The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE

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1 The MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS PHONE (847) APRIL 2013 THE SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY THE CHILDREN OF THE ST HARALAMBOS SUNDAY SCHOOL DURING THE PROCESSION OF THE HOLY ICONS ON THE SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life, Give me not the spirit of laziness, meddling, love of power and gossip; Give, rather, the spirit of purity, humility, patience and love to me, Your servant. Yea, O Lord and King, Grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother, For You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

2 April Schedule of Services Monday, April 1 6:00 pm Great Compline Wednesday April 3 6:00 pm Presanctified Friday, April 5 7:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos Third Sunday of Lent, April 7 Veneration of the Cross 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Monday, April 8 6:00 pm Great Compline Wednesday, April 10 6:00 pm Presanctified Friday, April 12 7:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos Fourth Sunday of Lent, April 14 St. John of the Ladder 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Monday, April 15 6:00 pm Great Compline Wednesday, April 17 6:00 pm The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete Friday, April 19 7:00 pm The Akathist Hymn Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 21 St. Mary of Egypt 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine Monday, April 22 6:00 pm Great Compline Tuesday, April 23 PAN-ORTHODOX AKATHIST HYMN AT HOLY MOTHER OF GOD SERBIAN ORTHODOX MONASTERY IN GRAYSLAKE, IL Wednesday April 24 6:00 pm Presanctified Saturday of Lazaros, April 27 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine with Commentary PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 28 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am Divine HOLY WEEK SERVICES Palm Sunday, Apr 28 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Monday, Apr 29 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Tuesday, Apr 30 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service Holy Wednesday, May 1 2:30 pm Holy Unction 7:00 pm Orthros of the Mystical Supper Holy Thurs, May 2 6:00 am Divine 7:00 pm The 12 Passion Gospels Holy Friday, May 3 9:00 am Royal Hours 2:00 pm The Descent from the Cross 7:00 pm The Epitaphios Lamentations Holy Saturday morning, May 4 8:30 am of the First Resurrection Holy Saturday Evening 11:00 pm Orthros Midnight Resurrection, of PASCHA PASCHA SUNDAY (May 5) 11:30 am The AGAPI SERVICE 2 SACRAMENTS AND BLESSINGS BLESSINGS OF INFANTS Forty days after birth, a child and its mother come to church to receive a 40 Day Blessing, imitating Christ who was presented in the Temple 40 days after He was born. Please call the church office to arrange this blessing. BAPTISMS Please call the church office to schedule Baptisms. Plan ahead! there are some days when Baptisms are not performed. Keep in mind that there should be only one Godparent and that a child is supposed to be given but one name when he or she is baptized. WEDDINGS Please arrange an appointment with Fr. Dean at least eight months before the proposed wedding date to allow time for all necessary marriage preparation. CONFESSION Confessions are arranged by appointment. Please call the church office to schedule Confession. MINISTRY TO PERSONS WHO ARE SICK Orthodox Christians who would like to receive Holy Sacraments but are unable to attend church (hospitalized or at home) should contact the church office so Holy Sacraments can be administered to them. Please inform the church office if your loved one is hospitalized! Most hospitals no longer inform us when they receive patients from our parish. MEMORIAL SERVICES Memorial Services are offered for the eternal rest of persons who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Customarily, these services are offered at 40 days, at 6 months, at 1 year and at 3 years. When three years have passed, the departed are more properly remembered on the Saturdays of the Souls STEWARDSHIP As of March 20, 350 stewards have committed $192, Have you become a 2013 Steward yet? ANNOUNCING: Vacation Church June 17-21, :00 am to noon GOD LEADS MOSES AND ME Ages: Preschool 4 thru 5th Grade Watch for more info SAVE THE DATES!

3 HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE, NILES, ILLINOIS PHONE: 847/ From our Priest Dear Stewards and Friends, April 2013 I am happy to report to you that the planning of our Church Consecration is progressing very well! Soon you should be receiving our Consecration Packet that will give details about the Consecration, the schedule, the events and the ways that we can participate! It is so marvelous that we will offer the church that we have built, with so much labor and love, to be set apart from the everyday world, consecrated and dedicated to God! This is something that happens to a church only once, and we are going to be able to witness this great event! Half of Great Lent has now passed by. It is such a beautiful season in its simplicity and somberness; the prayers are so powerful as our Church tries to direct us by helping us remember who we are and where we are going. And the special weekday Lenten services of Compline (Απόδειπνον), the Presanctified and the Salutations to the Theotokos help in a mystical and mysterious way; while helping us realize how far we have fallen away from God, at the same time they bring us comfort and guidance in restoring closeness to Him. Every Sunday night during Great Lent, our Metropolis of Chicago schedules Lenten Vespers Services, and St. Haralambos will be hosting the Vespers on Sunday evening, April 14. Plan to attend; is Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos is scheduled to be with us that evening! Our ladies are already at work, preparing for our annual Easter Bake Sale, that will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, April You can shop for Easter bread, tsourekia, red eggs and other home-made goodies! Bring your friends, too! Our annual Pan-Orthodox Akathist Hymn will take place on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:00 pm at the Serbian Monastery of New Gracanica in Grayslake. It s a beautiful service with the outstanding Pan- Orthodox Choir join us! April 27 is the Saturday of Lazaros. This is a very important holiday, as we celebrate the glorious miracle of Jesus raising Lazaros from the dead. There will be that morning, followed by our annual Family Retreat crafts, lessons, lunch, and projects for moms, dads, children and grandparents together! Don t forget to make your reservations for our annual, delicious Palm Sunday Luncheon, too! We have all these occasions to celebrate! It is so fitting that we can celebrate our holidays both as spiritual and as physical realities. By doing so in prayer, food and song, we understand the unity of our souls and bodies as we strive to grow closer to one another and to God! Καλή Σαρακοστή! Fr. Dean OUR 2013 BIG GREEK FOOD FEST......will take place July this summer. Mark your calendar! Please consider planning your vacation before or after our Fest; we need everyone's help! 3 HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NILES, ILLINOIS Proistamenos....Fr. Constantine P. Botsis Synefimerios Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres Pastoral Assistant Deacon John G. Suhayda Chanter Nick Harisiadis Parish Council Officers President..... George Anastasiadis Vice President Nick Andrews Treasurer..... Perry Giannopoulos Secretary Argy Koutsikos Consecration Committee. Thomas N. Kanelos Stewardship.. Budget Committee Chairman..Perry Giannopoulos Building & Grounds Chairman.. Michael Pontikes and Theodoros Karabatsos Decor Committee Chairman...Stephan Aliferakis Finance Committee Chairman...George Kotsionis Phase III Chairman...Pete Zouras Board Chairman......Tom Zavos Audit Committee Chairman.Evan Houpis Philoptochos President Elaine Couris PTA Co-Presidents (Afternoon )....Linda Politis and Maria Hasapis PTA President (Preschool)...Amalia Deligiannis PTA Co-Presidents (Saturday )....Angelo Mihalopoulos and Georgia Pipikios Greek Principal... Mrs. Anastasia Liapi Saturday Director-Mrs. Andrianna Panayiotou Preschool Director.....Mrs. Rita Petratos Sunday Director...Presvytera Georgia Botsis Athletic Director..... David Loomos Scoutmaster George Alpogianis Asst Scoutmaster Sam Parmakis Asst Cubmaster..... John Frake Little Angels......Christina Pappadis YAL President......Christina Pappadis GOYA Co-Presidents......Elias Kondilis and Evangelia Alpogianis Bookstore Manager Jolynn Ruggerio Web Master George Houpis Office Staff.....Barbara Skaouris and Alexandra Grivas IN THIS ISSUE: Letter from our Priest (pg 3) Αnnouncements (pg 4) CONSECRATION! (pg 5) Upcoming Events: Pan-Orthodox Akathist Service, IOCC Banquet. Spring Bake Sale, Palm Sunday Luncheon (pg 6) Holy Week Schedule (pg 7) Lazaros Family Retreat (pg 8) Youth and Pictures (pg 8) Great Lent (pg 9) Calendar (pg 10)

4 ANNOUNCEMENTS STEWARDSHIP 2013 I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES Stewardship is like oxygen for our church! Stewardship is the most important source that sustains our church, and our church needs loving and heartfelt support. At the present time, about 45% of our parish income is derived from stewardship. This means that we depend on other people to sustain 55% of OUR church s needs. This is OUR church; it does not belong to somebody else! In order for OUR Church to serve OUR needs, let us think about giving differently. Let us work together that one day our church s needs will be sustained fully (100%) through Stewardship! HOLY UNCTION ON HOLY WEDNESDAY We would like to remind everyone that, on Holy Wednesday, Holy Unction will only be given by anointing. If there is a need for the anointing of the sick or those who are unable to attend the service, the priest will visit and anoint those persons by arrangement at the proper time. Holy Unction will no longer be giving out. SHUT-INS Please inform the Church office about elderly or ill individuals who would like our priest to visit them and bring them Holy Communion during this holy season. HOLY CONFESSION--Great Lent has begun, and it is customary to receive the Sacrament of Holy Confession during Lent. This can be done by appointment with Fr. Dean. We urge you: schedule your confession as early as possible and please do not wait until Holy Week! SATURDAY OF LAZAROS FAMILY RETREAT WHO WAS LAZAROS? --Our Annual Sunday Saturday of Lazaros FAMILY RETREAT will take place on April 27 th, beginning at 9:00 am with a TEACHING LITURGY!!! Have you ever wondered about the real meaning behind what happens in the Divine? Then come and experience the Teaching or Commentary! The Retreat Program will include a Lenten Lunch, Lesson, and a Craft Project. Proper Church clothes are required, and Pre-Registration is only $20/family! Moms, dads, grandparents and kids are welcomed! You must register so there will be enough supplies! Registrations will be accepted until Thursday, April 25th. ANNUAL EASTER BAKE SALE The St. Haralambos Ladies Philoptochos invite you to their Annual Easter Bake Sale, taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday, April in our Community Center. A great opportunity to buy your Easter Tsourekia, red eggs and pastries! Lunch will be served both days, and the Coffee Shop will be open! Please tell your friends, and bring them with you to shop for all your Easter Pastries and breads! The Bake Sale will be from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. ANNUAL PALM SUNDAY LUNCHEON April 28 is Palm Sunday! The St. Haralambos PTA invites you to its annual Palm Sunday Luncheon, after church services on Sunday, April 28. Because of space limitations, reservations will be required. The donation will be $15 for fish with skordalia, and $8 for spaghetti with marinara sauce; a number of "To Go" orders will also be available at $15. To make reservations, please call the Church office ( ). IOCC ANNUAL BANQUET will take place at 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 11 at Rosewood Banquets, 9421 W. Higgins Road in Rosemont. The donation is $125. IOCC provides desperately needed food and medical supplies worth millions of dollars to people in need and to disaster victims around the world in the name of our Orthodox Church. They truly deserve our support! Please call the St. Haralambos Church Office ( ) to make your reservations! VILLAGE FEAST LAMB ROAST! - The Saint Haralambos Community is hosting a Village Feast Lamb Roast beginning at 6:30pm on Bright Friday, May 10 on the Church grounds. A delicious Roast Lamb Dinner will be served, and there will be Loukoumathes, music and good parea or fellowship! Reservations are required so that enough food will be available please call the Church office (847) by May 7 for reservations! THE SPIRIT OF STEWARDSHIP God creates in love and owns everything, everywhere, all the time. God loves us, shows us what love is and wants the very best for us. All that we have even life itself are God s possessions which He has entrusted to us to care for as stewards. Giving and managing time, talent and treasure are key jobs of a steward. Taking care of those dependent upon us is also part of our stewardship. Jesus teachings on love are the primary guide for all of our actions. Good stewards motives for giving are humble love and willing obedience. God s methods for giving by good stewards are tithes and offerings. God s way for us to promise to give tithes and offerings is by pledging. Results of giving with godly motives and methods are rich blessings. Fear about giving is often connected to doubt of God s mercy. Deciding personal stewardship issues is best done by prayer and study. Stewardship is a lifelong relationship with God and with each other. 4

5 CONSECRATION!September 21-22, 2013 We are looking forward to the Consecration of our church on September 21-22, This is an exciting event that happens only once for any church, and we are all invited to participate in this historic day! There is much work to do, and a number of committees have been organized. We are grateful to the chairman and members of all these committees: ALTAR NEEDS AND DONATION: Dimitri Haralampopoulos, Chris Haralampopoulos ARTWORK/LOGO/STATIONERY: Tina Daskalopoulos BANQUET AND PROGRAM: Linda Politis, Nick Gianaris COMMEMORATIVE ALBUM: Olympia Bournias, Cynthia Yannias COMMEMORATIVE ITEMS: Pam Papakanelou GLENDI: Eleni Kiriazopoulos GODPARENTS PROGRAM: DeeDee Grammas, Rubina Giannopoulos INVITATIONS AND DIGNITARIES: Vivian Bjorklund PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEO/CLOSED CIRCUIT: Mike Pontikes, John Zouras PRINTING AND PUBLICATIONS: Susan Barron, Maria Matsoukas PUBLICITY: Christina Pappadis SECURITY AND USHERING: Kathy Apithis, Ted Karabatsos SERVICE OF CONSECRATION: Tom Bournias TRANSPORTATION/HOUSING: Helen Pollard TREASURER: Perry Giannopoulos VESPERS RECEPTION: Eleni Couris Help is still needed on some committees. If you would like to offer your help, please contact the church office! Let us work together that the Consecration of our Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Church will also be a memorable, mystical and spiritually transforming experience for all of us! ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΕΙΣ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ Θα θέλαμε να υπενθυμίσουμε εις όλους ότι την Μεγάλη Τετάρτη, το Άγιον Ευχέλαιον θα δίδεται μόνον κατόπιν χρίσεως από τους ιερείς. Εαν υπάρχει ανάγκη να χρισθεί κάποιος άρρωστος ή κάποιος που δεν μπορεί να έλθει στην εκκλησία, ο ιερέας θα φροντίσει να επισκεφτεί τα άτομα αυτά και να τα χρίσει στο σπίτι την καθορισμένη ώρα. To Άγιον Ευχέλαιον δεν θα δίδεται πλέον εκτός εκκλησίας. ΕΣΩΚΛΕΙΣΤΑ ΑΤΟΜΑ-Παρακαλούμε όπως πληροφορείτε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας δια τους ηλικιωμένους ή αρρώστους που θέλουν να λάβουν την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν και δεν δύνανται να έλθουν στην εκκλησία, ούτως ώστε ο ιερέας μας να προγραμματίσει να τους προσφέρει την Θείαν Κοινωνίαν όπου διαμένουν. ΤΟ ΜΥΣΤΗΡIΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΕΩΣ-Η Μεγάλη Σαρακοστή άρχισε και συvηθίζεται vα γίvονται εξoμoλογήσεις κατά τηv διάρκειαv της Νηστείας. Δια να γίνει αυτό πρέπει να κανονίσετε συνάντηση με τον π. Κωνσταντίνο ή τον π. Χρύσανθο. Σας παροτρύνουμε να κανονίσετε ημερομηνία εξομολογήσεως το συντομότερον δυνατόν--μηv περιμέvετε vα εξoμoλoγηθείτε την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα! Η ΕΤΗΣIΑ ΜΑΣ ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΓΛΥΚIΣΜΑΤΩΝ θα λάβη χώραv τηv Τετάρτη και Πέμπτη, Απριλίου στην κοινοτική μας αίθουσα! Ελάτε vα πρoμηθευτείτε τα Πασχαλιvά σας γλυκίσματα και ψωμιά! Ολα είvαι σπιτίσια και voστιμώτατα! Η Πώληση γλυκισμάτωv θα διαρκέσει από τις 9:00 π.μ. έως τις 6:00 μ.μ. ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΞΗ ΤΟΥ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΥ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ «ΠΟΙΟΣ ΗΤΑΝ Ο ΛΑΖΑΡΟΣ;» Η Ετήσια ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑΚΗ ΣΥΝΑΞΗ το Σάββατο του Λαζάρου θα λάβει χώραν την 28 η Απριλίου και θα αρχίσουμε στις 9:00 π.μ. με Διδακτικήν Λειτουργία! Η Σύναξη περιλαμβάνει νηστήσιμο πρόγευμα, μάθημα και χειροτεχνία. Εγγραφή είναι $20 η οικογένεια! Προσκαλούνται όλοι μητέρες, πατέρες, παπούδες, γιαγιάδες και παιδιά! Πρέπει να εγγραφείτε για να έχουμε αρκετές προμήθειες! Ημερομηνία λήξεως εγγραφών είναι η Πέμπτη, 25 Απριλίου. ΕΤΗΣΙΟ ΓΕΥΜΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ-Το PTA του Αγ. Χαραλάμπους σας προσκαλεί στο ετήσιο Γεύμα της Κυριακής των Βαίων, 28 Απριλίου, μετά το τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας. Επειδή ο χώρος είναι περιορισμένος, χρειάζεται να κρατήσετε θέσεις. Η δωρεά είναι μόνον $15 δια το μπακαλάο με σκορδαλιά, και $8 δια τα μακαρόνια. Επίσης δεχόμεθα παραγγελίες To Go με $15. Δια κρατήσεις θέσεων παρακαλούμε όπως τηλεφωνείτε εις το γραφείο της εκκλησίας (847/ ) πριν από τις 26 Απριλίου. Thomas N. Kanelos, General Chairman George Anastasiadis, Parish Council President Fr. Chris Kerkeres, Synefemerios Fr. Dean Botsis, Proistamenos 5

6 St. Haralambos PTA Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 28, 2013 following church services St. Haralambos Philoptochos Annual SPRING BAKE SALE Wednesday and Thursday April 24 and 25, :00 am to 6:00 pm St. Haralambos Community Center 7373 Caldell Avenue, Niles Adults: $15 (Fish and skordalia) Children : $8 (Spaghetti dinner) $15 Orders to go Seating is limited! Please make reservations right away! Call our Church Office (847/ ) to make your reservations! Home-made Easter Tsourekia and Koulourakia! Baklava, Diples, Galaktoboureko, Kataifi, Kourambiethes and Melomakarouna IOCC ANNUAL GRAND BANQUET will take place this year on Thursday evening, April 11 at the Rosewood in Rosemont, IL. The keynote speaker will be Bishop GREGORY of Nyssa of the Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA. The IOCC has provided more than $400 million in aid since it began 21 years ago, and is a worthy organization that deserves our support! Mark your calendar! Save the Date! St. Haralambos GOLF OUTING MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2013 Mission Hills Country Club Northbrook, Illinois 6 ORTHODOX CHOIR CONCERT My Soul, My Soul, Arise! will be presented by the St. Romanos Choir at 2:30 pm on Sunday, April 7 at the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, 1800 Lee Street in Des Plaines. The program features both new and traditional Orthodox Lenten and Marian Hymns. The admission is $20, and the proceeds will benefit the building of the Protection Cathedral church hall! PAN-ORTHODOX AKATHIST HYMN 7:00 IN THE EVENING, TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013 Holy Mother of God Serbian Orthodox Monastery Rt. 45, 1 mile south of Rt 132 (Grand Av.) Third Lake (Grayslake), IL RESPONSES WILL BE SUNG BY THE PAN-ORTHODOX CHOIR

7 GREAT AND HOLY WEEK 2013 Η ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ MΕΓΑΛΗ EΒΔΟΜΑΣ 2013 THE SATURDAY OF LAZAROS (April 27) 8:30 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine with Commentary PALM SUNDAY (April 28) 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Divine PALM SUNDAY EVENING 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom GREAT AND HOLY MONDAY (April 29) 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom GREAT AND HOLY TUESDAY (April 30) 7:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom; Hymn of Cassiani GREAT AND HOLY WEDNESDAY (May 1) 2:30 pm The Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:00 pm Orthros of the Last Supper, Holy Unction Anointing GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY (May 2) 6:00 am Divine of the Mystical Last Supper (Holy Communion) 7:00 pm The Twelve Passion Gospels GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY (May 3) 9:00 am The Royal Hours 2:00 pm The Descent from the Cross 7:00 pm Service of the Lamentations GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY (May 4) 8:30 am of the "First Resurrection" (Holy Communion) HOLY SATURDAY EVENING 11:00 pm Orthros 12:00 am THE RESURRECTION, LITURGY OF PASCHA PASCHA SUNDAY (May 5) 11:30 am THE "AGAPI" EASTER VESPERS OF LOVE BRIGHT FRIDAY (May 10) THE LIFE-GIVING FOUNTAIN 8:30 am Orthros and Divine HAPPY EASTER! 7 ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΤΟΥ ΛΑΖΑΡΟΥ (27 Απριλίου) 8:30 πμ Όρθρος 9:30 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ (28 Απριλίου) 8:15 πμ Όρθρος 9:30 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΒΑΙΩΝ ΒΡΑΔΥ 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου~Κασσιανή ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ (29 Απριλίου) 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΡΙΤΗ (30 Απριλίου) 7:00 μμ Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου, Ύμνον της Κασσιανής ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΤΕΤΑΡΤΗ (1 Μαϊου) 2:30 μμ Το Μυστήριον του Ευχελαίου 7:00 μμ Όρθρος του Μυστικού Δείπνου, Ευχέλαιον ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΕΜΠΤΗ (2 Μαϊου) 6:00 πμ Θεία Λειτουργία του Μυστικού Δείπνου (Θεία Κοινωνία) 7:00 μμ Τα Πάθη (Δώδεκα Ευαγγέλια) ΑΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΗ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ (3 Μαϊου) 9:00 πμ Οι Βασιλικές Ωρες 2:00 μμ Εσπερινός της Αποκαθηλώσεως 7:00 μμ Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος ΑΓΙΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΓΑ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ (4 Μαϊου) 8:30 πμ Λειτουργία «Πρώτης Aναστάσεως» (Θεία Κοινωνία) ΜΕΓΑ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ ΒΡΑΔΥ 11:00 μμ Όρθρος 12:00 πμ H ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ, ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΣΧΑ (5 Μαϊου) 11:30 πμ ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΓΑΠΗΣ ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ ΤΗΣ ΛΑΜΠΡΗΣ ΤΗΣ ΖΩΟΔΟΧΟΥ ΠΗΓΗΣ (10 Μαϊου) 8:30 πμ Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία ΕΥΛΟΓΗΜΕΝΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ!

8 PTA APOKREATIKO GLENDI, March 9, 2013 ST. HARALAMBOS SUNDAY SCHOOL SATURDAY OF LAZAROS FAMILY RETREAT Who was Lazaros? April 27, :00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Commentary 9:00 A.M. Proper Church clothes required. Lenten Lunch, Craft, Make Palm Crosses PRESCHOOL APOKREATIKO GLENDI, March 14, 2013 HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT May 3, :00 NOON to 2:00 P.M. Proper Church clothes required. Craft, Wrap Eggs for Anastasi, Snack 2:00 pm Apokathelosis Service This is a family event! Moms, Dads, Grandparents are needed and welcomed. GOYA CONFESSION NIGHTS Monday nights, April 15 and April 22 will be CONFES- SION NIGHTS for all our GOYANS, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. GOYANS are invited to come for Confession so that they might be prepared to celebrate PASCHA! CAMP FANARI! Camp Fanari is the Summer camp program of the Metropolis of Chicago, and will take place the week of June It is for children entering grades 6-11, and more information is available at fanaricamp.wordpress.com/ Early applications qualify for discounts! APPLICATION PACKETS FOR COUNSELORS AND CAMPERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH OFFICE! Metropolis of Chicago 2013 JUNIOR OLYMPICS MAY Watch for more information! IONIAN VILLAGE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER CAMP 2013: The Ionian Village, our Archdiocesan summer camping program in Greece, is excited to announce the following: Summer Travel Camp (STC) - June 23 July 12, 2013 Byzantine Venture (BV) - July 20 August 8, 2013 Spiritual Odyssey for Young Adults (ages 19-28) May 30 June 9, Visit for more details. Participants in the Ionian Village programs travel across Greece, venerate the relics of saints, walk in the footsteps of the Apostles, and visit significant sites of Greek history and culture. For more information about the programs or announcements listed above, please visit or contact the Ionian Village office at

9 THOUGHTS ABOUT CONFESSION Do you not weep at the thought that you have lost heaven? Does the sorrow you have caused God not make you tremble? Confession turns a sinner away from the devil and back to God and restores His connection with his Creator. From the very beginning, God has known our powerlessness and has given us the possibility of being purified from sins. He knew that man will sin as long as he lives and that no one is without sin, and therefore He said to His disciples: Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven, words through which He instituted the sacrament of Confession. Confession or repentance is a bath from which the soul emerges relieved from the weight of sin and cleansed from the filth of sin, a bath in which we are cleansed of all our defilements and errors. Confession is a medicine that heals the soul of the wounds afflicted by demons, a medicine that renders ineffective the poison of sin. Confession leads the soul to deeds and things that are for the sake of and according to the soul. Confession restores a man clean before God. Confession prepares the soul and body to receive the body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Confess in the Church to the same spiritual father. When you examine your conscience, consider yourself guilty. Don t justify yourself. (Taken From the book The Saint of the Prison Translated by Monk Sava an American convert to Orthodoxy, from Oasa Monastery) FOODS PERMITTED DURING GREAT LENT One of the great disciplines of the Lenten season is fasting. After His baptism, even Christ fasted for 40 days in the wilderness; to fast, therefore, is one way of imitating Christ. In Orthodox Christian tradition, we can distinguish two kinds of fasting. One is absolute fasting, which means to eat or drink nothing at all. Obviously, absolute fasting is observed only for short periods of time; this, for example, it is the fast that we keep from the time we wake up until receiving Holy Communion. We also observe certain seasons of fasting, such as the 40 day period of Great Lent which precedes Holy Week and Pascha. This kind of fasting may be called ascetical fasting, because it consists mainly in abstinence from certain foods over a longer period of time. Its goal is to train and liberate us from the dominance of the flesh. To restore the primacy of the soul over the body requires a slow and patient effort; through fasting, we discover that we do not live "by bread alone". During these fasting periods, we continue to keep this ascetical fast even after receiving Holy Communion, and meats and fats are not permitted. But what can we eat? Here is a list of foods that are permitted during Great Lent: 1. Sea foods (other than fish): Shrimp, lobster, squid, octopus, oysters, clams, scallops, etc. 2. All fresh, canned or dried fruits. 3. All fresh, canned or dried vegetables. 4. Olives. 5. Bread and pastas: Spaghetti, macaroni, couscous, etc. 6. Grains and legumes: Rice, beans, chick peas, lentils, etc. 7. All kinds of nuts: Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. 8. On weekends, oil and wine are permitted, also. Note: Fish is permitted on March 25 and Palm Sunday DONATIONS FOR HOLY WEEK AND EASTER The St. Haralambos Church is very grateful, because every year we have so many thoughtful donors who step forward with Easter donations for general purposes and for those things that are needed for our celebration of Holy Week and Easter. If you would like to make a donation to cover any of the items listed below, please call the church office at 847/ potted Easter Lilies $35.00 each 3 Priest's Easter Candles ea 2 Vigil Lambathes each Candles for the Cross (6 sets of 3) per set 5 Flower Wreaths (stefani) boxes Vaia (Bay Leaves) each 1 white sheet $ boxes Palms Olive Oil, Flour (for Unction Service) All Easter donations, whether for these specific items or for the general needs of our Church, are greatly appreciated, and we thank you! 9

10 April 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 6:00-Compline 2 11:30 -Little Angels 7:30 pm Philoptochos mtg 3 6:00pm Presanctified 4 7:30-Bible Study 7:30-SYNERGY 5 9:00 am Conferences 7:00-Salutations 6 9:00 am-saturday Greek 7 VENERATION OF THE CROSS 8:15 am-orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine THE CROSS ON OUR DOME 8 5:30-Family Night 6:00-Compline 7:00-Cub Scouts 7:30 GOYA 7:30 Fest Mtg 9 11:30 -Little Angels 10 6:00pm Presanctified 11 6:00 IOCC Grand Banquet 7:30-Bible Study 12 7:00-Salutations 13 9:00 am-saturday Greek 6:00pm Pilgrims Reunion 14 ST JOHN of the LADDER 8:15 am-orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am- 2:00-Greek Parade 7:00pm-Vespers 15 6:00-Compline 7:30 GOYA Confession Night 16 11:30 -Little Angels 4:30 PTA Mtg 17 6:00pm The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete 18 7:30-Bible Study 19 (No dance class) 7:00-Akathist Hymn 20 8:30-Orthros and 9:00 am-saturday Greek 21MARY OF EGYPT 8:15 am-orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:45 am Divine 22 5:30-Family Night 6:00-Compline 7:30 GOYA Confession Night 23 11:30 -Little Angels 7:00pm Pan- Orthodox Akathist 24 BAKE 6:00pm Presanctified 25 SALE 7:30-Bible Study SATURDAY OF LAZAROS 8:30 Orthros 9:30 LAZAROS 28 PALM SUNDAY 8:15 am Orthros 9:30 am Sunday 9:30 am LUNCHEON 7:00 pm- Bridegroom 29 HOLY MONDAY 7:00 pm-- Bridegroom Service 30 HOLY TUESDAY 7:00 pm-- Bridegroom Service 1 HOLY WEDNESDAY 2:30-Holy Unction 7:00 pm-orthros of the Mystical Supper 2 HOLY THURSDAY 6:00 am of the Mystical Supper 7:00 pm The 12 Passion Gospels 3 HOLY FRIDAY 9:00 am The Royal Hours 2:00 pm-descent from the Cross 7:00 pm-the Lamentations 4 HOLY SATURDAY 8:30 am- of the First Resurrection 11:00 pm-holy Resurrection Η ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΣ 10

11 CONSECRATION! The Consecration of the Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church will take place on the weekend of September 20-22, 2013! This is a once-in-a-lifetime event! Watch for more information! COMMITTEES ARE NOW BEING FORMED! VISIT CHURCH OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION! HOLY TAXIARHAI AND SAINT HARALAMBOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 7373 CALDWELL AVENUE NILES, IL Address Service Requested