VOICE THE. Mother s Day Luncheon Hosted by The St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society

Transcript

1 THE VOICE THE VOICE MAY Volume No. 295 TABLE OF CONTENTS Father s Article... 1 Philoptochos... 4 Archangels... 5 Stewardship... 6 PTA... 7 Nikita s Visit... 8 Pascha Oratorical Festival... 10,11 Pascha Donations Parish News Registry Κοινοτικά Νέα Liturgical Schedule Summer Camp ST. SPYRIDON HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH S. RIDGELAND AVE. PALOS HEIGHTS, IL WWW. SAINT- SPYRIDON.ORG Catechism 101 The Book of Genesis features a variety of sibling rivalries, family conflicts, and interesting generational tensions. All of these are magnificently displayed in the story of Isaac and Rachel, and their children Esau and Jacob. The boys were twins. Esau was the first born, a favorite of his father Isaac, a hunter and a carnal man. Jacob was born moments after Esau, a gentle soul, a homebody, a favorite of his mother Rachel. According to the laws of that time, Esau had the birthright of the first born, the lion s share of the parental inheritance. He would have been considered the patriarch and leader of the family following Isaac s death. He would act as the priest of the family in offering sacrifices on behalf of all his descendants. Finally, Esau would have become a link in the genealogy of Jesus Christ and a forefather of the Messiah. Please Join Us For Our Annual Mother s Day Luncheon Hosted by The St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society Sunday, May 10th, 2015 Immediately following the Divine Liturgy Please call the Church Office (708) Adults $20 Children $10

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 Taso Panagiotopoulos... Vice President Frank Kopanis... Secretary George Papadopoulos... Assistant Secretary Gus Kolyvas... Treasurer James Xeros... Assistant Treasurer Auxiliary Officers Angelo Angelos... Chanter Olga Paxinos... Philoptochos Angela Evangelopoulos... P.T.A. Kiki Kazazakis... Kentro Lambrini Stavrou... Plutarchos Greek School Jan Prible... Archangels Academy Zoe Kopanis... Sunday School Director Nicky Glikis... Choir Director Dana Vasilakos... G.O.Y.A. & Jr. G.O.Y.A. Janine Riley... Cherubs Presvytera Georgia... HOPE Angelo Angelos... Byzantine Music Panagiotis Mihalopoulos... Iconography Fr. Tilemahos... Bible Study Vicki Drikos... Handmaidens Nick Chibucos & Labros Malfas... 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. Even though Esau was born just minutes before his twin brother Jacob, he had the rights and privileges of the first-born. Yet he gave those rights away. In Genesis 25:30-34 we read: Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he swore unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright. Later on, when Isaac was dying, it was Jacob who received the blessing of the firstborn in the place of his brother Esau. He instead received a curse. Even though this was accomplished by trickery, it was nevertheless reflective of the fact that Esau had forsaken his birthright for nothing more than a bowl of soup. At first glance, one would condemn Esau of foolishness. How could he give up so much for so little? At the same time, one would condemn Jacob of exploitation, taking advantage of his brother s weakness and willingness to make such a foolish trade. God allowed this incident to take place not only as a lesson in family dynamics but as an example for all of us who would become the first-born by adoption through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us look at this incident in more detail to understand what this means. Why did Jacob ask for the birthright from his brother? Was he interested in wealth? Did he seek patriarchal powers or fame? From the events that followed we realize that his motivation was neither power nor wealth. After all, as soon as he received Isaac s blessing, he fled with no possessions and no status. He was, however, interested in one thing: The messianic succession. He knew that the Messiah would come from his father s bloodline. Jacob wanted to be the link in that bloodline. He wanted to be a forefather of Christ, connected with the Messiah in a way that only the firstborn could be. When Esau despised his birthright and traded it for a bowl of soup, he did not give up wealth or power; he gave up his relationship with his descendants among whom would be the Messiah. Seeing this birthright in the messianic light we realize the real and immense value of what Esau so easily gave up. Jacob, in his sound mind, sought the birthright not for material gain but the for the sake of being considered a forefather of Christ. All of us, baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, have been adopted as the firstborn, brothers and sisters to the firstborn of the Virgin, offered to the Church as firstborn, with the rights and privileges of the firstborn, destined to receive the blessings of our Heavenly Father unto the ages of ages as the firstborn by grace. Here are the words in our baptismal prayers: That, being planted in the likeness of Your death through Baptism, he 2 The Voice

3 (the baptized) may become a sharer of Your Resurrection; and, preserving the Gift of Your Holy Spirit, and increasing the deposit of Grace, he may attain unto the prize of his high calling, and accounted among the number of the first-born, whose names are written in Heaven. Sadly, even as the firstborn by grace, we all come to give up that birthright through falling into sin. We trade our birthright for no more than a bowl of soup. Sometimes, that bowl of soup is literally a violation of our fasting rule. Most of the time, that bowl of soup stands for anything that we place higher than our birthright. Through every sin we come to despise our birthright, our relationship to the Messiah, our connection with him, just as Esau did so long ago. In the Letter to the Hebrews, St. Paul touches on this very issue: Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (Hebrews 12:16-17) When Esau sought the blessing that he had earlier despised he instead received a curse. There was no blessing and no hope for him. He stands for all those unrepentant souls who, at the Second Coming, will cry out for the blessing they had earlier despised, for the birthright they gave up for so little, for the forgiveness of sins that they never took advantage of, and they will receive nothing but a curse. Let us trade, like Jacob, all that we have, to receive the birthright that rightly only belongs to Christ. Let us desire that birthright by pleading with Christ now who freely offers us adoption as the firstborn, through Confession and Holy Communion. Let us never despise that birthright, considering it more valuable that anything this world has to offer. Amen. Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos DIAKONIA AGAPES HELP THE NEEDY Christ Is Risen! Thank you to all those that helped make this a blessed Pascha for those who are pantry supports. Thank you to those who donated lamb, cheese and olives...thank you to those who donated canned goods, soap, cereal, etc...thank you to those who donated money so we could purchase additional items. May God bless you for your kindness to those in need. Thank you to those who cooked for and supported the Lenten meals for those who baked for the sale on Palm Sunday. Thank you to all the organizations of our Church who so willingly helped to make this Pascha a special one for the needy. We are most grateful and those who were recipients were very appreciative. Thanks to your efforts and donations we gave food baskets to 17 families, $500 to missions, and over $1,500 in aid to the needy. Now that the summer months are approaching, please continue to bring canned goods and other items to keep our pantry supplied. Also, remember the mission bank as you leave the church each Sunday. COUNTDOWN TO OUR CHURCH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, MAY 19TH - 7 P.M. AT CHURCH In 1917 the church of St. Spyridon was established - since then there have been 100 years of liturgies, baptisms, weddings, funerals, Pascha celebrations, confessions, fund-raisers, Greek School graduates - you name it! We are asking our parishioners to join in the establishment of our committees and activities as we prepare to celebrate our 100 years of service. We need members to man committees and take on tasks for a year of festivities. Let your imagination run free, think outside the box and join in creating innovative and unique events for the spectacular year in which we will honor our parish and forefathers. We need photographs of past events, memories, and parishioners - so gather them - label and identify them - give/send us copies of them - as we wish to honor the steps of our forefathers. We need addresses and contact information to make sure that past and present stewards, Greek School/Sunday School students, athletes and others are aware of the celebration and are invited to join in! Be creative and help generate interest and momentum with your ideas for programs and events. Watch the bulletin - Facebook - or your for future committee meeting dates - We Want YOU! You may also send photos and ideas to 100thAnniverary@Stain- Spyridon.org. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 3

4 Dear Philoptochos Sisters and Fellow Parishioners, Χριστός Ανέστη! We are blessed to have come together through Great Lent and to His Resurrection as one Church Family. The Philoptochos was busy making tsourekia and hosting the Palm Sunday Luncheon and Bake Sale. We also hosted the reception for the Presanctfied Liturgy where His Eminence Iakovos was present. We dyed Easter eggs and visited our parishioners who are in nursing homes or at home. We thank all who contributed for these events by baking or helping. We thank the young moms who manned the bake sale stations. We thank our cooks, donors and servers also. We could not have done it without you. Some of us attended the Agape Dinner and I thank all who bought a ticket. It was a great evening. ON MAY 3 rd WE WILL BE HOLDING ELECTIONS FOR THE NEW BOARD. Mothers Day is May 10 th and we are looking forward to our Annual Luncheon. As we have done in the past, we will be honoring some special mothers. On May 17 th we will have our fundraiser outing at the Greek Islands in Lombard. Proceeds will benefit the St. Nicholas Shrine. On June 1 st we will be hosting the Philoxenia Luncheon. As you can see we have and will be busy. I thank you in advance for helping for the coming events. A blessed May to all. See you in church. With Sisterly Agape, Olga Paxinos Philoptochos President PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOLARSHIP The St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society invites all interested high school seniors and current college students to apply for the St. Spyridon Philoptochos Scholarship. The winning applicant will receive a $1000 scholarship from Philoptochos. Applications and information are available on St. Spyridon s website: The deadline for the completed application and supporting documents is June 15, The recipient will be notified by September 1, We encourage all interested students to apply for this worthwhile scholarship. Please Join Us for Our 11th Annual Mother s Day Luncheon Hosted by The St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society Sunday, May 10th, 2015 Immediately following the Divine Liturgy Adults $20.00, Children $10.00 Please R.S.V.P. at the church office by May 7th, 2015 Seniors' Christian Fellowship Luncheon Chicago's South Suburban Greek Orthodox Parishes cordially invite their Senior Parishioners on Monday, June 1st, 2015 to celebrate together the feast of the Holy Spirit hosted by the: St. Spyridon Ladies Philoptochos Society S. Ridgeland Ave. Palos Heights, IL Orthros Begins - 8:00 A.M. Followed by luncheon & fellowship So as to prepare appropriately, please make your reservation by calling the St. Spyridon Church office: Admission: Free of charge 4 The Voice

5 ARCHANGELS ACADEMY It is already May and the school year is drawing to a close. April was a busy month! The students enjoyed a fantastic field trip to see the performance of Cinderella at the Beverly Art Center in Chicago presented by the Kids Co. What a delightful and enjoyable experience was had by all in attendance. CLASS OF 2015 ARCHANGELS ACADEMY GRADUATES Dino Bisbikis Christos Drikos Constantine Georgakas Andonis Haniotakis Evan Jones Nikos Korolis Spiros Kottaras Themi Koutsoupias George Les George Panou Gia Revel George Skordas Vassili Urobuskin Vasili Vythoulkas It is our tradition that the Annual end of the year banquet is organized by the parents of the graduates. Thank you to the parents of the graduates for chairing the committee and for all your hard work and long hours. Raffle tickets are being sold for this event if you wish to purchase raffle tickets please stop by the office or contact or St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 5

6 STEWARDSHIP 2015 Stewardship 2015 Progress Report As of April 25th, 2015 Pledged Stewards: 224 Average Stewardship: $ Amount of Stewardship donated: $80,561 The Stewardship Committee thanks our 224 Stewards who have fulfilled their pledge for the 2015 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. ΓΙΝΕ ΚΑΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑ Ευχαριστούμε τις 224 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. Χρειαζόμαστε την βοήθεια και την υποστήρηξη όλων σας. STEWARDS 2015-MARCH 27TH-APRIL 25TH Mrs. Chrisi Bastas Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Bechrakis Mr. & Mrs. Mark Besbekos Ms. Sylvia Felecos Mr. Dean C. Franck Mr. & Mrs. Apostolis Hardaloupas Mr. Peter Hristakos Mr. & Mrs. Bob Kontaris Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Kontaris Mr. Peter Kosionis Mr. & Mrs. George Laris Mr. & Mrs. Theophanes Manikas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Manolitsis Mr. Harry Marines Mr. George Patrianakos Mr. & Mrs. Bill Perakis Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Priovolos Mr. Mark Rentas Mr. & Mrs. Joe Rousos Ms. Rita Sperlakis Ms. Mary Tsiggos Mr. & Mrs. George Tsigolis Mr. & Mrs. George Tsikouris Mr. Gregory Volan Mr. & Mrs. George Vythoulkas Mr. & Mrs. Tomasz Zatora Ms. Magdalene Mary Zippman SUNDAY SCHOOL Christ Is Risen! It s hard to believe that we are almost at the end of our Sunday School year. The success of our program is credited to the 20 Sunday School teachers, who dedicate their time and talent each week, and to the officers of the PTA, who work hard to support our program. Many thanks to all of you who volunteer your time to help our Sunday School succeed. On May 17th, we will have our annual Bible Bowl an event we always look forward to. Graduation Sunday is scheduled for May 31 st. On this day we will recognize the teachers and thank our students for a great year. Sunday School is always looking for volunteers. If there is anyone interested in teaching Sunday School or being a substitute teacher, please let me know. It is a very personally rewarding experience, and a great way to give back to our St. Spyridon family. Zoe Kopanis, Religious Education Director 6 The Voice

7 P.T.A. NEWS On Saturday, April 4th we hosted the Saturday of Lazarus annual pancake breakfast and making of the palms. Everyone came together and completed in excess of 800 palm crosses in record time - only 2 hours. What a show of diligence! The children and adults alike received free drink coupons at our Frappe Cafe for all their hard work. Many thanks to Jim Halikas for cooking his delicious fasting pancakes for all to enjoy. We wish to thank everyone who purchased PTA s Easter Candles. With your loving support, we were able to raise the funds for the PTA Scholarships. Special thanks to Patti Lee and Mena Mastorakos for their time and talent in making all the beautiful candles! COMING SOON PTA s customized vending machine! Our Easter Candle fundraiser was so successful that we were able to take the excess revenue raised and purchase our very own vending machine. The best part is that all vending monies collected throughout the year will go towards funding activities and purchasing educational materials for our students. So start saving your change...the children are very excited! REMINDERS PTA Scholarship Awards: High School Graduates are eligible for a $1,000 Scholarship Award. Two Plutarchos Greek School Graduates will receive $125 Awards of Excellence. Please drop off your applications in the Church office. Students must meet all qualifications to be considered. Greek School Yearbooks - Place an ad inside the yearbook and receive a free yearbook! Deadline is May 5th. It is a beautiful book full of our children s moments throughout the school year - let s help preserve these priceless memories. Place your order today! May 4th - PTA meeting at 5 p.m. during Greek School. Please join us as we wrap up the year! May 17th - Get ready for Sunday School s Bible Bowl! May 25th - No Greek School on Memorial Day May 29th - Our last Greek Pride Day. Last chance to win a prize! Don t forget to wear your shirts. May 31st - Sunday School Graduation Angela Evangelopoulos, PTA President ATTENTION GRADUATES On Sunday, May 31st, following the Divine Liturgy, we will honor all the High School and College Graduates in the church. Please submit the names of the graduates in your family by May 17th, so that they may be honored and included in the graduation program. MEMORIAL DAY On Monday, May 25th, Fr. Tilemahos will be reading the Trisagion Services at Evergreen Cemetery from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.. The common memorial with all the southside Greek Orthodox parishes will take place at 10:30 a.m. Finally, Fr. Tilemahos will be at Bethania Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. COMMEMORATION OF THE FALL OF CONSTANTINOPLE Thursday, May 28th The Annual Commemoration of the Fall of Constantinople presented by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Tte Hellenic Society of Constantinople, will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 beginning at 7:00PM in the Damen Student Center at Loyola University, 6511 N. Sheridan Road. This year s observance will feature a talk by Professor Lou Ureneck, author of the newly released Harper Collins book The Great Fire that tells the harrowing story of an American Methodist minister who single-handedly saved 250,000 Greeks from death, during the tragic events of Smyrna in The faithful of all communities and their families will enjoy this unique opportunity for cultural and spiritual enrichment. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 7

8 METROPOLITAN NIKITA S VISIT APRIL 19TH On Sunday, April 19th, our community had two surprises: The visit of His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas and a party for Peter Polmen on the occasion of his 97th birthday. It was definitely a day of celebration for our community both in the worship service as well as in our community hall. Thanks to all who helped with the festivities. Many years to both His Eminence and to Uncle Pete. Pictures by John Spero & Sam Bisbikis 8 The Voice

9 PASCHA 2015 Once again, our community of St. Spyridon came together to celebrate the beautiful services of Holy Week and Pascha. Many thanks to all who offered their Pascha donations and flower donations, the altar boys, the myrofores, the members of the parish council, the psaltes and our choir, our readers, our Agape gospel readers, the Epitaphio decorators, the ladies who prepared the red eggs, the P.T.A. for the Easter baskets, the palm crosses crew, the donors and volunteers who prepared the Lenten breakfast on Saturday of Lazarus, our custodians and office staff, all our parish organizations and all the faithful who offered their prayers and their presence by the Cross of our Lord and Risen Savior. We are also very grateful to Fr. Athenagoras, for his blessings and assistance during the Holy Week services. St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 9

10 10 The Voice METROPOLIS ORATORICAL FESTIVAL

11 METROPOLIS ORATORICAL FESTIVAL St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 11

12 PASCHA DONATIONS We wholeheartedly wish to thank the following parishioners and friends for donating towards the flowers and adornment of our St. Spyridon Church during the Great Lent and Pascha Season and for their special Easter Envelope Donation: Mr. & Mrs. N Andricopoulos Anonymous Mrs. Jan Augustine Mr. & Mrs. Pete Ayaleanos Mrs. Chrisi Bastas Mr. & Mrs. Gus Banakis Dr. & Mrs. Ted Bechrakis Mr. Angelo Besbekos Ms. Eleni Bizoukas Mr. Angelo Bountinas Mrs. Morfo Bountinas Mr. & Mrs. Zaharias Bousies Mrs. Effie Bouzios Mr. & Mrs. Theodoros Bouzios Mr. & Mrs. Chris Catsogiannis Mr. & Mrs. Sam Charalambos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Chibucos Mrs. Steve Doimas Mr. & Mrs. John Eliacostas Mrs. Georgia Evangelopoulos Ms. Ruth Faklis Mr. & Mrs. George Gatsios Ms. Vicki Georgakas Mr. & Mrs. Bill Georgiopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Ted Georgiopoulos Ms. Irene Giardina Mr. Michael Hohlastos Mr. Dean Karampelas Mrs. Roula Karampelas Mr. Demetrios Karountzos Ms. Georgia Karountzos Mrs. Helen Katris Mr. & Mrs. Christos Katsoulis Mr. & Mrs. Em Kekempanos Mrs. Helen King Mrs. Koula Kintonis Mrs. Tasia Kladis Kleopa Family Dr. & Mrs. Chris Kolyvas Mr. & Mrs. Pete Kolyvas Mr. & Mrs. Spiro Kontaris Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kopanis Mrs. Sophia Kopanitsanos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Korellis Mr. Demetrios G. Kottaras Ms. Clarine Koutsis Mr. & Mrs. George Kyroudis Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Les Mrs. Betty Lillios Mr. & Mrs. George Limperis Mrs. Maria Loubroukos Mr. & Mrs. Christos Makris Ms. Georgia Malamis Fr. & Pr. George Massouras Mr. Angelo Meklis Ms. Angeline Mitsis Ms. Demetria Papadopoulos Mr. Philip Papamakarios Mr. & Mrs. Sam Papanastasatos Mr. & Mrs. Panos Mrs. Katerina Papoulias Mr. & Mrs. Alex Pappas Mr. Andrew Pappas Mr. George A. Pappas Ms. Kathryn Pappas The Pashos Family Mr. & Mrs. Peter Paxinos Ms. Penny Peninski Dr. Mary Peters Mr. Peter G. Polmen Mr. John Poziopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Steve Proutsos Mr. & Mrs. Robert Righetti Mr. & Mrs. Gus Rougas Ms. Frances Sinapi Mr. Gregory Smirnis Mrs. Demitra Stameson Mr. & Mrs. Michael Thiakos Mrs. Athena Tsinoukas Mrs. & Dr. Vasileios Tsoukalas Mr. Michael Valaris Ms. Fotini Valavanidis Mrs. Helen Zaharopoulos THANK YOU To the Anonymous donors for donating food for our Food Pantry and for the Easter Baskets. To all the Philoptochos ladies for hosting the Lenten Dinner after the Presanctified Divine Liturgy with our visiting clergy. To all who donated flowers for Great Lent and Holy Week, and to those who decorated the Epitaphios To Mr. James Halikas and the P.T.A. parents and volunteers for hosting the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday of Lazarus. To all who prepared baked goods and who donated for the Palm Sunday Philoptochos Bake Sale. All the proceeds will benefit needy families of our community. To J & R Dairy for their donation to buy new Myrofores Robes. To all the donors and volunteers who helped to host the Metropolis Oratorical Festival. 12 The Voice

13 JUNIOR OLYMPICS PARISH NEWS Τhe 33rd Annual Junior Olympics will take place on May 22nd- 24th, 2015 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills. Our community will be represented by numerous athletes in individual & team sports. Registration for the Junior Olympics will be held during the Coffee Social Hour after the Divine Liturgy. Or if you are interested in joining a team or competing for an individual sport, please contact Mr. John Angelos, Athletic Director, or the Church Office. The Junior Olympics events are as follows: Track & Field: Boys & Girls, 7-18 Swimming: Boys & Girls, K Run: Boys, Girls, Adults, Tennis: Boys & Girls, Table Tennis: Boys & Girls, Chess: Boys & Girls, 8-18 Checkers: Boys & Girls, 8-18 Backgammon: Boys & Girls, 8-18 Basketball: Boys & Girls, 7-13 Soccer: Boys & Girls, 7-16 Softball: Boys & Girls, Volleyball: Boys & Girls, Bowling: Boys & Girls, Wrestling: Boys & Girls, 9-18 Participants! It is time to register. The coaches for each sport will contact you when practices are scheduled during the month of May. Look for postings on our parish website: Spyridon.org. TREE OF LOVE In the main hallway of St. Spyridon stands a golden and bronze Tree of Love with an icon of our patron saint at its base. This Tree of Love is a symbol of our commitment to the ministry of our community. With great hope for our community s future and with love for St. Spyridon, we invite you to join the numerous supporters whose names are engraved on these golden and bronze leaves in recognition of their gifts to the Church. There are numerous ways to contribute to our Tree of Love such as to honor a friend or in memory of loved ones. For more information, please call the Church Office. A memorial service for all the souls commemorated on the Tree of Love will be held on Sunday, May 24th, PARISH REGISTRY SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Tomas and Christina Zatora was baptized on April 11th, and was given the name Kinga Sophia. The sponsor was Julie Lockheart. The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Volan was baptized on April 18th and given the name Angela Luxia. Victoria Kaloudis was the sponsor. The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George & Georgia Tsiggolis was baptized on April 25th and given the name Maria Katerina. Nicholas & Peggy Garbes were the sponsors. Να σας ζήσουν! FUNERALS Betty Chiangouris fells asleep in the Lord on April 21st. Her funeral service took place on April 25th and was laid to rest at Bethania. Spiros Drikos fell asleep in the Lord on April 26th. His funeral took place at St. Spyridon on April 30th and he was laid to rest at Bethania Cemetery. May their memory be eternal! MEMORIALS Sunday, April 26th 40 days for Maria Pitouras 40 days for Andrew Besbekos 6 months for Nick Vardalos May their memory be eternal! St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 13

14 14 The Voice ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΑ ΝΕΑ Ο Άγιος Νεομάρτυς Αργύριος γεννήθηκε το 1788 στην Επανωμή της Θεσσαλονίκης από τον Αστέριο και τη Βασιλική, το γένος Ντουγιούδη. Σε νεαρή ηλικία ήλθε στην Θεσσαλονίκη, όπου προσλήφθηκε από κάποιον ράπτη ως υπηρέτης. Κατά τις ημέρες εκείνες κάποιος Χριστιανός από τη Σοχό βρισκόταν κλεισμένος στη φυλακή του πασά της Θεσσαλονίκης για κάποιο έγκλημα που είχε κάνει. Μην έχοντας να πληρώσει τα χρήματα που του ζητούσε ο πασάς, τον απειλούσε ότι θα τον κρεμάσει. Μπροστά στην απειλή του θανάτου ο φυλακισμένος αποφάσισε να αλλαξοπιστήσει. Το γεγονός αυτό χαροποίησε τους Αγαρηνούς, οι οποίοι αμέσως τον έβγαλαν από την φυλακή και τον πήγαν σε ένα καφενείο στην τοποθεσία Ταχτάκαλα με σκοπό να τον μυήσουν στη μουσουλμανική θρησκεία. Ο Αργύριος, που είχε πληροφορηθεί το γεγονός, εισήλθε και αυτός στο καφενείο και άρχισε να τον ελέγχει για το παράπτωμά του και ταυτοχρόνως να τον παρακινεί, για να επιστρέψει και πάλι στην Ορθόδοξη πίστη. Η στάση του αυτή προκάλεσε τόσο πολύ τους Γενίτσαρους, που όρμησαν επάνω του και άρχισαν να τον γρονθοκοπούν τόσο άγρια, ώστε θα τον σκότωναν, εάν δεν ανέστελλε την οργή τους η ελπίδα μήπως και μπορέσουν να τον προσελκύσουν στην δική τους πίστη. Προσπάθησαν, λοιπόν, απειλώντας τον ότι θα τον σκοτώσουν, να τον αναγκάσουν να αλλαξοπιστήσει. Σα βροντή ακούσθηκε η φωνή του Νεομάρτυρα: «Είμαι Χριστιανός και δεν αρνιέμαι την πίστη μου. Δόξα και τιμή μου ο Σταυρός του Χριστού. Επιθυμία μου είναι να αποθάνω για την πίστη και την αγάπη του Χριστού». Οι Αγαρηνοί τότε οδήγησαν τον Αργύριο στον κριτή, ενώπιον του οποίου προσπάθησαν και πάλι να τον μεταπείσουν μεταχειριζόμενοι πότε απειλές και πότε κολακείες και υποσχέσεις για δώρα και αξιώματα. Μετά από δύο ημέρες, οι Γενίτσαροι, επανέλαβαν και πάλι τις προσπάθειές τους, χωρίς όμως αποτέλεσμα. Ζήτησαν λοιπόν από τον κριτή να διατάξει την εκτέλεσή του. Αυτός όμως, βλέποντας ότι ο Αργύριος δεν είχε διαπράξει κάποιο αδίκημα άξιο θανάτου, προσπάθησε να κατευνάσει την οργή των εξαγριωμένων Τούρκων και να τους πείσει πως δεν είναι δίκαιο να σκοτώσουν έναν αθώο άνθρωπο. Εκείνοι ταράχθηκαν και εξαγριώθηκαν εναντίον του και έτσι ο κριτής διέταξε την διά απαγχονισμού θανάτωσή του. Έτσι, σε ηλικία μόλις δεκαοκτώ ετών, το 1806 και ημέρα Παρασκευή, ο Άγιος Νεομάρτυς Αργύριος οδηγήθηκε σε ένα τόπο λεγόμενο Καμπάν (σημερινό Καπάνι), στην κεντρική αγορά της πόλεως, όπου και απαγχονίσθηκε και επισφράγισε την ομολογία του στον Χριστό με τη θυσία του αίματός του. ΕΟΡΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΜΗΤΕΡΑΣ Τήν Κυριακή, 10 Μαΐου, ἑορταστικό γεῦμα θά δοθεῖ στήν Κοινοτική Αἲθουσα πρός τιμήν τῆς ἑορτῆς τῆς Μητέρας, μ ε τ ά τ ή ν Θ ε ί α Λ ε ι τ ο υ ρ γ ί α. Παρακαλοῦμε νά τηλεφωνήσετε στό Γραφεῖο γιά κλείσεις θέσεων. ΤΡΙΣΑΓΙΑ Τήν Δευτέρα, 25η Μαΐου, ο π. Τηλέμαχος θά διαβάζει τρισάγια στο κοιμητήριο του Evergreen, ἀπό τίς 9:00 π.μ. μέχρι τίς 11:30 π.μ.., καί στό Bethania στις 1:00 μ.μ.. Όλες οι Ελληνορθόδοξες Κοινότητες των νοτίων προαστίων του Σικάγου θα παρευρεθούν στο κοινό Τρισάγιο στίς 10:30 π.μ. Επίσης θα προσφερθεί Τρισάγιο στην Εκκλησία για όλους όσους μνημονεύονται στο «Tree of Love» την Κυριακή 24 Μαΐου μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΦΙΛΟΞΕΝΙΑ H «Χριστιανική Φιλοξενία» καλεί όλους τους ηλικιωμένους Ορθοδόξους των νοτίων προαστίων του Σικάγου στήν ενορία τοῦ Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος, την Δευτέρα, 1ην Ιουνίου, Ο Όρθρος αρχίζει στις 8:00 π.μ. Και ακολουθεί η Θεία Λειτουργία. Το γεύμα προσφέρεται δωρεάν από την Φιλόπτωχον Αδελφότητα του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος. Παρακαλούμε όπως τηλεφωνήσετε την εκκλησία για κλείσεις θέσεων. ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΠΛΟΥΤΑΡΧΟΣ Ευχαριστήσουμε όλους τους μαθητές του σχολείου μας που διάβασαν τις προσευχές στον Χριστό και την Παναγία μας κατά τους Χαιρετισμούς της Θεοτόκου. Το σχολείο μας θα είναι κλειστό την Δευτέρα 25 Μαΐου για την εορτή των Μνημοσύνων. Η εορτή της αποφήτησης θα γίνει την Παρασκευή, 5 Ιουνίου.

15 SCHEDULE OF DIVINE SERVICES Saturday, May 2nd Great Vespers 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3rd 4th Sunday of Pascha Sunday of the Paralytic, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 5th St. Irene the Great Martyr Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 6th The Feast of Mid-Pentecost, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 9th Great Vespers 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 10th 5th Sunday of Pascha, The Samaritan Woman, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16th Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17th 6th Sunday of Pascha, Sunday of the Blind Man, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Monday, May 18th Paraklesis 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20th Apodosis of Pascha Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers at SS. Constantine & Helen Church, Palos Hills 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 21st Ascension of our Lord, SS. Constantine & Helen, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23rd Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 24th 7th Sunday of Pascha, Sunday of the Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council, Orthros & Divine Liturgy - 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 27th St. John the Russian, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30th Saturday of the Souls, Orthros, Divine Liturgy & Memorial Service 8:00 a.m. Great Vespers - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31st Sunday of Pentecost, (no fasting all week), Orthros, Divine Liturgy and Vespers of Pentecost (the Kneeling) 8:00 a.m. * Great Vespers at Holy Trinity Church, Chicago, IL. 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 1st Monday of the Holy Spirit, Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:00 a.m. * Christian Philoxenia Σάββατο 2 Μαΐου Κυριακή 3 Μαΐου Τρίτη 5 Μαΐου Tετάρτη 6 Μαΐου Σάββατο 9 Μαΐου Κυριακή 10 Μαΐου Σάββατο 16 Μαΐου Κυριακή 17 Μαΐου Δευτέρα 18 Μαΐου Tετάρτη 20 Μαΐου Πέμπτη 21 Μαΐου Σαββατο 23 Μαΐου Κυριακή 24 Μαΐου Τετάρτη 27 Μαΐου Σάββατο 30 Μαΐου Κυριακή 31 Μαΐου Δευτέρα 1 Ιουνίου ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ Μέγας Εσπερινός 5:00 μ.μ. 4η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Αγίας Ειρήνης, Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία &Αρτοκλασία 8 π.μ. Μεσοπεντηκοστή, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. 5η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, Ορθρος και Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. 6η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, του Τυφλού, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ Παράκλησις 6:00 μ.μ. Απόδοση του ΠΑΣΧΑ,, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Μέγας Εσπερινός στον Ιερό Ναό των Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης 7:00 μ.μ. Ανάληψις του Κυρίου, Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου & Ελένης Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. 7η Κυριακή του Πάσχα, των Πατέρων της 1ης Οικουμενικού Συνόδου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Αγ. Ιωάννου του Ρώσσου, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Ψυχοσάββατο Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία και Μνημόσυνο 8:00 π.μ. * Μέγας Εσπερινός 6:00 μ.μ. Κυριακή της Πεντηκοστής Όρθρος, Θεία Λειτουργία & Μέγας Εσπερινός 8:00 π.μ. (όλη την εβδομάδα κατάλυση των πάντων) * Μέγας Εσπερινός στον Ιερό Ναό Αγίας Τριάδας 7:00 μ.μ. Του Αγίου Πνεύματος, Όρθρος & Θεία Λειτουργία 8:00 π.μ. Χριστιανική Φιλοξενία St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 15

16 Cherubs 11:00 a.m. MAY May SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 *Sunday School *P.T.A. Artoclasia *Hellenic Letters Metropolis Luncheon 3 8 *Sunday School School *Philoptochos Mtg. *St. St. Spyridon B-Ball 2:15 pm Sunday School School Mother s P.T.A. Meeting Day Luncheon *Sunday School School Bible *Philoptochos Bowl Apokreatiko Luncheon 24 Tree of Love Memorial Junior SS.Constantine & Helen 31 PENTECOST SUNDAY Sunday School Graduation 2 *Greek School-4:30 pm *Orthodox Study - p.m. *Greek Bible Study- 7:30pm 4 9 Archangels Greek School-4:30 Academy pm Greek School-4:30 pm PTA Meeting 5:00 p.m Archangels *Greek School-4:30 Academy pm Greek *Orthodox School-4:30 Study - pm 5 p.m. *Greek Bible Study- 7:30pm Archangels *Greek School-4:30 Academy pm Greek *Orthodox School-4:30 Study - pm 5 p.m. Byzantine *Greek Bible Study- Music 5pm Bible 7:30pm Study- 7pm 25 Memorial Day Office Closed 3 Cherubs - 11:00 a.m. 10 Cherubs 11:00 a.m. 5 Archangels Festival Mtg-7 pm GOYA & Jr GOYA 7 pm 17 Cherubs 11:00 a.m. 12 Archangels Parish Council Mtg-7 pm GOYA & Jr GOYA 7 pm ArchangArchangels 100th Anniver Mtg-7 pm 26 GOYA & Jr GOYA 7 pm 4 *Iconography - 6 pm *Byzant. Music - 7pm 11 *Iconography 6 pm *Byzant. Music - 7pm 6 Archangels Academy Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Iconography - 6 pm Bible Study 7:00 p.m. 18 Iconography - 6 pm 13 Archangels Academy Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Iconography - 6 pm Bible Study 7:00 p.m. 25 *Iconography - 6 pm *Byzant. Music -7 pm 20 Archangels Academy Cherubs 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Iconography - 6 pm 27 Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. 5 GOYA & Jr. GOYA Meeting 7:00 p.m Archangels Parish Council Academy Meeting 7:00 p.m Archangels GOYA & Jr. Academy GOYA Meeting 7:00 p.m Archangels OCMC Dinner Graduation 28 Fall of Constantinople Program 1 6 Greek *Greek School 4:30 School 4:30 p.m. p.m. *High school Seminar 6:30 p.m Greek *Greek School 4:30 School 4:30 p.m. p.m. *OPEN 6:30 p.m. *Orthodox Study - 7p.m Greek *Greek School 4:30 School 4:30 p.m. p.m. *High school Seminar 6:30 p.m. *Handmaidens Movie Night Greek *Greek School 4:30 School 4:30 p.m. p.m. * Youth Dance 7 p.m. 29 Greek School 4:30 p.m. 2 7 *Byz. Music 10 am Altar Boy Mtg 10:30 am *Greek Dance 11 a.m. Handmaidens 10:30 am *PeeWee BBall Game HOPE 10:30 a.m. (home) - 2:30 p.m. Pee-Wee Ball 11:30 a.m *P.T.A. Outing 6:30 pm 9 14 Preparation *Altar Boys & for Mother s Day Handmaidens 10 Luncheon a.m. *Greek Dance 11 a.m. * Pee-Wee B-ball - 12 noon * Byzantine Music 12 noon * Byzantine Music Altar Boy Mtg 10:30 am 10:30 a.m. Handmaidens 10:30 am *Greek Dance 11 a.m. HOPE 10:30 a.m. * Pee-Wee B-ball - 12 Pee-Wee Ball 11:30 a.m noon * Junior *Byz. Music 10:30 a.m. SS. *Greek Constantine Dance 11 & Helen a.m. * Pee-Wee B-ball - 12 noon 30

17 All our Greek School families are invited to our 2nd Annual PLUTARCHOS GRADUATION & AWARDS DINNER Monday, June 5th, 2015 St. Spyridon Community Hall Dinner & Program begins at 5:00 p.m. Donation: $20 for adults Free for children under 15 Please call the church office to make your reservation by Tuesday, June 2nd. Οι μαθητές του Ελληνικού μας Σχολείου ΠΛΟΥΤΑΡΧΟΣ Σας προσκαλούν στον εορτασμόν των αποφοίτων Δευτέρα, 5 Ιουνίου, 2015 Κοινοτική Αίθουσα του Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος 5 μ.μ. Δείπνο, τραγούδια, Ελληνικούς χορούς και εορταστικό πρόγραμμα Δωρεά ενηλίκων $20 Μαθητές δωρεάν Για κλείσεις θέσεων τηλεφωνήσετε την Εκκλησία πριν τις 2 Ιουνίου Archangels Academy Presents CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF FUN!!! SUMMER CAMP June 1st- June 12th Monday through Friday * 9am to 12noon CAMP IS OPEN TO 4-6 YEAR OLDS. Camp will be held five days a week for two weeks. You may register for one week or both. Fee includes a t-shirt and daily snacks. Curriculum will include themed arts and crafts, Greek, religion, language, math and science concepts. CAMP OPTIONS June 1st - 5th ($85) June 8th - 12th ($85) June 1st - 12th ($150) St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church 17

18 St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church S. Ridgeland Avenue Palos Heights, IL Attend Church Regularly with Your Family! CALENDAR OF EVENTS May 12th Parish Council Meeting May 10th Mother s Day Luncheon May 31st Sunday School Graduation May 21st Archangels Graduation May 22nd 24th Jr. Olympics May 24th Tree of Love Memorial May 25th Memorial Day June 1st Philoxenia Luncheon June 1st-12th Archangels Camp June 5th Plutarchos Graduation June 22nd-26th Summer Camp ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL July 11th & 12th Authentic Greek Cuisine Homemade Greek Pastries Greek Music & Dancing Kiddie Rides Plus, Car Raffle! St. Spyridon Dancers Saturday & Sunday St. Spyridon s Greek Festival S. Ridgeland, Palos Heights July 11th & 12th Saturday from 4 p.m. midnight Sunday from noon 11 p.m. Admission: Adults $2 Children under 12 FREE For more info, call (708) FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE