασμιωτάτου Μητροπολίτου Κερκύρας κ. Νεκταρίου στις ΗΠΑ, με την ευκαιρία της συμπλήρωσης 100 χρόνων από την ίδρυση της εκεί ελληνορθόδοξης κοινότητας. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος είχε μαζί του ως ευλογία το λείψανο της δεξιάς χειρός του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος, το οποίο πλήθη λαού προσκύνησε και εναπέθεσε σ αυτό τις προσευχές και την πίστη του. Στο συλλείτουργο που τελέσθηκε το πρωί της Κυριακής 15 Οκτωβρίου 2017 με τον Μητροπολίτη Κερκύρας συλλειτούργησε ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Δαρδανελίων κ. Νικήτας, ο οποίος διακόνησε ως πρωτοσύγκελλος της Μητροπόλεως Σικάγου επί πολλά έτη παλαιότερα. Οι Κοινότητες των νοτίων προαστίων του Σικάγου προσκαλούν όλους τους Ελληνορθοδόξους ηλικιωμένους στην Χριστιανική Φιλοξενία 9 Νοεμβρίου, 2017 Ι.Ν. Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου S. Bell Road, Homer Glen, IL Ορθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:15 π.μ. Γεύμα θα ακολουθήσει μετά την Λειτουργία Είσοδος ΔΩΡΕΑΝ Η αίθουσα έχει περιορισμένες θέσεις. Για κλείσεις θέσεων, τηλεφωνήσετε στο κοινοτικό γραφείο της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου, την Μαρία Λιοντάκη (708) πριν τις 6 Νοεμβρίου, Ο κ. Νεκτάριος επαίνεσε το πλήθος των ανθρώπων που κρατούνε Χριστό και Ελλάδα ως συστατικά στοιχεία της ταυτότητάς τους και ζήτησε από την ομογένεια να μείνει κοντά στην Εκκλησία. Αυτό ήταν και το νόημα της παρουσίας του ιερού λειψάνου του Αγίου: να ενισχύσει αυτόν τον πνευματικό δεσμό πίστης και πατρίδας, που θα βοηθήσει τους Έλληνες της ομογένειας, αλλά και τους Έλληνες της πατρίδας να κρατηθούν όρθιοι και ενωμένοι έναντι της σκληροκαρδίας των καιρών. Προσφώνηση έκαναν ο Μητροπολίτης Δαρδανελίων κ. Νικήτας και ο προϊστάμενος της κοινότητας Πρωτοπρεσβύτερος Τηλέμαχος Αλικάκος, οι οποίοι εξέφρασαν την ευγνωμοσύνη των Ελλήνων της ομογένειας για τον ερχομό του ιερού λειψάνου και την αγάπη όλων προς τον Μητροπολίτη Κερκύρας και την Κέρκυρα! Αξιοσημείωτη η ψαλμωδία από την εξαιρετική χορωδία του Ναού σε συνδυασμό με την παρουσία χορωδών και από άλλα μέρη, για την λαμπρότητα του εορτασμού. Το εσπέρας της Κυριακής, 15 ης Οκτωβρίου, τέλεσθη χοροεσπερίδα με περίπου 1000 προσκεκλημένους, στο Georgios Banquets, Orland Park. Τηλεοπτικά μηνύματα προς τους πιστούς έστειλαν ο Παναγιώτατος Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης κ.κ. Βαρθολομαίος, και ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Κερκύρας κ.κ. Νεκτάριος ο οποίος ανεχώρησε για Ελλάδα αμέσως μετά την πρωινή Θεία Λειτουργία. Επίσης χαιρετισμους έδωσαν μέλη της οργανωτικής επιτροπής, παρόντες κληρικοί, και ο Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολίτης Δαρδανελλίων κ.κ. Νικήτας. 16 The Voice

17 ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Τετάρτη 1 Νοεμβρίου Αγ. Αναργύρων Κοσμά & Δαμιανού, Όρθρος και Θ. Λειτουργία 8 π.μ. Πέμπτη 2 Νοεμβρίου Θεία Λειτουργία στο Ελληνικό Γηροκομείο 10 π.μ. Σάββατο 4 Νοεμβρίου Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 5 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος, Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τετάρτη 8 Νοεμβρίου Σύναξη των Αρχαγγέλων, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός στον Ι. Ναό του Αγ. Νεκταρίου 7:00 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 9 Νοεμβρίου Αγ. Νεκταρίου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία και Χριστιανική Φιλοξενία στον Ιερό Ναό της Παναγίας στο Homer Glenn 8:15 π.μ. Σάββατο 11 Νοεμβρίου Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 12 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος, Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Αρχιερατικός Εσπερινός και Όρθρος στο Μοναστήρι 6:00μ.μ. Δευτέρα 13 Νοεμβρίου Αγίου Ιωάννου του Χρυσοστόμου, Όρθρος και Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 14 Νοεμβρίου Αγίου Φιλίππου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τετάρτη 15 Νοεμβρίου Αρχίζει το Σαρανταλείτουργο και η Νηστεία των Χριστουγέννων Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 16 Νοεμβρίου Αποστόλου Ματθαίου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παρασ, 17 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 18 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. * Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 19 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 20 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 21 Νοεμβρίου Εισόδια της Θεοτόκου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τετάρτη 22 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 23 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ Παρασ. 24 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός στον Ι. Ναό της Αγίας Αικατερίνης 7:00 μ.μ. Σάββατο 25 Νοεμβρίου Αγίας Αικατερίνης, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. * Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 26 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 27 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 28 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8π.μ. Τετάρτη 29 Νοεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός στον Ι.Ν. του Αγ. Ανδρέα στο Σικάγο 7:00 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 30 Νοεμβρίου Αγίου Ανδρέα του Πρωτοκλήτου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ.- Παρασκευή 1 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία & Αγιασμός 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 2 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Πορφυρίου, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. * Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 3 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Δευτέρα 4 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίας Βαρβάρας, Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τρίτη 5 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Εσπερινός στον Ι. Ναό του Αγ. Νικολάου 7:00 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 6 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. (Ι.Ν. Αγίου Νικoλάου) Πέμπτη 7 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παρασκευή 8 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 9 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. * Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή 10 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ.. Δευτέρα 11 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Αρχιερατικός Εσπερινός Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος 7:00 μ.μ. Τρίτη 12 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος, Όρθρος και Αρχιερατική Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Τετάρτη 13 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Πέμπτη 14 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Παρασκ. 15 Δεκεμβρίου Αγίου Ελευθερίου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Σάββατο 16 Δεκεμβρίου Όρθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 17

18 Come do your Christmas shopping at the Annual Philoptochos ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Crafts, Greek Pastries, Greek Food Saturday, December 2nd 9:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. & Sunday, December 3rd 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL Attend Church Regularly with Your Family!